bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatic Fat in Early Childhood Is Independently Associated With Estimated Insulin Resistance: The Healthy Start Study
Authors: Cohen Catherine C , Perng Wei , Sundaram Shikha S , Scherzinger Ann , Shankar Kartik , Dabelea Dana
Published: July 2021

Background

Fatty liver disease is a common metabolic abnormality in adolescents with obesity but remains understudied in early childhood.

Objectives

To describe hepatic fat deposition in prepubertal children and examine cross-sectional associations with metabolic markers and body composition.

Methods

Data were from 286 children ages 4 to 8 years old in the Healthy Start Study, a longitudinal prebirth cohort in Colorado (USA). Assessments included magnetic resonance imaging to quantify hepatic and abdominal fats, fasting blood draws to measure metabolic markers, and air displacement plethysmography to measure body composition (fat mass and fat-free mass).

Results

The median (interquartile range) for hepatic fat was 1.65% (1.24%, 2.11%). Log-transformed hepatic fat was higher in Hispanic [mean (95% CI): 0.63 (0.52, 0.74)] vs non-Hispanic white children [0.46 (0.38, 0.53), P = 0.01] and children with overweight/obesity [0.64 (0.49, 0.79)] vs normal-weight [0.47 (0.40, 0.53), P = 0.02]. Higher log-hepatic fat was associated with higher insulin [β (95% CI): 1.47 (0.61, 2.33) uIU/mL, P = 0.001] and estimated insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment) [0.40 (0.20, 0.60), P < 0.001] in the full sample and glucose [5.53 (2.84, 8.21) mg/dL, P < 0.001] and triglycerides [10.92 (2.92,18.91) mg/dL, P = 0.008] in boys, in linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographics, maternal/perinatal confounders, and percentage body fat. Log-hepatic fat was also associated with abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue [SAT; 7.37 (1.12,13.60) mm2, P = 0.02] in unadjusted models, but this was attenuated and insignificant after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions

While hepatic fat was low in children 4 to 8 years old, it was independently associated with estimated insulin resistance and exhibited sex-specific associations with glucose and triglycerides, suggesting hepatic fat may be an early indicator of metabolic dysfunction in youth.
Ovarian cancer staging: What the surgeon needs to know
Authors: Oliveira Lucas Roberto Lelis Botelho de , Horvat Natally , Andrieu Pamela Ines Causa , Panizza Pedro Sergio Brito , Cerri Giovanni Guido , Viana Publio Cesar Cavalcante
Published: July 2021

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of gynecological cancer death, and most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages due to a nonspecific and insidious clinical presentation. Radiologists play a critical role in the decision of which patients are candidates for primary debulking surgery and who may benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This pictorial review summarizes the dissemination patterns of OC, main imaging findings of metastatic disease, and which findings may alter the treatment plan or predict suboptimal tumor resection.
Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on depression, anxiety, sleep and quality of life for patients with heart failure and coronary heart disease. a systematic review of clinical trials 2010 – 2020
Authors: Pizga Aspasia , Kordoutis Panagiotis , Tsikrika Stamatoula , Vasileiadis Ioannis , Nanas Serafeim , Karatzanos Eleftherios
Published: July 2021

Background: There is a growning evidence that CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) improves mental health of patients with chronic illnesses but its effectiveness is not well established in patients with heart diseases. The present systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effects of CBT in heart failure (HF) and coronary heart disease (CHD) patients.Methods:  Pubmed, Cohraine and Google Scholar were searched for studies with randomized controlled trials. Studies were required to assess the effectiveness of CBT in depression, anxiety, sleep and quality of life of patients suffering from heart failure and coronary heart disease. SStudies identified were independently screened by two reviewers and critically appraised using the PedroScale.Results:  Sixteen randomized controlled trials were included in the review. The majority of the studies indicated that CBT therapy was effective treatment for reducing depression and anxiety and can also be beneficial for sleeping disorders and improve quality of life of patients with heart failure and coronary heart disease. Althought face to face CBT therapy seems to be clinicaly effective, internet-based CBT therapy was not superior to a guided web-based discussion forum.Conclusions: CBT can improve psychological health and quality of life of cardiac patients and further enhance benefits of rehabilitation programs.  Findings suggest that face-to-face CBT is superior to usual care and it can be incorporated in cardiac rehabilitations programs. Future studies are needed to identify the effectiveness of internet-based CBT on cardiac patients and address the factors that will increase treatment adherence.
Ο αποτελεσματικός διευθυντής στο σύγχρονο σχολείο. Αντιλήψεις εκπαιδευτικών φυσικής αγωγής και διευθυντών
Authors: Δεληγιαννίδου Τζένη Στέφανος , Λάιος Αθανάσιος , Σταφυλά Αμαλία
Published: July 2021

H σχολική ηγεσία έχει αναγνωριστεί παγκοσμίως, ως βασικό στοιχείο της αποτελεσματικότητας του εκπαιδευτικού οργανισμού. Οι διευθυντές/τριες των σχολείων κατέχουν κεντρικό ρόλο, ενώ το στυλ, η συμπεριφορά και οι πρακτικές τους επιδρούν στα μαθητικά αποτελέσματα και σε παράγοντες που συνδέονται με το εκπαιδευτικό προσωπικό. Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας ήταν: α) η διερεύνηση της σημαντικότητας των παραγόντων που εκφράζουν ορισμένες από τις κύριες ηγετικές λειτουργίες, με την αξιοποίηση ως δεικτών αποτελεσματικότητας των αντιλήψεων των εκπαιδευτικών Φυσικής Αγωγής (ΕΦΑ) και των ίδιων των διευθυντών/τριών, β) η διερεύνηση των στατιστικά σημαντικών διαφορών ανάμεσα στις αντιλήψεις διευθυντών/τριων και ΕΦΑ και γ) η διερεύνηση των στατιστικά σημαντικών διαφορών ανάμεσα στις αντιλήψεις διευθυντών/τριων και ΕΦΑ  σε σχέση με το φύλο τους. Το δείγμα της έρευνας αποτέλεσαν τετρακόσιοι δέκα πέντε (415) εκπαιδευτικοί (192 διευθυντές/τριες και 223 ΕΦΑ) που υπηρετούσαν κατά το σχολικό έτος 2017-2018 στις σχολικές μονάδες της Πρωτοβάθμιας και της Δευτεροβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης των νομών Πιερίας και Ημαθίας. Για τη συλλογή των δεδομένων χρησιμοποιήθηκε το ερωτηματολόγιο της έρευνας των Pashiardis και Orphanou (1999). Η ανάλυση των δεδομένων έγινε με το στατιστικό πακέτο SPSS v.21 για τις κοινωνικές επιστήμες. Για τη διερεύνηση της εγκυρότητας του ερωτηματολογίου εφαρμόστηκε το μοντέλο της παραγοντικής ανάλυσης με τη μέθοδο τω κυρίων συνιστωσών, ενώ η εσωτερική συνέπεια των παραγόντων ελέγθηκε με τον συντελεστή αξιποπιστίας Cronbach’s alpha. Εφαρμόστηκαν στατιστικές αναλύσεις χρησιμοποιώντας κυρίως την περιγραφική στατιστική όπως μέσοι, διάμεσοι, τυπικές αποκλίσεις. Πραγματοποιήθηκε στατιστικός έλεγχος για τη διαφορά των μέσων τιμών των δυο ανεξάρτητων δειγμάτων (independent Samples t-test) προκειμένου να διερευνηθούν οι στατιστικά σημαντικές διαφορές ανάμεσα στις αντιλήψεις των ΕΦΑ και των διευθυντών/τριων. Το ίδιο τεστ χρησιμοποιήθηκε για τη διερεύνηση της επίδρασης της μεταβλητής φύλο (άνδρας, γυναίκα), στις αντιλήψεις  ΕΦΑ και διευθυντών/τριων. Από τα αποτελέσματα βρέθηκε ότι τόσο οι ΕΦΑ όσο και οι διευθυντές/τριες, θεώρησαν σημαντικούς τους παράγοντες καθώς τους αξιολόγησαν με τιμές πάνω από τον μέσο όρο. Βρέθηκαν στατιστικά σημαντικές διαφορές στον παράγοντα «επίλυση προβλημάτων και λήψη απόφασης» με τους διευθυντές να τον θεωρούν πιο σημαντικό από τους ΕΦΑ και στον παράγοντα «σχολικά προγράμματα» που θεωρήθηκε πιο σημαντικός από τους EΦΑ. Τέλος δε βρέθηκαν στατιστικά σημαντικές διαφορές ως προς την ανεξάρτητη μεταβλητή φύλο και στους τρεις υπό διερεύνηση παράγοντες τόσο στις αντιλήψεις των ΕΦΑ, όσο και στις αντιλήψεις των διευθυντών/τριων.
Analysing students’ environmental awareness profile using strategic environmental assessment
Authors: Khoiri Ahmad , Sunarno Widha , Sajidan Sajidan , Sukarmin Sukarmin
Published: July 2021

Background: Environmental awareness (EA) is a part of character education ignored by most students. This indifference tends to affect other students’ by not only in protecting and preserving the current environment but also in preventing and repairing the damage that occurs in the environment. This research analyses students' EA profile, based on the findings of LISREL 8.8 Confirmatory Factor Analysis.

Methods: Research subjects included 131 students from Senior High School State 1 Selomerto Wonosobo, Central Java Province, Indonesia. Based on the Slovin formula, the number of samples is representative of the total population (N: 185; error tolerance: 0.05). Data were collected through non-test questionnaires and observation of Strategic Environmental Awareness (SEA). Quantitative descriptive data analysis on EA indicators (Care, Curiosity, Critical, Dependability, Responsibility, and Local Wisdom).

Results: The EA profile of high school students was categorised sufficiently. This revealed the following results: a) the SEA instrument is effective in identifying students’ awareness about current environmental issues and meets model fit criteria (P-value 0.25>0.05; RMSEA 0.095; NFI 0.67); b) the SEA instrument is valid and reliable in accurately determining students’ EA profile; c) although the Responsibility profile was significant (t >1.96), other variables did not meet this significance criteria (EA 1a: ‘Care towards environmental damage’ under the Care profile; EA 3b: ‘Contributing towards preserving the environment’ under the Critical profile; and EA 6b: ‘Aware of local potentials’ under the Local Wisdom profile); d) evaluation of the expected changes in SEA is modified through an ethnoscience approach and the socioscientific issues strategy.

Conclusions: Students’ lack of awareness of the environment and understanding of their regional potential fails to contribute towards creating a sustainable environment. Profile analysis in exploring attitudes, values, and ethics towards the environment are important, as it helps recognize students’ behaviour.
Screening for antifolate and artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates from three hospitals of Eritrea
Authors: Mukhongo Harriet Natabona , Kinyua Johnson Kang'ethe , Weldemichael Yishak Gebrekidan , Kasili Remmy Wekesa
Published: July 2021

Background: Antimalarial drug resistance is a major challenge hampering malaria control and elimination. Plasmodium falciparum, the leading causative parasite species, has developed resistance to basically all antimalarials. Continued surveillance of drug resistance using genetic markers provides important molecular data for treatment policies. This study sought to verify the genetic mechanism of resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and assess the occurrence of point mutations associated with artemisinin resistance in P. falciparum clinical isolates from Eritrea.

Methods: Nineteen dried blood spot samples were collected from patients visiting Adi Quala, Keren and Gash Barka Hospitals, Eritrea. The patients were followed up after receiving treatment with first line artesunate-amodiaquine. Nested polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing techniques were employed to genotype point mutations in the P. falciparum bifunctional dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (Pfdhfr, PF3D7_0417200), dihydropteorate synthase (Pfdhps, PF3D7_0810800) and kelch 13 (PfK13, PF3D7_1343700) genes.

Results: Eight of nineteen (42%) of the dried blood spot samples were successful for PCR-amplification. Data analyses of the PCR-positive isolates revealed the following point mutations: Pfdhfr N51I in four isolates, C59R in one isolate, S108N in four isolates, a rare non-synonymous substitution V45A in four isolates and Pfdhps K540E in four isolates. No PfK13 point mutations were reported.

Conclusions: Pfdhfr C59R and Pfdhps K540E point mutations are reliable markers for the sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine quintuple mutant haplotype combination. These findings highlight first reports in Eritrea, which verify the underlying genetic mechanism of antifolate resistance. Continuous monitoring of the PfK13 marker is recommended.
Correlation between maternal variables and the onset and severity of preeclampsia
Authors: Amidu Nafiu , Banyeh Moses , Adusu Stephen Justice
Published: July 2021

Background: The study sought to determine the correlation between the onset and severity of preeclampsia (PE) and maternal sociodemographic variables: age, parity and body mass index (BMI); medical history: systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and proteinuria; fasting lipids: total cholesterol (TCHOL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TRIG); liver enzymes: aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and other variables: serum neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (sNGAL), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and creatinine (CRT).

Methods: This was a case–control study from January–June 2018. The study involved 270 pregnant women aged 18–37 years. Half of the study population (n=135) had PE and were categorized into either early-onset PE (EOPE) or late-onset PE (LOPE) and whether the PE was characterized by severe features (PS) or without severe features (PNS). The cases (PE) were matched by maternal and gestational age to 135 women with normotensive and uncomplicated pregnancies. A single venous blood sample was collected after an overnight fast and analysed using ELISA or routine biochemistry technique.

Results: Maternal blood lipids (except HDL), liver enzymes (except GGT), CRT, sNGAL, ET-1, proteinuria, and BMI were positively correlated while HDL was negatively correlated with the onset and severity of PE (P<0.050).

Conclusion: There are significant correlations between maternal variables and the onset and severity of PE. These findings are useful for the early detection and management of PE, especially in resource-limited settings.
Government platforms in the system of national public communication
Authors: Bykov Ilya
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the article is to study public communications in digital platforms of public administration in Russia. In recent years, there has been an intensive introduction of digital platforms into the practice of public administration, and communications within the platforms have become part of the national system of public communications. The object of research in this article will be public communications in two digital platforms in Russia: St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. In the period from December 1, 2019 to November 1, 2020, we collected 10993 messages from the Our St. Petersburg platform and 3758 messages from the People's Expertise platform. The main research methods were the Text Mining method and qualitative analysis of messages. The results of the study of the platforms «Our St. Petersburg» and «People's Expertise» show that the practice of communication in them is very different from the ideals of public democratic communication. The most characteristic differences are the problematic nature of communications: citizens turn to authorities to solve problems most often in the field of housing and communal services. Public communications in the studied urban communication platforms are very different from communications in social networks in their limitations; platform affordances inhibit the spread of discussions. The most important epistemic authority in public communications is bureaucratic rules and appeals to legal procedures. When analyzing the procedure of political reasoning on digital platforms, some methods of manipulative presentation of information are revealed.
El pensamiento teológico de María Zambrano: Cartas de La Pièce. Correspondencia con Agustín Andreu
Authors: Sánchez-Gey Venega Juana
Published: July 2021

En este epistolario se destaca un pensamiento teológico mediante el cual María Zambrano refexiona sobre algunas preocupaciones que siempre ha mostrado: el cristianismo y la mística, y, adentrándose aún más, las procesiones divinas, especialmente la del Espíritu Santo, la encarnación de Cristo, la Virgen, la liturgia y la recepción del Vaticano II, entre otras vivencias personales. Se descubre de modo sobresaliente la búsqueda del Espíritu como fundamento del conocimiento, por lo que se podría llegar a decir que esta vivencia contribuye y da pie al rechazo del racionalismo en su filosofía y también del materialismo en su concepción de la persona, concebida como un ser espiritual.
El reflejo de la tragedia antigua en dos versiones modernas de Antígona: Søren Kierkegaard y María Zambrano
Authors: Bundgard Ana
Published: July 2021

Este trabajo trata de dos formas distintas de abordar lo trágico de la condición humana. Søren Kierkegaard expresó lo trágico en un ensayo sobre Antígona que anuda estética, ética y teología; Zambrano dio voz a la propia Antígona para comunicar en un texto híbrido el sentido y verdad de la vida desde la perspectiva metafísica de la razón-poética. La exposición consta de dos partes. En la primera, se comenta la interpretación que hizo Zambrano de la flosofía existencial de Søren Kierkegaard. En la segunda, se explica cómo Søren Kierkegaard y María Zambrano en sendas versiones de Antígona proyectaron una visión crítica del individua- lismo del sujeto moderno con el fn de restablecer la relación entre individuo y divinidad.
María Zambrano, lectora de «Paradiso»
Authors: Carrillo Espinosa María
Published: July 2021

Este artículo presenta una discusión sobre las palabras liminares de María Zambrano a Paradiso, la famosa novela de José Lezama Lima. La interpretación de Zambrano es original. Ella destaca elviaje espiritual del protagonista José Cemí y encuentra una explicación mística del erotismo lezamiano. Así, se cuestionará la pertinencia de esta lectura y se pondrá en diálogo con estudios contemporáneos sobre el escritor cubano.
Silt-sized sediments and gypsum on surface formations in the Ebro valley. A disambiguation of the term gypsiferous silts
Authors: Poch Rosa Maria , Rodríguez-Ochoa Rafael , Artieda Octavio , Balasch Josep Carles , Boixadera Jaume
Published: July 2021

Since the 60’s, many authors have reported the presence of common silt-sized materials in the Ebro valley, on surface formations and positions that have given rise to several interpretations, sometimes contradictory. According to the references, three main terms are used (gypsiferous silts, loess and flour-like gypsum) applied to silts and fine sands with gypsum accumulations. The two first terms are applied to materials with carbonate contents up to 40-50%, coarse silty to fine sandy textures, and located in different positions. Loess normally appears as thick outcrops on slopes leeward from the main wind direction, with a limited pedogenesis consisting of a partial carbonate mobilisation and gypsum contents between 0 and 30%. The third (gypsum-rich) type has a variable spatial distribution, appearing between limestone layers, along footslopes, outcropping as metric surface formations, or as generalized karstified subsurface accumulations. Their composition is almost 100% silt- to fine sand size lenticular gypsum. While some authors claim for an aeolian origin to all these materials, only part of them (loess) has a clear aeolian origin, while flour-like gypsum derives from on-site weathering of gyprock or by precipitation of calcium- and sulfate saturated watertables as it is reported to occur in many other arid regions; and the rest (gypsiferous silts sensu stricto) are mainly colluvial-alluvial. This distinction is necessary since they differ in their geotechnical behaviour and properties relevant for agricultural land uses, therefore they should be taken into account when carrying out geological mappings or soil surveys in this and similar arid regions.
All-fiber few-mode optical coherence tomography using a modally-specific photonic lantern
Authors: de Sivry-Houle Martin Poinsinet , Beaudoin Simon Bolduc , Brais-Brunet Simon , Dehaes Mathieu , Godbout Nicolas , Boudoux Caroline
Published: July 2021

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was recently performed using a few-mode (FM) fiber to increase contrast or improve resolution using a sequential time-domain demultiplexing scheme isolating the different interferometric signals of the mode-coupled backscattered light. Here, we present an all-fiber FM-OCT system based on a parallel modal demultiplexing scheme exploiting a novel modally-specific photonic lantern (MSPL). The MSPL allows for maximal fringe visibility for each fiber propagation mode in an all-fiber assembly which provides the robustness required for clinical applications. The custom-built MSPL was designed for OCT at 930 nm and is wavelength-independent over the broad OCT spectrum. We further present a comprehensive coupling model for the interpretation of FM-OCT images using the first two propagation modes of a few-mode fiber, validate its predictions, and demonstrate the technique using in vitro microbead phantoms and ex vivo biological samples.
Biomimetic hierarchical structure for enhancing concentrated solar energy converting and utilizing efficiency
Authors: Zhang Xinping , Shi Xuhang , Li Yang , Wang Fuqiang , Lin Bo
Published: July 2021

Concentrated solar technology has the problems of local overheating, inadequate light absorption, and insufficient diffusion of solar irradiation energy flow. In this study, the idea of using biomimetic hierarchical structure is proposed to solve these problems through radiation regulating and photon managing, thereby enhancing the conversion and utilization efficiency of concentrated solar energy. The performance of uniform porous structure and biomimetic hierarchical structure are comparatively investigated. The geometrical parameters (diameters, ratio, and filling factor) of the biomimetic hierarchical structure are investigated and optimized by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method combined with particle swarm optimization algorithm. The results indicate that the biomimetic hierarchical structure can enhance the effective light absorption and energy flow diffusion efficiency of concentrated solar energy, an increasing pore size is better for the biomimetic hierarchical structure than a decreasing pore size, and the feature sizes which serve as the boundary between large and small pores are found. For the effective light absorption, the biomimetic hierarchical structure has an enhancement of 3.4%, and for the energy flow diffusion efficiency, this structure has an enhancement of over 25%, compared with the uniform porous structure. This research can provide general and valuable guidance for enhancing solar energy utilizing efficiency of high-temperature solar thermochemical reactors, solar cells, and photocatalytic carriers, based on the biomimetic hierarchical structure.
Focusing and defocusing switching of an indium selenide-silicon photonic metalens
Authors: Wang Ningning , Li Tiantian , Sun Boshu , Wang Zi , Zhou Linjie , Gu Tingyi
Published: July 2021

With a fixed geometric design, homogeneous change of Indium Selenide (

I
n

2

S
e

3

) switches the focusing length of a silicon photonic metalens between positive and negative values. This unique functionality of the hybrid metasurface is attributed to the fact that the silicon’s refractive index is in the middle of the two convertible states in the optical phase change material. The infrared transparency of

I
n

2

S
e

3

in both states enables near phase-only metasurface structures. The design is foundry compatible and feasible for implementing nonvolatile adaptive transformation optic systems on-chip.
Young’s double-slit experiment with vector vortex beams
Authors: Khan Saba N. , Joshi Stuti , Senthilkumaran P.
Published: July 2021

In this Letter, Young’s double-slit experiment with vector vortex beams is investigated. We present the results for various Poincaré–Hopf index beams of this class considering all four major types. Polarization associated morphological changes in the far-field interference pattern are studied both theoretically and experimentally. The Fraunhofer pattern consists of lattices of polarization singularities of the generic type, located on a line, in a direction perpendicular to the slit. The number of linear lattices varies as a function of Poincaré–Hopf indexηof the beam that is diffracted, and the number of intensity nulls occurring along the vertical line is equal to|η|.
Microscopic analysis of the energy, momentum and spin distributions in a surface plasmon-polariton wave: erratum
Authors: Bekshaev A. Y. , Angelsky O. V. , Zheng J. , Hanson S. G. , Zenkova C. Yu.
Published: July 2021

We correct inessential mistakes in equations of the recently published paper [Opt. Mater. Express 11, 2165 (2021) 10.1364/OME.428201]. The mistakes do not affect the numerical results and conclusions of the paper.
Double random phase encoding schemes with perfect forward secrecy for robust image cryptography
Authors: Moon Inkyu , Kim Youhyun , Gholami Samaneh , Jeong Ongee
Published: July 2021

Digital cryptosystems can provide perfect forward secrecy (PFS) for key exchange protocols based on the Diffie–Hellman (DH) scheme. However, key exchange algorithms are optimally designed only to encode small datasets, such as text and voice sets, which makes rapidly processing large-scale datasets difficult. In this paper, we propose new schemes that can efficiently and securely provide PFS in double random phase encoding (DRPE) schemes for robust image cryptography. We demonstrate that the proposed complex sinusoidal waveform versions of the DH algorithm with fusion of a random phase mask (RPM) and ephemeral secret exponents can guarantee PFS. Different experimental results reveal that the proposed schemes can enhance the security of DRPE-based image cryptosystems using a one-time RPM and PFS. We also propose a ring-type PFS scheme in which an unlimited number of users can securely share a temporary session key, which is an extension of PFS for only two users. We provide formal proof for the schemes and prove feasibility through numerical simulations.
Correction to the effective refractive index and the confinement factor in waveguide modeling for quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Lyu Ming , Gmachl Claire
Published: July 2021

The equations for the effective medium refractive index and for the confinement factor in the waveguide design for quantum cascade lasers are derived. Compared to equations used in prior literature, by applying rigorous perturbation theory and including the effect of the anisotropic optical gain and non-Hermitian properties of the waveguide structure and materials, a few percent correction should be made to the confinement factor and the effective gain. This result can easily be generalized to any optical devices with a layered structure.
Molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Cyprus
Authors: Richter Jan , Fanis Pavlos , Tryfonos Christina , Koptides Dana , Krashias George , Bashiardes Stavros , Hadjisavvas Andreas , Loizidou Maria , Oulas Anastasis , Alexandrou Denise , Kalakouta Olga , Panayiotidis Mihalis I. , Spyrou George M. , Christodoulou Christina
Published: July 2021

Whole genome sequencing of viral specimens following molecular diagnosis is a powerful analytical tool of molecular epidemiology that can critically assist in resolving chains of transmission, identifying of new variants or assessing pathogen evolution and allows a real-time view into the dynamics of a pandemic. In Cyprus, the first two cases of COVID-19 were identified on March 9, 2020 and since then 33,567 confirmed cases and 230 deaths were documented. In this study, viral whole genome sequencing was performed on 133 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples collected between March 2020 and January 2021. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to evaluate the genomic diversity of circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Cyprus. 15 different lineages were identified that clustered into three groups associated with the spring, summer and autumn/winter wave of SARS-CoV-2 incidence in Cyprus, respectively. The majority of the Cypriot samples belonged to the B.1.258 lineage first detected in September that spread rapidly and largely dominated the autumn/winter wave with a peak prevalence of 86% during the months of November and December. The B.1.1.7 UK variant (VOC-202012/01) was identified for the first time at the end of December and spread rapidly reaching 37% prevalence within one month. Overall, we describe the changing pattern of circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Cyprus since the beginning of the pandemic until the end of January 2021. These findings highlight the role of importation of new variants through travel towards the emergence of successive waves of incidence in Cyprus and demonstrate the importance of genomic surveillance in determining viral genetic diversity and the timely identification of new variants for guiding public health intervention measures.
Expectations about check-up examinations among Swiss residents: A nationwide population-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Diaz Hernandez Laura , Giezendanner Stéphanie , Fischer Roland , Zeller Andreas
Published: July 2021

Introduction

General health check-up examinations in asymptomatic adults have not been shown to be beneficial. Instead, opportunistic prevention during regular primary care consultations is most cost-effective and recommended. The study aimed to elucidate the expectations about check-ups of the general Swiss population.

Methods

A nationwide cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted in a representative sample of the population, stratified by sex, age, and language in November 2019.

Results

Data of 1077 respondents were analysed. Mean age was 45 years (range 18 to 89), and 51% were female. Overall, 40% of respondents expected to have check-up examinations (yearly: 41.6%), and 42% expected opportunistic prevention. Most expected check-up interventions were sex-specific such as mammography (89% of women), Pap smear test (89% of women), and blood test of prostate-specific antigen (81% of men). The least favoured ones related to counselling (tobacco: 27%; alcohol abuse: 29%). Most significant predictors of positive check-up expectations were being male (OR = 1.45, CI: 1.02–2.05 P = 0.04)), age between 45 and 59 years old (OR = 2.03, CI: 1.27–3.23, P = 0.003 vs. 18 to 29 years), having a degree from professional (OR = 1.73, 95% CIs: 1.11–2.69, P 0.015) or, middle school (OR = 1.99, 95% CIs:1.04–3.78, P = 0.037) or university (OR = 1.66, 95% CIs: 1.06–2.61, P< 0.001, vs. secondary school) and the more importance attributed to regularly checking one’s health (OR = 2.12, 95% CIs: 1.70–2.36, P < 0.001)

Conclusions

Almost half of the population expected to have mostly yearly check-up examinations in addition to regular care, which is in contradiction to recommendations. This behaviour impacts the rational use of health care resources and must be considered by physicians and given the active role of patients in the health care system.
Spatial epidemiological study of the distribution, clustering, and risk factors associated with early COVID-19 mortality in Mexico
Authors: Ramírez-Aldana Ricardo , Gomez-Verjan Juan Carlos , Bello-Chavolla Omar Yaxmehen , García-Peña Carmen
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which has significantly impacted economic and public healthcare systems worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 is highly lethal in older adults (>65 years old) and in cases with underlying medical conditions, including chronic respiratory diseases, immunosuppression, and cardio-metabolic diseases, including severe obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The course of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico has led to many fatal cases in younger patients attributable to cardio-metabolic conditions. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to perform an early spatial epidemiological analysis for the COVID-19 outbreak in Mexico. Firstly, to evaluate how mortality risk from COVID-19 among tested individuals (MRt) is geographically distributed and secondly, to analyze the association of spatial predictors of MRt across different states in Mexico, controlling for the severity of the disease. Among health-related variables, diabetes and obesity were positively associated with COVID-19 fatality. When analyzing Mexico as a whole, we identified that both the percentages of external and internal migration had positive associations with early COVID-19 mortality risk with external migration having the second-highest positive association. As an indirect measure of urbanicity, population density, and overcrowding in households, the physicians-to-population ratio has the highest positive association with MRt. In contrast, the percentage of individuals in the age group between 10 to 39 years had a negative association with MRt. Geographically, Quintana Roo, Baja California, Chihuahua, and Tabasco (until April 2020) had higher MRt and standardized mortality ratios, suggesting that risks in these states were above what was nationally expected. Additionally, the strength of the association between some spatial predictors and the COVID-19 fatality risk varied by zone.
La infancia en riesgo social desde la sociedad del bienestar
Authors: Balsells M. Ángeles
Published: July 2021

El artículo plantea la necesidad de redefinir el concepto de infancia en situación de riesgo social, dado que las avanzadas sociedades del bienestar están siendo escenario de nuevos fenómenos sociales que provocan a su vez la aparición de nuevos colectivos infanto-juveniles en riesgo. Se conoce el maltrato infantil familiar como una causa clara del riesgo social pero, ¿existen otras situaciones, fuera de la familia, que provocan la aparición de poblaciones infantiles en situación de riesgo social?, ¿se puede hablar de infancia en situación de riesgo social cuando no existen maltratos o negligencia en la familia? En definitiva, ¿las sociedades desarrolladas y avanzadas son el escenario de nuevos grupos de riesgo social? Estos son los interrogantes que pretende responder el presente artículo.
La división digital en el proceso de integración de las NTIC en la educación. Diferencias de género entre alumnos de E.S.O. de la comunidad valenciana
Authors: Gargallo López Bernardo , Suárez Rodríguez Jesús , Belloch Ortí Mª. Consuelo
Published: July 2021

En este trabajo se analizan diferencias de género existentes en una muestra representativa de estudiantes de ESO de la Comunidad Valenciana en lo relativo a la integración de las TIC en el sistema educativo, desde una perspectiva univariada y multivariada. Estas diferencias se estudian en cuanto a disponibilidad y uso de Internet, formación, actitudes y valoración de sus repercusiones en la calidad de la educación. Los datos del estudio reflejan una cierta "brecha digital" favorable a los varones en lo concerniente a disponibilidad, uso y formación. Sin embargo, las actitudes de las chicas son aún más favorables a la integración de las TIC que las de los chicos, lo que induce a pensar que la división digital existente puede cerrarse con facilidad si las políticas y acciones que se desarrollen se orientan a compensar las diferencias existentes.
Propuesta de integración, en soporte hipermedia, de la educación ambiental en el aula de matemáticas
Authors: Pereña Moro Juan Carlos , Barrón Ruiz Ángela , Chamoso Sánchez José Mª
Published: July 2021

Se realiza una propuesta para integrar, con soporte hipermedia, la Educación Ambiental como contenido transversal dentro del área de Matemáticas en el primer ciclo de la Educación Secundaria Obligatoria. Para ello se utilizan las características de los sistemas hipermedia, especialmente para adaptarse al ritmo de cada estudiante y con el objetivo de que el docente actúe como orientador. Finalmente, se dan pautas para la evaluación del diseño planteado.
Redefinición de lo educativo en el cibercontexto: a propósito de las TIC como herramienta de inclusión
Authors: Prats Enric
Published: July 2021

La explosión cibernética cumple al menos dos profecías aparentemente antitéticas: la de la universalización del conocimiento y la del Gran Hermano. El aprendizaje digital o electrónico expresa la última tendencia no ya en los formatos didácticos-instructivos (un nuevo recurso educativo) sino principalmente otro reto a añadir a las ya cargadas espaldas de lo escolar (el medio se convierte en fin). Se supone que con las nuevas tecnologías de acceso y gestión de la información lo que está en juego es una concepción distinta del mismo concepto de escuela y de lo que debe ser la educación, más allá del acceso al conocimiento.
La alfabetización digital como factor de inclusión social. La experiencia de la Red Conecta
Authors: Castro Borrallo Josep
Published: July 2021

El proyecto Red Conecta, una red de centros de alfabetización digital que se dirige a los colectivos menos favorecidos, basa gran parte de su trabajo en el hecho de formar parte de una red que comparte recursos, formación, metodología, coordinación, instrumentos tecnológicos de apoyo y sistemas de evaluación de resultados. Esta iniciativa está basada en la colaboración con ONG’s fuertemente arraigadas al territorio que ya desarrollan proyectos locales y en alianzas con empresas y administraciones públicas para unificar esfuerzos e implicar a todos los sectores de la sociedad en la e-inclusión. Actualmente está formada por 41 centros repartidos por toda España. Los dinamizadores participan en un proceso de formación común y hay una corriente de creación colectiva de conocimiento que repercute en la actividad con las personas que participan en los centros: en el estilo de relación, las estrategias de motivación, la organización de las actividades, o los instrumentos de apoyo al aprendizaje. Así mismo, la coordinación entre todos los centros implica un compromiso colectivo de cada una de las partes para avanzar, mancomunando esfuerzos para buscar recursos, evaluando resultados con una misma sistemática y construyendo un discurso común, basado en la práctica, que pueda incidir en las políticas públicas y en la sociedad en general.
Implantación de semi-presencialidad en una asignatura optativa de la licenciatura en Ciencias y Técnicas Estadísticas
Authors: Cobo Erick , González José A.
Published: July 2021

Introducción. Los estudiantes de Aplicaciones de la Estadística en las Ciencias de la Salud llegan con buen nivel en aspectos teóricos, formales e informáticos, y nos proponemos desarrollar sus habilidades de trabajo en equipo y de comunicación oral y escrita, así como sus capacidades cognitivas de análisis, síntesis y evaluación en el área de la Bioestadística. Contenido. Se exponen: (a) la adaptación del programa a un esquema que sustituye las cuatro horas semanales presenciales a un promedio de dos horas quincenales más una serie de actividades complementarias no presenciales; y (b) las dificultades, los resultados, las opiniones emitidas por los estudiantes y las conclusiones de la experiencia.Método. El método docente se ha basado en la realización de las siguientes actividades: 1) tres ejercicios de aprendizaje cooperativo sobre tres guías internacionales de presentación de resultados biomédicos; 2) defensa pública en grupo de un tema; 3) ejercicios numéricos individualizados; 4) prácticas en grupo; 5) tres evaluaciones individuales; y 6) participación en foros de discusión.Conclusiones. La asignatura ha sido seguida con éxito por 21 de los 22 alumnos matriculados, con buena adaptación a la propuesta. Se ha constatado que es posible organizar una asignatura acorde con las especificaciones del espacio europeo de educación superior.
La socialización en los espacios virtuales: Posibilidades y limitaciones
Authors: Sotomayor Carcia Gilda
Published: July 2021

El artículo trata de ver de qué manera y hasta qué punto se ha redefinido, a partir de nuestra condición de Homo fabers, específicamente con la creación de las TICs, nuestra condición de Homo politicus (seres sociales). Para ello analizamos el nuevo canal comunicativo y los tipos de relaciones sociales que se establecen en él. La conclusión central es que la aparición de Internet no ha significado ningún cambio profundo en la socialización de las personas al no observarse ninguna distinción en los parámetros de establecimiento de las relaciones sociales y la conformación de grupos tanto en la vida real (off-line) como virtual (on-line), de ahí que podamos afirmar que nuestra condición de seres gregarios permanece incólume tras esa aparente conversión en “ciudadanos del mundo.”
Las emociones y la enseñanza virtual de personas adultas
Authors: Díaz Torres Juan Manuel
Published: July 2021

La condición adulta es una realidad personal llena de potencialidades que necesitan desplegarse para propiciar el crecimiento interior y el enriquecimiento de los vínculos sociales. La e-learning se presenta como un medio de incalculable repercusión en el acrecentamiento del valor de las conductas emocionalmente positivas siempre y cuando los comportamientos emocionalmente negativos sean detectados y tratados inicialmente en contacto directo y personal con el alumno.
Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility in a Patient With HIV Treated With Methylprednisolone and Pyridostigmine
Authors: Gromisch Christopher M. , Machado Mariana A. , Satyam Venkata , Nunes David
Published: July 2021

Primary autoimmune gastrointestinal dysmotility is a limited form of autoimmune dysautonomia, driven by antiganglionic autoantibodies (AGAs) against enteric neurons. AGAs are observed in other autoimmune diseases, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, before the development onset of gastrointestinal symptoms. Here, we report a case of a 57-year-old woman with human immunodeficiency virus, who previously developed Guillain-Barré syndrome, presenting with 6 months of intestinal dysmotility. Diagnosis was made by detecting AGAs to ganglionic acetylcholine receptor, alpha-3 subunit, radiographic evidence of duodenal dysmotility, and exclusion of other causes. The patient received high-dose methylprednisolone with low-dose pyridostigmine, which led to significant improvement of symptoms.
Trabajos escritos. El problema del plagio
Authors: Morales Vallejo Pedro
Published: July 2021

Los estudiantes se ven urgidos a entregar con frecuencia trabajos escritos como parte de su evaluación académica. La disponibilidad de una gran cantidad de información en internet facilita en gran medida la realización de estas tareas. Sin embargo, en ocasiones, puede emplearse de una manera inadecuada según criterios académicos de autoría y de citación. El plagio se ha convertido en un problema que puede ser identificado con programas antiplagio y castigado según los especificado en los reglamentos. Por otra parte, también puede ser aprovechado como una oportunidad para mejorar tanto el proceso de enseñar como de aprender. Este texto asume preferentemente este enfoque.
La dicotomía interior/exterior en el «Fedro» de Platón
Authors: Lavilla de Lera Jonathan
Published: July 2021

En el Fedro de Platón, la dicotomía interior/exterior no sólo es empleada explícitamente por Sócrates en tres ocasiones, sino que es evocada tácitamente en numerosos pasajes. El presente artículo analiza en su contexto los diversos textos en los que se juega con dicho par conceptual, mostrando que, mediante su uso, Platón trata, entre otras cuestiones, de delimitar netamente la forma de vida filosófica, distinguiéndola de las restantes.
La teleología natural y cósmica de Aristóteles en «Lambda 10»
Authors: García Lorente José Antonio
Published: July 2021

En este artículo se presenta un análisis sobre la teleología de Aristóteles, basado en el capítulo 10 del libro Lambda de la Metafísica. Para ello, se recogen las principales interpretaciones de los especialistas, desde la antigüedad hasta la época contemporánea, estableciendo así un minucioso y exhaustivo status quaestionis. El propósito de este trabajo consiste en mostrar cómo entiende Aristóteles la finalidad y su relación con el universo, para proponer una lectura de Lambda 10 que explique la teleología natural y cósmica.
Performance of papaya variety ‘Surya’ under fertigation and foliar nutrition
Authors: Sebastian Karishma , Bindu B , Rafeekher M
Published: July 2021

Effects of fertigation and foliar nutrition with micronutrients on papaya flowering, yield and fruit quality parameters were studied during the period 2018 – 2020 at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. A field experiment consists of 14 treatments replicated thrice was laid out based on randomized block design. A combination of four fertigation doses of 75 %, 100 %, 125 % and 150 % Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) of N (304.89, 406.52, 508.15 and 609.78 gm urea plant-1 year-1 respectively based on soil test data in 76 fertigation) and K (426.25, 568.33, 710.42 and 852.50 gm muriate of potash plant?¹ year?¹ respectively based on soil test data in 76 fertigation) and three foliar sprays (1.0 % 19:19:19 at bimonthly interval starting from 4 MAP (Month After Planting) to 16 MAP, 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.3% borax at 4th, 8th, 12th and 16th MAP and water spray at bimonthly interval starting from 4 MAP to 16 MAP) where compared with soil application of recommended dose of NPK (187:170:341 g NPK plant-1 year-1 based on soil test data) (control 1) and 187:170:341 g NPK plant-1 year-1 based on soil test data as organic manures as combination of FYM (Farm Yard Manure), poultry manure and vermicompost in the ratio of 2:1:1 (control 2). Application of 100 % recommended dose of N and K through fertigation at weekly interval from one MAP to 20 MAP and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO4 and 0.3 % borax at 4th, 8th, 12th and 16th MAP (T5) initiated earliness in flowering (142.67 days) and harvest (275.00 days). However, plants receiving 100 % recommended dose of N and K through fertigation at weekly interval from one MAP to 20 MAP with foliar sprays of 1% 19:19:19 at bimonthly interval starting from 4 MAP to 16 MAP (T4) significantly improved the fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and total yield per plant in papaya variety ‘Surya’ and it was on par with T5. Fruit quality parameters namely TSS (Total Soluble Solids), ascorbic acid and total sugars were found significantly highest in T5 and lowest titratable acidity was also recorded in T5. Hence, treatment T5 which is found superior in initiating early harvest, with higher yield and good quality characters in papaya variety ‘Surya’ can be recommended to farmers.