bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in Fatalities in Motorcycle Accidents in Great Britain With Reference to the Studies by Hugh Cairns
Authors: Evans Vaughan Matthew
Published: March 2020

Introduction: Hugh Cairns, a neurosurgeon practising in Oxford, noted in a 1941 report the high number of deaths in motorcycle accidents, and advocated the use of helmets.     Objective: to review road traffic accident fatality data to assess how the risk of death in a motorcycle accident has changed, or not changed, since the publication of Cairns’ findings.Material and Methods: analyses of road traffic accident data for Great Britain (1950–2017).Results and Discussion: in modern times, the risk of fatality for a motorcycle rider is around fifty times greater than that for a car driver, per mile travelled. Although the wearing of a helmet became mandatory in Great Britain in 1973, motorcyclist fatalities increased in the following years, against a background of falling all-road-user fatalities. Fatalities, however, declined markedly after restrictions were placed on novice riders in the early 1980s.Conclusions: a motorcyclist remains essentially as vulnerable as one was in the 1940s, aside from the reduced risk of head injury, and death from head injury, afforded by use of a helmet. On most modern motorcycles, in contrast to modern motor cars, there is no restraint system, nor impact energy-absorbing vehicular structure. The implementation of restrictions on novice rider led to a greater fatality rate reduction than had the enactment of the requirement to wear a helmet a decade earlier.
Awareness of dangers of using e-cigarettes among society
Authors: Zawiślak Magdalena Kamila , Zaniuk Marcin , Karakuła Kaja Hanna , Krysa Tomasz , Zimnicki Patryk
Published: March 2020

E-cigarettes were introduced as a new way of quitting smoking and became a popular alternative to regular cigarettes. For a long time, e-cigarettes were considered harmless, however year after a year, new facts about their adverse effects are being discovered. This year in the USA, using e-cigarettes caused a lot of deaths among their users because of the newly discovered disease called EVALI. According to this, we decided to make a research on awareness of dangers associated with using e-cigarettes. We prepared a survey with 283 responses and analyzed literature related to the topic. Responses showed that 71,4% used to smoke cigarettes. Moreover, 81,6% uses or has used e-cigarettes in the past, however, only 4,9% consider them harmless. The most common reasons for using e-cigarettes are: variety of liquid flavors (58,4%), desire to try something new (52,8%) and stress relief (32,9%). Quitting smoking was motivation only for 24,2% of responders. The fact that 72,3% do not plan to quit vaping is an alarming sign. Analysis of literature confirmed results of our survey, showing that there is a group of people using e-cigarettes although they have never smoked. Mostly they are under 20 years old. Results of our study imply the necessity of taking up actions aimed to increase society awareness of dangers associated with using e-cigarettes and to do more research on vaping side effects.
Silver Against the Coronavirus Epidemic = Серебро против эпидемии коронавирусов
Authors: Zhukov Аnatoliy , Zukow Walery
Published: March 2020

All over the world, research is currently underway aimed at finding the means of treatment and prevention of Covid-19 coronavirus disease . In such a situation, any new or long-known idea may be valuable.The purpose of this article is to draw the attention of medical science to the use of drugs based on silver compounds.One of the authors of the article is not a doctor, but as an experienced chemist, he has been developing and privately using silver compounds for the treatment of close relatives and friends for many years.Based on the foregoing, we consider it possible to offer for research treatment with silver inhalation with or without additional exposure to ultrasound (sound) and / or electrophoresis. We will offer interested organizations the composition of an ionic silver solution, which allows varying concentrations over a wide range. Mentioned composition is characterized by low cost and high stability over time.     Во всём мире сейчас интенсивно ведутся исследования, направленные на поиск средств лечения и профилактики заболевания коронавирусом Covid-19. В такой ситуации может оказаться ценной любая новая или давно известная идея.Целью данной статьи является привлечение внимания медицинской науки к использованию препаратов на основе соединений серебра.Один из авторов статьи не является медиком, но как опытный химик, много лет занимался разработкой и приватным применением серебряных составов для лечения близких родственников и друзей.Исходя из перечисленного, считаем возможным предложить для проведения исследований лечение ингаляцией серебра с дополнительным воздействием, или без него, ультразвука (звука) и/или электрофореза.Заинтересованным организациям предложим состав раствора ионного серебра, позволяющего варьировать концентрации в широких пределах. Упомянутый состав отличается низкой стоимостью и высокой стабильностью во времени.    Key words: epidemic; pandemic; treatment of coronavirus complications; coronavirus SARS-CoV-2; Covid-19; silver compounds; inhalation; electrophoresis; ultrasound.  Ключевые слова: эпидемия; пандемия; лечение осложнений коронавируса; coronavirus SARS-CoV-2; Covid-19; соединения серебра; ингаляция; электрофорез; ультразвук.
Workload of nurses working in the operating theatre
Authors: Tomaszewska Katarzyna , Majchrowicz Bożena , Hejsak Grażyna
Published: March 2020

Introduction: An operating theatre is a place where life-saving treatments are often performed. Nurses working in this place must not only be competent in terms of knowledge and skills, but strong physically and mentally. The article deals with the problem of workload of perioperative and anesthetist nurses.Aim of the study: comparison of workload of perioperative and anesthetist nurses working in the operating theatre.Material and methods: The research group consisted of 207 perioperative and anesthetist nurses employed in the operating theatres of hospitals in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship in the first half of 2019. The research method was a diagnostic survey conducted by means of a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS programme and all the relationships are statistically significant when p≤0.05.Results and conclusions: Research has shown that nurses working in the operating theatre experience stress during work in the operating theatre due to responsibility for the patient and exposure to occupational exposure, contact with chemical agents and skeletal load.
Level of physical fitness taekwondo UKM students
Authors: Falaahudin Ardhika , Admaja Ayub Tatya , Iwandana Dody Tri
Published: March 2020

All Taekwondo UKM students are required to have good physical fitness. Because the exercise contains a lot of physical elements, so Taekwondo UKM students are required to have good stamina and fitness. One example of activities that are mandatory and cannot be refused by students is running. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of physical fitness of male taekwondo UKM students at Mercu Buana University Yogyakarta. This research is a descriptive study, in this study the researcher only wants to describe the current situation without testing the hypothesis. The instrument and data collection technique used was a 12-minute running test from Kenneth Cooper. The data obtained are then converted to the Kennet Cooper table to find out the category of physical fitness level. Data result VO2Max UKM Taekwondo Mercubuana Yogyakarta is classified as sufficient criteria / kateogri with an average value of 39.5. While the lowest value is 32.3 and the best value is 51.3. With the known VO2 Max status, it can be concluded that the physical condition of UMBY Taekwondo UKM members is sufficient, and still needs to be improved.
Asmaball is an alternative sport games for asthmatics of senior high school
Authors: Wibowo Antonius Tri , Kushartanti B.M. Wara , Iwandana Dody Tri
Published: March 2020

The main aims of this study are to create a modified soccer games for Atsmatic highschool  students. The modified game hopefully can be an alternative way for sport teacher to teach soccer for Asthmatic students and make the student interested in playing it. This study was research and development type by adapting Borg & Gall’s (1983: 775) procedur of R&D research as follows: (1) data collection, (2) data analysis, (3) first draft product development, (4) expert validation and revision, (5) small scale product testing and revision, (6) large scale product testing and revision, and (7) final product development. Small scale product testing was done in Kolese Debritto Highschool, with 26 asthmatic students, class X and XI. The results of the study is a modul of modified soccer for asthmatic Highschool Students. From the expert judgement, it can be seen that the modified soccer game is good and effective for atsmatic students who want to play soccer and can be used as theraphy. The modified game can be an alternative way for sport teacher to teach soccer for asthmatic students and make the student interested in playing it.Keywords: Soccer, Asthma
Sport technique as a determinant of athletes’ personality
Authors: Piepiora Paweł , Maśliński Jarosław , Gumienna Róża , Cynarski Wojciech
Published: March 2020

Background & Aim: In sports, three groups of sports disciplines can be distinguished depending on the way of performing movement actions: a group with a significant degree of kinematic stabilization in the structure of sports technique; a group with a significant degree of stabilization of the dynamic structure of sports technique; a group with a significant degree of variation in sports technique. This study was intended to determine whether sport technique, depending on the degree of stabilisation and variability of movement actions, is a differentiator of athletes’ personality. Method: 90 Polish athletes (men, N=90) from clubs operating in the Polish region of Lower Silesia were purposefully selected for the study as part of three samples: breakdancers (n=30), swimmers (n=30) and shotokan style karatekas (n=30). All the subjects had been considerably successful at international sport competitions. The age of the subjects ranged between 20 and 29 years. The research method chosen was the NEO-FFI Personality Inventory. The basic statistical methods used were a one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc tests. The level of significance was set as the probability of p<0.05. The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 13.1 program. Results: Statistically significant differences were revealed in neuroticism among all of the groups studied, in extraversion – between dancers and karatekas, in openness to experience – between dancers and karatekas and between swimmers and karatekas, and in agreeableness – between dancers and karatekas. No statistically significant differences were revealed with regard to conscientiousness. Conclusions: Sport technique is a determinant of athletes’ personality. In addition, sport technique, depending on the degree of stabilisation and variability, is a differentiator of athletes’ personality. Therefore, athletes practising different sport disciplines are characterised by different personalities.
Retail in High Definition: Monitoring Customer Assistance Through Video Analytics
Authors: Musalem Andres , Olivares Marcelo , Schilkrut Ariel
Published: March 2020

Problem definition : We consider the development of an efficient and scalable video-analytics approach to measure customer assistance and its mediating role in the relationship between staffing levels and revenues. Academic/practical relevance : Staffing decisions account for a large portion of a retailer’s operational costs. Researchers have studied the extent to which an increase in staffing levels translates into greater revenues, without emphasizing the underlying mechanisms that generate this potential improvement, such as assisting customers. Methodology : We use econometric methods, including survival-analysis techniques, to analyze data gathered from in-store video recordings of customer visits to stores of a women’s apparel chain. Results : We find that, under average store conditions, a 25% increase in labor yields a 16% increase in store revenues. An increase in the assistance of customers while searching, browsing, or trying products mediates approximately 50% of this increase, while the remainder originates from other activities, such as helping customers at the checkout counter. Moreover, we find that this form of assistance has a significant and positive impact on both conversion and ticket size. Managerial implications : Our approach can be used to explain heterogeneity in employee productivity across stores, to monitor and detect unexpected deviations in customer-assistance levels, and to measure the productivity of multitasking agents for the different functions that they perform.
Tarsal fractures: part 2
Authors: Perry Karen Lisette
Published: March 2020

Both calcaneal and central tarsal bone fractures are commonly encountered in the racing greyhound. While isolated fractures of the numbered tarsal bones are uncommon, malleolar fractures are encountered frequently in small animal practice. Fractures of the central tarsal bone or calcaneal fractures in both dogs and cats may be either fatigue or stress fractures, or associated with Knees and Teeth Syndrome, which may alter the typically expected presentation and prompt assessment for additional fractures, both in the tarsus and elsewhere. Surgical stabilisation is often the treatment of choice, particularly for fractures with an articular component. In many cases, surgical stabilisation leads to a positive outcome, with Greyhounds often being able to return to racing. However, it is important to be aware that fractures in non-racing dogs tend to be more complex and that this good prognosis may not be appropriate to extrapolate. Depending on the nature and severity of injuries, joint preservation may not always be a realistic goal. If the joint cannot be preserved, arthrodesis may become necessary.
Raw food diets for companion carnivores: an untapped panacea or a disaster waiting to happen?
Authors: O'Halloran Conor
Published: March 2020

Raw food diets are being fed to companion animals with ever-increasing frequency in the UK and elsewhere; however, the advantages and disadvantages are frequently debated. There is currently no accepted consensus regarding the best advice for clinicians to give to owners about raw feeding their pets. This review aims to discuss some of the areas where most of the debate exists.
Polypharmacy, renal insufficiency and elder care: a systematic review
Authors: Muhammad SN
Published: March 2020

The incidence of comorbidities increases as individuals age, and many people are treated with multiple medications, referred to as polypharmacy. When individuals are prescribed more than two nephrotoxic medicines, renal insufficiency may result. Preventing overprescription is, therefore, especially important, particularly for older people who have an increased risk for developing irreversible renal insufficiency leading to chronic kidney disease. This systematic review appraised the influence of polypharmacy on renal insufficiency in older people
The uniqueness of the kidney care specialty: personal reflection
Authors: Hurst Helen
Published: March 2020

In this issue's update, Helen Hurst reflects on a nursing career in kidney care and considers the uniqueness of the specialty and how ANN UK aims to provide a voice for nurses in this field.
COVID-19 and the vulnerability of kidney patients
Authors: Palmer Nicholas
Published: March 2020

Nicholas Palmer gives a personal perspective on the vulnerabilities of kidney patients to COVID-19.
Creating a just and learning culture through staff support
Authors: Kerrigan Lynne
Published: March 2020

A just and learning culture consists of a balance of fairness, justice, learning and taking responsibility for actions. It is not about seeking to blame an individual when care falls short of expectations or goes wrong. A recently published report from NHS Resolution, Being fair, sets out the argument for organisations to adopt a more reflective approach to learning from incidents and supporting staff. Instead of asking ‘who is to blame?’ or ‘what did you do?’, try asking ‘what happened?’ and ‘what were the circumstances?’ Such an approach may be the key to improving levels of patient care, as well as the professional and personal lives of veterinary personnel.
Theoretical approaches to study the optical response of the red-legged honeycreeper’s plumage (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
Authors: Urquia Gonzalo M. , Inchaussandague Marina E. , Skigin Diana C. , Lester Marcelo , Barreira Ana , Tubaro Pablo
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we investigate the unusual color effect exhibited by the plumage of the heads of Cyanerpes cyaneus males, whose color turns from green to turquoise as the angle between the illumination and observation directions is increased. This singular color effect is characteristic of species that have quasi-ordered nanostructures of short-range order within the feather barbs. However, among species of the same family and even within feather patches of the same individual, one can find barbs with different characteristics, both macroscopic (curvature, shape, cross-sectional area) and in their internal microstructure. We apply the Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker method with the averaging technique to model the reflectance spectra for different angles of incidence and explain the dependence of the observed color with the incidence-collection angle. To investigate the influence of the disorder in the optical response of the spongy matrix, we apply the integral method for a two-dimensional cylinder system that simulates the distribution of air cavities within the

β

-keratin medium. The experimental reflectance was interpreted as the result of multiple reflections in the internal interfaces generated by large air voids present within the spongy matrix. The application of rigorous methods to the study of natural photonic structures is of fundamental relevance for the design of efficient bioinspired artificial materials.
Integrated multiple wavelength stabilization on a multi-channel cavity for a transportable optical clock
Authors: Wang Shaomao , Cao Jian , Yuan Jinbo , Liu Daoxin , Shu Hualin , Huang Xueren
Published: March 2020

We present a simple, compact, and efficient scheme for integrated multiple wavelength stabilization and continuous operation of a transportable 40Ca+ optical clock using a multi-channel cavity. The fractional frequency instability of 729 nm clock laser is ∼ 1.5 ×10−15 at 10 s with an approximate linewidth of 1 Hz. Meanwhile, frequency fluctuations of all the other lasers are less than ± 330 kHz/day. The one-day stability of this clock is measured as ∼ 5 ×10−17 through 72 h continuous operation. This scheme is potentially useful for the realization of next-generation transportable optical clocks and other metrological systems.
Acetylene sensing system based on wavelength modulation spectroscopy using a triple-row circular multi-pass cell
Authors: Zou Mingli , Yang Zheng , Sun Liqun , Ming Xianshun
Published: March 2020

A sensitive acetylene (C2H2) sensing system based on a novel triple-row circular multi-pass cell (CMPC) was demonstrated. This CMPC has an effective optical length of 21.9 m within an extremely small volume of 100.1 mL. We utilized wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) for absorption spectroscopy detection of C2H2. The distance between the two minima of the second harmonic was used to normalize the maximum value of it, which makes the time to obtain stable output for continuous detection shorten dramatically. A fiber-coupled distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser emitting at 1.5316 µm was employed as a light source. An Allan deviation analysis yielded a detection sensitivity of 76.75 ppb with a normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient of 8.8 × 10−10 cm-1 Hz-1/2 during an average time of 340 s. With a fast stable time, reduced size and high detection sensitivity, the proposed sensing system is suitable for trace gas sensing in a weight-limited unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and an exhalation diagnosis for smoking test.
40 GHz continuous, precise, and low power-loss laser frequency sweep using an electro-optic modulator
Authors: Okubo Sho , Kuramoto Naoki , Inaba Hajime
Published: March 2020

We propose and demonstrate a novel technique for precisely and widely sweeping the frequency of a continuous-wave laser. One of the modulation sidebands of a slave laser generated with an electro-optic modulator is phase-locked to a master laser; in this situation, the slave carrier component can be swept by sweeping the modulation frequency. It does not require beat signal detection at varying and/or high frequency, thus providing a robust and reliable laser frequency sweep. Also, it requires neither a frequency comb for the sweep nor a large power loss. We successfully swept an 852 nm laser over 20 GHz; we confirmed that a second harmonic 426 nm laser could be continuously swept over 40 GHz.
Transparent capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) arrays for real-time photoacoustic applications
Authors: Ilkhechi Afshin Kashani , Ceroici Christopher , Li Zhenhao , Zemp Roger
Published: March 2020

Photoacoustic imaging has shown great potential for non-invasive high-resolution deep-tissue imaging. Minimizing the optical and acoustic paths for excitation and detection could significantly increase the signal-to-noise ratio. This could be accomplished by transparent transducers permitting through-transducer illumination. However, most ultrasound transducers are not optically transparent. Capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (CMUT) technology has compelling properties compared to piezoelectric transducers such as wide bandwidth and high receive sensitivity. Here, we introduce transparent CMUT linear arrays with high transparency in the visible and near-infrared range. To fabricate the devices, we used an adhesive wafer bonding technique using photosensitive benzocyclobutene (BCB) as both a structural and adhesive layer with a glass-indium-tin-oxide (ITO) substrate. Silicon nitride is used as the membrane material ensuring hermiticity and optical transparency. Our fabricated transducer arrays consist of 64 and 128 elements with immersion operation frequency of 8 MHz, enabling high-resolution imaging. ITO, along with thin metal strips, are used as a conductive layer for the top electrodes with minimal impact on device transparency. Fabricated devices have shown average transparency of 70% in the visible wavelength range that goes up to 90% in the near-infrared range. Arrays are wire-bonded to interfacing electronics and connected to a research ultrasound platform for phantom imaging. Arrays exhibited signal-to-noise (SNR) of 40 dB with 30V bias voltage and laser fluence of 13.5 mJ/cm2. Arrays with 128 channels provided lateral and axial resolutions of 234 µm and 220 µm, respectively.
Miniaturized precalibration-based Lissajous scanning fiber probe for high speed endoscopic optical coherence tomography
Authors: Wu Tong , Zhang Lei , Wang Jiming , Huo Wenqi , Lu Yuangang , He Chongjun , Liu Youwen
Published: March 2020

We present a miniaturized precalibration-based forward-viewing Lissajous scanning fiber probe for high speed endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT). The probe is based on an asymmetric fiber cantilever driven by the piezoelectric bender to realize two-dimensional (2D) Lissajous scanning. The stability and repeatability of the Lissajous scanning trajectory of the probe is tested by a position sensitive detector (PSD)-based position calibration setup. The two orthogonal resonant frequencies of the cantilever are measured to be 167.2 and 121 Hz. A 25 µm focal spot is formed at the working distance of 5 mm by the graded-index (GRIN) lens, and the field of view of the imaging probe is around

1.5

m
m

×

1.5

m
m

. The probe is fully packaged in a hypodermic tube for endoscopic imaging. The total rigid length and outer diameter are 35 mm and 3.5 mm, respectively. The probe is incorporated in a 50 KHz swept source OCT system with the axial resolution of 14 µm, and its imaging performance is validated by the 2D en face and 3D volumetric OCT imaging of the phantom and the biological tissue.
Polarization-dependent micro-structure fabrication with direct femtosecond laser writing on plastic polarizer films
Authors: Yu Xianghua , Liu Chao , Lei Ming , Yan Shaohui , Peng Tong , Dan Dan , Yao Baoli
Published: March 2020

Iodine-doped polyvinyl alcohol (IDPVA) film has been widely used as a plastic polarizer due to its great linear dichroism. We found that the anisotropic character of the plastic polarizer can be permanently damaged upon exposure of high intensity femtosecond laser pulses. This process is a two-photon-induced chemical reaction and denominated as two-photon-induced isotropy (TPII). The TPII effect can form a high polarization contrast on the base of the original IDPVA films. With this property, polarization-sensitive diffractive optical elements are fabricated in IDPVA films. The low cost of the IDPVA film and the high polarization contrast of TPII make it a promising new candidate for femtosecond laser fabrication of polarization-selective optical elements.
Bleaching of photodarkening in Tm-doped silica fiber with deuterium loading
Authors: Liu Yin-Zi , Xing Ying-Bin , Lin Xian-Feng , Chen Gui , Shi Chan-Juan , Peng Jing-Gang , Li Hai-Qing , Dai Neng-Li , Li Jin-Yan
Published: March 2020

We demonstrate the rapid photodarkening (PD) phenomenon in Tm-doped fiber (TDF) core pumped by a laser at 1080 nm and the bleaching effect of deuterium (

D

2

) on PD TDF. By

D

2

loading for seven days, the PD-induced excess loss (PIEL) in the visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) region have been largely eliminated, and no degradation was observed within 30 days. PD resistance of the

D

2

pretreated TDF has been investigated as well. The formation of color centers based on defects and precursors in the silica matrix and the mechanism of

D

2

bleaching are discussed.
Hyperspectral Imaging Meets Biomedicine
Authors: Daukantas Patricia
Published: March 2020

Scientists are modifying optical and data-processing techniques
from Earth remote sensing and bringing them down to the level of cells and
tissues.
High-efficiency fiber-to-chip interface for aluminum nitride quantum photonics
Authors: Zhao Mengdi , Kusolthossakul Woraprach , Fang Kejie
Published: March 2020

Integrated nonlinear photonic circuits received rapid development in recent years, providing all-optical functionalities enabled by cavity-enhanced photon-photon interaction for classical and quantum applications. A high-efficiency fiber-to-chip interface is key to these integrated photonic circuits for quantum information tasks, as photon-loss is a major source that weakens quantum protocols. Here, overcoming material and fabrication limitation of thin-film aluminum nitride by adopting a stepwise waveguiding scheme, we demonstrate low-loss adiabatic fiber-optic couplers in aluminum nitride films with a substantial thickness (∼600 nm) for optimized nonlinear photon interaction. For telecom (1550 nm) and near-visible (780 nm) transverse magnetic-polarized light, the measured insertion loss of the fiber-optic coupler is -0.97 dB and -2.6 dB, respectively. Our results will facilitate the use of aluminum nitride integrated photonic circuits as efficient quantum resources for generation of entangled photons and squeezed light on microchips.
Dynamic Airy imaging through high-efficiency broadband phase microelements by femtosecond laser direct writing
Authors: Cai Ze , Qi Xinbo , Pan Deng , Ji Shengyun , Ni Jincheng , Lao Zhaoxin , Xin Chen , Li Jiawen , Hu Yanlei , Wu Dong , Chu Jiaru
Published: March 2020

Manipulating Airy beams to symmetric Airy beams (SABs) with abruptly autofocusing and self-accelerating properties has attracted much attention. With such a particular propagation dynamic, SABs may provide great potential in dynamic signal imaging. On the other hand, the generation of SABs by spatial light modulators suffers from the limitations of phase gradient accuracy, low optical efficiency (

<
40
%

), and a bulky footprint. Therefore, exploring imaging applications and optimal generation methods of these Airy-type beams deserves further research. Here, based on the coordinate transformation of SAB, an asymmetric Airy beam (AAB) is realized. Symmetric/asymmetric cubic phase microplates (SCPPs/ACPPs) are designed and fabricated for generating SAB/AAB. The SCPP/ACPP demonstrates superior performance: compact construction (

60
  
μm
×
60
  
μm
×
1.1
  
μm

), continuous variation of phase, high efficiency (

∼
81
%

at 532 nm), and broadband operation from 405 to 780 nm. Dynamic imaging under monochromatic and polychromatic lights is realized by the SAB/AAB, indicating various results at different propagation distances with a certain initial signal. Further investigation reveals that the SCPP on a soft substrate maintains its physical dimensions and optical properties unchanged during stretching. Our work enables wide potential applications in integrated optics, beam manipulation, and imaging.
In situ optical backpropagation training of diffractive optical neural networks
Authors: Zhou Tiankuang , Fang Lu , Yan Tao , Wu Jiamin , Li Yipeng , Fan Jingtao , Wu Huaqiang , Lin Xing , Dai Qionghai
Published: March 2020

Training an artificial neural network with backpropagation algorithms to perform advanced machine learning tasks requires an extensive computational process. This paper proposes to implement the backpropagation algorithm optically for in situ training of both linear and nonlinear diffractive optical neural networks, which enables the acceleration of training speed and improvement in energy efficiency on core computing modules. We demonstrate that the gradient of a loss function with respect to the weights of diffractive layers can be accurately calculated by measuring the forward and backward propagated optical fields based on light reciprocity and phase conjunction principles. The diffractive modulation weights are updated by programming a high-speed spatial light modulator to minimize the error between prediction and target output and perform inference tasks at the speed of light. We numerically validate the effectiveness of our approach on simulated networks for various applications. The proposed in situ optical learning architecture achieves accuracy comparable to in silico training with an electronic computer on the tasks of object classification and matrix-vector multiplication, which further allows the diffractive optical neural network to adapt to system imperfections. Also, the self-adaptive property of our approach facilitates the novel application of the network for all-optical imaging through scattering media. The proposed approach paves the way for robust implementation of large-scale diffractive neural networks to perform distinctive tasks all-optically.
Revisión sobre la aplicación de la realidad virtual en la rehabilitación vestibular
Authors: Álvarez-Otero Rafael
Published: March 2020

Introducción y objetivo: Las nuevas tecnologías nos conceden nuevas fórmulas para analizar y modificar la relación del sujeto con el medio. La realidad virtual sería su máxima expresión. Explicaremos los fundamentos básicos que se aplican en estas tecnologías, las cuales poseen muchos elementos en común con la organización de nuestro sentido del equilibrio. Método: Revisión narrativa. Resultados: Expondremos las características técnicas y los mecanismos de compensación aplicados en los dispositivos de rehabilitación vestibular. Discusión: Revisaremos algunos estudios que analizan las ventajas e inconvenientes de la realidad virtual frente a la terapia física convencional. Conclusiones: Los sistemas de seguimiento ocular, postural o de giro cefálico aplicados a la realidad virtual, pueden emplearse en el desarrollo de dispositivos diagnósticos o de rehabilitación vestibular. Se necesitas más estudios que comparen su eficacia respecto a la terapia física tradicional.
Evaluación del paciente previa a la rehabilitación vestibular
Authors: Fernandez-Cascon Sara , Rettig-Infante Isidora , Morales-Medina Gabriela , Buendia-Pajares Claudia
Published: March 2020

Introducción y objetivo: Para realizar una adecuada rehabilitación vestibular es fundamental llevar a cabo una minuciosa valoración previa. El objetivo de este trabajo es estandarizar la evaluación preterapéutica que permita una correcta comunicación entre el facultativo que indica la rehabilitación vestibular y el responsable de realizarla. Método: Revisión narrativa. Resultados: En nuestro trabajo describimos las exploraciones que consideramos imprescindibles para estudiar al paciente con inestabilidad, previa realización de una rehabilitación vestibular. Discusión y Conclusiones: La evaluación de los pacientes con mareo es un trabajo difícil debido a la imprecisión, tanto por parte del enfermo, a la hora de describir el síntoma, como por parte del médico en interpretar lo que éste le transmite. Por este motivo, debemos ser metódicos en el interrogatorio, meticulosos al realizar la exploración física y apoyarnos en las pruebas instrumentales tras haber establecido una sospecha diagnóstica. La correcta realización de esta evaluación de forma individualizada es el pilar fundamental para orientar un tratamiento rehabilitador.
Síntomas y signos de la hipofunción vestibular unilateral y bilateral
Authors: González-Sánchez Myriam , Coscarón-Blanco Enrique , Martín-Sánchez Víctor , Yáñez-González Raquel , Martín-Bailón María , Sánchez-Blanco Carmen , Sánchez-Gómez Hortensia
Published: March 2020

Introducción y objetivo: La disfunción vestibular periférica implica a los órganos vestibulares o a los nervios vestibulares, produciendo una gran variedad de síntomas y signos clínicos. Método: Revisión narrativa. Discusión: El otoneurólogo es el encargado de realizar una evaluación exhaustiva para llegar a identificar el trastorno que presenta el paciente que acude con vértigo o desequilibrio. La clave diagnóstica es la anamnesis profunda completada con un cuidadoso examen otoneurológico. Además, las nuevas tecnologías de estudio que han surgido en este campo permiten un cambio en la definición, caracterización y tratamiento de estas patologías. Conclusiones: En la presente revisión narrativa se describirán los dos grandes grupos de deficiencia vestibular periférica: la vestibulopatía unilateral y bilateral.
The role of probabilistic tractocraphy in the surgical treatment of deep seated brain tumors
Authors: Kis Dávid
Published: March 2020

Surgery provides the best survival rate for brain tumor patients but the risk of severe permanent neurological deficit is high in case of deep-seated tumors involving eloquent regions. Advanced MRI-based brain mapping techniques, such as probabilistic tractography are capable to identify important white matter pathways and subcortical nuclei that are not visible on conventional MRI sequences. In this Ph.D thesis we examined if probabilistic tractography is suitable to identify important brain structures in tumor patients and healthy subjects in two distinct subcortical eloquent regions: 1, the thalamus and 2, the brainstem. As far as we know, no previous study has examined this question before. In thalamic tumor patients we used connectivity-based thalamic segmentation by probabilistic tractography to identify the border of the normal thalamus and the tumor and differentiate the thalamic nuclei. The same technique was applied to the brainstem in healthy subjects to segment the four main ascending-descending pathways, namely the corticospinal/corticobulbar, the frontopontine and the sensory pathways and the reticular formation. The method was applied in two representative brainstem tumor patients to demonstrate the clinical applicability of the technique. Our results showed that connectivity-based segmentation by probabilistic tractography of the thalamus and the brainstem is suitable for clinical use and can potentially lower the surgical risk of tumor resection in these delicate eloquent subcortical brain regions.
The Relationship of the Various MRI parameters and their contribution with Clinical and Cognitive Disability in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Tóth Eszter
Published: March 2020

The identification of a reliable MRI marker and the structural background of clinical and cognitive symptoms in MS are still hot topics. While lesions in the white matter are remarkable MRI markers in MS and counted as one of the diagnostic cornerstones of the disease, the lesion load only modestly correlates with clinical and cognitive decline. This phenomenon is known as the clinico-radiological paradox. Although the Gd-enhancing lesions are slightly more specific MRI markers during the acute phase of the disease, they can rarely be seen on the MRI. It can happen, even in cases of relapse, that no Gd-enhancement appears. Since the Gdenhancement can only be monitored for 2 or 3 weeks, detection is barely possible during a routine MRI. GM atrophy (cortical with or without subcortical structures) can be detected by several approaches. Diffusion is the movement in the material, which is not accompanied by huge molar motions. It can be non-invasively portray by DTI. Cellular elements (membranes) inhibit molecular diffusion, thus the architecture of the tissues can be detected by the diffusion profile of water. Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) and the manual labeling of the regions-of-interest (ROIs) are useful approaches for localised statistical testing of FA (and other diffusion-related) data. In our first study we aimed to determine the relationship between cortical atrophy and WM pathology in MS. Within this, we studied whether the pathology of the focal lesions or the diffuse NAWM has a more significant role in the evolution of GM atrophy. Based on Jenha’s study, we were also interested in the connection between the desintegration of the periventricular WM and the conception of GM atrophy. Our aim was to test two hypotheses. According to the first, GM atrophy is defined by demyelination-like diffusion features that suggest there is a common root in the development of demyelination in WM and GM atrophy (maybe a common pathological process mediated by the CSF). The second hypothesis proposed that GM atrophy is more connected to axon loss-like diffusion pattern, which points to a role of remote axonal transection in GM loss. In our second study, we meant to define the pattern of the MRI parameters best predicting clinical and cognitive disability in patients with MS. Since MRI parameters are strongly related, the conventional linear regression analysis is not an appropriate choice for the statistics. In our studies, we used the model-free partial least square 6 (PLS) approach, which can detect the design of those parameters that best predicts the questionable parameters, besides dealing with the problem of collinearity.
Evaluation of cardiorespiratory parameters in dogs undergoing laparoscopic versus open gonadectomy with spontaneous ventilation anaesthesia: a pilot study
Authors: Virgilio Fabrizio di , Manfredini Sara , Formaggini Luca
Published: March 2020

This pilot study aims to compare cardiorespiratory parameters in female dogs that underwent either laparoscopic or open elective gonadectomy with spontaneous ventilation anaesthesia. Records of 77 client-owned female dogs were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: laparoscopic surgery (L group, n 47) and open abdominal surgery (O group, n 30). The end-tidal carbon dioxide, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate, non-invasive arterial blood pressure and length of procedure were recorded and statistically evaluated. Once normality of the sample data has been assessed, equality between the groups was analysed with two-sample Student’s or Welch’s t-test, whether the hypothesis of variance equality, through an F-test, was verified or not. A value of p <0.05 was considered statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was found between groups regarding the end-tidal carbon dioxide, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic and medium arterial pressure values. Mean diastolic pressure was lower in the L group. The procedure length between the two groups was statistically different: laparoscopy was shorter than open surgery. In spontaneously ventilating female dogs, the cardiorespiratory parameters evaluated seem not to be affected by the presence of pneumoperitoneum when intrabdominal pressure is kept between 8 and 10 mmHg. The pilot nature of the study and the shorter laparoscopic surgery length could bias these results. However, in the author’s opinion, these findings confirm the interest of laparoscopy and the small impact of this mini-invasive technique in healthy patients.
ANÁLISE ESPACIAL DE RISCO PARA LEPTOSPIROSE NO MUNICÍPIO DE JOINVILLE (SC)
Authors: Prado Ariadine Monique , Voos Vieira Celso
Published: March 2020

A leptospirose é uma das zoonoses de maior preocupação em todo mundo, pois apresenta vasta distribuição geográfica, tendo sido evidenciada em mais da metade dos países, sendo particularmente prevalente nas Américas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a distribuição espacial da leptospirose, no município de Joinville/SC no período de 2007 a 2017. Para a análise estatística foram adotadas técnicas de análise descritiva, de normalidade, de correlação e de agrupamento, envolvendo os 43 bairros do município, com cinco variáveis descritoras. O presente estudo indicou que a maior incidência de casos da doença em Joinville está relacionada às áreas com baixa cobertura de rede coletora de esgoto, baixa renda média, média a alta densidade demográfica e áreas suscetíveis à inundação. Os dois bairros com o maior número de casos, Vila Nova e Pirabeiraba, foram notadamente as regiões urbanas caracterizadas por extensas propriedades alagadas voltadas ao cultivo de arroz irrigado. A análise de agrupamento classificou o perímetro urbano em cinco grupos de bairros. Os grupos com maior número de casos localizavam-se em áreas próximas de manguezal e áreas marginais da cidade, com alta suscetibilidade à inundação e alta densidade demográfica. A identificação desses locais foi de extrema importância e possibilita uma promissora abordagem para uma melhor implementação de políticas públicas no combate as doenças de veiculação hídrica.
ANÁLISE DOS ACIDENTES COM MATERIAL BIOLÓGICO OCORRIDOS NO MUNICÍPIO DE UBERABA/MG
Authors: Sgotti Gisele Bento , Do Carmo Lima Samuel
Published: March 2020

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi compreender os acidentes de trabalho com material biológico ocorridos no município de Uberaba/MG, notificados no setor de Vigilância Epidemiológica, no período de 2013 a 2017. Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa. As informações foram obtidas nas fichas de notificação do SINAN (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação). Os resultados apresentaram 1.160 registros de acidentes de trabalho com materiais biológicos. Observa-se um crescimento expressivo de casos nos anos de 2016 e 2017, com 305 e 415 casos, respectivamente. Em 68,8% das fichas analisadas, foi aberta a Comunicação de Acidente de Trabalho (CAT); 45,5% dos trabalhadores eram registrados com carteira assinada, e apenas 3,4% das empresas eram terceirizadas; 32,8% dos sujeitos envolvidos tinham ensino médio completo; 40,8% eram técnicos de enfermagem, 78% do sexo feminino e 42% dos envolvidos estavam na faixa etária de 25 a 34 anos. Os acidentes percutâneos tiveram o maior índice de ocorrência, somando 74,6% dos casos; já 58% tiveram como agente agulha com lúmen; 52,4% das fichas indicaram procedimentos com perfurocortantes como circunstâncias do acidente; o sangue foi o material orgânico encontrado em 79,1% dos registros; em 75,8% dos casos, o profissional fazia uso de luvas e, em 42% de avental. Entende-se que tal problematização engloba questões complexas e sua resolutividade esta pautada na interação entre legisladores, empregadores e trabalhadores.
OS INSTRUMENTOS LEGAIS DE GESTÃO AMBIENTAL E SUA RELAÇÃO COM OS PRINCÍPIOS DA ECONOMIA CIRCULAR
Authors: Stival Lorena Tibúrcio , Barros Rosana Gonçalves , Da Veiga Rosângela Mendanha
Published: March 2020

A Economia Circular é definida como um novo modelo econômico e produtivo que é baseado em ciclos fechados e regenerativos. Explorando o tema mais a fundo, entende-se que a inclusão dos princípios da Economia Circular nos instrumentos legais é necessária para que eles sejam colocados em prática. Diante desta premissa, o presente estudo teve como objetivo apresentar a Economia Circular e analisar os instrumentos legais brasileiros voltados para a gestão ambiental, no nível nacional e estadual, a fim de identificar a existência, ou a não existência, dos princípios da Economia Circular nas mesmas. A metodologia utilizada foi a pesquisa bibliográfica exploratória seguida de análise crítica e interpretação das informações coletadas. Para o embasamento teórico, foram utilizados os autores relacionados à Economia Circular. De acordo com o estudo bibliográfico desenvolvido, foi possível mostrar que quase não se encontram os princípios da Economia Circular nos instrumentos legais de gestão ambiental pública brasileira. Por fim, foi constatado que a adequação e o amadurecimento dos instrumentos legais de gestão ambiental pública em relação aos princípios da Economia Circular são necessários, acompanhando as novas tendências econômicas mundiais.
METODOLOGIA DE AVALIAÇÃO QUANTITATIVA DO GEOPATRIMÔNIO APLICADA AO GEOTURISMO COSTEIRO
Authors: Pereira Luciano Schaefer , Carvalho Daniel Matos , Cunha Lúcio Sobral
Published: March 2020

Neste trabalho, propõe-se uma nova metodologia de avaliação quantitativa do potencial geoturístico costeiro e da necessidade de proteção de dez sítios escolhidos no litoral do Estado da Paraíba, distante até 54 km da capital do Estado. O potencial geoturístico foi determinado com base em dois indicadores ponderados, dos quais foram calculados seus índices de valor: Potencial de Uso Turístico, com dez variáveis, com pesos diferenciados; Valor Adicional, com seis variáveis, também com pesos diferenciados. Posteriormente, a partir da necessidade de proteção dos sítios, uma vez que a atividade geoturística gera impactos negativos onde se desenvolve, foi calculado o Índice de Necessidade de Proteção dos sítios, a partir de dez variáveis, com pesos diferenciados. O Índice de Risco Iminente, que resume aqueles sítios onde a vulnerabilidade é maior, foi calculado a partir do Índice de Necessidade de Proteção, com peso 1, e do Índice Potencial de Uso Turístico e de Valor Adicional que, somados, apresentavam também peso 1. O resultado da simulação feita para a área foi satisfatória, podendo ser aplicada a outras áreas observado o ajustamento à realidade local.
TERRITÓRIO E TERRITORIALIDADES EM DISPUTA: DA SUBORDINAÇÃO AO CAPITAL AO SISTEMA ALIMENTAR CAMPONÊS
Authors: Origuéla Camila Ferracini
Published: March 2020

Em um contexto em que o sistema alimentar capitalista controla a produção, a distribuição e o consumo de alimentos em escala global, analisar as resistências construídas pelos camponeses, assim como a importância do território e das territorialidades nesses processos, se torna cada vez mais necessário. O objetivo desse artigo é analisar experiências de produção, industrialização e comercialização de alimentos tanto convencional como agroecológico em assentamentos rurais no Rio Grande do Sul. Os procedimentos metodológicos consistiram, além da revisão da literatura, em entrevistas semi-estruturadas com camponeses assentados, membros da coordenação e cooperativas do Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST) e membros de instituições estatais. Concluiu-se que os camponeses se reproduzem em diferentes condições, produzindo territorialidades que podem ser subordinadas e/ou autônomas. Ademais, nos casos em que os camponeses constroem territorialidades autônomas temos os alicerces de um sistema alimentar camponês. Nesse sistema, os camponeses, em aliança com os consumidores, determinam através de cooperativas, coletivos e grupos gestores a produção, a industrialização e a comercialização de alimentos agroecológicos.