bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paramedian Wiltse Approach for Giant Paraspinal Lumbar Schwannoma: Technical Note and Alternative Approaches
Authors: Wang Christopher P. , Flores-Milan Gabriel , Liu James K. C.
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND:

Paraspinal lumbar schwannomas are primarily located outside of the spinal canal with minimal extension into the neural foramen. Approaching these tumors through a traditional posterior approach can be challenging given their lateral location to the spine and is likely to require extensive bony removal and potential destabilization of the spine. Alternatives approaches have been identified that may circumvent the need for extensive bony removal.

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the use of the paramedian Wiltse approach for giant extraspinal tumors and compare the approach with other nonposterior approaches.

METHODS:

We present 2 cases in which the paramedian Wiltse approach is used to effectively approach large paraspinal schwannomas and achieve complete tumor resection without destabilization of the spine.

RESULTS:

The paramedian Wiltse approach along with expandable retractors systems were able to achieve complete resection of the giant paraspinal schwannomas. Neural preservation was able to be achieved in one case which was facilitated by the exposure achieved through the posterior paramedian corridor that allowed for visualization of the proximal and distal ends of the tumor.

CONCLUSION:

The paramedian Wiltse approach is an ideal approach to target large extraspinal schwannomas for complete resection and potential neural preservation without the need for destabilization of the spine.
La relación entre la agenda política y la agenda mediática en España: el caso de los escándalos de Juan Carlos I.
Authors: Martín-Llaguno Marta , Navarro-Beltr Marián , Berganza Rosa
Published: July 2022

Los medios de comunicación han dedicado espacios crecientes a informar sobre la corrupción. Este hecho no es baladí porque los casos solo se convierten en escándalos cuando consiguen disparar el interés público. Así, los medios ejercen la función de analizar y controlar la actividad de las instituciones políticas. Los parlamentarios desempeñan también esta función y, si la corrupción ha captado crecientemente la atención de los medios, también debería haberlo hecho entre los diputados, puesto que las agendas mediáticas y políticas están estrechamente relacionadas. La labor de fiscalización se torna esencial cuando hay instituciones no sometidas a un control directo como es el caso de la monarquía en España. Desde la abdicación de Juan Carlos I en 2014, la situación de comportamientos irregulares del rey emérito ha captado la atención de la prensa que ha roto su pacto de silencio sobre la monarquía adoptando posiciones diversas. Así, el objetivo de este trabajo es analizar las interifluencias entre la agenda política y la mediática en esta situación. Para ello se recurre a la metodología cuantitativa y se efectúa un análisis de contenido de todas las iniciativas parlamentarias y noticias del El Mundo, El País y El Confidencial relacionadas con el anterior monarca y publicadas entre julio de 2014 y el 15 de marzo de 2021, lo que supone un total de 93 iniciativas y 1.520 noticias. Los principales resultados indican que, aunque existen ciertas interferencias entre la agenda política y la mediática, las relaciones halladas no son fuertes.
Análisis de los comentarios a un pronunciamiento presidencial sobre el COVID-19 en Brasil, realizado el 23 de marzo de 2021.
Authors: Busón Carlos , Carbalí Alexis , Pérez Mendoza Katherin , Diez Rodríguez Ángeles
Published: July 2022

Este trabajo analiza los comentarios sobre los mensajes acerca de un evento determinado en las redes sociales. En este caso los mensajes negacionistas del presidente Jair Bolsonaro, minimizando las consecuencias de la pandemia de COVID-19 sobre la población brasileña. Analiza cómo dichas actitudes funcionan como un sistema de manipulación y adoctrinamiento que se impone sobre el comportamiento de los seguidores de un determinado grupo político. Las redes sociales se han convertido en un importante medio de comunicación para estos grupos que los usan como alternativa a los medios de comunicación tradicionales. Creando espacios y adquiriendo una visibilidad que antes no tendrían en los medios tradicionales. La metodología de trabajo se basó en programas informáticos para el análisis cualitativo asistido por computadora. Siendo posible mediante el uso de algoritmos cuantificar de manera fiable grandes volúmenes de información cualitativa, automatizando buena parte del procesado de los datos y ahorrando tiempo en la interpretación de textos mediante la utilización de análisis lexicométricos. Se analizaron tres canales de comunicación que definen tres grupos diferentes de comentarios que permitieron observar notables diferencias entre los grupos, mientras el canal oficial del Palacio del Planalto era más crítico y se hacían evidentes contradictores con palabras recurrentes como no y mentiroso, el canal de Jair Bolsonaro y el foco do Brasil eran claramente defensores de las ideas propagadas por Bolsonaro, en las que se ve una clara asociación con la palabra presidente, dios y en buena hora. Se concluye que los individuos utilizan las redes sociales y expresan en sus comentarios su estado de ánimo y sentimientos de odio en función del tipo de canal que estén utilizando, así en los canales de Bolsonaro o de sus seguidores su expresión es más abiertamente apasionada.
Os corpos da guerra: fotografia e memória de ex-combatentes mutilados na Guerra Colonial.
Authors: Guimarães-Guedes Denise , Sousa Jorge Pedro
Published: July 2022

O tema dos ex-combatentes da Guerra Colonial volta à pauta através do projeto Despojos de Guerra, do fotojornalista português Leonel de Castro. O projeto traz ao tempo presente as cicatrizes dos ex-combatentes, bem como suas histórias de vida, através de retratos atuais e memórias individuais. As fotografias, realizadas com técnicas analógica e de colódio úmido, apresentam os ex-combatentes e as marcas dos ferimentos que interromperam suas vidas na juventude. Este artigo pretende, assim, refletir sobre a constituição das memórias da mutilação de guerra por meio da fotografia documental e como essas memórias dialogam com o tempo presente. Baseia-se numa análise qualitativa do discurso fotodocumental e das considerações do idealizador do projeto, Leonel de Castro, colhidas em uma entrevista, à luz de um referencial teórico construído a partir dos contributos de Sontag, Costa, Baeza, Barthes e Kossoy, que discutem os usos da fotografia documental, e de Biondi, sobre a representação da dor e do sofrimento no fotojornalismo. A pesquisa propõe duas categorias de análise das imagens fotográficas de Despojos de Guerra, em que as naturezas material e temporal se complementam. Conclui-se que a fotografia documental permite que memórias de fatos antigos permaneçam atuais através de sua materialização em imagens e, além disso, as escolhas dos elementos constitutivos da imagem fotográfica pelo fotógrafo são fundamentais para que determinada mensagem seja transmitida. A análise das imagens, portanto, deve considerar as relações entre tais elementos
Systemic Thinking Skills: Relationship to Epistemological Beliefs and Mathematical Beliefs
Authors: Khaled Elballah A.
Published: July 2022

Systemic thinking skills are an increasingly important aspect of contemporary life for all students. Therefore, the first aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between systemic thinking skills, epistemological beliefs, and mathematical beliefs in a sample of 120 secondary school students aged 16-18 years in Saudi Arabia. The second objective was to examine gender differences in these three variables. Participants answered scales measuring the Systemic Thinking Inventory (STI) and the Mathematical Beliefs Scale (MBS) created by the researcher. Additionally, participants answered the Epistemic Belief Inventory (EBI). Results showed a positive correlation between systemic thinking skills, epistemological beliefs, and mathematical beliefs. In addition, significant differences were found in favor of men on the systemic thinking skills on the holistic vision of the system and systemic synthesis skills subscales and females on the systemic analysis subscale. Significant differences were found in epistemological beliefs. A particular difference was innate knowledge and omniscient authority in favor of males, simple knowledge, certain knowledge, and rapid learning in favor of females. In addition, differences were found for mathematics teacher competence and self-efficacy beliefs in favor of males and the usefulness of learning mathematics, difficulty in mathematics, and enjoyment of mathematics in favor of females. The results are discussed in light of the relevant literature, and suggestions are made.
Comparing flickering and pulsed chromatic pupil light responses
Authors: Tripolone María Constanza , Issolio Luis Alberto , Agüero Carlos , Lavaque Alejandro , Cao Dingcai , Barrionuevo Pablo Alejandro
Published: July 2022

The pupil light reflex (PLR) can serve as a biomarker of the photoreceptor function. Protocols for chromatic PLR consider mostly pulsed stimulation. A more sophisticated and promising technique is based on the PLR to flickering stimulation. Our aim was to compare flickering PLR (fPLR) and pulsed PLR (pPLR) parameters to validate the fPLR paradigm. Two different experiments were carried out in young participants to compare parameters of chromatic pupillary measurements under flickering and pulsed conditions. We found that the fPLR amplitude parameter was significantly associated with the pPLR transient constriction parameter. Also, for some conditions, pulse parameters can be identified directly in the fPLR recordings.
Regulation of soliton inside microresonators with multiphoton absorption and free-carrier effects
Authors: Xu Xin , Ye Huichun , Jin Xueying , Gao Haoran , Chen Dong , Lu Yang , Yu Liandong
Published: July 2022

The influence of frequency detuning on the field in silicon microresonators with multiphoton absorption and FC effect is investigated. In this study, results show that frequency detuning facilitates soliton generation. With appropriate frequency detuning, not only bright solitons but also dark ones can be excited in silicon microresonators, which compensates for the absence of solitons with multiphoton absorption and FC. In particular, the larger the frequency detuning is, the wider is the combs spectrum with 2PA obtained. In order to excite the soliton efficiently, the regulation of frequency detuning with multiphoton absorption and FC effect is also studied. In regulating the frequency detuning process with 2PA, a progressively enhanced soliton can be formed in the region near zero detuning. In the tuning process, 3PA can generate bright and dark solitons respectively at various detuning intervals, and independent bright solitons can be observed in microresonators with 4PA. The research results are significant for studying the generation of solitons in silicon microresonators with multiphoton absorption and FC effect.
Omnidirectional, thin metasurface exhibiting selective absorption for un-polarized broadband incidence
Authors: Xie Qiansen , Feng Huajun , Wu Shangliang , Liu Xu , Xu Zhihai
Published: July 2022

Thin devices with large areas have strong and omnidirectional absorption over a wide bandwidth and are in demand for applications such as energy harvesting, structural color, and vehicle LiDAR (laser detection and ranging). Despite persistent efforts in the design and fabrication of such devices, the simultaneous realization of all these desired properties remains a challenge. In this study, a 190-nm-thick metasurface with an area of 3 cm2, incorporating dielectric cylinder arrays, a chromium layer, a silicon nitride (SiNx) layer, and an aluminum layer is theoretically and experimentally demonstrated. The developed device achieves an average absorptivity of ∼99% (97% in the experiment) in the entire visible spectrum 400–700 nm. Moreover, it exhibits strong absorption over a wide range of incident angles (∼91% and 90% at 60° in the calculation and experiment, respectively). Importantly, the feasibility of applying the developed metasurface absorber to solar thermophotovoltaics and vehicle LiDAR (laser detection and ranging) has been explored. Moreover, the photoresist can be replaced by other glues and easily scaled up to a large area using the roll-to-roll nanoimprinting process. With the excellent spectral properties and performance, this device is promising for large-area applications.
On-chip spin-orbit locking of quantum emitters in 2D materials for chiral emission
Authors: Ma Yichen , Zhao Haoqi , Liu Na , Gao Zihe , Mohajerani Seyed Sepehr , Xiao Licheng , Hone James , Feng Liang , Strauf Stefan
Published: July 2022

Light carries both spin angular momentum (SAM) and orbital angular momentum (OAM), which can be used as potential degrees of freedom for quantum information processing. Quantum emitters are ideal candidates towards on-chip control and manipulation of the full SAM–OAM state space. Here, we show coupling of a spin-polarized quantum emitter in a monolayer

W
S
e

2

with the whispering gallery mode of a

S
i

3

N

4

ring resonator. The cavity mode carries a transverse SAM of

σ
=
±

1

in the evanescent regions, with the sign depending on the orbital power flow direction of the light. By tailoring the cavity–emitter interaction, we couple the intrinsic spin state of the quantum emitter to the SAM and propagation direction of the cavity mode, which leads to spin–orbit locking and subsequent chiral single-photon emission. Furthermore, by engineering how light is scattered from the WGM, we create a high-order Bessel beam which opens up the possibility to generate optical vortex carrying OAM states.
Dimensionality reduction of longitudinal ’omics data using modern tensor factorizations
Authors: Mor Uria , Cohen Yotam , Valdés-Mas Rafael , Kviatcovsky Denise , Elinav Eran , Avron Haim
Published: July 2022

Longitudinal ’omics analytical methods are extensively used in the evolving field of precision medicine, by enabling ‘big data’ recording and high-resolution interpretation of complex datasets, driven by individual variations in response to perturbations such as disease pathogenesis, medical treatment or changes in lifestyle. However, inherent technical limitations in biomedical studies often result in the generation of feature-rich and sample-limited datasets. Analyzing such data using conventional modalities often proves to be challenging since the repeated, high-dimensional measurements overload the outlook with inconsequential variations that must be filtered from the data in order to find the true, biologically relevant signal. Tensor methods for the analysis and meaningful representation of multiway data may prove useful to the biological research community by their advertised ability to tackle this challenge. In this study, we present tcam—a new unsupervised tensor factorization method for the analysis of multiway data. Building on top of cutting-edge developments in the field of tensor-tensor algebra, we characterize the unique mathematical properties of our method, namely, 1) preservation of geometric and statistical traits of the data, which enable uncovering information beyond the inter-individual variation that often takes over the focus, especially in human studies. 2) Natural and straightforward out-of-sample extension, making tcam amenable for integration in machine learning workflows. A series of re-analyses of real-world, human experimental datasets showcase these theoretical properties, while providing empirical confirmation of tcam’s utility in the analysis of longitudinal ’omics data.
Prevalence of and factors associated with high atherogenic index among adults in Nairobi urban informal settlements: The AWI-Gen study
Authors: Wambui David , Mohamed Shukri , Asiki Gershim
Published: July 2022

Dyslipidemia is an important cardiovascular disease predictor. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), a ratio of triglycerides (TG) to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol has been deemed to be more informative as a cardiovascular disease predictor compared to using any single predictor. The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with elevated atherogenic index among people living in low-income urban areas of Nairobi, Kenya. Data used in this study were obtained from a cross-sectional population-based study with 2,003 participants conducted in Nairobi as part of the Africa Wits-INDEPTH Partnership for Genomic Research, AWI-Gen). Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics were collected from the participants. AIP was derived from the log of TG/HDL cholesterol and categorized into low risk (AIP<0.1), intermediate risk (AIP = 0.1–0.24) and high risk (AIP >0.24). Fifty-four percent (54%) of the study participants were women and the mean age of participants enrolled in this study was 48.8 years. Twenty-nine percent (29%) of study participants had high or medium atherogenic risk. Men, HIV patients, individuals with self-reported uncontrolled diabetes and obese individuals were at higher atherogenic risk. We have identified modifiable risk factors which can be addressed to reduce dyslipidemia in this population. Longitudinal studies may help to precisely determine how these factors relate with cardiovascular diseases.
Protein undernutrition reduces the efficacy of praziquantel in a murine model of Schistosoma mansoni infection
Authors: Kadji Fassi Joseph Bertin , Boukeng Jatsa Hermine , Membe Femoe Ulrich , Greigert Valentin , Brunet Julie , Cannet Catherine , Kenfack Christian Mérimé , Gipwe Feussom Nestor , Tienga Nkondo Emilienne , Abou-Bacar Ahmed , Pfaff Alexander Wilhelm , Kamgang René , Kamtchouing Pierre , Tchuem Tchuenté Louis-Albert
Published: July 2022

Background

Undernutrition and schistosomiasis are public health problems and often occur in low and middle-income countries. Protein undernutrition can alter the host-parasite environment system and aggravate the course of schistosomiasis. This study aimed to assess the impact of a low-protein diet on the efficacy of praziquantel.

Methodology/Principal findings

Thirty-day-old mice were fed with a low-protein diet, and 40 days later, they were individually infected with fiftySchistosoma mansonicercariae. A 28-day-treatment with praziquantel at 100 mg/kg for five consecutive days followed by distilled water begins on the 36thday post-infection. Mice were sacrificed on the 64thday post-infection. We determined the parasitological burden, liver and intestine histomorphometry, liver injury, and immunomodulation parameters. Praziquantel treatment of infected mice fed with a standard diet (IN-PZQ) resulted in a significant reduction of worm and egg burdens and a normalization of iron and calcium levels. The therapy also improved schistosomiasis-induced hepatopathy and oxidative stress. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of praziquantel were also significant in these mice. When infected mice receiving the low-protein diet were treated with praziquantel (ILP-PZQ), the body weight loss and hepatomegaly were not alleviated, and the worm and liver egg burdens were significantly higher than those of IN-PZQ mice (P< 0.001). The treatment did not reduce the increased activities of ALT and γ-GGT, the high malondialdehyde concentration, and the liver granuloma volume. The iron and calcium levels were not ameliorated and differed from those of IN-PZQ mice (P< 0.001 andP< 0.05). Moreover, in these mice, praziquantel treatment did not reverse the high level of IL-5 and the low mRNA expression of CCL3/MIP-1α and CXCL-10/IP-10 induced byS.mansoniinfection.

Conclusion/Significance

These results demonstrated that a low-protein diet reduced the schistosomicidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities of praziquantel.
Maternal and/or direct supplementation with a combination of a casein hydrolysate and yeast β-glucan on post-weaning performance and intestinal health in the pig
Authors: Conway Eadaoin , O’Doherty John V. , Mukhopadhya Anindya , Dowley Alison , Vigors Stafford , Maher Shane , Ryan Marion T. , Sweeney Torres
Published: July 2022

A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of maternal supplementation from day 83 of gestation and/or direct supplementation from weaning of a bovine casein hydrolysate plus a yeast β-glucan (CH-YBG) on pig performance and intestinal health on day ten post-weaning. Twenty cross bred gilts (Large White × Landrace) were randomly assigned to one of two dietary groups (n = 10 gilts/group): basal diet (basal sows) and basal diet supplemented with CH-YBG (supplemented sows) from day 83 of gestation until weaning (2g/sow/day). At weaning, 120 pigs (6 pigs/sow) were selected. The two dam groups were further divided, resulting in four experimental groups (10 replicates/group; 3 pigs/pen) as follows: 1) BB (basal sows + basal pigs); 2) BS (basal sows + supplemented pigs); 3) SB (supplemented sows + basal pigs); 4) SS (supplemented sows + supplemented pigs). Supplemented pigs were offered 0.5g CH-YBG/kg of feed for 10 days post-weaning. On day 10 post-weaning, 1 pig/pen was humanely sacrificed and samples were taken from the gastrointestinal tract for analysis. Pigs weaned from supplemented sows (SS, SB) had reduced faecal scores and incidence of diarrhoea (P<0.05) compared to pigs weaned from basal sows (BB, BS), with SS pigs not displaying the transient rise in faecal scores seen in the other three groups from day 3 to day 10 post-weaning (P<0.05). Pigs weaned from supplemented sows had reduced feed intake (P<0.05), improved feed efficiency (P<0.05), increased butyrate concentrations (P<0.05), increased abundance of Lactobacillus (P<0.05) and decreased abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Campylobacteraceae (P<0.05) compared to pigs weaned from basal sows. In conclusion, maternal supplementation increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and decreased the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Campylobacteraceae while also increasing butyrate concentrations. The combination of maternal and direct supplementation led to pigs having the lowest faecal scores compared to all other groups.
Visual occlusion effects on youth football players’ performance during small-sided games
Authors: Santos Sara , Gonçalves Bruno , Coutinho Diogo , Vilas Boas Gabriel , Sampaio Jaime
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to explore how youth players’ physical, technical and positional performance may be affected by visual occlusion when playing under different SSG pitch sizes. Under-15 players performed two experimental scenarios: a) normal situation, without visual occlusion; b) visual occlusion, by using an eye patch in the eye corresponding to the dominant foot. These scenarios were tested in a small (40x30m) and a larger pitch (50x35m). Players’ positional data was used to compute tactical and time-motion variables. In addition, technical analysis was comprised using video footage. Playing with visual occlusion in the larger pitch size induced higher distance covered while walking but lower running distance (p < .05). Although no statistically significant effects were identified between the normal and visual occlusion conditions for the tactical behaviour and technical performance a lower number of successful passes (small to moderate effect sizes) and higher regularity in the distance to the opponent’s team centroid (moderate effect size) were found with visual occlusion. Players covered more distance and achieved higher maximum speed in the larger compared to the small pitch (moderate to large effect size, p < .05), while also increasing their distance to both team’s centroid and increasing the regularity to these distances (moderate to large effect size, p < .05). Overall, despite similar effects for tactical and technical variables, some important practical information can be depicted. Accordingly, coaches may use the visual occlusion to promote more stable and regular behaviors while decreasing the physical demands. Larger pitches may be used to increase the distance between players’ and teams, as well as to induce higher physical load in both the normal and visual occlusion conditions. From the technical perspective, coaches may design smaller pitches to emphasize the use of the non-dominant foot during the occlusion scenario and promote the pass during the normal scenario.
Could the type and severity of gross lesions in pig lymph nodes play a role in the detection of Mycobacterium avium?
Authors: Kaczmarkowska Aleksandra , Didkowska Anna , Brzezińska Sylwia , Klich Daniel , Kwiecień Ewelina , Dolka Izabella , Kociuba Piotr , Rzewuska Magdalena , Augustynowicz-Kopeć Ewa , Anusz Krzysztof
Published: July 2022

TheMycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC) comprises a widespread group of slowly-growing bacteria from theMycobacteriaceae. These bacteria are responsible for opportunistic infections in humans and animals, including farm animals. The aim of the study was to determine whether it is possible to predict the presence ofM.aviumin pig lymph nodes based on the size and type of lesions found during post-mortem examination at a slaughterhouse. Lymph nodes were collected from 10,600 pigs subjected to such post-mortem examination. The nodes were classified with regard to their quality, and the number of tuberculosis-like lesions; following this, 86 mandibular lymph nodes with lesions and 113 without visible macroscopic lesions were selected for further study. Cultures were established onLöwenstein-Jensen and Stonebrink media,and a commercialGenoType Mycobacterium CM test was used to identify and differentiateM.aviumspecies. The prevalence ofM.aviumwas 56.98% in the lymph nodes with lesions and 19.47% in the unchanged ones. Statistical analysis indicated that visual assessment of lesions in the mandibular lymph nodes, in particular the number of tuberculous lesions, is a highly-efficient diagnostic tool. Similar results were obtained for estimated percentage area affected by the lesion, i.e. the ratio of the changed area of the lymph node in cross-section to the total cross-sectional area of the lymph node; however, this method is more laborious and its usefulness in slaughterhouse conditions is limited. By incising the lymph nodes and assessing the number of tuberculosis-like lesions, it is possible to limit the inclusion of meat from pigs infected withM.aviuminto the human food chain.
Rapid and zero-cost DNA extraction from soft-bodied insects for routine PCR-based applications
Authors: Jangra Sumit , Ghosh Amalendu
Published: July 2022

Nucleic acid extraction is the first and foremost step in molecular biology studies. Extraction of DNA from small, soft-bodied insects is often time-consuming and costly. A fast, easy, and cost-effective DNA extraction method with greater yield and purity of DNA would aid in the rapid diagnostics, screening of large populations, and other routine PCR-based applications. The present study evaluated and standardized a rapid and zero-cost DNA extraction from soft-bodied small insects for routine molecular studies. Five rapid DNA extraction methods viz. extraction in sterile distilled water (SDW), 1X phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4), 1.4 M sodium chloride (NaCl), 20 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA, pH 8.0), and elution from blotted nitrocellulose membrane (NCM) were compared with standard CTAB extraction buffer and DNeasy®Blood and Tissue Kit methods. The average yield, purity, storage stability, time, and cost of extraction were assessed for all the methods and compared. A method of DNA extraction by simply crushing the soft-bodied insects in SDW was ideal in terms of yield, purity, storability, and performing routine PCR-based applications including detection of pathogens from vector species. The extraction could be accomplished in 2.5 min only with zero-reagent cost. The method would be useful in rapid molecular diagnostics and screening large populations of soft-bodied insects.
Environmental impact of single-use, reusable, and mixed trocar systems used for laparoscopic cholecystectomies
Authors: Boberg Linn , Singh Jagdeep , Montgomery Agneta , Bentzer Peter
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Climate change is one of the 21st century’s biggest public health issues and health care contributes up to 10% of the emissions of greenhouse gases in developed countries. About 15 million laparoscopic procedures are performed annually worldwide and single-use medical equipment is increasingly used during these procedures. Little is known about costs and environmental footprint of this change in practice.

Methods

We employed Life Cycle Assessment method to evaluate and compare the environmental impacts of single-use, reusable, and mixed trocar systems used for laparoscopic cholecystectomies at three hospitals in southern Sweden. The environmental impacts were calculated using the IMPACT 2002+ method and a functional unit of 500 procedures. Monte Carlo simulations were used to estimate differences between trocar systems. Data are presented as medians and 2.5th to 97.5th percentiles. Financial costs were calculated using Life Cycle Costing.

Results

The single-use system had a 182% higher impact on resources than the reusable system [difference: 5160 MJ primary (4400–5770)]. The single-use system had a 379% higher impact on climate change than the reusable system [difference: 446 kg CO2eq (413–483)]. The single-use system had an 83% higher impact than the reusable system on ecosystem quality [difference: 79 PDF*m2*yr (24–112)] and a 240% higher impact on human health [difference: 2.4x10-4 DALY/person/yr (2.2x10-4-2.6x10-4)]. The mixed and single-use systems had a similar environmental impact. Differences between single-use and reusable trocars with regard to resource use and ecosystem quality were found to be sensitive to lower filling of machines in the sterilization process. For ecosystem quality the difference between the two were further sensitive to a 50% decrease in number of reuses, and to using a fossil fuel intensive electricity mix. Differences regarding effects on climate change and human health were robust in the sensitivity analyses. The reusable and mixed trocar systems were approximately half as expensive as the single-use systems (17360 € and 18560 € versus 37600 €, respectively).

Conclusion

In the Swedish healthcare system the reusable trocar system offers a robust opportunity to reduce both the environmental impact and financial costs for laparoscopic surgery.
How long was it for you? Memories of the duration of the UK covid-19 lockdown
Authors: Ogden Ruth S. , Piovesan Andrea
Published: July 2022

The covid-19 global pandemic has significantly impacted on the daily lives of people across the world. One consequence of this has been significant distortion to the speed at which time feels like it is passing during day-to-day life in comparison with prior to the pandemic. The current study sought to further understanding of the impact of the pandemic on temporal experience by exploring individual differences in the subjective length of the first 12 months of the pandemic in the UK. Using an online questionnaire, subjective judgments of the perceived length of the preceding 12 months were taken. In addition, measures of affect, task load and satisfaction with current levels of social interaction, physical activity, conformity with regulations, perceived covid risk and shielding status were taken. The results showed that only 9% of participants reported that the preceding 12 months felt like 12 months. The majority of participants (57%) reported that it felt like the pandemic had lasted for longer than 12 months, and this feeling was stronger for those who indicated greater levels of depression and anxiety, reduced physical activity, reduced satisfaction with social interaction and being advised to shield.
Avaliação do Uso de um Sistema Web de Apoio à Aplicação de Estratégias de Gamificação: Relato de Experiência
Authors: Nonato Augusto , Portela Carlos , Farias Fabricio , Sarmanho Elton , Sá Marcelo , Ferreira Josué
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACTDespite the increasing use of gamification, there are still few toolsto support the application of this teaching approach. This paperpresents the experience report of a web system adoption that allowsthe teacher to apply gamification strategies in the teaching of aspecific discipline such as phases, medals, scores and rankings. Toevaluation, the system was used in the discipline of Database I. Thedata collection was carried out through a structured questionnaireand the data analysis was conducted based on the benefits reportedin the literature. The results showed a positive experience withthe gamified web system, as well as its recommendation for use inother disciplines in the computing area.
Método para a Classificação de Áreas Queimadas Baseado em Aprendizado de Máquina Automatizado
Authors: Homem Coelho Marcelly , Oliveira Bittencourt Olga , Morelli Fabiano , Santos Rafael
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACTForest fires burn large areas of native vegetation and it causes impacts in the social, economic and ecological scope. Burnt areas classification can help understand fires occurrence and support public policies. This work aims to develop a method of automatic burnt areas classification. The method is based on the application of Automated Machine Learning in data sets, from the Landsat-8/OLI satellite images of 2018 and 2019. We intend to answer the following research question: “Is it possible to automate the choice of machine learning models and maintain quality levels in the classification of burnt areas?”. The contribution of this research is to determine whether a predictive model, trained with validated samples from 2018, is capable of classifying fires occurrences in 2019. For the performance evaluation, the following metrics were analyzed: precision, probability of detection and average success rate. The results indicate that the method has a high potential to classify burnt areas.
What are the Top Used Modules in Python Open-Source Projects?
Authors: Gribel Ito Luana , Helena Inês Moreira Mariana , Brandão Souza Sarah , Pimenta Medeiros Sinara , Lima Phyllipe
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACTWhen a team of developers are creating new software, they mostlikely will use libraries of code that can assist in a given requiredfeature. One source to find these libraries can be popular questionanswerwebsites, blogs, personal web pages and the usage of toolsthat can automatically suggest libraries. Popularity might be onecriterion that developers can use when choosing a library. In thiswork, we performed an empirical evaluation through mining Pythonprojects hosted in GitHub to identify the most popular used modules.We selected 129 projects based on specific criteria, one of thembeing the number of stars that reflects their popularity. To automatethe data extraction process, we developed the PySniffer, an opensourcetool that performs a static code analysis in Python scripts,checking which modules from both the standard library and externalmodules are used in a project. Our tool also has a front-end thatcan display the data more friendly with statistical information. Asa result, we generated a list with the top used modules in Pythonprojects hosted in GitHub, serving as complementary informationalongside the most popular libraries informed in personal blogs andwebsites.
Emulação de emoções em personagens não jogáveis através de técnicas de computação afetiva
Authors: E. C. de Souza Matheus , L.S. Dazzi Rudimar
Published: July 2022

RESUMOUm dos desafios atuais dos jogos é a criação de oponentes artificiaisque proporcionem uma experiência de uma partida entre doisjogadores. Entende-se que um fator determinante para isso são asemoções que o jogador responde durante uma partida. Este trabalhobuscou utilizar as emoções como uma ferramenta de jogabilidade,de modo a simular nos agentes o comportamento emocional presentenos jogadores, por meio de técnicas de computação afetiva.O trabalho foi desenvolvido utilizando o framework GAMYGDALAjuntamente com uma inteligência artificial baseada em lógica Fuzzy.Ao final, o trabalho atingiu seus objetivos, os agentes apresentaramcomportamento emocional que corresponde às suas convicçõespreestabelecidas e situação presente no jogo.
Características de jogos digitais para o público feminino: uma revisão sistemática de literatura
Authors: Da Consolação Machado Mônica , Campos Barretto Yara , Ishitani Lucila
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACTThe growing market for electronic games reaches millions of peopleevery day. Although women represent approximately half ofusers in this sector, the gaming world is still seen predominantlyas male. This situation happens both in digital game design and incareers concerning game development. The gaming market slowlytakes women into account but still has a game design grounded onstereotyped gender characteristics. This work describes a SystematicLiterature Review (SLR) to identify characteristics of digitalgames suitable for female audiences, seek motivations for the girls´involvement in the field of Computing through digital games, andresearch information about games used for motivating women tobecome interested in Computing. We selected twenty-one relevantstudies related to the objective of thiswork. The results obtained canbe helpful for the development of new games focused on women,indirectly contributing to the increased interest of the female publicin the field of Computing.
Predição da Temperatura do Ferro-Gusa em um Alto-Forno utilizando Redes Neurais LSTM
Authors: Seidel Rodrigo , Satie Komati Karin , Oliveira Santos Thiago , De Assis Boldt Francisco , Mutz Filipe , Colombi Resendo Leandro
Published: July 2022

Due to the importance of the steel industry in the national economy and the inherent complexity of operating a blast furnace, it is necessary to study ways to optimize its operation and the consumption of resources, therefore, this work aims to investigate the use of the LSTM (Long Short Term Memory) neural network to perform the prediction of the next temperature of the hot metal being produced. In this way, it is possible to support the work of the blast furnace operators, in order to optimize the consumption of resources to keep the blast furnace operating. With the results obtained from the experiments using the blast furnace operating data as a time series, it is concluded that the use of LSTM is satisfactory and that improvement of these experiments will meet the needs of the steel industry. The best result for LSTM, using 2 layers and 2048 neurons, achieved a Root Mean Square Error of 11.82ºC.
Da Computação Desplugada à programação em Processing: uma experiência com crianças de 8 a 10 anos
Authors: Henrique de Paula Dias da Silva† Marcos , Massashiro Yonezawa Wilson , Edith Tobio Gutierrez Katerine
Published: July 2022

This article discusses, through a didactic experience report,how Unplugged Computing can serve as a scaffold in thelearning and use of the Processing programming language.The respective action took the form of two workshops withchildren aged between 8 and 10 at a municipal school in theinterior of Sa o Paulo. The activities were designed based onthe Mathematics curriculum proposal of that municipality,which served as a foundation to define topics and previousconcepts in the construction of materials. The UnpluggedComputing workshop aimed at a direct relationship with thecommands and organization of information in Processing, itscompilation and coding processes. The Processing workshoptook the previous concrete practices as support structuresand association with the stage of programming,implementation and interpretation of results. Both workshopstogether had as a pillar and main motivation for study, thedevelopment and exploration of skills and common elementsof Computational Thinking.
Protótipo para monitoramento da postura sentada
Authors: Claudino Vinicius , Grando Moreira Benjamin , Claudino Vinicius
Published: July 2022

The need to use part of the house as a place of work and study hasincreased and, consequently, the time spent sitting at the computerhas increased. Therefore, an important aspect is the position inwhich the person is sitting while working or studying. Incorrectpostures can generate fatigue, discomfort and, in the long term,diseases such as varicose veins, herniated discs and even spinaldeformities. This work consists of prototyping a device to monitorthe position in which the person is sitting and to warn when theposture is incorrect. The monitoring developed is carried out in theuse of the chair back and seat of the chair. Strain gage were used tomonitor the distribution of load between the sides of the seat and,on the chair back, reflectance sensors monitor whether the chairback is being used properly.
Estudo da influência dos elementos climáticos em sistemas de baixo custo para monitoramento da qualidade do ar
Authors: Trevisan Tatsch* Daniel , Hoinaski Leonardo , Campo Fernando , Rafael Garcia Ramirez Alejandro
Published: July 2022

The atmospheric pollution alerts to the need to promote thedevelopment of air quality monitoring systems. Equipment withlow implementation cost and energy consumption are highlightedfor highly scalable applications. The datasets generated by thesensors feed machine learning algorithms for the weatherconditions analysis in urban centers. However, sensor technologyused in these systems tends to be less accurate than complexequipment, resulting in a strong correlation between the collecteddata and the climatic elements variation. This paper studies theinfluence of temperature and relative humidity in low cost airquality monitoring systems. This knowledge can generate newapproaches to the monitored metrics conditioning and increasethe robustness of the low cost systems.
Ciência de dados no desenvolvimento da diversidade e da inclusão em ambientes corporativos
Authors: Campigotto Paula , Souza Machado Amanda , Carla de Andrade Gonçalo Tayene , Pires da Silva Evandro
Published: July 2022

Diversity and Inclusion are topics that are increasingly beingaddressed, observed and valued, in view of the various inclusion and diversity programs both in corporate and educational envi-ronments and in the promotion of the idea by the entertainment and marketing industry. However, the reality is different, becausealthough we are evolving in terms of diversity and inclusion as a society, the numbers and indices show that the battle for an egali-tarian and fair environment from the point of view of diversity and inclusion is still in its beginning. Therefore, this document aims to present a product created using data science and software engineer-ing for corporate environments, with the objective of elucidating, through an intuitive interface, the situation of a company regardingits diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Engenharia de Software e Inclusão de Deficientes Visuais: Uma Proposta de Material Concreto 3-D para Modelagem de Sistemas de Informação
Authors: Ferreira de Souza Filho Celio , Julia Menezes Lima Maria , Zarate Sanavria Claudio , Carneiro Cristo Giulia , Gabriel da Silva Pereira Helder , Santos Floriano Nicolas , Caroline da Silva Sara
Published: July 2022

O presente trabalho descreve os resultados de uma pesquisaque consiste no desenvolvimento, aplicação e análise do potencialpedagógico de um material didático concreto 3-D para apoio aoensino e aprendizagem de conceitos de Modelagem de Casos deUso, Classes e Modelagem Relacional de Dados, visando a inclusãode pessoas com deficiência viasual. Partiu-se da hipótese de que ummaterial didático, pensado especificamente e considerando ainclusão, pode contribuir para o aprendizado de modelagem de sistemas de informação. A Engenharia de Software é uma disciplina cujos conteúdos necessitam, em grande parte, do apoiode ferramentas gráficas paraa construção de diagramas. Contudo,essas ferramentas são de difícil leitura por softwares deacessibilidade. Assim, para o desenvolvimentoforam previstas asseguintes etapas: levantamento bibliográfico acerca da temática;busca por trabalhos relacionados; elaboração e modelagem;impressão e construção dos protótipos; aplicação e validação;análise dos resultados. A pesquisa encontra-se na fase deconstrução dos protótipos para aplicação e validação junto aosdocentes e pessoas com deficiência visual. O material tem potencial para registro de patentes, podendo ser disseminado nasredes públicas que ofertam Ensino Médio Integrado na área de Informática, assim como ter o seu uso estendido aos cursos degraduação da área.
Moisture control design has to respond to all relevant hygrothermal loads
Authors: Künzel Hartwig , Dewsbury Mark
Published: July 2022

Moisture-related damage is still a formidable cost factor in the building sector. Besides installation deficiencies, moisture control design failures are the most frequent reasons for moisture problems. Therefore, adequate moisture control analysis has become the key for sustainable buildings. However, by only focusing on vapour diffusion other important moisture loads such as driving rain, construction moisture or air infiltration are mostly neglected. Therefore, international moisture control standards often refer to simulation models for more realistic analysis, leaving many practitioners wondering how to handle these tools. To overcome this dilemma, the updated German moisture control standard has introduced a three-pathway approach for design evaluation: first, deemed to satisfy list, second, restricted Glaser calculation and third, fully fledged hygrothermal simulation. The third pathway includes the option to account for small leaks or imperfections in building envelope components. Guidelines in other countries are also embracing similar moisture control approaches which gives hope for more durable and sustainable building design. To reach this aim, moisture control should also become an integral part of the design process instead of a secondary chore.
Transparencia corporativa sobre capital humano en empresas del retail del Mercado Integrado Latinoamericano (MILA)
Authors: Morales Parada Fernando , Sáez Salazar Jacob
Published: July 2022

Introducción/objetivo: La siguiente investigación se centra en un análisis a los Reportes de Sostenibilidad y Memorias Anuales del 2018 y el 2019 de las empresas del retail que pertenezcan al Mercado Integrado Latinoamericano acerca de la información relativa al desarrollo humano sostenible. Metodología: Con un enfoque descriptivo-correlacional y no experimental se analizaron diversas variables de contenido suministradas en esos reportes para luego construir un índice que midió la divulgación realizada. Resultados: Una alta divulgación sobre desarrollo humano sustentable en países como Colombia, México y Chile; queda Perú como uno de los países con menos información divulgada. Conclusión: El tamaño de la organización según su cantidad de trabajadores es determinante en el nivel de divulgación y la cantidad de mujeres en el directorio en este caso no es determinante de divulgación.