bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labor Epidural Analgesia in a Patient With Brown-Séquard Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Spiro Corey J. , Kamdar Brinda B.
Published: July 2020

While epidural analgesia is generally considered safe in parturients with common spinal cord injuries, little is known about the safety or efficacy of this technique in patients with Brown-Séquard syndrome, a rare disorder consisting of 2% of traumatic spinal cord injuries. We present a case of successfully placing and managing a labor epidural in a patient with Brown-Séquard syndrome who developed a dense block with minimal local anesthetic requirements. To minimize trauma and preserve potentially vulnerable remodeled neural pathways, we recommend cautious, slow epidural medication dosing and use of neuraxial ultrasound rather than landmark-based techniques in these patients.
suz12 inactivation in p53 and nf1 deficient zebrafish accelerates the onset of MPNSTs and expands the spectrum of tumor types to include adenocarcinoma, leukemia, and soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Oppel Felix , Ki Dong H. , Zimmermann Mark W. , Ross Kenneth N. , Tao Ting , Shi Hui , He Shuning , Aster Jon C. , Look A. Thomas
Published: July 2020

Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is an epigenetic regulator of gene expression that possesses histone methyltransferase activity. PRC2 tri-methylates lysine 27 of histone 3 proteins (H3K27me3) as a chromatin modification associated with repressed transcription of genes frequently involved in cell proliferation or self-renewal. Loss-of-function mutations in the PRC2 core subunit SUZ12 have been identified in a variety of tumors, including malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). To determine the consequences of SUZ12 loss in the pathogenesis of MPNST and other cancers, we used CRISPR-Cas9 to disrupt the open reading frame of each of two orthologous suz12 genes in zebrafish: suz12a and suz12b. We generated these knockout alleles in the germline of our previously described p53/nf1-deficient zebrafish model of MPNSTs. Loss of suz12 significantly accelerated the onset and increased the penetrance of MPNSTs compared to control zebrafish. Moreover, in suz12-deficient zebrafish, we detected additional types of tumors besides MPNSTs, including leukemia with histological characteristics of lymphoid malignancies, soft tissue sarcoma, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which were not detected in p53/nf1-deficient control fish, and are also contained in the human spectrum of SUZ12-deficient malignancies identified in the AACR Genie database. The suz12-knockout tumors displayed reduced or abolished H3K27me3 epigenetic marks and up-regulation of gene sets reported to be targeted by PRC2. Thus, these zebrafish lines with inactivation of suz12 in combination with loss of p53/nf1 provide a model of human MPNSTs and multiple other tumor types, which will be useful for mechanistic studies of molecular pathogenesis and targeted therapy with small molecule inhibitors.
Patient reported cosmetic outcome after vacuum assisted excision of benign breast lesions: a cross-sectional study
Authors: van de Voort Elles M.F. , Klem Taco M.A.L. , Struik Gerson M. , Birnie Erwin , Sinke Renata H.J.A. , Ghandi Ali
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Better cosmetic outcome after vacuum assisted excision (VAE) compared to surgical excision of benign breast lesions is suggested in previous studies but has never been evaluated with validated outcome measures. In this study, patient reported cosmetic outcome after VAE was evaluated.

Methods:

Patients who underwent VAE between July 2017 and December 2018 were invited to complete the cosmetic subscale of the Dutch Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Scale, comparing the treated with the untreated breast. Response mode ranged from 1 (no difference) to 4 (large difference) and cosmetic outcome was calculated as the unweighted mean. Clinical outcomes included: tumor size, number of cores, complications, residual lesions and recurrences.

Results:

Response rate was 73.4% (47 of 64 patients). Median tumor size was 15 mm (range 5–51 mm) and median number of cores 6.5 (range 1–85), complete excision was confirmed in all but two patients. Mean cosmetic outcome was good (mean score ≤1.75) in 74% of patients and no patients reported a poor cosmetic outcome (mean score >3.25). A hematoma occurred in five patients (one needed aspiration) and a skin rash in one patient, no patients developed an infection or seroma.

Conclusion:

In this study VAE is safe and effective for tumors up to 5 cm and patient reported cosmetic outcome was good. Patients with benign lesions could benefit from VAE as an alternative for surgical excision.

Advances in knowledge:

A formal quantitative measurement of cosmetic outcome after vacuum assisted excision for benign breast lesions was still lacking. This study shows that this cosmetic outcome is overall good in benign lesions up to 5 cm.
Global development of children’s palliative care: the picture in 2017
Authors: Clelland David , van Steijn Danny , Macdonald Mary Ellen , Connor Stephen , Centeno Carlos , Clark David
Published: July 2020

Background: The growing interest in tracking the global development of palliative care provision is not matched by research on the development of palliative care services specifically for children. Yet it is estimated that worldwide, 21 million children annually could benefit from the provision of palliative care. We report on a global study of children’s palliative care development and offer suggestions for further improvement in design and method.

Methods: Primary data on the level of children’s palliative care development in 2017 was collected from in-country experts through a specific question in an online questionnaire that sought to measure the overall level of palliative care provision globally. Countries were assigned to one of six categories on the basis of the responses obtained. Conflicting responses from the same country were resolved with reference to a hierarchy of preferred respondents.

Results: Our data allowed the categorisation of 113 countries, accounting for 65% of the global population aged under 20. Number of countries (% of global child population) in each category were as follows: 1) no known activity, 21 (4%); 2) capacity-building, 16 (24%); 3a) isolated provision, 55 (30%); 3b) generalized provision, 5 (1%); 4a) preliminary integration into mainstream provision, 14 (8%); 4b) advanced integration, 7 (2%).

Conclusions: Children’s palliative care at the highest level of provision is available in just 21 countries, accounting for fewer than 10% of the global population aged under 20. It is concentrated in high income settings, whilst the majority of the global need for such care is in low- and middle-income countries. Our study is a useful tool for global advocacy relating to children’s palliative care and a stimulus for the creation of improved indicators to measure it at the country level.
Women Empowerment is needed to Boost Gender Equality in Malaysia
Authors: Baqutayan Shadiya Mohamed S.
Published: July 2020

While the world has achieved progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including equal access to primary education between girls and boys, the women and girls continue to suffer discrimination and violence in every part of the world. The SDGs aim to build on these achievements to ensure that there is an end to discrimination against women and girls everywhere. Although many governments and organizations claim to be tackling the issue of inequality, there are still approximately 1.4 billion women and girls who are still victims of discrimination, violence, and sexism. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to address the issue of gender equality and women’s empowerment in Malaysia context in order to close the gap existed in gender inequality. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews; the participants interviewed included nine women leaders in the public and private sector. The finding of this research indicated that women need personal, relational, and environmental empowerment that boost gender equality in Malaysia. As a conclusion, this finding will open the eyes of civil society, local grassroots advocacy initiatives, men & women, national governments, religious groups, tribal structures, international community, academia & research, as well as media in solving women related issues. This research carries values to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in enhancing the policy on gender equality; this would be the most appropriate tool in addressing and empowering Malaysian women in particular and ensuring inclusiveness and equality for them, as well as calling on the international community to reduce inequality within and among countries.
Assessing the Threats and Possibilities of Tourism development in Ethiopia: Tirusina Shrine in Oromo Special Zone
Authors: Idris Muhamed Awal Mehadi
Published: July 2020

Ethiopia is a country of varied natural and cultural tourist potentials. Still, the country is not fully used its potential tourism resources because of lack of infrastructure, road transport, inadequate facilities, lack of skilled manpower, lack of awareness about tourism resources for the socio-economic development of the country. For the past decades, the culture and tourism offices at both regional and Oromo zone of Jille Dhumuga district did not work a lot to advertise the region's tourism potential sites by Television and radio programs, on Facebook and other websites to increase the flow of tourist arrivals in the district.

Since there is a dearth of written material that deals with the importance of the Tirusina Shrine as a tourism site, the researcher, therefore, depends on some oral traditions and interviews, questionnaires, field surveys or observations to realize this study. Furthermore, both primary and secondary sources existing were wisely used and analyzed in an apt method. Based on the investigation and analysis of these sources, the writer concluded that to understand the values of tourism, further identification of the tourism sites and a well-organized work associated with tourism potentials of the site should be conducted in the southern part of the Wallo zone especially on Oromo Zone of Amhara national regional state.
Impact of frequency-dependent spherical aberration in the focusing of ultrashort pulses
Authors: Moreno-Larios José Agustín , Rosete-Aguilar Martha , Rodríguez-Herrera Oscar G. , Garduño-Mejía Jesús
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the temporal and spatial intensity pulse distributions are calculated around the focal region of an optical system using a combination of ray tracing and a wave propagation method. We analyze how to measure the width of the intensity pulse distributions to estimate pulse duration and spot size in order to study the impact of the variation of spherical aberration with frequency in a pulse on the intensity distributions. Two experimental techniques used in the laboratory are also modeled: the knife-edge test to measure spatial distribution and the intensity autocorrelation technique to measure the temporal distribution. We use two measuring criteria, the full-width half-maximum (FWHM) and standard deviation (

σ

), to compare the spatial and temporal intensity distributions of the calculated diffraction patterns and those obtained from the simulated experimental techniques. We show that the FWHM is not a good criterion, since it gives different results in the measured intensity distributions in time and space when they are measured directly from the theoretical modeling and when they are measured from the modeled experimental techniques used in the laboratory. The standard deviation, however, is a consistent criterion, giving the same results for the calculated intensity distributions and the modeled experiments.
Ultrastable optical components using adjustable commercial mirror mounts anchored in a ULE spacer
Authors: Kulkarni Soham , Umińska Ada , Gleason Joseph , Barke Simon , Ferguson Reid , Sanjuán Jose , Fulda Paul , Mueller Guido
Published: July 2020

This paper describes a novel, to the best of our knowledge, approach to build ultrastable interferometers using commercial mirror mounts anchored in an ultralow expansion (ULE) base. These components will play a critical role in any light particle search (ALPS) and will also be included in ground testing equipment for the upcoming laser interferometer space antenna (LISA) mission. Contrary to the standard ultrastable designs where mirrors are bonded to the spacers, ruling out any later modifications and alignments, our design remains flexible and allows the alignment of optical components at all stages to be optimized and changed. Here we present the dimensional stability and angular stability of two commercial mirror mounts characterized in a cavity setup. The long-term length change in the cavity did not exceed 30 nm and the relative angular stability was within 2 µrad, which meet the requirements for ALPS. We were also able to demonstrate

1

p
m

/

H
z

  length noise stability, which is a critical requirement for various subsystems in LISA. These results have led us to design similar opto-mechanical structures, which will be used in ground verification to test the LISA telescope.
Bayesian retrieval of optically relevant properties from hyperspectral water-leaving reflectances
Authors: Erickson Zachary K. , Werdell P. Jeremy , Cetinić Ivona
Published: July 2020

Current methods to retrieve optically relevant properties from ocean color observations do not explicitly make use of prior knowledge about property distributions. Here we implement a simplified Bayesian approach that takes into account prior probability distributions on two sets of five optically relevant parameters, and conduct a retrieval of these parameters using hyperspectral simulated water-leaving reflectances. We focus specifically on the ability of the model to distinguish between two optically similar phytoplankton taxa, diatoms and Noctiluca scintillans. The inversion retrieval gives most-likely concentrations and uncertainty estimates, and we find that the model is able to probabilistically predict the occurrence of Noctiluca scintillans blooms using these metrics. We discuss how this method can be expanded to include a priori covariances between different parameters, and show the effect of varying measurement uncertainty and spectral resolution on Noctiluca scintillans bloom predictions.
Defective Jones matrices: geometric phase and passivity condition
Authors: Gutiérrez-Vega Julio C.
Published: July 2020

A defective Jones matrix is a

2
×
2

matrix that has only one polarization eigenstate, contrary to the more common case of diagonalizable matrices that have two eigenstates. We analyze the properties of a defective optical system and characterize the optical phase shift

ψ

(dynamic and geometric) introduced by the system. Two scenarios are identified: (a)

ψ

has a finite range, leading to the existence of two particular input states that experience minimum and maximum phase shifts. (b)

ψ

spans the complete range from

−

π

to

π

, leading to the existence of two input states whose output states are orthogonal. We solve the inverse problem of designing an optical system for both scenarios. Additionally, we determine the conditions to get physically realizable defective Jones matrices satisfying the passivity condition. Finally, we introduce a new defectivity parameter to characterize the degree of defectiveness of a Jones matrix.
Multi-scale optical coherence tomography imaging and visualization of Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring
Authors: Callewaert Tom , Guo Jerry , Harteveld Guusje , Vandivere Abbie , Eisemann Elmar , Dik Joris , Kalkman Jeroen
Published: July 2020

We demonstrate multi-scale multi-parameter optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging and visualization of Johannes Vermeer’s painting Girl with a Pearl Earring. Through automated acquisition, OCT image segmentation, and 3D volume stitching we realize OCT imaging at the scale of an entire painting. This makes it possible to image, with micrometer axial and lateral resolution, an entire painting over more than 5 orders of length scale. From the multi-scale OCT data we quantify multiple parameters in a fully automated way: the surface height, the scattering strength, and the combined glaze and varnish layer thickness. The multi-parameter OCT data of Girl with a Pearl Earring shows various features: Vermeer’s brushstrokes, surface craquelure, paint losses, and restorations. Through an interactive visualization of the Girl, based on the OCT data and the optical properties of historical reconstructions of Vermeer’s paint, we can virtually study the effect of the lighting condition, viewing angle, zoom level and presence/absence of glaze layer. The interactive visualization shows various new painting features. It demonstrates that the glaze layer structure and its optical properties were essential to Vermeer to create an extremely strong light to dark contrast between the figure and the background that gives the painting such an iconic aesthetic appeal.
Metasurface holographic movie: a cinematographic approach
Authors: Izumi Ryota , Ikezawa Satoshi , Iwami Kentaro
Published: July 2020

Animation for a metasurface hologram was achieved using a cinematographic approach. Time-lapsed images were reconstructed using sequentially arranged metasurface hologram frames. An Au rectangular nanoaperture was adopted as a meta-atom pixel and arrayed to reproduce the phase distribution based on the help of a Pancharatnam–Berry phase. We arrayed 48 hologram frames on a 2-cm2 substrate and measured and assessed the retardation of fabricated meta-atoms to reconstruct the holographic image, successfully demonstrating the movie with a frame rate of 30 frames per second.
Formfactor of a hologram on a chalcogenide glassy semiconductor and azopolymer
Authors: Shoydin S. A. , Meshalkin A. Yu. , Kovalev M. S.
Published: July 2020

In this work, the formfactor influence on the diffraction efficiency of 2D and 3D phase holograms was analyzed. Experimental results showed that holograms recorded in a chalcogenide glassy semiconductor and an azopolymer have limitations on maximum achievable diffraction efficiency. The coefficient of optimal exposure increase that is necessary to achieve maximum achievable diffraction efficiency was obtained. Due to the difference between the values of the formfactor in the case of the Raman-Nath diffraction and of that in the case of the Bragg diffraction for diffraction on thin (2D) holograms, the value of the formfactor turned out to be larger than that for diffraction on volume (3D) phase holograms.
A Sociologia da Infância na contemporaneidade
Authors: Brostolin Marta Regina
Published: July 2020

O texto decorre de um estudo que buscou  revisitar a literatura tendo em vistas a trajetória de constituição do campo da Sociologia da Infância, como disciplina científica em contextos português e brasileiro, para num segundo momento discutir os caminhos trilhados e os desafios a serem enfrentados na contemporaneidade. O campo surge com uma dupla função, isto é, criar um espaço para a infância no discurso sociológico e encarar a complexidade e ambiguidade da infância como um fenômeno contemporâneo e instável. Em relação à primeira atribuição, a Sociologia da Infância compreende a criança como sujeito de direitos, ator social em seus modos de vida e a infância como uma categoria geracional sócio-historicamente construída. Nesse processo teórico e epistemológico, desconstrói a normatividade imposta à criança pela sociedade moderna. Portanto, é na segunda função que seus desafios contemporâneos residem, ou seja, em tornar visível as crianças ainda ausentes  no campo, as crianças excluídas pela desigualdade social, pelas guerras, tráfico, prostituição, pela pobreza, enfim, que se volte para a emancipação social e direito a provisão, proteção e participação das crianças.
Intussusception in a Routine Colonoscopy
Authors: Ahmed Abdelwahab , Zhang Jinyu , Anas Kutait
Published: July 2020

We present a 42-year-old woman who developed colo-colonic intussusception of the transverse colon near the hepatic flexure within a few hours after a routine colonoscopy. After conservative management with pain medication and hydration, her symptoms completely resolved within 24 hours. Colonic intussusception after a colonoscopy is rare, and the present case describes the most conservative approach leading to a complete resolution of symptoms.
Vitamin C Deficiency: An Under-Recognized Condition in Crohn's Disease
Authors: Gordon Benjamin L. , Galati Jonathan , Yang Stevie , Katz Philip O. , Scherl Ellen J.
Published: July 2020

Although many nutritional deficiencies are associated with Crohn's disease (CD), vitamin C deficiency is less frequently diagnosed and reported despite its prevalence. Vitamin C deficiency may be more difficult to diagnose in patients with CD because symptoms from active CD may overlap with scurvy. Identification of the deficiency is vital, however, because treatment can lead to swift, marked resolution of symptoms. We present a patient with long-standing CD who presented with gum bleeding and was found to have scurvy.
Chapter 6: Resoundingly Entangled
Authors: Grenier Line , Sawchuk Kim , Valois-Nadeau Fannie
Published: July 2020

Line Grenier, Kim Sawchuk and Fannie Valois-Nadeau devote their chapter to a theoretical and empirical exploration of the dynamic entanglements of memory making and ageing enacted during a musical talent competition for seniors launched in Québec by a major operator in the senior housing market. Drawing from their ethnographic study of the competition, »Resoundingly Entangled. Ageing and Memory in Étoile des aînés in Quebec« examines a particular moment of musicking involving the vocal rendition of »Climb Ev'ry Mountain« from the Sound of Music in order to highlight specific modes of entanglements through which individual and collective experiences are made to resonate.
Die ressourcenpolitische Absicherung des E-Autos
Authors: Brunnengräber Achim
Published: July 2020

Die E-Mobilität im Globalen Norden wirft seine Schattenseiten auf den Globalen Süden. Das liegt am erheblichen Ressourcenbedarf, den der Ausbau der batteriebetriebenen E-Mobilität zur Folge hat. Er verändert globale Wertschöpfungsketten, Akteurskonstellationen und bedingt neue Handelswege. Gleichzeitig steigen die Erwartungen, dass die Rohstoffe unter der Einhaltung von Sozial- und Umweltstandards gefördert werden. In diesem Beitrag werden die zentralen Akteure in der Absicherung des Pfades zum E-Auto, ihre Interessen und ihre Strategien als Bestandteil einer neuen Rohstoff-Governance analysiert. Ziel ist es, die staatlichen Regulierungen, die Maßnahmen der Automobil- wie der Bergbaukonzerne wie die Politik in den Extraktionsökonomien in Bezug zueinander zu setzen. Es wird argumentiert, dass sich eine nachhaltige Rohstoff-Governance auf Grund des liberalisierten Welthandels und bei ungebremster Steigerungsrate des motorisierten Individualverkehrs nicht umsetzen lässt.
Independence of Central Banks: The Need for an Urgent Revamp!
Authors: Moutot Philippe
Published: July 2020

Over the last years, independent central banks were often criticized. Many critics felt that the fatal flaw of the current system lied in its independent nature. Some critics argued that the remedy to such problems was to replace independence with interdependence. Such a drastic measure is completely unnecessary. No more time should be lost discussing further the merits or the weaknesses of central bank independence. But taking central bank independence as a given, one should simply try to equip central bankers with the mandates, the tools, and the values best fitted to help them face future shocks. Deeper checks and balances with other institutions and the fair financing of investment by all economic agents, including startups and SMEs, are urgently necessary to head off financial crises that will inevitably arise in this era of growing wealth inequality, disruptive technologies and climate change.
Financial Sector Reforms and its Impact on Economy of Pakistan
Authors: Ali Gulzar
Published: July 2020

During past two decades government of Pakistan has made prominent attempts to transform its financial system through various reforms. Being chief element of macroeconomic policy, financial reforms are anticipated to fetch considerable economic benefits mostly through efficient utilization of resources and recruitment of national savings. Analyzing the effectiveness of financial sector reforms the findings of this investigation demonstrates considerable and noteworthy effect on the economy of Pakistan, however still the gap of improvement exits. From the analysis it can be suggested that to make the financial sector reforms in more effective way, the information gap between micro-macro prudential should be bridged to ensure the safety and soundness of individual institutions that encompasses all activities aimed at monitoring the exposure of systemic risk and identifying potential threats to financial stability arising from macroeconomic and financial sector reforms.
Effect of the magnetically induced dichroism on the distribution of atomic polarization in Cesium vapor cells
Authors: Ghashghaei Fahime , Rashedi Alireza , Sarreshtedari Farrokh , Sabooni Mahmood
Published: July 2020

Distribution of the atomic polarization in a Cesium vapor cell, induced by optical pumping, is analytically calculated and discussed when an external magnetic field interacts with the system. Based on the rate equations of the optically pumped atomic system and considering the effect of magnetically induced dichroism on the absorption of polarized propagating light, we have obtained the light intensity and atomic polarization distribution along the propagation direction of the gas cell. It is shown that based on the initial light polarization and the laser detuning, the external magnetic field considerably changes the polarization distribution. The obtained results of the polarization distribution versus applied magnetic field can be used for different investigations, including the study of the atomic magnetometer’s sensitivity.
Teaching multilingual literacy in Ugandan classrooms: The promise of the African Storybook
Authors: Norton Bonny , Tembe Juliet
Published: July 2020

For over a decade, the authors have worked collaboratively to better understand and address the challenges and possibilities of promoting multilingual literacy in Uganda, a country of over 44 million people where over 40 African languages are spoken and English is the official language. This article focuses on the diverse ways that teachers promote early literacy in large multilingual classrooms, and how the innovative African Storybook digital initiative might support primary school teachers in both rural and urban areas. We begin the article with a description of our collaborative work on the African Storybook (http://www.africanstorybook.org/) and one of its derivatives, Storybooks Uganda (https://global-asp.github.io/storybooks-uganda/). Then, drawing on a collaborative study of primary school classrooms in eastern Uganda, we analyze four common strategies that Ugandan teachers use to promote multilingual literacy in their classrooms: the use of the mother tongue as a resource; songs and multimodality; translanguaging; and linguistic strategies for classroom management. We follow this with a discussion of a 2015 teacher education workshop in eastern Uganda, which illustrates how the African Storybook can help support Ugandan teachers as they navigate the challenges of large classrooms. We conclude that the African Storybook has much promise for addressing the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Die musikalische Ambivalenz in Kleists Die heilige Cäcilie oder die Gewalt der Musik: Urteil über den Katholizismus oder Hilfsmittel zur Glaubensfindung?
Authors: Tkotzyk Raphaela
Published: July 2020

Heinrich von Kleist’s attitude toward the Catholic Church has produced two major positions in modern German literature. On one hand, there are those who understand Kleist simply as a church critic; on the other hand, there are those who consider Kleist’s attitude – and his alleged Kantian crisis and departure from all scholars – as supportive towards the Church. Die heilige Cäcilie precisely exemplifies this debate, because, depending on the way one reads the narrative, the text can be interpreted as an endorsement or as a criticism of the Church. However, the text can be read quite differently for yet, a third, alternative understanding: the element of music involved in Die heilige Cäcilie undermines a concrete definition of its position as well as a concrete statement regarding Kleist’s religious creed. Thereby, it serves as a tool to help the reader to make decisions in terms of religious beliefs and doctrines.
Technical infrastructure for curriculum mapping in medical education: a narrative review
Authors: Kononowicz Andrzej A. , Balcerzak Łukasz , Kocurek Anna , Stalmach-Przygoda Agata , Ciureanu Ioan-Adrian , Hege Inga , Komenda Martin , Majerník Jaroslav
Published: July 2020

Curriculum mapping is the process of designing a multidimensional model of an educational programme for a complete, more transparent and better-integrated learning experience. Many universities worldwide are building or expanding their technical infrastructure to manage their curricula. Our aim was to deliver a synopsis of current practices and describe the focus of research interest in implementing curriculum mapping tools for medical education. As part of the Building Curriculum Infrastructure in Medical Education (BCIME) project, we conducted a state-of-the-art narrative review of the literature. A systematised search of the PubMed/MEDLINE database for the years 2013–2019 resulted in 352 abstracts, from which 23 full-text papers were included in the final review. From these, we extracted guidance on 12 key characteristics of curriculum mapping tools. The collected experiences formed four thematic categories: visualisations, text descriptions and analysis, the outcome-based approach and adaptability in curriculum mapping. As result of the review, we summarised topics regarding ways of: implementating new competency-based catalogues (like NKLM) in curriculum mapping software (e. g., using dynamic checklists), methods of streamlining the authoring process (e. g., by automatic detection and alignment of action verbs in learning objectives descriptions) and graphical forms of presenting curriculum data (e. g., network visualisations using automatic clustering of related parts of a curriculum based on similarities between textual descriptions). We expect further developments in text-mining methods and visual/learning analytics in curriculum mapping. The collected data informed the design of a new curriculum management system called EduPortfolio, which is currently being implemented by the BCIME project.
Neue Chancen für das kulturelle Erbe
Authors: Klimpel Paul
Published: July 2020

Kulturinstitutionen müssen zahlreiche rechtliche Hindernisse überwinden, um kulturelles Erbe Online zu präsentieren. Das Urheberrecht erweist sich häufig als ein kaum lösbares Problem, insbesondere bei Zeugnissen sozialer Bewegungen wie der Frauenbewegung oder der Friedensbewegung, die niemals kommerziell vermarktet wurden. Die Klärung des urheberrechtlichen Stauts jedes einzelnen Objekts ist bei Massendigitalisierung kaum möglich. Die DSM-Richtline der EU wird die Situation verbessern, wobei einiges von den Details der Umsetzung abhängt. Dies gilt insbesondere für die Rolle der Verwertungsgesellschaften.
Functions with Linear Price Elasticity for Forecasting Demand and Supply
Authors: Hajdinjak Melita
Published: July 2020

In theoretical demand and supply analyses, functions with constant price elasticity are still frequently used although price elasticity is known to change in response to price. We relax the assumption of constant price elasticity to linear price elasticity which allows us to model demand and supply that decreases or increases with price. Quantity functions with linear price elasticity have been used in economics before but only to a limited extent since they have not been sufficiently theoretically studied. This paper overcomes this gap by identifying and studying all possible functional forms with linear price elasticity as well as their inverses, actually plotted as demand and supply curves. We find that quantity (demanded or supplied) as a function of price with linear price elasticity is a product of an exponential and a power function of price, while the price as a function of quantity involves the Lambert W function. Hence, the class of functions with linear price elasticity is heterogeneous: it contains reversible and irreversible functional forms as well as convex and non-convex functional forms. The class’ heterogeneity provides several modelling and research opportunities.
Replication of left ventricular haemodynamics with a simple planar mitral valve model
Authors: Daub Anna , Kriegseis Jochen , Frohnapfel Bettina
Published: July 2020

Tools for the numerical prediction of haemodynamics in multi-disciplinary integrated heart simulations have to be based on computational models that can be solved with low computational effort and still provide physiological flow characteristics. In this context the mitral valve model is important since it strongly influences the flow kinematics, especially during the diastolic phase. In contrast to a 3D valve, a vastly simplified valve model in form of a simple diode is known to be unable to reproduce the characteristic vortex formation and unable to promote a proper ventricular washout. In the present study, an adaptation of the widely used simplest modelling approach for the mitral valve is employed and compared to a physiologically inspired 3D valve within the same ventricular geometry. The adapted approach shows enhanced vortex formation and an improved ventricular washout in comparison to the diode type model. It further shows a high potential in reproducing the main flow characteristics and related particle residence times generated by a 3D valve.
Thoughts and expectations of young professionals about the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM)
Authors: Bauçà Josep Miquel , Imperiali Claudia E. , Robles Juan , Díaz-Garzón Jorge , Vuljanic Dora , Begovic Ermin , Tikhonov Aleksei , Alic Lejla , Nikler Ana , Simundic Ana-Maria
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Young laboratory medicine professionals (YLMPs) are the future of clinical laboratories. Although everyday practice shows significant differences among countries, especially during residency training, most of them face the same challenges. Besides promoting scientific, professional and clinical aspects of laboratory medicine in Europe, the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) should take into consideration YLMPs’ concerns and interests to help them achieve excellence. The aim of this survey was to assess the opinion and expectations of YLMPs about their involvement in the activities of EFLM.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to YLMPs in Europe through different channels. The questionnaire consisted of 21 items grouped into five sections: demographic questions, opinion about the current status of YLMPs within EFLM, YLMPs network, suggestions and opportunities, and scientific training and exchange. Where appropriate, responses from residents and specialists were compared.

Results

A total of 329 valid responses were obtained from 53 different countries. Countries with the highest number of participants were Spain, Turkey, Croatia and Romania. A significant percentage would like to know more about EFLM and their activities (86%) and wish EFLM promoted networking and scientific exchanges (95%), for instance by means of a European YLMPs network (93%). EFLMLabX project was widely unknown (75%).

Conclusions

YLMPs demand better connection to share concerns about daily healthcare duties, to keep updated and to advance professionally. EFLM needs to improve their advertising through national societies to increase YLMPs’ participation. In addition to international meetings and congresses, respondents have emphasized that workshops and other small group activities would significantly help promote laboratory medicine practice in Europe.
Playing by/with the rules: Creativity in language, games, and art
Authors: Cappelle Bert
Published: July 2020

Bergs and Kompa (Creativity within and outside the linguistic system.Cognitive Semiotics13. 1, 2020) discuss creativity in language, which they see as largely rule-bound, as opposed to ‘true,’ rule-breaking creativity in the arts. However, the distinction between intra- and extra-system creativity is not always easy to make. Languages have evolved into efficient systems for communication and occasionally allow for divergences of their own norms, within limits of comprehensibility, just like games are developed to enable maximum player creativity or even rule bending (as in the case of Monopoly Cheaters Edition). The paradox of systems licencing violations of their own norms and rules is similar to the one underlying avant-garde as one or moremovementsin the history of art, when breaking with expectations was the vogue of the time — hence, somehow to be expected. Judging art as innovative or not also depends on what we adopt as our artistic frame of reference. Furthermore, single works of art or single artists can be ahead of the times in some respects but not in others. Turning again to language, I agree with Bergs and Kompa that competent speakers abide by the rules, which implies such language users also know (perhaps not always fully consciously) how to exploit in-built mechanisms that make them sound creative.
A Systematic Literature Review of Personality Trait Classification from Textual Content
Authors: Ahmad Hussain , Asghar Muhammad Zubair , Khan Alam Sher , Habib Anam
Published: July 2020

The day-to-day use of digital devices with Internet access, such as tablets and smartphones, has increased exponentially in recent years and this has had a consequent effect on the usage of the Internet and social media networks. When using social networks, people share personal data that is broadcast between users, which provides useful information for organizations. This means that characterizing users through their social media activity is an emerging research area in the field of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and this paper will present a review of how personality can be detected using online content.

Approach A systematic literature review identified 30 papers published between 2007 and 2019, while particular inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select the most relevant articles.

Outcomes This review describes a variety of challenges and trends, as well as providing ideas for the direction of future research. In addition, personality trait identification and techniques were classified into different types, including deep learning, machine learning (ML) and semi-supervised/hybrid.

Implications This paper’s outcomes will not only facilitate insight into the various personality types and models but will also provide knowledge about the relevant detection techniques.

Novelty While prior studies have conducted literature reviews in the personality trait detection field, the systematic literature review in this paper provides specific answers to the proposed research questions. This is novel to this field as this particular type of study has not been conducted before.
On the domain of implicit functions in a projective limit setting without additional norm estimates
Authors: Magnot Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2020

We examine how implicit functions on ILB-Fréchet spaces can be obtained without metric or norm estimates which are classically assumed. We obtain implicit functions defined on a domain D which is not necessarily open, but which contains the unit open ball of a Banach space. The corresponding inverse function theorem is obtained, and we finish with an open question on the adequate (generalized) notion of differentiation, needed for the corresponding version of the Fröbenius theorem.
The particulars of certain drugs’ effect on the endogenous coenzyme Q10 plasma level in patients with cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Shikh Evgenia , Zozina Vladlena , Kondratenko Svetlana , Melnikov Evgeny , Kukes Vladimir
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has many vital functions in human body and its endogenous level can be affected either by various diseases or by administrated drugs. This study reveals the effect of atorvastatin, amlodipine and ethoxidol on the endogenous CoQ10 plasma concentration.

Methods

It was determined the total plasma concentration of endogenous CoQ10 in the plasma of 54 healthy individuals and 62 patients with cardiovascular diseases during treatment with various drugs using high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (HPLC-MS/MS).

Results

It was found that CoQ10 plasma concentration in patients is statistically significantly lower (on average −49.0 Δ%) than in practically healthy individuals. The total CoQ10 plasma level in patients receiving atorvastatin in the complex therapy is statistically significantly lower (−15.2 Δ%), and in patients taking amlodipine or ethoxidol is statistically significantly higher (+18.2 and +20.2 Δ%, respectively) than in patients of control groups (a group of patients who receive the same drugs, except for the studied one).

Conclusions

The study showed that in patients with CVDs treated with various drugs the CoQ10 plasma level is statistically significantly lower than in practically healthy individuals. So, to avoid the adverse reactions connected with low CoQ10 plasma levels, it is recommended to adjust the therapy to maintain its constant level.
Gain Scores, ANCOVA, and Propensity Matching Procedures for Evaluating Treatments in Education
Authors: Wright Daniel B.
Published: July 2020

Researchers have several options available to analyze data from interventions when participants have not been randomly allocated into conditions. Among these are the gain score, ANCOVA, and propensity matching procedures. Each of these attempts to account for pre-treatment differences among the conditions, but they do so differently. These procedures are reviewed and methods for estimating them in R are shown. The choice of which of these procedures to use can be difficult. Different situations are shown where they perform differently. The primary conclusion of this paper is that models should be hypothesized for how the data may arise, data simulated for these models, and the properties of statistical procedures evaluated. A goal of this paper is to show these procedures without extensive mathematics in order to allow a broad read-ership to use these methods in their situations.
Experimental studies on the possibility of using a pulsed laser for spot welding of thin metallic foils
Authors: Sęk Piotr
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the experiment was to study the influence of the laser beam in pulse mode on metallic foils in order to obtain a spot weld. The welding process was carried out using the overlap weld method, using spot welds in various quantities. The Nd - YAG BLS 720 pulsed laser was used to conduct the experiment. The impact of the number of spot welds on the value of force needed to break the sample was examined. A number of measurements were carried out to determine the best process parameters. Butt welding and overlap welding were also performed using a continuous weld consisting of spot welds. Weld strength tests were performed to select the most appropriate parameters for the process under consideration.
Synthesis of a novel modified chitosan as an intumescent flame retardant for epoxy resin
Authors: Yu Haihua , Xu Xiuhang , Xia Yunfei , Pan Mingzhen , Zarshad Nighat , Pang Bo , Rahman Anis Ur , Wu Min , Ni Henmei
Published: July 2020

According to the concept of fire life cycle assessment (LCA), a new type of intumescent flame retardant was designed and synthesized by chemically bonding chitosan, phosphorus pentoxide and melamine. The resultant compound, chitosan ethoxyl melamine phosphate (CEMP), was characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, 31P NMR, XRD and SEM. The performance of CEMP and organic montmorillonite (OMMT) was evaluated in the substrate of epoxy resin (EP) with limited oxygen index (LOI), UL-94, cone calorimetric test (CCT), TGA and TG-IR. As a result, intumescent flame retardant EP (EP3) containing 30.6% LOI and V-0 rating was prepared by adding 3 wt% OMMT and 15 wt% CEMP. The CCT results indicated that CEMP and OMMT reduced the peak of heat release rate (PHRR) to about one fourth that of pure EP and total heat release (THR), 1/2. Decomposition of EP and EP3 was traced from 100 to 600°C by TG-IR.
Synthesis of aminated polystyrene and its self-assembly with nanoparticles at oil/water interface
Authors: Shi Chenliang , Lin Ling , Yang Yukun , Luo Wenjia , Deng Maoqing , Wu Yujie
Published: July 2020

The influence of density of amino groups, nanoparticles dimension and pH on the interaction between end-functionalized polymers and nanoparticles was extensively investigated in this study. PS–NH2 and H2N–PS–NH2 were prepared using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization. Zero-dimensional carbon dots with sulfonate groups, one-dimensional cellulose nanocrystals with sulfate groups and two-dimensional graphene with sulfonate groups in the aqueous phase were added into the toluene phase containing the aminated PS. The results indicate that aminated PS exhibited the strongest interfacial activity after compounding with sulfonated nanoparticles at a pH of 3. PS ended with two amino groups performed better in reducing the water/toluene interfacial tension than PS ended with only one amino group. The dimension of sulfonated nanoparticles also contributed significantly to the reduction in the water/toluene interfacial tension. The minimal interfacial tension was 4.49 mN/m after compounding PS–NH2 with sulfonated zero-dimensional carbon dots.
Moving from Intentions to Actions in Youth Entrepreneurship: An Institutional Perspective
Authors: Shirokova Galina , Osiyevskyy Oleksiy , Bogatyreva Karina , Edelman Linda F. , Manolova Tatiana S.
Published: July 2020

Situational factors may facilitate or frustrate the translation of entrepreneurial intentions into subsequent actions. In this study, we use data from two waves of a large-scale cross-country study of student entrepreneurship, the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students' Survey (GUESSS), conducted in 2011 and 2013/2014 (n = 1434 students from 142 universities in nine countries), in order to investigate the impact of country-level institutions (financial market institutions and legal institutions) on the link between entrepreneurial intentions and subsequent start-up activities. We find that the quality of legal institutions has a significant positive impact on the translation of intentions into actions, whereas the quality of the national financial system does not influence the intentions-actions link. Theoretical and public policy implications are discussed.