bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of lung perfusion by using lung perfusion SPECT and lung CT with breathing synchronization software
Authors: Hashimoto Hidenobu , Soma Tsutomu , Mizumura Sunao , Kokubo Tadashi , Nakanishi Rine , Ikeda Takanori
Published: November 2022

Background

Lung perfusion using 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and lung computed tomography (CT) is a useful modality for identifying patients with pulmonary artery embolism. However, conformity between SPECT and CT at the bottom of the lung is generally low. This study aims to investigate the progression of conformity between lung perfusion SPECT and lung CT using a breathing synchronization software.

Methods

Among 95 consecutive patients who underwent lung perfusion SPECT and lung CT within 14 days because of suspected pulmonary embolism between June 2019 and August 2020 in department of cardiovascular medicine, we identified 28 patients (73 ± 10 years) who had normal pulmonary artery on contrast lung CT. We compared lung volumes calculated using lung perfusion SPECT and lung CT as gold standard. Visual conformity between lung SPECT and lung CT was scored 0–4 (0: 0–25%, 1: 25–50%, 2: 50–75%, 3: 75–90%, 4: > 90%) by two specialists in nuclear medicine and assessed.

Results

The lung volume calculated from lung CT was 3749 ± 788 ml. The lung volume calculated from lung perfusion SPECT without using the breathing synchronization software was 3091 ± 610 ml. There was a significant difference between the lung volume calculated from CT and SPECT without using the breathing synchronization software (P < 0.01). The lung volume calculated from lung perfusion SPECT using the breathing synchronization software was 3435 ± 686 ml, and there was no significant difference between the lung volume calculated from CT and SPECT using the breathing synchronization software. The visual score improved with the use of breathing synchronization software (without software; 1.9 ± 0.6 vs. with software; 3.4 ± 0.7, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the breathing synchronization software could improve conformity between lung perfusion SPECT and lung CT.
Optimization design of two-stage amplification micro-drive system without additional motion based on particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Yang Manzhi , Wei Kaiyang , Zhang Chuanwei , Liu Dandan , Yang Yizhi , Han Feiyan , Zhao Shuanfeng
Published: November 2022

With the increasing requirements of precision mechanical systems in electronic packaging, ultra-precision machining, biomedicine and other high-tech fields, it is necessary to study a precision two-stage amplification micro-drive system that can safely provide high precision and a large amplification ratio. In view of the disadvantages of the current two-stage amplification and micro-drive system, such as poor security, low motion accuracy and limited amplification ratio, an optimization design of a precise symmetrical two-stage amplification micro-drive system was completed in this study, and its related performance was studied. Based on the guiding principle of the flexure hinge, a two-stage amplification micro-drive mechanism with no parasitic motion or non-motion direction force was designed. In addition, the structure optimization design of the mechanism was completed using the particle swarm optimization algorithm, which increased the amplification ratio of the mechanism from 5 to 18 times. A precise symmetrical two-stage amplification system was designed using a piezoelectric ceramic actuator and two-stage amplification micro-drive mechanism as the micro-driver and actuator, respectively. The driving, strength, and motion performances of the system were subsequently studied. The results showed that the driving linearity of the system was high, the strength satisfied the design requirements, the motion amplification ratio was high and the motion accuracy was high (relative error was 5.31%). The research in this study can promote the optimization of micro-drive systems.
Culturally adapted psychoeducation for bipolar disorder in a low-resource setting: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Husain M. Ishrat , Umer Madeha , Asif Muqaddas , Khoso Ameer B. , Kiran Tayyeba , Ansari Moin , Aslam Huma , Bhatia Moti Ram , Dogar Farasat A. , Husain M. Omair , Khan Hazrat A. , Mufti Ali A. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Naeem Farooq , Naqvi Haider A. , de Oliveira Claire , Siddiqui M. Sajjad , Tamizuddin Asad , Wang Wei , Zaheer Juveria , Husain Nusrat , Chaudhry Nasim , Chaudhry Imran B.
Published: November 2022

Background

Bipolar disorder is a source of marked disability, morbidity and premature death. There is a paucity of research on personalised psychosocial interventions for bipolar disorder, especially in low-resource settings. A pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a culturally adapted psychoeducation intervention for bipolar disorder (CaPE) in Pakistan reported higher patient satisfaction, enhanced medication adherence, knowledge and attitudes regarding bipolar disorder, and improvement in mood symptom scores and health-related quality of life measures compared with treatment as usual (TAU).

Aims

The current protocol describes a larger multicentre RCT to confirm the clinical and cost-effectiveness of CaPE in Pakistan. Trial registration: NCT05223959.

Method

A multicentre individual, parallel-arm RCT of CaPE in 300 Pakistani adults with bipolar disorder. Participants over the age of 18, with a diagnosis of bipolar I or II disorder who are currently euthymic, will be recruited from seven sites: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Hyderabad and Quetta. Time to recurrence will be the primary outcome assessed using the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation (LIFE). Secondary measures will include mood symptoms, quality of life and functioning, adherence to psychotropic medications, and knowledge and attitudes regarding bipolar disorder.

Results

This trial will assess the effectiveness of the CaPE intervention compared with TAU in reducing the time to recurrence for people with bipolar disorder currently in remission in Pakistan and determine the effect on clinical outcomes, quality of life and functioning.

Conclusions

A successful trial might lead to rapid implementation of CaPE in clinical practice, not only in Pakistan, but also in other low-resource settings, including those in high-income countries, to improve clinical outcomes, social and occupational functioning, and quality of life in South Asian and other minority group patients with bipolar disorder.
The effectiveness of trauma-focused psychotherapy for complex post-traumatic stress disorder: A retrospective study
Authors: Melegkovits Eirini , Blumberg Jocelyn , Dixon Emily , Ehntholt Kimberley , Gillard Julia , Kayal Hamodi , Kember Tim , Ottisova Livia , Walsh Eileen , Wood Maximillian , Gafoor Rafael , Brewin Chris , Billings Jo , Robertson Mary , Bloomfield Michael
Published: November 2022

Objective

We retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of trauma-focused psychotherapy (TF-P) versus stabilization and waiting in a civilian cohort of patients with an 11th version of the international classification of disease (ICD-11) diagnosis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD).

Methods

We identified patients with CPTSD treated at a specialist trauma service over a 3-year period by triangulating evidence from self-report questionnaires, file review, and expert-clinician opinion. Patients completed a phase-based treatment: stabilization consisting of symptom management and establishing safety, followed by waiting for treatment (phase 1); individual TF-P in the form of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) or TF-CBT plus EMDR (phase 2). Our primary outcome was PTSD symptoms during phase 2 versus phase 1. Secondary outcomes included depressive symptoms, functional impairment, and a proxy CPTSD measure. Exploratory analysis compared outcomes between treatments. Adverse outcomes were recorded.

Results

Fifty-nine patients were included. Compared to receiving only phase 1, patients completing TF-P showed statistically significant reductions in PTSD [t(58) = −3.99, p < 0.001], depressive symptoms [t(58) = −4.41, p < 0.001], functional impairment [t(58) = −2.26, p = 0.028], and proxy scores for CPTSD [t(58) = 4.69, p < 0.001]. There were no significant differences in outcomes between different treatments offered during phase 2. Baseline depressive symptoms were associated with higher PTSD symptoms and functional impairment.

Conclusions

This study suggests that TF-P effectively improves symptoms of CPTSD. However, prospective research with validated measurements is necessary to evaluate current and new treatments and identify personal markers of treatment effectiveness for CPTSD.
Mid-term follow-up chest CT findings in recovered COVID-19 patients with residual symptoms
Authors: Marchetti Francesca , Izzi Nicoletta , Donatelli Antonella , Valentini Adele , Muzic Shaun Ivan , Dore Roberto , Di Sabatino Antonio , Perrone Tiziano , Falaschi Francesco , Sabatini Umberto , Ballesio Alessia , Meloni Federica , Lettieri Sara , Mojoli Francesco , Perlini Stefano , Novati Stefano , Pagani Elisabetta , Klersy Catherine , Bruno Raffaele , Preda Lorenzo
Published: November 2022

Objectives

More than a year has passed since the initial outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, which caused many hospitalizations worldwide due to COVID-19 pneumonia and its complications. However, there is still a lack of information detailing short- and long-term outcomes of previously hospitalized patients. The purpose of this study is to analyze the most frequent lung CT findings in recovered COVID-19 patients at mid-term follow-ups.

Methods

A total of 407 consecutive COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia and discharged between February 27, 2020, and June 26, 2020 were recruited into this study. Out of these patients, a subset of 108 patients who presented with residual asthenia and dyspnea at discharge, altered spirometric data, positive lung ultrasound and positive chest X-ray was subsequently selected, and was scheduled to undergo a mid-term chest CT study, which was evaluated for specific lung alterations and morphological patterns.

Results

The most frequently observed lung CT alterations, in order of frequency, were ground-glass opacities (81%), linear opacities (74%), bronchiolectases (64.81%), and reticular opacities (63.88%). The most common morphological pattern was the non-specific interstitial pneumonia pattern (63.88%). Features consistent with pulmonary fibrosis were observed in 32 patients (29.62%).

Conclusions

Our work showed that recovered COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized and who exhibited residual symptoms after discharge had a slow radiological recovery with persistent residual lung alterations.

Advances in knowledge

This slow recovery process should be kept in mind when determining the follow-up phases in order to improve the long-term management of patients affected by COVID-19.
Development of an IntelliCage-based cognitive bias test for mice
Authors: Kahnau Pia , Jaap Anne , Urmersbach Birk , Diederich Kai , Lewejohann Lars
Published: November 2022

The cognitive bias test is used to measure the emotional state of animals with regard to future expectations. Thus, the test offers a unique possibility to assess animal welfare with regard to housing and testing conditions of laboratory animals. So far, however, performing such a test is time-consuming and requires the presence of an experimenter. Therefore, we developed an automated and home-cage based cognitive bias test based on the IntelliCage system. We present several developmental steps to improve the experimental design leading to a successful measurement of cognitive bias in group-housed female C57BL/6J mice. The automated and home-cage based test design allows to obtain individual data from group-housed mice, to test the mice in their familiar environment, and during their active phase. By connecting the test-cage to the home-cage via a gating system, the mice participated in the test on a self-chosen schedule, indicating high motivation to actively participate in the experiment. We propose that this should have a positive effect on the animals themselves as well as on the data. Unexpectedly, the mice showed an optimistic cognitive bias after enrichment was removed and additional restraining. An optimistic expectation of the future as a consequence of worsening environmental conditions, however, can also be interpreted as an active coping strategy in which a potential profit is sought to be maximized through a higher willingness to take risks.
TRADITIONAL VALUES AS THE BASIS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL CULTURE OF ALTAI
Authors: Belkina Anastasia P.
Published: November 2022

This article raises the question of preserving and broadcasting the traditional values and culture of the peoples living in the Altai. The focus is on the problem of globalization, which has an impact on the loss of ethnic and cultural characteristics of individual peoples. At the same time, it is noted that globalization has had a significant impact on the culture of the peoples living in Altai, it can be called special, since many ethnic groups live on the same territory, which have managed to preserve their identity. As stated in the article, their peculiarity lies in the elevation of a person, the affirmation of the principles of mutual respect and harmony of private and public interests. All the above-mentioned traditional values were preserved only thanks to cultural exchange and the continuity of generations. The close interrelation of culture and nature is emphasized, and the need to turn to the value-semantic systems of the earth, sky, sun, wildlife, plants, mountains, rivers and lakes is noted in order to understand the essence of the spiritual culture of Altai. The main idea of the development of the spiritual culture of Altai is revealed.

Purpose. Cultural and philosophical reception of the problem of preserving traditions, values and cultural characteristics of the Altai peoples.

Methodology. The methodology of the research is cultural philosophical and axiological approaches, and the key method is socio-cultural analysis.

Results. The main result of the article is a generalization of the factors of preservation of traditional values and their features are revealed.
BIOPSY METHODS IN DIAGNOSTICS BREAST DISEASES
Authors: Guseynov Arif
Published: November 2022

The article provides information on the use of various biopsy methods in the diagnosis of breast diseases.

A biopsy followed by morphological examination of the material is the basis for both the primary diagnosis of pathology and differential diagnosis of various focal formations and changes in breast tissue, among which breast cancer is of the greatest clinical importance.

Biopsy methods used in clinical practice include excision, incision and puncture technology, allowing to obtain material for both cytological and histological examination.

The article examines in detail the advantages and disadvantages of thin- and thick-needle aspiration biopsy, soge (trepan) biopsy, fusion biopsy, vacuum aspiration biopsy, stereotactic biopsy, indications and contraindications to to conduct them.
THE USE OF THE FLUORESCENT DYE INDOCYANINE GREEN IN THE THERANOSTICS OF ONCOLOGICAL DISEASES (literature review)
Authors: Guseynov Arif , Askarov T. , Guseynov T. , Sedov S.
Published: November 2022

In modern medicine, the fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) is used in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, including malignant neoplasms. The use of ICG is primarily due to such positive properties of the drug as chemical resistance and photostability, unique traceability and high lymphotropicity. The ICG preparation, as a fluorescent contrast agent, is used in the diagnosis of many diseases, in particular to determine the fraction of cardiac output, the function of blood flow of parenchymal organs (liver, spleen) and in ophthalmology, to assess the blood supply of intestinal anastomoses and in angiography. ICG is used in oncology in the surgical treatment of tumors. The fluorescent image under the control of infrared radiation makes it possible to identify the structures to be removed (tumor tissue, lymph nodes). The role of the fluorescent dye ICG in the mapping of signaling lymph nodes in oncology is high. The technique is highly informative in identifying lymph nodes involved in the tumor process, to determine the stage of the tumor, prediction and selection of antitumor therapy. In addition, ICG is used in photodynamic and photothermal therapy of tumors. Due to its photosensitizing properties, ICG is used to generate forms of oxygen or heat in order to destroy tumor cells.
Effectiveness of the salt therapy – current knowledge status
Authors: Oleksa Paulina , Więsyk Piotr , Spozowski Karol , Wójcik Piotr
Published: November 2022

Introduction: The salt therapy is a form of the aerosol therapy using sodium chloride in different forms. The beginnings of the halotherapy date back to the nineteenth century when it has been practised as a medical treatment in the old salt mines of Central and Eastern Europe. The salt therapy as an adjuvant method seems to have positive impact on treatment of respiratory system diseases and dermatological conditions. We distinguish two types of the dry salt therapy: halotherapy and speleotherapy.

Purpose of the article: We aimed to evaluate efficacy of the salt therapy in treatment of pulmonary and dermatological disorders.

Material and methods: We searched three electronic databases: Pubmed, Web of Science and Google Scholar from inception to the August 2022 and conducted a review. The following descriptors were used: „halotherapy”, „speleotherapy” and „salt therapy”.

Results and conclusions: The salt therapy improves mucociliary elimination, pulmonary functions and reduces airway’s irritation. It also reduces intensity of the dryness, redness and stimulates regenerative processes in the skin. This method is safe and do not cause the serious adverse effects. Therefore, due to its potential benefits, it should be considered as an additional therapy beside standard treatment procedures inter alia in the asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis. Moreover, halotherapy has positive impact on children’s general development as it enhances the growth and weight gain. However, scientific evidences for effectiveness of the salt therapy are limitted. There is a need of further studies assessing effectiveness of the long-therm salt therapy on the larger group of patients.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - problematic rare lung disease. Pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis
Authors: Kłos Aleksander , Szydłowska Justyna , Żuchnik Olga , Król Olgierd , Kwiatkowski Piotr , Kuczyńska Beata , Czelej Magdalena , Gładysz Konrad , Gieroba Krzysztof , Szydłowski Marcin
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, fatal lung disease most often affecting people over the age of 50. Causes and pathogenesis of the disease are not fully understood. The non-specific symptoms of the disease prolongs diagnosis. It translates into a reduced chance of survival for patients. Treatment options for patients with IPF remain limited and sometimes lung transplantation is indicated. The prognosis of untreated IPF is 2 to 3 years.
Aim of the study: Summary of current knowledge on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Methods and materials: A review of the literature available in the PubMed database, using the following  keywords:  „Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis”, „Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis current treatment”, „Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Pathogenesis”.
Results: The pathogenesis of IPF has been understood to some extent, but is still not described in detail. A chest CT scan and a lung biopsy are procedures that allow us to confidently diagnose IPF. We have two drugs at our disposal - pirfenidone and nintedanib, but their effect is not satisfactory. The prognosis of the disease is poor, and lung transplantation is the only way to improve it significantly.
Conclusion: IPF is a severe lung disease in which the main problem is its difficult diagnosis and rapidly progressive course. We have drugs that delay the decline in lung function, but they do not improve the quality or prolong the life of the patient. It is also known that lung transplantation is the best solution, but it is rarely performed. The prognosis of the disease is poor, often worse than the prognosis of many cancers. It is possible that knowing the exact pathogenesis of the causes of the IPF would enable more effective treatment and diagnosis.
Państwa Kaukazu Południowego w wypowiedziach rzeczniczki prasowej Ministerstwa Spraw Zagranicznych Federacji Rosyjskiej
Authors: Brodowski Jan , Winiarska-Brodowska Małgorzata
Published: November 2022

STATES OF THE SOUTH CAUCASUS IN THE STATEMENTS OF THE PRESS SPOKESWOMAN OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
The Russian Federation currently plays a key role in the South Caucasus region. The aim of the article is to attempt to answer the question of how and to what extent Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia are present in the message presented by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The briefings of the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, which took place between July and December 2020, i.e. during events important for the region, were subject to quantitative and qualitative analysis. The South Caucasus, in the light of the spokesperson’s statements, is not a priority for the Russian diplomatic service, but as a result of the foreign policy it is creating, it appears relatively regularly. The key topics in the analyzed period include the COVID-19 pandemic and the new phase of the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. The thought-out narrative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which served to shape the perception of the region and strengthen the Russian position, should be emphasized.
Kolektywistyczny wymiar kontroli społecznej w społeczeństwach oralnych
Authors: Mich Włodzimierz
Published: November 2022

THE COLLECTIVE DIMENSION OF SOCIAL CONTROL IN ORAL SOCIETIES The paper problematizes the collective dimension of social control in oral societies, focusing mostly on nomadic communities of hunters-gatherers and tribal segments. The author analyzes conditions for effective control considering the functions of existential conditions (economic co-dependence of society members, flexibility of camp groups, forms of residence, the strength of leadership) and social attitudes (communality, control and punishment acceptance). The paper also reconstructs basic instruments of social control: critique, social distancing, and executions.
Media Consumption During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Role of Media Systems: A Comparative Study
Authors: Głuszek-Szafraniec Dagmara , Norström Róża
Published: November 2022

Global crisis events like the coronavirus pandemic can have an effect on the media and the habits of their audience. The need to find information about the virus and imposed restrictions, as well as the intensity of the COVID-19 coverage and the need to verify the truthfulness of news, make people use many different sources of information. People use media in different ways depending on where they live and the type of political regime and model of media system in their country. This paper aims to analyze whether the model of media system affected people’s selection of sources of information on the virus in Poland, Italy, France, Czech Republic, Sweden and the United Kingdom, and if the pandemic could have changed the media consumption. Based on an online survey conducted with 9541 respondents from six countries, and reports on media use in Poland in 2019 and 2020, we argue that the model of media system did not determine the changes we observed in media use. The nature of the pandemic was more important in this respect, and, as our research shows, led to an increase in media use in the studied countries – especially websites and social media. The case of Poland also showed that the use of public service increased, which can be interpreted as the need for the public to learn about the government’s opinions and restrictions, and to verify
Supporting students in practice part 2: role of the training practice team
Authors: Holt Susan L , Vivian Sarah , Hooper Susan
Published: November 2022

The clinical learning environment is a complex sociocultural landscape that can be challenging to manage to support the appropriate professional development of student veterinary nurses (SVNs). The clinical supervisor is appointed to support student training in veterinary practice and is the student's first point of contact in the clinical setting. Research has shown that the wider practice team can also have a significant impact on the student experience, creating a positive or negative atmosphere for learning. It is vital that the whole team contributes to student support to create opportunities for growth and development. Being approachable and friendly, and inviting discussions, are some of the ways this can be accomplished. The presence of students in practice will also bring multiple benefits to the practice team, including a renewed perspective to problem solving and the latest evidence-based practice.
The spiral of state capitalism: labour transformations or the ‘whip of external necessity’?
Authors: Alami Ilias
Published: November 2022

This article opens a conversation between uneven and combined development (U&CD) and state capitalism studies. It reflects on the potential of U&CD to answer the following questions: why has there been an aggregate expansion of the state’s role as promoter, supervisor and owner of capital across the world capitalist economy since the turn of the millennium, and why has this taken an uneven and combined form? I argue that U&CD as an evolving research programme holds great potential in creatively expanding the study of state capitalism and its multi-scalar geographies. It is particularly well positioned to help us elucidate the multilinear and interactive character of present-day state capitalism. U&CD’s heuristics of ‘societal multiplicity’, ‘combination’ and ‘hybridisation’ can help us trace the combinatorial dynamics which result in the cumulative expansion of state prerogatives and their cascading impacts across policy realms and geographic space. Yet the causal mechanisms identified by U&CD (the ‘whip of external necessity’, ‘the privilege of historic backwardness’ and ‘the simultaneity of the non-simultaneous’) are unable to grasp contemporary state capitalist transformations in their historical and geographical fullness, notably due to a tendency to misread spatial unevenness as temporal dislocation. Theorising state capitalism requires that we examine the role of multiple and interacting capitalist states in politically mediating historically determinate transformations in the capitalist labour process, and their ramifications in terms of the temporal and geographical dynamics of value production and circulation. Thus, looking at U&CD from the perspective of the new state capitalism reveals both its analytical strengths and limitations for GPE.
Polarization-insensitive liquid crystal Fresnel lens based on self-assembly polymer gravels and chiral dopant
Authors: Hsu Che-Ju , Selvaraj Pravinraj , Nawaz Rab , Huang Chi-Yen
Published: November 2022

A polarization-insensitive liquid crystal (LC) Fresnel lens is developed with binary LC configurations of 90°-twisted nematic (TN) and vertically-aligned (VA) domains in the adjacent zones. A LC mixture comprised of nematic host, photopolymer and chiral material is initially filled into the VA cell with orthogonal rubbing treatment. After the ultraviolet irradiation on the filled LC cell through a photomask with Fresnel zone plate pattern, the interactions among orthogonal rubbing treatment, self-assembly polymer gravels, and chiral material induce the 90°-TN structure in the odd zones, whereas the initial VA structures are maintained in the even zones. The fabricated LC Fresnel lens with binary configuration emerges a maximum diffraction efficiency of around 35% at a voltage of 2.3 V, close to the theoretical diffraction limit of around 41%. The diffractive focus of the LC Fresnel lens is polarization-insensitive at the voltage above 2 V. When the voltage reaches 10 V, the diffractive focus vanishes. The numerical calculation confirms that the polarization-insensitive property appears in the primary focus of the LC Fresnel lens. This work reports a simple method to develop a highly efficient, polarization-insensitive, and electrically tunable LC Fresnel lens which is favorable for imaging system.
Dirac semimetal and an all dielectric based tunable ultrasensitive terahertz sensor with multiple bound states in the continuum
Authors: Liu Hang , Wang Kun , Gao Jingxiang , Liu Meng , Zhang Huiyun , Zhang Yuping
Published: November 2022

Herein, we propose an all dielectric, open-slit, U-shaped resonant arm-based metasurface that achieves three bound states in the continuum (BIC) in the high-frequency terahertz band whose quasi-BIC (QBIC) states can achieve Q factor of the magnitude order of 104. The maximum sensitivities of accidental QBIC and the figure-of-merit were respectively equal to 1717 GHz/RIU and 16670. Furthermore, the dependencies of the three QBICs on the THz incidence angle were different. Finally, the tunable sensor based on the Dirac semimetal metasurface achieves active tuning of the sensitivity and sensing range. This overcomes the shortcomings of the fixed structure without tuning capabilities, and provides a broad applicability platform for THz sensors.
Probing ultrafast excited-state dynamics using EUV-IR six-wave-mixing emission spectroscopy
Authors: Shalaby Islam , Chakraborty Nisnat , Yanez-Pagans Sergio , Wood James , Biswas Dipayan , Sandhu Arvinder
Published: November 2022

Non-linear processes such as four-wave-mixing have become instrumental in attosecond EUV spectroscopy. Using EUV high harmonics in conjunction with collinear near-infrared and mid-infrared fields, we extended this approach to high-order-mixing between three colors. Specifically, we find that atomic resonances in neon exhibit a significant cross section for six-wave mixing. The MIR probe frequency tunability in our multicolor scheme is employed to access several optically dark resonances and probe the quantum beat of a coherent electronic wavepacket using background-free EUV emission as a diagnostic. This technique can be easily extended to other atomic and molecular systems, and opens the door to multi-dimensional non-linear spectroscopy.
El discurso antiimperialista en las Fuerzas Populares de Liberación “Farabundo Martí” (1970-1980)
Authors: Grassetti Julieta
Published: November 2022

Este trabajo se propone reconstruir el ideario antiimperialista que construyeron y revitalizaron las Fuerzas Populares de Liberación “Farabundo Martí”, organización político-militar salvadoreña, entre 1970 y 1980. Desde una mirada de la sociología histórica se busca analizar la visión que tenía esta organización acerca de las élites de poder en El Salvador y sus vínculos con los intereses norteamericanos. Este análisis permite reconstruir cómo esta organización entendía la realidad salvadoreña y su planteo estratégico, ideológico y táctico.
Aislamiento e identificación de microorganismos presentes en bebidas probióticas: el caso de la kombucha
Authors: Maciuca Oana María , Sánchez-Juanes Fernando , Menéndez Esther
Published: November 2022

La kombucha es una bebida que ha ganado popularidad en los últimos años por sus aparentes propiedades probióticas. En este estudio se aislaron e identificaron microorganismos presentes en una muestra de cultivo starter de elaboración casera y en tres marcas comerciales de kombucha para determinar y comparar sus composiciones microbianas. Para la identificación de bacterias y levaduras se emplearon tanto la espectrometría de masas Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight como secuenciación Sanger, analizándose tanto sus espectros como las secuencias derivadas de los genes marcadores taxonómicos de hongos (ITS) y bacterias (16S rRNA). Los resultados demostraron una amplia variabilidad de géneros microbianos entre muestras y una alta presencia de posibles contaminaciones. Además, la presencia de especies con potencial probiótico fue menor a la esperada. Mediante este estudio se concluyó que la kombucha es susceptible de presentar tanto microorganismos beneficiosos como perjudiciales para la salud, poniendo de manifiesto la necesidad de endurecer las medidas higiénicas y la legislación en torno a la producción de kombucha y otras bebidas probióticas.
Comparison of Performance of Various Homogeneous Alkali
Catalysts in Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil
Authors: Miyuranga K.A. Viraj , Balasuriya B.M.C.M. , Arachchige Udara S.P.R. , Jayasinghe R.A. , Weerasekara N.A.
Published: November 2022

Biodiesel is an excellent substitute for fossil diesel, which received a significant attention in recent
decades. Catalyst methods are frequently used to produce biodiesel at low temperatures and pressures.
The present work investigates the methanolysis of waste cooking oil with the acid value of 1.86 mg
KOH/g employing a variety of homogeneous base catalysts, including KOH, NaOH, CH3OK and
CH3ONa. Among the studied catalysts, CH3OK produced the highest biodiesel yield at 99.0%, followed
by CH3ONa, KOH and NaOH under the identical reaction conditions. The reaction was carried out for
30 min at 600 ºC and a speed of 600 rpm with a molar ratio of 6:1 for methanol-to-waste cooking oil
(WCO) and a 1 wt.% catalyst. However, the viscosity, flash point, density and acid value of the biodiesel
all met ASTM criteria, indicating that biodiesel made from KOH, NaOH, CH3OK and CH3ONa is of
high quality.
Phase and Electrical Properties of Rice Husk Silica-based Na2FeSiO4 Precursors Sintered at High Temperature
Authors: Riyanto Agus , Karimah Rezeki Sofi , Suhesti Erasri Yuni , Sari Novita , Suciyati Sri Wahyu
Published: November 2022

The aim of this work is to characterize the phase and electrical properties of Na2FeSiO4 precursor synthesized by the sol-gel technique and then sintering with a holding period of 10 h. The FTIR analysis indicates the presence of Na-O, Fe-O, Si-O and Si-O-Si groups. Their phases were analyzed using XRD coupled with qualitative and quantitative analysis. Meanwhile, the electrical properties were characterized using UV-Vis DRS and LCR meter. The phase analysis revealed that the samples were dominated by SiO2 and Na2FeSiO4 and were followed by Fe2O3, Fe2SiO4 and Na2SiO3. There was no substantial differences in phase composition over the sintering temperature range of 805-815 ºC. However, the volume of cell units in each phase increased gradually with an increase in sintering temperature and was followed by the increasing electrical conductivity of the samples.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of
Nanochitosan and Chitosan Encapsulated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Sivanthaperumal  , Tabassum Raziya , Ansari Thaminum
Published: November 2022

In recent years, nanochitosan and chitosan encapsulated zinc oxide nanoparticles have gained
tremendous attention related to their unique properties such as exhibit antimicrobial properties. In this
article, synthesis of nanochitosan, chitosan encapsulated zinc oxide and compared their potential
applications as an antimicrobial agents were discussed. The nanochitosan and chitosan encapsulated
zinc oxide nanoparticles have been characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
techniques.
Green Synthesized Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles using Leaf Extract of
Syzygium aqueum (Water Rose Apple) Functionalized by Polymer and
their Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Makvana Chirag , Arodiya Faruk , Parmar Kokila
Published: November 2022

In this work, silver nanoparticles (size ~8.75 nm) synthesized from the aqueous extract of Syzygium
aqueum (water rose apple) leaves and were encapsulated in polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). The
biosynthesized PVP-silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible, FT-IR, XRD, HR-TEM
and SAED techniques. The UV-visible and FT-IR confirmed the successful encapsulation of PVP
onto AgNPs. The morphology of PVP-AgNPs was derived by HR-TEM and SAED. As an antibacterial
agent, synthesized AgNPs and PVP-AgNPs were tested against B. subtilis, S. aureus, S. typhi and E.
coli, and proved to be effective against all of them.
Adsorptive and Anticorrosive Studies of Guar Gum and Halides with Mild Steel in Acidic Medium
Authors: Shukla Himanshu Shekhar , Pradhan Rajeev , Udaybhanu G. , Mahto Triveni Kumar
Published: November 2022

The inhibitory effect of guar gum (GG) as a green inhibitor has been studied using a variety of methodologies, including weight loss, thermometric studies at 30-60 ºC. The potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron micrographs have been found to the good inhibitor for mild steel corrosion in H2SO4 (pH = 1) medium. Guar gum fits to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm when it adsorbs to metal surfaces. It has also been investigated how adding halides (KCl, KBr and KI) will affect the process. The findings demonstrated that guar gum concentration increased with inhibition efficiency (I%). All of the concentrations of guar gum are shown to be promoted by the inhibitive impact of guar gum in addition to halide ions. The trend Cl– < Br– < I– has been seen to improve inhibition efficiency (I%) and the extent of surface coverage (θ), which suggests that the electronegativity and radii of the halide ions play a significant role in the adsorption process. According to polarization curves, guar gum functions as a mixed-type inhibitor. The outcomes of gravimetric studies and electrochemical procedures were in good agreement. Based on thermodynamic characteristics and a comparison of the FT-IR spectra of pure and metal surface product, a thorough adsorption of the inhibitor molecules on the mild steel surface was proposed. When the synergism parameter (SI) was analyzed, it is found to be greater than unity, indicating that synergism alone is responsible for the increased inhibitory efficiency caused by the addition of halides.
Synthesis of Carboxamides and Carbothioamides of Phthalimide:
Molecular Modeling and Biological Investigation
Authors: Gavadia Renu , Rasgania Jyoti , Jakhar Komal
Published: November 2022

A series of carboxamide and carbothioamide derivatives of phthalimide have been synthesized
efficiently by employing water as a green reaction media. The synthesized N-substituted phthalimide
derivatives have been characterized by spectroscopic, elemental and their quantum parameters, including
molecular orbital energies are deduced by DFT modeling. The molecular docking of synthesized
derivatives against B-DNA (pdb:1bna) displays favourable binding interactions and satisfactory docking
scores, predicting their significant antimicrobial efficacy. The synthesized phthalimide derivatives
were screened for in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activity using broth microdilution method
and DPPH radical scavenging assay, respectively. Some of the title compounds exhibited promising
the antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. The pharmacokinetics parameters and bioavailability of
the title compounds were accessed by in silico ADMET analysis to envisage their drug efficacy.
Synthesis of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles for Removal of Sudan III Dye
Authors: Bhawani Showkat Ahmad , Juarah Nur'Izzah Binti , Bakhtiar Salma , Roland Rachel Marcella , Mohamad Ibrahim Mohamad Nasir , Alotaibi Khalid Mohammed , Moheman Abdul
Published: November 2022

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles of Sudan III dye as template were synthesized by
using non-covalent approach. The molecularly imprinted polymers were synthesized in a microemulsion
contained Sudan III as a template, acrylic acid (AA) as a monomer, 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate as
a cross-linker and 2,2-azo-bisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. The synthesized beads were
characterized by TEM and FTIR. The TEM results revealed the nanosize beads of polymers were
produced. The efficiency of imprinted and non-imprinted polymers was evaluated by batch binding
studies. The results showed that the MIP 3 (0.1: 6: 10, Sudan III: AA: 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate)
was best among all polymers with highest rebinding efficiency. The removal efficiency of selected
MIP 3 in the spiked Sudan III dye river water sample was about 80%. This study was conducted to
produce nanosized molecularly imprinted polymers by using microemulsion polymerization technique.
Detection and Quantification of Two Potential Genotoxic Impurities in Telbivudine Active
Pharmaceutical Ingredient by Targeted Ultra Performance LC-MS/MS Analysis
Authors: Vadlamani Annapoorna , Ravindhranath K. , Rao B. Sreenivasa
Published: November 2022

A new selective, rapid and highly sensitive method using reversed-phase ultra-performance liquid
chromatography (RP-UPLC) coupled with mass analyzer was developed for the detection and
quantification of two genotoxic impurities viz. 4-dimethyl aminopyridine (GTI-1) and
2-bromo-3,5-diacetyl thymidine (GTI-2) in Telbivudine drug substance. The separation of two genotoxic
impurities was accomplished using Kromasil C8 column (100 mm × 4.6 mm, 3.5 μm) maintained at
45 ºC using formic acid (0.1%) as buffer solution and gradient grade acetonitrile with 0.5 mL/min
flow rate. Both GTIs were quantified using positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode on MS/MS
Analyser. ICH guidelines were followed for validation of genotoxic impurities. % RSD for system
precision was found to be 2.71 and 2.94 and the overall %RSD for ruggedness was 3.11 and 2.89,
respectively for GTI-1 and GTI-2. Two GTIs and Telbivudine drug were well resolved at retention
times: 1.76 min for GTI-1, 3.81 min for Telbivudine and 6.62 min for GTI-2. The linearity relationship
holds good in the range of concentrations 0.5 ppm to 7.5 ppm for both the impurities with a correlation
coefficient of 0.999. Accuracy ranged from 95.1% to 105.1%. The GTI-1 and GTI-2 were shown,
respectively detection limits: 0.07 ppm and 0.09 ppm and quantification limits: 0.22 ppm and 0.27
ppm and the solutions were stable upto 24 h at room temperature. The proposed and validated method
is sensitive, reproducible, specific and linear and can be successfully applied for the quantification of
both genotoxic impurities in Telbivudine active pharmaceutical ingredient and formulation.
A CATEGORIA GRAMATICAL VERBO E QUESTÕES NORMATIVAS QUE ENVOLVEM O PORTUGUÊS BRASILEIRO
Authors: De Pontes Casado Sheila Fabiana , Rafael Edmilson Luiz
Published: November 2022

A presente investigação resultante de uma pesquisa de Mestrado está situada no campo da Linguística Aplicada (LA) por debater a categoria linguístico-gramatical verbo no contexto de ensino, bem como no contexto dialógico e objetiva verificar as limitações dos aspectos normativos que envolvem a categoria gramatical verbo no Português Brasileiro (PB), especificamente no que diz respeito à conceptualização do verbo em coexistência de seu pragmatismo (AZEREDO, 2015; FERRAREZI JUNIOR, 2014; VIEIRA, 2018). O que observamos foram definições normativas atribuídas à categoria verbo que, necessariamente, precisam ser repensadas devido à idiossincrasia exercida pela categoria verbo e que a Gramática Tradicional (GT) não dá conta quando assume proporções linguísticas aplicadas.
A ANÁLISE DO DISCURSO
Authors: Zeri de Oliveira Célia , Bulhões Campos Jailma , Almeida de Oliveira Márcia Andréa
Published: November 2022

Neste ensaio, tratamos da Análise do Discurso enquanto um procedimento teórico-metodológico, apresentando três de suas abordagens, a saber: dialógica, psicanalítica e crítica. O nosso objetivo principal consiste em demonstrar os princípios teórico-metodológicos das abordagens apresentadas, bem como procedimentos adotados para descrever e analisar o discurso conforme cada abordagem, destacando a reconstrução do contexto de emergência dos dados, o material a ser analisado, a seleção de mecanismos retóricos e linguísticos usados nos textos, entre outros modos utilizados. Adicionalmente, apresentamos um quadro multidimensional de análises discursivas como foco para pesquisas acerca da formação docente, no qual a análise do discurso é destacada como método de análise de dados verbais e não-verbais colhidos a partir de diferentes instrumentos, como questionário, entrevista, diário de campo, dentre outros.
EFEITOS DA PANDEMIA NA PRÁTICA DOCENTE DE PROFESSORES DO CURSO DE PEDAGOGIA
Authors: De Melo Nascimento Francisco Elionardo , Fontinele Grazielly Stefany Pinto , Paulino Laís Raiane Feitosa Melo
Published: November 2022

A pandemia por Covid-19 provocou alterações sociais e econômicas diretamente relacionadas à letalidade da doença e ao isolamento social imposto para conter a propagação do coronavírus. No cenário educacional, a suspensão das aulas presenciais demandou dos professores a reformulação da prática docente, com a utilização de Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação como expertises necessárias à continuidade do processo educativo. Este artigo investiga as mudanças causadas pela pandemia de Covid-19 na prática docente dos professores do curso de Pedagogia da Faculdade Ieducare - FIED. Trata-se de um estudo de abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, desenvolvido por meio da pesquisa bibliográfica realizada nas bases de dados SciELO, Scopus e Google Academic e da aplicação de questionários online pelo Google Forms, contendo perguntas objetivas e subjetivas, aos 15 professores do curso de Pedagogia da Faculdade Ieducare – FIED. As informações obtidas a partir das respostas dos participantes foram analisadas de forma quantitativa por estatística descritiva, destacando percentuais, frequências e valores médios, codificados manualmente. A partir da análise dos dados, foi possível observar que, em um curto período de tempo, os professores se ajustaram ao emprego das tecnologias e que essas se mostraram essenciais para seu desempenho profissional. Tais adequações exigiram dos educadores maiores habilidades, maior disponibilidade de tempo e reformulação de sua práxis, tudo isso em consonância com as demais obrigações profissionais e pessoais, o que, por vezes, resultou na sobrecarga e na exaustão.
A TÉCNICA DE ANÁLISE DE CONTEÚDO NA PESQUISA QUALITATIVA
Authors: Sousa Sobrinho Pessoa Zenaura , Margarida de Castro Crusoé Nilma
Published: November 2022

Neste artigo objetivamos evidenciar a técnica de Análise de Conteúdo que utilizamos para analisarmos os dados da pesquisa qualitativa “práticas de formação continuada para as coordenadoras do município de Cordeiros-Bahia”.  Como a pesquisa exige um caminho robusto para que o investigador tenha êxito na obtenção das respostas para suas indagações e na busca por alcançar os objetivos propostos, sentimos a necessidade de iniciarmos esse trabalho expondo o tipo de pesquisa e sua estruturação para a compreensão do processo investigativo para depois descrevermos o caminho que percorremos para analise dos dados. Como aporte teórico, respaldamos nos escritos de Amado (2017), Creswell (2010), Crusoé (2014), Bardin (2011), Bogdan e Biklin (1994), Gil (2002), Lakatos e Marconi (2010), Martins e Bicudo (1994), Minayo (1994; 2001 e 2002) e Triviños (1987). Os resultados apontam que a Análise de Conteúdo configura-se como uma metodologia que segue uma organização específica a qual permite ao pesquisador um passo-a-passo (caminho) a seguir para a realização de sua investigação. Além disso, foi possível perceber que essa técnica produz resultados significativos na pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, no campo das ciências sociais.