bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Activity Reduces Epilepsy Incidence: a Retrospective Cohort Study in Swedish Cross-Country Skiers and an Experimental Study in Seizure-Prone Synapsin II Knockout Mice
Authors: Ahl Matilda , Avdic Una , Strandberg Maria Compagno , Chugh Deepti , Andersson Emelie , Hållmarker Ulf , James Stefan , Deierborg Tomas , Ekdahl Christine T.
Published: December 2019

Background

Epilepsy patients commonly exercise less than the general population. Animal studies indicate beneficial effects of physical activity in established epilepsy, while its effect on the development is currently less known.

Methods

Here, we investigated the incidence of epilepsy during 20 years in a cohort of participants from the long-distance Swedish cross-country ski race Vasaloppet (n = 197,685) and compared it to the incidence of non-participating-matched controls included in the Swedish population register (n = 197,684). Individuals diagnosed with diseases such as stroke and epilepsy before entering the race were excluded from both groups. Experimentally, we also determined how physical activity could affect the development of epilepsy in epilepsy-prone synapsin II knockout mice (SynIIKO), with and without free access to a running wheel.

Results

We identified up to 40–50% lower incidence of epilepsy in the Vasaloppet participants of all ages before retirement. A lower incidence of epilepsy in Vasaloppet participants was seen regardless of gender, education and occupation level compared to controls. The participants included both elite and recreational skiers, and in a previous survey, they have reported a higher exercise rate than the general Swedish population. Sub-analyses revealed a significantly lower incidence of epilepsy in participants with a faster compared to slower finishing time. Dividing participants according to specified epilepsy diagnoses revealed 40–50% decrease in focal and unspecified epilepsy, respectively, but no differences in generalized epilepsy. Voluntary exercise in seizure-prone SynIIKO mice for 1 month before predicted epilepsy development decreased seizure manifestation from > 70 to 40%. Brain tissue analyses following 1 month of exercise showed increased hippocampal neurogenesis (DCX-positive cells), while microglial (Iba1) and astrocytic activation (GFAP), neuronal Map2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor tyrosine receptor kinase B intensity were unaltered. Continued exercise for additionally 2 months after predicted seizure onset in SynIIKO mice resulted in a 5-fold reduction in seizure manifestation (from 90 to 20%), while 2 months of exercise initiated at the time of predicted seizure development gave no seizure relief, suggesting exercise-induced anti-epileptogenic rather than anti-convulsive effect.

Conclusion

The clinical study and the experimental findings in mice indicate that physical activity may prevent or delay the development of epilepsy.
A self-marker-like protein governs hemocyte allorecognition in Halocynthia roretzi
Authors: Ema Masaki , Okada Taizo , Takahashi Miki , Uchiyama Masato , Kubo Hideo , Moriyama Hideaki , Miyakawa Hitoshi , Matsumoto Midori
Published: December 2019

Background

Self-incompatibility, fusion/non-fusion reactions, and contact reactions (CRs) have all been identified as allorecognition phenomena in ascidians. CR is a reaction characteristic of the hemocytes ofHalocynthia roretzi, whereby they release phenol oxidase (PO) upon contact with non-self hemocytes. Thus, these cells may represent a primitive form of the vertebrate immune system. In the present study, we focused on the CR ofH. roretzihemocytes and sought to identify self-marker proteins that distinguish between self and non-self cells.

Results

We initially generated a CR-inducing monoclonal antibody against the complete hemocyte membrane-protein complement (mAb11B16B10). This antibody was identified based on the differential induction of PO activity in individual organisms. The level of PO activity induced by this antibody in individual ascidians was consistent with the observed CR-induced PO activity. mAb11B16B10 recognized a series of 12 spots corresponding to a 100-kDa protein, with differing isoelectric points (pIs). A comparison of the 2D electrophoresis gels of samples from CR-reactive/non-reactive individuals revealed that some spots in this series in hemocytes were common to the CR-non-inducible individuals, but not to CR-inducible individuals. We cloned the corresponding gene and named itHalocynthia roretziself-marker-like protein-1 (HrSMLP1). This gene is similar to the glycoprotein DD3–3 found inDictyostelium,and is conserved in invertebrates.

Conclusion

We generated a CR-inducing monoclonal antibody (mAb11B16B10) that recognized a series of novel membrane proteins (HrSMLP1) in the hemocytes ofH. roretzi. The combination of expressed spots of HrSMLP1 distinguishes non-self cells from self cells with respect to CR inducibility. Given that the HrSMLP1 gene is a single gene, it may represent a novel type of self-marker protein with a role in CR.
Power system voltage instability risk mitigation via emergency demand response-based whale optimization algorithm
Authors: Amroune Mohammed , Bouktir Tarek , Musirin Ismail
Published: December 2019

In recent years, due to the economic and environmental issues, modern power systems often operate proximately to the technical restraints enlarging the probable level of instability risks. Hence, efficient methods for voltage instability prevention are of great importance to power system companies to avoid the risk of large blackouts. In this paper, an event-driven emergency demand response (EEDR) strategy based on whale optimization algorithm (WOA) is proposed to effectively improve system voltage stability. The main objective of the proposed EEDR approach is to maintain voltage stability margin (VSM) in an acceptable range during emergency situations by driving the operating condition of the power system away from the insecure points. The optimal locations and amounts of load reductions have been determined using WOA algorithm. To test the feasibility and the efficiency of the proposed method, simulation studies are carried out on the IEEE 14-bus and real Algerian 114-bus power systems.
Dexmedetomidine versus midazolam sedation for autistic children undergoing electroencephalogram: a prospective randomized trial
Authors: Shokri Hoda , Kasem Amr A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Dexmedetomidine procedural sedation for pediatric patients undergoing radiological imaging has proved to be effective and safe.

Objective

We compared the efficacy of outpatient sedation with intravenous dexmedetomidine versus intravenous midazolam in autistic children undergoing electroencephalogram.

Patients and methods

Forty pediatric autistic patients aged 6–11 years old undergoing electroencephalogram were studied. In the dexmedetomidine group, patients received a loading dose of IV dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg slowly over 10 min followed by an IV infusion of dexmedetomidine 0.7 μg/kg/h stopped when Ramsay sedation score (RSS) reached 4. In the midazolam group (n = 20), patients received induction with a loading dose of 0.05 mg/kg midazolam given over 2 min, then wait another 2 to 5 min to evaluate the sedative effect. Additional doses of IV midazolam (0.05 mg/kg) were given until we reached RSS reached 4.

Sedation score, induction time, recovery time, behavioral scores, parents’ satisfaction scores, success rate, oxygen saturation, and the incidence of complications as bradycardia and attacks of agitation were recorded.

Results

Dexmedetomidine was associated with shorter induction and recovery times(< 0.001) and higher percentage of oxygen saturation compared with midazolam group (P < 0.001).

The dexmedetomidine group showed higher sedation and behavioral scores as well as success rate compared with midazolam. Parents’ satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the dexmedetomidine group. The incidence of agitation was significantly higher in the midazolam group compared with the dexmedetomidine group (p = 0.035).

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine is a feasible sedation technique in autistic children undergoing outpatient electroencephalogram in terms of faster recovery and less incidence of complications.
Economic efficiency and productivity of lifting and distribution methods of groundwater for wheat and tomato in New Valley governorate
Authors: El-Shatla Hani , Ahmed Eman A. , Essa Reda , Mohamed Manal F.
Published: December 2019

Background

This research was aimed to study the structure of actual investment costs and operating and maintenance costs for raising and distributing ground water through the use of different irrigation methods and for estimating the most important economic and technical indicators for raising and distributing groundwater for the most important agricultural crops in Wadi El-Gadid (New Valley province).

Methods

This work was based on secondary data issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation and field data obtained through personal interviews of wheat and tomato farmers by irrigation method (spray, flooding, and the method of lifting and distribution of water in the case of the use of diesel and conveyor belts), and the use of electricity and deep pumps, through the questionnaire design. A sample of 40 farmers was used.

Results

The results showed that the productivity and economic efficiency indicators for the lifting and distribution of groundwater by a power source during the agricultural season 2017/2018 increased the average productivity of total yield, net revenue/fed., net return/pound, and irrigation water in both crops.

Conclusion

The results showed that the method of lifting and distribution of water is more efficient than irrigation by flooding.
Role of trans-abdominal and trans-perineal venous duplex ultrasound in cases of pelvic congestion syndrome
Authors: Baz Ahmed A.
Published: December 2019

Background

For evaluation the role of trans-abdominal and trans-perineal venous duplex ultrasound in cases of pelvic congestion syndrome, fifty patients with pelvic congestion syndrome were included in the current research. All were evaluated by trans-abdominal and trans-perineal venous duplex.

Results

An incompetent left gonadal vein was detected in all cases with a mean diameter (± SD) = 7.9 ± 1.1 mm. The right gonadal vein was incompetent in 4 cases (8%) with a mean diameter (± SD) 5.9 ± 0.4 mm.

A refluxing proximal internal iliac vein was detected in 3cases (6%). Left renal vein nutcracker was present in 41cases (82%) while the left common iliac vein compression was present in 3 cases (6%).

Vulvoperineal varicosities were seen in all cases {right side = (36%, n = 18), left side = (30%, n = 15), and bilateral = (34%, n = 17)}.Thigh extension of the vulvoperineal varicosities was present in (74%, n = 37).

Round ligament varicosities were present in (6%, n = 3).

Conclusions

Trans-abdominal and trans-perineal venous duplex offer a simple, noninvasive, and quick technique that can help in an accurate evaluation of the ovarian vein reflux, diameters as well as the presence of vulvoperineal, and round ligament varicosities, Moreover, it is useful in the assessment of the left renal and iliac veins compression.
Use of Maximum Surgical Order Schedule (MSBOS) among pediatric patients to optimize blood utilization
Authors: Guzman Johann Paulo S. , Resurreccion Leandro L. , Gepte Maria Beatriz P.
Published: December 2019

Background

Evaluating blood ordering and subsequent development of a blood ordering schedule can decrease over-ordering of blood among pediatric surgical patients. The objective is to assess our practice of blood utilization using various blood utilization indices and calculate the Maximal Surgical Blood Order Schedule (MSBOS). This is a cross-sectional study for 3 years that included patients (≤ 18 years old) who underwent major surgical procedures in the Philippine Children’s Medical Center. Data included type of surgery, age and sex, number of units crossmatched, number of units transfused, and timing of transfusion. Indices were calculated.

Results

This study revealed that the utilization rate was only 39.1% of blood among a total of 5314 cases done. The indices were analyzed according to different procedures among different age groups. Procedures for head and neck, colorectal, ostomy, solid tumors, genitourinary abnormalities, upper gastrointestinal, and appendectomy had CT (crossmatched to transfusion) ratio exceeding 2.0, indicating inappropriate blood ordering. Major abdominal, major thoracic, and hepatobiliary surgery all have CT ratio < 2.0. MSBOS was calculated, and a requisition of 1 unit of blood among patients undergoing these procedures is suggested.

Conclusions

The MSBOS is largely utilized to the adult population but its creation can also be utilized among pediatric patients. Our data shows that in majority of elective pediatric surgical procedures, routine crossmatch is not necessary which is proven by our high underutilization of requested blood products.
AAPS Workshop Report on ICH M10
Authors: Booth Brian , Vazvaei Faye , Fluhler Eric , Myler Heather , Woolf Eric
Published: December 2019

Over the last decade, several regulatory guidelines on bioanalytical method validation (BMV) have been issued by regulatory agencies around the world. This has left the bioanalytical community struggling with regional differences in regulatory expectations when preparing for global pharmaceutical submissions. The International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) has the mission to achieve greater harmonization worldwide to ensure that safe, effective, and high-quality medicines are developed and registered in the most resource-efficient manner. Following calls for harmonization, ICH-selected bioanalytical method validation and sample analysis among its topics for guidance development and earlier this year released a draft guideline (M10) on BMV for public consultation. In response, the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) held a 3-day workshop to provide a forum for regulatory, industry, and academic scientists to discuss the guideline and hear various points of view on key aspects. While there was agreement that the draft guideline is generally well written and comprehensive, specific topics generated considerable discussion and, in some cases, revision recommendations for consideration by the expert working group (EWG) responsible for the guideline content. This report provides a summary of the workshop proceedings.
Airway Obstruction Caused by Hemorrhage: Managing a Life-Threatening Complication in Patients With Acquired Hemophilia A: A Case Report
Authors: Endermann Susann , Korte Wolfgang , Filipovic Miodrag
Published: December 2019

A 60-year-old woman presented with extensive swelling in the throat and impending airway obstruction. Following a well-established 2-step flexible bronchoscopic intubation procedure, a computed tomography scan identified a large hematoma compromising the airway. Laboratory testing confirmed the diagnosis of acquired hemophilia A (AHA), a rare condition that can potentially be life-threatening, particularly when it results in airway obstruction. The risk of fatal bleeding is substantial when difficult airway management guidelines call for a surgical airway. This case report describes the essentials of hemostatic treatment of AHA and our approach to the management of a difficult airway.
Relationship between internet addiction and academic performance of undergraduate medical students of Azad Kashmir
Authors: Javaeed Arslaan , Jeelani Raheema , Gulab Shazia , Ghauri Sanniya Khan
Published: December 2019

Objective: To assess the relationship between internet addiction (IA) and academic performance among the medical students of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done involving 316 medical students of Poonch Medical College, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan from May 2018 to November 2018. Dr. Young’s Internet Addiction Test questionnaire was used as the tool of data collection. The questionnaire contained twenty 5-points Likert scale questions to assess internet addiction. IA score was calculated and the association between IA and academic performance was observed by Spearman Rank Correlation test. Relationship between baseline characteristics of the medical students and IA was also seen.

Results: Eighty-nine (28.2%) medical students fell under the category of ‘severe addiction’ and most importantly only 3 (0.9%) were not internet addicted according to Dr. Young’s questionnaire. Internet addicted medical students scored significantly poor in their exams (p. <.001). One hundred thirty one (41.4%) students with a median IA score of 45 scored in the range of 61-70% marks as compared to 3 (0.9%) students with a median IA score of 5, secured greater than 80% marks.

Conclusion: This study and many other previous studies have revealed that internet addiction affects academic performance. The number of internet users is ever increasing therefore, the number of internet misusers will also increase. If no step is taken to control internet addiction, it may cause a serious impact in the future.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1061

How to cite this:Javaeed A, Jeelani R, Gulab S, Ghauri SK. Relationship between internet addiction and academic performance of undergraduate medical students of Azad Kashmir. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(2):229-233. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1061

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Non Invasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary like nuclear features (NIFTP): A time for change in Pakistan
Authors: Jabeen Sumerah , Fatima Saira , Sheikh Aisha , Islam Najmul
Published: December 2019

Objective: To determine the cases of Noninvasive Follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary like nuclear features (NIFTP) in Pakistani population retrospectively. Another objective was to determine their clinical and radiological outcomes with respect to local and systemic disease recurrence, reconfirming the benign course of this new nomenclature in Thyroid tumors by WHO in our population would encourage adopting the new conservative treatment approach in such patients.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan from 2007-2016. All follicular Variant papillary thyroid cancer (FVPTC) reported from a single institute had their histopathology slides reexamined for diagnosing NIFTP as per the new WHO criteria. These cases were then followed retrospectively from their diagnosis onset through their medical and electronic health record for any local or systemic disease recurrence.

Results: There were 199 cases of Papillary Thyroid cancer (PTC) which included 22 cases of FVPTC. Eleven cases fulfilled NIFTP criteria with tumor size ranging from 1.1cm to ≥ 5.5cm. All patients in the NIFTP group underwent total thyroidectomy. Nine patients (81.81%) received RAI131 therapy. Four (45%) patients had a median follow up of three to four years. There was no disease recurrence seen on both ultrasound and RAI scans of patients in the NIFTP group. Seven patients (87.5%) had normal surveillance thyroglobulin levels except one whereas three patients were lost to follow up. There was no disease recurrence seen both radiologically and biochemically in the NIFTP group.

Conclusion: Our study favors the low risk nature of NIFTP with no disease recurrence in the cases studied and encourages de-escalation of treatment.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1123

How to cite this:Jabeen S, Fatima S, Sheikh A, Islam N. Non Invasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary like nuclear features (NIFTP): A time for change in Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(2):151-155. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1123

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Physician’s prescription pattern in young infants with upper respiratory infections/cough and cold in emergency department
Authors: Turan Caner , Yurtseven Ali , Saz Eylem Ulas
Published: December 2019

Objective: Despite the national/international warnings and little evidence as to whether over-the-counter cough and cold medications (OTC-CCM) are effective, physicians frequently overprescribe, parents overuse these drugs and antibiotics for URTIs in young child. This study aimed to determine the prescription pattern of over-the-counter cough and cold medications (OTC-CCM) in children less than two years.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which we collected physicians prescriptions in young infants less than two years of age with ARI (acute respiratory infections) who visited pediatric emergency department (ED) between September 2017-April 2018 and received prescription with OTC-CCM enrolled. Infants who did not receive OTC-CCM were excluded.

Results: During the study period 2476 infants presented to the ED and 1452 (58.6%) had prescription with OTC-CCM. Analyzing the prescription details revealed that 63.8% was with decongestants, 53.5% antitussive and 52.7% antibiotics. One third of the prescriptions with these medications were written by pediatricians (p=0.001). Physicians had tendency to prescribe antibiotic if the infants had fever higher than 38°C (p=0.02).

Conclusion: We observed that international and national warnings did not show a considerable impact on the prescription pattern. Despite international and national reports, physicians frequently prescribe OTC-CCM in infants.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1240

How to cite this:Turan C, Yurtseven A, Saz EU. Physician’s prescription pattern in young infants with upper respiratory infections/cough and cold in emergency department. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(2):166-171. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1240

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Antibiogram and recent incidence of multi-drug resistant carbapenemase producing Escherichia coli isolated from paediatric patients
Authors: Nosheen Sumbal , Bukhari Nadeem Irfan , Ejaz Hasan , Abbas Nasir
Published: December 2019

Objective: To gauge the recent breadth of MDR E. coli along with antibiogram of carbapenemase producing (CP) E. coli among children from an institute which receives patients from all over Punjab.

Methods: The bacterial strains of E. coli isolated from various specimens of patients were collected from April 2017 to August 2018 and processed using standard biochemical tests and API 20E system (bioMerieux). Phenotypic screening for CP E. coli was done by the modified Hodge test, whereas antibiotic susceptibility testing was done with Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique.

Results: Total of 6,468 bacterial strains were isolated, out of which 1,552 (24%) were E. coli. Carbapenem resistance was observed in 245 (16%) strains, amongst which 113 (46%) were confirmed to be CP. E. coli isolated from males were higher as compared to females (p<0.05). Majority of the organisms were isolated from blood (37.2%) samples. The hospital discharged about 65% of patients, while 23% left against medical advice. Overall MDR amongst E. coli was 93.26%. Colistin sulphate (15.9%) and nitrofurantoin (16.8%) showed the most efficacy followed by amikacin (15%) and fosfomycin (10.6%).

Conclusion: The isolation of high number of MDR E. coli amongst the paediatric patients is worrisome, which could serve as a potential source of horizontal genes transfer to other genera.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.928

How to cite this:Nosheen S, Bukhari NI, Ejaz H, Abbas N. Antibiogram and recent incidence of multi-drug resistant carbapenemase producing Escherichia coli isolated from paediatric patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(2):246-250. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.928

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in healthcare workers in tertiary care hospitals of Pakistan
Authors: Sadaf Rabia , Munir Tehmina , Farrukh Sheroze , Abbasi Saleem
Published: December 2019

Objective: To determine the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in healthcare workers in tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi, using interferon gamma release assay.

Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. The samples were collected from pulmonology and microbiology departments of three hospitals; i) Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, ii) Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi and iii) Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad. The study was completed in one year from January 2017 to January 2018. Fifty-five asymptomatic healthcare workers of both genders between the ages of 18-50 years with a working tenure of at least one year in concerned departments were included and those with active tuberculosis were excluded from the study. Whole blood from subjects was collected and plasma was checked for interferon gamma value by IGRA(Interferon gamma release assay).

Results: In this study of total 55 healthcare workers a high prevalence 22 (40.0%) of latent tuberculosis was found. When LTBI distribution was analyzed within occupational categories, the most frequently affected were sanitary workers 3 (100.0%), nurses 5 (50.0%), doctors 6 (43%) and nursing assistants 2 (40%).

Conclusion: The prevalence of LTBI in healthcare workers is alarmingly high in our local healthcare settings.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.936

How to cite this:Sadaf R, Munir T, Farrukh S, Abbasi S. Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection in healthcare workers in tertiary care hospitals of Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(2):198-202. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.936

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Methodological Approaches to Developing Intercultural Competence of Future Engineers By Means of Foreign Language
Authors: Prishvina V.
Published: December 2019

The article shows that technical university students should be ready for professional interaction against the multicultural background. It is noted that methodological approaches to developing intercultural competence are determined by its constituent elements. Special attention is given to the characteristic features of competence-based, communicative and cultural approaches in training engineering students. The author also highlights educational technologies of developing intercultural competence while teaching future engineers and economists.
Online Learning in a Professionally Oriented Communicative Training of Students: ehe Opportunities and Barriers
Authors: Filippova O.
Published: December 2019

The article reveals the opportunities and barriers of online learning as a form of professionally oriented communicative training of students. The author substantiates the functional significance of the open and closed types of online courses after analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of online learning for the formation of communicative competence. The role and specificity of each type of online learning in the formation of professionally significant communicative competence are shown on the example of online courses in the Russian language and culture of professional speech for foreign language.
Communicative Situations within the Framework of Business Discourse
Authors: Stolyarova A.
Published: December 2019

In this article a notion of a situation within the framework of communication is given, the most comprehensive communicative models are under consideration and a comparison of communicative and referential situations is represented. The article is aimed at giving an overview of the types of communicative situations, which take place under the frame of business discourse and to outline their models. The demonstrative examples were withdrawn from the following films: “Social network”: David Fincher, 2010 and “Jobs”: Joshua Michael Stern, 2013.
O que é probabilidade?
Authors: Gama Monica De Almeida , Santos André Luiz Cordeiro dos , Silva Patrícia Nunes da
Published: December 2019

Em geral, o ensino de probabilidade só se restringe a uma apresentação rápida de alguns conceitos e concentra-se em cálculos. Para resolver uma situação-problema, o método utilizado é a comparação com outros exercícios semelhantes já resolvidos. Como se fosse possível criar um catálogo. No entanto, isso acarreta em erros, pois é comum haver falha na interpretação do que se quer calcular. É fundamental compreender o que é probabilidade para evitar tais equívocos.
Technological Determinism and Democracy in the Governance of the Logical Layer of the Internet | Determinismo tecnológico e democracia na governança da camada lógica da Internet
Authors: Koniakou Vasiliki
Published: December 2019

The article focuses on the relationship between the Internet Governance and democracy on the governance of the logical layer of the Internet.Due to the impactful role and the normative effects of standards, protocols and technical decisions for the Internet and Internet users, and the centrality of the Internet in almost every aspect of thesocial, financial and political life, it argues thatwe ought to examine the ideologies, narratives and assumptions that have informed and shaped key governance arrangements.It explores the influence of technological determinism as a technocratic governing mentality, applying the argument of Taylor Dotson in the context of Internet Governance, and more specifically on the governance of the logical layer, focusing on standard-setting and technical decision-making by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).It argues that technological determinism has been pervasive in Internet Governance discoursesince the early days of the Internet, while standard-setting and technical decision-making are technocratically organized and non-democratic procedures, considering also how the technical community takes decisions, as well as how itself frames its tasks and perceives standard-setting and technical decision-making.It concludes arguing that we need to review the way governance on the logical layer is organized, dispelling technological determinism, while introducing social considerations and democratic principles.
EDUCAÇÃO COMO CORPO-AFECÇÃO: LEITURA E CRIANÇAS EM FABULAÇÕES
Authors: Coelho Alberto D'Avila , Santos Angelina Monica Monteiro dos
Published: December 2019

Este artigo parte de um projeto de pesquisa na área de Educação que problematizou momentos de leitura de uma professora com seus alunos, corpos a produzirem fabulações por afecções. Como um corpo físico funciona quando na escuta de obras literárias? Quais efeitos se podem notar nestes corpos? E como a Educação pode ser tratada como um corpo em movimento? Assim problematiza práticas de aula tendo o conceito de “corpo” como afecção, que se deseja em devir, desviando-se de uma forma identitária, fixa a um modelo. Encontrou-se uma educação como corpo constituído na dissipação de forças pelas experimentações de uma professora consigo mesma, com o grupo de alunos e, também com todos os elementos em agenciamento no espaço-tempo em que transcorreram as leituras.
Escutar com o corpo inteiro: o exercício de abertura atencional como experiência sensível nos processos de aprendizagem
Authors: Cruz Cristiane Bremenkamp , De Barros Maria Elizabeth Barros
Published: December 2019

Este artigo pretende se constituir como um ensaio textual a partir do encontro com o trabalho da exímia percussionista escocesa Evelyn Glennie e alguns autores do campo da filosofia, da psicologia e da educação. Articulamos tessituras entre as noções de atender e de escutar com o corpo inteiro e buscamos fornecer pistas para uma aprendizagem da sensibilidade, da atenção e da escuta. Apontamos a experiência de cultivo de uma disponibilidade do corpo entendido como “caixa de ressonâncias”, concluindo que mais do que linhas visíveis, regras, disciplinas e métodos rígidos de comportamento, o que ganha destaque nessa aposta ética de uma aprendizagem da sensibilidade é o que, no invisível, sustenta o encontro e a atmosfera crucial dos processos de ensino-aprendizagem: um pouco de abertura e de frescor.
EDUCAÇÃO EM COLETIVO: POSSIBILIDADES DE TRANSBORDAR MUNDOS E REINVENTAR SENTIDOS
Authors: Nascimento Geisa Ferreira do
Published: December 2019

O presente texto é uma pesquisa narrativa sobre/com o Coletivo de educação que experimenta uma prática educativa entre adultos/as e crianças, na cidade do Rio de Janeiro.  O trabalho reflete sobre os caminhos teóricos-metodológicos e de formação que se constituíram ao longo dessa prática educativa. Debate teorias e referências de uma epistemologia negra com autores/as discutindo educação também a partir da emoção, do corpo, da sensibilidade, do lugar de fala e da experiência. O mergulhar nesta prática permite investigar seus princípios e inspirações, o tempo e as infâncias, as relações entre crianças, adultos/as e ambiente e os processos de formação, problematizando e recriando a prática pedagógica, o envolvimento infantil e o viver em coletivo.
PARECERITAS EDIÇÃO V.5 (N3): 2019
Authors: Guedes Adrianne Ogêda , Lage Lívia
Published: December 2019

Parecertistas edição 5, n3, 2019.
A recepção da Gaudium et Spes pela Igreja no Maranhão: a libertação dos pobres como “horizonte de expectativas” em anos de repressão
Authors: Ricardo Coutinho Sérgio
Published: December 2019

O objetivo deste artigo é o de explicar de que modo se deu a aplicação do documento conciliar Gaudium et spes pela Igreja Católica no Maranhão. Desta aplicação, numa “Igreja de periferia” e em “situação de fronteira”, vai surgir um novo “modelo de Igreja” (Scott Maiwaring), entusiasmada pela possibilidade de uma renovação em suas práticas centenárias, longe de qualquer pretensão de Cristandade, longe de uma Igreja com privilégios e aliada aos setores oligárquicos do Estado. Além disso, quer apresentar os desdobramentos sociais e políticos deste processo em pleno período de Ditadura Militar.
Time for power play: tips for effective negotiation
Authors: Bernstein Adam
Published: December 2019

In a time of increased costs and greater regulation, getting the right deal with suppliers is key. However, the art of negotiation does not come naturally to everyone. Adam Bernstein supplies some helpful guidance
Performance Evaluation of a Maize Stalk Chopping Device Based on Field Tests
Authors: Wang Lijun , Wan Yongbao , Zhang Zhiheng , Yu Yongtao , Liu Tianhua
Published: December 2019

Highlights

The performance of the stalk chopping device is investigated based on field test.

The painting method is used to distinguish the different sections of stalks chopped.

The broken types of maize stalks are obtained after the stalks being harvested.

The percentage of stalk broken is highest of 61.9% at the mid-lower section of maize Xianda 205 stalk.

ABSTRACT.Maize stalk is a considerable biomass resource in China. The degree to which stalks are chopped has a substantial impact on subsequent operations in the field. Field tests were conducted to investigate the effects of chopping on different sections of the stalks for different maize varieties, working speeds of the combine harvester and moisture contents of the stalks. Prior to the tests, the stalks were divided into four sections from bottom to top and painted with four colors to identify the different sections of the stalks being chopped. The results showed that the percentage of the qualified length of stalk chopped (PQLSC) gradually decreased and the percentage of the stalk broken (PSB) initially increased and then decreased from the lower to the upper sections of maize stalk under the same rotational speed of blades. When the moisture content of the stalk was held constant, a larger stalk diameter resulted in a higher PQLSC and PSB. The PQLSC was lowest (30.2%) for the lower section of the stalk, and the PSB was highest (48.3%) when the working speed of the harvester was 1.0 m s-1. The PQLSC was highest (37.4%) and the PSB was lowest (40.9%) when the working speed of the harvester was 1.5 m s-1. For the same section of the maize variety Xianda 205 stalks, an increased moisture content of the stalk resulted in a simultaneous increase in the PQLSC and the PSB. The PQLSC was lowest (27.4%) for the lower section of the stalks, and the PSB was highest (51.4%) when the rotational speed of the blades was 807 rpm. The PQLSC was highest (34.1%) for the lower sections of the stalks, and the PSB was lowest (44.8%) when the rotational speed of the blades was 915 rpm. This research provides a reference for the selection of a suitable working speed of the harvester and the rotational speed of the blades for a harvester, which can achieve the smallest particles. Keywords: Chopping, Device, Field test, Maize, Stalk.
Identification of Wine Grape Varieties Based on Near-infrared Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Liu Xu , Zhang Enyu
Published: December 2019

Wine grape variety is one of the main determinants of wine quality. The objective of this study is to explore the feasibility of using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) to identify six red and six white wine grape cultivars during the ripening period. Abnormal spectral data were removed by the Mahalanobis distance, and six different methods were employed to preprocess the spectral data. Next, the effective wavelengths for the classification of grape varieties were selected using principal component analysis (PCA) loadings to improve the HSI processing speed. Finally, three methods were applied to classify grape samples: a support vector machine (SVM), a random forest (RF), and an AdaBoost model. The results indicated that the model established by Savitzky-Golay (S-G) Filter + PCA + SVM achieves the best classification result. The average calibration and validation accuracy for red grapes reached 93.06% and 90.01%, respectively, and for white grapes, they reached 83.77% and 81.09%, respectively, which are slightly lower than those achieved by the full-spectrum model. This study revealed that hyperspectral imaging has great potential for rapid variety discrimination of different wine grapes. Keywords: Hyperspectral imaging, Random forest, Support vector machine, Variety identification, Wine grape.
Impact of comorbidities on perioperative outcomes for carcinoma of oral cavity
Authors: Katna R , Kalyani N , Agarwal S , Singh S , Deshpande A , Bhosale B ,   On behalf of Mumbai Oncology Group – Head and Neck
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Surgical management of oral cavity carcinoma involves composite resection with reconstruction. Comorbidities increase the risk of perioperative complications. Objective stratification is important for uneventful recovery. The Charlson Comorbidity Index and the Washington University Head and Neck Comorbidity Index were used to assess perioperative morbidity and mortality.

Materials and methods

This was a prospective study of 531 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who were treated between January 2014 and December 2017. Patients’ comorbidity scores on the Charlson Comorbidity Index and Washington University Head and Neck Comorbidity Index were recorded.

Results

The median age of the cohort was 49 years. Median Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 3 and Washington University Head and Neck Comorbidity Index was 0. There were five mortalities with a Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 4 or more. Fifteen patients had either infection, leak or postoperative bleeding. A Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4 or more was associated with higher event rate and poor overall survival (p=0.001)

Conclusion

Higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score is associated with increased incidence of peri-operative morbidity and mortality, while the Washington University Head and Neck Comorbidity Index is a poor predictor of the same.
High-throughput fluorescence microscopy using multi-frame motion deblurring
Authors: Phillips Zachary F. , Dean Sarah , Recht Benjamin , Waller Laura
Published: December 2019

We demonstrate multi-frame motion deblurring for gigapixel wide-field
fluorescence microscopy using fast slide scanning with coded
illumination. Our method illuminates the sample with multiple pulses
within each exposure, in order to introduce structured motion blur. By
deconvolving this known motion sequence from the set of acquired
measurements, we recover the object with up to 10× higher SNR
than when illuminated with a single pulse (strobed illumination),
while performing acquisition at 5× higher frame-rate than a
comparable stop-and-stare method. Our coded illumination sequence is
optimized to maximize the reconstruction SNR. We also derive a
framework for determining when coded illumination is SNR-optimal in
terms of system parameters such as source illuminance, noise, and
motion stage specifications. This helps system designers to choose the
ideal technique for high-throughput microscopy of very large
samples.
Multiview microscopy of single cells through microstructure-based indirect optical manipulation
Authors: Vizsnyiczai Gaszton , Búzás András , Lakshmanrao Aekbote Badri , Fekete Tamás , Grexa István , Ormos Pál , Kelemen Lóránd
Published: December 2019

Fluorescent observation of cells generally suffers from the limited axial resolution due to the elongated point spread function of the microscope optics. Consequently, three-dimensional imaging results in axial resolution that is several times worse than the transversal. The optical solutions to this problem usually require complicated optics and extreme spatial stability. A straightforward way to eliminate anisotropic resolution is to fuse images recorded from multiple viewing directions achieved mostly by the mechanical rotation of the entire sample. In the presented approach, multiview imaging of single cells is implemented by rotating them around an axis perpendicular to the optical axis by means of holographic optical tweezers. For this, the cells are indirectly trapped and manipulated with special microtools made with two-photon polymerization. The cell is firmly attached to the microtool and is precisely manipulated with 6 degrees of freedom. The total control over the cells' position allows for its multiview fluorescence imaging from arbitrarily selected directions. The image stacks obtained this way are combined into one 3D image array with a multiview image processing pipeline resulting in isotropic optical resolution that approaches the lateral diffraction limit. The presented tool and manipulation scheme can be readily applied in various microscope platforms.
Cost-efficient open source laser engine for microscopy
Authors: Schröder Daniel , Deschamps Joran , Dasgupta Anindita , Matti Ulf , Ries Jonas
Published: December 2019

Scientific-grade lasers are costly components of modern microscopes. For high-power applications, such as single-molecule localization microscopy, their price can become prohibitive. Here, we present an open-source high-power laser engine that can be built for a fraction of the cost. It uses affordable, yet powerful laser diodes at wavelengths of 405 nm, 488 nm and 638 nm and optionally a 561 nm diode-pumped solid-state laser. The light is delivered to the microscope via an agitated multimode fiber in order to suppress speckles. We provide the parts list, CAD files and detailed descriptions, allowing any research group to build their own laser engine.
Photon-conserving generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation for frequency-dependent nonlinearities
Authors: Bonetti J. , Linale N. , Sánchez A. D. , Hernandez S. M. , Fierens P. I. , Grosz D. F.
Published: December 2019

Pulse propagation in nonlinear waveguides is most frequently modeled by resorting to the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation (GNLSE). In recent times, exciting new materials with peculiar nonlinear properties, such as negative nonlinear coefficients and a zero-nonlinearity wavelength, have been demonstrated. Unfortunately, the GNLSE may lead to unphysical results in these cases since, in general, it does not preserve the number of photons and, in the presence of a negative nonlinearity, predicts a blue shift due to Raman scattering. In this paper, we put forth a modified GNLSE that can be used to model the propagation in media with an arbitrary, even negative, nonlinear coefficient. This novel photon-conserving GNLSE (pcGNLSE) ensures preservation of the photon number and can be solved by the same tried and trusted numerical algorithms used for the standard GNLSE. Finally, we compare results for soliton dynamics in fibers with different nonlinear coefficients obtained with the pcGNLSE and the GNLSE.
Coupled deep learning coded aperture design for compressive image classification
Authors: Bacca Jorge , Galvis Laura , Arguello Henry
Published: December 2019

A coupled deep learning approach for coded aperture design and single-pixel measurements classification is proposed. A whole neural network is trained to simultaneously optimize the binary sensing matrix of a single-pixel camera (SPC) and the parameters of a classification network, considering the constraints imposed by the compressive architecture. Then, new single-pixel measurements can be acquired and classified with the learned parameters. This method avoids the reconstruction process while maintaining classification reliability. In particular, two network architectures were proposed, one learns re-projected measurements to the image size, and the other extracts small features directly from the compressive measurements. They were simulated using two image data sets and a test-bed implementation. The first network beats in around 10% the accuracy reached by the state-of-the-art methods. A 2x increase in computing time is achieved with the second proposed net.
EVALUATION OF HOPKINSON BAR EXPERIMENTS USING MULTIPLE DIGITAL IMAGE CORRELATION SOFTWARE TOOLS
Authors: Adorna Marcel , Brodner Stefan , Falta Jan , Zlámal Petr , Fíla Tomáš
Published: December 2019

Three different tools for Digital Image Correlation (DIC) were used for evaluation of dynamic experiments performed using custom Open Hopkinson Pressure Bar (OHPB) apparatus. High strain-rate measurements were performed on specimens of advanced cellular materials with predefined structure and negative Poisson’s ratio. Low impedance polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bars instrumented with foil strain-gauges were used for dynamic loading of the specimens. Experiments were observed using a pair of high-speed cameras for imaging of loading process in sufficient quality. Custom developed evaluation DIC tool implemented in Matlab, open-source Matlab tool (NCorr) and commercial DIC software (ISTRA 4D) were all used for evaluation of image sequences recorded by high-speed cameras. Comparison of results obtained using all three different DIC tools and results of complementary strain-gauge measurement are shown in this paper. Verification of reliability of custom made DIC software tool is presented.