bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Synbiotic Supplementation and Lifestyle Modifications on Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Chudzicka-Strugała Izabela , Kubiak Anna , Banaszewska Beata , Zwozdziak Barbara , Siakowska Martyna , Pawelczyk Leszek , Duleba Antoni J
Published: May 2021

Context

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy affecting women of reproductive age.

Objective

This study was designed to evaluate effects of lifestyle modifications and synbiotic supplementation on PCOS.

Design

A randomized (1:1) double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting

Academic hospital.

Patients or Other Participants

Overweight and obese women with PCOS were identified according to the Rotterdam criteria. Evaluations were performed at baseline and repeated after 3 months of treatment.

Intervention

Lifestyle modifications in combination with synbiotic supplementation or placebo.

Main Outcome Measures

Change in body mass index (BMI) and testosterone level.

Results

In the placebo group, a 5% decrease in BMI was accompanied by significant decreases of the waist, hip, and thigh circumferences. The synbiotic group experienced an 8% decrease in BMI, which was significantly greater than that in the control group (P = 0.03) and was accompanied by decreases in the waist, hip, and thigh circumferences. Testosterone did not decrease significantly in the placebo group (decrease of 6%), whereas in the synbiotic group it decreased by 32% (P < 0.0001). The decrease of testosterone was significantly greater in the synbiotic group than in the placebo group (P = 0.016).

Conclusions

Synbiotic supplementation potentiated effects of lifestyle modifications on weight loss and led to significant reduction of serum testosterone.
Associations of Hair Cortisol Concentrations With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Childhood
Authors: Vehmeijer Florianne O L , Santos Susana , de Rijke Yolanda B , van den Akker Erica L T , Felix Janine F , van Rossum Elisabeth F C , Jaddoe Vincent W V
Published: May 2021

Context

Biological stress is related to cardiovascular disease in adults. The associations of stress with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases may originate in childhood.

Objective

This work aims to examine the associations of hair cortisol concentrations at age 6 years with cardiometabolic risk factors at ages 6 and 10 years.

Methods

Cortisol concentrations were measured in hair of 6-year-old children (n = 2598) participating in the Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort study in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Main outcome measures included blood pressure, heart rate, concentrations of insulin, glucose, lipids, and C-reactive protein in blood at ages 6 and 10 years.

Results

Higher hair cortisol concentrations at age 6 years were associated with higher systolic blood pressure at age 10 years (difference 0.17 SD score; 95% CI, 0.03-0.31). The association attenuated into nonsignificance after adjustment for childhood body mass index (BMI) at age 6 years. Higher hair cortisol concentrations at age 6 years were associated with an increase in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol between ages 6 and 10 years but not with those measurements at age 6 or 10 years. Hair cortisol concentrations were not associated with other cardiometabolic risk factors at age 6 or 10 years.

Conclusion

Hair cortisol concentrations were not independent of BMI associated with cardiometabolic risk factors at 6 or 10 years. The associations of biological stress with cardiometabolic risk factors may develop at later ages.
Insulin-Mediated Substrate Use in Women With Different Phenotypes of PCOS: the Role of Androgens
Authors: Tosi Flavia , Villani Michela , Migazzi Matteo , Faccin Giulia , Garofalo Sabrina , Fiers Tom , Kaufman Jean-Marc , Bonora Enzo , Moghetti Paolo
Published: May 2021

Context

Few studies have explored in vivo insulin action on substrate use in women with PCOS. In particular, no data are available in women with different PCOS phenotypes.

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate insulin action on glucose (Gox) and lipid (Lox) oxidation, nonoxidative glucose metabolism (Gnonox), and serum free fatty acids (FFAs) in different PCOS phenotypes.

Methods

Participants included 187 nondiabetic women with PCOS diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria. Data from a historical sample of 20 healthy women were used as reference values. Whole-body substrate use data were obtained by the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp associated with indirect calorimetry. Serum androgens were assessed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and equilibrium dialysis.

Results

During hyperinsulinemia, the increase of Gox (ΔGox), Gnonox, as well as the suppression of Lox (ΔLox) and serum FFA (Δ% FFA) were altered in each PCOS phenotype. Moreover, Gnonox and Δ% FFA were lower in women with the classic phenotype than in those with the ovulatory or the normoandrogenic phenotypes, and ΔGox was lower in women with the classic than in those with the ovulatory phenotype. In multivariable analysis fat mass and free testosterone were independent predictors of ΔGox, Gnonox, and Δ% FFA, whereas only fat mass predicted ΔLox.

Conclusion

In women with PCOS, regardless of phenotype, insulin-mediated substrate use is impaired. This phenomenon is greater in individuals with the classic phenotype. Free testosterone plays an independent role in insulin action abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism.
The politics of intersectional practice: competing concepts of intersectionality
Authors: Christoffersen Ashlee
Published: May 2021

The recent intensification of both intersecting inequalities and demands for change calls for an intersectional approach which can account for the complexity of factors and processes structuring social relations, risk and outcomes. Yet intersectionality is thought to be a challenging theory to apply, and represents a puzzle to policymakers and practitioners navigating policy area and equality strand silos. Based on the first empirical study internationally to explore how both practitioners and policymakers themselves understand how to operationalise ‘intersectionality’, this article establishes different ways in which the theory of intersectionality is applied in practice. ‘Intersectionality’ is understood and used in five contradicting ways in UK equality organising and policy, an integral insight because some of these advance intersectional justice while others serve to further entrench inequalities. This typology is proposed as a heuristic to analyse the ways in which intersectionality may be institutionalised in other countries and sectors, and their outcomes, discursive and material.
Promoting social goals through economisation? Social investment and the counterintuitive case of homelessness
Authors: Laruffa Francesco
Published: May 2021

Within the welfare state literature, critics of social investment have argued that its economic logic replaces ‘social’ considerations (for example, focused on rights/needs) and that this could reinforce the marginalisation of vulnerable populations, as they are unattractive ‘human capital’. Against this background, this article focuses on the counterintuitive case of the social investment approach to homelessness promoted by the European Commission. Through the comparison with previous EU initiatives in the homelessness field, the analysis reveals that while social investment partially replaces values-based logics with the economic rationale, it involves the same ‘solutions’ as values-oriented approaches, that is, preventing/combating homelessness can be justified interchangeably following an ‘economic’ or a ‘social’ logic. To explain this paradoxical result, the article draws from the political economy literature, which shows how disadvantage can be transformed into an investment object. Overall, this study suggests understanding social investment as a paradigm that attempts to promote the ‘social’ through its economisation.
Changes in the returns to education at entry into the labour market in West Germany
Authors: Becker Rolf , Blossfeld Hans-Peter
Published: May 2021

This article studies to what extent societal processes such as educational expansion, economic modernisation and business cycles have affected the returns to educational certificates of women and men entering the labour market in West Germany. Using longitudinal data, long-term changes in cohort- and period-specific effects on socio-economic status attainment at entry into the labour market are investigated between 1945 and 2008. Analyses demonstrate that the entrants’ average socio-economic prestige scores have clearly risen in the process of modernisation. Despite educational expansion, increasing skill demands for highly qualified graduates resulted in rising rates of returns for the most highly educated entrants across birth cohorts. While educational expansion and economic modernisation have boosted socio-economic returns at entry into the labour market for women from all educational levels, it has not been the case for men with the lowest levels of education. Both educational expansion and rising skill requirements of occupations led to an increasing polarisation of inequality between tertiary educated labour-market entrants and less-qualified school leavers. Educational expansion in West Germany has therefore never exceeded the occupational skill demands at entry into the labour market.
Polarization and depolarization metrics as optical markers in support to histopathology of ex vivo colon tissue
Authors: Ivanov Deyan , Dremin Viktor , Borisova Ekaterina , Bykov Alexander , Novikova Tatiana , Meglinski Igor , Ossikovski Razvigor
Published: May 2021

Tissue polarimetry holds great promise to improve the effectiveness of
conventional cancer diagnostics and staging, being a fast, minimally
invasive, and low-cost optical technique. We introduce an enhanced
diagnostic method for ex vivo colon specimens
assessment by utilizing Stokes and Mueller matrix polarimetry. The
proposed method makes use of experimental Mueller matrices, measured
from healthy and tumor zones of a colon specimen, as input data for
post-processing algorithms that include physical realisability
filtering, symmetric decomposition and estimation of various
polarization and depolarization metrics for colon specimen
diagnostics. We validated our results with the gold standard
histological diagnostics provided by pathologists. It was found that
the Stokes-Mueller matrix polarimetry, combined with the appropriate
filtering, decomposition algorithms and polarization/depolarization
metrics calculations provides relevant optical markers of the colon
tissue pathological conditions (healthy versus cancer), as confirmed
by histopathology analysis. This approach potentially provides
physicians with valuable and complementary information that holds
promises in helping with the diagnostics of colon tissue
specimens.
Large spatial shifts of reflective beam at the surface of graphene/hBN metamaterials
Authors: Song Hao-Yuan , Fu Shu-Fang , Zhang Qiang , Zhou Sheng , Wang Xuan-Zhang
Published: May 2021

We theoretically studied the Goos-Hänchen (GH) and Imbert-Fedorov (IF) shifts of reflective beam at the surface of graphene/hBN metamaterials. The results show that the GH-shift is significantly enhanced and also possesses the large reflectivity when the light beam is incident at the critical angle near the Brewster angle. We found that the IF-shift is the largest when the reflective beam is a special polarized-beam or the reflective coefficients satisfy the conditions |r
s
| = |r
p
| and φ
s
 − φ
p
 = 2jπ (j is an integer). By changing the chemical potential, filling ratio and tilted angle, the position and width of frequency windows obtaining the maximum values of shifts can be effectively adjusted. The large and tunable GH- and IF-shifts with the higher reflectivity provide an alternative scheme to develop new nano-optical devices.
Eigenmode symmetry assignment of triangular-lattice photonic crystal slabs and their Dirac cones materialized by effective degeneracy in the mid-infrared region
Authors: Chalimah Siti , Yao Yuanzhao , Ikeda Naoki , Sugimoto Yoshimasa , Mano Takaaki , Kuroda Takashi , Sakoda Kazuaki
Published: May 2021

We measured angle-resolved reflection spectra of triangular-lattice photonic crystal slabs fabricated in a silicon-on-insulator wafer in the mid-infrared region. We achieved a high angle-resolution measurement by means of our homemade optical setup integrated in the sample chamber of an FT-IR spectrometer. By examining the reflection peak frequency as a function of the lateral component of the wave vector of the incident light and applying the selection rules expected from the spatial symmetry of electromagnetic eigenmodes in C6v-symmetric structures, we successfully obtained the dispersion relation and the mode symmetry of the photonic crystal slabs, which agreed well with numerical calculations by the finite element method. We also found the redistribution of diffraction loss between A1- and E1-symmetric modes, which was caused by the Dirac-cone formation due to their effective degeneracy.
Spatio-temporal controlled filamentation using higher order Bessel-Gaussian beams integrated in time
Authors: Miller J. Keith , Tsvetkov Dmitrii , Terekhov Pavel , Litchinitser Natalia M. , Dai Kunjian , Free Justin , Johnson Eric G.
Published: May 2021

We demonstrate a new method for a systematic, dynamic, high-speed, spatio-temporal control of femtosecond light filamentation in BK7 as a particular example of nonlinear medium. This method is based on using coherent conjugate asymmetric Bessel-Gaussian beams to control the far-field intensity distribution and in turn control the filamentation location. Such spatio-temporal control allows every femtosecond pulse to have a unique intensity distribution that results in the generation of structured filamentation patterns on demand. The switching speed of this technique is dependent on the rise time of the acousto-optic deflector, which can operate in the MHz range while having the ability to handle high peak power pulses that are needed for nonlinear interactions. The proposed and demonstrated spatio-temporal control of structured filaments can enable generation of large filament arrays, opto-mechanical manipulations of water droplets for fog clearing, as well as engineered radiofrequency plasma antennas.
Nonlinear metasurface combining telecom-range intersubband transitions in GaN/AlN quantum wells with resonant plasmonic antenna arrays
Authors: Mundry Jan , Spreyer Florian , Jmerik Valentin , Ivanov Sergey , Zentgraf Thomas , Betz Markus
Published: May 2021

We realize and investigate a nonlinear metasurface taking advantage of intersubband transitions in ultranarrow GaN/AlN multi-quantum well heterostructures. Owing to huge band offsets, the structures offer resonant transitions in the telecom window around 1.55 µm. These heterostructures are functionalized with an array of plasmonic antennas featuring cross-polarized resonances at these near-infrared wavelengths and their second harmonic. This kind of nonlinear metasurface allows for substantial second-harmonic generation at normal incidence which is completely absent for an antenna array without the multi-quantum well structure underneath. While the second harmonic is originally radiated only into the plane of the quantum wells, a proper geometrical arrangement of the plasmonic elements permits the redirection of the second-harmonic light to free-space radiation, which is emitted perpendicular to the surface.
17-GHz waveguide lasers modulated by a heterostructure layered material
Authors: Wang Shixiang , Zhang Bin , Sun Xiaoli , Ren Yingying , Jia Yuechen , Chen Feng
Published: May 2021

In this work, a thin-film MoS2/WS2/MoS2/WS2 heterostructure is employed as a saturable absorber (SA) material for efficient ultrafast pulsed laser operation, achieving a 17.54 GHz Q-switched mode-locked Nd:GGG waveguide laser fabricated by femtosecond laser direct-writing (FsLDW). The mode-locked pulse duration is measured to be as short as 31 ps. The maximum laser slope efficiency and the average output power are determined to be 29.27% and 310 mW, respectively. Such a high-performance compact pulsed laser exhibits promising applications of crystalline waveguide structures and layered heterostructures in ultrafast integrated photonics. This work represents the very first experimental demonstration of a pulsed laser based on FsLDW Nd:GGG waveguides and the very first demonstration of using a MoS2/WS2/MoS2/WS2 heterostructure as an efficient SA.
Genital lesions in cows naturally infected with trypanosomes in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Abah Kenneth Owoicho , Ogwu David , Allam Lushaikyaa , Obudu Christopher Ese , Itodo Joy Iyojo , Sani Nuhu Abdulazeez
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim: Different species of trypanosomes have been reported to cause varying degrees of reproductive disorders in pregnant and non-pregnant animals under experimental infections. Information on reproductive disorders and losses in animals naturally infected with trypanosome species are few. This study was carried out to assess the abnormalities in the genital organs (ovaries, oviduct, uterus, cervix, and vagina) of female cattle naturally infected with trypanosomes in and around Abuja, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Cows showing signs such as emaciation, weakness, or anemia were selected and examined at Gwagwalada and Karu abattoirs, respectively. Venous blood samples were taken from 108 of such animals and screened using standard trypanosome detection methods. The genital organs were also collected and inspected for gross and histopathological lesions in the laboratory.

Results: Six (5.55%) out of the 108 animals were positive for trypanosomes; 4 (66.7%) were infected with Trypanosoma vivax and 2 (33.3%) were infected with Trypanosoma congolense. The mean packed cell volume of the infected animals was 22.83%. Grossly, congestion and ecchymotic hemorrhages were observed in the endometrium, myometrium, and cervical submucosa. Mucometra, hydrometra, and pyometra were also seen in the uterus. Histologically, necrosis of the epithelium and endometrial glands accompanied by mononuclear cellular infiltration was observed in the uterus. There was also sloughing of the endometrial epithelium, vascular congestion, and hypertrophy of serosa of the uterus. There was atropy of the granulosa cells, increased numbers of degenerating tertiary follicles, and absence of corpora lutea in the ovary. No gross or histopathological lesions were observed in the fallopian tube and vagina.

Conclusion: The lesions observed were restricted to the uterus and ovary of the animals and were less severe when compared to lesions observed under experimental conditions as reported by previous authors.
Foreign policy fatigue? Russian mass media agenda setting strategies and public opinion on the 2018 pension reforms
Authors: Leafstedt Ellen N.
Published: May 2021

The scholarship on Russian media is beset with the assumption that the Russian public is unable to ‘vote with their remote’ in a homogenously pro-regime media environment and instead passively accepts messaging from the official mass media. This assumption is assessed here in a case study using quantitative content methods to examine the discrepancies between official mass media agenda-setting and public opinion during the period of salience of the news event of the 2018 pension reforms. The pension reform, as an obtrusive domestic political issue in contrast to the unobtrusive international news events which dominate Russian news coverage, stood out asone of the major events of the year in the view of the Russian public. This article finds that official mass media undertook agenda-setting measures to de-emphasize negative aspects of the pension reform news events, emphasize positive aspects, and distract public attention towards more sensationalist foreign policy news items. However, it also finds that public opinion priorities on news issues were incongruent with media agenda-setting, indicating that official mass media messages are not accepted uncritically by the Russian public. 
What kind of support do teachers really need in a blended learning context?
Authors: Zhao Shurong , Song Junxia
Published: May 2021

Teachers in higher education are the principal participants in blended learning (BL). Without their engagement, any attempt at BL might fail. In the process of BL implementation, they are faced with various challenges and are mostly not well prepared. However, studies have often neglected the feeling of teachers and their anxieties during BL implementation. There is insufficient research on teacher-related factors, especially teacher support. To address this question, a questionnaire was conducted among 123 respondents from 10 universities in China between March and May 2020. An analysis of the data collected shows that BL is widely recognised by teachers, but they lack confidence in their competence in BL implementation. The top three difficulties that faculty face are increased workload, a lack of funds to build their own courses and a lack of time to prepare online activities. Further, respondents have a clear need for pedagogical support, financial and infrastructure support, policy support, technical support and emotional support. These findings indicate that a targeted support system should be constructed to address these difficulties. Special attention should be paid to formulating BL guidance, offering a supportive environment that values BL efforts and relieving the workload of faculty.

 

Implications for practice or policy:

BL teachers need various support to design and implement BL courses.

Higher education institutions should formulate guidance and clarify the definition and key implementation elements to guide BL practice.

Management departments of higher education institutions should take effective measures to alleviate the burden of teachers.

The training of teachers in the application of BL technology should focus on strengthening technological content knowledge and technological pedagogical knowledge.
Management of post-analytical processes in the clinical laboratory according to ISO 15189:2012. Considerations about the management of clinical samples, ensuring quality of post-analytical processes, and laboratory information management
Authors: López Yeste Mᵃ Libòria , Pons Mas Antonia R. , Guiñón Muñoz Leonor , Izquierdo Álvarez Silvia , García Fernando Marqués , Blanco Font Aurora , Pascual Gómez Natalia F. , Sánchez Gancedo Lorena , García Álvarez Ana , Bernabeu Andreu Francisco A. , Chueca Rodríguez Mᵃ Patrocinio , Álvarez Domínguez Luisa
Published: May 2021

ISO 15189:2012 establishes the requirements for clinical sample management, ensuring quality of process and laboratory information management. The accreditation authority, ENAC in Spain, established the requirements for the authorized use of the label in reports issued by accredited laboratories. These recommendations are applicable to the postanalytical processes and the professionals involved. The Standard requires laboratories to define and document the duration and conditions of sample retention. Laboratories are also required to design an internal quality control scheme to verify whether postanalytical activities attain the expected standards. Information management requirements are also established and laboratories are required to design a contingency plan to ensure the communication of laboratory results. Instructions are finally provided about the correct use of the accreditation label in laboratory reports. A range of nations and scientific societies support that clinical laboratories should be required to obtain accreditation. With ISO 15189 being the most specific standard for demonstrating technical performance, a clear understanding of its requirements is essential for proper implementation.
Identification of circRNA circ-CSPP1 as a potent driver of colorectal cancer by directly targeting the miR-431/LASP1 axis
Authors: Li Minghao , Zhuang Jianbin , Kang Di , Chen Yuzhuo , Song Weiliang
Published: May 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in cancer biology. The purpose of the current work is to investigate the precise parts of circRNA centrosome and spindle pole-associated protein 1 (circ-CSPP1) in the progression of CRC. Our data showed that circ-CSPP1 was significantly overexpressed in CRC tissues and cells. The knockdown of circ-CSPP1 attenuated cell proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted apoptosis in vitro and weakened tumor growth in vivo. circ-CSPP1 directly targeted miR-431, and circ-CSPP1 knockdown modulated CRC cell progression in vitro via upregulating miR-431. Moreover, LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) was a functional target of miR-431 in modulating CRC cell malignant progression. Furthermore, circ-CSPP1 in CRC cells functioned as a posttranscriptional regulator on LASP1 expression by targeting miR-431. Our present study identified the oncogenic role of circ-CSPP1 in CRC partially by the modulation of the miR-431/LASP1 axis, providing evidence for circ-CSPP1 as a promising biomarker for CRC management.
Structural relation matching: an algorithm to identify structural patterns into RNAs and their interactions
Authors: Quadrini Michela
Published: May 2021

RNA molecules play crucial roles in various biological processes. Their three-dimensional configurations determine the functions and, in turn, influences the interaction with other molecules. RNAs and their interaction structures, the so-called RNA–RNA interactions, can be abstracted in terms of secondary structures, i.e., a list of the nucleotide bases paired by hydrogen bonding within its nucleotide sequence. Each secondary structure, in turn, can be abstracted into cores and shadows. Both are determined by collapsing nucleotides and arcs properly. We formalize all of these abstractions as arc diagrams, whose arcs determine loops. A secondary structure, represented by an arc diagram, is pseudoknot-free if its arc diagram does not present any crossing among arcs otherwise, it is said pseudoknotted. In this study, we face the problem of identifying a given structural pattern into secondary structures or the associated cores or shadow of both RNAs and RNA–RNA interactions, characterized by arbitrary pseudoknots. These abstractions are mapped into a matrix, whose elements represent the relations among loops. Therefore, we face the problem of taking advantage of matrices and submatrices. The algorithms, implemented in Python, work in polynomial time. We test our approach on a set of 16S ribosomal RNAs with inhibitors of Thermus thermophilus, and we quantify the structural effect of the inhibitors.
Crossing the bridge to literacy in foreign languages: C-test as a measure of language development
Authors: Gogolin Ingrid , Schnoor Birger , Usanova Irina
Published: May 2021

Throughout an educational career, literacy skills become more elaborated. However, little is known about the development of reading and writing skills in foreign languages in adolescents. In this contribution, we focused on the development of language skills in the foreign languages English and French in Germany as measured by a C-Test. Hereby, we aimed to explore the potential of C-tests to provide a differentiated approach to the assessment of foreign language development in secondary school students. We draw on the data from the German panel study “Multilingual Development: a Longitudinal Perspective” (MEZ) on students’ language skills in the foreign languages English (n = 1987) and French (n = 662). We investigated the differences in the means of “classical” and “word recognition” scores in English and French C-tests and the development of these differences. The application of both scores in our study provided differentiated information on students’ receptive and productive aspects of literacy in adolescents and showed that students in secondary school are still on their way of developing spelling skills in both foreign languages. Furthermore, our results reveal that the receptive and productive components of language proficiency show different developmental patterns at various stages of foreign language learning.
Liquid membranes for separation of metal ions from wastewaters
Authors: Rzelewska-Piekut Martyna , Regel-Rosocka Magdalena
Published: May 2021

The paper reviews application of various liquid membranes (LM), particularly of emulsion and supported liquid membranes, for metal separation from model and industrial wastewaters. A variety of carriers and separation systems is shown. Not only model solutions on a laboratory scale are presented but also some examples of real wastewater separation with LM are reported.
En cualquier caso. Marcadores de distanciamiento en textos científicos en español
Authors: Parapar Maikel Chao
Published: May 2021

El objetivo del presente trabajo es observar el empleo de los marcadores en cualquier caso, en todo caso, de todos modos y de todas maneras en el discurso científico. Se ha estudiado su uso en un corpus de textos de cuatro ciencias, representantes de las cuatro áreas en las que se divide el conocimiento: Ciencias, Ciencias Aplicadas, Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades. Se presta especial atención a la función que puedan cumplir dentro de lo que se ha dado a conocer como metadiscurso y al uso que el autor pueda hacer de estos mecanismos para la comunicación con su futuro lector. Los resultados muestran que el uso de estos marcadores discursivos ayuda a los autores de los textos científicos, en mayor o menor medida, a persuadir a los lectores. Por ello, los datos obtenidos justifican la inclusión de los marcadores del discurso dentro de un modelo metadiscursivo para el español científico.
New compound Sm2Ru3Sn5 with a structure derived from Ru3Sn7
Authors: Pavlova Vera , Murashova Elena
Published: May 2021

Ternary intermetallic compound Sm2Ru3Sn5 was synthesized in the system Sm-Ru-Sn by arc-melting and annealing at 600 °C in the field with high content of Sn. Its crystal structure was determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction data (at 240 K). The compound crystallizes in cubic system with space group I

4
‾

3m (No. 217), unit cell parameter is a = 9.4606 (8) Å, Z = 4, Pearson symbol c/40. The intermetallic compound Sm2Ru3Sn5 represents an ordered version of the centrosymmetric Ru3Sn7 structure (space group Im

3
‾

m), in which 16f Sn-filled crystallographic site is split into two 8c sites, each of which is solely occupied of one sort of atoms – Sn or Sm. The occupation of these two 8c sites leads to a reduction of symmetry due to the removal of the inversion center.
Green Tea and Black Tea for Exercise Recovery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zapata Mia , Hewlings Susan
Published: May 2021

Green tea and black tea are rich in polyphenols that have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the effect of green tea and black tea supplementation on exercise recovery indicated by oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle damage, and muscle function. An online search was conducted using PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, randomized controlled trials with parallel or crossover design including healthy participants that received acute or chronic supplementation with green tea or black tea, independently or in combination, taken before, during, or after exercise. Sixteen studies were included with a total of 375 trained or untrained male participants. Few studies demonstrated that green tea or black tea supplementation can promote exercise recovery by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle damage, muscle soreness, or loss of strength after high-intensity exercise. However, there were multiple inconsistencies and limitations in the studies' methodology, and few studies measured muscle soreness and loss of strength postexercise. Differences in the population studied, exercise protocol, supplementation strategy, biomarkers chosen, and timing of their measurement may explain some of the inconsistencies in the results. More research is needed to understand the potential of green tea and black tea on exercise recovery.
Considerations for the Pregnant Endurance Athlete
Authors: Carmichael Ryanne D.
Published: May 2021

It is well known that moderate exercise during pregnancy benefits maternal and fetal well-being. The benefits of more vigorous exercise for pregnant women are less clear. The boundaries of safe exercise during pregnancy remain a matter for continued research, which is important to the growing number of female athletes who plan on becoming pregnant. The purpose of this article is to discuss the existing research related to the physiological concerns of the pregnant endurance athlete specifically. Because endurance training includes prolonged and repetitive exercise bouts at varying intensities, topics will include the effect of high-intensity exercise on uterine blood flow and thermoregulation, metabolic, and musculoskeletal changes in pregnancy.
Electrical properties of strained germanium nanofilm
Authors: Luniov S.V. , Nazarchuk P.F. , Burban O.V.
Published: May 2021

Dependences of the concentration of intrinsic current carriers, electron and hole mobilities and specific conductivity for strained germanium nanofilms grown on the Si, Ge(0,64)Si(0,36) and Ge(0,9)Si(0,1) substrates with crystallographic orientation (001), on their thickness at different temperatures were calculated on the basis of the statistics of non-degenerate two-dimensional electron and hole gas in semiconductors. The electrical properties of such nanofilms are determined by the peculiarities of their band structure. It is established that the effects of dimensional quantization, the probability of which increases with decreasing temperature, become significant for germanium nanofilms with the thickness of d<7 nm. The presence of such effects explains the significant increase in the specific conductivity and the decrease in the intrinsic concentration of current carriers for these nanofilms. The electron and hole mobility in the investigated germanium nanofilms is lower in relation to such unstrained nanofilms. Only for the strained germanium nanofilm with the thickness of d> 50 nm grown on the Ge(0,9)Si(0,1) substrate, an increase in the hole mobility at room temperature of more than 1.5 times was obtained. The obtained results of the electrical properties of strained germanium nanofilms can be used in producing on their basis new elements of nanoelectronic.
Alternativas durante el covid-19, para profesorado universitario dedicado a la enseñanza de la educación física
Authors: Hall-López Javier Arturo , Ochoa-Martínez Paulina Yesica , Alarcón Meza Edgar Ismael
Published: May 2021

En este artículo se analizaron investigaciones originales sobre el covid‑19 y la educación física para hallar campos de acción y exponer puntos clave que puede considerar el profesorado universitario dedicado a la enseñanza de la actividad física. El profesorado se ha vinculado para realizar prácticas docentes en la educación básica en México, considerando alternativas como la adecuación curricular, la crisis alterna de sedentarismo y obesidad en México con la pandemia por covid‑19, y la actividad física con intensidad moderada a vigorosa como parte esencial y permanente de la clase de educación física.
¿Es importante perder peso en tiempos de covid-19?
Authors: Mármol Pérez Andrés , Baena Morales Salvador , Falces Prieto Moisés , González-Fernández Francisco Tomás
Published: May 2021

La obesidad es una enfermedad que lidera el disfuncionamiento de numerosos órganos. El alto contenido adiposo conlleva a un estado inflamatorio crónico y las reservas suficientes para la hipertrofia de los adipocitos. Si se combina el efecto del covid‑19 con la obesidad su severidad incrementa. Ambos resultados combinados son enormemente peligrosos y disminuyen la esperanza de vida. Incluso, la atención a las personas con obesidad en los hospitales se ve perjudicada, lo que difículta su cuidado y requiere de más personal. Las necesidades de ventilación mecánica de las personas con obesidad son previsiblemente incrementadas y esto puede ser crucial, ya que no todos los hospitales disponen de este material. Por tanto, ejercitarse mediante la combinación del entrenamiento de fuerza y de resistencia gana otra razón en estos días para combatir el virus. Añadir una restricción calórica también es otro factor clave para conseguir efectos significativos.
Aceptación de la clase de educación física en escuelas privadas y públicas del Colima
Authors: Ramos Carranza Isela Guadalupe , Andrade Sánchez Adriana Isabel , Medina Valencia Rossana Tamara , Salazar C Ciria Margarita
Published: May 2021

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo identificar el nivel de aceptación que tienen los estudiantes de educación básica hacia la clase de educación física; además de conocer el grado de importancia que le otorgan a esta materia. Se aplicó el instrumento a 302 estudiantes de cuatro primarias de educación básica del estado de Colima, dos públicas y dos privadas. La edad de los estudiantes oscilaba entre los 8 y los 13 años con una media de 10.35 años (±0.93), en los grados de 4°, 5° y 6°. Se utilizó el CAEF (Cuestionario de Actitudes hacia la Educación Física), que está estructurado en cuatro bloques: datos sociodemográficos, opinión sobre las clases de educación física, opinión sobre el profesorado de educación física, y hábitos de actividad física. Los resultados más relevantes arrojan que los estudiantes consideran la educación física como algo de poca utilidad (m=1.97; ±0.43); sin embargo, la valoración de la asignatura y del profesor de educación física es el factor con mayor puntaje de los siete analizados. Se puede concluir que la clase de educación física tiene un grado de aceptación elevado por los estudiantes; asimismo, los estudiantes del sector privado parecen valorar más la asignatura y al profesor encargado que los estudiantes de las escuelas públicas.
El ajedrez en el desarrollo psicopedagógico de los estudiantes en la actividad física
Authors: Chavarri Marrero Claudio Bernardino
Published: May 2021

El estudio se llevó a cabo en la Universidad de Cienfuegos por un grupo de profesores del Departamento de Didáctica de la educación física y tuvo como objetivo explicar la relación que tiene el ajedrez en el desarrollo psicopedagógico de los estudiantes en la actividad física. Se utilizaron diferentes métodos como la entrevista a docentes, la observación de actividades deportivas-recreativas y la revisión documental. Entre los principales resultados están el desarrollo de capacidades cognitivas, habilidades intelectuales y la formación de valores. El estudio concluye que se debe resaltar la importancia de este juego en la formación cognitiva, cultural, recreativa y social.
Perfil del patrón de sueño en deportistas universitarios
Authors: Carazo Vargas Pedro , Moncada Jiménez José
Published: May 2021

El objetivo de la presente investigación es describir y analizar los patrones de sueño de hombres y mujeres deportistas universitarios practicantes de fútbol, baloncesto, voleibol, atletismo, natación y taekwondo. Participaron 114 deportistas (56 hombres, 58 mujeres), quienes durante 7 días utilizaron un acelerómetro modelo wGT3X-BT al momento de dormir. Todas las mediciones fueron realizadas al inicio del periodo de preparación de los deportistas. Se presentaron interacciones entre el sexo y el deporte para la eficiencia de sueño (p = 0.006), el tiempo en despertar (p = 0.016), el tiempo en cama (p = 0.048) y el tiempo de sueño (p = 0.006). La latencia, así como la cantidad y la duración de los despertares, no difieren según el sexo ni el deporte practicado. Independientemente del deporte, los hombres presentan una mayor cantidad (p = 0.046) y duración (p =0.002) de despertares que las mujeres. Se observaron valores de eficiencia y duración de sueño inferiores a los deseados. Se recomienda vigilar los patrones de sueño de los deportistas universitarios, ya que las obligaciones académicas podrían afectar sus hábitos de sueño.
Lesões no joelho de atletas: período de destreinamento
Authors: Gontijo Vieira Lídia , Martins Ferreira Maria Eliza , Cruz Anderson Miguel
Published: May 2021

As lesões de joelho são comuns em atletas, e a reincidência após a ocorrência da primeira lesão também acontece na maioria dos casos. Assim, é crescente o número de estudos a esse respeito, porém há poucos estudos que interligam esse assunto e suas consequências ao período de destreino, mesmo sabendo que esse período pode proporcionar grandes perdas. Para identificar esses fatores de risco, foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica nas bases PubMed e da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, usando a estratégia de busca PICOT. Dos 354 artigos identificados, 12 artigos atenderam aos critérios e foram analisados na íntegra, considerando a hipótese de correlação entre as lesões de joelho e o destreino. A partir disso, conclui-se que é necessário elaborar um protocolo de destreinamento prolongado para prevenir a síndrome de retirada e promover a manutenção da saúde dos atletas, principalmente daqueles que sofreram lesões de joelho. Por fim, sugerem-se ulteriores pesquisas sobre o tema para a confirmação da correlação.
Antropometría, coordinación motora, genética y alfabetización
Authors: Vidal Linhares Renato
Published: May 2021

Este estudio tiene el propósito de analizar las diferencias antropométricas y la coordinación motora y genética de niños con y sin dificultades de aprendizaje. 61 niños fueron evaluados, 37 sin dificultades de aprendizaje (N/TEM) y 24 con dificultades (S/TEM). Se utilizaron protocolos para la evaluación formal de los niños y la opinión de los docentes sobre la dificultad en el proceso de aprendizaje de los niños. Para la evaluación antropométrica se aplicó la prueba ENE y la recolección de huellas dactilares. En los resultados no se encontraron diferencias significativas en las medidas antropométricas. Tampoco hubo diferencias en las pruebas de coordinación y equilibrio (dinámicas y estáticas) entre los grupos. Sin embargo, los grupos difirieron en relación a índices dermatoglíficos, como el número total de líneas (SQTL), deltas (D10) y entre los diseños arco (A) y verticilos (W), pero no en el número de prisilla (L). Los resultados sugieren que la antropometría y la coordinación motora no interfirieron en el proceso de alfabetización de la muestra estudiada. Por su parte, la dermatoglifia prevé las posibles dificultades en la coordinación motora general. Por lo tanto, los dermatoglifos pueden ser una herramienta para ayudar en la evaluación genética de niños con dificultades de alfabetización.
Success for All: Professor Slavin and the Improvement of Evidence-Based Schools and Its Enlightenment to China
Authors: Zhou Longjun , Gu Hui
Published: May 2021

Success for All (SFA) is a school improvement project promoted by the team of Professor Robert Slavin of Johns Hopkins University. This paper reviewed the development process of SFA and analyzed its characteristics. By comparing with China’s “New Basic Education” project, we summarized the reference value of SFA for China, and further discussed the possible path of China’s evidence-based school improvement.
Impact of anemia in patient with asthma
Authors: Al-Tameemi Waseem F , Habeeb Rafid Th
Published: May 2021

Background: Asthma varied in severity of exacerbations based on symptoms and pulmonary function. Anemia and functional iron status can significantly modulate its presentation. Objectives: This study aimed to define the clinical impact of anemia in asthma patient and to assess its correlation with severity of presentation. Patients and method: This is a cross sectional study conducted from the 1st of February 2017 until the 1st of December 2018 in the medical ward and the outpatient respiratory clinic at different general hospitals. Fifty patients with bronchial asthma were included. Every eligible patient was sent for complete blood count (CBC) and iron profile for anemic patient, in addition to assessment of pulmonary function test (PFT) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) with oxygen saturation. Results: The mean age of patients was 44 years with female predominance .Twenty five patients were anemic. Iron deficiency anemia proved in 16 of them. The mean level of hemoglobin was 13.37±07 g/dl. Forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1), oxygen saturation and PEF were lower in patients with acute exacerbation than chronic stable group, the mean value was (47.01±21.93 L), (93.06 ±3.15%) and (147.68±79 L) respectively. PEF rate showed significant statistical difference between asthmatic anemic patients and those who were non anemic (P = 0.026). Serum Iron was significantly lower in acute than chronic presentation (P= 0.019). There was no relationship between the state of anemia and severity of asthma. Conclusion: The presence of anemia and lower iron status may associate with lower peak expiratory flow rate especially in acute asthma presentation
Demand and supply sides of the crowdfunding ecosystem: The case of Kickstarter campaigns and potential Hungarian investors
Authors: Szabó Roland Zs. , Szász Réka , Szedmák Borbála
Published: May 2021

Crowdfunding is a disruptive innovation and has provoked interest as a new way of raising finance. The objective of our research was to analyse both the demand and supply sides of the crowdfunding ecosystem. The study used two methods. The first was a database analysis of 259,114 Kickstarter campaigns. The second was a survey on public awareness of crowdfunding in Hungary, from the perspective of 132 potential investors. The findings suggest several success factors that may be useful for campaign launchers: (1) appealing project presentation; (2) diverse pool of rewards; (3) realistic set of funding goals; (4) appropriate categories and sums of pledges; and (5) frequent communication and satisfactory information about the campaign. Furthermore, the study revealed the differences between the potential investors' expectations and the reality of crowdfunding practices.
Abstracts of the XXIII Congress of pediatricians of Russia with international participation “Actual problems of pediatrics”, Moscow, 5–7 March 2021
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: May 2021

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Discrete Simulation Model of Industrial Natural Gas Primary Reformer in Ammonia Production and Related Evaluation of the Catalyst Performance
Authors: Zečević Nenad
Published: May 2021

The catalytic steam reforming process of natural gas consumes up to approximately 60% of overall energy used in ammonia production. The optimisation of the reforming catalyst performance can significantly improve the operation of the whole ammonia plant. An online model uses actual process parameters to optimise and reconcile the data of primary reforming products with possibility to predict the catalyst performance. The model uses a combination of commercial simulator and open-source code based on scripts and functions in the form of m-files to calculate various physical properties of reacting gases. The optimisation of steady-state flowsheet, based on real-time plant data from the distributed control system (DCS), is essential for the application of the model at the industrial level. The simplicity of the calculation method used by the model provides the fundamental basis for industrial application in the frame of digitalisation initiative. The principal aim of the optimisation procedure is to change the working curve for methane regarding its equilibrium curve as well as methane outlet molar concentration. This is the critical process parameter in reforming catalyst operation. An industrial top fired primary reformer unit based on Kellogg Inc technology design served for the validation of the model. Calculation procedure is used for continuous online evaluation of the most commercially available primary reformer catalysts. Based on the conducted evaluation, the model can indicate possible recommendations which can mitigate marginal performance and prolong reformer catalyst lifetime.