bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adapting TeamSTEPPS for school mental health teams: a pilot study
Authors: Wolk Courtney Benjamin , Stewart Rebecca E. , Cronholm Peter , Eiraldi Ricardo , Salas Eduardo , Mandell David S.
Published: December 2019

Background

School mental health care often is provided by teams contracted from community mental health agencies. The team members that provide this care, however, do not typically receive training in how to work effectively in a team-based context. Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) provides a promising, evidence-based strategy for improving communication and climate in school-based teams.

Methods

In collaboration with stakeholders, we adapted and piloted TeamSTEPPS for use with school mental health teams. Teams in six schools were randomized to receive the adapted TeamSTEPPS approach or usual supports. The main outcomes of interest were feasibility and acceptability of the adapted TeamSTEPPS strategy.

Results

Results indicated that team member burnout was significantly higher at follow-up than pretreatment for both control and intervention teams. TeamSTEPPS was feasible and acceptable to implement, and leadership emerged as an important facilitator. Barriers to implementation success included staff turnover, lack of resources, and challenges in the school mental health team relationship. Additional supports to implement TeamSTEPPS were suggested, including ongoing consultation and booster training to address high staff turnover.

Conclusions

Results suggest that TeamSTEPPS is promising for school mental health teams but additional modifications are likely needed.
What influences road mortality rates of eastern grey kangaroos in a semi-rural area?
Authors: Green-Barber Jai M. , Old Julie M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Roads have major ecological impacts on wildlife. Vehicle collisions most frequently impact large herbivores due to their larger home range compared to smaller animals, and higher population density compared to carnivores. Kangaroos (Macropus spp.) account for a large proportion of reported wildlife vehicle collisions that occur in N S W, Australia. We aimed to evaluate what influenced road mortality of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) in a temperate rural/suburban region. The location of roadkilled kangaroos found on or near two 1 km stretches of road in Richmond NSW was recorded throughout 2014 and 2015. Weather and moon phase data were recorded for the date of each roadkilled kangaroo. Transects were setup on both roads, and multiple road and landscape features, including the width of roadside, fence construction, habitat type, and distance from street lights measured at 50 m intervals. Data were analyzed to explore which landscape features and temporal factors influenced the occurrence of a roadkill hotspot.

Results

More kangaroo road mortalities occurred during periods of low temperature and low rainfall, and these factors are likely to affect forage quality. Fewer mortalities occurred when rain was falling. A greater number of mortalities occurred during the waning gibbous phase of the lunar cycle. Significantly more road mortalities occurred a short distance from the end of a section of street lights.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that illumination influences the likelihood of kangaroo road mortalities. Large herbivores are particularly sensitive to habitat fragmentation because they need unrestricted access to large continuous habitat. Knowledge of factors that influence where and when kangaroos are most likely to cross roads can be used to inform more targeted management strategies and improve future road design and habitat connectivity to reduce the incidence of wildlife vehicle collisions.
Impact of combine releases of the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma euproctidis (Girault) and the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora to control Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in tomato greenhouses in Egypt
Authors: Adly D. , Nouh Gehan M.
Published: December 2019

In greenhouses, tomato plants are subject to attack by several pest species. The present study aimed to investigate the compatibility of releasing the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma euproctidis (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), and the entomopathogenic nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, strain HP88 against the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in commercial tomato greenhouses (Cherry and Bushra varieties) at winter plantation of 2018–2019 in Egypt. Three commercial plastic greenhouses were used. The first plastic greenhouses were treated by the two tested biological control agents (BCG), the second sprayed by certain recommended pesticides (PG), and the third used for control. Pheromone traps were used for monitoring the appearance of T. absoluta moths. The combined use of T. euproctidis and H. bacteriophora resulted to reduce the population density of the T. absoluta gradually until the end of the season in BCG. In the 17th week of treatments by T. euproctidis and H. bacteriophora, the population density of T. absoluta was estimated as leaf mines/plant (0.8 and 1.26 mines/leaf, in Cherry and Bushra varieties, respectively) in BCG. Also, in the 17th week of treatments by recommended pesticides, the population density of T. absoluta reached 12.73 mines/leaf and 18.33 mines/leaf, in CG. Early use of pesticides, by the appearance of T. absoluta infestation, could not suppress its population density that continued to increase until the end of the season in PG. Results revealed that the combination of the tested biological control agents against T. absoluta is recommended to be a main part in pest management practices in tomato greenhouses.
Stress hyperglycemia and electrolytes disturbance in patients with acute cerebrovascular stroke
Authors: El-Fawal Bastawy M. , Badry Reda , Abbas Wael A. , Ibrahim Ahmed K.
Published: December 2019

Background

Stroke is a medical emergency and considered the 2nd leading cause of mortality worldwide. High morbidity and mortality of stroke are due to some complications like cerebral edema, infection, and associated heart disease. Stroke may cause stress hyperglycemia and electrolyte disturbance that may be independent predictors for increased morbidity and mortality. Data on electrolyte disorder in neurological conditions especially acute stroke are somewhat scanty and not frequently interpreted.

Objectives

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of stress induced by acute stroke on the blood glucose and serum electrolytes and its relationship to the type, severity, and prognosis of stroke.

Subjects and methods

A total of 100 patients admitted with acute stroke were included in the study. After informed consent, fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum sodium, and potassium levels were measured simultaneously. Stroke severity and outcome were assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale.

Results

Stress hyperglycemia was noted in 21 patients, out of which 62% presented with hemorrhagic stroke. Undiagnosed diabetes was found in 47% of cases. Also, 13 % of our patients had both stress hyperglycemia and electrolyte disturbance simultaneously. Mortality among hemorrhagic versus ischemic patients was 46% and 22%, respectively. The independent predictors of mortality were stress hyperglycemia, electrolytes disturbance, ischemic heart diseases, and type and admission severity of stroke.

Conclusion

Stress hyperglycemia and electrolyte disturbance after acute stroke were found in 21% and 47% of patients respectively and may adversely affect outcome of stroke especially those with cerebral hemorrhage.
High survivorship of highly cross-linked polyethylene in revision Total hip Arthroplasty: a minimum 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Lim Seung-Jae , Yeo Ingwon , Park Chan-Woo , Lee Kyung-Jae , Min Byung-Woo , Park Youn-Soo
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Highly cross-linked polyethylene has been introduced to decrease osteolysis secondary to polyethylene wear debris generation. However, few long-term data on revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) using highly cross-linked polyethylene liners are available. The objective of this study was to determine long-term outcomes of a highly cross-linked polyethylene liner in revision THA.

Materials & methods

We evaluated 63 revision THAs performed in 63 patients using a highly cross-linked polyethylene liner between April 2000 and February 2005. Of these, nine died and four were lost to follow-up. Thus, the final study cohort consisted of 50 patients (50 hips), including 26 males and 24 females with a mean age of 53 years (range, 27–75 years). Mean follow-up was 11 years (range, 10–14 years).

Results

The mean Harris hip score improved from 44 points preoperatively to 85 points at the final follow-up. No radiographic evidence of osteolysis was found in any hip. The mean rate of polyethylene liner wear was 0.029 mm/year (range, 0.003 to 0.098 mm/year). A total of 5 hips (10%) required re-revision arthroplasty, including one cup loosening, one recurrent dislocation, and three deep infections. Kaplan-Meier survivorship with an end point of re-revision for any reason was 91.1% and for aseptic cup loosening was 97.9% at 11 years.

Conclusion

At a minimum of 10 years, the highly cross-linked polyethylene liners showed excellent clinical performance and implant survivorship, and were not associated with osteolysis in our patients with revision THAs.
MRI for assessment of pathologic nipple discharge: is it mandatory?
Authors: Zaky Mona M. , Hafez Asmaa , Zaky Marwa M. , Shoma Ashraf , Soliman Nermin Y. , Elmokadem Ali H.
Published: December 2019

Background

Benign breast lesions is the most common cause of nipple discharge; however, a rare but major cause is breast cancer. This study assesses the superadded value of MRI in diagnosing causes of pathologic nipple discharge. Ninety-three patients with pathologic nipple discharge were evaluated by sonomammography and DCE-MRI. Sonomammography and MR imaging features were analyzed and correlated with the histopathology.

Results

Histopathology revealed 69 benign, three high-risk, and 21 malignant lesions. Simply dilated ducts and presence of a mass on US examination as well as non-mass enhancement and STIR signal changes on MRI were of statistically significant probability in differentiation between benign and malignant causes of pathological nipple discharge (p value = 0.017 and 0.001) and (p value ≤ 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity of mammogram and ultrasound in differentiation between benign and malignant causes of pathologic nipple discharge were 71.4% and 54.2% respectively with positive predictive value of 31.2%,negative predictive value of 86.7%, and accuracy of 58.1%. MRI gave higher sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 83.3% with positive predictive value of 63.6%, negative predictive value of 100%, and accuracy of 87.1%.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance imaging is superior to sonommagraphy in diagnosis of pathologic nipple discharge and we recommend it in special situations.
Proton MR spectroscopy in characterization of focal bone lesions of peripheral skeleton
Authors: Amar Meenu , Ghasi Rohini Gupta , Krishna L. G. , Khanna Geetika
Published: December 2019

Background

The aim of our study was to determine the value of single-voxel proton MR spectroscopy (1HMRS) in distinguishing benign from malignant focal bone lesions in the peripheral skeleton. MRI and 1HMRS was performed in 50 focal lesions (> 1 cm size) detected on radiographs of peripheral skeleton.1HMRS was performed at 1.5 T with TE of 144 ms with automatic shimming and water suppression. Qualitative analysis for a discrete choline peak at 3.2 ppm was done. Significance of the presence of choline peak on 1HMRS in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions was calculated using histopathology as a gold standard. Chi-square test was used and p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Forty-one benign and 9 malignant lesions were confirmed by histopathological results. Amongst malignant lesions, choline peak was positive in all but 1 case of low-grade lymphoma. MR spectra of 11 benign lesions showed the presence of choline peak. All 7 benign giant cell tumors (GCT) were positive for choline peak. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of proton MR spectroscopy in differentiating benign from malignant lesions were 87.5%,71%,38.8%, and 96.4% respectively. p value was significant (< 0.05).

Conclusion

1HMRS in focal bone lesions can help in the differentiation of malignant from benign musculoskeletal tumors. Although some benign lesions may show false-positive result, absence of choline peak is a reliable reassurance against malignancy. GCT is an exception amongst benign bone tumors as it consistently shows the presence of choline peak on 1HMRS.
Propranolol therapy in infantile hemangioma: correlation of age and duration of treatment to the outcomes
Authors: Al-Mayoof Ali Farooq , Joda Ali Egab , Almushhadany Osama Esmaeel
Published: December 2019

Background

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the commonest vascular tumor affecting children that appears in the first 2 weeks of life and follows a proliferative phase that continues during the first year of life. After then, it undergoes involution, which lasts for several months or years depending on the size, site, gender, and development of complications. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the correlation of age and duration of propranolol therapy to the outcomes of infantile hemangioma.

Methods

A prospective study included 28 patients with IH in which the propranolol therapy was initiated in a dose of 3 mg/kg/day divided into two to three doses. The surface area of IH was calculated monthly using AutoCAD software. Treatment with propranolol was discontinued when there was no more decrease in the surface area for two consecutive visits. Eleven males and 17 females completed the study. The age at initiation of therapy ranged from 2 to 16 months while at the end of therapy it was 9 to 23 months.

Results

The mean difference percent of surface area at 6 months was (51.1 ± 16.3), while at the end of the treatment course was (75.0±16.8) which was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). In addition, a significant inverse correlation was found between the age at the beginning of treatment and the difference percent of surface area. A similar inverse correlation was observed between the age at the beginning of treatment and the duration of treatment.

Conclusion

In addition to the safety and efficacy of propranolol therapy for IH, a higher response rate can be gained with early treatment and a prolonged course of therapy. In addition, propranolol therapy should be continued until there is no more response for two consecutive months regardless of the age of therapy initiation and the duration of treatment.
Quantifying koala locomotion strategies: implications for the evolution of arborealism in marsupials
Authors: Gaschk Joshua L. , Frère Celine H. , Clemente Christofer J.
Published: December 2019

The morphology and locomotor performance of a species can determine their inherent fitness within a habitat type. Koalas have an unusual morphology for marsupials, with several key adaptations suggested to increase stability in arboreal environments. We quantified the kinematics of their movement over ground and along narrow arboreal trackways to determine the extent to which their locomotion resembled that of primates, occupying similar niches, or basal marsupials from which they evolved. On the ground, the locomotion of koalas resembled a combination of marsupial behaviours and primate-like mechanics. For example, their fastest strides were bounding type gaits with a top speed of 2.78 m s−1 (mean 1.20 m s−1), resembling marsupials, while the relatively longer stride length was reflective of primate locomotion. Speed was increased using equal modification of stride length and frequency. On narrow substrates, koalas took longer but slower strides (mean 0.42 m s−1), adopting diagonally coupled gaits including both lateral and diagonal sequence gaits, the latter being a strategy distinctive among arboreal primates. The use of diagonally coupled gaits in the arboreal environment is likely only possible because of the unique gripping hand morphology of both the fore and hind feet of koalas. These results suggest that during ground locomotion, they use marsupial-like strategies but alternate to primate-like strategies when moving amongst branches, maximising stability in these environments. The locomotion strategies of koalas provide key insights into an independent evolutionary branch for an arboreal specialist, highlighting how locomotor strategies can convergently evolve between distant lineages.
Selective Oxidative Hydroxylation of Arylboronic Acids by Colloidal Nanogold Catalyzed In Situ Generation of H2O2 from Alcohols under Aerobic Conditions
Authors: Vinsen  , Uetake Yuta , Sakurai Hidehiro
Published: December 2019

Selective hydroxylation of arylboronic acids was achieved through PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone)-stabilized nanogold catalyzed in situ generated H2O2 formed by the oxidation of an alcoholic solvent under aerobic conditions. The synthetic application of in situ generated H2O2 was investigated through aerobic epoxidation of (E)-chalcone.
Inter-fraction robustness of intensity-modulated proton therapy in the post-operative treatment of oropharyngeal and oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Hague Christina , Aznar Marianne , Dong Lei , Fotouhi-Ghiam Alireza , Lee Lip Wai , Li Taoran , Lin Alexander , Lowe Matthew , Lukens John N , McPartlin Andrew , O'Reilly Shannon , Slevin Nick , Swisher-Mcclure Samuel , Thomson David , Van Herk Marcel , West Catharine , Zou Wei , Teo Boon-Keng Kevin
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To evaluate dosimetric consequences of inter-fraction setup variation and anatomical changes in patients receiving multifield optimised (MFO) intensity modulated proton therapy for post-operative oropharyngeal (OPC) and oral cavity (OCC) cancers.

Methods:

Six patients receiving MFO for post-operative OPC and OCC were evaluated. Plans were robustly optimised to clinical target volumes (CTVs) using 3 mm setup and 3.5% range uncertainty. Weekly online cone beam CT (CBCT) were performed. Planning CT was deformed to the CBCT to create virtual CTs (vCTs) on which the planned dose was recalculated. vCT plan robustness was evaluated using a setup uncertainty of 1.5 mm and range uncertainty of 3.5%. Target coverage, D95%, and hotspots, D0.03cc, were evaluated for each uncertainty along with the vCT-calculated nominal plan. Mean dose to organs at risk (OARs) for the vCT-calculated nominal plan and relative % change in weight from baseline were evaluated.

Results:

Robustly optimised plans in post-operative OPC and OCC patients are robust against inter-fraction setup variations and range uncertainty. D0.03cc in the vCT-calculated nominal plans were clinically acceptable across all plans. Across all patients D95% in the vCT-calculated nominal treatment plan was at least 100% of the prescribed dose. No patients lost ≥10% weight from baseline. Mean dose to the OARs and max dose to the spinal cord remained within tolerance.

Conclusion:

MFO plans in post-operative OPC and OCC patients are robust to inter-fraction uncertainties in setup and range when evaluated over multiple CT scans without compromising OAR mean dose.

Advances in knowledge:

This is the first paper to evaluate inter-fraction MFO plan robustness in post-operative head and neck treatment.
Glycogen storage diseases-time to flip the outdated diagnostic approach centered on liver biopsy with the molecular testing
Authors: Ahmed Sibtain , Afroze Bushra
Published: December 2019

The glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are a group of inherited metabolic disorders that result from a defect in any one of several enzymes required for either glycogen synthesis or glycogen degradation. The traditional diagnostic approach is based on the invasive hepatic or muscle biopsies, which are neither cost effective nor convenient. Molecular (gene testing) has emerged over the course of past few years as a robust alternative diagnostic tool, which not only confirms the diagnosis of GSDs but also clearly differentiates the types of GSDs allowing the initiation of the type-specific appropriate treatment for the particular type of GSDs. The aim of this update is to highlight the limitations of undertaking a liver biopsy for the diagnosis of GSDs; and to further describe the pros of the molecular testing for better patient centered care.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1310

How to cite this:Ahmed S, Afroze B. Glycogen storage diseases-time to flip the outdated diagnostic approach centered on liver biopsy with the molecular testing. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(2):290-292. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1310

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.
Challenges towards quality assurance of Basic Medical Education in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Abdul Waheed , Sethi Ahsan , Wajid Gohar , Yasmeen Raheela
Published: December 2019

Objective: There are growing concerns towards the quality of medical education in Pakistan. To help strengthen accreditation processes, this study identifies the challenges towards quality assurance of Basic Medical Education in Pakistan.

Methods: A qualitative case study was carried out from March to August 2018. Participants included inspectors from various disciplines in both public and private medical colleges, and medical educationists from Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 inspectors, while focus group discussion included 10 medical educationists. All the interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted to capture the intricacies of meaning within the data.

Results: Data identified 14 sub-themes grouped under three major themes. Challenges towards quality assurance included mounting political influence, commercialism in medical education, weak regulatory capacity of accrediting body, violation of rules, lack of valid accreditation standards and skilled inspectors.

Conclusion: Quality assurance of Basic Medical Education in Pakistan involves various systemic, resource and personnel related challenges. The accrediting body needs to bring major reforms in its accreditation system and strengthen its regulatory and technical educational capacity to ensure the quality of medical education in nearly 168 medical and dental colleges of the country.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1319

How to cite this:Khan AW, Sethi A, Wajid G, Yasmeen R . Challenges towards quality assurance of Basic Medical Education in Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(2):4-9. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1319

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.
Allium-sativum and bakuchiol combination: A natural alternative to Chlorhexidine for oral infections?
Authors: Fahim Ayesha , Himratul-Aznita Wan Harun , Abdul-Rahman Puteri Shafinaz
Published: December 2019

Objective: Chlorhexidine mouthrinses are considered a gold standard as an adjunct treatment of oral infections. However, owing to its toxicity, discoloration of tooth surface and the emerging prevalence of drug-resistant species, attention is being given to exploring natural alternatives to the drug.

Methods: The experiment was carried out in Azra Naheed Center for Research and Development (ANCRD), Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan from September 2018 till May 2019. Biofilms and planktonic cells of C. albicans alone and in combination with streptococci were subjected to chlorhexidine, allium sativum and bakuchiol individually and to allium-bakuchiol combination. Kirby-Bauer test, antifungal susceptibility testing, CFU count and drug synergy assessment was done on planktonic cells. Dynamic biofilms were formed to mimic conditions similar to oral cavity and CFU was determined.

Results: MIC of all three agents was higher against mixed species when compared to single species planktonic cells and biofilm. Allium sativum and bakuchiol demonstrated synergistic effects. The decrease in CFU count and minimum biofilm reduction to salivary pellicle caused by allium sativum-bakuchiol was comparable to that of chlorhexidine.

Conclusion: Thus, allium sativum-bakuchiol combination demonstrated antimicrobial effects similar to chlorhexidine against planktonic cells and dynamic biofilm. It could serve as a possible natural, economical alternative to chlorhexidine mouthrinses usually recommended in dental clinics. However, in vivo studies are required to determine the correct dosage of these agents.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1457

How to cite this:Fahim A, Himratul-Aznita WH, Abdul-Rahman PS. Allium-sativum and bakuchiol combination: A natural alternative to Chlorhexidine for oral infections? Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(2):271-275. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.2.1457

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.
Recent advances in taste transduction and signaling
Authors: Kinnamon Sue C. , Finger Thomas E.
Published: December 2019

In the last few years, single-cell profiling of taste cells and ganglion cells has advanced our understanding of transduction, encoding, and transmission of information from taste buds as relayed to the central nervous system. This review focuses on new knowledge from these molecular approaches and attempts to place this in the context of previous questions and findings in the field. The individual taste cells within a taste bud are molecularly specialized for detection of one of the primary taste qualities: salt, sour, sweet, umami, and bitter. Transduction and transmitter release mechanisms differ substantially for taste cells transducing sour (Type  III cells) compared with those transducing the qualities of sweet, umami, or bitter (Type II cells), although ultimately all transmission of taste relies on activation of purinergic P2X receptors on the afferent nerves. The ganglion cells providing innervation to the taste buds also appear divisible into functional and molecular subtypes, and each ganglion cell is primarily but not exclusively responsive to one taste quality.
Climate change mitigation in food systems: the environmental and health impacts of shifting towards sustainable diets, a systematic review protocol
Authors: Jarmul Stephanie , Liew Zara , Haines Andrew , Scheelbeek Pauline
Published: December 2019

Food systems contribute greatly to global climate change due to their substantial contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and resource allocation. In addition, current food systems fail to deliver healthy and sustainable foods for all, with obesity as well as undernourishment remaining a pertinent global issue. Mounting pressures such as population growth and urbanisation urge rapid and transformational adaptations in food systems to sustainably feed a growing population. Sustainable diets have been promoted as a potential climate change mitigation strategy, and are characterized by high plant based foods and reduced animal-sourced and processed foods. While the evidence base on the potential health and environmental impacts of shifts towards sustainable diets has been growing rapidly over the past decade, there has been no recent synthesis of the evidence surrounding the health and climate mitigation benefits of sustainable consumption patterns. This systematic review will synthesize the evidence of both empirical and modelling studies assessing the direct health outcomes (such as all-cause mortality and body mass index) as well as environmental impacts (greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water use etc.) of shifts towards sustainable diets. Eight literature databases will be searched to identify studies published between 1999-2019 that report both health and environmental outcomes of sustainable diets. Evidence will be mapped and subsequently analysed based on the comparability of results and reported outcomes.
INFLUENCE OF THE VONGFONG 2014 HURRICANE ON THE IONOSPHERE AND GEOMAGNETIC FIELD AS DETECTED BY SWARM SATELLITES: 2. GEOMAGNETIC DISTURBANCES
Authors: Martines-Bedenko Valeriy , Pilipenko Vyacheslav , Zakharov Viktor , Grushin Valeriy
Published: December 2019

Strong meteorological disturbances in the atmosphere, accompanied by the generation of waves and turbulence, can affect ionospheric plasma and geomagnetic field. To search for these effects, we have analyzed electromagnetic measurement data from low-orbit Swarm satellites during flights over the typhoon Vongfong 2014. We have found that there are “magnetic ripples” in the upper ionosphere that are transverse to the main geomagnetic field fluctuations of small amplitude (0.5–1.5 nT) with a predominant period of about 10 s caused by small-scale longitudinal currents. Presumably, these quasiperiodic fluctuations are produced by the satellite’s passage through the quasiperiodic ionospheric structure with a characteristic scale of ~70 km induced by the interaction of acoustic waves excited by the typhoon with the E-layer of the ionosphere. In one of the flights over the typhoon, a burst of high-frequency noise (~0.3 Hz) was observed, which can be associated with the excitation of the ionospheric Alfven resonator by atmospheric turbulence.
How Dirac's Seminal Contributions Pave the Way for Comprehending Nature's Deeper Designs
Authors: Bhaumik Mani L.
Published: December 2019

Credible reasons are presented to reveal that many of the lingering century old enigmas, surrounding the behavior of at least an individual quantum particle, can be comprehended in terms of an objectively real specific wave function. This wave function is gleaned from the single particle energy-momentum eigenstate offered by the theory of space filling universal quantum fields that is an inevitable outcome of Dirac's pioneering masterpiece. Examples of these well-known enigmas are wave particle duality, the de Broglie hypothesis, the uncertainty principle, wave function collapse, and predictions of measurement outcomes in terms of probability instead of certainty. Paul Dirac successfully incorporated special theory of relativity into quantum mechanics for the first time. This was accomplished through his ingenious use of matrices that allowed the equations of motion to maintain the necessary first order time derivative feature necessary for positive probability density. The ensuing Dirac equation for the electron led to the recognition of the mystifying quantized spin and magnetic moment as intrinsic properties in contrast to earlier ad hoc assumptions. The solution of his relativistic equation for the hydrogen atom produced results in perfect agreement with experimental data available at the time. The most far reaching prediction of the celebrated Dirac equation was the totally unexpected existence of anti-particles, culminating in the eventual development of the quantum field theory of the Standard Model that reveals the deepest secrets of the universe known to date. Quanta 2019; 8: 88–100.
Attendance in Physical Education classes and associated factors among high school students
Authors: Prazeres Filho Alcides , Mendonça Gerfeson , Souza Neto João Miguel , Tassitano Rafael Miranda , Silva Anderson Barbosa Paiva , Farias Júnior José Cazuza de
Published: December 2019

This study examined the prevalence of attendance in Physical Education (PE) classes and associated factors among high school students. A cross-sectional study performed with 2,874 public and private high school students (57.9% girls, mean age of 16.45 years; SD = 1.22) from João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. Attendance in PE classes was measured by the question: ‘How many PE classes do you attend during a normal week? The factors measured were: attitude, self-efficacy, risks and benefits related to physical activity (PA), perceived health, PA level, sedentary behavior and nutritional status. Binary logistic regression was used. It was observed that 41.9% attended two or more PE classes per week, with higher prevalence rates in public school students than private school counterparts (56.6% vs. 6.6%; p < 0.001). Higher attendance in PE classes was observed in male and younger students from both school systems. It was also observed in students who did not work, were members of the highest economic class and whose parents had higher schooling levels in public schools, and from 1st and 2nd grades of high school education in private institutions. Attending two or more PE classes per week is positively associated with a more favorable attitude to engaging in PA as well as its level, in both school systems, and with positive health perception among public students. In conclusion, attendance in PE classes was low, particularly in private schools. Attending two or more PE classes per week was associated with positive aspects of PA and health in the students under study.
As ameaças da Nova Direita na Europa: um balanço das eleições europeias de 2019
Authors: Tostes Ana Paula Balthazar , Thomaz Carolina Figueiredo , Nunes Daiane Carvalho da C. F. , Lopes Lorrayne , Moreira Marcelle , Marques Natália Marabote , Andrade Wesley
Published: December 2019

Este é um artigo escrito a muitas mãos, fruto de um esforço de pesquisa sobre o crescimento de partidos políticos que carregam retóricas populistas de direita, e busca apresentar um balanço sobre sua performance em eleições europeias no ano de 2019. Sabendo-se que o populismo não tem espectro ideológico, funciona como uma estratégia (Muller, 2016), há muito o que se compreender sobre o tema na política europeia contemporânea. Este artigo é uma nota de pesquisa que visa contribuir como fonte de consulta para outras investigações sobre o crescimento da nova extrema direita na Europa. O Artigo procura traçar um retrato do quadro de escolhas eleitorais ocorridas nos países ocidentais da Europa, os primeiros quinze Estados membros que se constituem como democracias mais consolidadas, observando-se tanto eleições nacionais ocorridas no ano de 2019 como as preferências eleitorais expressas nas eleições para o PE nesses países.Palavras-chave: Parlamento Europeu; Eleições Europeias; Extrema Direita.ABSTRACTThis article was written by many hands, it is a result of a research effort about the growth of right-wing populist parties, and seeks to systematize its performance in the European elections in 2019. The populism has no ideological spectrum, it functions as a strategy (Muller, 2016), therefore we have much to understand about the subject in contemporary European politics. This article is a research note that aims to contribute as a source of consultation for further research on the growth of the new far right political ideology in Europe. The article seeks to draw a picture of the electoral choices in Western European countries, the first fifteen member states that constitute more consolidated democracies. The article covers both national elections in 2019 and the electoral preferences expressed in elections to EP in these countries.Keywords: European Parliament; European elections; Extreme Right Political Ideology.Recebido em: 30 nov. 2019 | Aceito em 12 dez. 2019
COMPULSÃO ALIMENTAR: UMA LEITURA PSICANALÍTICA
Authors: Vianna Monica , Novaes Joana Vilhena
Published: December 2019

Resumo: A alimentação, enquanto um aspecto da vida cotidiana do sujeito, é um veículo de produção de sentido e saúde. De modo que a comensalidade trata de um comportamento coletivo, além de individual. No Brasil, nas últimas décadas, observou-se mudanças significativas nos aspectos subjetivos ligados ao comer. O presente artigo tem como objetivo propor uma reflexão sobre os aspectos psíquicos associados à Compulsão Alimentar, a partir de uma perspectiva teórica psicanalítica. Para tanto, voltamos nosso olhar para os primórdios do desenvolvimento infantil respaldados pelos conceitos de introjeção canibal de Melanie Klein, (1957) e de objeto absolutamente necessário do André Green, (2009). Além disso, aventaremos algumas semelhanças e dissonâncias conceituais entre adição, impulsividade e compulsão, visando aprofundar a compreensão da C.A sob o prisma desses constructos teóricos.Palavras-chave: Corpo. Psicanálise. Adição. Impulsividade. Compulsão alimentar.Abstract: Food, as an aspect of the subject's daily life, is a vehicle of meaning and health production. So that the commensality deals with a collective behavior, besides being individual. In Brazil, in recent decades, there have been significant changes in subjective aspects related to eating. This article aims to propose a reflection on the psychic aspects associated with Eating Compulsion, from a psychoanalytic theoretical perspective. To this end, we turn our gaze to the beginnings of child development backed by the concepts of cannibal intrusion of Melanie Klein, (1957) and an absolutely necessary object of André Green, (2009). In addition, we will make some similarities and conceptual dissonances between addition, impulsivity and compulsion, aiming to deepen the understanding of binge eating from the perspective of these theoretical constructs.Keywords: Body. Psychoanalysis. Addition. Impulsivity. Binge eating.
REESTRUTURAÇÃO PRODUTIVA E DO ESPAÇO NO RIO DE JANEIRO: UMA ANÁLISE REGIONAL A PARTIR DO VALE DO PARAÍBA FLUMINENSE
Authors: Tunes Regina Helena
Published: December 2019

A análise da relação entre a dinâmica produtiva e a dinâmica do espaço é a questão central desse texto a partir da análise da região do Vale do Paraíba fluminense. Essa região tem apresentando um dinamismo econômico, com destaque para a atividade industrial, que se constitui hoje em um contraponto ao movimento geral do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Isso significa dizer que enquanto o território fluminense vem apresentando decréscimos da indústria e de outros setores econômicos, a região, desde fins do século passado, apresenta vertiginoso crescimento industrial e econômico centrado no setor metal-mecânico. Para isso o texto foi construído a partir de amplo levantamento bibliográfico, análise e sistematização de dados estatísticos sobre a dinâmica econômica e trabalho de campo realizado nos municípios da região. Diferentemente das interpretações que apontam uma reindustrialização regional, discutimos no texto o entendimento de uma profunda reestruturação regional que abarca a produção e a dinâmica espacial de forma imbricada. Entende-se, por fim, que as atuais transformações produtivas e espaciais guardam estreita relação com o processo de metropolização do espaço.
Kosningaþátttaka ungs fólks á Íslandi, kynslóðabil, áhugi á stjórnmálum og flokkshollusta
Authors: Halldórsson Eiríkur Búi , Önnudóttir Eva Heiða
Published: December 2019

Í þessari grein er fjallað um kosningaþátttöku í Alþingiskosningum á Íslandi og greint hvort að um mögulega kynslóðabreytingu sé að ræða, þar sem ungt fólk í dag tekur síður þátt í kosningum samanborið við ungt fólk áður fyrr. Notuð eru gögn úr Íslensku kosningarannsókninni og þegar áhrif aldurs, tíma og kynslóða eru aðgreind benda niðurstöður greinarinnar til þess að orðið hafi slík kynslóðabreyting. Fjallað er um hvort að þessa breytingu megi mögulega rekja til minni áhuga yngstu kynslóðar samtímans á stjórnmálum eða minnkandi flokkshollustu samanborið við ungt fólk áður fyrr. Helstu niðurstöður eru að áhugi ungs fólks á stjórnmálum hefur ekki breyst, hann er svipaður og hjá eldri kjósendum og hjá ungum kjósendum áður fyrr. Áhugi á stjórnmálum skýrir ekki minnkandi þátttöku ungs fólks í kosningum í dag. Niðurstöðurnar sýna að flokkshollusta hefur minna vægi meðal ungs fólks í dag sem hvati til að kjósa, og það ásamt óbreyttum áhuga ungs fólks getur mögulega bent til þess að ungt fólk aðhyllist frekar annars konar borgaralega þátttöku. Þó er ekki hægt að skera úr, að svo stöddu, hvort að um verulega breytingu sé að ræða á milli kynslóða eða hvort að breytingin sé fyrst og fremst tilkominn vegna seinkunnar á þátttöku ungs fólks í samfélaginu.
Making use of evidence in commissioning practice: insights into the understanding of a telecare study’s findings
Authors: Woolham John , Steils Nicole , Forsyth Kirsty , Fisk Malcolm , Porteus Jeremy
Published: December 2019

Background

This paper discusses findings from a study of English Local Authority (LA) Adult Social Care Departments (ASCDs) that explored how managers use telecare. A decade earlier, a large clinical trial, the ‘Whole System Demonstrator’ project (WSD), funded by the Department of Health (DH) investigated telecare’s effectiveness in promoting and maintaining independence among users. It found no evidence that telecare improved outcomes. Despite these conclusions, the DH did not change its policy or guidance, and LAs did not appear to scale back investment in telecare.

Aims and objectives

The present study explores how English ASCDs responded to WSD findings and why investment continued despite evidence from the WSD.

Methods

Data were obtained from an online survey sent to all telecare lead managers in England. The survey achieved a final response rate of 75%.

Findings

The survey asked questions focused on awareness and use of research in general, and specifically knowledge about the findings of the WSD. Most respondents were highly critical of the WSD methods, and its findings.

Discussion

Critical examination of telecare manager views found widespread inaccurate information about the trial methodology and findings, as well as the wider political and policy context that shaped it.

Conclusions

The WSD could not explain why telecare did not deliver better outcomes. A more nuanced understanding of the circumstances in which it might achieve good outcomes has received little consideration. LA difficulties in using evidence in telecare commissioning potentially leaves the sector at risk of market capture and supplier induced demand.
Echoes of Frantz Fanon in the place and space of an alternative black mental health centre
Authors: McKeown Mick , Wainwright John
Published: December 2019

This article draws on the published work of Frantz Fanon to engage critically with the findings of a qualitative study of experiences within an alternative black mental health centre in Liverpool. Fanon’s critique of colonialism and exhortations for revolutionary action chime with the activist beginnings of this centre, and the positive experiences of service recipients are juxtaposed with previous negative experiences in the mainstream mental health system. Notions of place and space are particularly emphasised. These crucial variables were also arguably at the heart of Fanon’s critique of Western psychiatry and its institutional failings. The relative neglect of Fanon within psychiatry has arguably been to the detriment of the provision of appropriate care and support for black communities in the UK.
Personality and the gender gap in political ambition
Authors: Allen Peter , Cutts David
Published: December 2019

In this article, we offer an analysis of the gender gap in political ambition that takes personality and other canonical predictors of levels of ambition into account simultaneously. We use original large-N survey data from Britain. We find that the gender gap in nascent ambition is robust to the inclusion of measures of personality alongside traditional socio-economic predictors of political ambition. Second, we find that increased extraversion is related to higher levels of nascent ambition, but only for women. Third, we find that personality does not drive any move from intending to run for office to actually doing so.
Development and growth of corrosion features on protected silver mirrors during accelerated environmental exposure
Authors: Folgner Kelsey A. , Chu Chung-Tse , Sitzman Scott D. , Stuart Sean C. , Lingley Zachary R. , Barrie James D.
Published: December 2019

Various layer schemes have been developed to protect thin film silver mirrors from tarnish and corrosion. However, the mechanisms by which these additional layers improve mirror durability are not fully understood. Accelerated environmental exposure testing of protected silver mirrors was used to investigate the effects of layer composition on the mechanisms of corrosion feature development and growth. Two model mirror coatings were analyzed in which the composition of the base layer below the silver and the adhesion layer above the silver were varied. Large circular corrosion features formed preferentially along the silver–chromium interfaces, regardless of where this interface was located within the layered structure of the mirror. The corrosion features originated at coating defects in the dielectric protection layer, and their growth was likely driven by the oxidation and chloridation of both silver and chromium at the Ag–Cr interfaces.
Optical interference coating design contest 2019: a non-polarizing beam splitter and a color-mixing challenge [Invited]
Authors: Kruschwitz Jennifer D. T. , Pervak Vladimir , Keck Jason , Baltz Eric , Deliwala Amit , Gerig Zachary , Lemarchand Fabien , Pellicori Samuel , Sato Kageyuki , Southwell William , Trubetskov Michael , Yano Kunihiko , Yuan Wenjia
Published: December 2019

A non-polarizing beam splitter and a light color-mixing challenge were the topics of the design contest held in conjunction with the 2019 Optical Interference Coatings topical meeting of the Optical Society of America. A total of 10 designers from China, France, Germany, Japan, and the United States submitted over 70 designs for problems A and B. The design problems and the submitted solutions are described and evaluated.
All-optical aggregation and de-aggregation between 3 × BPSK and 8QAM in HNLF with wavelength preserved
Authors: Zhong Zhilai , Wang Hongxiang , Ji Yuefeng
Published: December 2019

All-optical aggregation and de-aggregation with wavelength preserved play an important role in a flexible optical network. In addition, it is also expected to apply in a network node that connects different networks and increases the channel utilization by freeing up the low-speed channel. In this paper, we proposed an aggregation and de-aggregation setup between three binary phase shift keying signals and 8-ary quadrature amplitude modulation signal using the nonlinear effect in high nonlinear optical fiber. Moreover, the bit-error rate of the signal is analyzed to evaluate the performance of the system by numerical simulation.
Phase correlation during two-photon resonance process in an active cavity
Authors: Zhou Zifan , Condon Nicholas J. , Hileman Devin J. , Tseng Shih C. , Shahriar Selim M.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate a strong correlation
between the frequencies of the Raman pump and the Raman probe inside
an optically pumped Raman laser. We show that the correlation is due
to rapid adjustment of the phase of the dipoles that produce the Raman
gain, following a sudden jump in the phase of the Raman pump. A
detailed numerical model validates this interpretation of the phase
correlation. The width of the spectrum of the beat between the Raman
pump and the Raman laser is significantly narrowed due to this
correlation. As a result, the minimum measurable change in the cavity
length, for a given linewidth of the Raman pump laser, is
substantially reduced. Therefore, this finding is expected to enhance
the sensitivity of such a laser in various metrological applications
(e.g., accelerometry).