bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La permanencia en el cambio. El poncho como bandera de libertad
Authors: González Eliçabe Ximena
Published: February 2020

El poncho ha sido desde tiempos remotos un elemento presente, un objeto imprescindible en la vida cotidiana del hombre americano. A través de los siglos y con distintos aportes culturales se ha convertido en símbolo de nuestra identidad.

Participó de la historia de las Naciones de América del Sur, tanto desde las Misiones Jesuíticas donde se producían para comercializarse, como en tolderías y fortines, donde brindaban protección y abrigo.

El poncho fue protagonista de una floreciente industria textil en la Argentina a comienzos del siglo XIX. Al estudiar la producción de materias primas y manufactura de estos textiles, así como las rutas comerciales desde los centros productivos hacia las metrópolis, se comprenden aspectos sociales y económicos de épocas que consolidaron la construcción de la República, acrecentando la identidad nacional.

Actualmente aparece en las más importantes pasarelas internacionales y la moda en la calle también da testimonio de su aceptación como tendencia. Jóvenes diseñadores argentinos se proyectan en el mundo del diseño global, orgullosos de su identidad, incorporando ponchos en sus colecciones, con materias primas y tejidos novedosos, buscando nuevos usos posibles para esta tipología que no reconoce rubros ni protocolos.
Enfoque basado en optimización heurística y estimación de homografía para el estudio de interfaces adaptativas
Authors: Chacón-Fallas Rafael Ángel
Published: February 2020

Como parte del estudio de los efectos de los sistemas con interfaces adaptativas en el desempeño de los usuarios, se propone el desarrollo de un sistema que permita determinar las alteraciones en la concentración y la atención, a la vez que se plantean soluciones a limitaciones técnicas presentadas en implementaciones anteriores del proyecto.

Concretamente, se propone la utilización de un algoritmo de optimización por enjambre de partículas en lugar de un algoritmo genético, así como la incorporación de un modelo de sustitución que permita aproximar la respuesta del usuario, logrando con ello disminuir la necesidad de evaluar directamente cada configuración de la interfaz y permitir así el uso del paralelismo en etapas futuras.

Para la detectar la concentración del usuario, se propone un uso novedoso a la técnica de estimación de homografía, para la detección del rostro y la orientación de la cabeza. Esto debido a la robustez de sus resultados preliminares en comparación a otras técnicas evaluadas, y a la necesidad de una solución de bajo costo, que evite el uso de equipo especializado para el rastreo de la mirada.

Se presentan los resultados de las diferentes pruebas realizadas al sistema y se plantean una serie de modificaciones o sugerencias para iteraciones futuras del proyecto.
Estudio de la temperatura electrónica del plasma de Argón tipo DC Glow Discharge con respecto a la presión y el voltaje de descarga
Authors: Coto-Vílchez Federico
Published: February 2020

Se presenta el estudio del comportamiento de la temperatura electrónica del plasma DC de Argón con respecto a la presión y el voltaje de descarga. La temperatura se obtuvo por medio del diagnóstico de espectroscopia óptica y el modelo de estado coronal para condiciones estables. Los resultados obtenidos presentan un comportamiento con respecto a la variación de las condiciones distinto al esperado.
Análise crítica da gestão do saneamento no estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil
Authors: Turini Larissa Rodrigues , Lima Eliana Beatriz Nunes Rondon , Moraes Gabriel Figueiredo de
Published: February 2020

Este estudo mostra uma ampla análise do impacto causado por modelos de gestão do saneamento no Estado de Mato Grosso a partir da mudança do modelo centralizado para descentralizado onde, cada município passou a gerir os seus próprios sistemas de abastecimento de água.  Os impactos da mudança foram analisados considerando as dimensões: gerencial, técnico-operacional, social, ambiental a partir da definição de   indicadores para avaliar a evolução do setor após 20 anos de vigência desse do novo modelo. A análise teve como base os dados do Projeto denominado – Plano de Saneamento de 106 municípios do Estado de Mato Grosso (PMSB- MT) que envolveu a participação de três entes federados do País (União, Estado e Município) para elaborar dos planos municipais de saneamento de 106 municípios com população inferior ou igual a 50.000 habitantes, considerando as perspectivas de governança e sustentabilidade previstas na Lei nº 11.445/2007. A metodologia compreendeu uma abordagem quantitativa, que resultaram em um diagnóstico técnico das infraestruturas existentes e das condições operacionais e da capacidade gerencial dos municípios na prestação dos serviços. Os resultados são discutidos em relação aos indicadores para avaliar aos índices atendimento na cobertura dos serviços, tipo de captação, índice de hidrometração, perdas e inadimplência. O modelo descentralizado não obteve êxito dos municípios, uma vez que estes não foram capacitados e treinados para a prestação dos serviços gerando inumeros, problemas independentes ao tipo de prestação de serviço.
“Ou tu é zero ou tu é dez”, entre o sofrimento e o prazer: o caso dos gestores intermediários de um banco
Authors: De Mattos Elisangela Carpenedo , Crespo Merlo Álvaro Roberto , Andreazza Jaqueline Perozzo
Published: February 2020

Este artigo tem por objetivo pesquisar a dinâmica prazer-sofrimento no trabalho bancário de ocupantes de cargo de gestão intermediária, em um banco estatal, em diversas agências localizadas no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Nele apresentamos o resultado parcial de uma pesquisa qualitativa, utilizando como instrumento entrevistas semiestruturadas e analisadas à luz da Psicodinâmica do Trabalho. Dos achados encontrados, nossos estudos apontaram fatores relacionados a vivências de prazer, vivências de sofrimento, assim como os identificados ora como fontes de sofrimento, ora como de prazer.
Palavras-chave: Psicodinâmica do Trabalho. Prazer e Sofrimento. Bancários. Gestores Intermediários.
A Simulation on Potential Secondary Spread of Novel Coronavirus in an Exported Country Using a Stochastic Epidemic SEIR Model
Authors: Iwata Kentaro , Miyakoshi Chisato
Published: February 2020

Ongoing outbreak of pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) began in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and the number of new patients continues to increase. On the contrary to ongoing outbreak in China, however, there are limited secondary outbreaks caused by exported case outside the country. We here conducted simulations to estimate the impact of potential secondary outbreaks at a community outside China. Simulations using stochastic SEIR model was conducted, assuming one patient was imported to a community. Among 45 possible scenarios we prepared, the worst scenario resulted in total number of persons recovered or removed to be 997 (95% CrI 990-1,000) at day 100 and maximum number of symptomatic infectious patients per day of 335 (95% CrI 232-478). Calculated mean basic reproductive number (R0) was 6.5 (Interquartile range, IQR 5.6-7.2). However, with good case scenarios with different parameter led to no secondary case. Altering parameters, especially time to hospital visit could change the impact of secondary outbreak. With this multiple scenarios with different parameters, healthcare professionals might be able to prepare for this viral infection better.
Posterior Elbow Capsulotomy and Triceps Lengthening for Elbow Extension Contracture in Children with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita
Authors: James Michelle A. , Millar Kelsey L. , Manske M. Claire , Van Heest Ann E.
Published: February 2020

Background:

Posterior elbow capsulotomy plus triceps lengthening facilitates passive elbow flexion in children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, allowing independent function for activities of daily living, such as feeding and self-care of the face and hair.

Description:

The posterior aspect of the distal end of the humerus and the olecranon are identified by palpation and exposed via a curvilinear incision over the posterior aspect of the elbow. Identifying the osseous landmarks can be challenging in some patients. The ulnar nerve is identified and protected. The triceps tendon is isolated, and z-lengthening is performed. Next, the posterior elbow capsule is incised proximal to the tip of the olecranon to expose the joint surface, and the arthrotomy is continued incrementally along the medial and lateral capsule until elbow flexion increases by ≥40°, or past 90° (maximum, 120°), with contact between the lengthened ends of the triceps tendon for repair. The triceps tendon is then repaired in the elongated position. After the wound is closed, the elbow is placed in flexion and immobilized in a cast.

Alternatives:

Alternative treatments include passive stretching exercises to increase elbow flexion.

Rationale:

Elbow extension contractures result in substantial limitations in the activities of daily living for children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. Those who fail to attain at least 90° of elbow flexion with passive stretching in the first year of life benefit from posterior elbow release and triceps lengthening. In addition, children with <30° of passive elbow flexion are at risk of developing valgus instability of the elbow from passive flexion exercises because the axis of rotation of the elbow is difficult to detect. Once passive elbow flexion is attained, such children may be candidates for tendon transfers allowing active elbow flexion.
One-step RT-qPCR assay for ZIKV RNA detection in Aedes aegypti samples: A protocol to study infection & gene expression during ZIKV infection
Authors: Araujo Ricardo Vieira , Feitosa-Suntheimer Fabiana , Gold Alexander S. , Londono-Renteria Berlin , Colpitts Tonya Michelle
Published: February 2020

Background: Zika virus (ZIKV) is transmitted to humans during the bite of an infected mosquito. In a scenario of globalization and climate change, the frequency of outbreaks has and will increase in areas with competent vectors, revealing a need for continuous improvement of ZIKV detection tools in vector populations. A simple, rapid and sensitive assay for viral detection is qRT-PCR, yet oligos optimized for ZIKV detection in mammalian cells and samples have repeatedly shown high background when used on mosquito RNA. In this work we present a one-step qRT-PCR protocol that allows for the detection of ZIKV in mosquitoes and for the evaluation of gene expression from the same mosquito sample and RNA. This assay is a less expensive qRT-PCR approach than that most frequently used in the literature and has a much lower background, allowing for confident detection. Methods: Our new oligo design to detect ZIKV RNA included in silico analysis of both viral and mosquito ( Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus )genomes, targeting sequences conserved between Asian and African ZIKV lineages, but not matching Aedes genomes. This assay will allow researchers to avoid nonspecific amplification in insect samples due to viral integration into the mosquito genome, a phenomenon known to happen in wild and colonized populations of mosquitoes. Standard curves constructed with in vitro transcribed ZIKV RNA were used to optimize the sensitivity, efficiency and reproducibility of the assay. Results: Finally, the assay was used with success to detect both ZIKV RNA in infected mosquitoes and to detect expression of the Defensin A gene, an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) involved in Aedes aegypti immune response to virus infection. Conclusions: The experimental approach to detect ZIKV RNA in Aedes aegypti presented here has demonstrated to be specific, sensitive and reliable, and additionally it allows for the analysis of mosquito gene expression during ZIKV infection.
Quantitative hormone receptor (HR) expression and gene expression analysis in HR+ inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) vs non-IBC
Authors: Iwase Toshiaki , Harano Kenichi , Masuda Hiroko , Kida Kumiko , Hess Kenneth R. , Wang Ying , Dirix Luc , Laere Steven J. Van , Lucci Anthony , Krishnamurthy Savitri , Woodward Wendy A. , Layman Rachel M. , Bertucci François , Ueno Naoto T.
Published: February 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic role of hormone receptor (HR) on inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) to elucidate its aggressive biological behavior.Methods: We evaluated the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) by immunohistochemical staining and determined the predictive and prognostic role of HR expression on 189 patients with HR+/HER2– IBC and 677 patients with HR+/HER2– stage III non-IBC. Furthermore, we performed gene expression (GE) analyses for 137 patients with HR+/HER2– IBC and 252 patients with corresponding non-IBC to detect genes that are specifically overexpressed in IBC.Results: The expression of ER% was significantly associated with longer distant disease-free survival and overall survival. However, there was no significant relationship between ER% and NAC outcome. In the GE study, 84 genes were identified as significantly distinguishing HR+ IBC from non-IBC. Among the top 15 canonical pathways expressed in IBC, the ERK/MAPK, PDGF, insulin receptor, and IL-7 signaling pathways were associated with the ER signaling pathway. Upregulation of the MYC gene was observed in three of these four pathways. Furthermore, HR+/HER2– IBC had significantly higher MYC amplification, and the genetic alteration was associated with poor survival outcome.Conclusions: Increased HR positivity was significantly associated with improved survival in both HR+/HER2– IBC and HR+/HER2– stage III non-IBC patients. HR+/HER2– IBC had several activated pathways with MYC upregulation, and the genetic alteration was associated with poor survival outcome. The results indicate that MYC may be a key gene for understanding the biology of HR+/HER2– IBC.
Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor D exacerbates inflammatory hyperalgesia by promoting NF-κB activation in dorsal root ganglia
Authors: Lan Lei , Xu Miao , Li Jia , Liu Lin , Xu Min , Zhou Chenxing , Shen Lei , Tang Zongxiang , Wan Fengyi
Published: February 2020

Background Mas-related G protein–coupled receptor D (MrgprD) is mainly expressed in small-diameter sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Results from previous studies suggest that MrgprD participates in mechanical allodynia and nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. However, it remains elusive whether and how MrgprD is involved in inflammatory pain. Methods we used a mouse model of inflammatory hyperalgesia established by intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The generation of neuroinflammation and inflammatory hyperalgesia were determined using animal behavioral tests, Western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA assay. The expression levels of MrgprD were assessed by Western blotting. The involvements of MrgprD in the LPS-triggered neuroinflammation and inflammation-related signaling pathways were assessed by animal behavioral tests, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Results The LPS injection induced an evident peripheral neuroinflammation and mechanical allodynia in the mice and increased MrgprD expression in the DRG. The LPS administration also augmented the proportion of MrgprD-expressing neurons in the lumbar 4 DRG. The LPS-induced hypersensitivities to mechanical and cold stimuli, but not to a heat stimulus, were substantially attenuated in Mrgprd- knockout mice compared with wildtype littermates. Mrgprd deletion suppressed the LPS-triggered activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and attenuated LPS-induced up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, ectopic overexpression of MrgprD in HEK293 cells stably expressing mouse toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) markedly promoted the LPS-induced NF-κB activation and enhanced NF-κB’s DNA-binding activity. Furthermore, MrgprD physically interacted with TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and I-kappa-B-kinase (IKK) complexes in DRGs and macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells, and MrgprD agonist treatment was sufficient to elicit the activation of NF-κB signaling, but not of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that MrgprD exacerbates LPS-induced inflammatory hyperalgesia by promoting canonical NF-κB activation, indicating that MrgprD could be a potential therapeutic target for managing NF-κB-mediated inflammation and inflammatory pain.
Construction of Sandwich-like Structured GO/Cu2O/GO Electrochemical Biosensor for Sensitive Detection of H2O2 Releasing from Living Cells
Authors: Yin Donghang , Tang Junyan , Mo Ruixue , Wang Fei , Jia Xiuzhi , Li Caolong
Published: February 2020

A well-designed sandwich-like structure based on Cu2O nanocubes sandwiched between graphene oxide (GO) buffer layer was fabricated on indium tin oxide (ITO)/glass substrate via drop-casting method. The sandwich-like morphologies, GO/Cu2O/GO/ITO structures, were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Electrochemical studies demonstrated the fact that GO/Cu2O/GO/ITO electrode revealed the superior electro-catalytic activity and electrical conductivity as a result of the introduction of graphene oxide and formation of sandwich-like structures, which effectively improved the electrical performances of Cu2O-based sandwich structure in H2O2 detection. The proposed sandwich-like GO/Cu2O/GO/ITO sensor was experimentally optimized and displayed a widespread linear response in the range from 0.25 μM to 20 mM with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.2 μM (S/N=3) in H2O2 sensing. Besides achieving acceptable selectivity, excellent reproducibility, and long-term stability of sandwich-like lamellar structures, GO/Cu2O/GO/ITO sensor exhibited high performance in detecting H2O2 released from A549 cells. Therefore, the novel sandwich-like GO/Cu2O/GO/ITO sensor provides an economical, potent and high-throughput platform for detecting various species involving H2O2-generation reactions for biomedical applications.
The prediction of surgical intervention in patients with tubo-ovarian abscess
Authors: Hwang Jong Ha , Kim Bo Wook
Published: February 2020

Background: The prediction of antibiotic treatment failure is helpful to identify patients with a high likelihood of needing surgical treatment early in patients diagnosed with tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of patients with TOA) who responded to medical treatment and those who underwent surgical intervention due to medical treatment failure. Material and Methods: Electronic medical records were evaluated retrospectively to identify patients who were diagnosed with TOA and hospitalized in our obstetrics and gynecology department between March 2014 and June 2019. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data including white blood cell (WBC) count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were compared between the medical treatment group and the surgical intervention group. Logistic regression was used to determine the independent predictors of treatment failure. Results: Patient age, TOA diameter, WBC count, CRP, and ESR were significantly different between the groups. On multiple regression analysis, significant correlations were identified between age ( p = 0.001), ESR ( p = 0.045), and failure of medical treatment. TOA diameter ( p = 0.065) showed a borderline association with surgical intervention. The risk group was defined as the combination of factors producing a risk score > 2. The area under the curve (AUC) for the risk group (age >34.3 years, ESR > 45 mm/h, and TOA size > 5.9 cm) was 0.844. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV were 93.8%, 75%, 83.3%, 75%, and 93.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The risk of needing surgical intervention in TOA patients can be predicted using ESR in addition to age and TOA size as risk factors.
Considerable risk of work-related injury and illnesses among seasonal and migrant farm workers in Ethiopia: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Gelaye Kasahun Alemu , Debalke Getu , Ayele Tadesse Awoke , Wami Sintayehu Daba , Wolde Hailab Fekadu , Sisay Malede Mequanent , Fetene Destaw , Akalu Temesgen Yihunie
Published: February 2020

Background: Migrant and seasonal farm workers are at increased risk for occupational fatalities and injuries. However, there is limited evidence about the risk of occupational injury in those who move within the country to take up work in Ethiopia, although in recent years such employment-related geographical mobility is receiving increasing attention. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate work-related injuries, illnesses and the associated risk factors among seasonal and migrant farm workers in Ethiopia.Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study design was employed from October to November 2019 among seasonal and migrant farm workers. The study was carried out in two sites of Amhara regional state, northwest Ethiopia. A cluster sampling technique was used to select 990 study participants. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 20 to identify predictors. The significance level was obtained at 95% CI and p- value ≤ 0.05.Results: In this study, the period prevalence of work-related injury among seasonal and migrant farm workers was 32.5% (95% CI: 29.7, 35.9). Above half (60.9%) of study participants have shown three or more heat-related illness symptoms. Extreme weakness (56.8%), skin rash (45.1%), headache (40.4%), profuse sweating (42.9%) and fatigue (45.1%) were the commonest heat-related symptoms reported by the seasonal and migrant farm workers. Moreover, the prevalence of work-related stress among seasonal and migrant farm workers was 67.6% (95% CI: 64.6, 70.7). Being unemployed before migration (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.91), working for > 8 h/day (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.27), stress (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.88) and thermal discomfort (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.98) were the significant risk factors for work-related injury.Conclusion: In this study, heat-related illness, work-related injury and stress among seasonal and migrant farm workers in northwest Ethiopia remain a major public health problem. Employment history, average working hours and stress were among the risk factors associated with a work-related injury. Hence, provision of ongoing safety training, personal protective equipments, improving working hours and stress management could be given attention to minimize the problem.
PM2.5 exposure on daily cardio-respiratory mortality in Lima, Peru, from 2010 to 2016.
Authors: Tapia Vilma , Steenland Kyle , Vu Bryan , Liu Yang , Vasquez Vanessa , Gonzales Gustavo Francisco
Published: February 2020

Background: There have been no studies of air pollution and mortality in Lima, Peru. We evaluate whether daily environmental PM2.5 exposure is associated to respiratory and cardiovascular mortality in Lima during 2010 to 2016.Methods: We analyzed 86,970 deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in Lima from 2010-2016. Estimated daily PM2.5 was assigned based on district of residence. Poisson regression was used to estimate associations between daily district-level PM2.5 exposures and daily counts of deaths. Results: An increase in one interquartile range in PM2.5 (6.2 ug/m3) on the day before was significantly associated with daily all-cause mortality (RR 1.018; CI 95%: 1.005 – 1.032) across all ages and in the age group over 65 (RR 1.034; CI 95%: 1.003 – 1.057) which included 74% of all deaths. We also observed associations with circulatory deaths for all age groups (RR 1.037; CI 95%: 1.005 – 1.069), and those over 65 (RR 1.038; IC 95% 1.001 - 1.077). A borderline significant trend was seen (RR 1.029; IC 95% 0.99 – 1.06; p= 0.06) for respiratory deaths in persons aged over 65. Trends were driven by the highest quintile of exposure.Conclusions: PM2.5 exposure is associated with daily all-cause, cardiovascular and respiratory mortality in Lima, especially for older people. Our data suggest that the existing limits on air pollution exposure are too high.
A Dynamic Taint Tracking Optimized Fuzz Testing Method based on Multi-modal Sensor Data Fusion
Authors: Li Qianmu , Meng Shunmei , Zhang Hanrui , Liu Yaozong , Shen Haiyuan , Long Huaqiu
Published: February 2020

The safety of Industrial Internet Control Systems has been a hotspot in the information security. To meet needs of communication, a large variety of proprietary protocols have emerged in the field of industrial control. The protocol field is often trusted in the implementation of industrial control terminal code. If attackers modify the data of these fields using the protocol defect, the operation of the program can be controlled and the entire system will be affected. To cope with such security threats, academia and industry generally adopt fuzzy test methods. However, the current industrial control protocol fuzzy test methods generally have low code coverage, where unified description models are missing and test cases are not targeted. A method of fuzzification processing combined with dynamic multi-modal sensor communication data is proposed. To track the program execution, the dynamic pollution analysis is used to search for the input fields that affect the execution of the conditional branch, and capture the dependencies between the conditional branches to guide the grammar generation of test cases, which can increase the chances of executing deep code. The experimental results show that the proposed method improves the validity and code coverage of test cases to a certain extent, and greatly increases the probability of anomaly detection in the protocol implementation
Structured reporting has the potential to reduce reporting times of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry exams
Authors: Kim Su Hwan , Sobez Lara M. , Spiro Judith E. , Curta Adrian , Ceelen Felix , Kampmann Eric , Goepfert Martin , Bodensohn Raphael , Meinel Felix G. , Sommer Wieland H. , Sommer Nora N. , Galiè Franziska
Published: February 2020

Background In recent years, structured reporting has been shown to be beneficial with regard to report completeness and clinical decision-making as compared to free-text reports (FTR). However, the impact of structured reporting on reporting efficiency has not been thoroughly evaluted yet. The aim of this study was to compare reporting times and report quality of structured reports (SR) to conventional free-text reports of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry exams (DXA). Methods FTRs and SRs of DXA were retrospectively generated by 2 radiology residents and 2 final-year medical students. Time was measured from the first view of the exam until the report was saved. A random sample of DXA reports was selected and sent to 2 referring physicians for further evaluation of report quality. Results A total of 104 DXA reports (both FTRs and SRs) were generated and 48 randomly selected reports were evaluated by referring physicians. Reporting times were shorter for SRs in both radiology residents and medical students with median reporting times of 2.7 min (residents: 2.7, medical students: 2.7) for SRs and 6.1 min (residents: 5.0, medical students: 7.5) for FTRs. Information extraction was perceived to be significantly easier from SRs vs FTRs (P<0.001). SRs were rated to answer the clinical question significantly better than FTRs (P<0.007). Overall report quality was rated significantly higher for SRs compared to FTRs (P<0.001) with 96% of SRs vs 79% of FTRs receiving high or very high-quality ratings. All readers except for one resident preferred structured reporting over free-text reporting and both referring clinicians preferred SRs over FTRs for DXA. Conclusions Template-based structured reporting of DXA might lead to shorter reporting times and increased report quality.
Brief Evidence-Based Interventions for Universal Child Health Services: a restricted evidence assessment of the literature
Authors: Newham James J , McLean Karen , Ginja Samuel , Hurt Lisa , Molloy Carly , Lingam Raghu , Goldfeld Sharon
Published: February 2020

Background: Universal child health services (UCHS) provide an important pragmatic platform for the delivery of universal and targeted interventions to support families and optimize child health outcomes. We aimed to identify brief, evidence-based interventions for common health and developmental problems that could be potentially implemented in UCHS.Methods: A restricted evidence assessment (REA) of electronic databases and grey literature was undertaken covering January 2006 to August 2019. Studies were eligible if (i) outcomes related to one or more of four areas: child social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), infant sleep, home learning environment or parent mental health, (ii) a comparison group was used, (iii) universal or targeted intervention were delivered in non-tertiary settings, (iv) interventions did not last more than 4 sessions, and (v) children were aged between 2 weeks postpartum and 5 years at baseline.Results: Seventeen studies met the eligibility criteria. Of these, three interventions could possibly be implemented at scale within UCHS platforms: (1) a universal child behavioural intervention which did not affect its primary outcome of infant sleep but improved parental mental health, (2) a universal screening programme which improved maternal mental health, and (3) a targeted child behavioural intervention which improved parent-reported infant sleep problems and parental mental health. Key lessons learnt include: (1) Interventions should impart the maximal amount of information within an initial session with future sessions reinforcing key messages, (2) Child SEWB Interventions should see the family as a holistic unit by considering the needs of parents with an emphasis on identification, triage and referral, and (3) Brief interventions may be more acceptable for stigmatized topics, but still entail considerable barriers that deter the most vulnerable.Conclusions: Delivery and evaluation of brief evidence-based interventions from a UCHS could lead to improved maternal and child health outcomes through a more responsive and equitable service. We recommend three interventions that meet our criteria of “best bet” interventions.
Secure Hash Algorithm-3(SHA-3) implementation on Xilinx FPGAs, Suitable for IoT Applications
Authors: Rao Muzaffar , Newe Thomas , Grout Ian
Published: February 2020

Data integrity is a term used when referring to the accuracy and reliability of data. It ensures that data is not altered during operations, such as transfer, storage, or retrieval. Any changes to the data for example malicious intention, unpredicted hardware failure or human error would results in failure of data integrity. Cryptographic hash functions are generally used for the verification of data integrity. For many Internet of Things (IoT) applications, hardware implementations of cryptographic hash functions are needed to provide near real time data integrity checking. The IoT is a world where billions of objects can sense, share information and communicate over interconnected public or private Internet Protocol (IP) networks. This paper provides an implementation of a newly selected cryptographic hash algorithm called Secure Hash Algorithm – 3 (SHA-3) on Xilinx FPGAs (Spartan, Virtex, Kintex and Artix) and also provides the power analysis of the implemented design. An FPGA is the best leading platform of the modern era in terms of flexibility, reliability and re-configurability. In this implementation the core functionality of SHA-3 is implemented using LUT-6 primitives and then these primitives are instantiated for the complete implementation of SHA-3. The Xilinx Xpower tool is used for power analysis of the implemented design. This implementation can be used with IoT applications to provide near real time data integrity checks.
Understanding the decay of Proteins: A Study of Time dependent Microwave Response of pM concentration of Insulin in Buffer Solution
Authors: Verma Ritika , Daya K. S.
Published: February 2020

Bio-molecule when isolated from its natural ecological condition is subjected to rapid decay. This decay leads to change in polarization of the molecule and the permittivity. This study presents an experimental analysis of the decay pattern of pM concentration of insulin using whispering gallery mode (WGM) dielectric resonator method. Analysis is carried out by comparing the permittivity, relaxation time and time delay for three days. It is observed that different pM concentrations of insulin solutions start to decay after 24 hours at 50C.
Monitoring of the lung fluid movement and estimation of lung area using Electrical Impedance Tomography: A Simulation Study
Authors: Chakraborty Deborshi , Chattopadhyay Madhurima
Published: February 2020

Patients suffering from the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requires thoracic electrical impedance tomography (EIT) for the monitoring their conditions ranging from dynamic shifting of body fluids to lung aeration right at the bedside. More objectively, EIT-derived numeric parameters would help the physician to evaluate the state of the lung. Thus, here we have performed a Finite Element Method based simulation study for monitoring the condition of lungs and heart of ARDS patients. Therefore, a finite element method (FEM)- model of a human thorax in 3 dimensional platform of FEM Multiphysics software is created and is tested with new ventilation indices regarding their ability to quantitatively describe structural changes in the lung due to the gravitationally dependent lung collapse. Additionally, analysis is made to find the electrode pairs capable of separating the lung and heart activity when a particular amount of constant current is injected through them are also carried out. Finally, a real time of the EIT system using 16 Ag-AgCl electrodes were developed for real time imaging of the human thorax. The data were collected using the adjacent current injection technique and are plotted using FEM Multiphysics software. The reconstructed FEM images using the forward solver of EIT shows the approximate area of the thorax (lungs, heart etc.) under observation.
The use of neuromonitoring in descending and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery Literature Review
Authors: Fok Matthew , Bashir Mohamad , Kennedy Thomas , Field Mark , Masno Alex
Published: February 2020

Without surgical repair thoracic aortic aneurysms are a lethal disease with poor prognosis. An extensive major operation is required to correct an aneurysm that involves the descending or thoracoabdominal aorta. Particular considerations must be made to protection of all abdominal organs, the brain and the spinal cord which are all at risk. Consequently there is a risk that these patients post operatively wake up paraplegic from spinal cord ischaemia due to the nature of the surgery. Certain techniques have evolved that have considerably reduced this risk. Neuromonitoring is a technique that can provide an intraoperative assessment of the integrity of the spinal cord through stimulation of nervous pathways and detection in either peripheral muscles or the brain cortex. In theory this can alert the surgical team to impending spinal cord ischaemia and change the management of this patient to prevent paraplegia. However, there is much ambiguity surrounding its use, with no conclusive evidence to prove this technique effectively reduces the rates of paraplegia. This literature review will assess the current methods of neuromonitoring in thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair.
Time Domain Reflectometry Measurements of Road Basecourse Moisture Content
Authors: Platt Ian G. , Woodhead Ian , Richards Sean , Tan Adrian , Hagedorn Michael , Herrington Phil , Cook Shaun
Published: February 2020

This paper describes an empirical transform between the propagation time (tp) data obtained from a non invasive Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) sensor to the percentage moisture content θv within two different road making basecourse aggregate material. Results show that a simple quadratic fit between tp and θv can be given leading to a maximum error in the estimate of 0.55%. It is also shown that the dielectric model underlying each of the basecourses is different enough to warrant the use of a unique quadratic function (i.e. different quadratic coefficients) for each.
A method to determine the parameters of the double layer of a planar interdigital sensor
Authors: Ngo Thanh-Tuan , Shirzadfar Hamidreza , Bourjilat Ayoub , Kourtiche Djilali , Nadi Mustapha
Published: February 2020

In this work, we present a new method for a planar interdigital transducer to determine the electrical parameters (relative permittivity, capacitance and thickness) of the double layer (DL) on the surface of the electrode loaded by a biological medium. A theoretical approach has been proposed to define these parameters. The CoventorWare software was used to simulate the model design of interdigital transducer. The simulation results show that the method can determine the parameters of double layers of a planar interdigital sensor. These results are consistent with the theoretical analysis.
Microfluidic biosensor for single cell high speed flow impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Claudel J. , Nadi M. , Elmazria O. , Kourtiche D.
Published: February 2020

This paper presents a micro-biosensor based on Electrical Bio-Impedance Spectroscopy (EBIS), applied to blood cells characterization and diagnosis. This sensor uses microfluidic flow, coupled to EBIS system to perform cell by cell measurements at high flow rate, up to several hundred cells per second. Two devices were realized with different materials, SU_8 resin and polydimethylsyloxane PDMS to structure the microchannel. PDMS device stand higher pressure than SU_8, permitting to improve sensor reliability and the possibility to clean it. Measurements confirm it ability to detect and characterize each cell and particle in less than 1ms during their passage in a microchannel, allowing high speed diagnosis of a large amount of cells. Calibrated particles were used to check the proper functioning of the sensor and the possibility to detect and measure few variation induce by the passage of cells.
An Improved Capacitance-Based Intentionally Imperfect Sensor for Measuring Mechanical Parameters
Authors: Cyril Baby K. , Norbert Schwesinger
Published: February 2020

In this paper, details of an improved imperfect sensor for measuring mechanical parameters is presented. A PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) membrane filled with randomly distributed conductive balls is the sensing element. The random distribution of the balls make the sensor imperfect and unique, like sensors in nature. Mechanical forces such as pressure, tilt and acceleration deform the membrane. Capacitive electrodes transform the movement of the membrane filled with conductive balls into change in capacitance. As all the conductive balls are randomly distributed, an Interdigitated Electrode (IDE) structure offers less sensitivity. An improved electrode structure is also proposed. The performance of the improved electrode is compared with IDE for pressure, tilt and acceleration. Simulation and test results showed that the improved electrode offers higher sensitivity compared to the IDE. Further more, the improved electrode also improves the directional sensitivity. A ground plane is provided to to reduce the fixed offset capacitance and minimize the effect of noise. The sensor is simple, robust and easy to fabricate.
Theoretical models and simulation of optoelectronic properties of a-Si-H PIN photosensors
Authors: Mohammed Wagah F. , Al-Tikriti Munther N. , Aldabag Alhan M.
Published: February 2020

this research aims to study and discuss the theoretical models and simulation of optoelectronic properties of a-Si-H PIN photosensors based on Shockley–Read-Hall assumptions. The variation of carrier life time, recombination and generation rates as a function of the intrinsic layer (I-layer) thickness will be simulated using MATLAB program. The effects of intrinsic layer thickness on electrons and holes concentration, collection efficiency and short circuit current density have been studied and analyzed. It has been found that as the thickness increased, the parameters: recombination rate, generation rate, internal electric field, electrons and holes concentration, carriers’ life times, and short circuit current density, were subjected to some variations.
Investigations on the Leakage Effect in Capacitive Sensing
Authors: Schlegl Thomas , Bretterklieber Thomas , Mühlbacher-Karrer Stephan , Zangl Hubert
Published: February 2020

In the measurement of mutual capacitance between electrodes both the coupling and the leakage effect contribute to the measurement result whereas the leakage mode is dominant in the self capacitance mode. While the coupling effect is mainly defined by the geometry and material distribution close to the electrodes, the root cause or modulation of the leakage effect may be far away from the electrode. It is shown that utilizing both effects may lead to an improvement of an ECT-like scenario reconstruction performance in open environments (e.g. pretouch applications).
On Evolution of CMOS Image Sensors
Authors: Gouveia Luiz Carlos Paiva , Choubey Bhaskar
Published: February 2020

CMOS Image Sensors have become the principal technology in majority of digital cameras. They started replacing the film and Charge Coupled Devices in the last decade with the promise of lower cost, lower power requirement, higher integration and the potential of focal plane processing. However, the principal factor behind their success has been the ability to utilise the shrinkage in CMOS technology to make smaller pixels, and thereby have more resolution without increasing the cost. With the market of image sensors exploding courtesy their inte- gration with communication and computation devices, technology developers improved the CMOS processes to have better optical performance. Nevertheless, the promises of focal plane processing as well as on-chip integration have not been fulfilled. The market is still being pushed by the desire of having higher number of pixels and better image quality, however, differentiation is being difficult for any image sensor manufacturer. In the paper, we will explore potential disruptive growth directions for CMOS Image sensors and ways to achieve the same.
Load-Balancing Enhancement by a Mobile Data Collector in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Patooghy Ahmad , Kamarei Meisam , Farajzadeh Ali , Tavakoli Fatemeh , Saeidmanesh Mehdi
Published: February 2020

Decrease in the time interval between the first node death and the last node death, due to the completion of their energy supply, is the main goal of load-balancing methods in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). This paper proposes a Load-Balancing Enhancement (LBE) method, in WSN. LBE method uses a mobile data collector to data gathering from sensor nodes. The mobile data collector can directly communicate with the base station. Indeed, the mobile data collector acts as an interface between sensor nodes and the base station. LBE method divides WSN to four logical partitions. Then, LBE method directs the mobile data collector to the center of each logical partition of the network with considering the density and the mean residual energy of the desired partition, i.e., the more the partition density and the mean residual energy, the more the obtaining chance of the desired partition. Simulation results that have been implemented with NS-2 software show LBE method achieves load-balancing in energy consumption for all logical partitions. LBE method also balances logical partitions density and it increases the network coverage efficiency.
Development and Evaluation of Portable Low Cost Testing System for Phthalates
Authors: Zia Asif I. , Mukhopadhyay S.C. , Yu P.L. , Al-Bahadly I. H. , Gooneratne C. , Kosel Jǘrgen
Published: February 2020

A portable low-cost microcontroller based testing system was designed and constructed to detect phthalates in aqueous media. Phthalates, especially di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is the most ubiquitous endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) posing highest reproductive toxicity threat to all living species on earth. Frequency response analyser (FRA) approach was used to develop the rapid response, non-invasive electrochemical impedimetric system for detection. A smart thin film gold interdigital electrodes capacitive sensor with enhanced penetration depth was used with the proposed system for detection of the said EDC. The performance of the developed system was evaluated by comparing the results to the commercially available electrochemical Impedimetric frequency response analyzer equipment. Complex nonlinear least square (CNLS) curve fitting algorithm was used to deduce the equivalent circuit for the developed system. The DEHP detection results by the developed system were validated using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) diode array detection confirming that the proposed system was able to detect the concentration of phthalates in aqueous medium.
Modular Multi-Channel GPS Environmental Logger
Authors: Kot P. , Cullen J.D. , Al Jader M. , Shaw A. , Mason A. , Al-Shamma’a A. , Cockcroft T. , Jackson S. , Cleave M.
Published: February 2020

In this paper, an experimental methodology for the modular multi-channel GPS environmental logger is presented, and the preliminary real route test is demonstrated. The paper concentrates on methods used for transmitting real time data from electrochemical analyser and GPS unit into Graphical User Interface. Test was made in environmental conditions and route of the vehicle was plotted on the map with the data from emission analyser. All results are presented and concluded.
Políticas de memoria en la escuela en América Latina. El Caso de Colombia frente a su conflicto armado
Authors: Mosquera Mosquera Carlos Enrique , Rodríguez Lozano María Nelsy
Published: February 2020

El objetivo de este artículo producto de la tesis doctoral titulada: El proyecto educativo institucional y la formación de la subjetividad política para un escenario de posconflicto: memoria colectiva del conflicto armado e identidad escolar, es problematizar la ausencia de políticas de memoria en el contexto educativo colombiano, entendiendo que Colombia tiene el conflicto armado más longevo del Cono Sur. El texto hace un rastreo por las políticas de memoria que tienen injerencia en los países de Argentina, Perú, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay y Colombia desde diferentes cortes históricos. El enfoque que orientó la investigación fue el histórico-hermenéutico, y la metodología se centra en lo cualitativo. Las conclusiones se resumen en que: 1). Los países latinoamericanos que tienen un proceso fuerte de políticas de memoria en el contexto educativo son en primer lugar: Argentina y Perú, dada la variedad de leyes e iniciativas sobre memoria que se ha expedido a nivel nacional, provincial y municipal. En segundo lugar, le siguen Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, y Colombia ocupa el último lugar entre estos países. 2). Existe un intento de los maestros para tematizar la memoria del conflicto armado como iniciativa propia. 3). La escuela se ha quedado corta al no vincular la memoria de la violencia al curriculum aprovechando su autonomía en el PEI.