bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relational Sociological Approach to Active Ageing: The Role of Intergenerational Relations and Social Generativity
Authors: Meda Stefania Giada , Rossi Giovanna , Bramanti Donatella
Published: January 2021

This paper considers the concept of active ageing from the perspective of relational sociology. Active ageing is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. Ageing occurs in a relational network (the family, society), with a whole range of reciprocal mutual interactions (support, care, etc.). Starting from an operationalization of the relational components (Donati 2011) of the active ageing process, SHARE data were considered, as well as data collected for the Italian survey Non mi ritiro: l’allungamento della vita, una sfida per le generazioni, un’opportunità per la società (“I’m Not Withdrawing: The Lengthening of Life, a Challenge for the Generations, an Opportunity for Society”, 2013–2014, N=900), in which the way Italians and other Europeans face ageing was explored. Finally, the focus was ona sub-sample of older adults active in various relational networks, such as their families (grandparents and caregivers aged 65+ of the older generation) and third-sector organizations. By embracing a relational (intergenerational) lens it was possible to grasp the differentiation that characterizes the ageing process, the transformations and standstills of individuals, as well as different orientations and ideas that facilitate or hinder the path to active ageing.
PENINGKATAN KECEPATAN EFEKTIF MEMBACA DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE KLOS
Authors: Wahyudin Yuyu
Published: January 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kecepatan efektif membaca (KEM) siswa dengan menggunakan Metode Klos. Jenis penelitian ini merupakan penelitian tindakan kelas. Pelaksanaan penelitian tindakan kelas ini terdiri atas tiga siklus. Tiap siklus terdiri atas dua pertemuan. Tahapan prosedur pada masing-masing siklus meliputi persiapan tindakan, pelaksanaan tindakan, observasi, dan evaluasi, dan (d) analisis dan refleksi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Metode Klos dapat meningkatkan kecepatan efektif membaca siswa sampai 175 kpm.
The stratospheric Brewer–Dobson circulation inferred from age of
air in the ERA5 reanalysis
Authors: Ploeger Felix , Diallo Mohamadou , Charlesworth Edward , Konopka Paul , Legras Bernard , Laube Johannes C. , Grooß Jens-Uwe , Günther Gebhard , Engel Andreas , Riese Martin
Published: January 2021

Abstract. This paper investigates the global stratospheric Brewer–Dobson circulation (BDC) in the ERA5 meteorological reanalysis from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The analysis is based on simulations of stratospheric mean age of air, including the full age spectrum, with the Lagrangian transport model CLaMS, driven by winds and total diabatic heating rates from the reanalysis. ERA5-based results are compared to those of the preceding ERA–Interim reanalysis. Our results show a significantly slower BDC for ERA5 than for ERA–Interim, manifesting in weaker diabatic heating rates and larger age of air. In the tropical lower stratosphere, heating rates are 30–40 % weaker in ERA5, likely correcting a known bias in ERA–Interim. Above, ERA5 age of air appears slightly high-biased and the BDC slightly slow compared to tracer observations. The age trend in ERA5 over 1989–2018 is negative throughout the stratosphere, as climate models predict in response to global warming. However, the age decrease is not linear over the period but exhibits steplike changes which could be caused by muti-annual variability or changes in the assimilation system. Over the 2002–2012 period, ERA5 age shows a similar hemispheric dipole trend pattern as ERA–Interim, with age increasing in the NH and decreasing in the SH. Shifts in the age spectrum peak and residual circulation transit times indicate that reanalysis differences in age are likely caused by differences in the residual circulation. In particular, the shallow BDC branch accelerates similarly in both reanalyses while the deep branch accelerates in ERA5 and decelerates in ERA–Interim.
Opinion: Gigacity – a source of problems or the new way to
sustainable development
Authors: Kulmala Markku , Kokkonen Tom V. , Pekkanen Juha , Paatero Sami , Petäjä Tuukka , Kerminen Veli-Matti , Ding Aijun
Published: January 2021

Abstract. The eastern part of China as a whole is practically a gigacity, a conglomeration of megacities with ca 650 000 000 inhabitants. The gigacity, with its emissions, processes in pollution cocktail, numerous feedbacks and interactions, has a crucial and big impact on regional air quality within itself as well as on global climate. A large-scale research and innovation program is needed to meet the interlinked grand challenges in this gigacity and to serve as a platform for finding pathways for sustainable development of the whole Globe.
Experimental methodology and procedure for SAPPHIRE: a Semi-automatic APParatus for High-voltage Ice nucleation REsearch
Authors: Löwe Jens-Michael , Schremb Markus , Hinrichsen Volker , Tropea Cameron
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Ice nucleation is of great interest for various processes such as cloud formation in the scope of
atmospheric physics, and icing of airplanes, ships, or structures. Ice nucleation research aims to
improve the knowledge about the physical mechanisms and to ensure the safety and reliability of
the respective applications. Several influencing factors like liquid supercooling or
contamination with nucleants, as well as external disturbances such as an electric field or
surface defects, affect ice nucleation. Especially for ice crystal formation in clouds and icing of
high-voltage equipment, an external electric field may also have a strong impact on ice
nucleation. Although ice nucleation has been widely investigated for numerous conditions, the
effect of an electric field on ice nucleation is not yet completely understood; results reported
in literature are even contradictory on some issues. In the present study, an advanced experimental approach for the examination of ice nucleation in
water droplets exposed to an electric field is described. It comprises a method for droplet
ensemble preparation and an experimental setup, which allows observation of the droplet ensemble
during its exposure to well-defined thermal and electric fields, which are both variable over a
wide range. The entire approach aims at maximizing the accuracy and repeatability of the
experiments in order to enable examination of even the most minor influences on ice nucleation.
For that purpose, the boundary conditions the droplet sample is exposed to during the experiment
are examined in particular detail using experimental and numerical methods. The methodological
capabilities and accuracy have been demonstrated based on several ice nucleation experiments
without an electric field, indicating almost perfect repeatability.
Co-evolution of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem structure with
hydrological change in the Holocene Baltic Sea
Authors: Weiss Gabriella M. , Lattaud Julie , van der Meer Marcel T. J. , Eglinton Timothy I.
Published: January 2021

Abstract. The Baltic Sea experienced a number of marine transgressions and regressions throughout the Holocene. These fluctuations in sea level coupled with substantial regional ice melt led to isostatic adjustment and periodic isolation from the North Sea. Here, we determine the distributions and isotopic signatures of organic compounds preserved in a sediment record spanning the last ~ 11 ka in order to reconstruct environmental change under these dynamic conditions. Carbon and hydrogen isotope ratios of short-, mid-, and long-chain n-alkanes along with long-chain diol and glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether abundances were analyzed from Arkona Basin sediments sampled from the western Baltic Sea. In the earliest part of the record (10–8.2 ka), hydrogen isotope values of higher plant-derived n-alkanes revealed a change in dominant water source from an ice melt-derived to a precipitation-dominated hydrological regime. Following this shift in water source, carbon isotope values of n-alkanes suggest diversification of vegetation. Shifts in hydrology and vegetation did not coincide with established phase boundaries, but instead occurred mid-phase or spanned phase transitions, highlighting the fact that proxies may record changes on different time scales and suggesting that climate in the region was dynamic throughout the Holocene.
Updated European hydraulic pedotransfer functions with communicated uncertainties in the predicted variables (euptfv2)
Authors: Szabó Brigitta , Weynants Melanie , Weber Tobias K. D.
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Soil hydraulic properties are often derived indirectly,
i.e. computed from easily available soil properties with pedotransfer
functions (PTFs), when those are needed for catchment, regional or
continental scale applications. When predicted soil hydraulic parameters are
used for the modelling of the state and flux of water in soils, uncertainty
of the computed values can provide more detailed information when drawing
conclusions. The aim of this study was to update the previously published
European PTFs (Tóth et al., 2015, euptf v1.4.0) by providing prediction
uncertainty calculation built into the transfer functions. The new set of
algorithms was derived for point predictions of soil water content at
saturation (0 cm matric potential head), field capacity (both −100 and −330 cm matric potential head), wilting point (−15 000 cm matric potential head),
plant available water, and saturated hydraulic conductivity, as well as the
Mualem–van Genuchten model parameters of the moisture retention and
hydraulic conductivity curve. The minimum set of input properties for the
prediction is soil depth and sand, silt and clay content. The effect of
including additional information like soil organic carbon content, bulk
density, calcium carbonate content, pH and cation exchange capacity were
extensively analysed. The PTFs were derived adopting the random forest
method. The advantage of the new PTFs is that they (i) provide information
about prediction uncertainty, (ii) are significantly more accurate than the
euptfv1, (iii) can be applied for more predictor variable combinations than
the euptfv1, 32 instead of 5, and (iv) are now also derived for the
prediction of water content at −100 cm matric potential head and plant
available water content. A practical guidance on how to use the derived PTFs
is provided.
icepack: a new glacier flow modeling package in Python, version 1.0
Authors: Shapero Daniel , Badgeley Jessica , Hoffmann Andrew , Joughin Ian
Published: January 2021

Abstract. We introduce a new software package called icepack for modeling the flow of glaciers and ice sheets. Icepack is built on the finite element modeling library Firedrake, which uses the domain-specific language UFL for describing weak forms of partial differential equations. The diagnostic models in icepack are formulated through action principles that are specified in UFL. The components of each action functional can be substituted for different forms of the user’s choosing, which makes it easy to experiment with the model physics. The action functional itself can be used to define a solver convergence criterion that is independent of the mesh and requires little tuning on the part of the user. Icepack includes the 2D shallow ice and shallow stream models. We have also defined a 3D hybrid model based on spectral semi-discretization of the Blatter-Pattyn equations. Finally, icepack includes a Gauss-Newton solver for inverse problems that runs substantially faster than the BFGS method often used in the glaciological literature. The overall design philosophy of icepack is to be as usable as possible for a wide a swath of the glaciological community, including both experts and novices in computational science.
4D Tracer Flow Reconstruction in Fractured Rock through
Borehole GPR Monitoring
Authors: Giertzuch Peter-Lasse , Doetsch Joseph , Shakas Alexis , Jalali Mohammadreza , Brixel Bernard , Maurer Hansruedi
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Two borehole ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys were conducted during saline tracer injection experiments in fully-saturated crystalline rock at the Grimsel Test Site in Switzerland. The saline tracer is characterized by an increased electrical conductivity in comparison to formation water. It was injected under steady state flow conditions into the rock mass that features sub-mm fracture apertures. The GPR surveys were designed as time-lapse reflection GPR from separate boreholes and a time-lapse transmission survey between the two boreholes. The local increase in conductivity, introduced by the injected tracer, was captured by GPR in terms of reflectivity increase for the reflection surveys, and attenuation increase for the transmission survey. Data processing and difference imaging was used to extract the tracer signal in the reflection surveys, despite the presence of multiple static reflectors that could shadow the tracer reflection. The transmission survey was analyzed by a difference attenuation inversion scheme, targeting conductivity changes in the tomography plane. By combining the time-lapse difference reflection images, it was possible to reconstruct and visualize the tracer propagation in 3D. This was achieved by calculating the potential radially-symmetric tracer reflection locations in each survey and determining their intersections, to delineate the possible tracer locations. Localization ambiguity imposed by the lack of a third borehole for a full triangulation was reduced by including the attenuation tomography results into the analysis. The resulting tracer flow reconstruction was found to be in good agreement with data from conductivity sensors in multiple observation locations in the experiment volume and gave a realistic visualization of the hydrological processes during the tracer experiments. Our methodology proved to be successful for characterizing flow paths related with geothermal reservoirs in crystalline rocks, but it can be transferred in a straightforward manner to other applications, such as radioactive repository monitoring or civil engineering projects.
Perspektiver på kvalitet i barnehagen
Authors: Abrahamsen Gerd , Alvestad Marit , Vassenden Anders , Thygesen Janne
Published: January 2021

Denne artikkelen bygger på studien ”Barnehagens organisering og strukturelle faktorers betydning for kvalitet” (Vassenden m.fl. 2011), som tar utgangspunkt i de senere årenes utviklingstrekk og endringer innen barnehagesektoren. Betydningen av organisering og størrelse for barnehagenes daglige kvalitet både for barn og voksne utforskes i artikkelen ut fra både kvantitative og kvalitative data. Tre ulike barnehageformer står sentralt i artikkelen og belyses i forhold til pedagogisk kvalitet: små avdelingsbarnehager, mellomstore avdelingsbarnehager og store avdelingsfrie barnehager (basebarnehager). Gruppestørrelse, antall voksne pr. barn samt de voksnes mulighet for faglig utvikling analyseres. De mellomstore barnehagene kommer heldigst ut i dette materialet. De synes å være store nok til å sikre faglig utvikling for personalet, og små og oversiktlig nok til å ivareta trygge rammer for barna. m.fl.
Lo efímero como creación del objeto arquitectónico
Authors: Orejuela Katherine
Published: January 2021

Lo efímero es asociado con lo pasajero o de corta duración, sin embargo, pensar lo efímero como un concepto relacionado con el sujeto supone descifrar su naturaleza en relación a los objetos que denominamos con este adjetivo y cómo estos inciden en el significado del lugar. Por lo tanto, este artículo pretende plantear lo efímero como condición en el sujeto creador a partir de reconocer la ciudad como un lugar de escenarios espacio-temporales de vivencias, lo efímero como característica del objeto creado a partir de la resistencia del monumento a su temporalidad; la exaltación del lugar a través de un símbolo y testigo de lo ya ido y la incidencia de la Revolución Industrial en la sinonimia de lo montable y desmontable como efímero; lugar funcional. Por esto, se propone la sensibilidad como sinonimia de lo efímero para pensar el objeto arquitectónico que niega el lugar en nuestra época.
Los cines en Santiago
Authors: Vizcaíno Marcelo , Garrido Claudio , Bossay Claudia
Published: January 2021

Al concluir la primera mitad del siglo XX, el proceso de adaptación, localización y construcción de cines en Santiago reveló una red espacial de lugares de proyección, que acompañó a la expansión planificada de la ciudad. Dichos ámbitos de exhibición resultaron con formas genéricas originadas en otros lugares que posibilitaron el surgimiento de nuevos hábitos entre los ciudadanos. Este artículo hace foco en tipos de salas de cine para reflexionar acerca del impacto social y constructivo que se inició con los “cine-coliseo” y hasta integró el programa complejo de edificios de inversión. El conjunto de casos fue un detonante cultural en la capital del país y sirven para explorar su rol en la consolidación de la modernidad, a nivel de la vivencia que ofrecían el consumo de las películas y su correlato material de la arquitectura con la ciudad.
La construcción del espacio público
Authors: Pallarés  Torres María Eugenia , Pallarés Torres Mirtha
Published: January 2021

En Chile, el crecimiento urbano ha generado externalidades que afectan al espacio público tensionando su uso debido al aumento y diversificación de las demandas por movilidad, recreación y esparcimiento, evidenciado las carencias de la regulación que ha permitido una producción focalizada en la construcción de bienes factibles de ser transados, descuidando las necesidades por bienes de uso colectivo, situación que la ley 20.958 de aportes al espacio público intentará remediar a través de un sistema de contribuciones destinadas a apoyar la construcción de espacios que favorecen la cohesión social y que es preciso conocer a fin de identificar alcances, procedimientos y responsabilidades que fundamentan y promueven la aplicación, considerando el estado actual de los territorios y la factibilidad de intervenirlos mediante aspectos normativos, operacionales y culturales asociados a la institucionalidad y a la industria desarrolladora.
Casas, calles y covid: Ideas concisas sobre un futuro posible para el derecho del trabajo
Authors: Viana Márcio Túlio
Published: January 2021

Hasta hace algunas décadas, tanto el sindicato como el derecho del trabajo podían ser representados, metafóricamente, por una casa, con sus atributos de solidez, permanencia, seguridad y previsibilidad. Actualmente, ambos parecen reflejar más la imagen de la calle, con sus marcas de inseguridad, sorpresa e inestabilidad. Este breve artículo trabaja esta hipótesis, tratando de revelar cómo la transformación del contexto exterior se viene manifestando en la producción y en la aplicación de normas jurídicas del trabajo, y cuáles son los riesgos y las posibilidades que el futuro nos reserva. No solo trae una visión panorámica de las tendencias del derecho del trabajo, del pasado al futuro, sino también sugiere posibles soluciones para la crisis que lo viene afectando y lo afectará, de forma probablemente aún más profunda, en el período pospandemia. Con un enfoque multidisciplinario, y recorriendo especialmente las obras doctrinales, la investigación concluye por la pertinencia de la hipótesis, aportando líneas genéricas para que el derecho del trabajo retome su tradición de disminuir las desigualdades sociales producidas por el sistema capitalista.
Aprendizaje en las asignaturas “Electricidad” y “Termodinámica y Física Estadística” en tiempos de pandemia
Authors: Herrera Castrillo Cliffor Jerry
Published: January 2021

El presente ensayo de relatos de experiencias, aborda la realidad que vive hoy la educación superior, siendo afectada por los efectos del COVID-19, es por ello que la manera de facilitar aprendizajes se ha tenido que rediseñar en todas las áreas, y la física como una de las ramas de la ciencia más importante en el campo del conocimiento humano, no se queda atrás. Es por ello que este ensayo fue realizado con el propósito de analizar experiencias vividas en IV y V año de la carrera de Física Matemática, durante el primer semestre 2020 en la UNAN - Managua, FAREM - Estelí, en las asignaturas de “electricidad” y “termodinámica y física estadística” en tiempos de pandemia, donde este proceso representó un gran reto tanto para los estudiantes como los maestros.
La educación superior y el COVID-19: Experiencias desde mi perspectiva como docente
Authors: Roa Rocha Julio César
Published: January 2021

El siguiente ensayo tiene como propósito crear una reflexión sobre la situación actual desde una perspectiva humanística, educativa y propositiva en relación a la pandemia COVID-19. La actitud reflexiva permite cuestionar las realidades actuales, vencer obstáculos y construir nuevos constructos apoyándose en un pensamiento crítico reflexivo. No es desconocido que el ser humano ha atravesado grandes dificultades a lo largo de su historia, las cuales lo han llevado a generar una sociedad del conocimiento para enfrentar los constantes cambios de un mundo moderno. Para el propósito de este ensayo, la tesis se enfoca en tres puntos vitales: la historia como referente de la evolución humana, los cambios eminentes en la educación superior y consejos para el futuro educacional desde mi perspectiva docente.
Student Satisfaction: Importance of Civility and University Identification Predictors
Authors: Hendricks LaVelle , Reysen Stephen , Mohdzain Zaidy , Martin Kelly , Oliveira Joy Teles , Dang Quynh
Published: January 2021

Uncivil behavior has recently been a topic of concern within university campuses. Administration, faculty, and students are all subject to engage or experience uncivil conduct. Academic civility is a fundamental variable to establish a positive university environment and teaching-learning outcomes. Objective: The present paper analyzes the concept of civility and incivility within an academic context, offers a dimension perspective of the problem, reviews contributing factors associated with incivility, explores preventative measures for incivility, investigates academic strategies that promote civility, and makes recommendations for intervention strategies. A study that examines relationships between civility, university identification and satisfaction with the university was conducted. Methods: undergraduate students (N=588) from a state university answered a survey that evaluated three variables: civility, university identification, and university satisfaction. Results: Civility was positively related to university identification (r = .11, p = .009) and satisfaction (r = .16, p < .001), and identification was related to greater satisfaction with the university (r = .75, p < .001). Conclusion: Greater levels of civility are correlated with university identification and satisfaction. In order to improve teaching-learning environments, academic institutions are encouraged to promote an environment that is conducive to civility, as well as establish civil behaviors as part of their instruction.
Damage to civil engineering structures due to the near Izu-Ohshima earthquake of January 14, 1978
Authors: Iwasaki Toshio , Kawashima Kazuhiko
Published: January 2021

A severe earthquake hit the middle part of Izu Peninsula on January  14, 1973, registering a magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter scale. The  Public Works Research Institute the Ministry of Construction has conducted field investigations on damages to engineering structures, such as highways, tunnels, bridges immediately after the outbreak of the earthquake. This paper describes the results of investigations of the earthquake damage, and includes (1) outline of the earthquake, (2) topography and geology of Izu Peninsula, (3) earthquake ground motions, (4) damage statistics, (5) damages to civil engineering structures, and closing remarks.
Recommendations for the design and construction of base isolated structures
Authors: Blakeiey R. W. G. , Charleson A. W. , Hitchcock H. C. , Megget L. M. , Priestley M. J. N. , Sharpe R. D. , Skinner R. I.
Published: January 2021

The philosophy of base isolation of structures, generally using flexible mountings and mechanical energy dissipating devices, is reviewed. Applications of the approach to buildings, bridges, nuclear power plants, equipment and structures rocking on their foundations are described. Where possible, recommended code provisions and design rules are given. The characteristics of the mechanical energy dissipating devices developed to date are discussed and material specification provisions presented.  The requirements for construction of base isolated structures and for maintenance of the devices are given. Finally, recommendations are made on matters for future research.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Mammary Dysplasia (Fibrocystic Breast Disease): A Case Report
Authors: Elmohandes Abeer
Published: January 2021

Breast cancer (BC) is one among the most common and fatal malignancies affecting women of all ages, though prognosis are good if caught early. Fibrocystic breast disease, which is interchangeably mentioned as fibrocystic breast, is nothing but a benign (noncancerous) condition which gives a lumpy feeling to women. It is not a rapidly progressing disease or dangerous, but is a constant source of problem to some women.

In this case report, we present a female suffering from mammary dysplasia (MD). She was initially treated with conventional medicine but received no benefit, so shifted to Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Here, acupuncture, herbal remedies, and specific instructions for a dietary regimen and bra usage were given. We found that by utilizing this holistic approach to treat the root cause, rather than the symptoms, breast pain was eliminated, cystic lumps and related densities were diminished, and cancer progression was thwarted by pursuing healthy lifestyle modification and paying more attention to diet and exercise. Ultimately, this resulted in a better quality of life and suggests that TCM can be employed successfully to treat MD when conventional medicine has failed.
Influence of the Sugarcane vinasse of the balance of charges in high weathered oxide soil of subtropical region in Brazil
Authors: Aurélio Pessoa - De - Souza Marco , Carneiro da  Silva  Teixeira Gisele , Silva Beltrão Danielle , Muniz Edgar , Barbosa de Moura Danillo , Borges De-Campos Alfredo
Published: January 2021

Brazil is oneofthe largest sugarcane producers around the world, however the effects concerning environment issues in soil are still no well described.Soilelectrochemical can provide important information about residues uses and environmental contamination, andthenzeropointof charge (ZPC)is a parameter that may demonstrate this variation. In this study, It wasanalyzedthesoil behavior when submitted to sugarcane vinasseapplication in different doses simulating high and low doses application as regularlydone by the manufacturesin typical tropical weathered oxisols. To procedure ZPC test, microcosmsexperiment wasmanagedwith all parameters measured and controlled in a factorial design:2 soil depths (superficial group–0.0 –20.0 cm and sub-superficial group–60.0 –80.0 cm), 3 salt concentration (0.002; 0.02 and 0.2 mL NaCl), and 4vinassedoses (Without application;Low –164.28 mL L-1; Intermediate –328.57 mL L-1and High657.14 mL L-1), after incubation all the samples were measured electrochemically.Based on these analyses, data rised two main highlights: 1. vinasselow dosesbehaved like a buffer solution, 2. High doses in sub-superficial layer disturbed ZCP. Then, vinasse seems correlate with lixiviation capacity, and then over-applications can disrupt soil solution on this soil.
Decreased Biofilm Formation Ability of a Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain After Exposure to a Simulated Microgravity Environment
Authors: Zhang Bin , Bai Po , Wang Dapeng , Wang Junfeng
Published: January 2021

Background: The refractory infection induced by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa has become one of the most urgent problems in hospitals. The biofilms formed by P. aeruginosa increase its resistance to antibiotics. A simulated microgravity (SMG) environment provides a platform to understand the factors affecting biofilm formation in bacteria. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the SMG effects on MDR P. aeruginosa biofilm formation and explore the relevant mechanisms. Methods: In this study, a clinostat was used to simulate a microgravity (MG) environment. The motility and biofilm formation ability of MDR P. aeruginosa were observed using the swimming test and the crystal violet staining method, respectively. The underlying mechanism of phenotypic changes was further investigated by comparative transcriptomic analysis. Results: Multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa grown under the SMG condition exhibited decreased swimming motility and biofilm formation ability compared to those under the normal gravity (NG) condition. Further analysis revealed that the decreased swimming motility and biofilm formation ability could be attributed to the downregulated expression of genes responsible for flagellar synthesis (flhB, fliQ, and fliR) and type IV pili biogenesis (pilDEXY1Y2VW). Conclusions: This is the first study to perform experiments on MDR P. aeruginosa under the SMG condition. It will be beneficial to understand the mechanism of MDR P. aeruginosa biofilm formation and develop new treatment strategies for infectious diseases induced by MDR P. aeruginosa in the future.
Intellectual Freedom: Incorporating Information Literacy into Youth Book Clubs
Authors: Sheets Brooke
Published: January 2021

Can you teach information literacy while still offering a fun, engaging book club? Here are some tips for including important information literacy concepts into a book club for older elementary students and tweens, ages nine and up.
Impact of a Student-scheduled Child Care Program on Parents’Educational Goals
Authors: Carter Barbara
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine what, if any, impact a Student-scheduled Child Care (SSCC) program had on the families of students completing their higher education goals at a college in the southwestern region of the United States. Student completion rate is a concern for most collegeand university administrators. Research conducted by the Gates foundation determined that over three quarters of former students surveyed felt that they would have graduated if the college or university had offered child care (Johnson, Ott, & DuPont, 2011).This correlational and descriptive research study revealed what student families thought about the relationship between completing their educational goals and using the child care program at the college.The knowledge gained from this project could help toinitiate a broader discussion among colleges and universities of how to most effectively retain student families by meeting their child care needs.
Police Attitudes and Professionalism
Authors: Loftus Joseph , Price Keith
Published: January 2021

This quantitative study utilized Richard H. Hall's attitudinal attributes of a professional using a Likert scale. The survey was administered to officers in two similar mid-sized police departments. The first agency had 650 officers,while the second had 350 officers. Agency One requires all applicants to possess a bachelor's degree,while Agency Two does not have this requirement. It was hypothesized that the officers with a bachelor's degree would possess an enhanced attitudinal level of professionalism over those without. It was also hypothesized that officers belonging to an agency that requires a bachelor's degree will have an enhanced attitudinal level of professionalism over officers from an agency that does not require a bachelor's degree. The findings of the study,like earlier research,did not support a higher attitude of police professionalism associated with a bachelor’s degree as posited in the hypotheses. The use of only two agencies may have weakened the strength of the comparison. It may also be that an officer's possession of a bachelor's degree may be desirable for reasons of professionalism,but it lacksan impact on officer's attitudes towardprofessionalism.
Transforming High School Counseling: Counselors’ Roles, Practices, and Expectationsfor Students’Success
Authors: J.Mau Wei-Cheng , Li Jiaqi , Hoetmer Kimberly
Published: January 2021

This study examined the current roles and practices of American high school counselors in relation to the ASCA National Model. Expectations for student success by high school counselors were also examined and compared to those of teachers’ and school administrators’. A nationally representative sample of 852 lead counselors from 944 high schools was surveyed as part of the High School Longitudinal Study: 2009-2012. Findings are examined in the light of the National Model and advocated practices.
Compressive bandaging in the therapy of Ulcus cruris: A case report
Authors: Simović Sonja
Published: January 2021

Crural ulcer is an ulceration located on the skin of the lower extremities. In most cases, it is a result of chronic vein blood flow insufficiency. Risk factors for developing ulceration are: varicosity, thrombosis of deep veins, obesity and reduced physical activity. The main goal of this paper is to point out the benefits of compressive bandaging in epithelialization of ulcer. Patient, 68 years old, professional construction worker, goes to the GP of his choosing due to pain in the area of his left leg wrist. After the examination, GP concludes that the patient had been suffering the ulceration for approximately past 3 months. Additional anamnesis: increased blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides values, the patient has been smoking for the past 30 years. After consultative examinations done by a vascular surgeon, compressive bandaging was done on the patient for 12 weeks. On the following examination after the therapy, it was found that the ulcer was completely epithelialized. Furthermore, the GP suggested wearing compressive socks for two more years to prevent the formation of new ulceration. Appropriate compressive therapy in patients with crural ulcer has multiple benefits: significant reduction of healing time, fast pain relief, reduction of healing costs and less necessary visits to the doctor.
Zur Problematik des Textanfangs am Beispiel der Vertragstexte
Authors: Kołodziej Robert
Published: January 2021

The paper discusses the problems of the opening a text texts as exemplified by contracts. Twelve contracts were examined, including sales contracts, construction contracts, lease contracts, rental contracts and employment contracts. The contract was defined as a text type. Aspects such as a text’s subject matter, function and structure are particularly important for the determination of its opening and its delimitation from the remaining parts of the text. The article illustrates the ways in which these elements determine the opening of the text. The article also contains information on other studies on text openings.
Zwischen Information und Persuasion: Mediale Wirklichkeitskonstruktionen in Fernsehnachrichten
Authors: Mac Agnieszka
Published: January 2021

The paper deals with pivotal aspects of the transformation of extra-media reality in the context of TV news. In the first part I concentrate on information texts and persuasion methods in media reports and communication. Together with it I present major concepts of reality construction in media. In the second part I characterize patterns of reporting by using selected TV news from public and commercial television channels in Poland. The pertinent persuasion strategies shall come into focus. The discussion is based on TV news covering the parliamentary election in Hungary; they were broadcast on 9 April 2018 in the aforementionend television stations.
The influence of estrogen deficiency on the structural and mechanical properties of rat cortical bone
Authors: Shipov Anna , Zaslansky Paul , Riesemeier Heinrich , Segev Gilad , Atkins Ayelet , Kalish-Achrai Noga , Weiner Stephen , Shahar Ron
Published: January 2021

Background

Post-menopausal osteoporosis is a common health problem worldwide, most commonly caused by estrogen deficiency. Most of the information regarding the skeletal effects of this disease relates to trabecular bone, while cortical bone is less studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of estrogen deficiency on the structure and mechanical properties of cortical bone.

Methods

Eight ovariectomized (OVH) and eight intact (control) Sprague Dawley rats were used.Structural features of femoral cortical bone were studied by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron-based microcomputer-tomography and their mechanical properties determined by nano-indentation.

Results

Cortical bone of both study groups contains two distinct regions: organized circumferential lamellae and disordered bone with highly mineralized cartilaginous islands. Lacunar volume was lower in the OVH group both in the lamellar and disorganized regions (182 ± 75 µm3 vs 232 ± 106 µm3, P < 0.001 and 195 ± 86 µm3 vs. 247 ± 106 µm3, P < 0.001, respectively). Lacunar density was also lower in both bone regions of the OVH group (40 ± 18 ×103 lacunae/mm3 vs. 47 ± 9×103 lacunae/mm3 in the lamellar region, P = 0.003 and 63 ± 18×103lacunae/mm3 vs. 75 ± 13×103 lacunae/mm3 in the disorganized region, P < 0.001). Vascular canal volume was lower in the disorganized region of the bone in the OVH group compared to the same region in the control group (P < 0.001). Indentation moduli were not different between the study groups in both bone regions.

Discussion

Changes to cortical bone associated with estrogen deficiency in rats require high-resolution methods for detection. Caution is required in the application of these results to humans due to major structural differences between human and rat bone.
Diagnostic Yield of Medical Thoracoscopy in Undiagnosed Exudative Pleural Effusion- A Tertiary Centre Experience from Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Arif Mohammad , Bhargava Rakesh , Shameem Mohammad , Khan Nafees Ahmad , Sultana Sadaf
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Pleural effusions are one of the most common entities encountered by pulmonologists worldwide which have a very long list of causes. Initial workup of these patients begins with a chest X-ray and percutaneous or Ultrasound (USG) guided thoracocentesis followed by biochemical and cytological evaluation of the fluid to ascertain the cause of effusion. A 20 to 25% of cases remain undiagnosed even after thoracocentesis and closed pleural biopsy. Medical Thoracoscopy is emerging as a safe diagnostic procedure in these patients. Aim: To detect the diagnostic yield of medical thoracoscopy in cases of undiagnosed exudative lymphocytic pleural effusion and to study the complications associated with it. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study, carried out in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, JN Medical College and hospital, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, from August 2016 to August 2018. Undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion was defined as pleural effusion with Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) levels less than 70 IU/L and negative pleural fluid cytology for malignancy. Thoracoscopic examination of the pleural space using flexi-rigid thoracoscopy was done and biopsy was taken from suspected areas and the tissue obtained, was send for histopathological examination. The results were presented as mean±SD (Standard Deviation) or percentage. Differences in categorical data were compared using the chi-square test or the Fisher-exact test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Fifty patients underwent thoracoscopy for undiagnosed pleural effusion. Most common gross thoracoscopy finding was nodules which was seen in 23 patients. Malignancy was the most common histopathological finding, seen in 22 patients. Minor complications were seen in five patients. A final diagnosis could be made in 41 patients; the diagnostic yield was 82%. Conclusion: Medical thoracoscopy should be performed in all patients in which radiological and pleural fluid examinations could not lead to a definitive diagnosis as it has high sensitivity and a very low rate of complications.
Nephrotic Syndrome: A Rare Sequelae of Varicella Zoster Infection
Authors: Manjunath BM , Kalyan Meenakshi , Reddy Vamsavardhan , Yadav Monisha J , Afreen Fareeha
Published: January 2021

Nephrotic syndrome without haematuria following the sequelae of the infection is uncommon. The present case report describes nephrotic syndrome following varicella infection, without haematuria and hypertension in a 21-year-old young adult. The patient presented with four weeks history of fever, swelling of both feet and facial puffiness. General physical examination revealed vesicular lesions with skin crusts present on the face, trunk and extremities, Blood Pressure (BP)-110/70 mmHg, bilateral pedal oedema. Systemic examination was unremarkable. Laboratory data showed nephrotic range proteinuria, hypoalbuminaemia. Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) was detected in blood through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Renal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Thus, viral glomerulopathies should be considered in patients following infection.
Baclofen Induced Encephalopathy in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kumar Alok , Khrime Dorchhom , Bansal Nitin , Agarwal Saurabh , Sharma Utkarsh
Published: January 2021

Hiccups are manifestation of uremic syndrome. Baclofen had been used in uremic hiccups, but its usage has been described in literature with development of neurotoxicity in patients with renal failure. The case series reports three patients of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) that were on haemodialysis. All of them had intractable hiccups, for which Baclofen was administered. They developed encephalopathy within 24-48 hours of ingestion of Baclofen. The drug was discontinued and the patients improved within 36-48 hours. They were finally discharged with no residual neurological deficit.
Application of Haematological Indices in the Diagnosis of Swine Influenza Infection in Adults
Authors: Sirohi Pramendra , Barodia Mahesh Kumar , Nehara Hardeva Ram , Chhimpa Atma Ram , Dabas Anubhav , Kumar Rakesh
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The differential diagnoses of patients hospitalised for Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) due to swine influenza virus vs other pathogens are challenging. Aim: To evaluate haematological indices such as lymphocyte (LYM), platelet (PLT), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and Lymphocyte multiplied by Platelet Count (LYM×PLT) as potential indicators to discriminate swine influenza virus infection from another ILI in Adults. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted among 332 patients, admitted with ILI from January 2019 to December 2019. Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) to detect swine influenza virus from throat/nasal swab were performed in each patient. Based on results, patients were divided into swine influenza-positive and swine influenza-negative groups. ANOVA test was used to compare different groups. The diagnostic values of the haematological indices in swine influenza infection were evaluated, using the ROC curve. p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The haematological indices in patients with swine influenza-positive were significantly different as compared to swine influenza-negative and healthy control groups. Additionally, among all the haematological indices, NLR showed the highest diagnostic value with the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.511 with the best sensitivity and specificity of 55.1% and 48.1%, respectively, if the swine influenza-negative group was used as a reference. Whereas, using controls as a reference, the AUC of NLR was 1.0 with the best sensitivity and specificity of 100% each. The best sensitivity and specificity of PLR was 46.1% and 46.9%, if the swine influenza-negative group was used as a reference. Conclusion: Combination of the NLR values more than 3.09 and the PLR values more than 130.53 may indicate swine influenza infection in adults. NLR and PLR value can be used to ascertain, whether the patient who presented as ILI, is infected with Swine Influenza.
Introduction of Mini-clinical Evaluation Exercise for the Formative Assessment of Postgraduates in the General Surgery Discipline
Authors: Charokar Kailash , Kapoor Anil
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The common practice prevalent in most of the Postgraduate (PG) teaching institutes is that while the PGs are clinically evaluating the patients for the traditional long case, they are mostly not directly observed by the faculty. The presentation of the case by PGs is the main focus of assessment. Workplace Based Assessment (WPBA) tools assess the clinical competence of students at the ‘does’ level of Miller’s pyramid, while they perform in a real setting. Aim: To assess the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises (Mini-CEX) for the PGs in Surgery. Materials and Methods: This educational intervention study was conducted in the General Surgery Department, over a period of one year. Sixteen PGs of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-year residency participated in the study, and 13 faculty as assessors. The Mini-CEX was conducted and the abim.org proforma was used to record the observations by the faculty. The perceptions of the PGs and faculty were obtained at the end of the study using a predesigned validated feedback questionnaire. The change in the level of acquisition of clinical skills of the PGs was evaluated using the group mean, median and rank. The Friedman test was applied to calculate the statistical significance at p<0.05 using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: A total of 124 Mini-CEX encounters were conducted over a period of one year. The mean satisfaction score for the Mini-CEX encounters was 7.3±0.88 and 6±0.89 on the global rating (0-9) among the PGs and faculty respectively. While 14 PGs (87.5%) accepted that Mini-CEX was easy to conduct as compared to the traditional long case. Ten faculty (76.5%) accepted that it was feasible to conduct with the prevailing professional workload. Twelve PGs perceived that Mini-CEX was an effective tool for improving clinical skills. Statistically significant (p-value <0.05) improvement was found in the competencies of medical interviewing, physical examination, counseling skills, and professionalism. Conclusion: Mini-CEX was acceptable to the PGs and faculty. It was found to be an effective and formative assessment tool for learning clinical skills in a supportive workplace-based environment for clinical skills improvements