bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EU-LAC relations after the 2023 EU-CELAC Summit: what now?
Authors: Ribeiro Hoffmann Andrea
Published: December 2023

This policy brief critically assesses the III EU-CELAC Summit that took place in July 2023 after a pause of eight years. It is argued that even though the results were rather unimpressive, in the current context of global crises and uncertainties, they should not be dismissed. Governments and civil societies in both regions should not let the sparkle of the Summit extinguish and seize the moment to advance further consensus about better mechanisms to transform common values in collective action at the birregional and global-multilateral level in this critical juncture of history.
Ein muslimischer Held im Zeitalter des Imperialismus: Der Tod Abdelkaders in Damaskus 1883
Authors: Brandenburg Ulrich
Published: December 2023

Im 19. Jahrhundert gelang es nur wenigen Arabern und Muslimen, von ihren europäischen Zeitgenossen als herausragende Persönlichkeiten anerkannt zu werden. Der algerische Kriegsherr und Sufi-Mystiker Emir Abdelkader wurde aber sogar zur Heldenfigur verklärt. Warum?
Au 19e siècle, rares ont été les Arabes et les musulmans reconnus comme des personnalités exceptionnelles par leurs contemporains européens. Pourtant, l’émir Abdelkader, chef de guerre algérien et mystique soufi, a fait l’objet d’une véritable héroïsation. Pourquoi ?
Erinnern am Bosporus: Ein schiitisches Trauerritual in Istanbul
Authors: Moser Sophie
Published: December 2023

Weltweit begehen jedes Jahr Millionen von Menschen Āschūrāʾ, den wichtigsten Trauertag im schiitischen Islam. Auch in der türkischen Metropole Istanbul versammeln sich Zehntausende, um mit Trauerritualen dem Martyrium Ḥusains und seiner Familie in der Schlacht bei Kerbela zu gedenken. Die Rituale sind gleichzeitig aber auch ein Ausdruck der Sehnsucht nach Einheit mit der türkischen Gesellschaft.
Chaque année, des millions de personnes dans le monde entier célèbrent la ʿĀšūrāʾ, le rituel de deuil le plus important dans de l’islam chiite. Dans la métropole turque d'Istanbul, des dizaines de milliers de personnes se rassemblent également pour commémorer par des rituels funéraires le martyre de Ḥusain et de sa famille lors de la bataille de Kerbela. Mais ces rituels expriment en même temps un désir d’unité avec la société turque.
«Où est l’Etat?» Le contrat social en Turquie à l’épreuve du séisme
Authors: Ünal Sevinç
Published: December 2023

Le tremblement de terre du 6 février 2023 a révélé des failles dans la gouvernance urbaine de la Turquie. Constructions illégales, arrangements à l’amiable et corruption. De quoi provoquer une crise politique qui pourrait mettre un terme au long règne de Recep Tayyip Erdoğan lors du scrutin du 14 mai.
Das Erdbeben vom 6. Februar 2023 förderte Risse in der städtischen Verwaltung der Türkei zu Tage: Illegale Bauten, aussergerichtliche Absprachen und Korruption. Dies führte zu einer politischen Krise, die der langen Herrschaft von Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ein Ende setzen könnte.
DEVELOPMENT OF A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR ANALYZING THE ECONOMIC EFFECT OF THE MODIFIED DESIGN OF A RADIAL SLIDING BEARING AND ITS PREDICTION
Authors: Morozova Anna V. , Mukutadze Murman A.
Published: December 2023

In modern heavy-loaded friction units, various types of antifriction coatings are used on the surface of the bearing profile of the bearing sleeve to ensure high load-bearing capacity and increase the duration of the hydrodynamic regime, and consequently, the economic effect of sliding bearings.

In the study, the creation and development of mathematical models of a radial sliding bearing with an antifriction polymer coating of the support surface containing a groove is carried out. The key role here is played by the method of analytical forecasting, which determines the mechanism of friction and the conditions for its transition from boundary to liquid.

The aim of the study is to develop a mathematical model of a radial sliding bearing with a polymer coating of the bearing sleeve bearing surface containing an axial groove to predict the economic effect.

The objective of the study is to develop new mathematical models and analyze the movement of lubricant in the working gap of a radial sliding bearing, taking into account design features to predict the economic effect.

The difference from the existing models of tribosystems with antifriction coatings is the presence of a groove, which ensures stable ascent of the shaft on the hydrodynamic wedge and reduces wear during start-up and run-outs, hence increasing the service life of tribosystems.

Using the lubricant motion equation and the continuity equation, new mathematical models are obtained that take into account the design features of the bearing sleeve surface – polymer coating, groove width, rheological properties of the lubricant used. Based on the results of an experimental study on the AI 5018 friction machine, the economic efficiency of net discounted income was calculated on samples in the form of partial inserts.

As a result of the research, new mathematical models for engineering calculations have been developed that allow predicting the efficiency, reliability and duration of the hydrodynamic lubrication regime, as well as determining the main tribotechnical parameters. Net discounted income based on the results of theoretical and experimental research is estimated at 0.36 million rubles per year.
CONTEXTUAL COMMUNICATION AS A TOOLKIT FOR INCREASING PROFESSIONAL EFFECTIVENESS AND INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Authors: Gilmanov Timur A. , Naumov Petr Y.
Published: December 2023

Introduction. The use of various types and forms of communication in communication activities is of certain research interest and can be learned through appropriate procedures. Unlocking the potential of contextual communication for professional and personal communication is the subject of this article.

Materials and methods. To carry out this research as an effective epistemological practice, a systemic and axiological approach was applied, as well as a set of modern methods for processing scientific information from various fields of social and humanitarian knowledge. These are various variations of the use of the analytical-synthetic method, making analogies and comparisons, mental movement in deductive and inductive ways, generalization of scientific data and theoretical abstraction.

Research results. The work consistently reveals the goals, objectives, structure, essence and concept of contextual communication based on the need for its implementation in professional activities and other forms of human interaction. It is noted that the main characteristic of contextual communication is its indirectness from direct communication, when the role of “subject-object of an example” is a real-life person, his actions (deeds) or examples of erroneous decisions. Through the mediation of contextual communication, it is possible to effectively transmit goal settings, value formations or epistemological constructs.

Discussions and conclusions. The construction of work communication processes and the increasing shortage of time resources for personal communication in modern reality actualizes the problems of using increasingly effective and quickly applied communication tools. Such a tool today also includes contextual communication, which is used purposefully or spontaneously both in business interaction between people and in personal subject-subject communication. Knowledge of contextual communication has great cognitive prospects, the achievement of which was carried out in this work.
NOTA RETRAKCYJNA 1
Authors: Gackowski Jacek
Published: December 2023

NOTA RETRAKCYJNA
Andrzej Sokala
Wydawca Czasopisma Acta Universitatis Nicolai Copernici
 
Jacek Gackowski
Redaktor Naczelny czasopisma Acta Universitatis Nicolai Copernici – Archeologia
 
Unieważniamy artykuł Jacka Rakoczego pt. „ZAPINKI PROWINCJONALNORZYMSKIE ODKRYTE NA STANOWISKU 30 W PERKOWIE NA KUJAWACH, opublikowany w 2017 roku w XXXV tomie Acta Universitatis Nicolai Copernici – Archeologia (s. 25-40).
 
Podstawa retrakcji: naruszenie praw autorskich innego autora
DOI  https://doi.org/10.12775/AUNC_ARCH.2017.011
Wycofany artykuł pozostanie na stronie internetowej czasopisma, oznaczony informacją o retrakcji.
LA VOZ, EL CUERPO, LAS PASIONES: LUIGI LOMBARDI SATRIANI Y NATUZZA EVOLO.
Authors: Milicia Professora Maria Teresa
Published: December 2023

Este texto es un ejercicio de memoria dedicado a la “mirada cercana” de Luigi Lombardi Satriani (San Costantino di Briatico 1936-Roma 2022). La dialéctica “cerca-lejos” recorre la historia de la mirada de la antropología dirigida a la construcción del objeto de conocimiento y la configuración del conocimiento etnográfico. El caso de Natuzza Evolo, vidente de Paravati, un pequeño pueblo en Calabria, es una de las investigaciones etnográficas más representativa de la obra del antropólogo recientemente desaparecido sobre la ideología de la muerte en la cultura folclórica del sur de Italia. El artículo se propone tematizar la “mirada de cerca”, como una posible llave de reflexión crítica sobre el modelo de trabajo de campo de Lombardi Satriani y su papel fundamental en la antropología italiana postdemartiniana. La reconstrucción del legado de Lombardi Satriani en términos historiográficos, en este momento, es todavía parcial. Por lo tanto, este artículo quiere ofrecer una contribución sobre los aspectos no tematizados del posicionamiento de insider del antropólogo en la construcción del caso de Natuzza Evolo. La mirada es también “cercana” sobre la obra del que fue mi maestro y “padre electivo” de mi vocación antropológica.
PERPETUARSE MEDIANTE LA PALABRA. LA OBRA POÉTICA DE LUIGI M. LOMBARDI SATRIANI.
Authors: Panero García María Pilar
Published: December 2023

En este artículo abordamos la figura del profesor, antropólogo, político e intelectual Luigi M. Lombardi Satriani como poeta. Para ello nos centraremos en su segundo poemario, ‘L’evasione dai giorni’, que recoge treinta y siete poemas del primero, ‘Nostalgia di futuro, Poesia di Amori’ (1956-2013), que completa con veintiún poemas más sobre el tiempo percibido como fugaz. Si bien estos primeros libros mantienen una línea temática que llega al tercero, ‘Omnia vincit Amor. Poetica dell’Amore’, es este último el que ha generado reflexión sobre esta faceta vital del autor. Existe un pequeño estudio que introduce la edición española (Panero García, 2021) y dos sustanciosas y sugerentes reseñas (Castano, 2018; Puerto, 2023). Mediante la poesía, nuestro vate busca un conocimiento verdadero a través del arte y de la belleza. Y, si bien estas están al servicio de las relaciones humanas como las musas de la mitología griega, su forma de concebir el conocimiento y las relaciones humanas gobiernan la escritura creativa que acerca y distancia sus afectos personales e intelectuales. Para un humanista como Lombardi Satriani, la literatura es necesaria para salir del punto muerto, fenomenológico y empírico, al que muchas veces nos llevan las ciencias sociales. La palabra es la herramienta para sobreponerse al tiempo que consume la vida propia y también la de los seres amados.
Trzecia władza: Sądownictwo w latach 1946-2023
Authors: Pietryga Tomasz
Published: December 2023

THIRD AUTHORITY: JUDICIARY FROM 1946 TO 2023 Research on public opinion indicates how low the trust in courts is, not only due to the protracted proceedings. Often another allegation is highlighted – the estrangement of judges and courts from society. This assessment is accompanied by low belief in the justice of judges. They are not perceived as indisputable guardians of the rules, or an ethical example for society. This is why the strong constitutional conflict between political and judicial authorities, that erupted in 2015 and continues to this day, is complex. It cannot be argued that this is a result of only current political games, or authoritarian ambition. The causes are deeper. This book is not an attempt to justify the changes introduced in the judiciary after 2015, which led not only to a partial ‘personnel reset of of Themis’, but also to the deregulation of the legal system in Poland and a strong and costly conflict with the European Union. The aim is to find the sources of what happened, and these go much deeper than the PiS coming to power in 2015. The causes should be sought in the period of transformation, when the judiciary and judges were transitioning from a totalitarian state to democracy. The lack of accountability, of a transition period, meant that in the new system people were dishonoured and unworthy of holding the office, yet still held the highest positions in the justice system, shaping its features in the Third Polish Republic. For some of society, this was unacceptable. As a result, this unresolved chapter exploded with great force in 2015, shaking the system that had been shaped for nearly three decades.
Online Search and Optimal Product Rankings: An Empirical Framework
Authors: Compiani Giovanni , Lewis Gregory , Peng Sida , Wang Peichun
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes a microfounded and tractable model of consumer search, which is then used to optimize product rankings for consumer surplus and platform revenue.
Formation of professional aspirations of high school students as an important component of practical psychologists’ activity of educational institutions
Authors:   Khmelnytskyi National University, Vasylenko Olena
Published: December 2023

The article deals with the problem of activity of practical psychologists of educational institutions on the formation of professional aspirations of high school students. Such concepts as “level of harassment”, “professional harassment of high school students”, “professional orientation” are defined. It has been established that one of the main factors in the formation of professional aspirations of high school students is the career guidance work of practical psychologists of educational institutions, which is based on the vision of the individual not as an object, but as a subject of self-development, acting as an active participant in professional self-determination. The author of the article conducted an empirical study of the levels of formation of professional aspirations of high school students of Khmelnytskyi specialized secondary school № 12. The results of the study revealed low indicators of the formation of professional aspirations of high school students, low level of their self-esteem, insufficiently formed professional identity, as well as uncertainty in their own professional future. The need for the development and implementation by practical psychologists of educational institutions of vocational guidance classes for high school students in the form of training was identified. The author of the article emphasizes that due to the application of these classes, practical psychologists of educational institutions will be able to significantly improve the indicators of the formation of professional self-determination and professional aspirations of high school students.
Student midwives' experiences of clinical placement and the decision to enter the professional register
Authors: McNeill Maria , Kitson-Reynolds Ellen
Published: December 2023

Background/Aims

In addition to the high rate of attrition among registered midwives, student midwives are increasingly likely to choose to leave their programme, decreasing the projected number of midwives who would join the NHS. The aim of this study was to understand how students experience clinical practice and if these experiences affect their decision to enter the professional register.

Methods

Seven student midwives who had experienced clinical placement as part of their pre-registration training were invited to attend semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed following an interpretive phenomonology approach, where descriptive, linguistic and conceptual comments on the transcripts were used to identify emergent themes.

Results

The 79 identified themes were categorised into five sub-themes within two super-ordinate themes: ‘kindness and compassion grows future midwives and strength’ and ‘resolve through COVID-19 and beyond’. The overarching theme from the participants' interviews was ‘I can be a good midwife when I qualify’.

Conclusions

Students want to feel like they will be good midwives, which will be achieved with positive attitudes and behaviours towards them from senior staff during clinical placements. Staff involved with the care of women and newborns should ensure they show students civility and patience while teaching and supporting them. Understanding the level of knowledge that students possess can make it simpler for staff to recognise what each student may or may not have been exposed to.
Family economic resilience and early childhood parenting practices
Authors: Pujihasvuty Resti , Nasution Lilestina , Fajarningtiyas Desy Nuri , Naibaho Margareth Maya Parulianta , Oktriyanto  , Sari Diah Puspita , Amrullah Hilma , Rahmadhony Aditya , Muthmainnah Muthmainnah , Devi Yuli Puspita
Published: December 2023

Background/Aims

A family's economic resilience can impact a child's wellbeing, particularly in relation to parenting practice. This study aimed to identify the effect of family economic resilience on early childhood parenting in Indonesia, for children age 0–6 years old.

Methods

This study used cross-sectional data from a 2019 Indonesian survey. Simple and multiple logistic regression were used to analyse data for 20 413 families with children 0–6 years old in Indonesia.

Results

More than half of families had high economic function (56.2%) and demonstrated strong economic resilience (59.1%), although a similar proportion also demonstrated less effective parenting practices (63.3%). Families with high or moderate economic resilience were more likely to use more effective early childhood parenting practices than families with lower economic resilience (P=0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). Age, family type, number of family members and education significantly affected good parenting.

Conclusions

Family economic resilience has a significant impact on early childhood parenting. Interventions should be designed to simultaneously to strengthen family economic resilience and increase engagement with early childhood parenting practices.
Building an education landscape that provides equity of opportunity for all
Authors: Speke Anna
Published: December 2023

Analysis by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) revealed in October last year that the attainment gap for children receiving SEN support at age five is the ‘highest on record’, and that these children are over one year behind their peers. Anna Speke, Education officer for the National Association for Special Educational Needs (nasen) outlines what is needed to tackle this situation.
Recognising the importance of healthcare charities
Authors: Ashurst Adrian M
Published: December 2023

Adrian Ashurst discusses the importance of supporting healthcare charities and how individuals can make a difference.
Exploring the disability–poverty nexus in children: a cross-national comparative analysis in Europe
Authors: Vinck Julie
Published: December 2023

By ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, states committed themselves to ensure an adequate standard of living and social protection to all persons with disabilities, including children. Yet, prior studies showed that children with disabilities are more likely to grow up poor. Existing research has mainly focused on single-country case studies or comparative analyses for low- and middle-income countries. Due to the lack of good quality data, comparative studies on poverty outcomes, its determinants and the poverty-reducing role of social transfers among children with disabilities in high-income countries are largely missing. This article addresses these gaps using the 2017 EU-SILC cross-sectional survey. The results show great differences across Europe in the prevalence of childhood disability, the poverty outcomes of children with disabilities and the poverty-reducing effectiveness of social transfers for them. In only a third of European countries are children with disabilities more likely to live in poor households than children without disabilities. Countries that perform weakly for children without disabilities also perform weakly for children with disabilities. Moreover, social transfers achieve more for children with disabilities in more than half of European countries. The family’s employment participation and social background have the expected poverty-reducing effects for children with disabilities and children without disabilities, though the strength of some effects differs between the two groups within certain geographical regions. However, the income-based poverty indicator disregards the higher costs families with children with disabilities face which underestimates their poverty risk. More research is needed on which poverty indicator accurately reflects the real living standards of children with disabilities.
Silence, Dissonance, Noise: Guided Listening in Indra Sinha’s Animal’s People
Authors: Barker Sadie
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Sinha’s Animal’s People is a novel premised on sound, through the transcription of Animal’s voice and recorded interviews. Despite its centrality, sound is occluded by the novel’s own textual form. This essay explores the metatextual relationship between sound and text, subaltern voice and novelistic form, by focusing on a particular moment of “guided listening” in Animal’s narration. I propose that Animal’s invitation to the reader, to hear beauty in the deathly silence of the Kampani’s abandoned, toxic factory, compels a mode of counterintuitive listening. This moment presents an impasse, advocating experimentation and a reflexive encounter with the novel going forward. In doing so, Animal’s “guided listening” reconfigures Animal’s voice not as a matter to be recuperated by the reader and represented through the text, but rather as a voice whose agency lies in its capacity to reorganize the novel’s associative economies and inspire the reader to do the same.
A history of accidental widow spider (genus Latrodectus ) introductions on the island of Ireland with a new irish record for Latrodectus hesperus (Chamberlin and Ivie, 1935), and additional records of Latrodectus geometricus (C.L. Koch, 1841).
Authors: Collier B.L. , Dugon M.M. , Nolan M. , Fort A. , Healy K. , Vitkauskaite A. , Lyons K. , Munnelly E.J. , McSharry L. , Dunbar J.P.
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT: The widow spiders of the genus Latrodectus (Araneae: Theridiidae) have a well-documented global medical significance due to the potent venom many of them possess. This medical importance partially stems from the global range expansion the genus has undergone, facilitated in part by human trade. This expansion has had an impact on human health in countries where Latrodectus spiders establish populations. Ireland has a detailed report history of accidental widow spider introductions, spanning over 30 years, which assists in understanding the potential such species have for establishing. Here we present three additional cases: a second and third record of Latrodectus geometricus (C.L. Koch, 1841) and the first record of Latrodectus hesperus (Chamberlin and Ivie, 1935). We also review all published reports of Latrodectus introductions in Ireland and discuss the potential for populations to establish. While case histories suggest that L. hesperus and L. geometricus can survive Irish winters, it is not certain that they can complete an egg-to-egg life cycle or even reproduce. Nevertheless, it seems possible they could do so in favourable micro-habitats in anthropogenic habitats such as hot houses. Identification of instances of Latrodectus introductions into Ireland is essential to prevent potential establishments that could lead to envenoming cases.
The Psychological Effects of War on Individuals: Two Case Studies
Authors: Shifron Gal
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT: This article describes two clinical cases through Adler’s family and community constellation model. The article aims to describe the anxiety and trauma individuals experience in times of ongoing war. Over time, it is difficult to relax and find peace because any loud-sounding siren may trigger the feeling that an attack is imminent. Anxiety is felt in the body and mind. The body is always keyed up, and the mind is often worried. Two clinical cases are examined to demonstrate how living with constant threats of war causes and maintains traumatic experiences in people and impairs daily functioning.
Chirp asymmetry as an analogue of leptogenesis
Authors: Commons Matthew , George Jonathon T. , Weiser Aaron , Gorkos Joseph , Grenzig Karsten , Thomas Victoria , Tighe Declan , Crescimanno Michael
Published: December 2023

The effective conjugation symmetry that arises in the rotating wave frame is the analogue of the charge conjugation symmetry in field theory. Breaking this effective conjugation symmetry leads to asymmetries between up-chirped and down-chirped excitation in quantum optical systems. We use semiclassical quantum optics theory to describe these processes and experimentally characterize the asymmetry in the optical response in chirped, two-color saturated absorption spectroscopy (SAS) in an atomic vapor cell. Doing so demonstrates a theoretical and phenomenological correspondence to the simplest model of leptogenesis, the process by which our universe purportedly went from equal amounts of matter and antimatter to its present matter excess. The understanding of the asymmetry as due to a broken discrete symmetry under chirp illuminates the underlying processes responsible for other chirp asymmetries previously noted in the literature.
A new class of antibodies that overcomes a steric barrier to cross-group neutralization of influenza viruses
Authors: Simmons Holly C. , Watanabe Akiko , Oguin III Thomas H. , Van Itallie Elizabeth S. , Wiehe Kevin J. , Sempowski Gregory D. , Kuraoka Masayuki , Kelsoe Garnett , McCarthy Kevin R.
Published: December 2023

Antibody titers that inhibit the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) from engaging its receptor are the accepted correlate of protection from infection. Many potent antibodies with broad, intra-subtype specificity bind HA at the receptor binding site (RBS). One barrier to broad H1-H3 cross-subtype neutralization is an insertion (133a) between positions 133 and 134 on the rim of the H1 HA RBS. We describe here a class of antibodies that overcomes this barrier. These genetically unrestricted antibodies are abundant in the human B cell memory compartment. Analysis of the affinities of selected members of this class for historical H1 and H3 isolates suggest that they were elicited by H3 exposure and broadened or diverted by later exposure(s) to H1 HA. RBS mutations in egg-adapted vaccine strains cause the new H1 specificity of these antibodies to depend on the egg adaptation. The results suggest that suitable immunogens might elicit 133a-independent, H1-H3 cross neutralization by RBS-directed antibodies.
Insights to HIV-1 coreceptor usage by estimating HLA adaptation with Bayesian generalized linear mixed models
Authors: Hake Anna , Germann Anja , de Beer Corena , Thielen Alexander , Däumer Martin , Preiser Wolfgang , von Briesen Hagen , Pfeifer Nico
Published: December 2023

The mechanisms triggering the human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) to switch the coreceptor usage from CCR5 to CXCR4 during the course of infection are not entirely understood. While low CD4+ T cell counts are associated with CXCR4 usage, a predominance of CXCR4 usage with still high CD4+ T cell counts remains puzzling. Here, we explore the hypothesis that viral adaptation to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex, especially to the HLA class II alleles, contributes to the coreceptor switch. To this end, we sequence the viral gag and env protein with corresponding HLA class I and II alleles of a new cohort of 312 treatment-naive, subtype C, chronically-infected HIV-1 patients from South Africa. To estimate HLA adaptation, we develop a novel computational approach using Bayesian generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). Our model allows to consider the entire HLA repertoire without restricting the model to pre-learned HLA-polymorphisms. In addition, we correct for phylogenetic relatedness of the viruses within the model itself to account for founder effects. Using our model, we observe that CXCR4-using variants are more adapted than CCR5-using variants (p-value = 1.34e-2). Additionally, adapted CCR5-using variants have a significantly lower predicted false positive rate (FPR) by the geno2pheno[coreceptor] tool compared to the non-adapted CCR5-using variants (p-value = 2.21e-2), where a low FPR is associated with CXCR4 usage. Consequently, estimating HLA adaptation can be an asset in predicting not only coreceptor usage, but also an approaching coreceptor switch in CCR5-using variants. We propose the usage of Bayesian GLMMs for modeling virus-host adaptation in general.
Know-how of holding a Bioinformatics competition: Structure, model, overview, and perspectives
Authors: Horácio Elvira C. A. , de Carvalho Lucas M. , Pereira Gustavo G. , Abrahim Mayla C. , Coelho Mônica P. , De Jesus Deivid A. , García Glen J. Y. , de Melo-Minardi Raquel C. , Nagamatsu Sheila T.
Published: December 2023

The article presents a framework for a Bioinformatics competition that focuses on 4 key aspects: structure, model, overview, and perspectives. Structure represents the organizational framework employed to coordinate the main tasks involved in the competition. Model showcases the competition design, which encompasses 3 phases. Overview presents our case study, the League of Brazilian Bioinformatics (LBB) 2nd Edition. Finally, the section on perspectives provides a brief discussion of the LBB 2nd Edition, along with insights and feedback from participants. LBB is a biannual team competition launched in 2019 to promote the ongoing training of human resources in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology in Brazil. LBB aims to stimulate ongoing training in Bioinformatics by encouraging participation in competitions, promoting the organization of future Bioinformatics competitions, and fostering the integration of the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology community in the country, as well as collaboration among participants. The LBB 2nd Edition was launched in 2021 and featured 251 competitors forming 91 teams. Knowledge competitions promote learning, collaboration, and innovation, which are crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and solving real-world problems. In summary, this article serves as a valuable resource for individuals and organizations interested in developing knowledge competitions, offering a model based on our experience with LBB to benefit all levels of Bioinformatics trainees.
The influence of saccades on yaw gaze stabilization in fly flight
Authors: Davis Brock A. , Mongeau Jean-Michel
Published: December 2023

In a way analogous to human vision, the fruit fly D. melanogaster and many other flying insects generate smooth and saccadic movements to stabilize and shift their gaze in flight, respectively. It has been hypothesized that this combination of continuous and discrete movements benefits both flight stability and performance, particularly at high frequencies or speeds. Here we develop a hybrid control system model to explore the effects of saccades on the yaw stabilization reflex of D. melanogaster. Inspired from experimental data, the model includes a first order plant, a Proportional-Integral (PI) continuous controller, and a saccadic reset system that fires based on the integrated error of the continuous controller. We explore the gain, delay and switching threshold parameter space to quantify the optimum regions for yaw stability and performance. We show that the addition of saccades to a continuous controller provides benefits to both stability and performance across a range of frequencies. Our model suggests that Drosophila operates near its optimal switching threshold for its experimental gain set. We also show that based on experimental data, D. melanogaster operates in a region that trades off performance and stability. This trade-off increases flight robustness to compensate for internal perturbations such as wing damage.
Abdominal volume index, waist-to-height ratio, and waist circumference are optimal predictors of cardiometabolic abnormalities in a sample of Lebanese adults: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abboud Myriam , Haidar Suzan , Mahboub Nadine , Papandreou Dimitrios , Rizk Rana
Published: December 2023

The prevalence of cardiometabolic abnormalities is high globally. This is concerning since these abnormalities increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. Using noninvasive, low-cost, and ethnic-specific anthropometric indices is crucial for widespread screening and early detection of cardiometabolic abnormalities. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 221 Lebanese participants (62.9% females; mean age: 43.36 ± 16.05 years; mean body mass index (BMI): 28.43 ± 6.10 Kg/m2). The main outcome measure was cardiometabolic abnormality (CMA), defined as the presence of at least two or more non-anthropometric components of the Metabolic Syndrome. Several anthropometric indices: Total body fat percent, Conicity index, Abdominal volume index (AVI), Weight-adjusted-waist index, Waist circumference (WC), Neck circumference, Hip circumference, Waist-to-hip ratio, Waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), Neck-to-height ratio, and BMI were assessed in their prediction of CMA, using logistic regression modelling and c-statistic [95% confidence intervals (CIs)], and calibration plots, as well sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values measures. The Benjamini-Hochberg correction procedure was used to correct for multiple testing. The prevalence of CMA was 52.0% (47.5% in females and 59.8% in males). Significant associations were found between all the anthropometric indices and CMA, except for neck-to-height ratio. AVI and WC were most predictive for CMA in the total sample. WtHR and WC were most predictive in females with suggested cut-off values of 0.58 and 91.25 cm, whereas AVI and WC were most predictive in males with suggested cut-off values of 19.61 and 101.50 cm. The neck-to-height measurement had the lowest predictive ability for CMA. Adding anthropometric indices to sociodemographic variables did not significantly improve model discrimination. AVI, WHtR, and WC best predicted CMA in a sample of Lebanese adults. These less invasive, low-cost, easy-to-measure indices can be used to screen widely for CMA to better manage and prevent disease and subsequent morbidity and mortality.
Cortical effects of wrist tendon vibration during an arm tracking task in chronic stroke survivors: An EEG study
Authors: Snyder Dylan B. , Beardsley Scott A. , Hyngstrom Allison S. , Schmit Brian D.
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to characterize changes in cortical activity and connectivity in stroke survivors when vibration is applied to the wrist flexor tendons during a visuomotor tracking task. Data were collected from 10 chronic stroke participants and 10 neurologically-intact controls while tracking a target through a figure-8 pattern in the horizontal plane. Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure cortical activity (beta band desynchronization) and connectivity (beta band task-based coherence) with movement kinematics and performance error also being recorded during the task. All participants came into our lab on two separate days and performed three blocks (16 trials each, 48 total trials) of tracking, with the middle block including vibration or sham applied at the wrist flexor tendons. The order of the sessions (Vibe vs. Sham) was counterbalanced across participants to prevent ordering effects. During the Sham session, cortical activity increased as the tracking task progressed (over blocks). This effect was reduced when vibration was applied to controls. In contrast, vibration increased cortical activity during the vibration period in participants with stroke. Cortical connectivity increased during vibration, with larger effect sizes in participants with stroke. Changes in tracking performance, standard deviation of hand speed, were observed in both control and stroke groups. Overall, EEG measures of brain activity and connectivity provided insight into effects of vibration on brain control of a visuomotor task. The increases in cortical activity and connectivity with vibration improved patterns of activity in people with stroke. These findings suggest that reactivation of normal cortical networks via tendon vibration may be useful during physical rehabilitation of stroke patients.
Contrast enhanced computed tomography of small ruminants: Caprine and ovine
Authors: Caffrey Juliette M. , Thomas Patricia K. , Appt Susan E. , Burkart Heather B. , Weaver Caitlin M. , Kleinberger Michael , Gayzik F. Scott
Published: December 2023

The use of small ruminants, mainly sheep and goats, is increasing in biomedical research. Small ruminants are a desirable animal model due to their human-like anatomy and physiology. However, the large variability between studies and lack of baseline data on these animals creates a barrier to further research. This knowledge gap includes a lack of computed tomography (CT) scans for healthy subjects. Full body, contrast enhanced CT scans of caprine and ovine subjects were acquired for subsequent modeling studies. Scans were acquired from an ovine specimen (male, Khatadin, 30–35 kg) and caprine specimen (female, Nubian 30–35 kg). Scans were acquired with and without contrast. Contrast enhanced scans utilized 1.7 mL/kg of contrast administered at 2 mL/s and scans were acquired 20 seconds, 80 seconds, and 5 minutes post-contrast. Scans were taken at 100 kV and 400 mA. Each scan was reconstructed using a bone window and a soft tissue window. Sixteen full body image data sets are presented (2 specimens by 4 contrast levels by 2 reconstruction windows) and are available for download through the form located at: https://redcap.link/COScanData. Scans showed that the post-contrast timing and scan reconstruction method affected structural visualization. The data are intended for further biomedical research on ruminants related to computational model development, device prototyping, comparative diagnostics, intervention planning, and other forms of translational research.
Extent of integration of nutrition assessment counselling and support interventions in the health system and respective drivers: A case of Tororo district, Uganda
Authors: Namukose Samalie , Kiwanuka Suzanne N. , Makumbi Fredrick Edward , Maina Gakenia Wamuyu
Published: December 2023

Background

Uganda embraced Nutrition Assessment Counselling and Support (NACS) since 2009 as a health system strengthening approach to improve health and nutrition outcomes. However, scant evidence exists on NACS integration and drivers. This study therefore assessed the extent of NACS integration in the health system and identified key drivers and barriers.

Methods

A mixed method design was employed. In a facilitated panel discussions at each of the 17 health facilities, 4–5 health staff participated, responding to a semi-structured questionnaire. Integration was assessed on a 5-point scoring scale of 1 for not done nor integrated, 2–4 for partial and 5 for fully integration. Data was captured, analysed in microsoft excel and presented using as bar and spider charts. Integration drivers were identified deductively from key informant and in-depth interviews using Atlas.ti 9 and thematic analysis.

Results

The NACS integration across the health facility level was partial at a score of 2.9 indicating a weak integration into the health system. Integration across the health system building blocks was partial at; service delivery (3.8), health work force (3.7), health information (3.3), community support system (3.0), governance and leadership (3.0) signifying that NACS activities are provided by Ministry of Health but sub-optimal due to weak capacities. Health financing (2.2) and Health supplies (1.5) were the least integrated due to partner dependence. Under service delivery, deworming (5) was fully integrated and provided by Ministry of Health. The key drivers for integration were; good leadership, financing, competent staff, quality improvement approaches, nutrition talks, community dialogues, nutrition logistics and supplies.

Conclusion

The NACS integration in the health system was generally low and lacked adequate support. Governance, financing and community follow-up under service delivery require more government investment for enhanced integration.
“If it wasn’t forced upon me, I would have given it a second thought”: Understanding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in an outlier county in the Bay Area, California
Authors: Brody Carinne , Szieff Julian , Abu-Alrub Bilal
Published: December 2023

While the San Francisco Bay Area counties rank very low in vaccine hesitancy and high in vaccination rates when compared to national numbers, Solano County has the most residents who are hesitant (6.3%) and the least who are fully vaccinated (51.6%) among Bay Area counties, according to the CDC. No studies to date have been able to provide the in-depth, localized information that would inform county-level public health interventions. This study aims to explore reasons and consequences for remaining unvaccinated in Solano County. Using a qualitative in-depth interview approach, we conducted 32 interviews with unvaccinated adults from Solano County. We used a grounded theory approach to our analysis. Using the socio-ecological model as a framework, we found that reasons for not getting vaccinated were primarily structural (mistrust of public information) and individual (bodily autonomy, personal choice) while consequences were primarily interpersonal (discrimination and stigma from friends, family, and employers). An overarching theme was that the vaccine rollout and messaging felt like an encroachment on personal choice and the feeling of being forced created more mistrust. Participants reported feeling like their decisions made them minorities among their colleagues, friends and family and that they were not persuaded by groupthink or by their relationships. Future public health responses to epidemics and pandemics might consider if a vaccine mandate is the best approach for reaching all county residents.
European Union and its progress towards affordable and clean energy in context of the Agenda 2030
Authors: Megyesiova Silvia , Dul’ová Spišáková Emília , Gontkovičová Barbora
Published: December 2023

The topic related to affordable and clean energy is currently highly actual. It is essential to realize that affordable and clean energy is energy without negative effects on the environment. Its advantage is that a lot of clean energy is renewable. Therefore, this type of energy contributes positively to the development of several spheres in the economy, such as agriculture, trade, communications, education, health and transport. The aim of the study is to analyze changes in the development of sustainable indicators set of affordable and clean energy in relation to Sustainable Development Goal 7 in the European Union, using cluster analysis to identify the differences and compare changes in the grouping of countries into clusters in the two years studied (2010, 2020). In addition to categorizing countries and confirming differences among member states of the European Union, the results allow us to evaluate the contribution of selected indicators to achieving affordable and clean energy. Our findings indicate that primary energy consumption per capita, final energy consumption in households per capita, energy productivity, share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption and population unable to keep their home adequately warm shows a positive trend and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 7.the energy import dependency is a problematic area in several countries. The results of cluster analysis showed that the largest shifts within the clusters were recorded in Italy, Estonia, and Luxembourg. The most positive shift occurred in Italy due to a significant improvement in four indicators. Luxembourg as a solo country cluster showed in 2020 some of the worst results due to the highest primary energy consumption per capita and the lowest share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption. The dynamics of Estonia within the clusters was marked by the lowest value of the indicator of dependence on energy imports, as well as an increase in the share of renewable energy and insufficient energy productivity. The results of our study also confirm, that Sweden and Finland are leader countries, which despite high energy consumption are applying renewable energy sources to a greater extent by which they make a positive movement toward affordable and clean energy.
Dhr96[1] mutation and maternal tudor[1] mutation increase life span and reduce the beneficial effects of mifepristone in mated female Drosophila
Authors: Landis Gary N. , Bell Hans S. , Peng Oscar , Bognar Brett , Tong Andy , Manea Tomás D. , Bao Hanmei , Han Xianlin , Tower John
Published: December 2023

Mating and receipt of male Sex Peptide hormone cause increased egg laying, increased midgut size and decreased life span in female Drosophila. Feeding mated females with the synthetic steroid mifepristone decreases egg production, reduces midgut size, and increases life span. Here, several gene mutations were assayed to investigate possible mechanisms for mifepristone action. Drosophila Dhr96 is a hormone receptor, and a key positive regulator of midgut lipid uptake and metabolism. Dhr96[1] null mutation increased female life span, and reduced the effects of mifepristone on life span, suggesting that Dhr96[1] mutation and mifepristone may act in part through the same mechanism. Consistent with this idea, lipidomics analysis revealed that mating increases whole-body levels of triglycerides and fatty-acids in triglycerides, and these changes are reversed by mifepristone. Maternal tudor[1] mutation results in females that lack the germ-line and produce no eggs. Maternal tudor[1] mutation increased mated female life span, and reduced but did not eliminate the effects of mating and mifepristone on life span. This indicates that decreased egg production may be related to the life span benefits of mifepristone, but is not essential. Mifepristone increases life span in w[1118] mutant mated females, but did not increase life span in w[1118] mutant virgin females. Mifepristone decreased egg production in w[1118] mutant virgin females, indicating that decreased egg production is not sufficient for mifepristone to increase life span. Mifepristone increases life span in virgin females of some, but not all, white[+] and mini-white[+] strains. Backcrossing of mini-white[+] transgenes into the w[1118] background was not sufficient to confer a life span response to mifepristone in virgin females. Taken together, the data support the hypothesis that mechanisms for mifepristone life span increase involve reduced lipid uptake and/or metabolism, and suggest that mifepristone may increase life span in mated females and virgin females through partly different mechanisms.