bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural adaptation and validation of the Sidamic version of the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life-Bref Scale measuring the quality of life of women with severe preeclampsia in southern Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Jikamo Birhanu , Adefris Mulat , Azale Telake , Alemu Kassahun
Published: October 2021

Background

Women with severe preeclampsia often present with more health complaints compared to those with uncomplicated pregnancies. Estimating the quality of life of women affected with severe preeclampsia could provide direction for further interventions. However, the current measurement of the quality of life has not been culturally adapted and validated for this population. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and test the reliability and validity of the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life-Bref Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) in southern Ethiopia among women with severe preeclampsia.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Ethiopia in selected hospitals with randomly recruited women with severe preeclampsia. Cultural adaptation and validation techniques were used to translate and adapt the WHOQOL-BREF scale. Face, content validity, forward and backward translations, and synthesis were computed using an expert panel. The scale was pretested and adjusted accordingly. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test–retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient = ICC) were examined. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was computed to test the fit of the structure to the local setting before conducting exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Multiple methods for determining the number of factors extracted (scree test, eigenvalues) were used. We compared the original English structure with the new structure in the study setting and extracted a new structure using EFA.

Results

The internal consistency reliabilities ranged from 0.8045 to 0.9123 indicating good-to-excellent reliability. The item‑level content validity ranged from 0.86 to 1.00; the scale‑level content validity index was 0.97. In CFA, the model fit indices were unacceptable (Comparative Fit Index (CFI = 0.87), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA = 0.23), Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR = 0.38), Tucker Lewis Index (TLI = 0.85) and (PCLOSE = 0.00). Three new factor structures were extracted using EFA for current research with a total variance was 91%.

Conclusions

The failure of the original scale in this study population highlights the importance of culturally adapting tool to local settings. EFA confirmed a three-factor structure, inconsistent with the original English structure.
Governance of health research in four eastern and southern African countries
Authors: Juma Pamela A. , Jones Catherine M. , Mijumbi-Deve Rhona , Wenham Clare , Masupe Tiny , Sobngwi-Tambekou Joelle , Biemba Godfrey , Mtombo Namuunda , Parkhurst Justin
Published: October 2021

Background

Health research governance is an essential function of national health research systems. Yet many African countries have not developed strong health research governance structures and processes. This paper presents a comparative analysis of national health research governance in Botswana, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia, where health sciences research production is well established relative to some others in the region and continues to grow. The paper aims to examine progress made and challenges faced in strengthening health research governance in these countries.

Methods

We collected data through document review and key informant interviews with a total of 80 participants including decision-makers, researchers and funders across stakeholder institutions in the four countries. Data on health research governance were thematically coded for policies, legislation, regulation and institutions and analysed comparatively across the four national health research systems.

Results

All countries were found to be moving from using a research governance framework set by national science, technology and innovation policies to one that is more anchored in health research structures and policies within the health sectors. Kenya and Zambia have adopted health research legislation and policies, while Botswana and Uganda are in the process of developing the same. National-level health research coordination and regulation is hampered by inadequate financial and human resource capacities, which present challenges for building strong health research governance institutions.

Conclusion

Building health research governance as a key pillar of national health research systems involves developing stronger governance institutions, strengthening health research legislation, increasing financing for governance processes and improving human resource capacity in health research governance and management.
Pyruvate kinase isoform M2 impairs cognition in systemic lupus erythematosus by promoting microglial synaptic pruning via the β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Lu Li , Wang Hailin , Liu Xuan , Tan Liping , Qiao Xiaoyue , Ni Jiali , Sun Yang , Liang Jun , Hou Yayi , Dou Huan
Published: October 2021

Background

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is a severe complication, which involves pathological damage to the brain and cognitive function. However, its exact mechanism of action still remains unclear. In this study, we explored the role of microglia in the cognitive dysfunction of NPSLE mice. We also analyzed and compared the metabolites in the hippocampal tissues of the lupus model and control mice.

Methods

MRL/MpJ-Faslpr(MRL/lpr) female mice were used as the NPSLE mouse model. Metabolomics was used to assess hippocampal glycolysis levels. Glucose, lactic acid, IL-6, and IL-1β of the hippocampus were detected by ELISA. Based on the glycolysis pathway, we found that pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2) in the hippocampus was significantly increased. Thus, the expression of PKM2 was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, and the localization of PKM2 in microglia (IBA-1+) or neurons (NeuN+) was assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number and phenotype of microglia; the changes in microglial phagocytosis and the β-catenin signaling pathway were detected in BV2 cells overexpressing PKM2. For in vivo experiments, MRL/lpr mice were treated with AAV9-shPKM2. After 2 months, Morris water maze and conditional fear tests were applied to investigate the cognitive ability of mice; H&E and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate brain damage; flow cytometry was used to detect the phenotype and function of microglia; neuronal synapse damage was monitored by qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Glycolysis was elevated in the hippocampus of MRL/lpr lupus mice, accompanied by increased glucose consumption and lactate production. Furthermore, the activation of PKM2 in hippocampal microglia was observed in lupus mice. Cell experiments showed that PKM2 facilitated microglial activation and over-activated microglial phagocytosis via the β-catenin signaling pathway. In vivo, AAV9-shPKM2-treated mice showed decreased microglial activation and reduced neuronal synapses loss by blocking the β-catenin signaling pathway. Furthermore, the cognitive impairment and brain damage of MRL/lpr mice were significantly relieved after microglial PKM2 inhibition.

Conclusion

These data indicate that microglial PKM2 have potential to become a novel therapeutic target for treating lupus encephalopathy.
Activation of GPR39 with TC-G 1008 attenuates neuroinflammation via SIRT1/PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway post-neonatal hypoxic–ischemic injury in rats
Authors: Xie Shucai , Jiang Xili , Doycheva Desislava Met , Shi Hui , Jin Peng , Gao Ling , Liu Rui , Xiao Jie , Hu Xiao , Tang Jiping , Zhang Lina , Zhang John H.
Published: October 2021

Background

Hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a severe anoxic brain injury that leads to premature mortality or long-term disabilities in infants. Neuroinflammation is a vital contributor to the pathogenic cascade post-HIE and a mediator to secondary neuronal death. As a plasma membrane G-protein-coupled receptor, GPR39, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in several diseases. This study aimed to explore the neuroprotective function of GPR39 through inhibition of inflammation post-hypoxic–ischemic (HI) injury and to elaborate the contribution of sirtuin 1(SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α)/nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2(Nrf2) in G-protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39)-mediated protection.

Methods

A total of 206 10-day-old Sprague Dawley rat pups were subjected to HIE or sham surgery. TC-G 1008 was administered intranasally at 1 h, 25 h, 49 h, and 73 h post-HIE induction. SIRT1 inhibitor EX527, GPR39 CRISPR, and PGC-1α CRISPR were administered to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Brain infarct area, short-term and long-term neurobehavioral tests, Nissl staining, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were performed post-HIE.

Results

The expression of GPR39 and pathway-related proteins, SIRT1, PGC-1α and Nrf2 were increased in a time-dependent manner, peaking at 24 h or 48-h post-HIE. Intranasal administration of TC-G 1008 reduced the percent infarcted area and improved short-term and long-term neurological deficits. Moreover, TC-G 1008 treatment significantly increased the expression of SIRT1, PGC-1α and Nrf2, but downregulated the expressions of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. GPR39 CRISPR EX527 and PGC-1α CRISPR abolished GPR39’s neuroprotective effects post-HIE.

Conclusions

TC-G 1008 attenuated neuroinflammation in part via the SIRT1/PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway in a neonatal rat model of HIE. TC-G 1008 may be a novel therapeutic target for treatment post-neonatal HIE injury.
Application of ultrasound in the closed reduction and percutaneous pinning in supracondylar humeral fractures
Authors: Wu Yang , Lu Rongbin , Liao Shijie , Ding Xiaofei , Su Wei , Wei Qinjun
Published: October 2021

Background

Ultrasound examination can be applied to the diagnosis of pediatric elbow fracture. This study aims to analyze the application value of ultrasound in the surgical treatment of supracondylar humeral fractures.

Methods

64 children with supracondylar humeral fractures were treated with ultrasound-guided closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP), 31 patients were treated with CRPP under radiography guidence. The reduction effect of supracondylar humeral fractures was determined through the perioperative ultrasound images of the lateral, medial and posterior aspects of the elbow. Percutaneous pinning was performed after supracondylar humeral fractures were well reduced. A follow-up examination was performed and all the patients were evaluated according to Flynn’s criteria.

Results

The mean duration of surgery was 58.3 min (42–108 min) in the ultrasound group and 41.5 min (24-63 min) in the radiography group (P < 0.05). The mean carrying angle was 8.2° (0°–15°) in the ultrasound group and 9.4°(3°–16°) in the radiography group; The mean Baumann’s angle was 75.5°(60°–85°) in the ultrasound group and 73.4°(62°–82°) in the radiography group; The mean lateral humerocapitellar angle was 38.4° (26°–54°) in the ultrasound group and 41.6°(29°–52°) in the radiography group; No significant differences were observed between the two groups. According to the Flynn’s criteria, 49 (76.6%) patients had excellent, 10 (15.6%) patients achieved good, 3 (4.7%) patients showed fair results and 2 (3.1%) patients achieved poor results in the ultrasound group; 22 (70.9%) patients had excellent, 6 (19.4%) patients achieved good, 2 (6.5%) patients showed fair results and 1 (3.2%) patients achieved poor results in the radiography group; No statistically significant difference was noted between the results of these two groups (P > 0.05). After surgery, three patients had pin tract infection. One patient had ulnar nerve neurapraxia in the radiography group. No cases with Volkmann’s contracture were reported.

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided CRPP is a safe and reliable surgical treatment of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures.

Trial registration Retrospectively registered.
Impact of rising temperatures on the biomass of humid old-growth forests of the world
Authors: Larjavaara Markku , Lu Xiancheng , Chen Xia , Vastaranta Mikko
Published: October 2021

Background

Understanding how warming influence above-ground biomass in the world’s forests is necessary for quantifying future global carbon budgets. A climate-driven decrease in future carbon stocks could dangerously strengthen climate change. Empirical methods for studying the temperature response of forests have important limitations, and modelling is needed to provide another perspective. Here we evaluate the impact of rising air temperature on the future above-ground biomass of old-growth forests using a model that explains well the observed current variation in the above-ground biomass over the humid lowland areas of the world based on monthly air temperature.

Results

Applying this model to the monthly air temperature data for 1970–2000 and monthly air temperature projections for 2081–2100, we found that the above-ground biomass of old-growth forests is expected to decrease everywhere in the humid lowland areas except boreal regions. The temperature-driven decrease is estimated at 41% in the tropics and at 29% globally.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that rising temperatures impact the above-ground biomass of old-growth forests dramatically. However, this impact could be mitigated by fertilization effects of increasing carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere and nitrogen deposition.
Intervention to enhance adherence to mandibular advancement appliance in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Tallamraju Harishri , Newton J. Tim , Fleming Padhraig S. , Johal Ama
Published: October 2021

Background

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a sleep-related breathing disorder characterised by the repeated episodic collapse of the upper airway during sleep, resulting in sleep deprivation, giving rise to apnoeas and hypopnoeas. Based on the severity of OSA, there are two primary treatment modalities, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and mandibular advancement appliances (MAA); both are adherence-dependent. MAA is offered to those with mild to moderate OSA and is prescribed as an alternative to patients intolerable to CPAP. However, adherence to MAA treatment is variable and declines over time. Hence, the current study aims to assess the effectiveness of the stage-matched intervention, the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA), on adherence to MAA in patients with OSA.

Methods

A single-centre randomised clinical trial will be undertaken at Bart’s Health NHS Trust. Fifty-six participants with newly diagnosed OSA are planned to be enrolled in the study and randomised to intervention care (IC) and standardised care (SC) groups. Participants in the SC group will receive routine care whilst participants in the IC group will receive the stage-matched intervention, developed using the HAPA model. Data indicating MAA adherence will be collected both objectively and subjectively, from micro-sensors embedded in the MAA design and sleep diaries, respectively at 3, 6, 18 and 36 months. In addition, a range of questionnaires designed to assess risk perception, outcome expectancy, and self-efficacy (SEMSA) and quality of sleep (PSQI and ESS) and life (EQ-5DL), socio-economic and social support scales will be used.

Discussion

The currently available treatments for obstructive sleep apnoea depend entirely on the patient’s acceptance and use. There are several factors that affect cooperation and wear for example patients’ awareness of their condition, social support and psychological behaviour. In addition, mood, such as anxiety, stress, and depression, may affect wear. At the same time, we know that interventions involving more education and behaviour approaches can help patients adapt more easily to some treatments. As a result, the present trial aims to explore the potential role of these factors to maximise treatment success and minimise side effects.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04092660. Registered on September 6, 2019
Two hybrid and non-hybrid k-dimensional inclusion systems via sequential fractional derivatives
Authors: Aydogan Seher Melike , Sakar Fethiye Muge , Fatehi Mostafa , Rezapour Shahram , Masiha Hashem Parvaneh
Published: October 2021

Some complicated events can be modeled by systems of differential equations. On the other hand, inclusion systems can describe complex phenomena having some shocks better than the system of differential equations. Also, one of the interests of researchers in this field is an investigation of hybrid systems. In this paper, we study the existence of solutions for hybrid and non-hybrid k-dimensional sequential inclusion systems by considering some integral boundary conditions. In this way, we use different methods such as α-ψ contractions and the endpoint technique. Finally, we present two examples to illustrate our main results.
Zika virus endemic challenges during COVID-19 pandemic in Africa
Authors: Aborode Abdullahi Tunde , Sukaina Mahnoor , Kumar Harendra , Farooqui Tahreem , Faheem Samar , Chahal Priyanka , Alkazmi Luay , Hetta Helal F. , Batiha Gaber El-Saber
Published: October 2021

Zika virus remains endemic and opportunistic of high transmission in the tropical region of Africa, and the repeated cases of the Zika virus in Africa made it public health emergency in 2016. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the catastrophic cases of unknown and unreported deaths overwhelming the region of Africa could not give health attention to respond to other endemic diseases. Here, we present the possible complication and challenges associated with the Zika virus in Africa and COVID-19 predominance, shifting the attention from the Zika virus surveillance. This paper determines to enlighten the reader about the situation, the efforts to curb the transmission of both the Zika virus and the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the report recommends sustainable solutions that can lessen the threat to public health.
History of psychiatry in Nepal
Authors: Singh Rakesh , Gupta Anoop Krishna , Singh Babita , Basnet Pragyan , Arafat S. M. Yasir
Published: October 2021

The history of psychiatry as a discipline in Nepal has been poorly studied. We have attempted to summarise historical landmarks to explore how it began and its evolution over time in relation to contemporary political events. Although Nepal has achieved several milestones, from establishing a psychiatric out-patient department with one psychiatrist in 1961 to having more than 500 psychiatric in-patient beds with 200 psychiatrists by 2020, the pace, commitment and dedication seem to be slower than necessary: the current national mental health policy dates back to 1996 and has not been updated since; there is no Mental Health Act; the number of psychiatric nurses and in-patient psychiatric beds has increased only slowly; and there is a dearth of professional supervision in rehabilitation centres. Thus, despite making significant progress, much more is required, at greater intensity and speed, and with wide collaboration and political commitment in order to improve the mental health of all Nepali citizens, including those living in rural areas and or in deprived conditions.
Heteroleptic Cu(I) Phenanthroline Complexes Bearing Benzoxazole and Benzothiazole Moieties for Visible Light Absorption
Authors: Takeda Hiroyuki , Shimo Makoto , Yasuhara Gai , Kobori Ken , Asano Motoko S , Amao Yutaka
Published: October 2021

Three kinds of heteroleptic Cu(I) complexes having a phenanthroline-based ligand acting as a chromophore and bearing benzoxazole, benzothiazole, and thiazole moieties were synthesized. Introduction into the phenanthroline ligands of electron-withdrawing five-membered aryl groups caused large red-shifts in the metal-to-ligand charge transfer bands, showing visible light absorption up to 500 nm. The obtained Cu(I) complexes exhibited emissions with quantum yields of 0.01–0.04 and long lifetimes of 0.4–3 µs.
Dynamic Behavior of Cargo Proteins Regulated by Linker Peptides on a Protein Needle Scaffold
Authors: Nguyen Que D , Kikuchi Kosuke , Kojima Mariko , Ueno Takafumi
Published: October 2021

We investigated the effect of linkers on the dynamics of cargo proteins by using a protein needle (PN) scaffold linked to superfolder green fluorescent proteins (sfGFPs) via various linkers. High-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) revealed clear images of the sfGFP motions on the PN. The results showed that the mobility of cargo proteins is affected by the flexibility and length of linker as well as the intermolecular interactions between the cargo protein and the scaffold protein.
Ομοιότητες ΔΕΠΥ και Χαρισματικότητας
Authors: Νταλάκα Βασιλική , Μωραΐτη Αφροδίτη
Published: October 2021

Η χαρισματικότητα θεωρείται ότι συμβάλλει θετικά σε υψηλότερα επίπεδα εκπαιδευτικών και επαγγελματικών επιτευγμάτων. Ωστόσο,  ορισμένοι ερευνητές πρότειναν ότι υπό κάποιες συνθήκες μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε συναισθηματικά, συμπεριφορικά και κοινωνικά προβλήματα. Σύμφωνα με κάποιες άλλες έρευνες, η παρορμητικότητα, η υπερκινητικότητα και η απροσεξία  των χαρισματικών ατόμων προκύπτουν από την ψυχοκινητική υπερδιέγερση και δεν αποτελούν καθαρές ενδείξεις ΔΕΠΥ. Κατά συνέπεια υπάρχει ελλιπής ή λανθασμένη ή διττή διάγνωση της ΔΕΠΥ και της χαρισματικότητας. Η διττή διάγνωση αναφέρεται σε μαθητές οι οποίοι έχουν υψηλό νοητικό δυναμικό και παράλληλα εμφανίζουν χαρακτηριστικά από μία ή περισσότερες διαταραχές. Υπάρχουν έρευνες που έχουν καταλήξει στο συμπέρασμα ότι τα παιδιά με ΔΕΠΥ και  υψηλή νοημοσύνη δεν διαφέρουν σημαντικά όσον αφορά τα κλινικά χαρακτηριστικά και την ανταπόκριση στη θεραπεία σε σχέση με τα παιδιά με ΔΕΠΥ και χαμηλότερη νοημοσύνη. Με βάση τα ευρήματά τους, κατέληξαν στο συμπέρασμα ότι η ΔΕΠΥ είναι μια έγκυρη διαταραχή μεταξύ ατόμων με υψηλή νοημοσύνη. Ωστόσο, εξακολουθεί να υπάρχει έλλειψη πληροφόρησης σχετικά με τον τρόπο με τον οποίο η εκδήλωση απροσεξίας και/ ή υπερκινητικότητας/ παρορμητικότητας σε αυτή τη συγκεκριμένη ομάδα παιδιών μπορεί να διαφέρει σε σύγκριση με άλλα, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των (i) μη χαρισματικών παιδιών με ΔΕΠΥ, (ii) χαρισματικών παιδιών χωρίς ΔΕΠΥ, και (iii) παιδιά μη χαρισματικά και χωρίς ΔΕΠΥ. Στόχος της παρούσας εισήγησης είναι η σύγκριση των πεδίων αυτών σε σχέση με τα χαρακτηριστικά που εμφανίζουν οι μαθητές των παραπάνω ομάδων.
The Use of Human Voice and Speech for Development of Language Technologies: the EU and Russian Data-protection Law Perspectives
Authors: Ilin Ilya , Kelli Aleksei
Published: October 2021

The global character of research and business related to the language-technology sector requires those producing applications of technology in this domain to comply with relevant regulation – pertaining to intellectual property, personality rights, and data protection – applicable in multiple jurisdictions. The paper reports on research aimed at evaluating and defining conditions for the compatibility of various legal frameworks for the use of voice and speech in development and dissemination of language-technology applications from the EU and the Russian data-protection regulation perspective. The research fills a gap that is of particular relevance, in that the compatibility of Russian data-protection law with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) with regard to the field of language technology has not been explored extensively. The authors draw from prior research to examine the implications in greater depth, with two foci. The first part of the article addresses the legal nature of human voice and speech. In the second part of the paper, the conditions for the development of language technologies are analysed.
International Human-Rights Supervision Triggering Change in Child-Protection Systems? The Effectiveness of the Recommendations of the CRC Committee in Estonia
Authors: Luhamaa Katre
Published: October 2021

Estonia’s legal system is generally regarded as very accepting of international (human-rights) law, with treaties in this domain and associated supervisory practice being implemented directly by national courts. The article analyses whether this extends to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the recommendations of the CRC Committee on ways to improve the Estonian national child-protection system. The main question examined is whether the CRC Committee’s ‘Concluding Observations’ have had an impact and been effective with regard to the Estonian child-protection system. The article lays out and further develops the framework proposed by Krommendijk for analysing the impact and effectiveness of international human-rights work with respect to national legal systems. The author begins by situating this theoretical framework in the context of the CRC and the Estonian legal system and then providing a brief description of Estonia's reporting process. The bulk of the paper is concerned with research presenting the development of the following elements of the child-protection system in aims of analysing the effectiveness of the CRC Committee's recommendations: general principles with relevance for the child-protection system, the institutional set-up, issues related to the implementation of the child's right to be free from any form of violence (along with any relevant procedural rights), and the placement of a child within the child-protection system.
Problems of digitalization of political communication between government and society in modern Russia
Authors: Belov S.
Published: October 2021

The presented research is devoted to the study of the problematic aspects of digitalization of political communication between the authorities and society in modern Russia. The goal is to identify the factors hindering the expansion of the influence of loyalist resources in the framework of political communication in the Runet. The research methodology is built on the basis of a combination of cybermetry with content analysis. The author comes to the conclusion that «aggressive loyalism», the opportunistic nature of the behavior of specific leaders of public opinion, fixation of attention on the foreign policy agenda and the development of conflicts with specific countries, the behavior of speakers within the framework of the model of direct emotional contamination, attempts to use the popularity of seldom , ignorance or censure of leaders of public opinion from among the representatives of the conventional opposition, the absence of a formative component in "pro-government" trolling. The theoretical significance of the work lies in the formation of an empirical basis for testing the explanatory models used to describe political communication in the digital space. The practical significance of the research is manifested through the possibility of creating methodological recommendations and training courses on its basis.
Formation of new identities in the post-Soviet space: between the real and the digital world
Authors: Fedorchenko Sergey
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the article is to identify the role, specifics, trends and conditions of the digital and real social environment in the formation of new identities in the post-Soviet space. In this work, the mechanics of identification is closely linked with the factor of activity of historical, political and cultural figures. The methodological basis was the principles of quantitative content analysis, as well as the capabilities of the Google Trends system. The conclusions indicate that with the processes of digitalization and the development of social networks, a bottom-up model is added to the previous identification practices, when such new opinion leaders as bloggers, vloggers, streamers, administrators and top members of network communities themselves create a message, begin to interpret historical facts in their own way, and political events, conveying their vision to the audience they are interested in. The range of risks and threats of digitalization for building the macropolitical identities of the post-Soviet countries has been determined. The theoretical significance of the work is determined by the fact that the discovered interest among Russian-speaking researchers in such types of identity as social, ethnic, cultural, national and civic quite correlates with the increased interest in these phenomena on the part of Internet users of post-Soviet countries. It is indicated that a flexible combination of traditional and network technologies for the formation of identities makes us speak of them as techniques of soft or even smart power.
The concept of «crisis» as an instrument of articulation of political interests in the socio-political discourse (by the example of Russian federal and regional mass media)
Authors: Martynov Mihail , Serdyukov D.
Published: October 2021

The article analyzes the concept of «crisis» as an attribute of symbolic politics, which is reflected in the socio-political discourse. The aim was to study the concept of «crisis» as a tool for the struggle of discourses depending on the political interests of actors. The most important source of modern socio-political discourse is the mass media. In this regard, the study of the manifestations of the concept of «crisis» was carried out using the tools of content analysis and qualitative analysis of the text. As a result of the analysis of the content of the Russian federal and regional mass media, the hypothesis that the concept of «crisis» is used in the struggle of discourses, taking semantic meanings determined by the political interests of actors, were confirmed. The predominance of crisis content in the federal press is recorded. It is also noted that the federal and regional media do not so much broadcast a picture of reality, as they take part in the transformation of ideas about this reality. The data and conclusions obtained as a result of the study allow us to further more objectively assess the motivational and substantive aspects of the escalation of crisis situations in the public field.
A Russian National Idea and the International System
Authors: Willerton J. , Beznosov Mihail , Carrier M.
Published: October 2021

Vladimir Putin and his governing team have operated out of a weltanschauung that offers a twenty first century Russian national idea that animates the Russian federal government’s post-1999 policy program. This article explores the Russian national idea, illuminating the syndrome of pillars that comprise it, and tying the national idea to the Putin government’s policy program. We apply an interdisciplinary case study approach, relying on a modified process tracing analysis, to identify the national idea and its direct relevance to policy making. The notion of a Russian national idea has long preoccupied Russian intellectuals and even officials, and we focus on Vladimir Putin’s thinking and the Putin team’s actions as a national idea emerged and drives policies. Putin’s Russian national idea is comprised of four pillars, the consolidated state, a functioning market economy, a re-established social welfare system, and Russia’s return as a Eurasian leader. We understand these four pillars as constituting a syndrome, signifying that these four pillars reinforce one another. In this article, we give attention to the fourth, international, pillar of the twenty first century national idea. We consider the Russian Federation’s return as a natural Eurasian leader, with a longer-term, historical notion of foreign policy honor that entails Russia’s continued long-term commitment to Eastern Slavs and Eastern Orthodoxy. We link the notion of national honor with a contemporary consideration of a so-called Russian civilization that is relevant to both domestic and foreign policy interests. We highlight various policies, domestic and foreign, that are inherently related to this Russian national idea, and while we acknowledge a complex array of policy successes and dilemmas, we posit an overall Russian Federation programmatic advance. The theoretical significance of our article rests with its exploration of a regime’s worldview and programmatic priorities in advancing policies intended to advance the society it governs. This article is guided by the judgment that the Russian national idea, as articulated by Putin and as applied in policies by the Putin team, merits our serious attention.
The Results of the Military Actions in Nagorno-Karabakh-2020: New Geopolitical Challenges for the Russian Federation
Authors: Il'inyh Aleksandr , Romanyuha D.
Published: October 2021

The main purpose of the work is to analyze the geopolitical situation in Nagorno-Karabakh based on the results of the military operations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The results of the conflict are considered from the perspective of positive and negative dividends for the Russian Federation. The methodological basis of the work consists of general scientific and private scientific techniques and methods including methods of analysis, synthesis, system method, comparative method, formal-logical scientific method, discourse analysis and some others. The article makes a theoretical contribution to the development of ideas about the place and role of the military conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh in the foreign policy of other states. The practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of adjusting the foreign policy priorities of international actors with an interest in Nagorno-Karabakh taking into account the conclusions made in the article. The armed clashes in Nagorno-Karabakh should be called a local war. The key factor that led to the defeat of Armenia in the fighting is the «cooling» of the foreign policy interaction with the Russian Federation that preceded the conflict. The article draws conclusions about the dual nature of the results of the local war for the Russian Federation: the positive and negative aspects are analyzed. The end of the armed conflict was not supported by a serious legal document but only stopped with the participation of Russia through the so-called «Statement» which in the medium term will most likely create prerequisites for a new round of armed confrontation.
Treating complex palmar–plantar wounds using a bilaminar ‘trapdoor’ technique: a case series
Authors: Marques Rafaela Ribeiro , Coltro Pedro Soler , Almeida Juliano Baron , Castro Júlio César Dias , Junior Jayme Adriano Farina
Published: October 2021

Objective:

Due to the similarities of glabrous skin, the plantar region is an excellent donor area for covering complex palmar–plantar wounds. However, taking grafts from the plantar area often results in significant morbidity at the donor site or non-integration of the graft due to the greater thickness of the plantar corneal layer.

Method:

This is a prospective case series including patients with burns or wounds who have been treated with a dermal graft using the bilaminar ‘trapdoor’ technique. This procedure is used to remove a thin graft from the deep plantar dermis after the partial elevation of the first layer including the entire epidermis and superficial part of the dermis.

Results:

At the donor area in the four patients in this case series, we observed healing at around 10 days, and absence of hypertrophic scar in all patients. There was complete re-epithelialisation between two and three weeks from the periphery to the centre of the deep dermal graft, and from the glandular epithelium transferred with the graft. During the follow-up, patients presented aesthetic and functional features of glabrous and amelanotic skin, with similar resistance to those of the adjacent areas of the wound in the palmar–plantar region.

Conclusion:

This technique has some advantages, such as less surgical time, minimal morbidity in the plantar donor area, easy integration of the grafts, and maintenance of the functional and aesthetic properties of glabrous skin both in the plantar donor area and in the palmar–plantar recipient region.

Declaration of interest:

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Image reconstruction approach for a high space-bandwidth product structured illumination microscopy system
Authors: Samanta Krishnendu , Joseph Joby
Published: October 2021

Conventional structured illumination microscopy (SIM) utilizes a sinusoidal excitation pattern of frequency within the detection passband and provides a maximum of twofold resolution enhancement over the diffraction limit. A transmission approach proposed in an earlier publication [J. Phys. D 53, 044006 (2019)JPAPBE0022-372710.1088/1361-6463/ab4e68] to further improve the lateral resolution requires sequential higher frequency illumination patterns. However, the existing reconstruction algorithms fail to deliver appropriate reconstruction when the excitation frequency lies far from the passband boundary. Here, we present a correlation-based SIM reconstruction approach for sequential high-frequency illumination patterns even if the pattern frequency lies far from the passband limit. The scheme can be suitably implemented in a variety of custom-built systems where illumination frequency lies beyond the passband support (e.g., non-linear SIM and plasmonic SIM).
Electrodynamic solution for polarized reflectivity and wide-field orientation imaging of uniaxial metals
Authors: Hoover Brian G. , Turner Jonathan H. , Ornelas-Rascon Cesar H.
Published: October 2021

The polarized reflectivity of an ideally smooth metal with a uniaxial
anisotropic complex refractive index, for instance, metals with
hexagonally close-packed (HCP) symmetry, is derived from the
electromagnetic wave equation for normal incidence and arbitrary
crystal orientation. The resulting orientation-dependent Mueller
matrices of the surface are applicable to

c

axis orientation imaging of metals
including beryllium, magnesium, titanium, cobalt, zinc, zirconium,
tin, and most of their alloys, as well as other uniaxial compounds.
Comparing orientation images recorded with a generalized
polarized-light microscope (PLM), in this case an original coherent
laser PLM, with orientation images obtained by electron backscatter
diffraction (EBSD) enables imaging ellipsometry (IE) at near-normal
incidence and increases confidence in ellipsometric refractive-index
measurements. In this initial study, without modeling oxides, the
resulting

c

axis orientation images of several
titanium alloys are still verified to better than 11% against EBSD
maps of the same samples over instantaneous fields of view (FOVs)
exceeding

1

c

m
2

and FOVs approaching

1

i

n
2

obtained by stitching several such
images together.
Collimation and finite-size effects in suspended resonant guided-mode gratings
Authors: Toft-Vandborg Christian , Parthenopoulos Alexios , Darki Ali Akbar , Dantan Aurélien
Published: October 2021

The optical transmission of resonant guided-mode gratings patterned on suspended silicon nitride thin films and illuminated at normal incidence with a Gaussian beam is investigated both experimentally and theoretically. Effects due to the beam focusing and its finite size are accounted for by a phenomenological coupled-mode model whose predictions are found to be in very good agreement with the experimentally measured spectra for various grating structures and beam sizes, and which allow for a detailed analysis of the respective magnitude of these effects. These results are highly relevant for the design and optimization of such suspended structured films that are widely used for photonics, sensing, and optomechanics applications.
PAPR suppressing matrix transform and dual layered phase sequencing design for a chaos-based multi-carrier CDMA VLC system
Authors: Feng Yan , Yang Yimu , Li Diyang , Zhang Lin
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we propose a chaos-based visible light communication system, wherein multiple users can access the network via the multi-carrier code division multi-access (MC-CDMA). By utilizing the high security property of chaotic sequences being aperiodic and sensitive to initial values, secure access can be achieved. However, the multi-carrier transmission suffers from high peak to average power ratio (PAPR) due to the superposition of multiple carriers, which reduces the lifetime of the light-emitting diodes (LEDs). In order to suppress the PAPR, we propose a joint matrix transform and dual layered phase sequencing (MT-DLPS) scheme. By reducing the autocorrelations of signals, the PAPR can be reduced. Moreover, the computation complexity is analyzed. Simulations are then conducted to validate that the PAPR is effectively reduced while maintaining satisfactory bit error rate (BER) performances.
Nonlinearity enhancement and photon blockade in hybrid optomechanical systems
Authors: Yang Junya , Yang Zhen , Zhao Chengsong , Peng Rui , Chao Shilei , Zhou Ling
Published: October 2021

The nonlinear optomechanical coupling is an attracting characteristic in the field of optomechanics. However, the strength of single photon optomechanical coupling is still within weak coupling regime. Using the optomechanical coupling to achieve strong nonlinear interaction between photons is still a challenge. In this paper, we propose a scheme by employing optomechanical and spin-mechanical interactions to enhance the nonlinearity of photons. An effective Hamiltonian is derived, which shows that the self-Kerr and cross-Kerr nonlinearity strengths can be enhanced by adjusting the classical pumping or enhancing the spin-mechanical coupling strength. In addition, we investigate the potential usage of the nonlinearity in the photon blockade. We demonstrate that the single and two photon blockades can occur in two super modes.
Room-temperature bandwidth of 2-μm AlInAsSb avalanche photodiodes
Authors: Jones Andrew H. , Shen Yang , Sun Keye , Chen Dekang , March Stephen D. , Bank Seth R. , Campbell Joe C.
Published: October 2021

We investigate the room-temperature bandwidth performance of AlInAsSb avalanche photodiodes under 2-μm illumination. Parameter characterization denotes RC-limited performance. While measurements indicate a maximum gain-bandwidth product of 44 GHz for a 60-μm-diameter device, we scale this performance to smaller device sizes based on the RC response. For a 15-μm-diameter device, we predict a maximum gain-bandwidth product of approximately 144 GHz based on the reported measurements.
Theoretical minimum uncertainty of single-molecule localizations using a single-photon avalanche diode array
Authors: Houwink Quint , Kalisvaart Dylan , Hung Shih-Te , Cnossen Jelmer , Fan Daniel , Mos Paul , Can Ülkü Arin , Bruschini Claudio , Charbon Edoardo , Smith Carlas S.
Published: October 2021

Single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) arrays can be used for single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) because of their high frame rate and lack of readout noise. SPAD arrays have a binary frame output, which means photon arrivals should be described as a binomial process rather than a Poissonian process. Consequentially, the theoretical minimum uncertainty of the localizations is not accurately predicted by the Poissonian Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB). Here, we derive a binomial CRLB and benchmark it using simulated and experimental data. We show that if the expected photon count is larger than one for all pixels within one standard deviation of a Gaussian point spread function, the binomial CRLB gives a 46% higher theoretical uncertainty than the Poissonian CRLB. For typical SMLM photon fluxes, where no saturation occurs, the binomial CRLB predicts the same uncertainty as the Poissonian CRLB. Therefore, the binomial CRLB can be used to predict and benchmark localization uncertainty for SMLM with SPAD arrays for all practical emitter intensities.
Nonlinear optical response of a monolayer WS2 and the application of a hundred-MHz nanosecond laser
Authors: Hao Qianqian , Ye Kun , Dong Mimi , Liu Jie , Liu Zhongyuan
Published: October 2021

High quality monolayer WS2 was successfully fabricated by chemical vapor deposition method. The nonlinear optical response of monolayer WS2 is demonstrated for the first time. Due to the relatively low modulation depth of 1.4% and saturable intensity of 68.6 kW/cm2 of monolayer WS2, a robust continuous-wave mode-locked (CWML) nanosecond laser with a repetition rate of 93.1 MHz is obtained. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest repetition rate of nanosecond pulses generated from CWML lasers. This work provides an effective approach to obtaining nanosecond pulsed lasers with repetition rates of hundred-megahertz.
Optimizing sub-nanosecond laser conditioning of DKDP crystals by varying the temporal shape of the pulse
Authors: Li Ting , Zhao Yuanan , Lian Yafei , Zhu Xiangyu , Lv Xinlin , Peng Yujie , Zheng Guozong , Leng Yuxin , Shao Jianda
Published: October 2021

We propose a strategy to optimize the laser conditioning of DKDP crystals by varying the temporal shape of sub-nanosecond pulses. Four sub-ns temporally shaped pulses with nearly the same full width at half maxima of ∼600 ps but different rising-falling statuses were designed to conduct laser-induced damage (LID) and laser conditioning experiments on DKDP crystals. The shape of the pulse substantially influences the damage pinpoints size and LID threshold (LIDT) of the crystals in the sub-nanosecond range. After sub-nanosecond laser conditioning, the ns R-on-1 LIDT showed that slow-rising fast-falling pulse (R400-F200 and High-foot pulses) conditioning achieved a 14%-20% LIDT enhancement than the traditional Gaussian pulse (R300-F300 pulse). The 8-ns laser damage morphologies after slow-rising fast-falling pulse conditioning showed cracks, whereas those after fast-rising slow-falling pulse (R200-F400 pulse) conditioning were pinpoint core, as usual. These results suggest that the rising front plays an important role in the LID and laser conditioning of the DKDP crystals. A pulse with a slower rising front is beneficial for thermal modification, thereby leading to better LID properties. This strategy greatly expands and enriches the manipulation methods to improve the LIDT of DKDP crystals, and sheds light on understanding the laser damage mechanisms.
Generation of long homogeneous plasma channels with high power long-wave IR pulsed Bessel beams
Authors: Panagiotopoulos Paris , Kolesik Miroslav , Tochitsky Sergei , Moloney Jerome V.
Published: October 2021

Long-wave multi-joule ultrashort laser pulses are predicted to confine highly uniform electromagnetic energy and field intensities while sustaining high density uniform plasmas within nonlinear Bessel zones under extreme driving conditions in contrast to near-IR sources. This opens up novel applications in laser wakefield generation, radiofrequency/microwave guiding, and lightning control.
Few-mode polymer optical waveguide amplifier for mode-division multiplexed transmission
Authors: Yu Cheng , Hu Guijun , Wang Fei , Li Jiaying , Zhao Dan , Zhang Meiling
Published: October 2021

We propose a few-mode erbium-ytterbium codoped polymer optical waveguide amplifier employing mode-selective photonic lanterns capable of multiplexing and demultiplexing. A reconfigurable pump configuration scheme is adopted to balance the modal gain per mode. A square few-mode waveguide amplifier supporting

L
P

01

,

L
P

11
a

, and

L
P

11
b

modes is designed and fabricated. The crosstalk effect and modal profiles are characterized. An average gain of 10.4 dB per mode is obtained in a 1.5 cm waveguide at 1555 nm through pumping of the

L
P

01

mode at 320 mW and the

L
P

21
b

mode at 120 mW at 976 nm. The ultralow differential modal gain is 0.4 dB. In addition, simultaneously amplified

L
P

01

,

L
P

11
a

, and

L
P

11
b

modes are also demonstrated across the whole C-band with low noise figures. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an experimental realization of a few-mode optical waveguide amplifier.