bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Translation and cultural adaptation of EORTC QLQ-LC 29 into Nepalese language for lung cancer patients in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Sunil , Shrestha Sudip , KC Bhuvan , Sapkota Binaya , Khadka Anil , Khanal Saval , Koller Michael
Published: June 2020

Background

The quality of life (QoL) of patients with lung cancer (LC) may be affected by disease-related limitations such as patients’ functioning, the severity of symptoms, financial problems resulting along with the side effects of the treatment. The objective of this study was to translate LC-specific QoL questionnaire EORTC QLQ-LC29 into Nepalese language for Nepalese LC patients.

Methods

In the process of translation, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) translations guidelines were followed. The translated questionnaire was pilot-tested in a sample of 15 patients with LC. Descriptive statistics were calculated with SPSS version 21.0.

Results

All steps of the EORTC translation guideline were followed successfully. Fifteen lung cancer patients were included in the pilot study. Sixty percent were male and the mean age was 49.87 (range 21–76 years). For all items not related to thoracic surgery, patients used the entire range of the response options from 1 to 4 and no missing responses were observed. The highest mean (indicating a high symptom burden) was observed for the item number. 35 (shortness of breath; Mean = 3.33, SD = 1.11) and the lowest mean for an item number. 45 (dizzy; Mean = 1.73, SD = 0.96).

Conclusion

The Nepalese version of EORTC QLQ-LC29 is a result of a successfully conducted rigorous translation procedure, and is highly comprehensible as well as acceptable to Nepalese LC patients. Thus, the Nepalese version of EORTC QLQ-LC29 is ready to be used in international clinical studies as well as in Nepalese clinical practice.
Computed tomography for myocardial characterization in ischemic heart disease: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Assen M. van , Vonder M. , Pelgrim G. J. , Von Knebel Doeberitz P. L. , Vliegenthart R.
Published: June 2020

This review provides an overview of the currently available computed tomography (CT) techniques for myocardial tissue characterization in ischemic heart disease, including CT perfusion and late iodine enhancement. CT myocardial perfusion imaging can be performed with static and dynamic protocols for the detection of ischemia and infarction using either single- or dual-energy CT modes. Late iodine enhancement may be used for the analysis of myocardial infarction. The accuracy of these CT techniques is highly dependent on the imaging protocol, including acquisition timing and contrast administration. Additionally, the options for qualitative and quantitative analysis and the accuracy of each technique are discussed.
Microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm: a review of twenty-one operated cases
Authors: Patankar Amey P.
Published: June 2020

Background

Microvascular decompression of facial nerve provides definitive and long-term cure for hemifacial spasm. We review our experience of treating hemifacial spasm by microvascular decompression.

Objectives

To evaluate the results of microvascular decompression of facial nerve for hemifacial spasm and to discuss the critical steps during surgery necessary to achieve a good result.

Patients and methods

Twenty-one cases of hemifacial spasm operated by the author were analysed. All the patients underwent microvascular decompression of the facial nerve by the retromastoid approach. Preoperative and postoperative videos of the patients were made with their consent. Patient outcome and complications were analysed.

Results

Twenty patients had complete resolution of the spasm after surgery. The second operated patient had facial palsy with hearing loss in the immediate postoperative period and recurrence of the spasm after 6 months of surgery. Postoperative mild transient facial weakness in one patient, mild sensory-neural hearing loss in two, delayed facial palsy which resolved completely in two patients, transient facial twitching which responded to carbamazepine in one and paradoxical CSF rhinorrhea treated successfully by lumbar drainage in one patient were the complications noted.

Conclusion

Hemifacial spasm is best treated by surgery, and our results compare favourably with those in the existing literature. Sensorineural hearing loss and facial nerve palsy are the main complications to be expected during the learning curve.
Evaluation of F wave and split hand index in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Mohammed Noor H. , Hamdan Farqad B. , Al-Mahdawi Akram M.
Published: June 2020

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by gradual disturbance of both upper and lower motor neurons (LMN). In ALS, muscle wasting favors the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and first dorsal interosseous (FDI), with relative preservation of abductor digiti minimi (ADM).

Objectives

To interpret F wave changes in the context of upper and LMN dysfunction and the differences in dysfunction between spinal motoneurons innervating the APB and ADM.

Patients and methods

Forty-four subjects were studied (22 patients with ALS and 22 controls). F wave was elicited by 50 electrical stimuli from the median and ulnar nerves, and the split hand index (SHI) was measured.

Results

F latency mean, median, and maximum and F amplitude mean, median, and maximum F/M amplitude ratio were increased in patients with versus those without pyramidal signs. Limb-onset ALS patients showed the biggest reduction in SHI. The APB muscle of patients with no detectable wasting and upper MN (UMN) signs showed reduced F wave persistence, mean F wave latency and amplitudes, increased index repeater neuron and index F repeater, and mean F/M amplitude ratio.

Conclusion

There is enhanced segmental motoneuronal excitability following UMN dysfunctions. SHI appears to be a diagnostic biomarker for ALS. Abnormal F parameters recorded from APB muscle can distinct patients with ALS from the normal controls to a greater extent than do the APB/ADM and FDI/ADM compound muscle action potential amplitude ratios.
Sex does not clinically influence the functional outcome of total knee arthroplasty but females have a lower rate of satisfaction with pain relief
Authors: Clement N. D. , Weir D. , Holland J. , Deehan D. J.
Published: June 2020

Background

The aims were to assess whether sex had a clinically significant independent influence on the outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Short Form (SF-) 12 scores and patient satisfaction at 1 year.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 3510 primary TKA were identified. Patient demographics, comorbidities, WOMAC and SF-12 scores were collected preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Patient satisfaction were assessed at 1 year.

Results

There were 1584 males and 1926 females. The preoperative WOMAC and SF-12 scores were significantly (p < 0.001) worse in females but were not greater than the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). When adjustments had been made for confounding differences, females showed a significantly greater improvement in their function (1.5 points, p = 0.03) and total (1.5 points, p = 0.03) WOMAC scores compared to males, but these were not greater than the MCID. When adjustments had been made for confounding differences, females were less likely to be satisfied with their pain relief (p = 0.03) relative to males.

Conclusion

Sex does not clinically influence the knee specific outcome (WOMAC) or overall generic (SF-12) health 1 year after TKA. However, satisfaction with pain relief after TKA was significantly less likely in female patients.

Level of evidence II

Prognostic retrospective cohort study.
Radiological middle turbinate variations and their relation to nasal septum deviation in asymptomatic adult
Authors: El-Anwar Mohammad Waheed , Ali Atef Hamed , Almolla Rania Mostafa , Abdulmonaem Ghada , Raafat Ashraf , Hassan Mohamed Elsayed
Published: June 2020

Background

Middle turbinate (MT) is one of the important anatomical and physiological structures of the nasal cavity. After the widespread use of nasal endoscope and paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT), many MT variations have been described. This study aimed to determine the incidence of MT variations by computed tomography (CT) in asymptomatic adult, their relation to each other, and to deviated septum (DS).

Results

In the included 86 subjects (172 MTs), pneumatized MT was the most common MT variation followed by paradoxical MT (PMT). Septal deviation did not appear to affect occurrence of pneumatized or PMT. Fifty-nine percent of the reported bilateral PMT were associated with pneumatized MT, while 35.7% of unilateral PMT were associated with pneumatized MT with non-significant difference.

Conclusion

MT variations in adults are common mainly pneumatized MT then PMT with no apparent relation to septum deviation.
Model selection versus traditional hypothesis testing in circular statistics: a simulation study
Authors: Landler Lukas , Ruxton Graeme D. , Malkemper E. Pascal
Published: June 2020

Many studies in biology involve data measured on a circular scale. Such data require different statistical treatment from those measured on linear scales. The most common statistical exploration of circular data involves testing the null hypothesis that the data show no aggregation and are instead uniformly distributed over the whole circle. The most common means of performing this type of investigation is with a Rayleigh test. An alternative might be to compare the fit of the uniform distribution model to alternative models. Such model-fitting approaches have become a standard technique with linear data, and their greater application to circular data has been recently advocated. Here we present simulation data that demonstrate that such model-based inference can offer very similar performance to the best traditional tests, but only if adjustment is made in order to control type I error rate.
Downregulated brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein-1 inhibits osteogenesis of BMSCs through p53 in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mao Xiaofei , Li Xiaoguang , Hu Wei , Hao Siwei , Yuan Yifang , Guan Lian , Guo Bin
Published: June 2020

The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-mediated abnormal bone metabolism can delay and impair the bone remodeling process in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our previous study demonstrated that the downregulation of brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like protein 1 (BMAL1), a circadian clock protein, inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via enhanced GSK-3β in diabetic BMSCs. In this article, we confirmed that the downregulated BMAL1 in T2DM played an inhibitory role in osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Upregulation of BMAL1 in the diabetic BMSCs significantly recovered the expression pattern of osteogenic marker genes and alkaline phosphatase (Alp) activity. We also observed an activation of the p53 signaling pathways, exhibited by increased p53 and p21 in diabetic BMSCs. Downregulation of p53 resulting from overexpression of BMAL1 was detected, and when we applied p53 gene silencing (shRNA) and the p53 inhibitor, pifithrin-α (PFT-α), the impaired osteogenic differentiation ability of diabetic BMSCs was greatly restored. However, there was no change in the level of expression of BMAL1. Taken together, our results first revealed that BMAL1 regulated osteogenesis of BMSCs through p53 in T2DM, providing a novel direction for further exploration of the mechanism underlying osteoporosis in diabetes.
Communication between Cyclin dependent kinase Cdc2 and the Wis1-Spc1 MAPK pathway determines mitotic timing in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Ghosal Agamani , Sarkar Priyanka , Sundaram Geetanjali
Published: June 2020

Checkpoint activation and gene expression modulation represent key determinants of cellular survival in adverse conditions. The former is regulated by Cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) while the latter can be controlled by Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs). Association between cell cycle progression and MAPK dependent gene expression exists in cells growing in optimal environment also. While MAPK mediated regulation of cell cycle is well characterised, the reciprocal influence of mitotic CDK on stress response is not well studied. We present evidence that CDK activity can regulate the extent of MAPK activation in Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells. We show that increasing or decreasing mitotic CDK (Cdc2) activity in S. pombe cells can affect the activation of stress responsive MAPK (Spc1) even in absence of stress stimuli. Our results indicate that the strong correlation between Cdc2 activity and Spc1 MAPK activity in S. pombe is important regulating mitotic timing.
Meta-analysis of transcriptomic variation in T-cell populations reveals both variable and consistent signatures of gene expression and splicing
Authors: Radens Caleb M. , Blake Davia , Jewell Paul , Barash Yoseph , Lynch Kristen W.
Published: June 2020

Human CD4+ T cells are often subdivided into distinct subtypes, including Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells, that are thought to carry out distinct functions in the body. Typically, these T-cell subpopulations are defined by the expression of distinct gene repertoires; however, there is variability between studies regarding the methods used for isolation and the markers used to define each T-cell subtype. Therefore, how reliably studies can be compared to one another remains an open question. Moreover, previous analysis of gene expression in CD4+ T-cell subsets has largely focused on gene expression rather than alternative splicing. Here we take a meta-analysis approach, comparing eleven independent RNA-seq studies of human Th1, Th2, Th17, and/or Treg cells to determine the consistency in gene expression and splicing within each subtype across studies. We find that known master-regulators are consistently enriched in the appropriate subtype; however, cytokines and other genes often used as markers are more variable. Importantly, we also identify previously unknown transcriptomic markers that appear to consistently differentiate between subsets, including a few Treg-specific splicing patterns. Together this work highlights the heterogeneity in gene expression between samples designated as the same subtype, but also suggests additional markers that can be used to define functional groupings.
Hospital and health administrator level barriers and priorities for National Neonatal Hearing Screening in Pakistan: A thematic analysis
Authors: Mumtaz Nazia , Saqulain Ghulam
Published: June 2020

Objectives: To investigate the Barriers and Priorities accorded by hospital and health administrators to neo-natal hearing screening.

Methods: This qualitative exploratory descriptive study employing purposive sampling technique was conducted in Islamabad, over a period of 18 months from 1st August 2015 to 31st January 2017. Sample included the stakeholders i.e., Heads of public sector hospitals of Islamabad including Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Capital Hospital, and Federal Government Services Hospital, Islamabad. Study included in depth interviews using a self-structured interview guide and audio recording. Recorded data was transcribed followed by thematic analyses which was manually drawn and verified.

Results: The Outcomes from thematic analysis were drawn as Planning, Essential requirements for NNHS, High risk screening, education, Existence of skilled maternal & newborn health workers. Hearing screening equipment//facility instrumentation, Logistic support, Health ministry support and Financial cover are also significant outcomes. Lack of awareness in the public and professionals regarding the importance of early identification of HI, poor health infrastructure, burden on tertiary care and lack of referral top the list of barriers to initiation of NNHS program at hospital administrative level.

Conclusion: The Barriers to NNHS identified at Hospital and Health care administrator level include lack of awareness, poor health infrastructure, burden on tertiary care and lack of referrals. Inherent barriers to NNHS cover the spectrum of lack of liaison/ linkages between obstetrics and other departments, deliveries at homes especially in rural areas, poor follow-up, scarcity of technical and adequately trained manpower. Intangible barriers to NNHS comprise lack of health care information system, attitudinal barriers, inadequate fiscal resources, and lack of integrated approach at intra departmental levels.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.5.1965

How to cite this:Mumtaz N, Saqulain G. Hospital and health administrator level barriers and priorities for National Neonatal Hearing Screening in Pakistan: A thematic analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(5):1036-1041. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.5.1965

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Seroprevalence, risk factors and impact of Toxoplasma gondii infection on haematological parameters in the Ashanti region of Ghana: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Agordzo Samuel Kekeli , Badu Kingsley , Addo Mathew Glover , Owusu Christian Kwasi , Mutala Abdul-Hakim , Tweneboah Austine , Abbas Dawood Ackom , Ayisi-Boateng Nana Kwame
Published: June 2020

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate, intracellular, apicomplexan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. Although the global prevalence of toxoplasmosis has been estimated to be approximately 30%, there is limited seroprevalence data in Ghana, with a dearth of information on the impact of T. gondii on haematological parameters in exposed persons.

Methods: Questionnaires were administered to 300 consenting individuals to obtain demographic information and assessment of their risk of exposure to T. gondii. Using anti- T. gondii IgG/IgM combo test kits, seropositivity to parasite-specific IgG and/or IgM was determined. A haematological analyser was used to measure haematological parameters.

Results: There was an overall seroprevalence of 50.3% (n=151), with 49.7% (n=149) of the study participants seropositive for IgG and 1% (n=3) testing positive for IgM. Furthermore, the observed seroprevalence among pregnant women was 56.4% (n=62). With regard to settlement type, a seroprevalence of 55.6% was observed in the rural community, 50.6% in the peri-urban community and 47.1% in the urban community. The study identified cat ownership, contact with cat litter, contact with raw meat  [RR (95% CI: 1.76 (1.23-2.53), 1.66 (1.03-2.67), 1.25(1.00-1.57)] and age (p<0.001) as risk factors for infection. Analyses of haematological data revealed significant reduction in the white blood cell, lymphocytes and mean corpuscular volume levels in seropositive males (p=0.0223, 0.0275, and 0.0271) respectively. Only the mean corpuscular volume of seropositive females reduced significantly as compared to the seronegative counterparts (p=0.0035). 

Conclusions: About half of the study population, including women of reproductive age carried antibodies against T. gondii, raising concerns about the risk of congenital toxoplasmosis and anaemia. We, therefore, recommend that screening for Toxoplasma gondii be included in the routine screening of pregnant women seeking antenatal care and further investigation should be conducted on the haematological implications of infection in humans.
Vibration detection: its function and recent advances in medical applications
Authors: Oroszi Tamás , van Heuvelen Marieke J.G. , Nyakas Csaba , van der Zee Eddy A.
Published: June 2020

Vibrations are all around us. We can detect vibrations with sensitive skin mechanoreceptors, but our conscious awareness of the presence of vibrations is often limited. Nevertheless, vibrations play a role in our everyday life. Here, we briefly describe the function of vibration detection and how it can be used for medical applications by way of whole body vibration. Strong vibrations can be harmful, but milder vibrations can be beneficial, although to what extent and how large the clinical relevance is are still controversial. Whole body vibration can be applied via a vibrating platform, used in both animal and human research. Recent findings make clear that the mode of action is twofold: next to the rather well-known exercise (muscle) component, it also has a sensory (skin) component. Notably, the sensory (skin) component stimulating the brain has potential for several purposes including improvements in brain-related disorders. Combining these two components by selecting the optimal settings in whole body vibration has clear potential for medical applications. To realize this, the field needs more standardized and personalized protocols. It should tackle what could be considered the “Big Five” variables of whole body vibration designs: vibration amplitude, vibration frequency, method of application, session duration/frequency, and total intervention duration. Unraveling the underlying mechanisms by translational research can help to determine the optimal settings. Many systematic reviews on whole body vibration end with the conclusion that the findings are promising yet inconclusive. This is mainly because of the large variation in the “Big Five” settings between studies and incomplete reporting of methodological details hindering reproducibility. We are of the opinion that when (part of) these optimal settings are being realized, a much better estimate can be given about the true potential of whole body vibration as a medical application.
Validating the Developmental and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) in a clinical population with high-functioning autism
Authors: Coscini Nadia , Srinivasan Ramya , Skuse David
Published: June 2020

Background: With increasing numbers of referrals to health services for assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the Developmental and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) has been suggested as a useful screening instrument to assist in prioritising patients for review.  It is an online interview for parents that has been previously validated for ASD in a non-clinical community sample of twins. Our study aimed to evaluate its predictive validity in a complex clinically-referred sample of children with suspected high-functioning autism.

Methods: The sample comprised 136 children (females = 53; males = 83) who were referred for ASD assessment at the Social Communication Disorder Clinic (SCDC) at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Parents completed the DAWBA online prior to undergoing a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) assessment. This included completing the Developmental, Dimensional and Diagnostic Interview (3di) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Two clinicians independently rated the DAWBA using DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and compared results to the MDT outcome, which was considered gold standard.

Results: Compared with an MDT assessment, the DAWBA interview demonstrated good sensitivity (0.91) but poor specificity (0.12). Overall, 64% of cases were accurately assigned as case/non-case. Estimates of positive (0.66) and negative (0.43) predictive validity were influenced by the relatively high prevalence of ASD in the study sample (65%).

Conclusion: The DAWBA online interview has excellent sensitivity in a clinical population of complex neurodevelopmental disorders, containing a high prevalence of ASD, but specificity was poor. As the SCDC offers tertiary opinions on disputed cases of suspected ASD, the population cohort limits the generalisability of these results. Further evaluation is required in community child mental health or paediatric services.
Asthma: New COVID-19 rapid guideline
Authors: Lepkowska Dorothy
Published: June 2020

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recently released a COVID-19 rapid guideline for health professionals working with people with severe asthma.
Modern slavery: An overview of the signs and the role school nurses can play
Authors: Allam Ruth Frances , Finlay Fiona , Plastow Liz
Published: June 2020

Modern slavery is a crime that has gained international attention in recent years. School nurses play an important role in safeguarding and protecting vulnerable young people and it is therefore essential that they feel knowledgeable about this subject. This article provides an overview of modern slavery and looks at the crucial role school nurses can play to help tackle the issue.
Teachers' role perception and opinions on the partnership between schools and parents for asthma control in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Olowe Atinuke Oluwatoyosi , Olowookere Adekemi , Ogunfowokan Adesola A
Published: June 2020

Asthma among school adolescents has been a major contributor to school absence and teachers can play an important role in supporting students with asthma and their families. The study assessed the knowledge of teachers on asthma-friendly schools, their perceived roles in the control of asthma and also their opinion on school-parent partnership in the control of asthma. A cross-sectional design was used and quantitative data were collected from 380 teachers working in selected private high schools in Nigeria. A majority (70%) of the teachers had a good knowledge of the asthma-friendly school concept. Also, a larger proportion (76.3%) had good perception about their roles in the control of asthma. Marital status significantly predicted the teachers' perception (OR=4.57, CI=1.66–12.60, P=0.003). Most of the teachers (72.1%) opined that there was no partnership between the school and the parents in the control of asthma. Partnership between parents and teachers needs to be strengthened for the successful management of asthma in students.
Reopening schools: Four barriers that should not be overlooked
Authors: Bevan Robin M
Published: June 2020

On the 10th of May, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson announced his ambition to start reopening schools in June, starting with Reception, year 1 and year 6. Dr Robin Bevan says we cannot make plans until we know why schools are being re-opened and until we find solutions to four key challenges that are at risk of being overlooked.
Towards Managerial Support for Data Analytics Results
Authors: Papa Gregor , Bole Uroš
Published: June 2020

Studies of analytics integration management have largely focused on executive-led analytics at the enterprise level. However, in most organizations analytics initiatives do not enjoy executive support at the outset. Top management must first be convinced of the benefits, which slows down the path to competing via analytics. To successfully win top management support for broader analytics implementation an analytics pioneer should achieve five key aims: patiently build trust, manage interdisciplinary collaboration, focus on the problem solving action, facilitate the process, and importantly provide strong support to the embryonic analytics initiative. This is demonstrated through multiple-case study, presented in this paper. In embryonic analytics initiatives, the analytics champion appears locally, at mid-management level, and is up against the complex task of overcoming the resistance of an established organization, with its existing people, processes, data, technology, and culture. We examined what could be learned about the management of people-related issues in embryonic analytics processes. We studied the approaches used and lessons learned by all significant groups of stakeholders with the aim of helping managers show the value of analytics to their executives and colleagues.
Light sheet fluorescence microscopy using axi-symmetric binary phase filters
Authors: Ryu Suho , Seong Baekcheon , Lee Chan-wool , Ahn Min Yong , Kim Woo Taek , Choe Kwang-Min , Joo Chulmin
Published: June 2020

Light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) has become an indispensable tool in biomedical studies owing to its depth-sectioning capability and low photo-bleaching. The axial resolution in LSFM is determined mainly by the thickness of the illumination sheet, and a high numerical-aperture lens is thus preferred in the illumination to increase the axial resolution. However, a rapid divergence of the illumination beam limits the effective field-of-view (FoV), that provides high-resolution images. Several strategies have been demonstrated for FoV enhancement, which involve the use of Bessel or Airy beams, for example. However, the generation of these beams requires complicated optical setup or phase filters with continuous phase distributions, which are difficult to manufacture. In contrast, a binary phase filter (BPF) comprising concentric rings with 0 or π phases produces a response similar to its continuous original and is easy to realize. Here, we present a novel form of LSFM that integrates BPFs derived from two representative axi-symmetric aberrations, including phase axicon and spherical aberrations, to improve the imaging performance. We demonstrate that these BPFs significantly increase the FoV, and those derived from axicon generate self-reconstructing beams, which are highly desirable in imaging through scattering specimens. We validate its high-contrast imaging capability over extended FoV by presenting three-dimensional images of microspheres, imaginal disc of Drosophila larva, and Arabidopsis.
Optical analysis of homocysteine metabolites using vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Mingzhou , Strother Lisa , Doherty Gayle H. , Dholakia Kishan
Published: June 2020

Homocysteine (HCy) is a sulphur-containing amino acid that correlates with several maladaptive health conditions, including an enhanced risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Detection of HCy and its potentially pathogenic metabolites are studied here for the first time, to the first of our knowledge, using Raman spectroscopy. This study shows that different HCy metabolites have distinct Raman spectra and that the limits of detection reach the sub-mM level for these compounds. This investigation paves the way for photonics–based approaches for detection of HCy–related fluids as predictive biomarkers of disease in blood, which would assist in early intervention for improved clinical outcomes.
Miss Littlewood and me: Performing ethnography
Authors: Taylor Millie
Published: June 2020

Joan Littlewood (1914–2002) was a pioneer of theatre directing in the United Kingdom, most famous for her production of Oh What a Lovely War!. This article performs an ethnographic study of Miss Littlewood, a 2018 musical by Sam Kenyon, which documents Littlewood’s life and work using the style of the earlier show. Miss Littlewood’s plot reveals details of Littlewood’s life and work, while its form mirrors the montage techniques that she pioneered in Britain. The article uses interviews and rehearsal observations to document aspects of the process by which Miss Littlewood was developed. It reflects on the tensions that are revealed between that relatively luxurious process and Littlewood’s political and financial realities. Ethnography was an ideal method for documenting this process because it facilitated observation of relationships between the various works and demonstrated the fluidity and creativity of academic writing.
Living in a ‘digital world’: An ethnographic study of film and adolescent literacy education in rural secondary schools in America
Authors: DeHart Jason D.
Published: June 2020

This paper explores different ways in which teachers use film as a medium for literacy instruction in secondary settings across different content areas in the American public school system. Three educators participated in an ethnographic interview study serving as a pilot for further enquiry. Educators represented two sites in the southern United States, working in two different subject areas with students aged 12 to 16. Interviews were coded using multiple methods and five themes resulted from the data, focusing on the different ways in which teachers used film-based content, as well as what they observed about their students based on their experiences with film in the classroom.
Voice, autonomy and utopian desire in participatory film-making with young refugees
Authors: Frimberger Katja , Bishopp Simon
Published: June 2020

This article is a reflection on what reflexive documentary scholars call the ‘moral dimension’ (Nash, 2012: 318) of a participatory film-making project with refugee young people who wanted to make a film to support other new young arrivals in the process of making home in Scotland. In the first part, we highlight some of the challenges of collaborating with refugee young people, in light of the often dehumanizing representations of refugees in mainstream media and the danger of the triple conflation of authenticity–voice–pain in academic narratives about refugees. In the second part, we show how honouring young people’s desire to convey the hopeful aspects of making home emerged as a key pedagogical strategy to affirm their expert position and encourage their participation in the project. Revisiting key moments of learning and interaction, we demonstrate how young people’s process of ‘finding a voice’ in moment-by-moment film-making practice was not a linear, developmental process towards ‘pure’ individual empowerment and singular artistic expression. Their participation in shaping their visual (self-)representation in the final film was embedded in the dialogical process and pragmatic requirements of a collaborative film production, in which voice, autonomy and teacher authority were negotiated on a moment-by-moment basis. We conclude that it is vital for a reflexive practice and research not to gloss over the moral dilemmas in the name of progressive ideals, for example, when representations are co-created by project film-makers/educators, but to embrace these deliberations as part of the ‘fascinating collaborative matrix’ (Chambers, 2019: 29) of participatory film-making.
Applying Alain Bergala’s ‘three-phase’ model to the history and development of film education in Slovenia
Authors: Slatinšek Petra
Published: June 2020

This article uses the three-phase model proposed by Alain Bergala to explain the history and development of film education in France as a sympathetic framework through which to illuminate a double history of film education, first in Yugoslavia, and more recently in Slovenia. Surveying both continuities and discontinuities, this article details some of the key institutions and personalities that have shaped the history of Slovenian film education, before exploring some of the contemporary challenges practitioners continue to face within an evolving film education sector.
Voguing on Stage - Kulturelle Übersetzungen, vestimentäre Performances und Gender-Inszenierungen in Theater und Tanz
Authors: Krauß Jutta
Published: June 2020

Voguing-Performances haben Eingang in Tanzinszenierungen gefunden. Dabei entstehen Choreografien, die Voguing und den Ballroom als praktischen und theoretischen Referenzrahmen nutzen und fortschreiben. Jutta Krauß eröffnet mit ihrer Studie eine Diskursarena, in welcher diese Transformationsprozesse betrachtet werden. Ausgehend von einer umfassenden Archiv-Arbeit und der Untersuchung maßgeblicher Choreografien - von Georgina Philp, Gerard Reyes, Trajal Harrell, Knut Klaßen und Monika Gintersdorfer - entwirft sie Anschauungsmodelle und Ästhetikkonzepte unter den Gesichtspunkten der kulturellen Übertragung, vestimentären Performance und Gender-Inszenierung. Dabei zeigt sich in der Vielfalt an Voguing-Performances auf Theaterbühnen das Voguing-Archiv in Bewegung.
CONSERVAÇÃO E PROTEÇÃO DA ÁGUA SUBTERRÂNEA: UMA REVISÃO DE METODOLOGIAS DE MAPEAMENTO DE AQUÍFEROS PARA O ORDENAMENTO TERRITORIAL
Authors: Peixoto Filipe da Silva , Cavalcante Itabaraci Nazareno , Araújo Karen Vendramini , Silveira Renata Nayara Miranda Câmara
Published: June 2020

O uso sustentável dos recursos hídricos é uma necessidade para garantir o direito do acesso à água para futuras gerações. No Brasil, apesar dos entes estaduais e união, serem os responsáveis pela gestão dos recursos hídricos, a municipalidade possui o papel de desenvolver sistemas racionais de ordenamento territorial para minimizar os efeitos do uso e ocupação do solo sobre a água. Para isso é necessário o auxílio de metodologias de vulnerabilidade aquífera, haja vista importância estratégica da água subterrânea para o desenvolvimento socioeconômico e sustentável do território. O referido trabalho faz uma sistematização das metodologias de aplicação da vulnerabilidade aquífera, avançando na construção desse conceito para o ordenamento territorial em abordagem interdisciplinar para conservação e proteção dos recursos hídricos subterrâneos. A vulnerabilidade aquífera e o risco associado à ação da sociedade, devem compor o diagnóstico ambiental que gera subsídios para indicar áreas de diferentes graus de risco à contaminação, em função do tipo de aquífero e atividades potencialmente geradoras de contaminantes.
O USO DA COMUNICAÇÃO VISUAL NA GEOGRAFIA: A ILUSTRAÇÃO NOS AMBIENTES ESCOLAR, ACADÊMICO E PROFISSIONAL
Authors: Fiori Sérgio Ricardo , Willian Alves de Lucena Rodolpho
Published: June 2020

A sociedade contemporânea, mais do que em qualquer outro momento histórico, utiliza exponencialmente as mais variadas imagens como meio de comunicação. O artigo se propõe a discutir a ilustração didático-científica - em desenhos, perfis, blocos diagramas e esquemas - como formas de expressão visual da Geografia, podendo auxiliar o professor durante a ministração de suas aulas e consequente transmissão do conteúdo programático; além de fazer com que o estudante, pesquisador, profissional da área possa utilizar e/ou criar representações gráficas em suas atividades cotidianas. Neste contexto, discorre-se sobre dois universos discursivos com características distintas, porém complementares: a comunicação visual, caracterizada pela imagem não verbal e menor grau de abstração da realidade (uso do desenho icônico, figurativo) e a linguagem verbal (escrita, texto), que juntas se estabelecem como um importante recurso didático no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. No entanto, ressalta-se que o sistema educacional trata a ilustração com desconhecimento, levando assim, o desinteresse pelo tema. Ao final, relatam-se alguns exemplos quanto ao desenvolvimento e uso da ilustração em ambientes com maior ou menor aporte tecnológico, ou seja, desde representações analógicas (feitas a mão) até as digitais (realizadas em softwares).
Analysis of the Effectiveness of State Support to Farms in Region of Russia. The Case of Sverdlovsk Region
Authors: KUHAR Viktor , KOT Ekaterina , LORETTS Olga , TEREKHOVA Olga , RUCHKIN Aleksey , YURCHENKO Nadegda
Published: June 2020

This article is devoted to the analysis of the effectiveness of the implementation of state agricultural programs, national and priority regional projects to support peasant (farm) farms and rural areas in Sverdlovsk region. Materials and methods: tools and methods of financial assistance, including grants, for peasant (farm) farms in the Sverdlovsk region are analyzed. These mechanisms are used in the implementation of state programs for the development of the agro-industrial complex at the Federal and regional levels. The identified problems of agricultural development allow us not only to formulate recommendations for improving the mechanisms for implementing measures to support farmers, but also to pay attention to aspects that are not taken into account by state programs. The authors relied on statistical, structural, analytical, system, logical, and correlation analysis. The normative legal basis of the study was chosen by the normative legal acts of Russian Federation and Sverdlovsk region, including state programs, national and priority regional projects implemented in the field of agriculture, and official materials of state statistics. Results: the effectiveness of the main instruments of state support for farmers in the region is evaluated, recommendations for improving the mechanisms of support for farmers in Sverdlovsk region are developed, and directions for the development of rural cooperation are proposed. Discussion: the article presents a socio-economic analysis of the support and development of peasant (farm) farms by the state government authorities of Sverdlovsk region. The authors pay special attention to the fact that during the implementation of state programs and projects, certain aspects are not taken into account when evaluating applications for state funding, which were identified by researchers in Estonia and Latvia. Conclusion: it is necessary to regularly assess the effectiveness and then correlate the tools used to support peasant (farm) farms. In order to increase efficiency, it is necessary to apply correlation analysis of statistical data to public authorities and conduct sociological research (in the future).
Environmental Taxes. Its Influence on Solid Waste in Mexico
Authors: PRATS Germán MARTÍNEZ , ÁLVAREZ GARCÍA Yazmín Isolda , HERNÁNDEZ Francisca SILVA , ZAMORA Daniel TAGLE
Published: June 2020

Globally occurs a series of transformations and natural dynamics connected with activities promoted by the human being in the environment. A situation of alteration in the stability is lived, which affects the local context with a regional, national and global scope. Solid waste pollution represents in Mexico a tax collection strategy in which environmental taxes, also known as green taxes, are applied. This article will describe and analyse the legal-fiscal instruments that are required to apply in Mexican environmental policy, visualizing the relevance of the solid wastes to generate the green taxes applied to them.
Statistical Analysis of Air Pollution and Life Expectancy in Eastern Europe
Authors: DINU Cristian , POPÎRLAN Cristina , TUDOR Irina Valentina
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we present a statistical analysis of the main air pollutants and life expectancy in some countries from Eastern Europe: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. We use statistical tools to describe and model air pollution data. The data involve a period of 18 years and include the annual average concentrations volatile organic compound, particulate matters, nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulphur oxides (SOX). The descriptive analysis of these variables is presented, before the model of the dependence between them, in order to discover the relationship between them. The correlation and regression analysis allow to find precisely formula of the connections that link life expectancy (LE) and the main air pollutants. The results obtained in this study reveals a new perspective of health and air quality and also, they present a new tool for all national and international agency for arguing that reducing the air pollution is closely related to a long-life expectancy.
Fostering Mathematical Creativity Among Engineering Undergraduates
Authors: Lim Keng Keh , Ismail Zaleha , Yusof Yudariah Mohammad
Published: June 2020

This research is used to study engineering undergraduates fostering their mathematical creativity during creative problem solving. This was an exploratory research carried out in a public university as to find out the impact of CPS towards mathematical creativity among the engineering undergraduates. A case study was used to provide deep exploration of how the engineering undergraduates using their creative methods to solve open-ended mathematical problems creatively. Qualitative research design was applied in order to understand in depth the engineering undergraduates working collaboratively to generate their creative ideas during mathematical problem solving. Three final years engineering undergraduates took part in the study.  They had to use their divergent and convergent thinking to generate creative methods to solve twelve open-ended mathematical problems. Qualitative research design of case study was used in this study to explore the engineering undergraduates using creative methods to solve open-ended mathematical problems during creative problem solving processes. By analyzing the data collected from the case study can provide in-depth and detail understanding of the creative processess and products of the research. Observation and recording sheets were used to collect all the data. SCAMPER was also used as a guideline for them to spark their creaivity. All the qualitative data of drawing from documents, videotape from observation and snapshot texts from recording sheets were collected and then analyzed. They were coded and categorized into different themes in order to find out the mathematical creativity among the engineering undergraduates. The results in this study shows that the engineering undergraduates were able to generate different creative methods with the help of the SCAMPER.
CONTEMPORARY TRENDS IN STUDIES ON MOBILE LEARNING OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES: A META-ANALYSIS.
Authors: Toto Giusi Antonia , Limone Pierpaolo
Published: June 2020

Previous research has provided a review of the literature on the state of research on mobile learning, but the use of m-learning and MALL to formal and informal learning of foreign languages needs further study. The need to review the language learning assisted by mobile devices emerges from a globalized context, in which pedagogy must question itself to plan and design research drawings in which mobile learning assumes a fundamental importance in teaching practice aimed above all at new generations of students.This study adopts a meta-analysis approach to systematically review the literature, thus providing a more complete analysis and synthesis of 83 studies from 2009 to 2018. Previous studies focus on the effectiveness and design of the mobile learning system.The search for databases and citations was performed by limiting the keywords referring to m-learning and to MALL. Compared to existing reviews, the results confirm revealing a skill-based approach to language learning with an emphasis on vocabulary, learning factors that influence students' perceptions and availability to use new cellular technologies.
Road Transport Accident Analysis from A System-Based Accident Analysis Approach Using Swiss Cheese Model
Authors: Akuh Raymond , Atombo Charles
Published: June 2020

Road safety has become a major concern to both developed and developing countries due to its negative economic impacts. Although, numerous approaches of accident analysis have been conducted, there seem to be an increase in road crashes every year. The main aim of this study is to analyse a driving school accident using a system-based accident analysis approach. The data for the study was collected using an interview. A Swiss Cheese Accident Causation Model was used to identify the factors that contributed to the accident. The study identified four weaknesses in the system defences of the driving school that created a possible accident trajectory. It is concluded that adopting system-based accident analysis approach in analysing road transport accidents, could lead to a greater understanding of latent conditions and road user error, which in turn could inform the development of intervention strategies within a road transport domain as suggested by other studies. Finally, the short falls of using only person approach of accident analysis in road transport domain are also highlighted.