bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between early childhood caries, malnutrition and anemia: a global perspective
Authors:   Early Childhood Caries Advocacy Group, Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , El Tantawi Maha , Schroth Robert J. , Vukovic Ana , Kemoli Arthur , Gaffar Balgis , Obiyan Mary
Published: May 2020

Background

Malnutrition is the main risk factor for most common communicable diseases. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between country-level prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC), malnutrition and anemia in infants and preschool children.

Methods

Matched country-level ECC, malnutrition and anemia prevalence were generated from databases covering the period 2000 to 2017. Multivariate general linear models were developed to assess the relationship between outcome variables (prevalence of stunting, wasting, overweight, and anemia) and the explanatory variable (ECC prevalence) adjusted for gross national income per capita. Adjusted regression coefficients (B) and partial eta squared were computed.

Results

The mean (standard deviation (SD)) ECC prevalence was 23.8 (14.8)% for 0–2 year-olds and 57.3 (22.4)% for 3–5-year-olds. The mean (SD) prevalence of wasting was 6.3 (4.8)%, overweight 7.2 (4.9)%, stunting 24.3 (13.5)%, and anemia 37.8 (18.1)%. For 0–2-year-olds, the strongest and only significant association was between the prevalence of ECC and overweight (η2 = 0.21): 1 % higher ECC prevalence was associated with 0.12% higher prevalence of overweight (B = 0.12, P = 0.03). In 3–5-year-olds, the strongest and only significant association was between the prevalence of ECC and anemia (η2 = 0.08): 1 % higher prevalence of ECC was associated with 0.14% lower prevalence of anemia (B = − 0.14, P = 0.048).

Conclusion

Country-level prevalence of ECC was associated with malnutrition in 0–2-year-olds and with anemia in 3–5-year-olds. The pathway for the direct relationship between ECC and overweight may be diet related. The pathway for the inverse relationship between ECC and anemia is less clear and needs further investigations.
123I-FP-CIT SPECT validation of nigro-putaminal MRI tractography in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors:   the Disease Management Team on Dementia of the IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Pardini Matteo , Nobili Flavio , Arnaldi Dario , Morbelli Silvia , Bauckneht Matteo , Rissotto Roberto , Serrati Carlo , Serafini Gianluca , Lapucci Caterina , Ghio Lucio , Amore Mario , Massucco Davide , Sassos Davide , Bonzano Laura , Mancardi Giovanni Luigi , Roccatagliata Luca
Published: May 2020

Background

Assessment of nigrostriatal degeneration is a key element to discriminate between dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer disease (AD), and it is often evaluated using ioflupane (123I-FP-CIT) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Given the limited availability of 123I-FP-CIT SPECT, we evaluated if a mask-based approach to nigroputaminal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion-weighted tractography could be able to capture microstructural changes reflecting nigroputaminal degeneration in DLB.

Methods

A nigroputaminal bundle mask was delineated on 12 healthy volunteers (HV) and applied to MRI diffusion-weighted data of 18 subjects with DLB, 21 subjects with AD and another group of 12 HV. The correlation between nigroputaminal fractional anisotropy (FA) values and 123I-FP-CIT SPECT findings was investigated. Shapiro-Wilk, ANOVA, ANCOVA, and parametric correlation statistics as well as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used.

Results

DLB patients showed a higher nigroputaminal FA values compared with both AD and HV-controls groups (p = 0.001 for both comparisons), while no difference was observed between HV-controls and AD groups (p = 0.450); at ROC analysis, the area under the curve for the discriminating DLB and AD subjects was 0.820; FA values correlated with 123I-FP-CIT values (on the left, r = -0.670; on the right, r = -720). No significant differences were observed for the FA of the corticospinal tract across the three groups (p = 0.740).

Conclusions

In DLB, nigroputaminal degeneration could be reliably assessed on MRI diffusion scans using a mask of nigroputaminal bundle trajectory. Nigroputaminal FA in DLB patients correlated with 123I-FP-CIT values data may allow to differentiate these patients from AD patients and HV-controls.
Embolization of medium-sized vessels with the penumbra occlusion device: evaluation of anchoring function
Authors: Kato Kenichi , Kawashima Kazuya , Suzuki Tomohiro , Hamano Makoto , Yoshida Sohei , Yoshioka Kunihiro
Published: May 2020

Background

The penumbra occlusion device (POD) is a recently developed metallic coil with a unique anchor segment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anchoring function of the POD for embolization of medium-sized vessels in detail.

Materials and methods

We reviewed a series of cases of proximal embolization of medium-sized vessels in which the POD was used. Endovascular outcomes and complications were assessed. The distance between the distal end of the first-indwelled POD and the microcatheter tip was defined as the “landing distance,” and this was also evaluated via fluoroscopic analysis.

Results

POD deployment was successful in 17 of 18 patients. The median landing distance was 9.6 mm, and no distal POD migration was observed after the formation of anchor loops.

Conclusions

The specific anchoring function of the POD enables effective proximal occlusion of medium-sized vessels.
Propionate metabolism in a human pathogenic fungus: proteomic and biochemical analyses
Authors: Santos Luiz Paulo Araújo , Assunção Leandro do Prado , Lima Patrícia de Souza , Tristão Gabriel Brum , Brock Matthias , Borges Clayton Luiz , Silva-Bailão Mirelle Garcia , Soares Célia Maria de Almeida , Bailão Alexandre Melo
Published: May 2020

Fungi of the complex Paracoccidioides spp. are thermodimorphic organisms that cause Paracoccidioidomycosis, one of the most prevalent mycoses in Latin America. These fungi present metabolic mechanisms that contribute to the fungal survival in host tissues. Paracoccidioides lutzii activates glycolysis and fermentation while inactivates aerobic metabolism in iron deprivation, a condition found during infection. In lungs Paracoccidioides brasiliensis face a glucose poor environment and relies on the beta-oxidation to support energy requirement. During mycelium to yeast transition P. lutzii cells up-regulate transcripts related to lipid metabolism and cell wall remodeling in order to cope with the host body temperature. Paracoccidioides spp. cells also induce transcripts/enzymes of the methylcitrate cycle (MCC), a pathway responsible for propionyl-CoA metabolism. Propionyl-CoA is a toxic compound formed during the degradation of odd-chain fatty acids, branched chain amino acids and cholesterol. Therefore, fungi require a functional MCC for full virulence and the ability to metabolize propionyl-CoA is related to the virulence traits in Paracoccidioides spp. On this way we sought to characterize the propionate metabolism in Paracoccidioides spp. The data collected showed that P. lutzii grows in propionate and activates the MCC by accumulating transcripts and proteins of methylcitrate synthase (MCS), methylcitrate dehydratase (MCD) and methylisocitrate lyase (MCL). Biochemical characterization of MCS showed that the enzyme is regulated by phosphorylation, an event not yet described. Proteomic analyses further indicate that P. lutzii yeast cells degrades lipids and amino acids to support the carbon requirement for propionate metabolism. The induction of a putative propionate kinase suggests that fungal cells use propionyl-phosphate as an intermediate in the production of toxic propionyl-CoA. Concluding, the metabolism of propionate in P. lutzii is under regulation at transcriptional and phosphorylation levels and that survival on this carbon source requires additional mechanisms other than activation of MCC.
Localization and immunohistochemical detection of swine influenza A virus subtype H1N1 antigen in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lung tissues from naturally infected pigs
Authors: Olaniyi Moshood O. , Adebiyi Adeniyi A. , Ajayi Olusola L. , Alaka Olugbenga O. , Akpavie Stephen O.
Published: May 2020

Background

Swine influenza A viruses (SIV) infection is among the leading causes of respiratory diseases in a number of animal species and human, and has been reported to cause substantial losses to pig industry. Previous reports of serological, molecular, and surveillance studies in commercial piggeries in Nigeria indicated the presence of SIV subtypes H1N1 and H3N2 in infected pigs; hitherto, there exists lack of studies on the pulmonary pathology and pathogenicity of SIV in Nigeria. This study investigates the presence of SIV subtype H1N1 antigen in the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lung sections obtained from apparently healthy pigs slaughtered at abattoirs located in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States, Southwest Nigeria using a streptavidin-biotin (ABC) immunoperoxidase (IP) staining. Two hundred four lungs consisting of 144 grossly pneumonic lungs and 60 apparently normal lungs were randomly collected, fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin wax, and processed for histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry.

Results

The main gross lesions were marked pulmonary edema and mild bilateral consolidation of cranial lobes. Histopathology revealed suppurative bronchitis, and bronchiolitis with or without concurrent widespread degeneration and necrosis of epithelial cells (52.08%) and thickening of alveolar septa due to cellular infiltration consisting predominantly of neutrophils and mononuclear cells (macrophages and plasma cells) (39.58%). The lumina of most airways contained exudate consisting of neutrophils, desquamated epithelia cells, and necrotic debris. SIV antigen was immunohistochemically detected in 7/204 (3.43%) samples using SIV-specific (H1N1) monoclonal antibody. Positive cells exhibited a typical dark-brown reaction in the infected cells. A strong positive immunohistochemical staining was detected mainly in the alveolar macrophages and bronchial submucosal glandular epithelial cells while less intense staining was observed in the bronchiolar epithelial cells.

Conclusions

The present study describes the distribution and localization of SIV subtype H1N1 antigens in the lung tissues of the infected pigs and provides public awareness on the presence of the virus in pig population in Nigeria and the risk factors associated with the infection. Therefore, people working in pig farms should maintain high level of biosafety and personal hygiene. This is the first report of immunohistochemical detection of SIV subtype H1N1 antigen in naturally infected pigs in Nigeria and may indicate rapid dissemination of the virus in susceptible pigs in the study area. A further molecular epidemiological study to investigate other SIV subtypes circulating in Nigerian pig population is warranted.
Evaluation of the early outcomes of partial urogenital sinus mobilization in females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Oshiba Ahmed , Ashour Khaled , Khairi Ahmed , Shehata Sameh , ElSayed Shaymaa , Elhalaby Essam
Published: May 2020

Background

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is the most common cause of ambiguous genitalia with an incidence of 1 in 15,000 live births. Surgical reconstruction for girls with CAH and urogenital sinus (UGS) is a great challenge to create normal appearing and functional external genitalia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the early outcomes of using partial urogenital sinus mobilization in feminizing genitoplasty in females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia regarding vaginal caliber, urinary continence, and genital appearance.

Results

Patient age at surgery ranged from 4 to 96 months (mean 19.4 months), with a mean follow-up of 15 months. Degree of virilization was Prader type III in 2 children (8%), type IV in 18 (72%), and type V in 5 (20%). Urogenital sinus length was 2.5 cm or less in 18 children. Cosmetic results were good in 19 patients (76%) and satisfactory in 6 (24%). Adequate caliber of the mobilized vagina was achieved in 24 patients (96%). Seven toilet trained children were assessed for bladder function. Only 1 patient was daytime incontinent and improved after few months with regular voiding. Urodynamics was done in toilet trained children and showed normal results.

Conclusions

The surgical procedure in general is consisting of clitoroplasty, labioplasty, urethroplasty, and vaginoplasty. Separation of the vagina from the urethra is a highly challenging surgical step and need good experience to perform. Partial urogenital sinus mobilization (PUM) has good results regarding the urinary continence, vaginal diameter, and cosmetic results in CAH patients.
Transitions in mental health care: The European Psychiatric Association contribution to reform in Bulgaria
Authors: Beezhold Julian , Stoyanov Drozdstoy , Nakov Vladimir , Killaspy Helen , Gaebel Wolfgang , Zarkov Zahari , Hinkov Hristo , Galderisi Silvana
Published: May 2020

Background:

The Bulgarian Ministry of Health invited the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) to evaluate Bulgarian mental health care service provision in 2018. Bulgarian mental health services face very significant challenges including a legacy of historic underfunding, internal conflicts, poor planning, and the emigration of very high numbers of younger skilled staff that had followed accession to the European Union. There were significant disputes between stakeholders regarding the way forward and had been at least two unsuccessful previous external agency interventions that had attempted to find solutions.

Method:

This EPA position paper describes in detail the EPA mission to Bulgaria including methodology, findings, recommendations, and finally the positive actions and changes that are now underway as a result of the EPA report and intervention aimed at contributing towards improving Bulgarian mental health services.

Results:

After meetings with multiple stakeholders in the Bulgarian mental health system and analysis of data on service delivery, workforce, funding and configuration the EPA Panel agreed a list of twenty recommendations for change.

Conclusions:

The EPA mission, with the collaboration of multiple stakeholders in Bulgaria, was successful in stimulating high level government action to improve mental health services. Despite longstanding differences, it was possible to involve the stakeholders in constructive dialogue. The importance of “speaking with one voice” was a key lesson learned.
Association Between Marital Status and Racial Disparities in Esophageal Cancer Care
Authors: Paniagua Cruz Alan , Haug Karlie L. , Zhao Lili , Reddy Rishindra M.
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE:

This study was designed to examine the impact of marital status on racial disparities in esophageal cancer care.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We performed a secondary analysis of data collected from the state cancer registry maintained by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. We identified patients with an esophageal cancer diagnosis between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2013. χ2 test and logistics regression were used to analyze 6,809 patients who met our eligibility criteria. Statistical significance was defined as P ≤ .05.

RESULTS:

Approximately 88.4% of our patients were White and 11.6% were Black. A significantly higher number of White patients were married when compared with Blacks (62.9% v 31.8%, respectively; P < .0001). There was no significant difference in cancer staging between the 2 groups ( P = .0671). Married Blacks had similar rates of esophagectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation as married Whites. Both single groups had lower rates of esophagectomy and chemotherapy than married Whites, but single Blacks were the least likely to undergo esophagectomy. Single patients were more likely to refuse treatment.

CONCLUSION:

Marital status differs significantly in Black and White patients with esophageal cancer and may help explain racial disparities in cancer care. Further research is needed to explore reasons for care underutilization in single patients and whether these differences translate into clinical outcomes.
Endogenous Testosterone Levels Are Associated with Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Women without Established Comorbidity
Authors: Rasmussen Jon J , Selmer Christian , Frøssing Signe , Schou Morten , Faber Jens , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar H , Køber Lars , Hougaard David M , Cohen Arieh S , Kistorp Caroline
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The impact of endogenous androgen levels on the risk of type 2 diabetes in women remains uncertain. The objective was to investigate associations between endogenous androgen levels and risk of type 2 diabetes in young women without established comorbidity.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, women aged 18 to 50 years who underwent measurement of plasma testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) for the first time from January 2007 to December 2015 were included. Androgens were analyzed using tandem liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Women with established comorbidity were excluded, using Danish healthcare registries. We calculated incidence rate ratios (IRRs, 95% confidence intervals) of type 2 diabetes according to quartiles of plasma androgens using multivariate Poisson regression models.

Results

A total of 8876 women, with a mean ± SD age of 38.5 ± 4.6 years and a median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up duration of 8.1 (6.6-9.4) years, were eligible for analyses. During 69 728 person-years, 69 women were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Women in the highest quartile of plasma total testosterone and calculated free testosterone displayed increased risk of type 2 diabetes compared with the lowest quartile: IRR 1.97 (1.01; 3.85), P = .048 and IRR 7.32 (2.84; 18.83), P < .001. SHBG was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes, Q4 versus Q1; IRR 0.06 (0.02; 0.21), P < .001. Plasma DHEA-S and DHT were not associated with incident type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions

Higher levels of plasma total and free testosterone were associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes among women.
Recent advances in understanding and managing cutaneous T-cell lymphomas
Authors: Brunner Patrick M. , Jonak Constanze , Knobler Robert
Published: May 2020

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) comprise a heterogeneous group of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas involving primarily the skin and mycosis fungoides is its most frequent entity. Whereas most patients show an indolent course in early disease (clinical stages IA to IIA), some patients progress to advanced disease (stage IIB or higher), and the 5-year survival rate is unfavorable: only 47% (stage IIB) to 18% (stage IVB). Except for allogeneic stem cell transplantation, there is currently no cure for CTCL and thus treatment approaches are palliative, focusing on patients’ health-related quality of life. Our aims were to review the current understanding of the pathogenesis of CTCL, such as the shift in overall immune skewing with progressive disease and the challenges of making a timely diagnosis in early-stage disease because of the lack of reliable positive markers for routine diagnostics, and to discuss established and potential treatment modalities such as immunotherapy and novel targeted therapeutics.
Steps Ahead: optimising physical activity and health in people with cystic fibrosis: Study Protocol for a pilot randomised trial
Authors: Curran Maire , Tierney Audrey C. , Collins Louise , Kennedy Lauren , McDonnell Ciara , Jurascheck Andrew J. , Sheikhi Ali , Walsh Cathal , Button Brenda , Galvin Rose , Casserly Brian , Cahalan Roisin
Published: May 2020

Background: Physical activity (PA) and exercise are widely documented as key components in the management of cystic fibrosis (CF). In recent years there have been significant improvements in telehealth, in particular; fitness tracking, smartphone use and remote monitoring, all of which may have potential to impact on positive health outcomes in people with CF. The objective of this pilot randomised trial is to explore the potential efficacy of a fitness tracker, which is remotely monitored, combined with personalised text message feedback and goal setting, on lung function, aerobic capacity and PA in adults with CF. Secondary endpoints include quality of life, body composition and wellbeing.

Methods: This is a pilot randomised trial which will be conducted at the University Hospital Limerick, Ireland. Participants will be randomised to the intervention or active comparator after their baseline assessment. The 12-week intervention will consist of a fitness tracker (Fitbit Charge 2) which is linked to an online monitoring system (Fitabase) for data collection purposes that enables the physiotherapist to remotely monitor participant data. The CF physiotherapist will set short- and long-term goals with participants and will send one-way text message feedback on Fitbit data and weekly progress. This message will consist of positive reinforcement and re-assess participant goals. The active comparator group will receive a fitness tracker which is also linked to Fitabase; however, no feedback will be provided to participants in this group. Both groups will be re-assessed at 12 weeks. After this point, both groups will continue with the Fitbit alone for a further 12 weeks. Both groups will be re-assessed at 24 weeks.

Discussion: This is a novel concept which utilises modern technology, remote monitoring and personalised feedback to investigate the effect on health outcomes in people with CF. 

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03672058 (14/09/2018)
On the Derivation of Continuous Piecewise Linear Approximating Functions
Authors: Kong Lingxun , Maravelias Christos T
Published: May 2020

We propose mixed-integer programming models for fitting univariate discrete data points with continuous piecewise linear (PWL) functions. The number of approximating function segments and the locations of break points are optimized simultaneously. The proposed models include linear constraints and convex objective function and, thus, are computationally more efficient than previously proposed mixed-integer nonlinear programming models. We also show how the proposed models can be extended to approximate univariate functions with PWL functions with the minimum number of segments subject to bounds on the pointwise error.
Preliminary evaluation of a rapid lateral flow calprotectin test for the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection
Authors: Trotter Alexander J. , Dean Rachael , Whitehouse Celia E. , Mikalsen Jarle , Hill Claire , Brunton-Sim Roxanne , Kay Gemma L. , Shakokani Majeed , Durst Alexander Z. E. , Wain John , McNamara Iain , O’Grady Justin
Published: May 2020

Aims

This pilot study tested the performance of a rapid assay for diagnosing prosthetic joint infection (PJI), which measures synovial fluid calprotectin from total hip and knee revision patients.

Methods

A convenience series of 69 synovial fluid samples from revision patients at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital were collected intraoperatively (52 hips, 17 knees) and frozen. Synovial fluid calprotectin was measured retrospectively using a new commercially available lateral flow assay for PJI diagnosis (Lyfstone AS) and compared to International Consensus Meeting (ICM) 2018 criteria and clinical case review (ICM-CR) gold standards.

Results

According to ICM, 24 patients were defined as PJI positive and the remaining 45 were negative. The overall accuracy of the lateral flow test compared to ICM was 75.36% (52/69, 95% CI 63.51% to 84.95%), sensitivity and specificity were 75.00% (18/24, 95% CI 53.29% to 90.23%) and 75.56% (34/45, 95% CI 60.46% to 87.12%), respectively, positive predictive value (PPV) was 62.07% (18/29, 95% CI 48.23% to 74.19%) and negative predictive value (NPV) was 85.00% (34/40, 95% CI 73.54% to 92.04%), and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was 0.78 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.87). Patient data from discordant cases were reviewed by the clinical team to develop the ICM-CR gold standard. The lateral flow test performance improved significantly when compared to ICM-CR, with accuracy increasing to 82.61% (57/69, 95% CI 71.59% to 90.68%), sensitivity increasing to 94.74% (18/19, 95% CI 73.97% to 99.87%), NPV increasing to 97.50% (39/40, 95% CI 85.20% to 99.62%), and AUC increasing to 0.91 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.96). Test performance was better in knees (100.00% accurate (17/17, 95% CI 80.49% to 100.00%)) compared to hips (76.92% accurate (40/52, 95% CI 63.16% to 87.47%)).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the calprotectin lateral flow assay could be an effective diagnostic test for PJI, however additional prospective studies testing fresh samples are required. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res. 2020;9(5):202–210.
Residual thickness enhanced core-removed D-shaped single-mode fiber and its application for VOC evaporation monitoring
Authors: Zheng Huadan , Huang Bincheng , Li Yuhang , Zhang Renjing , Gu Xiaohang , Li Zhinbin , Lin Haoyang , Zhu Wenguo , Tang Jieyuan , Guan Heyuan , Lu Huihui , Zhong Yongchun , Fang Junbin , Luo Yunhan , Zhang Jun , Yu Jianhui , Tittel Frank K , Chen Zhe
Published: May 2020

A core-removed D-shaped structure with different residual thickness (RT) was manufactured on a single mode silica fiber (SMF) to enhance the sensitivity by using of ultra-precise polishing technology. With six different RTs ranging from ∼55 µm to ∼28 µm, the RT enhancement effect in a D-shaped SMF was researched in detail. The influence of the RT on its transmission spectra was investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Considering a compromise between the multimode interference efficiency and optical power loss, an optimum RT value of 34.09 µm was achieved. The obtained refractive index (RI) sensitivity was 10243 nm/RIU in the RI range of 1.430-1.444, corresponding to a RI resolution of 1.9×10−6 RIU. A high-performance all-fiber sensor was developed to monitor the evaporation process volatile organic compounds (VOCs) based on the RT-enhanced D-shaped SMF. As proof of concept, a 2-hour continuous monitoring was carried to monitor the chloroform and alcohol mixture. As a result, the evaporation of alcohol and chloroform were clearly identified and monitored. The developed RT-enhanced D-shaped fiber sensor provides an alternative way for chemical process monitoring and industrial applications.
Suppression of substrate mode in GaN-based green laser diodes
Authors: Jiang Lingrong , Liu Jianping , Zhang Liqun , Qiu Bocang , Tian Aiqin , Hu Lei , Li Deyao , Huang Siyi , Zhou Wei , Ikeda Masao , Yang Hui
Published: May 2020

Parasitic substrate mode readily appears in GaN-based laser diodes (LDs) because of insufficient optical confinement, especially for green LDs. Substrate modes affect the behavior of a LD severely, including the laser beam quality, the optical output power, the longitudinal mode stability, and the maximum modulation speed. In this article, systematic studies on the n-cladding layer (CL) design to suppress the substrate mode of GaN-based green LDs were carried out. We established a contour map to describe the relationship between the optical confinement (determined by the thickness and the refractive index) of n-CL and the substrate mode intensity by simulating the near-field pattern and the far-field pattern. We found that it was difficult to obtain the Gaussian-shape far-field pattern using AlGaN as a cladding layer due to the appearance of cracks induced by tensile strain. However, this can be realized by introducing quaternary AlInGaN as a cladding layer since refractive index and strain can be tuned separately for quaternary alloy.
mHealth spectroscopy of blood hemoglobin with spectral super-resolution
Authors: Park Sang Mok , Visbal-Onufrak Michelle A. , Haque Md Munirul , Were Martin C. , Naanyu Violet , Hasan Md Kamrul , Kim Young L.
Published: May 2020

Although blood hemoglobin (Hgb) testing is a routine procedure in a variety of clinical situations, noninvasive, continuous, and real-time blood Hgb measurements are still challenging. Optical spectroscopy can offer noninvasive blood Hgb quantification, but requires bulky optical components that intrinsically limit the development of mobile health (mHealth) technologies. Here, we report spectral super-resolution (SSR) spectroscopy that virtually transforms the built-in camera (RGB sensor) of a smartphone into a hyperspectral imager for accurate and precise blood Hgb analyses. Statistical learning of SSR enables us to reconstruct detailed spectra from three color RGB data. Peripheral tissue imaging with a mobile application is further combined to compute exact blood Hgb content withouta prioripersonalized calibration. Measurements over a wide range of blood Hgb values show reliable performance of SSR blood Hgb quantification. Given that SSR does not require additional hardware accessories, the mobility, simplicity, and affordability of conventional smartphones support the idea that SSR blood Hgb measurements can be used as an mHealth method.
The Classical Debt: Greek Antiquity in an Era of Austerity, Johanna Hanink (2017)
Authors: Malouta Myrto
Published: May 2020

Review of: The Classical Debt: Greek Antiquity in an Era of Austerity, Johanna Hanink (2017)

Cambridge, MA and London, UK: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 338 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-67497-154-7, $29.95

 

To Prosfato Mellon: I Klasiki Arhaiotita Os Viopolitiko Ergaleio (The Recent Future: Classical Antiquity as Biopolitical Apparatus), Dimitris Plantzos (2016)

Athens: Nefeli Publishing, 272 pp.,

ISBN 978-9-60504-151-9, €17.90
Roidis and the Borrowed Muse: British Historiography, Fiction and Satire in Pope Joan, Foteini Lika (2018)
Authors: Apostoli Persa
Published: May 2020

Review of: Roidis and the Borrowed Muse: British Historiography, Fiction and Satire in Pope Joan, Foteini Lika (2018)

Lady Stephenson Library, Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 295 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-44388-113-5, h/bk, £47.99
A construção de um modelo de análise das vulnerabilidades sociais dos desastres. Uma aplicação à colina do Castelo de S. Jorge
Authors: Ribeiro Manuel João
Published: May 2020

O presente artigo aborda a temática das vulnerabilidades sociais dos desastres, entendida no duplo significado de nível e grau de exposição ao risco e capacidade de absorver e recuperar dos efeitos produzidos pelos desastres.Centrado no domínio da Sociologia dos Desastres, discutem-se e definem-se ao parâmetros teóricos e metodológicos da construção de um modelo analítico das vulnerabilidades sociais dos desastres, com aplicação concreta ao bairro de Alfama na Colina do Castelo de S. Jorge, em Lisboa.
O mar e os riscos a ele associados
Authors: Rebelo Fernando
Published: May 2020

Recorda-se o tsunami do Índico de 26 de Dezembro de 2004 e evocam-se alguns tsunamis considerados notáveis, entre os quais o que atingiu Lisboa em 1 de Novembro de 1755. Recorda-se, igualmente, o furacão Katrina, que inundou grande parte de Nova Orleães em 29 de Agosto de 2005 e lembram-se temporais ocorridos na Europa a escalas diferentes. Finalmente, recordam-se vários casos de manifestação de riscos de erosão em praias ou em arribas do litoral português, salientando, todavia, que nem sempre o mar é o principal responsável pelos prejuízos verificados.
Diagnóstico dos factores condicionantes da susceptibilidade face ao risco de inundação urbana no concelho de Matosinhos
Authors: Pedrosa António de Sousa , Amorim Pereira Amorim Pereira
Published: May 2020

O presente artigo centra-se sobre o diagnóstico e explicação dos factores permanentes e desencadeantes das inundações urbanas no concelho de Matosinhos, ambicionando contribuir para o incremento do conhecimento sobre os processos actuantes neste domínio.A investigação subjacente a este trabalho procurou analisar os padrões espaciais de distribuição dos locais mais susceptíveis a inundações urbanas neste concelho, visando inferir factores condicionantes comuns. As conclusões extraídas na análise desenvolvida demonstram as consequências negativas da expansão urbana de Matosinhos na desregulação dos processos hidrológicos actuantes.
As mediáticas “mãos criminosas dos incendiários” e algumas das “lições dos fogos florestais de 2005”, em álbum fotográfico. Contributo para a desmistificação dos incêndios florestais em Portugal
Authors: Lourenço Luciano , Rainha Manuel
Published: May 2020

O ano de 2005, o segundo de pior memória em termos de incêndios florestais, foi pródigo em notícias que, frequentemente, deturparam a veracidade dos factos.Com o objectivo de contrariar essa tendência e de revelar algumas das facetas menos conhecidas dos incêndios florestais, tecem-se algumas considerações gerais sobre quatro dos aspectos analisados, embora qualquer um deles possa vir a merecer investigação mais aprofundada no futuro.Houve a preocupação de deixar claramente documentadas através de imagens a generalidade das situações descritas, razão pela qual a ilustração é mais abundante do que habitualmente.
Risco de incêndio florestal no concelho de Mirandela
Authors: Lopes Gouveia Maria Manuel Afonso
Published: May 2020

A articulação das características morfológicas, do combustível vegetal, das estruturas de defesa da floresta contra incêndios e da área ardida, intrínsecas ao concelho de Mirandela, permitiram a construção do Índice de Risco de Incêndio Florestal para o Concelho de Mirandela, sendo esta tarefa viável através da utilização de ferramentas de Sistemas de Informação Geográfica. Essas ferramentas permitiram o seu tratamento, a sua sobreposição, bem como a sua espacialização, dando, assim, origem à Carta de Risco de Incêndio Florestal para o Concelho de Mirandela.Através da construção desse Índice e dessa Carta de Risco de Incêndio Florestal, pretende contribuir-se para uma mais efectiva gestão do risco de incêndio florestal no concelho de Mirandela
Testemunhos históricos da influência do terramoto de 1755 na laguna de Aveiro
Authors: Sarmento Clara , Cardoso Alexandre
Published: May 2020

O presente trabalho analisa a dinâmica paleoambiental e económico-social do ecossistema da laguna de Aveiro durante o século XVIII, com especial atenção às vivências, extensão e consequências do terramoto de 1755.Uma das mais conhecidas fontes históricas de relato do terramoto foi o Inquérito do Marquês de Pombal, de 1756. Tendo em conta os objectivos deste trabalho, analisámos os inquéritos preenchidos no âmbito geográfico da laguna de Aveiro, entre Abril e Maio de 1756, recorrendo também, quando necessário, ao Inquérito Geral de 1758. A informação recolhida foi posteriormente cartografada em mapas temáticos e analisada.
Riscos e cultura de segurança em proteção civil
Authors: Lopes Lídio Manuel Coelho de Neto , Amaro António Duarte
Published: May 2020

O propósito deste trabalho é vincar o conceito de cultura de segurança, no sentido de que, cada um de nós é um agente de proteção civil, o primeiro agente e que, quanto mais preparado estiver, com maior sensibilização e formação, melhor reage, até na relação com os Agentes de Proteção Civil e maior probabilidade tem de sobreviver aos acidentes. Num qualquer acidente, a qualquer hora ou em qualquer lugar, cada um de nós está sozinho e vai estar tanto mais tempo, quanto maior for o acidente. Não tem ao pé de si um bombeiro, um polícia, um médico, por isso, importa a competência, ou melhor, saber agir, querer agir e poder agir, condição fundamental para que se conheça o fenómeno, se saiba qual o seu comportamento e quais as suas consequências e que cada um de nós se comporte de acordo com a situação, antes durante e depois da sua ocorrência. Enfim, que resiliência não seja um termo, antes um conceito que integra a definição maior de Cultura de Segurança.
Fragilidade ambiental, vulnerabilidade social e riscos de desastres no baixo curso do rio Maranguapinho, Fortaleza-Ceará-Brasil
Authors: Marques José Matheus da Rocha , Queiroz de Lima João Sérgio , Santos Jader De Oliveira
Published: May 2020

O cenário urbano atual das principais metrópoles brasileiras retrata intensas alterações dos ambientes naturais para o empreendimento de cidades acarretando grande diversidade de problemas socioambientais, sobretudo nos assentamentos precários de moradia. Esta situação é verificada em Fortaleza, quinta maior cidade do país, capital do estado do Ceará, localizada no nordeste do Brasil. Enfatizam-se, nesse contexto, os assentamentos precários situados na margem direita no baixo curso do Rio Maranguapinho. O objeto principal é analisar a espacialização dos riscos de desastres ambientais nesses territórios. Para tanto, utiliza-se a correlação da fragilidade ambiental urbana com a vulnerabilidade social, estimada através de índice sintético. Os resultados permitem interpretar a relação espacial entre os assentamentos em pauta e os ambientes de maior fragilidade, evidenciando os riscos de desastres. Indica-se com isso a necessidade de medidas de ordenamento do território para prevenção das situações de crise.
Catástrofe de 20 de fevereiro de 2010 na ilha da Madeira. O impacto nos interventores de saúde do serviço de urgência do hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça
Authors: Silva Isa , Campos Paulo , Bandeira Romero
Published: May 2020

A impossibilidade de reproduzir em meio experimental uma situação de catástrofe faz com que a Medicina de Catástrofe se baseia em factos históricos e evidentes que importa analisar cuidadosamente por forma a perceber erros e encontrar soluções que possam modelar futuras respostas dos prestadores de socorro. São objectivos deste trabalho caracterizar e analisar a perceção dos interventores de saúde do serviço de urgência do Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça relativamente às suas competências na gestão e implementação de uma resposta numa situação de catástrofe. Partindo-se do enunciado por Bandeira (2008) que “[...] as virtudes e defeitos de um plano só se evidenciam quando ele é posto em prática, na realidade”, não será redundante alertar-se para a necessidade da continuação da investigação na área da MC e apelar a um crescente investimento em estratégias formativas e de sensibilização dos interventores de saúde para as questões que se prendem com a resposta face a uma situação de catástrofe, assim permitindo rectificar inadequações e compreender as falhas formativas nos interventores.
Telemachus
Authors: Deumier Sandrine , Lamy Philippe
Published: May 2020

web fiction« — [until the light takes us]

On track. Notifications (3). Dashboard. Prochaine destination — 43°18’15.79’’ N 5°23’07.04’’ E. Température ressentie: 23°. Prévision probabiliste sur très faible incertitude. Modifier votre profil. Voir votre profil public. Modifier vos préférences. @si proche. Courbure d’espace-temps ressentie: totale. Data recovery. Version d’essai gratuite.

Erreur. Cette boîte de dialogue a rencontré un paramètre incorrect. API Error Code: 100. Description: Invalid parameter. »
Ontology for New Media Hybridity
Authors: Waki Fábio
Published: May 2020

Review of Jihoon Kim, Between Film, Video, and the Digital: Hybrid Moving Images in the Post-media Age, New York: Bloomsbury, 2016, 404 pp., ISBN 978-1-6289-2293-6.

In Between Film, Video, and the Digital: Hybrid Moving Images in the Post-media Age, Jihoon Kim tries to describe the ontology of contemporary artworks produced within the universe of New Media Art, particularly the ontology of those works he understands as hybrid moving images, images whose typical materialities are denatured, deconstructed, and resignified when remediated through digital platforms, technical supports or artistic practices initially strange to them. Revising theories by important art critics of the last decades, such as Clement Greenberg and Rosalind Krauss, and combining them with theories by contemporary art critics, such as Lev Manovich and Peter Weibel, Kim provides us new tools for understanding why this New Media hybridity is feasible as visual fruition, as well as why it is progressively capable of grasping new, historically-oriented, image possibilities.
Escrever sobre Cinema, Escrever no Cinema, Escrever o Cinema
Authors: Souza Gustavo Ramos de
Published: May 2020

Recensão crítica de Clara Rowland e José Bértolo, eds. A Escrita do Cinema: Ensaios, Lisboa: Documenta/Sistema Solar. 336 pp. ISBN 978-989-8618-97-9.
Falar, Respirar, Fotocopiar: Margens que Não Estão pelos Ajustes
Authors: Ministro Bruno
Published: May 2020

Recensão crítica à obra de Kate Eichhorn, Adjusted Margin: Xerography, Art, and Activism in the Late Twentieth Century. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press, 2016, 216 pp. ISBN 9780262033961.
A Vanguarda Invisível do Livro-objecto: prémio de design de livro dglab 2018
Authors: Silva Rui
Published: May 2020

No dia 27 de julho de 2018, a DGLAB (Direção-Geral do Livro, dos Arquivos e das Bibliotecas) atribuiu pela primeira vez o Prémio de Design de Livro com um vencedor e dois segundos classificados de um total de vinte títulos selecionados para representar o país na feira do livro de Frankfurt e na exposição Best Book Design from all over the world em Leipzig. A escolha demonstra um padrão gráfico e editorial específico, que constitui o objeto desta recensão.
El proceso constituyente venezolano
Authors: Combellas Ricardo
Published: May 2020

RESUMEN: La Asamblea Nacional Constituyente permitirá redefinir el marco institucional de la república venezolana. Este proceso constituyente iniciado en 1989 aborda una etapa definitiva debido al apoyo mayoritario de los venezolanos y a que ha sido asumido como bandera por el hoy presidente Hugo Chávez.El paradigma constitucional ha tenido tropiezos originados por el populismo, el clientelismo, la corrupción, la falta de un trabajo legislativo oportuno, la falta de garantías a los derechos fundamentales, el deterioro del poder judicial y la falta de una participación política abierta.Para llevar a cabo una asamblea nacional constituyente es fundamental la participación amplia que lleve a un consenso constructivo. Es decir, se tratará de iniciar el 25 de abril una constituyente originaria que implica que su capacidad decisoria no esté sujeta a ningún poder establecido, ya que su origen es la expresión política de la soberanía popular que va a modificar el ordenamiento jurídico existente.ABSTRACT: The National Assembly Constituency will permit the redefinition of the institutional framework of the Venezuelan Republic. This fundamental process started in 1989 outlines a definitive stage due to the major support of the Venezuela people, and has been assumed as the platform of present president Hugo Chávez.The constitutional paradigm has flaws that originate from the following: populism, clientelism, corruption, the lack of timely legislative work, the lack of guarantees to basic rights, the deterioration of judicial power, and the lack of open political participation.For the National Assembly Constituency to work, extensive participation is fundamental to bring forth constructive consensus. As its origins now is the political expression of popular sovereignty that modifies the existing judicial order, it wil try to iniciate on the 25th of April a new constituency that implies that its capacity for decision making is not subject to any establishe power.
La democracia venezolana en una encrucijada: las elecciones nacionales y regionales de 1998
Authors: Molina José Enrique , Pérez Baralt Carmen
Published: May 2020

RESUMEN: El panorama político venezolano está sufriendo importantes cambios. El electorado ha roto con la estática estabilidad bipartidista que se logró en el llamado Pacto de Punto Fijo en 1958. En el artículo se exponen los antecedentes de orden político y económico de la transformación que se está desarrollando actualmente en la democracia venezolana. Se trata de un cambio que se ha mostrado a nivel electoral, donde nuevas fuerzas políticas sustituyen a los partidos tradicionales. La población ha perdido la confianza en los viejos partidos —Acción Democrática y COPEI— y las lealtades partidistas han desaparecido en favor de la personalización de la política y de la volatilidad del voto.En el artículo se describen los cambios en el sistema electoral y sus consecuencias; los partidos políticos y sus candidatos; el fenómeno de la abstención; los resultados de las elecciones para el Congreso de la República, y el proceso de elección presidencial.ABSTRACT: The political life in Venezuela is suffering important changes. The electorate has broken the static two-party stability achieved in 1958 with the so called Pacto de Punto Fijo. The article presents the political and economic background prior to the transformation that is actually taking place in the Venezuelan democracy.The change was manifest at the electoral level, where new political forces are substituting the traditional parties. The population has lost confidence in the old parties — Acción Democrática y COPEI — and party loyalties have disappeared in favor of the personalization of politics and the volatility of the vote.The article describes the changes in the electoral system and their consequences; political parties and their candidates; the phenomenon of abstention; the results of Congress elections and the process of presidential election.
La ruptura alienante: tradición, vanguardias y posmodernismo
Authors: Pinheiro Machado Roberto
Published: May 2020

RESUMEN: Tradición y autenticidad existen en una relación de interdependencia. A través de la relación con su tradición el individuo se reconoce a sí mismo auténticamente en el mundo. Por ello, el alejamiento de la tradición resulta inevitablemente en la alienación. El ejemplo más claro de esa forma de enajenamiento es la ruptura con el pasado propuesta por los movimientos avant-garde, o las llamadas vanguardias históricas, del siglo XX. Tal ruptura significó mucho más que un deseo de innovación en el arte. El intento iconoclasta de las vanguardias fue, en verdad, el reflejo de un sentimiento antiburgués exacerbado. Ese ensayo analiza los corolarios de tales intentos vanguardistas de ruptura en las prácticas culturales posmodernas y apunta hacia la relación entre estas prácticas y la alienación.ABSTRACT: Tradition and authenticity exist in an interdependent relationship. It is through the relation with tradition that individuals recognize themselves authentically in the world. Consequently, the distancing from tradition inevitably results in alienation. The most evident example of this form of distancing from tradition is in the rupture with the past proposed by the avant-garde movements, or the so-called historical vanguards, of the first half of the twentieth century. Such rupture signified much more than a desire of innovation in the arts. The iconoclastic intent of the vanguards was, in truth, the reflection of an exacerbated anti-bourgeois feeling. This essay examines the corollaries of these vanguardist efforts of rupture in postmodern cultural practices and points to the relation between such practices and alienation.