bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of firm's competitiveness
Authors: Κούννου Βασιλική
Published: November 2021

Ο σκοπός της διδακτορικής διατριβής της υποψήφιας διδάκτωρ του τμήματος ΒΣΑΣ , ήταν η διερεύνηση των παραγόντων που επηρεάζουν την ανταγωνιστικότητα σε επίπεδο επιχείρησης σε ένα δείγμα 13 Ελληνικών φαρμακευτικών εταιρειών που παράγουν κυρίως γενόσημα φάρμακα (ουσιωδώς όμοια φάρμακα με εμπορική ονομασία – branded generics) για την περίοδο 1998-2016. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δόθηκε στην επίδραση του παράγοντα της Έρευνας & Ανάπτυξης στην εταιρική ανταγωνιστικότητα.
Διοίκηση αλλαγών και οργάνωση στο δημόσιο τομέα την περίοδο της οικονομικής κρίσης
Authors: Ολμπασάλη Βασιλική
Published: November 2021

Η παρούσα μελέτη διερευνά τους καθοριστικούς παράγοντες που οδήγησαν τις αλλαγές στη διοίκηση του Υπουργείου Αγροτικής Ανάπτυξης και Τροφίμων κατά τη διάρκεια της οικονομικής κρίσης. Τα δεδομένα συγκεντρώθηκαν μέσω μιας ποιοτικής έρευνας στην οποία έλαβαν μέρος ειδικοί και άμεσα ενδιαφερόμενοι. Τα δεδομένα συνελέγησαν με τη διαδικασία της Μεθόδου των Δελφών και αναλύθηκαν περαιτέρω με εργαλεία ποιοτικής ανάλυσης. Τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης έδειξαν ότι, σύμφωνα με τη γνώμη των ειδικών, η δημόσια διοίκηση δεν ήταν ούτε έτοιμη να αντιμετωπίσει την κρίση ούτε τις αλλαγές που τη συνόδευσαν με τρόπο αποτελεσματικό. Τα ενδιαφερόμενα μέρη, από την άλλη πλευρά, ισχυρίζονται, ότι θα πρέπει να γίνουν επιπλέον αλλαγές για την αναδιαμόρφωση των υπηρεσιών και την απεμπλοκή τους από τη γραφειοκρατία. Στη λογοτεχνία η κρίση αντιμετωπίζεται κυρίως ξεχωριστά από την αλλαγή, ενώ τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας τονίζουν την άμεση σχέση. Η έρευνα καταλήγει στην πρόταση ενός συνδυασμένου μοντέλου κρίσης και αλλαγής, το οποίο καταγράφει την πολυπλοκότητα της πραγματικότητας με την οποία έρχονται αντιμέτωποι οι οργανισμοί. Βασισμένο στην εμπειρική έρευνα, το μοντέλο συμβάλλει στη θεωρία και, επιπλέον, προσφέρει ένα νέο εργαλείο για την αντιμετώπιση κρίσεων. Στους περιορισμούς της ερευνητικής μελέτης ανήκει το γεγονός, ότι αυτή διεξήχθη για υπηρεσίες που αφορούν σε ένα υπουργείο, του Υπουργείου Αγροτικής Ανάπτυξης και Τροφίμων και για συγκεκριμένη χρονική περίοδο, από το 2008 έως το 2018. Επομένως, τα ευρήματα και οι ερμηνείες μπορεί να μην είναι γενικεύσιμα.
Seismic design procedure for steel moment resisting frames with viscous dampers
Authors: Καρινιωτάκης Κωνσταντίνος
Published: November 2021

Σε αυτή τη διατριβή, αναπτύσσεται μια μεθοδολογία αντισεισμικού σχεδιασμού για πλαισιακούς φορείς από χάλυβα με ιξώδεις αποσβεστήρες μέσα στο πλαίσιο του Ευρωκώδικα 8, ικανοποιώντας τις απαιτήσεις α) για μηχανισμό πλευρικής μετατόπισης με πλαστικές αρθρώσεις στις δοκούς και στις βάσεις των υποστυλωμάτων στη βάση του φορέα και β) για αντοχή σε κατάρρευση των πλαισιακών φορέων με ιξώδεις αποσβεστήρες τουλάχιστον ίση με αυτή των συμβατικών πλαισιακών φορέων. Προτείνεται ένας συντηρητικός κανόνας για τον ικανοτικό σχεδιασμό των υποστυλωμάτων. Συγκεκριμένα η αξονική δύναμη που χρησιμοποιείται στον ικανοτικό σχεδιασμό των υποστυλωμάτων υπολογίζεται ως η περιβάλλουσα της αξονικής δύναμης από την κατάσταση μέγιστης μετατόπισης και της αξονικής δύναμης από την κατάσταση μέγιστης ταχύτητας επί έναν συντελεστή. Ο κανόνας αυτός γίνεται πιο αυστηρός για κτίρια με περισσότερους από 10 ορόφους ώστε να επιληφθεί του θέματος ότι οι διαθέσιμες μέθοδοι ανάλυσης για κατασκευές με αποσβεστήρες υποεκτιμούν τις μέγιστες δυνάμεις των αποσβεστήρων στους χαμηλότερους ορόφους των ψηλών πλασιακών φορέων. Κατάλληλες τιμές του συντελεστή ευαισθησίας σχετικής μετακίνησης ορόφου (θ) προτείνονται, ώστε να εξασφαλίζεται αντοχή σε κατάρρευση των πλαισιακών φορέων με ιξώδεις αποσβεστήρες τουλάχιστον ίση με αυτή των συμβατικών πλαισιακών φορέων.
Digital twin-driven complexity management in intelligent manufacturing
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Wang Xingzhi , Tao Fei , Liu Ang
Published: November 2021

Complexity management is one of the most crucial and challenging issues in manufacturing. As an emerging technology, digital twin provides an innovative approach to manage complexity in a more autonomous, analytical and comprehensive manner. This paper proposes an innovative framework of digital twin-driven complexity management in intelligent manufacturing. The framework will cover three sources of manufacturing complexity, including product design, production lines and supply chains. Digital twin provides three services to manage complexity: (1) real-time monitors and data collections; (2) identifications, diagnoses and predictions of manufacturing complexity; (3) fortification of human-machine interaction. A case study of airplane manufacturing is presented to illustrate the proposed framework.
Case Report: The resiliency journey of a Vietnamese female sexual abuse survivor: an exploration in life history
Authors: Giang Thien-Vu , Le Duy-Hung , Nguyen Thanh-Huan , Huynh Van-Son , Nguyen-Thi Diem-My
Published: November 2021

Currently, the studies on sexual abuse trauma, and resilience in Confucian survivors are still limited. The purpose of this study is to explore the resilience of Confucian women after sexual abuse trauma to provide evidence to support in counseling and psychotherapy practices. The article describes the resiliency story of a Vietnamese Confucian female survivor who was abused by her brother from the age of 8 to 16. The life history approach used in qualitative narrative research was applied in this study. The researcher identified two factors that strongly influence the survivor’s resilience: (1) the effectiveness of passive education in the general education curriculum is oriented to both competence and quality development; and (2) an authentic understanding of the core Confucian philosophical doctrine: the neutrality and the self-nurture. Based on the findings, we propose a 7-stage flow diagram of a Confucian women's resilience following sexual abuse. These findings provide a new approach to psychological counseling for female survivors of any religion by using Confucian philosophy and contribute to the impact of studies on religious and spiritual factors affecting the resilience of sexual abuse survivors.
Efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of rurioctocog alfa pegol for prophylactic treatment in previously treated patients with severe hemophilia A: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Witarto Bendix Samarta , Visuddho Visuddho , Witarto Andro Pramana , Sutanto Henry , Wiratama Bayu Satria , Wungu Citrawati Dyah Kencono
Published: November 2021

Background: Patients with severe hemophilia often present with painful joint and soft tissue bleeding which may restrict them from their daily activities. The current standard of care still relies on a regular prophylactic factor VIII (FVIII), which has a high daily treatment burden. Recently, rurioctocog alfa pegol, a third-generation recombinant FVIII with a modification in its polyethylene glycol (PEG) component, has been developed. Several trials have studied this synthetic drug as bleeding prophylaxis in severe hemophilia A. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of rurioctocog alfa pegol for previously treated patients with severe hemophilia A.

Methods: This study was conducted in conformity with the PRISMA guidelines. Data were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Wiley Online Library, and CINAHL (via EBSCOhost). Study qualities were assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) and Modified Jadad scales.

Results: Four studies involving 517 previously treated severe hemophilia A patients were included in this study. The pooled mean of total annualized bleeding rate (ABR) and hemostatic efficacy was 2.59 (95% CI = 2.04–3.14) and 92% (95% CI = 85%–97%), respectively. Only 30 (2.3%) non-serious and one (1.4%) serious adverse events were considered related to rurioctocog alfa pegol treatment. At the end of the studies, no development of FVIII inhibitory antibodies was observed. None of the developed binding antibodies to FVIII, PEG-FVIII, or PEG was correlated to the treatment efficacy and safety.

Conclusions: Despite the limited availability of direct comparison studies, our analyses indicate that rurioctocog alfa pegol could serve as a safe and effective alternative for bleeding prophylaxis in previously treated hemophilia A patients. Moreover, it appears to have low immunogenicity, which further increases the safety profile of the drug in such clinical conditions.
Generational issues in linking family farming production, traditional food in diet, physical activity and obesity in Pacific Islands countries and territories: the case of the Melanesian population on Lifou Island
Authors: Galy Olivier , Frayon Stéphane , Goldin Marco , Zongo Paul , Wattelez Guillaume , Lameta Sonny , Quartermain Alan , Fotsing Jean Marie , Bouard Séverine
Published: November 2021

In the Melanesian culture, traditional activities are organized around family farming, although the lifestyle transition taking place over the last several decades has led to imbalances in diet and physical activity, with both leading to obesity. The aim of this interdisciplinary study was to understand the links between family farming (produced, exchanged, sold, and consumed food), diet (focused on produced, hunted, and caught food), physical activity (sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) and obesity in Melanesian Lifou Island families (parents and children). Forty families, including 142 adults and children, completed individual food frequency questionnaires, wore tri-axial accelerometers for seven continuous days, and had weight and height measured with a bio-impedance device. A family farming questionnaire was conducted at the household level concerning family farming practices and sociodemographic variables. Multinomial regression analyses and logistic regression models were used to analyze the data. Results showed that family farming production brings a modest contribution to diet and active lifestyles for the family farmers of Lifou Island. The drivers for obesity in these tribal communities were linked to diet in the adults, whereas parental socioeconomic status and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were the main factors associated to being overweight and obesity in children. These differences in lifestyle behaviors within families suggest a transition in cultural practices at the intergenerational level. Future directions should consider seasonality and a more in-depth analysis of diet including macro- and micro- nutrients to acquire more accurate information on the intergenerational transition in cultural practices and its consequences on health outcomes in the Pacific region.
CONSTRUCTION MARKET OF SMOLENSK REGION DURING THE PERIOD FINANCIAL CRISIS AND PANDEMIC IMPACT
Authors: Sapozhnikova Svetlana M.
Published: November 2021

The study examines the features of the development of the construction industry at the regional level, defines the main parameters of the state and the prospects for its further functioning.

The factors influencing the current trends in the development of the construction industry, threats and main problems, especially in the context of the global economic crisis and pandemic, are identified. A survey of the state of the material and technical base of construction companies and the level of their competition was carried out, as well as a survey of industry entrepreneurs on changes in the level of their economic activity and the prospects for the formation of a construction portfolio.

On the basis of this, measures were proposed to improve the regulation of the construction market in the context of the economic crisis and pandemic. The main conclusion of the study is that the only condition for effective development and recovery to the pre-crisis level of the economy of the regions and its industries, including construction, in a lockdown is full government regulation, financing, nationalization and financial, legal, diplomatic, information protection from external negative impact globalization and crisis.

Purpose. The goal is to assess the state of the construction market in the region, identify problems and threats and propose measures to regulate it in the face of a lockdown, sanctions, economic crisis and pandemic.

Methodology: the article used methods of comparison, survey, index, graphic, methods of statistical and factor analysis.

Results: the main problems and threats to the construction market were identified, recommendations were given for their neutralization in the context of the economic crisis and pandemic.

Practical implications: the results obtained should be applied to select the optimal management solution when working out a development strategy for a regional construction company.
Sponsored Data: Smarter Data Pricing with Incomplete Information
Authors: Mei Xiaowei , Cheng Hsing Kenneth , Bandyopadhyay Subhajyoti , Qiu Liangfei , Wei Lai
Published: November 2021

With the development of data-intensive internet services, the world has witnessed explosive growth in mobile data consumption during the last couple of years. The upcoming generation of 5G-capable phones and networks will continue and even accelerate that process. At the same time, consumers are becoming more conscious about their data consumption because their monthly caps of mobile data plans can be easily exhausted by premium content, such as high-definition videos and virtual-reality games. In response, the mobile network operators (MNOs) have proposed a new business model, the so-called sponsored data plans, to subsidize consumers by transferring at least part of the data bills from consumers to content providers. Although industry practitioners claim that sponsored data plans increase consumer welfare, our analysis reveals that the impact of sponsored data on consumer surplus depends crucially on whether the MNO has complete information of the consumers’ valuation of mobile data. Our analysis helps provide a clearer picture of the impact of sponsored data on consumer surplus while reconciling the conflicting views from scholars, digital rights groups, and the network carriers.
Helmholtz Hamiltonian Mechanics Electromagnetic Physics Gaging Charge Fields Having Novel Quantum Circuitry Model
Authors: Iyer Rajan , O’Neill2 Christopher , Malaver Manuel
Published: November 2021

This article shows novel model Pauli-Dirac-Planck-quantum-circuit-assembly-gage, consisting of the monopole quasiparticles and electron-positron particle fields, demonstrating power of Iyer Markoulakis Helmholtz Hamiltonian mechanics of point vortex and gradient fields general formalism. Transforming this general metrics to Coulombic gaging metrics and performing gage charge fields calculations, derivation of assembly eigenvector matrix bundle constructs of magnetic monopoles, and electron positron particle gage metrics were successfully compiled, like SUSY (?( 1 &?@?*&1 )) Hermitian quantum matrix., modified to asymmetric strings gage metrics to account for asymmetrical magnetic pole forces measurements recently in physics. Physical analysis with graphics discussing scenarios of electric tensor particles and magnetic tensor monopoles permutationally interacting, figures showing simulations of fermions’ spins with Clifford algebraic geometry, and the graphs explaining vortex sinusoidal pulsed signal output distribution profile of typical equivalent wave velocity of the related point fields partially verify this quantum circuity assembly model. Table shows estimated size of this assembly greater than 10-34 Planck unit and less than quasi-particle size of 10-26 metrics unit. Wide-ranging applications of this quantum circuitry assembly model exist for quantum supercomputing expertise antenna networks, alongside quantum astrophysical grand unifying genesis of electromagnetic gravitational matter antimatter systems. This quantum model can be verified by experimental techniques, such as spin-ice and Bose-Einstein condensate spinors.
Bi-unicondylar arthroplasty
Authors: Garner Amy J. , Dandridge Oliver W. , Amis Andrew A. , Cobb Justin P. , van Arkel Richard J.
Published: November 2021

Aims

Bi-unicondylar arthroplasty (Bi-UKA) is a bone and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-preserving alternative to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) when the patellofemoral joint is preserved. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical outcomes and biomechanics of Bi-UKA.

Methods

Bi-UKA subjects (n = 22) were measured on an instrumented treadmill, using standard gait metrics, at top walking speeds. Age-, sex-, and BMI-matched healthy (n = 24) and primary TKA (n = 22) subjects formed control groups. TKA subjects with preoperative patellofemoral or tricompartmental arthritis or ACL dysfunction were excluded. The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) were compared. Bi-UKA, then TKA, were performed on eight fresh frozen cadaveric knees, to investigate knee extensor efficiency under controlled laboratory conditions, using a repeated measures study design.

Results

Bi-UKA walked 20% faster than TKA (Bi-UKA mean top walking speed 6.7 km/h (SD 0.9),TKA 5.6 km/h (SD 0.7), p < 0.001), exhibiting nearer-normal vertical ground reaction forces in maximum weight acceptance and mid-stance, with longer step and stride lengths compared to TKA (p < 0.048). Bi-UKA subjects reported higher OKS (p = 0.004) and EQ-5D (p < 0.001). In vitro, Bi-UKA generated the same extensor moment as native knees at low flexion angles, while reduced extensor moment was measured following TKA (p < 0.003). Conversely, at higher flexion angles, the extensor moment of TKA was normal. Over the full range, the extensor mechanism was more efficient following Bi-UKA than TKA (p < 0.028).

Conclusion

Bi-UKA had more normal gait characteristics and improved patient-reported outcomes, compared to matched TKA subjects. This can, in part, be explained by differences in extensor efficiency. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(11):723–733.
Wood Residues in the Moratuwa Woodworking Industry Cluster of Sri Lanka: Potential for Sector Synergies and Value-Added Products
Authors: Himandi Shashika , Perera Priyan , Amarasekera Hiran , Rupasinghe Rajitha , Vlosky Richard P.
Published: November 2021

The Moratuwa Woodworking Industry Cluster (MWIC) is a geographically concentrated cluster of over 1,600 small-to-medium scale wood-based manufacturing and retail facilities in Sri Lanka. Firms include furniture manufacturers, carpentry shops, sawmills, and integrated sawmills. The concept of industrial symbiosis explores the synergies between industrial facilities to exchange energy, water, by-products, and waste to achieve a higher efficiency in resource utilization. This research was undertaken to address the lack of quantitative information on wood residues generated within the MWIC. A survey of 180 primary and secondary wood product manufacturers was undertaken to quantify MWIC firm by-product production and consumption of wood residues to establish a baseline for possible end use and waste synergies. The total population of enterprises generating wood waste is 730; retail facilities are not included. Sawmills produce approximately 66% of the 6,490 MT of MWIC's monthly wood residue generation, with the balance produced by carpentry and integrated enterprises. Teak (Tectona grandis) and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) are the dominant species used in the MWIC, accounting for most of the wood waste. Three main types of wood waste were identified in the survey: sawdust (76.5%), boards with significant wane (16.5%) unusable for further products, and offcuts (6.9%). Only 55% of the wood waste generated in MWIC is currently used; the remaining 45% is taken to landfills or disposed of in other ways, such as discarded in waterways or other nonapproved locations. Improved wood waste sorting by type at the mill level and aggregated wood waste within the MWIC was determined to increase the usability of wood waste as potential inputs in other wood manufacturing sectors in the MWIC.
Mid-IR spectroscopy with NIR grating spectrometers
Authors: Kaufmann Paul , Chrzanowski Helen M , Vanselow Aron , Ramelow Sven
Published: November 2021

Mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy is a crucial workhorse for a plethora of analytical applications and is suitable for diverse materials, including gases, polymers or biological tissue. However, this technologically significant wavelength regime between 2.5-10 µm suffers from technical limitations primarily related to the large noise in mid-IR detectors and the complexity and cost of bright, broadband mid-IR light sources. Here, using highly non-degenerate, broadband photon pairs from bright spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in a nonlinear interferometer, we circumvent these limitations and realise spectroscopy in the mid-IR using only a visible (VIS) solid-state laser and an off-the-shelf, commercial near-infrared (NIR) grating spectrometer. With this proof-of-concept implementation, covering a broad range from 3.2 µm to 4.4 µm we demonstrate short integration times down to 1 s and signal-to-noise ratios above 200 at a spectral resolution from 12 cm−1 down to 1.5 cm−1 for longer integration times. Through the analysis of polymer samples and the ambient CO2 in our laboratory, we highlight the potential of this measurement technique for real-world applications.
Mid-wave/long-wave dual-color infrared quantum cascade detector enhanced by antenna-coupled microcavity: erratum
Authors: Zhu Yixuan , Zhai Shenqiang , Liu Junqi , Li Kun , Yang Ke , Liu Shuman , Zhang Jinchuan , Zhuo Ning , Wang Lijun , Liu Fengqi
Published: November 2021

This erratum corrects the order of the funding agencies and six typographical errors provided in our Article [Opt. Express 29, 37327 (2021)10.1364/OE.438919]. The scientific results and conclusions are unaffected.
Photon detection at 1  ns time intervals using 16-element SNSPD array with SFQ multiplexer
Authors: Miki Shigehito , Miyajima Shigeyuki , China Fumihiro , Yabuno Masahiro , Terai Hirotaka
Published: November 2021

We demonstrate the high-speed operation of a 16-element superconducting
nanostrip single-photon detector (SNSPD) array with a single flux
quantum (SFQ) multiplexer. The SFQ multiplexer can reshape the output
signals from 16-element SNSPD into pulses with durations shorter than
1 ns and bundle these pulses into one output line, which is
advantageous for high-speed operation of the SNSPD array system. We
confirmed the correct operation of the 16-element SNSPD system with a
system detection efficiency of 80% at a wavelength of 1550 nm, timing
jitter of 45 ps, and successful observation of photons at 1 ns time
intervals as distinguishable output pulses. The reduction in detection
efficiency could also be suppressed to

∼

0.93

during the dead time of

∼

10

n
s

for each SNSPD pixel when the
incident photon flux was relatively low at 0.1 photon/pulse.
Optical square-wave generation in a semiconductor laser with optoelectronic feedback
Authors: Islam Md Shariful , Kovalev A. V. , Viktorov E. A. , Citrin D. S. , Locquet A.
Published: November 2021

We report self-sustained optical square-wave (SW) generation in a semiconductor laser diode subjected to delayed optoelectronic feedback on its injection current (

J

). This optoelectronic oscillator relies on nonlinear effects present in both the laser diode and in the optoelectronic feedback loop through amplifier saturation. The repetition rate of the SW is an integer multiple of the inverse of the loop delay, while the duty cycle can be tuned with

J

.
High-speed photonic reservoir computer based on a delayed Fano laser under electrical modulation
Authors: Huang Yu , Zhou Pei , Yang Yigong , Li Nianqiang
Published: November 2021

We propose and numerically demonstrate a high-speed photonic reservoir computing (RC) system using a compact Fano laser (FL) with optical feedback under electrical modulation. Benefiting from its insensitivity to external feedback, an FL has a wider dynamic steady-state region compared with a conventional Fabry–Perot laser, which significantly extends the ranges of desirable RC implementation. Interestingly, we observe two separate regions of good RC performances corresponding to two scenarios of the dynamic steady state of the FL, respectively. Moreover, the robust RC performance versus the feedback phase can be achieved in one of the steady-state regions, where the laser is not destabilized for lower external reflectivity. Owing to the ultra-short photon lifetime in the FL, the information processing rate of our proposed RC system may reach 10 Gbps. More importantly, as a specific type of microscopic laser, the FL offers potential applications to RC-based integrated neuromorphic photonic systems.
Electrically injected GeSn lasers with peak wavelength up to 2.7  μm
Authors: Zhou Yiyin , Ojo Solomon , Wu Chen-Wei , Miao Yuanhao , Tran Huong , Grant Joshua M. , Abernathy Grey , Amoah Sylvester , Bass Jake , Salamo Gregory , Du Wei , Chang Guo-En , Liu Jifeng , Margetis Joe , Tolle John , Zhang Yong-Hang , Sun Greg , Soref Richard A. , Li Baohua , Yu Shui-Qing
Published: November 2021

GeSn lasers enable the monolithic integration of lasers on the Si platform using all-group-IV direct-bandgap material. The GeSn laser study recently moved from optical pumping into electrical injection. In this work, we present explorative investigations of GeSn heterostructure laser diodes with various layer thicknesses and material compositions. Cap layer material was studied by using

Si

0.03

Ge

0.89

Sn

0.08

and

Ge

0.95

Sn

0.05

, and cap layer total thickness was also compared. The 190 nm SiGeSn-cap device had threshold of

0.6
  
kA
/

cm

2

at 10 K and a maximum operating temperature (

T

max

) of 100 K, compared to

1.4
  
kA
/

cm

2

and 50 K from 150 nm SiGeSn-cap device, respectively. Furthermore, the 220 nm GeSn-cap device had 10 K threshold at

2.4
  
kA
/

cm

2

and

T

max

at 90 K, i.e., higher threshold and lower maximal operation temperature compared to the SiGeSn cap layer, indicating that enhanced electron confinement using SiGeSn can reduce the threshold considerably. The study of the active region material showed that device gain region using

Ge

0.87

Sn

0.13

had a higher threshold and lower

T

max

, compared to

Ge

0.89

Sn

0.11

. The performance was affected by the metal absorption, free carrier absorption, and possibly defect density level. The maximum peak wavelength was measured as 2682 nm at 90 K by using

Ge

0.87

Sn

0.13

in gain regions. The investigations provide directions to the future GeSn laser diode designs toward the full integration of group-IV photonics on a Si platform.
Optimizing network propagation for multi-omics data integration
Authors: Charmpi Konstantina , Chokkalingam Manopriya , Johnen Ronja , Beyer Andreas
Published: November 2021

Network propagation refers to a class of algorithms that integrate information from input data across connected nodes in a given network. These algorithms have wide applications in systems biology, protein function prediction, inferring condition-specifically altered sub-networks, and prioritizing disease genes. Despite the popularity of network propagation, there is a lack of comparative analyses of different algorithms on real data and little guidance on how to select and parameterize the various algorithms. Here, we address this problem by analyzing different combinations of network normalization and propagation methods and by demonstrating schemes for the identification of optimal parameter settings on real proteome and transcriptome data. Our work highlights the risk of a ‘topology bias’ caused by the incorrect use of network normalization approaches. Capitalizing on the fact that network propagation is a regularization approach, we show that minimizing the bias-variance tradeoff can be utilized for selecting optimal parameters. The application to real multi-omics data demonstrated that optimal parameters could also be obtained by either maximizing the agreement between different omics layers (e.g. proteome and transcriptome) or by maximizing the consistency between biological replicates. Furthermore, we exemplified the utility and robustness of network propagation on multi-omics datasets for identifying ageing-associated genes in brain and liver tissues of rats and for elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying prostate cancer progression. Overall, this work compares different network propagation approaches and it presents strategies for how to use network propagation algorithms to optimally address a specific research question at hand.
Positive correlation between transcriptomic stemness and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling scores in breast cancer, and a counterintuitive relationship with PIK3CA genotype
Authors: Madsen Ralitsa R. , Erickson Emily C. , Rueda Oscar M. , Robin Xavier , Caldas Carlos , Toker Alex , Semple Robert K. , Vanhaesebroeck Bart
Published: November 2021

A PI3Kα-selective inhibitor has recently been approved for use in breast tumors harboring mutations inPIK3CA, the gene encoding p110α. Preclinical studies have suggested that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway influences stemness, a dedifferentiation-related cellular phenotype associated with aggressive cancer. However, to date, no direct evidence for such a correlation has been demonstrated in human tumors. In two independent human breast cancer cohorts, encompassing nearly 3,000 tumor samples, transcriptional footprint-based analysis uncovered a positive linear association between transcriptionally-inferred PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling scores and stemness scores. Unexpectedly, stratification of tumors according toPIK3CAgenotype revealed a “biphasic” relationship of mutantPIK3CAallele dosage with these scores. Relative to tumor samples withoutPIK3CAmutations, the presence of a single copy of a hotspotPIK3CAvariant was associated with lower PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and stemness scores, whereas the presence of multiple copies ofPIK3CAhotspot mutations correlated with higher PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and stemness scores. This observation was recapitulated in a human cell model of heterozygous and homozygousPIK3CAH1047Rexpression. Collectively, our analysis (1) provides evidence for a signaling strength-dependent PI3K-stemness relationship in human breast cancer; (2) supports evaluation of the potential benefit of patient stratification based on a combination of conventional PI3K pathway genetic information with transcriptomic indices of PI3K signaling activation.
Small area variations and factors associated with blood pressure and body-mass index in adult women in Accra, Ghana: Bayesian spatial analysis of a representative population survey and census data
Authors: Clark Sierra N. , Bennett James E. , Arku Raphael E. , Hill Allan G. , Fink Günther , Adanu Richard M. , Biritwum Richard B. , Darko Rudolph , Bawah Ayaga , Duda Rosemary B. , Ezzati Majid
Published: November 2021

Background

Body-mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) levels are rising in sub-Saharan African cities, particularly among women. However, there is very limited information on how much they vary within cities, which could inform targeted and equitable health policies. Our study aimed to analyse spatial variations in BMI and BP for adult women at the small area level in the city of Accra, Ghana.

Methods and findings

We combined a representative survey of adult women’s health in Accra, Ghana (2008 to 2009) with a 10% random sample of the national census (2010). We applied a hierarchical model with a spatial term to estimate the associations of BMI and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural, and environmental factors. We then used the model to estimate BMI and BP for all women in the census in Accra and calculated mean BMI, SBP, and DBP for each enumeration area (EA). BMI and/or BP were positively associated with age, ethnicity (Ga), being currently married, and religion (Muslim) as their 95% credible intervals (95% CrIs) did not include zero, while BP was also negatively associated with literacy and physical activity. BMI and BP had opposite associations with socioeconomic status (SES) and alcohol consumption. In 2010, 26% of women aged 18 and older had obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), and 21% had uncontrolled hypertension (SBP ≥ 140 and/or DBP ≥ 90 mm Hg). The differences in mean BMI and BP between EAs at the 10th and 90th percentiles were 2.7 kg/m2 (BMI) and in BP 7.9 mm Hg (SBP) and 4.8 mm Hg (DBP). BMI was generally higher in the more affluent eastern parts of Accra, and BP was higher in the western part of the city. A limitation of our study was that the 2010 census dataset used for predicting small area variations is potentially outdated; the results should be updated when the next census data are available, to the contemporary population, and changes over time should be evaluated.

Conclusions

We observed that variation of BMI and BP across neighbourhoods within Accra was almost as large as variation across countries among women globally. Localised measures are needed to address this unequal public health challenge in Accra.
Role of caveolin-1 as a biomarker for radiation resistance and tumor aggression in lung cancer
Authors: Leiser Dominic , Samanta Santanu , Eley John , Strauss Josh , Creed Michael , Kingsbury Tami , Staats Paul N. , Bhandary Binny , Chen Minjie , Dukic Tijana , Roy Sanjit , Mahmood Javed , Vujaskovic Zeljko , Shukla Hem D.
Published: November 2021

Radiation therapy plays a major role in the treatment of lung cancer patients. However, cancer cells develop resistance to radiation. Tumor radioresistance is a complex multifactorial mechanism which may be dependent on DNA damage and repair, hypoxic conditions inside tumor microenvironment, and the clonal selection of radioresistant cells from the heterogeneous tumor site, and it is a major cause of treatment failure in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the present investigation caveolin-1 (CAV-1) has been observed to be highly expressed in radiation resistant A549 lung cancer cells. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout ofCAV-1reverted the cells to a radio sensitive phenotype. In addition,CAV-1overexpression in parental A549 cells, led to radiation resistance. Further, gene expression analysis of A549 parental, radiation resistant, and caveolin-1 overexpressed cells, exhibited overexpression of DNA repair genes RAD51B, RAD18, SOX2 cancer stem cell marker, MMPs, mucins and cytoskeleton proteins in resistant and caveolin-1 over expressed A549 cells, as compared to parental A549 cells. Bioinformatic analysis shows upregulation of BRCA1, Nuclear Excision DNA repair, TGFB and JAK/STAT signaling pathways in radioresistant and caveolin-1 overexpressed cells, which may functionally mediate radiation resistance. Immunohistochemistry data demonstrated heterogeneous expression ofCAV-1gene in human lung cancer tissues, which was analogous to its enhanced expression in human lung cancer cell line model and mouse orthotopic xenograft lung cancer model. Also, TCGA PanCancer clinical studies have demonstrated amplification, deletions and missense mutation inCAV-1gene in lung cancer patients, and thatCAV-1alteration has been linked to poor prognosis, and poor survival in lung cancer patients. Interestingly, we have also optimized ELISA assay to measure caveolin-1 protein in the blood of A549 radiation resistant human xenograft preclinical mouse model and discovered higher level of caveolin-1 (950 pg/ml) in tumor bearing animals treated with radiation, as compared to xenograft with radiosensitive lung cancer cells (450 pg/ml). Thus, we conclude that caveolin-1 is involved in radio-resistance and contributes to tumor aggression, and it has potential to be used as prognostic biomarker for radiation treatment response, and tumor progression for precision medicine in lung cancer patients.
Do racial and ethnic disparities in following stay-at-home orders influence COVID-19 health outcomes? A mediation analysis approach
Authors: Hu Songhua , Luo Weiyu , Darzi Aref , Pan Yixuan , Zhao Guangchen , Liu Yuxuan , Xiong Chenfeng
Published: November 2021

Racial/ethnic disparities are among the top-selective underlying determinants associated with the disproportional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human mobility and health outcomes. This study jointly examined county-level racial/ethnic differences in compliance with stay-at-home orders and COVID-19 health outcomes during 2020, leveraging two-year geo-tracking data of mobile devices across ~4.4 million point-of-interests (POIs) in the contiguous United States. Through a set of structural equation modeling, this study quantified how racial/ethnic differences in following stay-at-home orders could mediate COVID-19 health outcomes, controlling for state effects, socioeconomics, demographics, occupation, and partisanship. Results showed that counties with higher Asian populations decreased most in their travel, both in terms of reducing their overall POIs’ visiting and increasing their staying home percentage. Moreover, counties with higher White populations experienced the lowest infection rate, while counties with higher African American populations presented the highest case-fatality ratio. Additionally, control variables, particularly partisanship, median household income, percentage of elders, and urbanization, significantly accounted for the county differences in human mobility and COVID-19 health outcomes. Mediation analyses further revealed that human mobility only statistically influenced infection rate but not case-fatality ratio, and such mediation effects varied substantially among racial/ethnic compositions. Last, robustness check of racial gradient at census block group level documented consistent associations but greater magnitude. Taken together, these findings suggest that US residents’ responses to COVID-19 are subject to an entrenched and consequential racial/ethnic divide.
A resource for improved predictions of Trypanosoma and Leishmania protein three-dimensional structure
Authors: Wheeler Richard John
Published: November 2021

AlphaFold2 and RoseTTAfold represent a transformative advance for predicting protein structure. They are able to make very high-quality predictions given a high-quality alignment of the protein sequence with related proteins. These predictions are now readily availableviathe AlphaFold database of predicted structures and AlphaFold or RoseTTAfold Colaboratory notebooks for custom predictions. However, predictions for some species tend to be lower confidence than model organisms. Problematic species includeTrypanosoma cruziandLeishmania infantum: important unicellular eukaryotic human parasites in an early-branching eukaryotic lineage. The cause appears to be due to poor sampling of this branch of life (Discoba) in the protein sequences databases used for the AlphaFold database and ColabFold. Here, by comprehensively gathering openly available protein sequence data for Discoba species, significant improvements to AlphaFold2 protein structure prediction over the AlphaFold database and ColabFold are demonstrated. This is made available as an easy-to-use tool for the parasitology community in the form of Colaboratory notebooks for generating multiple sequence alignments and AlphaFold2 predictions of protein structure forTrypanosoma,Leishmaniaand related species.
Evaluation of the SARS-CoV-2 positivity ratio and upper respiratory tract viral load among asymptomatic individuals screened before hospitalization or surgery in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Heireman Laura , Abrams Steven , Bruynseels Peggy , Cartuyvels Reinoud , Cuypers Lize , De Schouwer Pieter , Laffut Wim , Lagrou Katrien , Hens Niel , Ho Erwin , Padalko Elizaveta , Reynders Marijke , Vandamme Sarah , Van der Moeren Nathalie , Verstrepen Walter , Willems Philippe , Naesens Reinout
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The incidence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in the Belgian community is mainly estimated based on test results of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-like symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity ratio and distribution of viral loads within a cohort of asymptomatic patients screened prior hospitalization or surgery, stratified by age category.

Materials/Methods

We retrospectively studied data on SARS-CoV-2 real-time RT-PCR detection in respiratory tract samples of asymptomatic patients screened pre-hospitalization or pre-surgery in nine Belgian hospitals located in Flanders over a 12-month period (1 April 2020–31 March 2021).

Results

In total, 255925 SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test results and 2421 positive results for which a viral load was reported, were included in this study. An unweighted overall SARS-CoV-2 real-time RT-PCR positivity ratio of 1.27% was observed with strong spatiotemporal differences. SARS-CoV-2 circulated predominantly in 80+ year old individuals across all time periods except between the first and second COVID-19 wave and in 20–30 year old individuals before the second COVID-19 wave. In contrast to the first wave, a significantly higher positivity ratio was observed for the 20–40 age group in addition to the 80+ age group compared to the other age groups during the second wave. The median viral load follows a similar temporal evolution as the positivity rate with an increase ahead of the second wave and highest viral loads observed for 80+ year old individuals.

Conclusion

There was a high SARS-CoV-2 circulation among asymptomatic patients with a predominance and highest viral loads observed in the elderly. Moreover, ahead of the second COVID-19 wave an increase in median viral load was noted with the highest overall positivity ratio observed in 20–30 year old individuals, indicating they could have been the hidden drivers of this wave.
Single-cell transcriptome profiling and the use of AID deficient mice reveal that B cell activation combined with antibody class switch recombination and somatic hypermutation do not benefit the control of experimental trypanosomosis
Authors: Nguyen Hang Thi Thu , Guevarra Robin B. , Magez Stefan , Radwanska Magdalena
Published: November 2021

Salivarian trypanosomes are extracellular protozoan parasites causing infections in a wide range of mammalian hosts, withTrypanosoma evansihaving the widest geographic distribution, reaching territories far outside Africa and occasionally even Europe. Besides causing the animal diseases,T.evansican cause atypical Human Trypanosomosis. The success of this parasite is attributed to its capacity to evade and disable the mammalian defense response. To unravel the latter, we applied here for the first time a scRNA-seq analysis on splenocytes from trypanosome infected mice, at two time points during infection, i.e. just after control of the first parasitemia peak (day 14) and a late chronic time point during infection (day 42). This analysis was combined with flow cytometry and ELISA, revealing thatT.evansiinduces prompt activation of splenic IgM+CD1d+Marginal Zone and IgMIntIgD+Follicular B cells, coinciding with an increase in plasma IgG2c Ab levels. Despite the absence of follicles, a rapid accumulation ofAicda+GC-like B cells followed first parasitemia peak clearance, accompanied by the occurrence ofXbp1+expressing CD138+plasma B cells andTbx21+atypical CD11c+memory B cells. Ablation of immature CD93+bone marrow andVpreb3+Ly6d+Ighm+expressing transitional spleen B cells prevented mature peripheral B cell replenishment. Interestingly, AID-/-mice that lack the capacity to mount anti-parasite IgG responses, exhibited a superior defense level againstT.evansiinfections. Here, elevated natural IgMs were able to exertin vivoandin vitrotrypanocidal activity. Hence, we conclude that in immune competent mice, trypanosomosis associated B cell activation and switched IgG production is rapidly induced byT.evansi, facilitating an escape from the detrimental natural IgM killing activity, and resulting in increased host susceptibility. This unique role of IgM and its anti-trypanosome activity are discussed in the context of the dilemma this causes for the future development of anti-trypanosome vaccines.
A systematic literature review of ‘empathy’ and ‘games’
Authors: Schrier Karen , Farber Matthew
Published: November 2021

Scholarship on the intersection of games and empathy is limited. However, over the past decade peer-reviewed articles have started to be published in this area. This study investigates this emerging scholarship on empathy and games to understand how researchers are describing, defining and communicating their work. For example, how are research articles about games defining empathy? From which disciplines are the researchers framing their studies? Which types of games are being used in the investigations? Forty-nine articles were found, coded and analysed by searching six different databases. For this investigation, each article was analysed based on the discipline, keyword(s) used to find the article, definition(s) of empathy used, types of games used in the article and the themes used in the article. Articles emerged from twelve different disciplines and described over thirteen different types of empathy. Findings were shared, as well as recommendations for researchers studying this area.
Recensão ao livro Gestão das aprendizagens na sala de aula inclusiva
Authors: Bracons Hélia Augusta
Published: November 2021

Resenção do Livro:
Emygdio da Silva, Maria Odete (2019). Gestão das aprendizagens na sala de aula inclusiva. 2ª edição. Lisboa: Edições Universitárias Lusófonas
Pedagogy as Education to Active Thinking
Authors: Segalerba Gianluigi , Latyshev-Maysky Oleg Yurievich
Published: November 2021

In our study, we analyse some reflections contained in the education thought of John Dewey, Paulo Freire and Peter McLaren. The three thinkers, with mutually different methods, have, in our opinion, as common point the intention to show that no education system is neutral in relation to the way in which societies are organised: all systems of education aim at the constitution of a particular kind of society through the formation of a corresponding mentality in the individuals. The ethical and political foundations of a society are mirrored in the education system: any reform of the society should, therefore, begin with the reform of the education system; furthermore, any reform of the society cannot be effective unless it is founded on the reform of education. 
As regards Dewey’s observations, we concentrate our attention on his criticism of any education system based on the passivity of pupils and on the massification of students: Dewey steadily pleads for a system of education aiming at the individualisation of pupils. As regards Freire’s meditation, we point out Freire’s uncovering of the oppression exercised against the subaltern classes through the traditional education systems: the constant relegation of pupils of the oppressed classes to a condition of total passivity, which is the aim of the system of education described by Freire as the banking concept of education, destroys any sense and aspiration to autonomy in the pupils themselves. Self-depreciation of pupils is the result of the traditional system of education. McLaren points out that a correct system of education should have as its own aim the self-transformation and the empowerment of the students: educators ought to uncover the relations holding between knowledge, which is always a social construct, and the interests of the dominant class.