bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic potentials of artisanal food processing microenterprises in West Africa: case of “atta” production in Cotonou (Benin)
Authors: Kpossilande Claudia E. , Honfoga Barthélemy G. , Ferre Thierry
Published: October 2020

Rapid population growth and urbanization in West Africa have led to profound changes in the lifestyles and diets of urban dwellers. These changes are marked by greater preference for healthier and more nutritious foods, easy to prepare and to consume while saving time. Hence, the development of small-scale food processing and catering activities in the cities. However, despite its importance, the urban food industry still faces several constraints, mainly the lack of equipment that would save cooking time and increase the nutritional quality of final products for consumers. Promoting optimum food processing technologies and business processes has therefore become a major concern for research and policy-makers. This study was conducted as part of the ICOWPEA research project aimed at assessing the economic and sales potential of artisanal food processing microenterprises that produce “atta,” a cowpea fritter or snack, in the city of Cotonou. A sample of twenty-seven women-headed microenterprises was randomly selected from a list of 125 recorded in 22 streets distributed across 13 districts of the city. They were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The survey allowed us to assess how they function, their production costs, and financial performance. The surveyed microenterprises belonged to woman artisans, average age 45, who ran their own businesses. Microenterprises allow many young family members to enter the informal job market. While knowledge is mostly transmitted from mother to daughter and based on learning by doing, very simple processing tools are used. Although mechanical milling is used at some stages of cowpea processing, overall, artisanal “atta” production is a low-profitability business with a return rate of only 11.7%. However, it contributes to feeding the family and rewards family labor that accounts for up to 27.6% of total production cost. In addition to creating jobs for low-income female youth, the activity accounts for a remarkable share of the urban food business sector in Cotonou. Technological upgrading and business empowerment are required for these women to become real entrepreneurs and to overcome the key constraints they face, including the lack of access to credit and absence of improved technologies, training and government recognition. In that respect, appropriate policies are needed to take them out of poverty and make Benin the emerging economy it aspires to be. In particular, a dedicated investment and business development support scheme is required to better meet the growing domestic urban food demand and, in the near future, to envisage the export of stabilized and safer finished cowpea products.
Individual variations and sex differences in hemodynamics with percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) in young Andean highlanders in Bolivia
Authors: Nishimura Takayuki , Ugarte Juan , Ohnishi Mayumi , Nishihara Mika , Alvarez Guillermo , Yasukochi Yoshiki , Fukuda Hideki , Arima Kazuhiko , Watanuki Shigeki , Mendoza Victor , Aoyagi Kiyoshi
Published: October 2020

Background

Many studies have reported specific adaptations to high altitude, but few studies have focused on physiological variations in high-altitude adaptation in Andean highlanders. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between SpO2 and related factors, including individual variations and sex differences, in Andean highlanders.

Methods

The participants were community-dwelling people in La Paz, Bolivia, aged 20 years and over (age range 20–34 years). A total of 50 men and 50 women participated in this study. Height, weight, SpO2, hemoglobin concentration, finger temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured. Information about lifestyle was also obtained by interview.

Results

There were individual variations of SpO2 both in men (mean 89.9%, range 84.0–95.0%) and women (mean 91.0%, range 84.0–96.0%). On Student’s t test, men had significantly lower heart rate (p = 0.046) and SpO2 (p = 0.030) than women. On the other hand, men had significantly higher SBP (p < 0.001), hemoglobin (p < 0.001), and finger temperature (p = 0.004). In men, multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that a higher SpO2 was correlated with a lower heart rate (β = − 0.089, p = 0.007) and a higher finger temperature (β = 0.308, p = 0.030) (r2 for model = 0.18). In women, a higher SpO2 was significantly correlated with a higher finger temperature (β = 0.391, p = 0.015) (r2 for model = 0.12). A higher SpO2 was related to a higher finger temperature (β = 0.286, p = 0.014) and a lower heart rate (β = − 0.052, p = 0.029) in all participants (r2 for model = 0.21). Residual analysis showed that individual SpO2 values were randomly plotted.

Conclusion

Random plots of SpO2 on residual analysis indicated that these variations were random error, such as biological variation. A higher SpO2 was related to a lower heart rate and finger temperature in men, but a higher SpO2 was related to finger temperature in women. These results suggest that there are individual variations and sex differences in the hemodynamic responses of high-altitude adaptation in Andean highlanders.
NOD-like receptors mediate inflammatory lung injury during plateau hypoxia exposure
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Lin Xue , Pu Xiaoyan
Published: October 2020

Background

The lung is an important target organ for hypoxia treatment, and hypoxia can induce several diseases in the body.

Methods

We performed transcriptome sequencing for the lungs of rats exposed to plateau hypoxia at 0 day and 28 days. Sequencing libraries were constructed, and enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was implemented using the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Subsequently, experimental validation was executed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot.

Results

The results showed that the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) signaling pathway that was involved in immunity may play a crucial function in lung injury caused by plateau hypoxia. And the expressions of NOD1, NOD2, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 were higher at 28 days of exposure to plateau hypoxia than that at 0 day. Similarly, CARD9, MYD88, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB p65, which are related to the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, also demonstrated increased expression at 28 days exposure to plateau hypoxia than at 0 day.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that the NF­κBp65 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways may be activated in the lungs of rats during plateau hypoxia. Upregulated expression of NF­κBp65 and p38 MAPK can promote the transcription of downstream inflammatory factors, thereby aggravating the occurrence and development of lung tissue remodeling.
Network analysis of the progranulin-deficient mouse brain proteome reveals pathogenic mechanisms shared in human frontotemporal dementia caused by GRN mutations
Authors: Huang Meixiang , Modeste Erica , Dammer Eric , Merino Paola , Taylor Georgia , Duong Duc M. , Deng Qiudong , Holler Christopher J. , Gearing Marla , Dickson Dennis , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Kukar Thomas
Published: October 2020

Heterozygous, loss-of-function mutations in the granulin gene (GRN) encoding progranulin (PGRN) are a common cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Homozygous GRN mutations cause neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis-11 (CLN11), a lysosome storage disease. PGRN is a secreted glycoprotein that can be proteolytically cleaved into seven bioactive 6 kDa granulins. However, it is unclear how deficiency of PGRN and granulins causes neurodegeneration. To gain insight into the mechanisms of FTD pathogenesis, we utilized Tandem Mass Tag isobaric labeling mass spectrometry to perform an unbiased quantitative proteomic analysis of whole-brain tissue from wild type (Grn+/+) and Grn knockout (Grn−/−) mice at 3- and 19-months of age. At 3-months lysosomal proteins (i.e. Gns, Scarb2, Hexb) are selectively increased indicating lysosomal dysfunction is an early consequence of PGRN deficiency. Additionally, proteins involved in lipid metabolism (Acly, Apoc3, Asah1, Gpld1, Ppt1, and Naaa) are decreased; suggesting lysosomal degradation of lipids may be impaired in the Grn−/− brain. Systems biology using weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) of the Grn−/− brain proteome identified 26 modules of highly co-expressed proteins. Three modules strongly correlated to Grn deficiency and were enriched with lysosomal proteins (Gpnmb, CtsD, CtsZ, and Tpp1) and inflammatory proteins (Lgals3, GFAP, CD44, S100a, and C1qa). We find that lysosomal dysregulation is exacerbated with age in the Grn−/− mouse brain leading to neuroinflammation, synaptic loss, and decreased markers of oligodendrocytes, myelin, and neurons. In particular, GPNMB and LGALS3 (galectin-3) were upregulated by microglia and elevated in FTD-GRN brain samples, indicating common pathogenic pathways are dysregulated in human FTD cases and Grn−/− mice. GPNMB levels were significantly increased in the cerebrospinal fluid of FTD-GRN patients, but not in MAPT or C9orf72 carriers, suggesting GPNMB could be a biomarker specific to FTD-GRN to monitor disease onset, progression, and drug response. Our findings support the idea that insufficiency of PGRN and granulins in humans causes neurodegeneration through lysosomal dysfunction, defects in autophagy, and neuroinflammation, which could be targeted to develop effective therapies.
A rapid assessment of the National Regulatory Systems for medical products in the Southern African Development Community
Authors: Dube-Mwedzi S. , Kniazkov S. , Nikiema J. B. , Kasilo O. M. J. , Fortin A. , Tumusiime P. , Mahlangu G. N. , Ndomondo-Sigonda M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Access to quality-assured, safe and efficacious medical products is fundamental for Universal Health Coverage and attaining Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensure Healthy Lives and Well-being for All. To guarantee this right, there is a need for robust and efficiently performing national regulatory systems for the regulation of medical products. Well-functioning regulatory systems apply globally accepted standards which ensure that the level of control is proportionate to the level of public health risk.

Objective of the study

The study aimed at analysing the regulatory systems for medical products in the 16 Member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It provides an overview of the national regulatory systems for medical products in the region in 2017 and outlines the institutional frameworks, which enable the implementation of regulatory functions.

Methodology

A survey was conducted in March-December 2017 in English, French and Portuguese. National Regulatory Authorities for medical products (NMRAs) of the 16 Member States within SADC responded to the questions asked and sent in their answers. The survey was constructed around five themes instrumental for implementation of the Universal Health Coverage actions framework. Three of the themes are discussed in this article.

Results

The outcome of the survey demonstrates that within SADC, NMRAs vary in terms of organisational set-up and modalities of medical product regulation. The majority are within the Ministries of Health, and a few are either semi-autonomous or autonomous. Legal frameworks for medical products are in place for some of the SADC NMRAs, although they vary in the scope of products subject to regulation. Traditional medicines, biologicals and medical devices are regulated, however not uniformly across the region.

Conclusion

Despite major progress over the years, the survey demonstrates variable levels of governance and regulatory framework among NMRAs in SADC. The survey supports the need for shifting from the broad strengthening of the regulatory systems which exist and are underpinned by the mandates, to more product-type focused approaches. This shift will ensure that medical products are quality-assured, safe and effective for a performant Health Systems attainment of the Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals.
Identifying dispensing errors in pharmacies in a medical science school in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Maharaj Sandeep , Brahim Adrian , Brown Horry , Budraj Danielle , Caesar Vatalie , Calder Anyse , Carr Deisha , Castillo Dion , Cedeno Kevin , Janodia Manthan D.
Published: October 2020

Background

A dispensing error can be defined as an inconsistency between the drug prescribed and drug dispensed to a patient. These errors can lead to ineffective and sometimes unwanted pharmaceutical outcomes. Dispensing errors can be harmful or even fatal to patients.

Case presentation

The objective to this study was (a) to determine the types and frequency of dispensing errors at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC), (b) to explore the reasons for the occurrence of dispensing errors, and (c) to make suitable recommendations for their prevention. An observational study for a period of 2 weeks was carried out at various in- and outpatient departments of the EWMSC. The observations were carried out during 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Dispensing errors identified during this period were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Sixty-eight errors were identified in the adult outpatient pharmacy of the EWMSC; 19 errors in the pediatric outpatient pharmacy, whereas 22 errors were found in inpatient pharmacy. The most common plausible causes for the dispensing errors include high workload, failure to verify patient information, incorrect data in the pharmacy’s record system, inadequate notes made by pharmacists during prior patient visit, and in a few cases, uncomfortable working conditions.

Conclusion

Dispensing errors were encountered in 2.1% of all the prescriptions filled at the EWMSC pharmacies. The factors which influenced these dispensing errors include but are not limited to a heavy workload, distractions, failure to verify patient information, and uncomfortable working conditions.
Development of a global sediment dynamics model
Authors: Hatono Misako , Yoshimura Kei
Published: October 2020

Sediment dynamics play an important role in various aspects of earth system modeling. In this study, we developed a global sediment dynamics model that considers suspended sediment and bedload at short timescales. We validated suspended sediment from four observation stations in the Amazon River basin and over 60 observation stations from around the world based on a variable criteria such as availability of data samples. Our model was able to effectively reproduce seasonality and spatial distribution of suspended sediment flow. However, our global estimate of approximately 4 Bt/a was significantly lower than previous estimates; therefore, we discuss potential causes of this discrepancy, including target time period and discrepancies with previous extrapolated methods. Our newly developed sediment dynamics model could provide a better understanding of global sediment transfer and contributes to various related research fields such as coastal modeling and natural disasters.
Comparison of peri-implant soft tissue and crestal bone status of dental implants placed in prediabetic, type 2 diabetic, and non-diabetic individuals: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Alshahrani Abdullah , Al Deeb Modhi , Alresayes Saad , Mokeem Sameer A. , Al-Hamoudi Nawwaf , Alghamdi Osama , Vohra Fahim , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: October 2020

Background

Clinicoradiographic status of narrow-diameter implants (NDIs) among patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is scarce. The aim was to address the clinicoradiographic status of NDIs placed prediabetic, type 2 diabetic, and non-diabetic individuals. In this retrospective cohort study, patients having undergone oral rehabilitation with NDI were included. The participants were divided into the following: (a) patients with prediabetes; (b) patients with poorly controlled type 2 DM; (c) patients with well-controlled type 2 DM; and (d) normoglycemic individuals. Demographic data was collected. In all groups, peri-implant plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and mesiodistal CBL were measured in all groups. Information related to implant dimensions, surface characteristics, insertion torque, implant geometry, duration of NDI in function, and jaw location of NDI was also recorded. Data normality was assessed and group comparisons were performed. A probability value under 0.01 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Eighty-three patients (20 patients had prediabetes, 22 with poorly controlled type 2 DM, 20 with well-controlled type 2 DM, and 20 self-reported non-diabetic individuals) were included. The mean HbA1c levels were significantly higher among patients with prediabetes (P < 0.01) and poorly controlled type 2 DM (P < 0.01) than patients with well-controlled type 2 DM and non-diabetic controls. Peri-implant PI, GI, PD, and mesiodistal CBL levels were significantly higher among patients with pre-diabetes (P < 0.01) and poorly controlled type 2 DM (P < 0.01) than patients with well-controlled type 2 DM and non-diabetic controls. Peri-implant PI, GI, PD, and mesiodistal CBL levels were significantly higher among patients with poorly controlled type 2 DM (P < 0.01) than patients with prediabetes.

Conclusion

Chronic hyperglycemia increases the risk of peri-implant diseases around NDIs.
Right hemicolectomy with D3 lymph node dissection for right-sided transverse colon cancer using the Senhance robotic system: a case report
Authors: Kataoka Atsuko , Hirano Yasumitsu , Kondo Hiroka , Shimamura Satoshi , Kataoka Masahiro , Asari Masahiro , Fujii Takatsugu , Ishikawa Shintaro , Ishii Toshimasa , Yamaguchi Shigeki
Published: October 2020

Background

The evolution of remote systems and artificial intelligence technology has led to increase in robotic surgeries. One system used in this case report is the Senhance robotic system. The most important premise for using robotic surgery in cancer therapeutics is to ensure oncological safety. Similar to conventional laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery needs to be a reliable and secure surgical procedure, such as complete mesocolic excisions with central vascular ligations in Western countries or D3 lymph node dissections (dissection of the lymph nodes that locates from the origin to the terminal branch of the main feeding artery of cancer) in Japan.

Case presentation

A 76-year-old man underwent clinical examination for severe anemia. He was diagnosed with transverse colon cancer of tumor (T)3, node (N)1a, metastasis (M)0 cancer stage IIIA. A right hemicolectomy with D3 lymph node dissection using the Senhance surgical system was performed. The operative time was 313 min and the estimated blood loss was 5 ml. He was discharged from our hospital 12 days after the surgery without any complications. What is the remarkable of this report, not only mobilization of right colon but also D3 lymph node dissection and vascular ligation were performed intraperitoneally by using Senhance robotic system as conventional laparoscopic surgery. We tried using fourth robotic arm to accomplish lymphadenectomies and middle colic artery dissection. A right hemicolectomy with D3 dissection using the Da Vinci surgical system was reported. Another report of a right hemicolectomy performed with the Senhance robotic system was identified; however, in that study, lymph node dissections were not performed intraperitoneally.

Conclusions

Therefore, to our knowledge, this is the first report using the Senhance robotic system for right hemicolectomy with D3 dissection. We hope that our case report will assist in the establishment of this robotic procedure in surgical practice.
Correction to: Removal of aqueous carbamazepine using graphene oxide nanoplatelets: process modelling and optimization
Authors: Bhattacharya Sandipan , Banerjee Priya , Das Papita , Bhowal Avijit , Majumder Subrata Kumar , Ghosh Pallab
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Impact of stunting on early childhood cognitive development in Benin: evidence from Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Ekholuenetale Michael , Barrow Amadou , Ekholuenetale Charity Ehimwenma , Tudeme Godson
Published: October 2020

Background

Proper nutrition is crucial for enhancing brain function and improving learning. Over time, large evidence has existed to show that childhood undernutrition, marked by stunting, is connected with age-long reduction in cognitive and academic achievement. It is of interest to achieve healthy growth and optimal cognitive development in early childhood. The objective of this study was to examine stunting considered to adversely influence cognitive development among children and therefore of public health importance.

Results

About two thirds (64.3%) of under-five children attained optimal cognition. Stunted children had 7% reduction in optimal cognitive development, compared with not stunted children (RR = 0.93; 95%CI 0.83, 0.98). Among the covariates, geographical region was significantly associated with optimal cognitive development. In addition, children of Islamic, traditional/other religion, and no religion had significant reduction in optimal cognitive development, compared with children of Christianity belief. Children from mothers who had secondary and tertiary education, listened to radio, and watched television had an increase in optimal cognitive development, compared with children from uneducated mothers. Furthermore, children from mothers who are employed had an 8% increase in optimal cognitive development (RR = 1.08; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.14).

Conclusion

Due to the adverse impact of stunting on optimal cognitive development, we suggest that government and stakeholders in child welfare should ensure that development programmes combine health and nutrition services with early learning and rely on families as partners to have children’s cognitive development effectively. Early childhood cognitive development programmes should be implemented through families and caregivers, with special focus on disadvantaged children as a poverty reduction strategy, and ensure that all children are adequately nourished.
Building large-scale density model via a deep-learning-based data-driven method
Authors: Gao Zhaoqi , Li Chuang , Zhang Bing , Jiang Xiudi , Pan Zhibin , Gao Jinghuai , Xu Zongben
Published: October 2020

As a rock-physics parameter, density plays a crucial role in lithology interpretation, reservoir evaluation, and description. However, density can hardly be directly inverted from seismic data, especially for large-scale structures; thus, additional information is needed to build such a large-scale model. Usually, well-log data can be used to build a large-scale density model through extrapolation; however, this approach can only work well for simple cases and it loses effectiveness when the medium is laterally heterogeneous. We have adopted a deep-learning-based method to build a large-scale density model based on seismic and well-log data. The long short-term memory network is used to learn the relation between seismic data and large-scale density. Except for the data pairs directly obtained from well logs, many velocity and density models randomly generated based on the statistical distributions of well logs are also used to generate several pairs of seismic data and the corresponding large-scale density. This can greatly enlarge the size and diversity of the training data set and consequently leads to a significant improvement of the proposed method in dealing with a heterogeneous medium even though only a few well logs are available. Our method is applied to synthetic and field data examples to verify its performance and compare it with the well extrapolation method, and the results clearly display that the proposed method can work well even though only a few well logs are available. Especially in the field data example, the built large-scale density model of the proposed method is improved by 11.9666 dB and 0.6740, respectively, in peak signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity compared with that of the well extrapolation method.
Multiparameter full-waveform inversion of 3D ocean-bottom cable data from the Valhall field
Authors: Kamath Nishant , Brossier Romain , Métivier Ludovic , Pladys Arnaud , Yang Pengliang
Published: October 2020

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) applications on 3D ocean-bottom cable (OBC) data from the Valhall oil field in the North Sea have demonstrated the importance of appropriately accounting for attenuation. The Valhall field contains unconsolidated shallow sediments and a low-velocity anomaly in its center — indicative of gas clouds — which have a significant attenuation imprint on the data. Our challenge is to perform time-domain viscoacoustic 3D FWI, which requires more sophisticated tools than in the frequency domain wherein attenuation can be incorporated in a straightforward manner. The benefit of using a viscoacoustic, instead of a purely acoustic, modeling engine is illustrated. We have determined that, in the frequency band used (2.5–7.0 Hz), it is better to reconstruct the velocity only keeping the attenuation fixed because simultaneous inversion of the velocity and quality factor [Formula: see text] does not provide reliable [Formula: see text] updates. We develop an efficient time-domain workflow combining a random source decimation algorithm, modeling using standard linear solid mechanisms, and wavefield preconditioning. Our results are similar to those obtained from state-of-the-art frequency-domain algorithms, at a lower computational cost compared to conventional checkpointing techniques. We clearly illustrate the improvement in terms of imaging and data fit achieved when accounting for attenuation.
Convolutional sparse coding for noise attenuation in seismic data
Authors: Liu Zhaolun , Lu Kai
Published: October 2020

We have developed convolutional sparse coding (CSC) to attenuate noise in seismic data. CSC gives a data-driven set of basis functions whose coefficients form a sparse distribution. The noise attenuation method by CSC can be divided into the training and denoising phases. Seismic data with a relatively high signal-to-noise ratio are chosen for training to get the learned basis functions. Then, we use all (or a subset) of the basis functions to attenuate the random or coherent noise in the seismic data. Numerical experiments on synthetic data show that CSC can learn a set of shifted invariant filters, which can reduce the redundancy of learned filters in the traditional sparse-coding denoising method. CSC achieves good denoising performance when training with the noisy data and better performance when training on a similar but noiseless data set. The numerical results from the field data test indicate that CSC can effectively suppress seismic noise in complex field data. By excluding filters with coherent noise features, our method can further attenuate coherent noise and separate ground roll.
Flank-preserving deprimary reverse time migration
Authors: Sun Yimin , Fei Tong W.
Published: October 2020

Deprimary reverse time migration (RTM) is a newly proposed technology aiming at removing false structures in images computed by RTM. However, a side effect of this new technology is an inability to image steeply dipping structures. We first introduce how to obtain a composite wavefield, including a complete downgoing wavefield and a partial upgoing wavefield, using the combination of an f-k filter and a spatial-wavenumber filter. We next thoroughly analyze the root cause leading to this side effect in the deprimary RTM technology. By using a modified imaging condition accommodating a composite wavefield, we propose a novel flank-preserving deprimary RTM method to maintain the capability of removing false structures and preserve steeply dipping subsurface structures in the final image. We demonstrate the success of this new technology via several examples. Furthermore, we study different perspectives in depth to show that flank-preserving deprimary RTM is a trade-off solution between RTM and deprimary RTM.
Beamform processing for sonic imaging using monopole and dipole sources
Authors: Hirabayashi Nobuyasu
Published: October 2020

New processing techniques are presented that enhance event signals for sonic imaging using monopole and dipole sources. The techniques use the azimuthally spaced receivers of a sonic logging tool. Sonic imaging, which is also known as borehole acoustic reflection surveys, uses a sonic logging tool in a fluid-filled borehole to image geologic structures. Signals from monopole and dipole sources are reflected from geologic interfaces and recorded by arrays of receivers of the same tool. Because the amplitudes of the event signals are very weak compared with the direct waves, borehole modes, and noise, the event signals are often difficult to extract. To enhance the weak event signals, beamforming techniques were developed to stack the waveforms from azimuthally spaced receivers of the tool for given azimuthal directions. For the incident P-waves from the monopole source, phase arrival times for the azimuthal receivers are time shifted for stacking using properties of wave propagation in the borehole. For the incident SH-waves from the dipole source, the signs of waveforms for the receivers are changed for specified azimuths. When the waveforms are stacked for the back azimuth of the event signals, the signal-to-noise ratio of the event signals is significantly improved because the event signals are enhanced whereas the direct waves are relatively smeared, and random noise is canceled. Therefore, the stacked waveforms also provide accurate back azimuths of the incident waves.
Local primary-and-multiple orthogonalization for leaked internal multiple crosstalk estimation and attenuation on full-wavefield migrated images
Authors: Zhang Dong , Verschuur D. J. (Eric) , Davydenko Mikhail , Chen Yangkang , Alfaraj Ali M. , Qu Shan
Published: October 2020

An important imaging challenge is creating reliable seismic images without internal multiple crosstalk, especially in cases with strong overburden reflectivity. Several data-driven methods have been proposed to attenuate the internal multiple crosstalk, for which fully sampled data in the source and receiver side are usually required. To overcome this acquisition constraint, model-driven full-wavefield migration (FWM) can automatically include internal multiples and only needs dense sampling in either the source or receiver side. In addition, FWM can correct for transmission effects at the reflecting interfaces. Although FWM has been shown to work effectively in compensating for transmission effects and suppressing internal multiple crosstalk compared to conventional least-squares primary wavefield migration (PWM), it tends to generate relatively weaker internal multiples during modeling. Therefore, some leaked internal multiple crosstalk can still be observed in the FWM image, which tends to blend in the background and can be misinterpreted as real geology. Thus, we adopted a novel framework using local primary-and-multiple orthogonalization (LPMO) on the FWM image as a postprocessing step for leaked internal multiple crosstalk estimation and attenuation. Due to their opposite correlation with the FWM image, a positive-only LPMO weight can be used to estimate the leaked internal multiple crosstalk, whereas a negative-only LPMO weight indicates the transmission effects that need to be retained. Application to North Sea field data validates the performance of the proposed framework for removing the weak but misleading leaked internal multiple crosstalk in the FWM image. Therefore, with this new framework, FWM can provide a reliable solution to the long-standing issue of imaging primaries and internal multiples automatically, with proper primary restoration.
Extensive Lumbar Sympathetic Ganglion Block Combined With Epidural Block for Primary Erythromelalgia: A Case Report
Authors: Ogawa Satoru , Ueno Hiroshi , Maruyama Ayano , Amaya Fumimasa
Published: October 2020

A 19-year-old-woman experienced severe burning pain in the lower extremities with erythema and swelling. She was diagnosed with primary erythromelalgia (PE). The pain was unresponsive to medications but relieved by immersing her feet in cold water. We performed a multilevel lumbar sympathetic ganglion block (LSGB) with 5% phenol at second lumbar vertebra (L2) and third lumbar vertebra (L3), and additional fourth lumbar vertebra (L4) levels. An epidural block was intermittently combined. The pain and skin lesions dramatically improved after the procedures, and she no longer needed medications or to soak her feet in cold water. This case demonstrated that extensive LSGB may be a therapeutic option for intractable PE.
Highly Ordered Organic Piezoresponsive Materials Obtained by Cross-linking Electroresponsive Columnar Liquid Crystal Compounds
Authors: Kaneda Ariyoshi , Kohri Michinari , Taniguchi Tatsuo , Kishikawa Keiki
Published: October 2020

An N,N′-diphenylurea derivative possessing six oleyloxy groups exhibited hexagonal columnar liquid crystal phases, and the columnar molecular aggregates were cross-linked with applying an electric field to produce a highly-ordered thin film which has a polarity in the thickness direction. The resulting aromatic polyurea film showed a relatively large vertical piezoelectric constant (d33 of 6.1 pm/V).
Current trends in the training of employees of the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation to counter extremism
Authors: Maydykov Anatoliy , Serdyuk Natal'ya , Filimonov Oleg , Grischenko Leonid , Vahnina Viktoriya , Demin Gennadiy , Mitin Aleksandr
Published: October 2020

The article analyzes current trends in the training of employees of the internal affairs bodies to counter extremism, as well as some methods of recruiting young people into extremist organizations, taking into account the socio-psychological characteristics of the modern youth environment, which were studied in 2019-2020 on the basis of the Moscow Psychological and Pedagogical University and the Academy of Management of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.

At present, the solution of the tasks of countering extremism by the police is carried out through the maintenance of a patrol-guard service, networks of stationary police posts, patrol stations and the comprehensive involvement of military personnel (employees) of the Federal Service of the National Guard of Russia, as well as public organizations and formations.

The authors come to the conclusion that the effectiveness of countering extremism increases when it is possible to reveal the strategic and tactical plans of extremist groups; take proactive measures; to professionally prevent attempts to unleash mass riots that arise during rallies, marches, demonstrations, as well as during socio-political actions, interethnic and interreligious conflicts. The above directions that increase the effectiveness of countering extremism cannot be solved without thorough training of employees of the internal affairs bodies to counter modern types of extremism and their psychological adaptation to new threats.
Human Capital-Driven Acquisition: Evidence from the Inevitable Disclosure Doctrine
Authors: Chen Deqiu , Gao Huasheng , Ma Yujing
Published: October 2020

We present evidence that the desire to gain human capital is an important motive for corporate acquisitions. Our tests exploit the staggered recognition of the Inevitable Disclosure Doctrine (IDD) by U.S. state courts, which prevents employees with trade secret knowledge from working for other firms. We find a significant increase in the likelihood of being acquired for firms headquartered in states that recognize such a doctrine relative to firms headquartered in states that do not. Our result is stronger for firms with greater human capital and for firms whose employees have better ex ante employment mobility. We show that the IDD is positively associated with the retention of target firms’ key technicians, employees, and top executives after an acquisition. We also show that the IDD is positively associated with synergy creation, acquirers’ announcement returns, and acquirers’ long-run stock and operating performance. Overall, our result indicates that corporate acquisitions can be used as a means for firms to overcome labor market frictions and gain access to valuable human capital.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, finance.
Changing paramedic students' perception of people who self-harm
Authors: Ramluggun Pras , Freeman-May Andrew , Barody Gabby , Groom Nicholas , Townsend Chloe
Published: October 2020

Aim:

This study aimed to identify whether paramedic students' perceptions of patients who self-harm changed following an educational intervention.

Background:

Self-harm is a major public health concern with an increasing number of incidents being reported in England. Paramedics are often the first contact for those who self-harm and antipathy to these patients among caregivers, including paramedics, has been reported. Negative attitudes to patients who self-harm from health professionals is a considerable barrier to their care. Education on self-harm for paramedics has been historically inadequate, even though it can potentially improve attitudes and how these practitioners engage with those who self-harm.

Method:

A pre- and post-survey analysis was undertaken to examine whether any identified unsympathetic perceptions of paramedic students (n=30) towards patients who self-harm would decrease following an educational intervention, using a validated questionnaire measuring attitudes to self-harm.

Results:

Perceptions of people who self-harm were generally moderately negative prior to the educational intervention, with a significant drop in negative attitudes after it was completed. A survey showed that this drop was also mostly sustained 10 months later.

Conclusion:

Educational interventions may help to reduce negative perceptions of patients who self-harm in paramedic students.
Mechanism and performance analyses of optical beam splitters using all-dielectric oligomer-based metasurfaces
Authors: Ding Jifei , Huang Lirong , Liu Wenbing , Ling Yonghong , Wu Wei , Li Hanhui
Published: October 2020

Compact and planar optical beam splitters are highly desirable in various optical and photonic applications. Here, we investigate two kinds of optical beam splitters by using oligomer-based metasurfaces, one is trimer-based metasurface for 3-dB beam splitting, and the other is pentamer-based metasurface for 1:4 beam splitting. Through electromagnetic multipole decomposition and in-depth mechanism analyses, we reveal that the electromagnetic multipolar interactions and the strong near-field coupling between neighboring nanoparticles play critical roles in beam-splitting performance. Our work offers a deeper understanding of electromagnetic coupling effect in oligomer-based metasurfaces, and provides an alternative approach to planar beam splitters.
Enhancement of nonlinear functionality of step-index silica fibers combining thermal poling and 2D materials deposition
Authors: De Lucia Francesco , Lewis Adam H. , Englebert Nicolas , Bannerman Rex , Nunez Velazquez Martin M. A. , Huang Chung-Che , Gates James C. , Gorza Simon-Pierre , Sahu Jayanta , Hewak Dan , Sazio Pier
Published: October 2020

This work proposes a new route to overcome the limits of the thermal poling technique for the creation of second order nonlinearity in conventional silica optical fibers. We prove that it is possible to enhance the nonlinear behavior of periodically poled fibers merging the effects of poling with the nonlinear intrinsic properties of some materials, such as MoS2, which are deposited inside the cladding holes of a twin-hole silica fiber. The optical waves involved in a second harmonic generation process partially overlap inside the thin film of the nonlinear material and exploit its higher third order susceptibility to produce an enhanced SHG.
Influência do ambiente na estrutura de tamanho e biomassa da Emerita brasiliensis (Schimitt, 1935) na praia Brava e Guarda do Embaú
Authors: Silva Neto José Xavier da , Deucher Karoliny do Nascimento , Simplicio Aline , Cunha Natalia Joana Rebello da , Almeida Tito Cesar Marques de
Published: October 2020

Emerita brasiliensis is an important species of Brazilian macrofauna, they are inhabitants of the intertidal areas, and have important components that enable their use as biological indicators environmental. Therefore, the objective was to analyze the relationship between population and size of individuals of Eremita brasiliensis, comparing two beaches on the coast of Santa Catarina, being Praia brava in Itajaí, with an increasing level of urbanization and Guarda do Embaú Beach in Paulo Lopes, which has a stationary degree. The collections took place in March and September 2016, with the sample area parallel to the sand and intertidal strips for a systematic sampling observing the estimated time for low tide. For collection, a 20cm diameter PVC cylinder was used and buried at a depth of 20cm. The samples were arranged in a 0.5mm opening mesh and sent to the laboratory, where the organisms of the genus Emerita brasiliensis were separated and identified for the measurement of biomorphometric data, observing the lateral diameter and rostro-caudal length of the carapace. The biomass weighing was performed before and after the drying procedure, performed in a controlled temperature oven at 37ºC for 48 hours. For statistical analysis, the ANOVA test was used. Based on the individuals collected, it is observed Guarda do Embaú beach with more individuals when compared to Brava Beach. Statistical data show a significant difference between the months and the beaches, which is justified by the state of conservation of Guarda do Embaú beach, which remains static due to its low urbanization. Therefore, it is concluded that the difference between Emerita Brasiliensis communities is due to changes in local dynamics, such as anthropic trampling and sediment change. The results were not accurate due to the low number of samples, but are significant and relevant for further research.
Casos de Ensino em Empreendedorismo: Dando Vida e Significado ao Aprendizado
Authors: Hashimoto Marcos
Published: October 2020

Como Editor Adjunto para Casos e Relatos Tecnológicos, é com grande satisfação que tenho testemunhado, nos últimos anos, a melhora considerável na qualidade dos casos de ensino submetidos à REGEPE. Tanto a proporção de casos rejeitados quanto a quantidade de recomendações de ajustes aos aprovados diminuíram consideravelmente.Um caso de ensino pode ser definido como um amplo espectro de métodos instrucionais, que giram em torno da leitura e da discussão de um documento sobre um cenário de negócio, conhecido como “caso”.
Analysis of Verbal Trademarks for Similarity to the Point of Confusion: Algorithm for the Work of a Forensic Linguist (Case Study)
Authors: AKinina Anastasia
Published: October 2020

The article aims at the description of the algorithm of a forensic linguist work on the analysis of wordmarks(trademarks) for identity and similarity to the degree of confusion. The algorithm is described  by a case study from expert practice – comparison of the names of reputable companies “Chickenses” and “Chickentses”, the first of which is a trademark registered within the territory of the Russian Federation.
Características da política educacional do Acre (1999 a 2010) e repercussões sobre a capacidade estatal e a equidade
Authors: Ribeiro Vanda Mendes , De Gusmão Joana Buarque , Rezende Wagner Silveira , Vieira Sofia Lerche
Published: October 2020

Este texto explicita características da política educacional do Acre (1999 a 2010) e sua repercussão sobre a capacidade estatal e a equidade. A concepção de política pública baseou-se em Arretche (1998) e Palumbo (1989). Para caracterizar a política, fez-se entrevistas com agentes implementadores em 2014, dados esses tratados por análise de conteúdo. Definiu-se capacidade estatal a partir de Souza (2017), Souza e Fontanelli (2020) e Gomide e Boschi (2016). Para a verificação da equidade, à luz de Fraser (2007) e Dubet (2008) analisou-se: estratégias da política e a evolução da matrícula das populações indígenas e rurais; e dados do Saeb de proficiência dos alunos, de 1999, 2005 e 2011, segundo gênero, raça e classe social, com base em Crahay (2000). Como características da política têm-se: i) Organização e planejamento; ii) garantia de condições básicas de funcionamento; iii) coordenação das práticas pedagógicas; iv) resposta às necessidades da diversidade populacional e fortalecimento das identidades locais; v) processos de negociação. Essas características indicam ampliação da capacidade estatal no Acre, no período. Verificaram-se estratégias sustentadas por princípios de justiça de reconhecimento favorecendo populações excluídas. A análise das diferenças de proficiência dos alunos entre grupos sociais indica ampliação da equidade de gênero.
Utilization of electronic marketing and economic determinants to improve income of dairy cattle farmer in Boyolali, Central Java - Indonesia
Authors: Setiadi A. , Santoso S. I. , Mukson M. , Nurfadillah S. , Prayoga K.
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to analyze the impact of electronic marketing utilization and to determine the economic determinants to increase the income of small dairy farmers in Boyolali, Central Java, Indonesia. A survey of 80 dairy farmers from the Cepogo District, Boyolali was determined by simple random sampling. The results showed that the average milk production was 8.3 liters/head/day, the revenue of IDR 3,824,000 per month, production costs of IDR 2,105,000 per month, and income of IDR 1,719,000 per month. Furthermore, by using electronics marketing, farmers could sell 40% of their products to coffee shops and generate revenue of IDR 5,411,500, production costs of IDR 2,705,000 and income of IDR 2,706,500. The utilization of the electronic marketing could increase R/C from 2.1 to 2.43. Economic factors that influence income are market prices, transportation and communication costs, marketing costs and distance traveled. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the use of the electronic market can expand the market, increase milk prices and ultimately will increase income
Political Dialogue as Room for Verbal Aggression
Authors: SVOBODOVÁ Jindříška
Published: October 2020

The author analyses two specific communicative events within the political discourse in the current work. The analysis involves a dialogue between two politicians who meet face to face in a TV studio and the subsequent communication taking place on the Internet after the dialogue was made public.

The utilization of offensive communicative strategies is a typical feature in political media communication where a communicating party attacks the communication counterpart with the intention of challenging his/her positive face and emphasizing his/her negative character traits in front of potential voters, while at the same time emphasizing his/her own positive values. For this reason, the author analyses the individual strategies employed by politicians with this intention in a particular communicative event.

The work provides an entire chapter dealing with strategies used by participants in an Internet discussion. In this case, the communication takes place among speakers who do not know each other, so the aim of the work is to investigate whether attacks against one’s face take place even in this kind of communication, and if so, what personality traits of the communicants are attacked.
Roof Geometry in Building Design
Authors: Koźniewski Edwin , Banaszak Karolina
Published: October 2020

The paper shows the usefulness of the roof geometry in determining of building outline. It was pointed out how analysis of the roof skeleton shape avoids many design errors. Omitting the criterion for the shape of the roof skeleton in the case of multi-criteria optimization can pose a lot of difficulties when designing a building. The problem is discussed in the case study.