bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing linear phased array transducers for non-destructive evaluation of thin layers
Authors: Achbal Mariam , Khamlichi Abdellatif , El Khannoussi Fadoua
Published: July 2020

In this work, a numerical method is proposed in order to achieve design optimisation of phased array (PA) probes for the special application of defects detection in thin films. This approach relies on an extended Fourier-based model that was adapted to predict the two-dimensional ultrasonic displacement field taking place in a thin plate under individual excitation of PA probe elements which have arbitrary orientation with respect to the examined part surface. Excitation is applied through a fluid couplant and is operated at scheduled delays that are managed to enable emission of constructive pulses. This gives the possibility to steer sound waves towards a direction and to focalize the beam in a selected point. An optimisation algorithm based on the concept of pattern search that does not require evaluation of a gradient was used to find the best match in the multidimensional analysis space of possibilities including the elements orientation angles, the elements lengths, the inter-elements distances and work frequency. Optimisation was performed with the objective to maximize the displacement amplitude at the focal point while minimizing simultaneously the effect of beam side lobes. The results obtained by this approach reveal that focalisation can be achieved with enhanced features in comparison with previous algorithms assuming linear elements that are parallel to the surface of the plate.
COVID-19: Limites na implantação dos equipamentos de proteção individuais recomendados aos profissionais de saúde
Authors: Assunção Ada , Simoes Mariana , Maia Emanuella , Alcântara Marcus , Jardim Renata
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: Comparar protocolos nacionais e protocolos nacionais brasileiros sobre quando, como e que tipo de equipamentos de proteção indivíduos utilizam durante a assistência aos pacientes do COVID-19, bem como desenvolver uma crítica ao modelo predominante de implantação desses equipamentos que orientam a estrutura desses protocolos .
Métodos: Estudo exploratório, em consonância a um curto período (dois meses) desde o reconhecimento de caracteres pandêmicos da crise sanitária, resultados de análises disponíveis na Biblioteca Cochrane com elementos dos protocolos da Argentina, Brasil, China e Estados Unidos da América e Estados do Amazonas, Bahia, Minas Gerais e São Paulo, todos selecionados por conveniência.
Resultados: Observe-se dissenso, principalmente quanto ao tipo de proteção respiratória indicada. Somente na China pode usar respiradores de alta potência de filtragem, além de modelos para o rosto inteiro nos casos de procedimentos invasivos. Os estados brasileiros, com exceção de São Paulo, não recomendam reuso de equipamentos. Quanto aos materiais dos itens de vestuário, não há convergência.
Conclusão: Os resultados são pistas para a revisão de protocolos de proteção de profissionais da saúde ao novo coronavírus.
Integração do agente de combate às endemias na Estratégia Saúde da Família, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, em 2017
Authors: Pereira Glória Araújo , Cazola Luiza Helena de Oliveira , Pícoli Renata Palópoli
Published: July 2020

Objetivo. Descrever o processo de integração do agente de combate às endemias (ACE) na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF). Métodos. Estudo transversal descritivo. Os dados foram coletados por questionário semiestruturado autoaplicável, de fevereiro a maio de 2017, em quatro unidades de Saúde da Família na região urbana de Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Resultados. Participaram 57 agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS) e 8 ACE. Todos os participantes informaram realizar orientações ao morador e 58 realizavam controle mecânico durante a vistoria de imóveis, visando evitar e eliminar possíveis criadouros do Aedes aegypti. Quanto à integração dos ACEs na ESF, 18 participantes destacaram o trabalho em equipe como aspecto positivo, enquanto 15 referiram falta de autonomia para intervenções legais como aspecto negativo. Conclusão. A integração do ACE na ESF é viável; contudo, ajustes devem ser realizados para potencializar as atividades, na perspectiva do trabalho compartilhado em uma mesma base territorial.
Can Oncologists Predict the Efficacy of Treatments in Randomized Trials?
Authors: Benjamin Daniel M. , Mandel David R. , Barnes Tristan , Krzyzanowska Monika K. , Leighl Natasha , Tannock Ian F. , Kimmelman Jonathan
Published: July 2020

Background

Decisions about trial funding, ethical approval, or clinical practice guideline recommendations require expert judgments about the potential efficacy of new treatments. We tested whether individual and aggregated expert opinion of oncologists could predict reliably the efficacy of cancer treatments tested in randomized controlled trials.

Materials and Methods

An international sample of 137 oncologists specializing in genitourinary, lung, and colorectal cancer provided forecasts on primary outcome attainment for five active randomized cancer trials within their subspecialty; skill was assessed using Brier scores (BS), which measure the average squared deviation between forecasts and outcomes.

Results

A total of 40% of trials in our sample reported positive primary outcomes. Experts generally anticipated this overall frequency (mean forecast, 34%). Individual experts on average outperformed random predictions (mean BS = 0.29 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.28–0.33] vs. 0.33) but underperformed prediction algorithms that always guessed 50% (BS = 0.25) or that were trained on base rates (BS = 0.19). Aggregating forecasts improved accuracy (BS = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.16–0.36]). Neither individual experts nor aggregated predictions showed appreciable discrimination between positive and nonpositive trials (area under the curve of a receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.52 and 0.43, respectively).

Conclusion

These findings are based on a limited sample of trials. However, they reinforce the importance of basing research and policy decisions on the results of randomized trials rather than expert opinion or low-level evidence.

Implications for Practice

Predictions of oncologists, either individually or in the aggregate, did not anticipate reliably outcomes for randomized trials in cancer. These findings suggest that pooled expert opinion about treatment efficacy is no substitute for randomized trials. They also underscore the challenges of using expert opinion to prioritize interventions for clinical trials or to make recommendations in clinical practice guidelines.
Organ Dysfunction in Patients with Advanced Melanoma Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Spillane Susan , Baxi Shrujal , Torres Aracelis Z. , Lenis David , Freedman Andrew N. , Mariotto Angela B. , Sharon Elad
Published: July 2020

Background

Real-world data enables evaluation of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) use in advanced melanoma management. We examined characteristics and outcomes of ICI-treated patients with advanced melanoma and organ dysfunction (baseline and emergent).

Materials and Methods

This retrospective observational study used electronic health records derived from a nationwide data set to examine advanced melanoma patients treated with first-line ICIs (2011–2018). Clinical characteristics, real-world time to treatment discontinuation (rwTTD), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed for patients with normal organ function and those with organ dysfunction prior to ICI initiation. Patients with emergent dysfunction in the 90 days following ICI initiation were identified, and potentially associated characteristics were explored.

Results

Of 2,407 patients included, 1,884 and 1,717 had evaluable renal and hepatic laboratory values, respectively. Patients with baseline renal dysfunction (2.4%) were older and more frequently male, and less frequently treated with ICI combinations, than patients with normal renal function. Patients with baseline hepatic dysfunction (2.8%) were similar to patients with normal hepatic function regarding demographics and treatments received. Patients with baseline organ dysfunction displayed shorter rwTTD and OS. Among patients with normal baseline organ function, 4.6% and 7.4% developed renal and hepatic dysfunction within 90 days of ICI initiation, respectively; this was associated with combination ICI treatment.

Conclusion

Patients with advanced melanoma and baseline organ dysfunction frequently receive ICI treatment but have poorer clinical outcomes than patients with normal organ function. Among patients with normal renal and hepatic function at ICI initiation, emergent organ dysfunction rates in this real-world cohort are similar to those reported in clinical trials.

Implications for Practice

Real-world data provide an opportunity to understand treatment patterns, toxicity, and clinical outcomes among patients treated outside of clinical trials. This study confirms that patients with advanced melanoma and baseline renal or hepatic dysfunction are being treated with ICI therapy more frequently as monotherapy than in combination therapy. For those real-world patients with normal baseline organ function, emergent renal and hepatic dysfunction are both more common in patients treated with combination versus ICI monotherapy.
"Sausage Factory, in and out": Lecturers' Experiences of Assessing in an Era of Massification in a Teacher Education Institution
Authors: MsizaI Vusi , Ndhlovu Busisiwe , Raseroka Nthabiseng
Published: July 2020

The massification of higher education in South Africa has been a social justice goal and a significant milestone, given the history of the country. Massification, though, has brought challenges to the higher education sector, one of them being increasing class sizes. In this paper, we explore the experiences of lecturers in conducting assessment in a teacher education institution. We used a case study methodology, and conversations as a method of generating data-with purposive selection of five lecturers from various disciplines as the sample. For the theoretical framework, we drew on the work of two scholars: Kolb (1984) on experiential learning and Pinar's (2004) method of currere. We found that the lecturers understood the purpose of mass higher education, however, the large class sizes have influenced their assessment practices. Beyond the challenges of massification, lecturers invoked their experiences to reflect, learn, and imagine possibilities. There are possibilities for teacher education institutions to enact sustainable assessment and to navigate massification. There is also a need for further research, particularly in teacher education institutions, to theorise large classes in relation to various aspects of teacher education programmes.
Learning How Language is Used in Higher Education to Strategically Marginalise Female, Queer, and Gender Non-Conforming People: An Autoethnographic Account
Authors: Vanyoro Kudzaiishe
Published: July 2020

In this article, I examine how language informs the systemic and structural manner in which the university space not only marginalises, but also exploits female and gender nonconforming people. I base my account on my experiences in two universities in southern Africa-one in Zimbabwe and the other in South Africa. I aim to show how gender and sexuality borders can be permeated by gaining critical awareness of the working of power and privilege in language that normalises the oppression of one by the other. I do this through a reflective autoethnographic account of the temporal trajectories involved in my experience as an academic of gender and sexuality in universities. I explore the notion of university as a social site where power relations of privilege and marginality can be found to be vivid if not violent. I reflect on my positionality and complicity in exploitative power relations in the university. I also make use of #FeesMustFall diaries as archival data to account for dynamics of exclusion. Theoretically, the article employs the colonial matrix of power to show how coloniality upholds gender and sexuality norms in universities and academics. The purpose of this paper is not to propose strategies for other institutions to use for unlearning pedagogies. Rather, the role of the paper is to document my and others' experiences of how heteropatriarchy manifests in the language used in the lecture room and beyond. In conclusion, the article shows how the author found critical diversity literacy, a learning pedagogy that promotes discomfort, helpful in realising the complicity of language in dominance.
Nutritional yield and nutritional water productivity of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) under varying irrigation water regimes
Authors: Edwin Kimutai Kanda  , Aidan Senzanje  , Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi  , Shadrack Chisenga Mubanga
Published: July 2020

There is a need to mainstream traditional crops in sub-Saharan Africa, in order to tackle food and nutritional insecurity through incorporating nutritional quality into crop water productivity, in the wider context of the water–food–nutrition–health nexus.  The objective of the study was to determine the effect of irrigation water regimes on the nutritional yield (NY) and nutritional water productivity (NWP) of cowpea under Moistube irrigation (MTI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI). We hypothesized that NY and NWP of cowpea were not different under MTI and SDI and that deficit irrigation improved NWP. The experiment was laid as a split-plot design arranged in randomized complete blocks, replicated 3 times, with 3 irrigation water regimes: 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), 70% of ETc, and 40% of ETc. Irrigation type and water regime did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect the nutritional quality of cowpea.  Similarly, NWP of crude fat (28.20–39.20 g∙m-3), ash (47.20–50.70 g∙m-3) and crude fibre (30.70–48.10 g∙m-3) did not vary significantly. However, protein and carbohydrate NWP showed significant (p < 0.05) differences across irrigation water regimes and irrigation type. The highest protein NWP (276.20 g∙m-3) was attained under MTI at 100% ETc, which was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than SDI (237.1 g∙m-3) and MTI (189.8 g∙m-3) at 40% ETc. Cowpea is suited for production in water-scarce environments; however, there are trade-offs with carbohydrate NWP. This should not be of concern as often diets are already energy-dense but lacking in other micronutrients.
Development of a paper-based microfluidic device for the quantification of ammonia in industrial wastewater
Authors: Nonhlazeko Loveday Nxumalo  , Lawrence Mzukisi Madikizela  , Hendrik Gert Kruger  , Stanley Chibuzor Onwubu  , Phumlane Selby Mdluli
Published: July 2020

Ammonia is a toxic pollutant increasingly found in urban and industrial wastewater and unprotected surface water. Industry discharges and fertilizer run-off release ammonia into sewers and streams, overloading wastewater treatment plants and causing fish deaths in surface water such as rivers, sea and lakes. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the microfluidic paper-based device (µPAD) for the quantification of ammonia in wastewater. The µPAD fabricated had an oval-shaped pattern which was designed using CorelDraw software. The hydrophilic zones were created by printing a chromatographic paper with a Xerox wax printer (Xerox colorqube 8570). The modified version of the colorimetric method using Nessler reagent was combined with microfluidic technologies to create a low-cost monitoring system for detection of ammonia in wastewater. The method allows for ammonia determination in the range of 0–5 ppm (mg/L) with a limit of detection of 3.34 ppm. This study indicated that a µPAD was successfully used to quantify the concentration of ammonia in wastewater.
SPE-LC-PDA method development and application for the analysis of selected pharmaceuticals in river and wastewater samples from South Africa
Authors: NB Hlengwa  , PN Mahlambi
Published: July 2020

The occurrence of pharmaceutical compounds in the environment has been a growing concern. However, there is little information on the concentration levels of pharmaceuticals in African countries. This indicates the need and the importance to develop sensitive methods that can detect these compounds at trace levels (ng/L–µg/L). This work reports on the development of solid phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography–photo diode array (SPE-LC-PDA) analysis. The method was then applied for the analysis of pharmaceutical compounds (ibuprofen, fenoprofen, naproxen, carbamazepine and diclofenac) in river and wastewater samples. The SPE recoveries obtained at 10 000 ng/L spike concentration ranged from 89–120% in distilled water, 79–110% in river water and 78-94% in wastewater. The LODs and LOQs ranged from 10.9–20.4 ng/L and 36.2–60.7 ng/L, respectively. Concentrations of the pharmaceuticals obtained in river water samples ranged from 60 to 32 900 ng/L; in wastewater they ranged from 70 to 66 900 ng/L. Higher concentrations of pharmaceuticals were detected in winter compared to the spring season.
Democracy, Development and Legislative Policies for Recyclable Waste: Brazilian Case
Authors: Felix Severo Ana Luiza , Vilar Guimarães Patrícia Borba
Published: July 2020

The Solid Waste National Policy (SWNP) is the main legislative instrument for of solid waste management in Brazil. From them, states and municipalities should legislate about local solid waste management, within a maximum period of four years from the validity of the Federal Law. After eight years from Brazilian legal policy institution, it is possible to perceive the lack of commitment of the local administrations with this subject. In this way, there are municipalities that have not yet legislated about this theme. The objective of this study is to analyze the existing legislation on solid waste in three Brazilian municipalities with focus on the selective collection of recyclable materials and the real place occupied by waste pickers figure in this laws. In this way, is there compliance of this cases of study with federal legislation? The study shows the municipalities legislation from the study and the meaning of this for recyclable waste pickers and selective waste collection.
Análisis del anteproyecto de ley de cambio climático y transición energética: luces y sombras
Authors: Pallares Serrano Ana
Published: July 2020

This article analyses the draft (20 February 2019) of the law on climate change and energy transition in order to determine its context, characteristics and objectives and thus highlight the document’s strong and weak points. Regarding the latter, the author points out the deficits and loopholes in the law that need to be addressed by the legislators during parliamentary procedure. In short, the article puts forward a series of proposals that are intended to improve the draft law.
Etnoescuelas y sustentabilidad de las lenguas maternas indígenas: ni solo plural ni solo multicultural...
Authors: Utzig Ângela Irene Farias de Araújo , Bühring Marcia Andrea
Published: July 2020

The theme addresses ethno-schools in a context of indigenous languages sustainability in Brazil, since we understand that the historical segregation of the native communities has created an abyss between non-indigenous students and indigenous students; and it is maintained by ethno politics. The aim of this work is to discuss ethno-schools in a more sustainable perspective, re-characterizing concepts such as "ethno-educational territories" in Brazil. This will enable the promotion of an efficient and effective quality education, reducing inequalities: a school beyond a multicultural and plural space, but ethno-scholastic in the best sense, that, operationalized, results in the insertion of indigenous students with the same chances as non-indigenous students, and without losing the link with their mother tongues, going beyond multiculturalism and pluralism, reaching ethno-school. This is a bibliographic research, in a qualitative-descriptive approach, guided by the deductive method, whose hypothesis results that the lack of knowledge of  Portuguese by Brazilian indigenous students is an obstacle to their academic success. As a result, we see that Brazilian schools must be willing to change to accommodate indigenous students with all their linguistic difficulties created by the historic silencing of the colonizer. The school must also help these students to conquer spaces of citizenship and autonomy of knowledge and sustainability of their own Native Indigenous Language when entering and successfully leaving school and accessing the world of work, besides being equipped with facilitating and efficient instruments of this teaching process.
La respuesta legal de la Comunidad autónoma de Andalucía al cambio climático: estudio sobre la Ley 8/2018, de 8 de octubre, de medidas frente al cambio climático y para la transición hacia un nuevo modelo energético en Andalucía
Authors: Mora Ruiz Manuela
Published: July 2020

This study aims to analyze the recent Law 8/2018, of October 8, on Measures against Climate Change and for the Transition towards a new energy model in Andalusia, in order to consider the legal system it establishes and its meaning, both for the environmental law of the Autonomous Community and for the relation to law of the State on climate change, in line with the demands of the European Union and the international context. Thus, the involvement of public and private subjects in the fight against climate change, the combined mitigation and adaptation strategies provided for in the standard are considered, as well as the legal instruments created for this purpose.
Jurisprudencia ambiental en Asturias (Primer semestre 2020)
Authors: Boto Álvarez Alejandra
Published: July 2020

Jurisprudencia ambiental en Asturias (Primer semestre 2020)
Derecho y políticas ambientales en la Región de Murcia (Primer semestre 2020)
Authors: Alvarez Carreño Santiago Manuel
Published: July 2020

Derecho y políticas ambientales en la Región de Murcia (Primer semestre 2020)
Jurisprudencia ambiental de las Islas Canarias (Primer semestre 2020)
Authors: Jiménez Jaén Adolfo Domingo
Published: July 2020

Jurisprudencia ambiental de las Islas Canarias (Primer semestre 2020)
Editorial
Authors: Bargalló Escrivà Maria
Published: July 2020

En 2009 se presentaba, de la mano de un conjunto significativo de investigadores de la Universidad de Zaragoza (David Serrano-Dolader, María Antonia Martín Zorraquino y José Francisco Val Álvaro) el volumen Morfología y español como lengua extranjera que recogía las aportaciones realizadas en la cuarta edición de la Red Temática Española de Morfología. En la presentación de dicho volumen, David Serrano-Dolader señalaba algunas cuestiones que, lamentablemente, aún siguen siendo vigentes a propósito del estudio específico de la morfología con respecto a su adquisición y enseñanza en el ámbito del español como lengua extranjera. Con este número monográfico de la Revista Internacional de Lenguas Extranjeras queremos contribuir a paliar, aunque sea parcialmente, esta laguna.
Exploring Elementary Teachers', Students' Beliefs and Readiness toward STEAM Education
Authors: Kartini Dwi , Widodo Ari
Published: July 2020

21st century demands education to promote students with STEAM competencies. Most researches on STEAM are mainly focused on students’ learning outcomes on STEAM, but only few address non-cognitive aspects. It is necessary to examine elementary teachers and students’ beliefs and readiness towards STEAM learning. The purpose of this research is to explore teachers’ and students’ beliefs and readiness towards STEAM learning. The survey-designed method was used in this research. A total of 34 elementary school teachers and 36 elementary school students in the city of Bandung participated in this research. The samples were selected using a random sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to collect research data. The results obtained from this research show that students and teachers have positive perceptions in career and benefit of STEAM learning. Students are actually interested in STEAM learning, but the competencies and factors that support and stimulate STEAM learning in schools are still low. The teacher has low competencies to implement STEAM learning. This is due to the lack of knowledge and understanding of teachers about STEAM. This research is expected to contribute to the novelty of teachers’ readiness and beliefs in STEAM education in the city of Bandung
Inculcating Siri’ Na Pacce Value in Primary School Learning
Authors: Azis Abdul , Saleh Sitti Fithriani , Suriani Ade Irma
Published: July 2020

Siri' na pacce is the local wisdom of the Bugis-Makassar tribe. Siri' embodies the unification of the attitude of shame and self-esteem, while pacce embodies an attitude of compassion and solidarity. This research aims at describing teachers’ perceptions about the inculcation of siri’ na pacce value in primary school learning and teaching practices. This research involved 102 primary school teachers in Makassar, Indonesia. The research instruments were questionnaires, interview guidelines, and recorded observations of learning. The majority of participants believed the value of siri' na pacce is still relevant to current conditions and realized their essential role in conveying it to students. Most participants thought that the value of siri' na pacce needs to be integrated into learning, although there were participants who thought it is difficult to do. More than 50% of participants stated that they always or often conveyed siri’ na pacce value to students both inside and outside the classroom. However, less than 50% of participants regularly or frequently consider how to integrate these values into learning. The activities of integrating siri' na pacce value conducted by the teacher in learning were not well planned yet.
Reading Comprehension through the FIVES Model and Guided Reading Model to Improve Critical Thinking Ability in the Industrial Revolution Era 4.0
Authors: Supriatna Irfan , Agusdianita Neza , Yuliantini Nani , Herman Herman , Resnani Resnani
Published: July 2020

Elementary students' critical thinking skills are one of the components developed in 21st Century learning. However, these critical thinking skills are still very shallow and far from expectations. It was proven by the results of international surveys that show low average scores. Likewise, the results of the pretest critical thinking skills of fifth-grade students in 2 elementary schools in Sukabumi Regency showed a low average value. This study aims to determine the increase in students' critical thinking skills in learning to read comprehension through the use of the FIVES Model and Guided Reading Model in the Industrial Revolution Era 4.0. The research method uses quasi-experimental with Static Group Pretest-Postest Design. The subject of the research was fifth-grade elementary school students. SDN 4 Cicurug implements the FIVES Model, and SDN 2 Purwasari implements the Guided Reading Model. The results showed that the use of these two models could improve the critical thinking skills of elementary students. However, the increase in students' critical thinking skills through the FIVES Model compared to the Guided Reading Model in reading comprehension in the Industrial Revolution Era 4.0.
How the Presence of Newly Arrived Migrants Challenges Urban Spaces: Three Perspectives from Recent Literature
Authors: Bovo Martina
Published: July 2020

This article explores the notion of arrival spaces in the recent urban studies literature, and it outlines three emerging perspectives on their role and the associated processes and complexities. Recently, within changing migratory trajectories, the dimension of arrival has gained increasing relevance, and scholars have discussed the growing complexity underpinning it. Within this framework, some contributions reflect on the role of arrival spaces, which currently represent a rapidly changing research subject. However, by the term ‘arrival space,’ authors refer to various types of space, and the article argues that a clearer reference to the spatial dimension of arrival is needed. Spaces are contexts where different actors interact and intervene in the city, and their understanding represents a preliminary step for future research. In this sense, this contribution aims to unpack the previous decade’s debate on arrival spaces. It outlines three main perspectives: The first discusses the role of trans-local contexts, working as nodes in international migration networks; the second follows the debate on arrival neighborhoods; the third suggests that arrival spaces may be defined as all those parts of the urban fabric with which newcomers interact at the moment of arrival. Finally, drawing from this review, the article underlines that arrival spaces are not only specialized areas with migrant newcomers’ concentration, but they may also be ordinary urban spaces that temporarily work for arrival. Hence, future research should further deepen this perspective and more explicitly investigate the relation of arrival spaces to the city and its actors.
Reliability of Source Parameters for Small Events in Central Italy: Insights from Spectral Decomposition Analysis Applied to Both Synthetic and Real Data
Authors: Bindi Dino , Spallarossa Daniele , Picozzi Matteo , Morasca Paola
Published: July 2020

We apply a spectral decomposition approach to isolate the source spectra from propagation and site effects and, in turn, to estimate the source parameters of small-to-moderate earthquakes that occurred in central Italy. The data set is composed of about 400,000 waveforms relevant to 4111 earthquakes in the moment magnitude range 1.5–6.5, recorded by a high-density network of stations installed in the study area. We first investigate the reliability of the source parameters for small magnitudes through numerical simulations. We generate synthetic spectra for different source scaling models and near-surface attenuation effects, considering the source–station geometry and the data availability of the central Italy data set. Our analysis with synthetics shows that the spectral decomposition is effective in isolating the source contributions from other factors. Moreover, the analysis of the residual distributions suggests that moment magnitude 1.8 is the lower bound for the retrieval of reliable Brune’s source parameters, although we observe an increase of residual’s variability below magnitude 3, and the estimated source parameters could be biased below magnitude 2.3. Remarkably, the assessment of the stress drop Δσ for small events is strongly hampered by site-specific attenuation near the surface. In view of the results with synthetics, we analyze the source parameters of earthquakes recorded in central Italy. The corner frequency versus seismic moment relationship describes a source scaling in which Δσ increases with increasing moment magnitude Mw, the mean Δσ varying from 0.1 MPa for Mw<2 to 7.9 MPa for Mw>5. In particular, Δσ increases mainly for Mw in the ranges 2.5–3 and 4.5–5.2. The corner frequencies estimated from the apparent source spectra do not show any dependence on hypocentral distance and magnitude, confirming that uncorrected anelastic attenuation effects do not significantly bias the results.
Ground-Motion Attenuation, Stress Drop, and Directivity of Induced Events in the Groningen Gas Field by Spectral Inversion of Borehole Records
Authors: Ameri Gabriele , Martin Christophe , Oth Adrien
Published: July 2020

Production-induced earthquakes in the Groningen gas field caused damage to buildings and concerns for the population, the gas-field owner, and the local and national authorities and institutions. The largest event (ML=3.6) occurred in 2012 near Huizinge, and, despite the subsequent decision of the Dutch government to reduce the gas production in the following years, similar magnitude events occurred in 2018 and 2019 (ML=3.4). Thanks to the improvement of the local seismic networks in the last years, recent events provide a large number of recordings and an unprecedented opportunity to study the characteristics of induced earthquakes in the Groningen gas field and related ground motions.

In this study, we exploit the S-wave Fourier amplitude spectra recorded by the 200 m depth borehole sensors of the G network from 2015 to 2019 to derive source and attenuation parameters for ML≥2 induced earthquakes. The borehole spectra are decomposed into source, attenuation, and site nonparametric functions, and parametric models are then adopted to determine moment magnitudes, corner frequencies, and stress drops of 21 events. Attenuation and source parameters are discussed and compared with previous estimates for the region. The impact of destructive interference of upgoing and downgoing waves at borehole depth on the derived parameters is also discussed and assessed to be minor.

The analysis of the apparent source spectra reveals that several events show rupture directivity and provides clear observations of frequency-dependent directivity effects in induced earthquakes. The estimated rupture direction shows a good agreement with orientation of pre-existing faults within the reservoir. Our results confirm that rupture directivity is still an important factor for small-magnitude induced events, affecting the amplitude of recorded short-period response spectra and causing relevant spatial ground-motion variability.
Animasyon Destekli Bilişim Değerleri Eğitiminin Akademik Başarıya ve Tutuma Etkisi
Authors: ÇELİK Berkay , GUNDOGDU Kerim
Published: July 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı; animasyon destekli değerler eğitimi programının akademik başarıya, derse, bilişim değerlerine yönelik tutuma ve kalıcılığa etkisini incelemektir. Araştırmada, deney, kontrol ve plasebo gruplu, ön test, son test ve kalıcılık testi içeren yarı deneysel desenli model kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu, Aydın ili sınırları içerisinde bulunan bir meslek lisesinin bilişim teknolojileri alanı 11. sınıfında eğitim gören ve başarı düzeyi “orta” seviyede olan üç şubesi oluşturmuştur. Programların uygulanması öncesinde başarı ön test ve tutum ön test, uygulama bitiminde başarı son test ve tutum son test, son testlerin uygulanmasından iki ay sonra da kalıcılık testi gruplara uygulanmıştır. Araştırmada, nicel veriler ölçme araçları (grafik ve animasyon dersi başarı testi, grafik ve animasyon dersine yönelik tutum ölçeği, bilişim etiği değerlerine yönelik tutum ölçeği) yardımıyla toplanmıştır. Nicel verilerin analizinde, gruplar arası farklılıkları belirlemek için tek yönlü ANOVA ve Kruskal-Wallis H testleri kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgulara göre; uygulama süreci sonunda, hem grafik ve animasyon dersi akademik başarı, hem derse yönelik tutum hem de bilişim etiği değerlerine yönelik tutum puanları bakımından deney grubu lehine istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılık elde edilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarına dayanarak öğretmenlere, dersleri animasyon destekli olarak işlemeleri, öğrencilere eksik oldukları konularda animasyon hazırlama ödevi vermeleri ve derslerde günlük hayattan örnekler vererek bilişim etiği değerleri hakkında öğrencileri bilgilendirmeleri önerilebilir.
Scaffold-free, Label-free, and Nozzle-free Magnetic Levitational Bioassembler for Rapid Formative Biofabrication of 3D Tissues and Organs
Authors: A. Parfenov Vladislav , V. Petrov Stanislav , D. A. S. Pereira Frederico , A. Levin Aleksandr , V. Koudan Elizaveta , K. Nezhurina Elizaveta , A. Karalkin Pavel , M. Vasiliev Mikhail , F. Petrov Oleg , S. Komlev Vladimir , D. Khesuani Yusef , A. Mironov Vladimir
Published: July 2020

Scaffolding is the conceptual framework of conventional tissue engineering. Over the past decade, scaffold-free approaches as a potential alternative to classic scaffold-based methods have emerged, and scaffold-free magnetic levitational tissue engineering (magnetic force-based tissue engineering [Mag-TE]) is a type of this novel tissue engineering strategy. However, Mag-TE is often based on the use of potentially toxic magnetic nanoparticles. Scaffold-free and label-free magnetic levitational bioassembly do not employ magnetic nanoparticles and thus, the potential toxicity of magnetic nanoparticles can be avoided. In this short review, we describe the conceptual foundation of scaffold-free, label-free, and nozzle-free formative biofabrication using magnetic fields as “scaffields.” The design and implementation of “Organ.Aut,” the first commercial magnetic levitational bioassembler, and the potential applications of magnetic bioassembler are discussed as well.
Study of fetomaternal outcome in cases of placenta previa at tertiary care hospital
Authors: Shah Parul T. , Saiyed Fiza Z. , Deliwala Kruti J. , Dhameliya Priya
Published: July 2020

Background: Placenta previa is defined as placenta implanted partially or completely in the lower uterine segment. It contributes upto 30% of the cases the antepartum hemorrhage. This catastrophic complication not only poses a risk to the fetus but also endangers the mother’s life. The objective of the study was to determine the incidence and risk factors, obstetric management, maternal mortality and morbidity and perinatal outcome in women presenting with placenta previa.Methods: It is the prospective study of 50 cases carried out to study the maternal and perinatal outcome in cases of placenta previa in tertiary care hospital. This study included antenatal patient diagnosed as placenta previa by ultrasound >28 weeks to full term pregnancy. This data was compiled and analyzed for maternal and neonatal outcome.Results: In the present study, the incidence of placenta previa is 0.8% among which 42% of cases having age group of 25-29 years and 72% cases are multigravida. In this study 60% cases have major degree of placenta previa and 66% cases have previous history of caesarean section. Out of total cases 96% cases delivered by caesarean section and 4% had Normal delivery. NICU admission in the study is 28 babies i.e. 56%. There is no maternal mortality seen in the present study.Conclusions: Risk factors that increase the cases of placenta previa are multiparity, previous caesarean section, previous abortion. Placenta previa is major risk factor for adverse maternal and perinatal outcome. Good antenatal care, availability of emergency obstetrics services with senior obstetricians, blood bank facility, ICU care and NICU services can improve maternal and neonatal outcome in high risk cases.
Prospective study of ovarian function in hysterectomised females
Authors: Sankhe Richa S. , Shinde Ganesh A.
Published: July 2020

Background: Hysterectomy is one of the most common operations performed in the world. The aim of this study was to determine prospectively the influence of hysterectomy on ovarian function by measuring gonadotrophin levels and studying ovarian doppler over a two-year period.Methods: Authors conducted a prospective cohort study at the department of obstetrics and gynecology in study tertiary care center. The study was carried out over a period of two years November 2012-November 2014. Serum FSH, ovarian PI and questionnaire data were obtained at baseline and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.Results: There was significant difference in the mean FSH and mean PI at follow-up visits of 6 and 12 months. Patient characteristics did not contribute to the changes that were observed during the follow-up.Conclusions: Authors conclude that hysterectomy affects ovarian function by affecting blood supply (reducing blood supply). This is reflected by increased FSH levels and increased PI values on ovarian Doppler.
Complications after post placental insertion of Cu T 380 A in women undergoing caesarean delivery
Authors: Singh Dineshwar , Thakur Sita
Published: July 2020

Background: India is the second most populated country in the world after China with more than a billion people and has highest number of maternal deaths in the world. The aim of the study was to find out the complications after insertion of post placental Cu T 380 A in women undergoing caesarean delivery.Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Dr RPGMC Kangra (Rural Medical College) after taking approval of Protocol Review and Institutional Ethics Committee of the Institution. A total of 104 women delivering by caesarean section and wanting post-placental intra-caesarean Cu T 380 A insertion and who were meeting WHO standard medical criteria for PPIUCD insertion and were willing to comply with the study protocol was recruited for the study.Results: There were no major complications and only minor side effects like pain and fever were observed in 6.25 and 6.90 and 9.37 and 11.11% of women who were admitted electively and in emergency, respectively during follow-up visit up to 6 months. String became visible in 72.12% of women at the 6 weeks follow-up visit and their visibilities increased with time and at 6 months follow-up in 90.81% of the cases. Continuation rate was 100% at 6 weeks post-partum follow-up. After that spontaneous expulsion occurred in 4 cases (3.84%) and another 4 women (3.84%) requested removal for various reasons leading to continuation rate of 92.30% at six months post-partum follow-up. There was no case of pregnancy with Cu T in situ with no failure at the end of study at six months post-partum.Conclusions: Post placental insertion of Cu T 380 A in women undergoing caesarean section was safe and effective method of postpartum family planning, the complaints and complications initially increased but decreased at 6 months follow-up.
Abnormal semen parameters among males in infertile couples: a cross sectional study from a tertiary care centre
Authors: Garg Jyoti , Meena Rachana , Shukla Shailaja , Sharma Sunita , Choudhury Riva
Published: July 2020

Background: In India, the prevalence of primary infertility ranges from 3.9% to 16.8%. Male factor contributes 40-50% of this. Male factor infertility is indicated by decreased sperm concentration, reduced motility, vitality or abnormal sperm morphology. Semen analysis is the single most important investigation to detect male factor infertility. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of abnormal semen parameters among males in infertile couples and their association with contributing factors.Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out in the Department of Pathology at Lady Hardinge Medical College and Smt. Sucheta Kriplani Hospital. A total of 400 cases were analyzed during a period of 6 months. Detailed history of the couple was taken. Semen analysis was done using automated semen analyzer (SQA-vision) after 3 days of abstinence according to the WHO 5th edition 2010 guidelines. The results were analysed using excel sheet and SPSS software.Results: In the present study, 122 cases (30.5%) out of 400 cases had abnormal semen parameters. Most common abnormality detected was asthenozoospermia (14.3%) followed by oligozoospermia (13.8%), azoospermia (10.5%) and teratozoospermia (10.5%). There was significant association of alcohol intake, obesity and trauma with abnormal semen parameters.Conclusions: Asthenozoospermia was the most common abnormality noted in this study. Lifestyle modifications along with timely medical attention in male partners of infertile couples can improve the semen quality.
Validation of Edinburgh post natal depression scale in post-natal woman from a tertiary referral center in South India
Authors: G. Rashmi A. , S. Shubhashri N.
Published: July 2020

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth are two most important life-changing events. Post-partum depression can affect mother and has a wide spectrum of presentation depending upon various social factors. Studies suggest that the incidence of postnatal depression among women of high social strata is 13-19% while the incidence is 11-42% among women with limited social support. The present study aims to study postnatal depression and its causes in a postnatal mother in all the aspects of social, physical, cultural and psychiatric grounds in the Indian scenario with the help of the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS).Methods: From 1st July 2019 to 31st December 2019, a total 300 postnatal women between 1 to 6 weeks of the postpartum period participated and during their stay in the hospital responded to EPDS. The study was purposive sampling, and full consent of the study subjects was taken before the start of the study.Results: In this study, we found 20.1% of a woman affected by post-partum in South India. The higher percentage of severe depression was seen in the primary gravida (20%). The risk factors such as availability of postnatal care (with NICU admission), the woman with medical complications, late childbirth or delayed childbirth after marriage, multiparity, delivery via caesarean and nuclear family showed significant relationship (p<0.005) with depression.Conclusions: The present study, with a Post-natal depression of 20.1% along with the enumerated risk factors, suggest that the causes for postpartum depression (PPD) among working Indian woman, reflect a change to an urban-centric lifestyle. Further evaluation of these risk factors needs to be made and a routine screening of Postpartum depression (PPD) can help in improving maternal and child health.
A study of role of doppler in gestational hypertension and perinatal outcome
Authors: Chavda Anjali R. , Shah Parul T. , Patel Rina V. , Patel Hemali N.
Published: July 2020

Background: Hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is one of the most common complications that affect the human pregnancy. Hence it is important to identify women at risk of developing gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, its early diagnosis and subsequent consequences due to uteroplacental insufficiency with help of Doppler ultrasound, to improve perinatal outcome. The objective of this study was to study the application of Doppler ultrasound with analysis of blood flow velocity waveform in gestational hypertension and to examine and study the perinatal outcome in pregnancy with altered Doppler indices.Methods: A prospective study was carried out in 50 antenatal patients diagnosed to have gestational hypertension during a period of 12 months to evaluate the role of color Doppler imaging in gestational hypertension in patients more than 28 weeks of gestation, the initial scan was performed immediately after the diagnosis. This study analyzed the blood flow in umbilical artery, maternal uterine artery and fetal middle cerebral artery using Doppler ultrasound.Results: In this study approximately 76% of cases were found in 20-30 years group. 58% showed abnormal umbilical artery Doppler while 42% women had normal umbilical artery Doppler. In this study 23 cases had cerebro-placental index <1 and 27 cases had cerebro-placental index >1. Cases with cerebro-placental index <1 had various complications like preterm delivery, low birth weight, increased chances of still birth, intra uterine death (IUD), increased NICU admission. In this study 31 cases had abnormal uterine artery Doppler which accounts for 62% of total cases, while 38% had normal uterine artery Doppler.Conclusions: Doppler ultrasound can reliably predict any adverse fetal outcome in hypertensive pregnancies and can be a useful tool for decision making in appropriate timing of intervention for delivery.