bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge creation in IT projects to accelerate digital innovation: two decade systematic literature review
Authors: Soon Seng Tung , Dorasamy Magiswary , Razak Ruzanna , Kaliannan Maniam , Sambasivan Murali
Published: November 2021

The interactivity and ubiquity of digital technologies are exerting a significant impact on the knowledge creation in information technology (KC-IT) projects. According to the literature, the critical relevance of KC-IT is highly associated with digital innovation (DI) for organisational success. However, DI is not yet a fully-fledged research subject but is an evolving corpus of theory and practise that draws from a variety of social science fields. Given the preceding setting, this study explores the interaction of KC-IT with DI. This work provides a systemic literature review (SLR) to examine the literature in KC-IT and its connection to DI. A SLR of 527 papers from 2001 to 2021 was performed across six online databases. The review encompasses quantitative and qualitative studies on KC-IT factors, processes and methods. Three major gaps were found in the SLR. Firstly, only 57 (0.23%) papers were found to examine the association between KC and IT projects. These works were analysed for theories, type of papers, KC-IT factors, processes and methods. Secondly, the convergence reviews indicate that scarce research has examined TMS and trust in KC-IT as factors. Thirdly, only 0.02% (5) core papers appeared in the search relevant to KC in IT projects to accelerate DI. The majority of the papers examined were not linked to DI. A significant gap also exists in these areas. These findings warrant the attention of the research community.
Synchronous online learning during movement control order in higher education institutions: a systematic review
Authors: Lee Yee Wan , Dorasamy Magiswary , Bin Ahmad Abdul Aziz , Jambulingam Manimekalai , Yeap Peik Foong , Harun Sharbani
Published: November 2021

Background: Higher education institutions (HEI) are not spared from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The closure of campuses because of the movement control order (MCO) to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 has forced HEIs to adopt online learning, especially synchronous online learning (SOL). Although teaching and learning can be continued via SOL, retaining students’ interest and sustaining their engagement have not been sufficiently explored. This study presents a systematic review of the research pertaining to SOL associated with students’ interest and engagement in HEIs during the MCO environment.

Methods: Five major online databases, i.e., EBSCOhost, Science Direct, Emerald, Scopus and Springer were searched to collect relevant papers published between 1st January 2010 to 15th June 2021 including conference proceedings, peer-reviewed papers and dissertations. Papers written in the English language, based in full-fledged universities, and with these five keywords: (i) synchronous online learning, (ii) engagement, (iii) interest, (iv) MCO/Covid-19 and (v) HEI, were included. Papers focussing on synchronous and asynchronous online learning in schools and colleges were excluded. Each paper was reviewed by two reviewers in order to confirm the eligibility based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: We found 31 papers of which six papers were related to SOL, engagement and interest in HEIs in the MCO environment. Our review presents three major findings: (i) limited research has been conducted on SOL associated with students’ engagement and interest, (ii) studies related to the context of HEIs in the MCO environment are limited, and (iii) the understanding of the new phenomena through qualitative research is insufficient. We highlight the SOL alignment with students’ engagement, interest, style preference, learner interaction effectiveness, behavior and academic performance.

Conclusions: We believe that the findings of this study are timely and require attention from the research community.
Technical assistance: a practical account of the challenges in design and implementation
Authors: Nastase Alexandra , Rajan Alok , French Ben , Bhattacharya Debarshi
Published: November 2021

Technical assistance is provided to country governments as part of international development programmes to support policymaking or strengthen state capability. This article presents the conceptual evolution of ‘technical assistance’ linked to capacity development, starting with programmes aiming exclusively to enhance individual capacity in the 1950s to 1970s and progressing to complex systems approaches in the past ten years. It also presents some of the frequent challenges in designing and implementing technical assistance, drawing from the existing literature and the authors’ experience in international development. The article summarises the latest thinking about delivering more effective development, including the adaptive management practices and the initiatives to strengthen evidence about what works. Finally, we complement this article with a follow-up open letter reflecting on the current policy options and opportunities for change.
Higher rates of surgical and medical complications and mortality following TKA in patients aged ≥ 80 years: a systematic review of comparative studies
Authors: Courage Olivier , Strom Louise , van Rooij Floris , Lalevée Matthieu , Heuzé Donatien , Papin Pierre Emanuel , Butnaru Michael , Müller Jacobus Hendrik
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize studies published since the last systematic review in 2015 that compare outcomes of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in older patients (≥ 80 years) and in younger patients (< 80 years), in terms of complication rates and mortality. An electronic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase®, and Cochrane Register. Studies were included if they compared outcomes of primary TKA for osteoarthritis in patients aged 80 years and over to patients aged under 80 years, in terms of complication rates, mortality, or patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Thirteen studies were eligible. Surgical complications in older patients ranged from 0.6–21.1%, while in younger patients they ranged from 0.3–14.6%. Wound complications in older patients ranged from 0.5–20%, while in younger patients they ranged from 0.8–22.0%. Medical complications (cardiac, respiratory, thromboembolic) in older patients ranged from 0.4–17.3%, while in younger patients they ranged from 0.2–11.5%. Mortality within 90 days in older patients ranged between 0–2%, while in younger patients it ranged between 0.0–0.03%. Compared to younger patients, older patients have higher rates of surgical and medical complications, as well as higher mortality following TKA. The literature also reports greater length of stay for older patients, but inconsistent findings regarding PROs. The present findings provide surgeons and older patients with clearer updated evidence, to make informed decisions regarding TKA, considering the risks and benefits within this age group. Patients aged over 80 years should therefore not be excluded from consideration for primary TKA based on age alone.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:1052-1062. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200150
Characterization of suspended particulate matter in contrasting coastal marine environments with angle-resolved polarized light scattering measurements
Authors: Koestner Daniel , Stramski Dariusz , Reynolds Rick A.
Published: November 2021

Optical proxies based on light scattering measurements have potential to improve the study and monitoring of aquatic environments. In this study, we evaluated several optical proxies for characterization of particle mass concentration, composition, and size distribution of suspended particulate matter from two contrasting coastal marine environments. We expanded upon our previous study of Southern California coastal waters, which generally contained high proportions of organic particles, by conducting angle-resolved polarized light scattering measurements in predominantly turbid and inorganic-particle dominated Arctic coastal waters near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. We observed that the particulate backscattering coefficient

b

bp

was the most effective proxy for the mass concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM) when compared with particulate scattering and attenuation coefficients

b
p

and

c
p

. Improvements were seen with

b

bp

as a proxy for the concentration of particulate organic carbon (POC), although only if particulate assemblages were previously classified in terms of particle composition. We found that the ratio of polarized-light scattering measurements at 110º and 18º was superior in performance as a proxy for the composition parameter POC/SPM in comparison to the particulate backscattering ratio

b

bp

/

b
p

. The maximum value of the degree of linear polarization

D
o
L
P

p
,

m
a
x

observed within the range of scattering angles 89°–106° was found to provide a reasonably good proxy for a particle size parameter (i.e., 90th percentile of particle volume distribution) which characterizes the proportions of small- and large-sized particles. These findings can inform the development of polarized light scattering sensors to enhance the capabilities of autonomous platforms.
Fused silica optics damage from downstream intensification on
laser-induced damage precursors
Authors: Bass Isaac , Vickers Jim , Guss Gabe , Norton Mary , Cross David , Carr Christopher Wren , Feigenbaum Eyal
Published: November 2021

Management and control of damage initiation and growth on high-value
National Ignition Facility (NIF) optics are critical to its operation.
Cone-shaped features are currently being used on the input surfaces to
arrest growth of exit surface damage by creating “shadows.” Light
refracted from the walls of the cones interferes with the incident
beam at the exit surface to create an intensified annulus. Significant
exit surface damage was observed at the locations of these annuli.
Analysis showed that this damage is consistent with a recently
reported new mechanism that degrades damage resistance by dispersing
damage precursors over the surface upon exposure to UV laser
radiation. This has significant implications for the design and
operation of high-energy and power laser systems such as the NIF.
Optical properties of one-dimensional plasma photonic crystals with inhomogeneous plasma density distribution functions
Authors: Jamshidi-Ghaleh Kazem , Karami-Garehgeshlagi Fahimeh , Bayat Farzaneh
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the optical properties of the two plasma photonic crystal structures. The first structure contains periodic thin layers of plasma with heterogeneous densities, and in the second one, the heterogeneous plasma layer has been applied as the defect layer of a one-dimensional photonic crystal. Herein, the plasma density distribution function is considered a continuous function of plasma critical density as follows:

n
=

n

cr

f
(

r
→

)

, where

n

cr

=

m
e

ε
0

ω
2

/

e
2

represents the critical density of the plasma and

f

(

r
→

)

indicates the plasma density distribution function. The heterogeneous plasma layer is assumed to be composed of several homogeneous sublayers with constant density. The transfer-matrix method is applied in calculations, and the total transfer matrix is obtained by multiplying the transfer matrices of each sublayer. Properties and behavior of the photonic bandgap and the defect mode for five different plasma density distribution functions and applied external constant magnetic field are comparatively investigated. Results show that, in the first structure, increasing the incident angle from 0° to 30° causes a bandgap shift to higher frequencies. So, the incident angle is a parameter that can control the bandgap. In the defective structure, the intensity of the defect modes is almost the same in all five distributions, but their locations in the spectrum are different. The effect of the lateral position of the maximum density and external constant magnetic field on the defect mode position is also investigated. The capability of controlling the photonic bandgaps and defect modes of the plasma photonic crystals creates wide applications in promising tunable optical devices, such as optical filters.
Real-time vascular and IgA dynamics during Henoch–Schönlein purpura by in vivo fluorescent microscopy
Authors: Zhu Yujie , Wang Shaoyang , Xu Hui , He Hao , Pan Meng
Published: November 2021

Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a typical cutaneous immune skin disease, usually diagnosed by invasive biopsy. In this study, we develop a noninvasive optical method by combining in vivo optical clearing, confocal microscopy and immune-staining together to present the real-time in vivo dynamics of blood vessels, IgA molecules, and T cells in a HSP rat model. The small vessels in the skin are found with acute damage and then hyperplasia, which enhances deposition of IgA complexes in blood vessels. The migrating T cells in blood vessels in HSP regions can be detected by setting fast line scanning in this method. Our method provides in vivo vascular, cellular, and molecular dynamics during HSP development and is thus of great potential in research and diagnosis of HSP and other skin diseases.
Active correction experiments on a 4-m thin primary mirror
Authors: Li Wenru , Tang Jinlong , Guo Youming , Rao Changhui
Published: November 2021

Active optics is an important technology for improving the observation performance of large telescopes. For active optics with hard points, the hard points determine a reference plane for aberration correction. Relative movement to the reference plane will cause dents at the hard points, thus degrading the active correction effect. Herein, a compensation plane is proposed to solve the nonzero problem at hard points for surface detection and surface fitting. A series of experiments are designed on a 4-m thin mirror to illustrate the function of the compensation plane for active optics with hard points. The results show that the method is effective in avoiding the relative movement to the reference plane. With the compensation plane, the measured influence functions are more reasonable, and the dents after correction can be eliminated, which significantly reduces the fitting error of the 4-m thin mirror.
Complex optical properties of polymeric composite materials mixed with quartz powder and investigated by THz time-domain spectroscopy
Authors: Peng Hsin-Yi , Wei Yi-An , Hsu Young-Chou , Lin Kao-Chi , Yeh Pin-Yu , Yang Chan-Shan , Cheng Chin-Pao
Published: November 2021

With the rapid development of terahertz (THz) technology comes the need to further explore the prospects for various applications of THz systems. Due to the strong need, components and equipment involving the exploration are indispensable. In order to find the most suitable material for THz technology, we selected three common materials for different 3D printing techniques—polyamide (PA), polylactic acid (PLA), and light-curable resin. After mixing each material with a quartz powder of a different weight percentage, we observed the change in absorption coefficients and refractive indices of the mixtures by THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). The higher the ratio of a quartz powder to a mixture was, the smaller the absorption coefficient of the mixture would be. The optimum rate of change in the absorption coefficient was attained when the weight percentage of a quartz powder in a mixture was 50 wt%. At 1 THz of the measurement of THz-TDS, the average reduction in the absorption coefficients of the three different materials mixed respectively with a 50 wt% quartz powder was 39.17%. Besides reduced absorption coefficients, the mixtures’ refractive indices also changed as the weight percentage of a quartz powder in the mixtures varied. The PLA-based sample mixed with a 50 wt% quartz powder had the highest increase in the refractive index. Mixing quartz powders with materials, therefore, is an effective method to increase refractive indices and decrease absorption coefficients. The method can be applied in 3D printing techniques in the future to enhance the efficiency of THz components manufactured with 3D printing techniques.
Characterization and management of human-wildlife conflicts in mid-hills outside protected areas of Gandaki province, Nepal
Authors: Baral Kedar , Sharma Hari P. , Rimal Bhagawat , Thapa-Magar Khum , Bhattarai Rameshwar , Kunwar Ripu M. , Aryal Achyut , Ji Weihong
Published: November 2021

With the intent to better management human wildlife conflict (HWC) and wildlife conservation in mid-hills outside protected areas of Gandaki province, Nepal, we analyzed the patterns and drivers of HWC. Using data collected from literature, government records and questionnaire survey, we investigated temporal, seasonal and spatial distribution of human casualties caused by wildlife attacks. We also appraised the perception of local people towards wildlife conservation. We have recorded 77 cases (69 human injuries and 8 mortalities) during the period of nine year between 2011 and 2019. The number of wildlife attacks increased over this period. Wildlife attacks were more frequent in winter with 50% (42) of attacks occurred between September and December. Common leopard (Panthera pardus) and Himalayan black bear (Ursus thibetanus laniger) were the major species involved in these conflicts. Common leopard was the most feared species that causes highest number of human mortalities (87%, n = 67); the most severe type of HWC outcome. Forty-eight percent (n = 37) attacks were reported at human settlement areas followed by 27% attacks in agriculture land (n = 21) and 24% (n = 19) in forest. Generalized linear model analysis on spatial variables showed that the probability of human attacks increases with decreasing elevation (β = -0.0021, Z = -1.762, p = 0.078) and distance from the forest (β = -0.608, Z = -0.789, p = 0.429). We recommend to decrease habitat degradation / fragmentation, carry out habitat management program within forest to increase prey availability to decrease the wildlife invasion into human settlement area, and decrease dependency of people on forest resources by providing alternative livelihood opportunities. Simplified relief fund distribution mechanism at local level also helps alleviate the impact of HWC. The knowledge obtained by this study and management measures are important for better human-wildlife co-existence.
Society in a pandemic: The implications for young people’s citizenship activity and education
Authors: Krzywosz-Rynkiewicz Beata
Published: November 2021

The article addresses the impacts of the pandemic on the functional aspects of societies that could potentially shape young persons’ social worldviews and pose a challenge to their civic participation in the future. It addresses the questions and reflections that could create barriers for the civic participation of young people: are authoritarian regimes more effective in times of crisis and can the pandemic make young people turn their backs on democracy? Are civic organizations still needed in a pandemic? Are we really equal in the face of the pandemic? Should we trust the authorities or take matters into our own hands? What are online education challenges for group inclusivity, membership and community building?
THE FEASIBILITY OF AT-HOME IPAD COGNITIVE TESTING FOR USE IN CLINICAL TRIALS
Authors: Rentz D.M. , Dekhtyar M. , Sherman J. , Burnham S. , Blacker D. , Aghjayan S.L. , Papp K.V. , Amariglio R.E. , Schembri A. , Chenhall T. , Maruff P. , Aisen P. , Hyman B.T. , Sperling R.A.
Published: November 2021

Background: Technological advances now make it feasible to administer cognitive assessments at-home on mobile and touch-screen devices such as an iPad or tablet computer. Validation of these techniques is necessary to assess their utility in clinical trials. Objectives: We used a Computerized Cognitive Composite for Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease (C3-PAD) developed for iPad 1) to determine the feasibility of performing the C3-PAD at home by older individuals without the presence of a trained psychometrician; 2) to explore the reliability of in-clinic compared to at-home C3-PAD performance and 3) to examine the comparability of C3-PAD performance to standardized neuropsychological tests. Design, Setting, Participants: Forty-nine cognitively normal older individuals (mean age, 71.46±7.7 years; 20% non-Caucasian) were recruited from research centers at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Participants made two in-clinic visits one-week apart and took five 30-minute alternate versions of the C3-PAD at-home measuring episodic memory, reaction time and working memory. Measurements: A reliability analysis explored equivalence of the six alternate C3-PAD test versions. A feasibility assessment calculated the percentage of individuals who completed all at-home tests correctly, in contrast to incomplete assessments. Correlational analyses examined the association between C3-PAD-clinic compared to C3-PAD-home assessments and between C3-PAD performance and standardized paper and pencil tests. Results: Excellent reliability was observed among the 6 C3-PAD alternate versions (Cronbach alpha coefficient=0.93). A total of 28 of 49 participants completed all at-home sessions correctly and 48 of 49 completed four out of five correctly. There were no significant differences in participant age, sex or education between complete and incomplete at-home assessments. A single in-clinic C3-PAD assessment and the at-home C3-PAD assessments were highly associated with each other (r2=0.508, p<0.0001), suggesting that at-home tests provide reliable data as in-clinic assessments. There was also a moderate association between the at-home C3-PAD assessments and the in-clinic standardized paper and pencil tests covering similar cognitive domains (r2= 0.168, p< 0.003). Conclusions: Reliable and valid cognitive data can be obtained from the C3-PAD assessments in the home environment. With initial in-clinic training, a high percentage of older individuals completed at-home assessments correctly. At-home cognitive testing shows promise for inclusion into clinical trial designs.
A Case of Hepatitis E Persistence in a Patient With Myelofibrosis Under Ruxolitinib
Authors: Ribeiro da Cunha Maria , Marques Tiago
Published: November 2021

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a mostly enterically transmitted agent of viral, usually acute hepatitis. In recent years, however, it has been proven to establish chronicity in immunosuppressed patients. We report the first case of HEV infection in a patient with myelofibrosis under ruxolitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Although this patient was able to mount a humoral response with specific immunoglobulin G, viral replication could not be controlled until ruxolitinib suspension. After normalization of liver enzymes and clearance of HEV, ruxolitinib was reintroduced with no disease relapse, suggesting spontaneous eradication of the virus.
Polygenic Risk Scores for Prediction of Gastric Cancer Based on Bioinformatics Screening and Validation of Functional lncRNA SNPs
Authors: Duan Fujiao , Song Chunhua , Wang Peng , Ye Hua , Dai Liping , Zhang Jianying , Wang Kaijuan
Published: November 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are used to stratify the risk of gastric cancer. However, no study included gastric cancer–related long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) SNPs into the risk model for evaluation. This study aimed to replicate the associations of 21 lncRNA SNPs and to construct an individual risk prediction model for gastric cancer.

METHODS:

The bioinformatics method was used to screen gastric cancer–related lncRNA functional SNPs and verified in population. Gastric cancer risk prediction models were constructed using verified SNPs based on polygenic risk scores (PRSs).

RESULTS:

Twenty-one SNPs were screened, and the multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that 14 lncRNA SNPs were significantly associated with gastric cancer. In the distribution of genetic risk score in cases and controls, the mean value of PRS in cases was higher than that in controls. Approximately 20.1% of the cases was caused by genetic variation (P = 1.9 × 10−34) in optimal PRS model. The individual risk of gastric cancer in the lowest 10% of PRS was 82.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.102, 0.314) lower than that of the general population. The risk of gastric cancer in the highest 10% of PRS was 5.75-fold that of the general population (95% CI: 3.09, 10.70). The introduction of family history of tumor (area under the curve, 95% CI: 0.752, 0.69–0.814) and Helicobacter pylori infection (area under the curve, 95% CI: 0.773, 0.702–0.843) on the basis of PRS could significantly improve the recognition ability of the model.

DISCUSSION:

PRSs based on lncRNA SNPs could identify individuals with high risk of gastric cancer and combined with risk factors could improve the stratification.
A Turkish adaptation of a framework for evaluating the mathematical quality of instruction
Authors: Hangül Tuğba , Özmantar Mehmet Fatih , Agaç Gülay , Yavuz İlyas
Published: November 2021

A structured assessment tool on the quality of mathematics instruction is considered to be important. It is believed that such a tool could play an important role in providing feedbacks to the preservice teachers during their trainings as well as in evaluating the quality of in-service teachers’ practices. From this point of view, firstly, it has been performed a comprehensive examination of the relevant frameworks developed to evaluate the quality of mathematics instruction. As a result, it was observed that the Mathematical Quality of Instruction (MQI) framework differed from the others with respect to both functional and structural features. Within the scope of this study, the adaptation of the MQI framework to Turkish language has been realized. In this study, the characteristics, usage, components and theoretical background of the MQI framework are shared with the reader. In addition, the adapted version of MQI framework was shared and the performance indicators to help potential users were elaborated.
​Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file.
 
Özet
Matematik öğretiminin niteliğine ilişkin yapılandırılmış bir değerlendirme aracı oldukça önemlidir. Bu türden bir araç gerek öğretmen yetiştirme sürecinde öğretmen adaylarına geri dönüt vermek gerekse halen hizmet veren matematik öğretmenlerinin uygulamalarının niteliğini değerlendirerek uygulamaların geliştirilmesine katkıda bulunabilecektir. Bu düşüncelerle öncelikle matematik öğretiminin niteliğine ilişkin değerlendirme yapmak için kullanılabilecek çerçevelere ilişkin kapsamlı bir tarama yapılmıştır. Bu tarama neticesinde kullanışlılığı ve yapısal özellikleri nedeniyle Mathematical Quality of Instruction (MQI) çerçevesinin diğerlerinden ayrıldığı görülmüştür. Bu makale çalışması kapsamında matematik öğretiminin niteliğine ilişkin işlevsel bir değerlendirme yapmak amacıyla geliştirilen MQI çerçevesinin ülkemizde kullanılabilmesi amacıyla Türkçe’ye adaptasyonu gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu çalışmada söz konusu çerçevenin özellikleri, kullanım şekli, bileşenleri ve kuramsal arka planı okuyucuyla paylaşılmıştır. Ayrıca adaptasyonu yapılan çerçeve paylaşılmış ve potansiyel kullanıcılara yardımcı olacak performans göstergeleri detaylandırılmıştır.
On a discrete fractional stochastic Grönwall inequality and its application in the numerical analysis of stochastic FDEs involving a martingale
Authors: Hendy Ahmed S. , Zaky Mahmoud A. , Doha Eid H.
Published: November 2021

The aim of this paper is to derive a novel discrete form of stochastic fractional Grönwall lemma involving a martingale. The proof of the derived inequality is accomplished by a corresponding no randomness form of the discrete fractional Grönwall inequality and an upper bound for discrete-time martingales representing the supremum in terms of the infimum. The release of a martingale term on the right-hand side of the given inequality and the graded L1 difference formula for the time Caputo fractional derivative of order 0 < α < 1 on the left-hand side are the main challenges of the stated and proved main theorem. As an example of application, the constructed theorem is used to derive an a priori estimate for a discrete stochastic fractional model at the end of the paper.
Microstructure and improvement in corrosion resistance of HAP and PVA/HAP
Authors: Shikha Deep , Kumari Monica , Mohanty Anuradha , Singh Ashwini Kumar , Sinha Sanjay Kumar
Published: November 2021

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) mixed with hydroxyapatite (HAP) has great potential for application as biomaterial. PVA/HAP powder was synthesized by sol–gel technique and was compressed to make pellets. These samples were examined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical analysis (ECA) techniques. Compound formation of HAP and PVA were studied using XRD and microstructure was investigated by FESEM and AFM. Characteristics properties of the HAP and PVA/HAP composite are compared. Corrosion resistance of PVA/HAP in Ringer solution is better than HAP. Interesting microstructure features are correlated with the corrosion resistance. As the corrosion resistance is related with biocompatibility, the present work can be useful for the hard tissue implant.
Performance Evaluation of Abandoned Fly Ash Deposit Improved by Dynamic Compaction for Construction of Highway Embankment
Authors: Zheng Xiao , Zhang Qian-Qing , Wang Shu-jian , Wu Shi-qian , Cui Wei
Published: November 2021

In developing countries such as India and China, large amounts of unused fly ash were landfilled into ash deposit on uncultivated land. With an increase in traffic engineering, these ash ponds could probably be reclaimed to construct heavyweight engineering. This requires sufficient strength of foundation to ensure the safety of engineering located on the fly ash deposit. In this paper, a successful utilization of dynamic compaction on a fly ash pond is reported based on embankment engineering of a national highway. Field and lab tests of the ponded ash before and after the compaction are carried out, showing calibration of construction parameters and increased strength of the compacted ash. It has been found that the drop numbers should be determined mainly by the calculated total of penetrated settlement, though the increase in the penetrated settlement is less than 5 cm. The limited value of the bearing capacity of the post-compacted ash can be increased by about 300 %, which meets the design requirement of strength. Results also show that the improved thickness and bearing capacity at the side compaction locations are lower than those of the central position because of the boundary effect. Considering the slope stability of embankment under traffic loading, at least two main compaction locations should be set outside the boundary of the slope toe in the design process.
Minimizing Iridium Oxide Electrodes for High Visual Acuity Subretinal Stimulation
Authors: Damle Samir , Carleton Maya , Kapogianis Theodoros , Arya Shaurya , Cavichini-Corderio Melina , Freeman William R. , Lo Yu-Hwa , Oesch Nicholas W.
Published: November 2021

Vision loss from diseases of the outer retina, such as age-related macular degeneration, is among the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the world today. The goal of retinal prosthetics is to replace the photo-sensing function of photoreceptors lost in these diseases with optoelectronic hardware to electrically stimulate patterns of retinal activity corresponding to vision. To enable high-resolution retinal prosthetics, the scale of stimulating electrodes must be significantly decreased from current designs; however, this reduces the amount of stimulating current that can be delivered. The efficacy of subretinal stimulation at electrode sizes suitable for high visual acuity retinal prosthesis are not well understood, particularly within the safe charge injection limits of electrode materials. Here, we measure retinal ganglion cell (RGC) responses in a mouse model of blindness to evaluate the stimulation efficacy of 10, 20, and 30 μm diameter iridium oxide electrodes within the electrode charge injection limits, focusing on measures of charge threshold and dynamic range. Stimulation thresholds were lower for smaller electrodes, but larger electrodes could elicit a greater dynamic range of spikes and recruited more ganglion cells within charge injection limits. These findings suggest a practical lower limit for planar electrode size and indicate strategies for maximizing stimulation thresholds and dynamic range.
Bleaching microcrystalline cellulose using hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and ozone
Authors: Kopra Riku , Vanhatalo Kari , Päärnilä Sonja , Pappinen Antti , Dahl Olli
Published: November 2021

AaltoCell™ based microcrystalline cellulose was bleached using hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, and ozone. The target brightness was set at 85% ISO brightness of the sheet (93% Y-brightness), which is white enough for the traditional use of microcrystalline cellulose. Both the paper pulp and dissolving pulp can be hydrolyzed using the AaltoCell™ process. Using paper pulp as a raw material, the brightness of the final microcrystalline cellulose decreased. The higher the temperature and retention time during the hydrolysis process, the greater the brightness loss. This effect can be explained by the so-called caramelization reaction. Due to this phenomenon, the microcrystalline cellulose should be bleached before using the product in food and pharmaceutical applications. The results showed that the target brightness was reached with ozone at doses of approximately 5 kg/ton with a reaction time of a few minutes; peroxide and peracetic acid required approximately twice the dose and a reaction time of at least 30 min. The concentrations of the chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon in the pulp filtrate fraction varied with the bleaching chemicals used, with both values being low with ozone and the highest with peracetic acid.
Construção coletiva
Authors: Daronch Heitor dos Santos , Souza Marcio Teixeira de
Published: November 2021

O presente relato de experiência busca apresentar o processo de criação de um guia básico de orientações aos assistentes de convivência do Colégio Marista Ipanema. Expõe-se a problemática parte da busca por uma padronização das ações dos educadores diante das situações de um cotidiano escolar, bem como da busca por uma melhor acolhida do colaborador que chega na instituição. A construção do documento partiu de uma escrita colaborativa, unindo diferentes atores do colégio, como coordenação de turno, vice-direção educacional e assistentes de convivência. O envolvimento direto dos educadores na confecção do guia desperta o sentimento de pertencimento e valorização por parte da instituição na atuação direta no processo educativo. Ao finalizar a escrita do guia, percebe-se a importância da escuta atenta e da sistematização de ações na atuação dos assistentes de convivência, visando a um legado à instituição, bem como ao incentivo ao diálogo, à gratidão, ao protagonismo e à transformação do ato educativo.
Law and the Quest for Autonomy in the Western Tradition
Authors: Bernier Martin
Published: November 2021

This paper shall focus on the evolving features of autonomy and normativity in Western societies. The autonomy of Law as a product of deliberate will, regardless of other metaphysical or scientific considerations, is perpetually questioned in modern discussions of legality.
Uma disputa sobre o sentido da natureza da ciência: uma análise da crítica de Michael Matthews à visão consensual de Norman Lederman
Authors: Roda Rodolfo , Martins Roberto de Andrade
Published: November 2021

Resumo: Desde o último quarto do século 20 parece haver uma boa aceitação de que o conhecimento sobre a Natureza da Ciência é uma competência crucial para a área de Ensino de Ciências. Uma das justificativas para sua inserção no ensino é a concepção de que uma boa compreensão a respeito da Natureza da Ciência contribui para a alfabetização científica do indivíduo, assim como contribui para a formação do cidadão. Dentre as vertentes e concepções existentes, uma amplamente utilizada no ensino é a visão consensual, personalizada por alguns autores na figura do grupo do professor Norman Lederman. Esta concepção tem sido alvo de muitas críticas ao longo dos anos. O objetivo deste artigo é explorar a crítica realizada pelo professor Michael Matthews, analisando os argumentos utilizados por ele contra a visão consensual de Lederman. Reforçamos ao final do trabalho a importância da contextualização enquanto a crítica é desenvolvida.
Análise regional dos resultados do Saresp: uma abordagem com modelos hierárquicos
Authors: Bassetto Camila Fernanda
Published: November 2021

Resumo: O presente estudo investiga os fatores internos e externos à escola, que impactam o desempenho escolar dos alunos. Para tanto, foram utilizadas as notas em matemática, alcançadas no SARESP, pelos alunos da 3ª série do Ensino Médio das escolas públicas estaduais de São Paulo e as respostas dos questionários aplicados aos pais e às escolas participantes. As escolas foram classificadas em regiões conforme a Diretoria de Ensino a qual pertencem, possibilitando o desenvolvimento de uma análise espacial do desempenho em matemática. Modelos multiníveis foram propostos e as estimativas para os parâmetros foram obtidas via software RStudio. Os resultados mostram que a escolaridade dos pais, a renda familiar e o motivo de o aluno fazer o dever de casa, impactam positivamente o desempenho em matemática. Por outro lado, enquanto a falta de professor prejudica o resultado do aluno, gestores mais experientes têm efeito positivo sobre o desempenho em matemática no SARESP.
Análise da terapia craniossacral na disfunção temporomandibular associada a cefaleia tensional
Authors: RELA Maíra de Oliveira Viana , CANUTO Maria de Fátima Guedes , SOUZA Aretha de Magalhães e , ALMEIDA Camila Rodrigues de , MOREIRA Lorena Amaral
Published: November 2021

Resumo Introdução Ocorrendo de forma branda e não invasiva, a terapia craniossacral é uma técnica de manipulação na qual o terapeuta exerce leve pressão sobre estrutura óssea, sendo utilizada como tratamento para diversos problemas de saúde, como cefaleias e DTM. Objetivo Analisar os efeitos da terapia craniossacral em indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular associada a cefaleia do tipo tensional. Material e método Estudo descritivo, intervencionista com abordagem quantitativa, realizado no núcleo de atenção médica integrado, no período de fevereiro a setembro de 2018. Foram inclusos no estudo indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular e que apresentaram cefaleia dentre os sintomas. Foram exclusos aqueles que não compareceram ao atendimento ou não apresentaram a sintomatologia. Previamente, foi realizada uma avaliação para identificar a dor na crise de cefaleia, a mensuração da amplitude de movimento mandibular e a palpação dos músculos da mastigação, para classificar a dor em leve, moderada ou forte. Após oito atendimentos, sendo duas vezes por semana com duração de 15 minutos cada, todos foram reavaliados. Resultado Participaram do estudo 31 indivíduos, sendo 90,3% do sexo feminino. Na classificação do RDC/TMD, houve prevalência dos grupos G1 e G1G3. Quanto a mobilidade mandibular, houve ganho para os movimentos de abertura, com 45,6 mm (±7,5) antes da terapia e, na reavaliação, 47,4 mm (±8,4); desvios laterais antes da terapia (lado direito – 7,0 ±2,8) e (lado esquerdo – 7,7±3,0), e após a terapia (8,0±3,0) e (8,6±2,9), respectivamente; o movimento de protusão, antes com média 5,03 ±2,5 e, na reavaliação, com 4,8 ±1,9. Na palpação muscular, destacamos redução do quadro álgico no músculo pterigoideo medial com média 2,2 (±1,05) antes da terapia e 1,5 (±1,02) após a terapia. Conclusão Concluímos que a terapia se mostrou eficaz no tratamento de pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular associada a cefaleia do tipo tensional.
A formação de professores nos institutos federais e a aprendizagem da docência na prática como componente curricular
Authors: Paniago Rosenilde Nogueira , Nunes Patrícia Gouvêa , Sarmento Teresa Jacinto , Silva José Luis Coelho da
Published: November 2021

Resumo Este artigo trata de uma investigação que está sendo realizada no contexto de um Instituto Federal de Educação, cujo objetivo é identificar como ocorre a iniciação à docência nas disciplinas que oferecem a prática como componente curricular (PCC). Neste recorte, será focalizado como se dá o atual modelo de trabalho com as PCC e serão sinalizados alguns caminhos para a articulação destas com a escola de educação básica. Utilizou-se, como metodologia, a análise de documentos e a recolha de narrativas com licenciandos dos cursos de Química e de Ciências Biológicas. Os resultados iniciais apontaram que as PCC cumprem o disposto na legislação brasileira em relação à carga horária, verificando-se que várias práticas de inserção à docência estão ocorrendo, tais como a construção de modelos, experimentos, jogos e aplicação de aulas práticas. Entretanto, identificam-se fragilidades, sobretudo, no nível da sobrevalorização da formação dos conhecimentos específicos, em detrimento da formação pedagógica para a docência.
Relendo ‘O livro didático de Ciências no Brasil’
Authors: Mori Rafael Cava , Curvelo Antonio Aprigio da Silva
Published: November 2021

Resumo A obra O livro didático de Ciências no Brasil, organizada por Hilário Fracalanza e Jorge Megid Neto, foi publicada em 2006. Mais de 10 anos após sua publicação, algumas de suas proposições precisam ser reanalisadas, dadas as alterações sofridas pelo Programa Nacional do Livro Didático (PNLD), que geraram impacto nos próprios livros. Este trabalho compara enunciados dos capítulos do livro com guias do livro didático produzidos pelo Ministério da Educação, pesquisas sobre o livro didático de ciências e manuais escolares produzidos durante a vigência do PNLD. Em que pesem as desatualizações da obra de Fracalanza e Megid Neto, muitos de seus apontamentos permanecem válidos, embora necessitem ser relativizados à luz das complexas relações enunciativas em que se situam os manuais escolares atualmente.
Nutritional quality and sensory acceptance of biofortified cassava
Authors: Tagliapietra Bruna Lago , Zanon Junior Alencar , Tironi Luana Fernandes , Streck Nereu Augusto , Richards Neila Silvia Pereira dos Santos
Published: November 2021

Abstract It is estimated that the global number of people affected by micronutrient deficiency, known worldwide as hidden hunger, is over two billion and also considered a public health problem. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate biofortified cassava cultivars in relation to their physical-chemical composition, total carotenoids and to verify their sensory acceptance by schoolchildren. The study was conducted in Santa Maria, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, with four cassava cultivars, two biofortified with yellow pulp (BRS 399 and BRS 396); two non-biofortified varieties: one with yellow pulp (“Gema de ovo”) and another with white pulp (“Vassourinha”). After cooking the roots, the nutritional composition (moisture, protein, lipid, ash, and total starch), the total carotenoid content, and the sensory acceptance of the roots by the children at school, in the countryside of Julio de Castilhos and Dilermando de Aguiar, was determined. The contents of moisture, protein, lipids, ash, and starch showed significant variations between the cultivars analyzed. The highest levels of total carotenoids were found in biofortified cultivars (12.85 µg g-1). In the non-biofortified cultivars, “Gema de ovo” and “Vassourinha”, the levels were 12.01 µg g-1 and 3.30 µg g-1, respectively. Sensory acceptance was 78.7%, demonstrating the potential for the insertion of biofortified roots in school meals.
Early Childhood Caries and sugar: relationships and suggestions for prevention
Authors: LUZ Stéphanie , BOTTON Graziela , ROCHA Rachel de Oliveira , OLIVEIRA Marta Dutra Machado , ORTIZ Fernanda Ruffo
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACT Objective: To show the relation between sugar intake in the infant diet and the presence of early childhood caries in a group of preschoolers. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records of patients aged 0 to 6 years attended at the Clinic of Babies from 2010 to 2016, at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. The data analyzed were: patient identification, gender, age, sugar introduction (age and frequency), exclusive breastfeeding, use of a bottle containing sugar, brushing (with or without fluoride) and diagnosis of dental caries through the International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Descriptive analysis showed the characteristics of the sample and comparison analyzes were performed using Fisher and T-Student tests, to verify the relation between individual variables and sugary intake. Results: The average age of the children was 29 months. Of the 86 medical records analyzed, 80.0% of the children ingested sugary foods, and its were part of the eating routine. Only 36 medical records contained information about early childhood caries, in which 86.2% of prevalence was found. There was no statistical difference between sugary diet and other variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest an intense relationship between sugar and early childhood caries. The high frequency of sugar intake is a risk factor for the onset of caries in early childhood, and its insertion in infant feeding may be delayed. Food and hygiene orientation is fundamental in the treatment process as well as family awareness.
Vocal and self-perception effects of straw phonation exercises
Authors: Paixão Larissa Rezende da , Tannes Márcia Cristina Bebiano , Souza Bárbara Oliveira , Nogueira Lorena Luiza Costa Rosa , Furlan Renata Maria Moreira Moraes
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACT Purpose: to assess the acoustic and self-perceived voice changes in women with and without voice symptoms after 1, 3, 5, and 7 minutes of straw phonation exercises. Methods: a total of 30 women aged 18 to 39 years participated in the study - 17 with and 13 without voice symptoms. The participants filled in the visual analog scale on self-perceived voice discomfort. The sustained vowel /ɛ/ was recorded in maximum phonation time before (m0) and after the first, third, fifth, and seventh minute performing straw phonation exercises. The maximum phonation time was measured, and an acoustic analysis was made, encompassing the following parameters: the number of harmonics, fundamental frequency, noise, glottal-to-noise excitation ratio (GNE), jitter, and shimmer. The Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare each parameter at the different moments, and the Mann-Whitney test, to compare the groups. The 5% significance level was set for the analyses. Results: no changes were found in either the acoustic variables or the self-perception of voice comparing the moments before and after the exercises in either group. The comparison between the groups revealed that the one with voice symptoms had lower GNE and higher noise values at the second moment performing the technique. Conclusion: the straw phonation did not cause acoustic or self-perceived voice changes in women with and without voice symptoms. The comparison between the groups showed that the women with symptoms had lower GNE and higher noise values than those without symptoms, after 1 minute performing straw phonation.