bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consenso mexicano en relación con la fracción exhalada de óxido nítrico (FeNO) en asma 2020
Authors: Larenas-Linnemann Désirée , Gochicoa-Rangel Laura , Macías-Weinmann Alejandra , Soto-Ramos Mario , Luna-Pech Jorge A. , Elizondo-Ríos Abelardo , Del Río-Navarro Blanca E. , Hernández-Colín Dante Daniel , García-Maldonado Salvador , Zepeda Benjamín , Martínez-Infante Eric A. , Vázquez Juan Carlos
Published: October 2020

La fracción exhalada de óxido nítrico (FeNO) se relaciona con el nivel de inflamación eosinofílica en las vías aéreas y los niveles de interleucina-13, por lo que podría ser una herramienta diagnóstica y de seguimiento en el asma. Se convocó un grupo de trabajo integrado por neumólogos, expertos en fisiología de la respiración y alergólogos, con la finalidad de establecer criterios para el uso de la FeNO en asma en México. Mediante un método Delphi simplificado y discusión grupal, se consensaron varios puntos clave en relación con el uso de la FeNO. Sugerimos que la medición de la FeNO sirve para el diagnóstico de asma en clínicas especializadas, tanto en niños como adultos, así como para determinar el nivel de tratamiento con corticosteroides. En asma grave, recomendamos la FeNO para la endotipificación, detectar la mala adherencia terapéutica, el subtratamiento y el riesgo de crisis. Sugerimos su uso para determinar el nivel de tratamiento con corticosteroides e identificar pacientes con riesgo de tener una pérdida de la función pulmonar. También la recomendamos en el adulto para mejorar la elección de medicamentos biológicos y, en este contexto, solo la sugerimos en casos selectos en niños.
RELAÇÃO COM O SABER E TERRITÓRIO:
Authors: SERAFIM DA SILVA MARCIO , CELESTE REIS FERNANDES DE SOUSA MARIA
Published: October 2020

O artigo busca refletir sobre as possibilidades interdisciplinares entre a “relação com o saber”, a partir das contribuições de Bernard Charlot e os estudos sobre “território”, como nos apresenta Doreen Massey. O estudo, de cunho bibliográfico, toma para a análise um conjunto de artigos que se encontram disponíveis no sítio eletrônico da Rede de Pesquisa sobre Relação com o Saber (REPERES), selecionados, intencionalmente, por apresentarem distintos contextos. A análise identifica esses contextos, os sujeitos e os lugares de aprender. Os resultados indicam que a relação com o saber sempre tem como lócus um “lugar”, e que os sujeitos se apropriam de diferentes modos desse lugar, assim, como imprimem nele a marca de outros lugares. As conclusões permitem afirmar que na heterogeneidade presente nas formas de aprender se apresenta territórios simbólicos e culturais.
RELAÇÃO COM O SABER E O ENSINAR GEOMETRIA DE PROFESSORES DE MATEMÁTICA PARTICIPANTES DE UM PROCESSO DE FORMAÇÃO CONTINUADA
Authors: CRISTINA ROSA MARIA , DA SILVA SOUZA DENIZE , ANAHI DA SILVA VELEIDA
Published: October 2020

Este artigo trata-se do recorte de uma pesquisa de mestrado, a qual analisa a relação com o saber de professores de matemática participantes de um processo de formação continuada sobre objetos geométricos. Neste contexto, este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar os resultados parciais já coletados, e que evidenciam a relação com o saber dos 14 professores participantes da pesquisa, e o Ensinar Geometria. Como aporte teórico, este estudo fundamenta-se na Teoria da Relação com o Saber de Charlot (2000, 2001, 2013). Após análise dos dados, destacamos a importância de oportunizar aos docentes formações continuadas que propiciem espaço de revisitação dos conteúdos geométricos, considerando que os professores evidenciam em seus relatos as defasagens em sua formação a respeito de tais conteúdos.
Hair Cortisol as a Marker of Intergenerational Heritage of War? A Study of Veterans and Their Offspring
Authors: Castro-Vale Ivone , van Rossum Elisabeth F.C. , Staufenbiel Sabine M. , Severo Milton , Mota-Cardoso Rui , Carvalho Davide
Published: October 2020

Objective Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with lower circulating cortisol levels in specific subgroups, which have also been found in the offspring of people with PTSD. The analysis of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) is a recent methodology which is used to assess long-term systemic cortisol levels. We aimed to study veterans with war-related lifetime PTSD and their respective offspring with regards to HCC. We also studied the influence of lifetime major depressive disorder (MDD), war experiences, and childhood adversities on HCC in these groups.Methods 31 male veterans with PTSD and 28 without PTSD and 69 adult offspring were studied. HCC were quantified by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry.Results No differences in HCC were found between veterans with and without PTSD, or between their respective offspring. Veterans without MDD showed a positive association between total war exposure and HCC. Veterans reporting more frequent childhood physical abuse had lower HCC. Veterans-with-PTSD’s offspring with MDD had increased HCC compared to offspring without MDD. Offspring’s exposure to more frequent childhood physical abuse was negatively associated with HCC in those without MDD.Conclusion HCC did not appear to constitute a marker of intergenerational heritage of war-related PTSD, except in the case of veteranswith-PTSD’s offspring with MDD. Our data suggest that HCC is a marker of adult reported childhood physical abuse.
Молекулярное маркирование генов устойчивости к пирикуляриозу в сортах риса дальневосточной селекции
Authors: Илюшко Марина Владиславовна , Ромашова Марина Викторовна , Гученко Светлана Сергеевна
Published: October 2020

С помощью молекулярно-генетических маркеров изучены 13 сортов риса (Oryza sativa L.), зарегистрированных в Государственном реестре селекционных достижений по дальневосточной зоне, и 1 перспективный сорт на наличие 6 генов устойчивости к пирикуляриозу риса — Pi-2, Pi-9, Pi-b, Pi-z(t), Pi-1 и Pi-ta2, наиболее актуальных для региона. В 4 сортах не обнаружено генов резистентности к пирикуляриозу. В 8 сортах идентифицировано по 1 гену устойчивости — Pi-2 и Pi-ta2. В 1 сорте (Садко) выявлено 2 изученных гена — Pi-z(t) и Pi-ta2. Изученные 8 сортов риса используют для технологии пирамидирования генов в селекции на устойчивость риса к пирикуляриозу для дальневосточной зоны рисосеяния. Выявленные гены резистентности риса к Pyricularia oryzae Cav. могут служить объективным идентификатором при паспортизации изученных сортов. Обсуждаются причины потери иммунности сортов и необходимости молекулярно-генетического сопровождения процесса семеноводства риса.
Properties of the commutators of some elements of linear groups over divisions rings
Authors: Petechuk V. M. , Petechuk Yu. V.
Published: October 2020

Inclusions resulting from the commutativity of elements and their commutators with trans\-vections in the language of residual and fixed submodules are found. The residual and fixed submodules of an element $\sigma $ of the complete linear group are defined as the image and the kernel of the element $\sigma -1$ and are denoted by $R(\sigma )$ and $P(\sigma )$, respectively. It is shown that for an arbitrary element $g$ of a complete linear group over a division ring whose characteristic is different from 2 and the transvection $\tau $ from the commutativity of the commutator $\left[g,\tau \right]$ with $g$ is followed by the inclusion of $R(\left[g,\tau \right])\subseteq P(\tau )\cap P(g)$. It is proved that the same inclusions occur over an arbitrary division ring if $g$ is a unipotent element, $\mathrm{dim}\mathrm{}(R\left(\tau \right)+R\left(g\right))\le 2$ and the commutator $\left[g,\tau \right]$ commutes with $\tau $ or if $g$ is a unipotent commutator of some element of the complete linear group and transvection $\ \tau $.
A continuant and an estimate of the remainder of the interpolating continued C-fraction
Authors: Pahirya M.M.
Published: October 2020

The problem of the interpolation of functions of a real variable by interpolating continued $C$-fraction is investigated. The relationship between the continued fraction and the continuant was used. The properties of the continuant are established. The formula for the remainder of the interpolating continued $C$-fraction proved. The remainder expressed in terms of derivatives of the functional continent. An estimate of the remainder was obtained. The main result of this paper is contained in the following Theorem 5:Let \(\mathcal{R}\subset \mathbb{R} \) be a compact, \(f \in \mathbf{C}^{(n+1)}(\mathcal{R})\) andthe interpolating continued $C$-fraction~($C$-ICF) of the form$$D_n(x)=\frac{P_n(x)}{Q_n(x)}=a_0+\bfrac{K}{k=1}{n}\frac{a_k(x-x_{k-1})}{1}, \ a_k \in \mathbb{R}, \; k=\overline{0,n},$$be constructed by the values the function \(f\) at nodes $X=\{x_i : x_i \in \mathcal{R}, x_i\neq x_j, i\neq j, i,j=\overline{0,n}\}.$If the partial numerators of $C$-ICF satisfy the condition of the Paydon--Wall type, that is\(0<a^* \ {\rm diam}\, \mathcal{R} \leq p\), then$\displaystyle|f(x)-D_n(x)|\leq \frac{f^*\prod\limits_{k=0}^n |x-x_k|}{(n+1)!\, \Omega_n(t)} \Big( \kappa_{n+1}(p)+\sum_{k=1}^r \tbinom{n+1}{k} (a^*)^k \sum_{i_1=1}^{n+1-2k} \kappa_{i_1}(p)\times$$\displaystyle\times \sum_{i_2=i_1+2}^{n+3-3k} \kappa_{i_2-i_1-1}(p)\dots\sum_{i_{k-1}=i_{k-2}+2}^{n-3} \kappa_{i_{k-1}-i_{k-2}-1}(p)\sum_{i_k=i_{k-1}+2}^{n-1} \kappa_{i_k-i_{k-1}-1}(p)\, \kappa_{n-i_{k}}(p)\Big),$  where $\displaystyle f^*=\max\limits_{0\leq m \leq r}\max\limits_{x \in \mathcal{R}} |f^{(n+1-m)}(x)|,$$\displaystyle \kappa_n(p)=\cfrac{(1\!+\!\sqrt{1+4p})^n\!-\!(1\!-\!\sqrt{1+4p})^n}{2^n\, \sqrt{1+4p}},$\ $a^*=\max\limits_{2\leqslant i \leqslant n}|a_i|,$\ $p=t(1-t),\;t\in(0;\tfrac{1}{2}], \; r=\big[\tfrac{n}{2}\big].$
Differential expression of transcripts from the gene encoding the vascular endothelial growth factor D, FIGF, in non-small cell lung cancer and association with patient survival.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: October 2020

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States (1). We mined published microarray data (2, 3, 4) to identify differentially expressed genes in NSCLC. We found three transcripts produced by the FIGF gene - a FIGF transcript and two read-through transcripts containing sequences from FIGF and a neighboring gene, PIR (PIR-FIGF) - among those whose expression was most quantitatively different in human NSCLC tumors as compared to the lung. FIGF and PIR-FIGF expression levels were significantly decreased in NSCLC tumors as compared to the lung, and lower expression of FIGF in patient tumors was significantly associated with worse overall survival. Vascular endothelial growth factor D may be important for initiation or progression of non-small cell lung cancer in humans.
Stroke rehabilitation use and caregiver psychosocial health profiles in Singapore: A latent profile transition analysis
Authors: Chong Wayne Freeman , Hwee Ng Leong , ho Ho Moon , Koh Choon Huat Gerald , Hoenig Helen , Matchar David Bruce , Yap Philip , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Tan Kelvin , Ning Chou , Menon Edward , Chang Hui Meng , De Silva Deidre Anne , Lee Kim En , Tan Boon Yeow , Young Sherry , Sien Ng Yee , Tu Tian Ming , Ang Yan Hoon , Yeo Tseng Tsai , Merchant Reshma Aziz , Kong Keng He , Singh Rajinder , Ng Yu Li , Cheong Angela
Published: October 2020

Objectives: To identify and describe caregiver profiles based on their psychosocial health characteristics over a 12-month period and transitions among these profiles, to determine if stroke rehabilitation use at 12-month post-stroke differed by caregiver profile transition patterns, and to investigate if caregiver profiles at 3-month post-stroke moderate the association of stroke rehabilitation use at 3-month and 12-month post-stroke after accounting for covariates.Design: Latent profile transition analysis of caregiver psychosocial health with stroke rehabilitation use at 12-month post-stroke as outcome. Setting and Participants: 149 stroke patient-caregiver dyads from the Singapore Stroke Study.Methods: Cross-sectional latent profile analyses were conducted on caregiver psychosocial health indicators of burden, depression, health status, quality of relationship with patient, and social support. Changes in latent profile classification over three time points (baseline, 3-month, and 12-month post-stroke) were analysed using latent transition analysis. A transition model with stroke rehabilitation use at 12-month post-stroke as the outcome was tested after accounting for covariates.Results: Two distinct caregiver psychosocial health latent profiles were found across time: non-distressed and distressed. Most caregivers were classified as non-distressed and remained non-distressed over time. Distressed caregivers at baseline were 76% likely to become non-distressed at 12-month post-stroke. Regardless of profile transition patterns, non-distressed caregivers at 12-month post-stroke tended to have cared for stroke rehabilitation non-users at 12-month post-stroke. Patient depression explained profile classification at 3-month and 12-month post-stroke. After accounting for covariates, the association between stroke rehabilitation use at 3-month and 12-month post-stroke was present only when caregivers were non-distressed at 3-month post-stroke.Conclusions and Implications: Whether caregiver adaptation explain the associations between the latent profile transition patterns and rehabilitation use at 12-month post-stroke should be examined. Early psychosocial health assessment and sustained support should be made available to stroke caregivers to enhance their well-being and subsequent patient rehabilitation participation.
Agent Selection and Belief Polarization in Distributive Bargaining
Authors: Hagmann David , Feiler Daniel
Published: October 2020

The selection of an agent precedes most principal-agent relationships, but the consequences of this selection process remain largely unstudied. Across three preregistered experiments (N = 3,190), we show that principals choose agents who make overly aggressive offers. Principals' selection leads to worse outcomes than if they chose randomly or negotiated on their own behalf, and could be improved by unilaterally selecting less aggressive agents. These less-aggressive agents, however, fail to persist in the market. Principals neglect the increasing polarization of the agent pool, continue to select relatively aggressive agents, and become more polarized in their own beliefs.
Problematika Pertumbuhan Gereja Masa Kini (Materialisme-hedonis) dan Solusinya
Authors: wantalangi regen
Published: October 2020

Melihat perkembangan dunia tidak dapat dipungkiri lagi bahwa adabanyak persoalan yang harus disikapi dengan bijak oleh bereja yang kontemporer.diantaranya masalah maraknya materialis dan hedonis dikalangan kekristenan. Ada beberapa ajaran yang telah berhasil diterima oleh kekristenan namun sebenaarnya ajaran-ajaran ini adalah ajaran yang tidak sesuai lagi dengan Firman Tuhan. Gereja zaman ini membutuhkan gebrakan-demi gebrakan yang dilakoni oleh setiap pendetanya salah satunya mengangkat kembali ajaran yang sehat dalam jemaat, menanamkan kembali Firman Tuhan kepada seluruh anggota gereja melalui pemuridan.
The Conceptualization and Measurement of Emotion in Machine Learning: A Critical Appraisal and Recommendations from Psychology
Authors: Caceres Pablo
Published: October 2020

While psychologists, neuroscientists, and philosophers continue to debate about thenature of human emotions, machine learning researchers hurry to develop artificial systems capable of recognizing and synthesizing (i.e., artificially generating) emotions. Such efforts have been primarily motivated by the vast space of potential applications of emotion recognition and generation systems. Applications like personalized advertising, machine-assisted education, machine-assisted psychotherapy, employee assessment, elder care robots, machine-assisted mental health diagnosis, and emotion responsive gaming, are just a couple of examples. In this context, I aim to accomplish the following objectives: (1) to review the literature on emotion from a conceptual perspective, this is, how the concept of emotion has been understood and operationalized in the fields of psychology and machine learning; (2) to critically examine the machine learning literature regarding the conceptualization and measurement of emotion; (3) to identify areas of improvement and innovation in the conceptualization and measurement of emotion for basic and applied research, with special attention to the needs of machine learning researchers.
Regulatory Focus and Perceived Safety with Casual Partners: Implications for Perceived Risk and Casual Sex Intentions During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rodrigues David L.
Published: October 2020

Motives for security (i.e., prevention focus) or pleasure (i.e., promotion focus) help regulate risk perceptions. Individuals focused on prevention (vs. promotion) tend to be more aware of health risks, more careful in their sexual behaviors, and less likely to take risks with casual partners. However, feeling safer with casual partners seem to mitigate some of these risks. We administered an online survey in English, Spanish, and German at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to 550 participants who were single (57.6% women). Participants predominantly focused on prevention were less fearful of COVID-19 infection, perceived to be well informed about COVID-19, and retrieved their information from scientific sources. Participants predominantly focused on promotion were more fearful of COVID-19 infection and perceived to be well informed about COVID-19 but retrieved their information from non-scientific sources. These participants also had stronger intentions to have casual sex if they felt safer (vs. less safe) with their casual partners. Our findings show the importance of individual motivations and interpersonal dynamics for risk perception and sexual activity during the pandemic.
Who gets to vote? Racialized mental images of legitimate and illegitimate voters
Authors: Brown-Iannuzzi Jazmin Lati , Payne Keith , Cooley Erin , Cipolli Will
Published: October 2020

When people support voter ID laws, who do they imagine they are keeping in and out of the voting booth? We investigated this question across three studies. First, using a traditional survey approach, we found support for voter ID laws was associated with beliefs that ID requirements reduce illegal voting by both Black and White people to the same degree. Because explicit surveys are vulnerable to social desirability concerns, in the following two studies we utilized an indirect measure, reverse correlation, to investigate mental images of those who try to vote illegally (Study 2), and mental images of those who should and should not get to vote (Study 3). The findings of these studies suggest that support for voter ID laws is associated with racially biased perceptions of illegal voters and who should get to vote. Critically, these biased perceptions may be underestimated by traditional explicit survey approaches.
Young people, inequality and violence during the COVID-19 lockdown in Uganda
Authors: Parkes Jenny , Datzberger Simone , Howell Colleen , Kasidi Joan , Kiwanuka Thadeus , Knight Louise , Nagawa Rehema , Naker Dipak , Devries Karen
Published: October 2020

This working paper reports findings from a qualitative study on how response measures during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda have affected the lives of adolescent young people. The study was conducted as part of a broader research project: Contexts of Violence in Adolescence Cohort Study (CoVAC), with data collected through mobile phone interviews in May-June 2020 with 18 girls and 16 boys (mainly aged 16-19 years) who have been participants in our longitudinal study. The data are contextualized within longitudinal biographical narratives of these young people that have been developed since 2018 and which helped us to illuminate the significance of the crisis in their everyday lives. The analysis shows how effects on young people of the lockdown varied according to gender, location, mobility and socio-economic background, amplifying inequalities and creating the conditions for multiple forms of violence.
Cooperation by Coercion: Institutionalizing the “Third Mission” of Universities in the South Korean Higher Education System
Authors: Jeon Joonha
Published: October 2020

The rise of the knowledge-based economy has led to a global trend pushing universities to be competent in not only teaching and research but also the so-called “third mission.” At the same time, driven by the New Public Management (NPM) regime, recent global university reforms have introduced and employed complex evaluation systems for its governance. Yet, there is relatively a scant interest in how the NPM approach has influenced the ways of institutionalizing the third mission of universities and its consequences. This paper tries to fill this gap with a case study of LINC (Leaders in INdustry-university Cooperation), which is one of the main South Korean university funding programs dedicated to the third mission. This paper examines the evaluation system of LINC and its multi-level operation that constitutes the Korean version of the entrepreneurial university. As a result, this study finds that the evaluation system of LINC has been steering university toward an “industry serving agency,” with persistent approaches of formalization and incentivization. This study presents a reflective interpretation of the direction where South Korean university-industry cooperation policy headed, leaving policy implications not only for South Korea but also for other countries that are adopting a similar policy.
COVID-19 Outbreak Prediction with Machine Learning
Authors: Ardabili Sina Faizollahzadeh , Mosavi Amir , Ghamisi Pedram , Ferdinand Filip , Varkonyi-Koczy Annamaria R. , Reuter Uwe , Rabczuk Timon , Atkinson Peter M.
Published: October 2020

: Several outbreak prediction models for COVID-19 are being used by officials around the world to make informed-decisions and enforce relevant control measures. Among the standard models for COVID-19 global pandemic prediction, simple epidemiological and statistical models have received more attention by authorities, and they are popular in the media. Due to a high level of uncertainty and lack of essential data, standard models have shown low accuracy for long-term prediction. Although the literature includes several attempts to address this issue, the essential generalization and robustness abilities of existing models needs to be improved. This paper presents a comparative analysis of machine learning and soft computing models to predict the COVID-19 outbreak as an alternative to SIR and SEIR models. Among a wide range of machine learning models investigated, two models showed promising results (i.e., multi-layered perceptron, MLP, and adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system, ANFIS). Based on the results reported here, and due to the highly complex nature of the COVID-19 outbreak and variation in its behavior from nation-to-nation, this study suggests machine learning as an effective tool to model the outbreak. This paper provides an initial benchmarking to demonstrate the potential of machine learning for future research. Paper further suggests that real novelty in outbreak prediction can be realized through integrating machine learning and SEIR models.
MERAYAKAN ANUGERAH TUHAN
Authors: Gulo Arif Yupiter
Published: October 2020

Buku ini merupakan kumpulam khotbah yang inspiratif dengan panggalian, pemaknaan dan penghayatan yang menekankan tentang pengampunan dari Tuhan disebabkan karena pertobatan dan perpalingan yang sungguh-sungguh. Selain itu, menguraikan tentang keterpanggilan untuk melayani dengan perlengkapan dengan kuasa kasih karunia dari Tuhan dalam mewujudkan rencana-Nya dalam dunia ini. Bagian lainnya terkait dengan keteguhan iman untuk dapat menghadapi tantangan dan pergumulan baik secara internal dan eksternal sehingga tidak dapat terombang-ambingkan namun tetap teguh dan kokoh bahkan tetap terjaga kebersamaan dan keharmonisan yang akhirnya hati penuh dengan ucapan syukur kepada Tuhan dengan segala hormat dan kemuliaan-Nya. Dalam bagian terakhir ini secara khusus saya ucapkan terima kasih kepada kedua kekasih hati yang mendampingi dan menguatkan sehingga selesai di rilis buku ini, yaitu istri tercinta Titi Murni Gulo, A. Md dan anakku yang kukasihi dengan segenap hatiku, Shine Oani Gulo. Melalui mereka berdua penulis merasakan banyaknya anugerah Tuhan yang tidak terhingga. Ekspetasi dan doa penulis semoga melalui buku ini dapat meneguhkan pembaca yang budiman sehingga dapat memberkati, meneguhkan dan menguatkan iman kepada Tuhan.
Variable presentation of diabetic papillopathy and treatment dilemma- A case series
Authors: Kumari Archana , Agarwal Lalit , Agrawal Nisha , Prasad Indranath , Aditya Kshitij , Pradhan Deepti
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Diabetic papillopathy (DP) is a diagnosis of exclusion in type 1 and type 2 diabetics with transient disc edema. It was initially described in young patients with type1 diabetes mellitus (DM) as a bilateral disease with minimal visual symptoms which resolved spontaneously. Lately, DP has been a focus of controversy because of its wide clinical spectrum.

Cases: We describe three variable cases of DP. These are unilateral DP with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR) with macular edema (ME), unilateral DP with severe Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR) with ischemic maculopathy and a case of bilateral DP with Moderate NPDR with ME. We also discuss viable treatment for the variable presentation. DP has been reported in this case series in moderate NPDR, severe NPDR as well as PDR. Macular involvement in the form of macular edema as well as ischemia has been demonstrated to result in diminution of vision. It shows both unilateral and bilateral presentation. Remarkable visual loss seen, in these cases, call for intervention.

Conclusions: DP has a wide spectrum of presentation and its knowledge is eminent to make a complete diagnosis. Individualisation of treatment has to be done for variable presentation and realistic outcomes should be explained to the patients.
Fluorophotometric Measurement of Corneal Autofluorescence in Diabetic and Normal Eyes
Authors: Srinivasan Ramyaa , Bhandari Madhavendra , Sharma Tarun , Raman Rajiv
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Corneal autofluorescence (AF) has been recommended as an indicator of diabetic retinopathy. This study was conducted to evaluate corneal autofluorescence in non-insulin dependent diabetes subjects (with and without diabetic retinopathy) and compare the changes with healthy subjects.

Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 145 eyes of diabetes mellitus subjects with and without diabetic retinopathy and 34 eyes of normal healthy subjects were included. Diabetic patients were subdivided by the severity of retinopathy based on international clinical diabetic retinopathy disease severity scale. The investigations included fluorophotometric determination of corneal autofluorescence, fasting glucose level (FBS) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

Results: The corneal autofluorescence values were significantly higher in moderate NPDR, severe NPDR and PDR when compared with healthy subjects (p<0.001). FBS values and HbA1c were significantly higher in all diabetic groups than the healthy subjects (p<0.001). In linear regression test, corneal autofluorescence seem to be related to duration of diabetes and FBS, but not with age and HbA1c.

Conclusion: We conclude that the level of corneal autofluorescence is dependent on the severity of diabetic retinopathy. Our study suggests that the formation of autofluorescent products in cornea depend upon the glucose concentration in the aqueous humor.
Evaluation of change in pterygium induced keratometric astigmatism in patients following pterygium excision with autologous graft surgery
Authors: Jain Amit Kumar , Pandey Dadan Ji
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Pterygium is a common surface disorder of the eye that may cause change in visual acuity of patients by inducing astigmatic refractive error. Surgical excision with grafting is considered the most effective recommended treatment for pterygium. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of pterygium excision with autologous graft surgery on keratometric astigmatism and visual acuity.

Materials and methods: In this study total 64 eyes of 64 patients were enrolled having the diagnosis of pterygium. Prior to the pterygium excision surgery all the enrolled patients were studied for grading of pterygium, clinical symptoms, keratometric values and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Postoperatively, BCVA and keratometric readings were recorded at one week, one month, two months and four months intervals.

Results: Mean age of study participants was 34.16 ± 8.24 years in the age group of 18-60 years. 42 (65.62%) eyes had grade II pterygium, while 16 (25.0 %) and 6 (9.38%) eyes were having grade III and grade IV pterygium, respectively. Preoperative median and quartiles (25% -75%) horizontal and vertical keratometric values were 43.00 (42.50-44.00) D and 44.25 (43.75-44.50) D, respectively and both reduced significantly to 42.50 (42.50-42.94) D and 42.50 (42.50- 43.00) D, respectively after four months postoperatively. Median keratometric astigmatism before surgery was 1.37 (1.25-1.93) D which reduced significantly to 0.50 (0.32-0.75) D after four months of pterygium excision. Similarly, BCVA improved significantly [0.20(0.16-0.25) vs 0.53 (0.50-0.80)] when assessed postoperatively after four months.

Conclusion: Excision of pterygium with autologous graft reduced pterygium-induced keratometric astigmatism and improved BCVA significantly.
Profile of Ophthalmic Tumors in Adult Nepalese Population in Central Nepal
Authors: Pant Nayana , Shrestha Gulshan Bahadur , Joshi Sagun Narayan , Bhatta Subash
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Ophthalmic tumors cover benign and malignant tumors of eyelids, conjunctiva, globe, and orbit. There is limited literature on ophthalmic tumors in Nepal. The objective of the study was to find the relative frequency of various ophthalmic tumors in the adult Nepalese population in Central Nepal.

Material and methods: This is an observational descriptive study. A total of 100 consecutive patients, presenting with ophthalmic tumors to tertiary referral eye hospital were enrolled for the study. Demographic profile, detailed history, clinical features and diagnosis of the ophthalmic tumors were recorded. The tissue from incisional or excisional biopsy was then subjected to histopathological examination for confirmatory diagnosis.

Results: Mean age of subjects with ophthalmic tumors was 51.5 ± 18.2 years with a female to male ratio of 1.2:1. Benign tumors (64%) were the most common tumors followed by malignant (26%) and premalignant tumors (10%). Most common benign tumor was naevus (26.5%); most common premalignant tumor was conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (60%), and most common malignant tumor was sebaceous gland carcinoma (30.8%). Eyelid was most frequently involved with ophthalmic tumors (59%) followed by conjunctiva (21%). Clinical diagnosis correlated with histopathological diagnosis in 77% of cases.

Conclusion: As different ophthalmic tumors present in a myriad of ways and a significant proportion of these cases presenting to hospital settings are malignant, it is prudent to confirm with a histopathological diagnosis for optimum management of such cases.
Perception and Willingness towards Eye Donation in an urban community of West Bengal
Authors: Gupta Shibaji , Kole Seshadri , Bhattacharya Saikat , Guchhait Debjani
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Corneal blindness, though treatable, contributes largely to the burden of blindness. With 1.2 million existing cases of corneal blindness in India, the demand for cornea collection is increasing. 69349 corneas were collected in 2018-19 but it is much less than what is needed. Faulty perceptions and unwillingness are two major hurdles against a scenario favourable towards eye donation. The objectives of the study was to assess the perception and willingness towards eye donation and the socio-demographic variables that affect such perception and willingness, in an urban community of West Bengal.

Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted among adult residents of the urban field practice area of Medical College Kolkata, data was collected from randomly selected eligible members, one each from all the available families by interviewing them using a validated pre tested schedule.

Results: Eighty nine (52.3%) among 170 interviewed participants had Secondary level education or higher, 49.4% had outdoor engagement. 128 participants reported ocular morbidity in the family but only 126 had heard about eye donation. 98 (77.8%) of these 126, had favourable perception towards eye donation. Among these 98 participants, 40 were willing to pledge for eye donation. Higher education and outdoor engagement significantly predicted favourable perception, while willingness significantly increased with participants belonging to higher socio-economic class and with higher education.

Conclusions: Compared to favourable perception, willingness of pledging eyes was lesser due to various false notions. Proper education through usage of means of mass communication and stress upon school education is needed to address these hurdles.
Diagnostic features of the presumed focal viral retinitis: A case series
Authors: Manandhar Anu
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Other than well-known herpetic retinopathies like acute retinal necrosis, progressive outer retinal necrosis and cytomegalovirus retinitis, there are few reports on atypical forms of viral retinitis caused by herpes virus from around the world.

Cases: Presenting symptom was sudden onset of diminution of vision in all 6 cases. Mean duration of symptoms at presentation was 7.6 days. The mean age was 27.3 years (range 22-40 years). All were immunocompetent (4 females and 2 males), with unremarkable review of system. All had unilateral involvement. Presenting visual acuity ranged from CFCF to 6/60. Granulomatous anterior uveitis was present in 4 cases. All had focal retinitis with irregular margins, either juxtapapillary, macular or over one of the major vascular arcades. The diagnosis of focal viral retinitis was made solely based upon the clinical findings. All recovered after a course of oral acyclovir (one was given additional intravitreal acyclovir as well) and oral prednisolone, with final visual acuity of 6/6P to 6/9 in all except one.

Conclusion: In case of focal retinitis with irregular margin, viral etiology should be borne in mind. Clinical features are typical enough to help in diagnosing without PCR test.
Corona virus infectious disease (COVID-19) pandemic and eye health care services
Authors: Almazyad Enmar M , Khandekar Rajiv
Published: October 2020

Not available.
Odczytując palimpsest miejski. Na przykładzie Katowic
Authors: Węgrzynek Krystian
Published: October 2020

The article invites the readers to approach the city itself as a text of culture. We are to read it alongside other narratives/narrations (literary, artistic, and cinematic) devoted to it. The author traces how Katowice’s space has been transmuted into politically- and culturally-charged places, by distinguishing consecutive layers of the palimpsest (Polish village, building patterns of German and Polish times: the old and the new). The foregoing examples allow the author to indicate the traces of conceptions and ideologies reflected by architecture. He also includes some methodological recommendations/tips pertaining to reading the space.
Does Consumers’ Intention to Purchase Travel Online Differ Across Generations?
Authors: Sharma Shavneet , Singh Gurmeet , Pratt Stephen
Published: October 2020

This paper examines the differences in consumers' intention to purchase travel online across Millennials and Baby Boomers. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) is extended by including attitude, compatibility, innovativeness, perceived trust, and perceived risk variables. Data is collected using online questionnaires from Millennials (N=322) and Baby Boomers (N=318) in Australia. Overall, the empirical results revealed that factors affecting Australian consumers' intention to purchase travel online differ across generations. This study contributes to the literature by extending and testing the comprehensive research model to understand consumers' online travel purchase behavior better.
Effect of Trihoney (A Mixture of Trigona, Mellifera and Tualang) on Male Reproductive Hormones and Insulin Resistance in Hypercholesterolaemic Rabbits
Authors: Hamad Mohamed Z , Ibrahim M , Hamad Alfarisi HA , Abdul Wahab AY , Abd Fuaat A , Che Mohamad CA
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Hypercholesterolaemia affects Sertoli and Leydig cells secretory functions, impairs steroidhormone biosynthesis, and disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The use of honey in previousstudies resulted in an improvement of male reproductive hormonal disturbances. This study aimed toinvestigate the protective effects of Trihoney on hypercholesterolemia-induced male reproductive hormonalchanges in male rabbits and compare its effects with atorvastatin. Materials and methods: Forty-eight maleNew Zealand white rabbits were assigned into 6 groups as follows; Control: commercial pellet; CH:commercial pellet with 0.6 g/kg/day Trihoney; HCD: 1% cholesterol diet; DH1: 1% cholesterol diet with 0.3g/kg/day Trihoney; DH2: 1% cholesterol diet with 0.6 g/kg/day Trihoney and DAt: 1% cholesterol diet with2mg/kg/day atorvastatin. After 12 weeks, the rabbits were sacrificed and blood samples were collected foranalysis of hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokines and calculation of HOMA-IR. The testes werehomogenized for intra-testicular testosterone measurement. Results: Serum testosterone reducedsignificantly in HCD (p<0.05) and DAt (p<0.05) groups. Likewise, intra-testicular testosterone reducedsignificantly in HCD (p<0.01) and DAt (p<0.01) groups. Serum FSH increased significantly in HCD (p<0.001)and DAt (p<0.01). Trihoney particularly at the dose of 0.6 g/kg/day improved serum and intra-testiculartestosterone (p<0.05) and FSH (p<0.05). Trihoney and atorvastatin improved serum pro-inflammatorycytokines. Trihoney and atorvastatin did not affect HOMA-IR. Conclusion: Trihoney attenuated thedetrimental effects of hypercholesterolaemia on male reproductive hormones which probably through alocal effect on testicular tissue and Trihoney anti-inflammatory effect independent of insulin resistance.Atorvastatin did not counteract the impact of hypercholesterolaemia on the reproductive hormones.
АНАЛІЗ МЕТОДІВ ВИЗНАЧЕННЯ МІНІМУМУ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ ВІДБИТТЯ ПІД ЧАС ПОВЕРХНЕВОГО ПЛАЗМОННОГО РЕЗОНАНСУ
Authors: Дорожинська Ганна Василівна
Published: October 2020

У статті проаналізовано найпоширеніші методи визначення мінімуму характеристики відбиття під час поверхневого плазмонного резонансу й наведено приклад зміни показника заломлення досліджуваного середовища та його температури на точність вимірювання цими методами шляхом чисельного моделювання. Відомо, що точність визначення мінімуму характеристики відбиття суттєво залежить від математичних методів його визначення. Найпоширенішими методами визначення мінімуму характеристики відбиття є методи апроксимації поліномами, які залежать від форми характеристики відбиття, що впливає на точність визначення мінімуму. Розроблений альтернативний метод середньої лінії забезпечує похибку вимірювання за зміни показників заломлення з 1,33 до 1,5 у 2,5 рази меншу від методів апроксимації поліномом для зони характеристики відбиття з кутовим діапазоном 0,125 град. та в майже 8,5 разів меншу для кутового діапазону 0,2 град., що свідчить про доцільність застосування нового методу. При цьому найменша абсолютна похибка властива методу середньої лінії для зони характеристики відбиття розміром 0,4, що пов’язано безпосередньо з кількістю точок, що входять в зону визначення мінімуму. Метод середньої лінії для досліджень температурних змін аналіту також забезпечує меншу абсолютну похибку визначення мінімуму порівняно з апроксимацією поліномами та має менший розкид значень похибки в діапазоні вищих температур. Порівняно з поліноміальними методами метод середньої лінії має більшу точність визначення мінімуму характеристики відбиття через те, що менше залежить від її антисиметричності, яка пов’язана з перебігом фізичних процесів на поверхні збудження поверхневих плазмонів. Результати проведеного чисельного аналізу можуть бути корисними під час розробки алгоритмів обробки прямих вимірювань приладами на основі поверхневого плазмонного резонансу.
Status of Physical Facilities and Students Achievement at Public and PEF Partner Schools in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Nisar ul Haq Muhammad , Khan Mumtaz Gul
Published: October 2020

The main aspiration of this study was to analyze the status of physical facilities and students achievement at Public and Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) partner schools in Punjab, Pakistan. The present study was quantitative in nature and survey approach was used. Multi-stage random sampling procedure was employed to pick out the sample from Sahiwal division. The sample of the study comprised of 506 public elementary schools Head Teachers and 146 PEF schools Principals. The researcher developed a checklist for physical facilities (CLPF), validated before data collection. The result of the study showed that Public schools had more physical facilities as compared to PEF partner schools. The annual result of Punjab Examination Commission (PEC) was taken as achievement of students. The performance of Public schools is better regarding students achievement as compared to PEF partner schools. It is highly recommended that PEF schools follow the physical infrastructure as present in public schools.
Anthropological Account of Traditional Musical Instruments
Authors: Rehman Nida , Chaudhry Abid Ghafoor
Published: October 2020

The art of making a musical instrument, playing it and to move or dance to that instrument is duly considered to be an abhorrent act in Pakistan. The use of musical instruments in Pakistan is going to be extinct over time. Research in Pakistan has yet to be done in this area. The musical instruments are source of bread and butter for artists and performers as their lives are connected with these instruments. Both instrument performers and the artists were selected as respondents. The data was collected from 25 artists and performers through cluster samplings. Based on the interviews, the importance of instruments, their values and methods on the rhythms were collected from the performers (participants). The government and art Institutions in the country can play a pivotal role in saving and preserving the instruments and the artists classical culture.
Politics of Protest in Pakistan: Causes and Features of the PTI (2014) Dharna in Islamabad, Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Yaseen , Ahmad Manzoor , Azim Syed Wasif
Published: October 2020

Public protests, agitations and demonstrations are part of the democratic political process. It shapes the polity of a country and transforms social, political and economic aspects. In Pakistan's history, protest or pressure politics has played a significant role. Significant protests in Pakistan have been held against 'election riggings' including the recent one against 2013 general elections (presumably won by Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League N). This present study discusses the recent protest 'popularly called Dharna' staged by Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf (PTI) under the leadership of the present Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad for 126 days against the alleged rigging of elections of 2013. This empirical study explores the causes of PTI Dharna. It is based on the Primary data collected through a random sample of interviews from students, lawyers and political activists in May-June 2019 in Lahore, Nowshera and Peshawar, Pakistan. We argue that the Dharna has multiple features long continued presence, participation of multiple groups, violence and media coverage. However, the dharna has multiple causes. The significant reason of PTI for staging protest against the Nawaz Shairf was the alleged rigging in the general elections of 2013. Other causes of this dharna are to expose corruption and alleged role of establishment for their vested political interests.
Free vibration of bidirectional functionally graded sandwich beams using a first-order shear deformation finite element formulation
Authors: Anh Le Thi Ngoc , Ninh Vu Thi An , Lang Tran Van , Kien Nguyen Dinh
Published: October 2020

Free vibration of bidirectional functionally graded sandwich (BFGSW) beams is studied by using a first-order shear deformation finite element formulation. The beams consist of three layers, a homogeneous core and two functionally graded skin layers with material properties varying in both the longitudinal and thickness directions by power gradation laws. The finite element formulation with the stiffness and mass matrices evaluated explicitly is efficient, and it is capable of giving accurate frequencies by using a small number of elements. Vibration characteristics are evaluated for the beams with various boundary conditions. The effects of the power-law indexes, the layer thickness ratio, and the aspect ratio on the frequencies are investigated in detail and highlighted. The influence of the aspect ratio on the frequencies is also examined and discussed.

Keywords:

BFGSW beam; first-order shear deformation theory; free vibration; finite element method.
Ảnh hưởng của độ gồ ghề đến một số đặc tính thuỷ lực của vật liệu rỗng có chứa vết nứt đơn
Authors: Tuấn Trần Anh , Hải Nguyễn Đình
Published: October 2020

Bài báo này trình bày mô phỏng số dòng Stokes đi qua vết nứt đơn, gồ ghề xuất hiện trong môi trường vật liệu rỗng, ở đó hai hình thái gồ ghề được xem xét đó là: dạng hình sin và dạng tam giác. Trong nghiên cứu này, một số đặc tính thuỷ lực của dòng Stokes như trường vận tốc và áp suất trước tiên phải được xác định bằng cách sử dụng phương pháp phần tử biên, sau đó các nghiệm số thu được được sử dụng để tính toán độ thấm hữu hiệu của vết nứt trong vật liệu rỗng. Ảnh hưởng của mức độ gồ ghề và độ mở rộng của vết nứt lên độ thấm hữu hiệu được xem xét và phân tích. Nhằm mục đính chứng minh tính chính xác và hiệu quả của phương pháp đã đề xuất, các kết quả thu được cho trường vận tốc và áp suất được so sánh với kết quả thu được bằng phương pháp phần tử hữu hạn.

Từ khóa:

vật liệu rỗng bị nứt; dòng Stokes; phương pháp phần tử biên; độ thấm hữu hiệu; vết nứt gồ ghề.
Ảnh hưởng của động đất tác dụng dọc nhà đối với kết cấu thép nhà công nghiệp một tầng có cầu trục
Authors: Thuật Đinh Văn , Hòa Nguyễn Đình , Cường Nguyễn Văn , Hùng Trương Việt
Published: October 2020

Trong bài báo này, tám kết cấu nhà công nghiệp một tầng một nhịp bằng thép có cầu trục được khảo sát theo sơ đồ phân tích không gian chịu tải trọng động đất tĩnh tương đương tác dụng theo phương dọc nhà (PDN). Các thông số khảo sát gồm nhịp khung 20, 26, 32 và 38 m; sức trục 100 và 200 kN; địa điểm xây dựng ở Hà Nội và Sơn La. Kết quả tính cho thấy mô men uốn lớn nhất ở chân cột theo phương ngoài mặt phẳng khung ngang do thành phần tải trọng động đất tác dụng theo PDN là rất nhỏ và có thể bỏ qua, trong khi lực nén trong cột lại khá lớn, đặc biệt ở những cột thuộc khoang có giằng cột. Xét trường hợp tổ hợp nội lực do tĩnh tải và động đất, lực nén trong cột khi xét cả ba thành phần động đất tác dụng theo phương ngang, đứng và dọc nhà là lớn hơn từ 2,36 đến 2,99 lần so với trường hợp chỉ xét theo phương ngang và đứng. Kết quả đã chỉ ra ảnh hưởng của tải trọng động đất tác dụng theo PDN đã làm tăng đáng kể lực nén trong cột, đặc biệt đối với những cột ở khoang có giằng cột và điều này cần phải được kể đến trong tính toán thiết kế kết cấu nhà công nghiệp một tầng bằng thép có cầu trục chịu động đất. Mức độ tăng giá trị lực nén trong cột phụ thuộc vào chiều dài nhịp và cường độ tác động của động đất.

Từ khóa:

nhà công nghiệp một tầng; phân tích không gian; khung thép; chiều dài nhịp: tải trọng động đất; phương dọc nhà.