bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foot Posture, Muscle Strength, Range of Motion, and Plantar Sensation in Overweight and Obese
Authors: Unver Banu , Selici Kartal , Akbas Eda , Erdem Emin Ulas
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the study was to investigate the foot posture, ankle muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), and plantar sensation differences among normal weight, overweight, and obese individuals. One hundred and twenty-three individuals (42 normal weight, 40 overweight, and 41 obese) aged between 18 and 50 years participated in the study. Foot posture, ankle muscle strength, ROM, plantar sensation, and foot-related disabilities were evaluated. The relative muscle strength of left plantar flexors and invertors and light touch sensation of the left heel were significantly lower in obese individuals compared with overweight and normal weight (P < .016) individuals. Obese individuals had significantly reduced relative muscle strength of plantar flexors, dorsiflexor, and invertors, plantar flexion and inversion ROM in the left foot; and light touch sensation of the right heel compared with normal weight (P < .016) individuals. Foot Posture Index scores were significantly higher in obese individuals compared with overweight (P < .016) individuals. There were no significant differences in absolute muscle strength, vibration sensation, and foot-related disability scores among the 3 groups (P > .05). Obesity was found to have adverse effects on ankle muscle strength, ROM, and plantar light touch sensation. Vibration sensation was not affected by body mass index, and foot-related disability was not observed in obese adults.
Sex and Stride Impact Joint Stiffness During Loaded Running
Authors: Brown Tyler N. , Fain AuraLea C. , Seymore Kayla D. , Lobb Nicholas J.
Published: December 2020

This study determined changes in lower limb joint stiffness when running with body-borne load, and whether they differ with stride or sex. Twenty males and 16 females had joint stiffness quantified when running (4.0 m/s) with body-borne load (20, 25, 30, and 35 kg) and 3 stride lengths (preferred or 15% longer and shorter). Lower limb joint stiffness, flexion range of motion (RoM), and peak flexion moment were submitted to a mixed-model analysis of variance. Knee and ankle stiffness increased 19% and 6% with load (P < .001, P = .049), but decreased 8% and 6% as stride lengthened (P = .004, P < .001). Decreased knee RoM (P < .001, 0.9°–2.7°) and increased knee (P = .007, up to 0.12 N.m/kg.m) and ankle (P = .013, up to 0.03 N.m/kg.m) flexion moment may stiffen joints with load. Greater knee (P < .001, 4.7°–5.4°) and ankle (P < .001, 2.6°–7.2°) flexion RoM may increase joint compliance with longer strides. Females exhibited 15% stiffer knee (P = .025) from larger reductions in knee RoM (4.3°–5.4°) with load than males (P < .004). Stiffer lower limb joints may elevate injury risk while running with load, especially for females.
Test–Retest Reliability and the Effects of Walking Speed on Stride Time Variability During Continuous, Overground Walking in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Ryan Nicholas S. , Bruno Paul A. , Barden John M.
Published: December 2020

Studies have investigated the reliability and effect of walking speed on stride time variability during walking trials performed on a treadmill. The objective of this study was to investigate the reliability of stride time variability and the effect of walking speed on stride time variability, during continuous, overground walking in healthy young adults. Participants completed: (1) 2 walking trials at their preferred walking speed on 1 day and another trial 2 to 4 days later and (2) 1 trial at their preferred walking speed, 1 trial approximately 20% to 25% faster than their preferred walking speed, and 1 trial approximately 20% to 25% slower than their preferred walking speed on a separate day. Data from a waist-mounted accelerometer were used to determine the consecutive stride times for each trial. The reliability of stride time variability outcomes was generally poor (intraclass correlations: .167–.487). Although some significant differences in stride time variability were found between the preferred walking speed, fast, and slow trials, individual between-trial differences were generally below the estimated minimum difference considered to be a real difference. The development of a protocol to improve the reliability of stride time variability outcomes during continuous, overground walking would be beneficial to improve their application in research and clinical settings.
Relationships Between Arch Height Flexibility and Medial–Lateral Ground Reaction Forces in Rearfoot and Forefoot Strike Runners
Authors: Johnson Caleb D. , Davis Irene S.
Published: December 2020

Higher medial–lateral forces have been reported in individuals with stiffer foot arches. However, this was in a small sample of military personnel who ran with a rearfoot strike pattern. Therefore, our purpose was to investigate whether runners, both rearfoot and forefoot strikers, show different associations between medial–lateral forces and arch stiffness. A group of 118 runners (80 rearfoot strikers and 38 forefoot strikers) were recruited. Ground reaction force data were collected during running on an instrumented treadmill. Arch flexibility was assessed as the difference in arch height from sitting to standing positions, and participants were classified into stiff/flexible groups. Group comparisons were performed for the ratio of medial:vertical and lateral:vertical impulses. In rearfoot strikers, runners with stiff arches demonstrated significantly higher medial:vertical impulse ratios (P = .036). Forefoot strikers also demonstrated higher proportions of medial forces; however, the mean difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .084). No differences were detected in the proportion of lateral forces between arch flexibility groups. Consistent with previous findings in military personnel, our results indicate that recreational runners with stiffer arches have a higher proportion of medial forces. Therefore, increasing foot flexibility may increase the ability to attenuate medial forces.
Translating a Functional Exercise Program for Fall Prevention Among Diverse Older Adults in Urban Medically Underserved Areas: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Hu Yi-Ling , Keglovits Marian , Somerville Emily , Snyder Makenna , Stark Susan
Published: December 2020

The Lifestyle-integrated Functional Exercise Program (LiFE) is proven to have high adherence rates and can significantly reduce falls, but it has not yet been implemented for diverse older adults residing in urban medically underserved (MU) areas. An exploratory sequential mixed methods study was conducted to adapt LiFE and test the adapted program’s preliminary feasibility. Focus groups with MU older adults and service providers were conducted to identify modifications. The new adapted program, Diverse Older Adults Doing LiFE (DO LiFE), was then evaluated with older adults. Thematic analysis revealed health literacy and lack of racial representation as barriers to implementing LIFE in this population. The pilot study showed that DO LiFE was feasible with good retention (89%) and high adherence (81.27%) rates. DO LiFE demonstrated preliminary feasibility for diverse MU older adults. Researchers should proceed to larger studies for translating DO LiFE from research to the community.
Correlates of Domain-Specific Physical Activity Among Older Adults in Six Low- to Middle-Income Countries: Analysis of Nationally Representative Samples From Study of Global Aging and Adult Health (SAGE) (Wave 1)
Authors: Luo Mengyun , Phongsavan Philayrath , Bauman Adrian , Negin Joel , Zhang Zhiruo , Ding Ding
Published: December 2020

The correlates of physical activity differ across domains. The authors explored the contribution of domain-specific physical activity to total physical activity and examined how different sociodemographic and social capital-related variables are associated with different physical activity domains in older adults, using nationally representative samples from six low- to middle-income countries. Activity at work and home combined plays an important role in contributing to total physical activity, while leisure-time physical activity accounted for an extremely small proportion. Some correlates of physical activity were similar across countries, such as working status and structural social capital, while other associations were country specific. Promoting structural social capital, trust, and perceived safety may confer positive benefits on older adults’ activity.
High-Speed Bodyweight Resistance Training Improves Functional Performance Through Maximal Velocity in Older Females
Authors: Jaque Cristian , Véliz Phillip , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Moran Jason , Gentil Paulo , Cancino Jorge
Published: December 2020

The authors compared the effects of bodyweight resistance training at moderate- or high-speed conditions on muscle power, velocity of movement, and functional performance in older females. In a randomized, single-blinded noncontrolled trial, participants completed 12 weeks (three sessions/week) of bodyweight resistance training at high (n = 14; age = 70.6 ± 4.3 years) or moderate (n = 12; age = 72.8 ± 4.2 years) speeds. Data were analyzed with an analysis of variance (Group × Time) with α level set at <.05. After the intervention, timed up and go test performance (p < .05) and the rising from a chair test mean (22.4%) and maximal velocity (28.5%), mean (24.4%) and maximal power (27.7%), normalized mean (25.1%), and normalized maximal power (28.5%) increased in the high-speed group (p < .05). However, the moderate-speed group achieved no improvements (Δ6.7–14.4%; p > .2). The authors conclude that high-speed bodyweight resistance training is an effective and economically practical strategy to improve the functional capacity of older women relevant to daily life activities.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of Nigerian (Igbo) Version of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly
Authors: Okoye Emmanuel Chiebuka , Akosile Christopher Olusanjo , Maruf Fatai Adesina , Onwuakagba Ifeoma Uchenna , Chukwuma Victoria Chinonye
Published: December 2020

Objectives: To cross-culturally adapt and validate the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) into Igbo culture. Methods: The English version of the PASE (E-PASE) was translated into Igbo, harmonized, back-translated, subjected to expert panel review, and pretested. The final Igbo version of PASE (I-PASE), the E-PASE, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were then administered to consecutively recruited 109 consenting Igbo older adults. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman rank-order correlation, and Cronbach’s alpha at .05 level of significance. Results: All items on the E-PASE were retained on the I-PASE but some modifications were made. The I-PASE had poor internal consistency coefficient (α = .66), poor-to-excellent item, and total score known-group validity (ρ = .24–1.00) and moderate convergent validity (ρ = .50). Conclusion: The I-PASE is a valid, reliable, and culturally specific tool for assessing PA among Igbo older adults.
Feasibility, Reliability, and Validity of the MotionWatch 8 to Evaluate Physical Activity Among Older Adults With and Without Cognitive Impairment in Assisted Living Settings
Authors: Resnick Barbara , Boltz Marie , Galik Elizabeth , Fix Steven , Zhu Shijun
Published: December 2020

This study tested the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the MotionWatch 8 among assisted living residents with and without cognitive impairment. Data from the Dissemination and Implementation of Function Focused Care in Assisted Living Using the Evidence Integration Triangle study were used. The sample included 781 individuals from 85 facilities with a mean age of 89.48 (SD = 7.43) years. The majority were female (71%), White (97%), and overall (44%) had cognitive impairment. A total of 70% were willing to wear the MotionWatch 8. Reliability was supported as there was no difference in time spent in activity across three consecutive wear days. Validity was based on hypothesis testing, and function was associated with counts of activity at baseline (p = .001) and 4 months (p = .001). Those with cognitive impairment engaged in less physical activity (p = .04). The MotionWatch 8 is a useful option for measuring physical activity in older adults with and without cognitive impairment.
Organizational Identity Development in Sport Volunteers
Authors: Wegner Christine E. , Baker Bradley J. , Jones Gareth J.
Published: December 2020

Volunteers provide essential services to community sport organizations; thus, it is important to understand the underlying factors in successful volunteer–organization relationships. Organizational identification, an integral component of relationship building for members in an organization, is a useful yet underutilized concept to understand how and why volunteers create lasting, deep relationships with sport organizations. This research utilizes a sequential mixed-method design to examine the evolution of organizational identification among volunteers in a community sport organization. The survey results indicate that new volunteers formed their organizational identification over the course of a single program season, such that, by the end of the season, they were similar to returners. Subsequent qualitative analysis of focus group data indicated that the content and evolution of organizational identities varied for newcomers and returners. These results provide important contributions related to the ongoing nature of identity work of volunteers and offer practical implications for volunteer management within community sport organizations.
Gender, Leadership, and Governance in English National Governing Bodies of Sport: Formal Structures, Rules, and Processes
Authors: Piggott Lucy V. , Matthews Jordan J.K.
Published: December 2020

Within this article, the authors explore the extent to which the administrative and governance hierarchies, rules, and processes of two English national governing bodies (NGBs) reproduce or resist gender segregation and male dominance within their leadership and governance. Drawing on Bourdieu’s theory of practice, the authors expand upon current literature to better understand the workings of gender power relations at the structural level of organizational practice. Semistructured interviews with male and female leaders were supplemented by an analysis of formal documents. The authors found that gender power relations privileging men were simultaneously conserved and resisted within the two NGBs. While resistance to male-dominated leadership and governance was evident, transformational organizational change was lacking. This highlighted the limitations of strategies being primarily driven through top-down, policy-based approaches. The authors end the article by emphasizing the importance of a combined approach at the structural, cultural, and individual levels to enable sustainable and transformational organizational change.
Acute Effect of Ankle Kinesio™ Taping on Lower-Limb Biomechanics During Single-Legged Drop Landing
Authors: Sarvestan Javad , Needle Alan R. , Ataabadi Peyman Aghaie , Kovačíková Zuzana , Svoboda Zdeněk , Abbasi Ali
Published: December 2020

Context: Chronic ankle instability is documented to be followed by a recurrence of giving away episodes due to impairments in mechanical support. The application of ankle Kinesiotaping (KT) as a therapeutic intervention has been increasingly raised among athletes and physiotherapists. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impacts of ankle KT on the lower-limb kinematics, kinetics, dynamic balance, and muscle activity of college athletes with chronic ankle instability. Design: A crossover study design. Participants: Twenty-eight college athletes with chronic ankle sprain (11 females and 17 males, 23.46 [2.65] y, 175.36 [11.49] cm, 70.12 [14.11] kg) participated in this study. Setting: The participants executed 3 single-leg drop landings under nontaped and ankle Kinesio-taped conditions. Ankle, knee, and hip kinematics, kinetics, and dynamic balance status and the lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and peroneus longus muscle activity were recorded and analyzed. Results: The application of ankle KT decreased ankle joint range of motion (P = .039) and angular velocities (P = .044) in the sagittal plane, ground reaction force rate of loading (P = .019), and mediolateral time to stability (P = .035). The lateral gastrocnemius (0.002) and peroneus longus (0.046) activity amplitudes also experienced a significant decrease after initial ground contact when the participants’ ankles were taped, while the application of ankle KT resulted in an increase in the peroneus longus (0.014) activity amplitudes before initial ground contact. Conclusions: Ankle lateral supports provided by KT potentially decreases mechanical stresses applied to the lower limbs, aids in dynamic balance, and lowers calf muscle energy consumption; therefore, it could be offered as a suitable supportive means for acute usage in athletes with chronic ankle instability.
Physical Education Teachers and Competing Obesity Discourses: An Examination of Emerging Professional Identities
Authors: Barker Dean , Quennerstedt Mikael , Johansson Anna , Korp Peter
Published: December 2020

Aim: To provide insight into how physical education teachers use discursive resources related to obesity to create particular professional identities. Method: Data come from focus group and individual interviews with physical education teachers in Sweden. Discourse theory on teacher identities frame the analysis of the empirical material. Results: Data suggest that teachers in Sweden make use of six distinct but related discursive contributions to produce three professional identities: the caring practitioner, an identity concerned with ensuring all pupils irrespective of size participate in physical education; the activity luminary, an identity that focuses on inspiring pupils toward activity across the lifespan, and; the body rationalist, an identity concerned with challenging unrealistic media discourses and reassuring pupils that they have “normal” bodies. Discussion: The identities appear more inclusive, sensitive, and critical than current physical education literature on obesity suggests, however they also contain elements that are fundamentally unsympathetic to overweight individuals.
Synthesis and Optimization of a Molecularly Imprinted Membrane as a Specific Absorbent to Assess the Occupational Exposure to the 5-Fluorouracil Drug
Authors: Beigzadeh Zahra , Golbabaei Farideh , Khadem Monireh , Pourhassan Bahman , Pourbabaki Reza , Kalantari Saba , Shahtaheri Seyed Jamaleddin
Published: December 2020

Objectives: Over the last decades, antineoplastic drugs have resulted in concerns about health care and pharmacy because of the increased incidence of neoplasm due to occupational exposure. Therefore, there is a need for accurate and valid methods to detect and evaluate the trace amount of these drugs in occupational assessment programs. In this study, for occupational exposure assessment of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), molecularly imprinted membranes (MIMs) were synthesized and optimized as appropriate absorbents for selective determination of trace amount of this antineoplastic drug.

Methods: To synthesize MIMs as Specific adsorbent for 5-FU, First, 5-FU molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were prepared by the precipitation polymerization method, and then MIPs encapsulated into PET nanofibers, as the matrix polymer, by electrospinning. Finally, MIMs were fabricated from collection nanofibers. Optimization of electrospinning parameters (e.g., MIP amount, tip needle to the collector, electrospinning voltage and flow rate) was performed by the Central Composite Design (CCD) method using the experimental design software. The diameter of the fiber was analyzed using image analysis software. The applicability of the synthesized membranes for absorbing 5-FU drug was evaluated for assessing occupational exposure to the drug of interest. Results: In this study, MIP particles were successfully encapsulated into PET nanofibers. The optimization process showed that the molecularly imprinted nanofibers diameter of 276.38[Formula: see text]nm could be obtained in 57.4%[Formula: see text]w, 13.9[Formula: see text]cm, 25[Formula: see text]KV and 0.55[Formula: see text]ml/h. The extraction efficacy of 5-FU drugs by synthesized membranes was [Formula: see text]. Conclusion: The optimized MIMs presented in this study can be used as a specific absorbent for occupational and environmental monitoring of the 5-FU drug.
Sedenionic formulation for the field equations of multifluid plasma
Authors: Demir Süleyman , Sümer Damla , Tanışlı Murat
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the multifluid equations of a plasma are reformulated in terms of conic sedenions in order to better reflect the analogies between multifluid plasma equations and Maxwell equations of classical electromagnetism. This formalism also provides us an efficient mathematical tool for unification of equations of fluid dynamics and electromagnetism in a compact and elegant way. Although the presented formulation enables us to express all of the field equations related to different disciplines, a set of Maxwell equations for multifluid plasma is combined into a single sedenionic equation. Moreover, the wave equation with source terms is generalized in a form similar to gravi-electromagnetism counterpart previously derived using this type sedenion.
Firm Informativeness, Information Environment, and Accounting Quality in Emerging Countries
Authors: Martins Orleans Silva , de Campos Barros Lucas Ayres Barreira
Published: December 2020

Using standard proxies for accounting quality, with a focus on earnings persistence and earnings management, we examine how the association between firm-level informativeness and accounting quality varies according to the quality of the country-level information environment. Our sample comprises over 15,000 publicly traded firms from 21 countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index, between the years 2000 and 2016. Using novel proxies that aggregate several firm- or country-level characteristics associated with lower information asymmetry or higher-quality information environment, we find that in emerging markets with weaker information environments, the positive association between firm-level informativeness and accounting quality is more pronounced, suggesting that greater firm-level informativeness may partially compensate for weaker country-level institutions. Consistent with the substitution effect, we also document that the positive association between firm-level informativeness and stock market performance is greater in emerging countries with weaker information environments.
On Adoptions of IFRS by Jurisdictions
Authors: Nobes Christopher
Published: December 2020

Elsewhere in this issue, Song and Trimble (in press; hereafter ST) present proposals for a method of classifying jurisdictions by the degree to which they have adopted IFRS. ST apply the method to many jurisdictions over 30 years. This classification can be useful to both qualitative and quantitative researchers. As ST suggest, the classification will need to be kept up to date. In that context, this commissioned paper discusses possible enhancements to their method. I suggest that ST’s tables are too ambitious in trying to cover six dimensions: country, year, type of GAAP, range of firms covered, whether the GAAP is required or merely permitted, and the degree of compliance by firms. I would reduce ST’s 13 IFRS statuses to five types of GAAP.
Bishop-Phelps-Bollobás property for positive operators when the domain is L∞
Authors: Acosta María D. , Soleimani-Mourchehkhorti Maryam
Published: December 2020

We prove that the class of positive operators from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] has the Bishop-Phelps-Bollobás property for any positive measure [Formula: see text], whenever [Formula: see text] is a uniformly monotone Banach lattice with a weak unit. The same result also holds for the pair [Formula: see text] for any uniformly monotone Banach lattice [Formula: see text] Further we show that these results are optimal in case that [Formula: see text] is strictly monotone.
Laços de cooperação forçada entre agentes prisionais e apenados no intramuros prisional
Authors: Santiago Eneida , Bortolloti Patrícia Aparecida , Bana Amanda Garbim
Published: December 2020

Neste artigo, discutimos a dinâmica dos laços de cooperação entre dois grupos em convívio obrigatório no contexto carcerário: agentes prisionais e apenados. A partir da perspectiva metodológica e analítica da psicodinâmica do trabalho, resgatamos conteúdos de um espaço grupal formado há cerca de 4 anos por agentes que se debatiam entre os descompassos entre o trabalho prescrito e o trabalho real no cotidiano da vigilância prisional. Como resultado, identificamos que os laços cooperativos internos aos grupos e entre os grupos assumem papel estratégico na gestão da complexidade do trabalho, em um cenário permeado por riscos e descompassos entre o planejado e o realizável nas atividades de um cotidiano marcado por precariedades, superlotação e servidores insuficientes. Enquanto fenômeno articulado, a cooperação forçada entre agentes e apenados impõe o desafio de colaborar com alguém em quem não se confia, o que produz desestabilizações e comprometimentos significativos à saúde mental dos servidores, além de elevar vulnerabilidades individuais e coletivas.
Notas sobre Chernobyl: análise de alguns aspectos relacionados às situações de trabalho da usina nuclear de Pripyat
Authors: Pizzinga Vivian Heringer
Published: December 2020

A partir da série televisiva Chernobyl e dos relatos do livro de Svetlana Aleksiévitch, Vozes de Tchernóbyl, que tratam do acidente nuclear em Pripyat, em 1986, este artigo discute os aspectos relacionados às condições e às relações de trabalho que as cenas evocam. A tragédia de Chernobyl pode ser vista como um acidente de trabalho, tendo ocasionado entre4.000 e 93.000 mortes. Os aspectos que se pretende examinar dizem respeito às relações de poder, à relação entre o trabalho prescrito e o trabalho real e demais fatores. Na análise proposta, serão usadas as contribuições da psicodinâmica do trabalho, da saúde do trabalhador, da ergonomia francófona e de discussões teóricas acerca do mundo do trabalho. Ainda que as reflexões aqui levantadas sejam suscitadas a partir de adaptações constituídas de doses variáveis de ficção, elas podem ser úteis à discussão de aspectos que podem levar ao adoecimento no trabalho.
Quem manda também sofre: um estudo sobre o sofrimento de gestores no trabalho
Authors: Moretto Marcela Rucireta Germano , Padilha Valquíria
Published: December 2020

Baseado principalmente na Psicodinâmica do Trabalho, este artigo resume uma pesquisa que objetivou conhecer as causas de sofrimento no trabalho gerencial; identificar como gerentes percebem o sofrimento e o prazer em seu trabalho e quais as principais causas de prazer laboral. Foram feitas entrevistas semiestruturadas com gerentes de posições hierárquicas e setores distintos, no interior paulista. A interpretação das entrevistas deu-se pela Análise dos Núcleos de Sentido (ANS). Identificamos sete núcleos de sentido para entender as vivências de sofrimento e prazer no trabalho gerencial e identificar suas causas: a) Prescrição do trabalho; b) Culto às metas e desempenho; c) Relações interpessoais; d) Carga de responsabilidade; e) Autonomia; f) Reconhecimento e g) Equilíbrio entre trabalho e vida pessoal. Confirmamos que há sofrimento laboral dos/das gerentes.
Pessoas transgêneras e o mundo do trabalho: desafios e reflexões sobre o compromisso ético e político da Psicologia
Authors: Souza Heloisa Aparecida de , Silva Gustavo Renan de Almeida da , Silva Rômulo Lopes da , Silva Carlos Henrique Ferreira da
Published: December 2020

Na contemporaneidade, a não conformidade às normas de gênero produz discriminações nos diversos contextos sociais, incluindo o laboral. Compreendendo o trabalho como um elemento central na constituição do ser humano, no presente artigo, organizado como ensaio teórico, abordamos os desafios cotidianos enfrentados pelas pessoas transgêneras e seus impactos na inserção profissional, além de discutir o compromisso ético e político da Psicologia com essa população. Dessa forma, buscamos refletir sobre a importância de se abordar a temática “gênero” e “trabalho”, de forma crítica, na formação e atuação profissional. Defendemos que é essencial que a Psicologia, enquanto ciência e profissão, reflita criticamente sobre as possibilidades e situações de trabalho encontradas pelas pessoas trans e atue de forma a contribuir com o rompimento da visão que naturaliza e/ou atribui exclusivamente ao sujeito a responsabilidade pela exclusão social.
Terceirização, saúde e resistências: provocações ético-políticas à psicologia social do trabalho em contexto de precarização subjetiva
Authors: Guimarães Junior Sergio Dias , Ferreira João Batista de Oliveira
Published: December 2020

A intenção deste ensaio é promover uma reflexão crítica acerca das articulações entre terceirização, saúde e algumas possíveis formas de resistência nos contextos laborais contemporâneos. Para tal, serão apresentados resultados de pesquisas realizadas com trabalhadoras e trabalhadores subcontratados de uma universidade pública brasileira. Foram feitos encontros coletivos, entrevistas semiestruturadas e elaboração de diários de campo pelos pesquisadores envolvidos. Os resultados apontam que os subcontratados vivenciam situações de exclusão, discriminação, sentimento de invisibilidade, falta de reconhecimento, sobrecarga e outras injustiças. Questões étnico-raciais e de gênero também foram observadas como aspectos produtores de sofrimento. Em contrapartida, foi possível observar algumas formas de resistência como produção de mecanismos de defesa contra o sofrimento e envolvimento de caráter político em movimentos coletivos de lutas. Defende-se o compromisso ético-político da psicologia social do trabalho brasileira – como produto de seu tempo – de assumir postura crítica diante desta temática e contribuir para a promoção de movimentos de resistência em prol da continuidade das lutas pela saúde, garantia de direitos e formas de trabalho pautadas na dignidade da vida.
Vivências de prazer-sofrimento na organização do trabalho dos policiais militares da Região Norte
Authors: Marçal Hanna Izabel Ferreira , Schlindwein Vanderléia de Lurdes Dal Castel , Barbosa Edcarlos Alfaia Galeno , Silva Mariana Oliveira da
Published: December 2020

Este estudo analisou as vivências de prazer-sofrimento dos policiais militares de um batalhão da região Norte e como estas influem na execução de suas atividades. Os pressupostos teórico-metodológicos procederam da Psicodinâmica do Trabalho. Foram realizados seis encontros em grupo com a participação de 17 policiais, sendo 14 homens e três mulheres. As temáticas investigadas foram divididas em cinco eixos: condições precárias de trabalho; perfil do policial; reconhecimento dos pares, superiores e sociedade; prazer-sofrimento no trabalho; e defesas contra o sofrimento, interpretados a partir da análise temática. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade. Percebeu-se que a organização de trabalho desempenha papel importante nas vivências de prazer-sofrimento e que cooperação, reconhecimento, precarização, burocracia e os paradoxos da atividade policial interferem diretamente nesta dinâmica. O uso de estratégias defensivas, como a ironia e o humor, é responsável pela dicotomia entre ter que suportar o real no trabalho e não verbalizar o sofrimento, evidenciando alguns dos importantes paradigmas presentes na atividade militar estudada.
Vivências de sofrimento e adoecimento em ambiente de trabalho: uma análise do cotidiano profissional de enfermeiras e enfermeiros num contexto pandêmico em dois centros de referência no atendimento a pacientes de Covid-19
Authors: Lopes Edmar Aparecido de Barra e
Published: December 2020

Este artigo promove um debate que orbita em torno de conceitos, tais como: risco e sofrimento; subjetividade e experiência; cotidiano e memória; vulnerabilidade e precarização. Buscamos compreender as vivências em ambiente de trabalho de enfermeiros e enfermeiras que atuam desde o início da pandemia de Covid-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) em dois hospitais públicos de Goiânia, referências no atendimento a indivíduos vitimados pela doença em questão. Destacamos que a realização das entrevistas teve como pano de fundo um contexto de aprofundamento da precarização e da flexibilização das condições e relações de trabalho desses profissionais, associadas ao vertiginoso aumento do número de casos e óbitos entre esses. Com base na história oral temática, constatamos que esses profissionais – embora essenciais no enfrentamento à pandemia – se encontram atualmente ainda mais vulnerabilizados, individual e coletivamente. Ainda que homens e mulheres nessa categoria de trabalhadores experimentem de forma muito diferente o sofrimento e o adoecimento em seus respectivos cotidianos laborais. Particularmente, em função das desigualdades de gênero no mercado de trabalho.
Investigation of the Electrochemical Behavior of Hydroquinone at Some Conducting Polymer Electrodes and Amperometric Detection
Authors: Erdoğdu Gamze
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a rapid and sensitive modified electrode for the determination of hydroquinone (HQ) is proposed. In this study, active compound HQ was determined from commercial drug form based on electrochemical oxidation properties at various electrodes by voltammetric methods. Electrodes
modified by the electrodeposition of conducting organic polymers such as poly(3-methylthiophene, PMT), polypyrrole (PPY) and polyaniline (PAN) were used as chemical sensors for voltammetric analysis and flow injection detection of HQ. The electrochemical behavior of HQ at conducting polymer
electrodes was compared and the effects on behavior of electrolyte type and its pH and the film thickness were systematically examined. The results showed that the proposed modified surface catalyzes the oxidation of HQ. Electrocatalytic efficiency decreases in order of PMT > PPY > PAN.
Voltammetric peak positions were affected by the nature of the electrolyte and its pH. Also, the effect of increasing film thickness was to observe increased peak heights for oxidation potential of HQ. The best results for the determination of HQ were obtained by DPV in Na2SO4
(pH 2.0) and PMT electrodes. Polymer coated electrodes were also used in an amperometric detector for flow injection analysis of HQ. The responses of the polymer electrode were 5–15 times larger as compared to those of bare platinum. PMT showed improved performance as an amperometric
detector for flow injection analysis systems over other types of polymer electrodes. Detection limits as low as 1 × 10–9 M were achieved using the PMT, compared to 1 × 10–6 M using platinum electrodes.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Various Structural Parameters of the Untreated Calcium Phosphate from Two Moroccan Mining Zones
Authors: Labtaini Ikram , El-Hami Khalil
Published: December 2020

X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy analyses were performed on untreated calcium phosphate samples of the two mining zones of Morocco: Benguerir and Khouribga. XRD has been examined for the determination of the structure parameters and their textures. However, a comparative
study was conducted between the two types of phosphate to implement the observed structural differences. XRD Results showed that the comparison between the two samples reveals significant differences at the level of the refinement parameters, crystallite size and microstrain but no changes
in the crystal system. Raman analysis assignments are given for powdered samples of the organically important compound, calcium phosphate, in the 0–3600 cm–1 range. The wavenumber positions of Raman bands were different and changed between the two different samples.
The results may be of significance in understanding the relationship between XRD analysis and the parameters of material structure.
Flexible Liquid Sensor Based on Rubber/Graphite Composite
Authors: Khabiri Mohammad , Tagharoodi Milad Saadat , Pourhossainy Mohammad Reza , Abbasi Mashhood , Razavizade Mohamoud
Published: December 2020

Hydrocarbon liquids such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and solvents are hazardous materials derived from petroleum. These materials can diffuse the rubber network structures and cause swelling in these polymers. Rubber materials containing conductive fillers exhibit a high conductivity
at the higher percolation threshold. As direct effect of solvent on the polymer, swelling in the rubber composite alters the structure of the filler network and subsequently the composite properties change significantly. This Process can be considered as a signal for solvent or hydrocarbon
fuel detector system and used conductive rubber composite as a flexible sensor. In this study, the nitrile/graphite composite samples were prepared containing different amounts of graphite particles. These samples have the ability to measure electrical resistance. The electrical resistance
of rubber/graphite samples decreases with increasing content of graphite particles. The increase in the electrical resistance of the specimens was measured by using conductive composite swelling in toluene solvent and it was observed that all specimens eventually became electrical insulation.
Samples with concentrations of 60, 70, and 80 phr are conductive after recovery and solvent removal. While their conductivity is less than that of the virgin samples. The incremental trend of electrical resistance against the conductive composite swelling was measured in toluene solvent and
it was observed that all samples were eventually converted to electrical insulation. But there is little difference between the third swelling process and the second one. This phenomenon has occurred for all three samples, which reveals a good similarity with the Mullins effect.
Power Management in a Hybrid Grid Involving Photo Voltaic and Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Shetty Nayana , Chakrasali R. L.
Published: December 2020

The ever growing energy demand explored the generation of power by distributed resources. The distributed resources like photovoltaic, wind, fuel cell etc. are available in nature at free of cost. Photovoltaic cell is used to produce electrical energy by tracking energy from solar irradiation.
Perturbation and Observing method is one of the option to track the concentrated power from solar irradiation. It is a clean source, but intermittent in nature. This is overcome by integrating a fuel cell (FC), the new energy source. Proton Exchanging Membrane (PEM) fuel cell is integrated
with PV, and this hybrid DC source is integrated to micro grid using power electronic interfacing devices. The design of proper controller operation makes it to work in grid connected mode. The simulation is performed using Matlab-Simulink environment and results validates the performance
of hybrid system.
Electrochemical Behavior and Voltammetric Determination of Losartan Using Carbon Ceramic Electrode Modified with Room Temperature Ionic Liquid
Authors: Firouzi Mahzad , Giahi Masoud , Najafi Mostafa , Homami Seyed Saied , Mousavi Seyed Husain Hashemi
Published: December 2020

Herein, an electrochemical sensor has been proposed for the determination of losartan (LOS) in pharmaceutical formulations. A room temperature ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIM.PF6) was applied to fabricate a modified carbon ceramic electrode
(IL-CCE). The electrochemical studies were performed by the cyclic and linear sweep voltammetry (CV and LSV), chronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The anodic peak currents were increased with the LOS concentration and indicated a linear dynamic range
from 20 to 200 μM and a detection limit of 11.7 μM (S/N = 3) under the optimized conditions. Satisfactory results were obtained by analysis of LOS in pharmaceutical tablets.
An Image Reconstruction Algorithm with Experimental Validation for Electrical Impedance Tomography Imaging Applications
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Mewara H. S. , Tripathi Shashank , Pundir Aditya Kumar Singh
Published: December 2020

In the Non-Invasive Bio Impedance Technique (NIBIT) a low current pulse with high frequency inserted between two electrodes of the object while measuring voltages from the other remaining electrodes with respect to the reference electrode. The electrode arrangement is defined in the
form of cylindrical shapes of the surface of the phantom. After these arrangements, it inserts the current pulse and measures the voltages according to the selected data acquisition method of bio impedance. The presented algorithm analyzes and defines each obtained data sample from the used
phantoms and also allows Image Reconstruction (IR) based on developed Graphical User interface (GUI) on MATLAB. The used IR approach is based on Tikhonov regularization and FEM. The FEM and Tikhonov regularization are mathematical approaches that deal with Forward Problem (FP) and Inverse
Problem (IP) of images. In our approach, the FP solution is identified first in order to reconstruct the conductivity distribution through the EIT inverse solution. Thereafter, This FP is solved through the known current pulse of a given conductivity medium. Likewise, the IP is identified
and solved through the boundary potential of the object. The end of the obtained result provides a comparable result for the used phantom according to its internal structure. This proposed technique is still reliable despite having some standardization issue according to the procedure.
Current Update on Potential Clinical Applications of Oral Sensors
Authors: Harikrishnan Pandurangan
Published: December 2020

Dentistry is a specialized medical field involving treatment of oro-facial diseases and also in the diagnosis of systemic diseases through oral manifestations. Advanced imaging and sensing tools are emerging for the diagnosis and monitoring of general health, in-particular the non-invasive
testing methods are becoming popular. Saliva and gingival crevicular fluid are evolving as potential alternative diagnostic biofluids. Hence, oral biosensors are emerging for applications like detecting changes in the oral microbiome, monitoring caries, periodontal disease, levels of biomolecules,
loading forces during orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) movement etc. This review discloses the current literature in the applications of oral sensors in oral and systemic diagnostics, monitoring and therapy.
Development of Interdigitated-Type Planar Capacitive Flex-Sensor Array for the Detection of Damages in Civil Engineering Structures
Authors: Adhvaryu Meghayu , Patel Piyush N. , Modhera Chetan D.
Published: December 2020

A modified Interdigitated Planar Electrode (IDE) design is presented and used in the development of flex-sensor for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). The design of IDE consists of a U-shaped electrode with integrated interdigitated electrodes. The overall size of the unit-cell structure
is 25 × 25 mm2. Different civil engineering blocks were tested using the proposed sensor and a comprehensive crack analysis is presented based on the crack parameters. The sensor offers a lowest average sensitivity of 0.863157 pF/mm. The proposed flex-sensor can also be potentially
used for the detection and monitoring of other structural parameters like corrosion, moisture content etc.
Design and Simulation of Low Power Microcontroller for Internet of Things Applications
Authors: Yadav Divya , Raj Balwant , Raj Balwinder
Published: December 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an array of interrelated registering gadgets, mechanical and advanced electronics machines, articles, creatures or individuals that are given with unique identifiers and the ability to exchange data over a system without man to man or man to PC partnership.
IoT created an expanded enthusiasm to research and industrial into points of view. This development is due to the availability of low-priced, low-powered diminutive elements like processors, communications and sensors that were integrated on a single chip. In this work we design the low power
microcontroller for IoT application. There are various microcontrollers available in the market for IoT application, we have done the comparative study of different microcontroller and proposed a low power microcontroller architecture based on the requirement of IoT. The power analysis is
carried out by calculating power consumed in the different digital circuits with ALU and without ALU.
Vitamin D testing: Impact of changes to testing guidelines on detection of patients at risk of vitamin D deficiency
Authors: John Andrew St , Morris Howard , Richardson Alice , Lidbury Brett , Ward Greg , Badrick Tony
Published: December 2020

Background

Changes were made to the Australian guidelines for vitamin D testing in November 2014 which restricted the patients who could be tested and reimbursed under the Medical Benefits Schedule. A retrospective study was conducted to assess the impact of the changes.

Methods

Data from 588,021 cases tested for vitamin D over the period of 2014 to 2017 were obtained and the results in 149,808 cases tested before the change in guidelines were compared to 438,213 cases tested afterwards.

Results

The results showed an initial fall in requests took place after the introduction of changes, but request numbers had returned to pre-change levels by November 2016. Furthermore, following the intervention, there was a significant reduction in the number of cases of vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) detected after November 2014 ( P < 0.001) with odds ratio (OR) calculations showing the strongest effect for the sub-cohort of 0–20 nmol/L (OR = 1.77). For patient vitamin D levels >71 nmol/L, the pattern of detection inverted with more cases of sufficiency being detected after the intervention than before (OR from 0.84 to 0.48, P <0.001).

Conclusions

The failure to show a sustained reduction in vitamin D testing is a common finding with demand management strategies to limit test requesting. More significant is the failure of the intervention to improve the detection of vitamin D deficiency. These failures highlight the need for better tools to manage test requesting including the use of audit and outcomes measurement to guide future interventions.
Facilitators, challenges and usefulness of an asthma educational programme
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Dailah Hamad Ghalib
Published: December 2020

Background:

This study explored the role of hospitals, specialised doctors and staff in developing patient awareness, participation and motivation concerning asthma control. It also looked at the challenges that undermine the value of asthma educational programmes, especially in an Arab cultural context.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 30 asthma patients who had been living with asthma for a long period of time.

Results:

Findings highlight how an asthma educational programme can increase patient knowledge about the causes of asthma. Following the programme, patients had a better understanding of levels of medication, breathing techniques and rest and relaxation. Awareness of support from health professionals for managing depression and frustration also increased. However, some patients felt that the asthma educational programme content and delivery was not very interactive and was too lengthy.

Conclusion:

Findings can help policy makers, researchers, hospitals, doctors and the national Ministry of Health improve the content of future asthma educational programmes. They can also inform the development of a research framework to extend understanding of relevant issues in an Arabian context.