bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fecal microbiota transplantation in the obesity treatment – a literature review
Authors: Sroczyńska Monika , Żaczek Aleksandra , Luchowska Anna
Published: January 2023

Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes obesity as one of the ten most important threats affecting human health. The occurrence of obesity has been found to be closely linked to the phenomenon of intestinal dysbiosis. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can be an effective method of modifying and normalizing the composition of the intestinal microbiota. It involves the insertion of stool from a healthy donor into the recipient's digestive tract. Studies have found that FMT is effective in a wide range of diseases, but the evidence for its use in obesity treatment is limited.
 
Aim of the study
The purpose of the study was to examine the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in the treatment of obesity.
 
Materials and methods
A search was conducted using PubMed database. Articles were searched in English using the following key words:
fecal microbiota transplantation, gut microbiota, obesity.
 
Results
FMT from lean donors had no effect on weight loss in obese individuals. However, the procedure may help reduce abdominal obesity, especially in women. Studies present mixed results in terms of changes in insulin sensitivity, but most of them demonstrate the lack of effect on it. Metabolic parameters, resting energy expenditure, caloric intake and obesity markers remained unchanged. Lower HbA1c levels were observed in patients at week 6 after FMT, although this effect was temporary. Patients' quality of life after FMT did not change. No major side effects have been reported.
 
Conclusion
The findings suggest that fecal microbiota transplantation from lean donors does not contribute to weight loss in obese patients. Although FMT is ineffective for treating obesity, it can reduce visceral fat, particularly in women.
Satisfaction of Polish pharmacists with completed training in the field of qualification and vaccination against COVID-19
Authors: Malec Stanisław , Knyszyńska Anna , Kleszczewski Tomasz
Published: January 2023

Introduction The coronavirus pandemic in Poland required quick responses. After the invention of the Covid-19 vaccine, the main strategic goal became to vaccinate as many Poles as possible in the shortest time. This required the involvement of all medical services, including pharmacists. Qualifications to perform full vaccination services were acquired during courses organized by the Center for Postgraduate Medical Education. Almost 9,000 pharmacists have acquired qualifications for vaccinations, not all of them have decided to provide them in pharmacies. The aim of the study was a preliminary analysis of pharmacists' satisfaction from completed qualification courses to perform the protective vaccination service against Covid-19. Material and methods The study in the form of an online questionnaire was conducted among 403 professionally active pharmacists who completed a qualification course to provide the Covid-19 vaccination service. The questions concerned, among others, the assessment of the content delivery and skills during the course, as well as the usefulness of the content in practice. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results The vast majority of the surveyed pharmacists, regardless of their work experience, were satisfied with the completed qualification courses. Pharmacists with more than 10 years of work experience rated the theoretical part of the course better than their younger colleagues. For the practical part, there were no differences between the groups. The majority of pharmacists assessed the method of transferring practical skills as good or very good and indicated the usefulness of the acquired content and skills in practice. Conclusions The courses organized by the Center for Postgraduate Medical Education turned out to be satisfactory in the opinion of Polish pharmacists. It seems important to look for factors affecting the lack of provision of the Covid-19 vaccination service by some qualified pharmacists
Nephrological complications in patients after COVID-19 infection
Authors: Marciniak Agnieszka , Nemeczek Sylwia , Walczak Klaudia , Walczak Patrycja , Merkisz Konrad , Grzybowski Jakub , Grzywna Natalia , Jaskuła Karolina , Orłowski Władysław
Published: January 2023

In this review, we looked for correlations and health consequences between COVID-19 infection and kidney health. Although the main symptoms of COVID-19 are respiratory failure and hypoxemia, kidney involvement is also common. In an attempt to decipher how COVID-19 infection affects the kidneys, this review focuses on the pathophysiological and clinical links between COVID-19 infection and the kidneys. The aim of this work was to find long-term health consequences in patients who were discharged from the hospital and to investigate risk factors. COVID-19-related kidney disease is reported not only in infected patients with chronic kidney disease, but also in people with no previous history of kidney disease.
The disease caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) is a threat to public health. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been shown to be a risk factor for side effects.
Although initial reports from China showed a low incidence (5%-10%) of acute kidney injury (AKI), subsequent articles documented a much higher incidence of AKI in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Overall, renal biopsies showed a variety of histopathology, including acute glomerulonephritis and acute tubular injury.
The pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated AKI is believed to include local and systemic inflammatory and immunological reactions, endothelial damage, and activation of coagulation pathways and the renin-angiotensin system. Histopathology results revealed both similarities and differences between AKI in COVID-19 patients and AKI patients in non-COVID-19 sepsis. Acute tubular injury is common, although it is often mild despite greatly reduced kidney function. Systemic haemodynamic instability most likely contributes to renal tubular damage. Despite the description of COVID-19 as a cytokine storm syndrome, circulating cytokine levels are often lower in patients with COVID-19 than in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome from causes other than COVID-19. Also, an impaired response to type I interferon has been detected in patients with severe COVID-19. In the light of these observations, the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of COVID-19-associated AKI may provide knowledge to construct therapeutic strategies.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) - influence on sleep: review
Authors: Jędruszczak Przemysław , Zdun Sylwia , Walczak Klaudia , Wesołowska Zuzanna , Gaweł Weronika
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a plant found on the Indian subcontinent. The health-promoting properties attributed to it have been largely verified in numerous studies over the past 20 years. This article reviews studies on the effects of ashwagandha supplementation on sleep, its deprivation, and studies analyzing the mechanisms determining such effects.
Materials and methods: A review of the literature available in the PubMed database was carried out, using the key words: "ashwagandha" ; "sleep" ; "insomnia", "withania", "somnifera", "withanolide", "withaferin".
Results: Ashwagandha has a positive effect on the quality and length of sleep. It is indicated that it improves sleep parameters among both insomniacs and healthy people. In addition, it has been proven to reduce oxidative stress under conditions of sleep deprivation. Ashwagandha's positive effects on sleep have been shown to be related to its effects on GABA-nergic transmission, and the chemical responsible for the plant's sleep induction is triethylene glycol. Its regular use increases dopamine levels in the brain and could potentially be useful in treating the sleep-related disorder restless legs syndrome.
Conclusions: The use of ashwagandha is a potential direction for treating sleep disorders and improving sleep quality in healthy individuals. There is a need for further development and studies on larger groups of patients to exploit its potential.
Ophthalmic manifestations of Covid-19 and Mpox - potentially dangerous complications, and underdiagnosis by researchers and clinicians
Authors: Hyjek Michał , Pierzchała Jakub Rafał , Bednarz Katarzyna , Banaś Patryk , Sobańska Natalia , Banasiak Aleksandra Paulina , Teichman Rafał , Kasprowicz Jakub , Abram Kamila , Adamus Justyna
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic and the increase in monkeypox (Mpox) infections that have been with us for the past two years have forced scientists and doctors to intensify their efforts to understand them. They mainly affect the respiratory, circulatory and immune systems and cause skin lesions. They can lead to death from lung disease, so complications such as ophthalmic ones are not often described in scientific studies, but doctors report that Covid-19 and Mpox patients not infrequently show symptoms such as inflammation, conjunctival congestion, corneal ulceration, swelling of the eye area and others.
Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to review scientific articles with a view to presenting the problem of ocular complications following SARS-CoV-2 infection and ways to prevent them.
Methods and materials: a literature review was conducted using the PubMed database, using the keywords: “ocular complications”, “ophthalmic complications” “ocular manifestations”, “eye complications”, “monkeypox”, “Mpox”, “Covid-19” “SARS-CoV-2”.
Results: PCR studies from conjunctival swabs have confirmed the presence of SARS-COV-2 and MPXV genetic materials in ocular secretions, so they are a reservoir of viruses and pose a risk of further transmission. In the case of Covid-19, the eye can act as a host for infection. Humidification and preventive antibiotic therapy have been shown to prevent bacterial superinfection and avoid serious ocular complications, including loss of vision.
Conclusions: Patients with Covid-19 and Mpox should be diagnosed ophthalmologically, as neglect can lead to deterioration and even loss of vision, reducing their quality of life. Eye care treatments and pharmacotherapy prevent future complications. It is also important to use personal protective equipment, take care of hygiene and disinfect equipment used for ophthalmic examinations to prevent the spread of infections to other patients as well as to medical staff.
Mirogabalin - the use of a new gabapentinoid in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuropathy and other conditions
Authors: Gawel Weronika , Zdun Sylwia , Walczak Klaudia , Wesołowska Zuzanna , Jędruszczak Przemysław
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Mirogabalin is a new drug from the gabapentinoid group first registered in Japan in 2019. It has found use in the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuropathy.
Purpose: In this article, we review studies on the efficacy and safety of mirogabalin in the treatment of registered indications and its potentially new applications.
Materials and Methods: We reviewed the literature available in the PubMed database, using the key words: "mirogabalin", "neuropathy" "pregabalin".
Results: Mirogabalin has been registered for the treatment of neuropathic pain in diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuropathy. The literature shows that it is effective and safe in the above-mentioned indications.  Its use has also been described: in the treatment of neuropathic pain of other etiologies with intolerance to pregabalin, as a coanalgesic in the treatment of pain in the course of cancer, and in neuropathy caused by chemotherapy. It has been shown to be effective in all of the aforementioned cases. Studies have shown no clinically significant effect of mirogabalin in the symptomatic treatment of fibromyalgia pain.  It has a good safety profile and a low number of adverse effects.
Conclusions:. Mirogabalin is a drug that has the potential to improve the efficacy of treatment of neuropathic pain due to various causes.  There is a need to continue conducting studies on larger groups of patients in order to make wider use of its potential in clinical practice.
Unified Moment-Based Modeling of Integrated Stochastic Processes
Authors: Kyriakou Ioannis , Brignone Riccardo , Fusai Gianluca
Published: January 2023

Dial M for Simulation

For years, systems of stochastic differential equations (SDEs) were simulated by discretization, inevitably introducing a bias, which can be difficult to quantify accurately. To circumvent this, some attempts have been made to simulate exactly various models from the SDE solution. These approaches prove capable of producing accurate results. A serious drawback of such an approach, nevertheless, is the implicit need to use extensive numerical methods, which make the entire simulation computationally heavy and quite impracticable. In the paper “Unified moment-based modeling of integrated stochastic processes,” Kyriakou, Brignone, and Fusai present a methodological framework based on M(oments) for the simulation of such models that overcomes earlier limitations. Theoretical results and extensive numerical experiments show that the proposed approach allows accurate simulation of complex stochastic models with low computational effort.
Why does patient mental health matter? Part 4: non-carious tooth surface loss as a consequence of psychiatric conditions
Authors: Elliott Emma , Sanger Emily , Shiers David , Aggarwal Vishal R
Published: January 2023

This is the fourth article in a series looking at psychiatric presentations in dentistry. Recently, the oral health of people with severe mental illness (SMI) has gained significant media attention after the Office of the Chief Dental Officer for England published a statement on the importance of prioritizing oral health for people with SMI. Furthermore, a consensus statement has set out a 5-year plan to improve oral health in people with SMI. In Part 3, we discussed how a psychiatric disorder can result in dental pathology primarily through self-neglect. This article explores tooth surface loss and the potential link with psychiatry, considering the role of the primary dental care team in early recognition of psychiatric presentations. A fictionalized case-based discussion is used to explore this concept.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article emphasizes the role of the primary care dental team in recognition of psychiatric conditions, such as eating disorders.
Three numb tongues, two mris and a gold weight in an eyelid: a case series of acoustic neuromas and their relevance to dental practice
Authors: Reilly Robert JR , Todd Elizabeth , Donaldson Kirstyn , Crighton Alex
Published: January 2023

Acoustic neuromas are brain tumours originating from the Schwann cells of the vestibulocochlear nerve. As acoustic neuromas grow, the vestibulocochlear, facial and trigeminal nerves are often compressed, resulting in the common presenting complaints of hearing loss, balance disturbance, facial nerve weakness and altered sensation of the orofacial region. Thus, patients with an acoustic neuroma may present to the dentist with a range of problems. Herein we present three cases of acoustic neuroma that were diagnosed following presentation to the Glasgow Dental Hospital Oral Medicine Department and discuss the common clinical features, radiological findings and management options for acoustic neuromas.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dentists should be aware of the common presenting features of acoustic neuromas and when onward referral is indicated.
Acrylic dentures: fill the gap. Part 1. overview, support, retention, reciprocation and bracing
Authors: Leyssen Wouter , Heran Jasmeet , Walmsley AD
Published: January 2023

Many dental students find the principles of partial denture design difficult to learn. It is also recognized that dentists in general practice within the UK do not always provide sufficient design specification on their laboratory prescription. In that regard, it seems that confusion about how to come up with a suitable denture design persists after graduation. The aim of this series of articles is therefore to review the principles of denture design as applied to mucosal-borne dentures. Part 1 focuses on support, retention, reciprocation and bracing.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article reviews the principles of design in relation to mucosal-borne partial dentures.
Management of implant screwdriver ingestion: reflection and guidance for the GDP placing implants
Authors: Mazareanu Rupert , Soomro Naveed , Romeed Shihab
Published: January 2023

Dental procedures carry a risk of inhalation or ingestion of foreign bodies. The Medical Defence Union reported there were 141 dentistry-related incidents over a 10 year period (137 ingestion, four aspiration). Most objects pass through the alimentary canal uneventfully, but timely and efficient management can reduce the risk of complications. This article reflects on the management following accidental ingestion of an implant screwdriver in an oral reconstruction patient. Clear step-by-step guidance for the GDP performing implant therapy is provided.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Through reflection on a clinical incident of ingestion and aspiration of a foreign body, the lessons learned are shared to aid in avoidance of such situations, or their effective management.
Greg Winfree
Authors: Stone Tom
Published: January 2023

From USDOT to Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Gregory D Winfree remains one of today’s leading figures in mobility research
Intersection of Ideas
Authors: Smith David
Published: January 2023

In Detroit there’s a new way to manage intersections, using smart systems for fault reporting, signal priority and dynamic safety enhancements. Plus, open architecture means the foundations are now being laid for a whole new traffic ecosystem. David Smith reports from Motor City
The Wisdom of Crowds
Authors: Roper Jack
Published: January 2023

Can traffic managers now gain valuable congestion information simply by using the anonymously crowd-sourced, floating car data provided by Google Maps? Jack Roper takes a look at the software that is enabling just that, and explores its limitations
Weather Intelligence
Authors: Gordon James
Published: January 2023

In Colorado, a new US$72m V2X corridor is being equipped with DSRC roadside units. The aim is to keep road users safe with a constant stream of up-to-the-second information about weather events, road conditions and crashes.
Smooth Operator
Authors: Allen James
Published: January 2023

The first module of its kind built into a new Audi vehicle is making tolling more efficient and could have wider applications in the future.
Eyes on the Road
Authors: Allen James
Published: January 2023

To what extent can artificial intelligence do away with the need for humans to enforce the rules of the road? James Allen reports on the new technologies that are changing the way local authorities are keeping their roads safe and prosecuting offenders
Situation Critical
Authors: Gordon James
Published: January 2023

As infrastructure ages, it’s necessary to spend more on maintenance. But, amid a number of recent fatal disasters, should road operators be instigating or increasing tolls to fund the necessary repair work? Or should public money be leveraged to plug the gap?
A Market Introduction
Authors: Tschulik Peter
Published: January 2023

The new smart tachograph will be introduced at the start of 2019. The new devices will enhance previous tachograph capabilities by enabling DSRC
Allie Kelly
Authors: Wordsworth Saul
Published: January 2023

Allie Kelly, executive director of I-83 proving ground The Ray, channels the spirit of the pioneering leader who inspired this transportation project, and talks about the technologies now being tested
Chain Reaction
Authors: James Anthony
Published: January 2023

Paul Campion, CEO of the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), is pushing for more pedal power and a complete rethink on housing to help deliver a brighter tomorrow.
Beyond Human
Authors: Wells Alexander
Published: January 2023

The power of artificial intelligence is growing all the time. Tom Stone looks at the ways in which it is being harnessed across traffic management – from special event management, to signal timing and safety – and discovers a world in which even experts can’t predict exactly what it’s going to do next
“Good to think with”: The Fictional Work of Objects
Authors: Mann Barbara E.
Published: January 2023

This chapter evaluates three novels of modern Jewish life, looking at their exemplary and distinctive attention to material culture and the meaning of things. In Dovid Bergelson's Nokh alemen (The End of Everything, 1913), the elaborate deployment of personal and familial possessions points toward the demise of the shtetl. In Henry Roth's Call It Sleep (1934), the detritus of a Lower East Side childhood become symbolic totems of a violent coming-of-age and budding artistic consciousness; the narrative's evolving treatment of a series of “evocative objects” highlights the charged relation between European, American, and Jewish cultural forms. In S. Y. Agnon's Only Yesterday (Hebrew, 1946), an epic historical novel of immigration and cultural renaissance set in Jaffa and Jerusalem, the novel's interlocking motifs related to the crafts of taxidermy and olive wood production underline a concern for art's significance in relation to the pragmatic work of nation-building. Ultimately, these novels offer three different fictional landscapes in which the interaction between people and their stuff provides a sensitive measure of diverse material changes in mid-century Jewish cultures.
We’re Going to Have to Put Our Dreams on Hold
Authors: Polisi Joseph W.
Published: January 2023

This chapter chronicles the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts' struggles in the aftermath of Nathan Leventhal's resignation. Initially, the search for a new Center president moved forward expeditiously, and the final choice was clearly up to Beverly Sills, who eventually chose Gordon J. Davis. Also, Leventhal's departure had left the Center's redevelopment project still unfinished, and the chapter tracks its progress across the early 2000s. The redevelopment proved to be yet another challenge for the Center's administration, however, as Davis would eventually be made to resign in the midst of the project. With the resignation of Gordon Davis, the continuing problems with the Met, and the halfhearted support of Sills for the project, the inevitable occurred with the resignation of the chair of the redevelopment committee—Marshall Rose—on October 22, 2001, months before he had said he would leave.
I Would Have Preferred a More Collegial Approach
Authors: Polisi Joseph W.
Published: January 2023

This chapter focuses on the various problems of the redevelopment project in the aftermath of Gordon J. Davis' resignation. Part of the issue was the lack of a successor to Davis. The search committee understood that the president's appointment was not only a fundamental component of having the redevelopment project go forward but also a reinforcement of the Lincoln Center's leadership structure. By late February 2002, it was announced that Reynold Levy, president of the International Rescue Committee, had been chosen as the Center's eighth president. Levy's tenure as Lincoln Center president began much more auspiciously than that of Davis. From there, the chapter follows Beverly Sills through the next step in her career as the chair of the Met. It also chronicles the merger between the New York Philharmonic and Carnegie Hall, and how the Philharmonic would leave Avery Fisher Hall and cease being a Lincoln Center constituent.
Transcriptome-wide association study identifies new susceptibility genes for degenerative cervical spondylosis
Authors: Xu Jiawen , Si Haibo , Zeng Yi , Wu Yuangang , Zhang Shaoyun , Liu Yuan , Li Mingyang , Shen Bin
Published: January 2023

Aims

Degenerative cervical spondylosis (DCS) is a common musculoskeletal disease that encompasses a wide range of progressive degenerative changes and affects all components of the cervical spine. DCS imposes very large social and economic burdens. However, its genetic basis remains elusive.

Methods

Predicted whole-blood and skeletal muscle gene expression and genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from a DCS database were integrated, and functional summary-based imputation (FUSION) software was used on the integrated data. A transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) was conducted using FUSION software to assess the association between predicted gene expression and DCS risk. The TWAS-identified genes were verified via comparison with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in DCS RNA expression profiles in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) (Accession Number: GSE153761). The Functional Mapping and Annotation (FUMA) tool for genome-wide association studies and Meta tools were used for gene functional enrichment and annotation analysis.

Results

The TWAS detected 420 DCS genes with p < 0.05 in skeletal muscle, such as ribosomal protein S15A ( RPS15A) (PTWAS = 0.001), and 110 genes in whole blood, such as selectin L ( SELL) (PTWAS = 0.001). Comparison with the DCS RNA expression profile identified 12 common genes, including Apelin Receptor ( APLNR) (PTWAS = 0.001, PDEG = 0.025). In total, 148 DCS-enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms were identified, such as mast cell degranulation (GO:0043303); 15 DCS-enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were identified, such as the sphingolipid signalling pathway (ko04071). Nine terms, such as degradation of the extracellular matrix (R-HSA-1474228), were common to the TWAS enrichment results and the RNA expression profile.

Conclusion

Our results identify putative susceptibility genes; these findings provide new ideas for exploration of the genetic mechanism of DCS development and new targets for preclinical intervention and clinical treatment. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(1):80–90.
Evaluating an Agricultural Community Suicide Prevention Program: Instrumentation and Impact
Authors: Oldham Carolyn , Mazur Joan M. , Sampson Shannon , Kussainov Nurlan , Kolawole Olukemi
Published: January 2023

Highlights

This paper details an evaluation of a piloted community-based farmer suicide prevention training program using a revised Willingness to Intervene Against Suicide Questionnaire.

Indicating program utility and impact, willingness to intervene with a person in crisis increased by 0.21 logits (p<0.01) in program participants who completed pre- and post-training surveys.

A comparison of growth in the willingness to intervene variable across participant demographics and characteristics revealed a change of 0.43 logits among males, compared to 0.096 for females (p=0.059).

Researchers recommend that the program be tailored to consider gender differences.

Abstract. In this study, researchers detail an evaluation of a pilot community-based farmer suicide prevention program that used QPR-based training customized for the agricultural community. Community-based mental health programs have been cited as key to addressing the worldwide suicide rate, but evidence of their execution and utility is not well documented, particularly within the agricultural community context. Researchers used Kirkpatrick's (1998) training evaluation model and a pre-post one-group design (Eseryel, 2002) of consenting training participants to conduct a preliminary assessment of programmatic impact. Using a revised Willingness to Intervene Against Suicide Questionnaire (Aldrich et al., 2014), which treated the questionnaire as an interval level scale suitable for parametric analysis, researchers found statistically significant differences in pre-training willingness to intervene between male and female respondents as well as those who work in agriculture and those who do not. An analysis of those respondents who completed both pre- and post-training surveys indicated statistically significant growth of 0.21 logits in the willingness to intervene variable, as well as remarkable growth for male participants in comparison to female participants. Keywords: . Evaluation of suicide prevention program, Farmer suicide prevention, Rasch analysis, Willingness to intervene.
Exposure to Ergonomic Risk Factors to Veterinary Technicians at a Small Animal Clinic
Authors: Arias Oscar Ernesto , Proulx Joseph Anthony , Taveira Alvaro
Published: January 2023

Highlights

Neck and shoulder discomfort found to be most prevalent in veterinary technicians.

REBA posture analysis identifies areas of significant risk and provides a benchmark for improvements.

Patient restraint and handling put veterinary technicians at significant risk for musculoskeletal disorders.

Continuous improvement through the implementation of engineering and administrative controls is mandatory.

Abstract. Research addressing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among veterinary technicians is limited. Veterinary technicians are exposed to several activities that require lifting and the adoption of non-neutral postures associated with WMSDs. It is essential to design interventions aimed at reducing WMSDs in this population. The goal of this study was to identify typical, prevalent work tasks that pose high ergonomic risk factors to veterinary technicians, as well as to determine the WMSD risk associated with the work tasks identified in order to implement interventions. A small-animal veterinary clinic in central Wisconsin was contacted for this study. Nine veterinary technicians and assistants participated in assessing musculoskeletal symptoms and identifying tasks with ergonomic risk factors. The tasks with a high count of risk factors were evaluated using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). All participants in this study experienced musculoskeletal discomfort in five or more body regions. They also reported being unable to perform work over the last 12 months due to WMSDs on shoulders, ankles, and feet (33%, n=3), neck and lower back (22%, n=2), and wrists, hands, hips, thighs, and knees 11% (n=1). One of the respondents reported no discomfort over the last seven days, while eight of them indicated discomfort in three or more body areas. Restraining and handling animals, sedation and recovery, and dental procedures were chosen for REBA analysis. Restraining and handling animals had a high-risk REBA score (ranging from 8 to 10). Sedation and recovery had a low to medium-risk REBA score (ranging from 3 to 5). Dental procedure recovery had a low to very high-risk REBA score (ranging from 2 to 11). Our findings suggest that most veterinary technicians come to work experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort and are exposed to significant WMSD risk levels when performing common tasks. This job assessment allows us to recommend administrative and engineering controls to reduce the risk of WMSDs associated with high-risk tasks. Keywords: Ergonomic risk factors, Musculoskeletal symptoms, Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), Veterinary technicians, Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).
Uso de aspas de conotação autonímica em notícias de portais jornalísticos
Authors: Barreto Lé Jaqueline , Dos Santos Andrade Lays
Published: January 2023

No presente artigo, buscamos analisar o uso das aspas de conotação autonímica nas manchetes de notícias online, relacionando-o à heterogeneidade enunciativa descrita por Authier-Revuz (1982, 1990, 1998, 2004). Investigamos, portanto, o uso das aspas como um fenômeno polifônico do discurso, o qual pode funcionar como recurso de modalização autonímica que perpassa pelo discurso-outro. Para tanto, partimos da análise de 15 manchetes de notícias do portal jornalístico O Globo, e de 15 manchetes de notícias do portal jornalístico UOL. Assim, na esfera jornalística, verificamos como se dá o uso das aspas de conotação autonímica, compreendendo o intertexto como aspecto constitutivo da própria textualidade, correlacionando, ainda, a heterogeneidade enunciativa apresentada nas manchetes das notícias aos papéis sociais e interacionais dos interlocutores e reconhecendo a sua influência na orientação argumentativa do processamento textual-discursivo.
Por entre mediação e práxis docente
Authors: Silva Ediluzia Pastor da , Carneiro Anderson dos Santos , Barreto Marta Pastor da Silva
Published: January 2023

Este artigo, de base teórico-reflexiva e originado a partir de um recorte de uma pesquisa de mestrado, promove reflexões sobre as experiências (ciber)formativas, on-line e off-line, advindas dos movimentos de trocas e diálogos docentes que se concretizaram em grupos de discussões (GD) desenvolvidos com professores(as) dos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental e que atuam no município de Valente, Estado da Bahia. Com o objetivo voltado para a construção coletiva de conhecimento no que tange ao uso das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TIC) para mediar o ensino e a aprendizagem em sala de aula e levando em conta os discursos produzidos coletivamente, problematiza-se saberes docentes, inquietações e relatos de sucesso sobre o uso pedagógicos dos artefatos tecnológicos, ao tempo em que aciona perspectivas teóricas sobre Cibercultura, práxis, racionalidade comunicativa, practicum reflexivo, no âmbito da formação do professor. O itinerário metodológico concebido ancora-se nos fundamentos da pesquisa qualitativa e foi subdividido em dois momentos: o on-line, destinado aos encontros coletivos e presenciais sob os fundamentos do GD; e o off-line, o qual correspondeu ao acontecer de minicursos em espaço (ciber)formativo. Fruto da práxis reflexiva, do estudo resultam ponderações críticas dos professores para com o uso das TIC em seus respectivos espaços e fazeres pedagógicos, admitindo ser possível redimensionar o processo de ensino e de aprendizagem com o uso dessas tecnologias. Corroborou-se, ainda, com o entendimento de ser uma formação dialógico-reflexiva de docentes, quando estruturada e experenciada de maneira coletiva, propulsora de aprendizagens colaborativas e estimuladoras da reconfiguração da atuação pedagógica.
Entre memórias e histórias
Authors: Santos Sandra Maria Carneiro , Barreiros Patrício Nunes
Published: January 2023

Este artigo apresenta resultados de um projeto de intervenção pedagógica realizado junto a uma turma do 9° ano do Ensino Fundamental, da Escola Municipal Deputado Luiz Eduardo Magalhães, em Pé de Serra, Bahia. A intervenção pedagógica teve o objetivo de ampliar as competências linguísticas e discursivas através do Role Playing Game, o RPG, partindo da retextualização das narrativas orais de Pé de Serra, com vistas a ampliar os multiletramentos. O projeto fundamentou-se na Pedagogia dos Multiletramentos, proposta pelo Grupo de Nova Londres, em 1996, alinhando a execução da Sequência Didática, fundamentada em Cosson (2012) e em Dolz e Scheneuwly (2004), aos quatro aspectos dessa Pedagogia: Prática Situada, Instrução Explícita, Enquadramento Crítico e Prática Transformada, contemplados nas diversas etapas do projeto. Esse percurso possibilitou a aliança entre as memórias da comunidade considerada na pesquisa e a construção coletiva de novas histórias, por meio da incorporação de tecnologias já utilizadas pelos alunos. Para tanto, a intervenção partiu da retextualização das narrativas orais de tradição local, com base nos estudos de Marcuschi (2010), e alcançou a escrita coletiva de narrativas de aventuras por meio do RPG, no aplicativo Whatsapp, culminando no lançamento de um livro contendo as memórias e as histórias. Assim, mediante avaliação e análise das atividades, percebeu-se que os objetivos foram alcançados, em vários níveis, provando que o reconhecimento e a valorização das vivências sociais do sujeito, das tecnologias que permeiam a sua vida e o estudo sistemático da língua favorecem o desenvolvimento dos multiletramentos.
Uso de tecnologias no ensino remoto durante a quarentena
Authors: Storto Letícia Jovelina , Ferreira Cláudia Cristina Ferreira
Published: January 2023

O presente artigo tem por escopo fomentar a reflexão e dialogar acerca do papel das tecnologias voltadas ao contexto educacional sob a perspectiva do ensino remoto no período de isolamento social imposto pela Covid-19, bem como evidenciar as impressões dos aprendizes, a fim de saber se estavam preparados para esse contexto de ensino e de aprendizagem remoto. Para tanto, valemo-nos dos preceitos teóricos de autores que discutem a respeito do uso de tecnologias educacionais, bem como elaboramos e aplicamos um questionário para verificarmos a visão dos alunos. Participaram desse questionário, composto de 24 questões, alunos de uma instituição pública de ensino superior do Paraná. Como resultado, evidenciamos que o ensino híbrido ou blended learning é uma opção eficaz, entretanto, diante do atual contexto, a única alternativa é o uso de plataformas digitais para que não haja prejuízo do processo de ensino e de aprendizagem. Convém destacar que a tecnologia por si só não basta. Faz-se necessário o envolvimento e a capacitação do professor para elaborar aulas lúdicas, diversificadas, interativas e ajustadas a esse formato virtual/digital que motivem o aluno rumo ao conhecimento, sem sobrecarregar ou desmotivar ambos.
O uso das tecnologias digitais em escolas do campo: um olhar sobre a práxis pedagógica na atualidade
Authors: Alves da Silva Ilka Meyre
Published: January 2023

Este artigo versa sobre a importância das tecnologias digitais em práticas pedagógicas nas Escolas do Campo. Tem como objetivo perceber de que maneira essas escolas vêm buscando construir seu trabalho pedagógico diante da inserção das novas tecnologias no cotidiano dos alunos, visto sua impossibilidade de desvincular essa elaboração da vida real diante do contexto globalizado. Para atingir essa finalidade, apresenta-se a seguinte questão: Qual a relevância da utilização das linguagens tecnológicas no desenvolvimento de habilidades e competências no aprendizado de alunos(as) inseridos na educação do campo? O processo de escolarização é fundamental para os desenvolvimentos psíquico, social e humano, para tanto, as contribuições que a instituição escolar exerce é de grande relevância para a formação cidadã. Suas práxis pedagógicas na atualidade contribuem para além da transmissão de conhecimentos científicos a transformação em conhecimentos reais, práticos e culturais, intermediados por vias digitais e mediadas pelo(a) professor(a), que continua exercendo papel importante na tarefa de mediar conhecimentos. Apresenta resultados da pesquisa exploratória implementada na escola pública de Centro Municipal de Educação de Santa Rita de Cássia (CMESRC), localizada no distrito de Santa Rita de Cássia Valente-Bahia, espaço em que a metodologia aplicada obteve influências das oficinas do projeto de Extensão Tecnologias, (multi)letramentos e formação de professores. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa e bibliográfica, ancorada nas discussões sobre a Educação do Campo como perspectiva emancipatória e tecnologias digitais.
Multiple wavelength digital holography for freeform shape measurement and lens alignment
Authors: Kaván František , Psota Pavel , Lédl Vít , Matoušek Ondřej
Published: January 2023

This paper introduces a technique for freeform optical surface measurements using digital holography with multiple discrete wavelengths or wavelength scans. This experimental arrangement, i.e., a Mach–Zehnder holographic profiler, is optimized to achieve maximal theoretical precision and is capable of measuring freeform diffuse surfaces. Moreover, the approach can also be used for diagnostics of precise placement of elements within optical systems.
Design of few-mode erbium-doped fiber with a low differential modal gain and weak coupling based on layered doping
Authors: Zhao Qi , Pei Li , Tang Jianjun , Wang Jianshuai , Zheng Jingjing , Li Jing , Ning Tigang
Published: January 2023

A step index few-mode erbium-doped fiber (FM-EDF) for mode gain equalization is designed and proposed in this paper, which uses the layered-doping method to reduce the differential mode gain (DMG). The optimum structure of FM-EDF is obtained by adjusting the doping radius and doping concentration. When this structure is applied to a few-mode erbium-doped fiber amplifier (FM-EDFA), the DMG in the range of 1550–1565 nm is

∼

0.28

d
B

, and the DMG of the whole C-band is usually less than 0.5 dB. At the same time, the gain of each mode in 1530–1555 nm is

∼

20

d
B

, while the gain decreases gradually in the 1555–1565 nm due to the absorption characteristics of erbium ions. In addition, the minimum refractive index difference (

Δ

n

eff

)

between modes is

1.29

∗

1

0

−
3

due to the selection of the refractive index and radius of the fiber core, which will greatly reduce the coupling between modes in practical application. Tolerances in the fiber manufacturing process are also considered for reliable FM-EDFA performance. When the doping concentration or the doping radius changes based on the precise value, the DMG will increase to a certain extent. In general, the DMG can maintain a small value, which is beneficial to applications in optical communication systems.
Selecting plasmonic nanoshells for colorimetric sensors
Authors: Baltar Raphael M. S. M. , Farooq Sajid , de Araujo Renato E.
Published: January 2023

In this work, the use of gold and silver nanoshells was evaluated as a starting point for the establishment of colorimetric sensor platforms. The sensitivity and linearity of the nanoplatforms (SiO2 core–metallic shell nanoparticles) were assessed under the influence of the nanoshell configuration, color space, and light source illuminant. A computational procedure for selecting high-performance plasmonic colorimetric sensor platforms is described. The evaluation methodology involves considering five different color spaces and 15 different color components. By exploring crucial figures of merit for sensing, the performance of the plasmonic nanoplatforms was evaluated, exploring Mie theory. We determined that gold nanoshells are highly efficient on colorimetric sensing, while silver nanoshells are a better choice for spectroscopic sensors. Plasmonic nanoplatforms based on nanoshells with 10 nm SiO2 core radii and 5 nm thick Au shells presented sensitivity values up to 4.70RIU−1, considering the hue angle of the HSV color space. Color variation of up to 40% was observed, due to the adsorption of a 10 nm thick molecular layer on the gold nanoshell surface. In the search for advances in colorimetric biosensors, the optimization approach used in this work can be extended to different nanostructures.
Reducing the CIE colorimetric matching failure on wide color gamut displays
Authors: Ko Minjeong , Kwak Youngshin , Seo Guiwon , Kim Jonghwan , Moon YoungSu
Published: January 2023

Color matching experiments were conducted for 11 pairs of displays, using 7 displays with different spectral characteristics. The color matching results between the LCD display and displays that have a narrowband spectrum, such as a laser projector, QLED, or OLED, demonstrated a significant color difference between two matched colors. The maximum difference was 18.52 ΔE00, which indicates the white color difference between the LCD and laser projector. There was also a clear observer variability of 2.27 ΔE00. The new cone fundamental function derived from 757 metameric pairs showed good performance compared to CIE standard observers reducing the display color mismatching significantly. This function also demonstrated a better performance when evaluating color matching in color chart image.
Laser coupling in waterjets subject to jet instabilities, laser parameters, and alignment errors
Authors: Wei Meirong , Zhang Tao , Liu Yan , Wang Ze , Dong Zulin , Huang Zixuan
Published: January 2023

High coupling accuracy and efficiency attract wide attention in waterjet-guided laser technology due to the requirements for high processing performance in hard-to-cut material and diamond industries. The behaviors of axisymmetric waterjets injected into the atmosphere through different types of orifices are investigated by adopting a two-phase flow k-epsilon algorithm. The water-gas interface is tracked with Coupled Level Set and Volume of Fluid method. The electric field distributions of laser radiation inside the coupling unit are modeled by wave equations and numerically solved with the full-wave Finite Element Method. The coupling efficiency of the laser beam affected by waterjet hydrodynamics is studied by considering the profiles of the waterjet shaped at transient stages, namely vena contracta, cavitation, and hydraulic flip. The growth of the cavity leads to a larger water-air interface and increases the coupling efficiency. Eventually, two types of fully developed laminar waterjets, i.e. constricted waterjets and non-constricted waterjets, are formed. Constricted waterjets that are detached from the wall throughout the nozzle are preferable to guide laser beams since they significantly increase the coupling efficiency compared to non-constricted waterjets. Furthermore, the trends of coupling efficiency affected by Numerical Aperture (NA), wavelengths, and alignments errors are analyzed to optimize the physical design of the coupling unit and develop the alignment strategies.
Generation of orbital angular momentum multiplexing millimeter waves based on a circular traveling wave antenna
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Manting , Zhang Youfei , Liao Dashuang , Jing Liqiao
Published: January 2023

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) has recently attracted extensive attention in the radio frequency domain due to its potential applications in various areas. In the OAM-based communication system, the development of the OAM-generating antennas lies at the heart of the matter to generate and receive vortex beams. In this work, a multiplexing/demultiplexing millimeter-wave OAM antenna based on the traveling-wave circular loop structure is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The feeding networks are implemented using waveguide ports which are inherent integration in millimeter wave communication systems. A prototype with OAM states l = ±3 carried by the z polarization and l = ±2 for the x and y polarizations at 60 GHz is fabricated and measured. Measured near-field distributions and far-field radiation patterns show excellent agreement with the simulated ones. Furthermore, based on the designer strategy, four coaxially propagating waves with OAM modes l = ±3 and ±5 for the z polarization component and l = ±2 and ±4 for the x, y polarization components are investigated, respectively. The antenna will have a positive effect on the application potential of OAM-based wireless communication.
Suppression of thermally induced lensing in composite disk active elements by shaping a heat-removing plate
Authors: Volkov Mikhail , Kuznetsov Ivan , Kurnikov Grigory , Mukhin Ivan
Published: January 2023

We propose an original method of suppressing thermally induced beam distortions in composite active elements of disk geometry. The main idea of the method is to use a heatsink of special geometry to provide heat removal from the active element only in the pump area. In this way, the heat flows and temperature gradients in the thick active element, and, as a consequence, thermally induced distortions are reduced. The wavefront distortions, temperature, and gain in the composite element mounted in a profiled heatsink have been simulated numerically and measured in experiment. A 2.5-fold reduction of thermally induced lensing compared to a flat heatsink was demonstrated in the experiment at the same small signal gain.