bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and management of cardiometabolic risk in subjects with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A Delphi expert consensus study
Authors: Galderisi Silvana , De Hert Marc , Del Prato Stefano , Fagiolini Andrea , Gorwood Philip , Leucht Stefan , Maggioni Aldo Pietro , Mucci Armida , Arango Celso
Published: January 2021

Background

Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) have worse physical health and reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. In 2009, the European Psychiatric Association, the European Society of Cardiology and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes published a position paper aimed to improve cardiovascular and diabetes care in patients with severe mental illnesses. However, the initiative did not produce the expected results. Experts in SSD or in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases convened to identify main issues relevant to management of cardiometabolic risk factors in schizophrenia patients and to seek consensus through the Delphi method.

Methods

The steering committee identified four topics: 1) cardiometabolic risk factors in schizophrenia patients; 2) cardiometabolic risk factors related to antipsychotic treatment; 3) differences in antipsychotic cardiometabolic profiles; 4) management of cardiometabolic risk. Twelve key statements were included in a Delphi questionnaire delivered to a panel of expert European psychiatrists.

Results

Consensus was reached for all statements with positive agreement higher than 85% in the first round. European psychiatrists agreed on: 1) high cardiometabolic risk in patients with SSD, 2) importance of correct risk management of cardiometabolic diseases, from lifestyle modification to treatment of risk factors, including the choice of antipsychotic drugs with a favourable cardiometabolic profile. The expert panel identified the psychiatrist as the central coordinating figure of management, possibly assisted by other specialists and general practitioners.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates high level of agreement among European psychiatrists regarding the importance of cardiovascular risk assessment and management in subjects with SSD.
Changes in striatal dopamine transporters in bipolar disorder and valproate treatment
Authors: Hsueh Yuan-Shuo , Lin Chih-Ying , Chiu Nan-Tsing , Yang Yen Kuang , Chen Po See , Chang Hui Hua
Published: January 2021

Background

Previous studies suggested that a disturbance of the dopamine system underlies the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). In addition, the therapeutic action of medications for treating BD, such as valproate (VPA), might modulate dopamine system activity, but it remains unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of the striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) in BD patients and in social defeat (SD) mice treated with VPA.

Methods

We enrolled community-dwelling controls (N = 18) and BD patients (N = 23) who were treated with VPA in a euthymic stage. The striatal DAT availabilities were approached by TRODAT-1 single photon emission computed tomography. We also established a chronic SD mouse model and treated mice with 350 mg/kg VPA for 3 weeks. Behavioral tests were administered, and striatal DAT expression levels were determined.

Results

In humans, the level of striatal DAT availability was significantly higher in euthymic BD patients (1.52 ± 0.17 and 1.37 ± 0.23, p = 0.015). Moreover, the level of striatal DAT availability was also negatively correlated with the VPA concentration in BD patients (r = −0.653, p = 0.003). In SD mice, the expression of striatal DAT significantly increased (p < 0.001), and the SD effect on DAT expression was rescued by VPA treatment.

Conclusions

The striatal DAT might play a role in the pathophysiology of BD and in the therapeutic mechanism of VPA. The homeostasis of DAT might represent a new therapeutic strategy for BD patients.
Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab for Treatment-Naïve Metastatic Uveal Melanoma: An Open-Label, Multicenter, Phase II Trial by the Spanish Multidisciplinary Melanoma Group (GEM-1402)
Authors: Piulats José María , Espinosa Enrique , de la Cruz Merino Luis , Varela Mar , Alonso Carrión Lorenzo , Martín-Algarra Salvador , López Castro Rafael , Curiel Teresa , Rodríguez-Abreu Delvys , Redrado Miriam , Gomà Montserrat , Rullán Antonio José , Calvo González Alfonso , Berrocal-Jaime Alfonso
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the combination of nivolumab (nivo) plus ipilimumab (ipi) as a first-line therapy with respect to the 12-month overall survival (OS) in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) who are not eligible for liver resection.

METHODS

This was a single-arm, phase II trial led by the Spanish Multidisciplinary Melanoma Group (GEM) on nivo plus ipi for systemic treatment-naïve patients of age > 18 years, with histologically confirmed MUM, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group-PS 0/1, and confirmed progressive metastatic disease (M1). Nivo (1 mg/kg once every 3 weeks) and ipi (3 mg/kg once every 3 weeks) were administered during four inductions, followed by nivo (3 mg/kg once every 2 weeks) until progressive disease, toxicity, or withdrawal. The primary end point was 12-month OS. OS, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall response rate were evaluated every 6 weeks using RECIST (v1.1). Safety was also evaluated. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models comprising relevant clinical factors were used to evaluate the potential association with response to treatment and survival. Cytokines were quantified in serum samples for their putative role in immune modulation/angiogenesis and/or earlier evidence of involvement in immunotherapy.

RESULTS

A total of 52 patients with a median age of 59 years (range, 26-84 years) were enrolled. Overall, 78.8%, 56%, and 32% of patients had liver M1, extra-liver M1, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Stable disease was the most common outcome (51.9%). The primary end point was 12-month OS, which was 51.9% (95% CI, 38.3 to 65.5). The median OS and PFS were 12.7 months and 3.0 months, respectively. PFS was influenced by higher LDH values.

CONCLUSIONS

Nivo plus ipi in the first-line setting for MUM showed a modest improvement in OS over historical benchmarks of chemotherapy, with a manageable toxicity profile.
Early Interdisciplinary Supportive Care in Patients With Previously Untreated Metastatic Esophagogastric Cancer: A Phase III Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lu Zhihao , Fang Yu , Liu Chang , Zhang Xiaotian , Xin Xiaowei , He Yi , Cao Yanshuo , Jiao Xi , Sun Tianqi , Pang Ying , Wang Yanli , Zhou Jun , Qi Changsong , Gong Jifang , Wang Xicheng , Li Jian , Tang Lili , Shen Lin
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

Effective interventions to improve prognosis in metastatic esophagogastric cancer (EGC) are urgently needed. We assessed the effect of the early integration of interdisciplinary supportive care for patients with metastatic EGC on overall survival (OS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An open-label, phase III, randomized, controlled trial was conducted at Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute. Patients with previously untreated metastatic EGC were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to either early interdisciplinary supportive care (ESC) integrated into standard oncologic care or standard care (SC). ESC was provided by a team of GI medical oncologists, oncology nurse specialists, dietitians, and psychologists; patients in the SC group received standard oncologic care alone. The primary end point was OS in the intention-to-treat population.

RESULTS

Between April 16, 2015, and December 29, 2017, 328 patients were enrolled: 214 in the ESC group and 114 in the SC group. At the data cutoff date of January 26, 2019, 15 (5%) patients were lost to follow-up. The median number of cycles of first-line chemotherapy was five (interquartile range [IQR], 4-7) in the ESC group and four (IQR, 2-6) in the SC group. The median OS was 14.8 months (95% CI, 13.3 to 16.3) in the ESC group and 11.9 months (95% CI, 9.6 to 13.6) in the SC group (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.9; P = .021).

CONCLUSION

The early integration of interdisciplinary supportive care is an effective intervention with survival benefits for patients with metastatic EGC. Further optimization and standardization are warranted.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Selective Internal Radiotherapy With Yttrium-90 Versus Sorafenib in Locally Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Marqueen Kathryn E. , Kim Edward , Ang Celina , Mazumdar Madhu , Buckstein Michael , Ferket Bart S.
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE:

The recent sorafenib versus radioembolization in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (SARAH) and selective internal radiation therapy versus sorafenib in locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (SIRveNIB) trials showed no statistically significant difference in overall survival for randomization to selective internal radiotherapy (SIRT) versus sorafenib for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, although SIRT was better tolerated. Given the high cost of both treatments, we investigated their comparative cost-effectiveness from a US healthcare sector perspective.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We constructed a state-transition microsimulation model to simulate patients allocated to SIRT versus sorafenib according to an intention-to-treat principle. Hazard rates of disease progression and death were based on pooled individual patient data generated from the SARAH and SIRveNIB trials’ Kaplan-Meier curves. Inputs for adverse events, treatment adherence, and quality of life utility weights were derived from trial data as well. Costs were based on Medicare reimbursement rates and literature. We performed probabilistic sensitivity analysis and estimated costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over a 5-year time horizon. We evaluated sensitivity to uncertainty of key model parameters.

RESULTS:

Costs were $78,859 v $58,397 (difference $20,462; 95% uncertainty interval $14,444 to 27,205) and QALYs were 0.88 v 0.87 (difference 0.02, −0.02 to 0.05) for sorafenib versus SIRT, respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of sorafenib was $1,280,224/QALY. The likelihood that sorafenib would be cost effective did not exceed 1%, assuming cost-effectiveness thresholds up to $200k/QALY. If the monthly price of sorafenib decreased from $16,390 to below $7,000, the ICER of sorafenib fell below $200k/QALY, and an ICER < $100k/QALY was reached if the monthly price fell below $6,600.

CONCLUSION:

Sorafenib is unlikely to provide a gain in quality-adjusted survival compared with SIRT at an acceptable cost for the US healthcare sector. Only if the current price decreased by more than 50% would sorafenib be considered economically attractive.
Creating and Validating a Predictive Model for Suitability of Hospital at Home for Patients With Solid-Tumor Malignancies
Authors: Chen Kevin , Desai Keval , Sureshanand Soundari , Adelson Kerin , Schwartz Jeremy I. , Gross Cary P. , Chaudhry Sarwat I.
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE:

Hospital at home (HaH) is a means of providing inpatient-level care at home. Selection of admissions potentially suitable for HaH in oncology is not well studied. We sought to create a predictive model for identifying admissions of patients with cancer, specifically solid-tumor malignancies, potentially suitable for HaH.

METHODS:

In this observational study, we analyzed admissions of patients with solid-tumor malignancies and unplanned admissions (January 1, 2015, to June 12, 2019) at an academic, urban cancer hospital. Potential suitability for HaH was the primary outcome. Admissions were considered potentially suitable if they did not involve escalation of care, rapid response evaluation, in-hospital death, telemetry, surgical procedure, consultation to a procedural service, advanced imaging, transfusion, restraints, and nasogastric tube placement. Admission source, patient demographics, vital signs, laboratory test results, comorbidities, admission and active cancer diagnoses, and recent hospital utilization were included as candidate variables in a multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS:

Of 3,322 admissions, 905 (27.2%) patients were potentially suitable for HaH. After variable selection in the derivation cohort (n = 1,097), thirteen factors predicted potential suitability: admission source; temperature and respiratory rate at presentation; hemoglobin; breast cancer, GI cancer, or malignancy of secondary or ill-defined origin; admission for genitourinary, musculoskeletal, or neurologic symptoms, intestinal obstruction or ileus, or evaluation of secondary malignancy; and emergency department visit in prior 90 days. Model c-statistics were 0.71 (95% CI, 0.68 to 0.75) and 0.63 (0.59 to 0.67) in the derivation and validation (n = 1,095) cohorts.

CONCLUSION:

Hospital admissions of patients potentially suitable for HaH may be identifiable using data available at admission.
Utility of Serial cfDNA NGS for Prospective Genomic Analysis of Patients on a Phase I Basket Study
Authors: Smyth Lillian M. , Reichel Jonathan B. , Tang Jiabin , Patel Juber Ahamad A. , Meng Fanli , Selcuklu Duygu S. , Houck-Loomis Brian , You Daoqi , Samoila Aliaksandra , Schiavon Gaia , Li Bob T. , Razavi Pedram , Piscuoglio Salvatore , Reis-Filho Jorge S. , Taylor Barry S. , Baselga José , Solit David B. , Hyman David M. , Berger Michael F. , Chandarlapaty Sarat
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis offers a noninvasive means to access the tumor genome. Despite limited sensitivity of broad-panel sequencing for detecting low-frequency mutations in cfDNA, it may enable more comprehensive genomic characterization in patients with sufficiently high disease burden. We investigated the utility of large-panel cfDNA sequencing in patients enrolled to a Phase I AKT1-mutant solid tumor basket study.

METHODS

Patients had AKT1 E17K-mutant solid tumors and were treated on the multicenter basket study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01226316 ) of capivasertib, an AKT inhibitor. Serial plasma samples were prospectively collected and sequenced using exon-capture next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of 410 genes (Memorial Sloan Kettering [MSK]-Integrated Molecular Profiling of Actionable Cancer Target [IMPACT]) and allele-specific droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) for AKT1 E17K. Tumor DNA (tDNA) NGS (MSK-IMPACT) was also performed on available pretreatment tissue biopsy specimens.

RESULTS

Among 25 patients, pretreatment plasma samples were sequenced to an average coverage of 504×. Somatic mutations were called in 20/25 (80%), with mutant allele fractions highly concordant with ddPCR of AKT1 E17K ( r2= 0.976). Among 17 of 20 cfDNA-positive patients with available tDNA for comparison, mutational concordance was acceptable, with 82% of recurrent mutations shared between tissue and plasma. cfDNA NGS captured additional tumor heterogeneity, identifying mutations not observed in tDNA in 38% of patients, and revealed oncogenic mutations in patients without available baseline tDNA. Longitudinal cfDNA NGS (n = 98 samples) revealed distinct patterns of clonal dynamics in response to therapy.

CONCLUSION

Large gene panel cfDNA NGS is feasible for patients with high disease burden and is concordant with single-analyte approaches, providing a robust alternative to ddPCR with greater breadth. cfDNA NGS can identify heterogeneity and potentially biologically informative and clinically relevant alterations.
Slow Photon-induced Enhancement of Photocatalytic Activity of Gold Nanoparticle-incorporated Titania Inverse Opal
Authors: Raja-Mogan Tharishinny , Lehoux Anais , Takashima Mai , Kowalska Ewa , Ohtani Bunsho
Published: January 2021

Here, we report a novel structured material, titania inverse-opal photonic crystal with or without a single gold nanoparticle in each void, to provide a photoabsorption design strategy as enhanced photoreaction rates, only when wavelengths of photoirradiation, photoabsorption (by gold nanoparticles or titania), and photonic-bandgap edge are trebly matched.
Blueish-white-light-emitting Nanographenes Developed by Pd-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura Cross Coupling Reactions
Authors: Nishitani Shohei , Sekiya Ryo , Matsumoto Ikuya , Haino Takeharu
Published: January 2021

Top-down methods produce nanographenes with many carboxy groups on their edges. These functional groups can be utilized for developing multichromophoric systems. As proof of concept, pyrene is installed on the edges by Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. The lack of monomer emissions from the functionalized nanographenes indicates that the neighboring chromophores are sufficiently distant to form the excimer. The pyrene-installed nanographene emits bluish-white-light. Its lipophilic nature allows fabricating a nanographene-dispersed polymethyl methacrylate film emitting visible light.
Synthesis of Polysiloxanes with Functional Groups by Using Organometallic Carboxylate Catalysts
Authors: Matsuno Ryosuke , Ito Takamasa , Takamatsu Shigeaki , Takahara Atsushi
Published: January 2021

Linear polysiloxanes were synthesized by using organometallic carboxylic acid catalysts containing tin, zinc, or iron. By optimizing the amount of catalyst and the reaction temperature, polysiloxanes could be synthesized from dialkoxysilanes linked with vinyl monomers by the thiol–ene reaction. Furthermore, cross-linked polysiloxanes could be formed through interactions between the catalyst and the carboxylic acid in the monomer side chain.
Imaging features based on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI for predicting vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Fan Yanfen , Yu Yixing , Hu Mengjie , Wang Ximing , Du Mingzhan , Guo Lingchuan , Hu Chunhong
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To investigate the non-invasive prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with vessels encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) based on qualitative and quantitative imaging features of gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced MRI.

Methods:

109 patients with pathologically confirmed HCC who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI and immunochemical staining for CD34 were retrospectively evaluated in our institution (the first affiliated hospital of Soochow university). Pre-operative imaging features of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI were qualitatively and quantitatively reviewed by radiologists. Significant variables for differentiating the VETC-positive and VETC-negative HCCs were identified in univariate and multivariate analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off values for quantitative variables. The nomogram based on the coefficient of multivariate analysis was constructed to evaluate the probability of VETC-positive HCCs.

Results:

The multivariate analysis showed that the serum AST level >40 U  l−1 (p = 0.007), non-rim diffuse and heterogeneous arterial phase hyperenhancement (p = 0.035), tumor-to-liver SI ratio of 1.135 or more on AP images (p = 0.001), and tumor-to-liver SI ratio of 0.585 or less on HBP images (p = 0.002) were significant predictors for predicting VETC-positive HCCs. Combing all four significant variables provided a diagnostic accuracy of 82.6%, sensitivity of 83.9%, specificity of 80.9% for identifying VETC status. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve value of the logistical regression coefficient-based nomogram was 0.885 (95% confidence intervals, 0.824–0.946).

Conclusion:

Qualitative and quantitative imaging features of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI integrating laboratory examination can provide good diagnostic performance.

Advances in knowledge:

VETC is a novel identified microvascular pattern; associations between imaging features and VETC status have not been investigated. Pre-operative diagnosis of VETC status in HCC is essential to help predict the outcome of patients and make a decision for the therapeutic schedule.
Impact of livestock interventions on maternal and child nutrition outcomes in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Muema Josphat , Oyugi Julius , Bukania Zipporah , Nyamai Mutono , Jost Christine , Daniel Tewoldeberhan , Njuguna Joseph , Thumbi Samuel Mwangi
Published: January 2021

The challenge of undernutrition (stunting and wasting) still remains a major health concern in children below 5 years of age in Africa, with the continent accounting for more than one third of all stunted children and more than one quarter of all wasted children globally. Despite the growing evidence on the role of agriculture interventions in improving nutrition, empirical evidence on the impact of livestock intervention on nutrition in Africa is scant.

This review is aimed at determining whether livestock interventions are effective in reducing undernutrition in children below five years of age and in pregnant and lactating women in Africa. The review will be conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Major electronic databases will be searched and complemented with grey and non-indexed literature from google and google scholar, and expert consultation for additional articles and reports. PICO criteria will be used while employing search strategies including MeSH, Boolean search operators and truncation/wildcard symbol to narrow or broaden the search. Articles on effect of livestock interventions on maternal and child nutrition conducted in Africa that meet the set inclusion criteria will be included in the review after critical appraisal by two independent reviewers. A standardized form will be used to extract data from included studies. The extracted data will be summarized and synthesized both qualitatively and quantitatively and key outcomes presented. Evidence generated from the systematic review and meta-analysis will be important for guiding nutrition sensitive livestock interventions and policies on nutrition programming, specifically on how to leverage on livestock interventions to reduce the burden of undernutrition.
UMA RELEITURA DA ORIGEM GEOMÉTRICA DO TEOREMA FUNDAMENTAL DO CÁLCULO PARA O AUXÍLIO NO ENSINO SUPERIOR
Authors: Quintino de Oliveira Junior Rogerio Luiz
Published: January 2021

Este trabalho pretende apresentar a origem do mais importante resultado do Cálculo Diferencial e Integral: o Teorema Fundamental do Cálculo, em sua versão geométrica como concebida por Isaac Barrow, como meio facilitador de ensino da disciplina de Cálculo para cursos superiores. A História da Matemática e a maneira como os matemáticos do século XVII pensavam, neste caso, tencionam dirimir a dificuldade que os alunos desses cursos têm em entender como que os processos de derivação e integração podem ser inversos. Para alcançar este objetivo de aprendizagem, apresentamos, também, um exemplo prático de aplicação da prova feita por Barrow usando funções e a notação matemática atual.
TECNOLOGIAS DE INFORMAÇÃO E COMUNICAÇÃO NO ENSINO DA LÍNGUA PORTUGUESA NO ENSINO MÉDIO: UMA REVISÃO DE LITERATURA / Information and communication technologies in Portuguese Language education in High School: a literature review
Authors: Vergna Márcia Aparecida
Published: January 2021

Este artigo objetiva apresentar a revisão de literatura de teses e dissertações que abordam a integração das tecnologias de informação e comunicação no ensino da Língua Portuguesa na última etapa da educação básica, o ensino médio. Para isso, foram utilizadas duas bases de dados: Banco de Teses da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) e Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD), com as palavras-chave “tecnologias”, “língua portuguesa” e “ensino médio”, tendo como recorte temporal as publicações feitas entre 2013 e 2019. Após exclusão de textos coincidentes e seleção de trabalhos de interesse, foram analisados 22, sendo 18 dissertações e 4 teses. Os dados sinalizam que o número de produções relacionadas a essa temática nesse nível de ensino ainda é incipiente; a maioria das produções concentra-se nas regiões Sul e Sudeste; há prevalência de pesquisas que investigam o impacto do uso das TIC na prática do professor, bem como o desenvolvimento do letramento dos alunos em ambiente digital na perspectiva dos multiletramentos; o professor é a peça fundamental na condução desse processo de ensino e aprendizagem, sendo importante que tenha formação docente ou continuada para que os artefatos tecnológicos não sejam subutilizados no espaço escolar. Em tempos de pandemia, espera-se que este estudo possa contribuir não só para mostrar o panorama das pesquisas acadêmicas, mas também para subsidiar reflexões sobre o enorme desafio que tem se imposto na educação na atualidade marcada por linhas digitais em um Brasil tão desigual.
DIREITOS HUMANOS E O DIREITO À EDUCAÇÃO EM TEMPOS DE COVID-19: DESIGUALDADE SOCIAL E EDUCACIONAL NO CONTEXTO DA SOCIEDADE / Human Rights and the right to education in Covid-19 times: a look at the context of deaf education
Authors: Moitinho Sara
Published: January 2021

O presente artigo reflete sobre a educação bilingue de crianças surdas no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19, a partir de concepções teóricas das temáticas dos Direitos Humanos e do direito à educação. Tomamos como referência a Lei nº 10.436/2002, que oficializa o ensino de Libras e a Política Nacional de Educação de Especial na Perspectiva da Educação inclusiva, para refletirmos sobre as desigualdades educacionais que estão sendo aprofundadas com a suspensão de aulas presenciais e apresentaremos, uma pesquisa informal realizada com familiares de estudantes surdos. A pesquisa, que recolheu relatos sobre as experiências de estudantes surdos e suas famílias no ensino remoto, contemplou os princípios éticos da pesquisa em Educação, tendo sido realizada uma avaliação cuidadosa com compromisso individual, social e coletivo dos envolvidos, garantindo o anonimato das participantes. Analisamos, nas narrativas recolhidas, percepções das participantes sobre os impactos da suspensão das aulas presenciais na escolarização bilingue de seus filhos. Tendo em vista que a educação de surdos é marcada por questões linguísticas, sociais e culturais, queremos pensar, a partir das questões levantadas nesses relatos, sobre a forma como o cenário provocado pelo afastamento da escola está afetando educandos surdos e suas famílias, grupo este em condição de fragilidade por dificilmente encontrar acessibilidade aos materiais e conteúdos em sua língua materna.
TECNOLOGIAS EDUCACIONAIS NO ENADE DO CURSO DE LICENCIATURA EM LETRAS: ANÁLISE DE 2005 A 2017
Authors: Silva Daíne Cavalcanti da , Brito Glaucia Da Silva
Published: January 2021

O foco deste estudo é analisar como são avaliados os professores de língua em formação, no que diz respeito às tecnologias educacionais, nas provas do ENADE (Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio) para o curso de Licenciatura em Letras, considerando o contexto da cibercultura. O objetivo do ENADE é verificar o rendimento dos alunos em comparação às diretrizes curriculares do curso. O corpus foi composto dos documentos publicados pelo INEP para a realização das avaliações e das provas aplicadas aos estudantes, nos anos de 2005 a 2017, bem como as diretrizes que norteiam o curso. A base teórica pautou-se em Brito e Purificação (2015), Kenski (2012), Moran, Mazetto e Behrens (2013) e Garcia-Vera (2003), Lévy (2010) e Lemos (2003), tem-se ainda os verbetes do Dicionário crítico de educação e tecnologias e de educação a distância organizado por Daniel Mill (2018). Foi realizada a análise de conteúdo do corpus a partir das categorias criadas, considerando a metodologia proposta por Bardin (2016). Confirmou-se a existência de questões que abordam a temática tecnologias educacionais e que ao longo dos anos houve uma preocupação em avaliar o entendimento dos professores de língua em formação para além da inserção de equipamentos nos ambientes de ensino. Percebeu-se ainda um aumento quantitativo e qualitativo ao longo dos anos em relação às questões aplicadas; temas foram incluídos e foi exigido dos licenciandos uma reflexão sobre a relação entre conteúdos e metodologias no ensino de línguas concernente às tecnologias educacionais.
INTERCÂMBIO VIRTUAL: CONTRIBUIÇÕES PARA A APRENDIZAGEM DA LÍNGUA INGLESA DE ESTUDANTES DE LETRAS
Authors: Rabello Cíntia Regina Lacerda
Published: January 2021

Reconhecendo o potencial da comunicação mediada por computador (CMC) e, mais especificamente, do intercâmbio virtual para a aprendizagem de línguas estrangeiras, este estudo de caso descritivo e de cunho etnográfico tem como objetivo investigar como a participação em um intercâmbio virtual (O’DOWD, 2018) pode contribuir para a aprendizagem da língua inglesa e o desenvolvimento da competência comunicativa de estudantes de Letras em uma universidade federal. A pesquisa tem como contexto o Projeto International Virtual Exchange (IVE), desenvolvido pelo Mororan Institute of Technology, no Japão, que utiliza a plataforma Moodle para as interações entre estudantes universitários de cursos de inglês como língua estrangeira em diferentes países na Ásia, Europa e América do Sul a partir do uso do inglês como língua franca (HAGLEY, 2017). O estudo buscou identificar o engajamento e participação dos estudantes brasileiros no intercâmbio virtual e a sua percepção em relação às contribuições do intercâmbio para a aprendizagem da língua inglesa e o desenvolvimento da competência comunicativa. A aquisição de vocabulário e o uso de tecnologias digitais foram identificadas como principais contribuições do projeto para a aprendizagem da língua inglesa.
AQUISIÇÃO DE INGLÊS COMO LÍNGUA ADICIONAL ATRAVÉS DA MESCLAGEM CONCEPTUAL EM VIDEOGAMES DE RPG
Authors: Leão-Junqueira Luciana Braga Carneiro
Published: January 2021

O presente texto é um resumo da tese que objetivou analisar o conhecimento lexical em inglês como língua adicional desenvolvido através da formação e expansão de modelos cognitivos idealizados e frames na mente de jogadores durante a leitura extensiva propiciada por jogos de videogame de RPG. Como resultados, foram apresentadas propostas de representação dos modelos cognitivos idealizados e frames (FAUCONNIER, 1994) desenvolvidos pelos participantes durante o processamento cognitivo do vocabulário em inglês apresentado durante a fase jogada, bem como discussões sobre os processos que levaram aos seus desenvolvimentos, em especial as estratégias de aprendizagem (OXFORD, 1999; 2017; CARDOSO, 2016) empregadas pelos participantes, a mesclagem conceptual (FAUCONNIER, 1997) entre modelos cognitivos idealizados em língua materna e em inglês como língua adicional durante o jogo, e o grau de contribuição da multimodalidade (KREES; VAN LEEUWEN, 1996; HEMAIS, 2015) na mesclagem conceptual desses modelos cognitivos idealizados. A premissa da presente pesquisa era a de que a redundância de informações provida pela multimodalidade presente nos jogos de videogame de RPG permitiria a formulação de hipóteses de modelos cognitivos idealizados na língua adicional a partir de modelos já existentes em língua materna. Tal premissa foi corroborada pelos dados analisados, através dos quais foi possível concluir que as hipóteses elaboradas pelos aprendizes são levantadas através de estratégias de aprendizagem relacionadas ao uso da multimodalidade, testadas pelos mesmos através do processo de mesclagem conceptual e, consequentemente, comprovadas ou reformuladas, desencadeando o aprendizado de inglês como língua adicional.
AÇÕES FORMATIVAS (INSTITUCIONAIS) PARA A DOCÊNCIA NO ENSINO SUPERIOR NAS UNIVERSIDADES PÚBLICAS FEDERAIS BRASILEIRAS
Authors: Silva Judilma Oliveira
Published: January 2021

O artigo trata da síntese da tese, desenvolvida no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação (PPGE), da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), investigou: como as Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES), especificamente as Universidades Públicas Federais Brasileiras, estão desenvolvendo ações institucionais voltadas à formação dos docentes, e de que forma a cultura digital está integrada a esses processos formativos? O objetivo foi mapear, no Brasil e nas Universidades Públicas Federais, os programas institucionais voltados para a formação docente. A base teórica fundamenta-se em Masetto (2015), Zabalza (2004), Nóvoa (2016), Pimenta e Anastasiou (2010), entre outros. A opção metodológica encontrou na fenomenologia a inspiração epistemológica para a produção dos dados e a compreensão dos significados produzidos pelas IES. O campo foi: a) aplicação de questionário, em 2016; b) entrevistas em seis IES de uma amostra de dez selecionadas; c) entrevistas com três IES das dez que haviam participado de um projeto piloto, em 2014. Percebeu-se que os processos formativos para as docências no Ensino Superior estão em crescimento, ainda que pesem situações de extinção do setor encarregado para tal e/ou incorporação das atividades por outro setor. Ressalta-se uma devolutiva de 70% das IES pesquisadas e os resultados sinalizaram avanços nas ofertas formativas propostas pelas instituições,  ênfase na perspectiva instrumental quanto aos usos das TIC, com integração de recursos tecnológicos nos cursos, em detrimento de uma perspectiva culturalista. Existem boas possibilidades de incorporação da cultura digital, faz-se necessário estabelecer uma cultura institucional que reconheça e valorize a prática pedagógica dos docentes universitários.
EDUCOMUNICAÇÃO: PRÁTICAS E DESAFIOS DO USO DO RÁDIO NAS ESCOLAS ROTARY E MADRE IMACULADA, EM SANTARÉM
Authors: Dos Santos Joelma Viana
Published: January 2021

O uso do rádio como recurso pedagógico nas escolas Rotary e Madre Imaculada, no município de Santarém, oeste do Pará, foi o objeto de estudo desta pesquisa com o objetivo de compreender se esta mídia de comunicação ainda apresenta potencialidades pedagógicas para a aprendizagem de crianças e adolescentes, e se de fato favorece o protagonismo dos estudantes envolvidos no processo. Nesta perspectiva realizou-se um estudo de caso do projeto Sintonia da Educação na Escola Rotary, e uma pesquisa participantes na Rádio Fala, Galera! da Escola Madre Imaculada. Utilizou-se como método de investigação pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, bem como entrevistas com os atores envolvidos e observação. Verificou-se que a Secretaria de Educação do município não tem um registro das rádios escolares de Santarém. Observou-se ainda, que o objeto de investigação abre inúmeras possibilidades na escola, mesmo apresentando deficiências que só podem ser corrigidas se os governos assumirem os projetos como políticas de Estado, oferecendo recursos financeiros e capacitação para que os professores possam desempenhar suas atividades em sala de aula.
RODOVIAS NA AMAZÔNIA E AS MUDANÇAS RECENTES NA CIRCULAÇÃO REGIONAL
Authors: Neto Thiago Oliveira
Published: January 2021

As rodovias e os projetos governamentais na Amazônia ocasionaram diversas transformações territoriais com o estabelecimento de fluxos entre essa região e as demais do país. Novas transformações estão em andamento nessa região com o processo de conclusão da rodovia BR-163, no estado do Pará, e com a retomada da trafegabilidade sazonal na BR-319, no estado do Amazonas. Nesse contexto, esse texto aborda as transformações nos dois eixos rodoviários e a expansão dos investimentos da logística corporativa em duas frações territoriais distintas da Amazônia brasileira.
ANÁLISE DA EFETIVIDADE DE PLANOS DE MANEJO PARA O DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL EM PARQUES ESTADUAIS DE MATO GROSSO DO SUL
Authors: Pinto Jorge Souza , Souza Celso Correia , Pinto André Luiz , Pinto Valéria Peron de Souza , Oppliger Emília Alibio , Oliveira Ademir Kleber Morbeck
Published: January 2021

Este estudo objetivou o desenvolvimento de um índice para analisar a efetividade dos planos de manejo em Parques Estaduais no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, levando-se em consideração os planos aprovados e em fase de aplicação. Foram utilizados dados estruturados dos parques, obtidos por meio da aplicação de formulários de coleta de dados, buscando desenvolver um índice da conformidade dos parques, em relação a sua capacidade de manutenção dos níveis de preservação e conservação. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram a fragilidade de efetivação dos planos, além de falhas em instrumentos de orientação e tomada de decisão para sua gestão. O Parque Estadual Pantanal do Rio Negro apresentou o maior Nível de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, fator decorrente de sua localização e entorno. O Parque Estadual do Prosa, a menor nota, situação também derivada de sua localização e entorno. Por outro lado, o Parque Estadual do Prosa se destaca em relação Nível de Efetividade do Desenvolvimento Sustentável, pois devido sua estrutura receptiva, é o mais adequado ao uso coletivo, situação quase inexistente nos demais parques avaliados. No geral, os índices obtidos apontam para perda de qualidade ambiental das áreas, sendo que tal situação pode acarretar perda de biodiversidade.
AS GEOTECNOLOGIAS NA IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE FATORES INFLUENCIADORES DA VULNERABILIDADE DA DISSEMINAÇÃO DA COVID-19: UM ESTUDO DE CASO NA FASE DE REABERTURA DO MUNICÍPIO DE NITERÓI
Authors: Do Vale Vitor Hugo Chagas , Leal Thiago Dos Santos , Mello Luize De Oliveira Ferraro , Braz Ricardo Marinho Soares
Published: January 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo demonstrar os resultados obtidos com a aplicação de ferramentas geotecnológicas para a realização de algumas análises espaciais relacionadas à disseminação dos casos covid-19 na cidade de Niterói (RJ) tendo em vista a flexibilização das medidas de isolamento social praticadas neste município. O desenvolvimento desta pesquisa foi estruturado com base em pesquisa documental do site da Prefeitura de Niterói, levantamento de dados espaciais abertos como número de covid-19 casos por bairro entre 15/06/2020 a 27/07/2020, localização de espaços públicos e espaços privados com grande potencial para aglomeração e também localização de aglomerados subnormais. Por fim, foi realizada uma análise da interface entre as variáveis analisadas e a proliferação de covid-19 no período de tempo definido para esta pesquisa. Como resultado, após reabertura entre 22/06/2020 até 29/06/2020, constatou-se que o número de casos aumentou em 39% em relação ao período anterior. Foram registrados 394 casos novos no bairro de Icaraí, local com maior número de contaminações no município de Niterói. Esses casos se concentraram em áreas com grande densidade de locais religiosos, praças públicas, hospitais, parques urbanos e também áreas próximas as comunidades. Portanto, é possível concluir que a reabertura pode ter impactado no aumento da vulnerabilidade à infecção.Este artigo tem como objetivo demonstrar os resultados obtidos com a aplicação de ferramentas geotecnológicas para a realização de algumas análises espaciais relacionadas à disseminação dos casos covid-19 na cidade de Niterói (RJ) tendo em vista a flexibilização das medidas de isolamento social praticadas neste município. O desenvolvimento desta pesquisa foi estruturado com base em pesquisa documental do site da Prefeitura de Niterói, levantamento de dados espaciais abertos como número de covid-19 casos por bairro entre 15/06/2020 a 27/07/2020, localização de espaços públicos e espaços privados com grande potencial para aglomeração e também localização de aglomerados subnormais. Por fim, foi realizada uma análise da interface entre as variáveis analisadas e a proliferação de covid-19 no período de tempo definido para esta pesquisa. Como resultado, após reabertura entre 22/06/2020 até 29/06/2020, constatou-se que o número de casos aumentou em 39% em relação ao período anterior. Foram registrados 394 casos novos no bairro de Icaraí, local com maior número de contaminações no município de Niterói. Esses casos se concentraram em áreas com grande densidade de locais religiosos, praças públicas, hospitais, parques urbanos e também áreas próximas as comunidades. Portanto, é possível concluir que a reabertura pode ter impactado no aumento da vulnerabilidade à infecção.
The relational dynamics of women with obstetric fistula in Africa: a narrative review
Authors: Karega Muchiri
Published: January 2021

Background/Aims

Obstetric fistula has profound psychological effects on women and influences how they are treated by their family members. This study aimed to identify the relational dynamics of women that had experienced fistula through a narrative review, and determine the extent to which treatment recommendations in the studies reviewed targeted the identified dynamics.

Methods

This study was a narrative review using a systematic approach, which analysed treatment and care of obstetric fistula patients in Africa. The search was conducted between January and May 2020 for studies published in English between 2006 and 2020. The search used five electronic journal databases: BioMed, SAGE, ScienceDirect, Taylor and Francis Online and Wiley Online.

Results

Obstetric fistula commonly resulted in unhealthy relational dynamics that had negative effects both on women and their family systems. Despite these findings, most studies did not recommend interventions specific to the family systems of the women.

Conclusions

It is important to expand the focus of obstetric fistula treatment from an individual to a systemic level. Increased collaboration between mental health practitioners and medical staff in the treatment of obstetric fistula is needed, in order to improve quality of care.
Life as a locum
Authors: Kaur Suki
Published: January 2021

Most health professionals are likely to weigh up the pros and cons of becoming a locum at some point in their careers. The prospect of being able to choose where and when you do or do not work is often a big pull. In this first instalment of the JPP Paramedic Roles column, Suki Kaur, who has been a paramedic since 2013, explores why she decided to become a locum emergency care practitioner 3 years ago.
Availability Analysis of Hybrid Systems Consisting of Main Units and Cold Standby Processors
Authors: Yusuf Ibrahim , Usman Nafisatu Muhammad , Bala Saminu Iliyasu
Published: January 2021

The present paper studies availability of four hybrid systems configured as series-parallel systems. Each system or configuration consisting of main units and their corresponding processors. Configuration I consist of three processors is a 2-out-of-3 unit connected to 2-out-of-3 processors, Configuration II is a 2-out-of-3 unit connected to 2-out-of-4 processors, Configuration III is a 2-out-of-4 unit connected to 2-out-of-4 processors while Configuration IV is a 2-out-of-4 unit connected to 2-out-of-3 processors. The failure and repair times of units and their processors are assumed to be exponentially distributed. Explicit expressions for steady state availability are developed for each system using first order linear differential difference equations and validated by performing numerical experiments. Analysis of the effect of various system parameters on availability was performed. Graphical illustrations are given to highlight important results. The systems are ranked based on their availability and found that Configuration IV is better. Sensitivity analysis on the model’s outcomes are performed using partial rank correlation coefficients (PRCC) to determine the most critical parameters leading to increase (decrease) in the value of availability.
Does tracking really affect labour-market outcomes in the long run? Estimating the long-term effects of secondary-school tracking in West Germany
Authors: Traini Claudia , Kleinert Corinna , Schindler Steffen
Published: January 2021

This article aims to estimate to what extent track attendance in secondary education in Germany affects labour-market outcomes for individuals with similar starting conditions. We argue that track attendance creates path dependencies that lead to different positions in the occupational structure. We also investigate whether such effects vanish when we control for final educational attainment and whether they are moderated by social origin. We pooled the German Life History Study (GLHS 1964 and 1971) with the Adult Cohort of the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS-SC6), analysing the educational and employment histories for the cohorts born between 1964 and 1986 in West Germany. We condition on observables employing Covariate Balancing Propensity Score matching (CBPS). Since in both data sets information on pre-tracking ability is missing, we apply a method to approximate controlling for selection into school tracks, which makes use of GPA information at the end of first secondary schooling. Our results show that, on average, marginal students who were exposed to a lower track have lower International Socio-Economic Index (ISEI) scores and are less likely to enter the service class. As expected, when we condition on final educational attainment, the statistically significant differences disappear. We do not find complete support of moderation effects by social backgrounds as the evidence for compensatory advantage of students from privileged class background is confined to those in the lowest school track. We conclude that our data provide supports for path dependencies of track exposure.
Line field Fourier domain optical coherence tomography based on a spatial light modulator
Authors: Wang Yahui , Liu Xuan
Published: January 2021

In this study, we developed a line-field Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (LF-FDOCT) system that performs lateral scanning using a two-dimension spatial light modulator and detects multiple channels of spectral domain OCT signal in parallel using a two-dimensional sensor. The LF-FDOCT system eliminates the need for mechanical scanning to acquire volumetric OCT data. It allows parallel acquisition of signal for B mode scan imaging through snapshot detection and offers unprecedented flexibility to select a fast scanning dimension. In this work, we describe the principle of LF-FDOCT imaging and present experimental results to demonstrate the effectiveness of this technology.
Phase-unwrapping method based on local polynomial models and a maximum a posteriori model correction
Authors: Téllez-Quiñones Alejandro , Valdiviezo-N Juan C. , Salazar-Garibay Adán , Carlos-Martínez Hugo , Monroy-Anieva Jesús A.
Published: January 2021

Recently, a theory on local polynomial approximations for phase-unwrapping algorithms, considering a state space analysis, has been proposed inAppl. Opt.56,29(2017)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.56.000029. Although this work is a suitable methodology to deal with relatively low signal to noise ratios observed in the wrapped phase, the methodology has been developed only for local-polynomial phase models of order 1. The resultant proposal is an interesting Kalman filter approach for estimating the coefficient or state vectors of these local plane models. Thus, motivated by this approach and simple Bayesian theory, and considering our previous research on local polynomial models up to the third order [Appl. Opt.58,436(2019)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.58.000436], we propose an equivalent methodology based on a simple maximuma posterioriestimation, but considering a different state space: difference vectors of coefficients for the current high-order polynomial models. Specific estimations of the covariance matrices for difference vectors, as well as noise covariance matrices involved with the correct estimation of coefficient vectors, are proposed and reconstructions with synthetic and real data are provided.
Improved computer-generated moiré profilometry with flat image calibration
Authors: Wang Lu , Cao Yiping , Li Chengmeng , Wan Yingying , Li Hongmei , Xu Cai , Zhang Hechen
Published: January 2021

An improved computer-generated moiré profilometry (CGMP) with flat image calibration is proposed. In CGMP, the purification of the AC component plays a decisive role. While a composite grating modulated with both the sinusoidal grating and its background light substitutes for the sinusoidal grating itself, the sinusoidal deformed pattern and flat image can be demodulated from the captured pattern. It is found that the sinusoidal deformed pattern and flat image may deviate, which is caused by ambient light. So flat image calibration is conducted to obtain a purer AC component that can effectively suppress the influence of ambient light and ensure the measurement accuracy, even if spectrum aliasing exists. Experimental results show the feasibility and validity of the proposed method.