bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of a cluster randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of peer–led health education interventions to increase uptake of retinal examination for diabetic retinopathy in Kirinyaga, Kenya: a pilot trial
Authors: Mwangi Nyawira , Bascaran Covadonga , Ng’ang’a Mark , Ramke Jacqueline , Kipturgo Mathew , Gichuhi Stephen , Kim Min , Macleod David , Moorman Consuela , Muraguri David , Gakuo Esbon , Muthami Lawrence , Foster Allen
Published: July 2020

Background

People living with diabetes can reduce their risk of vision loss from diabetic retinopathy by attending screening, which enables early detection and timely treatment. The aim of this pilot trial was to assess the feasibility of a full-scale cluster randomized controlled trial of an intervention to increase uptake of retinal examination in this population, as delivered within existing community-based diabetes support groups (DSGs).

Methods

All 16 DSGs in Kirinyaga county were invited to participate in the study. The first two groups recruited took part in the pilot trial. DSG members who met the eligibility criteria were recruited before the groups that were randomized to the two arms. In the intervention group, two peer educators were trained to deliver monthly DSG-based eye health education and individual telephone reminders to attend screening. The control group continued with usual DSG practice which is monthly meetings without eye health education. The recruitment team and outcome assessors were masked to the allocation. We documented the study processes to ascertain the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of the intervention. Feasibility was assessed in terms of clarity of study procedures, recruitment and retention rates, level of acceptability, and rates of uptake of eye examination. We set the target feasibility criteria for continuation to the main study to be recruitment of 50 participants in the trial, 80% monthly follow-up rates for individuals, and no attrition of clusters.

Results

Of the 122 DSG members who were assessed for eligibility, 104 were recruited and followed up: 51 (intervention) and 53 (control) arm. The study procedures were well understood and easy to apply. We learnt the DSG meeting days were the best opportunities for recruitment. The study had a high acceptance rate (100% for clusters, 95% for participants) and high follow-up and retention rate (100% of those recruited). All clusters and participants were analysed. We observed that the rate of incidence of eye exam was about 6 times higher in the intervention arm as compared to the control arm. No adverse unexpected events were reported in either arm.

Conclusions

The study is feasible and acceptable in the study population. The results support the development of a full-scale cluster RCT, as the success criteria for the pilot were met.

Trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201707002430195 Registered on 25 July 2017.
Patient-reported outcome instruments used in immune-checkpoint inhibitor clinical trials in oncology: a systematic review
Authors: Colomer-Lahiguera Sara , Bryant-Lukosius Denise , Rietkoetter Sarah , Martelli Lorraine , Ribi Karin , Fitzpatrick-Lewis Donna , Sherifali Diana , Orcurto Angela , Juergens Rosalyn , Eicher Manuela
Published: July 2020

Context

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have shown significant benefits for overall survival across various cancer types. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are assessed in clinical trials as a measure of efficacy. However, it remains unclear to what extent current PRO instruments capture symptoms specific to ICI toxicities. We conducted a systematic review to identify the use and content validity of PRO instruments in ICI clinical trials in oncology.

Methods

Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Medline and CINAHL databases. Articles presenting ICI clinical trials’ PRO results, clinical trial study protocols, and conference abstracts stating the use of PRO measures were assessed. We evaluated the validity of identified instruments by comparing their symptom-related content with the adverse events reported in each ICI clinical trial.

Results

From database inception until January 2020, we identified 191 ICI clinical trials stating the use of PRO measures of which 26 published PRO results. The cancer-specific EORTC QLQ-C30 and the generic EQ-5D questionnaires were the most widely used instruments, often in combination with disease-specific PROs. Instruments used to report PRO symptom-related toxicities covered 45% of the most frequently reported AEs, whereas 23% of AEs were partially covered and 29% were not covered at all. Of non-covered AEs, 59% referred to the dermatologic system. Partially covered AEs related to endocrine and specific types of pain.

Conclusion

Despite the high frequency of symptom-related toxicities related to ICI, these events are only partially covered (or not addressed) by current PRO instruments, even when combined. Further research is needed to develop new strategies to tailor PRO instruments to specific ICI toxicities.
The microbiome of captive hamadryas baboons
Authors: Li Xuanji , Trivedi Urvish , Brejnrod Asker Daniel , Vestergaard Gisle , Mortensen Martin Steen , Bertelsen Mads Frost , Sørensen Søren Johannes
Published: July 2020

Background

The hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) is a highly social primate that lives in complex multilevel societies exhibiting a wide range of group behaviors akin to humans. In contrast to the widely studied human microbiome, there is a paucity of information on the host-associated microbiomes of nonhuman primates (NHPs). Here, our goal was to understand the microbial composition throughout different body sites of cohabiting baboons.

Results

We analyzed 170 oral, oropharyngeal, cervical, uterine, vaginal, nasal and rectal samples from 16 hamadryas baboons via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additionally, raw Miseq sequencing data from 1041 comparable publicly available samples from the human oral cavity, gut and vagina were reanalyzed using the same pipeline. We compared the baboon and human microbiome of the oral cavity, gut and vagina, showing that the baboon microbiome is distinct from the human. Baboon cohabitants share similar microbial profiles in their cervix, uterus, vagina, and gut. The oral cavity, gut and vagina shared more bacterial amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in group living baboons than in humans. The shared ASVs had significantly positive correlations between most body sites, suggesting a potential bacterial exchange throughout the body. No significant differences in gut microbiome composition were detected within the maternity line and between maternity lines, suggesting that the offspring gut microbiota is shaped primarily through bacterial exchange among cohabitants. Finally, Lactobacillus was not so predominant in baboon vagina as in the human vagina but was the most abundant genus in the baboon gut.

Conclusions

This study is the first to provide comprehensive analyses of the baboon microbiota across different body sites. We contrast this to human body sites and find substantially different microbiomes. This group of cohabitating baboons generally showed higher microbial diversity and remarkable similarities between body sites than were observed in humans. These data and findings from one group of baboons can form the basis of future microbiome studies in baboons and be used as a reference in research where the microbiome is expected to impact human modeling with baboons.
The association between neighbourhood characteristics and physical victimisation in men and women with mental disorders
Authors: Bhavsar Vishal , Sanyal Jyoti , Patel Rashmi , Shetty Hitesh , Velupillai Sumithra , Stewart Robert , Broadbent Matthew , MacCabe James H. , Das-Munshi Jayati , Howard Louise M.
Published: July 2020

Background

How neighbourhood characteristics affect the physical safety of people with mental illness is unclear.

Aims

To examine neighbourhood effects on physical victimisation towards people using mental health services.

Method

We developed and evaluated a machine-learning-derived free-text-based natural language processing (NLP) algorithm to ascertain clinical text referring to physical victimisation. This was applied to records on all patients attending National Health Service mental health services in Southeast London. Sociodemographic and clinical data, and diagnostic information on use of acute hospital care (from Hospital Episode Statistics, linked to Clinical Record Interactive Search), were collected in this group, defined as ‘cases’ and concurrently sampled controls. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated associations (odds ratios, ORs) between neighbourhood-level fragmentation, crime, income deprivation, and population density and physical victimisation.

Results

Based on a human-rated gold standard, the NLP algorithm had a positive predictive value of 0.92 and sensitivity of 0.98 for (clinically recorded) physical victimisation. A 1 s.d. increase in neighbourhood crime was accompanied by a 7% increase in odds of physical victimisation in women and an 13% increase in men (adjusted OR (aOR) for women: 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.14, aOR for men: 1.13, 95% CI 1.06–1.21, P for gender interaction, 0.218). Although small, adjusted associations for neighbourhood fragmentation appeared greater in magnitude for women (aOR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.11) than men, where this association was not statistically significant (aOR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.95–1.04, P for gender interaction, 0.096). Neighbourhood income deprivation was associated with victimisation in men and women with similar magnitudes of association.

Conclusions

Neighbourhood factors influencing safety, as well as individual characteristics including gender, may be relevant to understanding pathways to physical victimisation towards people with mental illness.
Clozapine and paliperidone palmitate antipsychotic combination in treatment-resistant schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders: A retrospective 6-month mirror-image study
Authors: Bioque Miquel , Parellada Eduard , García-Rizo Clemente , Amoretti Sílvia , Fortea Adriana , Oriolo Giovanni , Palau Pol , Boix-Quintana Ester , Safont Gemma , Bernardo Miquel
Published: July 2020

Background:

Around 30% of patients with schizophrenia are considered treatment resistant (TRS). Only around 40% of TRS patients respond to clozapine. Long acting injectable antipsychotics could be a useful augmentation strategy for nonresponders.

Methods:

We conducted a multicenter, observational, naturalistic, retrospective, 6-month mirror-image study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of clozapine and paliperidone palmitate association in 50 patients with TRS and other psychotic disorders. Clinical outcomes and side effects were systematically assessed.

Results:

Six months after starting the combined treatment, participants showed a significant relief of symptoms, decreasing the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale total score from 18.32 ± 7.71 to 7.84 ± 5.16 (p < 0.001). The number of hospitalizations, the length of hospital stays and the number of visits to emergency services also decreased, while an increase of the functionality was observed (Personal and Social Performance total score increased from 46.06 ± 118.7 to 60.86 ± 18.68,p < 0.001). There was also a significant decrease in the number and severity of side effects with the combination therapy, decreasing the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser total score from 10.76 ± 8.04 to 8.82 ± 6.63 (p= 0.004).

Conclusions:

This study provides the first evidence that combining clozapine with paliperidone palmitate in patients with TRS and other psychotic disorders could be effective and safe, suggesting further research with randomized controlled trials of augmentation strategies for clozapine nonresponder patients.

Policy Significance Statement:

Patients with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia show a variable response to antipsychotic treatments. Around 30% of patients are considered treatment resistant, indicated by insufficient symptom control to at least two different drugs. In these resistant cases, clozapine should be indicated, as it has shown to be superior to other options. However, only 40% of patients respond to clozapine, being necessary to establish which treatments could best potentiate clozapine action. Combining clozapine with long acting injectable antipsychotics, and particularly paliperidone palmitate, could be a useful strategy. We conducted a multicenter study of 50 patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders comparing the efficacy and tolerability in the 6 month-period prior and after starting the clozapine and paliperidone palmitate association. Our study suggests that this combination could be effective and safer, laying the groundwork for future clinical trials with this combination.
Cancer Statistics, 2020: Report From National Cancer Registry Programme, India
Authors: Mathur Prashant , Sathishkumar Krishnan , Chaturvedi Meesha , Das Priyanka , Sudarshan Kondalli Lakshminarayana , Santhappan Stephen , Nallasamy Vinodh , John Anish , Narasimhan Sandeep , Roselind Francis Selvaraj ,   on behalf of ICMR-NCDIR-NCRP Investigator Group
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

The systematic collection of data on cancer is being performed by various population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) and hospital-based cancer registries (HBCRs) across India under the National Cancer Registry Programme–National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research of Indian Council of Medical Research since 1982.

METHODS

This study examined the cancer incidence, patterns, trends, projections, and mortality from 28 PBCRs and also the stage at presentation and type of treatment of patients with cancer from 58 HBCRs (N = 667,666) from the pooled analysis for the composite period 2012-2016. Time trends in cancer incidence rate were generated as annual percent change from 16 PBCRs (those with a minimum of 10 years of continuous good data available) using Joinpoint regression.

RESULTS

Aizawl district (269.4) and Papumpare district (219.8) had the highest age-adjusted incidence rates among males and females, respectively. The projected number of patients with cancer in India is 1,392,179 for the year 2020, and the common 5 leading sites are breast, lung, mouth, cervix uteri, and tongue. Trends in cancer incidence rate showed an increase in all sites of cancer in both sexes and were high in Kamrup urban (annual percent change, 3.8%; P < .05). The majority of the patients with cancer were diagnosed at the locally advanced stage for breast (57.0%), cervix uteri (60.0%), head and neck (66.6%), and stomach (50.8%) cancer, whereas in lung cancer, distant metastasis was predominant among males (44.0%) and females (47.6%).

CONCLUSION

This study provides a framework for assessing the status and trends of cancer in India. It shall guide appropriate support for action to strengthen efforts to improve cancer prevention and control to achieve the national noncommunicable disease targets and the sustainable development goals.
Nonselective Compared With Selective α-Blockade Is Associated With Less Intraoperative Hypertension in Patients With Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas: A Retrospective Cohort Study With Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Kong Hao , Li Nan , Yang Xi-Chun , Nie Xiao-Lu , Tian Jie , Wang Dong-Xin
Published: July 2020

Background:

Both selective and nonselective α-blockade are used for preoperative preparation in patients with pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). However, the effects of different types of α-blockade on perioperative outcomes remain inconclusive. This study was designed to assess the association between the choice of α-blockade and the amount of intraoperative hypertension in patients undergoing surgery for PPGLs.

METHODS:

In this propensity-matched retrospective cohort study, data of patients who received either selective or nonselective α-blockade preoperatively and underwent surgery for PPGLs were collected. The primary end point was the time-weighted average above the systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 160 mm Hg (TWA-SBP >160 mm Hg), which was calculated as the total area of the SBP-time curve above the SBP of 160 mm Hg and divided by anesthesia duration.

RESULTS:

A total of 286 patients were included in analysis; of them, 156 received selective α-blockade and 130 nonselective α-blockade. After propensity score matching, 89 patients remained in each group. Patients who received nonselective α-blockade had a lower TWA-SBP >160 (median 0.472 mm Hg, interquartile range [IQR], 0.081–1.300) versus those who received selective α-blockade (median 1.114 mm Hg, IQR, 0.162–2.853; median difference −0.391, 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.828 to −0.032; P = .016); they also had a lower highest SBP during surgery (193 ± 24 mm Hg versus 205 ± 34 mm Hg; mean difference −12, 95% CI, −20 to −3; P = .008). Postoperative outcomes did not differ significantly between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

For patients undergoing surgery for PPGLs, preoperative nonselective α-blockade was associated with less intraoperative hypertension when compared with selective α-blockade.
Sending Flowers into the Mirror: Jinghua yuan as Metafiction
Authors: Ge Liangyan
Published: July 2020

This study offers a reading of the early nineteenth-century Chinese novel Jinghua yuan 鏡花緣 (Flowers in the Mirror) by Li Ruzhen 李汝珍 (1763–1830?) as a fiction about fiction making. Contextualizing the novel in a society where the civil service examinations are among the most important cultural institutions, this article considers the protagonist Tang Ao's 唐敖 voyage to bizarre, fantastical islands, narrated in the early chapters of the novel, as an account of his conversion from examination scholarship to fiction creation. From these islands, his symbolic realm of fictionality, he sends flower spirits-turned-girls to China for the female examinations, here interpreted as an enterprise to fictionalize the examination system. Thus the narrative of the girls' participation in the exams and ensuing celebrations in later chapters becomes a fiction within the fiction. Discussing the dynamic between the examinations and fiction writing elevated in the metafictional structure of the novel, this study considers Tang Ao a fictional representative of many scholars in late imperial China, whose experience with the examinations was not merely a cause of intense frustration but also an inexhaustible source of literary inspiration.
Tracking Excess Deaths (TRACKED) – an interactive online tool to monitor excess deaths associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom
Authors: Poon Michael T. C. , Brennan Paul M. , Jin Kai , Figueroa Jonine D. , Sudlow Cathie L. M.
Published: July 2020

Background: We aimed to describe trends of excess mortality in the United Kingdom (UK) stratified by nation and cause of death, and to develop an online tool for reporting the most up to date data on excess mortality

Methods: Population statistics agencies in the UK including the Office for National Statistics (ONS), National Records of Scotland (NRS), and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) publish weekly mortality data. We used mortality data up to 22nd May in the ONS and the NISRA and 24th May in the NRS. The main outcome measures were crude mortality for non-COVID deaths (where there is no mention of COVID-19 on the death certificate) calculated, and excess mortality defined as difference between observed mortality and expected average of mortality from previous 5 years.

Results: There were 56,961 excess deaths, of which 8,986 were non-COVID excess deaths. England had the highest number of excess deaths per 100,000 population (85) and Northern Ireland the lowest (34). Non-COVID mortality increased from 23rd March and returned to the 5-year average on 10th May. In Scotland, where underlying cause mortality data besides COVID-related deaths was available, the percentage excess over the 8-week period when COVID-related mortality peaked was: dementia 49%, other causes 21%, circulatory diseases 10%, and cancer 5%. We developed an online tool (TRACKing Excess Deaths - TRACKED) to allow dynamic exploration and visualisation of the latest mortality trends.

Conclusions: Continuous monitoring of excess mortality trends and further integration of age- and gender-stratified and underlying cause of death data beyond COVID-19 will allow dynamic assessment of the impacts of indirect and direct mortality of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multiple Huge Tendinous Xanthomas with Normal Lipid Profiles in All Extremities
Authors: Seo Du-Heon , Roh Si-Gyun , Shin Jin Yong , An Mun-Young , Kim Jong-Lim , Chang Suk Choo , Lee Nae-Ho
Published: July 2020

Xanthomas are grayish-yellow masses composed of lipid-filled foamy histiocytes and are usually accompanied by familial hypercholesterolemia or some other disease associated with dysfunctional lipid metabolism. Here, we report a case of multiple huge tendinous xanthomas with normal lipid profiles involving all extremities. These masses were large enough to cause pain, dysfunction of extremities, and cosmetic compromise and the condition was accompanied by cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis. Due to the presence of many masses in all extremities, a two-stage operation was planned with a time gap of several months. At 1-month follow-up visits after first and second surgeries, although extension of the left middle finger was poor as a result of sacrificing the 3rd extensor digitorum communis tendon, no problems such as wound dehiscence, hematoma formation, or infection at operative sites were noted.
Transaction Costs, Portfolio Characteristics, and Mutual Fund Performance
Authors: Busse Jeffrey A. , Chordia Tarun , Jiang Lei , Tang Yuehua
Published: July 2020

We study the interdependencies between transaction costs, portfolio characteristics, and mutual fund performance. Using a novel data set of actual mutual fund trades, we find that, controlling for investment style, larger funds realize lower percentage transaction costs than smaller funds. Larger mutual funds trade less frequently and hold bigger stocks to actively avoid incurring higher trading costs. Gross returns of larger funds are lower than those of smaller funds due, in part, to the characteristics of their holdings, which suggests that decreasing returns to scale could arise due to limited investment opportunities because of trading cost constraints. Taken together, our results highlight the trade-offs faced by mutual funds between trading costs, portfolio characteristics, and fund performance as they grow in size.

This paper was accepted by Karl Diether, finance.
Who is providing a safety net for babies and young children?
Authors: Morton Alison
Published: July 2020

With many health visitors in England redeployed during the early weeks of the pandemic, Alison Morton considers the consequences for children and families, as well as the health visitors intended to support them
Decoding scheme based on CNN for mobile optical camera communication
Authors: Yu Ke , He Jing , Huang Zheng
Published: July 2020

A decoding scheme based on a convolution neural network (CNN) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated in mobile optical camera communication (OCC). The CNN can be used to extract features between bright and dark stripes in images effectively. Thus, it can alleviate the stripe distortion in the mobile environment and reduce bit error rates (BERs) by using the proposed decoding scheme based on CNN. A controllable lateral and vertical mobile platform is built to simulate the mobile scenarios with different moving speeds (40–80 cm/s). The experimental results show that, at the moving speed of 80 cm/s, the proposed scheme based on CNN can achieve the BERs of

3.8

×

10

−
5

at the lateral case and

1

×

10

−
5

at the vertical case in a mobile OCC system.
Algorithm to filter the noise in the spectral intensity of ultrashort laser pulses
Authors: Moreno-Larios José Agustín , Ramírez-Guerra Catalina , Contreras-Martínez Ramiro , Rosete-Aguilar Martha , Garduño-Mejía Jesús
Published: July 2020

We have developed an algorithm to filter the noise in the spectral intensity of ultrashort laser pulses. The filtering procedure consists of smoothing the noise by using the Savitzky–Golay filter, removing the offset, and using a super-Gaussian window to truncate the frequencies of the spectrum. We have modeled bandwidth-limited ultrashort pulses with Gaussian modulated frequencies to show the estimation of the carrier wavelength, reconstruction of the intensity pulse profile, and pulse duration after applying the algorithm. Theoretical results are presented for pulse durations between 5 fs and 100 fs with a carrier wavelength of 825 nm and three different amounts of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): 30 dB, 20 dB, and 15 dB, normally found in experiments. The algorithm is also applied to an experimental spectral intensity from a homemade Ti:sapphire laser that produces pulses of about 20 fs at 825 nm at 100 MHz. We will show that using only a low-pass Fourier filter and removing offset is not enough to recover the spectral intensity when a large SNR is present, which may be the case when the ultrashort laser beam has been manipulated to compensate for the group velocity dispersion of an external optical system. In cases like this, the use of the Savitzky–Golay filter prior to the super-Gaussian filter improves the recovery of the carrier wavelength and the spectral intensity. We will also show that the algorithm presented in this paper is suitable for experimental analysis and requires limited user intervention.
Direct and accurate phase unwrapping with deep neural network
Authors: Qin Yi , Wan Shujia , Wan Yuhong , Weng Jiawen , Liu Wei , Gong Qiong
Published: July 2020

In this paper a novel, to the best of our knowledge, deep neural network (DNN), VUR-Net, is proposed to realize direct and accurate phase unwrapping. The VUR-Net employs a relatively large number of filters in each layer and adopts alternately two types of residual blocks throughout the network, distinguishing it from the previously reported ones. The proposed method enables the wrapped phase map to be unwrapped precisely without any preprocessing or postprocessing operations, even though the map has been degraded by various adverse factors, such as noise, undersampling, deforming, and so on. We compared the VUR-Net with another two state-of-the-art phase unwrapping DNNs, and the corresponding results manifest that our proposal markedly outperforms its counterparts in both accuracy and robustness. In addition, we also developed two new indices to evaluate the phase unwrapping. These indices are proved to be effective and powerful as good candidates for estimating the quality of phase unwrapping.
Two step convolutional neural network for automatic glottis localization and segmentation in stroboscopic videos
Authors: Belagali Varun , Rao M V Achuth , Gopikishore Pebbili , Krishnamurthy Rahul , Ghosh Prasanta Kumar
Published: July 2020

Precise analysis of the vocal fold vibratory pattern in a stroboscopic video plays a key role in the evaluation of voice disorders. Automatic glottis segmentation is one of the preliminary steps in such analysis. In this work, it is divided into two subproblems namely, glottis localization and glottis segmentation. A two step convolutional neural network (CNN) approach is proposed for the automatic glottis segmentation. Data augmentation is carried out using two techniques :  1) Blind rotation (WB), 2) Rotation with respect to glottis orientation (WO). The dataset used in this study contains stroboscopic videos of 18 subjects with Sulcus vocalis, in which the glottis region is annotated by three speech language pathologists (SLPs). The proposed two step CNN approach achieves an average localization accuracy of 90.08% and a mean dice score of 0.65.
Demonstration of photonics-aided terahertz wireless transmission system with using silicon photonics circuit
Authors: Moon Sang-Rok , Han Seungjun , Yoo Sanghwa , Park Heuk , Lee Won-Kyoung , Lee Joon Ki , Park Jongwoo , Yu Kyoungsik , Cho Seung-Hyun , Kim Joonyoung
Published: July 2020

We experimentally demonstrate the use of silicon photonics circuit (SPC) in the simple and cost-effective photonics-aided Terahertz (THz) wireless transmission system. We perform theoretical investigation (with experimental confirmation) to understand that the system performance is more sensitive to the free space path loss (FSPL) at the THz wireless link than the SPC’s insertion loss. The SPC, we design and fabricate, combines two incident optical carriers at different wavelengths and modulates one of two optical carriers with data to transfer, consequently reducing the system footprint that is indeed one of the key challenges that must be tackled for better practicability of the THz communication system. We perform experimental verification to show the feasibility of 40 Gb/s non-return-to-zero (NRZ) on-off-keying (OOK) signal transmission over 1.4 m wireless link for possibly its application in short-reach indoor wireless communication systems utilizing (sub-)THz frequency band such as, e.g., indoor WiFi, distributed antenna/radio systems, rack-to-rack data delivery, etc. The SPC could be further integrated with various photonic elements such as semiconductor optical amplifiers, laser diodes, and photo-mixers, which will enable the path towards all-photonic THz-wave synthesizers.
The language of journalism - The language of agenda setting effects
Authors: McCombs Maxwell
Published: July 2020

The evolution of agenda setting over the past 50 years is an in-depth, large-scale case study of the scientific method. This oscillating history of theoretical explication and extensive empirical investigation has identified major aspects of the language of journalism that have significant impact on the formation of public opinion. The theory of agenda setting now includes three levels of agenda setting effects, intermedia agenda setting and the concept of compelling arguments that identify key aspects of the language of journalism. Other theoretical concepts, need for orientation, and most recently civic osmosis and agendamelding explicate the process of agenda setting. All of these are intellectual tools for dealing with the contemporary problem of fake news.
Galeno de Pérgamo. As faculdades dos alimentos. Livro I
Authors: Ferreira Nelson Henrique da Silva
Published: July 2020

O presente livro apresenta a primeira tradução para português do livro I de uma das obras mais relevantes de Galeno de Pérgamo. Este tratado sobre as propriedades dos alimentos oferece uma visão geral do saber de Galeno sobre as ciências naturais, mais precisamente, no âmbito do domínio da medicina e do conhecimento empírico sobre as propriedades da comida e da fisiologia. Ao abordar a natureza das coisas, Galeno de Pergamon tende a usar um processo analítico baseado na relação entre diferentes elementos que interagem em um sistema particular. Relativamente aos antigos hábitos alimentares e à saúde, este modo de obter informação e formular hipóteses tem potencial para gerar hierarquias e está atestado no De alimentorum facultatibus I, no qual os alimentos são avaliados considerando o resultado particular do seu efeito no metabolismo de um paciente. Em suma, este livro é um paradigma da ciência de Galeno e pode explicar por si só o impacto de Galeno na ciência moderna. Este livro inclui uma tradução do De alimentorum Facultatibus I, uma breve introdução ao contexto da produção intelectual de Galeno e um estudo sobre o texto antigo e as informações que este traz a propósito do conhecimento dos estudiosos antigos sobre a fisiologia e as propriedades dos alimentos.
Orientação Vocacional: Teoria e Prática / Vocational Orientation: Theory and Practice
Authors: Costa Junio Omundsen De Melo
Published: July 2020

A Orientação Vocacional ainda assusta muitos profissionais, afinal lidar com a orientação ao futuro de outra pessoa é algo muito sério e ao mesmo tempo um grande desafio para o orientador. A teoria pode ser aprendida nos bancos acadêmicos, através de boas leituras, na troca de experiências, mas a prática ao se profissionalizar e decidir a orientação, daí a importância de uma reflexão acerca da Teoria e Prática da Orientação Vocacional em um trabalho sucinto e de fácil entendimento para os profissionais e interessados pelo tema.
Desenvolvimento Profissional e implicações na atuação Docente: Retratos de egressas do Curso de Pedagogia PARFOR - Serrinha/BA / Professional Development and Implications in the Teaching Activities: Portraits of Graduates of the Pedagogy Course PARFOR - Serrinha / BA
Authors: Rosário Natiele Rios , Amorim Ivonete Barreto de , Purificação Marcelo Maximo
Published: July 2020

O presente artigo pretende socializar os resultados de uma pesquisa de Iniciação Cientifica (IC) CNPq/UNEB. A metodologia deste estudo esteve ancorada na pesquisa qualitativa, tendo como instrumento de coleta das informações a entrevista semiestruturada com cinco professoras egressas do PARFOR/Serrinha-BA, com o objetivo de analisar o processo de desenvolvimento profissional de egressas do PARFOR/ Pedagogia/Serrinha-BA, no período 2015 a 2018 e suas implicações na atuação docente. Os teóricos que balizaram este estudo foram: Amorim e Souza (2018), Day (2001), Gatti e Barreto (2009), Nóvoa (2009) e Ramalho, Nuñez e Gauthier (2004), os quais apresentam importantes considerações sobre o tema conceituado. A pesquisa permitiu constatar que o desenvolvimento profissional docente é um empreendimento para/por toda a vida, surgindo na formação inicial, o que não se constitui em uma tarefa fácil para os professores, tendo em vista que este processo o envolve em caráter integral: vida pessoal/histórias de vida e o percurso/acontecimentos da vida profissional.
A Formação continuada e a valorização das competências / Continuous training and the enhancement of skills
Authors: Souza Marcia Dias de , Miguel Joelson Rodrigues
Published: July 2020

O presente estudo  objetivou uma discussão sobre a formação continuada e a valorização das competências. A metodologia consistiu em revisão integrativa  com os aportes teóricos dos seguintes autores:  Bacich e Morán, (2015); Furtado (2015); Mota e Pereira (2015); Libâneo (2009); Moreira,  (2014); Sousa e Alves (2017),  entre outros estudiosos do tema. Os resultados nos levam a concluir que , o processo de ensino aprendizagem tendo como maior foco o educando, precisa ter essa preocupação em direcionar atividades que impactem no desenvolvimento do indivíduo em todos os fatores. Em especial no aspecto cognitivo, desde as primeiras séries. A cognição é a maior responsável para dimensões  do pensamento, linguagem, percepção, memória e raciocínio, aspectos esses que implicam diretamente na formação integral do indivíduo, capacitando-o para todas as etapas de alfabetização e escolarização.
Pressupostos Pedagógicos Valorativos da Aprendizagem / Valuable Pedagogical Assumptions of Learning
Authors: Sacramento Reinaldo Da Costa , Miguel Joelson Rodrigues
Published: July 2020

O presente estudo objetivou uma discussão sobre os Pressupostos Pedagógicos valorativos da Aprendizagem. A metodologia consistiu em revisão integrativa  com os seguintes aportes teóricos de autores como: Freire (1979, 1993 e 1996), Gadotti (2007), Freire (2016), Borges (2005); Candau (2014); Carvalho (2006) e Riolfi (2014)Fonseca (2016); Freire (1983); Gasparim (2012 ); Leal, Miranda e Nova (2013); Santos (2013); Tapia e Fita (2010)  e demais pesquisadores, educadores e profissionais.  Os resultados parecem indicar que uma concepção de ensino que vise transformar o ambiente escolar, seja algo óbvio, tanto para a maioria dos educadores, quanto para os demais envolvidos no processo educativo. No entanto, muitos não parecem ter muito clara esta realidade. Políticas públicas de capacitação continuada que orientem o auto conhecimento do educador e, que estimulem a vivência e prática de valores humanos, seja de grande importância para a transformação que a sociedade necessita.
Apresentação dos sintomas de Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade em Crianças com Diagnóstico de Transtorno do Espectro Autista / Presentation of Attention Deficit Disorder Symptoms and Hyperactivity in Children with the Diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Lobato Alexia Lima , Da Hora Ana Flávia Lima Teles
Published: July 2020

Os Transtornos do Neurodesenvolvimento (TN) são descritos nos sistemas de classificações como déficits manifestados na infância ocasionando prejuízos em diversas áreas como social, laboral e acadêmico. Dentre os TN estão o Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) e o TEA (Transtorno do Espectro Autista). O presente estudo caracteriza-se como um estudo preliminar, quantitativo de caráter exploratório, tendo como objetivo avaliar a frequência dos sintomas de TDAH em 11 crianças/adolescentes entre 2 a 14 anos com o diagnóstico de autismo, assistidas no LAPITEA (Laboratório de Avaliação Pesquisa e Intervenção em Transtorno do Espectro Autista e Quadros Relacionado). Para coleta de dados foram utilizados os instrumentos: Escala do Comportamento Adaptativo-Vineland, o CBCL/1,5-5 e CBCL/6-18 (Child Behavior Checklist) e o questionário SNAP-IV (Swanson, Nolan e Pelham – versão IV). Os dados foram analisados pelo software SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciense), versão 22.0. Obteve-se resultando significativos para sintomas de desatenção e hiperatividade em crianças e adolescentes autistas de acordo com os relatos dos pais. O estudo contribuiu para obtenção de dados a respeito de possíveis correlações existentes entre o TEA e o TDAH. Contudo, a pesquisa conta com algumas limitações como o número pequeno da amostra e a rotatividade do LAPITEA, sugere-se para pesquisas futuras a ampliação da amostra.
Proteção aos Direitos de Propriedade Intelectual em tempos de Globalização / Protection of Intellectual Property Rights in times of Globalization
Authors: Ifadireó Miguel Melo , Bitu Vanessa De Carvalho Nilo , Albuquerque Filho José Antônio De , Pinheiro Tássia Lobato
Published: July 2020

É emergente a preocupação de proteção aos direitos de propriedade intelectual (direito do autor) e aos direitos da propriedade industrial (direito do inventor) pela sociedade internacional tanto na esfera do Direito Internacional Público, quanto na redoma do Direito Internacional Privado. Enfatiza-se que as transações econômicas, eminente provindas de uma estrondosa transformação do comércio internacional de agentes privados que buscam incansavelmente o lucro, gerado pelo caráter oneroso e especulativo das distintas formas de atividades empresariais com foco no aumento da taxa de produção de bens e serviços. A metodologia utilizada neste ensaio foi eminentemente de natureza de qualitativa, a partir da proposição de uma revisão sistemática de literatura especializada – tanto em banco de teses de dissertações e teses, quanto em plataformas de artigos científicos - sobre a temática. Objetivo geral deste ensaio foi o de promover reflexões sobre a emergência da questão que envolve a socio poética dos direitos de propriedade intelectual. Importante destacar que o estudo intentou trazer à tona de discussões, algumas contribuições de expertisesdo Direito de Propriedade Intelectual como Fábio Bensoussan e Fernando Boiteux (2018), Marlon Tomazetti (2017), André Ramos (2016), Ronaldo Lemos (2011), Denis Barbosa (2010), Pedro Mizukami (2007) e José Costa Netto (1998) entre outros. Os achados nos levaram a perceber que a proteção legal empresarial, bem como os direitos autorais e direitos a estes relacionados passaram a conferir ao beneficiário direitos subjetivos e economicamente utilizáveis aos resultados provindos do trabalho intelectual.
O Ambiente Escolar e as Relações Étnico-Raciais em uma Escola Quilombola de Feira de Santana / The School Environment and Ethnic-Racial Relations in a Quilombola School in Feira de Santana
Authors: Ferreira Alison Silva , Borges Gessica Guiné , Rodrigues Robson Lima
Published: July 2020

O objetivo deste trabalho foi refletir sobre os obstáculos e as relações étnicos-raciais entre as crianças pertencentes à comunidade escolar e os processos e dificuldades dos docentes no ensino quilombola. Portanto, o artigo consiste em um trabalho descritivo-qualitativo, construído após aplicação de questionários. A população alvo da pesquisa foram os professores e os alunos regulares dos anos 2° ao 5° do nível fundamental I da Escola Municipal Margarida Brito de Oliveira, matriculados e devidamente frequentando os turnos matutino e vespertino. Os resultados demonstram que, em efeitos gerais, existe uma dificuldade pela própria aceitação dos alunos pela sua cultura e etnia, rejeitando sua cultura, história e familiaridade, em prol de uma noção ideológica de “branqueamento racial”. Também foi encontrado níveis de racismo evidentes na comunidade, evidenciado pelos estudantes como brincadeiras ou como um mecanismo de defesa a ofensas alheias. Este fato torna-se ainda mais dificultoso a relação entre docente e discentes, pois, apesar dos esforços dos professores na busca pelo ensino voltado para a concepção de igualdade racial, faltam recursos. Neste sentido, observa-se também, a luz da investigação de outros autores, que a resistência à igualdade de direitos entre as pessoas perdura pelo tempo e nos encontra nos tempos atuais presentes também, infelizmente, nos espaços destinado a educar.
Ecologia e Educação Ambiental: Estudo da Degradação Ambiental para a Promoção de Práticas Educativas / Ecology and Environmental Education: Study of Environmental Degradation for the Promotion of Educational Practices
Authors: Santos Allyson Francisco Dos , Valverde Luiz Henrique Ortelhado
Published: July 2020

A Caatinga tem sido alvo de alterações severas ao longo dos tempos, inclusive devido ações antrópicas, que podem desencadear a desertificação. A Ecologia e a Educação Ambiental, quando aliadas, são métodos eficazes para a resolução de problemas ambientais. Objetivou-se, nesse trabalho, analisar a degradação ambiental no Sítio Uri, Salgueiro-PE, para traçar estratégias de Educação Ambiental. Utilizou-se o método de observação, sem participação, para a identificação dos impactos. Pôde-se evidenciar indícios de degradação como o desmatamento, queimadas, dispersão de resíduos e exploração de espécies vegetais endêmicas da Caatinga para fins madeireiros. Na área estudada não foram detectadas práticas sustentáveis e de conscientização ambiental. Dessa forma, vê-se a necessidade de se estabelecer programas de Educação Ambiental, fazendo-se uso de metodologias participativas e de ações que trabalhem a percepção ambiental, haja vista tais estratégias serem eficazes para contribuir como medidas educativas e, propiciar a redução dos efeitos negativos ao meio ambiente.
Farmacoepidemiologia do envelhecimento: Desafios encontrados na farmacoterapia de pacientes idosos / Pharmacoepidemiology of aging: Challenges found in the pharmacotherapy of elderly patients
Authors: Silva Neto Irineu Ferreira da , Cazé Bruna Isabella Ferreira , Cariry Bruno Vieira , Fernandes Rafaella Pereira , Pereira Camila Rocha , Gouveia Maria Victória Amaro
Published: July 2020

O aumento significativo do número de idosos intensificou a demanda e cuidado na terapêutica nesta parcela da população. O principal problema é a complexidade dos tratamentos, pois a maioria convive com variadas doenças. Assim, esse estudo expõe a relevância da temática e induz pesquisas acerca do uso de medicamentos em idosos. Para isso, foi realizado uma revisão nas bases de dados eletrônicos: SciELO, PubMed, e Google Scholar de artigos publicados entre 2005 e janeiro de 2020, em português ou inglês, pesquisas longitudinais, transversais, exploratórias ou descritivas, utilizando descritores específicos. Os estudos mostram a grande utilização de medicamentos entre indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais. A idade avançada faz com que haja um padrão diferente de medicamentos, pois a farmacocinética e farmacodinâmica fica comprometidas com a fisiologia da idade avançada. É necessário identificar e adaptar a farmacoepidemiologia no envelhecimento de acordo com a realidade do Brasil, com base nos medicamentos disponíveis no país.
Contribuições da Psicanálise na Escuta Clínica de Adolescentes em conflito com a Lei / Contributions of Psychoanalysis in the Clinical Listening of Adolescents in Conflict with the Law
Authors: Lima Júnior Carlos Mendes de , Agra Fernanda Silva Luna , Alves Jacqueline Pereira
Published: July 2020

Apresenta-se no seguinte artigo uma análise a conduta de jovens em conflitos com a lei, fundamentado a uma visão baseada na escuta clínica psicológica com base na abordagem psicanalista Freudo-Lacaniana, tendo como o propósito analisar a partir de um caso real e explanar como esses comportamentos conseguem se materializar através da violência, tendo como base o histórico de experiência de vida e o contexto social do adolescente, como também familiar, nas quais buscamos interpreta-los através de conceitos psicanalíticos. Assim, analisamos a partir de medidas socioeducativas como tanto a psicologia com suporte da psicanálise e a jurisdição podem ajudar diante ao caso para um melhor manejo clínico e entendimento acerca do mesmo.
Membrane Technology Application for Fractionation Process to Obtain High Quality Glucosamine
Authors: Rokhati Nur , Istirokhatun Titik , Hamada Nur ‘Aini , Apriyanti Dwi Titik
Published: July 2020

Glucosamine, monosaccharide from chitosan obtained from the chitin deacetylation process, has been used widely in various fields such as nutrition, pharmacy, and cosmetics. Glucosamine can be obtained from the hydrolysis of chitosan. Enzymatic hydrolysis provides the advantage of mild reaction conditions, environmentally friendly, and high yield. But until now, the separation of glucosamine from the chitosan hydrolysis fraction has been an obstacle. Ultrafiltration membranes offer an efficient filtration process because they do not require additional chemicals. The performance of ultrafiltration membranes was analyzed from the fractionation process of chitosan hydrolysis. The PES membranes in 10, 25, and 50 kDa were used to filter hydrolyzed Low Molecular Weight Chitosan (LMWC) in varied concentrations. The experiment was carried out in crossflow membrane module for flat sheet at room temperature in 1 bar. The permeate flux during filtration decreased rapidly at the initial and gradually over time because of fouling and concentration polarization. The more concentrated hydrolyzed LMWC solution resulted higher percentage of rejection up to almost 20% at the same membrane MWCO while higher MWCO resulted lower rejection percentage for the same hydrolyzed LMWC concentration. The FTIR spectrum of the used membranes of all types had absorption bands of glucosamine which proved that the fractionation process occurred. The time retention in HPLC chromatograms of glucosamine produced were similar with standard glucosamine. Thus, ultrafiltration could be applied for hydrolyzed LMWC fractionation process.Keywords: fractionation; glucosamine; LMWC; MWCO; ultrafiltration