bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Describing the emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment symptoms associated with Maslach Burnout Inventory subscale scores in US physicians: an item response theory analysis
Authors: Brady Keri J. S. , Ni Pengsheng , Sheldrick R. Christopher , Trockel Mickey T. , Shanafelt Tait D. , Rowe Susannah G. , Schneider Jeffrey I. , Kazis Lewis E.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Current US health policy discussions regarding physician burnout have largely been informed by studies employing the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI); yet, there is little in the literature focused on interpreting MBI scores. We described the burnout symptoms and precision associated with MBI scores in US physicians.

Methods

Using item response theory (IRT) analyses of secondary, cross-sectional survey data, we created response profiles describing the probability of burnout symptoms associated with US physicians’ MBI emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA) subscale scores. Response profiles were mapped to raw subscale scores and used to predict symptom endorsements at mean scores and commonly used cut-points.

Results

The average US physician was likely to endorse feeling he/she is emotionally drained, used up, frustrated, and working too hard and all PA indicators once weekly or more but was unlikely to endorse feeling any DP symptoms once weekly or more. At the commonly used EE and DP cut-points of 27 and 10, respectively, a physician was unlikely to endorse feeling burned out or any DP symptoms once weekly or more. Each subscale assessed the majority of sample score ranges with ≥ 0.70 reliability.

Conclusions

We produced a crosswalk mapping raw MBI subscale scores to scaled scores and response profiles calibrated in a US physician sample. Our results can be used to better understand the meaning and precision of MBI scores in US physicians; compare individual/group MBI scores against a reference population of US physicians; and inform the selection of subscale cut-points for defining categorical physician burnout outcomes.
Biochemical and structural magnetic resonance imaging in chronic stroke and the relationship with upper extremity motor function
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed Mahmoud , Awad Eman Mahmoud , Hazzou Ahmed Mohamed , Elewa Mohamed Khaled Ahmed , Aziz Tougan Taha Abdel , Samy Dalia Maher
Published: June 2020

Background

Recovery of upper extremity (UE) motor function after stroke is variable from one to another due to heterogeneity of stroke pathology. Structural and biochemical magnetic resonance imaging of the primary motor cortex (M1) have been used to document reorganization of neural activity after stroke.

Objective

To assess cortical biochemical and structural causes of delayed recovery of UE motor function impairment in chronic subcortical ischemic stroke patients.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study with fifty patients were enrolled: thirty patients with chronic (> 6 months) subcortical ischemic stroke suffering from persistent UE motor function impairment (not improved group) and twenty patients with chronic subcortical ischemic stroke and improved UE motor function (improved group). We recruited a group of (16) age-matched healthy subjects. Single voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was performed to measuren-acetylaspartate (NAA) and glutamate+glutamine (Glx) ratios relative to creatine (Cr) in the precentral gyrus which represent M1of hand area in both ipsilesional and contralesional hemispheres. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure precentral gyral thickness is representing the M1of hand area. UE motor function assessment is using the Fugl Meyer Assessment (FMA-UE) Scale.

Results

The current study found that ipslesional cortical thickness was significantly lower than contralesional cortical thickness among all stroke patients. Our study found that ipsilesional NAA/Cr ratio was lower than contralesional NAA/Cr among stroke patients. UE and hand motor function by FMA-UE showed highly statistically significant correlation with ipsilesional cortical thickness and ipsilesional NAA/Cr ratio, more powerful with NAA/Cr ratio.

Conclusion

We concluded that persistent motor impairment in individuals with chronic subcortical stroke may be at least in part related to ipsilesional structural and biochemical changes in motor areas remote from infarction in form of decreased cortical thickness and NAA/Cr ratio which had the strongest relationship with that impairment.
The T–R {Y} power series family of probability distributions
Authors: Osatohanmwen Patrick , Oyegue Francis O. , Ogbonmwan Sunday M.
Published: June 2020

A new family of univariate probability distributions called the T − R {Y} power series family of probability distributions is introduced in this paper by compounding the T − R {Y} family of distributions and the power series family of discrete distributions. A treatment of the general mathematical properties of the new family is carried out and some sub-families of the new family are specified to depict the broadness of the new family. The maximum likelihood method of parameter estimation is suggested for the estimation of the parameters of the new family of distributions. A special member of the new family called the Gumbel–Weibull–{logistic}–Poisson (GUWELOP) distribution is defined and found to exhibit both unimodal and bimodal shapes. The GUWELOG distribution is further applied to a real multi-modal data set to buttress its applicability.
Co-creating sustainable urban metabolism towards healthier cities
Authors: Fróes Isabel , Lasthein Malene Køster
Published: June 2020

In this article, we initially present and discuss the existing concepts covering sustainable and healthy cities, and urban metabolism infrastructure. The urban metabolism infrastructure distributes a wide range of key resources to citizens through various modes of transportation. Although the technical infrastructure and people in cities tend to be perceived as separate systems, they need to be acknowledged as co-dependent. Thus, co-creating urban metabolism and its infrastructure should be an integral part of developing a healthy city. We use mobility and transportation examples from the Cities-4-People project as a case to discuss the role of citizens and local stakeholders in co-creating solutions to improve their cities’ mobility through the urban metabolism and sustainability lens. Furthermore, we discuss the project process outcomes, leading to a set of guidelines towards achieving healthier cities.
Typology of patients who use emergency departments for mental and substance use disorders
Authors: Fleury Marie-Josée , Grenier Guy , Bamvita Jean-Marie , Ferland Francine
Published: June 2020

Background

Identifying profiles of people with mental and substance use disorders who use emergency departments may help guide the development of interventions more appropriate to their particular characteristics and needs.

Aims

To develop a typology for the frequency of visits to the emergency department for mental health reasons based on the Andersen model.

Method

Questionnaires were completed by patients who attended an emergency department (n= 320), recruited in Quebec (Canada), and administrative data were obtained related to sociodemographic/socioeconomic characteristics, mental health diagnoses including alcohol and drug use, and emergency department and mental health service utilization. A cluster analysis was performed, identifying needs, predisposing and enabling factors that differentiated subclasses of participants according to frequency of emergency department visits for mental health reasons.

Results

Four classes were identified. Class 1 comprised individuals with moderate emergency department use and low use of other health services; mostly young, economically disadvantaged males with substance use disorders. Class 2 comprised individuals with high emergency department and specialized health service use, with multiple mental and substance use disorders. Class 3 comprised middle-aged, economically advantaged females with common mental disorders, who made moderate use of emergency departments but consulted general practitioners. Class 4 comprised older individuals with multiple chronic physical illnesses co-occurring with mental disorders, who made moderate use of the emergency department, but mainly consulted general practitioners.

Conclusions

The study found heterogeneity in emergency department use for mental health reasons, as each of the four classes represented distinct needs, predisposing and enabling factors. As such, interventions should be tailored to different classes of patients who use emergency departments, based on their characteristics.
Targeted repression of Plasmodium apicortin by host microRNA impairs malaria parasite growth and invasion
Authors: Chakrabarti Malabika , Garg Swati , Rajagopal Ayana , Pati Soumya , Singh Shailja
Published: June 2020

Mature human erythrocytes contain a rich pool of microRNAs (miRNAs), which result from differentiation of the erythrocytes during the course of haematopoiesis. Recent studies have described the effect of erythrocytic miRNAs on the invasion and growth of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum during the asexual blood stage of its life cycle. In this work, we have identified two erythrocytic miRNAs, miR-150-3p and miR-197-5p, that show favourable in silico hybridization with Plasmodium apicortin, a protein with putative microtubule-stabilizing properties. Co-expression of P. falciparum apicortin and these two miRNAs in a cell line model resulted in downregulation of apicortin at both the RNA and protein level. To create a disease model of erythrocytes containing miRNAs, chemically synthesized mimics of miR-150-3p and miR-197-5p were loaded into erythrocytes and subsequently used for invasion by the parasite. Growth of the parasite was hindered in miRNA-loaded erythrocytes, followed by impaired invasion; micronemal secretion was also reduced, especially in the case of miR-197-5p. Apicortin expression was found to be reduced in miRNA-loaded erythrocytes. To interpret the effect of downregulation of apicortin on parasite invasion to host erythrocytes, we investigated the secretion of the invasion-related microneme protein apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1). AMA1 secretion was found to be reduced in miRNA-treated parasites. Overall, this study identifies apicortin as a novel target within the malaria parasite and establishes miR-197-5p as its miRNA inhibitor. This miRNA represents an unconventional nucleotide-based therapeutic and provides a new host factor-inspired strategy for the design of antimalarial molecular medicine.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
NOTAS SOBRE A RELEITURA DE FEENBERG A RESPEITO DA TEORIA CRÍTICA DA TECNOLOGIA: UMA PROPOSTA DE DEMOCRATIZAÇÃO DO DESENVOLVIMENTO TECNOLÓGICO NA ESFERA DIGITAL COMO PREMISSA DE TRANSFORMAÇÕES DEMOCRÁTICAS
Authors: Weschenfelder Lucas Reckziegel , Friedrich Denise Bittencourt
Published: June 2020

O estudo desta pesquisa compreende a tecnologia e as suas possibilidades democráticas, integrado a um debate sobre as teorias da democracia. A tecnologia, na modernidade, encontra-se posta como um instrumento com o qual o agente se comunica com o seu meio, e as teorias críticas clássicas que a abarcam partem de dois caminhos: onde a sua potencialidade é um meio de dominação, ou que a sua capacidade é neutra, baseada em uma racionalidade científica inerente. A democracia tem como propósito integrar os interesses de todos e, a partir disso, direcionar as tomadas de decisões. O fator é complexo, porém um composto é perene: a manifestação e a veiculação de um interesse é um pressuposto para que tal interesse faça parte do sistema político e jurídico da sociedade. Pretendeu-se responder ao problema expresso da seguinte forma: o desenvolvimento tecnológico se limita aos termos das correntes instrumentalista e substancialista da tecnologia, tendo em vista a pluralidade democrática contemporânea? Considerando as relações da sociedade industrial contemporânea, a tecnologia possui propulsores democráticos, uma vez pensando-a e integrando, em seu desenvolvimento, as particularidades de cada pessoa ou grupo de pessoas, como meio de potencializar o seu conteúdo e os seus efeitos na sociedade. A inclusão das pessoas com deficiência na esfera digital precisa ser arquitetada, pois encontra sérios impedimentos, análogos à esfera física. O método de abordagem empregado foi o hermenêutico, partindo de premissas que se consubstanciam no problema. O método de procedimento utilizado foi o monográfico, e a técnica de pesquisa, bibliográfica.
REFLEXÕES SOBRE VÍCIOS DA PUBLICIDADE INSTITUCIONAL DA ADMINISTRAÇÃO PÚBLICA: DA PERSONALIZAÇÃO OBLÍQUA À ESCOLHA TENDENCIOSA DOS VEÍCULOS DE IRRADIAÇÃO
Authors: Bertoncini Mateus , Séllos-Knoerr Viviane Coêlho de , Macedo Gustavo Henrique Rocha de
Published: June 2020

O artigo aborda a publicidade do Estado, os seus limites constitucionais e as características que o material publicitário deve reunir para não se transformar em personalização oblíqua do administrador público e consequente ato de improbidade administrativa. Esta pesquisa busca parâmetros da legislação espanhola sobre a publicidade estatal, cujas premissas se revelam compatíveis com o regime jurídico brasileiro. Aponta-se, neste estudo, a obrigatória obediência a critérios técnicos para eleição dos veículos de comunicação contratados para irradiar as campanhas públicas, que deve ignorar qualquer valoração política ou ideológica, com apoio em precedentes da Suprema Corte Espanhola, evitando-se desvio de poder e correspondente responsabilização.
Efficacy of mitomycin-C on anterior urethral stricture after internal urethrotomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Irdam Gampo Alam , Wahyudi Irfan , Andy Andy
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim

Mitomycin-C is a potent agent that plays an important role in tissue healing and scar formation. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of Mitomycin-C in treating anterior urethral stricture after internal urethrotomy.

Methods

Studies evaluating efficacy of mitomycin-c for anterior urethral stricture post urethrotomy were searched using Pubmed, Scopus, Sciencedirect, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Reviews as directory databases. The search was done in March 15th 2020. Terms being used in the searching process were “mitomycin-c” or “mitomycin”, “urethral stricture”, “urethral stenosis”, “internal urethrotomy”, “optical urethrotomy” and its synonyms. Every study with the design of retrospective or prospective clinical study being done in human subject was included. Study appraisal conducted in accordance to Oxford University Center for Evidence-Based Medicine. The conclusion of each study was summarized and the calculation of random effect from every study was conducted in meta-analysis. Random effect model is chosen because small number of studies and quite different.

Results

Three studies involving 311patients were included in this review, all of them reported less recurrence of in patients treated with mitomycin-c post urethrotomy (p<0.001). Risk ratio of all studies was 0.41 with 95% confidence interval (0.25-0.68).  

Conclusion

Mitomycin-C has the potential of efficacy in treating anterior urethral stricture post internal urethrotomy. Relatively few numbers of studies may impact in the strength of this review and further studies need to be done.
Case Report: Single visit photo-activated disinfection in regenerative endodontics
Authors: Abdel Hafiz Abdel Rahim Al-Shaimaa , Abdelgawad Fatma , Abd Alsamed Ahmed M. , Moheb Dalia Mohamed , Wahab El-Dokky Norhan Abdel
Published: June 2020

Background: Root canal disinfection is considered critical for achieving successful regenerative endodontic procedures. Photo-activated disinfection is a novel disinfection method that can help to achieve the goal of regenerative endodontics. This article reports the clinical and radiographic results after single visit regenerative endodontics using photo-activated disinfection.

Methods: An 8.5-year-old girl complained of fractured upper right central incisor. Pulp necrosis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings. The root canal was irrigated with sodium hypochlorite solution (1.5%) followed by saline. Then, the canal was dried with paper points. A combination of a photosensitizer solution and low power laser light were applied. EDTA solution was used as a final irrigant. Bleeding was induced, followed by placement of collagen resorbable matrix and white mineral trioxide aggregate. Two days later, the tooth was sealed and restored with permanent filling.

Results: Clinical findings revealed no pain on percussion or palpation tests. Radiographic examination revealed an increase in root length, an increase of apical root thickness and apical closure at the 12-month follow-up period.

Conclusion: Regenerative endodontics using photo-activated disinfection achieved successful outcomes in the necrotic immature permanent tooth.
Case Report: DSM–5 misses an edge case in tic disorders nosology
Authors: Black Kevin J.
Published: June 2020

A boy with multiple phonic tics, one lifetime motor tic, and no impairment or marked distress does not meet criteria for any DSM–5 tic disorder diagnosis. The next version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual should adjust the criteria for Tourette's Disorder and/or for "other specified tic disorder" and "unspecified tic disorder."
Referral Timing and Fundraising Success in Crowdfunding
Authors: Burtch Gordon , Gupta Diwakar , Martin Paola
Published: June 2020

Problem definition : Crowdfunding, a relatively new approach for raising capital for early-stage ventures, has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years. Entrepreneurs launch a campaign on a web platform and solicit contributions from many potential backers. A primary way that entrepreneurs affect fundraising is by leveraging their social networks to drive traffic to their campaign. We address the following question: When should an entrepreneur send out referral links to impel traffic to the campaign web page? Academic/practical relevance : Prior capital accumulation serves as social proof of the project’s “quality,” which can result in herding. However, prior capital accumulation can also lead to crowding out and bystander effects. Entrepreneurs’ social networks strongly affect their chances of success, but they often do not know when to solicit contacts’ involvement. We investigate this question via a combination of empirical and analytical methods, providing guidance for platform owners and entrepreneurs. Methodology : The social proof/herding mechanism leads to a convex-shaped effect of current accumulation on future contributions, the crowding out scenario leads to a concave-shaped effect, and the initial dominance of herding giving way to the later dominance of crowding out leads to a sigmoidal effect (S-shaped curve). We use a Markov decision process model to derive three alternative optimal referral policies, which we fit to proprietary data from a large crowdfunding platform. We explore heterogeneity in relative model fit across different subsamples of our data, demonstrating that our conclusion is stable over a range of scenarios. Results : Using mathematical models, we identify optimal referral strategies under the concave, convex, and S-curve assumptions. Estimating these models on the proprietary data, we show that the S-curve model exhibits the best fit. Based on estimated model parameters, our simulations show that a nonoptimal (e.g., myopic) expenditure of referrals can lead to a substantially smaller accumulation of funds. Managerial implications : The results of this paper help inform both platform owners and entrepreneurs. Platform owners can perform this sort of analysis to provide guidance to entrepreneurs about referral strategy. The entrepreneurs, in turn, learn that in an environment similar to that represented in our data, they will benefit from concentrating their referrals earlier in the fundraising process, while retaining some portion for the final stages of fundraising. The mix of this early versus late referral allocation within the campaign duration may vary depending on the entrepreneurs’ social capital and referral cost.
‘Please treat me like a person’—respectful care during adolescent childbirth
Authors: Fuzy Elizabeth , Clow Sheila Elizabeth , Fouché Nicola
Published: June 2020

Background

This study explored the lived childbirth experiences of ‘middle adolescent’ mothers between 14–16 years of age.

Study design

A qualitative design was followed with a Husserlian phenomenological approach and Colaizzi's seven steps to unravelling information. Using semi-structured conversations, information was gathered from six middle-adolescent mothers who had normal vaginal births of healthy term infants in two public hospitals in South Africa.

Findings

An overarching theme of preservation of personhood was identified. Three themes emerged i) unpreparedness for childbirth, ii) an unsettled state of mind during childbirth and iii) feeling overwhelmed by the experience.

Conclusion

More positive birth experiences were associated with respectful, non-judgmental midwife care and having their mothers as birth companions while humiliation, victimisation and rudeness were associated with negative birth experiences.

Recommendations

More focus is needed on adolescent-friendly healthcare services and age-appropriate education; continuous labour support; pain management and respectful care during childbirth.
Development and Validation of an Instrument to Measure a Performance of Vocational High School
Authors: Kholis Nur , Mardapi Djemari , Kartowagiran Badrun
Published: June 2020

Some evaluation has been carried out in Vocational High Schools (VHSs), but most of it focuses on the documents or passive data rather than the processes happening in VHSs. Thus, this research focuses on the evaluation of VHS performances where the process is initiated with identifying the constructs and developing the instruments of performance evaluation for VHSs with Technology and Engineering expertise programs. Based on the problems found in the field, before conducting the evaluation, the researcher needs to, at first, develop the instrument of evaluation through three stages of development. The first stage is analyzing the concepts related to the evaluation by examining the factors affecting VHS performances. In the second stage, instrument development and instrument analysis (content validation) are conducted with the help of experts. The third stage is performance evaluation in VHSs located in Yogyakarta. The evaluation employs a set of instruments developed by the researchers. This research has produced a set of instruments for performance evaluation, which can be used extensively in VHSs. Based on the evaluation, it is found that the aspects of general management and academic management of the VHSs being studied are considered “Good”.
The Effectiveness of Learning Models on Written Mathematical Communication Skills Viewed from Students' Cognitive Styles
Authors: Chasanah Chuswatun , Riyadi Riyadi , Usodo Budi
Published: June 2020

This research aims to test (1) the effectiveness between problem posing learning model with Indonesian realistic mathematical education approach and problem posing learning model on written mathematical communication skills, (2) the effectiveness between field-independent and field-dependent cognitive styles on written mathematical communication skills, (3) the effectiveness between problem posing learning model with Indonesian realistic mathematical education approach and problem posing learning model on the written mathematical communication skills from each cognitive style, and (4) the effectiveness between field-independent and field-dependent cognitive styles on written mathematical communication skills from each learning model. This quantitative research employed a quasi-experimental method. The research sample consisted of 240 fifth-grade elementary school students in Jebres District, Surakarta, Indonesia. Data collection techniques included tests of written mathematical communication skills and cognitive styles. The data were analyzed using prerequisite (normality, homogeneity, and balance), hypothesis, and multiple-comparison tests. The findings prove that (1) PP model with Indonesian realistic mathematical education approach is more effective than the PP and direct instruction models, (2) field-independent cognitive style is better than field dependent, (3) PP with Indonesian realistic mathematical education is as effective as the PP model, but more effective than the direct instruction model, and the PP model is more effective than the direct instruction model in each cognitive style, and (4) in the PP learning model with Indonesian realistic mathematical education approach, field-independent cognitive style is same skill as with field-dependent, but field-independent is better than field-dependent cognitive style in the PP and direct instruction learning models.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Educating People With Intellectual Disability and Related Developmental Disability
Authors: Thompson James R. , Walker Virginia L.
Published: June 2020

This special issue on educating children and adults with intellectual disability and related developmental disabilities (IDD) highlights critical developments in theory, research, and practice related to teaching, learning, and schooling. The six articles in this issue focus on (a) how social-ecological understanding of disability and the supports paradigm can be applied in educational settings and activities; (b) core practices, dispositions, and orientations needed by educators of students with extensive support needs; (c) the roles and responsibilities of professionals from different disciplines in educating secondary-age students with complex health care needs in general education classrooms; (d) experimental findings related to the efficacy of an approach to teaching academic skills that are simultaneously aligned with standards from the general education curriculum as well as functional skills; (e) predictors of inclusive course enrollments at institutions of higher education that offer programs for students with intellectual disability (ID); and (f) international perspectives on the challenges and benefits associated with establishing inclusive school communities.
Precise thickness profile measurement insensitive to spatial and temporal temperature gradients on a large glass substrate
Authors: Park Jungjae , Mori Hiroki , Jang Yoon-Soo , Jin Jonghan
Published: June 2020

When manufacturing glass substrates for display devices, especially for large-sized ones, the time-varying spatial temperature gradient or distribution on the samples is remarkably observed. It causes serious degradation of thickness measurement accuracy due to the combination of thermally expanded thickness and temperature-dependent refractive index. To prevent or minimize the degradation in thickness measurement accuracy, the temperature distribution over an entire glass substrate has to be known in real time in synchronization with the thickness measurement to specify the refractive index of the sample based on an exact mathematical model of the temperature-dependent refractive index. In this paper, a measurement method for determining the thickness profile of a large glass substrate regardless of precise measurement of temperature distribution and the mathematical model of the refractive index was demonstrated. The widely used glass substrates with nominal thicknesses of 0.6 mm and 1.3 mm were measured at room and high temperatures. Through comparison of thickness profiles of hot glass substrates having large temperature gradients and those estimated through thermal expansion of thickness profiles measured at room temperature, it was confirmed that the proposed method can provide highly reliable thickness measurement results under such challenging conditions, unlike simple calculation from the optical thickness using the well-known refractive index.
Optical coherence tomography and fluorescence microscopy dual-modality imaging for in vivo single-cell tracking with nanowire lasers
Authors: Li Xuzhou , Zhang Wei , Wang William Y. , Wu Xiaoqin , Li Yanxiu , Tan Xiaotian , Matera Daniel L. , Baker Brendon M. , Paulus Yannis M. , Fan Xudong , Wang Xueding
Published: June 2020

Emerging cell-based therapies such as stem cell therapy and immunotherapy have attracted broad attention in both biological research and clinical practice. However, a long-standing technical gap of cell-based therapies is the difficulty of directly assessing treatment efficacy via tracking therapeutically administered cells. Therefore, imaging techniques to follow the in vivo distribution and migration of cells are greatly needed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a clinically available imaging technology with ultrahigh-resolution and excellent imaging depth. It also shows great potential for in vivo cellular imaging. However, due to the homogeneity of current OCT cell labeling contrast agents (such as gold and polymer nanoparticles), only the distribution of entire cell populations can be observed. Precise tracking of the trajectory of individual single cells is not possible with such conventional contrast agents. Microlasers may provide a route to track unique cell identifiers given their small size, high emission intensities, rich emission spectra, and narrow linewidths. Here, we demonstrate that nanowire lasers internalized by cells provide both OCT and fluorescence signal. In addition, cells can be individually identified by the unique lasing emission spectra of the nanowires that they carry. Furthermore, single cell migration trajectories can be monitored both in vitro and in vivo with OCT and fluorescence microscopy dual-modality imaging system. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of nanowire lasers combined with the dual-modality imaging system for in vivo single cell tracking with a high spatial resolution and identity verification, an approach with great utility for stem cell and immunomodulatory therapies.
Three-dimensional single-shot ptychography
Authors: Goldberger David , Barolak Jonathan , Durfee Charles G. , Adams Daniel E.
Published: June 2020

Here we introduce three-dimensional single-shot ptychography (3DSSP). 3DSSP leverages an additional constraint unique to the single-shot geometry to deconvolve multiple 2D planes of a 3D object. Numeric simulations and analytic calculations demonstrate that 3DSSP reconstructs multiple planes in an extended 3D object with a minimum separation consistent with the depth of field for a conventional microscope. We experimentally demonstrate 3DSSP by reconstructing orthogonal hair strands axially separated by 5 mm. 3DSSP provides a pathway towards volumetric imaging of dynamically evolving systems on ultrafast timescales.
Light-controllable metasurface for microwave wavefront manipulation
Authors: Chen Lei , Nie Qian Fan , Ruan Ying , Luo Si Si , Ye Fu Ju , Cui Hao Yang
Published: June 2020

Applying multiple physical fields to artificial manipulate electromagnetic waves is a highly stirring research. In this paper, we creatively combine light control with microwave scattering, realizing an optically coding metasurface for beam deflection based on anomalous reflection. A photoresistor and a voltage-driven module are connected to control each row of PIN-diode-loaded unit cells, endowing the reflection phase of the elements with a strong dependence on light. Owing to the high sensitivity of photoresistor, the digital element state “0” or “1” can be switched effectively via light variation sensed by the photoresistor. By modulating the light signal, the arrangement of digital elements can be reprogrammed, generating the specific scattering field. Therefore, the electromagnetic field can be determined by the spatial distribution of light, which induces the connect with the optical information and microwave field. The simulated and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of our design. This light-steering approach provides a dimension for electromagnetic wave modulation.
Design of a micrometer-long superconducting nanowire perfect absorber for efficient high-speed single-photon detection
Authors: Cheng Risheng , Wang Sihao , Zou Chang-Ling , Tang Hong X.
Published: June 2020

Despite very efficient superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) reported recently, combining their other performance advantages such as high speed and ultralow timing jitter in a single device still remains challenging. In this work, we present a perfect absorber model and the corresponding detector design based on a micrometer-long NbN nanowire integrated with a 2D photonic crystal cavity of ultrasmall mode volume, which promises simultaneous achievement of near-unity absorption, gigahertz counting rates, and broadband optical response with a 3 dB bandwidth of 71 nm. Compared to previous stand-alone meandered and waveguide-integrated SNSPDs, this perfect absorber design addresses the trade space in size, efficiency, speed, and bandwidth for realizing large on-chip single-photon detector arrays.
Negotiating context as a survival strategy: The case of Mugambo Jwetu FM
Authors: Kimani Rose N.
Published: June 2020

Kenyan community radio works between international and national media paradigms, while seeking to meet the expectations of its local communities. International funding and training organizations active in the sector focus on enhancing technology for development, freedom of expression, democracy and governance. At the national level, community stations are expected to act as development-oriented media. While development is a value embraced by most stations, freedom of expression is embraced more cautiously, given the political contexts in which they exist. Drawing on fieldwork conducted between 2014 and 2016, this article explores the operational choices that community broadcasters make in view of their funding and training partnerships, all the while negotiating their local, social and political contexts in order to survive. It focuses on Mugambo Jwetu FM, a community radio station in Kenya, as a case study.
Stories and clothes: Exploring textile supply chains for sustainable futures
Authors: Lerpiniere Claire
Published: June 2020

Abstract This article explores a method for engaging students with ethical and sustainable issues within the textile design supply chain through encouraging them to explore the stories embodied within a garment. By putting themselves into the story of their garment, its production
is conceptualized as a narrative, with a range of roles, timelines and locations. Exploring stories within their garment illuminates both positive and negative narratives, whereby the impacts of production methods are explored to examine current practice in industry, manufacturing, and investigate
innovative models for responsible design. Through a process of reverse engineering the garment from its completed form backward through its creation, back to its base fibres, alternative models of manufacturing, distribution, energy use and design outcomes are explored and suggested. Conceptualizing
each stage of the production cycle as a series of stories, from initial fibre selection through to final garment purchase and consumption, is done to encourage empathy and connections between the student designer and the people who produced their garment within the complex global textiles
supply chain.
Aesthetics in Biripo indigenous musical performance
Authors: Omosule Segun
Published: June 2020

Abstract Biripo music, even when restricted to a group of people in the Ikale/Ilaje/Apoi milieux, is an embodiment of the consciousness of the folk and combines the art of the people with entertainment as a major cultural thrust, religious indoctrination and ethical
values in the environment. This article attempts an analysis of the musical performance of Zeblon Omoranmowo entitled: word hangs loose and bursts 'Oro Ma Se Dugbe Dugbe O Be O' (2018) through an examination of the subject matter, themes and analogies that could constitute a veritable source
of conflict to the larger society and internal disquietude to individuals whose indiscretion could ignite inter-personal conflicts through aesthetics as a philosophical model of analysis; claiming that religious books and selfish personal pursuits are potential sources of danger to the larger
society.
The Socialist Republic of Vietname
Authors: Mugnier Clifford J.
Published: June 2020

The Grids & Datums column has completed an exploration of
every country on the Earth. For those who did not get to enjoy
this world tour the first time, PE&RS is reprinting prior articles
from the column. This month's article on the Socialist Republic
of Vietnam was originally printed in 2002 but contains updates
to their coordinate system since then
Critical Success Factors in Integrating Sustainability with Quality: The Case of a Food and Beverage Company
Authors: Purcidonio Paula Michelle , Marchi Lemos Grillo Nicholas , De Castro Cruz Alarcão Vinícius
Published: June 2020

Goal: Analyzing critical success factors (CSFs) for integrating sustainability and quality in a food and beverage company in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach: This research relies on an exploratory method, applied on qualitative data collection based on a case study. The instrument for data collection is an interview with professionals who work in the areas of quality and sustainability in the company studied.

Results: Out of the seven critical success factors identified in an organization, six of them (leadership and commitment to strategy, management and monitoring of processes, training and communication, commitment to the three pillars of sustainability, product/service development and continuous improvement) are a result of the company’s strategic circumstances, achieved by continuously improving products and processes. On the other hand, there is a critical focus factor for stakeholder relations, since it is currently very concentrated on the interests of final consumers to the detriment of other stakeholders.

Limits of the investigation: Results reflect the Brazilian headquarters of a multinational company of the food and beverage sector and, therefore, cannot necessarily be applied to other companies of the same sector.

Practical implications: Diagnosing seven critical success factors of the studied food and beverage company raises the opportunity to seek mechanisms to strengthen the focus on stakeholders, a critical factor identified as incipient in the research.

Originality/value: Findings confirm the relevance of looking into the critical success factors identified by the literature about integrating sustainability and quality in the practice of industries.
An Analysis of Students' Makeup-Exam Results and Performance in Undergraduate Biology Courses
Authors: Tarasi Dennis D.
Published: June 2020

A consistent challenge for undergraduate instructors is how to properly and objectively assess students who cannot attend regularly scheduled exams. Though many alternatives exist, perhaps the most common strategy is to allow students to take a makeup exam at a different time. Many instructors avoid this option for fear of the students gaining an unfair advantage in their exam preparations. I assessed student performance on makeup exams in relation to their typical performance on other exams throughout the course, to determine if there was any signal of score improvement or decline on makeup exams. I analyzed the data in regard to when students took the makeup exam, what their excuse for missing the regularly scheduled exam was, and the type of course in which they took the makeup. Students' makeup-exam scores were not significantly different from their regular-exam scores, though students who took a makeup due to a school-sponsored activity scored worse than students taking a makeup due to family emergencies or illness. While this research cannot definitively state that makeup exams do not provide some sort of advantage to student scores, it suggests that if students are trying to “game the system,” at the very least, they aren't winning.
Wet & Dry Lab Activities to Introduce Students to CRISPR-Based Gene Editing
Authors: Wollert David
Published: June 2020

CRISPR (also known as CRISPR-Cas9) is a powerful biotechnology tool that gives scientists unprecedented access to the genetic makeup of all living organisms, including humans. It originally evolved as an adaptive immune system in bacteria to defend against viruses. When artificially harnessed in the laboratory it allows scientists to accurately and precisely edit genes almost as if using a word processor. In mice, CRISPR has already been used to treat diabetes, muscular dystrophy, cancer, and blindness. CRISPR has made cultured human cells immune to HIV, and a variety of CRISPR experiments involving human embryos are well under way. But CRISPR is not limited to biomedical applications. It is also revolutionizing the food industry and many areas of biological research. It is imperative that science educators help prepare students for this compelling new era of biology. This article presents wet and dry lab simulations to help introduce high school and undergraduate students to CRISPR-based gene editing technology.
Role-Playing Activity to Demonstrate the Electron Transport Chain
Authors: Harrison Elizabeth
Published: June 2020

The role of the electron transport chain, its associated proteins, and carrier molecules can be difficult for introductory biology students to understand. Role-playing activities provide a simple, active, cost-effective method for demonstrating and comprehending complex biological processes. This role-playing activity was designed to help introductory biology students learn the role of the electron transport chain in the synthesis of ATP. The activity can be completed within a single class period and, when combined with a post-activity writing assignment, can enhance student understanding of how the electron transport chain functions.
A Water Balloon Eye Model for Teaching about the Human Eye
Authors: Lau Kwok-chi
Published: June 2020

A physical eye model made of a water balloon and a convex lens is described. It can be used to model how an image is formed in the eye as well as shortsightedness and farsightedness. The model is unique in featuring a fluid-filled “eyeball” with “intraocular pressure,” making it a useful tool for teaching about accommodation and glaucoma. Instructional ideas for the model are suggested.
Merino ewe lambing after stimulation with prostaglandin and PMSG and insemination with sperm of grey Karakul rambs
Authors: Lobachova I. , Yakovchuk V.
Published: June 2020

Aim. To determine the effectiveness of a two-time treatment with prostaglandin F-2α (PGF2α) followed by the injection of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) for stimulation of sexual activity in sheep in the second half of the estrous season in the scheme of increasing the lambing rate. Methods. Thirty-seven 2.5-yearold ewes of the Askanian Merino breed, which were kept together from the age of one year, were used. In September 2018, 28 animals of this group lambed and had sucklings until November 20. Hormonal stimulation was started on December 7, 2018 by injecting all ewes with 1 ml of synthetic PGF2α and 1 ml of Prozerin. The second injection of PGF2α was given 10 days after the fi rst one. Simultaneously with the second treatment with PGF2α, the animals were injected with 500 IE of PMSG (Sergon, Czech Republic) and 2.5 ml of SuperAminoC (South Korea). The presence of estrus was not detected, and the ewes were forcibly inseminated with freshly obtained sperm of 4 grey rams of the Askanian Karakul breed in the morning for three days, beginning with the fi rst day after the PMSG injection. During the fi rst treatment with PGF2α and 3 days before the second one, the genitals of 12 ewes were sonographically examined. Results. In total, 45.9 % of stimulated animals lambed; the total fecundity was 75.7 %, and the average prolifi cacy – 1.65 ± 0.18 lambs per ewe. Among the animals, which before the experiment had the sucklings, 57.1 % lambed, among those, who did not have the suckling, – 11.1 %. After using the sperm of ram 17314, 77.8 % of ewes lambed, for rams 73697, 73792 and 73796 – 30.0, 44.4 and 33.3 %, respectively. Among the 19 lambs analyzed by wool color, 10 lambs were completely black, 9 were black with white spots. Among the spotted lambs, the color on the back, forearms and hips of one lamb had an additional shade, close to gray. Ultrasound testing showed that the ewes, which before the experiment had sucklings, showed better genital reactivity. According to the distribution of lambs by wool color, an assumption about possible partial incompatibility of the genotypes of Askanian Merino ewes and grey Karakul sheep was made that requires further study. Conclusions. The scheme of stimulating sexual activity based on two-time treatment with PGF2α followed by an injection of PMSG is capable of ensuring lambing of more than 70 % of stimulated sheep with the prolifi cacy of 1.65 lambs per ewe. A factor, increasing the effectiveness of the scheme, is the presence of sucking lambs of ewes before the stimulation starts.
Genetic structure features of cattle populations of Ukrainian selection by polymorphism of loci, associated with milk productivity traits
Authors: Kulibaba R. , Liashenko Yu. , Yurko P.
Published: June 2020

Aim. To study the genetic structure of cattle populations of Ukrainian selection by polymorphism of functional genes (PRL, PL) and microsatellites (BM027, RM185). Methods. The study was conducted using the method of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction analysis in case of loci PRL and PL, and using classic PCR with subsequent electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel to analyze microsatellite variability. Results. The results of the studies demonstrated that the locus of prolactin by RsaI-polymorphism in the fourth exon was polymorphic in both experimental populations (Ukrainian Black-and-White and Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breeds of cattle). The mutation (Indel) was fi rst determined in the fourth exon of prolactin gene, the variants of which correlated with some alleles of the locus by RsaI-polymorphism. The locus of placental lactogen by RsaI-polymorphism in the fi fth exon was monomorphic in both experimental populations. Microsatellite locus RM185 was polymorphic in both groups of animals,
whereas BM027 – only in the Black-and-White dairy breed. Conclusions. The specifi cities of the genetic structure of the Ukrainian Black-and-White and Red-andWhite dairy breed populations by polymorphism of functional genes and microsatellite loci were determined. The locus of placental lactogen by RsaI-polymorphism in the fi fth exon cannot be used in further studies due to the absence of alternative variants of the gene in both studied populations of animals. The analysis of the distribution of haplotype frequencies demonstrated the absence of deviation from the equilibrium state by linkage for each of the investigated markers which makes their use impossible in the breeding programs as a separate functional unit.