bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE SYSTEM OF PRONOMINAL ADDRESS IN LATVIAN: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC ASPECT
Authors: Lauze Linda
Published: November 2020

This paper represents the study of sociolinguistic variation. The Latvian language has two singular personal pronouns tu (T) and jūs (V) used for addressing one person but sociolinguistic processes in society reflects that the use of the T pronoun intensifies outside informal speech situations. The  aim of  the  research  is  to characterize the system of pronominal address as well as to test the steadiness of the V pronoun (jūs) in the Latvian language. The empiric part of the research is a qualitative study based on personal interviews, direct observation, and responses in two questionnaires distributed in 1999–2000 and in 2018.

The use of  Latvian address forms has been changed in comparison with the Soviet period. For instance, in education. It seems that the high prestige of English and changes of communication style in Latvia are one of the factors making a positive linguistic attitude to the wider use of the T pronoun. However, according to the results of the research, at present Latvians are not ready to reject the pronoun jūs. This was concluded in both questionnaires by answers of 85.5 % of respondents in 1999–2000 and  87 % – in 2018. The Latvian personal pronoun jūs as a significant part of the address system is no doubt the feature of Latvia’s culture.
POSSIBILITIES OF USING MODERN ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR THE PURPOSES OF RESEARCH AND TEACHING AT UNIVERSITY
Authors: Lenko Filip , Veľas Andrej
Published: November 2020

This article discusses the position of access control systems in the field of intruder systems, its benefits and wide-ranging use in the academic environment. This article points out the potential of access control systems and motivates further research in the field of alarm systems and their integration. As part of the dissertation a project for an access control system was submitted, which enabled the purchase and implementation of an access control system for the teaching laboratory at the Faculty of Security Engineering. The installed access control system serves not only as security for the selected laboratory, but also as a teaching aid, which is used in teaching and thus increases the practical competencies of students. The system is also accessible to students, who can create methodological procedures for its testing and subsequently test them. Such measurements are then used in solving students' final diploma and dissertation theses. Approximately 50 students use the access control system during the academic year. The contribution and aim of the paper is to point out the use of the implemented system in the academic environment and its impact on the improvement of teaching. The conclusion of the article consists of the benefits resulting from the implementation of the access control system at the Faculty of Security Engineering and recommendations for its further use.
RATIONAL EXPERT JUDGEMENT WITHIN THE PROPERTY PROTECTION SYSTEM
Authors: Straková Lenka , Kampová Katarína , Mäkká Katarína
Published: November 2020

Property protection is becoming an increasingly important concern not only for companies but also for individuals. Its importance grows not only with increasing crime but also with increasing awareness of people about the protection of their property. This article focuses on one of the issues that we encounter in processes related to the achievement of the required level of property protection and professional judgment. Expert judgment has an irreplaceable position in the whole security process. The article shows the cases in which this judgment has a meaningful significance and the principles to be followed in their use.

This article presents the approach of expert estimates needed within the model of the protection system. This procedure is characterized in five stages and the methods used in this process are also described.
LIFELONG LEARNING - A FACTOR OF PROFESSIONAL REALIZATION
Authors: Teneva Mariya , Zhelyazkova Zlatka
Published: November 2020

The article deals with the problem of full professional realization of the personality based on permanent enrichment of knowledge, skills and competences. The modern man lives in a society defined as a "knowledge society." In order to keep up-to-date in the labor market, where some professions are losing their importance and the need for new ones is created, they are faced with the need to learn throughout their whole life. The article presents the results of an empirical study. The study covers 66 graduate students in a one-year specialization to acquire a new vocational qualification "teacher", who study at the Faculty of Education at Trakia University in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. The results indicate that the sustainability of the idea of lifelong learning is being considered and realized by representatives of different generations. The age of the respondents varies over a very wide range – from 23 to 56 years of age. The persons surveyed clearly differentiate the strengths and weaknesses of their studies at the university. They express their satisfaction with the theoretical and practical training they have received in the higher education institution. They unambiguously define their motives for acquiring a new professional qualification – from the realized opportunity for a new professional realization, competitiveness in the labour market, desire for change, to the realization of an unfulfilled dream.
THE ELEMENTARY TEACHER AS A MANAGER IN THE CLASSROOM
Authors: Terziev Venelin
Published: November 2020

The present work seeks to answer what are the appropriate tools for an effective organization for carrying out a creative learning process. A thorough and critical analysis is made on the functions of the teacher, as the latter is considered from the position of a manager in the study (class) room. Emphasis is placed on the study of the process of adaptation to the school environment, as well as the possible consequences of not implementing that same process. The new social role of a child at school is preceded by a series of attractive external stimuli (clothing, knapsack, textbooks, exercise books, school building), which through their family and kindergarten orient them in the forthcoming comprehensive change of their lives. These external stimuli are not enough for a child to adapt quickly to the rights and obligations at school, as well as to the changed evaluation criteria of their activity, mainly learning.
TRANSPORTING OBESE PERSONS USING AN EVACUATION PAD
Authors: Verešová Tatiana , Svetlík Jozef
Published: November 2020

Obesity is not only a medical illness but also a cosmetic problem. Obesity can be defined by the BMI index, which is not very accurate. The ABSI index, which includes BMI, the person’s waist circumference, and their height may be used to more accurately determine obesity. Time is very important in saving people's lives, especially in emergencies. The rescue time for obese people is even longer — often much longer — than for other disabled people. This is because more rescuers are needed, problems arise when they have to go through the door or go up and down stairs. For the evacuation of obese people, evacuation pads located under the mattress are often used. Evacuation pads are used, for example, by hospitals or social service homes. Evacuation pads are designed for use by nurses, other emergency staff, or caretakers. In this exercise, four people were used – two nurses and two firemen. To find out the advantages and disadvantages of the evacuation pad, we performed a tactical exercise.

During the tactical exercise, the victim was evacuated by a single nurse, then by two nurses. After that, the victim was rescued by one firefighter and then two firefighters. This research is relevant to aspects of the rescue of immobile obese people with a special evacuation aid. It demonstrates the advantages and disadvantages of an evacuation pad based on actual tactical rescue exercises.
DEGREE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION IN THE BULGARIAN SECONDARY TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION
Authors: Zoneva Lyubima
Published: November 2020

Global informatization is one of the dominant trends in contemporary social reality. Digital information and communication technologies have enormous innovation potential for the overall modernization and transformation of education and the enrichment of pedagogical sciences. Realizing this potential requires technologies to be fully integrated into educational practice. A high degree of integration is a prerequisite for the implementation of constructivism, increasing autonomy, personal responsibility of learners and the opportunity for personalized learning.

Digital technological integration is a progressive change of education to a degree of transformation. In the process of gradual merging of information and communication and pedagogical technologies, innovative pedagogical practices are created, and they cannot be realized without modern technological means. The characteristics of the methods of teaching and learning with digital technologies determine different degrees of integration which are entry, adoption, adaptation, infusion, and transformation.

The current features of the applied methods for using Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the Bulgarian secondary education in technology, and entrepreneurship (grades 5-7) were studied by surveying 127 pedagogues teaching this subject. A questionnaire is attached examining the goals, frequency use of digital tools in the educational process, and the applied management decisions for choosing the digital tools and working with them. The analysis of the obtained data showed that ICT was used, but the degree of integration was low and corresponded to the initial levels of entry and initial adoption of the integration process. In isolated cases, lessons were held according to how students performed in activities specific to their level of adaptation.
Chile’s National Electricity Company (ENDESA): a successful case of state-led national electrification, c.1936-1981
Authors: Nazer Juan Ricardo , Llorca-Jaña Manuel
Published: November 2020

Este artículo proporciona un detallado análisis del proceso de electrificación de una economía atrasada. El caso analizado es Chile como evolucionó desde menos de 130kWh per habitante, con una base eléctrica dominada por centrales térmicas y un reducido desarrollo del sector público, a consumir por encima de 800 kWh, principalmente por centrales hidroeléctricas, que contribuyeron decisivamente los niveles de vida de la población. Este cambio fue principalmente atribuible al diseño e implementación de un ambicioso plan de electrificación, implementado por el estado entre los 1940 y los 1970, el cual dependía de forma importante de inversiones de capital. Este éxito no es atribuible a la empresa privada; fue directamente orquestado y ejecutado por una empresa del sector público, ENDESA, aunque dependiendo en gran medida de préstamos extranjeros. El artículo analiza qué hizo posible este éxito; trabajadores cualificados, generosa financiación por instituciones por instituciones externas, la disponibilidad de agua y la ausencia de preocupaciones medioambientales.
Economistas e ingenieros, industriales y políticos: industrialismos en la España liberal (1800-1850)
Authors: Ocampo Joaquín , Antuña Guillermo
Published: November 2020

La tradición económica dominante en el siglo XVIII, el mercantilismo agrarista, prolongará su influencia en el siglo XIX al amparo de las tesis de la economía clásica relativas al «orden natural» del desarrollo económico. Desde los hechos económicos, el peso del sector agrario y la excelente representación política de sus intereses, reforzaron aquella corriente. Por lo mismo, no han de extrañar las dificultades del discurso industrial para abrirse paso en el ámbito del análisis, en la esfera de las políticas comerciales o en el de las enseñanzas técnicas. Consecuentemente serán los industriales catalanes y sus sociedades patronales y económicas, los principales abanderados de la causa industrial. Su éxito radicó en asociar su suerte a la de la causa liberal. Con todo, a lo largo del siglo, el discurso industrial no fue uniforme ni en sus demandas arancelarias (prohibicionismo, proteccionismo, librecambio) ni en su matriz doctrinal (eclecticismo, economía social, sansimonismo).
High-speed lateral PIN germanium photodetector with 4-directional light input
Authors: Hu Xiao , Wu Dingyi , Zhang Hongguang , Li Weizhong , Chen Daigao , Wang Lei , Xiao Xi , Yu Shaohua
Published: November 2020

We experimentally demonstrate a high-speed lateral PIN junction configuration germanium photodetector (Ge-PD) with 4-directional light input. The typical internal responsivity is about 1.23 A/W at 1550 nm with 98% quantum efficiency and dark current 4 nA at 1V reverse-bias voltage. The equivalent circuit model and theoretical 3-dB opto-electrical (OE) bandwidth of Ge-PD are extracted and calculated, respectively. Compared to the conventional lateral PIN Ge-PD with 1-directional light input, our proposed device features uniform optical field distribution in the absorption region, which will be benefit to realize high-power and high-speed operation. In particular, in the condition of 0.8 mA photocurrent, the measured 3-dB OE bandwidth is about 17 GHz at bias voltage of -8 V which is well matched to the theoretical estimated bandwidth. With additional digital pre-compensations provided by the Keysight arbitrary waveform generator (AWG), the root raised cosine (RRC) filter and roll-off factor of 0.65 are employed at transmitter (TX) side without utilizing any offline digital signal processing (DSP) at receiver (RX) side. The 50 Gbit/s, 60 Gbit/s, 70 Gbit/s, and 80 Gbit/s non-return-to-zero (NRZ), and 60 Gbit/s, 70 Gbit/s, 80 Gbit/s, and 90 Gbit/s four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-4) clear opening of eye diagrams are realized. In order to verify the high-power handling performance in high-speed data transmission, we also investigate the 20 Gbit/s NRZ eye diagram variations with the increasing of photocurrent.
Accelerating polarization structures in vectorial fields
Authors: Singh Keshaan , Buono Wagner Tavares , Forbes Andrew , Dudley Angela
Published: November 2020

We generate optical fields whose polarization structures not only rotate about their propagation axis but also can be controlled to accelerate independently from their spatial profile. We show that by combining accelerated intensity transport with orthogonal polarization states, we can produce a vector beam that displays optical activity with periodical acceleration and deceleration of the Stokes vector during propagation. We achieve this with orthogonal, scalar fields, represented by weighted superpositions of oppositely charged Bessel beams. In addition to their creation, we show that the Stokes vector can be made to accelerate or decelerate at specific locations along the Poincaré sphere by tailoring the generating basis. We also witness an optical current, or intensity transport, between local positions in the field that corresponds with the occurrence of the state-of-polarization accelerating or decelerating.
Large-area, low-cost near-infrared meta-surface reflector based on a pixelated two-dimensional silicon disk array
Authors: Chen Cheng , Wang Zhao-yi , Zheng Zhi-gang , Liu Yanhua , Huang Wenbin , Chen Linsen
Published: November 2020

All-dielectric meta-surfaces composed of dielectric meta-atoms with electric and magnetic multipole resonances provide a low loss alternative to plasmonic meta-surfaces in some optical research fields such as meta-lens and meta-surface holography. We utilize the digital holography lithography technique to obtain the large area meta-surface perfect reflector made of high refractive index and low loss silicon discs arrays, with the capability to delicately control the optical response in the near infrared spectrum. Three types of meta-surface reflectors (discs, truncated cones and diamond-shaped discs) were fabricated, which correspondingly exhibited nearly 1 peak reflectance and greater than 97% average reflectance in their respective perfect reflectance spectral regions. Digital holography lithography only takes 4 min to fabricate millions of photoresist disks over an area of 100 mm2, which is high processing efficiency and low cost. The fabrication strategy opens a new avenue for the production of large-area meta-surfaces in the optical field, especially in the mass production of optical communication devices, semiconductor lasers, etc.
Mitigation of optical multipath interference impact for directly detected PAMn system
Authors: Wen Yang Jing , Cui Yan , Bai Yusheng
Published: November 2020

This paper investigates solutions for mitigating multipath interference (MPI) impact for intensity modulation direct detection systems, particularly for PAM4 systems. We propose a scheme that uses a high pass filter (HPF) at the receiver to remove the MPI induced carrier-carrier beat noise and therefore improve the MPI tolerance. The scheme has been verified via theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and experiment. For a typical optical transmitter based on Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) without frequency chirp, over 5dB MPI tolerance can be improved for 106.4Gb/s PAM4 by using the proposed scheme. Investigation was also extended to electro-absorption modulated laser (EML) and directly modulated laser (DML) based optical transmitters. Results show that transient chirping in EML reduces the effectiveness of proposed MPI mitigation scheme. For EML with chirp factor smaller than 1.5, MPI tolerance gain of 2dB is still achievable. However, the scheme is ineffective for typical DML where the adiabatic chirp significantly broadened the laser linewidth.
Spatially divided phase-shifting motionless optical scanning holography
Authors: Yoneda Naru , Saita Yusuke , Nomura Takanori
Published: November 2020

Motionless optical scanning holography (MOSH) has been proposed for three-dimensional incoherent imaging in single-pixel holography with a simple optical setup. To reduce the measurement time in MOSH, a spatially divided phase-shifting technique is introduced. The proposed method realizes measurements four times faster than the original MOSH, owing to the simultaneous lateral and phase shifts of a time-varying Fresnel zone plate. A hologram reproduced by the proposed method forms a spatially multiplexed phase-shifting hologram similar to parallel phase-shifting digital holography. The effectiveness of the proposed method is numerically and experimentally verified.
The effects of shoe type on lower limb venous status during gait or exercise: A systematic review
Authors: Lerebourg Lucie , L'Hermette Maxime , Menez Charlotte , Coquart Jeremy
Published: November 2020

This systematic review evaluated the literature pertaining to the effect of shoes on lower limb venous status in asymptomatic populations during gait or exercise. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The PubMed-NCBI, EBSCO Host, Cochrane Library and Science Direct databases were searched (March 2019) for words around two concepts: shoes and venous parameters. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) the manuscript had to be published in an English-language peer-reviewed journal and the study had to be observational or experimental and (2) the study had to suggest the analysis of many types of shoes or orthotics on venous parameters before, during and/or after exercise. Out of 366 articles, 60 duplications were identified, 306 articles were analyzed, and 13 articles met the eligibility criteria after screening and were included. This review including approximately 211 participants. The methodological rigor of these studies was evaluated with the modified Downs and Black quality index. Nine studies investigated the effect of shoes on blood flow parameters, two on venous pressure and two on lower limb circumferences with exercise. Evidence was found that unstable shoes or shoes with similar technology, sandals, athletic or soft shoes, and customized foot orthotics elicited more improvement in venous variables than high-heeled shoes, firm shoes, ankle joint immobilization and barefoot condition. These venous changes are probably related to the efficiency of muscle pumps in the lower limbs, which in turn seem to be dependent on shoe features associated with changes in the kinetics, kinematics and muscle activity variables in lower limbs during gait and exercise.
Outdoor recreational activity experiences improve psychological wellbeing of military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: Positive findings from a pilot study and a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wheeler Mark , Cooper Nicholas R. , Andrews Leanne , Hacker Hughes Jamie , Juanchich Marie , Rakow Tim , Orbell Sheina
Published: November 2020

Exposure to the natural environment is increasingly considered to benefit psychological health. Recent reports in the literature also suggest that outdoor exposure that includes recreational pursuits such as surfing or fishing coupled with opportunities for social interaction with peers may be beneficial to Armed Forces Veterans experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Two studies were conducted to evaluate this possibility. In particular, these studies aimed to test the hypothesis that a brief group outdoor activity would decrease participants’ symptoms as assessed by established measures of PTSD, depression, anxiety and perceived stress, and increase participants’ sense of general social functioning and psychological growth. Experiment one employed a repeated measures design in which UK men and women military veterans with PTSD (N = 30) participated in a group outdoor activity (angling, equine care, or archery and falconry combined). Psychological measures were taken at 2 weeks prior, 2 weeks post, and at 4 month follow up. We obtained a significant within participant main effect indicating significant reduction in PTSD symptoms. Experiment two was a waitlist controlled randomised experiment employing an angling experience (N = 18) and 2 week follow up. In experiment 2 the predicted interaction of Group (Experimental vs. Waitlist Control) X Time (2 weeks pre vs. 2 weeks post) was obtained indicating that the experience resulted in significant reduction in PTSD symptoms relative to waitlist controls. The effect size was large. Additional analyses confirmed that the observed effects might also be considered clinically significant and reliable. In sum, peer outdoor experiences are beneficial and offer potential to complement existing provision for military veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Trial registration

The authors confirm that all ongoing and related trials for this intervention are registered.

The studies reported in this manuscript are registered as clinical trials at ISRCTN:

Pilot ID– ISRCTN15325073

RCT ID– ISRCTN59395217
The effect of constitutive pigmentation on the measured emissivity of human skin
Authors: Charlton Matthew , Stanley Sophie A. , Whitman Zoë , Wenn Victoria , Coats Timothy J. , Sims Mark , Thompson Jonathan P.
Published: November 2020

Background

The measurement of body temperature has become commonplace in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Body temperature can be measured using thermal infrared imaging, a safe, non-contact method that relies on the emissivity of the skin being known to provide accurate readings. Skin pigmentation affects the absorption of visible light and enables us to see variations in skin colour. Pigmentation may also affect the absorption of infrared radiation and thus affect thermal imaging. Human skin has an accepted emissivity of 0.98 but the effect of different skin pigmentation on this value is not known. In this study, we investigated the influence of different skin pigmentation on thermal emissivity in 65 adult volunteers.

Methods

A reference object of known emissivity (electrical tape) was applied to participant’s skin on the inner upper arm. Tape and arm were imaged simultaneously using a thermal infrared camera. The emissivity was set on the camera to the known value for electrical tape. The emissivity was altered manually until the skin temperature using thermal imaging software was equal to the initial tape temperature. This provided the calculated emissivity value of the skin. Participants were grouped according to skin pigmentation, quantified using the Fitzpatrick skin phototyping scale and reflectance spectrophotometry. Differences in emissivity values between skin pigmentation groups were assessed by one-way ANOVA.

Results

The mean calculated emissivity for the 65 participants was 0.972 (range 0.96–0.99). No significant differences in emissivity were observed between participants when grouped by skin pigmentation according to the Fitzpatrick scale (p = 0.859) or reflectance spectrophotometry (p = 0.346).

Conclusion

These data suggest that skin pigmentation does not affect thermal emissivity measurement of skin temperature using thermal infrared imaging. This study will aid further research into the application of thermal infrared imaging as a screening or bedside diagnostic tool in clinical practice.
Which feature influences on-eye power change of soft toric contact lenses: Design or corneal shape?
Authors: Doll Tamsin , Moore Joshua , Shihab Ahmad H. , Lopes Bernardo T. , Eliasy Ashkan , Maklad Osama , Wu Richard , White Lynn , Jones Steve , Elsheikh Ahmed , Abass Ahmed
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study investigates how both the peripheral zone design and corneal shape affect the behaviour of soft contact lenses on-eye.

Methods

In this study, soft contact lenses of varying nominal cylindrical powers and peripheral zone designs—a single-prism gravity-based stabilised lens (G1P), two-prism blink-based stabilised lens (B2P) and four-prism blink-based stabilised lens (B4P)—were generated as finite element models. The on-eye simulation results were analysed to identify the impact of each peripheral zone design (Each with different volume ratios) on the effective power change (EPC) when worn by a subject. Topographies of three eyes of varying average simulated anterior corneal curvature (flat, average & steep) were used in this study.

Results

The volume of the lens’s peripheral zone as a ratio of the total lens volume (Vp) recorded very weak correlations with the effective power change (EPC) among the three investigated designs when they were fitted to the flat eye (R = -0.19, -0.15 & -0.22 respectively), moderate correlations with the average eye (R = 0.42, 0.43 & 0.43 respectively) and strong correlations with the steep eye (R = 0.91, 0.9 & 0.9 respectively). No significant differences were noticed among the three investigated designs and none of the cylindrical lenses designed with axis 90° recorded EPC values outside the acceptance criteria range (ACR) of ±0.25 D. No significant differences in EPC were recorded among the three designs G1P, B2P and B4P (p>0.6) when they were designed with three axes at 90°, 45° and 0°. Moving the toric lens axis away from 90° dragged the EPC to the negative side and most of the investigated lenses with axes at 45° and 0° recorded EPCs outside the ±0.25D range.

Conclusions

In all cases, the shape of the cornea had a more dominant effect on EPC when compared to the peripheral zone design. Corneal shape influences the soft toric contact lens’s on-eye power change more than the lens design.
Patient and health-care worker perspectives on the short-course regimen for treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan
Authors: Horter Shona , Achar Jay , Gray Nell , Parpieva Nargiza , Tigay Zinaida , Singh Jatinder , Stringer Beverley
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Standard multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment is lengthy, toxic, and insufficiently effective. New drugs and a shorter treatment regimen (SCR) are now recommended. However, patient and health-care worker (HCW) perspectives regarding the SCR are unknown. We aimed to determine the views and experiences of patients with MDR-TB and HCW regarding the SCR in Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan.

Methods

In a qualitative study, we conducted 48 in-depth interviews with 24 people with MDR-TB and 20 HCW, purposively recruited to include those with a range of treatment-taking experiences and employment positions. Data were analysed thematically using Nvivo 12, to identify emergent patterns, concepts, and categories. Principles of grounded theory were drawn upon to generate findings inductively from participants’ accounts.

Results

All patients viewed the SCR favourably. The SCR was seen as enabling an expedited return to work, studies, and “normality”. This reduced the burden of treatment and difficulties with treatment fatigue. The SCR appeared to improve mental health, ease difficulties with TB-related stigma, and foster improved adherence. While patients wanted shorter treatment, it was also important that treatment be tolerable and effective. However, HCW doubted the appropriateness and effectiveness of the SCR, which influenced their confidence in prescribing the regimen.

Conclusion

The SCR was said to benefit treatment completion and patients’ lives. HCW concerns about SCR appropriateness and effectiveness may influence who receives the regimen. These are important considerations for SCR implementation and MDR-TB treatment developments, and dissonance between patient and HCW perspectives must be addressed for successful implementation of shorter regimens in the future.
Automatized analysis of children’s exposure to child-directed speech in reschool settings: Validation and application
Authors: Gonzalez Villasanti Hugo , Justice Laura M. , Chaparro-Moreno Leidy Johana , Lin Tzu-Jung , Purtell Kelly
Published: November 2020

The present study explored whether a tool for automatic detection and recognition of interactions and child-directed speech (CDS) in preschool classrooms could be developed, validated, and applied to non-coded video recordings representing children’s classroom experiences. Using first-person video recordings collected by 13 preschool children during a morning in their classrooms, we extracted high-level audiovisual features from recordings using automatic speech recognition and computer vision services from a cloud computing provider. Using manual coding for interactions and transcriptions of CDS as reference, we trained and tested supervised classifiers and linear mappings to measure five variables of interest. We show that the supervised classifiers trained with speech activity, proximity, and high-level facial features achieve adequate accuracy in detecting interactions. Furthermore, in combination with an automatic speech recognition service, the supervised classifier achieved error rates for CDS measures that are in line with other open-source automatic decoding tools in early childhood settings. Finally, we demonstrate our tool’s applicability by using it to automatically code and transcribe children’s interactions and CDS exposure vertically within a classroom day (morning to afternoon) and horizontally over time (fall to winter). Developing and scaling tools for automatized capture of children’s interactions with others in the preschool classroom, as well as exposure to CDS, may revolutionize scientific efforts to identify precise mechanisms that foster young children’s language development.
SE-stacking: Improving user purchase behavior prediction by information fusion and ensemble learning
Authors: Xu Jing , Wang Jie , Tian Ye , Yan Jiangpeng , Li Xiu , Gao Xin
Published: November 2020

Online shopping behavior has the characteristics of rich granularity dimension and data sparsity and presents a challenging task in e-commerce. Previous studies on user behavior prediction did not seriously discuss feature selection and ensemble design, which are important to improving the performance of machine learning algorithms. In this paper, we proposed an SE-stacking model based on information fusion and ensemble learning for user purchase behavior prediction. After successfully using the ensemble feature selection method to screen purchase-related factors, we used the stacking algorithm for user purchase behavior prediction. In our efforts to avoid the deviation of the prediction results, we optimized the model by selecting ten different types of models as base learners and modifying the relevant parameters specifically for them. Experiments conducted on a publicly available dataset show that the SE-stacking model can achieve a 98.40% F1 score, approximately 0.09% higher than the optimal base models. The SE-stacking model not only has a good application in the prediction of user purchase behavior but also has practical value when combined with the actual e-commerce scene. At the same time, this model has important significance in academic research and the development of this field.
The values and meanings of social activities for older urban men after retirement
Authors: Takashima Risa , Onishi Ryuta , Saeki Kazuko , Hirano Michiyo
Published: November 2020

Previous studies have indicated that older men often experience disconnection from the community after retirement. Social activities have been shown to be effective in preventing social isolation among older urban men. Nevertheless, it has been reported that they often do not participate in community social activities and tend to be reluctant to do so. We explored the values and meanings of social activities for retired older men living in an urban area of Japan to understand support using social activities that are more suitable for them. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 older men (aged 68–80 years; M = 74.6 ± 3.79 years) about their interactions with family and non-family members, and their participation in various community social activities. The grounded theory approach was used for the analysis. As a result, the following five categories were derived as the values that participants place on the social activities that they engage in: “health as a resource and reward for social activities,” “feeling I am still useful,” “feeling that something is my responsibility,” “feeling of time well spent,” and “finding interest through interactions.” In addition, the following three categories were extracted as meanings of social activities: “fulfilling social life,” “maintaining stable family relationships,” and “maintaining safety and peace in the community.” When considering the social activities that older urban retired men are interested in and likely to participate in, these five values can be considered indicators. In contrast, to maintain stable family relationships and safety and peace in the community, participants sometimes used strategies to stop or abandon social activities. Therefore, in situations where a peaceful life within a family or neighborhood is threatened, it may be useful to help set aside sufficient time and allow for psychological leeway in advance to incorporate social activities into their lives.
Willingness to engage in and current status of social participation among Chinese merchant sailors
Authors: Wang Huarong , He Yuheng , Shi Licheng , Wang Jiali , Miao Lvqing , Dai Jiajun
Published: November 2020

China has the largest population of sailors in the world, but little is known of their social participation. This study examined Chinese merchant sailors’ social participation using a nationwide survey. Across 12 Chinese provinces, 7,296 merchant sailors completed the questionnaire on sailor' willingness to engage in and status of social participation. The results showed that most Chinese merchant sailors were willing to participate in social affairs, but few of them reported having joined relevant social organizations, over half of sailors reported never having participated in public affairs, and half of them chose to ignore when they faced with an obvious mistake in shipping-related information in the media. Most of sailors reported unknowing the role of the labor union related to Chinese seafarers and NGO related to navigation well, and their evaluation of these organizations were mostly negative. Chinese merchant sailors reported higher expectations of services in terms of protection of rights, providing information and technology, and providing employment opportunity. We conclude that Chinese merchant sailors have willingness to social participation although the reality is not positive and discuss implications for improving the social participation of Chinese merchant sailors.
The wound healing action of a cream latex formulation of Jatropha gaumeri Greenm. in a pre-clinical model
Authors: León Floribeth , Hernandez-Zapata Vianey , Bacab Manuel Chan , Maldonado Guadalupe , Lezama Juan Arana , Monteon Victor
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim: Jatropha gaumeri Greenm. is commonly used to treat mouth blisters and skin rashes, its latex has analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity on buccal ulcer. This study aimed to demonstrate the wound healing activity of a cream formulation of Jatropha gaumeri Greenm. latex in a murine model, provide a histological assessment of its scarring effects, and identify the family of phytochemicals involved in these effects.

Materials and Methods: Latex was obtained from the cut stalk leaves and young stems of J. gaumeri and stored in sterile tubes with protection from light. Chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions of the latex were obtained. Fifty male Balb/c mice aged 10-12 weeks were divided into 10 groups of five mice: Group 1 corresponded to healthy mice with wounds; Group 2 corresponded to mice with wounds and treated with A-Derma®; and from Group 3 to group 10 corresponded to mice treated with a different latex fraction. A circular skin wound of about 1 cm was made on the paravertebral region of each mouse under anesthetized and aseptic conditions. The wounds were topically treated every 24 h with the respective extracts for 22 days, after which skin tissue specimens were obtained and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. The efficiency of healing was measured by quantifying the tensile strength of the scars. The phytochemicals in the latex were elucidated using thin chromatography.

Results: The aqueous latex fraction produced the best wound healing activity and was superior to the positive control. Reepithelialization at the histological level resulted in tissue that resembled healthy skin in terms of the appearance of collagen, the regeneration of hair follicles, and cellularity of the dermis, which showed organized epithelialization. A wound healing efficacy of 97% was observed, and it seems that alkaloids were the phytochemicals mostly likely responsible for these effects.

Conclusion: J. gaumeri latex exhibited wound healing activity, possibly mediated by phytochemicals such as alkaloids in the aqueous fraction.
Bacurau, desertos de notícias e a comunicação popular
Authors: Gama Danielle Marcia Hachmann de Lacerda da
Published: November 2020

Este trabalho é um artigo de opinião que busca realizar uma reflexão sobre a comunicação popular a partir do longa-metragem brasileiro Bacurau (2019). O filme de ficção, dirigido por Kleber Mendonça Filho e Juliano Dornelles, traz como cena e cenário uma cidade no sertão do nordeste, chamada Bacurau, que se vê atacada por invasores estrangeiros que cometem assassinatos por divertimento. A narrativa nos apresenta a população dessa pequena cidade desprezada pelos seus governantes, que defende a si mesma dos ataques deles e dos estrangeiros. Para isso fazem uso de instrumentos e processos comunicativos que podem ser considerados dentro das ações de comunicação popular.
A importância da educação financeira na educação de jovens e adultos
Authors: Hurtado Antonio Paulo Guillen , Freitas Carlos Cesar Garcia
Published: November 2020

A Educação Financeira (EF) ganhou espaço e reconhecimento, aparecendo como destaque na Base Nacional Comum Curricular como forma de estimular os alunos a desenvolverem autonomia diante das práticas financeiras. O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a importância da EF na Educação de Jovens e Adultos (EJA) a partir das funções básicas dessa modalidade de ensino, suas particularidades e interesses próprios de seus alunos, bem como discutir as relações entre elas. Foi utilizada uma metodologia que abrange uma pesquisa bibliográfica, de abordagem qualitativa. Os resultados obtidos consideram que a EF é um tema relevante no âmbito educacional, em toda a Educação Básica, mais especificamente na EJA, na qual grande parte dos alunos são trabalhadores que gerenciam diariamente suas próprias finanças, portanto, a EF auxilia no desenvolvimento do cidadão proporcionando uma cultura de prevenção e proteção. Diante das conquistas da EJA e da EF, por meio de uma proposta pedagógica-curricular dinâmica, é possível promover uma educação que busque melhorar a qualidade do ensino considerando as experiências e trajetórias de vidas dos alunos em diversos ambientes.
La Estadística como lenguaje de los problemas sanitarios en el discurso de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (1923-1975)
Authors: Librandi Juan Martín , Zabala Juan Pablo
Published: November 2020

El artículo reconstruye el modo en que la estadística participó en la problematización de la salud por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) entre 1923 y 1975. Para ello, analizamos en el discurso de la OPS las distintas concepciones de la estadística sanitaria, sus funciones, estructuras burocráticas, y cómo estas se relacionaron con el desarrollo de aparatos estadísticos en la región. Identificamos dos concepciones distintas en el discurso de la OPS: a) la salud como un problema ligado a las regulaciones comerciales; y b) la salud como requisito del desarrollo económico de las naciones. A su vez, concluimos que la estadística sanitaria fue un componente significativo de la intervención de la OPS en la política sanitaria regional.
Introducción
Authors: Scarfi Juan Pablo
Published: November 2020

Los artículos que integran este dossier ofrecen una puerta de entrada a la historia global del derecho internacional desde América Latina y en general a estas discusiones interdisciplinarias, y resaltan los efectos historiográficos y conceptuales de esta renovación. Este dossier ofrece dos caminos para abordar la relación entre América Latina y el giro histórico en el derecho internacional. Por un lado, propone globalizar el derecho internacional y por lo tanto extender los efectos del giro histórico hacia la región de América Latina como marco de exploración. Por otro lado, propone provincializar el derecho internacional como un modo de examinar las condiciones que hicieron posible la formación de una idea regional del derecho internacional latinoamericano
Relationships among Distress, Appraisal, Self-Management Behaviors, and Psychosocial Factors in a Sample of Rural Appalachian Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Carpenter Roger D , Theeke Laurie A , Mallow Jennifer A , Theeke Elliott , Gilleland Diana
Published: November 2020

Background: Diabetes contributes to the development of multiple chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and lower-limb amputations. Currently, it is known that the Appalachian Region is an area of significant disparity in the occurrence of Diabetes. Persons with Diabetes can develop high levels of cognitive stress related to the experience of living with Diabetes.Method: This paper presents the results of a descriptive study guided by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (TMSC), aiming to enhance understanding of the relationships among diabetes-related distress, appraisal, and self-management in a sample of 102 adults who were living rurally in Appalachia.Findings: The majority of the study sample were low-income, obese, and had mean A1C levels above the goal for adequate diabetes control. Over one-third of the sample had a high likelihood or possibility of limited literacy Participants reported adhering to medication on over 6 days of the week but adhering to diet and exercise on fewer days per week. Overall, the sample had a lower level of distress related to the diagnosis of diabetes. Participants perceived diabetes as more of a challenge than a threat, harm, or benign stressor. Diabetes related distress was inversely correlated to challenge appraisals and benign appraisals, but positively correlated to threat and harm appraisals. Anxiety and depression were significantly positively related to diabetes related distress, threat appraisals, and harm appraisals and significantly negatively correlated with challenge and benign appraisals.Conclusions: Recommendations for future research include the development and testing of targeted interventions that address the study findings including health literacy level, challenge appraisals, and the interrelationships of psychological and physical health variables. Knowing that diabetes is appraised as a challenge enhances the likelihood that it may be amenable to intervention. The interrelatedness of anxiety and depression to self-management further informs future intervention design.Keywords:  Psychosocial Factors,  Rural, Diabetes, Adults, Self Management, Cognitive appraisal, DistressDOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v17i1.446
An Appalachian Perspective of Alzheimer’s disease: A Rural Health Nurse Opportunity
Authors: Wiese Lisa Kirk , Williams Christine L.
Published: November 2020

Predictions of the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are heightened in disadvantaged rural populations, yet studies investigating AD in this population are limited. Other researchers have shown that when rural Appalachian people are aware of their risk for a chronic illness, they are more willing to adopt healthy behaviors (Della, 2011; Schoenberg et al. 2011), suggesting that educational programs to increase knowledge and perception of risk are needed. The purpose of this article is to report findings from exploring knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease in a southern rural West Virginia community of residents (N = 193) and a sample of caregivers (n = 20) using cognitive interview techniques of “Think-aloud” and “Laddering”. The cultural fit and relevance of the “Knowledge of Alzheimer’s Disease scale or KAD (Jang, Kim, Hansen, & Chiriboga, 2010) was also examined. Findings from the KAD included that an updated AD measure appropriate for use in rural settings is needed. Findings from the cognitive interview included that instead of fatalistic attitudes toward Alzheimer’s disease, residents often viewed AD as something potentially preventable through healthier living, use of herbs as children, and eventual discovery of more effective treatment regimens. The themes that emerged were “preventing AD” and “personal knowing of AD”. Considering cultural perceptions and determining knowledge gaps in the communities by rural providers is an important component of changing stigma regarding routine cognitive screening for rural older adults at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v17i1.469
Enhanced adsorption property of TiO2 based nanoribbons produced by alkaline hydrothermal process
Authors: Ariyanti Dessy , Mo’ungatonga Satriani , Gao Wei
Published: November 2020

TiO2 is a semiconductor material with endless potential for the development of renewable energy as well as in the environmental field application. With various methods, TiO2 nanostructures with various morphology, properties and application can be developed. In this paper, the synthesis of TiO2 based nanoribbons with high adsorption property produced by alkaline hydrothermal methods were investigated. Its morphology, crystal structure and physical properties were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. The result shows that by controlling the hydrothermal processing time, different morphology and structures of TiO2 nanoribbons with different adsorption properties can be obtained. The nanoribbons produced via alkaline hydrothermal method has width 200-300 nm and length up to several microns. It also possesses fair adsorption capacity over dyes (Rhodamine B and Methyl orange) considering its large surface area and high pore volume.