bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical effect of Zoledronic Acid in the treatment of Senile Osteoporosis
Authors: Kong Li , Zuo Kai , Ma Long
Published: October 2020

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of zoledronic acid in the treatment of senile osteoporosis.

Methods: One hundred and six cases of senile osteoporosis who visited to our hospital from August 2017 to December 2018 for treatment were selected and randomly divided into a control group and an observation group. The control group was treated with conventional therapy, while the observation group was treated with zoledronic acid in addition to the treatment of the control group. Bone mineral density, pain degree, therapeutic effect and adverse reactions of the two groups were compared.

Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was 96.67%, higher than 80.00% of the control group (P<0.05); the bone mineral density of lumbar vertebrae, femoral neck and Ward’ area in the two groups increased after 6 months of treatment, and the bone mineral density of the observation group increased more than that of the control group (P<0.05); the pain degree of the observation group was lower than that of the control group after 6 months of treatment, and the difference was significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Zoledronic acid is helpful to alleviate clinical symptoms, reduce the degree of bone pain, and promote the increase of bone mass, and has high safety in the treatment of senile osteoporosis, which is worth promotion.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.1964

How to cite this:Kong L, Zuo K, Ma L. Clinical effect of Zoledronic Acid in the treatment of Senile Osteoporosis. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(7):1703-1707.   doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.7.1964

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
A study protocol for quantifying patient preferences in neuromuscular disorders: a case study of the IMI PREFER Project
Authors: Jimenez-Moreno Aura Cecilia , Pinto Cathy Anne , Levitan Bennett , Whichello Chiara , Dyer Christine , Van Overbeeke Eline , de Bekker-Grob Esther , Smith Ian , Huys Isabelle , Viberg Johansson Jennifer , Adcock Kate , Bullock Kristin , Soekhai Vikas , Yuan Zhong , Lochmuller Hanns , de Wit Ardine , Gorman Grainne S.
Published: October 2020

Objectives:Patient preference studies are increasingly used to inform decision-making during the medical product lifecycle but are rarely used to inform early stages of drug development.  The primary aim of this study is to quantify treatment preferences of patients with neuromuscular disorders, which represent serious and debilitating conditions with limited or no treatment options available.

Methods:This quantitative patient preferences study was designed as an online survey, with a cross-over design.  This study will target two different diseases from the neuromuscular disorders disease group, myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and mitochondrial myopathies (MM). Despite having different physio-pathological pathways both DM1 and MM manifest in a clinically similar manner and may benefit from similar treatment options.  The sample will be stratified into three subgroups: two patient groups differentiated by age of symptom onset and one caregivers group.   Each subgroup will be randomly assigned to complete two of three different preference elicitation methods at two different time points: Q-methodology survey, discrete choice experiment, and best-worst scaling type 2, allowing cross-comparisons of the results across each study time within participants and within elicitation methods. Additional variables such as sociodemographic, clinical and health literacy will be collected to enable analysis of potential heterogeneity.

Ethics and Dissemination:This study protocol has undergone ethical review and approval by the Newcastle University R&D Ethics Committee (Ref: 15169/2018). All participants will be invited to give electronic informed consent to take part in the study prior accessing the online survey. All electronic data will be anonymised prior analysis. This study is part of the Patient Preferences in Benefit-Risk Assessments during the Drug Life Cycle (IMI-PREFER) project, a public-private collaborative research project aiming to develop expert and evidence-based recommendations on how and when patient preferences can be assessed and used to inform medical product decision making.
Distance and Local Competition in Mobile Geofencing
Authors: Ho Yi-Jen (Ian) , Dewan Sanjeev , Ho Yi-Chun (Chad)
Published: October 2020

The growing ubiquity of GPS-enabled smartphones has ushered in a new era of location-based services and online-to-offline commerce. Geofencing is one instance of this broader phenomenon, and it is being widely adopted in the context of retail, restaurant, entertainment, and other local services. By targeting users on mobile apps while they are in the vicinity of physical establishments, there is potential for higher levels of engagement and consumption of the products or services on offer. However, the level of consumer interest is likely to depend on distance from the establishment and local competition in the surrounding areas. This study examines the impact of these two factors on consumer response to geofence advertising at different points in the purchase funnel, namely the click stage and conversion phase. Analyzing a rich data set from one of the leading location-based marketing agencies and using a sophisticated Bayesian empirical methodology, we find that having one more competitor in the consumer’s vicinity reduces click-through rate by about 1%, and a 1-mile increase in distance is associated with a 17.6% reduction in conversion rate. These and other results suggest that accounting for distance and local competition in data-analytic mobile targeting would increase both the return on advertising spend and consumer welfare.
When the Stars Shine Too Bright: The Influence of Multidimensional Ratings on Online Consumer Ratings
Authors: Schneider Christoph , Weinmann Markus , Mohr Peter N.C. , vom Brocke Jan
Published: October 2020

Scholars generally assume that consumer ratings reflect consumer satisfaction, but ratings can be influenced by the design of the rating system. We examine two rating designs—single-dimensional rating systems, which elicit overall ratings only, and multidimensional (MD) rating systems, which elicit both dimensional and overall ratings—and how they impact overall ratings. Drawing on the accessibility–diagnosticity framework, we argue that dimensional ratings in MD systems influence overall ratings based on how the dimensions have been rated. We support this explanation with seven experiments. Our results suggest that across various experimental settings, rating objects, dimensions, and numbers of dimensions, overall ratings are systematically influenced by the design of the rating system.

This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information systems.
PROCESSOS FORMATIVOS E EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA: AS AÇÕES DA QUARENTENA EM FOCO
Authors: Farid Rahme Monica Maria , Viana Anamaria Fernandes , Henriques Deborah Stephanie De Oliveira
Published: October 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar o percurso de trabalho extensionista produzido pelos projetos XXXXXX e XXXXXX no primeiro semestre de 2020. Para tanto, apresentamos inicialmente algumas reflexões sobre o vínculo da universidade com a comunidade e a sua posição na cidade, como espaço comprometido com a democracia e com a produção de saberes. Em um segundo momento, exploramos a dinâmica de trabalho e a dimensão metodológica que se desenhou na proposição e desenvolvimento das ações de extensão durante esse período, e analisamos os efeitos que a partilha de ações comuns significaram para a relação educativa. Por fim, tecemos algumas considerações sobre possíveis contribuições dessa experiência para processos formativos no contexto da universidade.
Decontamination Steps Vital for General Practice
Authors: Doak Shaun
Published: October 2020

With general practice under increasing pressure to offer face-to-face appointments during the winter months, it is imperative that there is detailed advice available on precautions to provide clean and safe environments for staff and patients
Escape room educativa: Concepción de los futuros maestros de Educación Secundaria en especialidad de Educación Física y Tecnología sobre la experiencia de diseñar y participar en una escape room educativa
Authors: Lopez Secanell Irene , Ortega Torres Enric
Published: October 2020

En los últimos años se ha incrementado el interés por metodologías alternativas e innovadoras que poco a poco se van implementando en las aulas. Dentro de estas metodologías encontramos la gamificación, con un componente lúdico y motivacional que paulatinamente ha ganado terreno en el ámbito educativo. Conscientes de ello, en el presente artículo se analiza la concepción de los futuros profesores de educación secundaria en especialidad de educación física y tecnología sobre la experiencia de diseñar y participar en una Escape Room educativa. Para ello se muestra las propuestas didácticas desarrolladas en ambas materias y los resultados obtenidos de un cuestionario realizado con Google Forms. Los resultados muestran como los estudiantes valoran positivamente la experiencia de participar y diseñar una Escape Room a nivel educativo y ven viable su futura aplicación en el aula.  Se muestra un ejemplo de investigación-acción que permite concluir la necesidad de transformar la formación inicial docente a través de estrategias como la gamificación y abrir líneas de investigación que apuesten por Escape Rooms inter y transdisciplinares.
La concepción de la gramática subyacente en las evaluaciones en la Suiza francófona
Authors: Sánchez Abchi Verónica , De Pietro Jean-François
Published: October 2020

Este artículo se propone analizar la concepción de la enseñanza de la gramática que emerge de las prácticas de evaluación certificativa utilizadas en la parte francófona de Suiza. Asimismo, nos interesamos por la manera en que las evaluaciones se relacionan con los documentos de referencia oficiales que orientan la enseñanza obligatoria. En este sentido, analizamos 6 pruebas cantonales, dirigidas a todos los alumnos de 8H (alumnos de 11/12 años) de los cantones francófonos, teniendo en cuenta diferentes criterios: el espacio atribuido a la gramática en las pruebas, los contenidos movilizados, la relación con el texto, las acciones requeridas y la tipología de las preguntas. Las pruebas muestran que, aunque existe una base común de contenidos evaluados en todos los cantones, los diferentes formatos y las acciones requeridas se relacionan con distintas concepciones de la gramática. Asimismo, las operaciones y contenidos ausentes de las evaluaciones sugieren, igualmente, que estos no son priorizados en las aulas. Finalmente, las restricciones de las prácticas de corrección a gran escala tienen también consecuencias en la realización de las preguntas e, indirectamente, en la concepción de la gramática que se pone en juego.  Las evaluaciones evidencian no una, sino diversas concepciones de la gramática, que reflejan parcialmente los principios de los documentos oficiales.
Biodynamic digital holographic speckle microscopy for oocyte and embryo metabolic evaluation
Authors: Li Zhe , Lorenzo-Lorenzo Ilka M. , An Ran , Turek John , Nolte David D. , Machaty Zoltan
Published: October 2020

Assisted reproductive technologies seek to improve the success rate of pregnancies. Morphology scoring is a common approach to evaluate oocyte and embryo viability prior to embryo transfer in utero, but the efficacy of the method is low. We apply biodynamic imaging, based on dynamic light scattering and low-coherence digital holography, to assess the metabolic activity of oocytes and embryos. A biodynamic microscope, developed to image small and translucent biological specimens, is inserted into the bay of a commercial inverted microscope that can switch between conventional microscopy channels and biodynamic microscopy. We find intracellular Doppler spectral features that act as noninvasive proxies for embryo metabolic activity that may relate to embryo viability.
Triple charge-coupled device cameras combined backscatter lidar for retrieving PM2.5 from aerosol extinction coefficient
Authors: Gao Jing , Pan Jie , Wang Jingjing , Cai Yangjian , Zhao Yuefeng
Published: October 2020

The vertical aerosol extinction coefficient profile is the key to evaluating the aerosol radiation effect. In addition, it is also the premise of indirect inversion of

P
M

2.5

concentration from the lidar signal. A novel lidar system combining tripe charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras and backscatter lidar is proposed to retrieve accurately the aerosol extinction coefficient. The relative humidity segmentation method is used to convert the aerosol extinction coefficient into

P
M

2.5

concentrations. The results show that the combination of triple CCDs and backscatter lidar can obtain a wider-range extinction coefficient profile. The variation trend of fitted

P
M

2.5

concentrations and

P
M

2.5

concentrations measured by the in situ instrument show a high correlation. The correlation coefficient reaches 0.850.
Optical SAR data processing configuration with simultaneous azimuth and range matching filtering
Authors: Wang Duo , OuYang Rui , Wang Kaizhi , Fu Tianjiao , Jin Longxu , Bi Guoling , Zhang Xingxiang
Published: October 2020

The real-time processing of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data has a high requirement for the processor, which is a difficult problem in SAR real-time processing. With the rapid development of optoelectronic devices, traditional electrical SAR data processing can be converted into optoelectronic processing to improve the processing speed. In this paper, a new type of optical device is proposed to improve the processing speed of SAR data. With the help of a spatial light modulator (SLM), the initial SAR signal and matched filter function are loaded on the input plane and spectrum plane of the 4f system, respectively. Using an optical lens with the function of the Fourier transform, the Fourier transform and inverse Fourier transform of the SAR signal are carried out to realize the fast imaging of SAR. In theory, the processing speed of SAR data is the speed of light. Compared with traditional methods such as the range-Doppler (RD) algorithm, it is no longer necessary to carry out a one-dimensional Fourier transform but to carry out matching filtering for the azimuth and range of the spectrum plane of 4f system at the same time. In this way, it is not necessary to introduce a cylindrical lens, only a spherical lens is needed to realize the Fourier transform imaging of SAR. Finally, a two-dimensional SAR processing optical system is built to obtain the SAR image in real time.
Polarization state tracing method to map local birefringent properties in samples using polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography
Authors: Tang Peijun , Wang Ruikang K.
Published: October 2020

We propose a method that utilizes the trajectory of output polarization states on the Poincaré sphere to derive depth-resolved birefringent information within samples using a fiber-based polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography. The apparent (or intermediate) optic axis and the local phase retardation are first obtained by fitting a plane to the adjacent output polarization states along depths in the Poincare sphere. A sequence of 3D rotation operation determined by the local birefringent property of the upper layers is then applied to the apparent axis to finally determine the local optic axis. This method requires only one input polarization state and is compatible with both free-space and fiber-based PSOCT systems, simplifying the imaging system setup. The theoretical framework is presented to derive the local phase retardation and optic axis from the output polarization states and then demonstrated by mapping local birefringent information of the mouse thigh tissue in vitro.
Gamma radiation effects on passive silicon photonic waveguides using phase sensitive methods
Authors: Boynton Nicholas , Gehl Michael , Dallo Christina , Pomerene Andrew , Starbuck Andrew , Hood Dana , Dodd Paul , Swanson Scot , Trotter Douglas , DeRose Christopher , Lentine Anthony
Published: October 2020

Passive silicon photonic waveguides are exposed to gamma radiation to understand how the performance of silicon photonic integrated circuits is affected in harsh environments such as space or high energy physics experiments. The propagation loss and group index of the mode guided by these waveguides is characterized by implementing a phase sensitive swept-wavelength interferometric method. We find that the propagation loss associated with each waveguide geometry explored in this study slightly increases at absorbed doses of up to 100 krad (Si). The measured change in group index associated with the same waveguide geometries is negligibly changed after exposure. Additionally, we show that the post-exposure degradation of these waveguides can be improved through heat treatment.
Fabrication and chemical lift-off of sub-micron scale III-nitride LED structures
Authors: Chan Lesley , Karmstrand Therese , Chan Aaron , Shapturenka Pavel , Hwang David , Margalith Tal , DenBaars Steven P. , Gordon Michael J.
Published: October 2020

Nanoscale light emitting diodes (nanoLEDs, diameter < 1 µm), with active and sacrificial multi-quantum well (MQW) layers epitaxially grown via metal organic chemical vapor deposition, were fabricated and released into solution using a combination of colloidal lithography and photoelectrochemical (PEC) etching of the sacrificial MQW layer. PEC etch conditions were optimized to minimize undercut roughness, and thus limit damage to the active MQW layer. NanoLED emission was blue-shifted ∼10 nm from as-grown (unpatterned) LED material, hinting at strain relaxation in the active InGaN MQW layer. X-ray diffraction also suggests that strain relaxation occurs upon nanopatterning, which likely results in less quantum confined Stark effect. Internal quantum efficiency of the lifted nanoLEDs was estimated at 29% by comparing photoluminescence at 292K and 14K. This work suggests that colloidal lithography, combined with chemical release, could be a viable route to produce solution-processable, high efficiency nanoscale light emitters.
Aerial image resolution measurement based on the slanted knife edge method
Authors: Kawagishi Norikazu , Kakinuma Ryota , Yamamoto Hirotsugu
Published: October 2020

Image resolution is one of the most important performance specifications of aerial display techniques. However, there is no standard method for evaluating the aerial image resolution. In this paper, we propose a method for measuring the modulation transfer function (MTF) of an aerial imaging system based on the slanted knife edge method. We hypothesize that aerial images have a different blur function from standard camera images. In order to explore this, we simulate blurred slanted knife edge images by convolving two types of blur functions. Furthermore, the MTF curves of the aerial image formed using different retro-reflectors are compared using the proposed method.
Indoor optical wireless communication system with continuous and simultaneous positioning
Authors: Wang Ke , Song Tingting , Kandeepan Sithamparanathan , Li Hongtao , Alameh Kamal
Published: October 2020

The optical wireless communication (OWC) technology has been widely studied to provide high-speed communications in indoor environments. The indoor OWC-based positioning function is also highly demanded and the received signal strength (RSS) method has attracted intensive interests, where multiple transmitters are used and the positioning information is provided by estimating the channel gain from each transmitter with known location. However, this process normally requires dedicated positioning time slots, RF carriers or codewords, which limit the system data rate and throughput. To solve this limitation, in this paper we propose a filter-enhanced indoor OWC positioning scheme, where spatial waveform shaping filters are applied to the transmitters, thus enabling the signals from different transmitters to be separated via matched filters at the receiver side. Hence, this approach allows the RSS information to be obtained from the wireless communication signal directly and the positioning function realized without affecting the wireless communication data rate or throughput. In addition, since positioning is realized using the communication signal, continuous positioning can be achieved for real-time tracking. The proposed filter-enhanced positioning scheme is experimentally demonstrated in a near-infrared indoor OWC system with laser transmitters. Results show that an average positioning accuracy of 5.41 cm and 2.5 Gb/s wireless communication are achieved simultaneously. The proposed filter-enhanced positioning scheme can also be applied in visible light communication (VLC) systems with LED transmitters, and the feasibility is verified via simulations. The proposed filter-enhanced scheme provides a promising positioning method in indoor OWC systems without affecting the wireless data communication.
Parallel beam generation method for a high-precision roll angle measurement with a long working distance
Authors: Ren Wenran , Cui Jiwen , Tan Jiubin
Published: October 2020

A novel measurement system for a high-precision roll angle measurement of long working distance on the basis of two parallel beams in association with two detectors is presented. The measurement system consists of a light source part and a detecting part. The light source part uses transmission grating and a plane mirror to produce a pair of high-precision parallel beams. The nonparallelism of the dual beam caused by the installation error can be compressed to ensure the measurement system achieves high-precision measurement and long working distance. The effectiveness of the measurement system and proposed methods are demonstrated by a series of experiments. The resolution of 0.5′′ and measurement accuracy of 1.1′′ can be obtained by the set-up measurement system.
O impacto da obra de Nelson Traquina nos Estudos em Jornalismo do Brasil
Authors: Meditsch Eduardo , Neto Guilherme Guerreiro
Published: October 2020

Este artigo analisa o impacto da obra de Nelson Traquina nos Estudos em Jornalismo realizados no Brasil, a partir de estudos bibliométricos em trabalhos apresentados em congressos de Jornalismo e Comunicação no país. Para isso, recupera resultados de estudos publicados anteriormente e apresenta novos dados, produzidos especialmente para este paper, relativos a trabalhos apresentados em eventos de 2019, numa pesquisa sincrônica, e ao longo de duas décadas (2000-2019), numa perspectiva diacrônica. Da análise conjunta destes dados, conclui que Nelson Traquina, ao longo de todo esse período, foi um autor com alto impacto na pesquisa brasileira em Jornalismo, sendo que mais  recentemente, o impacto de seu trabalho autoral tornou-se mais significativo do que o observado em seus trabalhos de divulgador, para a Língua Portuguesa, da literatura internacional dos Journalism Studies. Comparados os congressos que reúnem pesquisadores com nível de pós-graduação e graduação realizados em 2019 no Brasil, o impacto da obra de Traquina é maior na pesquisa de pós-graduação.
A study on the electrocardiography in dogs: Reference values and their comparison among breeds, sex, and age groups
Authors: Mukherjee Joydip , Mohapatra Smruti Smita , Jana Sonali , Das Pradip Kumar , Ghosh Prabal Ranjan , Das Kinsuk , Banerjee Dipak
Published: October 2020

Aim: The present investigation was intended to generate some basic data on electrocardiography (ECG) parameters in different breeds and their alterations in respect to sex and age.

Materials and Methods: The present investigation was carried out on 239 owned dogs of 11 different breeds presented to the Institute Veterinary Clinic during 2018-2019. The animals, irrespective of breed and sex were grouped on the basis of their age groups. Recordings of ECG were performed by a single-channel ECG machine (CardiartR, BPL, India) at 25 mm/s paper speed and 10 mm=1 mV calibration keeping the animals on the right lateral recumbence without any anesthesia. Heart rate, along with the amplitude and duration of different waves and complexes was measured.

Results: Heart rate did not vary significantly among breeds, sex, and different age groups. The highest heart rate has been reported in Doberman and the lowest in Beagle. The heart rate was lowest at the age group of 6 months-2.5 years and highest around 10.5-12.5 years irrespective of breed and sex. The incidence of sinus arrhythmia was mostly seen in older dogs. All the waves and complexes did not vary significantly between breeds, age, and sex except P duration which was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Golden retriever and Doberman breeds.

Conclusion: The present investigation generated some reference values of ECG in dogs which will help the clinicians to diagnose different cardiac abnormalities through ECG.
Peran Eddy dalam Distribusi Klorofil a di Selat Madura
Authors: Taufiqurrahman Edwards , Azis Ismail Mochamad Furqon
Published: October 2020

Distribution of chlorophyll-a associated with Eddy circulation in the Strait of Madura.TheMadura Strait is an important area for fisheries due to nutrient rich water that may have triggering primary productivity of the strait and its surrounding. Information about seawater fertility of this area, particularly chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) as the indicator, are strongly needed. However, there are only few information about Chl-aconcentrations and seawater physical properties that may affect it forthe Madura Strait. The research on theChl-a content in the Madura Strait and its relation to the Eddy has been conducted in order to fill the gap of information about the Madura Strait fertility by using remote sensing and operational oceanography modelling. The deep basin under the Madura Strait creates Eddy within the water body of the Madura Strait, and this Eddy appears to affects the Chl-a distribution. In addition, the filaments seems to carry high-nutrient water from the coastto the offshore, leading to the enhancement of Chl-a content offshore of Madura Strait. Results of this study demonstrate the role of Eddy in distributing Chl-a in the Madura Strait.
Potensi Vegetasi Hutan Mangrove untuk Mitigasi Intrusi Air Laut di Pulau Kecil
Authors: Damayanti Cahya , Amukti Rian , Suyadi Suyadi
Published: October 2020

Mangrove Forest Vegetation Potency to Mitigate Seawater Intrusion on Small Island.  Natural resources exploitation in the coastal areascaused serious problems for shallow ground wateravailabily especially in small islands. Small islands society such as in Ambon Island facesdrinking water quality degradation due to the sea water intrusion.Mangrove is one of the coastal ecosystemtypesthatis though to minimize sea water intrusion.However, the information about mangroveparametersthat can be used todetermine the mangrove forest patches potency in small islands to mitigate sea water intrusion is still limited. The aim ofthis study is to assess the correlationof mangrove vegetation and sea water intrusion using transect anddipole-dipole configuration geoelectric methods. The study showed that the thickness of mangrove vegetation and the size of mangrove trees determined the mangrove forest potencyto mitigatesea water intrusion.There was no sea water intrusion (relativity values:75.5-118 Wm)in Passo, due to thick mangrove vegetation (mean:320 m) and bigmangrove tree sizes (mean diameter: 19cm and mean height: 10m).Sea water intrusion was low (relativity values: 0.798-4.53Wm)in Poka due to thin mangrove vegetation (mean 10-100 m) and small tree sizes(mean diameter: 8.6cm and mean height: 5m). In contrasts, sea water intrusion was very high (relativity values: 1.4-9.2Wm) for the areas without mangrove vegetation(e.g. Lateri). These mangrove parameters were also negatively correlated with the distribution and coverage area of sea water intrusion.Mangrove patches in small islands can be used assea water intrusion mitigation tools, but theecosystem condition was already degraded or in the poor conditions. The findings of this study are useful for government as a basis in decision makingand to better manage of ground water and coastal ecosystem particularly mangrove.
Classificação da água subterrânea para uso na irrigação
Authors: Braga Erika de Almeida Sampaio , Aquino Marisete Dantas de , Rocha Carlos Márcio Soares , Mendes Luzia Suerlange Araújo dos Santos , Silva Rebeca Felipe dos Santos
Published: October 2020

Em regiões que sofrem de escassez continua de água, a instalação de poços é uma pratica comum. Embora seja um meio eficaz para a obtenção de água, esse método não garante a qualidade da água. No Estado do Ceará, predomina o embasamento das rochas cristalinas e, como consequência, as águas contêm elevadas concentrações de íons que conferem uma alta salinidade a água. Uma das utilizações dessas águas é para a irrigação e, águas com alta salinidade, causam danos às espécies vegetais. Por essa razão, torna-se necessário uma avaliação da qualidade da água para esse uso. O estudo foi realizado em águas subterrâneas captadas de poços localizadas em cinco localidades de dois diferentes municípios do Estado do Ceará. As amostras de água foram coletadas durante o período de janeiro a março de 2020 e os parâmetros selecionados foram cálcio, magnésio e sódio, para o cálculo da Razão de Adsorção de Sódio (RAS) e, a Condutividade Élétrica (CE), para fazer a classificação das águas, segundo os riscos de sodificação (sódio) e salinização. As análises seguiram as metodologias descritas no Standard Methods for the Examinations of Water and Wastewater (APHA, 2012) e foram realizadas no Laboratório de Química Ambiental da Fundação Núcleo de Tecnologia Industrial do Ceará (NUTEC). Conforme os resultados obtidos para as classes de risos, pode-se concluir que as águas subterrâneas estavam impróprias para o uso em irrigação, a não ser que precauções especiais sejam tomadas para o uso.
Space sound absorbers with next-generation materials: additional sound absorption for post-pandemic challenges in indoor acoustic environments
Authors: Sakagami Kimihiro , Okuzono Takeshi
Published: October 2020

In this study, we first point out the possible acoustic problems associated with the post-pandemic operation of built environments. Particularly, we focus on the problem of acoustic deficiency due to the lack of absorption. This deficiency, which is likely to be encountered in most enclosed spaces in a range of establishments, is due to the reduced number of audience members or users of the space as a result of social distancing. As one of the promising solutions to this problem, we introduce a sound absorption technique using three-dimensional space sound absorbers developed through our recent research projects. Significantly, the type of sound absorber propose herein is made of materials that are especially suited to hygiene considerations. The materials are microperforated panels (MPPs) and permeable membranes (PMs), both of which are easily washable and sanitised. Furthermore, we point out that three-dimensional MPP or PM space absorbers possess the additional value of aesthetic designability.
A Comparison of Colorimetric Performance of Oculus and HTC Virtual Reality Headsets
Authors:   Rochester Institute of Technology, Maali Amiri Morteza , Binaee Kamran ,   Rochester Institute of Technology, Ferwerda James ,   Rochester Institute of Technology
Published: October 2020

The colorimetric characterization of the two virtual reality headsets, namely, HTC and Oculus are compared to each other. In order to do that, first, a colorimeter is used to measure the colorimetric values of the primary ramps in a darkened and controlled environment. It is observed that the two headsets behave more or less the same with HTC outputting an overall higher level of luminance and having more consistent right and left displays. Weighted regression is also used as a means to characterize the devices and the results are compared to the traditional method of colorimetric characterization showing the superiority of the weighted regression in this case.
Experimental Analysis of Spatial Sound for Storytelling in Virtual Reality
Authors:   Rochester Institute of Technology, Bhide Saylee , Goins Elizabeth ,   Rochester Institute of Technology, Geigel Joe ,   Rochester Institute of Technology
Published: October 2020

Virtual Reality leverages our cognitive and perceptual abilities to provide immersive experiences that recreate both the visual and aural elements of real spaces with a high degree of realism making it a suitable delivery platform for conveying narratives through games and films. Spatial sound is useful in enhancing immersion and presence of the user in a virtual world. This audio design allows the game designer to place audio cues that appropriately match with the visual cues in a virtual game environment. These localized audio cues placed in a story based game environment also help to evoke an emotional response from the user and construct the narrative of the game by capturing the user’s attention towards the guiding action events in the game. Our work currently involves a thorough literature study on the significance of debating the usefulness of spatial sound. Our future work involves conducting a user study for analyzing the same i.e., understanding how spatial sound improves user performance and user experience in a virtual game environment. Furthermore, with the help of the relevant subjective and objective inferences that will be collected from the user study conducted on four different evaluation models, our work will also analyze and establish the potential of spatial sound as a powerful storytelling tool in a virtual game environment.
The Design of Interplay Between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: A Case Study and Post Mortem of VRsus guARdian
Authors:   Rochester Institute of Technology, Boozayaangool Tanat
Published: October 2020

VRsus guARdian is the result of an amalgamation of two different gameplay mediums that challenged the gap separating different mixed reality platforms, namely virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). The game utilized each medium’s approach towards immersion as a design principle in building a natural, asymmetric play for both players. The game also constructed a compelling fantasy atop each medium’s unique interactive capability to build a dynamic narrative. Lastly, the cross-platform nature of VRsus guARdian caused the game to be highly dependent upon Unity, a game engine with highly accessible, platform-agnostic development capabilities.
Using the 5E Instructional Model in an Online Environment with Pre-service Special Education Teachers
Authors:   University of Missouri, van Garderen Delinda , Decker Mary ,   University of Missouri, Juergensen Rachel ,   University of Missouri, Abdelnaby Heba ,   University of Missouri
Published: October 2020

In this practitioner article, we describe the innovative way the 5E Instructional Model was used in an online, hybrid special education undergraduate course to prepare pre-service teachers to teach academic content to their students with disabilities. We provide a rationale for the use of the model in the course, describe how we implemented the model in the course, pre-service teachers’ perceptions about the model as a way to facilitate and model the process of learning for themselves and students, and discuss implications for practice.
Un camino culebrero: La modernidad cultural colombiana en el contexto latinoamericano
Authors: Granés Carlos
Published: October 2020

Aunque con características propias determinadas por el aislamiento y el poco contacto de los artistas y escritores nacionales con sus colegas de los países vecinos, la modernización cultural de Colombia corrió paralela al del resto de América Latina. En este ensayo se abordan algunos momentos fundamentales en este proceso –la influencia de las vanguardias, los radicalismo políticos, las tensiones nacionalistas y cosmopolitas- para entender las disputas ideológicas que influenciaron los procesos creativos entre los años veinte y los sesenta del siglo pasado. Comparado lo ocurrido en Colombia con lo que estaba pasando en el resto del continente se aprecian mejor las particularidades de nuestra evolución cultural.
Educación y gestualidad: inquietudes estéticas en torno al performance de los profesores en el escenario escolar
Authors: Álvarez Rivera Andrés Felipe , Hernández González Edilberto
Published: October 2020

El  artículo es derivado de la investigación Educación y gestualidad: una aproximación al performance de los maestros en el escenario del aula escolar; la cual se interesó por comprender las coreografías gestuales de las manos de los profesores en tanto acciones performativas, educativas y estéticas. El estudio fue concebido teórica y metodológicamente desde la perspectiva de la Investigación Basada en las Artes - IBA, implementando la experimentación con artes como método para articular la teoría con los procesos de comprensión y creación. Esto deribó en un proyecto de creación en el marco de una residencia artística, en el cual se materializaron las comprensiones en torno a la gestualidad corporal, a través de diversas expresiones estéticas contemporáneas, otorgando a los gestos voces que les permitan ser concebidos por fuera de los sentidos didácticos que tradicionalmente la pedagogía les ha asignado.
Early topping: an alternative to standard topping increases yield in cannabis production
Authors: Gaudreau Sylvain , Missihoun Tagnon , Germain Hugo
Published: October 2020

In commercial settings, cannabis is generally propagated through cuttings, a process referred in the industry as cloning. Some producers perform either topping or fimming to trigger the production of axillary shoots, which will enhance the number of flowers per plants and thus increase the yield of the cannabis plants. Topping or fimming is generally performed after the cuttings have been transferred to rooting media for two weeks. We have tested a new method to increase the shoot number per plant. The modification of the standard topping method consist of performing the topping on mother plants, prior to taking the cuttings for cloning, and the cuttings are taken one week after the topping is performed. The resulting plantlets develop axillary shoots much faster and the time of production from cuttings to harvesting is decreased by 7-10 days. The method proposed herein requires minimal adjustment to the existing workflow and the plants produce as much as when standard topping is performed. Moreover, this method cuts backs on the production time and nearly two weeks are saved compared to the standard topping procedure since the plantlets do not need to recover after topping. Application of this new procedure results in faster production time and ultimately enhanced productivity.
Designing an Ethics Course in an Engineering Master using narrative and ANT
Authors: Figueiredo Jose
Published: October 2020

Engineers need to understand and measure the consequences of their actions, in terms of value for the organization, community, and in terms of sustainability. This simple formulation, however, hides a background of complexity that is not easy to identify. Students can develop an ethical consciousness, but their awareness is usually fragmented, that is, it is not deeply internalized. And one cannot have ethical thinking only in certain circumstances, looking only into some aspects and not the whole. What we are trying to achieve with this paper is to raise awareness to make ethical reasoning possible, to make ethics a whole system in engineering life. To guide us we use three aligned methodological approaches: Actor Network Theory (to formulate our settings and problematize goals), Bologna framework (to visit the roots of an “innovative” learning breakdown), and finally narrative (as storytelling, a constructivist way to reason and explore our reflections).
Assessment of Financial Performance of Agricultural Cooperative Unions: The Case of West Harerghe Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Bonsa Buta Debela , Ebrahim Kerima Rahmeto
Published: October 2020

Financial statement analysis involves comparing cooperative union performance and evaluating trends in the unions’ financial position over time. Managers use financial statement analysis to identify situations demanding attention; potential lenders use financial analysis to determine whether the union is creditworthy; and stockholders use financial analysis to help predict future earnings, dividends, and free cash flow.  This study is conducted on Assessment of Financial performance of Agricultural Cooperative unions: the Case of West Harerghe zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. The general objective of this study was to evaluate financial performance of agricultural cooperative union. For this study, the researchers used both primary and secondary sources of data taken from purposively selected two cooperative unions (i.e. Burka Galeti and Chercher Oda bultum) since they do have audited financial statements out of five unions found in western Haraghe. The study also used FGD and interview with fiancé managers and employees of the union for further explanation. Based on the financial statement analysis the researchers found that the agricultural cooperatives are efficient and effective in asset utilization, activity and debt equity management ratios. However, the financial statement analysis showed that the current asset ratio is below the industry standard   that cannot cover its short term liabilities form its current asset section of the balance sheet. Moreover, the profitability ratio of the unions revealed that the agricultural cooperative unions are efficient to make profit but the margin of profit is below 25% that cannot make the union successful to cover all the incidental costs that are borne within short and long-term periods. The OLS model revealed that quick, fixed asset turnover, total asset turnover, inventory turnover and gross profit margin ratios are significantly and positively affecting ROA. As a result, the researchers recommend that the agricultural cooperative unions are expected to improve its effective and efficient management of the day to day activities of the union. Furthermore, the unions are expected to higher managers who have the caliber to manage each and every activities of the union and who are visionary to bring success for the unions.
Gender, Cultural, and Racial Influences on Mania: A Brief Review For Business
Authors: Malik Muhammad
Published: October 2020

Background: The DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10 provide criteria necessary for a diagnosis of mania. This paper, in the context of business, evaluates the influences of gender, culture, race/ethnicity on mania and the presentation of mania. Group membership impacts on presentation of mania are not specified in either diagnostic tool. Despite general criteria having been identified to warrant a diagnosis of Mania, there is still a need to acknowledge differences that may arise in presentation of Mania due to demographic variations in the individual.

Methods: A brief review of literature regarding Mania was conducted. Information relevant to treatment, diagnoses and presentation within individuals with varying gender, culture, race/ethnicity were reviewed and then compared to standardized diagnostic manuals and procedures.

Results: Presentation of mania varies based on group membership. Few publications provide clear presentations of mania within any demographic minority. The DSM-IV-TR and ICD-90 do not account for differences in the presentation of mania due to group membership. Despite the limited amount of publications available, peer-reviewed publications indicate variations in presentation based on group membership. Relatively few publications originate in the US, despite high prevalence of many minority groups. Lack of specificity in diagnostic guidelines, cohesive literature, and adequate training of professionals contribute to misdiagnoses within certain populations.

Conclusion: Additional research is suggested to increase the understanding of clinical presentations within groups varying in gender, culture and race/ethnicity. Training and mentoring future clinicians to identify and appreciate these individual differences in the business environment is essential.
Nursing Students' Perceptions of Post COVID-19's Role in Nursing Professionals
Authors: Kang Se-Won
Published: October 2020

This study examined the perception of nursing students about the role of the nursing professionals on post COVID-19. The survey was conducted online with 50 nursing students.

Results of this study indicated that the scores for the importance of the nursing profession on post COVID-19 were the highest in the areas of infection control, emergency, and critical care. In addition, the areas of the nursing profession that needed to expand their role were identified as infection control, emergency, and public health, respectively. It is necessary to prepare for each nursing specialty to provide services as health care providers in the post COVID-19 era.
EFFECTS OF SELECTED MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES ON DIASPORA REMITTANCES IN KENYA FOR THE PERIOD 1980 TO 2016
Authors: ONONO PEREZ , Mohammed ABBA
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the effect of selected macroeconomic variables on diaspora remittances in Kenya. Earlier studies for Kenya on diaspora remittances have focused mainly on the importance of foreign remittances on economic growth and stock market performance with less focus on macroeconomic variables that drives the remittances. In particular, the study determined the effect of economic growth, interest rates, and openness of the economy, interest rates differential and exchange rates on diaspora remittances in Kenya for the period 1980 – 2016 based on quarterly data. The study found that currency depreciation increases diaspora remittances. Similarly, economic growth, financail sector development and openness of the economy were shown to increase diaspora remittances. Based on the findings, the study recommends the need for effective application of prudent macroeconomic policies to attract more diaspora remittances inflows. In addition, there is need to adopt policies geared towards financial sector development such as the policies on formalization of the informal financial services, leveraging on the technology for financial sector development. Lastly, establishing more economic ties beyond trade with other economies to address issues on the taxation and other charges on the remitting funds from abroad would go a long way in promoting diaspora remittances inflows.
Tadeusz Jałmużna, Łódzkie czasopisma szkolne w latach międzywojennych, Łódź 1998, ss. 124
Authors: Hellwig Jan
Published: October 2020

Tadeusz Jałmużna, Łódzkie czasopisma szkolne w latach międzywojennych, Łódź 1998, ss. 124
Alicja Kicowska, Szkoła rolnicza w Polsce w latach 1944-1989, Olsztyn 1998, Wydawnictwo ART w Olsztynie, ss.192
Authors: Jamrożek Wiesław
Published: October 2020

Alicja Kicowska, Szkoła rolnicza w Polsce w latach 1944-1989, Olsztyn 1998, Wydawnictwo ART w Olsztynie, ss.192
J. Dybiec, Uniwersytet Jagielloński (1918-1939), Kraków 2000, ss. 759
Authors: Szulakiewicz Władysława
Published: October 2020

J. Dybiec, Uniwersytet Jagielloński (1918-1939), Kraków 2000, ss. 759
Zbigniew Fras, Galicja, Wrocław 2000, Wydawnictwo Dolnośląskie, ss. 300
Authors: Antczak Stanisław
Published: October 2020

Zbigniew Fras, Galicja, Wrocław 2000, Wydawnictwo Dolnośląskie, ss. 300
Stefan Wołoszyn, Nauki o wychowaniu w Polsce w XX wieku. Próba syntetycznego zarysu na tle powszechnym, wyd. II poszerzone, Dom Wydawniczy Strzelec, Kielce 1998, ss. 282
Authors: Moskalik Urszula
Published: October 2020

Stefan Wołoszyn, Nauki o wychowaniu w Polsce w XX wieku. Próba syntetycznego zarysu na tle powszechnym, wyd. II poszerzone, Dom Wydawniczy Strzelec, Kielce 1998, ss. 282