bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with persistent moderate disease activity: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Scott Ian C. , Mount Julie , Barry Jane , Kirkham Bruce
Published: October 2020

Background

Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do not attain remission/low disease activity, remaining in a moderate disease activity state (MDAS) with ongoing disability and impaired quality of life (QoL). If patients in persistent MDAS with poor future outcomes could be prospectively identified, they could arguably be treated more intensively. We evaluated baseline factors predicting function (Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index [HAQ-DI] scores) and QoL (3-level EuroQol-5 dimensions questionnaire [EQ-5D-3L] index scores) at 12 months in patients with RA in persistent MDAS in a real-world setting.

Methods

Patients with persistent MDAS (Disease Activity Score for 28-joint count based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate [DAS28-ESR] 3.2–5.1 on at least two consecutive outpatient appointments over 12 months) were identified retrospectively from Guy’s Hospital RA Centre and analysed in two groups: (1) biologic naïve at baseline or (2) receiving/ever received biologics. The baseline timepoint was the second-visit MDAS DAS28-ESR score; the endpoint was the closest visit to 12 months. Linear regression analyses evaluated relationships between baseline variables and (1) 12-month HAQ-DI scores, (2) 12-month rank-transformed EQ-5D-3L index scores, (3) 12-month changes in HAQ-DI scores, and (4) 12-month changes in EQ-5D-3L index scores.

Results

The analysis included 207 biologic-naïve and 188 biologic-experienced patients. All patients had moderate disability (mean HAQ-DI 1.21 and 1.46) and impaired QoL (mean EQ-5D-3L index scores 0.52 and 0.50). Many reported moderate/severe pain (93 and 96%) and showed little change in HAQ-DI and EQ-5D-3L index scores over 12 months. In both biologic-naïve and biologic-experienced groups, multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between baseline HAQ-DI scores and endpoint HAQ-DI scores (β = 0.67, P < 0.001 and β = 0.76, P < 0.001, respectively), 12-month changes in HAQ-DI scores (both β = − 0.21, P < 0.001), and 12-month EQ-5D-3L index scores (β = − 0.57, P < 0.001 and β = − 0.29, P = 0.004, respectively). Baseline EQ-5D-3L index scores were significantly associated with 12-month changes in EQ-5D-3L index scores in both groups (β = − 0.73, P < 0.001 and β = − 0.40, P = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusions

Patients with RA in persistent MDAS experience substantial ongoing physical disability, poor QoL, and pain. HAQ-DI is an important predictor of future disability and reduced QoL, supporting current national recommendations to measure HAQ-DI in routine care.
Antiglycaemic potentials and molecular docking studies of the extracts of Cassia alata L.
Authors: Oso Babatunde Joseph , Olaoye Ige Francis
Published: October 2020

Background

This study assessed the antiglycaemic properties of the methanolic extracts of the dried leaf of Cassia alata L. through in vitro and in silico approaches. The methanolic crude extract (MCE) of the dried leaf was prepared and partitioned into n-butanol (BPE) and aqueous (ARE) extracts. The antiglycaemic potential was assessed in vitro by studying the inhibitory actions of the extracts with α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and sucrase. The antiglycation capacity of the extracts was evaluated through the inhibition of albumin glycation, thiol oxidation, and β-fibril formation. Previously identified compounds (emodin, quercetin, chrysoeriol, and kaempferol) were docked with α-amylase (1HNY), α-glucosidase (5ZCB), and sucrase-isomaltase (3LPO) using the Pyrex Virtual Screening tool.

Results

The results revealed that MCE had the highest inhibitory potential with the lowest IC50 values of 69.67 ± 0.88, 65.54 ± 0.34, and 48.35 ± 1.45 μg/mL for α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and sucrase inhibitions, respectively. The molecular docking studies showed that quercetin and kaempferol had the best docking scores with 1HNY while emodin and chrysoeriol had the best scores towards 5ZCB and 3LPO. MCE and BPE significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited glucose-induced albumin glycation and modification.

Conclusion

This study suggested that the extract of the leaf of C. alata could contain a mix of different phytochemicals that could be beneficial in reducing the absorption of glucose and preventing diabetes-induced complications.
Drug-related factors affecting medication adherence among Egyptian asthma patients
Authors: Ali Abdellah H K , Ameen Esraa , Atta Kamal , Alkhayat Khaled Fawzy
Published: October 2020

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate adherence to inhaler therapy in asthmatic patients and examine drug-related factors affecting medication adherence among Egyptian asthma patients. The study was carried out among 110 clinically diagnosed asthma patients attending at a university hospital, Sohag, Egypt. Inhaler criteria and adherence were evaluated by a standardized tool “Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS), 2008.”

Results

The study revealed that out of 110 patients, 42.2% had a high level, 22.9% had medium level, and 34.9% had a low level of medication adherence. There was no relationship between demographic data and medication adherence in asthmatic patients. However, good adherence was frequently encountered among asthmatic patients who used inhaler twice daily, who used drugs its onset of action 5-20 min, who used aerolizer and turbo haler devices, and who used budesonide and budesonide/formoterol.

Conclusions

Poor adherence to inhaler therapy is high in patients with bronchial asthma attending Sohag University Hospital in Upper Egypt. There was a strong relationship between inhaled drug criteria and degree of adherence in asthmatic patients.
Patterns of Biomarker Use in Cancer Treatment Among Medical Oncologists in the Philippines
Authors: Catedral Lance Isidore , Tan Harold Nathan , Chua Alfredo , Benedict Sacdalan Danielle , Sacdalan Dennis L.
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE

Several factors affect how medical oncologists in the Philippines use biomarkers in real-world practice. This study describes patterns of biomarker testing for the management of breast, colorectal, and lung cancers among medical oncologists in the Philippines.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was performed among practicing medical oncologists in the Philippines from November to December 2019. The questionnaire determined the ideal and practical use of biomarkers as perceived by the respondents. Responses were summarized. Associations between biomarker use across select conditions were determined.

RESULTS

A total of 127 respondents (38% of medical oncologists in the Philippines) participated in this study. In actual practice, 97% of the respondents requested estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor testing, and 93% requested human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 testing. For colorectal cancer, the respondents would use KRAS and mismatch repair/microsatellite instability, but 59.84% had never used BRAF. For lung cancer, 97.64% of respondents would test for epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR), 88.19% would test for PD-L1, 80.31% for anaplastic lymphoma kinase, 58.27% for ROS1, and 33.07% for BRAF. In actual practice, EGFR was the most frequently ordered test (67.72%), while 44.80% of medical oncologists had never used ROS1. The most common reason for testing was adherence to international guidelines (96%). The most commonly cited barrier to biomarker use was patients’ financial constraints (94.49%). Overall, the respondents’ use of biomarkers was not significantly associated with institutional affiliation, the number of patients they saw monthly, and the availability of biomarker tests in their areas of practice.

CONCLUSION

Medical oncologists in the Philippines would use biomarkers in treating breast, colorectal, and lung cancers if these were clinically indicated and if cost were not a factor. Financial difficulty experienced by patients was the most commonly cited barrier to biomarker use.
Safety of the LMA®Gastro™ for Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Hagan Katherine B. , Carlson Richard , Arnold Benjamin , Nguyen Linh , Lee Jeffrey , Weston Brian , Hernandez Mike , Feng Lei , Syed Tariq , Hagberg Carin A.
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND:

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) patients typically receive either tubeless anesthesia or general endotracheal anesthesia (GETA). Patients receiving propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) are at higher risk of sedation-related adverse events (SRAEs) than patients receiving GETA, primarily due to the need for additional airway maneuvers. The increasing use of non–operating room (OR) anesthesia and the perception of a higher incidence of adverse outcomes in non-OR areas has led to the development of devices to improve safety while maintaining efficiency. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the LMA® Gastro™ could be used as a safe alternative to tubeless anesthesia for successfully completing ERCPs.

METHODS:

Eligible subjects were identified within the patient population at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Inclusion criteria consisted of adult patients (≥18 years old) scheduled for elective ERCP with TIVA. This was a prospective observational study in which the following data were collected: number of attempts and time to successful supraglottic airway (SGA) placement, vital signs, peripheral oxygen saturation (Spo
2), median end-tidal CO2, practitioner satisfaction, and any complications.

RESULTS:

A total of 30 patients were included in this study. The overall rate of successful SGA placement within 3 attempts was 96.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.8–99.9) or 29/30. The rate of successful ERCP with SGA placement within 3 attempts was 93.3% (95% CI, 77.9–99.2) or 28/30. Both the gastroenterologist and anesthesiologist reported satisfaction with the device in 90% of the cases (in 66.7% of the cases both anesthesiologist and gastroenterologist scored the device a 7/7 for satisfaction). Patients maintained an Spo
2 of 95%–100% from induction to discharge, with the exception of 1 patient who had an Spo
2 of 93%. The median end-tidal CO2 during the procedure for all patients was 35 mm Hg. Observed aspiration did not occur in any patient. Symptoms of hoarseness (13.3%), mouth soreness (6.7%), sore throat (6.6%), and minor bleeding/cuts/redness/change in taste to the tongue (3.3%) were determined through patient questioning before postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study suggests that the LMA Gastro might be a safe alternative for ERCP procedures. There was a high level of practitioner satisfaction. Only minor complications, such as hoarseness, mouth or throat soreness, or minor trauma to the tongue were experienced by patients. Similar incidences of complications may occur with GETA and tubeless anesthesia. The procedure was well tolerated by all patients; all patients maintained adequate oxygenation and required only minimal blood pressure support.
Social and Pedagogical Design of Extracurricular Activities As an Urgent Problem of Modern Education
Authors: Trunceva T. , Chernikova O.
Published: October 2020

This article makes an attempt to prove the importance of the theoretical substantiation of the socio-pedagogical design of extracurricular activities from the standpoint of the professional and personal development of teachers of a general educational organization, included in the organizational forms of pedagogical interaction. The main attention in the work is focused on the description of the model of social and pedagogical design, the conditions for its implementation in the educational organization.
Alcuni commenti sulla ricezione della figura di ificrate di atene nella letteratura latina e occidentale
Authors: Duszyński Wojciech , Kołoczek Bartosz Jan
Published: October 2020

Alcuni commenti sulla ricezione della figura di ificrate di atene nella letteratura latina e occidentale Ificrate di Atene (c. 420 – c. 350 a.C.) è un comandante militare greco che sembra essere un esempio di una figura famosa nell’antichità, ma quasi completamente dimenticata nei tempi successivi. Ha ricoperto più volte l’incarico di stratega nella sua città natale e nel 390 ha vinto gli Spartani nella battaglia di Lecheo. È stato condottiero al servizio dei sovrani traci e del re di Persia. Molto probabilmente ha apportato innovazioni negli armamenti di fanteria: conosciute come “la riforma di Ificrate”. La sua fama è andata ben oltre il mondo greco, come dimostrano i riferimenti conservati nella letteratura latina, sovente molto utili per la ricostruzione della sua biografia. Pertanto, l’Ateniese apparteneva ai personaggi piuttosto noti tra i Romani, che probabilmente attirarono l’attenzione su aspetti notevolmente diversi dal suo ritratto nelle fonti greche. I riferimenti sorprendenti su Ificrate si trovano anche nella letteratura moderna (sia neo–latina, che sviluppata in lingue nazionali). Lo scopo di que to articolo è quello di identificare quegli elementi della biografia del comandante ateniese, che erano di particolare interesse per gli autori latini e moderni basati sulla antica letteratura latina, di determinare le fonti che hanno usato e specificare le ragioni del loro fascino.
An Instructive Story About How a Byzantine Princess Bravely Looked Deep into the Abyss of Oblivion
Authors: Burliga Bogdan , Mauks Michał
Published: October 2020

An Instructive Story About How a Byzantine Princess Bravely Looked Deep into the Abyss of Oblivion Anna Comnena’s beginning of the Prologue to her Alexiad is a fine literary and rhetorical piece. It is about the problem how destructive the passing of time is, and for which the only obstacle can be to consolidate the achievements of the past in a literary work. Such a line of thought was usually interpreted in the terms of the author’s rhetorical topos. Most frequently, this topos occurs in ancient historiography whose formal features were continued by Greek historians of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium). While not deyning that there is much to recommend in such an approach, the present paper tries also to pay attention to Anna’s life and stress the authenticity of her emotions. In this light the Preface to the Alexiad, while remaining an example of magnificent rhetorical argumentation, can also be seen as an authentic attempt ‘to stop’ time, an attempt made by an aging woman, conscious that this is the only chance to give meaning to her own life by preserving it in the memory of future generations, so, in a sense, to ‘immortalize’ it, given that it will be told in a written story, capable of surviving in time.
An Addendum to the Plre?
Authors: Michel Christian
Published: October 2020

An Addendum to the Plre?

The short article deals with the existence of a court eunuch that was named Novianos. The person in question can be found in a study of the French Byzantinist Rodolphe Guilland, but seems to be non-existent in the classical sources.
A Note on the Impact of Daily Deals on Local Retailers’ Online Reputation: Mediation Effects of the Consumer Experience
Authors: Bai Xue , Marsden James R. , Ross William T. , Wang Gang
Published: October 2020

Practice- and Policy-Oriented Abstract
Dynamic Pricing of Relocating Resources in Large Networks
Authors: Balseiro Santiago R. , Brown David B. , Chen Chen
Published: October 2020

Motivated by applications in shared vehicle systems, we study dynamic pricing of resources that relocate over a network of locations. Customers with private willingness to pay sequentially request to relocate a resource from one location to another, and a revenue-maximizing service provider sets a price for each request. This problem can be formulated as an infinite-horizon stochastic dynamic program, but it is difficult to solve, as optimal pricing policies may depend on the locations of all resources in the network. We first focus on networks with a hub-and-spoke structure, and we develop a dynamic pricing policy and a performance bound based on a Lagrangian relaxation. This relaxation decomposes the problem over spokes and is thus far easier to solve than the original problem. We analyze the performance of the Lagrangian-based policy and focus on a supply-constrained large network regime in which the number of spokes (n) and the number of resources grow at the same rate. We show that the Lagrangian policy loses no more than O(ln n/n) in performance compared with an optimal policy, thus implying asymptotic optimality as n grows large. We also show that no static policy is asymptotically optimal in the large network regime. Finally, we extend the Lagrangian relaxation to provide upper bounds and policies to general networks with multiple interconnected hubs and spoke-to-spoke connections and to incorporate relocation times. We also examine the performance of the Lagrangian policy and the Lagrangian relaxation bound on some numerical examples, including examples based on data from RideAustin.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, revenue management and market analytics.
Ciência, Conhecimentos ou Metaconhecimento?
Authors: Muniz Leandro Timotheo
Published: October 2020

Qual será o papel da Ciência na Pós-Pandemia da covid-19? Pretendemos neste artigo propor possíveis respostas a Bruno Latour. Nossas respostas tem uma orientação eco-humanista, buscando através do pensamento anarquista e utópico transformar a realidade anterior à covid-19, que era formatada pelo neoliberalismo, caracterizado dentre outras coisas, pela uberização do trabalho, a revolução do trabalho 4.0 e de empreendedorismos disfarçando a miséria, a exclusão e a poluição planetária. Pensamos em um mundo onde os humanos sejam gratos à Natureza e, generosos e responsáveis socioambientalmente. Nossa intenção no texto é sonhar acordados com um mundo pensado bioecologicamente sob sistemas de cooperação e convivialidade livres e igualitárias.
As diversas faces da dúvida – ceticismo, negacionismo e confiança nas ciências
Authors: Corrêa Mônica Ferreira , David Mariano Gazineu
Published: October 2020

Na pandemia de COVID-19, tem havido um embate entre seguir e não seguir as recomendações científicas. Por um lado, este artigo aborda os argumentos do ceticismo filosófico para colocar em dúvida as reivindicações de conhecimento. Por outro lado, investiga as razões para confiar nas ciências do ponto de vista dos seus recursos e das disciplinas que as estudam. Aborda também, a partir da obra de Oreskes e Conway, Merchants of doubt (2010), as estratégias empregadas pelos negacionistas contra as alegações científicas. Embora as incertezas e as dúvidas sempre estejam presentes, tendo em vista os mecanismos de escrutínio científico, há razões para termos relativa confiança nas ciências.
Aspecto psicossocial do ambiente de trabalho de profissionais de enfermagem segundo o modelo demanda-controle
Authors: Santana Lucas Carvalho , Ferreira Lúcia Aparecida , Coimbra Marli Aparecida Reis , Rezende Marina Pereira , Dutra Cíntia Machado
Published: October 2020

Objetivo: avaliar o aspecto psicossocial do ambiente de trabalho de profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital universitário. Método: estudo transversal, exploratório e quantitativo realizado com 124 profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital universitário do interior de Minas Gerais, A coleta de dados foi realizada entre os meses de julho e setembro de 2018 e utilizou-se a Job Stress Scale (JSS). O presente estudo foi aprovado pelo CEP/UFTM. Resultados: os profissionais foram alocados nos quadrantes do modelo Demanda-Controle e identificou-se a seguinte prevalência: 30,6% na situação de alta exigência; 28,2% na de baixa exigência; 21,8% de trabalho ativo e 19,4% na situação de trabalho passivo. Conclusão: a avaliação do aspecto psicossocial do ambiente de trabalho evidenciou maiores taxas de indivíduos em situação de trabalho de alta exigência entre profissionais de enfermagem atuantes nas enfermarias (41,9%) e no setor de bloco cirúrgico (33,3%).
A British South Asian Muslim relational negotiation of divorce: uncoupling beyond the couple
Authors: Qureshi Kaveri , Metlo Zubaida
Published: October 2020

Through analysis of the narratives of one British South Asian Muslim woman contemplating divorce, this article explores how the termination of marriage is negotiated within families. The article charts the involvement and emotional implication of multiple family members in the decision at multiple levels: the interpersonal, via their involvement as sounding boards, advisers and mediators, and the intersubjective, as people’s sense of their own internal will or resolve to divorce is dialogical and unstably tied to others’ expressed views. The negotiation of divorce is an agentic intervention in the reordering of relationships and sheds light on wider processes linking agency, culture and belief. While these multiple levels of the relational negotiation of divorce may be particularly piqued in South Asian contexts, there are wider implications for sociology as, in contrast with individualisation theory, uncoupling is shown to involve more than the feelings and choices of just the husband and wife.
Improved three-dimensional localization of multiple small objects in close proximity in digital holography
Authors: Hall Matthew L. , McCall Philip , Towers Catherine E. , Towers David P.
Published: October 2020

Using intensity gradient- or sparsity-based focus metrics, the ability to accurately localize the three-dimensional (3D) position of a small object in a digital holographic reconstruction of a large field of view is hindered in the presence of multiple nearby objects. A more accurate alternative method for 3D localization, based on evaluation of the complex reconstructed volume, is proposed. Simulations and experimental data demonstrate a reduction in depth positional error for single objects and a notably improved axial resolution of multiple objects in close proximity.
Image transmission with binary coding for free space optical communications in the presence of atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Huang Xianwei , Bai Yanfeng , Fu Xiquan
Published: October 2020

Understanding the influence of atmospheric turbulence on optical information transmission is important for free space optical communication. In this paper, the image transmission through a 1 km horizontal turbulent channel has been numerically investigated, and a simulation model including the process of image pixels encoding and decoding is given. The peak signal-to-noise ratio of the received image is evaluated, and the influences of the channel factors and detector noise are discussed in detail. The critical value of noise level and turbulence strength is given. Our results provide a simulation model for image transmission in a turbulent channel along with insight into the impacts of turbulence parameters and detector noise, which are useful for applications in optical communication.
Indoor optical wireless access networks—recent progress [Invited]
Authors: Nirmalathas Ampalavanapillai , Song Tingting , Edirisinghe Sampath , Wang Ke , Lim Christina , Wong Elaine , Ranaweera Chathurika , Alameh Kamal
Published: October 2020

Optical wireless access networks have seen rapid progress. With beam-steering capability, optical wireless communications can deliver very high capacity, support user mobility with indoor localization supported directly at the optical layer, be resilient against the blocking of beams by exploiting spatial diversity at the optical layer, and guarantee low-latency links with modified protocols and network architectures. This paper presents a review of recent progress in achieving functions of communication, localization, resiliency, and dynamic networking using optical-layer techniques.
Femtosecond inscription of semi-aperiodic multi-notch fiber Bragg gratings using a phase mask
Authors: Goebel T. A. , Heusinger M. , Krämer R. G. , Matzdorf C. , Imogore T. O. , Richter D. , Zeitner U. D. , Nolte S.
Published: October 2020

We present an innovative concept of a semi-aperiodic phase mask design that enables the realization of multi-notch fiber Bragg gratings (FBG). This design utilizes the overlap and interference of near-infrared ultrashort laser pulses diffracted by short sequenced phase mask sections, which not only allows for a highly stable and reproducible inscription of a large number of wavelength filters but also paves the way towards full aperiodic phase masks. The semi-aperiodic FBG inscribed by this phase mask enables versatile notch filters showing multiple non-equidistant resonances. Those filters target applications, for instance in ground-based telescopes, where a large number of hydroxyl emission lines emitted in the upper atmosphere at near-infrared wavelengths restrict the observation of faint extraterrestrial objects.
Microscope calibration protocol for single-molecule microscopy
Authors: You Sungyong , Chao Jerry , Cohen Edward A. K. , Ward E. Sally , Ober Raimund J.
Published: October 2020

Single-molecule microscopy allows for the investigation of the dynamics of individual molecules and the visualization of subcellular structures at high spatial resolution. For single-molecule imaging experiments, and particularly those that entail the acquisition of multicolor data, calibration of the microscope and its optical components therefore needs to be carried out at a high level of accuracy. We propose here a method for calibrating a microscope at the nanometer scale, in the sense of determining optical aberrations as revealed by point source localization errors on the order of nanometers. The method is based on the imaging of a standard sample to detect and evaluate the amount of geometric aberration introduced in the optical light path. To provide support for multicolor imaging, it also includes procedures for evaluating the geometric aberration caused by a dichroic filter and the axial chromatic aberration introduced by an objective lens.
Metastable soliton necklaces supported by fractional diffraction and competing nonlinearities
Authors: Li Pengfei , Malomed Boris A. , Mihalache Dumitru
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate that the fractional cubic-quintic nonlinear Schrödinger equation, characterized by its Lévy index, maintains ring-shaped soliton clusters (“necklaces") carrying orbital angular momentum. They can be built, in the respective optical setting, as circular chains of fundamental solitons linked by a vortical phase field. We predict semi-analytically that the metastable necklace-shaped clusters persist, corresponding to a local minimum of an effective potential of interaction between adjacent solitons in the cluster. Systematic simulations corroborate that the clusters stay robust over extremely large propagation distances, even in the presence of strong random perturbations.
Factors influencing the working temperature of quantum dot light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhang Tianqi , Tang Haodong , Zhou Shuling , Ding Shihao , Xiao Xiangtian , Wen Zuoliang , Niu Gaoqiang , Luo Xiaobing , Wang Fei , Sun Xiao Wei , Xing Guichuan , Wang Kai
Published: October 2020

Quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) possess huge potential in display due to their outstanding optoelectronic performance; however, serve degradation during operation blocks their practical applications. High temperature is regarded as one of major factors causing degradation. Therefore, a systematical study on the working temperature of QLEDs is very essential and urgent for the development of high stable QLEDs. In this work, different influence factors such as the electro-optic conversion efficiency (EOCE), voltage, current density, active area, substrate size, substrate type and sample contact are discussed in detail on the working temperature of QLEDs. The research results show that the working temperature of general QLEDs under normal operation conditions is usually smaller than 75 °C when the ambient temperature is 25 °C. However, temperature of QLEDs working under extreme conditions, such as high power or small substrate size, will exceed 100 °C, resulting in irreversible damage to the devices. Moreover, some effective measures to reduce the working temperature are also proposed. The analysis and discussion of various influencing factors in this work will provide guidance for the design of stable QLEDs and help them work at a safer temperature.
Loudspeaker Noise Disturbance Control using Optimal and Robust
Controllers
Authors: Jibril Mustefa , Tadese Messay , Bogale Fiseha
Published: October 2020

Noise reduction is the major issue in the loudspeaker for the application of the musical instruments and related areas. In this paper, a noise disturbance control of a loudspeaker with optimal and robust controllers has been done successfully. The noise of the loudspeaker has been analyzed by simply track a reference cone displacement with the actual cone displacement. Static output feedback and H infinity optimal loop shaping controllers have been used to compare the actual and reference cone displacements by using a sine wave and random cone displacement signals and a promising results have been analyzed.
Performance Investigation of a Two Link Manipulator Stability in the Presence of Torque Disturbance using Optimal Sliding Mode Controller
Authors: Jibril Mustefa , Tadese Messay , Degefa Reta
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a two-link manipulator system stability performance is designed and analyzed using Optimal control technique. The manipulator system is highly nonlinear and unstable. The system is modelled using Lagrangian equation and linearized in upward unstable position. The closed loop system is designed using optimal sliding mode controller. The system is compared with a known PID controller with an impulse applied and disturbance torques and a promising results has been obtained.
No Democracy Without Generational Rifts
Authors: Lievens Matthias
Published: October 2020

In his contribution, Matthias Lievens shows that for Jean-Paul Sartre, freedom is fundamentally at stake in intergenerational relations. Sartre rejects a view of history as a linear continuum and argues that the relation between generations has to be understood in terms of a play of different temporalisations, generating continuity and discontinuity. On this basis, Sartre shows that intergenerational relations can be characterized by forms of dependence and domination. We depend on future generations to take up and continue our projects, but future generations' freedom can also be decisively affected by how we structure the world they will inherit. However, real freedom presupposes that new generations have the ability to transcend the historical situation they are born into, and have the capacity to start something new. The notion of »generational rifts« is therefore essential for a free and democratic society, as is shown through an analysis of Sartre's critique of Malthusianism and Stalinism.
Growing Resilient Cities
Authors: Wesener Andreas
Published: October 2020

The study explores the role and value of urban community gardens following a major crisis: the 2010/11 earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand. It focuses on interview data regarding benefits of community gardens as experienced by key informants from eight community gardens in post-earthquake Christchurch. The findings reflect the role of community gardens as sanctuaries, places for social exchange, post-disaster therapeutic, and sources of food and learning following an earthquake. The often latent and subtle power of continuous activities and social interaction make community gardens a valuable source of community resilience when a disaster strikes. With regard to urban resilience, the study regards community gardens as »silent systems« that work in the background and get activated through subtle processes when a disaster strikes. As relevant lifesaving systems following disasters, urban community gardens need care and support like any other system, particularly in the form of funding, long-term tenure security, and protective urban planning policies.
Johannes R. Becher und die literarische Moderne
Authors: Eichhorn Kristin
Published: October 2020

Von Jahrhundertwendedichtung und Expressionismus über Exilliteratur bis hin zur frühen DDR-Literatur - Johannes R. Bechers Werk in Lyrik, Prosa, Dramatik und Essayistik ist zweifellos vielseitig. Doch ist ihm die Zugehörigkeit zur Moderne immer wieder explizit aberkannt worden. Kristin Eichhorn revidiert diese These, indem sie eine grundlegende Neubestimmung literarischer Modernität vornimmt, die auf der inszenierten Repräsentativität von Autorschaft fußt und den Manifest-Charakter der Moderne selbst herausarbeitet. Nicht inhaltliche, ästhetische Vorgaben machen in diesem Sinne modernes Schreiben aus, sondern der immer wieder neugestaltete Gestus, der den Willen kommuniziert, modern zu sein.
Perspektiven pragmatischer Medienphilosophie
Authors: Sandbothe Mike
Published: October 2020

Inspiriert von den Vordenkern des amerikanischen Pragmatismus - William James, John Dewey und Richard Rorty - entwickelt Mike Sandbothe ein normativ nachhaltiges Konzept von Medien und Philosophie. Anhand exemplarischer Fallstudien zeigt er auf, wie sich dies in den Kultur- und Medienwissenschaften, den Bildungs- und Sozialwissenschaften sowie in der Psychologie nutzen lässt. Seine pragmatische Medienphilosophie kann dazu beitragen, die Betriebssysteme unserer Bildungsanstalten mit Hilfe von achtsamkeits- und körperbasierten sowie spirituellen Praktiken gesundheitsförderlich zu transformieren.
Metaphorologie des Kinos
Authors: Yanagibashi Daisuke
Published: October 2020

In der Anfangszeit des Kinos stellte die Filmrezeption ein außergewöhnliches Erlebnis dar. Der Überschuss an Wahrnehmung versetzte die Zuschauer in die Situation von »Mängelwesen« (Hans Blumenberg), die sich der Metapher als epistemischer Strategie bedienen müssen. So tauchen in den literarischen Dokumenten von Begegnungen mit dem Film verschiedene metaphorische Figuren auf, die häufig als Bildmotive über die Mediengrenze hinweg auf die Leinwand zurückkehren. Daisuke Yanagibashi demonstriert die Bandbreite der kinobezogenen Metaphernfelder, um die Diskursivierungswege dieses neuen Mediums zu beleuchten und die breite Textgrundlage des Kinodiskurses systematisch zu überblicken.
Território e conflito na Amazônia
Authors: Amorim Edilane Bezerra , Herrera José Antonio , Neves Italla Cristina
Published: October 2020

Neste artigo, busca-se refletir sobre os conflitos pela terra existentes no município de Anapu (PA); trata-se de um município formado na década de 1970, com a abertura da rodovia Transamazônica (BR230), essa impulsionada pelo governo brasileiro por meio de ações ordenadoras e incentivos determinantes para a produção do território deste município. A hipótese norteadora da pesquisa é que durante esse processo de estruturação territorial, estratégias e ações contribuíram para formação de espaços de conflitos no campo. Com a pesquisa, foi possível verificar que as políticas públicas e ações promovidas contribuíram para formação do território com sistemas produtivos pautados na concentração da terra e o acúmulo de capital, gerando desigualdades sociais e espaços de conflitos no município de Anapu, PA.
Effects of Mg Al Alloy Powder on the Combustion and Infrared Emission Characteristics of the Mg Al PTFE Viton Composition
Authors: Trung Toan Nguyen , Thi Cam Nhung Nguyen
Published: October 2020

Metal-Fluorocarbon compositions are the pyrotechnic formulations which have been widely used in infrared decoy flares to protect aerial targets from infrared guide missile seekers. In this work, the effect of Mg-Al alloy powder (i.e. the particle size and the content) on the combustion and the infrared emission characteristics (i.e. the infrared emission distribution and the infrared radiance) of the pyrotechnic composition based on Mg-Al alloy, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Viton rubber are described. The results show that the high burning rate (with the values of 4.0 mm.s-1 to 10.0 mm.s-1, depend on the compression density) of this composition is achieved with a high content of Mg-Al alloy or when using fine Mg-Al alloy particles as well as coarse PTFE particles. On the other hand, the infrared emission radiance (in the wavelength range of 2.5 μm to 5.0 μm) of Mg-Al/PTFE/Viton composition reaches maximum values (i.e. 17.7 W.cm-2.Sr-1 and 21.0 W.cm-2.Sr-1 with the size of Mg-Al particles are 20 μm and 120 μm, respectively) at 60 wt% Mg-Al alloy. Finally, the Mg-Al/PTFE/Viton composition has a similar combustion and emission characteristics as the Mg/PTFE/Viton composition.
Study on High Energy Propellant Waste in the Processing of Fired Clay Bricks
Authors: Mehta P.K. , Kumaraswamy A. , Saraswat V. K. , B. Praveen Kumar
Published: October 2020

Utilisation of propellant waste in fabrication of bricks is not only used as efficient waste disposal method but also to get better functional properties. In the present study, high energy propellant (HEP) waste additive mixed with soil and fly ash in different proportions during manufacturing of bricks has been investigated experimentally. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were carried out to confirm the brick formation and the effect of HEP waste. Ceramic bricks were fabricated with HEP waste additive in proper proportions i.e. 0.5 wt %, 1.0 wt %, 1.5 wt %, 2.0 wt %, 2.5 wt %, 3 wt %, 3.5 wt %, and 4 wt % and then evaluated for water absorption capability and compressive strength. Compressive strength of 6.7 N/mm2, and Water absorption of 22 % have been observed from modified fired bricks impregnated with HEM waste additive. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies were carried out to analyze the effect of HEP waste additive on pore formation and distribution in the bricks. Further, the heat resulting from decomposition of propellants can cause a decrease in the energy required of baking process. The process of manufacturing of bricks with HEP waste additive is first of its kind till date.
Study of Gain Switching in Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser under Different Electrical Pulse Inputs
Authors: Krishna K. Murali , Madhan M. Ganesh , Ashok P.
Published: October 2020

Vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) is a strong candidate for short pulse generation among the other semiconductor lasers in the era of laser technology. A 1550 nm, low power VCSEL is excited under different current shapes and the chief laser parameters are found out. The concept of gain switching under various current profiles are utilized effectively to bring out maximum laser power with minimum pulse width, which are the essential factors for long haul high speed optical data transmission. For a haversine electrical current input with 3.7 Ith amplitude, a laser peak power of 2.2 mW at 57 ps pulse width is obtained. In the case of trapezoidal pulse, 67 ps pulse width is obtained for 2.6 Ith current amplitude. It is also observed that square pulse of amplitude 2 Ith produces short optical pulse of 0.887 mW peak power and 89 ps width which shows the best performance when compared to other forms of pulses discussed in this work at the same input condition.
Effect of Collector Voltage on the Large and Small Signal Modulation Characteristics of 980 nm Transistor Laser
Authors: Ramya R. , Piramasubramanian S. , Madhan G. Ganesh , Rebecca D.
Published: October 2020

Theoretical analysis of Transistor Laser is carried out and the static and frequency responses for different collector voltages, under common emitter configuration are determined. The threshold current (Ith) is observed as 33mA and it increases linearly with reverse collector to base voltage (VCB). Meanwhile, the output optical power is found to decrease proportionately when VCB is increased. A maximum of 18.7GHz modulation bandwidth is observed when an input base current of 95 mA is applied at a fixed value of VCB (1V). The modulation bandwidth is found to decrease with increase in reverse VCB. The turn on delay increases with collector voltage. However, it decreases with increase in base current.
RF Sputtered MoO3 Thin Film on Si (100) for Gas Sensing Applications
Authors: Pandey Akhilesh , Dhaka Anoushka , Kumari Chandni , Kaushik Janesh , Arora Aman , Dutta Shankar , Dixit Ambesh , Raman R.
Published: October 2020

Molybdenum Trioxide (MoO3) films are grown on Si(100) substrates by reactive RF magnetron sputtering in plasma containing a mixture of Argon and Oxygen, using a pure Molybdenum target. In this paper, we report the deposition of (MoO3) films on Si(100) substrates under varying gas flow (O2 + Ar gas) (20 sccm to 30 sccm with the duration of deposition~ 1hr) by RF reactive magnetron sputtering at room temperature. To get crystalline MoO3 films annealing in O2 environment at 500 °C for 4 h is done. Phase formation and orientation of the film is characterized by Glancing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD). The identification of the orthorhombic MoO3 phase is investigated by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Raman lines at 819 cm-1 and 995 cm-1 are due to the (A1g, B1g) symmetric stretching (Mo-O–Mo) bond and asymmetric stretching band (Mo=O) respectively. Surface morphology and cross-sectional image of the deposited thin films were investigated by FE-SEM image. UV-Visible reflectance and cross-sectional FE-SEM image confirm the thickness of the MoO3 films with oxygen-rich and oxygen deficient phase formation occur. Reverse leakage current density of 20 sccm 1hr sample is low (1×10-6 mA/cm2) as compared to 30 sccm 1hr sample (1×10-3 mA/cm2). The higher leakage is due to crack formation during the ex-situ annealing of MoO3 films. This MoO3 films can be used in Gas sensing and switching devices.
Effect of Loading Rate on Creep Properties of HgCdTe Epitaxial Films
Authors: Sharma Hemant Kumar , Prasad Rajesh , Saxena Raghvendra Sahai , Gokhale Aditya , Sharma Rajesh Kumar
Published: October 2020

Nanoindentation creep studies were performed on Hg1-xCdxTe (x~0.29) epitaxial films using different loading rates of 0.5 mN.s-1, 1 mN.s-1, 2 mN.s-1 and 4 mN.s-1, keeping a constant peak load of 10 mN. A constant hold time of 20 sec at peak load was maintained for all experiments. The effect of loading rate on creep behaviour of material has been investigated. Creep displacement had shown increasing trend with increase of loading rates. Stress exponents were extracted using creep curve fitting with an empirical equation. A strong dependence of loading rate on stress exponent was observed. The value of stress exponent was found varying in the range 0.60-1.76, 0.96-2.23, 0.98-2,87 and 0.90-2.81 for loading rates 0.5 mN.s-1, 1 mN.s-1, 2 mN.s-1 and 4 mN.s-1, respectively. The change of stress exponent was attributed to change of creep mechanism. Hardness and elastic modulus were extracted from load-displacement curves and it was found that with the increase of the loading rate hardness increases, while elastic modulus remains constant. A correlation between variation of hardness and creep displacement has also been presented.
Gra z romantycznym afektem w Mariaszu Artura Daniela Liskowackiego
Authors: Malicka Patrycja
Published: October 2020

The aim of the article is to show the connection between affection theory and romantic concepts of emotions (mesmerism and melancholy) in Artur Daniel Liskowacki’s 2007 novel Mariasz. By way of introduction, the author presents in brief the most important research on affective turn conducted in Poland and around the world, and also shows the possibilities of affective reading. The next part of the article is an interpretation of Mariasz. What is more, affection theory, as it is used in the novel, helps us to describe the ambiguous network of relations between the characters more fully and clearly, who experience similar affections, despite the temporal distance between them (romanticism and modernity). By analyzing Liskowacki’s novel we can identify the current relevance of the Romantic tradition in Polish literature after 1989, which is far from its martyrological connotations. Romanticism becomes a reference point for contemporary times, and original dialogues from that epoch allow the emotional nature of humans immersed in contemporary times to be described in full.
Danton. Wektory interpretacji filmu Andrzeja Wajdy
Authors: Szturc Włodzimierz
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the author presents the final period of the French Revolution as interpretated by Andrzej Wajda. The screenplay was prepared by Jean-Claude Carrière based on Stanisława Przybyszewska’s drama (also used by Wajda as a screenplay in many dramas). It helped the director to describe the reality of the intense time of Robespierre’s terror and Jacobin efforts to guillotine Danton and his allies. Wajda reveals the same mechanisms of crime, manipulation and lies which became the backdrop for political events in Poland between 1981-1983 (especially with the introduction of martial law in Poland in 1981). The model of Danton’s fall and the strengthening of totalitarian rule are considered the current model of history, which is based on cruelty and the struggle for power. The film forms the basis for a broader view of history as the tragic entanglement of events, which is the result of hubris and the desire for material goods, and is the origin of totalitarian rule. References to the emblems of the revolution, allegories, and the symbolism of art (paintings of David) are the fundamental ekphrasis of meanings set by the film. Wajda’s analysis of Danton shows some typical ways of understanding and interpreting the signs of culture and history.
O egzystencji w dziele literackim i o egzystencji dzieła
Authors: Wachowski Jacek
Published: October 2020

The concept of existence is rooted in (at least) two traditions: philosophical and literary theory. This does not mean, however, that it means the same for both fields. The first tradition is wide ranging because it includes diverse – physical, emotional and spiritual (as well as intellectual) – aspects of being. The second tradition is narrow and it closely refers to literary output. Literary existence – which is based on physical reality – is permanently separated from it. Literature refers to the representation and imagination of the world, not to the empirical experience of physical reality. In addition, literature does not apply the categories of truth and falsehood that we know from social reality (because literary existence stands, beyond the assertion). It is also imprisoned in genology – inscribed in the genre. Literary existence has more to do with poetry, style, artistic convention than what philosophers are examining. Sometimes great literary works deal with great philosophical problems, but sometimes do not and it do not detract from their artistic nature. Both of these tradition – literary and philosophical – however, have many common places, require careful study and analysis. The article is an attempt to show these places and characterize their features.
O statusie badań semiotycznych w dobie kultury cyfrowej
Authors: Szczęsna Ewa
Published: October 2020

This article proves the need to develop semiotics research focused on digital text, whose basic unit is the digital sign and which differs from other signs in its nature and structure. The changes that have taken place in the structure of the sign result in changes in the sphere of text and discourse. In turn, these mean that research in semiotics, stylistics, poetology, rhetoric and aesthetics (with mutual awareness of how they interact, exert an influence and interlock) cannot be credible without taking account of and updating semiotics research. The article puts forward the thesis that the development in the forms of sign-organisation of the message, new ways of using textualis, the significant contribution of representational layer in shaping textual structure and the communicative situation all lead to the crystallisation of semiopoetics. Examples of its categories and research problems are kinetic figures (adjection, reduction, permutation, transformation, atomisation); functional homonyms; new ways of versification and narration. Discovering the sphere of semiopoetics allows one not only to reflect on newly established models of semiotics, or update poetics, but also to take a new look at texts produced using past technologies and notice previously overlooked aspects.
Profesor Teresa Czyż
Authors: Churski Paweł
Published: October 2020

Profesor Teresa Czyż