bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N-acylhomoserine lactonase-based hybrid nanoflowers: a novel and practical strategy to control plant bacterial diseases
Authors: Chen Yan , Liu Pengfu , Wu Jiequn , Yan Wanqing , Xie Saixue , Sun Xuanrong , Ye Bang-Ce , Chu Xiaohe
Published: July 2022

Background

The disease caused by plant pathogenic bacteria in the production, transportation, and storage of many crops has brought huge losses to agricultural production. N-acylhomoserine lactonases (AHLases) can quench quorum-sensing (QS) by hydrolyzing acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs), which makes them the promising candidates for controlling infections of QS-dependent pathogenic bacteria. Although many AHLases have been isolated and considered as a potentially effective preventive and therapeutic agents for bacterial diseases, the intrinsically poor ambient stability has seriously restricted its application.

Results

Herein, we showed that a spheroid enzyme-based hybrid nanoflower (EHNF), AhlX@Ni3(PO4)2, can be easily synthesized, and it exhibited 10 times AHL (3OC8-HSL) degradation activity than that with free AhlX (a thermostable AHL lactonase). In addition, it showed intriguing stability even at the working concentration, and retained ~ 100% activity after incubation at room temperature (25 °C) for 40 days and approximately 80% activity after incubation at 60 °C for 48 h. Furthermore, it exhibited better organic solvent tolerance and long-term stability in a complicated ecological environment than that of AhlX. To reduce the cost and streamline production processes, CSA@Ni3(PO4)2, which was assembled from the crude supernatants of AhlX and Ni3(PO4)2, was synthesized. Both AhlX@Ni3(PO4)2 and CSA@Ni3(PO4)2 efficiently attenuated pathogenic bacterial infection.

Conclusions

In this study, we have developed N-acylhomoserine lactonase-based hybrid nanoflowers as a novel and efficient biocontrol reagent with significant control effect, outstanding environmental adaptability and tolerance. It was expected to overcome the bottlenecks of poor stability and limited environmental tolerance that have existed for over two decades and pioneered the practical application of EHNFs in the field of biological control.

Graphical Abstract
Association of Changes of lifestyle behaviors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic with mental health: a longitudinal study in children and adolescents
Authors: Xiang Mi , Liu Yujie , Yamamoto Shohei , Mizoue Tetsuya , Kuwahara Keisuke
Published: July 2022

Background

We examined the prospective associations of changes in lifestyle behaviors before/during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely physical activity and screen time, with mental health. Furthermore, the impacts of physical activity and screen time on mental health during the pandemic were examined cross-sectionally.

Methods

A two-wave longitudinal study was conducted among 2423 children and adolescents in Shanghai, China. Lifestyle behavior variables (physical activity and screen time) and psychological variables (depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress) were measured using a self-reported questionnaire in January and March 2020. A series of multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine the associations between changes in lifestyle behaviors in two waves and psychological problems. The combined associations of physical activity and screen time with psychological problems were also explored using the second wave data.

Results

Compared to students with persistently short screen time before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, those with prolonged screen time (OR = 1·36 for depression, OR = 1·48 for anxiety) and those with persistently long screen time (OR = 1·70 for depression, OR = 2·13 for anxiety) reported a higher risk of psychological symptoms. The association between changes in physical activity and psychological symptoms was not statistically significant after adjustment for demographic factors, socioeconomic status, and screen time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, engaging in longer screen time (OR = 1·44 for depression, OR = 1·55 for anxiety) was associated with worsened psychological conditions, while engaging in increased physical activity (OR = 0·58 for depression, OR = 0·66 for anxiety) was associated with better psychological conditions.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that promoting physical activity and limiting leisure screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic are important to prevent and mitigate psychological problems in children and adolescents. Therefore, effective interventions targeting lifestyle behaviors are needed to protect children and adolescents’ physical and mental health.
Gender differences affect the location of the patellar tendon attachment site for tibial rotational alignment in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Zhang Le-Shu , Zhang Jin-Cheng , Zhou Hang , Zhang Qiang , Chen Xiang-Yang , Feng Shuo
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study was carried out to investigate the accuracy of referring different locations of the patellar tendon attachment site and the geometrical center of the osteotomy surface for tibial rotational alignment and observe the influences of gender differences on the results.

Methods

Computed tomography scans of 135 osteoarthritis patients (82 females and 53 males) with varus deformity was obtained to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) models preoperatively. The medial boundary, medial one-sixth, and medial one-third of the patellar tendon attachment site were marked on the tibia. These points were projected on the tibial osteotomy plane and connected to the geometrical center (GC) of the osteotomy plane or the middle of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) to construct six tibial rotational axes (Akagi line, MBPT, MSPT1, MSPT2, MTPT1 and MTPT2). The mismatch angle between the vertical line of the SEA projected on the proximal tibial osteotomy surface and six different reference axes was measured. In additional, the effect of gender differences on rotational alignment for tibial component were assessed.

Results

Relative to the SEA, rotational mismatch angles were − 1.8° ± 5.1° (Akagi line), − 2.5° ± 5.3° (MBPT), 2.8° ± 5.3° (MSPT1), 4.5° ± 5.4° (MSPT2), 7.3° ± 5.4° (MTPT1), and 11.6° ± 5.8° (MTPT2) for different tibial rotational axes in all patients. All measurements differed significantly between the male and female. The tibial rotational axes with the least mean absolute deviation for the female or male were Akagi line or MSPT, respectively. There was no significant difference in whether the GC of the osteotomy surface or the midpoint of PCL termination was chosen as the posterior anatomical landmark when the medial boundary or medial one-sixth point of the patellar tendon attachment site was selected as the anterior anatomical landmark.

Conclusion

When referring patellar tendon attachment site as anterior anatomical landmarks for tibial rotational alignment, the influence of gender difference on the accuracy needs to be taken into account. The geometric center of the tibial osteotomy plane can be used as a substitute for the middle of the PCL termination when reference the medial boundary or medial one-sixth of the patellar tendon attachment site.
Pro-cancerogenic effects of spontaneous and drug-induced senescence of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo: a comparative analysis
Authors: Rutecki Szymon , Szulc Paulina , Pakuła Martyna , Uruski Paweł , Radziemski Artur , Naumowicz Eryk , Moszyński Rafał , Tykarski Andrzej , Mikuła-Pietrasik Justyna , Książek Krzysztof
Published: July 2022

Background

Clinical outcomes of cancer cell senescence are still elusive. Here, we reveal and compare pro-cancerous activity of spontaneously and drug-inducible senescent ovarian cancer cells. Experiments were performed on tumors and tumor-derived primary epithelial ovarian cancer cells (pEOCs) that were obtained from chemotherapy-naïve patients and from patients who received carboplatin (CPT) and paclitaxel (PCT) before cytoreduction.

Results

The analysis of tumors showed that senescent cancer cells are present in patients from both groups, albeit most frequently and covering a greater area in tissues from chemotherapy-positive women. This in vivo senescence of pEOCs translated to an expression of senescence markers in early-passage cells in vitro. A conditioned medium from senescent pEOCs fueled the cancer progression, including adhesion of non-senescent pEOCs to normal peritoneal cells, and their increased proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. Senescent pEOCs’ secretome promoted angiogenic activity of vascular endothelium, induced senescence of normal peritoneal cells, reprogrammed their secretome towards hypersecretion of cancer-promoting proteins, and stimulated motility of cancer cells subjected to a mesothelium- and fibroblast-derived medium. The most striking finding was, however, that spontaneously senescent pEOCs supported all the above pro-cancerous effects more efficiently than drug-inducible senescent cells, which was plausibly related to augmented release of several cancer spread mediators by these cells. The prevalence of spontaneously senescent pEOCs was most evident in experiments on mice when they were able, unlike the drug-inducible cells, to promote the development of drug-sensitive i.p. xenografts.

Conclusions

Our study shows that spontaneous senescence of pEOCs should be treated as an independent pathogenetic factor of cancer progression.
The APPLE Tree programme: Active Prevention in People at risk of dementia through Lifestyle, bEhaviour change and Technology to build REsiliEnce—randomised controlled trial
Authors: Poppe M. , Duffy L. , Marchant N. L. , Barber J. A. , Hunter R. , Bass N. , Minihane A. M. , Walters K. , Higgs P. , Rapaport P. , Lang I. A. , Morgan-Trimmer S. , Huntley J. , Walker Z. , Brodaty H. , Kales H. C. , Ritchie K. , Burton A. , Wenborn J. , Betz A. , Cooper C.
Published: July 2022

Background

Large-scale trials of multidomain interventions show that modifying lifestyle and psychological risk factors can slow cognitive decline. We aim to determine if a lower intensity, personally tailored secondary dementia prevention programme for older people with subjective or mild objective memory decline, informed by behaviour change theory, reduces cognitive decline over 2 years.

Methods

A multi-site, single-blind randomised controlled trial recruiting 704 older adults at high dementia risk due to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Participants are randomised using 1:1 allocation ratio to the APPLE Tree intervention versus control arm (dementia prevention information), stratified by site. The intervention explores and implements strategies to promote healthy lifestyle, increase pleasurable activities and social connections and improve long-term condition self-management. Two facilitators trained and supervised by a clinical psychologist deliver ten, 1-h group video call sessions over 6 months (approximately every fortnight), video-call ‘tea breaks’ (less structured, facilitated social sessions) in intervening weeks and individual goal-setting phone calls every 2 weeks. From 6 to 12 months, participants meet monthly for ‘tea breaks’, with those not attending receiving monthly goal-setting phone calls. Participants receive a food delivery, pedometer and website access to cognitive training and information about lifestyle modification. Follow-ups for all outcome measures are at 12 and 24 months. The primary outcome is cognition (Neuropsychological Test Battery (NTB) score) at 24 months. Secondary outcomes are quality of life, cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and wellbeing and lifestyle factors the intervention targets (diet, vascular risk, body weight, activity, sleep, anxiety, depression, social networks and loneliness, alcohol intake and smoking). Participants from purposively selected sites participate in qualitative process evaluation interviews, which will be analysed using thematic analytic methods.

Discussion

If effective, the intervention design, involving remote delivery and non-clinical facilitators, would facilitate intervention roll-out to older people with memory concerns.

Trial registration

ISRCTN17325135. Registration date 27 November 2019
Development of China’s first space-borne aerosol-cloud high-spectral-resolution lidar: retrieval algorithm and airborne demonstration
Authors: Ke Ju , Sun Yingshan , Dong Changzhe , Zhang Xingying , Wang Zijun , Lyu Liqing , Zhu Wei , Ansmann Albert , Su Lin , Bu Lingbing , Xiao Da , Wang Shuaibo , Chen Sijie , Liu Jiqiao , Chen Weibiao , Liu Dong
Published: July 2022

Aerosols and clouds greatly affect the Earth’s radiation budget and global climate. Light detection and ranging (lidar) has been recognized as a promising active remote sensing technique for the vertical observations of aerosols and clouds. China launched its first space-borne aerosol-cloud high-spectral-resolution lidar (ACHSRL) on April 16, 2022, which is capable for high accuracy profiling of aerosols and clouds around the globe. This study presents a retrieval algorithm for aerosol and cloud optical properties from ACHSRL which were compared with the end-to-end Monte-Carlo simulations and validated with the data from an airborne flight with the ACHSRL prototype (A2P) instrument. Using imaging denoising, threshold discrimination, and iterative reconstruction methods, this algorithm was developed for calibration, feature detection, and extinction coefficient (EC) retrievals. The simulation results show that 95.4% of the backscatter coefficient (BSC) have an error less than 12% while 95.4% of EC have an error less than 24%. Cirrus and marine and urban aerosols were identified based on the airborne measurements over different surface types. Then, comparisons were made with U.S. Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) profiles, Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and the ground-based sun photometers. High correlations (R > 0.79) were found between BSC (EC) profiles of A2P and CALIOP over forest and town cover, while the correlation coefficients are 0.57 for BSC and 0.58 for EC over ocean cover; the aerosol optical depth retrievals have correlation coefficient of 0.71 with MODIS data and show spatial variations consistent with those from the sun photometers. The algorithm developed for ACHSRL in this study can be directly employed for future space-borne high-spectral-resolution lidar (HSRL) and its data products will also supplement CALIOP data coverage for global observations of aerosol and cloud properties.
Unilateral solitary erythema elevatum diutinum
Authors: Sabooniha Fakhreddin
Published: July 2022

Background

Erythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is a rare disease with unknown etiology, various presentations, broad spectrum of underlying conditions, and unified pathology. So, every case of it merits further investigation for better understanding of its causes and pathophysiology.

Case presentation

I report the case of a 32-year-old otherwise healthy man with an 8-year history of a refractory solitary lesion on his right hand and prompt response to dapsone 100 mg BID within 2 weeks without any recurrence after 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusion

This case report aims to inform clinicians about EED in order to consider it in the differential diagnosis of any chronic refractory papule, nodule, or plaque on the relevant skin sites due to its protean manifestations, potential underlying diseases, and, finally, excellent response to dapsone.
Pandemic and student mental health: mental health symptoms among university students and young adults after the first cycle of lockdown in the UK
Authors: Tang Nicole K. Y. , McEnery Katharine A. M. , Chandler Laura , Toro Carla , Walasek Lukasz , Friend Hannah , Gu Sai , Singh Swaran P. , Meyer Caroline
Published: July 2022

Background

Early COVID-19 research suggests a detrimental impact of the initial lockdown on young people's mental health.

Aims

We investigated mental health among university students and young adults after the first UK lockdown and changes in symptoms over 6 months.

Method

In total, 895 university students and 547 young adults not in higher education completed an online survey at T1 (July–September 2020). A subset of 201 university students also completed a 6 month follow-up survey at T2 (January–March 2021). Anxiety, depression, insomnia, substance misuse and suicide risk were assessed.

Results

At T1, approximately 40%, 25% and 33% of the participants reported moderate to severe anxiety and depression and substance misuse risk, clinically significant insomnia and suicidal risk. In participants reassessed at T2, reductions were observed in anxiety and depression but not in insomnia, substance misuse or suicidality. Student and non-student participants reported similar levels of mental health symptoms. Student status was not a significant marker of mental health symptoms, except for lower substance misuse risk.

Cross-sectionally, greater symptoms across measures were consistently associated with younger age, pre-existing mental health conditions, being a carer, worse financial status, increased sleep irregularity and difficulty since lockdown. Longitudinally, T2 symptoms were consistently associated with worse financial status and increased difficulty sleeping at T1. However, these associations were attenuated when baseline mental health symptoms were adjusted for in the models.

Conclusions

Mental health symptoms were prevalent in a large proportion of young people after the first UK lockdown. Risk factors identified may help characterise high-risk groups for enhanced support and inform interventions.
Thyroid Cancer and Pesticide Use in a Central California Agricultural Area: A Case Control Study
Authors: Omidakhsh Negar , Heck Julia E , Cockburn Myles , Ling Chenxiao , Hershman Jerome M , Harari Avital
Published: July 2022

Objective

To examine environmental factors that influence risk of thyroid cancer.

Methods

We performed a case-control study utilizing thyroid cancer cases from the California Cancer Registry (1999-2012) and controls sampled in a population-based manner. Study participants were included if they were diagnosed with thyroid cancer, lived in the study area at their time of diagnosis, and were ≥35 years of age. Controls were recruited from the same area and eligible to participate if they were ≥35 years of age and had been living in California for at least 5 years prior to the interview. We examined residential exposure to 29 agricultural use pesticides, known to cause DNA damage in vitro or are known endocrine disruptors. We employed a validated geographic information system–based system to generate exposure estimates for each participant.

Results

Our sample included 2067 cases and 1003 controls. In single pollutant models and within a 20-year exposure period, 10 out of 29 selected pesticides were associated with thyroid cancer, including several of the most applied pesticides in the United States such as paraquat dichloride [odds ratio (OR): 1.46 (95% CI: 1.23, 1.73)], glyphosate [OR: 1.33 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.58)], and oxyfluorfen [OR: 1.21 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.43)]. Risk of thyroid cancer increased proportionately to the total number of pesticides subjects were exposed to 20 years before diagnosis or interview. In all models, paraquat dichloride was associated with thyroid cancer.

Conclusions

Our study provides first evidence in support of the hypothesis that residential pesticide exposure from agricultural applications is associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
Presentation, Management, and Outcomes of Urinary Bladder Paraganglioma: Results From a Multicenter Study
Authors: Yu Kai , Ebbehøj Andreas Ladefoged , Obeid Hiba , Vaidya Anand , Else Tobias , Wachtel Heather , Main Ailsa Maria , Søndergaard Esben , Lehmann Christensen Louise , Juhlin Christofer , Calissendorff Jan , Cohen Debbie L , Bennett Bonita , Andersen Marianne Skovsager , Larsson Catharina , Almeida Madson Q , Fishbein Lauren , Boorjian Stephen A , Young William F , Bancos Irina
Published: July 2022

Context

Urinary bladder paraganglioma (UBPGL) is rare.

Objective

We aimed to characterize the presentation and outcomes of patients diagnosed with UBPGL.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter study of consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed UBPGL evaluated between 1971 and 2021. Outcomes included repeat bladder surgery, metastases, and disease-specific mortality.

Results

Patients (n=110 total; n=56 [51%] women) were diagnosed with UBPGL at a median age of 50 years (interquartile range [IQR], 36-61 years). Median tumor size was 2 cm (IQR, 1-4 cm). UBPGL was diagnosed prior to biopsy in only 37 (34%), and only 69 (63%) patients had evaluation for catecholamine excess. In addition to the initial bladder surgery, 26 (25%) required multiple therapies, including repeat surgery in 10 (9%). Synchronous metastases were present in 9 (8%) patients, and 24 (22%) other patients with UBPGL developed metachronous metastases at a median of 4 years (IQR, 2-10 years) after the initial diagnosis. Development of metachronous metastases was associated with younger age (hazard ratio [HR] 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99), UBPGL size (HR 1.69; 95% CI, 1.31-2.17), and a higher degree of catecholamine excess (HR 5.48; 95% CI, 1.40-21.39). Disease-specific mortality was higher in patients with synchronous metastases (HR 20.80; 95% CI, 1.30-332.91). Choice of initial surgery, genetic association, sex, or presence of muscular involvement on pathology were not associated with development of metastases or mortality.

Conclusions

Only a minority of patients were diagnosed before biopsy/surgery, reflecting need for better diagnostic strategies. All patients with UBPGL should have lifelong monitoring for development of recurrence and metastases.
Index60 Is Superior to HbA1c for Identifying Individuals at High Risk for Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Jacobsen Laura M , Bundy Brian N , Ismail Heba M , Clements Mark , Warnock Megan , Geyer Susan , Schatz Desmond A , Sosenko Jay M
Published: July 2022

Context

HbA1c from ≥ 5.7% to < 6.5% (39-46 mmol/mol) indicates prediabetes according to American Diabetes Association guidelines, yet its identification of prediabetes specific for type 1 diabetes has not been assessed. A composite glucose and C-peptide measure, Index60, identifies individuals at high risk for type 1 diabetes.

Objective

We compared Index60 and HbA1c thresholds as markers for type 1 diabetes risk.

Methods

TrialNet Pathway to Prevention study participants with ≥ 2 autoantibodies (GADA, IAA, IA-2A, or ZnT8A) who had oral glucose tolerance tests and HbA1c measurements underwent 1) predictive time-dependent modeling of type 1 diabetes risk (n = 2776); and 2) baseline comparisons between high-risk mutually exclusive groups: Index60 ≥ 2.04 (n = 268) vs HbA1c ≥ 5.7% (n = 268). The Index60 ≥ 2.04 threshold was commensurate in ordinal ranking with the standard prediabetes threshold of HbA1c ≥ 5.7%.

Results

In mutually exclusive groups, individuals exceeding Index60 ≥ 2.04 had a higher cumulative incidence of type 1 diabetes than those exceeding HbA1c ≥ 5.7% (P < 0.0001). Appreciably more individuals with Index60 ≥ 2.04 were at stage 2, and among those at stage 2, the cumulative incidence was higher for those with Index60 ≥ 2.04 (P = 0.02). Those with Index60 ≥ 2.04 were younger, with lower BMI, greater autoantibody number, and lower C-peptide than those with HbA1c ≥ 5.7% (P < 0.0001 for all comparisons).

Conclusion

Individuals with Index60 ≥ 2.04 are at greater risk for type 1 diabetes with features more characteristic of the disorder than those with HbA1c ≥ 5.7%. Index60 ≥ 2.04 is superior to the standard HbA1c ≥ 5.7% threshold for identifying prediabetes in autoantibody-positive individuals. These findings appear to justify using Index60 ≥ 2.04 as a prediabetes criterion in this population.
Ultrasound Assessment of Gastric Fluid Volume in Children Scheduled for Elective Surgery After Clear Fluid Fasting for 1 Versus 2 Hours: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sarhan Khaled Abdelfattah , Hasaneen Hossam , Hasanin Ahmed , Mohammed Hany , Saleh Reham , Kamel Atef
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND:

This study aimed to compare the gastric fluid volume (GFV) in children who fasted 1 versus 2 hours using ultrasound, after ingestion of a defined volume of clear fluid.

METHODS:

Children scheduled for elective surgery were enrolled in this randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial. After receiving 3 mL kg–1 clear fluid, participants were randomized to have a gastric ultrasound after fasting for either 1 hour (1-hour group, n = 116) or 2 hours (2-hour group, n = 111). Our primary outcome was the GFV. Other outcomes included the antral cross-sectional area, frequency of high risk and low risk of aspiration, and qualitative grading for the gastric antrum.

RESULTS:

Two hundred and twenty-seven children were available for final analysis. The median (Q1–Q3) GFV was higher in the 1-hour group versus the 2-hour group (0.61 [0.41–0.9] mL kg–1 vs 0.32 [0.23–0.47] mL kg–1; P value = .001). None of the study groups had GFV ≥1.5 mL kg–1. The frequency (%) of GFV ≥1.25 mL kg–1 was comparable between both groups (2 [1.7%] vs 0 [0%], P value = .165). However, the frequency of GFV ≥0.8 mL kg–1 was higher in 1-hour group than in 2-hour group (34.5% vs 4.5%), and grade 2 antral grading score was 56.9% in 1-hour group vs 0.9% in 2-hour group (P value <.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

In healthy children scheduled for elective surgery receiving 3 mL kg–1 clear fluid, the median GFV after 1-hour fasting was double the volume after conventional 2-hour fasting. These findings should be considered whether weighting the risk/benefit of a liberal approach to preoperative fasting versus the risk of pulmonary aspiration.
Strategic Teaching and Learning in Games
Authors: Schipper Burkhard C.
Published: July 2022

We show there is no uncoupled learning heuristic leading to Nash equilibrium in all finite games that a player has an incentive to adopt, that would be evolutionary stable, or that could “learn itself.” Rather, a player has an incentive to strategically teach a learning opponent to secure at least the Stackelberg leader payoff. This observation holds even when we restrict to generic games, two-player games, potential games, games with strategic complements, or 2 × 2 games, in which learning is known to be “nice.” It also applies to uncoupled learning heuristics leading to correlated equilibria, rationalizability, iterated admissibility, or minimal CURB sets. (JEL C73, D83)
Dynamic Competition and Arbitrage in Electricity Markets: The Role of Financial Players
Authors: Mercadal Ignacia
Published: July 2022

I study the effects of financial players who trade alongside physical buyers and sellers in electricity markets. Using detailed firm-level data, I examine physical and financial firms’ responses to regulation that exogenously increased financial trading. I show that the effect of speculators on generators’ market power depends on the kind of equilibrium they are in. I develop a test of the null of static Nash equilibrium and reject it. To implement the test, I present a new method to define markets using machine-learning tools. I find that increased financial trading reduced generators’ market power and increased consumer surplus. (JEL C45, D83, G13, L13, L94, L98, Q41)
Searching Forever After
Authors: Antler Yair , Bachi Benjamin
Published: July 2022

We study a model of two-sided search in which agents’ strategic reasoning is coarse. In equilibrium, the most desirable agents behave as if they were fully rational, while for all other agents, coarse reasoning results in overoptimism with regard to their prospects in the market. Consequently, they search longer than is optimal. Moreover, agents with intermediate match values may search indefinitely while all other agents eventually marry. We show that the share of eternal singles converges monotonically to one as search frictions vanish. Thus, improvements in search technology may backfire and even lead to market failure. (JEL C78, D11, D83, J12)
Experience Goods and Consumer Search
Authors: Chen Yongmin , Li Zhuozheng , Zhang Tianle
Published: July 2022

We introduce a search model where products differ in horizontal attributes and unobserved quality (“experience goods”), and firms can establish quality reputation. We show that the inability of consumers to observe quality before purchase significantly changes how search frictions affect market performance. In equilibrium, higher search costs reduce match values and increase price but can boost firms’ investment in product quality. Under plausible conditions, both consumer and total welfare initially increase in search cost, whereas both would monotonically decrease if quality were observable from search. We apply the analysis to online markets, where low search costs coexist with low-quality products. (JEL D11, D21, D83, L15)
Investment and Information Acquisition
Authors: Migrow Dimitri , Severinov Sergei
Published: July 2022

We study the interaction between productive investment and persuasion activities in a principal–agent setting with strategic disclosure. In an attempt to persuade the principal, the agent diverts substantial resources from productive activities to information acquisition for persuasion, even though productive activities are more efficient and raise the chances of success in persuasion. The equilibrium outcomes of simultaneous and sequential allocation procedures are the same, because the value of learning and experimentation through information acquisition is dominated by the value of productive investment. We show that an increase in cost of an investment project leads to a lower productive investment. (JEL D21, D82, D83, D86, G31)
Σύνθεση, χαρακτηρισμός και μελέτη ιδιοτήτων υβριδικών υπερδομών χαμηλοδιάστατων υλικών
Authors: Καρούτα Νίκη
Published: July 2022

Αντικείμενο της Διδακτορικής Διατριβής αποτέλεσε ο σχεδιασμός και η ανάπτυξη νέων νανοδομημένων υβριδικών υλικών. Οι τέσσερις ενότητες, στις οποίες διαμερίστηκε η έρευνα, συμπεριέλαβαν νανοϋλικά που καλύπτουν μεγάλο εύρος από τις πιο σημαντικές ομάδες δομών και ιδιοτήτων. Τα υπερπαραμαγνητικά νανοσωματίδια κατασκευασμένα από οξείδιο του σιδήρου, τροποποιήθηκαν επιφανειακά με μία καινοτόμο και ανατρεπτική μέθοδο «ψαλιδίσματο» των επιφανειακών μορίων προκειμένου να μετατραπούν σε υδρόφιλα και χημικά δραστικά. Η μελέτη της βιολογικής τους δράσης αποκάλυψε ενδιαφέροντα αποτελέσματα για τον επιλεκτικά τοξικό χαρακτήρα τους απέναντι σε καρκινικά κύτταρα. Τα υδρόφιλα νανοσωματίδια χρησιμοποιήθηκαν, επίσης, για την ανάπτυξη υβριδικής υπερδομής με την επιφανειακή ακινητοποίηση βορονικού οξέος. Το υβριδικό νανοϋλικό χρησιμοποιήθηκε για την δέσμευση, μέσω του βορονικού οξέος, και απομάκρυνση γλυκόζης από υδατικό διάλυμα. Η δημοφιλής οικογένεια των νανοϋλικών άνθρακα εκπροσωπήθηκε σε αυτή την εργασία από τρεις νανοδομές με διαφορετικά γεωμετρικά χαρακτηριστικά. Οι νανοδίσκοι, οι νανοσωλήνες και το γραφένιο ενεργοποιήθηκαν χημικά με επιφανειακή τροποποίηση και στη συνέχεα, λειτούργησαν ως υπόστρωμα για την ακινητοποίηση λυσοζύμης. Οι υπερδομές, που αναπτύχθηκαν, λειτουργούν ως νανοβιοκαταλύτες ενώ οι βιολογικές ιδιότητες του ενζύμου στις υπερδομές συσχετίζονται με το σχήμα του νανοϋλικού. Ακόμα, αναπτύχθηκε αποφυλλοποιημένο γραφένιο με ένθεση νιτρικών ιόντων από ατμίζον νιτρικό οξύ. Αυτή η συνθετική πορεία αφήνει ανεπηρέαστη την αρωματική δομή των γραφενικών φυλλών και σταθερά αποφυλλοποιημένη με την απομάκρυνση των ιόντων. Ως εκ τούτου, το θερμικά σταθεροποιημένο υβριδικό γραφένιο παρουσιάζει εξαιρετικά υψηλή τιμή ηλεκτρικής αγωγιμότητας. Τέλος, μελετήθηκε η ανάπτυξη υλικών άνθρακα με τρισδιάστατο ιεραρχημένο δίκτυο πόρων. Τα υλικά κατασκευάστηκαν από σακχαρόζη ως πρόδρομη ένωση άνθρακα, και συνδυασμό των μεθόδων σκληρού εκμαγείου και εκμαγείου πάγου. Η εφαρμογή των σκληρών εκμαγείων σε διαφορετικές αναλογίες και συνδυασμούς αποκάλυψε τον καθοριστικό ρόλο του συνδυασμού μεγέθους του σκληρού εκμαγείου και της αναλογίας στη δημιουργία μικρο-, μεσο- και μακρο- πόρων. Έτσι, προέκυψε εύρος ιεραρχημένων δομών με διαφορετικά πορώδη χαρακτηριστικά.
Computational methods of materials properties analysis in the nanoscale
Authors: Γιαρέμης Στέφανος
Published: July 2022

Ο σκοπός της παρούσας διατριβής είναι η παρουσίαση του σημαντικού ρόλου που έχουν οι ατομιστικές προσομοιώσεις ευρείας κλίμακας για τη διερεύνηση φαινομένων στη νανοκλίμακα σε ποικίλες θεματικές στον τομέα της επιστήμης των υλικών. Προσεγγίσεις βασισμένες σε προσομοιώσεις ab initio, δυναμικής των ατομιστικών spin και μοριακής δυναμικής χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για να εξάγουν συμπεράσματα σε πέντε επιλεγμένες μελέτες περίπτωσης, σε θέματα που αφορούν ιδιότητες ημιαγωγών, μεταφορά θερμότητας στη νανοκλίμακα, ιδιότητες φωνονίων και μαγνητικές ιδιότητες. Στην πρώτη μελέτη περίπτωσης, προσομοιώσεις ab initio και μοριακής δυναμικής πραγματοποιήθηκαν για τη διερεύνηση ενός είδους εξάρμοσης που παρατηρείται συχνά στο GaN που έχει αναπτυχθεί με ημιπολικό τρόπο ανάπτυξης. Οι δομικοί σχηματισμοί των πυρήνων των εξαρμόσεων καθορίστηκαν από τις προσομοιώσεις μοριακής δυναμικής, ακολουθούμενες από τη λεπτομερή ανάλυση της επίδρασης του κάθε ένα από αυτούς στο διάγραμμα ηλεκτρονιακών ζωνών του υλικού με χρήση ab initio προσομοιώσεων. Στη δεύτερη μελέτη περίπτωσης, η επίδραση του διαχωρισμού του In και της εναπόθεσής του στον πυρήνα των εξαρμόσεων που έχει παρατηρηθεί πειραματικά και θεωρητικά σε κράμματα InGaN, στη θερμική αγωγιμότητα του υλικού, μελετήθηκε με χρήση προσομοιώσεων μοριακής δυναμικής. Οι τιμές της θερμικής αγωγιμότητας που προέκυψαν για αυτό το είδος της ατέλειας δομής για μεταβλητή περιεκτικότητα In, συγκρίθηκαν με τι αντίστοιχες τιμές που υπολογίστηκαν για κράματα InGaN με αντίστοιχη περιεκτικότητα In χωρίς ατέλειες δομής, όπου τα άτομα In βρίσκονται σε τυχαίες πλεγματικές θέσεις Ga, είτε σε αυτές που υπολογίστηκε από προηγούμενη θεωρητική μελέτη πως είναι ενεργειακά προτιμητέο. Η ανισοτροπία της θερμικής αγωγιμότητας σε συνάρτηση της περιεκτικότητας In για κάθε περίπτωση, καθώς και η επίδραση της θερμοκρασίας, υπολογιστηκαν και συγκρίθηκαν για τα παραπάνω συστήματα. Στην πέμπτη μελέτη περίπτωσης, οι ιδιότητες φωνονιών του YAG διερευνήθηκαν με χρήση υπολογισμών ab initio. Άμεση σύγκριση με πειραματικές τιμές ανέδειξε την εγκυρότητα της μεθόδου που χρησιμοποίηθηκε, σε εύρος τιμών έως και κοντά στο σημείο τήξης του υλικού. Στην τέταρτη μελέτη περίπτωσης, η μερική αντικατάσταση του Sm από το φθηνό κράμμα mischmetal αναλύθηκε μέσω προσομοιώσεων ab initio, με σκοπό τη βελτιστοποίηση της αναλογίας μεταξύ κόστους και απόδοσης, για την εύρεση στοιχιομετριών με χαμηλότερο κόστος και εμπορικό ρίσκο για την κατασκευή μόνιμων μαγνητών. Οι ιδιότητες τριών σχετικών δυαδικών κραμμάτων μελετήθηκαν για σύγκριση. Τέλος, στην πέμπτη περίπτωση, η επίδραση των ατόμων Cr στις μαγντικές ιδιότητες νανοσωματιδίων πυρήνα-φλοιού Ni@NiO διερευνήθηκε με συνδυαστική χρήση προσομοιώσεων ab initio και δυναμικής των spin. Οι ιδιότητες των επί μέρους υλικών υπολογίστηκαν στην bulk μορφή τους και στη συνέχεια χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για τον καθορισμό των βρόχων υστέρησής τους. Προσομοιώσεις ab initio χρησιμοποιήθηκαν επίσης και για τη διερεύνηση δομικών και μαγνητικών φαινομένων σε ένα μικρό νανοσωματίδιο Ni@NiO.
Coexistence of mental and somatic diseases and difficulties in diagnosis and working with mentally ill people
Authors: Janeczek Piotr
Published: July 2022

AbstractIntroduction and purpose:The co-occurrence of mental illness and somatic diseases is a relationship confirmed by researchers in the fields of clinical medicine, health psychology or neuroscience. This article aims to present and discuss the interrelationship between mental and somatic diseases and to present issues related to the process of diagnosis.State of knowledge (brief description):Depression, schizophrenia, eating disorders and anxiety disorders are mental illnesses cited among researchers on the basis of studies as particularly prone to somatic comorbidities. Among somatic diseases, on the other hand, cancer is cited as the most frequently implicated in psychiatric comorbidity. However, this is not a clear-cut problem, as the impact of somatic and mental illnesses on each other can be bidirectional. Diagnosis of these requires a physician to have a great deal of factual knowledge and great vigilance in conducting an interview that may be conducted not only with the patient, but also with his family or environment.Summary:Working with people who are both mentally and somatically ill is a job that requires knowledge that combines both disciplines. Data indicate that 20-35% of patients with chronic somatic disease also have an additional psychiatric diagnosis; somatization of mental problems is a common phenomenon in outpatient treatment.
Les mouvements de contestation du Printemps arabe à l’épreuve des théories de la révolution et démocratisation
Authors: Szczepankiewicz-Rudzka Ewa
Published: July 2022

Les pays de l’Afrique du Nord et du Moyen-Orient vivent depuis 2011 une situation historique. Cette région qui nous était fréquemment présentée comme résistante aux processus de changement dit démocratique, par cette vague de contestations sociales, a fait une preuve qu’il n’existe aucune raison culturelle, politique ou sociale, pour qu’elle reste en dehors de ce mouvement d’émancipation. Ces « révolutions » baptisées « le Printemps arabe » ou « Arabe’89 » font référence aux mouvements sociales qui au cours du XIXe et XXe siècles ont touché un bon nombre des pays d’Europe. Ils incitent également à se demander si celles-ci s’inscrivent dans les cadres des théories de la révolution sociale et s’ils peuvent être examinés en s’appuyant sur les modèles jusqu’ ici existants. L’objectif de cet article sera entre autres de répondre à la question si c’était possible de prévoir les situations révolutionnaires dans les pays de MENA en s’appuyant sur les pronostics élabores par chercheures ainsi que différents instituts internationales. Deuxièmement nous chercherons les explications théorétiques des phénomènes récents dans les pays arabes. Pour cela nous nous pencherons sur les travaux de J. Goldstone, qui divise les révolutions en fonction de quatre générations. La dernière partie de ce texte tentera à examiner la théorie de la troisième vague de la démocratisation et son application dans le cas du Printemps arabe.
The Arab Spring in Pakistan?
Authors: Głogowski Aleksander
Published: July 2022

Pakistan, although it is not an Arab state, has long lasting contacts with the Arab World. They are based on the same religious and cultural foundations and deep economic contact as well. Many Pakistanis work in the Gulf States. Pakistani military has been training and supporting armed forces of such countries as e.g. Jordan. So the ideas of The Arab Spring have influenced young elites of Pakistani society somehow. The goal of the article is to show similarities and certain differences between the political situation in Pakistan and Arab states (esp. Egypt as comparable by the size and population, and role of military in politics too). The Author tries to answer the question whether something like the Arab Spring possible in Pakistan and/or maybe something like that just has happened.
La dawla madaniyya dans l’Égypte post-Moubarak : une nouvelle pièce du complexe puzzle « État – religion » dans l’Islam
Authors: Fani Alessandra
Published: July 2022

Après la chute du président Moubarak et avant l’élection du général al-Sissi, l’Égypte a connu une phase de transition politique riche d’idées et de débats. Dans cet article on analysera le concept de dawla madaniyya, selon lequel tant les autorités militaires que les autorités religieuses doivent être exclus de l’État. Toutes les forces politiques, à l’exception des extrémistes religieux, revendiquent cette modèle politique, en profitant de l’enthousiasme du peuple pour gagner son soutien. La conséquence est qu’elle est devenue une formule ambiguë, où le poids de l’aspect religieux prédomine sur l’aspect militaire.
Movement of protest in Morocco. The case of unemployed graduates
Authors: Mouna Khalid
Published: July 2022

The Moroccan political system is based on a diversity of actors: the urban bourgeoisie, peasantry, the state workers, etc. But, among its components, there are also unemployed graduates. This paper will show how they have been divided into several groups since the late 1990s, each group defined by its interests and degrees. Beyond these specificities, all these groups share the same aim: they want access to employment, more specifically to civil service positions. This article analyzes these two aspects through the use of public space during protest movements by unemployed graduates.
The vulnerabilities of the “oil stability” in Algeria in post-Arab Spring
Authors: Huseynova Lala Muradova
Published: July 2022

A growing literature on the “Immunity of Algeria from the Arab Spring” posits a strong relationship between the Algeria’s hydrocarbon wealth and its failed revolution in 2011. There is no doubt that Algerian regime succeeded to survive the tumultuous revolts, inter alia, by buying off the social stability with its hydrocarbon reserves at the time when the Arab revolutions were spreading across several North African and Middle Eastern countries, toppling several governments and transforming others. Nevertheless, against the backdrop of the dwindling oil prices the paper examines the vulnerability of Algerian “oil stability” and its exposure to potential wide-spread civil uprisings. Algerian government is facing a difficult dilemma: to choose between the financial stability and the social peace.
Aux bords de la Forteresse Europe : la Tunisie et la construction de la frontière
Authors: Campani Giovanna
Published: July 2022

Le nombre de morts dans la mer, aux frontières sud de l’Europe ne cesse d’augmenter démontrant l’échec des politiques de contrôle des flux migratoires mis en place depuis presque 30 ans par les pays européens et leur partenaires au sud du bassin de la Méditerranée. Dans cet article, nous prenons en examen le cas des relations Italo-tunisiennes et le processus de construction de « la frontière » entre les deux pays, depuis les accords bilatéraux de 1998 jusqu’au mobility partnership de 2014. En outre, le statut de pays de transit place la Tunisie au centre des politiques d’externalisation de la gestion des frontières européennes, une approche qui pourraient avoir d’importantes répercussions sur le respect des droits fondamentaux des réfugiés et des migrants.
“Frozen” Conflicts on the Territories of Countries Participating in “Eastern Partnership” As a Toll of Russian Influence in the Region
Authors: Doroshko Mykola
Published: July 2022

The article analyzes the causes of ethno-political conflicts in post-Soviet countries, participating in “Eastern Partnership”. Using the method of historical analogies, the author concludes that the conflicts were inspired by the leadership of former Soviet Union to preserve the Union State. The authorities of Russian Federation, as successors to the USSR, are extremely interested in freezing them and escalating new ones, like the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin uses “frozen” and new conflicts as building tools for a new empire.
When geopolitics hinders transformation – the impact of geopolitical games on social-economic development in Ukraine
Authors: Schöll-Mazurek Kamila
Published: July 2022

The article discusses the problems of transformation in Ukraine. It examines the issue of the financial and tangible support provided by Poland, Germany and the European Union. It concludes with the statement that armed conflict hinders social-economic transformation, thus actions aimed at backing the development of civil society and strengthening the region politically are particularly important.
The Meaning of Geopolitical Factors in the Development of the State of Moldova in 2014 and 2015
Authors: Sikora-Gaca Małgorzata
Published: July 2022

Geopolitical factors have significantly shaped the development of the Moldovan democracy from its formal existence in 1991 to the current political situation. The parliamentary elections of 2014 have also showed the enormity of the problems faced not only by the party scene and the elite, but most of all by the Moldovan society. Despite the strong commitment of the Moldovan state in the Eastern Partnership and the Eastern Partnership in the state’s policy, the direction of the Moldovan state transition is very often unpredictable.
A MULHER E A FAMÍLIA: AGENDAS PENTECOSTAIS NA DISPUTA PELA GRAMÁTICA DOS DIREITOS HUMANOS
Authors: Teixeira Jacqueline Moraes , Barbosa Olivia Alves
Published: July 2022

Antes de assumir o Ministério da Mulher, da Família e dos Direitos Humanos do governo Bolsonaro, Damares Alves ficou conhecida por um vídeo no qual narra sua experiência de conversão vivida no alto de uma goiabeira. Reconhecida como pastora pentecostal, Damares é a primeira-ministra desde a fundação do Ministério, ocorrida em 1998, a declarar sua religião e a associá-la a seu engajamento político. Em sua posse, ela afirmou que, se o Estado era laico, a partir de agora ele teria também uma ministra terrivelmente cristã. A ascensão de Damares como ministra pode ser entendida como um marco em meio a um processo que colocou parte do segmento evangélico pentecostal na disputa pela gramática dos Direitos Humanos no país. Este artigo pretende analisar alguns sentidos dos direitos humanos no Estado Brasileiro, com foco no Poder Executivo. O objetivo central do artigo é analisar como sujeitos religiosos nas secretarias e comissões centrais traduzem a religião em políticas públicas e buscam o reconhecimento público de suas práticas como humanitárias. O artigo enfoca, portanto, o papel de sujeitos religiosos na composição de cargos na Secretaria da Família e na Secretaria da Mulher entre os anos de 2019 e 2021.
Lusotropicalidade no “mundo português”: olhares cruzados acerca de Gilberto Freyre na História Colonial Lusitana
Authors: Durão Gustavo De Andrade
Published: July 2022

O artigo discute a trajetória de Gilberto Freyre destacando sua produção do lusotropicalismo relacionada à lusitanidade, considerando parte de suas posturas relativas ao colonialismo português. Nesse sentido é possível questionar as fontes acerca da participação de Freyre e da análise de seu discurso em relação às definições imperialistas lusitanas, sobretudo, no que diz respeito às aproximações com os países africanos. Levando em conta a sua obra O Mundo que oPortuguês criou (1940) podemos chegar a intepretações relevantes sobre o viés do hibridismo incutido na ideia de luso-tropical como elemento base para intermediar o contato colonial entre Portugal e seus “súditos coloniais”.
De crítico a admirador: Gilberto Freyre, segundo Oswald de Andrade
Authors: Cunha Valdeci Silva
Published: July 2022

O presente artigo propõe analisar as leituras e apropriações feitas por Oswald de Andrade da produção e do legado cultural de Gilberto Freyre e mostrar que, ao longo dos anos de 1930 e 1940, o escritor paulista, a princípio um crítico às pesquisas e obras de Freyre, tornou-se um admirador de seu trabalho. Nessa empreitada, encontramos Oswald inserido nos principais debates da década de 1940, acerca da identidade nacional brasileira, do lugar do Brasil na América Latina, da importância dos Estados Unidos, do ensaísmo, dentre outros. Utilizaremos, para tanto, as contribuições de Oswald de Andrade à imprensa brasileira presentes em suas Obras Completas. Embora sem um estudo aprofundado sobre a obra de Freyre, encontramos nelas uma ampla rede de referências que nos informam sobre uma viva cultura de trocas intelectuais entre os dois escritores. Este estudo, para tanto, apoia-se nas discussões, propostas e abordagens presentes nas pesquisas da História Intelectual.