bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identidad Lingüística y Actitudes de los Estudiantes de la Universidad Nacional del Altiplano-Puno, Perú.
Authors: Yeni Pacho-Poma Guillermina
Published: January 2022

Se realizó una investigación para determinar el grado de correlación entre la identidad lingüística y la actitud lingüística de los estudiantes en la Universidad Nacional del Altiplano de Puno, Perú. El método aplicado fue la escala de Likert que permitió el recojo de las opiniones de los estudiantes universitarios bilingües del Semestre Académico 2018 – II, de las escuelas profesionales de sociología, antropología, turismo, ciencias de la comunicación social y arte. El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson resultó 0.551, y el p-valor (0.000) fue menor que el nivel de significancia (0.05). Los resultados muestran que existe correlación positiva moderada entre la identidad lingüística y la actitud lingüística de los estudiantes. El 50 % de los estudiantes admite que siempre demuestra identidad lingüística y la mayoría de estudiantes acepta tener una actitud positiva frente a su lengua nativa. Se concluye que existe correlación positiva moderada entre la identidad lingüística y la actitud lingüística de los estudiantes de la Facultad de Ciencias Sociales de la UNA, Puno, a un nivel de 95% de confianza en términos estadísticos.
Posterior-Based Stopping Rules for Bayesian Ranking-and-Selection Procedures
Authors: Eckman David J. , Henderson Shane G.
Published: January 2022

Sequential ranking-and-selection procedures deliver Bayesian guarantees by repeatedly computing a posterior quantity of interest—for example, the posterior probability of good selection or the posterior expected opportunity cost—and terminating when this quantity crosses some threshold. Computing these posterior quantities entails nontrivial numerical computation. Thus, rather than exactly check such posterior-based stopping rules, it is common practice to use cheaply computable bounds on the posterior quantity of interest, for example, those based on Bonferroni’s or Slepian’s inequalities. The result is a conservative procedure that samples more simulation replications than are necessary. We explore how the time spent simulating these additional replications might be better spent computing the posterior quantity of interest via numerical integration, with the potential for terminating the procedure sooner. To this end, we develop several methods for improving the computational efficiency of exactly checking the stopping rules. Simulation experiments demonstrate that the proposed methods can, in some instances, significantly reduce a procedure’s total sample size. We further show these savings can be attained with little added computational effort by making effective use of a Monte Carlo estimate of the posterior quantity of interest.

Summary of Contribution: The widespread use of commercial simulation software in industry has made ranking-and-selection (R&S) algorithms an accessible simulation-optimization tool for operations research practitioners. This paper addresses computational aspects of R&S procedures delivering finite-time Bayesian statistical guarantees, primarily the decision of when to terminate sampling. Checking stopping rules entails computing or approximating posterior quantities of interest perceived as being computationally intensive to evaluate. The main results of this paper show that these quantities can be efficiently computed via numerical integration and can yield substantial savings in sampling relative to the prevailing approach of using conservative bounds. In addition to enhancing the performance of Bayesian R&S procedures, the results have the potential to advance other research in this space, including the development of more efficient allocation rules.
Local Density Estimation in High Dimensions
Authors: Wu Xian , Charikar Moses , Natchu Vishnu
Published: January 2022

An important question that arises in the study of high-dimensional vector representations learned from data are, given a set [Formula: see text] of vectors and a query q, estimate the number of points within a specified distance threshold of q. We develop two estimators, LSH count and multiprobe count that use locality-sensitive hashing to preprocess the data to accurately and efficiently estimate the answers to such questions via importance sampling. A key innovation is the ability to maintain a small number of hash tables via preprocessing data structures and algorithms that sample from multiple buckets in each hash table. We give bounds on the space requirements and sample complexity of our schemes and demonstrate their effectiveness in experiments on a standard word embedding data set.
Pricing with Samples
Authors: Allouah Amine , Bahamou Achraf , Besbes Omar
Published: January 2022

This paper studies the value of data for pricing purposes. Although pricing is central across industries, little is known about the minimal amount of data needed to achieve good pricing decisions. The present paper proposes a novel approach to quantify the informational content of data, through the introduction of a new class of robust data-driven policies and the development of factor-revealing dynamic programs. Studying the prototypical case of data coming in the form of samples from the willingness to pay of customers, we show that even a few samples (as few as 10) go a very long way in uncovering “good” prices. For example, quite strikingly, against a general class of distributions (monotone increasing hazard rate distributions), a single observation guarantees 64% of the performance an oracle with full knowledge of the distribution would achieve, two samples suffice to ensure 71%, and 10 samples guarantee 80% of such performance.
Can Racial Diversity Attenuate Racial Discrimination in Service Interactions? Evidence from Cite-and-Release Decisions within Police Departments
Authors: Meuris Jirs
Published: January 2022

Despite the belief that racial diversity in organizations will attenuate racial discrimination in service interactions, the extant literature suggests that it may often exacerbate discrimination by generating intergroup conflict. In this paper, I propose that the influence of racial diversity on racial discrimination in service interactions will depend upon (a) the level of interdependence within an organization and (b) whether an increase in diversity consists of a larger representation of a minority’s own racial group. To test my predictions, I combine interaction-level data covering approximately 200,000 cite-and-release decisions where suspects are either given a summons to attend court at a later date or transported to jail following arrest with longitudinal organization-level data from 93 police departments across the United States. Consistent with prior research, I found that minority suspects were less likely to be cited and released for the same offense relative to White suspects. Racial diversity among sworn officers in a police department exacerbated discrimination in cite-and-release decisions unless officers’ work roles were highly interdependent due to the adoption of community-oriented policing. Focusing on Black and Hispanic suspects, I observed this pattern regardless of whether an increase in racial diversity in the department was characterized by a larger representation of a minority suspect’s own racial group or other minority racial groups. Taken together, the findings suggest that diverse organizations can mitigate the emergence of intergroup conflict that exacerbates racial discrimination in service interactions by fostering interdependencies.

Supplemental Material: Data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.1571 .
Alkaline Diuresis as Treatment for 2,4-D Dimethylamine Herbicide Intoxication
Authors: Badu Apolonia Berenika , Cempakadewi Ade Ajeng , Budihardja Brigitta Marcia , Ake Anselmus
Published: January 2022

Acute intoxication with 2,4-D dimethylamine is rare, often fatal and can cause signs and symptoms in different organ systems. This case report describes the effectiveness of alkaline diuresis as a life-saving treatment for chlorophenoxy intoxication, especially in healthcare facilities without access to haemodialysis. A patient had attempted suicide by ingesting 2,4-D dimethylamine, with toxic effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems, and the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. However, she significantly improved after alkaline diuresis, accompanied by resuscitation, decontamination of the gastrointestinal system, and supportive therapies.
Airway Assessment for Intravenous Sedation in Dentistry
Authors: Owen Brandon , Bradley Hannah
Published: January 2022

The ability to manage an airway is an essential skill for the safe provision of intravenous conscious sedation. A systematic airway assessment will allow identification of risk factors pre-operatively, flagging potential airway problems and aiding case selection. If difficulties arise, the practitioner will be able to act efficiently having anticipated the risk factors. Importantly, cases unsuitable for primary care can be readily identified and referred appropriately. In the interest of patient safety, this article aims to present methods of airway assessment that can be incorporated into the pre-sedation assessment.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article discusses airway assessment methods relevant to intravenous conscious sedation to promote patient safety.
The psychological impact of sharps injuries sustained by medical students
Authors: Hambridge Kevin
Published: January 2022

Much is known and reported about sharps injuries among healthcare workers, but there has been a lack of published evidence regarding the psychological impact of sharps injuries among medical students. The purpose of this narrative review was to discover the psychological impact of sharps injuries within the medical student population. Medical, health and psychology databases were searched for studies written in the English language and published between 1980 and 2021. The review identified six studies conducted in six countries which described the psychological impacts of sharps injuries among medical students as being fear, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. The findings highlight the potential psychological issues created by sharps injuries, and highlights that further research is needed into this topic to aid the education and prevention of this harmful problem.
Multidisciplinary management of a central giant cell lesion: a case report
Authors: Tajmehr Niecoo , Javidi Hanieh , Laugharne David , Smith Anne-Marie
Published: January 2022

This case report describes the diagnosis and management of a central giant cell lesion in a young, healthy patient. The article outlines the differences between central giant cell lesions and their counterparts, peripheral giant cell lesions. More crucially, it highlights the challenge in distinguishing these lesions, which are almost identical histopathologically.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This case describes the difficulties that can be faced by clinicians in differentiating between peripheral giant cell lesions and central giant cell lesion. It also highlights the need for specialist multidisciplinary input in managing the surgical and orthodontic implications of these lesions.
Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds from Land-Applied Beef Cattle Manure as Affected by Application Method, Diet, and Soil Water Condition
Authors: Woodbury Bryan L. , Gilley John E. , Parker David B. , Marx David B.
Published: January 2022

Highlights

The largest contributors to odor activity values (OAV) were heptanoic acid (23.5%), hexanoic acid (17.6%), indole (14.7%), and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) (9.50%).

Measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOC) were greater from plots where manure was surface-applied than from plots with incorporated manure.

Emissions of DMDS and dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) (0.318 and 0.074 µg m-2 min-1, respectively) were greater for plots with manure from beef cattle fed a diet containing 30% wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS).

Rainfall immediately after manure application influenced the types and amounts of VOC that were emitted.

Abstract. Land application of beef cattle manure may result in the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of diet, land application method, soil water condition, and time since manure application on VOC emissions. Manure was collected from feedlot pens where cattle were fed diets containing 0%, 10%, or 30% wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS). The effects of manure application method (surface-applied or incorporated) and soil water condition (saturated or wet) on VOC emissions were measured over a 48 h period. Heptanoic, hexanoic, isobutyric, and isovaleric acids contributed 23.5%, 17.6%, 9.26%, and 3.39% (0.034, 0.258, 0.030, and 0.014 µg m-2 min-1), respectively, to total odor activity values (OAV). The aromatics indole and skatole contributed 14.7% and 8.84%, (0.005 and 0.0004 µg m-2 min-1), respectively, to total OAV. Dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) contributed 9.50% (0.013 µg m-2 min-1) and dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) contributed 5.68% (0.030 µg m-2 min-1) to total OAV. Emissions of the sulfur compounds (DMDS and DMTS) were substantially greater for the 30% WDGS diet. With the exception of heptanoic acid, flux measurements were greater from the plots where manure was surface-applied than from the plots where manure was incorporated. Emissions of each VOC were greater on the first day following manure application when a saturated soil water condition was present. VOC flux values were found to rapidly decrease following manure application. Effective best management practices for reducing VOC emissions are to incorporate manure soon after application and to delay land application when there is a high probability of rainfall. Keywords: Air contaminants, Air quality, Environmental management, Land application, Manure management, Odor control, Odor emission, Odor evaluation, Volatile organic compounds, Volatile fatty acids.
Improved Luminescence Properties in a Yb: YAG Crystal- Derived Fiber by Thermal Treatment
Authors: Zou Kai , Wen Jianxiang , Wan Ying , Pang Fufei , Wang Tingyun
Published: January 2022

The luminescence properties of Yb: YAG crystal-derived fiber (YDF) have been improved by thermal treatment. Its center position of the emission wavelength shifted from 1017 to 1030 nm and luminescence intensity is enhanced by ~ 2 times.
An Improved FPGA Equivalent Parallel Implementation of All-digital Timing Recovery
Authors: Lu Xun , Wang Liqian , Wang Yuhua , Chen Xue
Published: January 2022

In the all-digital timing recovery algorithm based on FPGA, an improved equivalent parallel implementation is proposed. It solves the problem that numerically controlled oscillator cannot updata in real time. Its is verified in PM-QPSK system.
Ultraviolet Absorption Spectral data analysis for Flue Gas Detection
Authors: Balsubramaniam B. Gouri , Bekal Anish , Rajeshirke Yashwant , Mitra Chayan
Published: January 2022

Emission analyser with advanced spectral analysis for hot extractive flue gas measurement with self-compensation of lamp drift and cross-sensitivity validated in the lab. Longterm zero drifts demonstrated in the field.
Enhanced four-wave mixing in borophene-microfiber waveguides at telecom C-band
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Yin Peng , Liu Zheqi , Dong Fang , Sui Lu , Ma Wanzhuo , Wang Tianshu
Published: January 2022

All-optical wavelength conversion technology based on two-dimensional (2D) materials has lately received keen interest. As a new 2D material, borophene displays acceptable photoelectric properties. We demonstrate the all-optical wavelength conversion through four-wave mixing (FWM) in borophene-microfiber hybrid waveguides. Borophene is deposited at the thinnest part of the tapered fiber and enhanced FWM occurs in this photonic device. By optimizing the effect of nonlinear polarization, wavelength tuning, and power variation, the conversion efficiency increases to

−

19.1

d
B

, corresponding to 3 dB conversion bandwidth in a range of 7.1 nm. In addition, this photonic device is employed to achieve all-optical wavelength conversion of 10 Gb/s non-return-to-zero digital sequence. The signal quality of converted light such as optical signal-to-noise ratio, bit-error-rate, and eye diagram are investigated, which indicates that the proposed wavelength converter has high conversion efficiency and remarkable stability. This study shows that the borophene-microfiber waveguide has potential application prospects in all-optical signal processing.
Nonlinear distortion correction for posterior eye segment optical coherence tomography with application to tree shrews
Authors: Grytz Rafael , El Hamdaoui Mustapha , Fuchs Preston A. , Fazio Massimo A. , McNabb Ryan P. , Kuo Anthony N. , Girkin Christopher A. , Samuels Brian C.
Published: January 2022

We propose an empirical distortion correction approach for optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices that use a fan-scanning pattern to image the posterior eye segment. Two types of reference markers were used to empirically estimate the distortion correction approach in tree shrew eyes: retinal curvature from MRI images and implanted glass beads of known diameter. Performance was tested by correcting distorted images of the optic nerve head. In small animal eyes, our purposed method effectively reduced nonlinear distortions compared to a linear scaling method. No commercial posterior segment OCT provides anatomically correct images, which may bias the 3D interpretation of these scans. Our method can effectively reduce such bias.
Raman Path for Generation of Singlet Oxygen in Aqueous Environments
Authors: Olaizola Aristides Marcano , Kingsley David , Kuis Robinson , Johnson Anthony
Published: January 2022

We propose that Raman excitation can generate singlet oxygen in water environments without the intervention of photosensitizers. Preliminary Raman experiments using continuous-wave laser light at 405 nm validate the hypothesis.
Phase error analysis and unwrapping error suppression in phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry
Authors: Lu Xin , Krebber Katerina
Published: January 2022

Phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometry becomes an effective tool to realize distributed sensing, and the optical phase of the received light is usually used to quantify the strain for both dynamic and static measurement. The analysis on the overall phase error has been improved by considering the proportionality of the detection noise to the local optical power. The estimation accuracy is greatly improved by using the proposed theory, the probability density of the estimation accuracy over 99% is > 0.6, ∼39 times larger than the previously reported method. The phase unwrapping may malfunction due to the noisy signal, causing large phase errors. Point break detection algorithms are used to locate the incorrect phase unwrapping points, so the temporal evolution of the phase retrieved at each position can be divided into several sections with different offset. The phase unwrapping error is then suppressed by removing the offset.
Augmented reality three-dimensional visualization with multifocus sensing
Authors: Alonso Julia R. , Fernández Ariel , Javidi Bahram
Published: January 2022

In augmented reality displays, digital information can be integrated with real-world scenes. We present an augmented reality-based approach for three-dimensional optical visualization and depth map retrieval of a scene using multifocus sensing. From a sequence of images captured with different focusing distances, all-in-focus image reconstruction can be performed along with different point of view synthesis. By means of an algorithm that compares the all-in-focus image reconstruction with each image of the z-stack, the depth map of the scene can also be retrieved. Once the three-dimensional reconstructed scene for different points of view along with its depth map is obtained, it can be optically displayed in smart glasses allowing the user to visualize the real three-dimensional scene along with synthesized perspectives of it and provide information such as depth maps of the scene, which are not possible with conventional augmented reality devices. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on combining multifocus sensing and three-dimensional visualization and depth retrieval for applications to augmented reality.
Skin aging risk factors: A nationwide population study in Mongolia risk factors of skin aging
Authors: Nanzadsuren Tuya , Myatav Tuul , Dorjkhuu Amgalanbaatar , Ganbat Mandukhai , Batbold Chuluunbileg , Batsuuri Baljinnyam , Byamba Khandsuren
Published: January 2022

The world population is aging and no country is immune to the consequences. We are not aware of any country-specific skin aging risk factors data for the Mongolian people. Thus, we aimed to study the risk factors associated with skin aging in the Mongolian population. A population-based cross-sectional study of 2720 study participants 18 years of age and older was performed evaluating the severity of skin aging based on cutaneous microtopography. Questionnaire data and skin physiological measurements were obtained. The odds ratios for skin aging grades associated with risk factors were estimated using ordinal logistic regression. Study participant’s mean age was 45 years, ranging from 18 to 87. After adjustment for known risk factors, skin aging was associated with demographic risk factors such as increasing age (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.18–1.20), living in an urban area (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.12–1.55) and lifestyle factors including being a smoker (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.09–1.61), having a higher body mass index (aOR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06) and higher levels of sun exposure time (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.06) were significantly associated with higher skin aging grades. Having dry (aOR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.45–2.59) and combination skin (aOR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.22–2.16) types were also independent risk factors associated with skin aging. Having very low skin surface moisture at the T-zone (aOR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.42–3.11) was significantly related to skin aging. Older age, urban living and toxic working conditions were independent demographic risk factors related to skin aging. Smoking, higher BMI, greater levels of sun exposure were significant lifestyle risk factors. Having a skin type other than normal was a physiologic risk factor for skin aging.
Temporal trends in frequency, type and severity of myopia and associations with key environmental risk factors in the UK: Findings from the UK Biobank Study
Authors: Cumberland Phillippa M. , Bountziouka Vasiliki , Hammond Christopher J. , Hysi Pirro G. , Rahi Jugnoo S. ,   on behalf of the UK Biobank Eye and Vision Consortium
Published: January 2022

This study investigated temporal trends in the epidemiology of primary myopia and associations with key environmental risk factors in a UK population. Data were collected at recruitment (non-cycloplegic autorefraction, year of birth, sex, ethnicity, highest educational attainment, reason and age of first wearing glasses and history of eye disease) from 107,442 UK Biobank study participants aged 40 to 69 years, born between 1939 and 1970. Myopia was defined as mean spherical equivalent (MSE) ≤-1 dioptre (D). Temporal changes in myopia frequency by birth cohort (5-year bands using date of birth) and associations with environmental factors were analysed, distinguishing both type (childhood-onset, <18 years versus adult-onset) and severity (three categories: low -1.00 to -2.99D, moderate -3.00 to -5.99D or high ≥-6.00D). Overall myopia frequency increased from 20.0% in the oldest cohort (births 1939–1944) to 29.2% in the youngest (1965–1970), reflecting a relatively higher increase in frequency of adult-onset and low myopia. Childhood-onset myopia peaked in participants born in 1950–54, adult-onset myopia peaked in the cohort born a decade later. The distribution of MSE only shifted for childhood-onset myopia (median: -3.8 [IQR -2.4, -5.4] to -4.4 [IQR -3.0, -6.2]). The magnitude of the association between higher educational attainment (proxy for educational intensity) and myopia overall increased over time (adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) 2.7 [2.5, 2.9] in the oldest versus 4.2 [3.3, 5.2] in the youngest cohort), being substantially greater for childhood-onset myopia (OR 3.3 [2.8, 4.0] to 8.0 [4.2, 13]). Without delineating childhood-onset from adult-onset myopia, important temporal trends would have been obscured. The differential impact of educational experience/intensity on both childhood-onset and high myopia, amplified over time, suggests a cohort effect in gene-environment interaction with potential for increasing myopia frequency if increasing childhood educational intensity is unchecked. However, historical plateauing of myopia frequency does suggest some potential for effective intervention.
An improved Deeplabv3+ semantic segmentation algorithm with multiple loss constraints
Authors: Wang Yunyan , Wang Chongyang , Wu Huaxuan , Chen Peng
Published: January 2022

Aiming at the problems of low segmentation accuracy and inaccurate object boundary segmentation in current semantic segmentation algorithms, a semantic segmentation algorithm using multiple loss function constraints and multi-level cascading residual structure is proposed. The multi-layer cascaded residual unit was used to increase the range of the network layer receptive field. A parallel network was constructed to extract different depth feature information, then different depth feature information and encoder output features are fused to obtain multiple outputs feature which build multiple losses with the label, thereby constraining the model to optimize the network. The proposed network was evaluated on Cityscapes and CamVid datasets. The experimental results show that the mean Intersection over Union ratio (MIoU) of the proposed algorithm is 3.07% and 3.59% higher than the original Deeplabv3+ algorithm, respectively.
Associations of breastfeeding history with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors in community-dwelling parous women: The Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study
Authors: Matsunaga Takashi , Kadomatsu Yuka , Tsukamoto Mineko , Kubo Yoko , Okada Rieko , Nagayoshi Mako , Tamura Takashi , Hishida Asahi , Takezaki Toshiro , Shimoshikiryo Ippei , Suzuki Sadao , Nakagawa Hiroko , Takashima Naoyuki , Saito Yoshino , Kuriki Kiyonori , Arisawa Kokichi , Katsuura-Kamano Sakurako , Kuriyama Nagato , Matsui Daisuke , Mikami Haruo , Nakamura Yohko , Oze Isao , Ito Hidemi , Murata Masayuki , Ikezaki Hiroaki , Nishida Yuichiro , Shimanoe Chisato , Takeuchi Kenji , Wakai Kenji
Published: January 2022

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations between breastfeeding and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in community-dwelling parous women and to clarify whether the associations depend on age.

Methods

The present cross-sectional study included 11,118 women, aged 35–69 years. Participants’ longest breastfeeding duration for one child and their number of breastfed children were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire, and their total breastfeeding duration was approximated as a product of the number of breastfed children and the longest breastfeeding duration. The longest and the total breastfeeding durations were categorized into none and tertiles above 0 months. Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia) were defined as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Associations between breastfeeding history and metabolic syndrome or each cardiovascular risk factor were assessed using multivariable unconditional logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among a total of 11,118 women, 10,432 (93.8%) had ever breastfed, and 1,236 (11.1%) had metabolic syndrome. In participants aged <55 years, an inverse dose–response relationship was found between the number of breastfed children and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome; multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for 1, 2, 3, and ≥4 breastfed children were 0.60 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31 to 1.17), 0.50 (95% CI: 0.29 to 0.87), 0.44 (95% CI: 0.24 to 0.84), and 0.35 (95% CI: 0.14 to 0.89), respectively. The longest and total breastfeeding durations of longer than 0 months were also associated with lower odds of metabolic syndrome relative to no breastfeeding history in participants aged <55 years. In contrast, all measures of breastfeeding history were not significantly associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors in participants aged ≥55 years old.

Conclusions

Breastfeeding history may be related to lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged parous women.
Optoelectronic analysis of technical factors and performance of elite-level air pistol shooting
Authors: Mon-López Daniel , de la Rubia Alfonso , García-Aliaga Abraham , Acebes-Sánchez Jorge , Refoyo Roman Ignacio , Lorenzo Calvo Jorge
Published: January 2022

Technical elements are related to shooting performance; however, the importance of each factor regarding performance, especially in elite-level pistol shooters, remains controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the technical factors that influence pistol performance. One elite-level shooter was analysed during the season before the Olympic classification European championship through a total of six competitions (n = 360 shots). Aiming point trajectories were measured with the SCATT optoelectronic system. Variables were classified into six categories: performance; aiming time; stability of hold; aiming accuracy; cleanness of triggering and shooting delta. Principal component analysis, multiple regressions, Pearson correlations and ANOVAs were used to analyse the data. The results showed that five components (aiming time, stability of hold, aiming accuracy, cleanness of triggering and shooting delta) determined a total of 79.68% of the shooting variance. Specifically, aiming accuracy and cleanness of triggering explained up to 25% of the shooting score, with cleanness of triggering serving as the determining factor. Correlations were found among the performance and stability of hold, aiming accuracy, cleanness of triggering and shooting delta. Last, significant differences were found among 8-score, 9-score and 10-score shots. We conclude that while aiming accuracy seems to be related to the performance, cleanness of triggering could be the most critical technical element; furthermore, while stability of hold does not seem to be a determining factor of the score, it could be a general prerequisite to achieve high levels of performance in elite-level air pistol shooters.
Eye and hand movements disrupt attentional control
Authors: Hanning Nina Maria , Wollenberg Luca , Jonikaitis Donatas , Deubel Heiner
Published: January 2022

Voluntary attentional control is the ability to selectively focus on a subset of visual information in the presence of other competing stimuli–a marker of cognitive control enabling flexible, goal-driven behavior. To test its robustness, we contrasted attentional control with the most common source of attentional orienting in daily life: attention shifts prior to goal-directed eye and hand movements. In a multi-tasking paradigm, human participants attended at a location while planning eye or hand movements elsewhere. Voluntary attentional control suffered with every simultaneous action plan, even under reduced task difficulty and memory load–factors known to interfere with attentional control. Furthermore, the performance cost was limited to voluntary attention: We observed simultaneous attention benefits at two movement targets without attentional competition between them. This demonstrates that the visual system allows for the concurrent representation of multiple attentional foci. Since attentional control is extremely fragile and dominated by premotor attention shifts, we propose that action-driven selection plays the superordinate role for visual selection.
Transforming and comparing data between standard SQUID and OPM-MEG systems
Authors: Marhl Urban , Jodko-Władzińska Anna , Brühl Rüdiger , Sander Tilmann , Jazbinšek Vojko
Published: January 2022

Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) have recently become so sensitive that they are suitable for use in magnetoencephalography (MEG). These sensors solve operational problems of the current standard MEG, where superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) gradiometers and magnetometers are being used. The main advantage of OPMs is that they do not require cryogenics for cooling. Therefore, they can be placed closer to the scalp and are much easier to use. Here, we measured auditory evoked fields (AEFs) with both SQUID- and OPM-based MEG systems for a group of subjects to better understand the usage of a limited sensor count OPM-MEG. We present a theoretical framework that transforms the within subject data and equivalent simulation data from one MEG system to the other. This approach works on the principle of solving the inverse problem with one system, and then using the forward model to calculate the magnetic fields expected for the other system. For the source reconstruction, we used a minimum norm estimate (MNE) of the current distribution. Two different volume conductor models were compared: the homogeneous conducting sphere and the three-shell model of the head. The transformation results are characterized by a relative error and cross-correlation between the measured and the estimated magnetic field maps of the AEFs. The results for both models are encouraging. Since some commercial OPMs measure multiple components of the magnetic field simultaneously, we additionally analyzed the effect of tangential field components. Overall, our dual-axis OPM-MEG with 15 sensors yields similar information to a 62-channel SQUID-MEG with its field of view restricted to the right hemisphere.
Glucose addition promotes C fixation and bacteria diversity in C-poor soils, improves root morphology, and enhances key N metabolism in apple roots
Authors: Qi Bianbin , Zhang Kuo , Qin Sijun , Lyu Deguo , He Jiali
Published: January 2022

The interaction between plant, soil and microorganism plays a crucial role in sustainable development of terrestrial ecosystem function and diversity. However, little information is known about how plant growth, soil organic carbon (C) fractions and microorganism respond to exogenous C addition in soils with low organic C content. Three levels of 13C-glucose (equal to 0, 100% and 500% of initial microbial biomass C) were added to non-sterilized (corresponding to treatment abbreviation of CK, Glu-1, Glu-2, respectively) and sterilized soils (corresponding to treatment abbreviation of SS, SS+Glu-1, SS+Glu-2, respectively) planted with apple rootstock (Malus baccata (L.) Borkh.) seedings. The objectives of this study were to analyse the dynamics of soil organic C (SOC) fractions and soil bacterial community diversity with glucose levels and soil sterilization, and to explore the morphology of roots and nitrogen (N) metabolism by plant after glucose addition to sterilized/non-sterilized soils. Results showed that the contents of labile organic C fractions were significantly varied (P<0.05) with the levels of glucose addition and soil sterilization. SS+Glu-2 and Glu-2 treatments increased the contents of labile organic C fractions, on average, by 48.47% and 35.33% compared with no glucose addition, respectively. About 21.42% and 16.17% of glucose-C remained in sterilized and non-sterilized soils, respectively at the end of experiment (day 45). Regardless of soil sterilized or not, the glucose addition increased the richness and diversity indices of soil bacterial community compared with no-glucose addition. The glucose addition optimized root zone conditions, and enhanced root vitality, morphology and biomass. Both SS+Glu-2 and Glu-2 treatments significantly enhanced (P<0.05) the contents of nitrate (NO3—N) and nitrite (NO2—N), but sharply decreased (P<0.05) the ammonium (NH4+-N) content compared with no glucose addition. Also, these two treatments significantly (P<0.05) increased the enzymic activities and gene transcript levels involved in root N metabolism, which demonstrated that the high level of glucose addition promoted N assimilation and transformation into free amino acids by root. Overall, the addition of exogenous C to not only promotes its fixation and bacterial community diversity in C-poor soils, but also improves root morphology and N absorption by plant.
Effect of adverse events on non-adherence and study non-completion in malaria chemoprevention during pregnancy trial: A nested case control study
Authors: Patson Noel , Mukaka Mavuto , Peterson Ingrid , Divala Titus , Kazembe Lawrence , Mathanga Don , Laufer Miriam K. , Chirwa Tobias
Published: January 2022

Background

In drug trials, adverse events (AEs) burden can induce treatment non-adherence or discontinuation. The non-adherence and discontinuation induce selection bias, affecting drug safety interpretation. Nested case-control (NCC) study can efficiently quantify the impact of the AEs, although choice of sampling approach is challenging. We investigated whether NCC study with incidence density sampling is more efficient than NCC with path sampling under conditional logistic or weighted Cox models in assessing the effect of AEs on treatment non-adherence and participation in preventive antimalarial drug during pregnancy trial.

Methods

Using data from a trial of medication to prevent malaria in pregnancy that randomized 600 women to receive chloroquine or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine during pregnancy, we conducted a NCC study assessing the role of prospectively collected AEs, as exposure of interest, on treatment non-adherence and study non-completion. We compared estimates from NCC study with incidence density against those from NCC with path sampling under conditional logistic and weighted Cox models.

Results

Out of 599 women with the outcomes of interest, 474 (79%) experienced at least one AE before delivery. For conditional logistic model, the hazard ratio for the effect of AE occurrence on treatment non-adherence was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.42, 1.17; p = 0.175) under incidence density sampling and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.41, 1.13; p = 0.137) for path sampling. For study non-completion, the hazard ratio was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.56, 1.83; p = 0.955) under incidence density sampling and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.45, 1.60; p = 0.619) under path sampling. We obtained similar hazard ratios and standard errors under incidence density sampling and path sampling whether weighted Cox or conditional logistic models were used.

Conclusion

NCC with incidence density sampling and NCC with path sampling are practically similar in efficiency whether conditional logistic or weighted Cox analytical methods although path sampling uses more unique controls to achieve the similar estimates.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01443130.
‘Lembi di patria di là dall’oceano’: Incom newsreels and emigration in Argentina
Authors: Gaudiosi Massimiliano
Published: January 2022

This article investigates the ways in which the newsreel La Settimana Incom portrayed emigration in Argentina during the post-Second World War era, when Latin America opened its borders wide to European workers. At the end of the 1940s, the Italian government signed bilateral agreements with Argentina and sponsored migratory practices – a dramatic solution for widespread unemployment – through an unprecedented promotional campaign. La Settimana Incom played a crucial role in this campaign: items on Argentina offer special insight into the rhetorical methods used for the representation of emigration through the growth of a modern Italy. The main argument of this article is that by analysing La Settimana Incom – and using some models proposed by Michail Bakhtin for this purpose – an ideological ‘mission’ behind the attention paid to emigration, a topic previously identified with traditional Italian values, can be discerned.
Italians in Colombian silent cinema 1910–26: The Di Domenico brothers’ film memoirs and filmography
Authors: Martín-Flórez Camilo
Published: January 2022

This article is both a review of the legacy of the Italian brothers Francesco and Vincenzo Di Domenico and a historical analysis of their filmography (1914–26). On the one hand, it analyses Francesco Di Domenico’s memoirs, which offer invaluable insights into how these itinerant projectionists from Italy became the bearers of a European film culture in Latin America and the Caribbean. The article also reviews the evolution of Francesco and Vincenzo Di Domenico as filmmakers working in South America and Colombia by identifying and validating important milestones in the history of the country’s silent cinema. The aim is not only to reconstruct the journey and filmography of the Di Domenicos, but also – and more importantly – to recognize the significant legacy of these Italian brothers during the era of silent cinema in the Americas.
Raman espektroskopiaren erabilgarritasunaren azterketa elikagaien koloratzaileak kuantifikatzeko
Authors: Vázquez de la Fuente Iñaki , Prieto-Taboada Nagore , Ostra-Beldarrain Miren , Madariaga Juan Manuel
Published: January 2022

Raman espektroskopia metodo analitiko ez-suntsikorra da, aurre-tratamendurik behar izan gabe laginak analizatzea ahalbidetzen duena. Teknika honek eskaintzen dituen abantailak kontuan hartuz, lan honetan teknika honek elikagai-koloratzaileak analizatu eta kuantifikatzeko eskaintzen dituen aukerak aztertu dira, industria-mailan teknikak izan dezakeen erabilgarritasuna ikertzeko asmoz. Lehenik eta behin, bi laser ezberdinekin (785 eta 532 nm) elikaduran ohikoak diren zenbait konposatu eta koloratzaileren datu-basea egin da, Raman seinale egokia duten koloratzaileak identifikatzen lagundu duena. Horren ondoren, analisi kuantitatiboa egiteko, aldagai bakarreko erregresio lineala eta minimo karratu partzialen erregresioa (Partial Least Squares Regression, PLS) erabili dira Raman seinalea kontzentrazioarekin erlazionatzeko. Emaitza positiboak lortu dira, batez ere E133 koloratzailearentzat, zeren eta analito honentzat lortutako kuantifikazio-muga (LoQ) koloratzaile honentzat Europar Batasunak ezarritako gehieneko kontzentrazioaren (200 mg/kg) azpitik baitago. Azkenik, kalibrazioa hobetzeko aukera aztertu da, Gainazalak Anplifikaturiko Raman Espektroskopia erabiliz (Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy, SERS). kasu honetan seinaleen intentsitatea handitu bada ere, ez da aurkitu seinalearen intentsitatearen eta kontzentrazioaren arteko erlazio linealik. Hori guztia kontuan hartuta, Raman espektroskopiaren bidezko koloratzaileen analisi kuantitatibora egindako hurbilketa egokia izan da, literaturan jasotako emaitzak hobetuz. Beraz, lan hau etorkizuneko ikerketetarako oinarritzat erabil daiteke, koloratzaileak lagin-tratamendurik gabe modu azkar eta merkean analizatzeko.
Migrantes, refugiados y tercer sector social. Un análisis del papel de las grandes ONG españolas en la gestión de fondos y políticas
Authors: Lacomba Vázquez Joan , Berlanga María Jesús
Published: January 2022

Introducción. A lo largo de los últimos años España ha visto incrementar su población inmigrante y refugiada, lo que ha planteado nuevas necesidades en cuanto a su atención e integración. En gran medida, esta tarea ha recaído en las Organizaciones No Gubernamentales con la financiación del Estado, algo que también habría sucedido en otros países europeos afectados por la crisis de los sistemas de bienestar en mayor o menor medida. Metodología. Con el fin de obtener datos al respecto, hemos procedido a consultar la base de datos de subvenciones del Estado y las resoluciones de las convocatorias del Ministerio de Inclusión, Migraciones y Seguridad Social en relación con la financiación recibida, mediante el Fondo de Asilo, Migración e Integración, por parte de cinco grandes ONG españolas (ACCEM, CEAR, CEPAIM, Cruz Roja y MPDL). Paralelamente, hemos revisado las memorias de actividades de las cinco entidades, así como la información contenida en sus páginas web. Resultados. Las ONG estudiadas han recibido recientemente una importante financiación estatal, en especial a través de convocatorias cofinanciadas con fondos europeos, y han desplegado un elevado número de proyectos que han respondido a la naturaleza de las propias convocatorias. Discusión. Los resultados de nuestra investigación muestran una notable dependencia de la financiación pública en la acción de las ONG, así como importantes limitaciones en cuanto a la diversidad de los proyectos implementados, lo que podría afectar a su independencia respecto a las políticas gubernamentales, aunque no todas las entidades muestran el mismo grado de alineamiento en relación con las mismas. Conclusiones. A pesar de los condicionantes a los que se encuentran sometidas las ONG, su papel resulta vital para garantizar la acogida de la población inmigrante y refugiada en España, pero existe el riesgo de que puedan convertirse en gestoras de unas políticas migratorias, en ocasiones, criticadas por ellas mismas.
Propuestas para promover la inclusión social: un análisis a partir de experiencias de personas usuarias de servicios sociales de Navarra
Authors: Azcona Martinez Amaia , Martinez Virto Lucía
Published: January 2022

Introducción. La adecuación de las políticas de inclusión ante las realidades de las personas en situación de vulnerabilidad social es una preocupación presente en la agenda política. Las barreras de incorporación al mercado de trabajo, las trayectorias de las personas en desempleo de larga duración, la combinación de prestaciones económicas con recursos de inclusión o las condiciones de inclusión del mercado de trabajo son algunos de los procesos implicados en estas políticas. Metodología. Se ha realizado una investigación cualitativa mediante la elaboración de entrevistas semiestructuradas encaminadas a estudiar la experiencia subjetiva y profundizar en el significado particular de las vivencias de personas usuarias de servicios sociales. Participaron un total de 17 personas usuarias de rentas mínimas y de recursos de incorporación, y la entrevista se dirigió en dos bloques temáticos en función de conocer la experiencia de acceso y cobertura de necesidades por parte de las prestaciones sociales y la propia intervención desde los programas de acceso a empleo. La diversidad de perfiles, por tipo de familia, origen, y otras circunstancias, permitió obtener discursos complementarios, ofreciendo una visión más amplia del objeto de estudio. Resultados. Los resultados del análisis del discurso muestran el valor de las prestaciones de renta mínima, pese a la identificación de otros huecos o puntos de mejora que permiten acotar algunas claves orientadas a la mejora de la intervención en su diseño y articulación de las políticas. Discusión. A la luz de los resultados, podemos reflexionar sobre cinco posibles recomendaciones para mejorar la intervención desde las políticas de inclusión a través de la adecuación de las prestaciones al real coste de la vida, la mejora en el acceso a vivienda, la adaptación de los mecanismos de incorporación a las realidades, la coordinación entre servicios sociales y de empleo y la mejora de la Atención Primaria de Servicios Sociales. Conclusiones. En el estudio se identifica el potencial carácter inclusivo de los programas de rentas mínimas así como las principales potencialidades, limitaciones y retos actuales de las mismas y de los programas de inclusión desde el enfoque de avance hacia la mejora de la calidad de la intervención social en el marco de la inclusión. Los resultados permiten ofrecer algunas reflexiones para la identificación de algunas claves a seguir en el diseño de las políticas sociales de inclusión para la mejora de la intervención con estos sectores de población. Se trata de un estudio que aproxima la evaluación de las políticas sociales desde un punto cualitativo a través de la voz y experiencia cercana de personas usuarias de servicios sociales.