bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and computational studies on optical properties of a promising N-benzylideneaniline derivative for non-linear optical applications
Authors: Kooliyankal Naseema , Sreedharan Rakhi , Ravi Sarath , Kottoly Ravindran Raghi , Thanathu Krishnankutty Manoj Kumar
Published: May 2020

A new organic non-centrosymmetric nonlinear optical (NLO) material, p-nitrobenzylidene-p-phenylamineaniline (PNBPDA) was synthesized and single crystals of PNBPDA were grown from ethanol solution by slow evaporation solution growth technique. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) and powder XRD data confirm that PNBPDA crystallizes in monoclinic system with non-centrosymmetric space group Cc.Various characterizations like PXRD, fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermal analysis and micro hardness test have been conducted. Optical studies have been done for evaluating the transparency range and the luminescence property of the grown single crystals of PNBPDA. Dielectric studies have carried out to investigate the electronic polarizability within the grown crystal. The frequency conversion efficiency of the grown crystal was determined using Kurtz Perry powder technique and second harmonic generation (SHG) was found to be 6 times that of standard Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate (KDP). Z-Scan technique was performed to determine the third order non-linear optical properties of the grown crystal of PNBPDA. The optical limiting property and the laser damage threshold value reflect the practical applicability of PNBPDA crystal for photonic applications. Additionally, the theoretical background of PNBPDA was carved out using Density Functional Theory (DFT) by evaluating the geometrical and electronic structural properties from Frontier Molecular Orbital (FMO) analysis, Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MESP) analysis and non-linear features from dipole moment, polarizability and hyperpolarizability properties embedded within the PNBPDA molecule. The calculated first order hyperpolarizability (β) value of the molecule was found to be 14 times that of the standard urea molecule.
Authentizität. Ein Ereignis der Begegnung
Authors: Wiesinger Christoph
Published: May 2020

Mit Authentizität begegnet uns ein in unserem kulturellen Raum allgegenwärtiges Phänomen. Seitdem Heidegger postulierte, dass es dem Sein entspricht, entschieden zur Eigentlichkeit (frz. authenticité) zu gelangen, ist sie aus unserem Sprachraum kaum noch wegzudenken. Doch wem oder was begegnen wir, wenn wir meinen, uns selbst treu sein zu müssen? Wir werden auf ein Selbst geworfen, das sich bei genauerem Hinsehen als komplexe sozial verinnerlichte Struktur entpuppt. Authentizität zeigt sich keineswegs als Kongruenzfigur zwischen Darstellung und Sein, sondern als soziales Zuschreibungsphänomen. Authentizität gibt es nicht zur persönlichen Verfügung, sondern tritt auf, wenn ein Anderer in positiv, unerwarteter und gleichsam definierender Weise sichtbar wird. Authentizität gibt Anlass zur Reflexion der Differenz zwischen Erwartung und Erfahrung, etwa im interreligiösen Lernen.
Wetten auf den Ausgang einer staatlich organisierten Lotterie – ein aufsichtspflichtiges Derivat?
Authors: Casper Matthias , Pfingsten Andreas , Stromann Bastian
Published: May 2020

Statt den Tippschein bei einer der Annahmestellen des Deutschen Lotto- und Totoblocks auszufüllen, tippen viele Spieler zunehmend online und nutzen dabei teilweise die Angebote von Drittanbietern. Diese meist an Offshoreplätzen wie Gibraltar, aber auch Malta ansässigen Anbieter veranstalten nicht selber eine Lotterie, sondern bieten Wetten auf den Ausgang einer staatlich organisierten Lotterie (Erstlotterie) an, indem sie deren Ziehungen und Gewinnklassen nachbilden, ohne sich an den jeweiligen staatlichen Regularien für Lotterien zu orientieren. Der nachstehende Beitrag untersucht sowohl aus ökonomischer als auch aus juristischer Perspektive erstmalig die Frage, ob es sich bei den Wett- bzw. Spielverträgen des Anbieters der sog. Zweitlotterie um ein Derivat handelt, das möglicherweise nach dem KWG aufsichtspflichtig ist.
Der Beitrag des Zinsbuchs zum Gesamtergebnis einer Sparkasse
Authors: Gischer Horst , Kowallik Matthias
Published: May 2020

Insbesondere für Sparkassen und andere, relativ kleine regional operierende Kreditinstitute stellt der Zinsüberschuss die bei weitem wichtigste Ertragsquelle dar. Dieser bildet sich zum einen durch die am Markt erzielbare Zinsmarge sowie die Bereitschaft zur Fristentransformation, d. h. die Ausnutzung der zumeist positiven Differenz zwischen langfristigen Kredit- und kurzfristigen Einlagenzinssätzen. Weitgehend unklar und damit auch Gegenstand der Diskussion ist die faktische Gewichtung dieser beiden Komponenten. Insbesondere bei untypisch verlaufenden Zinsstrukturkurven und vor allem bei negativen Zinsniveaus stellt die Fristentransformation eine Strategie dar, die mit erheblichen Ertragsrisiken einher geht. Unsere Analyse versucht, den (historischen) quantitativen Einfluss der Fristentransformation auf das Betriebsergebnis der Sparkassen abzuschätzen und für die nähere Zukunft zu prognostizieren. Unsere Resultate lassen erwarten, dass die bis dato positiven Ertragswirkungen der Fristentransformation deutlich zurückgehen werden.
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypouricemic effects of GT1 film-coated tablets on experimental animals
Authors: Tuyen Pham Ba , Huyen Truong Thi , Phong Pham Xuan , Thong Nguyen Trong , Hang Dinh Thi-Thu , Anh Pham Thi-Van
Published: May 2020

Aim: To evaluate pain relief, anti-inflammatory and hypouricemic effects of GT1 tablets on experimental animals.

Method: GT1 at the doses of 22.32 g/kg/day and 66.96 g/kg/day were evaluated for its analgesic effect in three models (hot plate, pain threshold, and acetic acid-induced writhing), its chronic anti-inflammatory effect in the granulomatous reaction model, and its hypouricemic effect in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic mice. Acute anti-inflammatory effects of GT1 at the doses of 11.16 g/kg/day and 33.48 g/kg/day were evaluated in rats with two models: carrageenin-induced paw edema and peritonitis.

Results: GT1 prolonged the temperature reaction time on the hot plate (22.73 s and 20.37 s at both doses of 22.32 g/kg and 66.96 g/kg, respectively, compared to 16.96 s in control group), reduced the number of acid acetic-induced writhing effects, decreased the weight of granulomas, and decreased the level of acid uric in blood and urine (p < 0.05). GT1 caused a significant reduction in paw edema after subplantar injection of carrageenan in rats (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a substantial decline of GT1 at the dose of 11.16 g/kg/day in terms of the volume and the quantity of protein in the inflammation fluid of the peritonitis model (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: GT1 at both doses of 11.16 g/kg/day and 33.48 g/kg/day posed acute anti-inflammatory effects on rats. GT1 at both doses of 22.32 g/kg/day and 66.96 g/kg/day exerted analgesic, chronic anti-inflammatory and hypouricemic effects on mice.
As tramas da participação na pedagogia freireana: fundamentos para uma democracia radical
Authors: Pitano Sandro De Castro , Streck Danilo Romeu , Moretti Cheron Zanini
Published: May 2020

Nesse artigo busca-se compreender os princípios da participação na forma de uma trama complexa, a partir do pensamento político e pedagógico de Paulo Freire. Indaga-se, entre outras questões, sobre as experiências históricas, direta ou indiretamente vivenciadas, que o influenciaram na incorporação da participação como premissa basilar de sua pedagogia. No campo das influências teóricas analisa-se a presença de autores/as identificados/as em sua obra, compreendendo as apropriações que Paulo Freire efetua e como as articula no dimensionamento da participação como democracia radical. As tramas da participação na pedagogia freireana fundamentam uma concepção de democracia que se manifesta como protagonismo histórico, como ação relacional-humanizadora e como prática de liberdade.
Chinese-driven frontier expansion in the Amazon: four axes of pressure caused by the growing demand for soy trade
Authors: Fuchs Vanessa Boanada
Published: May 2020

Chinese demand for the world’s commodities has the capacity to shape agricultural frontiers in many parts of the world, including the Amazon. This article is a preliminary report on findings concerning the expansion of the agricultural frontier in the Brazilian Amazon driven by increases in soybean production, extension of cropped area, cross-referenced with satellite data on deforestation rates at the smallest possible scale: the municipal level. The study identifies 21 municipalities forming fours axes of frontier expansion in the Amazon, where soycrops may be the cause for displacement deforestation, as it is the case of cattle ranching. Despite the Soy Moratorium, frontiers in the Amazon keep shifting. The article advocates that further research in those four axes is needed to better understand the relationship between those two industries in terms of land use as well as the socio-environmental on the ground impacts. Furthermore, the connections between those areas with present and future infrastructure development in the Amazon, many counting with direct Chinese investment, will be key to the expansion of the soy value chain, bypassing the initial goal of zero-deforestation.***Expansão de fronteira impulsionada pela China na Amazônia: quatro eixos de pressão causados pela crescente demanda pelo comércio de soja***A demanda chinesa por commodities tem capacidade para moldar fronteiras agrícolas em muitas partes do mundo, incluindo a Amazônia. Este artigo é um relatório preliminar sobre a expansão da fronteira agrícola na Amazônia brasileira, impulsionada por aumentos na produção de soja, extensão da área cultivada, cruzadas com dados de satélite sobre as taxas de desmatamento na menor escala possível: o nível municipal. O estudo identifica 21 municípios formando quatro eixos de expansão de fronteira na Amazônia, onde a lavoura de soja pode ser a causa do desmatamento indireto por deslocamento de outras atividades, como é o caso da pecuária. Apesar da Moratória da Soja, as fronteiras na Amazônia continuam mudando. O artigo defende que mais pesquisas nesses quatro eixos são necessárias para entender melhor a relação entre essas duas indústrias em termos de uso da terra, bem como os impactos socioambientais in loco. Além disso, é fundamental traçar as conexões entre esses eixos com o desenvolvimento presente e futuro de obras de infraestrutura na Amazônia, muitas delas com investimento direto chinês, para antever a expansão da cadeia de valor da soja, que pode estar ignorando de fato a intenção inicial de uma cadeia de valor de desmatamento zero.Palavras-chave: Amazônia. Fronteiras agrícolas. Desmatamento. Soja. Demandachinesa.
Facile Synthesis of CuO/ITO Film Via the Chronoamperometric Electrodeposition for Nonenzymatic Glucose Sensing
Authors: Tran Duong Thi Thuy , Nguyen Dung Quoc , Pham Chuyen Hong , Tran Lam Dai , Nguyen Dai Tien
Published: May 2020

We report on the synthesis of copper (II) oxide (CuO)/indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode via the electrochemical deposition method using a CuSO4 solution and then thermal oxidation in air at temperature of 400 oC for 2 h. The crystalline structure and morphology of CuO were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical properties of the CuO/ITO electrode to glucose in the alkaline medium of 0.1 M NaOH solution were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Chronnoamperometry. The CuO-N/ITO electrode showed the best electrochemical properties for glucose detection in comparison to the others. Chronnoamperometry of CuO-N/ITO electrode to the glucose response showed excellent stability, the linear range of 1 mM to 3600 mM with high sensitivity of 283.6 mAcm-2mM-1 and 0.61 mM of the detection limit (S/N=3). A good response of the CuO-N/ITO electrode, which was investigated for different human serum samples, indicates a high potential of its towards a glucose sensor for analysis in real examples.
Full \(\mathcal{O}(\alpha)\) Electroweak Radiative Corrections to \(e^-e^+ \rightarrow W^-W^+\) with Initial Beam Polarization Effects
Authors: Phan Hong Khiem , Nguyen Anh Thu , Nguyen Huu Nghia
Published: May 2020

We calculate full \(\mathcal{O}(\alpha)\) electroweak radiative corrections and \(\mathcal{O}(\alpha^3)\) initial state radiation (ISR) corrections to \(e^-e^+ \rightarrow W^-W^+\) with initial beam polarization effects. In phenomenological results, we study the impact of electroweak and ISR corrections on cross-sections as well as their relevant distributions. We find that the corrections are order of 10% contributions. They are sizable contributions and should be taken into account at future lepton colliders.
A corona virus tracker for clinicians and students: Assessing education during an evolving phenomenon
Authors: Niburski Kacper , Niburski Oskar
Published: May 2020

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended.
Bank Lending in the Knowledge Economy
Authors: Minoiu Camelia , Ratnovski Lev , Dell'Ariccia Giovanni , Kadyrzhanova Dalida
Published: May 2020

We study the composition of bank loan portfolios during the transition of the real sector to a knowledge economy where firms increasingly use intangible capital. Exploiting heterogeneity in bank exposure to the compositional shift from tangible to intangible capital, we show that exposed banks curtail commercial lending and reallocate lending to other assets, such as mortgages. We estimate that the substantial growth in intangible capital since the mid-1980s explains around 30% of the secular decline in the share of commercial lending in banks&#x27; loan portfolios. We provide suggestive evidence that this reallocation increased the riskiness of banks&#x27; mortgage lending.
Size of metal drops formed on a bubble of reducing gas at oxide melt barbotage
Authors: Vusikhis A. S. , Selivanov E. N. , Leont’ev L. I. , Chentsov V. P.
Published: May 2020

To estimate the size of the drops formed on individual bubbles of the reducing gas during the oxide melt barbotage, a metal phase formation model was used. This model includes the following stages: formation of bubbles upon injection of gas into the melt; metal recovery on the bubbles surface and its concentration in the form of drops in stern. Equations are presented that make it possible to estimate the limiting sizes of a gas bubble (Rкрп) and drops (rкрк) moving in oxide melt without crushing. Using the densities (p, kg/m3) and surface tension (σ, mJ/m2) of B2O3 - CaO (1) and B2O3 - CaO - CuO (2) melts in the temperature range of 1373 - 1673 K, described by the equations σ1= 87,0 + 0,242T, p1 = 3,2610-3 - 0,91T, σ2= 10,8 + 0,178T, p2 = 3,1910-3 - 0, 70T, respectively , the critical dimensions of a gas bubble (Rкрп)moving in an oxide melt without crushing were calculated. In B2O3 - CaO - CuO melt, critical radius of the bubble varies from 0.047 to 0.053 m depending on temperature, and for the B2O3 - CaO system these values are 0.06 - 0.081 m. Using a technique with thermodynamic equilibrium calculations that allows to describe the features of oxide melt barbotage by various reducing gases, we determined the change of the copper oxides content in B2O3 - CaO - CuO melt depending on the amount of CO introduced at different temperatures. Based on the obtained data, the amount of copper formed during the interaction of Cu2O in the melt with a single CO bubble wascalculated depending on the content of copper oxide and the amount of CO in the bubble. The correlation dependences of the drop size on the content of Cu2O in the melt (CCu O, %), temperature (T, K) and the amount of CO in the bubble (nCO , mol) were obtained by statistical data processing methods.
Monoamine oxidase activity in fish brain tissue v1
Authors: Maximino Caio , not provided Dbrosemberg
Published: May 2020

The protocol describes a spectrofluorophotometric method for rapid determination of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in zebrafish brains. The protocol is based on the transformation of kynuramine hydrobromide into 4-hydroxyquinoline. Since zebrafish possess only one MAO isoform, inhibitors of other isoforms are not necessary.
REDES INTERNACIONAIS DE COOPERAÇÃO: de redes burocráticas a redes recíprocas
Authors: Cardoso Antônio Dimas , Grave Marta Ribeiro , Ribeiro Maria João Alves
Published: May 2020

A cooperação internacional, enquanto sistema formalizado de relações entre países, está inserida num sistema burocrático ineficiente, mediado por lógicas de racionalidade instrumental. Contudo, as redes assim constituídas beneficiam de princípios como reciprocidade, solidariedade e confiança que tendem a transformar relações institucionais protocoladas em relações mais próximas, nas quais a informalidade surge como reguladora da ordem social, numa expressão de autonomia do próprio sujeito. O cultivo desses princípios fortalece o capital social entre as partes e, consequentemente, a construção de "modos de intercâmbio informais em sistemas formais”. Como se percebem, concretamente, relações de reciprocidade no seio das redes de Cooperação Internacional? Procurando discutir sobre essas redes, o artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre a capacidade das redes informais, no seio das interações internacionais, para a construção de uma sociedade mais solidária e democrática. Metodologicamente, recorremos à análise bibliográfica sobre a temática e ao conceito de rede de Larissa Adler Lomnitz, entendido como um sistema de intercâmbio de bens, serviços e informações, como estratégia de inserção social. Percebe-se que as relações informais são guiadas por uma lógica simbólico-cultural que entra, por vezes, em contradição com a racionalidade burocrática. Assim, a construção dessas redes é feita sob um sistema de reciprocidade, ou seja, baseado em relações de confiança, em que predominam vínculos horizontais. As redes de cooperação internacional abrem caminho à prática de novas experiências comunitárias, intercambiáveis entre partes, cujo foco remete ao exercício da reciprocidade junto a comunidades locais, tendo programas e projetos associativos como fontes de indução.
ESPAÇO FEMININO NO DISCURSO DO PRESIDENTE
Authors: Ferreira Cláudia Aparecida Avelar , Castro Gilce Aparecida Quintão
Published: May 2020

Trata-se da análise do discurso proferido pelo presidente, em homenagem ao Dia Internacional da Mulher, no ano de 2017, com escopo de verificar estratégias de discursivização do enunciador, marido de Marcela Temer na construção da categoria referencial mulher. Busca-se, também, relacionar o campo da sociologia dos gêneros, particularmente o feminino, com o campo da linguística aplicada, por meio da análise do processamento da referenciação, decorrente do modo de dizer, presente na arquitetura do corpus escolhido para este estudo. O modelo teórico-metodológico utilizado para encadear a discussão, neste artigo, baseia-se no Interacionismo sociodiscursivo, com empréstimos do dialogismo bakhtiniano e Círculo. Pôde-se perceber que o gênero textual discursivo orienta as escolhas lexicais e ideológicas na construção referencial de conceitos e da imagem do enunciador.
EVIDENCIAÇÃO DE INFORMAÇÕES SOCIOAMBIENTAIS POR ENTIDADES BANCÁRIAS PARTICIPANTES DA CARTEIRA DO ÍNDICE DE SUSTENTABILIDADE EMPRESARIAL ISE
Authors: Figueredo Neila Aparecida dos Santos , Andrade Adriano Barreira de , Andrade Thaysi Castro Coelho , Machado Thalyson Renan Bitencourt
Published: May 2020

Este trabalho de pesquisa teve como finalidade analisar a evidenciação de informações socioambientais por entidades bancárias participantes da carteira do Índice de Sustentabilidade Empresarial (ISE), em conformidade com a NBC T-15. Buscou-se como objetivo investigar se as principais informações sociais e ambientais divulgadas das Demonstrações contábeis de três entidades bancárias listadas no ISE, Banco Santander, Banco do Brasil e Banco Bradesco, atendem as orientações da NBC T-15, as empresas receberam instruções para realizar a evidenciação de suas demonstrações contábeis em seus relatórios anuais. Cumprindo com suas responsabilidades diante de uma sociedade cada dia mais exigente, deixando claro seus interesses por investir em entidades que não buscam apenas o lucro financeiro, mas que se preocupam com a sustentabilidade. A natureza da pesquisa foi qualitativa, quanto aos objetivos, estes foram de forma exploratória e descritiva. Sobre o procedimento metodológico, utilizou-se a pesquisa documental para a coleta de dados no período de 2015 a 2017. Em relação aos resultados obtidos, segundo as informações disponibilizadas pelos bancos, concluiu-se que, de forma geral, os quesitos foram atendidos em sua maioria. Os investimentos sociais e ambientais estão presentes em seus relatórios demonstrando de forma significada e positiva o poder de influência que estas três entidades bancárias possuem em relação a sociedade e ao meio ambiente.
COVID-19 e a INTERNET (OU ESTOU EM ISOLAMENTO SOCIAL FÍSICO)
Authors: Henrique Trazíbulo
Published: May 2020

Há mais de cinquenta anos começou a surgir a Internet. No final da década de 60 do século XX, professores e estudantes de universidades norte-americanas, atendendo a uma demanda da Arpa (AdvancedResearchProjectsAgency), a agência de pesquisas avançadas do Departamento de Defesa do Governo dos EUA, desenvolveram a Arpanet. Dentro desse projeto, em 1969, o estudante de computação Charley Kline, sob a supervisão do professor Leonard Kleinrock, planejou enviar a palavra login (neologismo da computação, algo equivalente a ‘registro em’, no caso, para acessar um sistema digital) de um computador da Universidade da Califórnia, em Los Angeles, para um computador do Instituto de Pesquisa de Stanford, em Menlo Park. Porém, o sistema ‘caiu’ e só foi enviado lo. Cerca de uma hora depois, solucionado o problema do sistema, enviaram a palavra toda. Assim, a semente da Internet estava sendo cultivada.
PERFIL DE HOMENS QUE PROCURAM UM SERVIÇO DE SAÚDE NA REGIÃO SUL DO MUNICÍPIO DE SÃO PAULO
Authors: De Morares Maria Cecília Leite , Novato Sirlei
Published: May 2020

O escopo da pesquisa foi conhecer o perfil sociodemográfico de homens que procuram um serviço de saúde na região Sul do município de São Paulo. Para tal, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa de campo, exploratória e descritiva, de abordagem quantitativa, com uma amostra de conveniência formada por 51 indivíduos. A coleta de dados foi feita por meio de um questionário. Os resultados obtidos evidenciaram a presença de homens jovens (55%), brancos (43%), casados (65%), com ensino médio (63%) e católicos (44%). Pôde-se observar sutis mudanças no autocuidado masculino, já que outros trabalhos mostram uma maior frequência de idosos, por problemas de saúde pré-existentes. Neste sentido, mesmo diante de um trabalho inicial, vislumbra-se uma mudança de cenário, a qual poderá ser chancelada por novos sobre o tema.
A IMPORTÂNCIA DA INCLUSÃO DOS ESTUDOS DE RISCOS NAS POLÍTICAS DE REASSENTAMENTO DE ATINGIDOS POR HIDRELÉTRICAS.
Authors: Ribeiro Aureni Moraes , Mendes José Manuel
Published: May 2020

A partir de uma revisão teórica sobre os estudos de riscos e sua importância enquanto ciência procede-se a um debate sobre a gestão de riscos para reassentamento por atingidos por hidrelétricas. O presente artigo pretende mostrar que esta dimensão ainda causa incerteza dentro dos planos de remanejamento, ou seja, processos de gestão equivocados, e que ignoram experiências anteriores, aliado ainda a uma insuficiente participação cidadã nas tomadas de decisões geram perdas socioeconômicas, impactos sociais negativos e baixa capacidade de resiliência. A resiliência é entendida aqui como a retomada do modo de vida anterior ao remanejamento forçado. À guisa de conclusão, mostra-se que as políticas não são desenhadas de acordo com a experiência territorial dos sujeitos que nele habitam, gerando riscos não calculados, dentre eles risco de insegurança alimentar e empobrecimento.
Statistical Monitoring and Early Forecasting of the Earthquake Sequence: Case Studies after the 2019 M 6.4 Searles Valley Earthquake, California
Authors: Ogata Yosihiko , Omi Takahiro
Published: May 2020

This study considers the possible implementation of the operational short-term forecasting, and analysis of earthquake occurrences using a real-time hypocenter catalog of ongoing seismic activity, by reviewing case studies of the aftershocks of the Mw 6.4 Searles Valley earthquake that occurred before the Mw 7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake. First, the short-term prediction of spatiotemporal activity is required in real time along with the background seismic activity over a wide region to obtain practical probabilities of large earthquakes; snapshots from the continuous forecasts during the Searles Valley and Ridgecrest earthquake sequence are included to monitor the growth and migration of seismic activity over time. We found that the area in and around the rupture zone in southern California had a very high background rate. Second, we need to evaluate whether a first strong earthquake may be the foreshock for a further large earthquake; the rupture region in southern California had one of the highest such probabilities. Third, short-term probability forecast of early aftershocks are much desired despite the difficulties with data acquisition. The aftershock sequence of the Mw 6.4 Searles Valley event was found to significantly increase the probability of a larger earthquake, as seen in the foreshock sequence of the 2016 MJMA 7.4 Kumamoto, Japan, earthquake. Finally, detrending the temporal activity of all the aftershocks by stretching and shrinking the ordinary time scale according to the rate given by the Omori–Utsu formula or the epidemic-type aftershock sequence model, we observe the spatiotemporal occurrences in which seismicity patterns may be abnormal, such as relative quiescence, relative activation, or migrating activity. Such anomalies should be recorded and listed for the future evaluation of the probability of a possible precursor for a large aftershock or a new rupture nearby. An example of such anomalies in the aftershocks before the Mw 7.1 Ridgecrest earthquake is considered.
Australia’s fixed broadband deficit
Authors: McLaren Gary
Published: May 2020

Australia’s fixed broadband services performance and takeup is continuing to fall behind other comparable countries in international benchmarks. This is despite broadband being a hot topic of debate at three Federal Elections and the creation of a new broadband utility company by the Australian Government. The recent change of government, in 2013, prompted reviews into the structure of Australia’s fixed telecommunications market. A move away from utility style broadband to infrastructure competition has been recommended but the Australian Government has not embraced such a move, preferring instead to keep the utility structure for fixed broadband. While the new Coalition Government is investing in more fibre infrastructure as part of its Multi Technology Mix, there is no commitment to build a ‘deep fibre’ network that would have ‘natural monopoly’ characteristics. Competition from new technologies, wireless and fixed, may limit the financial viability of the utility broadband provider. Indecision about the structure of Australia’s broadband market is likely to continue to retard medium to long term investment in the fibre infrastructure needed to improve Australia’s broadband rankings against its international peers.
Conduction systems in fig tree with two cultivars, evaluating fruits quality and yield
Authors: Ecker Scheila Lúcia , Lugaresi Adriana , Girardi Gian Carlos , Louis Bachelor , Galon Leandro , Giacobbo Clevison Luiz
Published: May 2020

The fig tree is rustic and one of the fruit species with great economic importance, because it adapts easily to different climate and soil types. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence the branches number and the fig tree cultivar on yield and fruit quality. The orchard implanted with two cultivars, Roxo de Valinhos and Pingo de Mel, and conducted with different numbers of productive branches, being: 16, 24 and 32. The utilized lineation was completely randomized, with three replicates, each replicate being composed of four plants. The analyzed variables were: branches length (cm), number of fruits per plant, number of fruits per branch meter, yield of mature fruits (Kg ha-1), yield of green fruits (Kg ha-1), accumulated productivity (Kg ha-1), fruit size (cm3), average fruit weight (g), soluble solids (°Brix) and fruit dry matter (%). The daily elongation rate and the mean length of the branches did not influence the different treatments. For productivity, noticed superiority on cultivar Roxo de Valinhos, with the higher the number of productive branches in the plants. Fruit quality, relative to soluble solids and dry matter, also did not influence the treatments. Fruits in larger caliber and size found from plants of the cultivar Roxo de Valinhos. Both for the production of fruits for fresh consumption and for the industrialization it is recommended the conduction with greater number of productive branches being between 24 and 32, for the greater productive yield.
Impact of 18F-FDG PET/CT on the staging of patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xuan Ngo Minh , Huy Huynh Quang
Published: May 2020

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 80% of new diagnoses of pulmonary carcinoma. This study investigated the correlation between 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in computerized tomography integrated positron emission tomography and tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis in patients with NSCLC.Methods: The records of 318 NSCLC patients (220 male, 98 females; mean age 60.94 years) were evaluated retrospectively.Results: 278 cases were adenocarcinomas; 28 squamous cell carcinomas; and 12 large cell carcinoma. When the cases were categorized according to tumor size (group 1, ≤3 cm; group 2, >3 and ≤5 cm; group 3, >5 cm), the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was significantly lower in groups 1 and 2 compared with group 3 (p<0,001 for each). Considering all cases, tumor SUVmax was not correlated with age, gender or histopathological type. Lymph node metastases were seen in 250 cases: 80.2% of these were adenocarcinomas, 71.4% squamous cell carcinomas, and 58.3% large cell carcinomas. Neither lymph node involvement nor distant metastases were correlated with tumor SUVmax, although lymph node size was positively correlated with lymph node SUVmax (r=0.758; p<0.001).Conclusions: SUVmax was significantly associated with tumor size, but not with distant metastases or lymph node involvement. Therefore, SUVmax on positron emission tomography is not predictive of the presence of metastases.
Electrolyte disturbances and lipid profiles in ischaemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients in Aisyiyah Bojonegoro Hospital, Indonesia
Authors: Setyawati Yunita Dwi , Mastura Rila Ruis
Published: May 2020

Background: The prevalence of stroke continues to increase every year. Electrolyte imbalance and metabolic disorder can cause high morbidity and mortality of stroke. There are very few studies conducted on serum electrolytes and lipid levels in stroke patients. Authors aimed to know the electrolyte disturbance and lipid profiles in acute stroke.Methods: Retrospective case analysis was used in this study. Patients who diagnosed with hemorrhagic and ischaemic stroke in Aisyiyah Bojonegoro Hospital from January to September 2019 were selected trough electronic medical records system. Authors examine the electrolyte levels and lipid profiles. Patients with a previous history of stroke, complication that might affect electrolyte level and incomplete data in medical records were excluded. Independent T-test or Mann Whitney test were used to analyze the difference of parameters between hemorrhagic and ischaemic stroke patients. P value was considered as significant at p<0.05.Results: Most common electrolyte imbalance in both hemorrhagic and ischaemic stroke was hypokalemia which is statistically significant. Comparison between stroke patients was statistically significant for mean potassium and high density lipoprotein (HDL), while other mean serum values were not different. Potassium significantly lower (p=0.002) in hemorrhagic stroke and HDL significantly lower (p=0.034) in ischaemic stroke.Conclusions: This study reveals that hypokalemia was higher in hemorrhagic stroke and HDL was lower in ischaemic stroke. Regular monitoring of lipid levels in patients with high risk factors and correction of electrolytes imbalance for stroke patients will help in decreasing the mortality and morbidity.
Evaluation of cognitive functions in diabetic patients
Authors: Cakir Emre , Harmankaya Nazmiye Ozlem , Cengiz Hasret , Varim Ceyhun
Published: May 2020

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is an independent risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. In this study, authors investigated cognitive functions in the diabetes and control group with Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Authors analyzed the association of cognitive status with age, sex, duration of diabetes, insulin use and HbA1c in diabetic patients.Methods: Fifty patients with diabetes diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 70 who applied to this Diabetes and General Internal Medicine Clinics between January 2017 and September 2017 were included. Fifty patients with nondiabetes diagnosed with similar age and demographic characteristics were included in the control group. MMSE was applied to both groups. In the diabetic group, cognitive functions were investigated in relation with age, gender, duration of diabetes, insulin usage and HbA1c.Results: The MMSE score in diabetic patients was lower than the control group (p<0.05). In addition, cognitive impairment in diabetic patients was associated with duration of diabetes and HbA1c level. There wasn't significant difference was found between cognitive impairment and age, sex, insulin use.Conclusions: Diabetes Mellitus is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia with many possible mechanisms. In the routine, there is no screening for cognitive impairment and dementia in diabetic patients; but if authors detect early cognitive impairment, authors can prevent cognitive impairment progression to dementia with medical treatment and cognitive exercises.
Correlation between pulsatility index of medial cerebri artery and cognitive function in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2
Authors: Johannes Herdy , Tumewah Rizal , Sekeon Sekplin A. S.
Published: May 2020

Background: Cognitive impairment is prevalent among cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) is a major risk factor of CVD. Gold standard used for diagnosing vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) required a combination of neurophysiological approach and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The Neurosonological approach, involving measuring the pulsatility index (PI) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) using Trans Cranial Doppler (TCD) could be applied as an affordable alternative to predict VCI. The objective of this study was to revealed the correlation between PI MCS and cognitive function among DMT2 patients.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey in patients with DMT2 visiting Neurology and Endocrine Outpatient Clinics at Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou Manado General Hospital, who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sixty (60) subjects were examined by TCD with 2 MHz to assess the hypo-perfusion level. Their cognitive were assessed with the Indonesian version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa-Ina).Results: Right and left MCA median PI was 1.1 (IQR 0.9-1.4) and 1.0 (IQR 0.9-1.2) consecutively. MoCa-Ina median score was approximately 25 (IQR 22-26). Boxplot graph showed left PI MCA median score was higher in patients with normal cognitive function compared with cognitive impairment. Authors could not reach any significant statistical difference between PI MCA score and its correlation with cognitive function (p>0.05).Conclusions: Majority of patients with DMT2 have PI MCA score within normal range. Cognitive function among patient with DMT2 was mostly impaired. There is no correlation between PI MCA with cognitive function of patients with DMT2.
Frequency of types of parturition and their relationship with maternal characteristics: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Khan Farah , Jamshed Saira , Bano Zakia , Begum Amna , Ariff Madiha , Anwar Adnan
Published: May 2020

Background: The pathways that are involved for the duration of pregnancy and type of parturition are extremely complex, involving maternal as well as fetal systems. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of types of parturition and their relationship with maternal characteristics among pregnant female patients.Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a non-probability convenient sampling technique was conducted among 195 healthy pregnant females at Obstetrics and Gynaecological Department of Hamdard Hospital, Karachi, from 1st March 2019 to 31st August 2019. After taking written informed consent from the participants, the relevant data were gathered with the help of a structured questionnaire designed specifically for the study. Statistical package for social sciences was used for data entry while the chi-square test was applied for inferential analysis. The duration of the study was six months. Data were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0. Descriptive analysis was performed by generating means and standard deviations for continuous variables while frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. A Chi-square test was applied to perform the inferential analysis while the significance level was set at 0.05.Results: A total of 195 pregnant females were included in the study, whose mean age was 29.29±5.22 years. The study results showed that BMI before pregnancy (p=0.021), rest is taken during pregnancy (p=0.034) and gravida status (p=0.047) were all significantly associated with the type of parturition among the study participants, but spacing in pregnancies and parity were not.Conclusions: Maternal characteristics were found to be significantly associated with the type of parturition among pregnant females. For gynecologists the maternal characteristics identified in this study may serve as a useful indicator of the type of parturition expected in their patients.
Fundus first laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with gall stone disease and the Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome
Authors: Ale Alexander F. , Isichei Mercy W. , Shilong Danaan J. , Peter Solomon D. , Shitta Andrew H. , Misauno Michael A.
Published: May 2020

Background: To present this experience using the fundus-first technique during laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the management of symptomatic gall stone disease with an intra-operative finding of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome.Methods: This is a prospective review of patients who had the fundus-first dissection during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The study was carried out at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), and FOMAS hospital, both of which are tertiary hospitals located in Jos. Patients were recruited from January 2017 - January 2019. All patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy who had an intraoperative diagnosis of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome, and who had the fundus-first dissection, were included in the study. Patients who had fundus-first dissection for indications other than Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome, were excluded from the study. Demographic and clinical information of patients included age, sex, duration of surgery, complications, and duration of hospital stay. Descriptive statistics were applied.Results: A total of 76 patients had elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies over the study period. Of that number, 17 (22.4%) patients had an intra- operative diagnosis of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome, and had the fundus-first dissection. The mean patient age was 46.3 years (SD = 11.7 years). All patients were female. The mean operating time was 70 minutes (SD = 23 minutes). The duration of hospital stay was 24 hours. There was one conversion due to uncontrollable intraoperative bleeding.Conclusions: This study revealed that the fundus-first dissection is suitable for removing the gall bladder during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with gall stone disease, and an intraoperative finding of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome.
Morphological spectrum and epidemiological profile of ovarian tumours in black West African women at Lagos state university teaching hospital, Ikeja, Nigeria
Authors: Sanni Daniel A. , Soyemi Sunday S. , Popoola Abiodun O. , Rabiu Kabiru A.
Published: May 2020

Background: This study was done to evaluate the histological types, frequency and age distribution of ovarian tumours in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos State. This study also aims to classify ovarian tumours in this centre according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).Methods: A retrospective, descriptive hospital study of all ovarian specimens that were sent to the department of pathology and forensic medicine, LASUTH between 1st January, 2011 and 31st December, 2019 was done. Relevant data composed of the age distributions and histopathological types were extracted from the departmental information system and filed documents. The data was analysed using the IBM-SPSS version 25.0.Results: There were 198 cases of ovarian tumours. The mean age at diagnosis of ovarian tumours was 34.6±15.3 years. Unilateral ovarian tumour was observed in 91.9%% of cases while bilateral disease was seen in 8.1%. Primary ovarian tumours constitute 97.0% of all diagnosed tumours of the ovary. Germ cell tumour was the most frequently diagnosed ovarian tumour; and teratoma was the most common, representing 91.2% of germ cell tumours and 47.0% of all ovarian tumours. Primary ovarian cancer peaked at the 6th decade of life and metastatic ovarian cancer was infrequently seen. Serous carcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed ovarian cancer.Conclusions: Ovarian tumour presents most frequently at the 4th decade of life, and germ cell tumour is the most common.
Extensive intraductal component positive carcinoma of breast: two year study with special reference to ER/PR/HER2NEU/Ki67 in a tertiary care centre of Barak Valley
Authors: Choudhury Madhusmita , Deka Monoj K. , Talukdar Anuradha , Khakhlari Nitu M. , Chaubey Jyoti
Published: May 2020

Background: Extensive intraductal component positive carcinoma (EICPC) of breast is defined by Schnitt et al as-A. 25% or more of Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is present along the invasive lesion and DCIS is also present outside the area of invasive carcinoma. B. EICPC also include carcinomas in which DCIS is associated with a “small” (approximately 10 mm or less) invasive carcinoma or carcinomas. In Extensive Intraductal Carcinoma (EIDC) most of the cases were associated with recurrence when surgical margin status is not evaluated or focally involved. Our objective was to study the prevalence of EIDC and expression of estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR)/human epidermal growth factor (HER2NEU)/Ki67(antigen identified by monoclonal antibody KI67) in those cases.Methods: It was a retrospective cross sectional study conducted over a period of 2017 to August 2019.All the histologically confirmed cases of EIDC was retrieved from the institute.Results: Out of 65 cases of invasive carcinoma 17 (26.1%) cases were positive for EICPC. Age of patients ranged from 27 to 73years with mean age of 43 years and 5 patients (29.4%) were postmenopausal. Most of the cases  i.e. 6(35.2%) had a ER+/PR+/HER2NEU- status with most of the cases having high 6(47%)Ki-67 index. According to the BLOOM RICHARDSON GRADING 14 cases were grade II (82.3%) and 3 cases were grade I (17.7%) and in pT and pN staging majority were stage pT1 - 7 (41.1%). Most of the cases were mastectomy cases 11 (64.4%) with a base free status except in one lumpectomy case where margin was involved.Conclusions: In this study majority of the cases were ER+//PR+/HER2NEU- with most of the cases having high Ki67 index. Evaluation of EIDC, along with the negative margin status is important to prevent recurrence.
Demographic and clinical profile of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and testing of health related quality of life in a tertiary hospital in South India
Authors: Johnson Steffy , Ignasious Justin
Published: May 2020

Background: Patient with vernal keratoconjunctivitis faces significant morbidity, which affects quality of life or; moreover, it can lead to vision threatening, corneal complication in severe cases and chronic cases coupled with potential iatrogenic side effects. Aim of this study to assess the demography, clinical features and quality of life of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis in a centre in South India.Methods: General objective is to access the health related-quality of life and demographic study of VKC patients in a tertiary eye care hospital in south India. KINDL questionnaire with 30 questions is used for 30 paediatric patients. Percentage analysis for clinical assessment and interpretation method for questionnaire was used as statistical method.Results: In clinical assessment papillary reaction (96.66%), giant papillae (83.34%), Horner Trantas dots (20%), shield ulcer (13.35%), corneal erosions (43.33%), conjunctival congestion (76.68%). In case of vision 36.66% had normal vision, 56.67% had mild vision loss, 6.68% with moderate vision loss.Conclusions: VKC affects the health related quality of life of the patients significantly. The management of VKC should consider this aspect of health related quality of life, in addition to clinical parameters. From the assessment of KINDL questionnaire 30 samples 18 patients had high and 12 patients had average quality of life.
Exploring factors influencing post-partum length of hospital stay among women residing in two high priority districts of Uttar Pradesh: a quantitative study
Authors: Pandey Anuj Kumar , Pachouri Shalu , Pandey Anvita
Published: May 2020

Background: The first hour and day following childbirth is a period of rapid change within child and mother, with a potential for immediate crises as more than half of global maternal deaths occur during the postnatal period, of which 45 percent maternal and three- quarters of neonatal deaths occur within one day after deliver. Despite of the importance of this period, less than half of mother and newborn get the checkup done in first 24 hours in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. This quantitative study explored the factors associated with early postpartum hospital discharge.Methods: This was a hospital-based study in which exit interviews were done using structured questionnaire from 278 recently delivered women at two randomly selected Community Health Centres of Gonda and Bareilly districts each, from Uttar Pradesh. The outcome variable was duration of hospital stay. Descriptive results were presented with comparison of factors within district, followed by bivariate analyses and linear regression was done to adjust for confounders.Results: Longer distance of house from facility (0.07; 95 percent CI 0.04, 0.01; p<0.001), if informed about new-born care (0.49; 95 percent CI 0.01, 0.85; p 0.01), if ASHA had fewer visits to women house (-0.06; 95 percent CI -0.12, -0.1; p 0.01) were found to be the determinant of longer stay after adjusting for all variables that were found significant in bivariate analysis and were biologically plausible.Conclusions: The present study concludes that there is lack of awareness among women and their relatives. Inadequate information provided by front line workers were some of the major factors influencing hospital stay pattern.