bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the validity and responsiveness of a new cancer-specific health utility measure (FACT-8D) in relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma, and comparison to EQ-5D-5L
Authors: Herdman Michael , Kerr Cicely , Pavesi Marco , Garside Jamie , Lloyd Andrew , Cubi-Molla Patricia , Devlin Nancy
Published: March 2020

Background

The FACT-8D is a new cancer-specific, preference-based measure (PBM) of health, derived from the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – General (FACT-G) questionnaire. The FACT-8D’s measurement properties have not been tested to date. We assessed it’s validity and responsiveness in relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (RR MCL) and compared the results to the EQ-5D-5L.

Methods

Blinded analysis of pooled data from a phase 3 clinical trial. FACT-8D baseline and follow-up data (weeks 4, 7, 16, 31) were scored using Australian preference weights, the first available value-set. Convergent validity was assessed by estimating baseline correlations with the FACT-Lym total score, Trial Outcome Index (TOI), FACT-Lym lymphoma-specific sub-scale (LymS), EQ-5D Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and haemoglobin (HgB). Relevant clinical variables were used to categorise patients to test known groups’ validity and responsiveness was investigated using data from baseline (n = 250) and week 31 (n = 130). Results were compared with EQ-5D-5L, scored using the UK 3L crosswalk and the 5L England value-sets.

Results

The FACT-8D showed good convergent validity and responsiveness; baseline Pearson correlation coefficients between FACT-8D Index scores and other PRO measures were moderate to very strong (range: 0.49 for the EQ-VAS to 0.79 for FACT TOI) and the size of the change in FACT-8D Index scores at week 31 differed significantly (p < 0.005) between patients categorised as improved, worsened or stable using the FACT-Lym total score, LymS, and HgB. However, when assessing known groups’ validity, FACT-8D failed to discriminate between patients categorised by health status on four of the seven variables analysed. Overall, FACT-8D and EQ-5D-5L performed similarly, although EQ-5D-5L showed better known groups’ validity.

Conclusions

This is the first investigation into the psychometric properties of the FACT-8D. In this RR MCL trial dataset, it showed good convergent validity and responsiveness, but poorer known groups’ validity, and EQ-5D performed as well or better on the tests conducted. The FACT-8D may offer an alternative method to generate utilities for the cost-effectiveness analysis of cancer treatments but needs further testing in other types of cancer patients. Evaluation of utility gains may have been limited by high baseline performance status in this RR MCL trial sample.
Assessing Patients’ Perceptions of Cancer Care Coordination in a Community-Based Setting
Authors: Okado Izumi , Cassel Kevin , Pagano Ian , Holcombe Randall F.
Published: March 2020

PURPOSE:

Effective care coordination (CC) is a hallmark of a high-quality cancer care. However, efforts to improve cancer care delivery are limited by the lack of a clinically useful tool to assess CC. In this study, we examined patients’ perceptions of cancer CC using a novel tool, the Care Coordination Instrument (CCI), and evaluated the quality of the CCI.

METHODS:

The CCI is a 29-item patient questionnaire that assesses CC across varied practice settings and patient populations overall and for three critical domains of CC: communication, navigation, and operational. We conducted univariable and multivariable regression analyses to identify patient clinical and practice characteristics associated with optimal versus suboptimal CC.

RESULTS:

Two hundred patients with cancer completed the CCI questionnaire between October 2018 and January 2019, of whom 189 were used for the analysis. The presence of a family caregiver and a diagnosis of a blood cancer were correlated with overall positive reports of CC ( P < .001 and P < .05, respectively). Poorer perceptions of CC were associated with having a head and neck cancer and the absence of family caregiver support. The effects of cancer disease stage and having access to a patient navigator on CC were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION:

Integrating a patient-centered tool to assess cancer CC can be a strategy to optimize cancer care delivery. Understanding factors associated with effective and ineffective CC can help inform efforts to improve overall quality of care and care delivery.
Randomized 52-week Phase 2 Trial of Albiglutide Versus Placebo in Adult Patients With Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Pozzilli Paolo , Bosi Emanuele , Cirkel Deborah , Harris Julia , Leech Nicola , Tinahones Francisco J , Vantyghem Marie-Christine , Vlasakakis Georgios , Ziegler Anette-Gabriele , Janmohamed Salim
Published: March 2020

Context

GLP-1 receptor agonists are an established therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes; however, their role in type 1 diabetes remains to be determined.

Objective

Determine efficacy and safety of once-weekly albiglutide 30 mg (up-titration to 50 mg at week 6) versus placebo together with insulin in patients with new-onset type 1 diabetes and residual insulin production.

Design

52-week, randomized, phase 2 study (NCT02284009).

Methods

A prespecified Bayesian approach, incorporating placebo data from a prior study, allowed for 3:1 (albiglutide:placebo) randomization. The primary endpoint was 52-week change from baseline in mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) stimulated 2-h plasma C-peptide area under the curve (AUC). Secondary endpoints included metabolic measures and pharmacokinetics of albiglutide.

Results

12/17 (70.6%, placebo) and 40/50 (80.0%, albiglutide) patients completed the study. Within our study, mean (standard deviation) change from baseline to week 52 in MMTT-stimulated 2-h plasma C-peptide AUC was −0.16 nmol/L (0.366) with placebo and −0.13 nmol/L (0.244) with albiglutide. For the primary Bayesian analysis (including prior study data) the posterior treatment difference (95% credible interval) was estimated at 0.12 nmol/L (0–0.24); the probability of a difference ≥0.2 nmol/L between treatments was low (0.097). A transient significant difference in maximum C-peptide was seen at week 28. Otherwise, no significant secondary endpoint differences were noted. On-therapy adverse events were reported in 82.0% (albiglutide) and 76.5% (placebo) of patients.

Conclusion

In newly diagnosed patients with type 1 diabetes, albiglutide 30 to 50 mg weekly for 1 year had no appreciable effect on preserving residual β-cell function versus placebo.
Detecting Recurrence Following Lobectomy for Thyroid Cancer: Role of Thyroglobulin and Thyroglobulin Antibodies
Authors: Ritter Amit , Mizrachi Aviram , Bachar Gideon , Vainer Igor , Shimon Ilan , Hirsch Dania , Diker-Cohen Talia , Duskin-Bitan Hadar , Robenshtok Eyal
Published: March 2020

Background

The use of thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) for detecting disease recurrence is well validated following total thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation. However, limited data are available for patients treated with thyroid lobectomy.

Methods

Patients who had lobectomy for papillary thyroid cancer followed for >1 year, with sufficient data on Tg and TgAb, including subgroup analysis for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and contralateral nodules.

Results

One-hundred sixty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. Average tumor size was 9.5 ± 6 mm. Following lobectomy, Tg was 12.1 ± 14.8 ng/mL. Of 52 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, 38% had positive TgAb with titers of 438 ± 528 IU/mL, and in patients without TgAb the mean Tg level was 14.7 ± 19.0 ng/mL. In 34 patients with contralateral nodules ≥1 cm, Tg was 15.3 ± 17 ng/mL. During the first 2 years of follow-up, Tg declined ≥1 ng/mL in 42% of patients (by 5.1 ± 3.7 ng/mL), remained stable in 22%, and increased in 36% (by 4.9 ± 5.7 ng/mL). During a mean follow-up of 6.5 years (78 ± 43.5 months), 18 patients had completion thyroidectomy and 12 were diagnosed with contralateral cancer (n = 8) or lymph node metastases (n = 4). In patients with recurrence followed for >2 years, there was a rise in Tg in 3 cases, Tg was stable in 2 cases, and in 1 TgAb decreased from 1534 to 276 IU/mL despite metastatic lymph nodes. Basal Tg and Tg dynamics did not predict disease recurrence.

Conclusions

Serum thyroglobulin used independently is of limited value for predicting or detecting disease recurrence following thyroid lobectomy. Other potential roles of Tg, such as detecting distant metastases following lobectomy, should be further studied.
La production de linge à Paris à l'ère des nouveautés (1520–1620)
Authors: Castres Astrid
Published: March 2020

Arécis

Au cours du seizième siècle, le linge blanc, gage de propreté et signe de distinction sociale, prit une place grandissante dans l'habit. Au gré des modes de la cour et de la venue d'artisans étrangers qualifiés, ou passés par les Flandres et l'Italie, des nouveautés techniques et formelles (point coupé, dentelles, fraises et porte-fraises, etc.) furent peu à peu introduites dans la capitale du royaume de France. En partant du cas parisien, cet article examine les mutations que connut la production de linge entre 1520 et 1620, à la suite de l'apparition de ces procédés nouveaux. Pour la plupart mis en œuvre et transmis par des femmes, ils conduisent à réfléchir aux particularités d'exercice de savoir-faire féminins ainsi qu'au rôle joué par les lingères et par les ouvrières en linge dans le processus d'innovation textile au début de l'époque moderne.

A sign of cleanliness and of social distinction, white linen played an increasingly important role in dress throughout the sixteenth century. Novelties and new technologies (cutwork, lace, and the construction of ruffs, supportasse, etc.) appeared in French workshops in order to follow courtly fashion trends, and because of the arrival of foreign workers trained in Flanders and in Italy. Focusing on the Parisian case, this article examines the influence of these new processes on linen production between 1520 and 1620. The analysis of these techniques, which were implemented and transmitted mostly by women, leads to a broader reflection on the features of feminine know-how and the role played by women workers in early modern textile innovation.
« Le Festival de la création française » (1954)
Authors: Brachet Champsaur Florence
Published: March 2020

Précis

Le lien entre mode et grands magasins reste encore un chantier inexploré dans l'historiographie de la distribution. L'histoire des Galeries Lafayette montre que les fonctions du grand magasin ne peuvent se résumer à acheter et vendre des marchandises. La distribution n'est pas à la périphérie, elle est plus que le chaînon manquant entre le producteur et le consommateur, elle est au cœur de la création de mode. A partir des archives inédites de la société, cet article analyse le « Festival de la création française », une manifestation organisée en 1954 par les Galeries Lafayette pour mettre en relation créateurs et fabricants et favoriser l'émergence d'une « esthétique industrielle » en France. Cette période constitue un tournant dans l'histoire de la mode comme dans celle du grand magasin. Confrontées à la modernisation de l'industrie du vêtement en France et à l'émergence d'alternatives en matière d'approvisionnements, y compris à l'étranger, les Galeries Lafayette ont démantelé leur structure de production intégrée et se sont engagées dans un nouveau mode de production et de nouvelles relations avec leurs fournisseurs. L'analyse des dispositifs impliqués dans et autour du festival met en évidence le rôle de la marque en tant qu'intermédiaire essentiel au cœur du système de la mode.

The link between fashion and the department store remains an underexplored field in retail historiography. The history of Galeries Lafayette reveals that the department store did much more than just buy and sell. Using the company's private archives, this article examines the 1954 “Festival de la Création Française,” an event the Galeries organized to connect creators and manufacturers and to encourage the emergence of an “industrial style.” The 1950s were a pivotal moment in fashion history and for the firm. Confronted with the modernization of the apparel industry in France and the emergence of sourcing alternatives, including some from abroad, the firm dismantled its vertically integrated production structure and committed to a new mode of production and new relations with its suppliers. The analysis of the plans, activities, and objectives of the festival highlights the role of the brand as an essential intermediary at the heart of the fashion system.
Induction of nitric oxide synthesis: A strategy to defend against the high environmental ammonia-induced oxidative stress in primary hepatocytes of air-breathing catfish, Clarias magur
Authors: Hasan Rubaiya , Koner Debaprasad , Khongmawloh Elvis , Saha Nirmalendu
Published: March 2020

The air-breathing magur catfish (Clarias magur) regularly face the problem of exposure to high environmental ammonia (HEA) as one of the major pollutants in their natural habitats that causes considerable toxic effects at the cellular level including that of oxidative stress. The major objective of the present study was to demonstrate the antioxidant activity of endogenously produced nitric oxide (NO) to defend against the ammonia-induced oxidative stress in primary hepatocytes of magur catfish during exposure to HEA. Exposure to NH4Cl (5 mM) led to a significant increase of intracellular ammonia concentration with a sharp rise of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations within 3 h in primary hepatocytes, which decreased gradually at later stages of treatment. This phenomenon was accompanied by a significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as a consequence of induction of corresponding genes. HEA exposure also led to the stimulation of NO production due to induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity, as a consequence of up-regulation of nos2 gene. Most interestingly, when NO production by hepatocytes under ammonia stress was blocked by adding certain inhibitors (aminoguanidine and BAY) in the culture media, there was a further rise of H2O2 and MDA concentrations in hepatocytes. These were accompanied by the lowering of SOD and CAT activities with less expression of corresponding genes. Thus, it can be contemplated that magur catfish uses the strategy of stimulation of NO production, which ultimately induces the SOD/CAT enzyme system to defend against the ammonia-induced oxidative stress.
Role of the central junction in folding topology of the protein-free human U2–U6 snRNA complex
Authors: Chu Huong , Perea William , Greenbaum Nancy L.
Published: March 2020

U2 and U6 small nuclear (sn)RNAs are the only snRNAs directly implicated in catalyzing the splicing of pre-mRNA, but assembly and rearrangement steps prior to catalysis require numerous proteins. Previous studies have shown that the protein-free U2–U6 snRNA complex adopts two conformations in equilibrium, characterized by four and three helices surrounding a central junction. The four-helix conformer is strongly favored in the in vitro protein-free state, but the three-helix conformer predominates in spliceosomes. To analyze the role of the central junction in positioning elements forming the active site, we derived three-dimensional models of the two conformations from distances measured between fluorophores at selected locations in constructs representing the protein-free human U2–U6 snRNA complex by time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Data describing four angles in the four-helix conformer suggest tetrahedral geometry; addition of Mg2+ results in shortening of the distances between neighboring helices, indicating compaction of the complex around the junction. In contrast, the three-helix conformer shows a closer approach between helices bearing critical elements, but the addition of Mg2+ widens the distance between them; thus in neither conformer are the critical helices positioned to favor the proposed triplex interaction. The presence of Mg2+ also enhances the fraction of the three-helix conformer, as does incubation with the Prp19-related protein RBM22, which has been implicated in the remodeling of the U2–U6 snRNA complex to render it catalytically active. These data suggest that although the central junction assumes a significant role in orienting helices, spliceosomal proteins and Mg2+ facilitate formation of the catalytically active conformer.
RNA-GPS predicts high-resolution RNA subcellular localization and highlights the role of splicing
Authors: Wu Kevin E. , Parker Kevin R. , Fazal Furqan M. , Chang Howard Y. , Zou James
Published: March 2020

Subcellular localization is essential to RNA biogenesis, processing, and function across the gene expression life cycle. However, the specific nucleotide sequence motifs that direct RNA localization are incompletely understood. Fortunately, new sequencing technologies have provided transcriptome-wide atlases of RNA localization, creating an opportunity to leverage computational modeling. Here we present RNA-GPS, a new machine learning model that uses nucleotide-level features to predict RNA localization across eight different subcellular locations—the first to provide such a wide range of predictions. RNA-GPS's design enables high-throughput sequence ablation and feature importance analyses to probe the sequence motifs that drive localization prediction. We find localization informative motifs to be concentrated on 3′-UTRs and scattered along the coding sequence, and motifs related to splicing to be important drivers of predicted localization, even for cytotopic distinctions for membraneless bodies within the nucleus or for organelles within the cytoplasm. Overall, our results suggest transcript splicing is one of many elements influencing RNA subcellular localization.
The image of the phantom threat to children by the United States in Soviet historical cinema of the cold war period
Authors: Belov S. , Zhidchenko A.
Published: March 2020

The presented study is devoted to studying the practice of constructing the image of a phantom threat to children from the side of an external enemy through historical discourse in the cinema of the USSR and the USA during the Cold War. The aim of this work is to identify common and specific features in the approaches of filmmakers of the two countries to the formation of the image of a phantom threat for children from the side of an external enemy. The research methodology is built on the basis of a combination of historical genetic, comparative and descriptive, as well as content analysis. The author comes to the conclusion that in American films the historical texture in the framework of creating the image of the “Soviet threat” was used only occasionally. For the most part, the relevant plots were included in the cinematic description of actual military conflicts (for example, the war in Afghanistan), the futurological conflict of America and the USSR, or their confrontation in line with an alternative history. Soviet filmmakers were limited in terms of positioning the "American threat" by a series of unspoken rules. For example, the violent behavior of American characters toward children was described primarily verbally. Filmmakers from the United States had more freedom in terms of visualizing violence against children and adolescents. In addition, Americans could more freely and widely disclose the topic of “crimes” attributed to the Soviet side in the context of actual military conflicts. The presence of the indicated restrictions forced Soviet filmmakers to actively turn to historical subjects. However, the specifics of the origin of the basis of the corresponding narrative, which was played by foreign fiction, largely leveled its effectiveness from a political point of view. The literary sources of Soviet films were originally created by American writers for US citizens, whereby their content was saturated with positive images of America and its inhabitants. The latter often concerned the positioning of childhood, especially in a nostalgic manner. A natural consequence of this was the erosion of the negative images promoted by filmmakers. The theoretical significance of the work lies in summarizing the image of the phantom threat to children by the United States in Soviet historical cinema of the cold war period.
Combinability and Contradiction of Communicative Systems of English and Russian Languages in the Fire and Technical Communication
Authors: Romanova I. , Ferapontova Yu.
Published: March 2020

To exchange information in some joint activities the communication is necessary which can be both verbal and non-verbal. The authors compare possible links between Russian and English elements of in the field of fire safety communication which will help to receive, process and transmit information from one subject to another both in Russian and English. The problem of understanding cultural codes performing certain functions in a particular language communication system (Russian and English) is discussed. The principles of communication systems combinability of Russian and English languages enables interaction are considered. The article presents the basic functions of the word as a unit of foreign language professional communication. Special attention is paid to monologue and dialogue speech which is important for mutual understanding. Clichéd speech patterns used in professional speech of fire-fighting services in Russia and Great Britain are presented. It is described non-verbal means of communication play an important role in transmitting certain information in the professional activity of fire safety specialists on the example of two countries.
Modern Media Communications in the Mechanism of Constructing Life Worlds
Authors: Muhaev Rashid , Laamarti Yuliya
Published: March 2020

The information and communication revolution of the late XX — early XXI century not only radically changed the modern world, but also formed a new social reality — a post-industrial society. The current stage of post-industrial development is associated with the formation of the information society, a distinctive feature of which is that in it information, the process of its production and methods of transmission, becomes more important than the thing itself. Information is a decisive factor in the social order, which has changed the ways and technologies of organizing social space and the nature of everyday practices, the life worlds of ordinary people, and the media become the main tool for the production of semantic systems.
Reliability and validity of measuring grip strength with a robotic-assisted device in patients after stroke
Authors: Ortmann Stefan J , Kesselring Jürg , Kool Jan
Published: March 2020

Background/Aims

Robotic assisted devices are increasingly used in neurological rehabilitation for improving upper extremity function. The new hand therapy device Manovo Power of the Armeo Power provides integrated assessment of grip strength measurement. Reliability and validity of the grip strength measurement are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of grip strength measurement with the hand module of the Manovo Power robot-assisted device compared with a Biometrics E-Link hand-grip dynamometer.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study design with grip strength measurements taken once a day for a total of 3 days, with a 2-day interval in between each test. Participants of the study were patients <24 months after first stroke with reduced hand function (n=51). Relative reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) (2,1). Satisfactory reliability was defined as an ICC>0.8. Absolute reliability was evaluated using limits of agreement (LoA). Validity was supported if the correlation between measures with the two devices was >0.6.

Results

The robotic device had good intra-rater reliability (ICC=0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–0.94, LoA 1.23–1.16) and inter-rater reliability (ICC=0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.95, LoA 1.01–1.23). Intra-rater reliability of the Biometrics E-Link grip strength dynamometer was higher compared with the robotic device (ICC=0.98, 95% CI 0.96–0.99, LoA 3.94–4.42). Validity was confirmed by a correlation between devices of 0.76 (95% CI 0.60–0.85).

Conclusions

Measurement of grip strength with the robotic device was reliable and valid in patients with stroke and impaired hand function. There was no absolute measurement error that might have indicated a learning effect. Reliability was higher for the Biometrics E-Link grip strength dynamometer compared with the robotic-assisted device. Using the robotic device for grip strength measurement in patients who exercise with that device saves time and increases efficiency.
Failure of capital requirements regulation in the banking industry: evidence from a bank-based financial system
Authors: Muzzupappa Eleonora , Leonida Leone , Limosani Michele
Published: March 2020

This article studies the impact of Basel I and Basel II regulation in a bank-based financial system on the degree of competition in the banking sector, as measured via the Panzar and Rosse statistic. Strikingly, our results suggest that, contrary to the regulator’s expectation, stability-oriented regulation reduces competition in the banking sector. Further analysis suggests that while Basel does not have a significant impact on the large banks, it reduces competition among other banks, which move towards uncompetitive dynamics. This shift towards monopoly is aligned with the hypothesis of this regulation to create competitive advantages for large banks at the expense of the others.
Index of refraction of germanium
Authors: Burnett John H. , Benck Eric C. , Kaplan Simon G. , Stover Erik , Phenis Adam
Published: March 2020

Measurements of the index of refraction of a sample of high-quality, single-crystal germanium using the minimum deviation refractometry method are presented for temperatures near 22°C and for wavelengths in the range 2 to 14 µm. The standard uncertainty for the measurements ranges from

1.5

×

10

−
5

to

4.2

×

10

−
5

, generally increasing with wavelength. A Sellmeier formula fitting the data for this range is provided. Details of the custom system and procedures are presented, along with a detailed analysis of the uncertainty. These results are compared with previous measurements.
Tapered multicore fiber interferometer for refractive index sensing with graphene enhancement
Authors: Guo Donglai , Wu Lijun , Yu Hongxing , Zhou Ai , Li Qinyou , Mumtaz Farhan , Du Cheng , Hu Wenbin
Published: March 2020

An in-line, highly sensitive refractive index (RI) sensor based on a tapered multicore fiber (MCF) structure sandwiched between two single-mode fibers is proposed and demonstrated. The fiber tapering technique was employed to fabricate in-line interferometers based on the multicore fiber. The waist diameter is one of the dominant factors of the intercore coupling. The tapered MCF interferometer is highly sensitive to the surrounding refractive index with a maximum sensitivity of 9194.6 nm/RIU in the RI range of 1.4264 to 1.4278 when the waist diameter is 9 µm. The enhancement of the evanescent field by graphene coating is proved to be able to improve the RI sensitivity further. A graphene-coated MCF interferometer with waist diameter of 9 µm offers the maximum sensitivity of 12617.6 nm/RIU in the RI range of 1.4144 to 1.4159. The experimental data have good agreement with the simulated results.
Femtosecond filamentation, supercontinuum generation, and determination of $ {n_2} $n2 in polycrystalline SBN
Authors: Šuminas Rosvaldas , Garejev Nail , Šuminienė Agnė , Jukna Vytautas , Tamošauskas Gintaras , Dubietis Audrius
Published: March 2020

We demonstrate that polycrystalline strontium barium niobate (SBN)
serves as an excellent nonlinear material for supercontinuum (SC)
generation in the near- and mid-infrared, as pumped by femtosecond
pulses in the regions of its normal, zero, and anomalous group
velocity dispersion. We also show that broadband, octave-spanning
planar second-harmonic emission generated via random quasi phase
matching usefully serves to precisely monitor focusing/refocusing
cycles of a filament and to determine position of the nonlinear focus
in particular, which was used to estimate the nonlinear index of
refraction of the material applying Marburger’s law. The measured

n
2

values are remarkably large:

44
±
7
×

10

−
16

c
m

2

/

W

at

1.2

µ

m

,

81
±
23
×

10

−
16

c
m

2

/

W

at

2.0

µ

m

, and

100
±
15
×

10

−
16

c
m

2

/

W

at

2.4

µ

m

, and thus imply very low energy
(below 100 nJ) and power (below 1 MW) thresholds for filamentation and
SC generation in the infrared spectral range.
Non-iterative phase hologram generation with optimized phase modulation
Authors: Chen Lizhi , Zhang Hao , Cao Liangcai , Jin Guofan
Published: March 2020

A non-iterative algorithm is proposed to generate phase holograms with optimized phase modulation. A quadratic initial phase with continuous distributed spectrum is utilized to iteratively optimize the phase modulation in the reconstruction plane, which can be used as an optimized phase distribution for arbitrary target images. The phase hologram can be calculated directly according to the modulated wave field distribution in the reconstruction plane. Fast generation of the phase holograms can be achieved by this non-iterative implementation, and the avoidance of the random phase modulation helps to suppress the speckle noise. Numerical and optical experiments have demonstrated that the proposed method can efficiently generate phase holograms with quality reconstructions.
Mimicking an expanding universe by optical interference in a helicoid waveguide
Authors: Liang Guo-Hua , Cai Rong G. , Ma Yin-Zhe , He Run-Qiu , Zhu Shining , Liu Hui
Published: March 2020

According to modern cosmology, expansion of the universe is due to the metric changing of spacetime itself. Here, we propose to mimic an expanding universe by utilizing optical interference and helicoid waveguides. The evolution of interference pattern in the helicoid waveguide is investigated theoretically and experimentally. For precise measurements, we design an air helicoid waveguide which allows us to investigate the wave front of laser beams from the waveguide. Redshift of a Gaussian wave packet in the expanding universe is demonstrated with high precision, showing that the helicoid waveguide acts as a parabolic gradient index lens exactly. The proposed waveguide structure can be used as an efficient waveguide adapter.
Atomic line versus lens cavity filters: a comparison of their merits
Authors: Higgins Clare R. , Pizzey Danielle , Mathew Renju S. , Hughes Ifan G.
Published: March 2020

We present a comparison between lens cavity filters and atomic line filters, discussing their relative merits for applications in quantum optics. We describe the design, characterization, and stabilization procedure of a lens cavity filter, which consists of a high-reflection coated commercially available plano-convex lens, and compare it to an ultra-narrow atomic band-pass filter utilizing the D2 absorption line in atomic rubidium vapor. We find that the cavity filter peak transmission frequency and bandwidth can be chosen arbitrarily but the transmission frequency is subject to thermal drift and the cavity needs stabilization to better than a few mK, while the atomic filter is intrinsically stable and tied to an atomic resonance frequency such that it can be used in a non-laboratory environment.
Reppin’ the nation, reppin’ themselves: Nation branding and personal branding in Kenya’s music video industry
Authors: Ekdale Brian
Published: March 2020

This article explores the entanglement of nation branding and personal branding in the Kenyan music video industry. Although self-commodification and labouring on behalf of the nation are both indicative of neo-liberal governmentality, Kenyan music video directors build personal brands to wrestle creative control from their clients during the production process and they invoke their experiences representing Kenya abroad to elevate their professional status at home. Thus, branding in the Kenyan music video industry illustrates the complexities and contradictions of neo-liberal governmentality in global cultural production.
EL PATIO ESCOLAR COMO ESPACIO COEDUCATIVO
Authors: Resa Ocio Ainhoa
Published: March 2020

RESUMENEl modelo de escuela que demanda la sociedad y que pone en valor la igualdad de género y el desarrollo del alumnado fuera de los estereotipos de género tradicionales es el coeducativo. El patio escolar no ha sido tenido en consideración como espacio educativo. Desde una perspectiva de género cabe considerar (1) si el patio de juegos es un espacio de valor pedagógico, (2) qué tipo de interacciones se dan en él y (3) de qué manera puede –y debe- abordarse la coeducación en él. El análisis teórico realizado muestra cómo el patio escolar es un espacio no regulado en el que se dan interacciones muy representativas de las relaciones sociales fuera de la escuela y en el que se reproducen desigualdades. Se concluye la necesidad de transformar los patios, se presenta la manera óptima de realizar el cambio y se exponen ejemplos de centros que han seguido este proceso.PALABRAS-CLAVE: Coeducación. Patio escolar. Igualdad de género.
EXPRESIONES DE CUERPOS DIVERSOS EN ESPACIOS DE ENCUENTRO DIGITALES
Authors: Calvo González Soraya , Gómez-Beltrán Iván , Fernández-Fernández Diego
Published: March 2020

Este artículo presenta un recorrido teórico-analítico que parte de un enclave contextual orientado a plantear algunos determinantes que configuran los procesos de autorepresentación y relación en espacios digitales. Tras profundizar en los rasgos del modelo comunicativo y plantear algunas pautas estructurales de los espacios de socialización en línea; el artículo enmarca como tema central el constructo sociocultural de las apps de citas (Wapo, Wapa, Tinder y Grindr). El foco del análisis se pone en las personas habitantes de estas aplicaciones, las cuales son contempladas desde una perspectiva crítica con enfoque feminista. Planteamos un abordaje que ahonda como la hegemonía binarista de género se erige como elemento de fuerza en la autoresignificacion de identidades digitales y dinámicas de interacción.  Por último, se esbozan conclusiones relevantes con el objetivo de generar nuevas líneas de trabajo e investigación.
Perspectives of Health Care Providers Working with HIV Positive Clients on Nutritional Challenges Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Pierre Gashema , Habtu Michael , Okova Rosemary , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa
Published: March 2020

Efforts to control the Human Immunodeficiency Virus epidemic in Rwanda have seen remarkable success over the years. Effective antiretroviral therapy has played great role in improving longevity among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). While this is the case, there are various nutritional challenges, which are often faced, among PLWH. Guided by the Rwanda country guidelines for nutritional management for PLWH and WHO recommendations, this study aimed to explore the perspectives of health care providers (HCPs) working with PLWH on nutritional challenges faced by their clients in Kigali, Rwanda. We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews to collect data. A non-probability purposive sampling was employed to recruit HCPs. Data analysis was based on the naturalistic paradigm. We followed the hybrid approach in conducting thematic analysis. Three themes were identified. First, HCPs had good knowledge on nutritional requirements for PLWH. They demonstrated good communication skills and adequate counseling skills that were necessary for addressing concerns on nutrition from their clients. Secondly, it emerged that HCPs perceived a lack of resources to be the major challenge faced in nutritional management of their clients. From theme three, it emerged that, from HCPs experiences, food insecurity and lack of feeding supplements were the main causes of malnutrition among PLWH in Kigali, Rwanda. From the HCPs perspective, there is a need to improve healthcare institutions capacity to manage nutritional challenges faced by PLWH. To achieve this, policy makers need to channel adequate resources for this cause.
ON TUNING THE DYNAMIC LOAD BALANCING FEM FRAMEWORK
Authors: Bošanský Michal , Patzák Bořek
Published: March 2020

Developments in computer hardware are currently bringing new opportunities for numerical modelling. The current trend in technology is parallel processing making use of multiple processing units simultaneously to solve a given problem. This paper deals with exploring the parallel dynamic load balancing framework implemented in the finite element software. This framework is based on a domain decomposition paradigm for distributed memory model. The paper describes the improved technique to determine the actual processor weights related to performance of individual processing units. The load recovery consisting in mesh (re)partitioning is based on actual processor weights. The (re)partitioning process has to be performed during the simulation and whenever the load imbalance is significant. The performance of the proposed technique is tested on the benchmark problem and discussed.
SIZE EFFECT ON THE ULTIMATE DRYING SHRINKAGE OF CONCRETE - EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE AND ENGINEERING PRACTICE
Authors: Dohnalová Lenka , Havlásek Petr
Published: March 2020

The design and behavior of creep-sensitive structures can be to a large extent dependent on the evolution of drying shrinkage. Drying shrinkage of concrete measured on standard laboratory specimens is very time demanding, furthermore, the extrapolation based on the short-term measurements is an ill-posed problem and can lead to large errors. Additionally, the final magnitude of shrinkage is size-dependent which makes the transition from the laboratory data to real structure even more challenging. The present paper evaluates this size effect based on the data gathered in the Creep and shrinkage database developed at the Northwestern university and the data from the literature. Finally, this size effect is compared against the current codes of practice and recommendations.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CEMENT COMPOSITE CONTAINING RECYCLED CONCRETE AND ALKALI ACTIVATED BLAST FURNACE SLAG
Authors: Horych Jan , Tesárek Pavel , Prošek Zdeněk
Published: March 2020

Recycling of materials is very popular and very important in these days. Finding the new ways to process and use these materials is a key to get rid of a lot of construction waste. The amount of landfilling needs to be reduced. This study observes mechanical properties of the cement composites containing recycled concrete powder and alkali-activated blast furnace slag processed on a high- peed mill as a potential binder replacement up to the 60 wt. %. These materials have a positive effect on hydration process, increase flexural strength. It can reduce compressive strength loss when an amount of cement in the mixture is reduced.
MODELLING OF CRACK PROPAGATION: COMPARISON OF DISCRETE LATTICE SYSTEM AND COHESIVE ZONE MODEL
Authors: Mikeš Karel , Bormann Franz , Rokoš Ondřej , Peerlings Ron H.J.
Published: March 2020

Lattice models are often used to analyze materials with discrete micro-structures mainly due to their ability to accurately reflect behaviour of individual fibres or struts and capture macroscopic phenomena such as crack initiation, propagation, or branching. Due to the excessive number of discrete interactions, however, such models are often computationally expensive or even intractable for realistic problem dimensions. Simplifications therefore need to be adopted, which allow for efficient yet accurate modelling of engineering applications. For crack propagation modelling, the underlying discrete microstructure is typically replaced with an effective continuum, whereas the crack is inserted as an infinitely thin cohesive zone with a specific traction-separation law. In this work, the accuracy and efficiency of such an effective cohesive zone model is evaluated against the full lattice representation for an example of crack propagation in a three-point bending test. The variational formulation of both models is provided, and obtained results are compared for brittle and ductile behaviour of the underlying lattice in terms of force-displacement curves, crack opening diagrams, and crack length evolutions. The influence of the thickness of the process zone, which is present in the full lattice model but neglected in the effective cohesive zone model, is studied in detail.
LONG-TIME INVESTIGATION OF CEMENT PASTES WITH MICRONIZED OLD CONCRETE, INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT TYPE OF MIXING APPROACH ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Prošek Zdeněk , Tesárek Pavel
Published: March 2020

The article focuses on the impact of different type of mixing approach on resulting mechanical properties of cement composites. The monitored parameters of the mixing approach were the speed of mixing and the method of mixing the individual components of the fresh mixture. The mechanical properties of the resulting composites were the main comparative parameter. The determined mechanical properties were dynamic modulus of elasticity, dynamic shear modulus, flexural strength and compressive strength. Dynamics moduli were detected using non-destructive resonance method during the whole experiment and compressive and flexural strength were determined by destructive method for 28 and 129 days old samples. Testing samples had dimensions equal to 40×40×160 mm.
EULER AND EXPONENTIAL ALGORITHM IN VISCOELASTIC ANALYSES OF LAMINATED GLASS
Authors: Schmidt Jaroslav , Zemanová Alena
Published: March 2020

Laminated glass combines two remarkable materials: glass and a polymer ply. While glass is stiff and brittle, the polymer ply is a rate-dependent compliant material. Together, they form a material which keeps the aesthetic value of glass, and due to the polymer, no fragile collapse appears. The polymer ply exhibits time- and temperature-dependency, whereas glass suffers from brittle fracture, which makes the analysis difficult. In this article, a 2D sectional plane-stress model for the viscoelastic analysis of laminated glass is presented. This study presents one step in the development of a phase-field-based damage solver for laminated glass to select the optimal time-integration scheme for a quasistatic-analysis and later also for dynamics. The validation against experimental data is provided, and the model reduction is also discussed.
MUPIF WORKFLOW EDITOR AND AUTOMATIC CODE GENERATOR
Authors: Šulc Stanislav , Šmilauer Vít , Patzák Bořek
Published: March 2020

Integrating applications or codes into MuPIF API Model enables easy integration of such APIs into any workflow representing complex multiphysical simulation. This concept of MuPIF also enables automatic code generation of the computational code for given workflow structure. This article describes a ’workflow generator’ tool for the code generation together with ’workflow editor’ graphical interface for interactive definition of the workflow structure and the inner data dependencies. The usage is explained on a thermo-mechanical simulation.
COMPARING MORI-TANAKA METHOD AND FIRST-ORDER HOMOGENIZATION SCHEME IN THE VISCOELASTIC MODELING OF UNIDIRECTIONAL FIBROUS COMPOSITES
Authors: Valentová Soňa , Šejnoha Michal , Vorel Jan
Published: March 2020

A comparative study of the viscous response of polymer matrix based fibrous composites predicted by the Mori-Tanaka method and finite element simulations based on the 1st order homogenization theory is presented. Aligned basalt and carbon fibers embedded into a polymeric matrix are considered to represent a quasi isotropic and transversely isotropic two-phase systems. While differences in the prediction of the macroscopic elastic response are attributed merely to the properties of the fiber phase, the viscoelastic behavior is largely affected by the selected homogenization method. A stiffer response predicted by the Mori-Tanaka method for both creep and relaxation tests is observed for both material systems and supports similar finding found in the literature. Thus suitable modifications of the original formulation of such two-point averaging schemes are needed for them to be applicable in the multi-scale modeling of generally anisotropic yarns in plane weave textile composites.
THECOMPARISON OF TWO DIFFERENT SPORTING EVENTS BASEDONTHETYPICALBEHAVIOROFTHEACTIVE SPECTATORS AND GRANDSTAND VIBRATIONS INDUCED BY THEM
Authors: Verner Martin
Published: March 2020

The paper describes especially the typical behavior of two active spectators crowds involved in two substantially different sporting events, namely, ice hockey games and a biathlon world cup competition. In both cases, spectators behavior was observed together with grandstand structure dynamic response to their cheering activities. The experimental results obtained during both events were mutually compared and discussed whether the dynamic loading and its effects on the grandstand structures are similar for the two compared spectators crowds.
En el umbral de la educación
Authors: Urosa Belén
Published: March 2020

Este artículo presenta la situación del cambio en la educación derivado de la revolución tecnológica de este siglo. Analiza las competencias que los futuros alumnos tendrán que desarrollar para ejercer como ciudadanos activos en la sociedad del siglo XXI. Se detalla, además, la formación que como consecuencia deben tener los maestros que se necesitan para este nuevo contexto educativo y cómo debería cambiar su formación inicial.
Maestros para centros innovadores, maestros inclusivos
Authors: Calero Gil Cristobal , Casado Coba Gregorio
Published: March 2020

Nadie duda de la importancia fundamental de la educación para el desarrollo de cualquier sociedad y uno de los retos fundamentales es la formación de los maestros. Ellos tienen y tendrán la oportunidad de poder hacer que el presente y el futuro de muchos niños y niñas sea mejor. ¿Cuáles son las claves para su formación? A nuestro juicio, hay cinco claves fundamentales: la mirada, la actitud, las creencias, los roles y la formación que marcarán los retos que habrá que afrontar desde todas las instancias que tienen responsabilidades en ello. Poner un cuidado especial en estas dimensiones, así como en las condiciones actuales en las que los maestros deben trabajar, puede convertirse en un pilar importante de la transformación educativa, que todos deseamos, hacia una escuela más inclusiva, más humana y más transformadora.
Educación STEM
Authors: Martín Olga , Santaolalla Elsa
Published: March 2020

El enfoque STEM se ha convertido en el protagonista de la innovación educativa. Para enfrentar los problemas complejos del mundo actual, la formación de las nuevas generaciones precisa de docentes capaces de diseñar proyectos que integren las formas de hacer, pensar y hablar de la ciencia, la tecnología, la ingeniería y las matemáticas. Este artículo aborda los retos que supone incorporar la educación STEM y cómo se está haciendo en los grados de educación de la Universidad Pontificia Comillas.
La tutoría en las carreras de educación
Authors: Gonzalo Nacho
Published: March 2020

El proyecto educativo de la Universidad Pontificia Comillas, revisado en 2016 con el título Los mejores para el mundo: un aprendizaje compartido, orienta nuestra acción universitaria para desarrollar el proyecto personal y vital de nuestros estudiantes. Para lograrlo, ponemos en marcha un acompañamiento personal de forma que en Comillas aprendan a conocer, a ser y a actuar, a navegar en la complejidad de las tensiones y ambigüedades de nuestro mundo.
«Dos menos dos suman cuatro»
Authors: Ruiz Galindo Alicia
Published: March 2020

Este artículo desarrolla el testimonio de una experiencia de voluntariado que ofrece la comunidad salesiana en Los Ángeles a los alumnos y alumnas de educación de la Universidad Pontificia Comillas.