bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of rhBMP-2 loaded hydrogel composite on bone formation around dental implants in mandible bone defects of minipigs
Authors: Lyu Hao-Zhen , Lee Jae Hyup
Published: February 2020

Background

In dental or orthopedic surgery, bone substitutes are inserted with implants to promote osteogenesis and enhance osseointegration. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of rhBMP-2 (recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2) loaded hydrogel composite for bone formation around dental implant in minipig mandible bone defect models.

Methods

We made bone defects with a diameter of 4 mm in minipig mandibles and inserted implants of the same size, to mimic the cases of inserting the screws in the bone defect or poor-quality bone. The rhBMP-2 (300 μg) loaded hydrogel composite (0.5 cc) inserted in the bone defect with the implant in the rhBMP-2 group. After 4 weeks, the mandibles were harvested to evaluate the new bone mass around implants using plain radiographs, micro-CT, and histology.

Results

The micro-CT analysis result showed that the quantity of new bone generation around the implant in the rhBMP-2 group was greater than that in the other groups. Comparing the ratios of bone to implant area in three groups by histology, the amount of newly formed bone in the rhBMP-2 group was the most.

Conclusion

The rhBMP-2 loaded hydrogel composite promotes osteogenesis around dental implant in minipig mandible bone defect, and enhance osseointegration between the dental implant and host bone.
Comparison of the effectiveness of manual massage, long-wave diathermy, and sham long-wave diathermy for the management of delayed-onset muscle soreness: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Visconti Lorenzo , Forni Corrado , Coser Rudi , Trucco Marco , Magnano Elisa , Capra Gianpiero
Published: February 2020

Background

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a specific symptom that typically arises after unaccustomed eccentric muscular effort. It increases typically 24–72 h post-exercise and can affect physical performance. The pathophysiology of DOMS remains unclear, although it seems to be related to the remodeling phase of myofibrils. Different types of treatments have been proposed to minimize DOMS after exercise; however, no clear gold standard treatment exists. Among the most popular and easy-to-apply treatments, manual massage is often performed by clinicians and has been documented to be effective in reducing symptoms. For several years, long-wave diathermy (LWD) has been performed to manage musculoskeletal complaints, such as DOMS; however, no studies have reported its efficacy thus far.

This study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of LWD, sham LWD, and manual massage in participants with lower limb DOMS.

Methods

Participants with lower limb DOMS were included in the study. They were randomly assigned to undergo real LWD, sham LWD, or manual massage. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score was the primary outcome, and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) Scale score was the secondary outcome. Outcomes were collected before and immediately after the treatment. Analysis of variance was performed to compare the post-treatment NPRS value variability among the groups and to compare the pre- and post-treatment NPRS differences among the groups.

Results

No clinically relevant differences were observed regarding the NPRS value variability among real LWD, sham LWD and manual massage groups. Differences were observed in the PGIC Scale scores.

Conclusions

Future studies are needed to have a better understanding about the treatment of DOMS in clinical practice.

Trial registration

The trial was registered on 29th February 2016 in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02693678).
The role of geographic bias in knowledge diffusion: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Skopec Mark , Issa Hamdi , Reed Julie , Harris Matthew
Published: February 2020

Background

Descriptive studies examining publication rates and citation counts demonstrate a geographic skew toward high-income countries (HIC), and research from low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) is generally underrepresented. This has been suggested to be due in part to reviewers’ and editors’ preference toward HIC sources; however, in the absence of controlled studies, it is impossible to assert whether there is bias or whether variations in the quality or relevance of the articles being reviewed explains the geographic divide. This study synthesizes the evidence from randomized and controlled studies that explore geographic bias in the peer review process.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to identify research studies that explicitly explore the role of geographic bias in the assessment of the quality of research articles. Only randomized and controlled studies were included in the review. Five databases were searched to locate relevant articles. A narrative synthesis of included articles was performed to identify common findings.

Results

The systematic literature search yielded 3501 titles from which 12 full texts were reviewed, and a further eight were identified through searching reference lists of the full texts. Of these articles, only three were randomized and controlled studies that examined variants of geographic bias. One study found that abstracts attributed to HIC sources elicited a higher review score regarding relevance of the research and likelihood to recommend the research to a colleague, than did abstracts attributed to LIC sources. Another study found that the predicted odds of acceptance for a submission to a computer science conference were statistically significantly higher for submissions from a “Top University.” Two of the studies showed the presence of geographic bias between articles from “high” or “low” prestige institutions.

Conclusions

Two of the three included studies identified that geographic bias in some form was impacting on peer review; however, further robust, experimental evidence is needed to adequately inform practice surrounding this topic. Reviewers and researchers should nonetheless be aware of whether author and institutional characteristics are interfering in their judgement of research.
The acceptability of using a lottery to allocate research funding: a survey of applicants
Authors: Liu Mengyao , Choy Vernon , Clarke Philip , Barnett Adrian , Blakely Tony , Pomeroy Lucy
Published: February 2020

Background

The Health Research Council of New Zealand is the first major government funding agency to use a lottery to allocate research funding for their Explorer Grant scheme. This is a somewhat controversial approach because, despite the documented problems of peer review, many researchers believe that funding should be allocated solely using peer review, and peer review is used almost ubiquitously by funding agencies around the world. Given the rarity of alternative funding schemes, there is interest in hearing from the first cohort of researchers to ever experience a lottery. Additionally, the Health Research Council of New Zealand wanted to hear from applicants about the acceptability of the randomisation process and anonymity of applicants.

Methods

This paper presents the results of a survey of Health Research Council applicants from 2013 to 2019. The survey asked about the acceptability of using a lottery and if the lottery meant researchers took a different approach to their application.

Results

The overall response rate was 39% (126 of 325 invites), with 30% (76 of 251) from applicants in the years 2013 to 2018, and 68% (50 of 74) for those in the year 2019 who were not aware of the funding result. There was agreement that randomisation is an acceptable method for allocating Explorer Grant funds with 63% (n = 79) in favour and 25% (n = 32) against. There was less support for allocating funds randomly for other grant types with only 40% (n = 50) in favour and 37% (n = 46) against. Support for a lottery was higher amongst those that had won funding. Multiple respondents stated that they supported a lottery when ineligible applications had been excluded and outstanding applications funded, so that the remaining applications were truly equal. Most applicants reported that the lottery did not change the time they spent preparing their application.

Conclusions

The Health Research Council’s experience through the Explorer Grant scheme supports further uptake of a modified lottery.
Community-based in situ simulation: bringing simulation to the masses
Authors:   on behalf of the INSPIRE ImPACTS investigators, Walsh Barbara M. , Auerbach Marc A. , Gawel Marcie N. , Brown Linda L. , Byrne Bobbi J. , Calhoun Aaron
Published: February 2020

Simulation-based methods are regularly used to train inter-professional groups of healthcare providers at academic medical centers (AMC). These techniques are used less frequently in community hospitals. Bringing in-situ simulation (ISS) from AMCs to community sites is an approach that holds promise for addressing this disparity. This type of programming allows academic center faculty to freely share their expertise with community site providers. By creating meaningful partnerships community-based ISS facilitates the communication of best practices, distribution of up to date policies, and education/training. It also provides an opportunity for system testing at the community sites. In this article, we illustrate the process of implementing an outreach ISS program at community sites by presenting four exemplar programs. Using these exemplars as a springboard for discussion, we outline key lessons learned discuss barriers we encountered, and provide a framework that can be used to create similar simulation programs and partnerships. It is our hope that this discussion will serve as a foundation for those wishing to implement community-based, outreach ISS.
How to include medical students in your healthcare simulation centre workforce
Authors: Viggers Sandra , Østergaard Doris , Dieckmann Peter
Published: February 2020

Running simulation centre activities requires a substantial amount of human resources. Here we present ideas on how medical students can be integrated into the simulation centre workforce to support the goal of delivering simulation-based education.

The ideas are centred around the many different roles the students can fulfil and how this can be applied in other centres interested in integrating medical students into the workforce. The ideas are based on the experience from a regional Danish simulation centre, the Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (CAMES), where the work of medical students appears to be beneficial for both students, teaching and research faculty, and the growth of the simulation centre.
Transition to first birth during the Great Recession: the case of Greece
Authors: Dantis Charalampos , Rizzi Ester Lucia
Published: February 2020

In this study, we examine the effects of the economic uncertainty of partners on the transition to first birth in Greece before and after the onset of the recent economic crisis. After selecting a sample of childless couples, we applied a random effects model to EU-SILC data for the period 2005–2013. Few studies have focused on the association between economic uncertainty and fertility in Greece considering characteristics of both partners. Even fewer studies have examined panel data in the context of the recent crisis. Our findings show that Greek couples in which both partners are employed, have a high income, or are highly educated are in a more favourable position to have a first child. During the Greek Great Recession, corresponding in our study to the period 2010–2013, the odds of having a first child decreased to half the odds in the 2005–2009 period. The recession period also modified the effect of couples’ characteristics on first childbearing. During the economic crisis, male breadwinner couples were particularly penalized in their transition to have a first child. Surprisingly, couples with at least one temporary worker, usually the woman, were encouraged to have their first child. Implications in terms of gender and social inequality are discussed in the concluding section, and selection processes at play are also discussed.

Keywords

Fertility, Economic uncertainty, Economic recession, Greece
Otto: a 4.04 GBq (109 mCi) 68Ge/68Ga generator, first of its kind - extended quality control and performance evaluation in the clinical production of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11
Authors: Waterhouse Nicole N. , Amor-Coarasa Alejandro , Nikolopoulou Anastasia , Babich John W.
Published: February 2020

Background

Here we report on the comprehensive quality control of a 4.04 GBq (109 mCi) generator supplied by itG (Munich, Germany), and used for routine production of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 for clinical imaging. The performance of the 4.04 GBq itG 68Ge/68Ga generator was studied for a year and parameters including elution yield, elution profile, radioactive and stable contaminants were collected. The production yields of a series of 175 [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 clinical batches are also reported herein.

Results

This first-of-its-kind GMP grade 68Ge/68Ga generator from itG with a nominal activity of 4.04 GBq (109 mCi) showed a stable 68Ga elution profile with elution efficiency averaging 58.3 ± 3.7%. 68Ge contaminant in the eluent slightly increased over time but remained 100x lower than those reported for comparable 1.85 GBq (50 mCi) itG generators. Metal impurities were found in concentrations lower than 100 ng/ml (ppb) throughout the study. [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 was obtained in 89 ± 4% radiochemical yields and > 99% radiochemical and chemical purities.

Conclusion

4.04 GBq (109 mCi) itG 68Ge/68Ga generator is suitable for routinely produced 68Ga tracers used in the clinic. Up to 30% higher amount of final drug product was obtained as compared to the 1.85 GBq (50 mCi) itG generator, and as a result larger number of studies could be performed, while reducing the synthetic burden.
What is the potential impact of the IsoDAR cyclotron on radioisotope production: a review
Authors: Waites Loyd H. , Alonso Jose R. , Barlow Roger , Conrad Janet M.
Published: February 2020

The IsoDAR collaboration is developing a high-current cyclotron for a neutrino search experiment. Designed to deliver 10 mA of 60 MeV protons, the current and power of this cyclotron far exceed those of existing accelerators, opening new possibilities for the production of radiopharmaceutical isotopes, producing very high-activity samples in very short times. The cyclotron can also be easily configured to deliver ions other than protons including 1 mA of alpha particles at 240 MeV: this flexibility gives a broad reach into new areas of isotope production. We explain how IsoDAR overcomes the beam limits of commercial cyclotrons, and how it could represent the next step in isotope production rates.
Prediction and experimental confirmation of banana bract mosaic virus encoding miRNAs and their targets
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Ramamoorthy , Palani Sankara Naynar , Kumar Abhishek , Selvakumar A. S. Punitha , Tennyson Jebasingh
Published: February 2020

Background

Potyviridae is the largest plant infecting family under the monophyletic group Riboviria, infects many of the food, fodder and ornamental crops. Due to the higher mutation and recombination rate, potyvirids are evolving rapidly, adapting to the environmental chaos and expanding their hosts. Virus control measures are need to be updated as the economic importance of potyvirids is massive. microRNAs (miRNAs) are well known for their functional importance in eukaryotes and many viruses. Regardless of its biogenesis, whether canonical or noncanonical, microRNA centric antivirus approaches attract the researchers to the hopeful future of next-generation broad-spectrum antiviral measures.

Methods

In this study, we predicted and screened banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV) encoding miRNAs by computation approaches and their targets on banana transcriptome using plant small RNA target analysis server (psRNAtarget). The target gene functions were annotated by Blast2GO. The predicted BBrMV miRNAs were experimentally screened by stem-loop RT-PCR.

Results

The results showed that, among the predicted BBrMV miRNAs, miRNA2 is conserved throughout BBrMV isolates and has multiple virus-specific target transcripts. In addition, primary experimental validation for the predicted miRNAs revealed that miRNA2 exists in the BBrMV infected banana leaf samples.

Conclusions

The existence of BBrMV miRNA2 is confirmed by stem-loop RT-PCR followed by cloning and sequencing. The presence of miRNA of Potyviridae is rarely addressed and would definitely spread the hope to understand the virus infectious cycle. Our report would also help to better understand and manipulate potyviral infections.
Comparative study of semiconductor power losses between CSI-based STATCOM and VSI-based STATCOM, both used for unbalance compensation
Authors: Benslimane Anas , Bouchnaif Jamal , Essoufi Mohammed , Hajji Bekkay , el Idrissi Loukmane
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we present a detailed procedure to determine the semiconductor losses for both structures of a shunt STATCOM (Static Compensator), STATCOM based on Current Source Inverter (CSI) and STATCOM based on Voltage Source Inverter (VSI), both used for voltage unbalance compensation. As a first step, we study the VSI-based STATCOM and the CSI-based STATCOM used in high speed railway substations. Then we analyze the design and the sizing of the unbalance compensator in order to obtain an unbalance factor that does not exceed the limits imposed by the standards or by the energy provider. Following that, we compare the performances obtained with both structures VSI-STATCOM and CSI-STATCOM, after calculating the semiconductor power losses in the STATCOM converters. Finally, we validate our approach by simulation over real data of unbalance compensation caused by the new high-speed railway in Morocco. We use the tools MATLAB / Simulink/Simpowersys for performing our simulations.
Bacillus velezensis BM21, a potential and efficient biocontrol agent in control of corn stalk rot caused by Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Wang Shuang , Sun Lei , Zhang Wu , Chi Fengqin , Hao Xiaoyu , Bian Jingyang , Li Yonggang
Published: February 2020

The present work was conducted to screen and identify biocontrol bacteria that effectively reduce the severity of corn stalk rot (CSR) and clarify the antifungal activity of secondary metabolites. The bacterial strain (BM21) was isolated from corn rhizosphere soil that effectively reduced CSR in pot experiments. On the basis of phylogenetic reconstructions, 16S rRNA sequence analysis, and biochemical and physiological reactions, BM21 was identified as Bacillus velezensis. The strain exhibited remarkable antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum, a pathogenic fungus that causes CSR. Extracellular antifungal substances (10%) isolated from BM21 inhibited F. graminearum mycelial growth by 79.2%, conidial germination by 84.0%, and conidial production by 78.1%. In addition, the extracellular antifungal substances caused mycelial malformation and ultra-structural changes. The extracellular antifungal substances were sensitive to heat and showed a degree of resistance to ultraviolet radiation. The optimum pH for antifungal activity was 6–8. In pot experiments, irrigation with aqueous extracts from BM21 (1.0 mL/plant) reduced CSR incidence by 72.4–77.4%. B. velezensis BM21 effectively reduced CSR incidence and showed a potential as a biocontrol agent to control CSR.
The role of left prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation in episodic migraine prophylaxis
Authors: Amin Randa , Emara Tamer , Ashour Samia , Hemeda Mahmoud , Salah Eldin Nahed , Hamed Salma , Shouman Sara , Shouman Mohamed
Published: February 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to examine the prophylactic role of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the frequency, and severity of migraine attacks in episodic migraineurs who failed medical treatment.

Methods

A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study was designed to assess the effect of 5 Hz rTMS applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC ) in 33 migraineurs. Patients were followed up for 1 month before receiving rTMS, and for another month after the sessions by a headache diary. The primary outcome measure was the achievement of 50% reduction in the number of migraine attacks. Secondary outcome measures included migraine days, assessment of migraine attack severity, disability by HIT-6, and side-effects to the procedure.

Results

The study revealed that 69.2% of the active treatment group achieved 50% or more reduction in the number of migraine attacks versus 25% of cases in the control group (p = 0.02). The absolute number of migraine attacks was reduced by 3.1 vs 1.5 in the active and control group, respectively. The number of cases with severe HIT-6 scores was reduced by 46.2% in active treatment group versus a 7.1% reduction in the control group (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

High-frequency rTMS applied to LDLPFC can reduce the number of migraine attacks by 50% or more in almost 70% of a sample of episodic migraineurs with a concomitant decrease in functional disability.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT04031781. Registered 23 July 2019—retrospectively registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04031781?term=Migraine+Prophylaxis&recrs=ce&type=Intr&cond=Migraine&rank=9
Penile squamous cell carcinoma and lichen planus
Authors: de Oliveira Leal Marcos Lima , Alencar Lucas Rosemberg Pellegrino Jorge , Santana Suelen Cunha , de Souza Bianca Carla Azevedo , Athanazio Daniel Abensur
Published: February 2020

Background

Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSSC) has some non-HPV associated precursos and lichen planus is not considered one of them.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old patient sought the urologist due to a history of erythema on glans for 12 months and growing mass for 6 months treated with different topical medications. Partial penectomy was performed with finding of squamous cell carcinoma usual / keratinizing type with invasion of glans (pT2) and presence of extensive differentiated PeIN in adjacent areas. Adjacent to PeIN areas, there was an inflammatory reaction typical of lichen planus. This lichenoid reaction was present in the periphery of the large mass and also in a separate hyperkeratotic plaque at the glans. No features of HPV infections or balanitis xerotica obliterans were detected on histologic analysis.

Conclusion

We report a case with rapid evolution (6 months) between inflammatory signs of penile disease to mass forming lesion. This report call attention to this potential association – describing the association with invasive squamous carcinoma. Treatment-resistant longstanding cases of lichen planus should be biopsied. Prospective studies of patients with penile lichen planus are warranted to evaluate the magnitude of the risk of progression to penile carcinoma.
Femoral placement of a totally implantable venous access port with spontaneous catheter fracture: case report
Authors: Kondo Tomohiro , Matsumoto Shigemi , Doi Keitaro , Nomura Motoo , Muto Manabu
Published: February 2020

Background

The incidence of catheter fracture after standard positioning of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is reported to be 1.1%–5.0%; however, the incidence of catheter fracture after TIVAP implantation at a femoral site remains unclear.

Case presentation

In a 30-year-old man with angiosarcoma of the right atrium, tumor embolism was observed from the left brachiocephalic vein to the superior vena cava. A TIVAP was implanted in the right femur. A catheter fracture was spontaneously observed after 7 months.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of catheter fracture in a TIVAP implantation at a femoral site.
The dual allelopathic capacity of two Brassicaceae plants’ seed powder in controlling Orobanche crenata infesting Pisum sativum as well as stimulating its growth and yield
Authors: Ahmed Salah El-Din Abd El-Ghany , Messiha Nadia Khalil , El-Masry Raafat Ragheb , El-Dabaa Mahmoud Ahmed Touny
Published: February 2020

Background

It is well known that legume and other crops such as pea, faba bean, lentil, chick pea, and several other crops are susceptible to Orobanche crenata (broomrape) infestation. There is a direct relationship between O. crenata infestation and yield losses depending on the severity of infestation, the crop sensitivity, the planting date, and the different prevailing environmental factors. So, the present investigation aims to evaluate the allelopathic potentiality of the seed powder of the Brassicaceae plants (Eruca sativa and Sinapis alba) in controlling O. crenata infesting Pisum sativum plants.

Materials/methods

Two greenhouse experiments were held during two consecutive winter seasons to study the allelopathic effect of Eruca sativa (Essp) and Sinapis alba (Sasp) seed powder and compare it with recommended Basamid (Dazomet) herbicide treatment in controlling O. crenata infesting Pisum sativum as well as their effect on P. sativum growth, yield, and yield attributes. The treatments were conducted by mixing the seed powder of E. sativa (Essp) or S. alba (Sasp) to the soil at 12.5, 25.0, 37.5, and 50 g/kg soil as well as Basamid herbicide at 0.2 g/pot.

Results

The recorded results show that both Essp and Sasp at successive rates as well as Basamid treatment scored a great inhibition in dry weight of O. crenata tubercles infesting P. sativum plants at 55 days after sowing (DAS) and at harvest. The highest rate (50 g/kg) of both applied seed powder achieved the highest level of controlling O. crenata investigated weed. Growth as well as yield and yield attributes of P. sativum increased by the application of Essp and Sasp especially at the lowest rates in comparison with infected control.

Conclusion

The lowest rates (12.5 and 25 g/kg soil) of both Essp and Sasp were the optimum applied treatments that suppressed O. crenata weed with the highest yield of P. sativum as compared with the healthy control. Glucosinolates and phenolic compounds in both seed powder may be the main active allelochemical which could be considered as a natural bioherbicide for controlling the O. crenata parasitic weed that infests P. sativum and reflected in turn on the plant yield by increase.
Executive Perspectives
Authors: Bakamjian Ted
Published: February 2020

SEG has a new journal in its portfolio that is open access, multidisciplinary, and supported by a broad spectrum of geoscientists.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Patients With Concomitant Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Chan Yi-Hsin , Wu Lung-Sheng , See Lai-Chu , Liu Jia-Rou , Chang Shang-Hung , Chao Tze-Fan , Yeh Yung-Hsin , Kuo Chi-Tai , Lee Hsin-Fu , Lip Gregory Y H
Published: February 2020

Objective

Patients with hyperthyroidism were excluded from the randomized clinical trials of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

Methods

We performed a nationwide retrospective cohort study using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We enrolled 3213 and 1181 NVAF patients with hyperthyroidism who were taking DOACs and warfarin, respectively, from June 1, 2012 to December 31, 2017. We also enrolled 53 591 and 16 564 NVAF patients without hyperthyroidism, taking DOACs and warfarin, respectively. We used propensity score stabilized weights (PSSWs) to balance covariates across the study groups. We also used 1:4 matching on both taking DOACs, with (n = 3213) and without hyperthyroidism (n = 12 852); and both taking warfarin, with (n = 1181) and without hyperthyroidism (n = 4724).

Results

After PSSW, DOAC had a comparable risk of ischemic stroke/systemic embolism (IS/SE) and a lower risk of major bleeding (hazard ratio [HR] 0.65; 95% confidential interval [CI], 0.44–0.96; P = 0.0295) than warfarin among patients with hyperthyroidism. There were comparable risks of IS/SE and major bleeding between those patients with and without hyperthyroidism. However, among patients taking warfarin, those with hyperthyroidism had a lower risk of IS/SE than those without hyperthyroidism (HR 0.61; 95% CI, 0.43–0.86; P = 0.0050).

Conclusion

Among NVAF Asian patients with concomitant hyperthyroidism, DOACs may be an effective and safer alternative to warfarin. Thromboprophylaxis with DOACs may be considered for such patients, and it is important to validate this finding in further prospective study.
Planning for Conflict
Authors: Mandarini Matteo , Toscano Alberto
Published: February 2020

Planning is widely perceived as an approach to economic life that both subordinates decisions about production and distribution to a supposedly objective Science and as an illegitimate subjection of economic laws to a commanding political Will. This article excavates two key phases in the Soviet experiment with a planned economy, namely, the New Economic Policy under Lenin and the Stalinist institution of the five-year plan, to explore the way in which planning could be thought of as directly incorporating a dimension of social and class conflict. This archaeological reconstruction of an antagonistic politics of planning is contrasted with the disavowed elements of planning within contemporary business logistics as well as with efforts within critical Marxist theory after 1968 to push against the depoliticizing dimensions of the plan.
The Reverse of Engineering
Authors: Neilson Brett
Published: February 2020

Insofar as planning mediates between the order of what is and the question of what might be, it is not only a matter of philosophy but also one of engineering. Particularly at a time when routines of financial speculation and pattern recognition have colonized the making of futures, planning has become a process of creating architectural opportunities from scattered corpuses of extracted data. Mindful of the importance of machine learning in such processes, this article critically grapples with the proposition that techniques of reverse engineering offer a means of cracking these future making routines and turning them toward projects of social and political ameli oration. I argue that technical practices of reverse engineering need to articulate to radical political projects and modes of organization. Drawing on computer science studies of adversarial machine learning, I also consider the question of whether reverse engineering of machine learning techniques is technically possible. Ultimately, the article contrasts political claims for reverse engineering with what I call the reverse of engineering, or a program that entails the subordination of data to futures rather than planning processes that work from the merely evidential and measurable.
The Commune Is the Plan
Authors: Ciccariello-Maher George
Published: February 2020

Recent years have witnessed a renaissance of radical planning in both theory and practice, but often with a persistent disconnect between the two. This article sets out from Harney and Moten’s concept of fugitive planning, adjusting it to speak to the still-colonial reality of the global South, before turning to overlooked experiments taking place in Venezuela’s communes. I argue that while grassroots planning in Venezuela mirrors all of the inherent and deepening contradictions of the Bolivarian Revolution, the self-managed socialism of the communes represents the only alternative to the perversions of oil development and the economic, social, and political crisis racking Venezuela today.
MicroRNA-96-5p promotes proliferation, invasion and EMT of oral carcinoma cells by directly targeting FOXF2
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Ma Ning , Li Wenyue , Wang Zuomin
Published: February 2020

Recently, microRNA-96-5p (miR-96-5p) has been reported to function as both a tumor suppressor and oncogene in several cancer types, including gastric cancer, hepatocellular cancer and lung cancer. However, the biological function of miR-96-5p and its precise mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have not been well clarified. The aim of this study was to study the roles of miR-96-5p/FOXF2 axis in OSCC. In this study, the miR-96-5p level was dramatically enhanced in OSCC tissues and cell lines, and the FOXF2 expression was significantly reduced. In addition, the FOXF2 expression was negatively related to the miR-96-5p level in OSCC tissues. Furthermore, downregulation of miR-96-5p obviously restrained OSCC cell proliferation, invasion and EMT. We confirmed that miR-96-5p could directly target FOXF2 by luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, knockdown of FOXF2 also could markedly promote the proliferation, invasion and EMT of OSCC cells. Finally, overexpression of FOXF2 in OSCC cells partially reversed the promoted effects of miR-96-5p mimic. Knockdown of miR-96-5p restrained OSCC cells proliferation, invasion and EMT via regulation of FOXF2.
A RESPONSABILIDADE SOCIAL E CULTURA ORGANIZACIONAL: IMPACTOS NAS ATITUDES E NOS COMPORTAMENTOS DOS TRABALHADORES
Authors: Jordão Clara Quintas
Published: February 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo estudar se a cultura organizacional e a Responsabilidade Social Empresarial (RSE) têm impactos em diversas atitudes e comportamentos dos trabalhadores. Para analisar esse impacto, escolheu-se o método de amostragem não probabilística e de conveniência. Utilizou-se um questionário e foram recolhidos 453 inquéritos de trabalhadores. O teste de hipóteses foi feito com auxílio da modelagem de equações estruturais, sendo que os resultados mostram que tanto a cultura organizacional quanto a RSE impactam atitudes organizacionais, como a satisfação e a desenvoltura no trabalho. Essas atitudes afetam outros desejáveis resultados organizacionais, evidenciando as consequências que a atenção à RSE e à cultura organizacional pode ter nas organizações e nos trabalhadores.
O IMPACTO DAS FERRAMENTAS DA WEB 2.0 E DAS REDES SOCIAIS NA INTENÇÃO DE VISITA A UM MUSEU: O CASO DO MUSEU DA CIÊNCIA
Authors: Aramburu Luiz Francisco , Coelho Arnaldo Fernandes Matos
Published: February 2020

Gestores de museus percebem a crescente popularização das Redes Sociais, e, cada vez mais, fazem uso dessas ferramentas virtuais em suas ações de Marketing. Nesta pesquisa, procura-se entender como as ações de Marketing, especificamente, aquelas praticadas nas Redes Sociais, estão impactando na intenção de visita ao museu, ou seja, a pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar os principais determinantes do comportamento do consumidor, em face do Impacto das Ferramentas da WEB 2.0 e das Redes Sociais, na intenção de visita ao Museu da Ciência da UC. Na busca por resultados que permitam alcançar o objetivo principal, foi aplicado aos visitantes online do museu um questionário eletrônico que recolheu informações de 250 respondentes. Após análise estatística, resultaram evidências de que as variáveis utilizadas possuem significância para a explicação do comportamento dos consumidores que utilizam as ferramentas da WEB 2.0 e as Redes Sociais do Museu e que esse consumo pode impactar, positivamente, na decisão de visitá-lo pessoalmente. Os resultados demonstram que as Redes Sociais podem influenciar, positivamente, na intenção de visitar o museu. Presume-se, então, que o presente estudo poderá auxiliar aos gestores de museus que pretendem fazer um melhor uso dessas tecnologias, visando aumentar a notoriedade e a atração de novos públicos. Desse modo, o objetivo de pesquisa deste estudo é verificar o Impacto das Redes Sociais na Intenção de visita ao museu.
BRAND SENSUALITY & BRAND AFFECT: OS SEUS ANTECEDENTES E CONSEQUENTES
Authors: Nunes Carlos Daniel Vaz , Coelho Arnaldo , Bairrada Cristela Maia
Published: February 2020

Os afetos são relevantes para que os consumidores possam desenvolver relações próximas e especiais com as marcas. Nesse âmbito, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo principal compreender quais os antecedentes e consequentes da “Brand Sensuality” e do “Brand Affect” e testar o efeito moderador do género. Por meio da realização de um inquérito, obtiveram-se 234 respostas válidas (do sexo feminino e do sexo masculino). De forma a testar as 19 hipóteses de investigação propostas ao longo do modelo conceptual, recorreu-se ao modelo das equações estruturais. Este trabalho de investigação revelou o impacto positivo da “Brand Sensuality” sobre o “Brand Affect”, trazendo, assim, contributos essenciais para o universo das marcas. Os resultados devem ainda ser um estímulo para a investigação na área do marketing e do Branding, uma vez que, por meio do desenvolvimento dessa investigação, clarifica-se, em nível prático, o conceito de “Brand Sensuality”, muitas vezes, confundido e referenciado como “Brand Sense”. Por outro lado, desvendam-se alguns dos seus antecedentes e consequentes e consolidam-se os conceitos de “Brand Affect” e “Brand Sensuality”.
Heavy metals and radionuclides concentrations in mosses from the region of Northern Greece
Authors: Betsou Ch. , Frontasyeva M. , Tsakiri E. , Hansman J. , Kazakis N. , Vasilev A. , Krmar M. , Ioannidou A.
Published: February 2020

Mosses can be used as biomonitors for investigating the atmospheric deposition of radionuclides and heavy metals. They receive most of their nutrients directly from wet and dry deposition. During the 2015/2016 European moss survey, ninety-five samples of Hypnum cupressiformeHedw. were collected in Northern Greece. They were analyzed to the content of heavy metals using INAA. The concentrations of 137Cs,40K, 7Be and 210Pb radionuclides were determined using gamma spectrometry. Differences have been observed in the activity concentrations between mosses collected from ground surface, rocks, branches and near roots. Finally, a high sampling density was achieved, providing information for the elemental and radionuclides deposition from the atmosphere to terrestrial systems over the region of Northern Greece.
In-Medium Strangeness Production and Hyperon-Potentials
Authors: Gaitanos T. , Violaris A. , Fabbietti L. , Steffen M. , Wirth J.
Published: February 2020

A hot topic of current research concerns the Equation of State (EoS) of nucleons and, in particular, of hyperons in dense nucleonic media. The study of the EoS at nucleon densities far beyond saturation has been initiated several decades ago, however, the behavior of the EoS for strangeness particles is still an open issue. The strangeness part of the EoS is very important not only for the physics of exotic (hyper)nuclei, but also crucial for nuclear astrophysics, e.g., neutron star physics.Here we present our recent investigations related to the theoretical treatment of in-medium hyperon-interactions as well as first preliminary experimental results from pion-induced reactions. The theoretical study is based on the well-established Non-Linear Derivative (NLD) model, which is extended to the strangeness sector via SU(6) symmetry arguments. It turns out that the NLD-predictions are consistent with microscopic models based on the chiral-EFT theory. On the other hand, recent experimental HADES-data on hyperon and kaon production from pion-induced reactions indicate sensitivities on the underlying in-medium hyperon potentials. We thus conclude that, the recent experimental data from pion-induced reactions will definitely set stringent constraints on the still less understood hyperon-potentials in nucleonic matter.
Nucleon numbers for nuclei with shape coexistence
Authors: Martinou Andriana , Bonatsos Dennis , Minkov N. , Mertzimekis T. J. , Assimakis I. E. , Peroulis S. , Sarantopoulou S.
Published: February 2020

We consider two competing sets of nuclear magic numbers, namely the harmonic oscillator (HO) set (2, 8, 20, 40, 70, 112, 168, 240,...) and the set corresponding to the proxy-SU(3) scheme, possess- ing shells 0-2, 2-4, 6-12, 14-26, 28-48, 50-80, 82-124, 126-182, 184-256... The two sets provide 0+bands with different deformation and bandhead energies. We show that for proton (neutron) numbers starting from the regions where the quadrupole-quadrupole (Q · Q) interaction, as derived by the HO, becomes weaker than the one obtained in the proxy-SU(3) scheme, to the regions of HO shell clo- sure, the shape coexistence phenomenon may emerge. Our analysis suggests that the possibility for appearance of shape coexistence has to be investigated in the following regions of proton (neutron) numbers: 8, 18-20, 34-40, 60-70, 96-112, 146-168, 210-240,...
KIDS Energy Density Functional and Mass–Radius Relation of Neutron Stars
Authors: Ahn G. , Papakonstantinou P.
Published: February 2020

Many efforts are made to determine the nuclear equation of state which governs the properties and evolution of neutron stars. Especially important is to constrain the parameters of the nuclear symmetry energy. In those efforts, nuclear energy density functional (EDF) theory has been a very useful tool, as it provides a unified framework for the description both of nuclei, which can be studied on Earth, and of infinite matter and its nuclear equation of state, which is a necessary input in the modelling of neutron stars. In the present study, a new nuclear EDF, the KIDS functional, is explored with a focus on the nuclear symmetry energy. The form of the functional allows us to vary at will the poorly constrained high-order derivatives of the symmetry energy and examine how the maximum possible mass of a neutron star is affected. Some tentative constraints on the skewness are presented, which will help guide further refinements. It is noteworthy that the pressure of neutron-rich matter is found strongly affected by skewness variations, both at low and high densities.
Production of C4+ (2s2p 3,1P) hollow states in collisions of 6-18 MeV C4+ (1s2, 1s2s 3S) mixed-state beams with gas targets
Authors: Laoutaris A. , Madesis I. , Benis E. P. , Zouros T. J. M.
Published: February 2020

Normalized electron yields of the formation of 2s2p 3,1P states from the metastable states 1s2s 3,1S and from the ground state 1s21S were obtained in 6-18MeV C4+ collisions with H2, He, Ne and Ar gas targets. The method of zero-degree Auger projectile spectroscopy was used to detect electrons emitted in the Auger decay C4+ (2s2p 3,1P) → C5+ (1s) + e-with high resolution. These states are of particular importance in the detailed study of fundamental excitation mechanisms, i.e. electron-nucleus excitation, electron-electron excitation and electron-electron excitation with spin exchange. Currently, the role of the above mechanisms in the production of the 2s2p 3,1P states is investigated utilizing variable 1s2s 3S metastable fraction beams as a function of collision energy and target species. Our latest results are presented.
Overview of NCSRD Activation Experiments at JET
Authors: Vasilopoulou T. , Savva M. I. , Michelakaki I. , Triantou K. , Mergia K. , Stamatelatos I. E. , Messoloras S. , Contributors JET
Published: February 2020

The intense collaborative effort for electricity generation through fusion is currently focused on the exploitation of the Joint European Torus (JET) as well as on the preparation of its successors ITER and DEMO. Within this frame, several experiments are carried out at JET aiming to study crucial aspects related to the construction and operation of ITER as well as to the design of future fusion power plants.Most important, a high-performance Deuterium-Tritium campaign is expected to take place at JET in 2020 providing unique neutron yields up to 1.7×1021 neutrons. This paper focuses on the participation of NCSRD fusion technology group in JET nuclear analysis and, in particular, on the implementation of activation experiments at JET and discusses the main achievements in the light of their significance for optimizing future fusion activities and studies.
Cross section measurement of the 191Ir(n,2n)190Ir reaction
Authors: Kalamara A. , Vlastou R. , Kokkoris M. , Patronis N. , Serris M. , Stamatopoulos A. , Chasapoglou S. , Lagoyannis A. , Harissopulos S.
Published: February 2020

The cross section of the 191Ir(n,2n) reaction was experimentally determined relative to the 27Al(n,α)24Na reference reaction one, for incident neutron beam energies ranging from 15.3 to 20.9 MeV, by means of the activation technique. The quasi-monoenergetic neutron beams were produced at the 5.5 MV Tandem Accelerator ofNCSR "Demokritos" via the 3H(d,n)4He reaction. Following the irradiations the activity induced by the neutron beam at the targets and reference foils was measured by HPGe detectors. The cross sections for the population of the second isomeric state (m2) of 190Ir and the sum of the ground and isomeric states (g+m1+0.086 m2) were independently determined. Additionally, theoretical calculations of the above cross sections were carried out using the EMPIRE code. The details of these calculations concerning the optical model parameters, are described in the present work.
Development of techniques based on Monte Carlo simulations for clearance of Co-57 and Ge-68/Ga-68 sealed radioactive sources
Authors: Siarafera Tatiana , Ntalla Eleni , Mavrikis Dimitris , Markopoulos Angelos , Ioannidou Alexandra , Savvidou Anastasia
Published: February 2020

Sealed radioactive sources of Co-57 and Ge-68/Ga-68 are used for the calibration of various nuclear medicine systems like Gamma camera and PET imaging. After their useful life, these sealed sources need to be kept in control for decay until meeting the general clearance criterion. The aim of this work is to determine the activity of spent sealed radioactive sources of Ge-68 / Ga-68 and Co-57. For this purpose, techniques based on Monte Carlo simulation by the use of the MCNPX code was developed for evaluation of the 3”x3” NaI(Tl) scintillator efficiency for specific source–detector geometries. These techniques proved to be accurate.
Energy, Resolution and Efficiency Calibration of a LaBr3(Ce) Scintillator
Authors: Ntalla Eleni , Clouvas Alexandros , Savvidou Anastasia
Published: February 2020

The last decade LaBr3(Ce) scintillation detectors have become commercially available and have better scintillation properties (energy resolution, temperature performance, decay time, light yield and material density) when compared with NaI(Tl) scintillators. The aim of this work is the full calibration (energy, resolution and efficiency) of a 1.5x1.5 in LaBr3(Ce) Canberra scintillator. Energy and resolution calibration were performed experimentally with the use of point sources with a source-detector distance at 22 cm. MCNPX simulations were performed in order to evaluate the efficiency calibration for three different source-detector geometries and then they were validated by the experimental efficiencies estimation.
Study of the 234,236U(n,f) and 232Th(n,f) cross sections in the energy range between 14.8 and 19.2 MeV with Micromegas detectors
Authors: Chasapoglou S. , Michalopoulou V. , Stamatopoulos A. , Kalamara A. , Kokkoris M. , Vlastou R. , Lagoyannis A. , Eleme Z. , Patronis N.
Published: February 2020

The design of fast nuclear reactors and accelerator driven systems is very strongly based on the accurate knowledge of neutron-induced fission cross sections on several actinides, such as 234,236U and 232Th. Specifically, these isotopes play an important role in the thorium cycle. Regarding (n,f) reactions on these isotopes (namely 234,236U(n,f)), few available discrepant cross-section datasets exist in literature in the energy range between 14-20 MeV, accompanied by relatively large errors, resulting to poor evaluations. In the present work, the study of the fission cross sections of the 234,236U and 232Th was possible with the use of quasi-monoenergetic neutron beams at 14.8, 15.2, 17.8 and 19.2 MeV at the 5.5 MV Tandem Van de Graaff accelerator of NCSR “Demokritos”, produced via the 3H(d,n)4He reaction. Moreover, a methodology is presented for the estimation of the parasitic neutrons present in the experimental area, for facilities with no complementary time-of-flight installation.