bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shortening antibiotic duration in the treatment of acute cholangitis: rationale and study protocol for an open-label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Iwata Kentaro , Doi Asako , Oba Yuichiro , Matsuo Hiroo , Ebisawa Kei , Nagata Manabu , Nishimura Sho , Yoshimura Kenichi , Masuda Atsuhiro , Shiomi Hideyuki , Kodama Yuzo
Published: January 2020

Background

Antimicrobial therapy with appropriate biliary drainage is considered the standard of care for acute cholangitis, but the optimal duration of antimicrobial therapy remains unknown. Seven to 10 days of antimicrobial therapy are common for the treatment of acute cholangitis, but a recent retrospective cohort study suggested a shorter duration might be effective. A shorter duration of antimicrobial therapy can be beneficial in decreasing the length of hospital stay, improving patients’ quality of life, decreasing adverse effects, and even contributing to a decrease in the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance.

Methods/design

We will conduct a multi-centre, open-label, randomized, non-inferiority trial to compare short-course therapy (SCT) with conventional long-course therapy (LCT) in treating patients with acute cholangitis. SCT consists of 5-day intravenous antimicrobial therapy if the patients had clinical improvement, while at least 7 days of intravenous antibiotics will be provided to the LCT group. The primary outcome is clinical cure at 30 days after onset. Patients will be randomly assigned in an open-label fashion. A total sample size of 150 was estimated to provide a power of 80% with a one-sided α level of 2.5% and a non-inferiority margin of 10%.

Discussion

This trial is expected to reveal whether SCT is non-inferior to conventional LCT or not, and may provide evidence that one can shorten the treatment duration for acute cholangitis for the benefit of patients.

Trial registration

University Hospital Medical Information Network, UMIN000028382. Registered on 30 August 2017.
DNA barcode trnH-psbA is a promising candidate for efficient identification of forage legumes and grasses
Authors: Loera-Sánchez Miguel , Studer Bruno , Kölliker Roland
Published: January 2020

Objective

Grasslands are widespread ecosystems that fulfil many functions. Plant species richness (PSR) is known to have beneficial effects on such functions and monitoring PSR is crucial for tracking the effects of land use and agricultural management on these ecosystems. Unfortunately, traditional morphology-based methods are labor-intensive and cannot be adapted for high-throughput assessments. DNA barcoding could aid increasing the throughput of PSR assessments in grasslands. In this proof-of-concept work, we aimed at determining which of three plant DNA barcodes (rbcLa, matK and trnH-psbA) best discriminates 16 key grass and legume species common in temperate sub-alpine grasslands.

Results

Barcode trnH-psbA had a 100% correct assignment rate (CAR) in the five analyzed legumes, followed by rbcLa (93.3%) and matK (55.6%). Barcode trnH-psbA had a 100% CAR in the grasses Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata and Trisetum flavescens. However, the closely related Festuca, Lolium and Poa species were not always correctly identified, which led to an overall CAR in grasses of 66.7%, 50.0% and 46.4% for trnH-psbA, matK and rbcLa, respectively. Barcode trnH-psbA is thus the most promising candidate for PSR assessments in permanent grasslands and could greatly support plant biodiversity monitoring on a larger scale.
Composite Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and Epstein-Barr virus-negative diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the parotid salivary gland of a patient with Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis: a case report
Authors: Gorodetskiy Vadim R. , Probatova Natalya A. , Konovalov Dmitry M. , Ryzhikova Natalya V. , Sidorova Yulia V. , Sudarikov Andrey B. , Mukhortova Olga V.
Published: January 2020

Background

Epstein-Barr virus is associated with many human hematopoietic neoplasms; however, Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma is extremely rare. In routine clinical practice, detection of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a tissue sample presumes a clonal relation between these neoplasms and that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma developed by transformation of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. However, evidence to support this presumption is sparse and controversial. Assessment of the clonal relationship of the lymphoid components of a composite lymphoma is important for understanding its pathogenesis and correct diagnosis.

Case presentation

We present an unusual case of composite lymphoma (Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma/Epstein-Barr virus-negative diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) in the parotid salivary gland of a 62-year-old Caucasian woman with Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Simultaneous occurrence of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the parotid salivary gland led us to initially assume a clonal relationship between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. Epstein-Barr virus was detected by in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction in the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, but not in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, suggesting that these lymphomas were not clonally related. Fragment analysis of frame region 3 polymerase chain reaction products from microdissected mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma components revealed different clonal pattern rearrangements of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene.

Conclusions

Our patient’s case highlights the importance of assessing the clonal relationships of the lymphoid components of a composite lymphoma and Epstein-Barr virus screening in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in patients with autoimmune disease.
Novel stability criteria on nonlinear density-dependent mortality Nicholson’s blowflies systems in asymptotically almost periodic environments
Authors: Qian Chaofan , Hu Yuhui
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we consider nonlinear density-dependent mortality Nicholson’s blowflies system involving patch structures and asymptotically almost periodic environments. By developing an approach based on differential inequality techniques coupled with the Lyapunov function method, some criteria are demonstrated to guarantee the global attractivity of the addressed systems. Finally, we give a numerical example to illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the obtain results.
Non-locked and locked small fragment straight plates have a similar behavior in buttressing the posteromedial shear tibial plateau fragment: a biomechanical analysis of three different fixations
Authors: Giordano Vincenzo , Kfuri Mauricio , Belangero William , Venturini Allison , Silva Ana Carolina , Soares Eduardo Merjan , Pires Robinson Esteves , Koch Hilton A.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is to compare the biomechanical behavior of three different fixation constructions currently used for buttressing the posteromedial shearing tibial plateau fragment. Our hypothesis is that non-locked implants provide sufficient comparable stability in posteromedial tibial plateau fractures as locked implants.

Methods

Fifteen left synthetic tibiae from a single manufacturing batch were used to create a posteromedial shear tibial plateau fracture. The fracture was buttressed with three different posteriorly placed five-hole straight small-fragment plate. Five models were fixed with a one-third tubular plate (TTP), five models with a dynamic compression plate (DCP), and five models with a locking compression plate (LCP). All groups were tested to vertical subsidence (Stage 1). In the same experiment (Stage 2), TTP and DCP groups were tested until catastrophic failure. Force versus displacement curves were obtained in the two stages of the experiment.

Results

Stage 1 – There was no significant difference in stiffness (p = 0.89), subsidence up to 2 mm (p = 0.38), and energy (p = 0.36) among the three fixation constructions. Stage 2 – Yield load revealed significantly less yield strength for the TTP group as compared with the DCP group (p = 0.048). However, there was no significant difference in maximum load to failure among the TTP and DCP fixation constructions (p = 0.16).

Conclusion

Placement of either a locked or non-locked small fragment straight plate to buttress the posteromedial shear tibial plateau fragment has a similar biomechanical behavior. When the implant is positioned to buttress the shearing fragment it maximizes biomechanical stiffness.
Microbial community dynamics and coexistence in a sulfide-driven phototrophic bloom
Authors: Bhatnagar Srijak , Cowley Elise S. , Kopf Sebastian H. , Pérez Castro Sherlynette , Kearney Sean , Dawson Scott C. , Hanselmann Kurt , Ruff S. Emil
Published: January 2020

Background

Lagoons are common along coastlines worldwide and are important for biogeochemical element cycling, coastal biodiversity, coastal erosion protection and blue carbon sequestration. These ecosystems are frequently disturbed by weather, tides, and human activities. Here, we investigated a shallow lagoon in New England. The brackish ecosystem releases hydrogen sulfide particularly upon physical disturbance, causing blooms of anoxygenic sulfur-oxidizing phototrophs. To study the habitat, microbial community structure, assembly and function we carried out in situ experiments investigating the bloom dynamics over time.

Results

Phototrophic microbial mats and permanently or seasonally stratified water columns commonly contain multiple phototrophic lineages that coexist based on their light, oxygen and nutrient preferences. We describe similar coexistence patterns and ecological niches in estuarine planktonic blooms of phototrophs. The water column showed steep gradients of oxygen, pH, sulfate, sulfide, and salinity. The upper part of the bloom was dominated by aerobic phototrophic Cyanobacteria, the middle and lower parts by anoxygenic purple sulfur bacteria (Chromatiales) and green sulfur bacteria (Chlorobiales), respectively. We show stable coexistence of phototrophic lineages from five bacterial phyla and present metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of two uncultured Chlorobaculum and Prosthecochloris species. In addition to genes involved in sulfur oxidation and photopigment biosynthesis the MAGs contained complete operons encoding for terminal oxidases. The metagenomes also contained numerous contigs affiliating with Myoviridae viruses, potentially affecting Chlorobi. Our data suggest a short sulfur cycle within the bloom in which elemental sulfur produced by sulfide-oxidizing phototrophs is most likely reduced back to sulfide by Desulfuromonas sp.

Conclusions

The release of sulfide creates a habitat selecting for anoxygenic sulfur-oxidizing phototrophs, which in turn create a niche for sulfur reducers. Strong syntrophism between these guilds apparently drives a short sulfur cycle that may explain the rapid development of the bloom. The fast growth and high biomass yield of Chlorobi-affiliated organisms implies that the studied lineages of green sulfur bacteria can thrive in hypoxic habitats. This oxygen tolerance is corroborated by oxidases found in MAGs of uncultured Chlorobi. The findings improve our understanding of the ecology and ecophysiology of anoxygenic phototrophs and their impact on the coupled biogeochemical cycles of sulfur and carbon.
Thyroid cancer associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis: similarities and differences in an endemic area
Authors: Hussein Osama , Abdelwahab Khaled , Hamdy Omar , Awny Shadi , Megahed Nermin A. , Hafez Mohamed T. , Elalfi Amr F. , Abdelaziz Mahmoud , Gaballah Khaled , Abdelkhalek Mohamed
Published: January 2020

Background

Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis and is the most common form of thyroid inflammatory diseases. The association of HT with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has been described. PTC is the most common form of malignancy associated with HT. When papillary carcinoma develops on top of Hashimoto thyroiditis, the disease tends to be less aggressive and lymph node and extra-thyroidal invasion are infrequent.

Results

We retrospectively examined the pathological features of our patients who were diagnosed with concomitant HT and thyroid cancer. In Egyptian patients, PTC was the main type of malignancy associated with HT (96.2%) and was often multifocal (46.2%). In contrast to the published literature, lymph node invasion and extra-thyroidal extension were as frequent in association with HT as in other cancer cohorts. We also observed the frequent occurrence of Hürthle cell metaplasia (23.1%) and the appreciable incidence of aggressive histological types of PTC (32%).

Conclusion

Thyroid carcinoma with HT may have some aggressive features in areas with endemic goiter background.
Ultrasound Lexicon in diagnosis and management of breast fibroadenoma: when to follow up and when to biopsy
Authors: Ali Engy Adel , Talaat Soha
Published: January 2020

Background

To detect the accuracy of breast ultrasound in diagnosis of fibroadenoma and differentiate between typical and atypical ones. The impact of ultrasound criteria on patient management. (Biopsy versus follow up). A prospective study were done to 71 patients. Diagnosis was reached either by performing follow up study or after revision of core biopsy/surgical specimens.

Results

In our study, we had 35 ultrasound detected atypical fibroadenoma, seven out of the 35 (20 %) proven to be complex fibroadenoma by pathology while in another 20 patients, 36 fibroadenomas with typical criteria were detected by both ultrasound and regular follow up. The most ultrasound features which showed statistical significance were the posterior shadowing feature (100% atypical versus 25% typical with significant p value < 0.01), and vessel arrangement (85.7% versus 0% have central arrangement with significant p value < 0.01) helped to differentiate between simple and complex ones. We calculate the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV to be 100%, 74%, 46%, and 100%.

Conclusion

Arrangement of vessels and posterior features are the most important criteria to differentiate simple and complex FAD.
Diagnostic value of spinal ultrasound compared to MRI for diagnosis of spinal anomalies in pediatrics
Authors: Tawfik Nermeen A. , Ahmed Ahmed Tohamy , El-Shafei Tarek E. , Habba Mohamed R.
Published: January 2020

Background

Spinal dysraphism (SD) is a spectrum of congenital disorders. MRI is the gold standard technique for diagnosis of SD. Spinal ultrasonography (USG) can be used as a screening tool for SD in infants. The purpose of our study is to assess the diagnostic value of spinal USG in the diagnosis of spinal dysraphism in pediatrics compared to MRI as a gold standard technique. Our prospective, cross-sectional study involved 45 infants and children with suspected spinal dysraphism. All patients were subjected to supervision of their medical history, full neurological examination, spinal ultrasonography and anatomical spine assessment by conventional MRI examination including sagittal and axial T1W & T2W, sagittal & coronal STIR imaging. Comparison of spinal USG with MRI findings was done.

Results

There is excellent overall agreement between MRI and ultrasound diagnosis in the evaluation of spinal cord morphology and bony elements in patients aged ≤ 2 years old (κ = 0.96 and 0.98) respectively, and fair overall agreement between MRI and ultrasound diagnosis (κ = 0.58) in patients aged > 2 years old. The accuracy of spinal USG in diagnosis of spinal dysraphism in patients aged ≤ 2 years old was as the following: specificity (94.5–100%), sensitivity (84.3100%), PPV (86.7–100%) and NPV (85.7–100%), as compared to MRI.

Conclusion

Spinal ultrasound can be used as a first-line screening investigation for SD; patients with USG abnormalities proceed to MRI. Spinal ultrasound is of no worthy value after the age of bone ossification, and MRI is the best modality of diagnosis in older pediatrics.
Extension of Survival in Bilaterally Adrenalectomized Mice by Implantation of SF-1/Ad4BP-Induced Steroidogenic Cells
Authors: Tanaka Tomoko , Aoyagi Chikao , Mukai Kuniaki , Nishimoto Koshiro , Kodama Shohta , Yanase Toshihiko
Published: January 2020

Mesenchymal stroma/stem cells (MSCs) exist in adult tissues, such as adipose tissue and bone marrow, and differentiate into cells of multiple lineages. In previous studies, we found that MSCs differentiate into steroidogenic cells by forced expression of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1)/adrenal 4 binding protein (Ad4BP), the master regulator of steroidogenesis and differentiation of pituitary gonadotrophs, adrenal glands, and gonads. In this study, SF-1/Ad4BP-induced steroidogenic cells derived from mouse adipose tissue–derived MSCs (ADSCs) were implanted under the kidney capsule of bilateral adrenalectomized (bAdx) mice. bAdx mice did not survive after 7 days. However, 4 of 9 bAdx mice implanted with SF-1/Ad4BP-induced steroidogenic cells, 1 of 10 bAdx mice transplanted with control ADSCs, and bAdx mice transplanted with an adrenal gland survived for 30 days. Plasma corticosterone levels in bAdx mice implanted with SF-1/Ad4BP-induced steroidogenic cells and control ADSCs were 5.41 ± 2.26 ng/mL (mean ± SEM) and undetectable at 7 days after implantation, respectively. After removal of the kidney bearing the graft from the surviving mice at 30 days after implantation, plasma corticosterone was not detected in any of the samples. Immunohistochemical staining revealed SF-1/Ad4BP-positive cells under the capsule of the kidney. Although we performed an adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) loading test on bAdx mice implanted with SF-1/Ad4BP-induced steroidogenic cells, ACTH responsiveness was not observed. Implantation of steroidogenic cells derived from ADSCs into bAdx mice increased the basal plasma corticosterone level and extended the survival of bAdx mice, suggesting the capability of restoring steroidogenic cells by cell transplantation therapy for adrenal insufficiency.
Salt-water acclimation of the estuarine crocodile Crocodylus porosus involves enhanced ion transport properties of the urodaeum and rectum
Authors: Grosell M. , Heuer R. M. , Wu N. C. , Cramp R. L. , Wang Y. , Mager E. M. , Dwyer R. G. , Franklin C. E.
Published: January 2020

Estuarine crocodiles Crocodylus porosus inhabit freshwater, estuarine and marine environments. Despite being known to undertake extensive movements throughout and between hypo- and hyperosmotic environments, little is known on the role of the cloaca in coping with changes in salinity. In addition to the well-documented functional plasticity of the lingual salt glands, we report here that the middle of the three cloacal segments (i.e. the urodaeum), responds to increased ambient salinity to enhance solute-coupled water absorption. This post-renal modification of urine serves to conserve water when exposed to hyperosmotic environments and, in conjunction with lingual salt gland secretions, enables C. porosus to maintain salt and water balance and thereby thrive in hyperosmotic environments. Isolated epithelia from the urodaeum of 70% seawater-acclimated C. porosus had a strongly enhanced short circuit current (indicator of active ion transport) compared to freshwater-acclimated crocodiles. This enhanced active ion absorption was driven by increased Na+/K+-ATPase activity, and possibly enhanced proton pump activity, and was facilitated by the apical epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) and/or the apical Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE2), both of which are expressed in the urodaeum. NHE3 was expressed at very low levels in the urodaeum and likely does not contribute to solute-coupled water absorption in this cloacal segment. Since C. porosus does not appear to drink water of salinities above 18 ppt, observations of elevated short circuit current in the rectum as well as a trend for increased NHE2 expression in the esophagus, the anterior intestine, and the rectum, suggests that dietary salt intake may stimulate salt, and possibly water absorption by the gastro-intestinal tract of C. porosus living in hyperosmotic environments.
Experimental evidence for a role of dopamine on avian personality traits
Authors: Silva Paulo A. , Trigo Sandra , Marques Cristiana I. , Cardoso Gonçalo C. , Soares Marta C.
Published: January 2020

There is increasing interest on the genetic and physiological bases of behavioural differences among individuals, namely animal personality. One particular dopamine (DA) receptor gene (the dopamine receptor D4 gene) has been used as candidate gene to explain personality differences, but with mixed results. Here we use an alternative approach, exogenously manipulating the dopaminergic system and testing for effects on personality assays in a social bird species, the common waxbill (Estrilda astrild). We treated birds with agonists and antagonists for DA receptors of both D1 and D2 pathways (the latter includes receptor D4) and found that short-term manipulation of DA signalling had an immediate effect on personality-related behaviours. In an assay of social responses (mirror test), manipulation of D2 receptor pathways reduced time spent looking at the social stimulus (mirror image). Blocking D2 receptors reduced motor activity in this social assay, while treatment with D2 agonist augmented activity in this social assay but reduced activity in a non-social behavioural assay. Also, in the non-social assay, treatment with the D1 antagonist markedly increased time spent at the feeder. These results show distinct and context-specific effects of the dopaminergic pathways on waxbill personality traits. Our results also suggest that experimental manipulation of DA signalling can disrupt a behavioural correlation (more active individuals being less attentive to mirror image) that is habitually observed as part of a behavioural syndrome in waxbills. We discuss our results in the contexts of animal personality, and the role of the DA system in reward and social behaviour.
Image olympian. Case study
Authors: Cięszczyk Ilona
Published: January 2020

The first part of the work presents the theoretical basis. An important aspect of this section is to present the history of the image, the various stages of its development of its precursors detailing Personal Public Relations. In this chapter we also find methods of shaping the image. Is presented step-by-step strategy of self-presentation.The next section presents issues related to sports. It is characterized in the discipline, which starts Olympian, or pneumatic shooting.Turning to the rest of the work, presented in the methodology of research: the structure of the questionnaire used in the questions and their purpose. These tabs are described in surveys. Also characterized the selection of the sample quantitative research. Then they developed test results and interpreted them.The completion of this work is the chapter referring to the conclusions of the study. Indication beings and show the image of Renata wielopłaszczyznowości Margaret Mauer-Różańska, gold medalist in the Olympic sport target shooting air.
Standing Height and Its Estimation Utilizing Length of Hand Measurements of Both Gender Adolescents from North Region of Kosovo; District of Mitrovica
Authors: Memishi Shpresa , Ameti Vullnet , Arifi Fitim
Published: January 2020

Purpose of this study was to examine the standing height of adolescents from district of Mitrovica north region of Kosovo, as well relationship between the length of the hand and standing height from both gender adolescents. A total measured subject participated in this research was 177 students from high school graduates (87 male and 90 female) females average of age is 18.28±0.45 years old (range 18-20 years) and for male 18.25±0.46 years old (range 18-20 years).The anthropometric measurements were done by trained people and were taken according to the ISAK manual. The results for body height and length of the hand were analyzed by means of the arithmetic mean (SD) and a simple correlation coefficient, while T-test analysis was used for differences between the two genders and linear regressive analysis assessed body height based on length of hand measurements. The results obtained in this paper have shown that body height can be estimated from the length of the hand, which reliably predicts body height for both genders.
Acceptance of suffering and death due to cancer in the religions of the world
Authors: Szpytma Dorota , Nowak Patrycja , Obuchowska Anna , Rząca Marcin Stanisław , Węgorowski Paweł
Published: January 2020

Cancer undoubtedly occurs in human life as unwanted. Finding yourself in a situation of cancer, it generates a series of thoughts, events that result in the need to confront the new reality. The sense of threat to life makes a person changes the mode of operation and a hierarchy of important things for him. Polish proverb "when in fear, God is near" aptly interprets human behavior in a difficult situation. Often, in such a situation a person is looking for support in religion, religion often begins to have a new meaning for the patient, while being the source of the sense of safety. Thanks to it, religion can shape the patient's level of hope. As the result the patient can better cope with the difficulties to give peace and balance of spirit, certainly needed to overcome the disease and persist in it. The aim of the study was the location of the phenomenon of death and suffering of cancer in the context of cancer. Conclusions: 1.Majority of religions of the world see suffering as an important part of the way of life, which can provide a relief for those suffering from cancer. 2.Most of the major religions of the world present the vision of the immortal soul, which gives hope to the dying people, that life does not end, but it will last, but in a different form. 3.Atheism, as well as low levels of religiosity may increase the fear of death and impede acceptance of suffering. 4. Developing knowledge by medical staff about the religion should be their good practice, allowing them to better understand and support patients.
PENGARUH GAYA KEPEMIMPINAN, MOTIVASI DAN DISIPLIN KERJA TERHADAP PRESTASI KERJA PEGAWAI PT. TAMAN WISATA CANDI BOROBUDUR, PRAMBANAN DAN RATU BOKO (PERSERO)
Authors: Wijaya Efrat Tirta , Merdiana Candra Vionela
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to find out: (1) the influence of leadership style toward the work performance of employees in PT. TWC Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (Persero), (2) the influence of motivation toward the work performance of employees in PT. TWC Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (Persero), (3) the  influence of work  discipline toward the work performance of employees in PT. TWC Borobudur, Pramban an & Ratu Boko  (Persero), (4) the influence of leadership styles, motivation and work discipline simultaneously toward the work performance of employees in PT. TWC Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (Persero). The  sample of  this  study was  the  employees  of  PT.  Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (Persero), there were 130 employees  in total, by using the technique of simple insidental sampling. The multiple linear regression model was  used  for  collecting  the  data  in  this  study.  The  test  validity  used in the study was confirmatory factor analysis. From the test result, there were 20 questions fallen, those were the items in questioning: the variable of leadership style with 4 questions in total; 7 questions on the variable of motivation; 6 questions on the variable of work discipline; and  also 3 questions  on  work  performance,  from  22  questions  in  total  and all of the reliable questions. The result from this study showed that the variable on leadership style (X1) had an positive effect toward the work performance of PT. TWC Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (Persero)’s employees. The variable of motivation (X2) influenced positively toward the work performance of the employees at PT. TWC Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (Persero). The variable of work discipline (x3) had positive effect on the work performance  of  the  employees  at  PT.  TWC  Borobudur,  Prambanan  &  Ratu  Boko (Persero). The variable of leadership style, motivation and work discipline altogether or simultaneously had a significant effect toward the work performance of employee at PT. TWC Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko (Persero).
Índio do Brasil: um sujeito entre o discurso jurídico e o discurso médico-psiquiátrico
Authors: Oliveira William Vaz
Published: January 2020

No ano de 1927, o assassinato de dois jovens na Ilha do Ribeiro, perto da Estrada da Tijuca, marcaria a história da justiça criminal brasileira. Dadas as características semelhantes dos dois crimes, que ocorreram num intervalo de poucos dias, a polícia armou investigação chegando a um suspeito: Febrônio Índio do Brasil. O mais interessante neste caso é que o que estava em jogo não era a pessoa de Febrônio, mas as regras sociais e as doutrinas que formavam a complexa relação entre ciências jurídicas e médicas no Brasil naquele período. Neste sentido, a história de Febrônio Índio do Brasil nos possibilita pensar não somente a relação entre crime e loucura, mas, sobretudo, o lugar assumido pela medicina mental na justiça criminal brasileira naquela época.
Experiências sociais rurais e as implicações dos silenciamentos:diálogos entre História e Sociologia
Authors: Nunes Francivaldo Alves
Published: January 2020

Este artigo recupera, nos estudos rurais no campo da historiografia e sociologia produzidos a partir da segunda metade do século XX, questões associadas a importância de compreendermos os espaços agrários do ponto de vistas das experiências sociais camponesas que coexistem com outros modos de produzir, mantendo relações de interdependência, fundamentais a reprodução social. Surge de uma necessidade de resposta aos que apostam no silenciamento das experiências sociais desenvolvidas pelas populações do campo como estratégia de dominação e apropriação das terras historicamente ocupadas por estas comunidades. Neste aspecto, procuramos apresentar um conjunto de trabalhos que nos permite pensar acerca das transformações do rural, da diversidade das formas de existência no e do campo e sobre o conhecimento produzido das diversas situações. A proposta é superar a crença no caráter único e inexorável de apenas uma via de desenvolvimento, o que privilegiaria os grandes estabelecimentos agroindustriais, hoje batizados de agronegócio, para desde o início apontar que devemos estar atentos à pluralidade do rural. Ao esquadrinharmos a produção acadêmica com as transformações políticas e sociais no Brasil e como agentes sociais anteriormente silenciados foram emergindo, observamos não mais um mundo rural dicotômico, dividido entre dominantes e dominadores, mas gradualmente surgem descrições e análises de um campesinato marginal as áreas de grandes plantações, nas margens dos rios e ocupando os espaços de florestas, como sitiantes, colonos, posseiros, arrendatários, agregados, moradores, extratores, ribeirinhos, entre outros. O mérito desta reflexão é apresentar o processo de construção nos estudos da sociologia e da história de uma representação do espaço rural que permitiu que estes grupos fossem visibilizados na sua experiência de acesso e uso da terra.
Morgadios coloniais entre a nobilitação e o mercado: Trajetória e patrimônio de Francisco Barreto de Menezes, restaurador do Recife
Authors: Vainfas Ronaldo , Motta Márcia Menendes
Published: January 2020

O artigo versa sobre a trajetória de Francisco Barreto de Menezes, comandante da Insurreição Pernambucana contra os holandeses desde 1647, com foco na constituição de seu patrimônio e na instituição de um morgadio, em 1663. Discute-se a formação de morgadios no Brasil Colonial por iniciativa de funcionários da Coroa ligados à atividade mercantil, de preferência à herança fundiária típica da aristocracia portuguesa no Antigo Regime. A base documental do artigo reside no testamento do governador Francisco Barreto, comparado aos testamentos de outras lideranças luso-brasileiras da guerra pernambucana, a exemplo de João Fernandes Vieira, André Vidal de Negreiros e Antônio Telles da Silvao.
Generation of homogeneous 3D Gaussian noise with spherically symmetric covariance
Authors: Wegner Daniel , Repasi Endre
Published: January 2020

In this paper, an approach for 3D noise generation is presented. The proposed algorithm might be a useful tool for the generation of correlated phase screens. These phase screens can be used for the simulation and modeling of optical wave propagation through atmospheric turbulence. Arbitrary user-defined covariance functions between voxel pairs can be achieved. Correlated 3D noise is formed by superposition of multiple uncorrelated 3D Gaussian noise patterns. These uncorrelated input noise patterns are of different dimensions. They are upsampled to the same target dimensions by linear interpolation. Each input pattern then contributes to total covariance on different spatial scales. The covariances between different voxels are expressed analytically by propagation of error. For a subset of randomly chosen voxels in the entire voxel space, relative deviations between the analytical and user-defined covariances are calculated. A sum of squares of these relative deviations is then minimized by machine learning methods. The optimized parameters are the weighting factors of individual uncorrelated 3D noise patterns. Corresponding covariance functions are numerically evaluated for two current atmospheric turbulence spectra. The first one is the generalized modified atmospheric spectrum. The second one is the generalized modified von Karman spectrum. Based on these covariance functions, optimal superpositions are calculated. Finally, statistical properties of these patterns are validated by ensemble sample covariance analysis.
Accurate quantification of alkalinity of sintered ore by random forest model based on PCA and variable importance (PCA-VI-RF)
Authors: Deng Xinxin , Yang Guang , Zhang Hong , Chen Guanyu
Published: January 2020

The alkalinity of sintered ore has an important impact on the quality, output, and energy consumption of blast furnace smelting, and there is an urgent need for a method for accurate quantifying of the alkalinity of sintered ore. The present work explores the combination of the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique and random forest (RF) based on principal component analysis (PCA) and variable importance for the quantitative analysis of the alkalinity of sintered ore. Sixteen sintered ore samples were used in this study, and the characteristic lines of LIBS spectra for sintered ore samples can be identified based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) database. At first, abnormal spectra are identified and rejected by PCA coupled with Mahalanobis distance (MD). Then, the input variable for the RF calibration model is optimized according to the variable importance threshold obtained by the RF model, and two RF model parameters of

n

t
r
e
e

and

m

t
r
y

are determined by out-of-bag estimate. Finally, the PCA-VI-RF model is built under the optimal model parameters. In order to verify the predictive ability of the quantitative model, the PCA-VI-RF model prediction results were compared with the RF model, partial least-squares model, and least-squares support vector machine model. The result demonstrated that PCA-VI-RF shows better analytical performance than other methods. Compared with the RF model with the original spectrum as input, the averaged relative errors of test results decreased from 5.82% to 3.94%, coefficients of determination (

R
2

) of the test set increased from 0.8957 to 0.9814, and the root mean square error decreased from 0.1502% to 0.0860%. The speed of modeling and prediction has also been greatly improved, and the modeling time was reduced from 4675.56 to 16.86 s. The stability of the PCA-VI-RF model was verified by the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the test data prediction results, and the RSD reached below 4.74%. This study shows LIBS combining PCA-VI-RF is an effective method for accurate quantification of the alkalinity of sintered ore. It has great significance for the potential application of real-time online analysis of the alkalinity of sintered ore.
Transport-of-intensity phase imaging with polarization directed flat lenses
Authors: Kakei Shunsuke , Komuro Koshi , Nomura Takanori
Published: January 2020

A phase imaging technique based on the transport of intensity equation with polarization directed flat lenses is demonstrated. Transport-of-intensity phase imaging enables one to obtain a phase distribution from through-focus intensity distributions by solving the transport of intensity equation. In general, the through-focus intensity distributions are obtained by mechanical scanning of an image sensor or target object. Therefore, a precise alignment of an optical system is required. To solve this issue, the introduction of polarization directed flat lenses is presented. In the proposed method, two intensity distributions at different depth positions on the optical axis are obtained without mechanical scanning by changing polarization states of incident light. The feasibility of the proposed method is confirmed by an optical experiment.
Enhanced second-harmonic generation from L-shaped AlGaAs nanoantennas
Authors: Zeng Tao , Guo Ling , Xu Long , Han Tiancheng
Published: January 2020

Nanostructured materials offer many advantages over bulk materials in nonlinear optical phenomena. For example, the subwavelength scale allows the neglect of phase-matching issues. The ability to control tight confinement and large resonant enhancement of electromagnetic fields also results in higher nonlinear frequency conversion efficiencies than bulk materials. Compared with plasmonic nanostructures, high-index dielectric nanostructures render larger mode volumes and show great promise for enhanced nonlinear optical processes. In this work, we present resonantly enhanced second-harmonic generation from L-shaped AlGaAs nanoantennas. By tuning the nanostructure thickness, arm length, and width, the overlap of resonances at fundamental and second-harmonic wavelengths can be achieved using any pump wavelength in a broad near-infrared spectral region. We predict SHG efficiency exceeding

4

×

10

−
3

with a pump intensity of

1

G
W

/

c
m

2

at two representative pump wavelengths of 1675 and 1800 nm. Our findings are valuable for applications involving all-dielectric nanoantennas, such as efficient sensing and single biomolecule tracking microscopy.
A high-accurate and universal method to characterize the relative wavelength response (RWR) in wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS)
Authors: Du Yanjun , Peng Zhimin , Ding Yanjun
Published: January 2020

Considering the importance of the laser wavelength response and the difficulty in its real-scenario measurement in WMS, a high-accuracy and universal method was developed to characterize the relative wavelength response (RWR) by analyzing the laser current response. A coupling term that depends on both the current scan and the modulation characteristic was introduced to describe the coupling effect between the wavelength scan and modulation. The accuracy of the proposed method was verified with different laser working conditions and scan waveforms. All fitting residuals of the RWR result from the proposed method are smaller than 0.1% of the total scan range and the fitting residual of the ramp scanned WMS is twice smaller than the minimum value from literature. The better calibration-free 2f/1f fitting and more accurate CO2 concentration results also suggest the high accuracy and superiority of the proposed method. Finally, based on the precise prediction of RWR with small scan and modulation indices, the spectral parameters, including line strength and self-collisional broadening coefficient, of CO2 transition at 6976.2026 cm−1 were successfully measured using WMS.
Arrays of individually controllable optical tweezers based on 3D-printed microlens arrays
Authors: Schäffner Dominik , Preuschoff Tilman , Ristok Simon , Brozio Lukas , Schlosser Malte , Giessen Harald , Birkl Gerhard
Published: January 2020

We present a novel platform of optical tweezers which combines rapid prototyping of user-definable microlens arrays with spatial light modulation (SLM) for dynamical control of each associated tweezer spot. Applying femtosecond direct laser writing, we manufacture a microlens array of 97 lenslets exhibiting quadratic and hexagonal packing and a transition region between the two. We use a digital micromirror device (DMD) to adapt the light field illuminating the individual lenslets and present a detailed characterization of the full optical system. In an unprecedented fashion, this novel platform combines the stability given by prefabricated solid optical elements, fast reengineering by rapid optical prototyping, DMD-based real-time control of each focal spot, and extensive scalability of the tweezer pattern. The accessible tweezer properties are adaptable within a wide range of parameters in a straightforward way.
On the actual spatial resolution of Brillouin Imaging
Authors: Caponi S. , Fioretto D. , Mattarelli M.
Published: January 2020

Brillouin imaging is an emerging optical elastography technique that is able to generate maps of the mechanical properties at microscale with great potential in biophysical and biomedical fields. A key parameter is its spatial resolution, which is usually identified with that of the confocal microscope coupled to the Brillouin interferometer. Conversely, here we demonstrate that the mean free path of acoustic phonons plays a major role in defining the resolution, especially for high numerical aperture confocal setups. Surprisingly, the resolution of elastography maps may even deteriorate when decreasing the scattering volume.
High-dynamic-range X-ray CT imaging method based on energy self-adaptation between scanning angles
Authors: Chen Ping , Yang Shuo , Han Yan , Pan Jinxiao , Li Yihong
Published: January 2020

High-dynamic-range (HDR) X-ray CT imaging is effective in detecting some complex structures. For previous low-dynamic-range (LDR) imaging detectors, multi-energy LDR image sequence fusion can extend the dynamic range, but the efficiency is decreased. However, with the application of HDR imaging devices, traditional fixed-energy X-ray imaging can cause incongruity within energy, dynamic range, and the equivalent thickness of the workpiece at different projection angles. Then, the projection has a blurred edge, and the CT image quality is poor because of scattering and the inadequate dose. In this paper, a new HDR X-ray CT imaging method with energy self-adaptation between scanning angles for HDR imaging devices is studied. Low-energy prescanning is used to determine the initial scanning energy and obtain the edge contour information with an attenuating effect on scattering. By establishing a mathematical model between the gray level of the projection and the transmission voltage, the transmission energy at each angle is adjusted adaptively. Then, the prescanning and energy self-adaption scanning projections are fused to obtain the complete projection of the complex workpiece. Finally, a conventional reconstruction algorithm is used to reconstruct the HDR CT image. The experimental results show that the proposed imaging method can achieve HDR CT imaging of complex structures with high reconstruction quality, clear edge details, and high completeness.
Heart failure outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: findings from the cardiovascular outcome trials of antidiabetes agents
Authors: Anker Stefan D.
Published: January 2020

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a recognised risk factor for several cardiovascular (CV) conditions including heart failure (HF). Findings that reflect CV risk associated with T2DM medications have led to regulatory requirement of conducting CV outcome trials (CVOTs) for new antidiabetes drugs. Over the years, several CVOTs using different glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors have reported neutral or improved CV risks or hospitalisation for HF. However, these studies included only a small proportion of the patients with baseline HF thus limiting the available evidence. Ongoing trials such as EMPEROR programme and DAPA-HF in large patient populations with chronic HF could potentially broaden the use of these drugs beyond their conventional therapeutic indication.
La empresa privada y los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible: legitimidad o «greenwashing»
Authors: Vives Antonio
Published: January 2020

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la legitimidad de las contribuciones reportadas a los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible, ODS, y distinguirlas de las que son más aparentes que reales, que podríamos llamar lavado de cara (greenwashing). En este sentido es importante entender que quiere decir para las empresas “contribuir a los ODS” y para ello hay que hacer la distinción entre lo que son las actividades de la empresa “asociables a algún ODS” de lo que son actividades que “tienen impacto en el logro de los ODS”. Para hacer esta distinción primero analizaremos el ecosistema de los ODS, los integrantes y sus diferentes motivaciones y la estructura de los ODS y sus metas para poder entender porque se prestan y son aprovechados por esos integrantes para sus intereses particulares, los que pueden incluir la exageración y la tergiversación de las contribuciones a su logro. Dentro de este contexto analizaremos dos áreas donde los ODS se prestan para ello, el reporte de sus contribuciones y el financiamiento de sus proyectos y actividades, analizando ejemplos en cada caso, para luego proponer cinco criterios que deberían cumplir esas contribuciones para mejorar su legitimidad. Analizamos además las contribuciones negativas, que en general no se reportan. Por último, haremos un llamado a la creación de un mecanismo institucional para monitorear y reportar sobre las contribuciones que puedan ser consideradas abusivas y destacar las legítimas.
Enel Chile, negocio sostenible
Authors: Pellegrini Antonella
Published: January 2020

Enel es una empresa multinacional energética que persigue la transición hacia una matriz renovable, la mejora de la eficiencia energética y la contribución a la movilidad eléctrica en los países donde está implantada. En particular, en Chile, Enel ha venido realizando acciones que entroncan con varios de los ODS, favoreciendo el transporte eléctrico y la transición hacia energías no contaminantes.
¿Cómo ha integrado Iberdrola la Agenda 2030 en su gestión?
Authors: Delgado Agustín , Oviedo Mónica
Published: January 2020

Iberdrola, líder mundial de energías renovables ha integrado la Agenda 2030 en su estrategia y en su sistema de gobierno corporativo, convirtiéndola en el eje central en la toma de decisiones. Estos diecisiete objetivos suponen para el sector privado un plan estratégico que significan la única oportunidad de crecimiento en el medio y largo plazo.
El lenguaje de la sostenibilidad
Authors: Valderrábano Elena
Published: January 2020

La innovación sostenible se perfila como una vía para avanzar en la consecución de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) al mismo tiempo que aporta valor a las compañías. Telefónica ya está aplicando esta fórmula con éxito aprovechando todo el potencial de los avances tecnológicos para mejorar el mundo.