bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of inflammatory jaw pathologies using bone SPECT/CT maximum standardized uptake value
Authors: Toshima Hiroo , Ogura Ichiro
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

To investigate the assessment of inflammatory jaw pathologies using bone single-photon emission CT-CT (SPECT/CT) maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax).

Methods:

44 patients with inflammatory jaw pathologies (7 chronic osteomyelitis, 8 osteoradionecrosis and 29 medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)) underwent SPECT/CT at 4 h after injection of 99mTc hydroxymethylene diphosphonate. The SPECT/CT parameters SUVmax of the inflammatory jaw pathologies were analyzed. Statistical analyses for the SUVmax were performed by one-way repeated measures analysis of variance with Tukey's honestly significant difference test. A p-value lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The mean and standard deviation of SUVmax for 7 chronic osteomyelitis, 8 osteoradionecrosis and 29 MRONJ were 24.94 ± 3.65, 12.27 ± 5.47 and 16.55 ± 9.12, respectively. The SUVmax for chronic osteomyelitis were significantly higher than those for osteoradionecrosis (p = 0.011) and MRONJ (p = 0.043).

Conclusions:

Bone SPECT/CT SUVmax in the uptake of 99mTc hydroxymethylene diphosphonate reflecting bone physiological changes for chronic osteomyelitis were significantly higher than those of osteonecrosis, such as osteoradionecrosis and MRONJ. Bone SPECT/CT SUVmax should be useful for the assessment of inflammatory jaw pathologies, such as chronic osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis and MRONJ.
NOTAS BREVES SOBRE LIBERDADE RELIGIOSA E DIREITO PENAL
Authors: Neves António Luís Barata Brito Carvalho
Published: June 2020

Este artigo trata sinteticamente a relevância da liberdade religiosa no Direito Penal, debruçando-se sobre a possibilidade de ela servir como objecto de protecção de leis penais, bem como sobre o papel que motivações religiosas que tenham guiado o agente poderão assumir na análise da sua responsabilidade.
Laboratory evaluation of molecular xenomonitoring using mosquito and tsetse fly excreta/feces to amplify Plasmodium, Brugia, and Trypanosoma DNA
Authors: Pilotte Nils , Cook Darren A.N. , Pryce Joseph , Zulch Michael F. , Minetti Corrado , Reimer Lisa J. , Williams Steven A.
Published: June 2020

Background: Results from an increasing number of studies suggest that mosquito excreta/feces (E/F) testing has considerable potential to serve as a supplement for traditional molecular xenomonitoring techniques. However, as the catalogue of possible use-cases for this methodology expands, and the list of amenable pathogens grows, a number of fundamental methods-based questions remain. Answering these questions is critical to maximizing the utility of this approach and to facilitating its successful implementation as an effective tool for molecular xenomonitoring.

Methods: Utilizing E/F produced by mosquitoes or tsetse flies experimentally exposed toBrugia malayi,Plasmodium falciparum, orTrypanosoma brucei brucei, factors such as limits of detection, throughput of testing, adaptability to use with competent and incompetent vector species, and effects of additional blood feedings post parasite-exposure were evaluated.  Two platforms for the detection of pathogen signal (quantitative real-time PCR and digital PCR (dPCR)) were also compared, with strengths and weaknesses examined for each.      

Results: Experimental results indicated that high throughput testing is possible when evaluating mosquito E/F for the presence of eitherB. malayiorP. falciparumfrom both competent and incompetent vector mosquito species.  Furthermore, following exposure to pathogen, providing mosquitoes with a second, uninfected bloodmeal did not expand the temporal window for E/F collection during which pathogen detection was possible.  However, this collection window did appear longer in E/F collected from tsetse flies following exposure toT. b. brucei.  Testing also suggested that dPCR may facilitate detection through its increased sensitivity.  Unfortunately, logistical obstacles will likely make the large-scale use of dPCR impractical for this purpose.

Conclusions: By examining many E/F testing variables, expansion of this technology to a field-ready platform has become increasingly feasible.  However, translation of this methodology from the lab to the field will first require field-based pilot studies aimed at assessing the efficacy of E/F screening.
Cost-effectiveness of brief structured interventions to discontinue long-term benzodiazepine use: an economic analysis alongside a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Trépel Dominic , Ali Shehzad , Gilbody Simon , Leiva Alfonso , Mcmillan Dean , Bejarano Ferran , Sempere Ermengol , Vicens Caterina
Published: June 2020

Background: In Spain, long-term use of benzodiazepine is prevalent in 7% of the population; however, this longer-term use lacks clinical benefits, costs €90million per year and side-effects further add extra cost through adverse health outcomes. This study aims to estimate the cost-effectiveness of primary care services stepped dose reduction of long-term benzodiazepines using either Structured Interview with Follow-up (SIF) or Without Follow-up (SIW), compared to Treatment as Usual (TAU).

Design: Cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted alongside randomised control utilizing data from three arm cluster randomized trial.

Setting: Primary care.

Participants: 75 general practitioners were randomised to one of the three arms (TAU, SIW, SIF).

Measurements: Cost and Cost per Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY)

Results: Compared to usual care, providing SIW per participant costs an additional €117.94 and adding patient follow-up, €218.4. As a result of intervention, participants showed a gain of, on average, for SIW 0.0144 QALY (95% CI -0.0137 to 0.0425) and for SIF 0.0340 QALYs (0.0069 to 0.0612). The Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio was €8190.28/QALY (SIW) and €6423.53/QALY (SIF). At the Spanish reimbursement threshold (€45,000 per QALY) the chance interventions are cost effective is 79.8% for SIW and 97.7% for SIF.

Conclusions: Brief structured interventions to discontinue long-term benzodiazepine use represent value for money, particularly with scheduled follow-up appointments, and would represent a cost-effective investment by the Spanish healthcare to reduce prevalence of long-term use.
Factors Affecting Reliability of Grip Strength Measurements in Middle Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Nolan Hugh , O'Connor John D. , Donoghue Orna A. , Savva George M. , O'Leary Neil , Kenny Rose-Anne
Published: June 2020

Background: Grip strength is a well-established marker of frailty and a good predictor of mortality that has been measured in a diverse range of samples including many population studies. The reliability of grip strength measurement in longitudinal studies is not well understood.

Methods: Participants (n=130) completed a baseline and repeat health assessment in the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Grip strength was assessed using dominant and non-dominant hands (two trials on each). Repeat assessments were conducted 1-4 months later and participants were randomised into groups so that 50% changed time (morning or afternoon assessment) and 50% changed assessor between assessments. Intra-class correlation (ICC) and minimum detectable change (MDC95) were calculated and the effects of repeat assessment, time of day and assessor were determined.

Results: Aggregated measures had little variation by repeat assessment or time of day; however, there was a significant effect of assessor (up to 2 kg depending on the measure used). Reliability between assessments was good (ICC>0.9) while MDC95 ranged from 5.59–7.96 kg. Non-aggregated measures alone, taken on the non-dominant hand were susceptible to repeat assessment, time of day, assessor and repeated measures within-assessment effects whereas the dominant hand was only affected by assessor.  

Conclusions: Mean and maximum grip strength had a higher ICC and lower MDC95 than measures on the dominant or non-dominant hands alone. The MDC95 is less than 8 kg regardless of the specific measure reported. However, changing assessor further increases variability, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessor training and avoiding changes within studies where possible.
Flexibility and Reputation in Repeated Prisoner’s Dilemma Games
Authors: Honhon Dorothée , Hyndman Kyle
Published: June 2020

We study how three matching institutions, differing in how relationships are dissolved, affect cooperation in a repeated prisoner’s dilemma and how cooperation rates are affected by the presence of a reputation mechanism. Although cooperation is theoretically sustainable under all institutions, we show experimentally that cooperation rates are lowest under random matching, highest under fixed matching, and intermediate in a flexible matching institution, where subjects have the option to dissolve relationships. Our results also suggest important interactions between the matching institution and reputation mechanism. Under both the random matching and flexible matching institutions, both subjective (based on subjects’ ratings) and objective (based on subjects’ actions) reputation mechanisms lead to substantial increases in cooperative behavior. However, under fixed matching, only the subjective reputation mechanism leads to higher cooperation. We argue that these differences are due to different reputation mechanisms being more forgiving of early deviations from cooperation under certain matching institutions, which gives subjects the ability to learn the value of cooperation rather than getting stuck with a bad reputation and, consequently, uncooperative relationships.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, decision analysis.
Importance of vitamin D during the antenatal period for maternal well-being
Authors: Jarvis Gemma , Geraghty Sadie
Published: June 2020

Vitamin D deficiency is widely recognised as a major public health issue around the world; and is essential for optimal development and strengthening of the musculoskeletal system including the prevention of conditions such as osteoporosis, osteopenia and rickets. The association between vitamin D and childhood rickets has led to the fortification of food sources and consequently the eradication of the rickets disease. Vitamin D levels are of particular importance for pregnant women, especially for the development of the bone and muscle development of the fetus. In the last decade there has been a substantial increase in the incidence of vitamin D deficiency and the re-emergence of the childhood rickets disease. It is vital that vitamin D levels are at optimal levels during pregnancy as maternal calcium demands increase significantly to meet the demands of the developing fetus, especially in the third trimester.
Ways to manage risk
Authors: Cowley Sue
Published: June 2020

While the priority is to ensure that staff and families feel safe as children begin to return after the coronavirus lockdown, this will involve settings making changes to their policies and procedures.
Antioxidant potential of Eclipta alba, a traditional medicinal herb attenuates oxidative DNA damage in vitro
Authors: Ayyakkannu Purushothaman , A Ganesh , Packirisamy Meenatchi , Ramalingam Sundaram , S Venkataramanan
Published: June 2020

Abstract. Purushothaman A, Ganesh A, Meenatchi P, Sundaram R, Venkataramanan. 2020. Antioxidant potential of Eclipta alba, a traditional medicinal herb attenuates oxidative DNA damage in vitro. Nusantara Bioscience 12: 73-78. The plant Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. is an important plant used in the traditional Ayurvedic, Unani systems of holistic health and herbal medicine of the East. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and DNA damage protection activities of ethanolic extract of E. alba. Quantitative analysis of total phenolic content (TPC) and identification of bioactive components using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) was performed to provide scientific basis for traditional usage of this plant. To investigate the antioxidant potential, extracts were tested for their capacity to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Superoxide radicals (O2•-). DNA damage protective activity of ethanol extract of E. alba was checked on pBluescript M13+ plasmid DNA. The Plasmid DNA was oxidized with H2O2 + UV treatment in the absence and presence of different concentrations of E. alba extract (75, 150, and 300 μg/mL). Electrophoresis was performed using 1% agarose at 40 V for 3 h in the presence of ethidium bromide. Gel was scanned on a Gel documentation system. Bands on the gels corresponding to supercoiled circular, circular relaxed, and linearized DNA were quantified. The results of preliminary phytochemical screening of E. alba extract showed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and tannins. The extract was found to have rich phenolics content of 26.38 ± 2.45 milligram of gallic acid equivalents (mg GAE/g). The extract exhibited excellent antioxidant activities. GC-MS analysis of the extract confirmed the presence of major active principles. Furthermore, the extract significantly inhibited DNA damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Altogether, the results of current study revealed that E. alba is a potential source of antioxidants and provides pharmacological credibility to the ethnomedicinal use of this plant in traditional system of medicine, also justifying its therapeutic application in oxidative damage induced diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders.
Inclusive Education: Perspectives on Implementation and Practice From International Experts
Authors: Kurth Jennifer A. , Miller Amanda L. , Toews Samantha Gross , Thompson James R. , Cortés Mónica , Dahal Mukunda Hari , de Escallón Inés E. , Hunt Paula Frederica , Porter Gordon , Richler Diane , Fonseca Indiana , Singh Ruchi , Šiška Jan , Villamero Rolando Jr. , Wangare Fatma
Published: June 2020

Every child has the right to an education, including children with disabilities. Research findings from across the globe have shown the benefits of inclusive education, and mandates for providing accessible, inclusive education can be found in national policies and international agreements as well. This article explores the perspectives of 11 international experts on the state of inclusive education in countries spanning 5 continents. Experts participated in a focus group discussion at Inclusion International's 17th Annual World Congress 2018 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Participants shared multifaceted factors impacting inclusive educational practices. Based on their experiences, participants also discussed strategies that were deemed effective or ineffective depending on varied contextual elements. Implications for policy, research, and practice are discussed.
Stray light correction for medium wave infrared focal plane array-based compressive imaging
Authors: Wu Zimu , Wang Xia
Published: June 2020

With focal plane array-based (FPA) compressive imaging (CI), high-resolution medium wave infrared (MWIR) images can be reconstructed by a low-resolution FPA sensor. However, in MWIR FPA CI system, the stray light is inevitable, which reduces the image contrast and increases the blocky structural artifacts of the reconstructed images. In this work, we focus on the stray light in MWIR FPA CI system. This paper investigates the sources of stray light in MWIR FPA CI system and modifies the systematic radiation model. According to the systematic computation model, we illustrate that stray light impedes the accurate sampling of compressive measurements in the MWIR FPA CI system, which may increase the blocky structural artifacts in the reconstructed high-resolution images. With the help of digital micro-mirror device modulation, we propose an operational method to substantially correct the effect of the stray light in MWIR FPA CI system, which can improve the image contrast and reduce the blocky structural artifacts of the reconstructed images, while not significantly increasing the cost of image acquisition and computation. Based on the experimental results obtained from the actual MWIR FPA CI system, we have verified the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed stray light correction method.
Enhancement of terahertz waves from two-color laser-field induced air plasma excited using a third-color femtosecond laser
Authors: Ma Danni , Dong Liquan , Zhang Minghao , Wu Tong , Zhao Yuejin , Zhang Liangliang , Zhang Cunlin
Published: June 2020

This study experimentally demonstrates and theoretically analyzes the enhancement of terahertz (THz) waves from two-color laser-field (consisting of a near-infrared femtosecond laser and its second-harmonic wave) induced air plasma using an additional 800 nm femtosecond laser. The experiments revealed that the additional 800 nm laser increased the THz energy up to 22 times. To understand the enhancement mechanism and reveal the maximum enhancement conditions, the effects of the 800 nm beam’s polarization and energy variations of both beams on the THz amplification were studied. With the increase in the 800 nm pulse energy, the THz yield initially increases, and then decreases after reaching an inflection point. The THz increase rate continues to increase with the decrease in energy of the near-infrared two-color fields. The 800 nm beam could efficiently modulate the THz spectral energy distribution by increasing the high-frequency components, while decreasing the low-frequency components.
Modeling broadband cloaking using 3D nano-assembled plasmonic meta-structures
Authors: Khan Md. Imran , Ghosh Sayantani , Baxter Ryan , Kim Arnold D.
Published: June 2020

The concept of “cloaking” an object is a very attractive one, especially in the visible (VIS) and near infra-red (NIR) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, as that would reduce the visibility of an object to the eye. One possible route to achieving this goal is by leveraging the plasmonic property of metallic nanoparticles (NPs). We model and simulate light in the VIS and NIR scattered by a core of a homogeneous medium, covered by plasmonic cloak that is a spherical shell composed of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). To consider realistic, scalable, and robust plasmonic cloaks that are comparable, or larger, in size to the wavelength, we introduce a multiscale simulation platform. This model uses the multiple scattering theory of Foldy and Lax to model interactions of light with AuNPs combined with the method of fundamental solutions to model interactions with the core. Numerical results of our simulations for the scattering cross-sections of core-shell composite indicate significant scattering suppression of up to 50% over a substantial portion of the desired spectral range (400 - 600 nm) for cores as large as 900 nm in diameter by a suitable combination of AuNP sizes and filling fractions of AuNPs in the shell.
Measurement of the full complex degree of coherence using Fresnel diffraction from a phase discontinuity
Authors: Hooshmand-Ziafi Helia , Dashtdar Masoomeh , Hassani Khosrow
Published: June 2020

A field-portable, single-shot and very simple method is presented for measuring the full complex degree of coherence (CDC) of a quasi-monochromatic Schell-model field using the Fresnel diffraction from a phase discontinuity. To validate the proposed technique, the CDC of the light emitted from an incoherent source with variable size is investigated. The results are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions of the Van Cittert–Zernike theorem. This technique is also applicable to characterize the coherence properties of sources in other spectral regions, e.g., x-rays.
Stimulated Brillouin laser-based carrier recovery in a high-Q microcavity for coherent detection
Authors: Wen Qin , Qin Jinhui , Geng Yong , Deng Guangwei , Zhou Qiang , Zhou Heng , Qiu Kun
Published: June 2020

We demonstrate all-optical carrier recovery exploring a stimulated Brillouin laser (SBL) in a high-Q whispering-gallery-mode microcavity, to achieve coherent data detection without requiring an independent local oscillator laser. An ultra-high optical signal-to-noise ratio better than 70 dB is achieved for the recovered carrier, thanks to the fact that the generated SBL counter-propagates with the incoming data signal and experiences high SBS efficiency. High-frequency stability is obtained between the recovered carrier tone and the original data signal, enabling high-performance coherent detection without the need of electrical frequency drift compensation. This Letter offers a low complexity, high energy efficiency, and high robust carrier recovery solution.
Deep learning assisted Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor for direct wavefront detection
Authors: Hu Lejia , Hu Shuwen , Gong Wei , Si Ke
Published: June 2020

The conventional Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) requires wavefront slope measurements of every micro-lens for wavefront reconstruction. In this Letter, we applied deep learning on the SHWS to directly predict the wavefront distributions without wavefront slope measurements. The results show that our method could provide a lower root mean square wavefront error in high detection speed. The performance of the proposed method is also evaluated on challenging wavefronts, while the conventional approaches perform insufficiently. This Letter provides a new approach, to the best of our knowledge, to perform direct wavefront detection in SHWS-based applications.
Dispersion control in a near-infrared subwavelength resonator with a tailored hyperbolic metamaterial
Authors: Travkin Evgenij , Kiel Thomas , Sadofev Sergey , Kalusniak Sascha , Busch Kurt , Benson Oliver
Published: June 2020

We demonstrate experimentally and computationally an intricate cavity size dependence of the anomalous near-infrared mode spectrum of an ordinary optical resonator that is combined with a ZnO:Ga-based hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM). Specifically, we reveal the existence of a resonance in subwavelength-sized cavities and demonstrate control over the first-order cavity mode dispersion. We elaborate that these effects arise due to the HMM combining the mode dispersions of purely metallic and purely dielectric cavity cores into a distinct intermediate regime. By tailoring the HMM fill factor, this unique dispersion of a subwavelength resonator can be freely tuned between these two limiting cases.
Low-aberration high-speed-compatible optical delay line
Authors: Audier Xavier , Chen Wei-Wen , Cicerone Marcus T.
Published: June 2020

We describe a simple approach to dispersion-free optical delay line design that provides very low aberration over an extended delay range. In this approach, we minimize aberrations by directing non-axial beam displacements along a line of symmetry built into the apparatus. We show improved performance and significant reduction of wavefront aberrations by comparing simulation and experimental results with a similar delay line that lacks this line of symmetry. The new design facilitates transform-limited recovery of spectral resolution in Fourier transform coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering, and accordingly, we demonstrate

3.5

c
m

−
1

spectral resolution with a 10 ps delay scan range.
Language attitudes in Catalonia: A contemporary perspective seen from pro-independence sociopolitical organizations
Authors: Byrne Steven
Published: June 2020

In a context of increasing linguistic diversity and political uncertainty in Catalonia, this article reports on a research project which set out to explore the attitudes of members of six pro-independence sociopolitical organizations operating in the city of Girona toward Catalan and Spanish. On the basis of six focus groups and ten narrative interviews, this article analyses the respondents’ language attitudes using Ruiz’s framework of language-as-a-problem and language-as-a-resource. Four themes emerge in the informants’ discussion of Catalan and Spanish: ‘Marker of Difference’, ‘(Potential) Social Cohesion’, ‘Imposition’ and ‘Multilingualism as-a-resource’. The comments of the respondents indicate that Catalan and Spanish continue to be mobilized in diverse and varied combinations for a wide range of purposes in Catalonia.
(An/)archival commons: Digital media and contemporary social movements
Authors: d’Urbano Paolo
Published: June 2020

Taking as its point of departure a dialectical relation between capitalist enclosure of the commons and forces trying to prevent the commons from being enclosed, the archive can be deployed as a useful theoretical concept to identify the key institution at the heart of both commodifying and communing processes. The article first discusses existing literature on primitive accumulation and commons, then moves on to elaborate on the archive and concludes with an overview of contemporary contentious online practices enacted by communities, users and social movements.
Sustainability and communication practices in grassroots movements in Turkey following Gezi Park Protests: Cases of Dogancilar Park Forum, Macka Park Forum and Validebag Volunteers
Authors: Bal Haluk Mert , Baruh Lemi
Published: June 2020

Recent social movements, as exemplified by the informal organizations formed during and after the Occupy Movement in the United States and Gezi Park Protests in Turkey, are characterized by distrust towards institutional political bodies and hierarchical organizations (Boler et al. 2014). Also, the debate on the relationship between social movements and digital media technologies often highlights the opportunities that these technologies provide for ‘largely unfettered deliberation and coordination of action’ (Castells 2012). Scholars critical towards the concept argue that horizontal grassroots organizations may suffer from problems of continuity and formation of a durable movement (Calhoun 2013). This article aims to investigate the organizational characteristics and media practices of grassroots organizations that were established or mobilized following Gezi Park Protests, a nation-level social protest in Turkey. Drawing on participant observation of three grassroots social movement organizations in Istanbul – Dogancilar Park Forum and Imrahor Garden; Macka Park Forum and Komsu Kapisi Association and Validebag Volunteers – this analysis will aim to contextualize opportunities and obstacles associated with the horizontal structures of such movements. The article will particularly focus on the strategies that these organizations utilize to maintain the sustainability of the respective movements and approaches they employ in media and communication practices at a local level.
Strategies and (survival) tactics: The case of Syrian oppositional media in Turkey
Authors: Badran Yazan
Published: June 2020

This article aims to investigate the regulatory, financial and political environment negotiated by oppositional Syrian media operating in exile in Turkey, as well as to identify the main tactics used by them in negotiating between these constraints to ensure their survival in an increasingly difficult environment. As the war in Syria increased in intensity, many oppositional media chose to move their centres of operations into Turkey – forcing them to adapt to a completely foreign regulatory environment, and an unstable political context. Furthermore, and in parallel, their institutional links with the media development sector were being deepened as well. The study draws on in-depth interviews with Syrian media professionals in Turkey, as well as with their interlocutors in international media development organizations. Using Michel de Certeau’s model of strategies and tactics, the study aims at arriving at a better understanding of the complex system of choices made by exilic media organizations to guarantee their survival and achieve their objectives. Within the strategic universes circumscribed by the powerful institutional actors of the Turkish state and the international media development sphere, one can locate the agency of Syrian media actors in their responsive tactical manoeuvrings. The article contends that the tactics employed are also reflective of the identity of these media actors located at the intersection of the alternative, exilic and oppositional.
BUSINESS TOURISM CONSULTING: a study of SEBRAE -AM
Authors: Costa Lady Dayane de Oliveira , Chaves Paula Cristina Pereira Rodrigues
Published: June 2020

Consultancy services in tourist companies provide knowledge about management and organization of companies, quality of services, and specialization of offer, among other aspects. Through this process, they help make the tourist market more attractive and competitive. The Micro and Small Business Support Service (SEBRAE) operates throughout Brazil, with the aim of promoting competitiveness and sustainable development and fostering entrepreneurship, thereby facilitating the access of small entrepreneurs to business management knowledge, through its Business consulting service. In view of the potential of business consulting, and identifying a facilitator that is accessible in the use of services offered by the institution, this study aimed to understand the system and process used by SEBRAE-AM, in the State of Amazonas, in its consulting services, and to investigate the motivations and expectations of the demand for tourism entrepreneurs, and the consultants’ view of this market. We opted for a basic methodology using a qualitative approach, with semi-structured interviews in which three subjects formed part of the intentional sample: manager of the consulting department of SEBRAE-AM, and two consultants working within the area of business activities in tourism. Among other results, the research found that despite the notoriety and the full consultancy work performed by the institution, the demand is still low compared to other business segments, and there are some limitations on the consulting services offered by the institution. This relevance of this research is its potential as a reference model for consulting companies, and it can be used by companies in the consulting area, as well as for the development of new research on this topic.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: June 2020
Authors: Ho Edith Y.
Published: June 2020

Article Title: Effect of Lifestyle Factors on Outcomes in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
The Association Between Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors and Colorectal Cancer in a National Cohort of Patients
Authors: Sutton S. Scott , Magagnoli Joseph , Cummings Tammy H. , Hardin James W.
Published: June 2020

INTRODUCTION:

To examine the association between phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor use and incidence of colorectal cancer among patients with erectile dysfunction treated in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System.

METHODS:

A retrospective cohort study using the Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure was conducted, with data spanning January 2001–December 2016. Patients were followed up from index until (i) the first diagnosis of colorectal cancer, (ii) death, or (iii) the end of study period. Statistical analyses evaluated demographics and baseline characteristics between cohorts (PDE-5 exposed or not) and the effect of additional dosages of each specific PDE-5 inhibitor using adjusted multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS:

A total of 221,538 patients met the study inclusion criteria, 192,691 patients in the PDE-5 cohort and 29,227 patients in the never use PDE-5 cohort. The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model results revealed that the those who had any exposure to a PDE-5 inhibitor have an 18% lower hazard of colorectal cancer (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.816, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.754–0.882). For each additional 100-mg dosage of sildenafil and 10-mg dosage of tadalafil, the hazard of colorectal cancer is reduced by 2.4% (adjusted HR = 0.976, 95% CI = 0.973–0.979) and 1.7% (adjusted HR = 0.983, 95% CI = 0.972–0.996), respectively.

DISCUSSION:

PDE-5 inhibitor usage in patients with erectile dysfunction is associated with a lower hazard of colorectal cancer compared with patients not exposed to PDE-5 inhibitors.
Modelica in Area of Thermodynamic and Energy Systems Applications with a Focus on ClaRa Library
Authors: Vojáček Aleš , Ježek Filip
Published: June 2020

The focus of this investigation is the development of an advanced transient model to describe the operation of a coal fired power plant which supplies electric power for a pyrometallurgy unit. Particular attention was paid to the effects of so called „downswings“ (cut-off the electric arc). The performance of the unit during such failures (accumulation of energy in steam boiler during fast transient of turbine power output) was investigated using a dynamic model. The modelling of the power plant was performed on the object-oriented, multi-domain modelling language Modelica and free ClaRa library.
Using 250-m MODIS Data for Enhancing Spatiotemporal Fusion by Sparse Representation
Authors: Wang Liguo , Wang Xiaoyi , Wang Qunming
Published: June 2020

Spatiotemporal fusion is an important technique to solve the problem of incompatibility between the temporal and spatial resolution of remote sensing data. In this article, we studied the fusion of Landsat data with fine spatial resolution but coarse temporal resolution and Moderate
Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data with coarse spatial resolution but fine temporal resolution. The goal of fusion is to produce time-series data with the fine spatial resolution of Landsat and the fine temporal resolution of MODIS. In recent years, learning-based spatiotemporal
fusion methods, in particular the sparse representation-based spatiotemporal reflectance fusion model (SPSTFM), have gained increasing attention because of their great restoration ability for heterogeneous landscapes. However, remote sensing data from different sensors differ greatly on spatial
resolution, which limits the performance of the spatiotemporal fusion methods (including SPSTFM) to some extent. In order to increase the accuracy of spatiotemporal fusion, in this article we used existing 250-m MODISbands (i.e., red and near-infrared bands) to downscale the observed 500-m
MODIS bands to 250 m before SPTSFM-based fusion of MODIS and Landsat data. The experimental results show that the fusion accuracy of SPTSFM is increased when using 250-m MODIS data, and the accuracy of SPSTFM coupled with 250-m MODIS data is greater than the compared benchmark methods.
Professores de física da rede estadual de ensino e suas práticas pedagógicas em física moderna e contemporânea / Physics teachers and their pedagogial pratices in modern and contemporary physics
Authors: Higa Ivanilda , Groch Tony Marcio
Published: June 2020

Uma das preocupações da área de pesquisa ensino de Física é a abordagem da Física Moderna e Contemporânea (FMC) no ensino médio (EM). A necessidade de que tais conteúdos sejam trabalhados nesse período da vida escolar também já é preconizada pelas próprias orientações curriculares, sejam as nacionais ou estaduais. Espera-se assim que, para além das pesquisas em ensino, esse movimento esteja também chegando à sala de aula. Apresentamos neste trabalho uma pesquisa realizada com professores de Física do EM na qual buscamos compreender se e como os educadores estão abordando tais conteúdos em suas salas de aula. Os instrumentos de pesquisa empírica utilizados foram: um questionário respondido por 25 professores e entrevistas do tipo semiestruturado com cinco professores selecionados, todos da rede estadual de ensino. Os referenciais que subsidiam o trabalho são os conceitos de cultura escolar de Forquin (1993) e a Teoria da Transposição Didática, de Chevallard (1997). Os resultados indicam que, apesar das dúvidas e dificuldades inerentes a todo processo de inovação educacional, os professores têm abordado esses conteúdos; alguns usam práticas didáticas bastante estruturadas, enquanto outros, inclusive, atingem a terapêutica didática.
La crisis ecológica en la antropología teológica. La necesaria recuperación del «triángulo primordial»
Authors: Castelao Pedro
Published: June 2020

La actual crisis ecológica tiene en su trasfondo una crisis antropológica. La raíz de esta crisis antropológica se encuentra en el desequilibrio que desde la modernidad se produjo en el interior del «triángulo primordial»: ser humano, Dios, mundo. La pérdida del vértice divino produjo la emergencia de un «segmento» cuya polaridad «yo-mundo» ha producido muchas tensiones que nos han conducido a la crisis ecológica que hoy estamos sufriendo. La antropología teológica, con la ayuda de las categorías de «interrelación», «interdependencia» e «inhabitación», debe contribuir a un nuevo planteamiento del problema pensando nuevamente qué ser humano estamos llamados a ser y qué relación con la naturaleza debemos tener.
Kajian Pencemaran Perairan Pulau Panjang, Jepara Berdasarkan Indeks Saprobik dan Komposisi Fitoplankton
Authors: Supriyantini Endang , Munasik Munasik , Sedjati Sri , Wulandari Sri Yulina , Ridlo Ali , Mulya Eka
Published: June 2020

Indeks saprobik adalah indeks yang digunakan untuk mengetahui status pencemaran suatu perairan dengan menggunakan keberadaan organisme seperti fitoplankton. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui tingkat pencemaran di perairan Pulau Panjang, Jepara berdasarkan indeks saprobik dan komposisi fitoplankton. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif eksploratif.Sampel fitoplankton diambil dari 12 titik sampling di sekitar perairan Pulau Panjang. Pengambilan sampel ditentukan secara purposive sampling. Sampel plankton diperoleh secara aktif menggunakan plankton net dengan mesh size 37 μm diameter 21 cm. Hasil penelitian menunjukkankomposisi fitoplankton di P. Panjang terdiri dari 32 genus, termasuk ke-dalam 4 kelas yaitu Bacillariophyceae (18 genus), Dinophyceae (12 genus), Cyanophyceae (1 genus),Chlorophyceae (1 genus). Indek keanekaragaman dan keseragamannya  termasuk dalam kriteria sedang dan tidak ada genus yang mendominasi. Nilai indeks saprobik berkisar antara 0.0 s/d 0.5, yaitu dengan tingkat pencemaran ringan (β/α- mesosaprobik) hingga sedang (α/β- mesosaprobik) oleh bahan organik.Berdasarkan hasil tersebut perairan P. Panjang, Jepara termasuk kedalam perairan yang tercemar rendah hingga sedang. A saprobic index is an index used to determine the status of pollution in waters by using the presence of organisms such as phytoplankton. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of pollution in the waters of Island Panjang, Jepara, based on the saprobic index and phytoplankton composition. The method used is descriptive explorative. Phytoplankton samples were taken from 12 sampling points around Panjang Island by a purposive sampling method. Plankton sampling was carried out using the plankton net with a mesh size of 37 μm in diameter of 21 cm. The results showed that there were 4 classes in  Panjang Island, namely Bacillariophyceae (18 genera), Dinophyceae (12 genera), Cyanophyceae (1 genus), Chlorophyceae (1 genus).  The index of diversity and uniformity are moderate and no dominant genus. The saprobic index was ranged from 0.0 to 0.5, which was light (β / α-mesosaprobic) to moderate (α / β-mesosaprobic) pollution levels of organic matter. Based on the results,  Panjang Island waters in Jepara were polluted in low to-moderate category.
Online visualization of geospatial stream data using the worldwide telescope
Authors: Ali Mohamed , Chandramouli Badrish , Fay Jonathan , Wong Curtis , Drucker Steven , Raman Balan Sethu
Published: June 2020

This demo presents the ongoing effort to meld the stream query processing capabilities of Microsoft StreamInsight with the visualization capabilities of the WorldWide Telescope. This effort provides visualization opportunities to manage, analyze, and process real-time information that is of spatio-temporal nature. The demo scenario is based on detecting, tracking and predicting interesting patterns over historical logs and real-time feeds of earthquake data.
Study on Hot Deformation Behavior of High Carbon Low Alloy Steel by Constitutive and ANN Modeling and Development of Processing Maps
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Kumar Sumit , Nath S. K.
Published: June 2020

The hot deformation behavior of high carbon low alloy steel was investigated by isothermal compression tests on Gleeble 3800 thermomechanical simulator in the temperature range of 850°C–1,100°C and in the strain rate range of 0.01 s−1 to 10 s−1. The Arrhenius-type constitutive equations model and the artificial neural network (ANN) model were developed to investigate and predict the flow behavior of steel. The result of constitutive modeling showed that the material constants can be represented as a sixth degree polynomial function. The average apparent activation energy for hot deformation decreased from 441 kJ/mol to 350 kJ/mol, and the stress exponent decreased from 5.6 to 4.01, indicating the deformation mechanism to be dislocation glide and climb. The accuracy and effectiveness of the two models were compared using correlation coefficient and mean absolute error. Results showed that the ANN model almost perfectly predicted the flow behavior in terms of flow stress. Mean absolute errors in the Arrhenius-type constitutive equations model and ANN model are 7.2 % and 2.1 %, respectively. This confirms the better predictability of the ANN model over the analytical constitutive equations–based model. Processing maps were constructed using the dynamic material model, modified dynamic material model, and strain rate sensitivity maps at true strains of 0.3 and 0.6, which were correlated with microstructure evolution. It was observed that the instability region shrinks with increasing strain, which can be attributed to the fact that, for longer deformation, the stress value becomes constant and hardening–softening cycles cease to exist. Metallographic investigations showed the variety of instabilities such as cracks, voids, pores, and adiabatic shear bands, confirming the unstable region predicted by the processing maps.
Undergraduate Textbook Representations of Meiosis Neglect Essential Elements
Authors: Wright L. Kate , Dy Grace Elizabeth C. , Newman Dina L.
Published: June 2020

The process of meiosis is an essential topic that secondary and postsecondary students struggle with. The important meiosis-related concepts of homology, ploidy, and segregation can be described using the DNA Triangle framework, which connects them to the multidimensional nature of DNA (chromosomal, molecular, and informational levels). We have previously established that undergraduate biology students typically fail to describe and/or link appropriate levels to their explanations of meiosis. We hypothesize that students' understanding mirrors the resources they are given – in other words, textbook figures often lack many of the important connections that experts include when talking about meiosis. Prior work showed that text in meiosis chapters typically fails to include many concepts that experts consider important, so we examined how textbook figures present meiosis concepts. We found that almost all textbook representations include the chromosomal level of DNA, but few include the other levels, even to illustrate concepts that are rooted in informational and/or molecular levels. In particular, the molecular level of DNA was absent from nearly all introductory textbook figures examined, and the informational level was seldom depicted in mid/upper-level textbook figures. The previously established deficits in text portions of textbooks are clearly not compensated by their accompanying illustrations.
Taking a Shot for the Team: Using a Simulation to Explore How Immunization Programs Help Protect Communities from Infectious Diseases
Authors: Ray Darrell L.
Published: June 2020

Centuries of practice clearly demonstrate that immunization by means of vaccination reduces the disease burden in human and nonhuman animal species. While the emphasis on individual health and fitness is important, the role of immunization in maintaining the health of entire populations or communities is also important. I developed a simulation that allows participants to actively explore the value of herd immunity in controlling the spread of infectious disease, first by considering how quickly an entire population may become ill if no one has immunity, and then after immunization of 80% of the population. Pretest, posttest, and four-week follow-up questionnaire data collected from nonmajor introductory biology students suggest that active engagement in an activity such as the one described may contribute to longer-term retention of the principles and concepts than presentation by lecture alone.
Learning Inquiry by Applying the Principles of Fermentation to the Production of Yogurt
Authors: Zimmerman Tahl , Goetz Tim , Ibrahim Salam A.
Published: June 2020

In an age-appropriate activity developed by a researcher-teacher team working together under the auspices of the American Chemical Science Coaches Program, middle school students at the Greensboro Montessori School (1) learned about the microbiological basis of fermentation, (2) learned about the chemical changes that take place during the fermentation of milk into yogurt, (3) applied this basic knowledge to designing and implementing experiments to test different conditions for culturing yogurt, (4) assessed the outcomes of different culturing conditions, and (5) developed a method for producing yogurt. This exercise includes hypothesis formulation, experimental design, and hypothesis testing and serves as an example of how empirically derived knowledge can be applied to the design of a food product.
Experimental ecological research on the relationships of pathogenic microorganisms with algae
Authors: Zhukorskyi O. , Tkachuk N. , Hulai O. , Hulai V.
Published: June 2020

Aim. The ecological relationships between Leptospira interrogans spirochetes and Chlamydomonas proteus algae and the response explicitness of individual serological types of leptospires to the allelopathic effect of algae were to be investigated during the experiment. Methods. C. proteus algae monocultures were cultivated on the Fitzgerald’s medium in the Zehnder and Gorham’s modifi cation. Sterile fi ltrates of their cultures were diluted with the nutrient medium in the ratio of 1 : 10, 1 : 100, 1 : 1,000, 1 : 10,000. Leptospires were cultivated on the Terskih and Korthof’s medium with the addition of 10 % inactivated sheep blood serum. The test samples contained diluted culture fi ltrates of algae and leptospires. The control samples were the environment for algae and leptospires cultivation. Results. In the samples with the 1 : 10 – 1 : 100 dilution of algae fi ltrates, the content of leptospires in the test samples was signifi cantly lower than in the control samples, indicating their moderate and weak
inhibition. There were no statistically signifi cant differences between spirochete culture densities in the test and control samples with the dilutions of 1 : 1,000–1 : 10,000 algae fi ltrates. Conclusions. In the experiment, a topical type of ecological interspecies relationships is formed between L. interrogans and green species of C. proteus algae, which is realized through the release of biologically active substances into the habitat by C. proteus. According to the increasing sensitivity to the allelopathic effect of C. proteus, serological types of leptospires formed a row: Tarassovi, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona, Grippotyphosa, Australis, Sejroe, Canicola, Hebdomadis.