bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-speed performance of a TDFA-band micro-ring resonator modulator and detector
Authors: Hagan David E. , Ye Mengyuan , Wang Peng , Cartledge John C. , Knights Andrew P.
Published: April 2020

We demonstrate a silicon-on-insulator micro-ring resonator (MRR) modulator and defect-mediated (DM) detector operating at a wavelength near 2 µm for use in the thulium doped fiber amplifier wavelength band. The MRR modulator was critically coupled with an unbiased notch-depth of 20 dB and Q-factor of 4700. The resonance shift under reverse bias was 23 pm/V with a calculated VπLπ of 2.2 to 2.6 V·cm from -1 to -8 V, respectively. Simulations are in good agreement with the measured data. The experimental modulation bandwidth was 12.5 GHz, limited by the response of the commercial external detector used for this measurement. The DM detector was operated in avalanche mode, had 1.97 µm wavelength responsivities of 0.04 and 0.14 A/W, and had bandwidths greater than 16 and 7.5 GHz at -15 and -30 V biases, respectively. Large-signal measurement demonstrated open eye-diagrams at 5, 10, and 12.5 Gbps for the DM detector and also for an optical link consisting of the modulator and detector integrated on the same silicon chip.
Imaging through highly scattering human skulls with ultrasound-modulated optical tomography
Authors: Liu Yan , Cao Ruizhi , Xu Jian , Ruan Haowen , Yang Changhuei
Published: April 2020

Advances in human brain imaging technologies are critical to understanding how the brain works and the diagnosis of brain disorders. Existing technologies have different drawbacks, and the human skull poses a great challenge for pure optical and ultrasound imaging technologies. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of using ultrasound-modulated optical tomography, a hybrid technology that combines both light and sound, to image through human skulls. Single-shot off-axis holography was used to measure the field of the ultrasonically tagged light. This Letter paves the way for imaging the brain noninvasively through the skull, with optical contrast and a higher spatial resolution than that of diffuse optical tomography.
The smooth life: Instagram as a platform of control
Authors: Fisher Tabitha
Published: April 2020

In this article, I will focus primarily on how Instagram has been used as a means of public control by rewarding the continuous projection of a relentlessly positive self-image. Furthermore, the article will discuss the performative nature of the Instagram platform and how it facilitates the subjugation of women by creating a flirty-and-fun frictionless space that turns their bodies, thoughts and feelings into commodities. Left unchecked, smooth platforms like Instagram provide a distraction that delays society’s dealings with the present. To conclude this article will present a selection of Instagram artists whose projects encourage us to think critically about the smooth as a demonstration of how women might combat this force of nature.
Recombinant bovine somatotropin in the synchronization of ovulation in crossbred dairy cows (Bos taurus indicus × Bos taurus taurus)
Authors: Oliveira Fabrício Albani , de Almeida Ítalo Câmara , Sena Larissa Marchiori , Penitente-Filho Jurandy Mauro , Torres Ciro Alexandre Alves
Published: April 2020

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the administration of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) at the moment of implementation of the timed artificial insemination protocol, on follicular dynamics and pregnancy rate in crossbred cows.

Materials and Methods: A total of 346 cows were used in two experiments with a factorial 2×2 design. The cycling cows (Tcycling) and the anestrous cows (Tanestrous) were considered as factor 1 and the administration of rbST (TrbST) or not (Tcontrol) as factor 2. The experimental protocol: (1) Tcontrol – day 0 (D0), insertion of a progesterone-release intravaginal device (PRID) plus 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (EB); D8, PRID removal, plus 0.150 mg of prostaglandin F2α, and 400 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin; D9, 1 mg of EB; and with artificial insemination at day 10; (2) TrbST – similar to Tcontrol plus 500 mg of rbST on D0. In experiment I, ultrasound examinations were performed in all treatments. In experiment II, the cows' pregnancy rate was evaluated. Data were analyzed with 5% probability.

Results: There was no effect of the protocols on cows cyclicity or follicular growth rate (p>0.05). There was no interaction of the effects, administration of rbST, and the cyclicity of cows on the pregnancy rate. The total pregnancy rate observed was 49.0%. The pregnancy rate in cows receiving rbST was lower for anestrous compared with cycling cows (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The administration of rbST did not alter the patterns of follicular dynamics nor the ovulation rate. However, cows in anestrous that received rbST had lower pregnancy rates than cycling cows.
Нелокальная задача для нестационарного уравнения третьего порядка составного типа с общим краевым условием
Authors: Хашимов Абдукомил Рисбекович , Khashimov Abdukomil Risbekovich
Published: April 2020

Рассматривается нелокальная краевая задача для нестационарного уравнения третьего порядка составного типа, в котором на границе области значения функции и их производные до второго порядка задаются в виде линейной комбинации, а начальные условия - в нелокальном виде. Доказывается однозначная разрешимость этой задачи. При доказательстве единственности решения задачи использованы метод интегралов энергии и теория квадратичных форм. При построении решения задач использованы теория потенциалов и интегральные уравнения Вольтерра. Изучены некоторые асимптотические свойства фундаментальных решений уравнения.
Persistence, prudence, and a few possibilities
Authors: Hoy Wayne K.
Published: April 2020

I have been a professor and teacher for more than 50 years, and I welcome the opportunity to reflect on my life and career. This is not the first time I have grappled with my contributions and shortcomings (e.g. Hoy, 2001, 2012), so it should not be surprising that some earlier ruminations are also reflected in this essay.
XXIII. Nachwuchswissenschaftler/innen-Tagung der AGI
Authors: Rößl Dietmar
Published: April 2020

Die Nachwuchswissenschaftler/innen-Tagung (NWT) der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Genossenschaftswissenschaftlicher Institute (AGI) bietet Jungforscher/inne/n des Genossenschaftswesens eine Plattform, um sich zu vernetzen, ihr Wissen zu teilen und Feedback zur eigenen Arbeit zu erhalten. Im Rahmen der interdisziplinären Tagung werden wissenschaftliche Beiträge präsentiert und diskutiert, die sich mit genossenschaftlichen Themen befassen. Das Einreichformular finden Sie unter https://www.wu.ac.at/ricc/ricc-aktuelles/.
Eco-friendly High-Strength Concrete Engineered by Micro Crumb Rubber from Recycled Tires and Plastics for Railway Components
Authors: Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Meesit Ratthaphong
Published: April 2020

Crumb rubber concrete (CRC) is one of the new construction materials, which has been developed as a by-product from wasted rubber tires and plastics. Most previous research focuses on applications of low-strength CRC that cannot linearly predict the high-strength counterpart. This paper thus presents a study into engineering characteristics of higher-strength CRC and its benefits to the environment, as well as investigates the ability of micro crumb rubbers to enhance CRC’s mechanical properties. The results revealed that replacing fine aggregate with micro rubber particles caused a reduction in mechanical properties of concrete. However, because of the micro size of rubber content and silica fume (SFC), the compressive strength of CRC achieved over 55 MPa, which will significantly benefit the advanced construction of compliant structural systems. The tensile strength of CRC was higher than plain concrete by approximately 8.74 % (splitting tensile strength) and 17.46 % (flexural strength), but it was still lower than that of SFC concrete. Moreover, CRCs also provided the ability to resist cracking of the concrete. It is found that a suitable amount of rubber particles should not be more than 10 % of the weight for novel and sustainable high-strength CRC in railway applications. The outcome of this study will help improve the database for materials in civil constructions. The adoption of sustainable high-strength CRC in railway practices will significantly minimize wastes from used rubber tires and plastics, thus paving a robust pathway for environmental impact to societies.
Améliorer son texte grâce aux cercles d’auteurs : regard sur la compétence à réviser d’élèves de 6e année
Authors: Turgeon Elaine , Tremblay Ophélie , Gagnon Brigitte
Published: April 2020

Dans le cadre d’une recherche-action, nous avons expérimenté le dispositif des cercles d’auteurs auprès d’élèves du primaire. L’intention de cet article est de décrire les pratiques de rétroaction de cinq élèves pendant un cercle d’auteurs et leur impact sur la révision de texte. Pour y parvenir, nous avons filmé une séance de cercle d’auteurs et analysé le comportement des élèves ainsi que les versions successives de leur texte. Cela a permis de produire une description fine des pratiques de rétroaction et de constater que la majorité des élèves ont réussi à améliorer leur texte grâce à ces dernières.
Serum PTH is not a good marker for defining a threshold for vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Jorde Rolf , Grimnes Guri
Published: April 2020

Objective

In addition to its skeletal effects, vitamin D may also be important for health in general. It is uncertain what level of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), marker of vitamin D status, is sufficient for these effects. With decreasing serum 25(OH)D levels there is an increase in serum PTH. The point at which this occurs has been considered as a threshold for vitamin D sufficiency. The thresholds found have varied widely and have mainly been based on observational studies. However, to truly establish a threshold for vitamin D effects, this has to be based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

The study included 2803 subjects from a general health survey, the Tromsø study, and pooled individual person data from five vitamin D intervention studies (n = 1544). Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and change in PTH after vitamin D supplementation were related to serum 25(OH)D levels in steps of 25 nmol/L (<24, 25–49, 50–74, 75–99, and >99 nmol/L).

Results

In the Tromsø study, in the females there was a gradual decrease in serum PTH with increasing serum 25(OH)D with no apparent plateau, whereas in the males the decrease in PTH in subjects with serum 25(OH)D >74 nmol/l was marginal. In pooled RCTs, there was a significant reduction in serum PTH by vitamin D supplementation regardless of baseline serum 25(OH)D level.

Conclusions

The use of the serum PTH–25(OH)D relation from observational studies to determine a threshold for vitamin D sufficiency is highly questionable.
Contractions transport exfoliated epithelial cells through the neonatal epididymis
Authors: Weiser Daniela , Mietens Andrea , Stadler Beatrix , Ježek Davor , Schuler Gerhard , Middendorff Ralf
Published: April 2020

Contractions of the adult epididymal duct are well known in the context of sperm transport. Some reports also describe contractions of the epididymal duct during development, but data about their character, regulation and function are sparse. In the foetal human epididymis we found luminal cells and could identify them as exfoliated epithelial cells originating from the epididymis and not from testis by using antibodies against neutral endopeptidase as an epithelial epididymal duct marker. Exfoliated cells were also found in the epididymal duct after birth. Time-lapse imaging revealed directional transport of luminal cells in the neonatal rat epididymis interrupted by pendular movement. Spontaneous contractions were discovered in the neonatal epididymis and an association between these contractions and the transport of the luminal cells could be observed. Both, transport and spontaneous contractions, were affected significantly by substances known to contract (noradrenaline) or relax (the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor sildenafil) smooth muscle cells. Immunohistochemistry showed staining for the proliferation marker proliferating-cell-nuclear-antigen (PCNA) in cells of the ductal lumen of the neonatal rat epididymis indicating the extrusion of cells also during proliferation. Our data showed spontaneous contractions of the immature epididymal duct associated with the transport of exfoliated luminal cells before the first occurrence of sperm cells. Results suggest an important role including both (i) a mechanical place holder function of exfoliated luminal cells (ii) together with a novel idea of organized waste disposal of these cells during development.
New insights in equine steroidogenesis: an in-depth look at steroid signaling in the placenta
Authors: Loux S C , Conley A J , Scoggin K E , El-Sheikh Ali H , Dini P , Ball B A
Published: April 2020

Steroid production varies widely among species, with these differences becoming more pronounced during pregnancy. As a result, each species has its own distinct pattern of steroids, steroidogenic enzymes, receptors, and transporters to support its individual physiological requirements. Although the circulating steroid profile is well characterized during equine pregnancy, there is much yet to be explored regarding the factors that support steroidogenesis and steroid signaling. To obtain a holistic view of steroid-related transcripts, we sequenced chorioallantois (45 days, 4 months, 6 months, 10 months, 11 months, and post-partum) and endometrium (4 months, 6 months, 10 months, 11 months, and diestrus) throughout gestation, then looked in-depth at transcripts related to steroid synthesis, conjugation, transportation, and signaling. Key findings include: 1) differential expression of HSD17B isoforms among tissues (HSD17B1 high in the chorioallantois, while HSD17B2 is the dominant form in the endometrium) 2) a novel isoform with homology to SULT1A1 is the predominant sulfotransferase transcript in the chorioallantois; and 3) nuclear estrogen (ESR1, ESR2) and progesterone (PGR) expression is minimal to nonexistant in the chorioallantois and pregnant endometrium. Additionally, several hypotheses have been formed, including the possibility that the 45-day chorioallantois is able to synthesize steroids de novo from acetate and that horses utilize glucuronidation to clear estrogens from the endometrium during estrous, but not during pregnancy. In summary, these findings represent an in-depth look at equine steroid-related transcripts through gestation, providing novel hypotheses and future directions for equine endocrine research.
A Role for Mediator Core in Limiting Coactivator Recruitment in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Yarrington Robert M , Yu Yaxin , Yan Chao , Bai Lu , Stillman David J
Published: April 2020

Mediator is an essential, multisubunit complex that functions as a transcriptional coactivator in yeast and other eukaryotic organisms. Mediator has four conserved modules, Head, Middle, Tail, and Kinase, and has been implicated in nearly all aspects of gene regulation. The Tail module has been shown to recruit the Mediator complex to the enhancer or upstream activating sequence (UAS) regions of genes via interactions with transcription factors, and the Kinase module facilitates the transition of Mediator from the UAS/enhancer to the preinitiation complex via protein phosphorylation. Here, we analyze expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae HO gene using a sin4 Mediator Tail mutation that separates the Tail module from the rest of the complex; the sin4 mutation permits independent recruitment of the Tail module to promoters without the rest of Mediator. Significant increases in recruitment of the SWI/SNF and SAGA coactivators to the HO promoter UAS were observed in a sin4 mutant, along with increased gene activation. These results are consistent with recent studies that have suggested that the Kinase module functions negatively to inhibit activation by the Tail. However, we found that Kinase module mutations did not mimic the effect of a sin4 mutation on HO expression. This suggests that at HO the core Mediator complex (Middle and Head modules) must play a role in limiting Tail binding to the promoter UAS and gene activation. We propose that the core Mediator complex helps modulate Mediator binding to the UAS regions of genes to limit coactivator recruitment and ensure proper regulation of gene transcription.
Means of Creating the Media Image of a Candidate to the Post of Mayor through Contextual Argumentation (on the materials of the texts about the 2018–2019 elections in Moscow, Vilnius and Belgrade)
Authors: Makarova Viktorija , Shulus Aleksey
Published: April 2020

In political cultures of a number of countries, the creation of a politician’s media image is based on the fundamental principle of his/her work being formulated as the achievement of the goal of ensuring a nation’s well-being and a country’s development. The present article demonstrates concrete similarities and differences discernible in the construction of a politician’s media image in the Russian, Lithuanian and Serbian media discourses from a rhetorical perspective. The methodological basis of the investigation is provided by the ideas of the new rhetoric and Ch. Perelman and L. Olbrechts-Tyteca’s assumption concerning the fact that the speaker’s ideas are accepted (or not accepted) by the audience not depending on the degree of the strictness of logical propositions and conclusions, but rather on the fact of whether the hearers have adhered to the grounds given by the speaker. Consequently, a researcher analysing the ways text influences the consciousness of those receiving it may identify shared truths and value judgements. On the basis of the analysis of contextual argumentation used for the creation of the media image of the candidates for the post of mayor in the three media discourses, an attempt to establish shared truths and values as well as certain regularities in the process of media image creation characteristic of the Russian, Lithuanian and Serbian media discourses has been made.
The Duration of Pauses between Phrases in Reading Language
Authors: Kazlauskienė Asta , Kalašinskaitė Eidmantė
Published: April 2020

The aim of this research is to determine the duration of the pauses between paragraphs and sentences in reading language and their connection with the length and reading speed of said language units. The research material consists of 48 sound recordings (eight Lithuanian speakers read six texts representing different functional styles). The results show that all readers usually pause between paragraphs and the duration of those pauses depend on the reading speed: faster readers pause for approximately 400–1340 ms, while slower readers pause for 750–1800 ms. Pauses are the shortest after short paragraphs and they are 1.2 times longer after longer paragraphs. All the readers usually pause between sentences as well. Faster readers on average pause for 200–980 ms, slower readers pause for 340–1360 ms. The longer the sentence, the longer the pause after that sentence (up to 1.4 times). However, the pause can be the same duration after both long and medium length sentences.
Quantitative Data Analysis of Water Concept in English Water Management Metadiscourse
Authors: Kovalyk Nataliia , Tymochko Lesia
Published: April 2020

This paper deals with the comparative analysis of the possibility to apply both linguo-cognitive and quantitative methods in the study of structure of mental units, e.g. concepts. The current research continues our overall and integrated study of English ecological discourse and is the next in a number of logical research series of this scientific challenge (Ковалик 2017; Ковалик, Тимочко 2018). The study object of this paper is WATER concept in English water management metadiscourse. The research is carried out on the basis of the original text of the EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60 / EC. The aim of the paper is not only to conduct a frame-based analysis of WATER concept using Svitlana Zhabotynska’s methodology of conceptual analysis (Жаботинська 1999) but also to analyse the concept occurrences in the researchable metadiscourse. In the present investigation, the conceptual structure of WATER concept is modelled through basic frame schemas and is considered as an open system. The research takes a new look at the application of linguo-cognitive and quantitative data analyses in the study of WATER concept in English water management metadiscourse.
Nostalgia and National Identity: Idea of Revisiting the Past in Latvian Fiction
Authors: Romanovska Alina
Published: April 2020

One of the most popular themes in Latvian literature which has regularly arisen at different stages of its development since the 19th century is the idea of returning to the roots, the depiction of a mythological world scene when people lived according to the rhythms of nature, in full harmony with themselves and the world. Ancient times are depicted as a time when Latvians felt free living at their farms and followed the rules of the mythical time. This peculiar feature which we analyse on the basis of literary works, describes vividly the nation’s collective consciousness, desires, and needs. The need for emphasizing the idealised ancient times in the nation’s consciousness is related to the most significant transitional stages in the development of the country, which are characterised by the increased attention to the issues of national identity. During difficult stages in history, nosta lgia is a security mechanism which looks for stability in the past which we do not have in the present. The aim of the paper is to see how the nostalgic reflection on the idealized ancient times in the Latvian literature is related to the pivotal stages in the country’s history when special attention was paid to the national awareness and identity issues.
Changing Definitions of Climate in Polish and English Dictionaries
Authors: Kwaśniewska Marta
Published: April 2020

The present article sets out to examine the dictionary definition entries concerning the concept of climate. Both Polish and English dictionaries are included, as well as historical and contemporary entries. The data is composed of thirteen dictionary entries, published in the last two hundred years. The material is examined qualitatively. The results are presented in the form of a table, where one may find all the aspects of meanings identified in the definitions. A supplement data extracted from the English historical corpus is also provided. The results have revealed that semantic change did occur in both the Polish and the English language. However, the change is more visible in the Polish dictionaries. The subsidiary differences could influence the way the word is employed in certain contexts and thus, differentiate the employment of the same concept in the two languages. Nevertheless, the contemporary definitions are almost identical in both languages, in contrast to the historical ones.
Human’s Experience at Turning-point in Vytautas Martinkus’s Novel “Simonija”: the Aspect of Literary Ethics
Authors: Tutlytė Kristina
Published: April 2020

The author of the thesis uses Literary Ethics as a theoretical instrument and analyses the portrait of human dealing with turning-point in Vytautas Martinkus’s novel Simonija. The novel corresponds to the features of the turning-point literature marked in the dissertation of V. Katinienė: the thematic level emphasizes a change of historical (political) order and its existential problems; in thoughts, dreams, memories characters go back to the period of totalitarianism; the contrast between “homo sovieticus” and individuals of the free world is emphasized. The analysis of ethical conflicts in Simonija is presented, having in mind specific cultural context during the Soviet period and emphasizing the process of writing as a particular ethical situation and a way to reflect human’s experience. Vytautas Martinkus offers appropriate “snoumenizm” notion for summarizing human’s experience during the Soviet periodperiod. In essence, dehumanizing, painful experience of the Soviet era does not abandon human even in the period of freedom and forces him to go back to the past – physical presence in the world of restored independence does not free him from inner stagnation. In this paper, it is shown that Literary Ethics is asuitable theoretical instrument in order to analyze text about human’s experience at turning-point.
Metaphor or not Metaphor: Is that the question?
Authors: Drößiger Hans-Harry
Published: April 2020

This review concerns the volume Metaphor Identification in Multiple Languages. MIPVU around the world, edited by Susan Nacey, Aletta G. Dorst, Tina Krennmayr and W. Gudrun Reijnierse, published by John Benjamins Publishing Company, Amsterdam & Philadelphia, 2019.
Methods of Calculation of the Magneto-Optical Characteristics of Ferromagnetic Materials
Authors: Stashchuk V. , Stukalenko V. , Rozouvan S. , Lysiuk V.
Published: April 2020

We have calculated the optical and magneto-optical properties of ferromagnetics in a wide spectral range hv = 1.24–5.15 eV, by applying theoretical models which were reported earlier in the literature. This allowed us to find a connection between the conductivity and the measured values of the complex Kerr angle Θ in order to establish the most proper technique for processing the experimental data. The behavior of the dispersion curves of diagonal and non-diagonal components of the tensor of optical conductivity depends on the choice of signs of the imaginary parts of a complex Kerr angle and a refractive index, which should be taken into account in the data analysis. The differences between dispersion dependences are insignificant in the region of energies higher than 4.5 eV. In this paper, the classical theory of free electrons in metals has been applied to give more details about the magneto-optical Kerr effect in ferromagnetic samples.
Probing of Higher Excited States of Merocyanine Derivatives of Azaazulene and Indandione by Fluorescence Excitation Anisotropy Spectra
Authors: Naumenko A. P. , Borysuk V. I. , Iakhnenko M. S. , Gubanov V. O. , Slominskii Y. L. , Kachkovsky O. D.
Published: April 2020

This paper is dedicated to the spectral and quantum-chemical studies of higher excited states of merocyanine derivatives of azaazulene and indandione. A particular attention is paid to the analysis of fluorescence excitation anisotropy spectra of the mentioned compounds. The long-wave shift by ≈ 50 nm of a deep clear minimum in the fluorescence excitation anisotropy spectrum due to an elongation of the polymethine dye chromophore is established. Such shift is close in a value to the bathochromic shift of the first minimum in the anisotropy spectrum of symmetric ionic polymethine dyes, in which this minimum corresponds to the second electronic transition. The parallel spectral study and quantum-chemical calculations allowed us to correctly interpret the fluorescence excitation anisotropy spectra of merocyanines and relate the first clear minimum with the seventh electronic transition. The last resembles the second electronic transition between delocalized molecular orbitals (MO) in polymethine dyes.
E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use–Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) Without Respiratory Symptoms
Authors: Matta Praneeja , Hamati Jacquelyn N. , Unno Hayato L. , Fox Michael D.
Published: April 2020

Electronic cigarette or vaping product use–associated lung injury (EVALI) is a newly emerging diagnosis in the United States, yet the incidence has surged greatly in the past year. With the trend of using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vaping rising at an alarming rate among teenagers, many are resorting to friends, illicit drug dealers, and other informal sources to obtain their e-cigarettes, which is greatly contributing to the national outbreak of EVALI. The incidence of adolescents presenting with the constellation of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and constitutional symptoms characteristic of EVALI has been widely reported within the nation. We present one such case of an adolescent boy with a 2-year history of daily vaping who presented with nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and fever but lacked the respiratory symptoms that have been reported in the majority of EVALI cases reported thus far. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed an incidental finding of lung pathology characteristic of EVALI, prompting further workup and diagnosis of EVALI. In this case, it is demonstrated that the presentation of EVALI can be variable and is still poorly defined. The rising morbidity and mortality from EVALI reveal the importance of considering EVALI in all patients with a history of vaping or e-cigarette use, regardless of the presence or absence of respiratory symptoms.
Anticoagulation after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Current Status
Authors: Greco Antonio , Capodanno Davide
Published: April 2020

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the standard of care for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Antithrombotic therapy is required after TAVI to prevent thrombotic complications but it increases the risk of bleeding events. Current clinical guidelines are mostly driven by expert opinion and therefore yield low-grade recommendations. The optimal antithrombotic regimen following TAVI has yet to be determined and several randomised controlled trials assessing this issue are ongoing. The purpose of this article is to critically explore the impact of antithrombotic drugs, especially anticoagulants, on long-term clinical outcomes following successful TAVI.
El sistema inter-capital: hacia una mundialización ampliada de la economía capitalista
Authors: Torres Esteban
Published: April 2020

En el presente artículo me propongo avanzar de forma metódica en el desarrollo de una nueva perspectiva del capitalismo, atenta a la especificidad de América Latina, que se materializa en el concepto de sistema inter-capital. Para ello someto tal categoría a un análisis comparativo con una de las visiones críticas del capitalismo más vigorosas de la actualidad: la teoría del Landnahme capitalista del sociólogo alemán Klaus Dörre. El trabajo focaliza su atención en dos aspectos elementales: i) la conceptualización general de la dinámica capitalista, y ii) la concepción del espacio que acompaña a la primera. Entre otras cuestiones, el trabajo demuestra como la perspectiva del sistema inter-capital permite ensanchar el marco de conocimiento social sobre los actuales procesos de mundialización económica a partir de reconocer el funcionamiento histórico de un mecanismo de doble estructuración de clases en el sistema capitalista moderno.
Technogization of Society as a Factor of Socio-Cultural Modernization
Authors: Pelevin Sergei
Published: April 2020

According to the author, the development processes of modern society are relevantly described using the theories of the information society and the knowledge society. In this regard, the modern directions of research carried out within the framework of the socio-information paradigm are indicated (in particular, the consideration of the influence of digital technologies on social changes and the dynamics of digital inequality in society). Attention is drawn to the fact that in the theories of the information society and the knowledge society, the central issue is the strategies for technologizing social practices and their consequences for society and individuals. It is noted that the technologization of social practices changes the structure and forms of communication processes between social actors and the dynamics of the development and functioning of various elements of the social system. The article shows the mechanism of sociocultural regulation of modernization processes, which in modern society is the technicalization of social practices. Technologization of society can be understood as a process of a gradual structural and functional transition of all social systems from a traditional society to an industrial one, and then to a postindustrial one, as well as the formation and approval of new institutions and modern systemic features in society. The dynamics of socio-cultural modernization is greatly influenced by the global technogenic context, which acts as an exogenous factor in the modernization process. It is argued that technologization, in addition to its own, purely material, technical and economic meanings, also has instrumental significance as an integrated regulator of social processes, and consists of false methods of structural and functional impact on the political, social and spiritual-value spheres of modern society. It is noted that socio-political modernization is in close interdependence with technological modernization. Moreover, a rather complicated interaction takes place between the development tracks of ethnic and national cultures and the process of political modernization.
Human Resource Risks of Forming Professional Potential of Servicemen
Authors: Surkova Irina
Published: April 2020

The article analyzes the objective and subjective factors affecting the personnel risks of a military organization. The theoretical model for interpreting risks is based on several approaches. A realistic approach is used in the analysis of simulated (survival courses, military exercises) or real (military operations, counter-terrorism operations, deployments) hazard situations. Subjectively biased approach focuses on the problems of the attitude of military personnel to the distribution of resources, duties, and responsibilities within the organization. A socially constructed approach becomes a resource for analyzing constructs of risk situations created in the media or various communicative Internet sites (forums, chats) that do not always have a real embodiment. A socially mediated approach denotes vectors for the implementation of the main directions of the reform of the armed forces and the changes associated with them. The variability of risks is revealed to specific innovations in the future formation of a new look of the modern military. The context of discussions in professional network communities of the problems of retraining and advanced training of military personnel in "survival courses" is studied. The main risks associated with the formation of the professional potential of military personnel are "motivation risks" (expediency and prospects); "risks of professional incompetence" (unpreparedness, problems in organizing courses); "risks of inadequate official behavior" (gender relations, adaptive processes during trials). As a result, it is concluded that an intensive military training program is one form of minimizing the risks of professional incompetence. This program is used as a tool that reduces staff turnover during the first year of service, facilitates the work of the personnel service, and serves as an information springboard for the dissemination of knowledge about risk and its importance for professionalization among recruits.
A Model to Evaluate the Organizational Readiness for Big Data Adoption
Authors: Nasrollahi Mahdi , Ramezani Javaneh
Published: April 2020

Evaluating organizational readiness for adopting new technologies always was an important issue for managers. This issue for complicated subjects such as Big Data is undeniable. Managers tend to adopt Big Data, with the best readiness. But this is not possible unless they can assess their readiness. In the present paper, we propose a model to evaluate the organizational readiness for Big Data adoption. To accomplish this objective, firstly, we identified the criteria that impact organizational readiness based on a comprehensive literature review. In the next step using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for criterion reduction and integration, twelve main criteria were identified. Then the hierarchical structure of criteria was developed. Further, Fuzzy Best- Worst Method (FBWM) has been used to identify the weight of the criteria. The finding enables decision-makers to appropriately choose the more important criteria and drop unimportant criteria in strengthening organizational readiness for Big Data adoption. Statistics-based hierarchical model and MCDM based criteria weighting have been proposed, which is a new effort in evaluating organizational readiness for Big Data adoption.
Früchte des Fiebers. Wilhelm Diltheys Briefwechsel
Authors: Mehring Reinhard
Published: April 2020

Nietzsche meinte in seiner Letztschrift Ecce homo rückblickend, die Deutschen hätten «immer nur ‹unbewusste› Falschmünzer» hervorgebracht: «Fichte, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Hegel, Schleiermacher gebührt dies Wort so gut wie Kant und Leibniz; es sind Alles bloße Schleiermacher». Nietzsche meinte damit wohl auch: verkappte protestantische Theologen, Platoniker, Idealisten. Nach Nietzsche wurde die Philosophiegeschichte des 19.Jahrhunderts dann häufig als Abkehr vom Idealismus und Wendung zum Positivismus und Naturalismus beschrieben. Karl Löwith konstatierte 1941 einen «revolutionären Bruch» von Hegel zu Nietzsche. Gerade die Berliner Philosophiegeschichte lässt sich in der Hauptlinie und Abfolge der Ordinarien bis 1945 aber relativ bruchlos von der nachhaltigen Wirkung Schleiermachers her erzählen. Schleiermacher prägte die Berliner Universitätsphilosophie nicht weniger als Hegel. Sein Erbe wirkte über Trendelenburg und Dilthey bis auf Ernst Troeltsch und Eduard Spranger. Bis 1945 hielt die innovative Fusion von protestantischer Theologie und idealistischer Philosophie, die Schleiermacher initiiert hatte.
ESSAY: Das Gesicht unserer Zeit
Authors: Schlaffer Hannelore
Published: April 2020

«Say Cheese!» – gebot in den fünfziger Jahren der Fotograf der Familie, den Freunden, dem Sportverein, wenn er sie zu einem Kameralächeln animieren wollte. Das Foto-Lächeln, das durch das gehorsame Nachsprechen des amerikanischen Wortes erreicht werden sollte, durfte nicht nur, wie sonst bei entgegenkommendem Verhalten, als Anhauch auf den Zügen liegen, die Lippen vielmehr sollten geöffnet sein, die Zähne zwischen ihnen blinken. Nur solch ein «weißes Lächeln» garantierte, dass für alle Zeit das Glück aufbewahrt blieb, das nur einen Augenblick gewährt hatte.
Fire tests of South African cross-laminated timber wall panels: fire ratings, charring rates, and delamination
Authors: van der Westhuyzen S , Walls R , de Koker N
Published: April 2020

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a product consisting of multiple timber layers (lamina) face-glued together to form structural wall and flooring systems. Internationally its use is growing rapidly, although its fire resistance is a topic of ongoing research. This study investigates the fire resistance of CLT wall panels manufactured locally from South African pine and eucalyptus, the most commonly used timber species for CLT in South Africa, through SANS10177-2 compliant fire tests of two 100 mm (33-33-33) thick CLT wall panel samples with dimensions of 0.9 m x 0.9 m. In addition to insulation and integrity fire resistance ratings, the study characterises the charring rate and delamination behaviour of CLT. The recommended integrity and insulation fire resistance ratings for the 100 mm thick SA pine and eucalyptus CLT samples is 60 minutes and 90 minutes respectively. The average charring rate calculated for the SA pine CLT and eucalyptus CLT panels was 0.95 mm/min and 0.76 mm/min respectively. These values are higher than charring rates for bulk timber, due to significant delamination observed in both tests. Associated structural fire resistance rating was estimated for each CLT panel by rational design, giving structural resistance times of 29 mins and 36 mins for the SA pine and eucalyptus CLT, respectively. These times are notably smaller than the insulation and integrity fire ratings reported above, but are only relevant to load-bearing walls. As a result, the tested CLT panels can only be used in multi-storey timber buildings as non-loading bearing walls.
Factors that keep engineers committed to their organisations: A study of south African knowledge workers
Authors: Blersch C L , Shrand B C , Ronnie L
Published: April 2020

Organisational commitment has been consistently linked with positive workplace outcomes such as increased job satisfaction and reduced intention to quit, important considerations for retaining critical skills such as those possessed by knowledge workers. This research explored factors that influenced knowledge worker organisational commitment in the South African consulting engineering environment. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey at one office of a multinational professional services company employing mainly engineers, eliciting 104 responses. The questionnaire comprised established instruments to reliably measure a selection of organisational commitment antecedents. Commitment, both to the organisation, as well as to the employee's occupation, was measured using a validated "unidimensional target-free" conceptualisation of the commitment construct that is arguably less confounded than previous measures. Organisational commitment was found to be positively correlated with perceived organisational support, satisfaction with pay, autonomy and occupational commitment. The strongest correlation was found with occupational commitment, which was found to be stronger than organisational commitment. These findings contribute to the understanding of how South African knowledge workers' organisational commitment can be influenced. In turn, managers of engineers may gain useful insights in terms of how to encourage engineers' willingness to stay at the organisation.
Simple Way to Make Homemade Cloth Masks: Fabrics Treated with NaCl and Starch Solution v1
Authors: Mehedi Hasan Rocky M , Amzad Hossain Bhuyan Mohammad , Akhtar Shamim
Published: April 2020

This protocol describes a simple way to make a mask at home using the cotton or linen woven fabric available in wearable cloth or household napkin. Fabric is soaked in a solution containing the table salt (NaCl) and starch. Starch is used to increase the droplet absorption efficiency of fabric whereas salt is added for improving the virus deactivation system. These simple preparation and wearing techniques will help anyone to prepare a mask for safety during COVID-19 pandemic, especially for those people having masks of little avail or no avail.
Chlorhexidine nanoemulsion: a new antiseptic formulation v2
Authors: NHR Horstmann Risso Natalia , Denise Stopiglia Cheila , Teresa Oliveira Marilia , Elisa Haas Sandra , Ramos Maciel Tamara , Reginato Lazzari Natalia , Luis Kelmer Edilson , Abraão Pinto Vilela Jorge , Vilibaldo Beckmann Diego
Published: April 2020

Nanoparticles solutions have been studied with the purpose of improving the antimicrobial effect. The aim of this study was to develop, characterize, and evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antiseptic efficacy of 0.25% aqueous-based chlorhexidine nanoemulsion (NM-Cl 0.25%). The NM-Cl 0.25% was synthetized by spontaneous emulsification method. Physical and chemical properties characterization analysis were performed. The NM-Cl 0.25% was compared with Chlorhexidine® 0.5% alcohol base (CS-Cl 0.5%) in two in vitro studies: susceptibility of bacteria’s against chlorhexidine formulations (microdilution study) and residual effect of chlorhexidine formulations (kill curve study). In vivo study was performed with rats distributed into control group (antisepsis out [G1] and white nanoemulsion [G2]) and chlorhexidine group (CS-Cl at 0.5% [G3] and NM-Cl 0.25% [G4]). Kruskal-Wallis test was used between groups and in the same group, at different sample times and the Mann Whitney test was performed when detected difference. The NM-Cl presented adequate physicochemical characteristics for a nanoemulsion, upper antiseptic effect in the microdilution study and residual antiseptic effect was maintained for longer time when compared to chlorhexidine with free molecule in the Kill curve study. The four-fold (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) of nanoemulsion group were the formulations with the most durable effect of those tested, presenting residual effect until T6 for both bacteria. At the in vivo study both formulations (G3 and G4) had a reduction of the microorganisms in the skin of the rats (p <0.0001) without difference between the formulations in different times, showing the antiseptic effect of NM-Cl (p > 0.05). Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that NM-Cl showed a promising future as an antiseptic of the cutaneous microbiota.
Flipping the Technical and Vocational Classroom for Increased Instructional Outcomes
Authors: Mupita Jonah , Abdullah Ade Gafar , Bünning Frank
Published: April 2020

Higher learning institutions are under immense pressure to evolve within the realms of the fourth industrial revolution. Training institutions are anticipated to minimize learning costs in the face of increasing enrolments. The flipped classroom model is a suitable instructional pedagogy to achieve institutional goals considering the current ubiquitousness of information and communication technology. The systematic review was aimed at summarizing and identifying research gaps that help inform future research trajectories. The 3-step review process was composed of articles searching and retrieval, filtering and sorting, and final inclusion. Identified empirical articles were; i.) Retrieved and summarized on the basis of tittles, abstracts, methods and basic findings, ii.) Filtered and sorted on the basis of study discipline, and iii.) Synthesized on the basis of basic findings. It was found that the flipped classroom improved academic performance to a limited extent. Most articles unanimously concurred that the flipped classroom model makes learning enjoyable and enables the development of lower order cognitive skills outside class and higher order cognitive skills through F2F (face to face) active learning. The success of the model in higher education is hinged on excellent planning, implementation and evaluation.
Effect of Problem-Based Learning on Students’ Academic Achievement in Digital Electronics in Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Tugwell Owo Offia
Published: April 2020

The study investigated the effect of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) on Students’ Academic Achievement in Digital Electronics in Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria. Quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control design was used in the study. The sample of the study comprised 84 Higher National Diploma (HND) final year students of electrical and electronic engineering (Telecommunications and electronics option). Three research questions and one hypothesis were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance guided the study. The instrument used for data collection was a 20-item Digital Electronics Achievement Test Questionnaire (DEATQ) designed by the researcher and validated by two experts in electrical and electronic engineering from Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State. Kuder-Richardson formula was used to obtain the instrument’s reliability coefficient as 0.87. Mean and t-test were used to answer the research questions and test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed among others that problem-based learning enhances students’ academic achievement in Digital Electronics. Consequently, it was recommended among others that engineering technology lecturers in Nigerian polytechnics and universities should use more of PBL and other student-centred teaching strategies in instructional delivery in order to boost students’ achievement in technology-based courses.