bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KNOW YOUR CONCUSSIONS: ATHLETES AND FITNESS PROFESSIONALS
Authors: Huang Chiming , Justice Greg , Still Art , Gordon Isabelle , Huang Rosa , Moncure Michael
Published: June 2020

Apply It!

Concussion is at the intersection of sports and medicine. Recognizing the nature of a concussion is the first step. Although launching an effective countermeasure to reduce concussion risk remains challenging for the sports medicine community, we hope to do the following:

• Health and fitness professionals should use the knowledge and data on concussion prevalence in contact sports presented in the first part of the article to increase awareness of the public at large about the risks of concussions.

• Explain the biological mechanisms after a head impact and their associated short- and long-term consequences to emphasize the importance of concussion prevention.

• Inform athletes to minimize head impact events in sports. Even subconcussive head impact events can have serious long-term consequences. Use the information on the physics of impact events to understand the role of neck stiffness. Be on the lookout for concussion avoidance training protocols such as neck stiffness training based on evidence from the physics of collisions, biomechanics, and neuroscience.

• Encourage athletes, children, and their parents to participate in sports with player safety in mind so children can learn about athleticism, competitiveness, teamwork, and grit without risking traumatic brain injuries.
In between: Time and self evaporations during quarantine
Authors: Tragou Elena
Published: June 2020

This pandemic forced upon us a change in our work and life habits. As all professionals in the mental health area, I started working from home, using digital platforms for online psychotherapy sessions. That helped me and my clients stay connected, strengthening our sense of synergy, alliance and care. As confidentiality and safety protocol issues remained intact, I was feeling more at ease with internet use, embracing the digital world and concentrating on my therapeutic work.  As that was happening, my therapeutic relational choices took an uncommon turn, bringing forth some interesting creative work between my clients and myself. I started feeling “in between”, as if my sense of self was evaporating in time and space, flirting around with a freshly emerged sense of intra- and inter-connections. This vignette outlines how this trancestic experience unfolded and how much intrapsychic travelling took place with zero tolerance to physical or social distance.
The deep(er) roots of Eukaryotes and Akaryotes
Authors: Harish Ajith , Morrison David
Published: June 2020

Background: Locating the root node of the “tree of life” (ToL) is one of the hardest problems in phylogenetics, given the time depth. The root-node, or the universal common ancestor (UCA), groups descendants into organismal clades/domains. Two notable variants of the two-domains ToL (2D-ToL) have gained support recently. One 2D-ToL posits that eukaryotes (organisms with nuclei) and akaryotes (organisms without nuclei) are sister clades that diverged from the UCA, and that Asgard archaea are sister to other archaea. The other 2D-ToL proposes that eukaryotes emerged from within archaea and places Asgard archaea as sister to eukaryotes. Williams et al. ( Nature Ecol. Evol. 4: 138–147; 2020) re-evaluated the data and methods that support the competing two-domains proposals and concluded that eukaryotes are the closest relatives of Asgard archaea.

Critique: The poor resolution of the archaea in their analysis, despite employing amino acid alignments from thousands of proteins and the best-fitting substitution models, contradicts their conclusions. We argue that they overlooked important aspects of estimating evolutionary relatedness and assessing phylogenetic signal in empirical data. Which 2D-ToL is better supported depends on which kind of molecular features are better for resolving common ancestors at the roots of clades – protein-domains or their component amino acids. We focus on phylogenetic character reconstructions necessary to describe the UCA or its closest descendants in the absence of reliable fossils.  

 

Clarifications: It is well known that different character types present different perspectives on evolutionary history that relate to different phylogenetic depths. We show that protein structural-domains support more reliable phylogenetic reconstructions of deep-diverging clades in the ToL. Accordingly, Eukaryotes and Akaryotes are better supported clades in a 2D-ToL.
Effects of vitamin D supplementation on 25(OH)D levels and blood pressure in the elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Farapti Farapti , Fadilla Chusnul , Yogiswara Niwanda
Published: June 2020

Background: Hypertension and vitamin D deficiency are prevalent among the elderly. This study evaluated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and blood pressure (BP) in the elderly (age > 60 years).

Methods: Randomized controlled trials from electronic databases on the elderly taking oral vitamin D, until the end of March 2019, were selected. Two reviewers independently screened the literature on the basis of specific inclusion criteria. The primary outcomes were serum 25(OH)D level, systolic BP (SBP), and diastolic BP (DBP) changes.

Results: Our analysis revealed significant differences in serum 25(OH)D level changes between the vitamin D and control groups (mean difference [MD] = 13.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 10.21–17.47; P < 0.000). There were no significant differences in SBP and DBP changes between the vitamin D and control groups. Subgroup analysis revealed significant differences in SBP changes between the hypertensive and vitamin D-deficient subgroups (MD = –4.01; 95% CI = –7.45 to –0.57; P = 0.02 and MD = –1.91; 95% CI = –3.48 to –0.34; P = 0.02, respectively), and DBP changes only in the hypertensive subgroup (MD = –2.22; 95% CI = –4.1 to –0.34; P = 0.02).

Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation significantly increases 25(OH)D levels and seems beneficial in lowering BP, specifically in the elderly with elevated BP and vitamin D deficiency.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals diverse gene expression changes in airway macrophages during experimental allergic airway disease
Authors: Branchett William J. , O'Garra Anne , Lloyd Clare M.
Published: June 2020

Background: Airway macrophages (AMs) are the most abundant leukocytes in the healthy airway lumen and have a highly specialised but plastic phenotype that is governed by signals in the local microenvironment. AMs are thought to maintain immunological homeostasis in the steady state, but have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic airway disease (AAD). In this study, we aimed to better understand these potentially contrasting AM functions using transcriptomic analysis.

Methods: Bulk RNA sequencing was performed on AMs (CD11c+ Siglec F+ CD64+ CD45+ SSChi) flow cytometry sorted from C57BL/6 mice during experimental AAD driven by repeated house dust mite inhalation (AMs HDM), compared to control AMs from non-allergic mice. Differentially expressed genes were further analysed by hierarchical clustering and biological pathway analysis.

Results: AMs HDM showed increased expression of genes associated with antigen presentation, inflammatory cell recruitment and tissue repair, including several chemokine and matrix metalloproteinase genes. This was accompanied by increased expression of mitochondrial electron transport chain subunit genes and the retinoic acid biosynthetic enzyme gene Raldh2. Conversely, AMs HDM displayed decreased expression of a number of cell cycle genes, genes related to cytoskeletal functions and a subset of genes implicated in antimicrobial innate immunity, such as Tlr5, Il18 and Tnf. Differential gene expression in AMs HDM was consistent with upstream effects of the cytokines IL-4 and IFN-γ, both of which were present at increased concentrations in lung tissue after HDM treatment.

Conclusions: These data highlight diverse gene expression changes in the total AM population in a clinically relevant mouse model of AAD, collectively suggestive of contributions to inflammation and tissue repair/remodelling, but with decreases in certain steady state cellular and immunological functions.
Allied Constructive Criticism?
Authors: Góra Magdalena
Published: June 2020

The main aim of the article is to answer the question of how the involvement ofthe European Union (EU) in its immediate neighbourhood, and in particular the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), is perceived by American foreignpolicy experts. What aspects of EU activities are assessed positively, and which are the most controversial? Particular attention is paid to the key challenges that the EU has been facing in recent years – the Ukrainian crisis and the political consequences of the so-called Arab Spring of 2011, with a special focus on migration pressure in the Mediterranean region. The analysis focuses how EU roles are perceived by American political actors. As the most important international actor, the views of the United States regarding the EU’s activity have a significant influence on what the EU does. The study is based on interviews conducted with experts and political actors of American foreign policy in 2015 and 2016.
Intersectionality and Policy-Making
Authors: Vorobeva Ekaterina
Published: June 2020

The paper summarizes the literature on the role of intersectionality in researchand policy-making. Twisting the categories of race, class, gender and nationality, the current study explores structural obstacles faced by black African businesswomen in Finland. The findings suggest that the Finnish opportunity structureis both legally and socially unprepared for accepting African female entrepreneurs as equal economic actors. Based on the structural barriers identified, the paper presents several policy recommendations including fair involvement of migrants in the process of policymaking, better coordination of policies for newcomers, and creation of migrant entrepreneurship hubs. In addition, the study assumes that intersectional identities can act as both vulnerable and powerful depending on a context of interaction, which may provide grounds for redefining the very focus of intersectionality. Finally, the paper determines prospective research directions.
European Virtual Politics
Authors: Carboni German
Published: June 2020

Hooghe and Marks’ update of Rokkanian European cleavages recognises the existence of a European political arena with opposite poles. The paper first contrasts rhetorics on a European level by two European Council members at opposite poles, the French President E. Macron and the Hungarian President V. Orbán, then it compares their immigration policies on a national level. While a vast difference can be detected in the rhetorical dimension, their national regulations and executive decisions on immigration are stunningly similar. Such discrepancies are explained through an institutional analysis of the European Council, which gives structural incentives to perform “virtual politics” consisting of statements aimed at gathering domestic support against virtual “opponents”, while avoiding any political risky decisions at home. Furthermore, as theneoliberal nature of the EU incentivizes the status quo in this area, only pro-found institutional reform can lay the ground for a change.
Much Ado about Nothing
Authors: Grossi Ludovica
Published: June 2020

The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration is, as The Economist described it in a recent column by Tom Nuttall, a dull piece of reading. At best, stressed Nuttal, it helps build the trust between sending and receiving countries that is the foundation of any meaningful international policy.Then how did a non-binding, declaratory intergovernmental agreement becamea crucial part of the political discourse in a considerable number of EU countries, effectively leading to the withdrawal of several governments from the Compact? The upheaval caused by the adoption of the Compact (which hadalready been discussed and agreed upon by all signatory governments in July, before becoming a token for nationalist propaganda) has once again demonstrated the inability of the EU to grow towards a sensitive migration policy, and the recklessness of many governments in refusing to engage in a reasonable conversation with other international actors in favour of a political line led by sensationalism and misinformation. The aim of this research paper is to map thedevelopment of the debate over the Global Compact in Italy building up to its abstention during the Marrakesh Conference on December 10th-11th. The research focuses on the main actors of the current political discourse in Italy, their inaccuracy and deliberate ambiguity in addressing concerns over the Compactduring Parliamentary sessions and through the mass media, and the failure of the opposition, together with civil society, to leverage a valid counterargument to the growing hysteria about the migration crisis. The expected outcomes are the identification of common patterns in the nationalist discourse in Italy and the advancement of possible new practices to effectively foster a consistent, level-headed conversation about migration management that steers away from sterile symbolism and responsibly addresses community issues at the national and EU levels.
Risk Analysis of Sharia Bank Financing Contract
Authors: Riduwan Riduwan , Danupranata Gita
Published: June 2020

Non-Performing Financing (NPF) is the inability of customers to meet their obligations in accordance with the contract, which can be categorized into three types namely substandard, doubtful and bad debt (macet). NPF is the main and biggest risk for sharia banks, hence the ability of sharia banks to identify, measure, monitor and control the risks of financing and capital provision is very important. Sharia banks will face greater risks than conventional banks because of the risk of sharia reputation. Besides being influenced by internal and external factors of sharia banks, NPF can also be influenced by the financing contract (akad) used.This study analyzes the level of financing risk based on the contract. The population and sample are all Sharia Rural Banks in Indonesia with 167 secondary data in the form of the publication of financial statements for 2011-2018. Analysis of the data using quantitative descriptive methods with a survey approach. The analyzed data are NPF data based on an eight year financing contract. This study managed to obtain data that the BPRS is more interested in financing with certainty of results, proven that murabahah has the highest outstanding compared to other contract. The results of this study also indicate that the low risk contract is in the murabahah contract, while the contract with the medium risk is in the mudarabah, musyarakah, multijasa, qard and istisna and the contract with the highest risk is salam and ijarah contract.
Nursing advice for owners of a visually impaired dog
Authors: Foote Amber
Published: June 2020

Dogs are often presented in first opinion practice with visual impairment resulting from a variety of acute and progressive diseases or trauma. Visual impairment and blindness in dogs can be distressing for both the patient and the owner, and registered veterinary nurses can provide guidance and support on the adjustments needed to allow the patient to have a good quality of life. This article will discuss the disease processes, treatment options and client education for canine blindness.
Vector-borne disease distributions and risks to the UK
Authors: Traversa Donato
Published: June 2020

In the recent decades, the geographic distribution of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) of dogs and cats has changed for intrinsic and extrinsic reasons. Therefore some infections/infestations, some of zoonotic concern, have been recorded in geographic areas where they were unexpected. In Europe, arthropods (e.g. ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and sand flies) and the pathogens that they transmit are in general considered to be more frequent in the Mediterranean Basin. Nonetheless, a possible occurrence in other regions should not be a priori excluded, given that travels of animals (to or imported from endemic areas), movements of goods and global warming all may foster the introduction of vectors and/or transmitted pathogens in previously free areas. This could also be the case in the UK, which, because of its territorial characteristics as an island area in north-western Europe, is traditionally considered at minor risk of VBDs. Given the growing increase of movements and travels of pets, and changes in the phenology of many arthropod vectors, it is crucial that veterinary practitioners are aware of and prepared to diagnose, treat and control a series of unexpected diseases.
Complications of diabetes mellitus in canine and feline patients
Authors: George Laura
Published: June 2020

Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrinopathy diagnosed in small animal patients, and once stable can be managed and well controlled in the home environment. Complications can occur, however, when unexpected factors arise which can cause destabilisation of the patient. This article will provide a brief review of diabetes mellitus in canine and feline patients before describing some of the common complications that may be observed including hypoglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, urinary tract infection, diabetic neuropathy and cataracts. The aim is to ensure the veterinary nurse has a good understanding of these complications, for them to be aware of the clinical symptoms that may be displayed, and for them to appreciate the different treatment options available allowing them to be efficient advocates for their patients should the need arise.
Sailing in the same sea, but in different boats
Authors: Crowe Carolyne
Published: June 2020

‘We are all sailing in the same sea, but we are all on different boats’. Does this resonate with you? Carolyne Crowe from VDS Training and Lou Northway from @LouTheVetNurse have been running free nurse support sessions over the past few weeks, and during this week's session, this metaphor really summed up the discussions around the challenges of returning to work after furlough and re-establishing teams.
Detecting Bruise Damage and Level of Severity in Apples Using a Contactless NIR Spectrometer
Authors: Isingizwe Nturambirwe Jean Frederic , Nieuwoudt Helene H , Perold Willem Jacobus , Opara Umezuruike Linus
Published: June 2020

Highlights

In the Emission Head (EH) configuration differences in apple bruise severity were well captured.

A good representation of new samples variability, in calibration, ensured robust quantitative PLS-DA models.

EH mode with PLS-DA is an attractive spectroscopic option for inline apple sorting based on bruise damage. 

Abstract. Bruise damage in apples is very common and undesirable because it hinders consumer satisfaction and greatly contributes to food loss. Fast detection of bruise damage in fruit using spectroscopic systems is still problematic, especially in terms of quantitative and objective assessments of mechanical damage and standardization of bruise measurement method, among other issues. Non-destructive techniques among which is near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy are under development as a potential solution carrier for such issues. A study of bruise damage was conducted on three apple cultivars using Fourier transform (FT) near infrared spectroscopy in two configurations (‘emission head’ of Bruker’s Matrix-F and ‘integrating sphere’ of Bruker’s multipurpose analyzer, MPA). The emission head (EH) allows for contactless large sample (100 mm) exposure that simulates on-line applications, while the MPA (sample size: 22 mm) is commonly used for in-laboratory analysis of inhomogeneous material such as fruit. Bruise damages were mechanically induced in apples, bruise sizes measured physically and destructively. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to determine the differences captured by the scanning spectrometers in apple fruit tissues. Discriminant analysis revealed that in both sample acquisition modes, distinction between bruised and non-bruised apple fruit tissue was achieved with high (from 78% to 93%) accuracy of classification (ACcl) based solely on spectral data. The classification accuracy improved when individual cultivars were considered and ranged from 94% to 96%. Classification models were tested for robustness and showed that both cultivar and bruise severity had influence on classification models’ performance. The results showed ability of the emission head configuration in detecting bruises and differentiating between severity of bruises in apple fruit, thus making it a good candidate for use in rapid detection and quantitative assessment of bruising in apple on sorting lines. Possibilities for improving the classification model performance and ensuring their robustness for the EH were suggested. Keywords: Apple bruise, Discriminant analysis, Model performance, Model threshold, NIR spectroscopy.
Calibrating the APEX Model for Simulations of Environmental and Agronomic Outcomes on Dairy Farms in the Northeast U.S.: A Step-by-Step Example
Authors: Mason Rachel , Gorres Josef , Faulkner Joshua W. , Doro Luca , Merrill Scott C.
Published: June 2020

Highlights

This article details the method used to calibrate the APEX model for simulations of dairy farm silage corn production.

Useful model outputs, plots, and metrics are discussed, as well as decision points and potential improvements.

The article is intended as a helpful starting point for those who are new to APEX.

Abstract. This article documents the procedure used to calibrate the Agricultural Policy/Environmental eXtender (APEX) model for a project that aimed to simulate crop yields, runoff, erosion, and nutrient losses on dairy farms under climate change. We describe each step in the calibration process, presenting the model outputs, plots, and metrics that were found to be useful, and discussing the decisions that needed to be made along the way. Calibration improved the performance of the model relative to an uncalibrated “baseline” version, and 0.22 < NSE < 0.49 and PBIAS within ±12% were achieved for most of the model outputs. While the mean annual silage yield was correct (PBIAS = 2%), the model did not accurately capture year-to-year yield variations (NSE = -1.6), and results for nitrogen in runoff were poor (NSE = -0.04, PBIAS = -69%).We therefore also outline several ways in which the method could be improved. Other calibration methods exist, and the procedure presented here will not be applicable in all situations. However, fully documented APEX calibrations are rare in the literature, and the number of non-expert model users may be growing. We therefore anticipate that this paper will serve as a useful point of entry for those who are new to APEX. We also hope that this work contributes to the development of transparent and reproducible procedures for modeling studies that have real-world implications. Keywords: APEX model, Hydrologic modeling, Methodology, Model calibration.
Evaluating Alternative Seed-Cotton Reclaimers for High-Speed Roller Ginning
Authors: Armijo Carlos B. , Whitelock Derek P. , Funk Paul A. , Thomas Joe W.
Published: June 2020

Highlights

Experimental high-capacity seed-cotton reclaimers were evaluated for the growing high-speed roller-ginning industry.

The experimental reclaimers minimized the amount of seed-cotton loss compared to the conventional reclaimer, but had more seed loss than a conventional reclaimer.

The conventional reclaimer had the lowest combined seed and lint loss when processing Pima cotton.

An experimental reclaimer based on a current cotton gin machine had seed and lint losses nearly $10 per cotton bale less than the conventional reclaimer when processing Upland cotton.

Abstract. In a roller ginnery, a reclaimer machine removes partially-ginned or unginned seed cotton (carryover) from the mixture of carryover and ginned cottonseed that is expelled from the roller-gin stand during operation and returns the carryover to the gin stand for re-ginning. Conventional seed-cotton reclaimers are marginally adequate in their capacity to handle the increased carryover that high-speed roller ginning produces. Overloading a reclaimer often leads to choke-ups and downtime for the ginnery. The objective of this study was to develop and test high-capacity reclaimers. A modified 3-saw cylinder stick machine and a modified 2-saw cylinder gin-stand feeder were tested and compared to a conventional reclaimer. The saw-cylinders in the modified machines were operated at standard full speed, 1/2 of full speed, and 3/4 of full speed. Both Pima and Upland cotton were included in this study because there is a sizable amount of roller-ginned Upland cotton. Results showed that the experimental reclaimers reclaimed more carryover than the conventional reclaimer. An effective reclaimer will 1) reclaim carryover without also capturing residual seed that will likely be removed with cotton trash when returned to the gin stand feeder (seed loss) and 2) allow seed to pass through to the seed storage while minimizing the amount of residual carryover that escapes with the seed (carryover loss). The experimental reclaimers minimized the amount of residual carryover loss, but they had more residual seed loss than the conventional reclaimer. Increasing the saw-cylinder speeds of the experimental reclaimers decreased the residual seed loss but increased the residual carryover loss. Estimates of the value of the lost seed and of the lint on the lost carryover revealed that the conventional reclaimer had the lowest combined loss of $3.56 per bale when processing Pima cotton and the experimental 2-saw feeder with saw-cylinders operating at full speed had the lowest combined loss of $6.89 per bale when processing Upland cotton. The results suggest that losses of lint and seed may be further reduced by using a combination in series of different types of reclaimers to take advantage of each of their respective best features. Keywords: Cotton ginning, Roller ginning, Seed-cotton reclaimer.
Determinants of Good Work Ability among Organic and Conventional Farmers in Finland
Authors: Mattila Tiina E. A. , Rautiainen Risto H. , Hirvonen Maria , Väre Minna , Perkiö-Mäkelä Merja
Published: June 2020

Highlights

Demand for organic food has increased in recent years, and public policies have favored organic products, but little attention has been paid to the organic farmers’ health and safety.

We found that organic farmers have lower odds of having good work ability, indicating the need for safer working conditions, particularly for farmers considering switching to organic production.

Abstract. Based on earlier studies, farmers have poorer work ability compared to workers in most other occupations. The aim of this study was to explore if organic production has a positive effect on producers’ work ability while controlling for demographic and production characteristics. This study used telephone interview data collected by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in 2014-2015. The material consisted of 2,164 farmers: 231 in organic production and 1,933 in conventional production. Work ability was measured with a single question regarding the farmers’ current work ability compared with their lifetime best on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 meaning unable to work. The data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Organic production had a negative effect on work ability, while larger farm size, experiencing economic uncertainty rarely/never/occasionally (vs. often), age under 55 years, having occupational health coverage, and experiencing low amounts of physical strain or mental strain had positive effects in a multivariable model. While this study could not consider potential biases from the farmers’ existing health status at the time of switching to organic production and other sources, it is clear that greater attention needs to be paid to improving worker health, safety, and wellness in organic farming. Keywords: Agricultural work, Agriculture, Farmer, Interview, Occupational health service, Occupational safety and health, Odds ratio, Risk factor, Sustainability.
Electroluminescence image analysis of a photovoltaic module under accelerated lifecycle testing
Authors: Lai Teh , Potter B. G. , Simmons-Potter Kelly
Published: June 2020

Electroluminescence (EL) imaging of Si-based photovoltaic (PV) modules is used widely to spatially detect and characterize electrical defects, including handling and degradation-induced cracking of the component Si cells that are associated with reductions in module performance. In the present study, a commercial polycrystalline silicon PV module was subjected to accelerated lifecycle test environmental conditions and examined as a function of environmental exposure time using EL imaging. The approach followed pixel intensity distributions over each individual PV cell and confirmed a positive correlation between module conversion efficiency and results of the image analysis. Overall, an average of a 2.5% reduction in normalized EL intensity was correlated to a 0.35% reduction in actual power conversion efficiency (or a 2.3% decrease in relative efficiency). The imaging analysis technique offers a rapid, unsupervised means to assess EL data in lieu of conventional visual interpretation.
Fano resonance based on D-shaped waveguide structure and its application for human hemoglobin detection
Authors: Liu Xing , Li Jina , Chen Jianfeng , Rohimah Siti , Tian He , Wang Jinfang
Published: June 2020

Fano resonance is a pervasive resonance phenomenon which can be applied to high sensitivity sensing, perfect absorption, electromagnetic-induced transparency, and slow-light photonic devices. In this paper, we propose a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) waveguide structure consisting of a D-shaped cavity and a bus waveguide with a silver–air–silver barrier. The Fano resonance can be achieved by the interaction between the D-shaped cavity and the bus waveguide. The finite element method is used to analyze the transmission characteristics and magnetic-field distributions of the structure in detail. Simulation results show the Fano resonance can be adjusted by altering the geometric parameters of the MIM waveguide structure or the refractive index of the D-shaped cavity. The maximum refractive index sensitivity of the structure can reach up to 1510 nm/RIU, and there is a good linear relationship between resonance wavelength and refractive index. Since it has good sensitivity and tunability, the MIM waveguide structure can be used in bio-sensing, such as human hemoglobin detection. We show its applicability for the detection of three different human blood groups as well.
Visible light optical coherence tomography angiography (vis-OCTA) facilitates local microvascular oximetry in the human retina
Authors: Song Weiye , Shao Wenjun , Yi Wei , Liu Rongrong , Desai Manishi , Ness Steven , Yi Ji
Published: June 2020

We report herein the first visible light optical coherence tomography angiography (vis-OCTA) for human retinal imaging. Compared to the existing vis-OCT systems, we devised a spectrometer with a narrower bandwidth to increase the spectral power density for OCTA imaging, while retaining the major spectral contrast in the blood. We achieved a 100 kHz A-line rate, the fastest acquisition speed reported so far for human retinal vis-OCT. We rigorously optimized the imaging protocol such that a single acquisition took < 6 seconds with a field of view (FOV) of 3×7.8 mm2. The angiography enables accurate localization of microvasculature down to the capillary level and thus enables oximetry at vessels < 100 µm in diameter. We demonstrated microvascular hemoglobin oxygen saturation (sO2) at the feeding and draining vessels at the perifoveal region. The longitudinal repeatability was assessed by < 5% coefficient of variation (CV). The unique capabilities of our vis-OCTA system may allow studies on the role of microvascular oxygen in various retinal pathologies.
Experimental free-space quantum secure direct communication and its security analysis
Authors: Pan Dong , Lin Zaisheng , Wu Jiawei , Zhang Haoran , Sun Zhen , Ruan Dong , Yin Liuguo , Long Gui Lu
Published: June 2020

We report an experimental implementation of free-space quantum secure direct communication based on single photons. The quantum communication scheme uses phase encoding, and the asymmetric Mach–Zehnder interferometer is optimized so as to automatically compensate phase drift of the photons during their transitions over the free-space medium. At a 16 MHz pulse repetition frequency, an information transmission rate of 500 bps over a 10 m free space with a mean quantum bit error rate of

0.49
%
±
0.27
%

is achieved. The security is analyzed under the scenario that Eve performs the collective attack for single-photon state and the photon number splitting attack for multi-photon state in the depolarizing channel. Our results show that quantum secure direct communication is feasible in free space.
High-gain amplification for femtosecond optical vortex with mode-control regenerative cavity
Authors: Zheng Shuiqin , Chen Zhenkuan , Lin Qinggang , Cai Yi , Lu Xiaowei , Gao Yanxia , Xu Shixiang , Fan Dianyuan
Published: June 2020

Ultra-intense femtosecond vortex pulses can provide an opportunity to investigate the new phenomena with orbital angular momentum (OAM) involved in extreme cases. This paper reports a high gain optical vortex amplifier for intense femtosecond vortex pulses generation. Traditional regeneration amplifiers can offer high gain for Gaussian mode pulses but cannot amplify optical vortex pulses while maintaining the phase singularity because of mode competition. Here, we present a regeneration amplifier with a ring-shaped pump. By controlling the radius of the pump, the system can realize the motivation of the Laguerre–Gaussian [

LG

0
,
1
(
−
1
)

] mode and the suppression of the Gaussian mode. Without seeds, the amplifier has a donut-shaped output containing two opposite OAM states simultaneously, as our prediction by simulation. If seeded by a pulse of a topologic charge of 1 or

−
1

, the system will output an amplified

LG

0
,
1
(
−
1
)

mode pulse with the same topologic charge as the seed. To our knowledge, this amplifier can offer the highest gain as

1.45
×

10
6

for optical vortex amplification. Finally, we obtain a 1.8 mJ, 51 fs compressed optical vortex seeded from a 2 nJ optical vortex.
Frequency stabilization and tuning of breathing solitons in Si3N4 microresonators
Authors: Wan Shuai , Niu Rui , Wang Zheng-Yu , Peng Jin-Lan , Li Ming , Li Jin , Guo Guang-Can , Zou Chang-Ling , Dong Chun-Hua
Published: June 2020

Dissipative Kerr solitons offer broadband coherent and low-noise frequency combs and stable temporal pulse trains, having shown great potential applications in spectroscopy, communications, and metrology. Breathing solitons are a particular kind of dissipative Kerr soliton in which the pulse duration and peak intensity show periodic oscillation. Here we have investigated the breathing dissipative Kerr solitons in silicon nitride (

Si
3

N
4

) microrings, while the breathing period shows uncertainties of around megahertz (MHz) order in both simulation and experiments. This instability is the main obstacle for future applications. By applying a modulated signal to the pump laser, the breathing frequency can be injection locked to the modulation frequency and tuned over tens of MHz with frequency noise significantly suppressed. Our demonstration offers an alternative knob for the control of soliton dynamics in microresonators and paves a new avenue towards practical applications of breathing solitons.
Socio-Emotional Development and Creativity of Gifted Students
Authors: Piske Fernanda Hellen Ribeiro , Stoltz Tania , Rocha Alberto , Costa-Lobo Cristina
Published: June 2020

Escrito num tom vigoroso e em cores dinâmicas, este livro não é apenas mais um livro sobre o desenvolvimento social, emocional e criativo dos dotados, mas um conjunto de pontos de vista atentos e teoricamente fundamentados através dos quais podemos olhar para este tema apaixonante de uma forma diferente.
Dermatophytosis in companion animals: A review
Authors: Paryuni Alsi Dara , Indarjulianto Soedarmanto , Widyarini Sitarina
Published: June 2020

Dermatophytosis, a zoonotic disease, is caused by fungi of three main genera, namely, Micropsorum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton. Specific lesions of dermatophyte infections are localized in the face, legs, and/or tail. Skin lesions in infected animals demonstrate localized alopecia, erythema, and crust, which are more commonly known as ringworm. Factors that affect dermatophytosis include the dermatophyte species; virulence factors of the agent; and the immune status, age, and sex of the host. High levels of cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines have also been reported to play an important role in dermatophyte infection. This review aims to explore and understand factors that affect dermatophyte infection with an emphasis on the prevalence, clinical signs, pathogenesis, immune response, and the roles of cortisol and cytokines in companion animals infected by a dermatophyte.
Promising Contributions of Nanotechnologyin Fight against COVID 19
Authors: Aminu Shehu Ibrahim , Kabir Musa Muhammad , Haruna Indabawa Anas
Published: June 2020

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID -19 a pandemic on March 11, since then, scientists have been working tirelessly to develop drugs and vaccines against it. Unfortunately, yet there is no approved drug or vaccine available for the treatment of the virus. More so, developing effective antiviral and vaccine against COVID 19 remains a major challenge. However, numerous NPs is known to have possessed an inherit antiviral effect and they have been utilized as a promising carrier for effective targeted delivery with low side effect/adverse effect. Perhaps, exploring the concept of nanotechnology in battling COVID 19 will ensure an excellent therapeutic prognosis. The review focus on emphasizing the need to explore the concept of nanotechnology as a gold possibility that could potentiate the world to win the fight against COVID -19.
The harm that judges do – misunderstanding computer evidence: Mr Castleton’s story
Authors: Marshall Paul
Published: June 2020

The reliability of computer systems, and the reliability of documents produced by computers, is important. There is a widely held perception that computers are fundamentally reliable. Further, it is commonly assumed that most computer errors are readily detectable or otherwise the result of user ‘input’ error. Since 1997 the courts have applied the presumption of the proper functioning of machines to computers. This article considered the case of Lee Castleton to illustrate that this presumption can have a devastating effect when applied.

Index words: software, electronic evidence, computer evidence, presumption of reliability
Mediaciones entre jóvenes y pasado reciente. Un análisis a partir de sus producciones escritas en dos escuelas de La Plata, Argentina
Authors: Rolland Jorge
Published: June 2020

Los trabajos de la memoria en las escuelas constatan elaboraciones complejas por parte de sus agentes, así como una vinculación igualmente densa con los contextos en los que se desarrollan. Aprehender esta complejidad es un desafío para quienes los investigamos. A través del análisis de las producciones escritas de dos grupos de estudiantes secundarios en una escuela pública y otra privada del centro de La Plata, propongo una exploración de las mediaciones entre jóvenes y pasado reciente, y sus representaciones sociales. La definición de categorías y el estudio cualitativo y cuantitativo de sus relaciones en la dimensión interpretativa y justificativa muestran primeramente la persistencia de la cultura escolar y un marco de referencia nacionalista y formalmente liberal. En segundo lugar, se aprecian identificaciones, apropiaciones, determinadas actitudes políticas y vínculos originales con las memorias emblemáticas, y finalmente también la contraposición entre escuelas de distinta titularidad. Con ello, contemplo los trabajos de la memoria desde el terreno específico desde el que se construyen y no sólo desde los valores de los investigadores respecto de los objetivos de democratización, que son necesarios pero no suficientes.
La “historia del sistema ferroviario argentino” en el aula. Repensando periodizaciones y prácticas a partir de investigar sobre el mundo del trabajo ferroviario
Authors: Agostini Luisina
Published: June 2020

Como parte de intereses personales por estudiar el mundo del trabajo ferroviario y con la inquietud de articular mis investigaciones con mi tarea docente me propongo discutir las periodizaciones que sobre la llamada “historia del sistema ferroviario argentino” aparecen en las escuelas secundarias de la provincia de Santa Fe en las que trabajo. En este artículo revisaré los discursos y relatos que simplifican una historia del tren en la Argentina a partir de la forma en que algunos manuales escolares tratan el tema. Luego expondré las líneas de investigación que contribuyen a estudiar el mundo del trabajo ferroviario y privilegian las dinámicas sociales existentes en los espacios locales. En tercer lugar, recuperaré una experiencia docente y de intervención en la comunidad llevada a cabo en la ciudad de San Cristóbal, provincia de Santa Fe, que presenta un interesante abordaje del tema ferroviario que favorece a la problematización y el pensamiento crítico de los estudiantes.
Concepciones de enseñanza de la historia y formación docente en el programa de Becas de Iniciación a la Docencia (PIBID Historia). Paraná, Brasil (2011-2017)
Authors: Sabião Batista Ruhama Ariella , Cerri Luis Fernando
Published: June 2020

Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar los resultados de una investigación que analizó las concepciones de la enseñanza de la historia y la formación del profesorado reflejadas en las acciones de los grupos del PIBID (Programa Institucional de Bolsas de Iniciação à Docência) de Historia, en el estado de Paraná, Brasil, de 2011 a 2017. Para este fin, las fuentes de investigación fueron los subproyectos institucionales, las producciones académicas de los participantes y el contenido de los sitios web/blogs/fanpages. Estas fuentes se analizaron a través del enfoque del ciclo de políticas (contexto de influencia, contexto de producción de texto y contexto de práctica), mostrando que de los quince subproyectos, hay similitudes y disonancias entre los enfoques teóricos y metodológicos; distintos temas preponderantes (temas transversales, historia africana y afrobrasileña, historia indígena, historia local y contenidos previstos en la planificación anual de los supervisores), y diferentes concepciones sobre el PIBID. En los principales resultados se ha podido notar el papel principal de los coordinadores en la implementación de PIBID, ya que este no tenía una sola determinación proveniente del texto de la política educativa, las diferentes concepciones de la enseñanza de la historia, incluso dentro del mismo Estado, así como sus posibilidades y limitaciones como política pública educativa.
Altamirano, C. (2018). Identidad. Educar en la memoria
Authors: Zubillaga Paula
Published: June 2020

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Educar moralmente desde la experiencia del coronavirus
Authors: Cortina Adela , Conill Jesús
Published: June 2020

Existe a menudo una cierta desconfianza ante las propuestas de educación moral. Sin embargo, desde siempre los humanos han intentado (sobre)vivir y además vivir bien. Y de eso trata la educación moral, de aprender a vivir lo mejor posible. Pero, aunque de entrada se suele creer que eso es fácil de saber, no es así, sino que se trata de una tarea muy difícil, que requiere prestar atención a la experiencia (a lo que nos pasa) y dedicar mucho esfuerzo reflexivo para saber a qué atenerse en cada circunstancia y orientarse en ella.
La educación especial en tiempos de la COVID-19
Authors: Berástegui Pedro-Viejo Ana
Published: June 2020

El papel de la familia es clave en la superación de las dificultades especiales que pueden tener los niños con discapacidad intelectual para beneficiarse de la educación a distancia. Este artículo ofrece diez consejos para las familias, nacidos de la experiencia personal de la autora, y también algunos aprendizajes que pueden ser útiles de cara al futuro.
Todo lo que no cabe en una pantalla
Authors: AA. VV.
Published: June 2020

“Where have all the flowers gone…?”, cantaba Pete Seeger, y 65 años después las aulas se quedan vacías de un día para otro. Ha cambiado nuestro entorno habitual de interacción y también la colaboración de los alumnos entre ellos. Tenemos equipos docentes que han reaccionado con energía, inteligencia, originalidad e ingenio para aprovechar los recursos y, sobre todo, trabajo en equipo y compromiso. Mucho compromiso. Aquí nos lo cuentan.
La educación para la ciudadanía global como certeza para un futuro complejo e incierto
Authors: Maeztu Gomar Clara , García Fernández Jéssica
Published: June 2020

Esta crisis pone en evidencia las carencias de una educación ajena a la realidad global en la que vivimos. Proponemos la promoción de una ciudadanía activa y comprometida, que sea capaz de vivir su vida de forma interconectada en escenarios locales y globales más justos y solidarios. La educación para la ciudadanía global es nuestra propuesta para responder tanto a la crisis actual como a los retos globales que van a interpelarnos en el futuro.
Teachers’ Readiness for a Statewide Change to PjBL in Primary Education in Qatar
Authors: Du Xiangun , Chaaban Youmen
Published: June 2020

This study investigated the readiness of teachers towards implementing project-based learning (PjBL), mandated by a top-down policy at the national level, in Qatari government primary schools. With multiple qualitative data, the study reported a lack of readiness among teachers at the initial stage of change. Despite good intentions, the change message was not successfully communicated to the change recipients, i.e., teachers. Teachers’ lack of understanding of PjBL served as a major reason for difficulties encountered, including their low confidence in implementing PjBL and their inability to recognize the appropriateness or acknowledge its potential benefits. Nevertheless, teachers from a supportive school environment reported positive attitudes and perceptions of valence. Accordingly, system support and effective professional development are crucial for teacher readiness to implement PjBL.
Thinking Critically About Critical Thinking and Problem-Based Learning in Higher Education: A Scoping Review
Authors: Thorndahl Kathrine L. , Stentoft Diana
Published: June 2020

It is often assumed that problem-based learning is an effective approach for fostering the development and/or improvement of students’ critical thinking. To shed light on the connection between problem-based learning and critical thinking, this scoping review maps out how the notion of critical thinking is conceptualized in relation to problem-based learning in the literature about problem-based learning in the context of higher education. Eight academic databases were searched and a total of 66 peer-reviewed articles were identified as eligible for review. Our findings indicate that there is a plurality of positions regarding the meaning of critical thinking and the concept’s relation to problem-based learning. What is more, more often than not, no explicit explanation for why this connection is thought to exist is presented.
Qual é a diferença entre um fio de níquel-titânio superelástico e um termoativado? Parte 2
Authors: Parsekian Martins Renato
Published: June 2020

INTRODUÇÃO: Hoje, a grande maioria dos ortodontistas utiliza fios de níquel-titânio. Entretanto, há falta de informação sobre o que quer dizer Nitinol, NiTi, Niti superelástico (SE) e Niti termoativado, e isso gera uma confusão não somente no aluno de Ortodontia, mas também nos clínicos e até em professores. OBJETIVO: O propósito deste artigo é continuar a discussão da primeira parte do artigo de mesmo título, abordando a influência da temperatura ambiente na temperatura de transição dos fios de NiTi e as diferenças entre os chamados fios de NiTi SE e termoativados.