bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychosemantic research of the professional image of law enforcement officers
Authors: Vasil'eva Inna , Vozzhenikova Ol'ga
Published: March 2021

It is stated that in recent years, in civil society and legal science there has been growing interest regarding the problem of the police officer’s image in the social conscience. Many scientific articles devoted to this theme have been published, where such issues as forming the police officer’s image in the mass media, appreciating the police activity by civil society, searching for ways of forming the positive police officer’s image, etc. are of special interest. This scientific research was aimed at appreciating the peculiarities of perceiving the professional image of law enforcement officers. In the course of the research 92 police officers were interviewed through filling the anonymous questionnaire in google-forms. Trainees of the management faculties and postgraduates of the scientific-pedagogic personnel training faculty of the Academy of Management of the MIA of Russia were the research participants. The data collection was accomplished by means of filling the google-forms. The research was conducted in anonymous format. It was stated that the application of the psychosemantic approach allowed to obtain more reliable information from the respondents than the methods of direct questions. The data were collected over the period from April to June 2020. The semantic field containing 828 words was obtained by means of applying the method of free associations to the incentive “image of law enforcement officers”. The obtained associations were classified into some semantic groups. Such service as https://облакослов.рф was used for selecting the largest semantic units. It allowed to visualize the most frequently used associations (100 of them) in the form of “word cloud”. The research results identifted the key importance of such words as “law”, “responsible”, “honest”, “to protect”, “to help” and others when characterizing both the image and professional activities of police officers.

Conclusions: 1) the application of the psychosemantic approach in the research of the professional image allowed to study the representation of law enforcement officers; 2) the activities of the law enforcement units responsible for moral and psychological training are considered as effective since the professional image of law enforcement officers is formed from the semantic markers of positive connotation, reflecting their functions related to law protecting and ensuring security and social health.

The study was carried out with the financial support of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research within the framework of scientific project No. 20-013-00423.
Quality of distance learning: analysis of contradictions and prospects for development
Authors: Kumohin Aleksandr , Antonovskiy Aleksandr
Published: March 2021

The article reviews the scientific literature on the quality of distance learning. The forced temporary transfer of the educational process to a distance form is considered as an unplanned event to assess the quality of education, which allows us to assess the effectiveness of the management system in education for all participants in educational relations, as well as to determine the directions of modernization and development of the education system as a whole. The use of digital technologies in the educational process helps the teacher to more fully build interaction with students, improve their methodological and organizational skills and competencies, use visual formats for presenting various information, which, in turn, contributes to the development of cognitive activity of schoolchildren and students. Educational interaction in the framework of distance learning has a special specificity and special qualities that place increased demands on the professional competence and pedagogical qualifications of teachers, as well as on the personal and professional competencies of all subjects of the distance educational process. Distance learning now allows interaction between the trainers and trainees, but not fully appropriate to ensure the achievement of learning objectives, learning content of the subject and control assessment of knowledge, skills, competencies. Distance learning technologies should complement (and this is their significant functionality and potential), and not replace the already established traditional face-to-face forms of educational interaction, models and methods of teaching.
Socio-psychological impact of fake publications discrediting the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation during the rallies on the 23-d of January in 2021 on the formation of the image of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia
Authors: Ivanova Regina
Published: March 2021

The article, using an informal document analysis method, analyzes the review of the Committee of the State Duma of the Russian Federation on information policy, information technology and communications "Express analysis of fakes on the topic of rallies on January 23" [1] Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, among the TOP 10 fake news on the TikTok video hosting platform during the rallies on January 23, 2021, and their impact on the image of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in society. As an object of research, we identified the review "Express analysis of fakes on the topic of rallies on January 23", prepared by the Committee of the State Duma of the Russian Federation on information policy, information technology and communications, according to which the highest concentration of fake news was revealed on the TikTok video hosting platform on the topic of rallies on January 23, 2021. The research material is a sample of the TOP 10 publications on the TikTok video hosting site containing fake information on the topic of the rallies on January 23, 2021. The units under study are publications that discredit the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation. According to the results of the study, it can be assumed that one of the main reasons for discrediting employees of the internal affairs bodies during the rallies on January 23, 2021 is the general compromise of the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation, carried out by subjects of the media space pursuing all sorts of personal motives: self-promotion, profit making by increasing the rating in media space, as well as the broadcast of general dissatisfaction with the state policy of the Russian Federation, which significantly affects the formation of the image of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.
Reflection of meanings and peculiarities of subjectivity of employees of internal affairs bodies in the environment of continuous education
Authors: Litvin Dmitriy
Published: March 2021

Abstract. The research problem lies in the need to study the contradiction between the high values of life-meaning orientations and the reflexivity of employees of the internal affairs bodies. Purpose of the article: to investigate the indicated contradiction and reveal the peculiarities of the subjectivity of the personality of employees. The analysis and interpretation of the characteristics of the personal development of employees in lifelong education was carried out by the method of clustering the sample using the values of the tests "Life-meaning orientations" D. Krambo, L. Makholik, adaptation - D.А. Leontiev, reflexivity (A.V. Karpov), as well as the subjectivity of a professional's personality and focus on the personal development of an employee, including in lifelong education based on the author's methodology. The work used the correlation analysis of the studied features by means of nonparametric statistical criteria (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient), cluster analysis. As a result of the study, it was revealed that reflexivity, orientation towards development in professional activity and focus on continuing education in clusters are expressed unevenly. The hypothesis of a strict inverse relationship between manifestations of reflexivity and life-meaning orientations was not confirmed. At the same time, a feature of the subject-personal orientation of employees is an insufficient connection between reflexivity and high values of meaningful orientations, subordination of the personal principle to the "professional role and position" (according to the terms of V.A. Lefebvre) due to the subordination and discipline in the profession, as well as the substitution of the moral imperative with legal norms. Strategies with extremely high values of life-meaning orientations of adult employees of internal affairs bodies, which have a negative correlation with reflexivity, regardless of subjectivity or the severity of orientation towards development in the profession, are assessed by us as unfavorable for personal development.
Can the appropriate use of humour and anecdotes from practice improve the retention of information in nursing lectures and would stand-up comedy techniques aid lecturers?
Authors: Smith Mike , Pringle Alan
Published: March 2021

This article discusses the use of humour and explores the impact of emotionally charged material used in nursing education, putting forward suggestions about the use of stand-up comedy techniques to enhance presentation skills. It further explores neurobiological evidence that may support these suggestions. As the landscape of nurse education is changing, the article discusses how larger class sizes, online delivery via virtual learning environments and other technology-enhanced learning methods may impact on how lessons are presented.
Generation and transfer of squeezed states in a cavity magnomechanical system by two-tone microwave fields
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Dong-Yang , Bai Cheng-Hua , Wang Tie , Zhang Shou , Wang Hong-Fu
Published: March 2021

We propose a scheme to generate squeezed states of magnon and phonon modes and verify squeezing transfer between different modes of distinct frequencies in a cavity magnomechanical system which is composed of a microwave cavity and a yttrium iron garnet sphere. We present that by activating the magnetostrictive force in the ferrimagnet, realized by driving the magnon mode with red-detuned and blue-detuned microwave fields, the driven magnon mode can be prepared in a squeezed state. Moreover, the squeezing can be transferred to the cavity mode via the cavity-magnon beamsplitter interaction with strong magnomechanical coupling. We show that under the weak coupling regime, large mechanical squeezing of phonon mode can be achieved, which verifies that our scheme can find the existence of quantum effects at macroscopic scales. Furthermore, distinct parameter regimes for obtaining large squeezing of the magnons and phonons are given, which is the principal feature of our scheme. The considered scheme can be extended to hybrid optical systems, and can facilitate the advancement for realization of strong mechanical squeezing in cavity magnomechanical systems.
Nonlinear interferometric surface-plasmon-resonance sensor
Authors: Wang Hailong , Fu Zhongxing , Ni Zhihao , Zhang Xiong , Zhao Chunliu , Jin Shangzhong , Jing Jietai
Published: March 2021

A nonlinear interferometer can be constructed by replacing the beam splitter in the Mach-Zehnder interferometer with four-wave mixing (FWM) process. Meanwhile, the conventional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors can be extensively used to infer the information of refractive index of the sample to be measured via either angle demodulation technique or intensity demodulation technique. Combined with a single FWM process, a quantum SPR sensor has been realized, whose noise floor is reduced below standard quantum limit with sensitivity unobtainable with classical SPR sensor. Therefore, in this work we have theoretically proposed a nonlinear interferometric SPR sensor, in which a conventional SPR sensor is placed inside nonlinear interferometer, which is called as I-type nonlinear interferometric SPR sensor. We demonstrate that near resonance angle I-type nonlinear interferometric SPR sensor has the following advantages: its degree of intensity-difference squeezing, estimation precision ratio, and signal-noise-ratio are improved by the factors of 4.6 dB, 2.3 dB, and 4.6 dB respectively than that obtained with a quantum SPR sensor based on a single FWM process. In addition, the theoretical principle of this work can also be expanded to other types of sensing, such as bending, pressure, and temperature sensors based on a nonlinear interferometer.
Рентгенофлюоресцентный анализ металлического ножа из разрушенного поселения Новосклюиха-II (собрание МБУК «Краеведческий музей» г. Рубцовска)
Authors:   Алтайский государственный университет, А.А. Тишкин
Published: March 2021

В Краеведческом музее г. Рубцовска (Алтайский край) хранится небольшая археологическая коллекция предметов из цветного металла. Среди таких находок выделяется хорошо сохранившийся нож периода поздней бронзы, обнаруженный на поселении Новосклюиха-II. Это изделие впервые было представлено в публикации Ю.Ф. Кирюшина и Г.А. Клюкина, вышедшей в 1985 г. Там же размещены его контурные рисунки. Позднее немного дополненные сведения нашли отражение в своде археологических памятников юго-западных районов Алтайского края. В 2009 г. нож был включен в классификационное построение при обобщении аналогичных орудий труда, зафиксированных на современной территории Алтайского края и Республики Алтай. Во всех публикациях рассматриваемый экспонат охарактеризован как бронзовый, хотя специальное определение состава сплава не проводилось. В данной небольшой статье вводятся в научный оборот результаты рентгенофлюоресцентного анализа, которые позволяют подтвердить указанное предположение. Кроме этого, даны другие характеристики и приводится всестороннее иллюстративное отражение качественно изготовленного и эффективно использовавшегося изделия.
Костяные орудия и изделия елунинской культуры с поселения Колыванское-I (Рудный Алтай)
Authors:   Алтайский государственный университет, И.А. Вальков , С.П. Грушин ,   Altai State University
Published: March 2021

В статье анализируется комплекс предметов из кости и рога елунинской археологической культуры (ранний бронзовый век) с поселения Колыванское-I, расположенного в Змеиногорском районе Алтайского края. Рассматриваются вопросы сырья, технологии изготовления, а также функционального назначения изделий. Анализ коллекции предусматривал использование экспериментально-трасологического метода, позволяющего выявлять и интерпретировать следы обработки, утилитарного и неутилитарного износа на поверхности артефактов. Было выяснено, что основу сырьевой базы косторезного дела составляли кости домашних животных, а сама отрасль была достаточно значи- мой, несмотря на металлургическую специализацию поселка. Предметы из кости были наиболее востребованы в кожевенном производстве, а также использовались в качестве орудий гончарного дела, охотничьего вооружения, предметов игры и др.
Вислообушный топор с гребнем в Нижнетомском очаге наскального искусства
Authors:   Институт экологии человека ФИЦ угля и углехимии СО РАН, И.В. Ковтун
Published: March 2021

Статья посвящена находке вислообушного топора с гребнем в окрестностях с. Поломошное, вблизи Тутальской и Никольской писаниц. Рассматривается ареал и культурная принадлежность типологически аналогичных изделий. Констатируется использование вислообушных топоров с гребнем представителями собственно андроновской, ряда андроноидных и саргаринско-алексеевской культур. Обобщены результаты датировки по 14С закрытых погребальных комплексов с полноразмерным и вотивными топорами подобного типа. Установлено бытование данных топоров у андроновского населения Северо-Западной Азии в пределах XVII – начала XV в. до н.э. Уточнен нижний хронологический рубеж появления вислообушных топоров с гребнем у саргаринско-алексеевского населения, ограниченный на основании суммы радиоуглеродных датировок XIV в. до н.э. Предло- жена культурно-хронологическая интерпретация поломошинского топора в составе Нижнетомского ранне- / андроноидного комплекса XVI–XIV(XIII) вв. до н.э.
Находки монетовидных амулетов в Сибири
Authors:   Сибирский федеральный университет, П.О. Сенотрусова
Published: March 2021

В монгольское время на территории Сибири появилась новая категория бронзовых украшений – монетовидные амулеты. Традиционные для китайской культуры изделия, они маркируют важный процесс включения периферийных районов Сибири в сферу влияния Монгольской империи. Известно 17 монетовидных амулетов, большая часть которых происходит из случайных сборов. Можно выделить три группы амулетов. Первая – с восточным календарем на реверсе и легендарными даосскими сюжетами на аверсе. Наиболее многочисленны ажурные амулеты с изображением пары змеевидных драконов, есть также ажурные изделия с двумя львами, играющими монетами. Все эти группы амулетов появляются еще во время династии Сун и продолжали изготавливаться и в эпоху Цзинь – Юань. Выбор сюжетов может быть обусловлен вкусовыми предпочтениями населения северных земель.
К изучению погребальной обрядности кочевников Монголии древнетюркского времени
Authors:   Институт монголоведения, буддологии и тибетологии СО РАН, В.В. Тишин
Published: March 2021

Автор статьи обращается к рассмотрению вопросов погребальной обрядности у кочевнического населения Монголии древнетюркского времени в связи с привлечением малоизвестных сведений китайских источников. Кроме упоминания известных данных о погребальных обычаях у тюрков (кит. ту-цзюэ 突厥), на которых автор не останавливается, он обращает специальное внимание на свидетельства китайских авторов касательно погребальных практик у соседствовавших с тюрками других кочевых племен. Несмотря на то что относительно племен, искусственно объединенных китайскими хронистами под названием те-лэ 鐵勒 / тэ-лэ 特勒, в источниках в целом упоминается, что они, в отличие от тюрков, практиковали трупоположение, имеется два свидетельства касательно племен се-янь-то 薛延陁 / 薛延陀 и пу-гу 僕骨 / 僕固, что представители их элиты после смерти подверглись трупосожжению. Свидетельство касательно второго племени коррелирует с недавними результатами археологических раскопок кургана Майхан-Уул (Шороон Бумбагар-II), где были обнаружены погребенные сожженные человеческие кости. По мнению автора, эти сведения, относящиеся к трем разным племенам, позволяют предполагать, что обряд трупосожжения практиковался не только у тюрков, но и среди других племен и, вероятно, в отношении прежде всего представителей элиты.
«Зoдиакальная» татуировка вождя-жреца из Пазырыка-2
Authors:   Государственный Эрмитаж, Л.С. Марсадолов
Published: March 2021

В 1948 г. во время раскопок большого 2-го Пазырыкского кургана на Алтае археологическая экспедиция С.И. Руденко обнаружила мумию мужчины с татуировками, а в 1949 г. была опубликована его первая статья об этой уникальной находке. Многие археологи неоднократно рассматривали связанные с этой татуировкой разные аспекты: стиль изображений, хронология, социальные и этнические проблемы. В статье впервые поставлен вопрос об общей семантике татуировки на теле вождя-жреца из кургана Пазырык-2. Изображения реальных и «сверхъестественных» образов на этой татуировке позволяют предполагать, что это была единая сакральная композиция, связанная с общей «моделью мира» «пазырыкцев» Алтая, с их зодиакальными и календарными представлениями. От созвездия Рыб на правой ноге вождя через созвездия Козерога (колено), Льва (сердце) к созвездию Барана/Овна (на левом плече), через переходные «сверхъестественные» образы, названные автором медиаторами, – таков зодиакальный круг на пазырыкской татуировке. Следует отметить, что на этой татуировке показана одна из ранних «композиций» сакрального «зодиакального человека», реально нанесенная на тело вождя-жреца, позднее нашедшая отражение в многочисленных рисунках из разных регионов мира.
Effect of Employee Involvement in Decision Making and Organization Productivity
Authors: Charles J. Mambula I , Francis Felix , Zirra Clifford Tizhe Oaya
Published: March 2021

The study is to examine the relationship between involvements in decision making and organization productivity. Employee involvement decision making (EIDM) is the extent in which employers allow its employees to involve in organizational decision making. The study was designed to investigate Deposit Money Bank in Yola (Access Bank). The focus of the study was to find out how involvements in decision making were handled in the organization. The simple and purposive sampling techniques were used to obtain a sample of 50 respondents for study, the questionnaire consisting of 20 questions on the various employee involvements in decision making in an organization and the data collected were analysed using tables and percentages. Finding from the study indicated that employee involvement in decision making is an effective tool to enhance productivity. The research revealed that allowing all employees to involve in decision making is the best and help increases commitment of workers as well as promoting creativity and innovation in the organization. The paper recommended that employees should be involved in decision making of an organization because it makes the workers feel part as owner of the organization; the relationship between managers and employee should be encouraged to enhance consultation and free flow of information in an organization.
Real-time detection and motivation of eating activity in elderly people with dementia using Pose Estimation with TensorFlow and OpenCV.
Authors: Nour Mhamed
Published: March 2021

The objective of this research is to automatically detect the intake of meals for elderly people with dementia living alone by using a Pose Estimation procedure with TensorFlow and OpenCV.

Such service based on an Artificial Intelligence product will require minimum intervention of the caregiver or a person as medical support.

 

 We proposed a method for the automatic eating activity detection. We will use this approach for human activity detection in general, for instance monitoring the security and the protection of the patient, automatic motivation of the patient to eat in case no eating detection has been done.

The choice of appropriate AI assistive technology was done to satisfy both the elderly people with neurodegenerative disorders and the caregiver, to verify the ethical aspect, simplify design, optimize code, and improve user friendly aspects.
Effectiveness of Constructivistic-Based Blended Learning Model Through Computer Numerical Control Courses
Authors: Muslim Muslim , K Abdul Hamid , Saragih Abdul Hasan
Published: March 2021

This study examines the minimal number of credits and practical infrastructure in the CNC (Computer Numerical Control) course in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Negeri Medan (UNIMED) which is a separate obstacle for students in improving competence of CNC course. An alternative and a solution in the form of constructivist-based blended learning model used in learning CNC course. The lack of literature studies on the use of constructivist-based blended learning models used in learning CNC course, so research is still needed on this problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the constructivist-based blended learning model used in the learning process of the CNC machining course. The data collection process was carried out by using learning outcome tests. This type of research is a quasi-experimental study with a total sample of 56 students of the Mechanical Engineering Education Study Program of UNIMED on the engineering expertise competency of CNC course. The results of the data analysis raised 2 (two) themes that were discussed, namely: (1) constructivist-based blended learning model had an effect on learning outcomes of CNC Course in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Education, Unimed; and (2) constructivist-based blended learning model. The study of the two themes led to the conclusion that the two themes were effectively used in improving student learning outcomes in the CNC course at the Department of Mechanical Engineering Education, Unimed.
The interplay of personal and contextual diversity during the first year at Higher Education: Combining a quantitative and a qualitative approach
Authors: Jenert Tobias , Brahm Taiga
Published: March 2021

Research on student transition into Higher Education (HE) has taken different theoretical perspectives. First, studies investigated personal variables such as students´ self-efficacy, emotions and motivation regarding the transition from school to HE. A second strand of research focused on contextual variables, for instance college effectiveness research. With this paper, we combine both the personal and the contextual approach. We aim to investigate the interaction between personal and contextual diversity during the transition into HE, taking into account students’ diversity in particular with regard to gender and individual characteristics, such as self-efficacy. We explored the heterogeneity in students’ personal characteristics by conducting a latent profile analysis (LPA) based on students’ intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy and anxiety before entering Higher Education. LPA resulted in three distinct profiles, with significant differences in how students perceived the first year. This finding suggests that students’ personal characteristics when entering Higher Education influence how they experience the study environment. To investigate the interplay between individual and contextual differences in more detail, we conducted a qualitative longitudinal study with 14 first-year students in parallel with the panel survey. We found that individual students react very differently to specific characteristics and events of the first-year environment. Our study adds to the growing body of research that aims to grasp the complexity of interactions between individual and contextual differences. Specifically, we illustrate how combining quantitative and qualitative methods can provide new insights into person-context interactions.
A primer on gathering and analysing multi-level quantitative evidence for differential student outcomes in higher education
Authors: Balloo Kieran , Winstone Naomi
Published: March 2021

A significant challenge currently facing the higher education sector is how to address differential student outcomes in terms of attainment and continuation gaps at various stages of students’ transitions. Worryingly, there appears to be a ‘deficit’ discourse among some university staff in which differential outcomes are perceived to be due to student deficiencies. This may be exacerbated by institutional analyses placing an over-emphasis on the presence of the gaps rather than the causes. The purpose of this primer is to provide advice about how institutions can carry out far more nuanced analyses of their institutional data without requiring specialist software or expertise. Drawing on a multi-level framework for explaining differential outcomes, we begin with guidance for gathering quantitative data on explanatory factors for attainment and continuation gaps, largely by linking sources of internal data that have not previously been connected. Using illustrative examples, we then provide tutorials for how to model explanatory factors employing IBM SPSS Statistics (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) to perform and interpret regression and meta-regression analyses of individual- and group-level (aggregated) student data, combined with data on micro- and meso-level factors. We propose that university staff with strategic responsibilities could use these approaches with their institutional data, and the findings could then inform the design of context-specific interventions that focus on changing practices associated with gaps. In doing so, institutions could enhance the evidence-base, raise awareness, and further ‘embed the agenda’ when it comes to understanding potential reasons for differential student outcomes during educational transitions.
Discussion to the special issue: Supporting the transition of a diversity of students: Developing the “whole student” during and beyond their time at higher education.
Authors: Van der Meer Jacques
Published: March 2021

Apart from the current Covid19 context, the higher education sectors across the world have been faced with major challenges over the last few decades (Auerbach et al., 2018; Haggis, 2004), including increased numbers and diversity. Considering the many challenges in higher education, especially the rise of students’ mental health issues, I am strongly convinced that education sectors, but in particular the higher education sector, have a societal responsibility to not just focus on students as learners of knowledge and/or professional skills, but to support them in being developed as “whole students”. All these challenges also raise a need for research into the broader context to identify how we can better support the diverse student population as they transition into higher education, but also how to prepare them for a positive experience during and beyond their time in higher education.
Overall, it can be said that the contributions to this special issue beneficially addressed some of the main foci to widening the perspectives on diversity related to the transition into higher education. The contribution came from different European countries, including Belgium, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
De Clercq et al. (in this special issue) indicated that environmental characteristics, such as distinctiveness of countries, is often overlooked in research. In this discussion article, therefore, some particular references will also be made to a specific country, New Zealand. This may be of interest and relevant for the particular questions raised in this special issue as focusing on student diversity in educational contexts has been considered important for some time in this country. Aoteraroa New Zealand is a country in the South Pacific colonised by Europeans in the 19th century. In the second part of the 20th century, the focus across the New Zealand education sectors, including higher education, started to develop beyond just a European perspective, and started to focus more on recognition of student diversity. Initially, the main focus was on the indigenous population, the Māori people. In the last few decades of the 20th century, the focus was extended to the Pacific Island people, many of whom migrated to New Zealand from a wide range of different islands in the South Pacific. In the 21st century, the focus on Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) groups was further extended, and over the last decade also because of the increase of refugees from the Middle East and Asia. Providing some insights from the other end of the world, in quite a different and de-colonised ex-European nation may help European (and other) countries to reflect on their own approaches.
The existence of minimizers for an isoperimetric problem with Wasserstein penalty term in unbounded domains
Authors: Xia Qinglan , Zhou Bohan
Published: March 2021

In this article, we consider the (double) minimization problem

min
⁡

{

P
⁢

(
E
;
Ω
)

+

λ
⁢

W
p

⁢

(
E
,
F
)

:

E
⊆
Ω

,

F
⊆

R
d

,

|

E
∩
F

|

=
0

,

|
E
|

=

|
F
|

=
1

}

,

\min\{P(E;\Omega)+\lambda W_{p}(E,F):E\subseteq\Omega,\,F\subseteq\mathbb{R}^{d},\,\lvert E\cap F\rvert=0,\,\lvert E\rvert=\lvert F\rvert=1\},

where

λ
⩾
0

\lambda\geqslant 0

,

p
⩾
1

p\geqslant 1

, Ω is a (possibly unbounded) domain in

R
d

\mathbb{R}^{d}

,

P
⁢

(
E
;
Ω
)

P(E;\Omega)

denotes the relative perimeter of 𝐸 in Ω and

W
p

W_{p}

denotes the 𝑝-Wasserstein distance.
When Ω is unbounded and

d
⩾
3

d\geqslant 3

, it is an open problem proposed by Buttazzo, Carlier and Laborde in the paper On the Wasserstein distance between mutually singular measures.
We prove the existence of minimizers to this problem when the dimension

d
⩾
1

d\geqslant 1

,

1
p

+

2
d

>
1

\frac{1}{p}+\frac{2}{d}>1

,

Ω
=

R
d

\Omega=\mathbb{R}^{d}

and 𝜆 is sufficiently small.
Hodge numbers of hypersurfaces in ℙ4 with ordinary triple points
Authors: Cynk Sławomir
Published: March 2021

We give a formula for the Hodge numbers of a three-dimensional hypersurface in a weighted projective space with only ordinary triple points as singularities.
Automated cell count in body fluids: a review
Authors: Alcaide Martín María José , Altimira Queral Laura , Sahuquillo Frías Laura , Valiña Amado Laura , Merino Anna , García de Guadiana-Romualdo Luis
Published: March 2021

Body fluid cell counting provides valuable information for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions. Chamber cell count and cellularity analysis by optical microscopy are considered the gold-standard method for cell counting. However, this method has a long turnaround time and limited reproducibility, and requires highly-trained personnel. In the recent decades, specific modes have been developed for the analysis of body fluids. These modes, which perform automated cell counting, are incorporated into hemocytometers and urine analyzers. These innovations have been rapidly incorporated into routine laboratory practice. At present, a variety of analyzers are available that enable automated cell counting for body fluids. Nevertheless, these analyzers have some limitations and can only be operated by highly-qualified laboratory professionals. In this review, we provide an overview of the most relevant automated cell counters currently available for body fluids, the interpretation of the parameters measured by these analyzers, their main analytical features, and the role of optical microscopy as automated cell counters gain ground.
Circ_WWC3 overexpression decelerates the progression of osteosarcoma by regulating miR-421/PDE7B axis
Authors: Liu Sihai , Zhang Jing , Zheng Ting , Mou Xiongneng , Xin Wenwei
Published: March 2021

Background

Emerging evidence has shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are vital regulators in osteosarcoma (OS) progression. However, the effects of circ_WWC3 in OS have not been explored. In this research, the functions and mechanisms of circ_WWC3 in OS were investigated.

Methods

Quantitative reverse trancription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was adopted to determine the levels of circ_WWC3, WW and WWC3 mRNA, miR-421, and phosphodiesterase 7B (PDE7B) mRNA. RNase R assay was used to determine the characteristic of circ_WWC3. Colony formation assay and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay were applied for cell growth. Transwell assay was performed for cell migration and invasion. Flow cytometry analysis was utilized for cell apoptosis. Western blot assay was conducted for the levels of apoptosis-related proteins and PDE7B protein. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was carried out to analyze the targeting relationship between miR-421 and circ_WWC3 or PDE7B. The murine xenograft model was established to explore the effect of circ_WWC3 in vivo.

Results

Compared to normal tissues and cells, circ_WWC3 and PDE7B were downregulated in OS tissues and cells. Overexpression of circ_WWC3 or PDE7B suppressed OS cell growth, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis in vitro. Regarding the mechanism analysis, circ_WWC3 positively modulated PDE7B expression by targeting miR-421. MiR-421 overexpression restored the impacts of circ_WWC3 on OS cell growth, metastasis, and apoptosis. Inhibition of miR-421 repressed the malignant behaviors of OS cells by targeting PDE7B. In addition, circ_WWC3 inhibited the tumorigenicity of OS in vivo.

Conclusion

Circ_WWC3 overexpression slowed the development of OS by elevating PDE7B via sponging miR-421.
CO2 gas separation using mixed matrix membranes based on polyethersulfone/MIL-100(Al)
Authors: Lestari Witri Wahyu , Al Adawiyah Robiah , Khafidhin Moh Ali , Wijiyanti Rika , Widiastuti Nurul , Handayani Desi Suci
Published: March 2021

The excessive use of natural gas and other fossil fuels by the industrial sector leads to the production of great quantities of gas pollutants, including CO2, SO2, and NO
x
. Consequently, these gases increase the temperature of the earth, producing global warming. Different strategies have been developed to help overcome this problem, including the utilization of separation membrane technology. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) are hybrid membranes that combine an organic polymer as a matrix and an inorganic compound as a filler. In this study, MMMs were prepared based on polyethersulfone (PES) and a type of metal–organic framework (MOF), Materials of Institute Lavoisier (MIL)-100(Al) [Al3O(H2O)2(OH)(BTC)2] (BTC: benzene 1,3,5-tricarboxylate) using a phase inversion method. The influence on the properties of the produced membranes by addition of 5, 10, 20, and 30% MIL-100(Al) (w/w) to the PES was also investigated. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated that no chemical interactions occurred between PES and MIL-100(Al). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed agglomeration at PES/MIL-100(Al) 30% (w/w) and that the thickness of the dense layer increased up to 3.70 µm. After the addition of MIL-100(Al) of 30% (w/w), the permeability of the MMMs for CO2, O2, and N2 gases was enhanced by approximately 16, 26, and 14 times, respectively, as compared with a neat PES membrane. The addition of MIL-100(Al) to PES increased the thermal stability of the membranes, reaching 40°C as indicated by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). An addition of 20% MIL-100(Al) (w/w) increased membrane selectivity for CO2/O2 from 2.67 to 4.49 (approximately 68.5%), and the addition of 10% MIL-100(Al) increased membrane selectivity for CO2/N2 from 1.01 to 2.12 (approximately 110.1%).
Social-pragmatic contextual comprehension in Italian preschool and school-aged children: a study using the Pragma test
Authors: Gabbatore Ilaria , Bosco Francesca M. , Mäkinen Leena , Leinonen Eeva , Loukusa Soile
Published: March 2021

Efficient communication requires the interplay of linguistic, cognitive and social skills, including the ability to make contextual inferences and to understand others’ intentions and emotions. The capacity to effectively use language in specific contexts (i.e., pragmatic ability) develops with age, and an assessment of this ability is important for understanding both typical and atypical development. The Pragma test was originally developed and validated on Finnish children to assess social-pragmatic comprehension. The present study utilizes a slightly adapted version of the Pragma test, translated into Italian, and presents the results of the test given to 110 typically developing Italian children (4–8 years of age). The Italian version of the Pragma test shows content and concurrent validity, interrater reliability, and internal consistency, and it proves to be sensitive in detecting an age-dependent pattern of performance, across pre-school and school age children, in the pragmatic parameters investigated. The present study has ramifications for clinical contexts, as data for typical pragmatic development enables identification of strengths and weaknesses in the pragmatic performance in clinical populations. Finally, the results indicate that the Pragma test is relevant to both Finnish and Italian cultural contexts, thus providing the opportunity to make cross-cultural comparisons.
Comparative effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers on pulmonary function in hypertensive patients
Authors: Jabbar Azza S. , Neamah Nadheera F. , Al-Darraji Ahmed H.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Hypertension is a very common cardiovascular disease. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used to treat hypertension. Many patients with hypertension are vulnerable to the antihypertensive adverse effects, which potentially reduces the adherence rate. Therefore, we conducted this study in order to evaluate the safety profile of both classes (ACEi and ARBs) on respiratory functions.

Methods

Two main groups of subjects were studied: first group is healthy control subjects and the second group is hypertensive patients, which was subdivided into subgroups in order to investigate the effect of all tested medications (captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, and valsartan). Respiratory efficiency was evaluated by measuring pulmonary function tests: FEV1, FVC, and FEV1%. Measurements were done using micromedical spirometer.

Results

We found that ARBs do not impair normal respiratory functions as measured by FEV1, FEV1%, and FVC in hypertensive patients. While ACEi treatments significantly reduced FEV1, FEV1%, and FVC compared to the other groups.

Conclusions

ARBs are not associated with any harmful effects on respiratory functions in hypertensive patients, unlike ACEi. As such, they could represent a first-choice treatment for hypertensive patients who are at high risk to the respiratory adverse effects.
Public health approach of Unani medicine to cope and stay safe in hot environmental conditions
Authors: Khan Tariq Nadeem , Itrat Malik , Ansari Tasfiya Hakeem
Published: March 2021

The rising episodes of deadly heat waves have intensified the need for a heat protection strategy. The Unani system of medicine offers ways to stay healthy in different climatic conditions. Hence, this article aims to discuss the applicability of health protection measures suggested by Unani scholars for hot weather conditions in the light of current researches. The manual literature survey of classical Unani texts was conducted to collect information on health safety measures for hot weather. A substantial search of scientific databases such as “Google Scholar” and “Medline” for proposed measures in combination with “heat-stroke”, “heat exhaustion” and “heat rash” was also conducted to identify their possible activity in heat-related illnesses. The guidelines for summer seasons in the classical Unani literature are described under the title tadābīr-i-mavsam. Unani scholars have discussed in detail the pathophysiological effects of heat and the measures to stay healthy by regulating the body system through lifestyle, diet and herbs. Most of the measures proposed by them are backed up by evidences. However, some measures have not yet been evaluated for their therapeutic or prophylactic efficacy in heat-related illnesses. On the basis of findings, the authors advocate the adoption of evidence-based measures and propose further investigation of those measures that are not well supported by the evidence or have not yet been evaluated.
Infant outcomes and maternal COVID-19 status at delivery
Authors: Zgutka Kinga , Prasanth Kaninghat , Pinero-Bernardo Shirley , Lew Lily Q. , Cervellione Kelly , Rhythm Rhythm , Rahman Lubna , Dolmaian Gigliola , Cohen Lourdes
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To compare clinical characteristics and outcomes of infants born to COVID-19 to non COVID-19 mothers at delivery in a community hospital in Queens, New York.

Methods

Case-control study conducted March 15 to June 15, 2020. Cases were infants born to mothers with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection at delivery. The infant of non COVID-19 mother born before and after each case were selected as controls.

Results

Of 695 deliveries, 62 (8.9%) infants were born to COVID-19 mothers; 124 controls were selected. Among cases, 18.3% were preterm compared to 8.1% in controls (p=0.04). In preterm cases, birth weight was not significantly different between groups. However, there was a significantly higher proportion of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, need for respiratory support, suspected sepsis, hyperbilirubinemia, feeding intolerance and longer length of stay (LOS) in preterm cases. Among term cases, birth weight and adverse outcomes were not significantly different between cases and controls except for more feeding intolerance in cases. All infants born to COVID-19 mothers were COVID-19 negative at 24 and 48 h of life. No infants expired during birth hospitalization.

Conclusions

Significantly, more infants of COVID-19 mothers were premature compared to controls. Preterm cases were more likely to have adverse outcomes despite having similar birth weight and gestational age. These differences were not seen among full term infants. Health care providers should anticipate the need for NICU care when a COVID-19 mother presents in labor.
Observations of a coastal population of huemul, Hippocamelus bisulcus (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in Riesco Island, Magallanes Region, Chile: a conservation opportunity
Authors: Moreira-Arce Dario , Peñaranda Diego A. , Lopéz Rodrigo , Stipicic Gregor J. , Hidalgo-Hermoso Ezequiel , Simonetti Javier A.
Published: March 2021

We document the presence of a huemul population on Cabo León, Riesco Island, Chilean Patagonia 15 years after its first assessment, providing ecological insights for this southernmost coastal population. During Austral spring 2018 we recorded indirect signs of huemul presence and five individuals including one yearling across 35 km of trails, estimating a density of 2.3 ind/km2. Records were distributed in dense secondary forest, at low elevations and slopes. These observations suggest the presence of a breeding population, favored by the establishment of a private reserve and the reduction of livestock, along with the recently established Kawésqar National Park.
A reappraisal of the species richness of Euneomys Coues 1874 (Rodentia, Cricetidae), with emendations of the type localities of Reithrodon fossor Thomas 1899 and Euneomys mordax Thomas 1912
Authors: Teta Pablo , D’Elía Guillermo , Lanzone Cecilia , Ojeda Agustina , Novillo Agustina , Ojeda Ricardo A.
Published: March 2021

The genus Euneomys is mostly distributed in the open environments of the central and southern Andes, adjacent Patagonian steppes of Argentina and Chile, and in several islands of the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago. This genus includes three living species: E. chinchilloides, E. fossor, and E. mordax. Euneomys fossor is a poorly known species, with an uncertain geographic provenance and known from a single specimen, whose distinction from the other species of the genus has not been accurately assessed. Here, using qualitative and quantitative morphological evidence, plus published information about karyotypes and genetic variation, we evaluate the taxonomic status of E. fossor and E. noei, a nominal form usually considered a synonym of E. mordax. Based on multivariate analysis of cranial measurements and morphological discrete traits, we recognize two main morphotypes within Euneomys, one referable to E. chinchilloides (with dabbenei, petersoni, and ultimus as synonyms), and another including E. fossor, E. mordax, and E. noei. The recognition of two major groups within Euneomys is also supported by molecular and chromosomal data. By the principle of the priority, the names of E. chinchilloides and E. fossor applies for each one of these morphotypes. In addition, after discussing the pros and cons of replacing the name mordax by fossor, we emended the type localities of both forms.
Acute myeloid leukemia with leukemic pleural effusion and high levels of pleural adenosine deaminase: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Wang Sing-Ting , Chen Chieh-Lung , Liang Shih-Hsin , Yeh Shih-Peng , Cheng Wen-Chien
Published: March 2021

Pleural effusions are rarely observed in association with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and their true incidence remains unknown. Given the low diagnostic yield from cytopathologic analysis of malignant pleural effusions and the fact that patients with leukemia are often thrombocytopenic and unable to tolerate invasive procedures, the incidence of leukemic effusions may be underestimated. Here, we report a rare case of pleural effusion in a patient with newly diagnosed AML. Initial analysis revealed an exudative, lymphocyte-predominant effusion. High levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA) were detected in pleural fluid, consistent with a diagnosis of tuberculosis. However, the analysis of pleural cytology revealed leukemic cells, permitting the diagnosis of leukemic effusion to be made. The patient underwent induction chemotherapy and pleural effusion resolved without recurrence. This case emphasizes the diagnostic dilemma presented by high levels of ADA in a leukemic pleural effusion, as this association has not been previously considered in the literature.