bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The wearing of face masks in African countries under the COVID-19 crisis: luxury or necessity?
Authors: Aloui-Zarrouk Zohra , El Youssfi Lahcen , Badu Kingsley , Francis Fagbamigbe Adeniyi , Matoke-Muhia Damaris , Ngugi Caroline , Dukhi Natisha , Mwaura Grace
Published: August 2020

The unforeseeable global crisis of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused almost all affected countries to adopt a range of protective measures as recommended by the World Health Organization. However, the speed, type and level of adoption of these protective measures have been remarkably different. Social distancing and quarantine were the main measures adopted in addition to observing basic hygiene. Based on the available evidences, WHO continues to recommend wearing of face masks for healthcare workers and for those people caring for COVID-19 patients. However, some countries and organisations have recommended, and some have even made it mandatory, for their citizens to wear face masks. Particularly in low- and middle-income countries, protecting by wearing face masks is viewed as an affordable yet proactive preventive measure to avoid and slow down viral spread based on the experience of other affected countries. However, the wearing of face masks is controversial due to shortages in their stocks and uncertainty around the quality of masks, as well as their efficiency as a protective mechanism. Masks should be used based on appropriate use and management guidelines. This paper discusses the wearing of face masks from the perspective of low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa; and then makes some recommendations that will greatly inform policy makers on epidemic mitigation strategies throughout the African continent.
On Some Structural Properties of G_{m,n} Graphs
Authors: Chakrabarty Ivy
Published: August 2020

This is the continuation of the study on an undirected graph $G_{m,n}$ where vertex set $V=I_n=\{1,2,3,\cdots,n\}$ and $a,b\in V$ are adjacent if and only if $a\neq b$ and $a+b$ is not divisible by $m$, where $m(>1)\in \mathbb{N}$. In the present paper we computed the diameter, Weiner index, degree distance, independence number of the graph $G_{m,n}$. We also studied the complement of the graph $G_{m,n}$.
Computer Science at the Level of Secondary General Education: Basic Approaches to Implementation
Authors: Bosova L. , Samylkina N.
Published: August 2020

The article considers the concepts of level and profile differentiation of content, issues of differentiation of the content of computer science training at the level of education in secondary school. The characteristic of the basic and profile level of computer science in high school is given; the potential of the school course in computer science in the development of thinking, the formation of a worldview and the improvement of the digital skills of a school graduate are revealed. The content of the school course in computer science is described in terms of its compliance with the main areas of the scientific field "Computer Science" and through digital technologies. Examples of the implementation of various options for teaching computer science in high school using the existing educational and methodological support are given.
Creating Social Contagion Through Firm-Mediated Message Design: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment
Authors: Sun Tianshu , Viswanathan Siva , Zheleva Elena
Published: August 2020

We study whether and how a firm can enhance social contagion simply by varying the message shared by customers with their friends. We focus on two key components of information contained in the message—information about the sender’s purchase status prior to referral and information about the existence of referral rewards—and their impacts on the recipient’s purchase decision and further referral behavior. In collaboration with an online daily-deal platform, we design and conduct a large-scale randomized field experiment involving more than 75,000 customers to identify the causal effect of different message designs on creating social contagion. We find that small variations in message content can have a significant impact on both recipients’ purchase and referral behaviors. Specifically, we find that (1) adding only information about the sender’s purchase status increases the likelihood of the recipient’s purchase but has no impact on follow-up referrals, (2) adding only information about referral reward increases the recipient’s follow-up referrals but has no impact on purchase likelihood, and (3) adding information about both the sender’s purchase and the referral rewards increases neither the likelihood of purchase nor follow-up referrals. We build a model to analyze the tradeoff between more adoption and more diffusion and implement the best-performing message design in a production system with millions of shared messages per year (with a projected increase in net profits of more than US$1 million per year). We further exploit the rich heterogeneity in deal, recipient, sender, and social-tie characteristics and examine the mechanisms underlying the effect of message design. The results suggest that both social learning and social utility are at work, and the attenuation in the recipient’s purchase is mainly driven by a decrease in social learning resulting from credibility concerns. The findings of the study provide actionable guidelines to firms for optimal design of messages at the aggregate and more granular levels.

This paper was accepted by Anandhi Bharadwaj, information systems.
Asset Volatility and Capital Structure: Evidence from Corporate Mergers
Authors: Levine Oliver , Wu Youchang
Published: August 2020

We exploit cross-sectional variation in the predictable changes in asset volatility following corporate acquisitions to identify the effect of business risk on capital structure. We find that postmerger changes in leverage and cash holdings are strongly predicted by expected asset volatility changes estimated using premerger information. These capital structure adjustments are partly achieved through the choice of payment method. Our findings provide direct evidence for the coinsurance effect of mergers on debt capacity. More broadly, they suggest that firm risk is a first-order determinant of leverage, consistent with the tradeoff theory of capital structure. Our coefficient estimates imply that a one-standard deviation decline in a firm’s asset volatility corresponds to a 7.5-percentage point increase in leverage.

This paper was accepted by Renee Adams, finance.
Concordância entre cintura hipertrigliceridêmica e cintura estatura hipertrigliceridêmica em trabalhadores em turnos alternantes
Authors: Carvalho Stephanie Rosa , Fajardo Virginia Capistrano , Diniz Amanda Popolino , Menezes Junior Luiz Antônio Alves , Nascimento Neto Raimundo Marques , Freitas Silvia Nascimento
Published: August 2020

Objetivos: Avaliar a concordância entre fenótipo de cintura hipertrigliceridêmica e fenótipo cintura estatura hipertrigliceridêmica, e a associação desses fenótipos com alterações antropométricas, bioquímicas e clínicas em homens adultos com risco metabólico aumentado pela exposição ao turno alternante. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 678 trabalhadores do sexo masculino. O fenótipo de cintura hipertrigliceridêmica foi definido pelo perímetro da cintura ≥ 94 cm e triglicérides ≥ 150 mg/dL; o fenótipo cintura estatura hipertrigliceridêmica pela razão cintura estatura ≥ 0,5; e triglicérides ≥ 150mg/dL. Foram avaliados o índice de massa corporal, pressão arterial, colesterol total, high-density lipoprotein colesterol, low-density lipoprotein colesterol, triglicérides e glicemia de jejum. O teste Kappa foi utilizado para avaliar a concordância entre os fenótipos e o teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson, para verificar a associação entre os fenótipos e os componentes de risco para doenças cardiovasculares. Para todos os testes, o nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: A concordância entre o fenótipo de cintura hipertrigliceridêmica e o fenótipo cintura estatura hipertrigliceridêmica foi significativa e substancial. Ambos fenótipos foram relacionados significativamente com índice de massa corporal, colesterol total, high-density lipoprotein colesterol e pressão arterial aumentados. Conclusões: Sugere-se o uso do fenótipo cintura estatura hipertrigliceridemica, já que demonstrou associações que se mantiveram independentemente da faixa etária e identificou maior proporção de trabalhadores em turnos alternantes com componentes de risco cardiovascular.
Avaliação da adequação energética dos cardápios programados para a alimentação escolar
Authors: Dos Santos Ricardo Cardoso , Sottero Silvana Castro de Brito
Published: August 2020

Introdução: O Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar busca, entre outros objetivos, atender às necessidades nutricionais dos escolares das diferentes modalidades de ensino durante sua permanência em sala de aula. Objetivo: Comparar os valores estimados para adequação do valor calórico total (VCT) dos cardápios da alimentação escolar de um município. Métodos: Foram incluídas no estudo as seis modalidades de ensino do município, e foram analisados 12 cardápios, totalizando 60 dias, através de duas tabelas de composição centesimal de alimentos, a fim de comparar as diferenças existentes nos valores fornecidos por cada uma delas. Os valores encontrados foram comparados com as recomendações por modalidade de ensino e faixa etária da Resolução CD/FNDE nº 26/2013 e categorizados em “adequado”, “acima” ou “abaixo” da recomendação. Resultados: Dos dias analisados pela tabela do IBGE, cinco semanas (41,7%) estavam com a média semanal do VCT adequada para o valor preconizado pelo FNDE. A média das semanas restantes ficou acima do recomendado (58,3%). Já de acordo com a TACO, nenhuma média semanal se adequou ao FNDE. Conclusão: A avaliação dos cardápios revelou predominantemente valores calóricos acima daqueles preconizados para a alimentação escolar. Sobressai-se assim a importância do nutricionista na alimentação escolar e, neste caso, na avaliação do programa, que requer respeito à cultura alimentar local, mas também a abordagem da alimentação como estratégia educacional.
Monitoring cardiovascular disease risk in individuals with severe mental illness in an inpatient mental health setting: a secondary data analysis
Authors: Mwebe Herbert P , Volante Margaret , Weaver Tim
Published: August 2020

Background/Aims

Life expectancy in people with lived experience of mental health conditions is reduced by up to 25 years; this is from preventable physical medical comorbidities and multi-morbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers and smoking-related lung disease. Two-thirds of these deaths are avoidable if people with severe mental illness are offered prompt physical screening checks and monitoring. The aim of this article was to explore barriers to the management of cardiovascular disease risk on inpatient wards and make recommendations in relation to cardiovascular disease risk management in people with severe mental illness.

Methods

A structured MS Excel extraction data tool informed by best practice guidance was developed and used to extract electronic patient data on screening and monitoring of cardiovascular disease risk factors (blood pressure, smoking, alcohol, lipids, body mass index/weight, blood glucose level) across 10 inpatient psychiatric wards within one London mental health trust. A target sample of 245 electronic records of patients with severe mental illness discharged between 25 August 2018 and 13 February 2019 with length of inpatient stay >40 days was examined. Simple random sampling (MS Excel random number generator) was used to select a final sample of 120 electronic records. All the included samples had been prescribed psychotropic medication.

Results

Regarding patient demographics, there was an inverse correlation with age, with a greater proportion of inpatients being of a younger age: 51% aged 18–39 years compared with 14% aged 60–79 years. The study found an average of 71% compliance of the documentation of data on all individual parameters (smoking, alcohol, body mass index, blood pressure, serum glucose, serum lipids, electrocardiogram) at baseline. Results showed an average of 79% compliance for monitoring review at least once across the parameters within 3 months of admission.

Conclusions

It is recommended as a minimum for individuals with severe mental illness under the care of mental health services and/or taking psychotropic medication to have regular cardiometabolic risk assessment and management of risk at the point of entry into services and a review for weight, waist circumference, blood glucose checks, lipid profile, blood pressure, lifestyle choice behaviours and personal assessment of cardiovascular disease. Although progress is being made across provider services to implement the above, gaps in practice are still evident, as demonstrated in these findings.
Flexible service provision for codeine-based dependencies in primary care
Authors: Fernandez Jeff
Published: August 2020

This article examines the recognised problem of a growing number of patients showing addictive dependencies on prescribed medications, mainly codeine-based analgesia and benzodiazepines. Public Health England has encouraged health services to try and recognise this issue and address it. The development of the Benzodiazepine and Opiate Withdrawal Service from an area of addiction services for drug and alcohol provision in Camden and Islington has been one such initiative. This article includes case studies that show what is possible in terms of treatment. It also shows that experienced nurses can play a role in achieving positive outcomes for patients dependent on prescribed medication.
Noise-sideband-free and narrow-linewidth photonic microwave generation based on anoptical heterodyne technique of low-noise fiber lasers
Authors: Zhang Zhitao , Zhao Qilai , Yang Changsheng , Guan Xianchao , Tan Tianyi , Wang Yafei , Zhou Kaijun , Feng Zhouming , Yang Zhongmin , Xu Shanhui
Published: August 2020

Noise-sideband-free and narrow-linewidth photonic microwave generation based on an optical heterodyne technique is demonstrated experimentally. By beating a self-injection-locking low-noise single-frequency fiber laser and a Brillouin fiber laser, a 9.4 GHz microwave is produced, and its noise sidebands are completely suppressed. Additionally, the signal-to-noise ratio of the microwave signal is improved by 15 dB from 40 to 55 dB, and the linewidth is compressed from 1.6 to 0.53 kHz. The high-performance photonic microwave based on low-noise fiber lasers is a promising candidate in further applications such as wireless network, lidar, and satellite communication.
Surface and bulk plasmons in cylindrical electric-gyrotropic wires
Authors: Moradi Afshin
Published: August 2020

The effects of an axial static magnetic field on surface and bulk plasmons of a cylindrical electric-gyrotropic (or

ε

-anisotropic) wire are investigated. Solving a modified Laplace’s equation in conjunction with the appropriate boundary conditions, the dispersion relations, power flows, energy densities, and group velocities are obtained for both types of modes, and some numerical solutions are presented. The effects of external magnetic field on plasmonic properties of the system are analyzed and show significant influence on the behavior of the modes.
Deep residual learning for low-order wavefront sensing in high-contrast imaging systems
Authors: Allan Gregory , Kang Iksung , Douglas Ewan S. , Barbastathis George , Cahoy Kerri
Published: August 2020

Sensing and correction of low-order wavefront aberrations is critical for high-contrast astronomical imaging. State of the art coronagraph systems typically use image-based sensing methods that exploit the rejected on-axis light, such as Lyot-based low order wavefront sensors (LLOWFS); these methods rely on linear least-squares fitting to recover Zernike basis coefficients from intensity data. However, the dynamic range of linear recovery is limited. We propose the use of deep neural networks with residual learning techniques for non-linear wavefront sensing. The deep residual learning approach extends the usable range of the LLOWFS sensor by more than an order of magnitude compared to the conventional methods, and can improve closed-loop control of systems with large initial wavefront error. We demonstrate that the deep learning approach performs well even in low-photon regimes common to coronagraphic imaging of exoplanets.
Why is the Adachi procedure successful to avoid divergences in optical models?
Authors: Larruquert Juan I. , Rodríguez de Marcos Luis V.
Published: August 2020

Adachi proposed a procedure to avoid divergences in optical-constant models by slightly shifting photon energies to complex numbers on the real part of the complex dielectric function, ε1. The imaginary part, ε2, was ignored in that shift and, despite this, the shifted function would also provide ε2 (in addition to ε1) in the limit of real energies. The procedure has been successful to model many materials and material groups, even though it has been applied phenomenologically, i.e., it has not been demonstrated. This research presents a demonstration of the Adachi procedure. The demonstration is based on that ε2 is a piecewise function (i.e., it has more than one functionality), which results in a branch cut in the dielectric function at the real photon energies where ε2 is not null. The Adachi procedure is seen to be equivalent to a recent procedure developed to turn optical models into analytic by integrating the dielectric function with a Lorentzian function. Such equivalence is exemplified on models used by Adachi and on popular piecewise optical models: Tauc-Lorentz and Cody-Lorentz-Urbach models.
Measuring the shape of microbends in optical fibers
Authors: Ahmad Raja , Ko Wing , Feder Kenneth S. , Westbrook Paul S.
Published: August 2020

We report on the distributed shape measurement of small deformations produced along the length of an optical fiber. The fiber contains multiple waveguiding cores, each inscribed with weak continuous Bragg gratings. The distributed Bragg-reflectivity data for the fiber cores, obtained from the optical backscatter reflectometry, are used to estimate the local curvature and the position of the fiber. We successfully demonstrate the sensing of periodic microdeformations—approximately 1 µm or less in amplitude and a few hundred µm in length. Such microbends are known to cause attenuation in optical fibers, and the approach presented here can enable a detailed measurement of these microbends in applications ranging from telecommunications cable design to biotechnology, robotics, manufacturing, aerospace, and security.
Vector dynamics of pulsating solitons in an ultrafast fiber laser
Authors: Du Wenxiong , Li Heping , Li Junwen , Wang Zhuang , Zhang Zhiyao , Zhang Shangjian , Liu Yong
Published: August 2020

We experimentally investigate the vector nature of various pulsating solitons in an ultrafast fiber laser with single-wall carbon nanotubes. By virtue of the dispersive Fourier transform technique, the polarization-resolved spectral evolution of pulsating vector solitons is measured in real time. In the case of single-periodic pulsation, pulsating behaviors of the two orthogonal polarization components can be either synchronous or asynchronous. We also observe double-periodic pulsation in the cavity for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. It is shown that the shot-to-shot spectra oscillate with two combined modulation periods involved in this process. Our results would be beneficial for further understanding of the vector dynamics of pulsating solitons in dissipative systems.
Hybrid order Poincaré spheres for Stokes singularities
Authors: Arora Gauri , Ruchi  , Senthilkumaran P.
Published: August 2020

Hybrid order Poincaré spheres to represent more general Stokes singularities are presented. Polarization singularities form a subset of Stokes singularities, and therefore induction of these spheres brings completeness. The conventional understanding of Poincaré beams as hybrid order Poincaré sphere beams is also expanded to include more beams. Construction and salient properties of these spheres are explained with illustrations to show their ability to represent more exotic Poincaré beams that have zero total helicity irrespective of their size. Pancharatnam–Berry geometric phase formulation using these new spheres is also possible.
Optical-spatial-summing-based NOMA with fine-grained power allocation for VLC-enabled IoT applications
Authors: Hu Chao , Chen Chen , Guo Min , Yang Yanbing , Luo Jun , Chen Liangyin
Published: August 2020

In this Letter, we propose and demonstrate a practical optical-spatial-summing-based non-orthogonal multiple access (OSS-NOMA) technique for visible light communication (VLC) systems. This technique is innovative in adopting OSS in that the transmitter of OSS-NOMA VLC can be built upon commercial illuminating light emitting diodes (LEDs), free of LEDs’ harmful nonlinearity. Unlike conventional NOMA VLC using analog components such as digital-to-analog converters and bias-T in the transmitter side, OSS-NOMA exploits only digital control signals to drive a LED array in forming optical power superposition for NOMA signals. We demonstrate that by simply switching different amounts of LED chips on or off, the proposed OSS-NOMA transmitter can deliver a fine-grained power allocation ratio ranging from 0.01 to one for two users. The implemented OSS-NOMA VLC prototype leveraging commercial components can achieve low bit error rates of

≤

3.1
×

10

−
3

for two users at a data rate of 800 kbps, confirming the promising potential of this novel OSS-NOMA VLC for Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
Enabling switchable and multifunctional terahertz metasurfaces with phase-change material
Authors: Wang Dacheng , Sun Song , Feng Zheng , Tan Wei
Published: August 2020

Achieving switchable and diversified functionalities in a single metasurface has garnered great research interest for potential terahertz applications. Here, we propose and demonstrate a phase-change metasurface that simultaneously supports broadband electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and broadband nearly perfect absorption, depending on the phase state of a phase change material-vanadium dioxide (VO2). The phase-change metasurface is composed of a VO2 nanofilm, a quartz spacer and gold split-square-ring resonators with VO2 nanopads embedded into the splits. When VO2 is in its insulating phase at room temperature, a broadband EIT window (maximum transmittance reaching 83%) with a bandwidth of 0.27 THz (relative bandwidth 30%) can be observed. Alternatively, when VO2 transforms into its fully metallic phase, the EIT functionality will be switched off and instead, the metasurface operates as a broadband absorber with the total absorption exceeding 93% and a bandwidth of 0.5 THz (relative bandwidth 74%). The electric and magnetic field distributions indicate that the broadband EIT stems from the bright-bright mode coupling and the broadband absorption arises from the excitation and superposition of two resonances within a metal-insulator-metal cavity. The design scheme is scalable from terahertz to infrared and optical frequencies, enabling new avenues towards switchable and multifunctional meta-devices.
‘Objects with Objectives’: Applied puppetry from practice into theory
Authors: Grant David
Published: August 2020

This article draws on the dialogue between puppetry and applied drama that arose from the AHRC Objects with Objectives Research Network in 2017–18 to explore a tentative theory of applied puppetry. A range of theoretical approaches to applied drama are examined in the light of practical examples of applied puppetry using case studies from Northern Ireland, South Africa and Australia. Morton (2013) highlights how, in performance ‘tension between the material puppet and the imagined puppet’ gives rise to a kind of ‘double vision’ (Tillis 1992), a concept that the article considers alongside Gallagher’s (2005) distinction between body image and body schema, Brecht’s (1974) V-effekt, Meyerhold’s (1998) distinction between the materiality and agency of the actor and Boal’s (1992) idea of metaxis. The article concludes that the distancing and conductive qualities of applied puppetry often work in parallel and that the puppet can be seen as the site of metaxis when used in an applied context.
Applied theatre, puppetry and emotional skills in healthcare: A cross-disciplinary pedagogical framework
Authors: Sextou Persephone , Karypidou Anatoli , Kourtidou-Sextou Eleni
Published: August 2020

Artists such as actors and puppeteers in health care face emotional challenges in their work. This article investigates the interpersonal competencies and emotional skills of the artist who uses puppets in their practice in health-care contexts and settings. We present initial findings from phase B of a wider longitudinal study. Phase A focused on actors in hospitals and drama trainees; Phase B uses qualitative research methods with actors, puppeteers and therapists as participants. Content analysis of data reveals that the main competencies the artist needs to deal with emotional incidents in health care are empathy, self- and social awareness, self-care, self-reflection, emotional resilience and active listening. These skills are needed alongside acting and puppetry skills to develop competent and professional artists in healthcare. The study offers evidence to further develop strategies of receiving, processing and communicating emotions safely and effectively within the protection of the artform. This study therefore diverts our attention from traditional training courses that are mainly about learning artistic skills to a cross-disciplinary pedagogical framework that aims to enable artists to observe, reflect and process emotions before, during and after a performance with patients as theatre ‘audience’-participants.
The effects of the economic crisis and managerialism in social work: a study of working practices and relationship reshaping
Authors: Cellini Giovanni , Scavarda Alice
Published: August 2020

Introduction. This paper explores some of the recent transformations in social work in Italy, against the backdrop of the economic crisis and the processes of rationalization. Specifically, the aim is to understand the relationship between managerialism and professional autonomy in social work. Methodology. The article presents a qualitative study conducted in Northern Italy through 40 interviews with practitioners and managers from two different services. A comparative analysis of the representations of labor practices was performed. Results. Managerialism has direct consequences on social workers’ professional practices. Efforts to achieve efficiency have led to the standardization of work and curtailed professional autonomy. Bureaucratic tasks have encroached on working time, leaving less time for professional relations. Discussion and conclusions. The rise of managerialism can deplete the ethical content of social work practice. However, empirical data show that there is no confrontation between managers and practitioners, and that there are no signs of collective strategies of resistance to the risk of de-professionalization.
Liberalismo e Conservadorismo nos Estados Unidos: Construção e evolução no século XX
Authors: Vidal Camila
Published: August 2020

Estudos sobre polarização partidária tem sido uma constante no atual debate acadêmico estadunidense. Nesse sentido, partido e ideologia estariam mais alinhados entre si resultando em distanciamento entre os partidos políticos. Entretanto, a dicotomia Conservadorismo x Liberalismo, hoje enraizadas nos partidos a ponto de serem usadas como sinônimos desses, fazem parte de construções distintas. O objetivo desse trabalho, assim, é de apresentar a construção desses conceitos. Para isso, recorreu-se a literatura especializada e a fontes primárias a partir de discursos e de ensaios escritos por protagonistas da construção desses conceitos. Por fim, podemos argumentar que a noção de “Liberalismo” emerge no meio político para lidar com questões práticas e está associada diretamente às políticas do New Deal, enquanto o “Conservadorismo” é construído no meio acadêmico com aporte do empresariado e apoio de lideranças evangélicas na tentativa de articular uma frente oposta à essas mesmas políticas.
Os desafios da previdência social no mundo: uma polaroide desde América Latina
Authors: Cardozo Nelson Dionel
Published: August 2020

Este ensaio procura discutir os diagnósticos da chamada "crise das pensões". Na literatura encontramos uma hipótese de que o envelhecimento da população e as alterações nos mercados de trabalho tornarão insustentável o pagamento das pensões públicas no futuro. Isto é explicado pela diminuição do número de trabalhadores e pelo aumento do número de idosos na pirâmide populacional. Assim, os argumentos críticos desta visão, que se tornou hegemônica no debate sobre a reforma previdenciária, são contrastados, apresentando propostas que refutam a ideia da "crise previdenciária". Finalmente, se examina brevemente como o consenso ortodoxo se traduziu na introdução das contas de capitalização individual na América Latina e como o seu fracasso provocou uma nova onda de reformas. Este novo período incluiu medidas para aumentar a cobertura dos idosos, a criação de fundos públicos e melhorias no funcionamento do pilar privado. Como corolário, se reflete sobre a centralidade da problematização das categorias e axiomas sobre os quais os assuntos públicos são pensados e, portanto, as soluções são projetadas em uma ligação entre as decisões governamentais e o conhecimento especializado.
Collagenous Gastritis in Children: Incidence, Disease Course, and Associations With Autoimmunity and Inflammatory Markers
Authors: Käppi Timo , Wanders Alkwin , Wolving Mats , Lingblom Christine , Davidsson Bården Birgitta , Arkel Rikard , Hätting Josefine , Anderzén Johan , Wennerås Christine , Saalman Robert
Published: August 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Collagenous gastritis (CG), a rare disorder of unknown etiology, has been postulated to have immune-mediated mechanisms. We investigated (i) the incidence and prevalence of CG in a pediatric population; (ii) the clinical, endoscopic, and histologic characteristics of childhood-onset CG; and (iii) the evidence for autoimmunity and/or inflammatory activity in these patients.

METHODS:

Clinical, endoscopic, and histologic data were reviewed longitudinally in a population-based Swedish cohort of 15 patients with childhood-onset CG diagnosed in the period 2008–2019. A set of 11 autoantibodies, 4 blood inflammatory biomarkers, and the human leukocyte antigen DQ2/DQ8 genotype was analyzed cross-sectionally.

RESULTS:

The incidence rate of childhood-onset CG was 0.25/100,000 person-years, with an incidence rate ratio of girls to boys of 4.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.2–15). The prevalence of CG was 2.1/100,000 in children aged younger than 18 years. The endoscopic and histologic findings remained pathologic in all the examined patients during a median follow-up of 4.4 years. Many patients had heredity for autoimmune disorders (47%) and/or tested positive for autoantibodies (40%) or human leukocyte antigen DQ2/DQ8 (53%). No associated autoimmune comorbidities were observed. The serum levels of calprotectin and amyloid A were increased in 10/15 (67%) and 5/15 (33%) of the patients, respectively, whereas plasma C-reactive protein levels were normal in all, but 1 patient.

DISCUSSION:

The results indicate that childhood-onset CG is rare and has a chronic disease course. Although signs of autoimmune predisposition are frequent, early development of autoimmune comorbidities seems seldom. Serum calprotectin and amyloid A represent novel candidate biomarkers of inflammatory activity in CG (see Visual Abstract, Supplementary Digital Content 4, http://links.lww.com/CTG/A349).
Questão agrária e luta pela terra e pela reforma agrária no estado de Goiás no contexto das transformações territoriais
Authors: Calaça Manoel , Jesus José Novais de , Borges Ronan Eustáquio , Mauro Rogério Antônio
Published: August 2020

Este artigo analisa a questão agrária e os processos de luta pela terra e pela reforma agrária no estado de Goiás, no contexto da ocupação e das transformações territoriais. Analisam-se as fases do processo de ocupação, a formação do território goiano e a invasão e tomada dos territórios indígenas, visando a formação dos latifúndios e o fortalecimento do poder dos coronéis e “senhores da terra”. A partir da decadência da exploração do ouro, principal atividade econômica da época colonial, formaram-se grandes fazendas para a criação de gado e produção da agricultura de subsistência. Nesse contexto, a grilagem de terras devolutas, a expropriação e a exclusão dos trabalhadores e indígenas se tornaram práticas recorrentes por parte dos fazendeiros para expansão de seus domínios. Essas poucas famílias de donos da terra acabaram por se constituir em nova classe de coronéis no campo, que, articuladas a instâncias do poder federal passaram a exercer o controle político das instituições estaduais. Restou à população que vive do trabalho organizar movimentos camponeses e lutar contra os abusos praticados pela classe dominante e pelo acesso à terra como alternativa de sobrevivência e permanência no campo. Importantes lutas foram e continuam sendo realizadas para mudar essa realidade.
TIEMPO TRÁGICO: ESTRUCTURA ANULAR Y ESQUEMAS MISTÉRICOS EN LOS CANTOS CORALES DE ANTÍGONA DE SÓFOCLES (PARTE I)
Authors: Hernández Aparicio Santiago
Published: August 2020

En el presente artículo nos proponemos reconocer y analizar el uso de la técnica de la ring-composition o estructura anular en los cantos corales de Antígona de Sófocles en relación con los elementos de los cultos eleusino y dionisíaco que atraviesan la obra. Nuestra hipótesis consiste en que, lejos de ser un factor de mera articulación formal, la ring-composition cumple con una función dramática pues cohesiona, con su juego de paralelismos, las alusiones a los misterios con el fin de presentar la acción como un ritual iniciático fallido. En esta primera parte trataremos el marco general de análisis y el canto de entrada del coro.
ΜΙΑΙΝΩ EN TITO 1,15
Authors: Velardo Leandro J.
Published: August 2020

ΜΙΑΙΝΩ
The combined effect of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes on the risk of developing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kozin M. S. , Kiselev I. S. , Boyko A. N. , Kulakova O. G. , Favorova O. O.
Published: August 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a severe chronic CNS disease characterized by autoimmune inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration. The interaction of mitochondrial and nuclear genomes is shown to be important in the formation of a predisposition to many diseases.

Objective: to analyze the association of MS with the carriage of biallelic combinations, including as components the polymorphisms of three genes of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and those of 16 nuclear genes, the products of which are involved in the functioning of the immune system and may participate in the development of autoimmune inflammation in MS; and, if these combinations are identified, to determine the nature of an interaction between their components.

Patients and methods. The investigation enrolled 540 MS patients and 406 control group individuals; all were Russians. The mitochondrial genome was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. APSampler software was used for multilocus association analysis. 

Results and discussion. The investigators identified five biallelic combinations that were associated with MS (p=0.0036–0.022) and possessed protective properties (odds ratio (OR) 0.67–0.75). The mitochondrial component of the identified combinations was the polymorphisms m.4580 (rs28357975), m.13368 (rs3899498), and m.13708 (rs28359178) mtDNA; the nuclear component was CXCR5 (rs523604), TNFRSF1A (rs1800693), and CD86 (rs2255214) gene polymorphisms. The interaction between the components of the identified combinations was additive.

Conclusion. The data obtained in the Russian population suggest that the combined contribution of the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes may affect the risk of developing MS.
Parent-child relationship and family system characteristics in families of adolescents with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Boyko E. A. , Ivanchuk E. V. , Latii K. R. , Malygin V. L. , Bykova O. V. , Batysheva T. T.
Published: August 2020

The incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasing in all age groups, including children and adolescents. Due to the severity and clinical presentations of the disease in children, sociopsychological aspects, including parent-child relationships (PCR), is the focus of attention.

Objective: to study of the characteristics of PCR in families of children with MS.

Patients and methods: Ten families of MS adolescents (a study group), and 10 families of healthy adolescents (a control group) were examined. The exclusion criteria were depression in a child and intellectual incapacity. The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale, a family sociogram, and the parenting relationship questionnaire were used to assess PCR.

Results and discussion. The families of children with MS showed symptoms of mild or moderate depression in the mothers; a predominantly unbalanced type of the family structure; the needs of mothers and children to change the distance with all family members equally; low self-esteem of the child and parent; the desire of the latter to cooperate with the child.

Conclusion. PCR in families of children with MS requires further investigations.
Damping Determination by Half-Power Bandwidth Method for a Slightly Damped Rectangular Steel Plate in the Mid-Frequency Range
Authors: Treszkai Marcell Ferenc , Sipos David , Feszty Daniel
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a novel methodology for measuring the Damping Loss Factor (DLF) of a slightly damped plate in the mid-frequency range (400-1000 Hz) by the Half Power Bandwidth Method (HPBM). A steel flat plate of 650 x 550 x 2 mm was considered as the test case, which was excited by both a shaker and an impact hammer to quantify the effect of the excitation type for slightly damped plate. Since the HPBM is based on extracting the damping data from the modal resonance peaks, working with the correct Frequency Response Functions (FRF) was found to be a crucial factor. Therefore, the effects of coherence and resolution of the sampling frequency were examined in detail in the measurements. The obtained DLF results were statistically analysed and then applied in SEA simulations. Comparison of the simulation and experimental results showed that the method of extracting the DLF data from the measurements can have as much as 10 dB influence on the simulation results. The best results, with only 2 dB difference between measurement and simulation, were obtained when the statistical expected value of the data was used as the input in the SEA simulations.
RELATIONSHIP LEADERSHIP OF THE CHAIRMAN WITH THE EMPOWERMENT LEVEL OF FARMER GROUPS ON CHILI FARMING MANAGEMENT IN BAWANG DISTRICT, BATANG REGENCY
Authors: Sarjito Hendro , Gayatri Siwi , Dalmiyatun Tutik
Published: August 2020

Increasing intitutional capacities among ther farmer’s is one of the key to improve farmer’s welfare. This research was conducted with the aim to analyze the relationship between the leadership of the farmer group and the level of empowerment among chili farmer’s in Bawang District, Batang Regency. The study was conducted in  20 December 2018 to 15 January 2019 in Bawang District, Batang Regency. The research method used in this study was the survey method 75 respondent were taken by the complete enumeration method. Data collection was done by using questionnaires, interviews, and direct observations in the field. Data analysis was using descriptive analysis and Rank Spearman correlation test. The results of the study showed that the level of empowerment in management of chili farming system was in medium category. The leadership level of the head of the farmer group in Bawang District were in the category of being able to lead farmer groups. There was a significant relationship between the leadership of the farmer group leader and the level of empowerment of the management of chili farming system in Bawang District, Batang Regency. Keywords: leadership, empowerment, management of chili farming system
ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PRODUKSI USAHATANI BUNCIS DI GABUNGAN KELOMPOK TANI LEMBANG AGRI KABUPATEN BANDUNG BARAT
Authors: Deviani Fadilla , Rochdiani Dini , Saefudin Bobby Rachmat
Published: August 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi produksi (luas lahan, tenaga kerja, modal, pupuk, pestisida dan benih) terhadap jumlah produksi usahatani buncis di Gabungan Kelompok Tani Lembang Agri. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode survei dan penentuan tempat lokasi penelitian secara purposive. Metode pemilihan sampel dengan proportionate stratified random sampling dengan mengambil sampel dari setiap kelompok tani sehingga sampel yang digunakan berjumlah 65 responden. Analisis yang digunakan adalah fungsi produksi Cobb-Douglas. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa faktor produksi yang berpengaruh nyata terhadap produksi usahatani buncis adalah modal, pestisida dan benih di Gabungan Kelompok Tani Lembang Agri
ANALISIS FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN KOHESIVITAS KELOMPOKTANI DALAM PENGGUNAAN VARIETAS UNGGUL BARU KOMODITAS PADI
Authors: Luviani Rachma , Farid Abdul , Kurniasari Irianti
Published: August 2020

Penurunan kohesivitas kelompoktani menjadi salah satu permasalahan yang dihadapi kelompoktani saat ini. Petani beranggapan bahwa kelompoktani hanya menjadi alat bagi sebagian masyarakat atau kelmpok tertentu untuk mendapatkan bantuan dari pemerintah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk : 1) Mendeskripsikan karakteristik petani di Desa Karangrejo Kecamatan Kendal; 2) Mendeskripsikan kohesivitas kelompoktani yang ada di Desa Karangrejo Kecamatan Kendal; 3) Menganalisis hubungan antara karakteristik petani dan kohesivitas kelompoktani dalam penggunaan Varietas Unggul Baru komoditas padi. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kuantitatif deskriptif dengan analisis korelasi Rank Spearman. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa karakteristik petani di Desa Karangrejo yaitu petani memiliki umur petani rata-rata 42-51 tahun, pendidikan petani rata-rata SMA, pelatihan dalam bidang pertanian yang dilakukan rata-rata 3-4 kali, lama usaha tani berada direntang 11-20 tahun, luas lahan rata-rata 0,2-0,4, tingkat kosmopolitan rendah, interaksi penyuluh tinggi dan pemanfaatan media terhadap kohesivitas kelompok tinggi. Tingkat kohesivitas berada pada kategori tinggi. Hubungan yang signifikan positif terdapat pada tingkat pendidikan, interaksi dengan penyuluh, dan pemanfaatan media, sedangkan untuk pelatihan, lama berusahatani, dan kekosmopolitan memiliki hubungan yang tidak signifikan dan bernilai negatif, kemudian untuk umur dan luas lahan memiliki hubungan yang tidak signifikan dan bernilai positif.
PENGARUH SIKAP DAN MOTIVASI PETANI TERHADAP ADOPSI PROGRAM KARTU TANI PADA PETANI TANAMAN PADI DI KABUPATEN GROBOGAN
Authors: Meliyanawati Meliyanawati , Sumekar Wulan , Dalmiyatun Tutik
Published: August 2020

Fertilizer subsidy policy is an effort made by the government to provide facilities to farmers. Based on evaluation of availability and distribution of fertilizers, the government created a farmer card program in hopes of overcoming fertilizer problembs, but the axistence of farmer card program still a pro and a contra among farmers. This research was conducted in Grobogan Regency on 12 February 2019 to 5 march 2019. the purpose of this research was to analyze the attitude, motivations, adoption and the effect of rice farmers attitudes and motivations on adoption of farmer card program. The methods used in this research was survey method. The population used in this research is rice farmers who are members of the outstanding farmers group in Grobogan Regency (Maju farmers group, Margo Husodo farmers group, Karya Mukti farmers group). Research samples was determined randomly with a tota; of 86 respondents obtained from the slovin formula. Data collection is done using interviews and direct observation. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression test. The result of the research showed that respondents characteristics were dominated by male farmers who were still in productive age who had a long farming experience, but had a relatively low education level. Farmers attitudes, motivations and adoptions of the farmer card program were classified as medium. Attitude and motivation factors affect adoption. Attitude and motivation variables affect the adoption variable 70,4%. Attitude and motivation variables have a very real influence on the adoption variable.
The Use of AHP and GIS methods for zoning of flood prone areas in the North Medan region
Authors: Saputra Novrizal Ardian , Tarigan A. Perwira Mulia , Nusa Ahmad Bima
Published: August 2020

Tidal floods that occur in the North Medan area due to overflowing of sea water when the tide enters the land, both directly and through river floods. The land area affected by tidal floods is getting wider and wider, so there needs to be an analysis of the level of vulnerability of tidal flooding so that the handling and prevention efforts can be on target. Determination of zonation with the level of tidal flood hazard involves various criteria, for this reason the AHP and GIS integration method is used to make rational decisions from several criteria and draw them on a zoning map. The results obtained in the North Medan area showed that 30.91 ha (0.33%) had very high levels, 1,515.98 ha (16.09%) had high levels, 4,411.92 ha (46.83%) had moderate levels, 3,176.83 ha (33.72%) had low levels, 284.81 ha (3.02%) had very low levels of vulnerability to tidal flooding.
Analysis of Post-Combustion High-Strength Concrete Compressive Strength Using Polypropylene Fibers
Authors: Aulia Teuku Budi , Muttaqin Muttaqin , Afifuddin Mochammad , Amalia Zahra
Published: August 2020

High-strength concrete is vulnerable to high temperatures due to its high density. The use of polypropylene fibers could prevent structure explosion by forming canals due to melted fibers during fire, thus release its thermal stress. This study aims to determine the effect of polypropylene fibers on compressive strength of high-strength concrete after combustion at 400ºC for five hours. High-strength concrete was made by w/c-ratio 0.3 with cement amount 550 kg/m3 and added with silica fume 8% and superplasticizer 4% by cement weight. The variations of polypropylene fibers were 0%, 0.2% and 0.4% of concrete volume. The compression test was carried out on standard cylinders Ø15/30 cm of combustion and without combustion specimens at 7 and 28 days. The results showed that compressive strength of high-strength concretes without using polypropylene fibers decreased in post-combustion compared with specimens without combustion, i.e., 0.81% at 7 days and 23.42% at 28 days. Conversely, the use of polypropylene fibers can increase post-combustion compressive strength with a maximum value resulted in adding 0.2% which are 25.52% and 10.44% at 7 and 28 days respectively. It can be concluded that the use of polypropylene fibers is effective to prevent reduction of high-strength concrete compressive strength that are burned at high temperatures.