bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissipative preparation of qutrit entanglement via periodically modulated Rydberg double antiblockade
Authors: Jin Zhao , Gong Wei-Jiang , Zhu Ai-Dong , Zhang Shou , Qi Yang , Su S.-L.
Published: March 2021

We propose a mechanism of Rydberg double antiblockade by virtue of a resonant dipole-dipole interaction between a pair of Rydberg atoms placed at short distances scaling as 1/R3. By combining this novel excitation regime with microwave-driven fields and dissipative dynamics, a stationary qutrit entangled state can be obtained with high quality, the corresponding steady-state fidelity and purity are insensitive to the variations of the dynamical parameters. Furthermore, we introduce time-dependent laser fields with periodically modulated amplitude to speed up the entanglement creation process. Numerical simulations reveal that the order of magnitude of the shortened convergence time is about 103 in units of ω0, and the acceleration effect appears valid in broad parametric space. The present results enrich the physics of the Rydberg antiblockade regimes and may receive more attention for the experimental investigations in dissipative dynamics of neutral atoms.
Frequency response measurement of high-speed photodiodes based on a photonic sampling of an envelope-modulated microwave subcarrier
Authors: Wang Mengke , Zhang Shangjian , Xu Ying , He Yutong , Zhang Yali , Zhang Zhiyao , Liu Yong
Published: March 2021

An approach to measuring the frequency response of high-speed photodiodes (PDs) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated based on employing an ultrashort optical pulse train to sample an envelope-modulated microwave subcarrier. Through up-and-down conversion sampling, a varying frequency component and a fixed low frequency component can be obtained, where the varying frequency component probes the ultra-wideband response information of PD. Through measuring the relative amplitude between the two frequency components, the frequency response of the PD at the any frequency within ultra-wideband frequency range can be calculated by taking the response at the fixed low frequency component as a reference. Thereinto, the frequency response of the electro-optic modulator is cancelled out, and the uneven comb intensity introduced by the ultrashort optical pulse train can be corrected by choosing the specific frequency of the microwave subcarrier. In the proof-of-concept experiment, the self-calibrated frequency response measurement of a commercial PD is demonstrated by employing an optical pulse train with a repetition rate of 9.954 GHz and an electro-optic frequency sweeping up to 4.977 GHz. The frequency measurement range is achieved up to 49.77 GHz, and the frequency resolution reaches 300 kHz in the rough measurement and 10 Hz level in the fine measurement. The consistency between the proposed method and conventional methods proves the ultra-wideband and hyperfine frequency response measurement of PDs.
Plasmonic anapole states of active metamolecules
Authors: Pan Gui-Ming , Shu Fang-Zhou , Wang Le , Shi Liping , Evlyukhin Andrey B.
Published: March 2021

Anapole states, accompanied by strong suppression of light scattering, have attracted extensive attention in recent years due to their supreme performance in enhancing both linear and nonlinear optical effects. Although both low- and high-order anapole states are observed in the dielectric particles with high refractive index, so far few studies have touched on the topic of plasmonic anapole states. Here we demonstrate theoretically and numerically that the ideal plasmonic anapole states (strong suppression of electric dipole scattering) can be achieved in metallic metamolecules via increasing the coupling strength between Cartesian electric dipole and toroidal dipole moments of the system. The increasing coupling is based on compensation of ohmic losses in a plasmon system by introducing of a gain material, the influence of which is well described by the extended coupled oscillator model. Due to suppression of dipole radiation losses, the excitation of anapole states in plasmonic systems can result in enhancement of the near fields in subwavelength spatial regions outside of nanoparticles. That is especially important for developments of nonlinear nanophotonic and plasmonic devices and active functional metamaterials, which provide facilities for strong light energy concentration at the nanoscale. Development of the considered anapole effect with increase of metamolecule components is discussed.
Ultralarge Rabi splitting and broadband strong coupling in a spherical hyperbolic metamaterial cavity
Authors: Gu Ping , Chen Jing , Chen Siyu , Yang Chun , Zhang Zuxing , Du Wei , Yan Zhengdong , Tang Chaojun , Chen Zhuo
Published: March 2021

Strong coupling (SC) between two resonant plasmon modes can result in the formation of new hybrid modes exhibiting Rabi splitting with strong energy exchange at the nanoscale. However, normal Rabi splitting is often limited to

∼
50
–
320
  
meV

due to the short lifetime of the plasmon mode. Here, we theoretically demonstrate a record Rabi splitting energy as large as 805 meV arising from the SC between the high-

Q

plasmonic whispering gallery mode and high-

Q

cavity plasmon resonance supported by a spherical hyperbolic metamaterial cavity, which consists of a dielectric nanosphere core wrapped in 7 alternating layers of silver/dielectric materials. In addition, the new hybrid modes formed by the SC are shown to exhibit an extralong lifetime of up to 71.9–81.6 fs, with the large electric field intensity enhancement at both the dielectric core and the dielectric layers. More importantly, the spectral ranges of SC can be tuned across an ultrabroad range from the visible to the near-IR by simply changing the dielectric core size. These findings may have potential applications in bright single-photon sources.
The role of SMEs in rural development: Access of SMEs to finance as a mediator
Authors: Manzoor Faiza , Wei Longbao , Sahito Noman
Published: March 2021

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are considered as the fundamental tool for economic growth, nevertheless, they face continuous financing challenges. SMEs are a major source for generating employment, creation of wealth and alleviating poverty from the rural regions in developing countries. Their access to finance is key to the expansion of this sector. The paper aims to discover the intervening role of “access of SMEs to finance” in the link between SME’s evolution and rural development, in the context of Pakistan. In total 338 entrepreneurs operating SMEs in rural areas completed a survey for the study. Through a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique, entrepreneurs were selected from three districts. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used to test hypotheses. This study shows that SME’s evolution has a positive and optimistic influence on rural development. Further, the study also reveals that on SME’s progress a positive influence happens by the “access of SMEs to finance”. Particularly, the study finds that “access of SMEs to finance” significantly mediated the effect of SME’s evolution on rural development. The findings of this paper hold significant implications for both the research society and loan-issuing institutions and departments.
The association between perceived stress with sleep quality, insomnia, anxiety and depression in kidney transplant recipients during Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Barutcu Atas Dilek , Aydin Sunbul Esra , Velioglu Arzu , Tuglular Serhan
Published: March 2021

Background

The psychological distress and sleep problems caused by current Covid-19 outbreak is not well known in kidney transplant recipients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between perceived stress with sleep quality, insomnia, anxiety, depression and kidney function in kidney transplant recipients during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Material and methods

A hundred-six kidney transplant recipients were enrolled. Questionnaire of "Socio-demographics", "Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)", "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)", "Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)" and “Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS)” are performed. The laboratory data is recorded. The perceived stress related to Covid-19 pandemic and its associations were investigated.

Results

The mean age of patients was 44.2±13.3 years, and 65 of the patients (61.3%) were men. Forty-nine (46.2%) of the patients had high-perceived stress; 51 (48.1%) of the patients had poor sleep quality, 40 (37.7%) of the patients had insomnia, 25 (23.6%) of the patients had anxiety and 47 (44.3%) of the patients had depression. The patients having a history of Covid-19 infection in own or closed relatives (9.09±4.17 vs 6.49±4.16, p:0.014) and the patients who have a rejection episode any of time (8.24±5.16 vs 6.37±3.57, p:0.033) have had significantly higher anxiety scores, when they compared to others. The high PSS were positively correlated with PSQI, ISI, HAD-A and HAD-D. Regression analyses revealed that high-perceived stress is an independent predictor of anxiety and depression. There was not significant difference between kidney function with PSS, PSQI, ISI, HAD-A and HAD-D.

Conclusions

High PSS is positively correlated with poor sleep quality and insomnia and also an independent predictor of anxiety and depression in kidney transplant recipients during the outbreak of Covid-19. As the pandemic is still spreading worldwide quickly early identification and intervention of sleep disturbances and psychiatric disorders are essential to protect graft function with high compliance to treatment in transplantation patients.
Obesity is associated with lower bacterial vaginosis prevalence in menopausal but not pre-menopausal women in a retrospective analysis of the Women’s Interagency HIV Study
Authors: Daubert Elizabeth , Weber Kathleen M. , French Audrey L. , Seidman Dominika , Michel Katherine , Gustafson Deborah , Murphy Kerry , Muzny Christina A. , Alcaide Maria , Sheth Anandi , Adimora Adaora A. , Spear Gregory T.
Published: March 2021

The vaginal microbiota is known to impact women’s health, but the biological factors that influence the composition of the microbiota are not fully understood. We previously observed that levels of glycogen in the lumen of the vagina were higher in women that had a high body mass index (BMI). Vaginal glycogen is thought to impact the composition of the vaginal microbiota. We therefore sought to determine if BMI was associated having or not having bacterial vaginosis (BV), as determined by the Amsel criteria. We also hypothesized that increased blood glucose levels could lead to the previously-observed higher vaginal glycogen levels and therefore investigated if hemoglobin A1c levels were associated with BV. We analyzed data from the Women’s Interagency HIV Study using multiple multivariable (GEE) logistic regression models to assess the relationship between BMI, BV and blood glucose. Women with a BMI >30 kg/m2 (obese) had a lower rate (multivariable adjusted OR 0.87 (0.79–0.97), p = 0.009) of BV compared to the reference group (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2). There was a significantly lower rate of BV in post-menopausal obese women compared to the post-menopausal reference group, but not in pre-menopausal women. HIV- post-menopausal obese women had a significantly lower rate of BV, but this was not seen in HIV+ post-menopausal obese women. Pre-menopausal women with a higher hemoglobin A1c (≥6.5%) had a significantly lower rate (multivariable adjusted OR 0.66 (0.49–0.91), p = 0.010) of BV compared to pre-menopausal women with normal hemoglobin A1c levels (<5.7%), but there was no difference in post-menopausal women. This study shows an inverse association of BMI with BV in post-menopausal women and hemoglobin A1c with BV in pre-menopausal women. Further studies are needed to confirm these relationships in other cohorts across different reproductive stages and to identify underlying mechanisms for these observed associations.
β-Sitosterol 3-O-D-glucoside increases ceramide levels in the stratum corneum via the up-regulated expression of ceramide synthase-3 and glucosylceramide synthase in a reconstructed human epidermal keratinization model
Authors: Takeda Shogo , Terazawa Shuko , Shimoda Hiroshi , Imokawa Genji
Published: March 2021

β-Sitosterol 3-O-d-glucoside (BSG) is known to act as an agonist by binding to estrogen receptors, and estrogen has been reported to enhance the activity of β-glucocerebrosidase, an epidermal ceramide metabolizing enzyme. In this study, we determined whether BSG up-regulates ceramide levels in the stratum corneum (SC) of a reconstructed human epidermal keratinization (RHEK) model. Treatment with BSG significantly increased the total ceramide content by 1.2-fold compared to that in the control in the SC of the RHEK model, accompanied by a significant increase of the ceramide species, Cer[EOS] by 2.1-fold compared to that in the control. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that BSG significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT)2, ceramide synthase (CerS)3, glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) and acid sphingomyelinase by 1.41–1.89, 1.35–1.44, 1.19 and 2.06-fold, respectively, compared to that in the control in the RHEK model. Meanwhile, BSG significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of sphingomyelin synthase (SMS)2 by 0.87–0.89-fold. RT-PCR analysis also demonstrated that BSG significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of CerS3 and GCS by 1.19–1.55 and 1.20-fold, respectively, but not of SPT2 and significantly down-regulated that of SMS2 by 0.74-fold in HaCaT keratinocytes. Western blotting analysis revealed that BSG significantly increased the protein expression levels of CerS3 and GCS by 1.78 and 1.28–1.32-fold, respectively, compared to that in the control in HaCaT cells. These findings indicate that BSG stimulates ceramide synthesis via the up-regulated expression levels of CerS3 and GCS in the glucosylceramide pathway, which results in a significantly increased level of total ceramides in the SC accompanied by significantly increased levels of acylceramide species such as Cer[EOS].
Cost-effectiveness analysis of radiotherapy techniques for whole breast irradiation
Authors: Xie Yibo , Guo Beibei , Zhang Rui
Published: March 2021

Background

The current standard of care (SOC) for whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT) in the US is conventional tangential photon fields. Advanced WBRT techniques may provide similar tumor control and better normal tissue sparing, but it is controversial whether the medical benefits of an advanced technology are significant enough to justify its higher cost.

Objective

To analyze the cost-effectiveness of six advanced WBRT techniques compared with SOC.

Methods

We developed a Markov model to simulate health states for one cohort of women (65-year-old) with early-stage breast cancer over 15 years after WBRT. The cost effectiveness analyses of field-in-field (FIF), hybrid intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), full IMRT, standard volumetric modulated arc therapy (STD-VMAT), multiple arc VMAT (MA-VMAT), non-coplanar VMAT (NC-VMAT) compared with SOC were performed with both tumor control and radiogenic side effects considered. Transition probabilities and utilities for each health state were obtained from literature. Costs incurred by payers were adopted from literature and Medicare data. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated. One-way sensitivity analyses and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were performed to evaluate the impact of uncertainties on the final results.

Results

FIF has the lowest ICER value of 1,511 $/QALY. The one-way analyses show that the cost-effectiveness of advanced WBRT techniques is most sensitive to the probability of developing contralateral breast cancer. PSAs show that SOC is more cost effective than almost all advanced WBRT techniques at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of 50,000 $/QALY, while FIF, hybrid IMRT and MA-VMAT are more cost-effective than SOC with a probability of 59.2%, 72.3% and 72.6% at a WTP threshold of 100,000 $/QALY, respectively.

Conclusions

FIF might be the most cost-effective option for WBRT patients at a WTP threshold of 50,000 $/QALY, while hybrid IMRT and MA-VMAT might be the most cost-effective options at a WTP threshold of 100,000 $/QALY.
Rhabdomyolysis among hospitalized patients for salicylate intoxication in the United States: Nationwide inpatient sample 2003–2014
Authors: Kaewput Wisit , Thongprayoon Charat , Petnak Tananchai , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Qureshi Fawad , Boonpheng Boonphiphop , Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Bathini Tarun , Salim Sohail Abdul , Fülöp Tibor
Published: March 2021

Introduction

This study aimed to assess the risk factors and impact of rhabdomyolysis on treatments, outcomes, and resource utilization in hospitalized patients for salicylate intoxication in the United States.

Materials and methods

The National Inpatient Sample was utilized to identify hospitalized patients with a primary diagnosis of salicylate intoxication from 2003–2014. Rhabdomyolysis was identified using hospital diagnosis code. We compared the clinical characteristics, in-hospital treatment, outcomes, and resource utilization between patients with and without rhabdomyolysis.

Results

A total of 13,805 hospital admissions for salicylate intoxication were studied. Of these, rhabdomyolysis developed in 258 (1.9%) admissions. The risk factors for rhabdomyolysis were age>20 years, male sex, volume depletion, hypokalemia, sepsis, and seizure. After adjustment for baseline clinical characteristics, salicylate intoxication patients with rhabdomyolysis required more invasive mechanical ventilation, and renal replacement therapy. Rhabdomyolysis was significantly associated with higher risk of failure of any organ systems, and in-hospital mortality. Length of hospital stay and hospitalization cost were higher when rhabdomyolysis occurred during hospital stay.

Conclusions

Rhabdomyolysis was not common in hospitalized patients for salicylate intoxication but it was associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and resource utilization.
First investigation of pathogenic bacteria, protozoa and viruses in rodents and shrews in context of forest-savannah-urban areas interface in the city of Franceville (Gabon)
Authors: Mangombi Joa Braïthe , N’dilimabaka Nadine , Lekana-Douki Jean-Bernard , Banga Octavie , Maghendji-Nzondo Sydney , Bourgarel Mathieu , Leroy Eric , Fenollar Florence , Mediannikov Oleg
Published: March 2021

Rodents are reservoirs of numerous zoonotic diseases caused by bacteria, protozoans, or viruses. In Gabon, the circulation and maintenance of rodent-borne zoonotic infectious agents are poorly studied and are often limited to one type of pathogen. Among the three existing studies on this topic, two are focused on a zoonotic virus, and the third is focused on rodentPlasmodium. In this study, we searched for a wide range of bacteria, protozoa and viruses in different organs of rodents from the town of Franceville in Gabon. Samples from one hundred and ninety-eight (198) small mammals captured, including two invasive rodent species, five native rodent species and 19 shrews belonging to theSoricidaefamily, were screened. The investigated pathogens were bacteria from theRickettsiaceaeandAnaplasmataceaefamilies,Mycoplasmaspp.,Bartonellaspp.,Borreliaspp.,Orientiaspp.,Occidentiaspp.,Leptospiraspp.,Streptobacillus moniliformis,Coxiella burnetii, andYersinia pestis;parasites from classKinetoplastidaspp. (Leishmaniaspp.,Trypanosomaspp.),Piroplasmidaespp., andToxoplasma gondii; and viruses fromParamyxoviridae,Hantaviridae,FlaviviridaeandMammarenavirusspp. We identified the following pathogenic bacteria:Anaplasmaspp. (8.1%; 16/198),Bartonellaspp. (6.6%; 13/198),Coxiellaspp. (5.1%; 10/198) andLeptospiraspp. (3.5%; 7/198); and protozoans:Piroplasmasp. (1%; 2/198),Toxoplasma gondii(0.5%; 1/198), andTrypanosomasp. (7%; 14/198). None of the targeted viral genes were detected. These pathogens were found in Gabonese rodents, mainlyLophuromyssp.,Lemniscomys striatusandPraomyssp. We also identified new genotypes:CandidatusBartonella gabonensis and UnculturedAnaplasmaspp. This study shows that rodents in Gabon harbor some human pathogenic bacteria and protozoans. It is necessary to determine whether the identified microorganisms are capable of undergoing zoonotic transmission from rodents to humans and if they may be responsible for human cases of febrile disease of unknown etiology in Gabon.
Go international!
Authors: Rotondo Alessandra
Published: March 2021

Il mondo è diventato più piccolo. O semplicemente più vicino. Di culture inesplorate ne sono rimaste poche e, finita la fase dell’esotismo, anche l’approccio al geograficamente e culturalmente «altro» è diventato un affare da sbrigare nel quotidiano, con la giusta dose di confidenza e preparazione. Gli editori, in questo senso, hanno sicuramente rappresentato un vettore di avvicinamento e di familiarizzazione: proponendo al proprio pubblico le opere straniere in traduzione, immergendosi e selezionando, tra le proposte estere, quei testi che immaginavano avrebbero incontrato il successo a casa propria.
Accuracy and precision guidelines for optimal breeding time in bitches using in-house progesterone measurement compared with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay
Authors: Kunanusont Nutnaree , Punyadarsaniya Darsaniya , Ruenphet Sakchai
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim: The concentration of serum progesterone is commonly used to determine the optimal mating time in bitches, and to diagnose reproductive-related abnormalities. This study aims to compare the serum progesterone results obtained by rapid fluorescence immunochromatography assay (RFICA) with those obtained by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) from the same serum samples to develop a standard guideline for optimal breeding time.

Materials and Methods: Serum progesterone levels were measured in 124 bitches using RFICA and CMIA. Simple linear regression and correlation analyses were performed to analyze the data. The percentage difference between the maximum and minimum progesterone values in the same serum sample in the same assay was compared using Wilcoxon's rank-sum test.

Results: The present study showed a strong linear dependence of the results obtained by RFICA on those obtained by CMIA as R2=0.8976, with regression coefficient of 0.9474 and p<0.05, including the regression model was CMIA = (0.9483 × RFICA) - 0.761. Moreover, five critical measurement times during estrous in bitches showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05), except at the fertilizable period, which showed a non-significant difference (p>0.05).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that it is presumably acceptable to use the RFICA and CMIA methods interchangeably for quality progesterone measurements in serum samples from bitches. However, when considering the use of the RFICA method, it is advisable to carefully interpret the results and follow the interpretation guidelines. Finally, RFICA in the present study provides a reliable and convenient option for veterinarian practitioners to measure canine progesterone levels in-house.
Csodafegyver vagy pótcselekvés?
Authors: Szűcs Norbert , Fejes József Balázs
Published: March 2021

A tanodamozgalom a magyar oktatási rendszer méltányossági problémáira adott válaszok egyikének tekinthető. A tanodaszféra a jelenleg több mint 5000 gyermeket és fiatalt ér el, így napjainkban a legtöbb tanulót támogató hátránykompenzáló kezdeményezés. A tanodák legfontosabb finanszírozási hátterét a közelmúltig rövidtávú európai uniós forrásokra épülő pályázatok biztosították. E forrásokat 2019-től állami források váltották fel, amelyek vélhetően kedveznek a tanodák stabil, kiszámítható működésének. E változás lehetővé teszi, hogy a finanszírozási nehézségek helyett szakmai kérdések kerüljenek a tanodákról szóló diskurzus fókuszába. Szakirodalmi áttekintésünk célja e diskurzus elindítása. A szakmai kérdések kontextusának megteremtése céljából írásunkban definiáljuk a tanodát, kitérve a tanodaszféra heterogenitásának fontosabb szempontjaira, majd röviden ismertetjük a tanodamozgalom hazai történetét a finanszírozás kérdéseit a középpontba helyezve, mivel ez alapvetően meghatározta a szakmai kérdések mellett a fenntartók körét is. Összegezzük azon empirikus kutatások eredményeit, amelyek a tanodai szolgáltatásban részesülő tanulók előrehaladására fókuszáltak. Ezt követően a tanodák működéséhez kapcsolódó fontosabb dilemmákat, kihívásokat vizsgáljuk meg a következő témaköröket érintve: (1) a tanodai munka céljainak differenciáltsága; (2) az eredményesség és hatékonyság megítélése; (3) az oktatási rendszer reformjának akadályozása; (4) öncélúság; (5) az oktatási szegregáció legitimációja a közvélemény felé. Végül – az említett kihívásokat szem előtt tartva – egy lehetséges jövőképet vázolunk fel.
Az üzleti kapcsolatok menedzsmentjének gondolati modellje. És ez miért lehet fontos a vállalati vezetők számára? (The conceptual model of management of business relations – and why it may be important for the corporate executives?)
Authors: Mandják Tibor , Szántó Zoltán
Published: March 2021

A szerzők cikkükben az üzleti marketinget és a gazdaságszociológiai megközelítést ötvözve vizsgálják az üzleti kapcsolatok irányításának néhány problémáját. Gondolati modelljük figyelembe veszi a kapcsolatra vonatkozó külső és belső szabályokat, a kapcsolatban érintettek percepcióit és cselekvéseit. Az üzleti kapcsolat menedzsmentje alatt elsősorban tervező, szervező és ellenőrző tevékenységeket értenek, amelyek attól függően alakulnak, hogy egy kapcsolat létrehozása, fenntartása vagy változtatása-e a cél. Reményeik szerint az általuk javasolt gondolati modell alkalmazása a társadalmi összetevők világosabb felismerésében segítheti az üzleti élet résztvevőit. Dolgozatuk célja az üzleti kapcsolatok menedzsmentjét megkönnyítő gondolati modell felállítása. A modell operacionalizálása és empirikus tesztelése meghaladja jelen írásuk kereteit és egy esetleges jövőbeni kutatás témája lehet. ____________ The purpose of this article is to create and demonstrate such a conceptual model, which might assist in the more efficient management of business relationships. The peculiarity of the way of thinking proposed by the authors is that it takes into account the complexity of business relationships and its social embeddedness. Thus they make an attempt to systematize the key components of business relationships, their processes, economic and social characteristics. The authors would like to approach this from the point of view of the management of the business relationship, trusting that the deeper understanding of the complexity of business relationships and the consistent consideration of this complexity may contribute to the more successful management of relationships.
Különböző beszerzői magatartásminták a magyarországi kórházak körében (Behaviour of the Hungarian hospital in their relationship with drug suppliers.)
Authors: Simon Judit , Mandják Tibor , Szalkai Zsuzsanna
Published: March 2021

A szerzők kutatásának célja a magyar kórházak gyógyszerbeszállítókkal kapcsolatos magatartásának jobb megértése. A szervezeti viselkedés természetéből adódóan a szerzők kutatásukat a komplexitás paradigmájára támaszkodva (Mucchielli, 2004) végezték el. Ahhoz, hogy kórházak beszerzési döntéseinek komplex eljárásait megvizsgálják, egy vegyes kutatási módszer alkalmazására volt szükség. Elméleti háttérként az üzleti kapcsolatok értékének integrált modelljét alkalmazták. A tanulmányban bemutatják egy kvantitatív és egy kvalitatív kutatás eredményeit a magyarországi kórházak és a gyógyszerbeszállítók közötti üzleti kapcsolatokban. ________________ The main goal of this research is to better understand the behaviour of the Hungarian hospital in their relationship with drug suppliers. The nature of the organisational behaviour guides the authors to conduct their research on the complexity paradigm (Mucchielli, 2004). To be able to explore the complex procedure of purchasing decisions in the hospitals, they applied a research design based on mixed method research. As a theoretical background the authors used the integrated model of business relationship value. In their paper they introduce the results of a quantitative and a qualitative research about the business relationships between hospitals and drug suppliers in Hungary.
Analisis Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Matematis melalui Problem Posing Bersifat Open Ended
Authors: Prianto Agus
Published: March 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan mendiskripsikan, mengekplorasi dan menganalisis kemampuan berpikir kreatif matematis siswa melalui problem posing bersifat open ended. Subjek penelitian ini sebanyak 32 siswa SMP Negeri 1 Jepara. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian diskriptif. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan langkah memberikan informasi, kemudian meminta siswa membuat soal (pertanyaan) sebanyak mungkin dan selesainnya. Jawaban siswa dianalisis secara diskriptif berdasarkan aspek kemampuan kreatif matematis yang meliputi fluency, flexibility, dan novelty. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kemampuan berpikir kreatif matematis siswa pada aspek fluency mencapai 78,13%; aspek flexibility mencapai 31,25%; dan aspek novelty hanya mencapai 6,25%. Kemampuan berpikir kreatif matematis siswa umumnya pada dua aspek yaitu fluency dan flexibility.Kata Kunci: berpikir kreatif matematis, problem posing, open ended
La intervención con Menores Expuestos a Violencia de Género en los Puntos de Encuentro Familiar. Disfuncionalidades y retos en la Comunidad Valenciana
Authors: Marín Manrique Antonio , García Campá Santiago , Tormo Irún María Pilar
Published: March 2021

En el presente artículo se analiza la normativa de los Puntos de Encuentro Familiar (en adelante, PEFs) en la Comunidad Valenciana y su actuación en casos de violencia de género, teniendo también en cuenta la legislación de las Comunidades Autónomas de Islas Baleares, País Vasco, Cataluña y Aragón. Se identifican algunos problemas que surgen en los PEFs cuando la derivación procede de un procedimiento relacionado con la violencia de género, centrándonos concretamente en los dependientes de la Conselleria de Igualdad y Políticas Inclusivas de la Comunidad Valenciana. Las conclusiones extraídas ponen de manifiesto la extrema complejidad que entrañan estas situaciones, por lo que se recomienda 1) realizar una valoración sobre la necesidad real de la derivación al PEF por parte de los juzgados, 2) contar con formación específica en violencia de género por parte de los/as profesionales de los PEFs y 3) mejorar la coordinación con todos los agentes u organismos que intervienen en estos casos. También es necesario resolver los errores y demoras que se producen durante todo el recorrido judicial, desde que se toma la decisión de derivar un expediente al PEF hasta que empiezan a darse las visitas en el mismo.
ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT ON THE COMPETITIVENESS OF COASTAL FISHERMAN COMMUNITIES IN NORTH MINAHASA DISTRICT
Authors: Karuntu Merlyn Mourah , Palandeng Indrie Debbie , Rogi Mirah
Published: March 2021

Supply Chain Management is an integrative method or approach to manage the flow of products, information, and money in an integrated manner that involves parties ranging from upstream to downstream consisting of suppliers, factories, distribution networks and logistics services. Supplier is one of the most important links in determining the quality of the product and the speed at which the product reaches the consumer. In the capture fisheries industry in North Sulawesi, the coastal fishing community in North Minahasa Regency is one of the spearheads of the success of the capture fisheries industry supply chain because it functions as a supplier to the fish processing industry in North Sulawesi.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of Supply Chain Management, namely the variables of technical and managerial assistance, information sharing, trust, long-term relationships, and process integration on the competitiveness of coastal fishing communities in North Minahasa Regency. This study uses a causal associative research type. The analytical method used is Multiple Linear Regression Analysis.

The results showed that technical and managerial assistance, information sharing and trust had a significant effect on the competitiveness of coastal fishing communities in North Minahasa regency, while long-term relationship variables and process integration had no significant effect on the competitiveness of coastal fishing communities in North Minahasa Regency.
Covid 19 Contexts Shaping Teaching Practice Discourses: University of Eswatini
Authors: Dlamini Boyie S.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

This study examines how the Covid 19 Teaching practice contexts elicited the intended professional development principles among the PGCEs’ and BEDS’ four 2020 cohorts at the University of Eswatini. The pedagogical knowledge interaction scheme theoretical framework was used to unpack related concepts. The participants, 23 were sampled through purposive stratified sampling. The semi-semi structured questionnaires and classroom observations were used to collect data.  Content analysis was used as a data collecting and analysing tool to analyse and describe the pedagogical discourses within the classroom and institutional contexts. The finding indicated that the mismatch subject arrangement undermined the production of specialised knowledge and alienated some students from their professional engagement and, stifled students’ capabilities to engage into self-reflection. Covid 19 pandemic created complex educational contexts in which incongruent messages related to the fundamental principles of teaching practices were communicated and reinforced. It is concluded that Covid 19 contexts presented a challenge of considerable complexity for the 2020 teaching practice and denied the Trainees the opportunity to learn from experienced teachers or mentors. It is recommended that Coordinators should embrace Covid 19 dynamics in their planning and implementation to protect the teaching practice principles.

Key words: Covid 19 contexts, Teaching practice principles
An FORMAL EDUCATION FOR WOMEN ENABLEMENT
Authors: CHIMBINDI TAKAWIRA
Published: March 2021

Universally, there is concern for women enablement and United Nations Educational Science and Cultural Organisational (UNESCO) cites Zimbabwe as having 17% of the adult population being illiterate with two thirds being women (Kadada, 2014). Despite efforts by the government of Zimbabwe through formal education and other key players such as Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) in ensuring women enablement, women have not been fully integrated into many development spheres. As alluded by Pietila, and Vickers, (1996), that the subordinate position of women limits their ability to effectively indulge in development activities and women in Chirumanzu district are no exception. They continue to be seen as a missing link in being effective stakeholders in development processes. A notable pattern inherently evident on the ground is that few women are socially, politically, and economically active in development programmes. Hence the need to advocate for women enablement through formal education. According to Pietila, and Vickers, (1996), “empowerment is an active, multidimensional process which enables women to realize their full identity and power in all spheres of life”.  Women in Chirumanzu district need to be enabled enough to know their rights, to have access to knowledge and resources, greater autonomy in decision making, greater ability to plan their lives, greater control over the circumstances that influence their lives and finally to be free from customs, beliefs that are barriers to their enablement. In light of the above, this study therefore endeavours to assess how formal education has assisted women in Chirumanzu district to be enabled.
A Research On The Perception Of Service Quality Of Intercity Passenger Transport: The Example Of Black Sea Region
Authors: Nebol Erdal , ALP Erdoğdu
Published: March 2021

Highway passenger transportation sector stands out as a growing passenger transport sector in Turkey. Transport companies have to take into account the expectations of customers in order to survive and advance in this sector. For this reason, the measurement of the perceived and expected service quality of the customers is becoming important.

In this study, a survey will be carried out on the service quality of highway intercity passenger transportation within the city of Tokat. It is explained why customer satisfaction and perception are very important for service providers, in highway passenger transportation which is one of the important sectors in our country. In this context, it has been understood that it is necessary to measure perceived and expected service quality of the customers. With this data, it will be possible to make improvements and improvements to the preferences of the customers.

In this study it is examined the quality of the services primarily offered by the highway passenger transport sector, which is among the important sectors of our country in terms of both the economic magnitude and the employment it provides. For this aim the highway transportation literature is surveyed and according to literature using SERVQUAL scale one questionnaire is implemented to 400 people in Tokat.

Then the collected data is analyzed with SPSS 24.0. According to test results age, monthly income and the travel purpose effects the highway transportation service quality perception of the passengers. In addition to this Service Quality Scale (SERVQUAL) is tested and found reliable and valid for highway passenger transport sector in Turkey.
Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Towards Routine Medical Examination Among University Lecturers In Rivers State
Authors: Abigo Ene Emilia , Okpako J. E. F.
Published: March 2021

The study examined the knowledge, attitude and practice of routine medical examination among university lecturers in Rivers State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The sample size consisted of 381 (12% of the total population) on a random sampling technique. Three research questions guided the study. A self-structured instruments titled “Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Routine Medical Examination Scale (KAPRME), Cronbach Alpha value of 0.78 was obtained for the content reliability. Simple percentage, Mean and standard deviation were used to analyse research questions. Findings showed that University Lecturers in Rivers State have knowledge and positive attitude on Routine Medical Examination. But, there is low level of practice for routine medical examination among the universities lecturers in Rivers State. Based on the findings, it was concluded that lecturers are aware of the impact of Routine Medical Examination but most times claim to be task-oriented taking for granted the nitty-gritty of life to be healthy. It was recommended that University administrators vis-à-vis individual lecturers should place optimum priority to Routine Medical Examination at least twice a year.
Two Types of Space in the Hydrogen Atom not Predictable with Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Suto Koshun
Published: March 2021

Einstein’s energy-momentum relationship is not applicable to the electron in a hydrogen atom. Therefore, the author has previously derived an energy-momentum relationship applicable to the electron inside the hydrogen atom where potential energy exists. However, the initially-derived relationship did not incorporate the discontinuities in energy which are characteristic of quantum mechanics. Therefore, the author derived a new quantum condition to take the place of Bohr’s quantum condition, i.e., , and that was used to incorporate discontinuity into the relationship derived by the author. When that relationship is solved, it is evident that, in addition to the existing energy levels, there are also ultra-low energy levels where the electron mass becomes negative. A previously unknown state of the hydrogen atom exists, formed from an electron with negative mass and a proton with positive mass. The electron with negative mass exists near the proton. The author predicts that this unknown matter is the true nature of dark matter, an unknown source of gravity whose true nature is currently unknown.
Adaptation trail of selected Multipurpose Tree Species under Babille Condition East Hararghe Zone oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Abdellab Musa , Cheneke Bira
Published: March 2021

Among several multipurpose tree species in the eastern parts of Ethiopia, Sesbania sesban, Moringa oliefera, Gravilea robusta, Cordia africna, Azadarichta indica and Leuceana leucocephala are common. However, their adaptability and growth performance of this tree species has not scientifically trailed in the study area. Therefore, the study was conducted to evaluate the adaptability of multipurpose tree species at Babille District, Oromia, Ethiopia, for three years (June 2016 - June 2019). The experiment was laid out in RCBD with three replications. Data on the growth parameters; diameter, plant height and survival rate were measured and recorded at interval of three months. Results revealed that there were highly significant (p <0.05) variations among tree species in height growth, RCD, DBH and survival rate at the study area. Among the species tasted, M. oliefera showed the highest performance followed by A. indica, S. sesban and L. leucocephala in terms of height growth, RCD and DBH at Babille condition. after three years of establishment, M. oliefera, A. indica, S. sesban and L. leucocephala showed the highest mean survival rate at the study area. Hence it can be inferred that the conditions of Babille district matched with the environmental requirement of those tree species. On the other hand, species of G. robusta showed lowest performance at the study area. Thus, the long dry season, which extended from eight to ten months in the study area, clearly explains the poor survival and growth response in some of the species. Generally, the study under Babille condition and related agro-ecology, we advocate these adapted species and properly allocate species into the site that grow and adapt well for further agroforestry practices at wider scale on which success of agroforestry practices and forest plantations depend.
Finding Features of Actions Efficiently Synchronized with Dishwashing Robot
Authors: Nishio Kosuke , Harada Fumiko , Shimakawa Hiromitsu
Published: March 2021

In this study, we propose a method for extracting the characteristics of body motions that contribute to reducing the takt time in a cooperative task between a dishwashing robot and a human operator. The proposed method collects the takt time and motion data from novice operators until they become experienced using an inexpensive acceleration sensor. The operation data is classified into experienced and novice periods using the variance value of the takt time. In addition, the Hidden Markov Model is generated to classify the motion data into multiple motion phases. The motion features of the operator are extracted for each phase from the generated model. The proposed method finds the motion features whose difference between the experienced and novice periods are similar to the takt time transition.  It uses them as important variables. We verified the effectiveness of the proposed method by conducting experiments that simulate actual work at a restaurant. The Hidden Markov Model classified the operation phases into three categories with the AUC of 0.9. In all samples, we were able to extract the motion characteristics of the experienced operators. This study showed the potential to improve the speed of novice's progress by the extracted motion characteristics to improve education guidelines and to show operators how they should physically move.
Functionality of Kenya Prisons Service in Managing Terrorist Prison Criminal Group Activities at Kamiti Maximum Prison, Nairobi Kenya
Authors: Kinyanzui Jane Waithira Kimani
Published: March 2021

Prisons all over the world have become the ‘epicenter’ of terrorist groups' activities that include violent extremism, radicalization and recruitments into terrorist prison criminal groups. Although many scholars, especially in Kenya, have not scratched this area, the fact remains that prisons have become a center of terrorist recruitment, strengthening, interconnecting, organizing, and conducting terrorist actions with subjects outside of prison. This study, therefore, was designed to evaluate the Kenya Prisons Service's functionality in managing Terrorist Prison criminal group Activities at Kamiti Maximum Prison. Three objectives focused this study; to examine the nature of available Terrorist Prison Criminal Groups Management strategies at the institution; to identify the anti-Terrorist Prison Criminal Groups Management gaps, and finally, to identify activities associated with Terrorist Prison Criminal Groups at Kamiti Maximum Prison. The paper employed a descriptive research design and a hybrid methodology where qualitative and quantitative data were obtained. Results showed that the most embraced terrorist management techniques were separation/isolation as it allows for close supervision and use of risk assessment instruments amongst other measures. Results also showed that clandestine use of the internet while in prison was associated with the recruitment of other prisoners into terrorist groups, Islamist militant prison radicalization, and external influences. The study findings showed that the main ways to mitigate the Terrorist Prison Criminal Group activities in Kenya included creating employment opportunities for the youth, creating rehabilitation programs for terror convicts, and offering education to the public. Amongst other measures, this was perceived as mitigation to reduce terrorist groups. The study recommended judges and magistrates to only incarcerate the most serious criminals and prefer non-custodial sentences for petty offenders. This will better manage the radicalization of petty prisoners.

Key words: Inmates, terrorist criminals, Prison, Isolation, Concentration, Separation.
Medicinal inorganic chemistry: an updated review on the status of metallodrugs and prominent metallodrug candidates
Authors: Miranda Victor M.
Published: March 2021

Metallodrugs correspond to a small portion of all available drugs in the market and, yet, some of them are among the most used and important drugs in modern medicine. However, medicinal inorganic chemistry remains an underestimated area within medicinal chemistry and the main reason is the mislead association of metals to toxic agents. Thus, in this review, the potential of medicinal inorganic chemistry in drug designing is highlighted through a description of the current status of metallodrugs and metallodrug candidates in advanced clinical trials. The broad spectrum of application of metal-based drugs in medicine for both therapy and diagnosis is addressed by the extensive list of examples presented herein.
Etablierte Außenseiter_innen. Zur Sozialfigur des ‚Homo Ethnographicus‘ in der gegenwärtigen US-amerikanischen Soziologie.
Authors: Niermann Debora
Published: March 2021

Der Beitrag schlägt eine Aktualisierung der sozialfigurativen Beschreibung des homo ethnographicus vor. Ethnograf_innen werden seit Chicago School Gründungstagen als grenzgängerische Außenseiterfiguren porträtiert. Ausgehend von der Annahme enger Verwobenheit figurativsoziologischer und zeitdiagnostischer Beschreibungen gilt es – so die These der Autorin –, angesichts tiefgreifender Restrukturierungen in der gegenwärtigen US-amerikanischen Ethnografielandschaft die Figur der Ethnograf_innen neu zu charakterisieren. Dies geschieht auf empirischer Grundlage mittels „big story“-Analysen biografischer Selbstthematisierungen Ethnografierender. Zentrales Ergebnis sind die Erzählmuster: Wege der Berufung und Wege der Wahl. Die darin vorgenommenen Subjektentwürfe weisen Homologien mit den sozialtheoretischen Grundorientierungen der Ethnograf_innen auf, die in deren Feldbeschreibungen wirksam sind. Ausgehend von diesen empirischen Einblicken, der Beobachtung sozialtheoretischer Ausdifferenzierung und daraus resultierenden Re-Positionierungsleistungen wird abschließend die Rekonzeptualisierung des homo ethnographicus als etablierter Außenseiter formuliert.