bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain abscess in a rheumatoid arthritis patient treated with leflunomide – A case presentation and review
Authors: Samara Efthymia , Siasios Ioannis , Katsiardanis Konstantinos , Liaptsi Eirini , Tsoleka Kalliopi , Deretzi Georgia
Published: March 2021

Background:

Immunosuppression is a significant parameter in the pathogenesis of brain abscesses (BA) and it could be the result of severe infections such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or drug-induced, by several medications used for systemic autoimmune diseases. Leflunomide is a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor that affects the proliferation of lymphocytes and is used as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. Mild infections, particularly those of the respiratory tract and herpes zoster, are one of its most common adverse effects. However, atypical and severe infections have also been reported under treatment with leflunomide.

Case Description:

A 70-year old female was referred to our hospital with headache, aphasia, and right-sided hemiparesis and a lesion of the left parietal lobe initially interpreted as a malignancy. Her medical history revealed a 12-year old history of rheumatoid arthritis under current treatment with leflunomide. A cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed typical findings for a BA. She subsequently underwent a left craniotomy, which confirmed the MRI-based diagnosis. The abscess was evacuated and cultures were obtained intraoperatively. In the postoperative examination, the patient showed no neurological deficit.

Conclusion:

The differential diagnostic considerations in immunocompromised patients with neurologic deficits should include focal central nervous system infections such as a BA, even in the absence of fever or immunosuppressant-induced leukopenia. It also demonstrates the importance of early neurosurgical intervention for the prevention of sequelae. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second-to-date reported case of a BA under immunomodulatory therapy with leflunomide.
A simulated photon-number detector in quantum information processing
Authors: Nemoto K. , Braunstein S.
Published: March 2021

A simulated photon-number detection via homodyne detectors is considered as a way to improve the efficiency near the single-photon level of communication. Current photon-number detectors at infrared wavelengths are typically characterized by their low detection efficiencies, which significantly reduce the mutual information of a bosonic communication channel. In order to avoid the inefficiency inherent in such direct photon-number detection, we evaluate an alternative set-up based on efficient dual homodyne detection. We show that replacing inefficient direct detectors with homodyne-based simulated direct detectors can yield significant improvements, even near the single-photon level of operation. However we argue that there is a fundamental limit on the ability of homodyne detection to simulate ideal photon number detection, considering the exponential gap between quantum and classical computers. This applies to arbitrarily complicated simulation strategies based on homodyne detection.
Simulation of quantum dynamics with quantum optical systems
Authors: Jané E. , Vidal G. , Dür W. , Zoller P. , Cirac J.I.
Published: March 2021

We propose the use of quantum optical systems to perform universal simulation of quantum dynamics. Two specific implementations that require present technology are put forward for illustrative purposes. The first scheme consists of neutral atoms stored in optical lattices, while the second scheme consists of ions stored in an array of micro--traps. Each atom (ion) supports a two--level system, on which local unitary operations can be performed through a laser beam. A raw interaction between neighboring two--level systems is achieved by conditionally displacing the corresponding atoms (ions) Then, average Hamiltonian techniques are used to achieve evolutions in time according to a large class of Hamiltonians.
Dynamics of distillability
Authors: Wu W. , Wang W. , Yi X. X.
Published: March 2021

The time evolution of a maximally entangled bipartite systems is presented in this paper. The distillability criterion is given in terms of Kraus operators. Using the criterion, we discuss the distillability of 2x2 and nxn (n>2) systems in their evolution process. There are two distinguished processes, dissipation and decoherence, which may destroy the distillability. We discuss the effects of those processes on distillability in details.
Optimal realizations of controlled unitary gates
Authors: Song G. , Klappenecker A.
Published: March 2021

The controlled-not gate and the single qubit gates are considered elementary gates in quantum computing. It is natural to ask how many such elementary gates are needed to implement more elaborate gates or circuits. Recall that a controlled-U gate can be realized with two controlled-not gates and four single qubit gates. We prove that this implementation is optimal if and only if the matrix U satisfies the conditions trU\neq 0, tr(UX)\neq 0, and detU\neq 1. We also derive optimal implementations in the remaining non-generic cases. realizations of controlled unitary gates (pp139-155) G. Song and A. Klappenecker The controlled-not gate and the single qubit gates are considered elementary gates in quantum computing. It is natural to ask how many such elementary gates are needed to implement more elaborate gates or circuits. Recall that a controlled-U gate can be realized with two controlled-not gates and four single qubit gates. We prove that this implementation is optimal if and only if the matrix U satisfies the conditions trU\neq 0, tr(UX)\neq 0, and detU\neq 1. We also derive optimal implementations in the remaining non-generic cases.
Bell inequality for quNits with binary measurements
Authors: Bechmann-Pasquinucci H. , Gisin N.
Published: March 2021

We present a generalized Bell inequality for two entangled quNits. On one quNit the choice is between two standard von Neumann measurements, whereas for the other quNit there are N^2 different binary measurements. These binary measurements are related to the intermediate states known from eavesdropping in quantum cryptography. The maximum violation by \sqrt{N} is reached for the maximally entangled state. Moreover, for N=2 it coincides with the familiar CHSH-inequality.
Necessary conditions for efficient simulation of Hamiltonians using local unitary operations
Authors: Chen H.
Published: March 2021

We study necessary conditions for the efficient simulation of both bipartite and multipartite Hamiltonians, which are based on the algebraic-geometric invariants introduced in [1-2], but independent of the eigenvalues of Hamiltonians. Our results indicate that the problem of efficient simulation of Hamiltonians for arbitrary bipartite or multipartite quantum systems cannot be described by using only eigenvalues, unlike that in the two-qubit case.
3-Local Hamiltonian is QMA-complete
Authors: Kempe J. , Regev O.
Published: March 2021

It has been shown by Kitaev that the 5-local Hamiltonian problem is QMA-complete. Here we reduce the locality of the problem by showing that 3-local Hamiltonian is already QMA-complete.
Web-corner update (6)
Authors: Kok Peter
Published: March 2021

conferences, meetings, schools
Infinitely entangled states
Authors: Keyl M. , Schlingemann D. , Werner R.F.
Published: March 2021

For states in infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces entanglement quantities like the entanglement of distillation can become infinite. This leads naturally to the question, whether one system in such an infinitely entangled state can serve as a resource for tasks like the teleportation of arbitrarily many qubits. We show that appropriate states cannot be obtained by density operators in an infinite dimensional Hilbert space. However, using techniques for the description of infinitely many degrees of freedom from field theory and statistical mechanics, such states can nevertheless be constructed rigorously. We explore two related possibilities, namely an extended notion of algebras of observables, and the use of singular states on the algebra of bounded operators. As applications we construct the essentially unique infinite analogue of maximally entangled states, and the singular state used heuristically in the fundamental paper of Einstein, Rosen and Podolsky.
Non-empty quantum dot as a spin-entangler
Authors: Chou C.-L.
Published: March 2021

We consider a three-port single-level quantum dot system with one input and two output leads. Instead of considering an empty dot, we study the situations that two input electrons co-tunnel through the quantum dot occupied by one or two dot electrons. We show that electron entanglement can be generated via the co-tunneling processes when the dot is occupied by two electrons, yielding non-local spin-singlet states at the output leads. When the dot is occupied by a single electron, we show that by carefully selecting model parameters non-local spin-triplet electrons can also be obtained at the output leads if the final dot electron has the same spin as that of the initial dot electron.
Squeezing quantum information through a classical channel: measuring the “quantumness” of a set of quantum states
Authors: Fuchs C.A. , Sasaki M.
Published: March 2021

In this paper we propose a general method to quantify how ``quantum'' a set of quantum states is. The idea is to gauge the quantumness of the set by the worst-case difficulty of transmitting the states through a purely classical communication channel. Potential applications of this notion arise in quantum cryptography, where one might like to use an alphabet of states that promises to be the most sensitive to quantum eavesdropping, and in laboratory demonstrations of quantum teleportation, where it is necessary to check that quantum entanglement has actually been used in the protocol.
On “A shortcut through time” by G. Johnson, and “The quest for the quantum computer”
Authors: Mermin N.D.
Published: March 2021

Book Review
Proposal for realization of a Toffoli gate via cavity-assisted atomic collision
Authors: Ollivier H. , Milman P.
Published: March 2021

Cavity QED is a versatile tool to explore small scale quantum information processing. Within this setting, we describe a particular protocol for implementing a Toffoli gate with Rydberg atoms and a cavity field. Our scheme uses both resonant and non resonant interactions, and in particular a cavity assisted atomic collision. The experimental feasibility of the protocol is carefully analyzed with the help of numerical simulations and takes into account the decoherence process. Moreover, we show that our protocol is optimal within the constraints imposed by the experimental setting.
Two QCMA-complete problems
Authors: Wocjan P. , Janzing D. , Beth Th.
Published: March 2021

QMA and QCMA are possible quantum analogues of the complexity class NP. In QMA the proof is a quantum state and the verification is a quantum circuit. In contrast, in QCMA the proof is restricted to be a classical state. It is not known whether QMA strictly contains QCMA. Here we show that two known QMA-complete problems can be modified to QCMA-complete problems in a natural way: (1) Deciding whether a 3-local Hamiltonian has low energy states (with energy smaller than a given value) that can be prepared with at most k elementary gates is QCMA-complete, whereas it is QMA-complete when the restriction on the complexity of preparation is dropped. (2) Deciding whether a (classically described) quantum circuit does not act as the identity on all basis states is QCMA-complete. It is QMA-complete to decide whether it does not act on all states as the identity.
Multiplicativity of accessible fidelity and quantumness for sets of quantum states
Authors: Audenaert K.M.R. , Fuchs C.A. , King C. , Winter A.
Published: March 2021

Two measures of sensitivity to eavesdropping for alphabets of quantum states were recently introduced by Fuchs and Sasaki in quant-ph/0302092. These are the accessible fidelity and quantumness. In this paper we prove an important property of both measures: They are multiplicative under tensor products. The proof in the case of accessible fidelity shows a connection between the measure and characteristics of entanglement-breaking quantum channels.
Asymptotically optimal circuits for arbitrary n-qubit diagonal computations
Authors: Bullock S.S. , Markov I.L.
Published: March 2021

A unitary operator $U=\sum_{j,k} u_{j,k} \ket{k} \bra{j}$ is called \emph{diagonal} when $u_{j,k}=0$ unless $j=k$. The definition extends to quantum computations, where $j$ and $k$ vary over the $2^n$ binary expressions for integers $0,1 \cdots ,2^n-1$, given $n$ qubits. Such operators do not affect outcomes of the projective measurement $\{ \ket{j}\bra{j} \; ; \; 0 \leq j \leq 2^n-1\}$ but rather create arbitrary relative phases among the computational basis states $\{ \ket{j} \; ; \; 0 \leq j \leq 2^n-1\}.
Quantum dynamics of the oscillating cantilever-driven adiabatic reversals in magnetic resonance force microscopy
Authors: Berman G.P. , Borgonovi F. , Tsifrinovich V.I.
Published: March 2021

We simulated the quantum dynamics for magnetic resonance force microscopy (MRFM) in the oscillating cantilever-driven adiabatic reversals (OSCAR) technique. We estimated the frequency shift of the cantilever vibrations and demonstrated that this shift causes the formation of a Schr\"odinger cat state which has some similarities and differences from the conventional MRFM technique which uses cyclic adiabatic reversals of spins. The interaction of the cantilever with the environment is shown to quickly destroy the coherence between the two possible cantilever trajectories. We have shown that using partial adiabatic reversals, one can produce a significant increase in the OSCAR signal.
Reconciling cloning fidelities
Authors: Khan I.Ali , Howell J.C.
Published: March 2021

In most theoretical literature on Quantum Cloning fidelity is defined in terms of density matrices by assuming clones which are produced in distinguishable spatial modes. Recent optical implementations of cloning \cite{Simon99, Lamas-Linares}, however, do not produce clones in distinct spatial modes, therefore another simpler expression for fidelity was proposed. However, no clear theoretical justification was provided for the equivalence of the two expressions. It is important to be able to compare experimental results with theoretical predictions, therefore the theoretical justification is given in this paper, along with the circumstances under which the two expressions for fidelity are equivalent. They are shown to be equivalent for all symmetric N$\rightarrow$M QC, with the symmetry requirement being lifted for ancilla-free cloners. The fidelity is verified explicitly for the 1$\rightarrow$2 UQC based on stimulated emission proposed in \cite{Simon99}, where the spatial indistinguishability of the output clones is also discussed.
Relation between discrete and continuous teleportation using linear elements
Authors: Witthaut D. , Fleischhauer M.
Published: March 2021

We discuss the relation between discrete and continuous linear teleportation. For this a specific generalization of existing protocols to qudits with a discrete and finite spectrum but with an arbitrary number of states or alternatively to continuous variables is introduced. Correspondingly a generalization of linear operations and detection is made on an abstract level. It is shown that linear teleportation is only possible in a probabilistic sense. An expression for the success probability of this teleportation protocol is derived which is shown to depend only on the relevant size of the input and ancilla Hilbert spaces. From this the known results $P=1/2$ and $P=1$ for the discrete and continuous cases can be recovered. We also discuss the probabilistic teleportation scheme of Knill, Laflame and Milburn and argue that it does not make optimum use of ancilla resources.
Adaptive Quantum Computation, Constant Depth Quantum Circuits and Arthur-Merlin Games
Authors: Terhal B.M. , DiVincenzo D.P.
Published: March 2021

We present evidence that there exist quantum computations that can be carried out in constant depth, using 2-qubit gates, that cannot be simulated classically with high accuracy. We prove that if one can simulate these circuits classically efficiently then ${\rm BQP} \subseteq {\rm AM}$.
Implementation of Shor's algorithm on a linear nearest neighbour qubit array
Authors: Fowler A.G. , Devitt S.J. , Hollenberg L.C.L.
Published: March 2021

Shor's algorithm, which given appropriate hardware can factorise an integer N in a time polynomial in its binary length L, has arguably spurred the race to build a practical quantum computer. Several different quantum circuits implementing Shor's algorithm have been designed, but each tacitly assumes that arbitrary pairs of qubits within the computer can be interacted. While some quantum computer architectures possess this property, many promising proposals are best suited to realising a single line of qubits with nearest neighbour interactions only. In light of this, we present a circuit implementing Shor's factorisation algorithm designed for such a linear nearest neighbour architecture. Despite the interaction restrictions, the circuit requires just 2L+4 qubits and to leading order requires 8L^4 2-qubit gates arranged in a circuit of depth 32L^3 --- identical to leading order to that possible using an architecture that can interact arbitrary pairs of qubits.
Self testing quantum apparatus
Authors: Mayers D. , Yao A.
Published: March 2021

We study, in the context of quantum information and quantum communication, a configuration of devices that includes (1) a source of some unknown bipartite quantum state that is claimed to be the Bell state $\Phi^+$ and (2) two spatially separated but otherwise unknown measurement apparatus, one on each side, that are each claimed to execute an orthogonal measurement at an angle $\theta \in \{-\pi/8, 0, \pi/8\}$ that is chosen by the user. We show that, if the nine distinct probability distributions that are generated by the self checking configuration, one for each pair of angles, are consistent with the specifications, the source and the two measurement apparatus are guaranteed to be identical to the claimed specifications up to a local change of basis on each side. We discuss the connection with quantum cryptography. testing quantum apparatus (pp273-286) D. Mayers and A. Yao We study, in the context of quantum information and quantum communication, a configuration of devices that includes (1) a source of some unknown bipartite quantum state that is claimed to be the Bell state $\Phi^+$ and (2) two spatially separated but otherwise unknown measurement apparatus, one on each side, that are each claimed to execute an orthogonal measurement at an angle $\theta \in \{-\pi/8, 0, \pi/8\}$ that is chosen by the user. We show that, if the nine distinct probability distributions that are generated by the self checking configuration, one for each pair of angles, are consistent with the specifications, the source and the two measurement apparatus are guaranteed to be identical to the claimed specifications up to a local change of basis on each side. We discuss the connection with quantum cryptography.
Virtual Screening of Inhibitory Agents Against SARS-CoV2
Authors: Pervez Muniba , Bilal Muhammad , Khan Robaica , Chaudhry Maham , Asghar Sajid , Sadozai Sajid Khan , Sajjad Ayesha , Mughal Zulekha , Iqbal Kashif , Akhtar Samar , Shah Fahad Hassan , Salman Saad
Published: March 2021

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV2) infected about 93 million people and killed over two million worldwide. The disease transmits very quickly, therefore; due to its severity and widespread the World Health Organization has declared this menace as ‘Global Pandemic’. An urgent need was felt to manage this disease through aggressive and efficient research process all over the globe. That’s why drug re-purposing of 212 chemical entities (CEs) against SARS-COV2 was found to be one of the efficient ways in finding new indications of already discovered drugs amisdst of the discovery of a new drug. Results of this study revealed that out of 212 CEs, only Etodolac forms a hydrogen (H)-bond with a relatively low energy and active central fragment, demonstrating more significant interaction with SARS-CoV2 viral proteins. Other CEs exhibit good pharmacokinetics properties with the least acute toxicity through ADMET analysis. We also discovered other therapeutic applications of these CEs through Molinspiration. Etodolac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug forms H-bonding with 5.6 kcal/mol binding energy with active residues of this receptor. This drug created H-bonding with PHE326 and PRO328, with pyridine group, and was found more suitable to control SARS-CoV2.
Scientific Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of Macrotyloma uniflorum seeds extracts
Authors: Anandarajagopal K  , Abdullah Khan  , Sugalia S  , Bama Menon  , Tan Ching Siang  , Poonguzhali S  , Kai Bin Liew  , Vijay Kotra
Published: March 2021

Phytochemicals possessing the antioxidant properties naturally present in food attract a greater interest to healthcare researchers due to their desirable health effects on human health as they can be explored for protection against oxidative deterioration. Macrtotyloma uniflorum is a leguminous plant belonging to the family Fabaceae and commonly known as Horse gram. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of seeds of Macrotyloma uniflorum were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects using the scientific protocol on experimental rats. Extraction was carried out using the cold maceration method, and the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using a digital plethysmometer in the experimental rats injected with carrageenan to produce paw edema. Preliminary phytochemical studies confirmed the presence of various bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids, terpenoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds in both extracts while flavonoids were found only in ethanol extract. Both extracts of M. uniflorum seeds (200 mg/ml) significantly (p<0.01) reduced the paw edema volume induced by carrageenan. The ethanol extract of M. uniflorum seeds exhibited more potent anti-inflammatory activity than water extract, that might be due to the presence of flavonoids in ethanol extract. The activity of the extracts was compared with diclofenac sodium (10mg/kg b.wt.) as a reference drug. From the results, it may be suggested that the antioxidative potential of phenolic constituents and flavonoids is the primary factors for the anti-inflammatory activity of M. uniflorum seeds extracts.
Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life in Alcoholic Liver Disease Patients
Authors: Setareh Dastyar Haghighi  , Vandhita Nair  , Vas Sonali Maria  , Gopika K S  , Divya Mol E C  , Panchasheelan J C
Published: March 2021

Alcohol induced cirrhosis prevalence has increased worldwide of late and has added markedly to the global burden of diseases. However, research involving quality of life as treatment outcome for alcoholic liver disease is limited. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the health related quality of life and factors affecting it in alcoholic liver disease patients. Secondary objective was to analyze mental health status and prescription pattern in alcoholic liver disease patients. Patients, eligible to participate, were briefed regarding the purpose of the study and informed consent was obtained. Self-designed case report form and validated questionnaires were used to record information on physical, mental and emotional functioning of the patient. The study included 51 patients. It was found that majority had low quality of life scores with role limitation due to physical health (5.39 ± 16.9) domain being the most affected. It was also found that the symptom fatigue caused the most hindrance to patient’s daily activities (1.31± 1.20). Most of the patients reported having mild depression (50.98%). Prescription analysis showed that diuretics (74.50%) and drugs for hepatic encephalopathy were the most commonly used drugs. The present study found that alcoholic liver disease considerably impaired health related quality of life and identified the contributing factors as presence of complication, age, severity of disease and symptoms like fatigue and abdominal pain. Hence, evaluating factors affecting quality of life and prescription patterns help identify targets for novel treatment strategies.
Phytochemical screening and HPLC- UV method quantiϐication of Flavonoids in Coffee Arabica green seeds
Authors: Bothiraj K V  , Kalaivani P  , Murugan K  , Vanitha V
Published: March 2021

The green coffee bean is the most commonly used beverages in India and it is one of the most commercialised food products. They have a rich source of biologically active compounds that are important for human health. The coffee tree or a shrub belongs to the family Rubiaceae. Commercially available, two species of green coffee bean are Coffea Arabica and Coffea canephora. Cancer is the most important cause of death. Apart from cancer, quercetin can also prevent Osteoporosis. The phytochemicals present in the green coffee bean can be used as an alternate therapy for cancer due to its antimitotic activity and free radical scavenging activity. Total antioxidant shows IC50 value 45.81. Kaempferol is a potent antioxidant that can defence against free radicals and cure chronic diseases. Flavonoids are phenolic substances that act as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, antiviral and also have vasodilating actions. Green coffee bean shows a high concentration of Flavonoids in hydroethanolic extraction. The aim of this study is used to analyse the presence of Flavonoids in green coffee bean by using High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Flavonoids are potent antioxidant that can bind to a protein. Flavonoids show a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities like anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-microbial activity.
وێنەی کورد و کوردستان لەلای ڕۆژهەڵاتناسان لە بڵاوکراوەکانی ئەڵمانیادا لە سەدەی نۆزدەهەم، لێکۆڵینەوەیەکی شیکاری ڕەخنەیی
Authors: Tariq Jamil Ahmad
Published: March 2021

In the following report, an analysis of the opinions of German and European scholars and scholars about the Kurds is presented in an analysis In the nineteenth century in German publications, it reviews errors and negligence in relying on the wrong information that they used in their writings without referring to the facts and making sure that this information is correct. And it shows how they interact in informing the views of the enemies of the Kurds and not telling the truth and their influence on political interests in their description of the Kurds and their revolutions and their movements and their emirates sabotage movements and the Kurds in the sector of roads and killers. For example, the views of the Germans, the English and the Russians, and how they describe the Kurds, their movements and their powers according to their mixes and political interests, are presented without any interest in the truth of what the Kurds seek freedom and their legitimate political aspirations. Rather, whenever the Kurds moved to build a free entity, the enemies and the occupiers quickly confronted them to eliminate their free entity fiercely and without guilt, accusing them of sabotage, bandits and work to distort their entity and their revolutions with these accusations.
A PSO Based Hybrid Feature Selection Algorithm For High-Dimensional Classification
Authors: Tran BN , Zhang Mengjie , Xue Bing
Published: March 2021

Recent research has shown that Particle Swarm Optimisation is a promising approach to feature selection. However, applying it on high-dimensional data with thousands to tens of thousands of features is still challenging because of the large search space. While filter approaches are time efficient and scalable for high-dimensional data, they usually obtain lower classification accuracy than wrapper approaches. On the other hand, wrapper methods require a longer running time than filter methods due to the learning algorithm involved in fitness evaluation. This paper proposes a new strategy of combining filter and wrapper approaches in a single evolutionary process in order to achieve smaller feature subsets with better classification performance in a shorter time. A new local search heuristic using symmetric uncertainty is proposed to refine the solutions found by PSO and a new hybrid fitness function is used to better evaluate candidate solutions. The proposed method is examined and compared with three recent PSO based methods on eight high-dimensional problems of varying difficulty. The results show that the new hybrid PSO is more effective and efficient than the other methods.

© 2016 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.
Insights into the oral health crisis amongst pre-schoolers in Aotearoa/New Zealand: A discourse analysis of parent/caregiver experiences
Authors: Roguski M , McBride-Henry Karen
Published: March 2021

© 2020 The Author(s). Background: The oral health of pre-schoolers is garnering international as a crisis as good oral health is a key precursor to positive health outcomes. Internationally, and within Aotearoa/New Zealand, responses been restricted to those based in a medical model and the commercialisation of oral health. Absent from existing commentary are the lived realities of parents/caregivers beliefs, attitudes and responsiveness, or lack of, to the oral health of pre-schoolers. Methods: The researcher undertook a discursive analysis of parents/caregivers narratives to understand the barriers to engaging in effective protective behaviours. The 15 focus groups were conducted in urban and rural locations across Aotearoa/New Zealand. Results: A discursive analysis revealed several pervasive discourses, including 'second chance' and 'enjoyment' discourses, and systems-related deficits that act as barriers to engaging in good oral healthcare practices. Conclusions: The analysis demonstrates the benefit of placing the lived experiences of parents/caregivers as central to the development of oral health interventions. There is a need to link oral health data with primary care data and to distribute accurate oral health information to support parents'/caregivers' decision making. This research reveals several pervasive discourses and systems-related deficits that provide a fertile ground for future public health responsiveness.
Telehealth consultations in general practice during a pandemic lockdown: survey and interviews on patient experiences and preferences
Authors: Imlach F , McKinlay E , Middleton Lesley , Kennedy J , Pledger Megan , Russell Lynne , Churchward Marianna , Cumming J , McBride-Henry Karen
Published: March 2021

© 2020, The Author(s). Background: During the first COVID-19 pandemic ‘lockdown’ in Aotearoa/New Zealand (March–May 2020, in which strict ‘stay at home’ measures were introduced), general practices were advised to use telephone and video consultations (telehealth) wherever possible instead of the usual in-person visits. This was a sudden change for most practices and patients. This research aimed to explore how patients accessed general practice during lockdown and evaluate their experiences with telehealth, to inform how telehealth could be most effectively used in the future. Methods: Using a mixed-method approach, we undertook an online survey and in-depth interviews with adults (> 18 years) who had contact with practices during lockdown, recruited through social media and email lists. We present descriptive statistics from the survey data (n = 1010) and qualitative analysis of interview data (n = 38) and open-ended survey questions, using a framework of access to health care, from the patient’s perspective. Results: In general, patients reported high satisfaction with telehealth in general practice during lockdown. Telehealth was convenient and allowed patients to safely access health care without having to weigh-up the fear of COVID-19 infection against the need to be seen. Telehealth worked best for routine and familiar health issues and when rapport was established between patients and clinicians. This was easier with a pre-existing clinical relationship, but not impossible without one. Telehealth was less suitable when a physical examination was needed, when the diagnosis was unknown or for patients who had a strong preference to be seen in-person. Conclusions: Even in this disruptive lockdown period, that prompted an unexpected and rapid implementation of telehealth services in general practices, most patients had positive experiences with telehealth. In the future, patients want the choice of consultation type to match their needs, circumstances, and preferences. Technological issues and funding barriers may need to be addressed, and clear communication for both patients and clinicians is needed about key aspects of telehealth (e.g. cost, appropriateness, privacy). Maintaining telehealth as an option post-lockdown has the potential to increase timely and safe access to primary health care for many patients.
La interactividad – interacción en la Televisión Digital Terrestre.
Authors: Valverde-Lojano Carlos Antonio
Published: March 2021

Es importante el consumidor de contenidos televisivos desde que se empieza a producir el mensaje. Es la audiencia propia, el que decide o no quedarse con el mensaje o simplemente cambiar de canal. En las nuevas tecnologías de la Televisión Digital Terrestre (TDT), el productor de contenidos audiovisuales y los medios televisivos deben primero pensar en las audiencias para preparar su contenido interactivo, es decir, ir más allá de solo mostrar un producto audiovisual. Sino mostrar contenido en donde la interacción (relación entre canal y audiencia), sea la prioridad para que el usuario, donde maneje mensajes ocultos o en segundo plano, pero no menos importantes. El alcance de investigación es precisar cuál es su rol en las nuevas tecnologías de la TDT, que es la interactividad y la interacción mientras el usuario (audiencia) ve televisión. En la actualidad, la Interacción desde la recepción, se ha utilizado para referirse a las tecnologías y servicios interactivos que comparten. De forma sencilla se define a la interacción en televisión como la oferta de contenidos a través de un medio de transmisión que disponga de un canal de retorno y la interactividad el echo sencillo de manejar el control remoto, pero esto va más allá de simples conceptos.
Violencia de género: incidencia en la etapa de confinamiento por COVID-19
Authors: Freire-Constante Luis Fernando , Yandún-Burbano Edison Daniel
Published: March 2021

Esta investigación es un análisis descriptivo de corte transversal, cuyo propósito es evidenciar el incremento y los riesgos acerca de la violencia intrafamiliar a las que se han visto expuestas las mujeres en la etapa del confinamiento y paralización a causa de la emergencia sanitaria por efectos del COVID-19. El objetivo del presente estudio es contribuir a las estadísticas de violencia intrafamiliar, a través de los datos obtenidos en la encuesta realizada, para poder identificar los principales factores de riesgo inherentes en cada tipo de violencia. Se analizo tres variables: sociodemográficas, tipos de violencia y factores inherentes al tipo de violencia, realizadas desde el 23 de marzo al 22 de mayo del 2020 en ocho empresas de la ciudad de Quito con una muestra de 432 trabajadoras que realizaban teletrabajo a efectos de la emergencia sanitaria, la encuesta se canalizó a través de las jefaturas de talento humano y seguridad y salud ocupacional. Las empresas donde se obtuvieron los datos del objeto de este estudio pertenecen al sector servicios, comercial y de seguros. Los resultados reflejan que el tipo de violencia más común en la muestra de las mujeres agredidas es la psicológica representando el 71.79% (n=78; 56), como dato relevante también se evidencia que la persona que agrede es el esposo alcanzando un 56.41% (n=78; 44). El desconocimiento de la legislación que ampara a las mujeres agredidas y el temor a denunciar el hecho sirve de ayuda para que los agresores con su prepotencia y machismo sigan incrementando el número de maltratos, la socialización de la protección y amparo para las mujeres es factor clave en la igualdad de género que no solo depende de la legislación vigente sino del firme compromiso de toda la sociedad para erradicar este grave problema social.
Transdisciplina, arquitectura y filosofía: un ejercicio de análisis del contexto
Authors: Contreras-Escandón Christian Hernán
Published: March 2021

El siguiente texto presenta una propuesta transdisciplinar entre arquitectura y filosofía. La primera parte plantea la noción de complejidad, de transversalidad y el potencial de su entendimiento y experimentación disciplinar en los procesos de la arquitectura y el urbanismo. Se esboza que los procesos transdisciplinares permitirían ampliar los métodos de análisis contextual que son comunes en el campo de la arquitectura y el urbanismo. En la segunda parte del texto se presentan los resultados de un ejercicio transdisciplinar entre arquitectura y filosofía, que se realizó con la participación de 8 estudiantes[1] de la Carrera de Arquitectura y Urbanismo de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca-Ecuador, cuyo objetivo fue experimentar el espacio empleando una categoría de la filosofía para el análisis del contexto y de situaciones contextuales. A manera de conclusión se plantea el valor de una propuesta transdisciplinar por lo que permite formar análisis que sean resultado de intercambios, cooperaciones y multi-competencias disciplinares, ejercicios que no sólo pueden ser explorados en la arquitectura y el urbanismo sino en varias ciencias del saber contemporáneo.
 
[1] Los estudiantes participantes fueron: Carlos Xavier Vera Becerra (noveno ciclo), Angélica María Ochoa Paredes (octavo ciclo), Iván Mauricio Andrade Quintuña (noveno ciclo), Jennifer Eliana Cueva Vargas (sexto ciclo paralelo B), Jonnathan Adrián Benalcázar Quizhpi (sexto ciclo), María Belén Guambaña Sánchez (sexto ciclo) y Verónica Patricia López Galarza (sexto ciclo). El trabajo se puede revisar en el siguiente link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3car960k7cn2zmn/lamina bienal arq.pdf?dl=0
APLIKASI MONITORING KINERJA PEGAWAI MENGGUNAKAN ALGORITMA SIMPLE ADDITIVE WEIGHTING (SAW) DI BADAN PUSAT STATISTIK KABUPATEN PATI BERBASIS MOBILE
Authors: Nada Noora Qotrun , Fahmi Muhammad Wahyu Izzul , Harjanta Aris Tri Jaka
Published: March 2021

Penyimpangan pegawai merupakan masalah yang sering ditemui, khususnya di Badan Pusat Statistik. Kurangnya tingkat kesadaran pegawai merupakan faktor utama dari permasalahan ini. Tugas akhir ini bertujuan membuat aplikasi untuk mengurangi bahkan menghilangkan masalah tersebut. Perangkat lunak tersebut merupakan sebuah sistem informasi monitoring karyawan menggunakan algoritma Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) berbasis mobile dimana karyawan yang bertugas dilapangan akan terpantau dengan mudah oleh admin atau ketua instansi terkait. Fitur yang ada dalam sistem tersebut tidak hanya untuk memonitoring tetapi terdapat login, input pekerjaan, input pegawai, input target, input nilai, input realisasi, lihat pekerjaan yang didapat, input izin, lihat izin. Pembangunan sistem informasi monitoring karyawan menggunakan algoritma Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) berbasis mobile ini menggunakan menggunakan metode waterfall yang tahap -tahapannya meliputi tahapan analisis, desain, implementasi dan pengujian. Unified Modeling Language (UML) digunakan sebagai alat bantu dalam perancangan sistem ini. Sedangkan Bahasa pemrogaman yang digunakan adalah Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) dengan MySQL sebagai manajemen database-nya kemudian di get menggunakan android studio menggunakan bahasa pemrogaman java. Pada pembuatan sistem monitoring kinerja pegawai ini dilakukan empat pengujian yaitu black box, white box, user acceptance test (UAT). Pengujian black box dilakukan oleh tiga penguji dan mendapatkan hasil valid 100% dimana sistem ini sudah sesuai seperti yang diharapkan. Sedangkan white box menghasilkan kompleksitas 3 dengan presentase tercapai 100% yang menunjukan bahwa sistem sudah memenuhi kriteria rekayasa perangkat lunak. Pengujian ketiga yaitu user acceptance test (UAT) yang dilakukan empat responden dan menghasilkan presentasi rata – rata 83,75% dengan hasil pengujian tersebut menunjukan bahwa sistem layak untuk digunakan. Pengujian terakhir yaitu uji coba perangkat, pengujian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah aplikasi dapat diinstal di perangkat dengan OS yang berbeda dan hasilnya dapat diinstal di beberapa OS yang berbeda dan dapat berjalan dengan baik.
Documentation of Vital Signs During the Post-Operative Phase
Authors: Thran Jennifer
Published: March 2021

Post-Anesthesia Care Units (PACUs) were introduced in the 1930s to address excessive post-operative morbidity and mortality rates. The PACU provides an area where patients recovering from anesthesia can be observed intensely and treated appropriately until they return to a stable physiological state. Measurement of vital signs has always been a central task of the nurses providing care in the PACU; abnormal vital signs indicate an unstable patient and the possibility of an adverse event. Over time, both hospital policies on conduct of care in the PACU, including documentation of vital signs, and the technology for measuring vital signs have evolved. Measurement of vital signs has been automated, with indicators measured either continuously or at timed intervals. This automation may produce unintended consequences including conflicts between the technology and policy and the tendency for nurses to document vital signs as a matter of routine rather than a means of delivering patient-centered care. This retrospective chart review was conducted to identify the prevalence of non-compliance with hospital policy on frequency of vital sign documentation in adult ASA I and II patients of any gender undergoing general anesthesia for an outpatient procedure. The results of this study showed non-compliance occurred in 18% of the sampled records. Recognizing such gaps in vital sign documentation, will better enable the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) to facilitate effective discussions about the benefits of appropriate documentation and patient care. The APN can support nurses and their organization by advocating for continued involvement in policy development and staff education.
A case study of a derecho storm in dry, high-shear environment
Authors: Sipos Zoltán , Simon André , Csirmaz Kálmán , Lemler Tünde , Manta Robert-Daniel , Kocsis Zsófia
Published: March 2021

The present study examines the origin and environmental conditions of the severe convective windstorm on September 17, 2017, which affected several countries in the central and southeastern Europe, above all Serbia and Romania. The large area of the damage swath (at least 500 km long) and high wind gusts (up to 40 m/s) would classify this event as a derecho or at least as a storm very similar to derechos (with respect to newer definition proposals). Small-scale bow echoes were found in areas with highest reported wind gusts, and some thunderstorms within the storm-producing convective system were probably supercells. The existence of high wind shear and storm rotation could be also related to the significant rightward deflection of the system with respect to the mean wind and propagation of other thunderstorms and systems observed on that day. In contrary to many other known derecho events, this storm propagated toward a very dry airmass exhibiting only low or moderate convective available potential energy (CAPE) values. This is shown by soundings, ECMWF model outputs, and vertical profiles from the IASI L2 satellite sounder. Several convective parameters (e.g. CAPE, downdraft CAPE, derecho composite parameter, 0-3-km relative humidity, 0-6-km shear) were evaluated and compared with proximity soundings of other described European derechos or with the available climatology. The possibility of a balance between the cold pool-generated horizontal vorticity and the environmental shear is also discussed. It is concluded that identification of low-level humidity sources (with aid of storm-relative wind vectors or streamlines) can be important in forecasting of thunderstorm systems moving toward an airmass, which is seemingly too dry for development and maintenance of deep convection. It is also shown that due to low CAPE values, some composite parameters would not indicate favourable conditions for a long-lived convective system. The lack of radiosonde observations can be partially supplemented by data from the IASI L2 sounder, which profiles can be largely different from model forecasts, showing much drier air in the mid- and upper troposphere in this case. It is concluded that due to the absence of strong synoptic forcing and larger pressure gradient at surface, convective processes played major role in the windstorm development. The presence of high temperature lapse rates at low- and mid-levels, high wind shear and unusually dry pre-storm airmass could be considered as the most important signatures related to the storm severity.
Soil-specific drought sensitivity of Hungarian terroirs based on yield reactions of arable crops
Authors: Kocsis Mihály , Dunai Attila , Mészáros János , Magyar Zoltán , Makó András
Published: March 2021

The hypothetical climate change and the stress influences caused by the increasingly frequent found meteorological extremities affect the fertility of soils in even more degree. During our soil-climate sensitivity researches, the expression of the drought sensitivity as a stress influence, evolved as a result of lack of precipitation in soil fertility was studied. During our work, effects of increasing droughts of last decades were investigated through the yield results of the three most important crops, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), based on the area rate in the Hungarian sowing structure, in relation to the natural geographical microregions and fertility of sites. For the examinations, yield data of the National Pedological and Crop Production Database (NPCPD) were used. The database contains complex plot-level crop production and soil information for 5 years (1985–1989). The examination results prove the considerable drought sensitivity of that lands, where soil types with high sand or clay content can be found. The mainly exposed microregions for the effects of drought are, e.g., the Dorozsma-Majsa Sand Ridge, Kerka Riverscape, Dévaványa Plain etc., while less sensitive sites are e.g. the Enying Ridge, Tolnai-Sárköz, Nógrád Basin etc.