bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurship Education at Indian Industrial Training Institutes – A Case Study of the Prescribed, Adopted and Enacted Curriculum in and around Bangalore
Authors: Zenner Lea , Kothandaraman Kumar , Pilz Matthias
Published: March 2020

On the one hand, India is a growing economy that needs skilled labour, self-employed entrepreneurs and employees to tackle its economic and social challenges. On the other hand, India faces high unemployment rates, especially among young people. Graduates from industrial training institutes (ITIs) in particular are often facing difficulties in pursuing self-employment. Entrepreneurship education is an essential element in preparing young people for self-employment. This paper analyses how and to what extent entrepreneurship education has been conceived and implemented in vocational schools in and around Bangalore to face these challenges. Methodologically the authors use a three-step approach following the theories of a `prescribed', `adopted' or `enacted' curriculum. Qualitative interviews are used for the analysis of the adopted and enacted curriculum. The authors conclude that whereas the prescribed curriculum includes several elements of entrepreneurship education and teacher's understanding is in line with the prescription, the understanding is seldom translated into input in the day-to-day teaching. The plausible reasons for this gap are discussed in this paper.
When Work Comes First: Young Adults in Vocational Education and Training in Norway
Authors: Tønder Anna Hagen , Aspøy Tove Mogstad
Published: March 2020

Since reforms implemented in 1994, vocational education and training (VET) in Norway has been integrated and standardized as part of upper-secondary education. When young people enter upper-secondary education at the age of 15 or 16, they can choose either a vocational programme or a general academic programme. The standard model in vocational programmes is 2 years of school-based education, followed by 2 years of apprenticeship training. However, in practice, only a minority follow the standard route and acquire a trade certificate within 4 years. The average age upon completion of a vocational programme in Norway is 28 years, which is among the highest in the OECD. The purpose of this study was to explore personal trajectories within the Norwegian context to gain a better understanding of why people choose to obtain a trade certificate as young adults, instead of following the standardized route, drawn up by policy makers. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 34 people who obtained a trade certificate when they were aged between 25 and 35 years. The study showed that the opportunity to acquire formal VET qualifications through workplace learning provides an important second chance for many young adults in Norway. Based on the findings, we argue that policy makers need to see educational achievement in a long-term perspective and to design institutional structures that support learning opportunities at work, as well as in formal educational settings.
Book Review: Vocational Education and Training in Times of Economic Crisis
Authors: Freund Larissa , Gessler Michael
Published: March 2020

The book was published in the series "Technical and Vocational Education and Training: Issues, Concerns and Prospects". Series Editor-in-Chief is Rupert MacLean. Editor of the volume is Matthias Pilz, professor and holder of the chair of Economic and Business Education and director of the German Research Center for Comparative Vocational Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T) at the University of Cologne in Germany.
Professional Desires and Career Decisions: Effects of Professional Interests, Role Models, and Internship in Lower Secondary School
Authors: Neuenschwander Markus P. , Hofmann Jan , Jüttler Andreas , Schumann Stephan
Published: March 2020

Context: Following the social cognitive career theory of Lent, Brown, and Hackett (1994), the current study examines the effect of role models’ professions and practical internship experiences on the choice of professional environment independent of professional interests. Embedded in the Swiss context with its strong vocational training system, the paper outlines to what extent the desired professional environment is realized in the chosen apprenticeship two years later and how this realization can be predicted. The theoretical model proposes that students form direct professional experiences during their first internship(s). If those experiences are positive, students choose an apprenticeship in the same professional environment. Students have indirect (vicarious) professional experiences through their role models. If those experiences are positive, students choose an apprenticeship in the role model’s professional environment. The study examined whether, independent of professional interests, direct experiences in internships and indirect experiences through role models’ professions predict the realization of a desired professional environment in an apprenticeship.Method: The longitudinal sample consists of N = 348 seventh- and ninth-grade students from four German-speaking Swiss cantons. Professional interests and environments were measured using standardized questionnaires. The professional environments of the desired professions, the chosen apprenticeships, the role model’s professions, and the internship’s professions were coded using Holland’s (1997) interest types: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional (RIASEC).Results: In 53% of the cases, students chose an apprenticeship in the professional environment they desired. In 53% of the cases, the chosen professional environment corresponded with the professional environment of the student’s two most important role models. In 39% of the cases, those role models were their parents. By means of logistic regression analyses, we can show that role models’ professional environments and the professional environment of the first internship influenced the realization of the desired professional environment at the end of lower secondary school, independent of the effect of the individuals’ interests.Conclusions: Results show that direct professional experiences in internships and indirect experiences of role models influence the realization of the desired professional environment, independent of professional interests. In a contextual approach, career counselling should include the role model’s profession and how it corresponds with the client’s interests and professional desires. Moreover, role models, especially parents, have a responsibility to reflect on how their goals influence students’ career choice processes.
''The Force that Keeps you Going'': Enthusiasm in Vocational Education and Training (VET) Teachers' Work
Authors: Wenström Sanna , Uusiautti Satu , Määttä Kaarina
Published: March 2020

Context: Enthusiasm has been noted to increase productivity and quality at work. In teachers' work, this has a connection to student learning and motivation, as well as teaching quality. In the context of Finnish vocational education and training (VET), research on enthusiasm appears especially topical and relevant because of the ongoing wide reform with emphasis on productivity and efficiency.Approach: In this study, Finnish VET teachers' enthusiasm at work was studied qualitatively. Three research questions were set for this study: (1) How do VET teachers describe their enthusiasm?; (2) What factors strengthen their enthusiasm, according to their descriptions?; and (3) What factors weaken their enthusiasm, according to their descriptions? Altogether, 103 teachers who voluntarily participated in the study completed an online questionnaire on enthusiasm. The data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis. Findings: According to the results, the teachers who participated in the study were very interested in their work. They wanted to share how they experienced enthusiasm in their work. Their enthusiasm manifested as their willingness to develop their skills and expertise. It also showed in their dedication, good job performance, and positive feelings about their work. Student encounters, a positive atmosphere, and work interactions were the main sources of enthusiasm. Lack of resources, changes, cuts in the VET budget, and a lousy work atmosphere weakened enthusiasm.Conclusion: The study found that enthusiasm manifested itself in ways that correspond well with the current VET productivity and efficiency goals. Because enthusiasm was strengthened especially when teachers were working with students, it seems important to ensure a supportive work environment for students also after the VET reform. Positive interactions, collegial support, and working together can help teachers to succeed and to maintain enthusiasm in their everyday work. According to the results of this study, supervisors may play a central role in facilitating teacher enthusiasm.
Dropout prevention in Secondary VET from different learning spaces: A social discussion experience
Authors: Salvà Francesca , Pinya Carme , Álvarez Nuria , Calvo Aina
Published: March 2020

Context: In 2016, the early leaving from education and training (ELET) rate in the Balearic Islands, Spain, was 26.8%. According to the most recent data, the participation rate in intermediate vocational education and training (VET) was 31.5%, and the graduation rate was 53.2%. In this paper, we present the main elements of the social agreement among political and social actors, derived from social discussion, which may form the main building blocks for addressing the problems of ELET and, more specifically, dropout in VET. Approach: The social discussion was developed under the need for a broader and more inclusive vision between the formal education system and the community as well as among their agents and initiatives, the mutual understanding between the educational strategies and the models of formal and non-formal education systems and the need for a dynamic and holistic approach to experiential learning processes. As researchers, we analysed the video-recorded content of participants’ contributions using three categories: problems, strategies for improvements and contributions of the work group to the social agreement.Findings: The experience evidenced the severity of the ELET problem in the Balearic Islands and proved that preventing ELET and returning people between the ages of 16 and 24 to education and training programmes must become political priorities. The social agreement reflects the consensus reached regarding the need to work in networks, encourage collaboration between formal and non-formal education and emphasise the central role of the community and the active participation of students. The proposed actions regarding VET focus on the need to establish a system that integrates VET from education and from employment systems and the need to increase the offer to connect with the needs of businesses, the territory and a new model of production. The necessity of improving the quality of the system, moving towards more inclusive education and training teachers to recognize and reduce dropout risk factors was also brought up. Conclusion: The social agreement is possible even in contexts with little tradition. The innovation of this experience lies in its equating all participants at the same level of discussion. We highlight the intersection of the variety of positions that emerged in the debates as well as the consensus reached regarding the suggested proposals to address the problem of ELET and dropout in VET in the Balearic Islands.
Analysing training needs of TVET teachers in South Africa: An empirical study
Authors: Zinn Bernd , Raisch Kevin , Reimann Jennifer
Published: March 2020

Context: This paper reports on a study of the progress of vocational education and training (VET) and the need for further profession-oriented training of lecturers in public, technical vocational colleges in South Africa, under the consideration of societal and political conditions.Approach: The study is based on a mixed methods approach in which an analysis of educational policy documents and a qualitative and a quantitative study with VET teachers and representatives of education authorities in South Africa are conducted.Findings: The classification of the results is conducted in line with the conditions defined by Phillips and Ochs regarding policy transfers. The following can thus be observed through the bilateral relationship between Germany and South Africa: (1) The Guiding Philosophy of the educational system is characterised by societal and political power structures. This is evident in an analysis of approved reforms within the last two decades. (2) The desired effects of “Ambitions Goals” have thus far not taken hold. Nonetheless, there is a willingness to enact reforms to continue developing vocational education, including the training and further education of lecturers that must be noted. Minimum requirements regarding lecturers’ basic qualifications have been formulated, which one in five vocational lecturers in South Africa currently cannot fulfil. (3) The Strategies formulated to implement training methods face the main problem of difficulty in implementation in colleges. (4) The Enabling Structures, i.e. the education-management-system as well as the financial and personnel support of the educational system, are widely perceived by lecturers as unsupportive, ineffective and discriminatory. This is observed, for example, when looking at the equipment used, teachers’ salaries, classroom sizes as well as the mentorship programme and further training opportunities. (5) Processes: a discrepancy exists on the level of the lecturers and the central need for further training regarding modern technologies, especially those used by foreign firms in their production in South Africa. (6) The results of the conducted study document a high variation of qualifications among TVET lecturers when it examines their teaching Techniques.Conclusions: Overall, the empirical results of the study reveal a complex structure with respect to the requirements for further training of TVET lecturers, describe central needs for further training of lecturers and deliver connectable knowledge for both the practical educational advancement of lecturer training and further education training, as well as for research in the context of the internationalisation of vocational training in South Africa.
The evidence-based policy movement and political idealism
Authors: Ahlin Marceta Jesper
Published: March 2020

The opposing views in the scholarly debate on evidence-based policy (EBP) have recently been labeled ‘rationalist’ and ‘constructivist’, where the former are positive to EBP and the latter are not. This framing of the debate is suboptimal, as it conflates critical positions that should be kept separate. This article suggests that the debate should be understood as one between idealists, realists, and counter-idealists about EBP. The realist position, that is, that EBP is difficult or impossible to achieve in practice, has already been treated at length in the debate. The conflict between idealism and counter-idealism, to the contrary, has been neglected. This article aims to stimulate the scholarly debate on EBP by initiating a principled discussion between idealism and counter-idealism about EBP, which should motivate proponents of EBP to formulate their ideal with substantial moral arguments. This places the debate on EBP in the context of normative political theory, where it rightfully belongs.
La red telefónica insular del Cabildo de Tenerife (1914-1938): del sistema aislado a la convivencia con el monopolio
Authors: Pérez Jiménez Rafael , QUINTANA NAVARRO FRANCISCO DEL PINO
Published: March 2020

En este trabajo se analiza, por primera vez, la trayectoria histórica de la Red Telefónica Insular de Tenerife (RTIT), que constituyó el mejor ejemplo en Canarias de compromiso de la administración local con el desarrollo del servicio telefónico desde una perspectiva social, y su tendido supuso un gran esfuerzo económico en una etapa en que la economía del Archipiélago aún no se había recuperado de la crisis de la Gran Guerra. De este modo se consiguió crear un anillo de comunicaciones que consiguió conectar prácticamente todos los núcleos habitados de la isla, y que tuvo permanencia incluso más allá de la concesión del monopolio de servicio a la Compañía Telefónica Nacional de España (CTNE) en 1924.
Las mujeres en la carga y descarga portuaria en España en el tránsito del XIX al XX
Authors: Ibarz Jordi , Borrell Mònica
Published: March 2020

Las mujeres de las comunidades marítimas históricamente participaron en un gran número de trabajos. Se dedicaban a la descarga del carbón mineral y de bacalao, también arrastraban gabarras o conducían barcas por las rías. No obstante, este ha sido un asunto poco considerado por la bibliografía especializada, tanto europea como española. A finales del siglo xix fue importante la presencia de cargadoras en los puertos de La Coruña, Santander o Bilbao, donde se organizaron sindicalmente y protagonizaron importantes conflictos huelguísticos. Este artículo utiliza la bibliografía disponible y, sobre todo, fuentes hemerográficas para reseguir la cronología de la presencia de las mujeres en la carga y descarga portuaria y en la movilización obrera en el sector, hasta establecer las circunstancias de su desaparición a partir de la Primera Guerra Mundial. El trabajo se centra en las cargueras de los principales puertos atlánticos del norte español dado que no hay constancia, en el período analizado, de su existencia en la costa mediterránea y el sur peninsular. Este artículo es una primera aproximación interpretativa realizada sobre las mujeres en la carga y descarga portuaria en los puertos españoles.
Dictionary learning technique enhances signal in LED-based photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Farnia Parastoo , Najafzadeh Ebrahim , Hariri Ali , Lavasani Saeedeh Navaei , Makkiabadi Bahador , Ahmadian Alireza , Jokerst Jesse V.
Published: March 2020

There has been growing interest in low-cost light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as an excitation source in photoacoustic imaging. However, LED-based photoacoustic imaging is limited by low signal due to low energy per pulse—the signal is easily buried in noise leading to low quality images. Here, we describe a signal de-noising approach for LED-based photoacoustic signals based on dictionary learning with an alternating direction method of multipliers. This signal enhancement method is then followed by a simple reconstruction approach delay and sum. This approach leads to sparse representation of the main components of the signal. The main improvements of this approach are a 38% higher contrast ratio and a 43% higher axial resolution versus the averaging method but with only 4% of the frames and consequently 49.5% less computational time. This makes it an appropriate option for real-time LED-based photoacoustic imaging.
Noise suppression for ballistic-photons based on compressive in-line holographic imaging through an inhomogeneous medium
Authors: Zhang Hua , Liu Songwen , Cao Liangcai , Brady David J.
Published: March 2020

Noise suppression is one of the most important tasks in imaging through inhomogeneous mediums. Here, we proposed a denoising approach based on compressive in-line holography for imaging through an inhomogeneous medium. A reference-beam-free system with a low-cost continuous-wave laser is presented. The suppression against the noise, which is brought by the scattering photons, is presented in simulations using the proposed algorithm. The noise immunity is demonstrated in lensless imaging behind a random phase mask with an optical depth of 1.42 by single exposure, as well as behind a ground glass with an optical depth of 6.38 by multiple exposures.
Subwavelength high-performance polarizers in the deep ultraviolet region
Authors: Kurosawa Hiroyuki , Inoue Shin-ichiro
Published: March 2020

This study shows that high-performance metasurface polarizers are possible in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) region. A metasurface consisting of a trilayer of an Al (Aluminum) grating, an Al2O3 (Alumina) thin film, and an Al thin film serves as a mirror with high reflectance for light with polarization parallel to the grooves. The reflectance for polarization perpendicular to the grooves vanishes owing to destructive interference between the propagating and gap surface plasmon polaritons. As a result, the metasurface plays the role of a polarizer with a high extinction ratio exceeding 6.2 × 106. This study also shows that the bandwidth is improved by adjusting the incident angle, period, and the Al2O3 layer of the metasurface. The performance of the metasurface polarizer is discussed experimentally. Our finding paves the way for realizing high-performance polarizers in the DUV region.
Coupling between plasmonic and photonic crystal modes in suspended three-dimensional meta-films
Authors: Burckel D. Bruce , Goldflam Michael , Musick Katherine M. , Resnick Paul J. , Armelles Gaspar , Sinclair Michael B.
Published: March 2020

A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible fabrication method for creating three-dimensional (3D) meta-films is presented. In contrast to metasurfaces, meta-films possess structural variation throughout the thickness of the film and can possess a sub-wavelength scale structure in all three dimensions. Here we use this approach to create 2D arrays of cubic silicon nitride unit cells with plasmonic inclusions of elliptical metallic disks in horizontal and vertical orientations with lateral array-dimensions on the order of millimeters. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is used to measure the infrared transmission of meta-films with either horizontally or vertically oriented ellipses with varying eccentricity. Shape effects due to the ellipse eccentricity, as well as localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effects due to the effective plasmonic wavelength are observed in the scattering response. The structures were modeled using rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA), finite difference time domain (Lumerical), and frequency domain finite element (COMSOL). The silicon nitride support structure possesses a complex in-plane photonic crystal slab band structure due to the periodicity of the unit cells. We show that adjustments to the physical dimensions of the ellipses can be used to control the coupling to this band structure. The horizontally oriented ellipses show narrow, distinct plasmonic resonances while the vertically oriented ellipses possess broader resonances, with lower overall transmission amplitude for a given ellipse geometry. We attribute this difference in resonance behavior to retardation effects. The ability to couple photonic slab modes with plasmonic inclusions enables a richer space of optical functionality for design of metamaterial-inspired optical components.
Broadband graded index Gutman lens with a wide field of view utilizing artificial dielectrics: a design methodology
Authors: Bantavis Petros , Garcia Gonzalez Cebrian , Sauleau Ronan , Goussetis George , Tubau Segolene , Legay Herve
Published: March 2020

A novel all-metal graded index Gutman lens is proposed. It exploits an interleaved metasurface unit-cell with glide symmetry that can provide high values of equivalent refractive index with low frequency dispersion. The result is a compact lens with broadband performance and a wide field of view up to ±70°. The proposed lens exhibits low loss, directive beams and is an appealing candidate for space applications. The design approach introduced can be applied to other graded index lenses with circular symmetry using rectangular or circular periodic structures.
High-quality blind defocus deblurring of multispectral images with optics and gradient prior
Authors: Wei Xiao-Xiang , Zhang Lei , Huang Hua
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a blind defocus deblurring method that produces high-quality deblurred multispectral images. The high quality is achieved by two means: i) more accurate kernel estimation based on the optics prior by simulating the simple lens imaging, and ii) the gradient-based inter-channel correlation with the reference image generated by the content-adaptive combination of adjacent channels for restoring the latent sharp image. As a result, our method gains the prominence on both effectiveness and efficiency in deblurring defocus multispectral images with very good restoration on the obscure details. The experiments on some multispectral image datasets demonstrate the advantages of our method over state-of-the-art deblurring methods.
A imparcialidade nas notícias do governo federal brasileiro
Authors: Caliman Fontes Lorena Maria
Published: March 2020

O artigo enfoca o jornalismo praticado no âmbito da comunicação governamental no Brasil, especificamente o programa de rádio Voz do Brasil – Notícias do Poder Executivo. A partir da compreensão de McQuail (2012) a respeito dos parâmetros de atuação da mídia de massa, o trabalho avalia o critério da imparcialidade em 79 unidades noticiosas radiofônicas, utilizando técnicas da análise de conteúdo. No trabalho, a imparcialidade é compreendida a partir dos componentes de equilíbrio e neutralidade, avaliados através do acesso de fontes ao radiojornal e da classificação de asserções avaliativas. Apesar de ter como missão oficial levar informações de interesse público do governo federal aos cidadãos, o programa de rádio analisado atua reforçando uma imagem positiva para o governo e os governantes, reiterando vozes oficiais e colocando o cidadão como mero beneficiário dos serviços públicos. A prática profissional do jornalismo no contexto do veículo é problematizada a partir de suas relações com a empresa pública de comunicação brasileira (EBC) e a Secretaria Especial de Comunicação da Presidência da República (Secom).
Micronutrients Analysis of Fresh and Canned “Agaricus Bisporus” and “Pleurotus Ostreatus” Mushroom Sold in Alexandria Markets, Egypt
Authors: Shbeeb Doaa A. , Farahat Mohamed Fawzi , Farahat Mohamed Fawzi , Ismail Hanaa Mohamed
Published: March 2020

Edible mushrooms form very nourishing meals especially for invalids, for they are easily digestible. They are consumed not only for their innate flavor and taste, but also for their important nutritional value, therefore, we analyzed the micronutrient contents of fresh and canned Agaricusbisporusand Pleurotusostreatus mushroom for their calcium, potassium and iron content. Fresh Agaricus was insignificantly higher in its calcium and iron contents (36.0 and 37.5 mg/100g; respectively) than Pleurotus(33.8 and 29.8 mg/100g) although the later was significantly higher in its potassium content (3890.4 mg/100g) versus 3102.9 in Agaricus. The micronutrient content of the canned Agaricus was higher than the canned cut Pleurotus. As these species of mushrooms are good sources of calcium, potassium, and iron, so they can be used as supplementary healthy foods for human nutrition.
Study of the Nanocomposite cBN/TiC-SWCNTs by Field Actived Sparck Plasma Sintering Process
Authors: Bendjemil Badis , Bendjemil Badis , Mouyane Mohamed , Noudem Jacques G. , Bernard Jérôme , Reboul Jean Michel , Guel Yannick , Houivet David
Published: March 2020

Cubic boron nitrid (cBN) bonded TiC and alloyed with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs or NC) ceramics matrix nanocomposites (CMNCs) tools were manufacturated by a field actived sparck plasma sintering processus (FASPS). The effects of cBN-TiC ratio, carbon nanotubes and optimisation of the sintering process on the microstructure, densification in addition mechanical and vibronic properties of NC-cBN-TiC nanocomposites were studied. The results showed that for the nanocomposite cBN-TiC vol. ratio of 8:2 with 0.1 wt% NC, it was found that microhardness incresses significantly with addition of carbon nanotubes exhibited the highest microhardness and fracture toughness. After sintering of the samples at 1800 °C, 10 mn, 75 MPa of cBN–TiC1-x, x=0.8 with and without addition of 0.1 wt% NC were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction. The samples exhibited a dense polycrystalline structure. From the resonant Raman scattering we can locate the vibration frequency of the transformation cBN to hexagonal boron nitrid (hBN) and formation of secondary hard phase TiB2to consolid the (CMNCs) tools. The final product is hBN-TiC-TiB2-NC.The best product contained cBNx-TiC1-x (x=0.8)-0.1 wt % NC which was sintered at 1800 °C, 75 MPa for 10 mn. The Vickers hardness of cBN-TiC1-x (x=0.8) incresses with NC incorporation in the matrix The indentation fracture toughness was calculated to be 12.30 MPa m1/2 for cBNx-TiC1-x (x=0.8 -0.1 wt % NC ceramics matrix nanocomposite (CMNCs) tools with excellent wear resistant will be confirmed. The wear of cBN-TiC of the composites tools have shown that this is predominantly a chemical process involving the interaction of the tool with its environment and is restricted by the formation of protective layers on the exposed faces of the tool by the addition of carbon nanotubes (NC). The wear features of tools used in fine cutting tests under identical conditions will be compared and the results will be interpreted in terms of the existing models for the wear of cBN -based nanomaterials by the effects of the additives in the modified tools
Effects of Two Different Energy Sources in Total Mixed Diets on the Performances and Blood Metabolites of Lactating Boerka Goats
Authors: Ginting Simon Petrus , Tarigan Andi , Simanuhuruk Kiston , - Antonius , - Solehudin
Published: March 2020

Lactating goats are prone to negative energy status due to increased body fat reserve mobilization to support the high energy requirement of milk production. The study was aimed to investigate the responses of the lactating goat on diets provided in total-mixed ration differing in the energy sources. The experiment was conducted using a total of 35 does having 2-3 parities and an average bodyweight of 30.3±4.48 kg and BCS of 2.5 ± 0.05 on a scale basis of 1 to 5. Animals were allocated to one of five dietary treatments (seven animals/treatment) formulated to be iso-nitrogen dan iso-calory in a total mixed ration. Cassava meal was used as the source of glucogenic energy and bergafat as the main source of lipogenic energy. There were no DM intake differences (P>0.05) between the glucogenic diet (1.49% and 2.28% fat), but significant increases (P<0.05) in DM intake were observed in goats fed lipogenic diets (fat content range from 4.7 to 7.5%). All animals gained during the lactation period with ADG ranged from 15 to 46 g, indicating that all experimental animals were in positive energy balances. Goat receiving more glucogenic diets gained least and having higher FCR compared to those receiving lipogenic diet (P<0.05). Body condition scores were also improved in lactating goat received more lipogenic diets. Blood glucose and blood urea concentration was not affected by diet treatments and lactation period (P>0.05) and ranged from 37 to 43 mg/dl and 39 to 51 mg/dl, respectively. Numerically, however, the blood glucose and urea level linearly increased as the diet becoming more lipogenic due to the increased feed intake. It is concluded that lactating goats offered diets with lipogenic energy sources (7.5% fat content) presented in pelleted total mixed-ration during the entire lactation period had a higher dry matter and nutrient intakes, body weight gain and body condition score compared to those fed diets with glucogenic energy source.
Buspirone-associated Movement Disorder: A Literature Review
Authors: Rissardo Jamir Pitton , Caprara Ana Letícia Fornari
Published: March 2020

Buspirone (BUS) belongs to the azapirone chemical class. The aim of this literature review is to evaluate the clinical epidemiological profile, pathological mechanisms, and management of BUS-associated movement disorders (MD). Relevant reports in six databases were identified and assessed by two reviewers without language restriction. A total of 25 reports containing 65 cases were assessed. The MD associated with BUS were: dyskinesia in 14 cases, 10 of akathisia, 8 of myoclonus, 6 of Parkinsonism, and 6 of dystonia. The cases not clearly defined were 7 tension, 14 incoordination, and the undefined number of dyskinesia, tics, and Parkinsonism. The mean age was 45.23 years (range: 15–74). The male was the predominant sex in 60.86% and the most common BUS-indication was anxiety disorder. The mean BUS-dose was 42.16 mg (range: 5–100). The time from the beginning of BUS administration to the MD onset was one month or less in 76%. The time from BUS withdrawal to complete recovery was within one month in 87.5%. The most common management was BUS withdrawal. In 16 patients the follow-up was reported: 14 had a full recovery, but in two (1 dyskinesia + 1 dystonia) the symptoms continued after the BUS withdrawal. MD associated with BUS were scarcely reported in the literature. Moreover, in the majority of cases, no clear description of the clinical profile, neurological examination, or the time data of the movement disorder onset and recovery were given.
TRAGEDIA HOLOKAUSTU ORAZ ŻYDOWSKIE MIEJSCA PAMIĘCI NA UKRAINIE W POWIEŚCI J. S. FOERA WSZYSTKO JEST ILUMINACJĄ
Authors: Siekierska Marta
Published: March 2020

Marta Siekierska, TRAGEDIA HOLOKAUSTU ORAZ ŻYDOWSKIE MIEJSCA PAMIĘCI NA UKRAINIE W POWIEŚCI J. S. FOERA WSZYSTKO JEST ILUMINACJĄ. „PORÓWNANIA” 1 (24), 2019. T. XXIV, S. 135-145. ISSN 1733-165X. Cel niniejszego artykułu stanowi próba analizy powieści, skoncentrowana na relacjach zachodzących między formą i językiem utworu a traumą historyczną, jakiej doświadczają bohaterowie. Specyficzna konstrukcja oraz język, który wykorzystuje w powieści autor, przekładają się na nowatorski sposób przetworzenia historii oraz tematu Zagłady. Tekst prezentuje również obecny w powieści pejzaż polsko-ukraińskiego pogranicza, wytyczanego przez historyczne, metafizyczne oraz kulturowe granice. Analizie i interpretacji zostaje poddana obecna w utworze bogata symbolika, uwypuklająca wymiar znaczącej nieobecności zgładzonej społeczności oraz wymownej luki, białego miejsca pamięci, która po nich pozostała.
O FENOMENIE I MITOLOGII ODESSY NA PRZESTRZENI WIEKÓW. RECENZJA MONOGRAFII ODESSA W LITERATURACH SŁOWIAŃSKICH. STUDIA
Authors: Waligórska-Olejniczak Beata
Published: March 2020

.
GONZO UWIKŁANE, PRZEMOC PRZEDSTAWIENIA ORAZ MOZAIKA FANTAZMATÓW NARODOWYCH, CZYLI O „UKRAIŃSKIEJ TRYLOGII” ZIEMOWITA SZCZERKA
Authors: Kupidura Ryszard
Published: March 2020

Ryszard Kupidura, GONZO UWIKŁANE, PRZEMOC PRZEDSTAWIENIA ORAZ MOZAIKA FANTAZMATÓW NARODOWYCH, CZYLI O „UKRAIŃSKIEJ TRYLOGII” ZIEMOWITA SZCZERKA. „PORÓWNANIA” 1 (24), 2019. T. XXIV, S. 55-67. ISSN 1733-165X.

Celem niniejszego tekstu jest analiza trzech książek Ziemowita Szczerka: Przyjdzie Mordor i nas zje (2013), Tatuażu z tryzubem (2015) oraz Międzymorza (2017), które ze względu na obecność w nich tematów związanych ze wschodnim sąsiadem Polski autor artykułu łączy umownie w „ukraińską trylogię”. Wśród podjętych w tekście problemów badawczych znalazły się m.in.: kwestia genologicznego statusu twórczości Szczerka, pytania o implikacje, które niesie za sobą pisanie reportaży na temat kraju o wieloletniej i złożonej historii stosunków kolonialnych z krajem, z którego pochodzi sam pisarz, czy wreszcie próba spojrzenia na ukraińską sytuację z ponadregionalnej perspektywy.
New Results About the Lambda Constant and Ground States of the 𝑊-Functional
Authors: Ma Li
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we study properties of the lambda constants and the existence of ground states of Perelman’s famous W-functional from a variational formulation. We have two kinds of results. One is about the estimation of the lambda constant of G. Perelman, and the other is about the existence of ground states of his W-functional, both on a complete non-compact Riemannian manifold

(
M
,
g
)

{(M,g)}

. One consequence of our estimation is that, on an ALE (or asymptotic flat) manifold

(
M
,
g
)

{(M,g)}

, if the scalar curvature s of

(
M
,
g
)

{(M,g)}

is non-negative and has quadratical decay at infinity, then M is scalar flat, i.e.,

s
=
0

{s=0}

in M. We also introduce a new constant

d
⁢

(
M
,
g
)

{d(M,g)}

. For the existence of the ground states, we use Lions’ concentration-compactness method.
On the Two-phase Fractional Stefan Problem
Authors: del Teso Félix , Endal Jørgen , Vázquez Juan Luis
Published: March 2020

The classical Stefan problem is one of the most studied free boundary problems of evolution type. Recently, there has been interest in treating the corresponding free boundary problem with nonlocal diffusion. We start the paper by reviewing the main properties of the classical problem that are of interest to us. Then we introduce the fractional Stefan problem and develop the basic theory. After that we center our attention on selfsimilar solutions, their properties and consequences. We first discuss the results of the one-phase fractional Stefan problem, which have recently been studied by the authors. Finally, we address the theory of the two-phase fractional Stefan problem, which contains the main original contributions of this paper. Rigorous numerical studies support our results and claims.
Watching televised representations and self-identity of national minorities: Israeli Arab citizens’ perceptions of their media representations on Israeli television
Authors: Katz Nissim , Nossek Hillel
Published: March 2020

This study focuses on how Israeli Arab citizens perceive their media representations on Israeli television and why they consume television broadcasts even though they are marked mostly by negative representations. A new concept – “Communication Boundary Situation” – a development of Jaspers’ “Boundary Situation” theory, is the theoretical framework for the article. The empirical data was collected by conducting semi-structured in-depth interviews. The findings point to different attitudes among the interviewees towards their representation in various television genres, in particular, in advertising as compared to satire and drama. The suggested theoretical framework and its empirical implementation might be useful in examining how various minorities perceive their media representations in other countries.
”Strängt taget fattas oss ingenting”: Folkhemmet i Stig Sjödins och Jenny Wrangborgs arbetarlyrik
Authors: Nilsson Magnus
Published: March 2020

The aim of this article is to analyze the attitudes of two prominent Swedish working-class poets – Stig Sjödin (1917–1993) and Jenny Wrangborg (born 1984) – toward the social-democratic welfare state. The premise of the analysis is that this welfare state is a historical and changing phenomenon that has attracted attention from working-class writers in different ways at different times. Sjödin wrote during the emergence and the heyday of the social-democratic welfare state, whereas Wrangborg is writing poetry at a time when the labour movement is ailing and the welfare state challenged. Thus, despite the two poets having closely aligned aesthetical and ideological ideals, their attitudes toward the welfare state are distinctly different.
Unitary representations with Dirac cohomology: A finiteness result for complex Lie groups
Authors: Ding Jian , Dong Chao-Ping
Published: March 2020

Let G be a connected complex simple Lie group, and let

G
^

d

{\widehat{G}^{\mathrm{d}}}

be the set of all equivalence classes of irreducible unitary representations with non-vanishing Dirac cohomology. We show that

G
^

d

{\widehat{G}^{\mathrm{d}}}

consists of two parts: finitely many scattered representations, and finitely many strings of representations. Moreover, the strings of

G
^

d

{\widehat{G}^{\mathrm{d}}}

come from

L
^

d

{\widehat{L}^{\mathrm{d}}}

via cohomological induction and they are all in the good range. Here L runs over the Levi factors of proper θ-stable parabolic subgroups of G. It follows that figuring out

G
^

d

{\widehat{G}^{\mathrm{d}}}

requires a finite calculation in total. As an application, we report a complete description of

F
^

4
d

{\widehat{F}_{4}^{\mathrm{d}}}

.
Residence Time Distribution Studies in a Modified Rotating Packed Disc Contactor: Mathematical Modeling and Validation
Authors: Kalnake Rohit P. , Murthy D.V.R. , Achar Akshay , Raval Keyur
Published: March 2020

A modified rotating packed disc contactor (RPDC) with the maximum working volume of 65 liter is designed for biological waste water treatment. A hollow disc with radial vanes mounted on the disc was a modified design of this contactor. Stimulus-response experiments were conducted in the contactor to understand liquid mixing behavior under different operating conditions. The recycle stream was also used in the operation of the contactor. Experiments were conducted for different number of discs, rotational speeds and recycle ratios. The disc design and recycle ratio had marked influence on the mixing behavior. An increase in disc rotation and recycle ratio produced a well-mixed flow behavior. Moreover, the surface area available in the RPDC was about 4 times more than the surface area available in a standard rotating biological contactor (RBC) operating at similar conditions. A mathematical model was developed for the flow behavior under recycle and a good agreement was found between the model and experimental results.
The decline of amniocentesis and the increase of chorionic villus sampling in modern perinatal medicine
Authors: Monni Giovanni , Corda Valentina , Iuculano Ambra , Afshar Yalda
Published: March 2020

Objective

The aims of this study were to determine the rate of change by type of diagnosis by transabdominal chorionic villus sampling (TA-CVS) vs. amniocentesis for aneuploidy and to describe a successful and intensive international training program for TA-CVS in ongoing pregnancies.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all deliveries from 2010 to 2018 in Sardinia. All invasive diagnostic procedures are conducted at a single regional perinatal referral center. Descriptive statistics were used to compare data across groups, and inter-correlations between variables were investigated by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. We subsequently describe the international trainee experiences in TA-CVS over a 35-year period.

Results

A total of 101,025 deliveries occurred over 9 years. The number of deliveries (13,413–9143, P < 0.0001) and total invasive diagnostic procedures (1506–858 per year, P = 0.019) declined over this period. The percentage of deliveries undergoing invasive diagnostic procedures remained steady (mean: 12.2%). In 2010, TA-CVS made up 32.3% of all invasive diagnostic procedures, while amniocentesis made up 67.7%. By 2018, TA-CVS made up 61.3% of the invasive diagnostic procedures, and amniocentesis, only 38.7%. The rate of TA-CVS increased over 9 years, while the rate of amniocentesis declined. A total of 236 trainees from 39 different countries and 5 different continents rotated through this site. The average length of stay was 2.4 weeks.

Conclusion

We demonstrate an increasing prevalence of TA-CVS vs. amniocentesis in the current era of prenatal testing and underscore the importance of continuing to train specialists skilled in TA-CVS. Our global operative experience is feasible and sustainable and will have a lasting impact on physicians conducting invasive fetal procedures.
Dynamic thermal camouflage via a liquid-crystal-based radiative metasurface
Authors: Liu Yida , Song Jinlin , Zhao Weixian , Ren Xuecheng , Cheng Qiang , Luo Xiaobing , Fang Nicholas Xuanlai , Hu Run
Published: March 2020

Thermal camouflage, which is used to conceal objects in the infrared vision for confrontation with infrared detection in civilian or military applications, has garnered increasing attraction and interest recently. Compared with conductive thermal camouflage, that is to tune heat conduction to achieve equivalent temperature fields, radiative thermal camouflage, based on emissivity engineering, is more promising and shows much superiority in the pursuit of dynamic camouflage technology when resorting to stimuli-responsive materials. In this paper, we demonstrate the emissivity-engineered radiative metasurface to realize dynamic thermal camouflage functionality via a flying laser heat source on the metal-liquid-crystal-metal (MLCM) platform. We employ a rigorous coupled-wave algorithm to calculate the surface emissivity of Au/LC/Au microstructures, where the LC-orientation angle distribution is quantified by minimizing the emitted thermal energy standard deviation throughout the whole plate. Emissivity engineering on the MCLM platform is attributed to multiple magnetic polariton resonance, and agrees well with the equivalent electric circuit analysis. Through this electrical modulation strategy, the moving hot spot in the original temperature field is erased and a uniform temperature field is observed in the infrared camera instead, demonstrating the very good dynamic thermal camouflage functionality. The present MLCM-based radiative metasurface may open avenues for high-resolution emissivity engineering to realize novel thermal functionality and develop new applications for thermal metamaterials and meta-devices.
AMPK is required for uterine receptivity and normal responses to steroid hormones
Authors: Griffiths Richard M , Pru Cindy A , Behura Susanta K , Cronrath Andrea R , McCallum Melissa L , Kelp Nicole C , Winuthayanon Wipawee , Spencer Thomas E , Pru James K
Published: March 2020

We previously demonstrated that 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is essential for normal reproductive functions in female mice. Conditional ablation of Prkaa1 and Prkaa2, genes that encode the α1 and α2 catalytic domains of AMPK, resulted in early reproductive senescence, faulty artificial decidualization, uterine inflammation and fibrotic postparturient endometrial regeneration. We also noted a delay in the timing of embryo implantation in Prkaa1/2d/d female mice, suggesting a role for AMPK in establishing uterine receptivity. As outlined in new studies here, conditional uterine ablation of Prkaa1/2 led to an increase in ESR1 in the uteri of Prkaa1/2d/d mice, resulting in prolonged epithelial cell proliferation and retention of E2-induced gene expression (e.g. Msx1, Muc1, Ltf) through the implantation window. Within the stromal compartment, stromal cell proliferation was reduced by five-fold in Prkaa1/2d/d mice, and this was accompanied by a significant decrease in cell cycle regulatory genes and aberrant expression of decidualization marker genes such as Hand2, Bmp2, Fst and Inhbb. This phenotype is consistent with our prior study, demonstrating a failure of the Prkaa1/2d/d uterus to undergo decidualization. Despite these uterine defects, ovarian function seemed to be normal following ablation of Prkaa1/2 from peri-ovulatory follicles in which ovulation, luteinization and serum progesterone levels were not different on day 5 of pregnancy or pseudopregnancy between Prkaa1/2fl/fl and Prkaa1/2d/d mice. These cumulative findings demonstrate that AMPK activity plays a prominent role in mediating several steroid hormone-dependent events such as epithelial cell proliferation, uterine receptivity and decidualization as pregnancy is established.