bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical analysis of a newly developed interspinous process device conjunction with interbody cage based on a finite element model
Authors: Bae In-Suk , Bak Koang-Hum , Chun Hyoung-Joon , Ryu Je Il , Park Sung-Jae , Lee Sung-Jae
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effects of a newly developed interspinous process device (IPD), called TAU. This device was compared with another IPD (SPIRE) and the pedicle screw fixation (PSF) technique at the surgical and adjacent levels of the lumbar spine.

Materials and methods

A three-dimensional finite element model analysis of the L1-S1 segments was performed to assess the biomechanical effects of the proposed IPD combined with an interbody cage. Three surgical models—two IPD models (TAU and SPIRE) and one PSF model—were developed. The biomechanical effects, such as range of motion (ROM), intradiscal pressure (IDP), disc stress, and facet loads during extension were analyzed at surgical (L3-L4) and adjacent levels (L2-L3 and L4-L5). The study analyzed biomechanical parameters assuming that the implants were perfectly fused with the lumbar spine.

Results

The TAU model resulted in a 45%, 49%, 65%, and 51% decrease in the ROM at the surgical level in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, respectively, when compared to the intact model. Compared to the SPIRE model, TAU demonstrated advantages in stabilizing the surgical level, in all directions. In addition, the TAU model increased IDP at the L2-L3 and L4-L5 levels by 118.0% and 78.5% in flexion, 92.6% and 65.5% in extension, 84.4% and 82.3% in lateral bending, and 125.8% and 218.8% in axial rotation, respectively. Further, the TAU model exhibited less compensation at adjacent levels than the PSF model in terms of ROM, IDP, disc stress, and facet loads, which may lower the incidence of the adjacent segment disease (ASD).

Conclusion

The TAU model demonstrated more stabilization at the surgical level than SPIRE but less stabilization than the PSF model. Further, the TAU model demonstrated less compensation at adjacent levels than the PSF model, which may lower the incidence of ASD in the long term. The TAU device can be used as an alternative system for treating degenerative lumbar disease while maintaining the physiological properties of the lumbar spine and minimizing the degeneration of adjacent segments.
Combined treatment of sorafenib and doxorubicin-loaded microbubble-albumin nanoparticle complex for hepatocellular carcinoma: A feasibility study
Authors: Lee Seunghyun , Kim Jung Hoon , Moon Hyungwon , Lee Hak Jong , Han Joon Koo
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To assess the feasibility of the combined sorafenib (SOR) and doxorubicin-loaded microbubble-albumin nanoparticle complex (DOX-MAC) treatment effect in an orthotopic rat model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and methods

Sixty-two rats with N1-S1 hepatoma were divided into four groups according to the treatment methods, i.e. G1 (SOR and DOX-MAC; n = 12), G2 (SOR; n = 15), G3 (DOX-MAC; n = 12), G4 (DOX; n = 11), and G5 (normal saline; n = 12). We performed the theragnostic, contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination and treatment at the baseline, one-week, and two-weeks. Tumor volume and perfusion parameters were compared at each time point and the differences between all of the groups over time were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. We also analyzed the apoptotic index and microvessel density (MVD) per each tumor specimen in all of the groups.

Results

The tumors increased from the beginning in all of the groups to the final follow-up, whereas the tumor growth in the G1 group and the G2 group was inhibited during the treatment period compared to the baseline tumor volume (P = 0.016 and P = 0.031). The G1 group resulted in tumor growth inhibition compared to the control group (P = 0.008). The G1 group showed that the peak enhancement and wash-in area under the curve were lower than that of the G4 group (P = 0.010 and 0.022). However, there was no difference in perfusion parameters in the other treated group compared to control group. The MVD of the G1 group tumor was lower than that of the G4 group (P = .016).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the combination therapy of SOR and DOX-MAC can cause inhibition of tumor growth after treatment and that this therapy can be adequately monitored using the theragnostic DOX-MAC agent.
Persistence of symptoms and quality of life at 35 days after hospitalization for COVID-19 infection
Authors: Jacobs Laurie G. , Gourna Paleoudis Elli , Lesky-Di Bari Dineen , Nyirenda Themba , Friedman Tamara , Gupta Anjali , Rasouli Lily , Zetkulic Marygrace , Balani Bindu , Ogedegbe Chinwe , Bawa Harinder , Berrol Lauren , Qureshi Nabiha , Aschner Judy L.
Published: December 2020

Background

Characterizing the prevalence and persistence of symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection following hospitalization and their impact is essential to planning post-acute community-based clinical services. This study seeks to identify persistent COVID-19 symptoms in patients 35 days post-hospitalization and their impact on quality of life, health, physical, mental, and psychosocial function.

Methods and findings

This prospective cohort study used the PROMIS® Instruments to identify symptoms and quality of life parameters in consecutively enrolled patients between March 22 and April 16, 2020, in New Jersey. The 183 patients (median age 57 years; 61.5% male, 54.1% white) reported persistent symptoms at 35 days, including fatigue (55.0%), dyspnea (45.3%), muscular pain (51%), associated with a lower odds rating general health (41.5%, OR 0.093 [95% CI: 0.026, 0.329], p = 0.0002), quality of life (39.8%; OR 0.116 [95% CI: 0.038, 0.364], p = 0.0002), physical health (38.7%, OR 0.055 [95% CI: 0.016, 0.193], p <0.0001), mental health (43.7%, OR 0.093 [95% CI: 0.021, 0.418], p = 0.0019) and social active role (38.7%, OR 0.095 [95% CI: 0.031, 0.291], p<0.0001), as very good/excellent, particularly adults aged 65 to 75 years (OR 8·666 [95% CI: 2·216, 33·884], p = 0·0019).

Conclusions

COVID-19 symptoms commonly persist to 35 days, impacting quality of life, health, physical and mental function. Early post-acute evaluation of symptoms and their impact on function is necessary to plan community-based services.
Nasopharyngeal colonization with pathobionts is associated with susceptibility to respiratory illnesses in young children
Authors: Chapman Timothy J. , Morris Matthew C. , Xu Lei , Pichichero Michael E.
Published: December 2020

Some children are more susceptible to viral and bacterial respiratory infections in the first few years of life than others. However, the factors contributing to this susceptibility are incompletely understood. In a retrospective analysis of clinical samples collected from a prospectively-enrolled cohort of 358 children we sought associations between physician-attended illness visits and bacterial colonization in the first five years of life. A subset of children was identified by unsupervised clustering analysis as infection and allergy prone (IAP). Several respiratory infection- and allergy-mediated illnesses co-occurred at higher rates in IAP children, while the rates of other illnesses were not significantly different between the groups. Analyses of nasopharyngeal (NP) pathobionts and microbiota commensals showed that early age of first colonization with pathobionts Streptococcus pneumonia, non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis was associated with IAP children, and particularly Moraxella abundance was negatively associated with NP microbiome diversity. We conclude that mucosal pathobiont exposures in early life can influence susceptibility to respiratory illnesses in children.
Healthcare workers’ knowledge, preparedness, counselling practices, and perceived barriers to confront COVID-19: A cross-sectional study from a war-torn country, Yemen
Authors: Al-Ashwal Fahmi Y. , Kubas Mohammed , Zawiah Mohammed , Bitar Ahmad Naoras , Mukred Saeed Ramzi , Sulaiman Syed Azhar Syed , Khan Amer Hayat , Ghadzi Siti Maisharah Sheikh
Published: December 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) represents a difficult challenge and could have devastating consequences for the healthcare system and healthcare workers in war-torn countries with poor healthcare facilities such as Yemen. Our study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, preparedness, counselling practices of healthcare workers regarding COVID-19, and the perceived barriers to adequately prevent and control COVID-19 in Yemen.

Methods

Healthcare workers (HCWs) from major healthcare facilities participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire comprising of five main domains (demographics, knowledge, self-preparedness, counselling practice, perceived barriers) was distributed among HCWs after obtaining informed consent. A convenient sampling technique was used. Descriptive and inferential analyses were applied using SPSS software.

Results

A total of 1000 participants were initially targeted to participate in the study with 514 (51.4%) responding, of which 55.3% were female. Physicians and nurses constituted the largest proportion of participants, with 39.5% and 33.3%, respectively. The median scores for knowledge, self-preparedness, and counselling practice were 8 (out of 9), 9 (out of 15), and 25 (out of 30), respectively. The physician group showed a statistically significant association with better knowledge compared to the nurse group only, P<0.001. Males had higher preparedness scores than females, p<0.001. Also, the intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency departments presented a statistically significant difference by which the participants from these departments were more prepared compared to the others (e.g. outpatients, paediatrics and surgery) with P < 0.0001. The lack of awareness among the general population about COVID-19 preventive measures was perceived as the most common barrier for the adequate prevention and control of COVID-19 in Yemen (89.1%).

Conclusion

The major highlight of this study is that HCWs have, overall, good knowledge, suboptimal preparedness, and adequate counselling practices prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Yemen, despite the high number of perceived barriers. However, urgent action and interventions are needed to improve the preparedness of HCWs to manage COVID-19. The perceived barriers also need to be fully addressed by the local healthcare authorities and international organisations working in Yemen for adequate prevention and control measures to be in place in managing COVID-19.
Distinct polymorphisms in a single herpesvirus gene are capable of enhancing virulence and mediating vaccinal resistance
Authors: Conradie Andelé M. , Bertzbach Luca D. , Trimpert Jakob , Patria Joseph N. , Murata Shiro , Parcells Mark S. , Kaufer Benedikt B.
Published: December 2020

Modified-live herpesvirus vaccines are widely used in humans and animals, but field strains can emerge that have a higher virulence and break vaccinal protection. Since the introduction of the first vaccine in the 1970s, Marek’s disease virus overcame the vaccine barrier by the acquisition of numerous genomic mutations. However, the evolutionary adaptations in the herpesvirus genome responsible for the vaccine breaks have remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate that point mutations in the multifunctional meq gene acquired during evolution can significantly alter virulence. Defined mutations found in highly virulent strains also allowed the virus to overcome innate cellular responses and vaccinal protection. Concomitantly, the adaptations in meq enhanced virus shedding into the environment, likely providing a selective advantage for the virus. Our study provides the first experimental evidence that few point mutations in a single herpesviral gene result in drastically increased virulence, enhanced shedding, and escape from vaccinal protection.
Disentangling the dynamical underpinnings of differences in SARS-CoV-2 pathology using within-host ecological models
Authors: Metcalf C. Jessica E. , Grenfell Bryan T. , Graham Andrea L.
Published: December 2020

Health outcomes following infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are remarkably variable. The way the virus spreads inside hosts, and how this spread interacts with host immunity and physiology, is likely to determine variation in health outcomes. Decades of data and dynamical analyses of how other viruses spread and interact with host cells could shed light on SARS-CoV-2 within-host trajectories. We review how common axes of variation in within-host dynamics and emergent pathology (such as age and sex) might be combined with ecological principles to understand the case of SARS-CoV-2. We highlight pitfalls in application of existing theoretical frameworks relevant to the complexity of the within-host context and frame the discussion in terms of growing knowledge of the biology of SARS-CoV-2. Viewing health outcomes for SARS-CoV-2 through the lens of ecological models underscores the value of repeated measures on individuals, especially since many lines of evidence suggest important contingence on trajectory.
Modern Macroeconomics and Heterogeneity
Authors: Brinca Pedro
Published: December 2020

Modern macroeconomics has evolved from focusing just on the dynamics of aggregates, such as income, consumption and savings, to the dynamics of the distributions that add up to those aggregates. This is a consequence of theoretical contributions and increasing data availability and computational power. Though contributions regarding heterogeneity in macroeconomics can be traced back to the first half of the 20th century, it is only by the 2010s that we evolved towards a framework where there is a rich interaction between macroeconomic aggregates and their distributions that goes both ways. This special edition focused on contributions that build on such framework to study open questions regarding the impact of fiscal shocks on output, the impact of investment‑ specific technological change on inequality, optimal tax structures, and the impact of the COVID‑ 19 pandemic on the distribution of earnings.
Assessment of biphasic calcium phosphate 70/30 alginate scaffold on the tibia in pigs
Authors: Soeyono Gunanti , Dahlan Kiagus , Purba Melpa Susanti , Widhyari Sus Dherthi , Soesatyoratih Rr. , Teng Thang Shi , Budiarti Lieonny , Wai Ho Kin , Kosat Agatha
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim: Calcium phosphate bioceramics have been used for at least a decade, and many investigations have focused on the use of hydroxyapatite (HA) derivative in the regeneration of bone defects. Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) is a biomaterial composed of HA and beta-tricalcium phosphate (BCP), with a structure similar to bone. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the BCP/alginate scaffold on tissue growth, blood, the lungs, and the electrical activity of the heart during bone healing in the tibia of pig.

Materials and Methods: Three pigs were implanted with BCP/alginate scaffolds in the tibias. Pigs were acclimatized and treated with antibiotics and anthelminthic drugs 14 days before implantation. Each pig was implanted with a BCP/ alginate scaffold in the right tibia and a defect without the implant was made in the left tibia as the control. Radiographic images of the tibia were captured 0, 7, 30, and 60 days after the operation. Erythrograms, radiography of the lungs, and electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were done 0, 30, and 60 days after the operation.

Results: Radiographic evaluations showed that the implant and peri-implant density of BCP decreased throughout the process of bone healing. The erythrogram profile indicated that a substantial amount of time (60 days) was required to adapt and return to pre-operative conditions. No significant differences in ECG recordings or pulmonary radiography were detected.

Conclusion: The BCP/alginate scaffold did not induce a faster recovery rate from the bone defect compared to the control with no implant. However, the BCP/alginate scaffold was biodegradable, bioresorbable, and non-toxic.
IMPLEMENTASI VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK (VPN) DI PERPUSTAKAAN UNIVERSITAS ISLAM MALANG
Authors: Umaroh Lia , Rifauddin Machsun
Published: December 2020

This study aims to explain to use a VPN in the UNISMA Library. The research method used is descriptive-qualitative and data was obtained through interviews with five informants, observation, and documentation. Data analysis techniques by collecting data, data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. While the validity of the data was obtained through triangulation. The results showed that the use of VPN in the UNISMA Library to speed up internet connection and data privacy. UNISMA library uses a proxy server router operating system for VPN networks. To be able to make Mikrotik a VPN server, configuration is required which includes IP pool configuration, IP router configuration, PPP configuration, DHCP server configuration, NAT by pass firewall configuration and IP security configuration. The library selection of VPN products considers the aspects of strong authentication, encryption that is strong enough, meets standards, integration with other field network services.
PUBLICATION OF RESEARCH DATA MANAGEMENT IN OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL ANALYSIS BASED ON SCOPUS DATA
Authors: Tupan Tupan , Kamaludin Kamaludin
Published: December 2020

The study aims to determine: (1) the number of open access resources for research data management publications indexed by Scopus, including the year of publication, source of publication, authors, institutions, countries, types of documents and funding agencies; (2) mapping research data management based on keywords. The results of the study showed that the number of open access resources for research data management publications has started since 1981 and the number has continued to increase starting in 2014 and the highest number occurred in 2019, namely 49 publications. The most publicized journals that open access to research data management was the Data Science Journal, which was 11 publications. The most productive author of conducting research data management publications was Cox, A.M. and Pinfield, S. The largest institutions contributing to the publication of open access research data management were the University of Toronto and New York University. The countries that contributed the most were the United States with 50 publications, then China with 38 publications. The most open access research data management in the form of articles as many as 107 and 37 conference paper publications. The institutions that provided the most funding sponsors were the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the National Science Foundation. The results of keyword mapping with VOSViewer showed that big data, research data management, information management, data management, medical research topics, software, information processing, and metadata were the most researched topics.
A infância pobre no Brasil da Primeira República: um panorama das pesquisas
Authors: Rückert Fabiano Quadros
Published: December 2020

O artigo analisa a produção acadêmica brasileira a respeito da infância pobre na Primeira República a partir da consulta no banco de dados da Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Dissertações e Teses (BDTD). A Introdução do texto trata da configuração de um campo de estudos sobre a História Infância no Brasil e aponta temas que ganharam projeção nas pesquisas realizadas nas décadas finais do século XX. A segunda seção descreve a metodologia adotada para a seleção da bibliografia, apresenta o conjunto total das dissertações e teses selecionadas e define categorias temáticas a partir do conteúdo das pesquisas. A terceira seção desenvolve a análise das categorias temáticas e concede especial atenção para as fontes documentais consultadas.
A relevante história das crianças:
Authors: De Paula Thiago Nascimento Torres
Published: December 2020

CARDOZO, José Carlos da Silva, et al (Orgs.). História das crianças no Brasil meridional. São Leopoldo: Oikos / Editora da UNISINOS, 2016. 470 p.
Keratin-18: Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Theragnostic for Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis
Authors: McClain Craig J. , Vatsalya Vatsalya , Mitchell Mack C.
Published: December 2020

It is still sometimes difficult to differentiate alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) from other liver problems. In this edition of AJG, Atkinson et al. showed that keratin-18 (intermediate filament protein) is a promising biomarker for predicting histological severity of AH, defining the type of hepatocyte death (necrosis vs apoptosis), predicting 90-day mortality, and predicting the response to corticosteroid therapy in severe AH. The authors conclude that K18 is diagnostic, prognostic, and may be a theragnostic marker for prednisolone therapy and note that “serum K18 estimation should be adopted into routine clinical practice.” We agree.
Polarization of Light Reflected by Grass: Modeling Using Visible-Sunlit Areas
Authors: Yang Bin , Yan Lei , Liu Siyuan
Published: December 2020

The Bidirectional polarization distribution function (BPDF) of land surfaces is important for studies of land surfaces and aerosol. With the availability of a huge number of polarization measurements, several semi-empirical BPDF models have been proposed. However, these models do not
pay much attention to canopy structure, which is fundamental for generation of polarization. In this article, we propose a new BPDF model using canopy structure information, which is parameterized by visible-sunlit areas. It is evaluated over grassland using POLDER BPDF and MODIS leaf area
index data sets. Experiments suggest that compared to Nadal–Bréon and Litvinov models, the new BPDF model reduces root-mean-square error by 7% and 10%, respectively. The new BPDF model also provides better performance when it is fitted using observations clustered by sun zenith
angle. The new BPDF model thus provides an effective tool for the study of land surface polarization.
Sensitive Research of Scattering and Absorbing Aerosols on Sky Polarization Pattern
Authors: Chen Wei , Song Ge , Wang Haozhong , Zhao Haimeng , Zhu Jianfang , Zhong Peiyi
Published: December 2020

Sky polarization patterns are a relatively new and interesting field of polarized remote sensing. However, most current research mainly focuses on Rayleigh scattering or different conditions of aerosol optical depth. In this study, the sky downward polarization patterns are calculated
for both degree of linear polarization and angle of polarization with scattering and absorbing aerosol situations. When coarse-mode aerosol changes from scattering to absorbing, the decreasing trend in the sky downward degree-of-linear-polarization largely slows down when aerosol optical depth
increases. For fine-mode aerosol, on the other hand, the change of pattern is not sensitive to the absorbing property of aerosol. Sky downward angle-of-polarization patterns for different levels of aerosol optical depth and aerosol modes are similar, with little change. The results suggest
that in order to accurately use sky polarization for remote sensing or bionic navigation, it is necessary to characterize aerosol microphysical properties first, especially when coarse absorbing aerosol exists.
Kurtuluştan Ma’neviyyâta: Doğu Asya’dan Bakışla Dinlerin Güncel Dönüşümü
Authors: SUSUMU Shimazono , KARAOĞLU Yetkin
Published: December 2020

Günümüz dünyasında egemen seküler görüşe karşı dinî bir dünya görüşünü yeniden kurma eğilimi bulunmaktadır. Bu eğilim geleneksel dinlere dönüş, ma’neviyyâtın yükselişi ve modern kurumsal alanda dindarlığın artışı olmak üzere üç açıdan gözlemlenebilmektedir. Ma’neviyyâtın yükselişi, bu makalenin ana odak noktasıdır. Yazar, başta ekonomik açıdan gelişmiş ülkelerde olmak üzere yeni bir ma’neviyyâtın ortaya çıktığı ve yayıldığı tarihsel süreci incelemektedir. Yazar, insanların kurtuluşa olan inancına karşın bu fenomenin şüphecilik ile ilgili olduğunu öne sürmektedir. Ekonomik açıdan gelişmiş ülkelerde dünya görüşünün güncel bir dönüşümü, "dinden ma’neviyyâta" şeklinde görülebilmekte, diğer taraftan bu dönüşümü “kurtuluştan ma’neviyyâta" şeklinde adlandırmak daha uygun olabilmektedir. Geleneksel dinlerin dışında gelişen “yeni ma’neviyyât" ile geleneksel dinlerde gelişen ma’neviyyâta verilen önem arasında mantıksal bir ilişki bulunmaktadır. Din ve ma’neviyyât arasındaki ilişkiyi anlamak için din ve ma’neviyyâtın genel geçer olmayan tanımları teklif edilmektedir. Din ve yeni ma’neviyyât arasında bir gerilim olmasına rağmen, başka bir açıdan din ve yeni ma’neviyyât, birbirini tamamlayıcıdır. Burada önerilen tamamlayıcı anlayış, dinî tarihin Doğu Asya perspektifini yansıtmaktadır.
Determinants of Accounting Practice in Micro and Small Enterprises: Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Zelie Enyew Mulu , Alebachew Tamiru Aniley , Alem Kenubish Asrat
Published: December 2020

This study assesses the factors determining accounting recordkeeping practices among micro and small enterprises in Ethiopia's South Western Wollo region. It has been noted that, despite the enormous importance of accounting recordkeeping, the practice is still inadequate in micro and small businesses. This study used cross-sectional primary data collected from 343 micro and small enterprises. An ordered logistic regression analysis method was employed to analyze the explanatory variable's effect (education level, number of employees, frequency of transactions, size of the firm, and age of the firm) on micro and small enterprises' accounting practice. The study results show that the education level, the number of employees, the frequency of transactions, and the firm's size have a statistically significant and positive effect on the accounting practice of micro and small enterprises. On the other hand, the firm's age is found to have no statistically significant effect on micro and small enterprises' accounting practice. This study helps micro and small enterprises by showing the significant factors that affect their accounting practice and working towards better reporting and decision-making habits.
Déconfiner la perception scientifique en france
Authors: Gignoux-Ezratty Véronique
Published: December 2020

La pandémie de la Covid-19 amène à repenser le monde, à prendre conscience de la nécessité d’un nouveau modèle socio-économique. Mais comment faire quand il existe un déni de la rigueur scientifique dans le monde politique et médiatique comme en France ?

Combien de discours sur l’efficacité d’une politique économique sont basés sur une hypothèse fausse, celle que "corrélation veut dire causalité" ? Pourquoi y-a-t-il tant de débats télévisés où des polémistes s’improvisent experts ou expertes ? Pourquoi des gouvernants sont incapables de prendre en compte des questions de logistique basiques pour la mise à disposition de masques de protection ? Pourquoi l’enseignement des mathématiques et des sciences font l’objet depuis plusieurs dizaines d’années d’un dénigrement construit par une répétition d’arguments infondés ?

La capacité collective de repérer ce qui est scientifiquement prouvé et ce qui ne l’est pas, manque à la France et à un grand nombre de pays industrialisés. Il s’agit d’un handicap qui impacte directement la capacité d’évoluer vers une économie acceptée par la majorité des citoyens et basée sur le réel. Cette incapacité alimente le risque de crise économique et d’explosions sociétales. Ce qui est fait défaut n’est pas une connaissance des dernières découvertes scientifiques, mais celle des fondamentaux de la rigueur scientifique, des limites des modèles et de la valeur des sondages.

Pour changer la compréhension des sciences, deux leviers sont possibles. Le premier porte sur la conscience du grand public et des médias, le deuxième sur la gouvernance de l’enseignement des sciences à l’école.

Cette communication fait l’état des lieux en France, propose des hypothèses sur les évolutions socio-culturelles d’ordre systémique qui ont conduit à cette situation. Deux actions nécessaire dans deux champs sont développées : la communication médiatique et l’éducation en sciences.
CAPACITY ASSESSMENT OF ANCIENT MASONRY ARCH BRIDGE: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Dorji Jigme , Zahra Tatheer , Thambiratnam David P.
Published: December 2020

Most masonry arch railway bridges in the world are servicing the communities well beyond their intended design lives. However, these bridges would have undergone numerous deteriorations over the period of several decades of service life. The asset owners of these bridges are confronted with the decision over whether to continue servicing or decommissioning these bridges. Such decisions are critical from safety and economic points of views, and it can be addressed only by conducting a proper investigation of such structures. This paper presents the capacity assessment of typical in-service masonry arch bridges based on properties of masonry obtained through core testing. The bridges were modeled and analyzed for the ultimate capacity through limit state analysis method. Important parameters such as influence of backfill properties, strength of masonry, and span-to-rise ratio are discussed. The results indicate that the investigated bridges can sustain the current operating loads with a reasonable margin of safety index.
When international avatars meet – intercultural language learning in
virtual reality exchange
Authors: Jauregi Ondarra Kristi , Gruber Alice , Canto Silvia
Published: December 2020

Virtual exchange projects have become an effective pedagogical method to
support students’ development of intercultural language competence.
High-immersion experiences in Virtual Reality (VR) may offer an environment
which is conducive to developing such competence. This paper reports on a
pilot study carried out with two groups of university students (N=30) in the
Netherlands and Germany. The students, involved in a virtual exchange using
VR headsets, completed three tasks collaboratively. The aim of the study was
to investigate participants’ perception regarding (1) their collaboration
with foreign peers within the VR setting and (2) the perceived usefulness of
the tool. The researchers employed questionnaires and conducted interviews
and focus groups. The audio recording transcripts from the VR encounters and
students’ reflective journals provide further data to triangulate the
results. This pilot study provides first results with regard to virtual
exchanges carried out in high-immersion VR.
“There’s no other way when nothing comes to mind”: Internet use in L2
writing classes
Authors: Kennedy Olivia , Healy Sandra
Published: December 2020

Technology is changing traditional views of language teaching and
learning, with generational and cultural differences influencing the ways
that we interact with it. This paper describes an action research project
undertaken at a university in Japan to understand how students use the
Internet to prepare written assignments in L2, and the students’ and their
instructors’ reactions towards this usage. Classroom observation and
technology usage logs revealed that students use websites and applications
to gather ideas at the start of the writing process, rather than coming up
with ideas themselves. Thematic analysis of student journal entries suggests
that many students disregarded the brainstorming method that they had been
taught due to a lack of confidence either in their ideas or in their
linguistic competence. Students did not identify this behaviour as
dishonest, unlike 70% of the instructors interviewed. This mismatch in
student and instructor views may lead to missed learning opportunities for
the L2 writer.
Intelligent assistants in language learning: an analysis of features and
limitations
Authors: Kukulska-Hulme Agnes , Lee Helen
Published: December 2020

Learning a second language is a challenging endeavour which requires
various degrees of support. The proliferation of smart technologies includes
chatbots and conversational agents which have the potential to ‘assist’
language learners (Kukulska-Hulme, 2019). However, whilst a growing number
of researchers and developers are working on such intelligent assistants
across different disciplines, little is known about their application to
language learning. The aim of this project was to review relevant research
literature over a ten-year period (2010-2020) in order to uncover the
capabilities and limitations of Intelligent Assistants (IAs) in relation to
language learning. Results suggest that IAs can assist learners in a variety
of ways, including provision for conversation and pronunciation practice.
These tools can also fail to comprehend meaning or accented pronunciation.
The analysis highlighted gaps in research around skills development, task
design, pedagogy, and the use of chatbots in virtual worlds.
Student preferences: using Grammarly to help EFL writers with
paraphrasing, summarizing, and synthesizing
Authors: Lazic Dragana , Thompson Andrew , Pritchard Tim , Tsuji Saori
Published: December 2020

This study explores students’ perceptions about using Automated Writing
Evaluation (AWE), Grammarly (a paid version), as a complementary
instructional tool to teach and support writing from sources. Participants
were second-year students (n=37) at a public university in Japan. After
in-class tasks aimed at teaching paraphrasing, summarizing, and
synthesizing, students completed a survey that measured their perceptions.
Students had positive attitudes about Grammarly in general but had somewhat
polarized opinions on how useful the tool is in teaching writing from
sources and helping with plagiarism.
Hooked to WhatsApp. Can we take advantage of it?
Authors: Martínez Dunia , Appel Christine
Published: December 2020

The implementation of technology in the classroom has allowed language
teachers to promote and adopt student-centred approaches. Mobile Instant
Messaging (MIM) applications are on the frontline as one of the most widely
used social networking platforms holding great potential for language
learning and teaching. This preliminary study tries to understand if Spanish
teenagers and young adults who study English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
consider MIM as a significant learning platform that can help improve and
support their language learning skills. The survey target participants were
22 students, aged 13 to 18, who study EFL as an extracurricular activity in
a private language school. This study suggests that MIMs can be useful
support tools and motivating for students. It also shows willingness of
participants towards the use of MIM in their classroom.
Sentence complexity as an indicator of L2 learner’s listening
difficulty
Authors: Mirzaei Maryam Sadat , Meshgi Kourosh
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates the effect of sentence complexity, specifically
lexical and syntactic surprisal, on L2 listening difficulty.
Psycholinguistic studies revealed that surprisal cases correlate with
textual comprehension difficulty. Based on surprisal theory, these cases are
less probable or expected, considering the precedent context, thus require
more complex processing to comprehend. Little is known about the influence
of the surprisal factor on L2 listening comprehension. We aim to examine
this effect and propose to include these cases in captioning to assist L2
listeners. Since conventional captions include the whole transcript, we use
Partial and Synchronized Caption (PSC) with limited textual clues, which
allows for highlighting surprisal cases to reduce ambiguity. In our
experiment, intermediate learners of English (undergraduates) were asked to
transcribe and paraphrase videos containing surprisal cases. Results
revealed that learners faced difficulty when encountering surprisal, which
was partially addressed with the help of PSC, yet more assistance was
required.
CALL research in the primary school setting – problems, possibilities,
and potential
Authors: Ward Monica
Published: December 2020

This paper looks at Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) in the
primary school setting and the problems, possibilities, and potential
associated with this context. CALL normalisation is a key feature of
successful CALL usage. This paper looks at CALL normalisation in the primary
school context through three different lenses: Leakey’s (2011) 3P’s, Bax’s
(2003) CALL normalisation, and Chambers and Bax’s (2006) CALL normalisation.
The paper provides an overview of the use of a CALL resource for primary
school students over a period of three years, with students ranging in age
from seven to 12, both boys and girls with a number of different teachers
across two different schools. It finishes up with some reflections and tips
for others looking to work in this particular area.
Shifting to blended online learning and its impact on student performance: A case study for students enrolled in economic courses prior to COVID-19 emergency remote instruction
Authors:   City University of New York (CUNY) Kingsborough Community College, Tila Dorina
Published: December 2020

This study explores whether student academic performance differs between the face-to-face and online hybrid sections in an undergraduate introductory macroeconomic course offered at a US community college. The data was collected from 414 students enrolled in various sections of the course during five semesters from spring 2016 to fall 2018. The findings show no statistical difference in student performance between face-to-face and online hybrid courses and contribute to the literature specific to the discipline of economics, which unlike other disciplines, has shown discord in findings. The usefulness of such results may extend to US higher education institutions to help them make data-informed decisions about their future investments in online teaching modalities and course design in the discipline of economics.
Social Transmission and Buffering of Hippocampal Metaplasticity after Stress in Mice
Authors: Lee I-Chen , Yu Ting-Hsuan , Liu Wen-Hsin , Hsu Kuei-Sen
Published: December 2020

In social animals, the behavioral and hormonal responses to stress can be transmitted from one individual to another through a social transmission process, and, conversely, social support ameliorates stress responses, a phenomenon referred to as social buffering. Metaplasticity represents activity-dependent synaptic changes that modulate the ability to elicit subsequent synaptic plasticity. Authentic stress can induce hippocampal metaplasticity, but whether transmitted stress has the same ability remains unknown. Here, using an acute restraint–tailshock stress paradigm, we report that both authentic and transmitted stress in adult male mice trigger metaplastic facilitation of long-term depression (LTD) induction at hippocampal CA1 synapses. Using LTD as a readout of persistent synaptic consequences of stress, our findings demonstrate that, in a male–male dyad, stress transmission happens in nearly half of naive partners and stress buffering occurs in approximately half of male stressed mice that closely interact with naive partners. By using a social-confrontation tube test to assess the dominant–subordinate relationship in a male–male dyad, we found that stressed subordinate mice are not buffered by naive dominant partners and that stress transmission is exhibited in ∼60% of dominant naive partners. Furthermore, the appearance of stress transmission correlates with more time spent in sniffing the anogenital area of stressed mice, and the appearance of stress buffering correlates with more time engaged in allogrooming from naive partners. Chemical ablation of the olfactory epithelium with dichlobenil or physical separation between social contacts diminishes stress transmission. Together, our data demonstrate that transmitted stress can elicit metaplastic facilitation of LTD induction as authentic stress.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSocial animals can acquire information about their environment through interactions with conspecifics. Stress can induce enduring changes in neural activity and synaptic function. Current studies are already unraveling the transmission and buffering of stress responses between individuals, but little is known about the relevant synaptic changes associated with social transmission and buffering of stress. Here, we show that authentic and transmitted stress can prime glutamatergic synapses onto hippocampal CA1 neurons to undergo long-term depression. This hippocampal metaplasticity is bufferable following social interactions with naive partners. Hierarchical status of naive partners strongly affects the social buffering effect on synaptic consequences of stress. This work provides novel insights into the conceptual framework for synaptic changes with social transmission and buffering of stress.
Mutant Huntingtin Is Cleared from the Brain via Active Mechanisms in Huntington Disease
Authors: Caron Nicholas S. , Banos Raul , Yanick Christopher , Aly Amirah E. , Byrne Lauren M. , Smith Ethan D. , Xie Yuanyun , Smith Stephen E.P. , Potluri Nalini , Findlay Black Hailey , Casal Lorenzo , Ko Seunghyun , Cheung Daphne , Kim Hyeongju , Seong Ihn Sik , Wild Edward J. , Song Ji-Joon , Hayden Michael R. , Southwell Amber L.
Published: December 2020

Huntington disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Therapeutics that lower HTT have shown preclinical promise and are being evaluated in clinical trials. However, clinical assessment of brain HTT lowering presents challenges. We have reported that mutant HTT (mHTT) in the CSF of HD patients correlates with clinical measures, including disease burden as well as motor and cognitive performance. We have also shown that lowering HTT in the brains of HD mice results in correlative reduction of mHTT in the CSF, prompting the use of this measure as an exploratory marker of target engagement in clinical trials. In this study, we investigate the mechanisms of mHTT clearance from the brain in adult mice of both sexes to elucidate the significance of therapy-induced CSF mHTT changes. We demonstrate that, although neurodegeneration increases CSF mHTT concentrations, mHTT is also present in the CSF of mice in the absence of neurodegeneration. Importantly, we show that secretion of mHTT from cells in the CNS followed by glymphatic clearance from the extracellular space contributes to mHTT in the CSF. Furthermore, we observe secretion of wild type HTT from healthy control neurons, suggesting that HTT secretion is a normal process occurring in the absence of pathogenesis. Overall, our data support both passive release and active clearance of mHTT into CSF, suggesting that its treatment-induced changes may represent a combination of target engagement and preservation of neurons.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:Changes in CSF mutant huntingtin (mHTT) are being used as an exploratory endpoint in HTT lowering clinical trials for the treatment of Huntington disease (HD). Recently, it was demonstrated that intrathecal administration of a HTT lowering agent leads to dose-dependent reduction of CSF mHTT in HD patients. However, little is known about how HTT, an intracellular protein, reaches the extracellular space and ultimately the CSF. Our findings that HTT enters CSF by both passive release and active secretion followed by glymphatic clearance may have significant implications for interpretation of treatment-induced changes of CSF mHTT in clinical trials for HD.
Fungal keratitis in a mare: case report in Costa Rica
Authors: Bermúdez-Jiménez Eugenia , Calderón-Hernández Alejandra
Published: December 2020

This paper discusses the diagnosis and clinical management of a case of equine keratomycosis. A pregnant Iberic mare was diagnosed with Aspergillus subgenus Circumdati section Circumdati, by direct microscopic examination, cytology, and fungal culture after being treated with a topical antibiotic and steroid drops in her left eye for over a month. The mare developed a melting ulcer and, as a result, topical miconazole 1% was prescribed; while being treated the iris prolapsed, and surgery was suggested but not conducted. After the treatment, the eye was not visual but in the orbit.
Theoretical and experimental research on slip and uplift of the timber-concrete composite beam
Authors: Chen Jianying , He Guojing , Wang Xiaodong (Alice) , Wang Jiejun , Yi Jin , Yang Chuanjian
Published: December 2020

Timber-concrete composite beams are a new type of structural element that is environmentally friendly. The structural efficiency of this kind of beam highly depends on the stiffness of the interlayer connection. The structural efficiency of the composite was evaluated by experimental and theoretical investigations performed on the relative horizontal slip and vertical uplift along the interlayer between composite’s timber and concrete slab. Differential equations were established based on a theoretical analysis of combination effects of interlayer slip and vertical uplift, by using deformation theory of elastics. Subsequently, the differential equations were solved and the magnitude of uplift force at the interlayer was obtained. It was concluded that the theoretical calculations were in good agreement with the results of experimentation.
Current overview of carbon fiber: Toward green sustainable raw materials
Authors: Xu Yongjian , Liu Yan , Chen Shenglin , Ni Yonghao
Published: December 2020

Lignin, as a potential precursor of carbon fiber, has the characteristics of abundant reserves, renewable and high carbon content, and its application in the preparation of carbon fibers has substantial cost advantages if some important processing and quality hurdles can be overcome. This paper reviews the preparation process of lignin-based carbon fibers, and moreover, describes the characteristics of carbon fiber prepared by different precursors compared with the presently used precursors. Three preparation methods for lignin-based carbon fibers are introduced: melt spinning, solution spinning, and electrospinning. The applicability, advantages, and disadvantages of the three preparation methods are analyzed from the aspects of process conditions and performance characteristics. Possible directions for future research are considered, with the goal of providing a reference for further study of lignin-based carbon fibers.
Submikroninių aerozolio dalelių kilmės ir fizikinių-cheminių parametrų įtaka atmosferos šiluminei pusiausvyrai
Authors:   , Pauraitė-Dudek Julija
Published: December 2020

The impact of submicron aerosol source and physical-chemical parameters on atmospheric radiative balance
Rare-earth accessories and secondary minerals in plagiogneisses from the Stankuvatske Li-deposite
Authors:   State Institution «The Institute of Environmental Geochemistry of National Academy of Science of Ukraine», Lyzhachenkо N.М. , Kurylo S.I. ,   Earth Science Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bondarenko S. M. ,   M.P. Semenenko Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Ore Formation of NAS of Ukraine
Published: December 2020

The Stankuvatske Li deposit (SD) is situated at western flank of the Lypniazka structure (Ingul megablock of the Ukrainian Shield). Knowledge about REE content in host metamorphic rocks is based on the results of bulk chemical analysis, but their minerals have not been determined. For the first time rare-earth mineralization of the Stankuvatsky lithium deposit has been investigated in fine-grained gneiss with «augen» and schistose structure, porphiroblastic texture, formed as result of tectonical alteration. Our investigations were carried out using petrographic and microprobe analysis (EPMA). Mineralogically gneisses consist of quartz, plagioclase, zoizite, biotite, graphite, chlorite and abundant sulphides mainly represented by pyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, molibdenite. Accessory minerals presented by titanite, apatite, monazite, zircon and coffinite. Gneisses have been subjected to deformation and hydrothermal — metasomatic alteration. An investigation of rock-forming and accessory minerals allows to revel low-temperature alterations of primary allanite by bastnäsiteand chlorite with formation of secondary bastnäsite-chlorite-coisite-pyrite association with «coronary» texture. The penetration of S, F, CO2, H2O enriched fluids were caused disintegration, partial redistribution and reprecipitation of rare earth elements. As result synhysite-chlorite-pyrite association was formed.