bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Problem of Professional Burnout of Higher Education Teachers and the Methods of its Prevention
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Karpenko Maryna
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the problem of professional burnout of higher education teachers, because they work under a constant stress due to their interaction with others. Taking into account the modern pace of life of an average person, a complicated stress background associated with the global pandemic, new requirements for working conditions and life, the problem of the emotional health of an individual becomes increasingly essential. The purpose of our study is to determine and generalize the theoretical and practical backgrounds of the use of health-saving methods in order to prevent professional burnout of teachers of higher educational institutions. The author has studied modern interpretations of the definition of «professional burnout», and is convinced that an integral component of all of them is psychophysical exhaustion of a person. Emotional burnout is defined as a mechanism of psychological defense in response to psycho traumatic influence, that is, burnout is characterized as a special regulatory system that stabilizes the personality and helps to eliminate or minimize feelings of anxiety caused by awareness of the conflict. It is determined that, firstly, professional burnout depends on both objective and subjective factors, and goes through a number of stages (phases), every of which is characterized by certain demonstrations; secondly, with ageing and increasing of teaching experience, higher education teachers become more emotionally exhausted and depersonalized; thirdly, professional burnout is subject to prevention and correction with the help of various health care methods and means that act on the physiological, emotional-volitional and axiological levels, and so forth.
Hatha-Yoga in the Process of Physical Education of Different Groups of the Population
Authors:   Sumy Makarenko State Pedagogical University, Loza Tetiana
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the article is to analyze and theoretically substantiate the possibility of introducing fitness technologies based on elements of hatha yoga in physical education of different groups of the population. Theoretical issues related to the application of innovative technologies in physical education of different groups of the population have been investigated. It was found that in practice, physical culture and health-improving technologies in physical education use various fitness programs. The analysis showed that one of the types of fitness programs that are used in health-improving types of gymnastics is yoga-aerobics – a combination of static and breathing postures, breathing exercises, relaxation and stretching. The effectiveness of the use of programs developed on the basis of elements of hatha yoga in the physical education of preschoolers, schoolchildren, students, in physical rehabilitation, in training sessions with athletes in order to increase their functional and physical condition, as well as to increase the emotional saturation of classes, the diversity of the scientific process has been determined, creating conditions for the development of the creative potential of different groups of the population. The necessity of specially-organized experimental research, focused on the development of physical culture and health-improving technologies of different types of respiratory activity for the process of physical education for different groups of the population, which does not require an improvement in the material and technical base and the availability of additional equipment and inventory, has been substantiated.
Physical Education in the World in Terms of Hybrid Learning: Takeaways for Ukraine
Authors:   SHEE ", Globa Halyna ,   Donbas State Pedagogical University", Tsybulko Liudmyla ,   SHEE "Donbas State Pedagogical University", Shchelkunov Anatolii ,   SHEE "Donbas State Pedagogical University"
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the problem of transition to hybrid learning in physical education in different countries and possible lessons that Ukraine can learn and implement. It is investigated that for Ukraine the transition to distance learning meant the introduction of digital inequality. 35% of the population simply do not have an Internet connection at home or do not have enough computers or phones to participate in online classes. In the field of physical education, Ukraine has additional critical factors: economic, housing (too small area of apartments in the majority of the population and their unsuitability for sports), climate (3 cold seasons out of 4), infrastructure, bureaucracy (non-recognition by the government of the key role of mobility for the formation of immunity and healthy mind and body). The experience of transition to hybrid learning in physical education of the leading countries of the world – the USA, Germany, China, Great Britain and Norway was analyzed. It was found that even for developed countries, the transition to digital has led to a significant decline (by 30-35%) in physical activity. The claim that outdoor activities are available only to the population of countries with warm climates is refuted. It is proposed to introduce a Scandinavian standard of physical activity for Ukraine, using the potential of its nature – fresh air, sun, joy of movement and interaction in the game.
Short Communication: Detection of Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644 in processed meat products using Real-Time PCR Multiplex Method
Authors: Sophian Alfi , PURWANINGSIH RATNA , IGIRISA EKA PUTRI JUNIARTI , AMIRULLAH MUHAMMAD LUTHFI , LUKITA BERTHA LOLO , FITRI RISKA ADRIANI
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Sophian A, Purwaningsih R, Igirisa RPJ, Amirullah ML, Lukita BL, Fitri RA. 2020. Short Communication: Detection of Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644 in processed meat products using Real-Time PCR Multiplex Method. Asian J Nad Prod Biochem 21: 17-20. The detection of Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644 in processed meat products was carried out using Multiplex Real-Time PCR (qPCR) in the Microbiology and Molecular Biology Laboratory at the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority in Gorontalo. The purpose of this study was to provide alternative testing methods for food products circulating in the market. The sample consisted of 25 samples of processed meat products spike with Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 phase 2 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644 phase 2. The method used in the study was qPCR analysis using the SYBR Green method, while DNA isolation used the direct PCR method. Data analysis was carried out based on Cycle threshold and Melting temperature based on two main criteria. Cycle threshold (Ct) analysis determines the Ct value of the sample and comparing it with the control. Melting temperature (Tm) analysis determines the temperature at which 50% of double-stranded DNA changed to a single standard and comparing it with the melting temperature of positive control. The results showed Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 in the processed meat was detected at an average Ct value of 10.34, and a Tm value of 85.70. The presence of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644 in the samples was recognized at an average Ct value of 14.04, and an average Tm value of 80.07. It can be concluded that the real-time multiplex PCR method can be used to detect Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644 by using the melting curve (Tm) analysis.
Antifungal activities of methanol extracts of some medicinal plants against germination and growth of Colletotrichum destructivum O’Gara in culture
Authors: Enyiukwu David Nwazuo , Amadioha Anderson Chidi , Ononuju Charles Chimezie
Published: May 2021

Abstract. Authors. 2021. Antifungal activities of methanol extracts of some medicinal plants against germination and growth of Colletotrichum destructivum O’Gara in culture. Asian J Nat Prod Biochem 19: 25-29. Cowpea is an important grain and leafy vegetable in many tropical locations. Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum destructivum O’Gara is one of the several factors constraining the economic production of the crop in warm humid areas. Use of resistant varieties and synthetic pesticides for control of the disease in the crop are disadvantaged for variability of the pathogen, leading to resistance failure of cultivars in many cowpea growing areas; and pesticide residues in the treated crops which ultimately engender mammalian toxicity respectively. This study evaluated the effects of Alchornea cordifolia, Tabernaemontana pachysiphon and Lantana camara as eco-friendly fungicides against the pathogen in culture. The results showed that the extracts inhibited the fungus in a dose-wise manner. At 75 and100 % concentrations, L. camara strongly inhibited the spore germination and radial growth of the fungus better than all concentrations of T. pachysiphon and A. cordifolia; whereas A. cordifolia extracts exhibited the lowest inhibition at all concentrations. Generally, the fungitoxicity of benomyl was found higher which inhibited 90.15 % spore germination and 96.32 % radial growth of the pathogen. However, at 75%, 100% L. camara and 100% T. pachysiphon which significantly (P?0.05) inhibited (80.02%, 84.21 % and 80.91%) spore germination and (87.33%, 90.87 % and 85. %) radial growth of the fungus respectively compared well with inhibition effects recorded from benomyl. Therefore these plants can be used as viable protectants of cowpea against anthracnose (C. destructivum) in small holder farming systems of the humid tropics; to enhance its production and farm economy.
Fear, pathogens and political order
Authors: Lebow Richard Ned
Published: May 2021

I distinguish fear from fright and explore the role of both in the COVID-19 pandemic. I argue that fear generates strong public demands for protection and that these pressures can constrain or enable leaders depending on the circumstances, capabilities, but above all, their framing of the problem. I focus more on countries that performed badly because their leaders failed to gather or evaluate relevant information. To explain this behaviour I draw on motivational psychology and political ideology. My accounts are merely suggestive as they are not the result of data gathered from carefully paired and exhaustively researched cases. I conclude by offering reflections on four of the six propositions offered by the editors in their introduction.
Subaperture sampling for digital-holography applications involving atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Thornton Douglas E. , Banet Matthias T. , Spencer Mark F.
Published: May 2021

Using wave-optics simulations, this paper defines what subaperture
sampling effectively means for digital-holography applications
involving atmospheric turbulence. Throughout, we consider the on-axis
phase shifting recording geometry (PSRG) and off-axis PSRG, both with
the effects of sensor noise. The results ultimately show that
(1) insufficient subaperture sampling manifests as an efficiency loss
that limits the achievable signal-to-noise ratio and field-estimated
Strehl ratio; (2) digital-holography applications involving
atmospheric turbulence require at least three focal-plane array (FPA)
pixels per Fried coherence length to meet the Maréchal criterion; and
(3) off-axis PSRG is a valid and efficient implementation with minor
losses, as compared to on-axis PSRG. Such results will inform future
research efforts on how to efficiently use the available FPA
pixels.
Dicke superradiance from a plasmonic nanocomposite slab
Authors: Bordo V. G.
Published: May 2021

The theory of Dicke superradiance from an optically thin nanocomposite slab represented by metal nanoparticles dispersed in a dielectric matrix is developed from first principles. It is shown that the superradiance signal evolution is determined by the eigenvalues of the field susceptibility tensor for the slab. The excitation of the system by a pumping pulse in different polarizations as well as in the attenuated total reflection configuration is considered. It is demonstrated that the relaxation rates are enhanced when surface plasmon polaritons are excited at the interface between the substrate and superstrate. These findings can pave a way to the extension of optical techniques based on Dicke superradiance to the femtosecond time domain. In particular, they can be used to engineer femtosecond pulses of coherent radiation using a rather simple approach.
Out-of-core GPU 2D-shift-FFT algorithm for ultra-high-resolution hologram generation
Authors: Lee Jaehong , Kang Homin , Yeom Han-ju , Cheon Sanghoon , Park Joongki , Kim Duksu
Published: May 2021

We propose a novel out-of-core GPU algorithm for 2D-Shift-FFT (i.e., 2D-FFT with FFT-shift) to generate ultra-high-resolution holograms. Generating an ultra-high-resolution hologram requires a large complex matrix (e.g., 100K2) with a size that typically exceeds GPU memory. To handle such a large-scale hologram plane with limited GPU memory, we employ a 1D-FFT based 2D-FFT computation method. We transpose the column data to have a continuous memory layout to improve the column-wise 1D-FFT stage performance in both the data communication and GPU computation. We also combine the FFT-shift and transposition steps to reduce and hide the workload. To maximize the GPU utilization efficiency, we exploit the concurrent execution ability of recent heterogeneous computing systems. We also further optimize our method’s performance with our cache-friendly chunk generation algorithm and pinned-memory buffer approach. We tested our method on three computing systems having different GPUs and various sizes of complex matrices. Compared to the conventional implementation based on the state-of-the-art GPU FFT library (i.e., cuFFT), our method achieved up to 3.24 and 3.06 times higher performance for a large-scale complex matrix in single- and double-precision cases, respectively. To assess the benefits offered by the proposed approach in an actual application, we applied our method to the layer-based CGH process. As a result, it reduced the time required to generate an ultra-high-resolution hologram (e.g., 100K2) up to 28% compared to the use of the conventional algorithm. These results demonstrate the efficiency and usefulness of our method.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of 2D nanoplatelet-based conversion layers for color LED microdisplays
Authors: Quesnel E. , Suhm A. , Consonni M. , Reymermier M. , Lorin G. , Laugier C. , Tournaire M. , Le Maitre P. , Lagrange A. , Racine B. , D’Amico M. , Cao E.
Published: May 2021

In the field of augmented reality, there is a need for very bright color microdisplays to meet the user specifications. Today, one of the most promising technology to manufacture such displays involves a blue micro-LED technology and quantum dots-based color conversion layers. Despite recent progress, the external power conversion efficiencies (EPCE) of these layers remain under ∼25%, below the needs (>40%) to reach a white luminance of 100,000 cd/m2. In this work, we have synthesized CdSexS1-x nanoplatelet-based conversion layers for red and green conversion, and measured their absorption properties and EPCE performances with respect to layer thickness. On this basis, a model was developed that reliably predicts the layer EPCE while using only few input data, namely the layer absorption coefficients and the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of color photoresist. It brings a new insight into the conversion process at play at a micro-LED level and provides a simple method for extensive optimization of conversion materials. Finally, this study highlights the outstanding red conversion efficiency of photoresist layers made of core-double shell CdSexS1-x nanoplatelets with 31% EPCE (45% external PLQY) for 8 µm-thick conversion layer.
Metasurface-assisted broadband optical absorption in ultrathin perovskite films
Authors: He Jie , Zhou Yi , Li Cheng-Yao , Xiong Bo , Jing Hao , Peng Ruwen , Wang Mu
Published: May 2021

Ultrathin hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite (HOIP) films have significant potential for use in integrated high-performance photoelectric devices. However, the relatively low optical absorption capabilities of thinner films, particularly in the long-wavelength region, pose a significant challenge to the further improvement of photoelectrical conversion in ultrathin HOIP films. To address this problem, we propose a combining of ultrathin HOIP film with plasmonic metasurface to enhance the absorption of the film effectively. The metasurface excites localized surface plasmon resonances and deflects the reflected light within the HOIP film, resulting in an obvious enhancement of film absorption. Finite-difference time-domain simulation results reveal that the far-field intensities, deflection angles, and electric field distributions can be effectively varied by using metasurfaces with different arrangements. Examination of the reflection and absorption spectra reveals that embedding a specifically designed metasurface into the HOIP film produces an obvious enhancement in broadband optical absorption compared with pure HOIP films. We further demonstrate that this broadband absorption promotion mechanism can be effective at a wide range of HOIP film thicknesses. Comparison of the absorption spectra at various incidence angles of ultrathin HOIP films with and without underlying metasurfaces indicates that the addition of a metasurface can effectively promote absorption under wide-angle incident light illumination. Moreover, by extending the metasurface structure to a two-dimensional case, absorption enhancements insensitive to the incident polarization states have also been demonstrated. This proposed metasurface-assisted absorption enhancement method could be applied in designing novel high-performance thin-film solar cells and photodetectors.
Physical layer encryption scheme based on cellular automata and DNA encoding by hyper-chaos in a CO-OFDM system
Authors: Liu Le , Tang Xianfeng , Jiang Xin , Xu Zeyu , Li Fan , Li Zibin , Huang Hongbing , Ni Pengcheng , Chen Longyong , Xi Lixia , Zhang Xiaoguang
Published: May 2021

This study proposes an encryption scheme combining cellular automata (CA) and DNA encoding to improve security of a coherent optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CO-OFDM) system, wherein key sequences are generated with good randomness and unpredictability by a 4-dimensional hyper-chaotic system. A base scrambling pseudo random binary sequence (PRBS) generated by the CA is introduced, which results in better scrambling effect and randomness in the conventional complex DNA encoding. The randomness, complexity and security of the system is enhanced due to 6 variable keys (key space of ∼10138). An experiment conducted in a 40 GHz 16QAM CO-OFDM system over an 80 km standard single mode fiber (SSMF) shows that the authorized user can successfully decrypt the received signal, while the eavesdroppers cannot derive useful information with bit error rate (BER) at approximately 0.5. An allowable optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR) penalty of 0.5 dB will be introduced to achieve same BER before and after encryption due to the error propagation of cellular automata.
Detailed balance limits for inversion in solar-pumped lasers and allied systems
Authors: Flood Andrew G. , Kherani Nazir P.
Published: May 2021

Solar-pumped lasers and optical amplifiers continue to draw research interest with advances in nanomaterials science and technology. Establishing accurate detailed balance limits for inversion in these systems is essential. In this Letter, we re-examine the threshold limits for inversion in broadband-pumped lasers, with reference to those provided by Roxlo and Yablonvitch [Opt. Lett. 8, 271 (1983)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.8.000271], where they determined the minimum Stokes shift and the minimum ratio of pump band to emission band absorption constants—based on independent consideration of the emission at pump and emission frequencies. In contrast, the derivation here simultaneously accounts for emission in both the pump and emission bands, which in turn leads to a single consolidated inequality that serves to establish the revised threshold requirements for inversion. Upon applying this new unified relationship to solar-pumped devices, a large increase in the minimum required Stokes shifts for 1-sun devices, particularly at larger pump energies and smaller ratios of

α

p
0

/

α

e
0

, is found. The maximum possible efficiencies of solar-pumped devices are calculated using this new relation.
Common-path angular-multiplexing holographic data storage based on computer-generated holography
Authors: Yoneda Naru , Nobukawa Teruyoshi , Morimoto Toshiyuki , Saita Yusuke , Nomura Takanori
Published: May 2021

An unconventional angular-multiplexed recording technique is proposed for holographic data storage based on a computer-generated hologram (CGH) technique. While general angular-multiplexed recording techniques require a Mach–Zehnder interferometer to record data pages as volume holograms, the proposed method records ones with a common-path configuration with the help of a CGH technique, which prevents the optical setup from being bulky. In the proposed method, the CGH reconstructs signal and reference beams simultaneously, and these beams interfere in a recording medium. By changing the diffraction angle of the reference beam from the CGH, angular multiplexing is accomplished with a common-path optical setup without additional optical elements. Multiplexed recording of four data pages is demonstrated in a proof-of-principle experiment, which indicates the feasibility of the proposed method.
Parameter-free optimization algorithm for iterative wavefront shaping
Authors: Zhao Qi , Woo Chi Man , Li Huanhao , Zhong Tianting , Yu Zhipeng , Lai Puxiang
Published: May 2021

Optical focusing through scattering media has a significant impact on optical applications in biological tissues. Recently, iterative wavefront shaping (WFS) has been successfully used to focus light through or inside scattering media, and various heuristic algorithms have been introduced to improve the performance. While these results are encouraging, more efforts are needed to tune parameters towards robust and optimum optimization. Moreover, optimal parameters might differ for different scattering samples and experimental conditions. In this Letter, we propose a “smart” parameter-free algorithm by combining a traditional genetic algorithm with a bat algorithm, and the mutation rate can be automatically calculated through real-time feedback. Using this method in iterative WFS, one can achieve robust and optimum performance without a parameter tuning process.
In-service crosstalk monitoring in multicore fibers based on precoded DMT system
Authors: Tong Tianhao , Zhang Maoqi , Sun Qizhen , Tang Ming
Published: May 2021

In-service crosstalk monitoring based on the precoding technique in a discrete multitone (DMT) system is proposed and validated experimentally. The method relies on the ability of time–frequency domain equalization of precoded DMT. Experiments on a 20 GBaud 16 quadrature amplitude modulation DMT system over seven-core weakly coupled multicore fibers (MCFs) are conducted. The inter-core instantaneous average crosstalk (IAXT) is gathered and evaluated in a period as short as 10 µm without disturbing the signal transmission. Such IAXT has a high correlation with the bit error ratio (BER), and a transmission performance evaluation strategy of the MCF transmitting system is developed according to the relationship between IAXT and BER.
SMS messaging to improve retention and viral suppression in prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programs in Kenya: A 3-arm randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kinuthia John , Ronen Keshet , Unger Jennifer A. , Jiang Wenwen , Matemo Daniel , Perrier Trevor , Osborn Lusi , Chohan Bhavna H. , Drake Alison L. , Richardson Barbra A. , John-Stewart Grace
Published: May 2021

Background

Pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV (WLWH) need support for HIV and maternal child health (MCH) care, which could be provided using short message service (SMS).

Methods and findings

We compared 2-way (interactive) and 1-way SMS messaging to no SMS in a 3-arm randomized trial in 6 MCH clinics in Kenya. Messages were developed using the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory; HIV messages were integrated into an existing MCH SMS platform. Intervention participants received visit reminders and prespecified weekly SMS on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and MCH, tailored to their characteristics and timing. Two-way participants could message nurses as needed. Clinic attendance, viral load (VL), and infant HIV results were abstracted from program records. Primary outcomes were viral nonsuppression (VL ≥1,000 c/ml), on-time clinic attendance, loss to follow-up from clinical care, and infant HIV-free survival. Among 824 pregnant women randomized between November 2015 and May 2017, median age was 27 years, gestational age was 24.3 weeks, and time since initiation of ART was 1.0 year. During follow-up to 2 years postpartum, 9.8% of 3,150 VL assessments and 19.6% of women were ever nonsuppressed, with no significant difference in 1-way versus control (11.2% versus 9.6%, adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 1.02 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67 to 1.54], p = 0.94) or 2-way versus control (8.5% versus 9.6%, aRR 0.80 [95% CI 0.52 to 1.23], p = 0.31). Median ART adherence and incident ART resistance did not significantly differ by arm. Overall, 88.9% (95% CI 76.5 to 95.7) of visits were on time, with no significant differences between arms (88.2% in control versus 88.6% in 1-way and 88.8% in 2-way). Incidence of infant HIV or death was 3.01/100 person-years (py), with no significant difference between arms; risk of infant HIV infection was 0.94%. Time to postpartum contraception was significantly shorter in the 2-way arm than control. Study limitations include limited ability to detect improvement due to high viral suppression and visit attendance and imperfect synchronization of SMS reminders to clinic visits.

Conclusions

Integrated HIV/MCH messaging did not improve HIV outcomes but was associated with improved initiation of postpartum contraception. In programs where most women are virally suppressed, targeted SMS informed by VL data may improve effectiveness. Rigorous evaluation remains important to optimize mobile health (mHealth) interventions.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02400671.
Geographical distribution of Burkholderia pseudomallei in soil in Myanmar
Authors: Swe Myo Maung Maung , Win Mo Mo , Cohen Joshua , Phyo Aung Pyae , Lin Htet Naing , Soe Kyaw , Amorncha Premjit , Wah Thin Thin , Win Kyi Kyi Nyein , Ling Clare , Parker Daniel M. , Dance David A. B. , Ashley Elizabeth A. , Smithuis Frank
Published: May 2021

Background

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a Gram-negative bacterium found in soil and water in many tropical countries. It causes melioidosis, a potentially fatal infection first described in 1911 in Myanmar. Melioidosis is a common cause of sepsis and death in South and South-east Asia, but it is rarely diagnosed in Myanmar. We conducted a nationwide soil study to identify areas where B. pseudomallei is present.

Methodology/Principal findings

We collected soil samples from 387 locations in all 15 states and regions of Myanmar between September 2017 and June 2019. At each site, three samples were taken at each of three different depths (30, 60 and 90 cm) and were cultured for B. pseudomallei separately, along with a pooled sample from each site (i.e. 10 cultures per site). We used a negative binomial regression model to assess associations between isolation of B. pseudomallei and environmental factors (season, soil depth, soil type, land use and climate zones). B. pseudomallei was isolated in 7 of 15 states and regions. Of the 387 sites, 31 (8%) had one or more positive samples and of the 3,870 samples cultured, 103 (2.7%) tested positive for B. pseudomallei. B. pseudomallei was isolated more frequently during the monsoon season [RR-2.28 (95% CI: 0.70–7.38)] and less in the hot dry season [RR-0.70 (95% CI: 0.19–2.56)] compared to the cool dry season, and in the tropical monsoon climate zone [RR-2.26; 95% CI (0.21–6.21)] compared to the tropical dry winter climate zone. However, these associations were not statistically significant. B. pseudomallei was detected at all three depths and from various soil types (clay, silt and sand). Isolation was higher in agricultural land (2.2%), pasture land (8.5%) and disused land (5.8%) than in residential land (0.4%), but these differences were also not significant.

Conclusion/Significance

This study confirms a widespread distribution of B. pseudomallei in Myanmar. Clinical studies should follow to obtain a better picture of the burden of melioidosis in Myanmar.
Program sustainability post PEPFAR direct service support in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Chiliza Jessica , Laing Richard , Feeley Frank Goodrich , Borba Christina P. C.
Published: May 2021

Background

Public health practitioners have little guidance around how to plan for the sustainability of donor sponsored programs after the donor withdraws. The literature is broad and provides no consensus on a definition of sustainability. This study used a mixed-methods methodology to assess program sustainability factors to inform donor-funded programs.

Methods

This study examined 61 health facilities in the Western Cape, South Africa, supported by four PEPFAR-funded non-governmental organizations from 2007 to 2012. Retention in care (RIC) was used to determine health facility performance. Sustainability was measured by comparing RIC during PEPFAR direct service (20072012), to RIC in the post PEPFAR period (2013 to 2015). Forty-three semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants. The qualitative data were used to examine how predictor variables were operationalized at a health facility and NGO level.

Results

Our qualitative results suggest the following lessons for the sustainability of future programs:

Sufficient and stable resources (i.e., financial, human resources, technical expertise, equipment, physical space)

Investment in organizations that understand the local context and have strong relationships with local government.

Strong leadership at a health facility level

Joint planning/coordination and formalized skill transfer

Local positive perceived value of the program

Partnerships

Conclusion

Sustainability is complex, context dependent, and is reliant on various processes and outcomes. This study suggests additional health facility and community level staff should be employed in the health system to ensure RIC sustainability. Sustainability requires joint donor coordination with experienced local organizations with strong managers before during and after program implementation. If the program is as large as the South African HIV effort some dedicated additional resources in the long term would be required.
Is it worth it? The costs and benefits of bringing a laptop to a university class
Authors: Day Alison J. , Fenn Kimberly M. , Ravizza Susan M.
Published: May 2021

Students often bring laptops to university classes, however, they do not limit their laptop use to class-related activity. Off-task laptop use occurs frequently in university classrooms and this use negatively impacts learning. The present study addresses whether potential benefits of class-related laptop use might mitigate the costs of off-task laptop activity. We used tracking software to monitor both class-related and off-task laptop use by undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory psychology course, and we observed how types of laptop use related to course performance. We found a positive correlation between class-related use and exam scores that was driven by viewing lecture slides during class. We also found a negative correlation between off-task laptop use and exam scores, but class-related activities did not predict an increase in off-task use. Thus, for students who constrain their laptop use to class-related activity, the benefits outweigh the costs. While a laptop may be beneficial for some, it is unclear which students are able to constrain themselves to class-related activities and whether the benefits of class-related laptop use obtained by slide viewing could be achieved by other means. Thus, students and educators should carefully consider the costs and benefits of laptop use in the classroom.
Prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder: Lessons learned from a terminated RCT of prolonged exposure
Authors: Bragesjö Maria , Arnberg Filip K. , Andersson Erik
Published: May 2021

The main purpose of the current trial was to test if a brief trauma-focused cognitive-behaviour therapy protocol (prolonged exposure; PE) provided within 72 h after a traumatic event could be effective in decreasing the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), thus replicating and extending the findings from an earlier trial. After a pilot study (N = 10), which indicated feasible and deliverable study procedures and interventions, we launched an RCT with a target sample size of 352 participants randomised to either three sessions of PE or non-directive support. Due to an unforeseen major reorganisation at the hospital, the RCT was discontinued after 32 included participants. In this paper, we highlight obstacles and lessons learned from our feasibility work that are relevant for preventive psychological interventions for PTSD in emergency settings. One important finding was the high degree of attrition, and only 75% and 34%, respectively, came back for the 2-month and 6-month assessments. There were also difficulties in reaching eligible patients immediately after the event. Based on our experiences, we envisage that alternative models of implementation might overcome these obstacles, for example, with remote delivery of both assessments and interventions via the internet or smartphones combined with multiple recruitment procedures. Lessons learned from this terminated RCT are discussed in depth.
Collective states and their transitions in football
Authors: Welch Mitchell , Schaerf Timothy M. , Murphy Aron
Published: May 2021

Movement, positioning and coordination of player formations is a key aspect for the performance of teams within field-based sports. The increased availability of player tracking data has given rise to numerous studies that focus on the relationship between simple descriptive statistics surrounding team formation and performance. While these existing approaches have provided a high-level a view of team-based spatial formations, there is limited research on the nature of collective movement across players within teams and the establishment of stable collective states within game play. This study draws inspiration from the analysis of collective movement in nature, such as that observed within schools of fish and flocking birds, to explore the existence of collective states within the phases of play in soccer. Order parameters and metrics describing group motion and shape are derived from player movement tracks to uncover the nature of the team’s collective states and transitions. This represents a unique addition to the current body of work around the analysis of player movement in team sports. The results from this study demonstrate that sequences of ordered collective behaviours exist with relatively rapid transitions between highly aligned polar and un-ordered swarm behaviours (and vice-versa). Defensive phases of play have a higher proportion of ordered team movement than attacking phases, indicating that movements linked with attacking tactics, such as player dispersion to generate passing and shooting opportunities leads to lower overall collective order. Exploration within this study suggests that defensive tactics, such as reducing the depth or width to close passing opportunities, allows for higher team movement speeds and increased levels of collective order. This study provides a novel view of player movement by visualising the collective states present across the phases of play in football.
Efficient genetic transformation method for Eucalyptus genome editing
Authors: Wang Zechen , Li Limei , Ouyang Lejun
Published: May 2021

Plantation forestry of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis supplies high-quality raw material for pulp, paper, wood, and energy and thereby reduces the pressures on native forests and their associated biodiversity. Nevertheless, owing to the heterozygosity of the E. urophylla × E. grandis genetic background, germplasm improvement by crossbreeding tends to be inefficient. As an alternative approach, genetic engineering of Eucalyptus can be used to effectively improve germplasm resources. From a strategic standpoint, increasing the plantation productivity and wood quality by transgenic technology has become increasingly important for forest industry. In this study, we established a fluorescence labelling method using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to obtain positive transformed progenies. The positive transformed progenies were easily obtained from the genetically modified population via fluorescence screening. This system can be used as a plant genome site-specific editing tool and may be useful for improving Eucalyptus genetic resources.
Application of multi-omics data integration and machine learning approaches to identify epigenetic and transcriptomic differences between in vitro and in vivo produced bovine embryos
Authors: Rabaglino Maria B. , O’Doherty Alan , Bojsen-Møller Secher Jan , Lonergan Patrick , Hyttel Poul , Fair Trudee , Kadarmideen Haja N.
Published: May 2021

Pregnancy rates forin vitroproduced (IVP) embryos are usually lower than for embryos producedin vivoafter ovarian superovulation (MOET). This is potentially due to alterations in their trophectoderm (TE), the outermost layer in physical contact with the maternal endometrium. The main objective was to apply a multi-omics data integration approach to identify both temporally differentially expressed and differentially methylated genes (DEG and DMG), between IVP and MOET embryos, that could impact TE function. To start, four and five published transcriptomic and epigenomic datasets, respectively, were processed for data integration. Second, DEG from day 7 to days 13 and 16 and DMG from day 7 to day 17 were determined in the TE from IVP vs. MOET embryos. Third, genes that were both DE and DM were subjected to hierarchical clustering and functional enrichment analysis. Finally, findings were validated through a machine learning approach with two additional datasets from day 15 embryos. There were 1535 DEG and 6360 DMG, with 490 overlapped genes, whose expression profiles at days 13 and 16 resulted in three main clusters. Cluster 1 (188) and Cluster 2 (191) genes were down-regulated at day 13 or day 16, respectively, while Cluster 3 genes (111) were up-regulated at both days, in IVP embryos compared to MOET embryos. The top enriched terms were the KEGG pathway "focal adhesion" in Cluster 1 (FDR = 0.003), and the cellular component: "extracellular exosome" in Cluster 2 (FDR<0.0001), also enriched in Cluster 1 (FDR = 0.04). According to the machine learning approach, genes in Cluster 1 showed a similar expression pattern between IVP and less developed (short) MOET conceptuses; and between MOET and DKK1-treated (advanced) IVP conceptuses. In conclusion, these results suggest that early conceptuses derived from IVP embryos exhibit epigenomic and transcriptomic changes that later affect its elongation and focal adhesion, impairing post-transfer survival.
ALK is frequently phosphorylated in Merkel cell carcinoma and associates with longer survival
Authors: Jaatinen Jenni , Veija Tuukka , Salmikangas Marko , Böhling Tom , Sihto Harri , Koljonen Virve
Published: May 2021

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer with only limited therapeutic options for advanced disease. We previously showed that oncogene ALK is frequently expressed at the RNA level in MCC and further that ALK positivity by immunohistochemistry is frequent and correlates strongly with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) positivity. In this study, we investigated whether ALK receptor is active in MCC tumor samples and MCC cell lines, and whether ALK would be a prospective treatment target in MCC. We utilized tissue microarrays constructed from 136 primary MCC tumor samples as well as nine previously established MCC cell lines to determine the presence of ALK and phosphorylated ALK (p-ALK) via immunohistochemistry. Almost half of the analyzed MCC tumors displayed ALK phosphorylation (47.8%). Analysis of MCC tumor samples revealed that the presence of p-ALK correlated to MCPyV positivity, younger age, nonexistence of metastases at diagnosis and ultimately to better MCC-specific survival. In contrast to MCC tumor samples only two out of nine MCC cell lines showed only low ALK phosphorylation by immunohistochemistry. Our study reveals clear disparity in ALK activity between patient derived tumors and cell line samples and therefore, more advanced disease models such as xenografts are necessary to resolve whether ALK is a useful treatment target in MCC.
Gigantes em cena
Authors: Soyinka Wole
Published: May 2021

Gigantes em Cena mostra um quadro estático no qual os “gigantes” do título, Kamini, Gunema, Kasko e Tuboum – representações levemente disfarçadas de Idi Amin Macias Nguema, Jean-Bedel Bokassa e Mobutu Sese Seko, respetivamente – se apresentam como constituintes dos produtos pós-coloniais das superpotências do ocidente. Kamini, por exemplo, é colocado no poder pelos britânicos, financiado pelos americanos, militarmente armado pelos soviéticos e, no final, abandonado por todos, quando os serviços de um ditador insano já não lhes é conveniente. Gigantes em Cena constitui, deste modo, uma fantasia surreal de justiça poética internacional em que os sistemas de apoio económico e político dos governos ocidentais respondem, a seu tempo e bel-prazer, de forma catastrófica, aos monstros que eles próprios criaram e sobre os quais, consequentemente, perderam o controlo.
Nesta peça, Soyinka consegue reunir num só local todos os infames ditadores de África. O Secretário-Geral das Nações Unidas e dois delegados, da Rússia e dos Estados Unidos da América, constituem as outras personalidades que dão o caráter internacional a Gigantes em Cena. O pretexto para tal encontro é uma reunião das Nações Unidas. À medida que a peça se desenrola, assistimos ao papel que as superpotências desempenham na sustentação dos ditadores no poder e, simultaneamente, à verdadeira natureza destes ditadores africanos – as suas confusões, perversões sexuais, os conceitos errados que têm do poder e respetivas complexidades.
Algunas notas sobre las revistas francesas de divulgación histórica. El caso de L’Histoire
Authors: Guereña Jean-Louis
Published: May 2021

Dentro del «mercado de la historia» en Francia, presentamos primero algunas de las diferencias más notables entre las revistas académicas y las revistas de divulgación histórica para centrarnos a continuación en la revista L’Histoire, en la cual podemos apuntar características de unas y de otras revistas, lo cual la convierte realmente en un caso aparte. Pero la revista ha perdido en parte su estatuto primitivo de revista de vulgarización de alto nivel para adoptar una postura normativa del periodismo intelectual observable también en otras revistas.
The role of Helianthus tuberosus powder in healing of full-thickness wounds in mice
Authors: Atiyah Ali Ghazi , AL-Falahi Nadia Hameed Rija
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim: Recently, many medicinal plants have received considerable attention in the medical field because of their role in the wound healing potential. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of H. tuberosus powder on the healing pathway of full-thickness cutaneous wounds in a mouse model.

Materials and Methods: H. tuberosus powder was prepared by a freeze-drying process using a lyophilizer and its active ingredients were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while its antibacterial properties were evaluated by agar well diffusion assay. The percentage wound contraction was also assessed. Thirty mice were used, which were divided equally into two groups, a control group and a treated group. A full-thickness wound, 1 cm×1 cm in size, was established on the dorsal aspect of the thoracolumbar region, into which H. tuberosus powder was topically applied in the treated group. In contrast, the control group was left without any treatment. The animals were euthanized on days 7, 14, and 21 after wounding for histopathological study.

Results: The agar well diffusion method indicated the antibacterial activity of H. tuberosus, while the HPLC results indicated that the active ingredients of H. tuberosus powder mainly consisted of three major kinds of fatty acid. In addition, the macroscopic results of wound contraction rate and the histopathological outcomes of the healing process were significantly (p≤0.05) enhanced in the treated group compared with those in the control group.

Conclusion: H. tuberosus powder acts as an antibacterial agent with the ability to enhance the wound healing process.
O SIGNIFICADO DA EXPRESSÃO EFICÁCIA HORIZONTAL DOS DIREITOS FUNDAMENTAIS
Authors: Duque Marcelo Schenk
Published: May 2021

A pesquisa tem por objetivo desvendar o significado da expressão “eficácia horizontal dos direitos fundamentais”. São apresentadas as diferentes concepções sobre o tema, em particular a partir da doutrina alemã, responsável pelo maior desenvolvimento científico atribuído à matéria dos direitos fundamentais nas relações privadas. A partir da análise da controvérsia, percebe-se que a questão da eficácia horizontal dos direitos fundamentais é muito mais complexa que a tradicional eficácia vertical, que vincula os órgãos estatais. Para demonstrar essa realidade, o estudo emprega o método dedutivo, com técnica de pesquisa focada na revisão bibliográfica e jurisprudencial
RELIGIÃO EVANGÉLICA É TUDO, É A VERDADE”:
Authors: Siqueira Marcondes Glaúcia , Ferrari Anderson
Published: May 2021

O presente artigo é parte de uma pesquisa de mestrado em Educação que propôs problematizar o modo de constituição de três mulheres ciganas em um acampamento cigano em Juiz de Fora, MG. Para pensar os processos que incidem na constituição dessas mulheres foram utilizados os estudos de gênero e os referenciais teóricos inspirados nos estudos foucaultianos e pós-estruturalistas. Durante a pesquisa foi possível perceber um atravessamento muito potente no processo de subjetivação dessas ciganas: a religião evangélica. O foco principal deste trabalho é problematizar os discursos religiosos e as relações de saber-poder envolvidos nesse movimento de se constituir mulher cigana evangélica.  A proposta é pensar para além do determinismo às normativas de controle e dominação aos discursos religiosos, pois as ciganas também são resistências.
PEDAGOGIAS DE GÊNERO E SEXUALIDADE NO JORNAL LAMPIÃO DA ESQUINA (1978)
Authors: Santos Alison , Klein Carin
Published: May 2021

O Ato Institucional Número 5 perde forças no Brasil em 1978. E é nesse contexto que a imprensa alternativa da época produz o jornal Lampião da Esquina. O estudo consiste no exame desse artefato, produzido por um grupo de intelectuais, artistas e jornalistas brasileiros que, inspirados em Winston Leyland, editor da revista norte-americana Gay Sunshine, veiculam uma publicação semelhante no Brasil. O debate toma como referência os campos teóricos dos Estudos Culturais e de Gênero, em aproximação com a vertente pós-estruturalista. Examinamos matérias das cinco primeiras edições deste jornal, tomando-o como uma instância educativa do período estudado, partindo da seguinte indagação: quais pedagogias de gênero e sexualidade este artefato cultural produz? O exame do material evidencia que a publicação operou na produção de pedagogias de gênero e de sexualidade, em um período histórico, marcado pela opressão e silenciamento, atuando para ampliar formas de autoafirmação, reconhecimento social e ampliação de direitos.