bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Clinical Presentation (CP) Curriculum in teaching clinical medicine to undergraduate medical students: A cross-sectional study.
Authors: Adhikari Yadav Saroj , Poudel Sangeeta , Gautam Swotantra , Jaiswal Sanjay Kumar , Baskota Samikchya , Adhikari Aaradhana , Duwadi Binod , Baral Nischit , Yadav Sanjay
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The Clinical Presentation (CP) curriculum was first formulated in 1990 at the University of Calgary, Canada. Since then, it has been adopted at various medical schools, including Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS), a state-funded medical school in a low-income country (LIC), Nepal. This study aims to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of the CP curriculum by students and faculty at PAHS, and test knowledge retention through a surprise non-routine exam administered to students. 

Method: This is a cross-sectional study to evaluate the efficacy of the CP curriculum in teaching clinical medicine to the first batch of MBBS students of PAHS School of Medicine. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee (IRC)-PAHS (Ref no std1505911069). Perceived effectiveness was evaluated using a set of questionnaires for faculty and students. A total of 33 students and 34 faculty filled the perception questionnaires. Subsequently, a questionnaire consisting of 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from different clinical medicine disciplines was administered to test students’ knowledge retention. Out of 49 students, 38 participated in the surprise non-routine exam.  

Result: A significantly higher number of faculty preferred the CP curriculum compared to the traditional system of teaching clinical medicine (16 vs 11, Kruskal Wallis: 0.023, ie. P-value < 0.05). A significantly higher number of the students liked and recommended CP curriculum in the clinical year of medical education (20 vs. 13 with p-value < 0.05). In the non-routine surprise exam, two thirds of the students scored 60% or above. 

Conclusion: Both faculty and students perceive that the CP curriculum system is an effective teaching and learning method in medical education, irrespective of their different demographic and positional characteristics. The students’ overall performance was good in surprise, non-routine exams taken without scheduling or reminders.
Computer Practice Module Lecturers’ Experiences of Internal Continuous Assessment at Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges
Authors: Maja Margaret Malewaneng , Atukunda Jackline
Published: February 2022

Lecturers have different perceptions of the effect of internal continuous assessment (ICASS) on students at tertiary vocational education and training (TVET) colleges. This qualitative multiple case study explored computer practice module lecturer’s experience of internal continuous assessment (ICASS) in three KwaZulu-Natal TVET colleges. Six lecturers were purposively selected from three KwaZulu-Natal TVET colleges. Drawing from an interpretivist perspective, constructivist theory entailing cognitive and social constructivism guided this study. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Collected data were transcribed, categorized into codes and themes emerged using thematic data analysis method. The findings revealed that it was difficult to complete the curriculum due to limited time and assessments methods were limited and did not meet the diverse needs of students. Lecturers had to work beyond the set assessment schedules to cater students who missed or scored below average marks. Moderation and assessment feedback were not considered as a critical aspect in the ICASS. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis hindered the successful implementation of the ICASS. It is recommended that the policy makers should insist TVET college managements to offer specialized in-service training for lecturers’ professional development and upgrade the infrastructure and equipment. Time should be set for teaching activities to enhance effective learning so that extra lectures can be offered to students with limited or no previous computer knowledge and encourage them to follow the comments by lecturers as a corrective assessment feedback. It is concluded that lecturers should use diverse assessment methods to improve students’ ICASS.
ASSOCIAÇÃO DA RESISTÊNCIA À INSULINA EM PACIENTES PORTADORES DE DIABETES MELLITUS TIPO 1 COM O ESTADO NUTRICIONAL, PERFIL GLICÊMICO E LIPÍDICO
Authors: Pimentel Gomes Souza Mariana , Paz Teixeira Martins Maria Yasmin , Tavares Ramos Lorena Taúsz , Bernardo Marinho Leite Nathália , Cavalcante Lopes Synara , Magalhães Montenegro Júnior Renan
Published: February 2022

Introdução: A resistência à insulina, apesar de pouco investigada em indivíduos com Diabetes mellitus tipo 1, pode ser frequente nesse público. Assim, parâmetros acessíveis à prática clínica são necessários para facilitar o rastreio dessa condição. Objetivo: Avaliar a presença de resistência à insulina em pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 1 por meio do índice triglicerídeos/glicose e associar com estado nutricional, perfil glicêmico e lipídico. Métodos: Estudo original transversal realizado com 45 pacientes adultos (≥19 anos) atendidos no ambulatório de Endocrinologia e Diabetes de um Hospital Universitário de Fortaleza-CE. Obtiveram-se, a partir dos prontuários, dados sociodemográficos, antropométricos (peso e altura), bioquímicos e clínicos (comorbidades e tratamento farmacológico) dos pacientes. Utilizou-se os pontos de corte propostos para a população mexicana para classificação do índice triglicerídeos/glicose, considerando-se alterado, valores ≥ 4,55 para mulheres e ≥ 4,68 para homens. A normalidade das variáveis quantitativas foi avaliada por meio do teste de Shapiro Wilk e, para investigar associações utilizou-se o teste t de Student e o teste de Mann-Whitney. Adotou-se um nível de significância de 5% para todos os testes utilizados. Resultados: Observou-se que 62,22% dos indivíduos revelaram níveis alterados do índice triglicerídeos/glicose. Indivíduos que apresentaram níveis alterados revelaram valores mais elevados de glicemia de jejum, triglicerídeos e colesterol total (p<0,05). Entretanto, não se observou associação significativa com HDL-colesterol (p=0,22), LDL-colesterol (p=0,07), hemoglobina glicada (p=0,057) nem com IMC (p=0,33). Conclusões: O índice triglicerídeos/glicose associou-se significativamente com glicemia de jejum, triglicerídeos e colesterol total.
COMPONENTES DE PAISAGEM: O QUE TEM MAIOR EFEITO SOBRE A COMUNIDADE DE SCARABAEINAE (COLEOPTERA) EM FRAGMENTOS DE MATA ATLÂNTICA?
Authors: Da Silva Gesica Regina Gomes
Published: February 2022

Os besouros Scarabaeidae são popularmente chamados de rola-bostas. São conhecidas aproximadamente 7.000 espécies de Scarabaeidae em todo o mundo (SCHOOLMEESTERS et al., 2010) com maior concentração em florestas e savanas tropicais (HANSKI & CAMBEFORT, 1991). Os Scarabaeinae não sofrem diretamente a influência da composição e estrutura da vegetação, porem são influenciados indiretamente por sua estrutura, uma vez que a vegetação determina a composição, abundância e estrutura da comunidade de vertebrados (principalmente mamíferos), que constituem a principal fonte de recursos (fezes e carcaças), além de determinar a condição abiótica do ambiente.Segundo MacArthur & Wilson (1967), a riqueza das comunidades consiste num balanço entre o nível de sobrevivência das populações das várias espécies (associado à área) e a chance de imigrantes recomporem as populações ou novas espécies chegarem (associado ao isolamento). Ambientes muito isolados, ou cercados por vegetações estruturalmente muito distintas dos fragmentos florestais (matriz muito heterogênea, METZGER, 2001), implicam em ampliação do isolamento, já que os besouros não conseguiriam se movimentar por esta matriz. As alterações de paisagem, e majoritariamente florestal para uma matriz mais aberta, podem afetar a abundância e a distribuição da biodiversidade em áreas, assim como a diversidade e estrutura da comunidade de Scarabaeidae em fragmentos florestais de Mata Atlântica, deste modo determinar se e como aspectos estruturais internos a cada fragmento e sua inserção na paisagem afetam a composição e estrutura da comunidade de besouros rola bosta (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae) sendo estas algumas determinantes para diversidade em fragmentos florestais.
DIVERSIDADE GENÉTICA DE NANNOTRIGONA TESTACEICORNIS LEPELETIER, 1836 (HYMENOPTERA, MELIPONINI) DA CHAPADA DIAMANTINA, BAHIA
Authors: Ribeiro Jade Cseko Nolasco
Published: February 2022

A tribo Meliponini compreende as abelhas conhecidas como “abelhas indígenas sem ferrão”, são encontradas em áreas tropicais e subtropicais do mundo, mas sua maior diversidade é observada nas regiões neotropicais (com mais de 300 espécies descritas) (Cotorpassi-Laurino et al., 2006). No Brasil, são descritas aproximadamente 192 espécies pertencentes a 27 gêneros (Silveira et al., 2002).Nannotrigona testaceicornis é conhecida popularmente como Iraí. Trata-se de umas abelha que mede cerca de 4mm de comprimento, é preta, possui pilosidade grisalha e asas esfumaçadas no terço apical (Monteiro, 2001). No Brasil essa espécie é encontrada nos estados da Bahia, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina e São Paulo (Moure; Urban; Melo, 2007).Estudos com marcadores moleculares são capazes de fornecer informações sobre o nível de fluxo gênico entre as populações, detectar o efeito do fundador e gargalos populacionais e, estimar a expansão de território em relação à localização de supostos refúgios e zonas de expansão. O sistema de identificação por DNA Barcoding pretende identificar as espécies através da utilização de um pequeno segmento padronizado do DNA mitocondrial, concatenado com alguns genes nucleares. Esta abordagem representa uma estratégia extremamente promissora para o diagnóstico da biodiversidade (Herbert 2003).Vários estudos com N. testaceicornis têm sido publicados com marcadores genéticos microssatélites (Oliveira et al, 2009); padrões de comportamento de postura, oviposição e aprovisionamento; análise do número de cromossomos; efetividade de polinização em acerola (Martins et al., 1999), morango (Maeta et al., 1992; Roselino et al., 2004) e pepino (Ribeiro, 2004).N. testaceicornis é uma espécie que possui características que a tornam um modelo interessante para um estudo filogeográfico, pois se trata de uma espécie com ampla distribuição geográfica que abrange uma diversidade de habitats, além de sua alta plasticidade adaptativa que a torna capaz de colonizar ambientes diversos. Uma abordagem filogeográfica com base em marcadores mitocondriais e nucleares possibilita estimar de forma indireta a origem e divergência de linhagens ou espécies. Dentro deste contexto teórico, este projeto propõe investigar a história evolutiva das populações de N. testaceicornis presente na Chapada Diamantina e compará-la com populações de diferentes localidades.
ESPACIALIZAÇÃO E CARACTERIZAÇÃO DOS MOVIMENTOS DE MASSA NAS ENCOSTAS DA RODOVIA BA 099 (CONDE-SUBAUMA)
Authors: Mendes Ailana da Silva
Published: February 2022

A BA-099, também conhecida como Linha Verde, possui em suas margens, várias encostas compostas por sedimentos da Formação Barreiras, que data do Neógeno. A essa formação, vários autores propõem que ela foi marco de eventos do neotectonismo no Brasil, apresentando zonas de fraqueza, o que possibilita a ocorrência de movimentos de massas. Isso requer, portanto, trabalhos de contenção, que evitem obstrução das estradas, principalmente nos períodos chuvosos.Nos últimos anos, vários trabalhos voltados para as causas do recuo de encostas e, consequentemente, movimentos de massa nas encostas da BA099, litoral Norte da Bahia, têm sido desenvolvidos (DANTAS ET AL, 2007; DANTAS & LIMA, 2008; LIMA ET AL 2008; LIMA 2010). Essas encostas apresentam grande quantidade de estruturas geológicas, principalmente as juntas e secundariamente as falhas e sismitos (COELHO & LIMA 2006, LIMA ET, AL 2008).A maior frequência das juntas faz com que as mesmas se constituam nas principais zonas de fraqueza, onde ocorrem os movimentos de massa, provocando recuo das encostas e, em muitos casos, obliterando as rodovias. Os movimentos de massa podem ter ocorrências naturais e constantes, devido à ação de agentes externos que proporcionam a alteração do cenário geológico, mas podem ser provocadas pela modificação da inclinação das encostas, a partir dos taludes de corte nas margens da rodovia.Esta pesquisa visa analisar os movimentos de massa que ocorrem ao longo da BA 099, onde foi possível verificar a presença de encostas em processo de recuo, apontando para uma intensa atividade erosiva.
O PROCESSO DE PRODUÇÃO DOS ALIMENTOS COMERCIALIZADOS NAS “CANTINAS SOLIDÁRIAS” DA UEFS.
Authors: Santos Wesley Freire
Published: February 2022

Os serviços de alimentação produzida de forma coletiva vêm crescendo significativamente, com isso, a preocupação em se consumir alimentos que garantam os padrões higiênicos sanitários cresce na mesma proporção. É de grande importância que os estabelecimentos que realizam esse serviço possuam condições mínimas essenciais para garantir ao consumidor qualidade e segurança alimentar, para isso existem medidas de fiscalização que requerem vigilância no processo produtivo, desde a seleção das matérias primas até o consumo. De acordo com a Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) 60% das doenças relacionadas à origem alimentar são ocasionadas por microrganismos presentes nos alimentos, onde esta contaminação está diretamente relacionada à manipulação e preparo dos alimentos (RÊGO et al.,2001). Nesse contexto, o objetivo desse trabalho é discutir o processo de produção dos alimentos comercializados nas “CANTINAS SOLIDÁRIAS” DA UEFS (Localizadas nos Módulos I e VII).Com a finalidade de garantir na Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (UEFS), um espaço de consumo, produção e comercialização de alimentos saudáveis e de práticas solidárias do trabalho, inserção do trabalho autogestionário sem que haja relação de opressão, levando em consideração o saber popular de cada sujeito, a Incubadora de Iniciativas da Economia Popular e Solidária, desenvolve no espaço das Cantinas do Módulo 01 e 07 da UEFS um projeto intitulado Cantina Solidária. Trata-se de grupos informais, ou seja, grupos de atores marginalizados socioeconomicamente no sistema formal de economia, onde os envolvidos trabalham diretamente com manipulação de alimentos da culinária, regional, local e lanches em geral que favorece a comunidade acadêmica, mediante o contato direto com produtos oriundo da agricultura familiar e serviços da Economia Popular e Solidária, buscando, então, proporcionar aos envolvidos no projeto uma aprendizagem que fortalece o diálogo entre os saberes científico e o popular, na perspectiva do trabalho coletivo, da cooperação, associação, solidariedade, com foco no desenvolvimento de ações de capacitação profissional dessa economia. As práticas vivenciadas nas Cantinas Solidárias da UEFS, contudo, contribuem diretamente para a autonomia dos sujeitos envolvidos, bem como para o desenvolvimento local, pois segundo Amaro (2009) este está diretamente ligado à melhoria das condições de vida de uma comunidade local, fazendo com que o processo de descentralização industrial aconteça de maneira mais eficaz e assim garanta a valorização do produto local, também incentivando as práticas saudáveis de alimentação compreendendo o uso de alimentos variados, seguros, que respeitem a cultura local. A elaboração de cardápio adequado é feita de modo a promover hábitos alimentares saudáveis, respeitando-se oshábitos alimentares de cada localidade, sua vocação agrícola e preferências por produtos do meio, dando prioridade, dentre esses, aos semi-elaborados e aos “in natura”.
AS CONCEPÇÕES E PRÁTICAS DE ENSINO-APRENDIZAGEM DE PROFESSORES DE GEOGRAFIA EM ESCOLAS PÚBLICAS DO MUNICÍPIO DE FEIRA DE SANTANA – BA
Authors: Lopes Willian Falcão
Published: February 2022

O ensino é espaço-tempo de desenvolvimento do que compreendemos como fundamentalmente educacional, ou seja, é pelo ensino que se concretiza o trabalho com um conteúdo, com uso de um método, recursos e um instrumento avaliativo com o intuito de alcançar objetivos pré-definidos. Visto dessa forma, o ensino é o espaço nuclear da atividade docente e, portanto, deve ser um dos focos da formação dos professores (de Geografia).Em investigação anterior1 identificou-se as concepções de ensino dos docentes da subárea de metodologia e prática de ensino de Geografia da UEFS, o entendimento a que chegamos foi que a maioria desses professores afirmam realizar um ensino construtivo, desenvolvendo com seus estudantes o conhecimento de aula como mediação e construção (LOPES E BRAGA, 2014). Contudo, sabe-se que no exercício da docência o professor (ou o futuro professor) desenvolve uma prática que está permeada por saberes plurais, que advém de várias fontes, oriundos da formação profissional e de saberes disciplinares, curriculares e experienciais. (TARDIF, 2007).Levantou-se, então, a hipótese de que as concepções de aula dos estagiários podem ter sido apreendidas com os professores regentes2 da escola básica, aos quais poderiam estar fazendo com que esses passassem a desacreditar nas teorias ensinadas na academia, ou apenas usem esses saberes de forma automática sem terem consciência dessa influência, uma vez que o professor regente é um dos mediadores responsáveis pela construção da relação teoria e prática de ensino-aprendizagem dos estagiários.Diante desse contexto, foi proposta a seguinte questão de pesquisa: Quais as concepções e práticas de ensino-aprendizagem dos professores de Geografia da escola básica?Em seguida foi elencado o seguinte objetivo geral analisar as concepções e práticas de ensino-aprendizagem de professores de Geografia em escolas públicas do município de Feira de Santana – BA.Para a compreensão das concepções e práticas de ensino-aprendizagem dos professores de Geografia da escola básica foram feitos levantamentos bibliográficos, entrevistas e observação das práticas de ensino dos docentes.Dentre os principais achados, aponta-se que a maioria dos professores investigados compreende a aula como um espaço de construção do conhecimento. Contudo, na prática não buscam trabalhar com os saberes vivenciais dos estudantes, não constroem planejamentos, desenvolvendo suas aulas a partir da transmissão de informações.
Swedish Vocational Adult Education in the Wake of Marketisation
Authors: Andersson Per , Muhrman Karolina
Published: February 2022

Context: This study is about vocational education and training for adults within municipal adult education (MAE). Sweden has a long tradition of adult education, and has one of the world's highest proportions of participants in adult education. The Swedish education system is characterised by extensive marketisation with many private actors, particularly in adult education. The focus of this article is on the enactment of the market orientation in vocational adult education, with the purpose of showing how vocational adult education is organised in different ways in Swedish municipalities and how national adult education policy is enacted in local VET practices. Methods: The data consist of documents presenting relevant national policies for adult education, in particular on vocational education, and semi-structured interviews with adult education leaders in 20 municipalities. Findings: The findings show that MAE in Sweden has a clear labour market focus on offering education that corresponds to working life's labour requirements. Most municipalities have a shortage of staff in elderly care and childcare, which is why they offer a large number of training places in these professions. Many immigrants choose these training programmes to get a job. It is also common for municipalities to offer these training programmes in combination with SFI (Swedish for immigrants). This means that MAE fulfils an important function for integration. VET in MAE is offered as school-based training, apprenticeships or distance education. Offering VET at a distance makes it possible to provide a wider range of training programmes, and enables people who have difficulties participating in on-site training (due to commitments such as work or young children) to take part. Apprenticeship training provides work experience and often leads to employment. However, a weak interest in apprenticeship training among students and difficulties finding apprenticeship placements are examples of reasons why the number of apprenticeships is often very limited. Conclusion: Swedish MAE is characterised by flexibility and a broad supply of courses. However, there is a clear focus on certain vocational areas – mainly within the municipal organisation. This gives reason to question whether publicly funded VET for adults should mainly prepare participants for publicly funded labour-market sectors, or whether other sectors could also benefit from newly trained adults. Since vocational training within MAE is of great importance for immigrants' establishment in the labour market, there is a risk that unilateral investments in certain vocations will limit immigrants' career opportunities.
Promoting action on structural drivers of health inequity: principles for policy evaluation
Authors: Schram Ashley , Townsend Belinda , Mackean Tamara , Freeman Toby , Fisher Matt , Harris Patrick , Whitehead Margaret , van Eyk Helen , Baum Fran , Friel Sharon
Published: February 2022

Background:

Insufficient progress has been made towards reducing health inequities, due in part to a lack of action on the root causes of health inequities. At present, there is a limited evidence base to guide policy decision making in this space.

Key points for discussion:

This paper proposes new principles for researchers to conduct health equity policy evaluation. Four key principles are presented: (1) where to evaluate – shifting from familiar to unfamiliar terrain; (2) who to evaluate – shifting from structures of vulnerability to structures of privilege; (3) what to evaluate – shifting from simple figures to complex constructs; and (4) how to evaluate – shifting from ‘gold standard’ to more appropriate ‘fit-for-purpose’ designs. These four principles translate to modifying the policy domains investigated, the populations targeted, the indicators selected, and the methods employed during health equity policy evaluation. The development and implementation of these principles over a five-year programme of work is demonstrated through case studies which reflect the principles in practice.

Conclusions and implications:

The principles are shared to encourage other researchers to develop evaluation designs of sufficient complexity that they can advance the contribution of health equity policy evaluation to structural policy reforms. As a result, policies and actions on the social determinants of health might be better oriented to achieve the redistribution of power and resources needed to address the root causes of health inequities.
Health, social and economic implications of adolescent risk behaviours/states: protocol for Raine Study Gen2 cohort data linkage study
Authors: Marino Jennifer L , Tait Robert J , Straker Leon M , Schofield Deborah J , Doherty Dorota A , Ivers Rebecca Q , Graham Petra L , Steinbeck Katharine , Lymer Sharyn , Sanci Lena A , Patton George C , Liu Bette , Brooks Fiona M , Kang Melissa S , Hickey Martha , Cunich Michelle , Bista Sarita , Skinner S. Rachel
Published: February 2022

Background:

Risk-taking behaviours are a major contributor to youth morbidity and mortality. Vulnerability to these negative outcomes is constructed from individual behaviour including risk-taking, and from social context, ecological determinants, early life experience, developmental capacity and mental health, contributing to a state of higher risk. However, although risk-taking is part of normal adolescent development, there is no systematic way to distinguish young people with a high probability of serious adverse outcomes, hindering the capacity to screen and intervene. This study aims to explore the association between risk behaviours/states in adolescence and negative health, social and economic outcomes through young adulthood.

Methods:

The Raine Study is a prospective cohort study which recruited pregnant women in 1989–91, in Perth, Western Australia. The offspring cohort (N = 2,868) was followed up at regular intervals from 1 to 27 years of age. These data will be linked to State government health and welfare administrative data.

We will empirically examine relationships across multiple domains of risk (for example, substance use, sexual behaviour, driving) with health and social outcomes (for instance, road-crash injury, educational underachievement). Microsimulation models will measure the impact of risk-taking on educational attainment and labour force outcomes.

Discussion:

Comprehensive preventive child health programmes and policy prioritise a healthy start to life. This is the first linkage study focusing on adolescence to adopt a multi-domain approach, and to integrate health economic modelling. This approach captures a more complete picture of health and social impacts of risk behaviour/​states in adolescence and young adulthood.
Of care, cure and the in-between: COVID-19 treatment in a New York City intensive care unit
Authors: Haeusermann Tobias , Romero-Kornblum Heather , Dzeng Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

Through historical division of roots in the field of medicine, care and cure became positioned at opposite extremes. In this article, we merge conceptual framings with empirical data to consider how the dialectic between caring and curing shaped understandings during the spring 2020 wave of COVID-19 infections. We utilised interviews obtained from healthcare clinicians of a medical centre who volunteered in New York City during the surge of 2020. In the analysis, we reflect upon examples to illustrate how the unpredictability of COVID-19 temporarily deconstructed hierarchical boundaries between caretakers and highlight the benefits of incorporating palliative care measures in COVID-19 treatment.
Focalization in Pushkin's "Eugene Onegin" and Lermontov's "A Hero of Our Time": Loving the Semantic Void and the Dizziness of Interpretation
Authors: Lešić-Thomas Andrea
Published: February 2022

Abstract: In Pushkin's "Eugene Onegin" and Lermontov's "A Hero of Our Time" literature functions as a cognitive frame and filter lens, and the literariness of the characters' perception of themselves and the world determines what is understood of that world. The interplay between literariness and the processes of focalization is explored through the theme of love. The article examines how the heroes, Onegin and Pechorin, are constructed and why they become so attractive in the heroine's and some readers' eyes, and it asks what the story of literary seduction told here could teach us about love and literature, and the seductive appeal of such stories.
Plasmon-assisted fiber polarizers with high extinction ratio and low insertion loss
Authors: Shang Liang , Feng Sujuan , Liu Guangqiang , Shi Meng , Zhao Yuefeng
Published: February 2022

We propose a compact plasmon-assisted in-line fiber polarizer with metal films selectively coated on the lateral surface of the cladding in a conventional single mode fiber. The polarization-dependent loss mechanism intrinsically originates from the polarization-selective excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at both interfaces of metal films. Both the polarization extinction ratio (PER) and insertion loss (IL) of the plasmonic fiber polarizer strongly depend on the strength of the interaction between the polarized core modes and SPP modes. We numerically demonstrate the performances of an Au-coated and an Al-coated fiber polarizers, respectively. Both of them can achieve a PER at least higher than 10 dB/mm over the whole C- and L-bands. Notably, the PERs at 1550 nm in the Au-coated and Al-coated fiber polarizers can be up to 37.3 dB/mm and 29.4 dB/mm, respectively. The IL in the Al-coated fiber polarizer is about an order of magnitude higher than that in the Au-coated one, but it can still be lower than 0.1 dB/mm over the C- and L-bands. The achievable excellent performance shows that our proposed plasmonic fiber polarizer can provide a promising candidate for compact all-fiber polarizers with a high PER and a low IL.
Accuracy improvement of linear stages using on-machine geometric error measurement system and error transformation model
Authors: Cai Yindi , Wang Luhui , Liu Yang , Li Chang , Fan Kuang-Chao
Published: February 2022

In order to improve the accuracy of linear stages, a compact, portable and easy installation of a six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) geometric error measurement system, in which two mirrors with special position and orientation are innovatively regarded as the sensitive elements of the roll error, is proposed. A set of combined focus lenses is integrated into the 6DOF measurement system to improve the resolution of the roll error. The accuracy of a linear stage is evaluated by the positional errors at the functional point, which is located at the working volume of a linear stage. An error transformation model based on the Abbe principle and the Bryan principle is established to estimate the positional errors at the functional point according to those at the measurement point. A series of experiments are carried out to verify the capable of the designed system and the effectiveness of the established model.
Scaling-up the delivery of dog vaccination campaigns against rabies in Tanzania
Authors: Sambo Maganga , Ferguson Elaine A. , Abela-Ridder Bernadette , Changalucha Joel , Cleaveland Sarah , Lushasi Kennedy , Mchau Geofrey Joseph , Nanai Alphoncina , Nonga Hezron , Steenson Rachel , Johnson Paul CD , Hampson Katie
Published: February 2022

An increasing number of countries are committing to meet the global target to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Mass dog vaccination is central to this strategy. To interrupt rabies transmission from dogs to humans, the World Health Organization recommends that vaccination campaigns should be carried out every year in all dog-owning communities vaccinating 70% of their susceptible dogs. Monitoring and evaluation of dog vaccination campaigns are needed to measure progress towards elimination. In this study, we measured the delivery performance of large-scale vaccination campaigns implemented in 25 districts in south-east Tanzania from 2010 until 2017. We used regression modelling to infer the factors associated with, and potentially influencing the successful delivery of vaccination campaigns. During 2010–2017, five rounds of vaccination campaigns were carried out, vaccinating in total 349,513 dogs in 2,066 administrative vaccination units (rural villages or urban wards). Progressively more dogs were vaccinated over the successive campaigns. The campaigns did not reach all vaccination units each year, with only 16–28% of districts achieving 100% campaign completeness (where all units were vaccinated). During 2013–2017 when vaccination coverage was monitored, approximately 20% of vaccination units achieved the recommended 70% coverage, with average coverage around 50%. Campaigns were also not completed at annual intervals, with the longest interval between campaigns being 27 months. Our analysis revealed that districts with higher budgets generally achieved higher completeness, with a twofold difference in district budget increasing the odds of a vaccination unit being reached by a campaign by slightly more than twofold (OR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.69–3.09). However, higher budgets did not necessarily result in higher coverage within vaccination units that were reached. We recommend national programs regularly monitor and evaluate the performance of their vaccination campaigns, so as to identify factors hindering their effective delivery and to guide remedial action.
Does simultaneous soft tissue augmentation around immediate or delayed dental implant placement using sub-epithelial connective tissue graft provide better outcomes compared to other treatment options? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aldhohrah Taghrid , Qin Ge , Liang Dongliang , Song Wanxing , Ge Linhu , Mashrah Mubarak Ahmed , Wang Liping
Published: February 2022

Objective

The clinical benefits of simultaneous implant placement and soft tissue augmentation using different treatment modalities are unclear. The current meta-analysis aimed to compare the effect of simultaneous soft tissue augmentation using subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) around immediate or delayed dental implant placement with other treatment modalities on the peri-implant tissue health and esthetic.

Methods

Up to May 2021, four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar) were searched. Randomized control trials with follow-up >3 months, evaluating simultaneous implant placement (immediate or delayed) and soft tissue augmentation using SCTG compared with other treatment modalities were included. The predictor variables were SCTG versus no augmentation with/without guided bone regeneration (GBR) or other augmentation techniques (Acellular dermal matrix (ADM), Xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM). The outcome variables were buccal tissue thickness (BTT), mid-buccal gingival level (MGL), marginal bone loss (MBL), and pink esthetic scores (PES). Cumulative mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated.

Results

Twelve studies were included. SCTG along with immediate implant placement (IIP) or delayed implant placement (DIP) showed a statistically significant improvement in BTT (Fixed; MD, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.51; 0.97), MGL (Fixed; MD, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.21; 0.80), PES (Fixed; MD, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.29; 1.29), and less MBL (Fixed; MD, -0.11; 95% CI, -0.14; -0.08) compared to no graft (P<0.05). A statistically insignificant differences in BTT (Random; MD, 0.62; 95% CI, -0.41; 1.65), MGL (Fixed; MD, -0.06; 95% CI, -0.23; 0.11), MBL (Fixed; MD, 0.36; 95% CI, -0.05; 0.77) and PES (Fixed; MD, 0.28; 95% CI, -0.10; 0.67) was observed when SCTG along with DIP was compared with no augmentation plus GBR. Similarly, no statistically significant difference was observed when comparing SCTG along with DIP with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) concerning BTT (MD:0.71, P = 0.18) and KMW (MD: 0.6, P = 0.19).

Conclusion

There is a very low quality of evidence to provide recommendations on whether simultaneous dental implant placement (IIP or DIP) and soft tissue augmentation using SCTG is superior to no augmentation or is comparable to the other tissue augmentation materials in improving the quality and quantity of peri-implant tissues. Therefore, further, well-designed RCTs with larger sample sizes and long follow-up times are still needed.
Epidemiology and injury trends in the National Basketball Association: Pre- and per-COVID-19 (2017–2021)
Authors: Torres-Ronda Lorena , Gámez Ignacio , Robertson Sam , Fernández José
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The aim this study was to provide an epidemiological injury analysis of the National Basketball Association, detailing aspects such as frequency rate, characteristics and impact on performance (missed games), including COVID-19 related and non-related injuries.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted from the 2017–18 to 2020–2021 season. Publicly available records from the official website of the National Basketball Association were collected, including player’s profiling data, minutes played per game until the injury occurred, unique injuries and injury description [location (body area), diagnosis (or mechanism)], and missed games due to injury.

Results

A total of 625 players and 3543 unique injuries were registered during the period analyzed. There was an increased incidence of missed games and unique injuries ratios, from 2017–18 until 2020–21, even when excluding COVID-19 related cases. The main body areas of injuries corresponded to lower body injuries, specifically knee, ankle and foot. The tendon/ligament group, for both games missed and unique injuries, showed the higher ratios (1.16 and 0.21, respectively), followed by muscle (0.69 and 0.16, respectively) and bones (0.30 and 0.03, respectively). Irrespective of season, the higher percentage of unique injuries occurred in the group of players playing in the 26–35 minutes, followed by the 16–25 minutes played. Guards showed the highest injury ratios compared to other playing positions. Most injuries and missed games due to injury occurred from mid-season to the end of the regular season. The majority of both injuries and missed games were concentrated in the two central experience groups (from 6 to 15 years).

Conclusions

Despite previous efforts to better understand injury risk factors, there has been an increase in unique injuries and missed games. The distribution by body area, type of injury, when they occurred, minutes played and outcomes by play position, age a or years of experience vary between season and franchises.
Three-dimensional heads-up surgery in ab-interno trabeculotomy: Image processing-assisted trabeculotomy
Authors: Suzuki Takafumi , Fujishiro Takashi , Sugimoto Koichiro , Aihara Makoto
Published: February 2022

Purpose

We compared the visibility and surgeon posture between image-processing-assisted trabeculotomy (IP-LOT) using the NGENUITY® 3D visual system and conventional microsurgery (microscope-assisted trabeculotomy; MS-LOT).

Methods

IP-LOT was performed for five pig eyes. The visibility of the trabecular mesh work was evaluated on images of the trabecular mesh work and the posterior surface of the cornea (Cor) obtained under three different conditions. Images were then analyzed using ImageJ® to measure differences in luminance between the trabecular mesh work and Cor. IP-LOT was also performed for eleven human eyes, and the data were analyzed using the same approach as that used for the pig eyes. The length from the surgeon’s abdomen to the operative eye (working distance) during MS-LOT and IP-LOT was measured for 12 different surgeons and compared to evaluate surgeon posture.

Results

Image processing significantly increased the difference in luminance between the trabecular mesh work and Cor in both pig and human eyes (p < 0.05). Moreover, the working distance in IP-LOT was significantly shorter than that in MS-LOT (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the NGENUITY® 3D visual system provides better trabecular mesh work visibility than a normal microscope in conventional surgical methods, and it allows surgeons to operate without moving far from the operative eye.
The effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on HRV in healthy young people
Authors: Geng Duyan , Liu Xuanyu , Wang Yan , Wang Jiaxing
Published: February 2022

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has shown positive effects on a variety of diseases. Considering that decreased heart rate variability (HRV) is closely associated with morbidity and mortality for a variety of diseases, it is important to investigate the effect of taVNS on HRV. In Study 1, we conducted a two-stage cross-over trial to compare the effects of taVNS and sham taVNS (staVNS) on HRV. In Study 2, we systematically tested the effects of different taVNS parameters on high frequency (HF) component of HRV. The results showed that taVNS significantly increased measurements of root mean square of the difference between successive RR intervals (RMSSD), percentage of number of pairs of adjacent RR intervals differing greater than 50ms (pRR50), standard deviation of all RR intervals (SDRR), HF. Significantly, enhancement of HF and pRR50 persisted into recovery period. In addition, higher baseline LF/HF ratio was associated with greater LF/HF ratio decrease. Findings also showed that there was no significant difference in measurements of HF between different taVNS parameters. These studies suggest that taVNS could increase HRV, it may help taVNS in the treatment of low HRV related diseases. However, taVNS may not have parameter-specific effects on HRV.
Democratic luxury: An oxymoron?
Authors: Berry Christopher J.
Published: February 2022

The expression the ‘democratization of luxury’ has become commonplace and as such its meaning is rarely, if ever, investigated. I acknowledge that its very commonplaceness would seem to demonstrate that it is a mere façon de parler to which too much weight should not be given. Nonetheless, I believe that an investigation of the assumptions that underlie the phrase, and the phenomenon it seemingly captures, is potentially worthwhile, as evidenced by the fact that its usage is not uniform, being subject to both negative and neutral interpretations. This brief article is also a gesture towards my making-amends for my own passing, non-inquisitive casual second-hand use of the term. Finally, I advert briefly to its bearing on my own conceptual analysis.
Sustainable Luxury and Jewelry, Ivan Coste-Manière and Miguel Ángel Gardetti (eds) (2021)
Authors: Nimo Ken Kweku
Published: February 2022

Review of: Sustainable Luxury and Jewelry, Ivan Coste-Manière and Miguel Ángel Gardetti (eds) (2021)

Singapore: Springer, 229 pp.,

ISBN 978-9-81162-454-4, e-book, £87.50
The pandemic as a spectacle
Authors: Lukan Blaž
Published: February 2022

The present contribution looks at possible performative practices during the time of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, which stigmatizes both physical bodies and the social body, with the greatest threat to the physical body represented by the violent interventions of the state into medical matters. Apart from its real dimensions, the pandemic also possesses a strong symbolic note. In its discussion of the ‘phenomenology of Covid prevention in the performative context’, the article touches upon the use of protective masks, minimum distance between audience members, testing and vaccination as intrusions into the spectator’s body, the participatory potential of performative events during the time of pandemic and limitation brought about by their online (Zoom) performances.
Radon Mass and Surface Exhalation Rates in Ceramic Tiles available in Ibadan and associated Radiological Hazards
Authors: Farinde D.A. , Alatise O.O. , Jidele P.A. , Oloruntola R.F. , Mustapha A.O. , Idowu O.A.
Published: February 2022

Radon mass and surface exhalation rates in selected ceramic tiles commonly used in Ibadan Southwest Nigeria were determined and the associated radiological parameters estimated. Forty-five samples of different types of floor and wall tiles were obtained from local markets. Each prepared sample was sealed an airtight radon sample container and kept for 28 days before analyses were carried out using a radon monitor (SARAD Radon Scout Plus).
La solución de controversias en la contratación pública internacional (CPI)
Authors: Cancino Gomez Rodolfo
Published: February 2022

Una cláusula de solución de controversias dentro de un contrato público, otorga certidumbre a las partes y seguridad jurídica para el cumplimiento o ejecución en las condiciones y término, s pactados. Dentro del ámbito internacional de la contratación pública, se ha intensificado el arbitraje en consonancia con el artículo 17 de la Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos para resolver conflictos donde intervengan entidades estatales, incluyendo empresas productivas del estado, así como en las leyes en la materia. El objetivo de este artículo es delimitar la cobertura y alcance de un acuerdo arbitral, cómo y cuando se pacta una cláusula de esta naturaleza y principalmente si se fundamenta en un contrato, en una ley interna o en un tratado internacional.
SOUNDTRACK LA TABKI YA ṢAGHIRĪ DALAM FILM ABṬALU DĪGITAL (ANALISIS SEMIOTIK RIFFATERRE)
Authors: Firdausah Isyqie
Published: February 2022

This research has “Lā Tabki yā Ṣaghīrī” as a material object, an original soundtrack of Abṭalu Dīgital, a very popular movie in s2000. The song lyric is analyzed by Riffaterre’s Semiotics Theory which introduces two levels of reading.  Based on the analysis of this research, the potential hypogram shows that the parents give advices about reaching for dreams to their child who is in despair. The dream has something to do with raindrops philosophy. The models found are juhdun ‘effort’, amal ‘dream’, alwān ‘colours’, dan hayāh ‘life’. The matrix is “advises about human as khalifatullah in the world”. The actual hypogram is human’s missions as khalifatullah based on verses of al-Quran, hadith of the prophet, and interpretations of some mufassir such as Quraish Shihab and al-Buthi. It then is concluded that khalifah is like raindrop. It emits various colour spectrums, shows beautiful rainbow, and spreads-out love. One raindrop collaborates to another and sticks together to become pulse of the world.
Media Violence and Quality of Life among Young Children and Youth in Sialkot, Pakistan
Authors: Abbas Salbia , Jami Rabia , Iddress Laiba , Abbas Saira , Bibi Khuzaifa
Published: February 2022

Purpose – Media has proved to be a handy tool in education, arts, science, sports, and culture. People spend most of their time watching television, playing video games, and surfing the internet. This study aims to identify how violence in media affects the quality of life among children and youth.Design/methods/approach – A random sample of 181 individuals ranging in age from 7 to 24 was collected online using a Google form questionnaire. An organized self-report Questionnaire had four segments: 1) Consent Form; 2) Demographic Information of Participant; 3) The Content-based Media Exposure Scale(C-ME); 4) Quality of Life Scale (QOL). First part of C-ME shows that exposure to anti-social media content had a negative relationship with quality of life scale [r= -.189, n= 181, P= .011] while second part of C-ME (neutral items) had a positive relationship with quality of life scale [r= .265, n= 181, P= .00].Findings – Findings of this study suggest that lower quality of life is a genuine and developing phenomenon among young children and youth. Training programs for guidance about media content should be customized to be reasonable for each social setting.Research implications/limitations – Sample size could be increased due to compliance with COVID-19 SOP. Online data were collected via Google forms. More research is required to eradicate this issue among children and youth, turning into aggression later in life. This study welcomes all upcoming researchers to work on this for better results.Practical implications – The results of this study show a positive relationship between media violence and quality of life among young children. The quality of life is highly deteriorating because of anti-social media content in various countries. It shows that lower quality of life is a genuine and developing phenomenon among young children and youth. Training programs for guidance about media content should be customized to eradicate current issues in the community.Originality/value – Results of this study highlight the relationship between media content and the quality of life of young children and youth, but this broad topic still requests conclusive discussion and research worldwide.

Paper type Research paper