bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing a quality framework for storing emergency department point-of-care ultrasound examinations on a picture archiving and communication system
Authors: Mani Nick
Published: February 2021

Introduction

There is a lack of a quality framework in most emergency departments despite the set national standards for storing point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) examinations. To explore and address this problem, a quality improvement project was undertaken in an emergency department. Methods and interventions: A consecutive sample of the most recent PoCUS examinations in a district general hospital emergency department in the United Kingdom was audited. None was handled and stored on the picture archiving and communication system (PACS). Quality improvement project tools, such as plan, do, study, act (PDSA) cycles, were utilised to analyse and improve practice. The PoCUS machine was connected to the local area network to allow transfer of images to PACS. For requesting and booking the examinations, specific requests on the integrated clinical environment were created akin to the computerised radiology information system codes. Other interventions were introduced such as a reporting proforma. The success of the quality improvement project depended partly on key stakeholders such as emergency department consultants, radiology staff and PACS teams. The number of stored examinations on PACS was the main process measure, but others were also considered, for example reporting and documentation.

Results

Over a 10-month period (September 2018–July 2019), there were three PDSA cycles, which included a total of 195 performed emergency department PoCUS examinations. The implemented quality framework led to 90% of examinations stored to PACS, with a mean of 63%. No negative impacts were reported, and feedback was positive.

Conclusion

Implementing a quality framework for storing emergency department PoCUS examinations on PACS is feasible and significantly improves practice. Further work is required to sustain and improve the process.
Improved SSD-assisted algorithm for surface defect detection of electromagnetic luminescence
Authors: Xu Zhenying , Wu Ziqian , Fan Wei
Published: February 2021

Defect detection of electromagnetic luminescence (EL) cells is the core step in the production and preparation of solar cell modules to ensure conversion efficiency and long service life of batteries. However, due to the lack of feature extraction capability for small feature defects, the traditional single shot multibox detector (SSD) algorithm performs not well in EL defect detection with high accuracy. Consequently, an improved SSD algorithm with modification in feature fusion in the framework of deep learning is proposed to improve the recognition rate of EL multi-class defects. A dataset containing images with four different types of defects through rotation, denoising, and binarization is established for the EL. The proposed algorithm can greatly improve the detection accuracy of the small-scale defect with the idea of feature pyramid networks. An experimental study on the detection of the EL defects shows the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Moreover, a comparison study shows the proposed method outperforms other traditional detection methods, such as the SIFT, Faster R-CNN, and YOLOv3, in detecting the EL defect.
Radial shortening, bone grafting and vascular pedicle implantation versus radial shortening alone in Kienböck’s disease
Authors: Said Elsayed , Addosooki Ahmad , Assaghir Yasser , Ahmed Ahmed , Tammam Hamdy
Published: February 2021

We prospectively compared outcomes of two surgical procedures for Stage II and IIIa Kienböck’s disease with negative ulnar variance. Group I (13 wrists) was treated with radial shortening alone, and Group II (14 wrists) with combined radial shortening, bone grafting and implantation of a vascular pedicle. At follow-up 3 to 7 years (mean 4.5) after operation, scores by the Quick version of the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and scores for pain and grip strength were significantly better in Group II, but the differences were rather small. On MRI all patients in Group II had revascularization, but 11 patients in Group I had not. We conclude that combining radial shortening with the revascularization procedure improved revascularization. Clinically, both treatments were efficient, and the additional bone grafting and vascular pedicle insertion did not greatly improve function, although statistically there were differences in several follow-up variables. This study also could not identify the independent role of the three procedures (drilling, grafting and artery insertion) in Group II, because decompression or bone grafting alone may be effective.

Level of evidence: II
Individual, social and national coping resources and their relationships with mental health and anxiety: A comparative study in Israel, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands during the Coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Mana Adi , Super Sabina , Sardu Claudia , Juvinya Canal Dolors , Moran Neuman , Sagy Shifra
Published: February 2021

Employing the salutogenic model, we asked how individuals in different countries cope with the COVID-19 crisis and stay healthy. We were interested in exploring the individual (i.e. sense of coherence) as well as the social and national resources (i.e. social support, sense of national coherence, and trust in governmental institutions) that could explain levels of mental health and anxiety during the outbreak of the pandemic. Data collection was conducted via convenience sampling on online platforms, during the end of March and the beginning of April 2020. The data included four samples: 640 Israeli participants (319 males), 622 Dutch participants (177 males), 924 Italian participants (338 males) and 489 Spanish participants (117 males); age range of 18–88 years. The questionnaires included standard tools (MHC-SF, GAD-7, SOC, SONC). Several questions were adapted to the context of coronavirus and measured levels of exposure to COVID-19, trust in governmental institutions, and social support. The results significantly confirmed the suggested salutogenic model regarding the contribution to individual and national coping resources to anxiety levels and mental health. The patterns of the coping resources in explaining anxiety and mental health were similar in the four samples, and SOC was the main predictor these outcomes. Despite these similarities, a different pattern and also different magnitudes of the predictive value of the coping resources were found for the two different reactions: anxiety vs. mental health. While SOC and situational factors (like financial threat) were significant in explaining anxiety levels, the SOC and national resources were found as significant in explaining mental health levels. The findings support the salutogenic approach in studying reactions during pandemic time. They also shed some light on the difference between pathogenic and salutogenic measures in studying psychological reactions to stressful situations.
Pursuing Graduation: Differences in Work Experience Supports for Young SSI Recipients Pursuing Diplomas or Certificates
Authors: Guillermo Mari S. , Tucker Mark S. , Corona Vanessa , McFarlane Fred R. , Jacobs Ron
Published: February 2021

Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans may earn a diploma or a certificate of completion when leaving secondary education. This study examined differences in career- and work-based learning services and work experiences of students who earned a high school diploma or a certificate of completion upon exiting high school. Case service data of 969 students with disabilities were analyzed. Results suggested groups differed in the number and types of career- and work-based services, work experiences, post-high school expectations, and work-related concerns expressed by parents. Differences between groups were observed by types of career and work experiences. Significantly greater proportions of diploma-earners expressed expectations to work and attend college. Parents of both groups expressed concerns about their youth losing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and about their youths’ safety and ability to work independently. Limitations and implications for research, policy, and practice are provided.
Balancing Time in College: Examining Time-Use and Academic Outcomes of Students in a Comprehensive College Transition Program
Authors: Park Elizabeth S. , Swanson Elise
Published: February 2021

Using a randomized control trial design, this study examines the extent to which a comprehensive college transition program (CCTP) shapes students’ time-use during their first 3 years in college. The CCTP provides comprehensive student-centered support as well as a generous scholarship. We compare students who had access to the CCTP with those who only received the scholarship. Findings indicate that both student groups spent similar amounts of time working for pay, studying, and on social media, and time-use had no differential bearing on college GPA by treatment status. In an exploratory analysis of program components, we find correlational evidence that academic-related interactions with faculty are positively associated with hours spent studying. We consistently find that the strongest predictor of time-use in college is how students spend their time in high school, suggesting that interventions aimed at shaping students’ time-use may be most effective if they are targeted at students’ precollege years.
Challenging conventional karyotyping by next-generation karyotyping in 281 intensively treated patients with AML
Authors: Mareschal Sylvain , Palau Anna , Lindberg Johan , Ruminy Philippe , Nilsson Christer , Bengtzén Sofia , Engvall Marie , Eriksson Anna , Neddermeyer Anne , Marchand Vinciane , Jansson Monika , Björklund My , Jardin Fabrice , Rantalainen Mattias , Lennartsson Andreas , Cavelier Lucia , Grönberg Henrik , Lehmann Sören
Published: February 2021

Although copy number alterations (CNAs) and translocations constitute the backbone of the diagnosis and prognostication of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), techniques used for their assessment in routine diagnostics have not been reconsidered for decades. We used a combination of 2 next-generation sequencing–based techniques to challenge the currently recommended conventional cytogenetic analysis (CCA), comparing the approaches in a series of 281 intensively treated patients with AML. Shallow whole-genome sequencing (sWGS) outperformed CCA in detecting European Leukemia Net (ELN)–defining CNAs and showed that CCA overestimated monosomies and suboptimally reported karyotype complexity. Still, the concordance between CCA and sWGS for all ELN CNA–related criteria was 94%. Moreover, using in silico dilution, we showed that 1 million reads per patient would be enough to accurately assess ELN-defining CNAs. Total genomic loss, defined as a total loss ≥200 Mb by sWGS, was found to be a better marker for genetic complexity and poor prognosis compared with the CCA-based definition of complex karyotype. For fusion detection, the concordance between CCA and whole-transcriptome sequencing (WTS) was 99%. WTS had better sensitivity in identifying inv(16) and KMT2A rearrangements while showing limitations in detecting lowly expressed PML-RARA fusions. Ligation-dependent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used for validation and was shown to be a fast and reliable method for fusion detection. We conclude that a next-generation sequencing–based approach can replace conventional CCA for karyotyping, provided that efforts are made to cover lowly expressed fusion transcripts.
Oligosaccharides increase the genotoxic effect of colibactin produced by pks+ Escherichia coli strains
Authors: Oliero Manon , Calvé Annie , Fragoso Gabriela , Cuisiniere Thibault , Hajjar Roy , Dobrindt Ulrich , Santos Manuela M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Colibactin is a genotoxin that induces DNA double-strand breaks that may lead to carcinogenesis and is produced by Escherichia coli strains harboring the pks island. Human and animal studies have shown that colibactin-producing gut bacteria promote carcinogenesis and enhance the progression of colorectal cancer through cellular senescence and chromosomal abnormalities. In this study, we investigated the impact of prebiotics on the genotoxicity of colibactin-producing E. coli strains Nissle 1917 and NC101.

Methods

Bacteria were grown in medium supplemented with 20, 30 and 40 mg/mL of prebiotics inulin or galacto-oligosaccharide, and with or without 5 μM, 25 μM and 125 μM of ferrous sulfate. Colibactin expression was assessed by luciferase reporter assay for the clbA gene, essential for colibactin production, in E. coli Nissle 1917 and by RT-PCR in E. coli NC101. The human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line, Caco-2, was used to assess colibactin-induced megalocytosis by methylene blue binding assay and genotoxicity by γ-H2AX immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

Inulin and galacto-oligosaccharide enhanced the expression of clbA in pks+ E. coli. However, the addition of 125 μM of ferrous sulfate inhibited the expression of clbA triggered by oligosaccharides. In the presence of either oligosaccharide, E. coli NC101 increased dysplasia and DNA double-strand breaks in Caco-2 cells compared to untreated cells.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that, in vitro, prebiotic oligosaccharides exacerbate DNA damage induced by colibactin-producing bacteria. Further studies are necessary to establish whether oligosaccharide supplementation may lead to increased colorectal tumorigenesis in animal models colonized with pks+ E. coli.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of Ethiopian pediatricians concerning childhood eye diseases
Authors: Regassa Tolosa Tufa , Daba Kumale Tolesa , Fabian Ido Didi , Mengasha Aemero Abateneh
Published: February 2021

Background

Eye examination and vision assessment are vital for the detection of conditions that result in blindness. Childhood blindness seriously impacts the development, education, and future employment opportunities of affected children. Pediatricians’ knowledge of eye diseases is critical for the prevention of blindness through early diagnosis, allowing proper treatment and identification of conditions requiring referral to an ophthalmologist to preserve or restore vision. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of Ethiopian pediatricians concerning childhood eye diseases.

Methods

We carried out a cross-sectional descriptive study of pediatricians working in various hospitals and clinics in Ethiopia. Participants were selected via a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using both closed and open-ended semi-structured questionnaires. Responses were entered into EpiData 3.1 and transferred to SPSS version 21.0 software for analysis.

Results

A total of 79 pediatricians participated in the study. Our findings showed that the attitude of all but 2 participants towards improving the management of childhood eye diseases was positive, even though this was not reflected in actual knowledge or practice. Even though attitudes were positive, knowledge was often poor and practice inadequate owing to barriers such as inadequate undergraduate training, lack of ophthalmology options during pediatric residency, and unavailability of ophthalmic equipment.

Conclusions

Participants’ attitudes towards improving treatment for childhood eye diseases are positive, but their insufficient knowledge of eye diseases makes their practice poor in this respect.
Combined effects of landscape composition and pesticide use on herbivore and pollinator functions in smallholder farms
Authors: Struelens Quentin , Mina Diego , Dangles Olivier
Published: February 2021

Background

Landscape composition has the potential to foster regulating ecosystem services such as pollination and biocontrol in temperate regions. However, most landscape studies do not take pesticide use into account even though it is the main control strategy worldwide and has negative impacts on beneficial insects. Moreover, few studies have explored these combined effects in smallholder cropping system with diverse landscapes and small cultivated fields.

Methods

We assessed the effect of semi-natural cover and pesticide use on pollinator and herbivore abundances and functions in 9 fields in the Ecuadorian Andes through participatory experiments with smallholder farmers. We performed a path analysis to quantify the effects of landscape and pesticide use on herbivory, pollination and ultimately yield.

Results

Pesticide use significantly reduced pollinator abundance but had no significant effect on pest abundance. Similarly, we found non-significant effects of landscape composition on either herbivory and pollination. The study also provides new information on understudied Andean lupine’s pests and pollinators, whose application for small farmers is discussed. Finally, we hypothesize that peculiarities of tropical smallholder cropping systems and landscapes could explain the non-significant landscape effects on insect-based processes, which calls for more research in places outside the well-studied temperate region.

Conclusions

Landscape composition did not show any significant effect on pest and pollinator while pesticide use decreased the abundance pollinators, but with no significant effect on yield. This study also provides information about Andean lupine reproduction and overcompensation mechanisms that could be of interest for local farmers and researchers of this understudied crop.
The Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Knockout Mouse as a Tool to Probe the In Vivo Actions of Gonadotropic Hormones/Receptors in Females
Authors: Jonas Kim Carol , Rivero Müller Adolfo , Oduwole Olayiwola , Peltoketo Hellevi , Huhtaniemi Ilpo
Published: February 2021

Mouse models with altered gonadotropin functions have provided invaluable insight into the functions of these hormones/receptors. Here we describe the repurposing of the infertile and hypogonadal luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) knockout mouse model (LuRKO), to address outstanding questions in reproductive physiology. Using crossbreeding strategies and physiological and histological analyses, we first addressed the physiological relevance of forced LHR homomerization in female mice using BAC expression of 2 ligand-binding and signaling deficient mutant LHR, respectively, that have previously shown to undergo functional complementation and rescue the hypogonadal phenotype of male LuRKO mice. In female LuRKO mice, coexpression of signaling and binding deficient LHR mutants failed to rescue the hypogonadal and anovulatory phenotype. This was apparently due to the low-level expression of the 2 mutant LHR and potential lack of luteinizing hormone (LH)/LHR-dependent pleiotropic signaling that has previously been shown at high receptor densities to be essential for ovulation. Next, we utilized a mouse model overexpressing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) with increased circulating “LH/hCG”-like bioactivity to ~40 fold higher than WT females, to determine if high circulating hCG in the LuRKO background could reveal putative LHR-independent actions. No effects were found, thus, suggesting that LH/hCG mediate their gonadal and non-gonadal effects solely via LHR. Finally, targeted expression of a constitutively active follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) progressed antral follicles to preovulatory follicles and displayed phenotypic markers of enhanced estrogenic activity but failed to induce ovulation in LuRKO mice. This study highlights the critical importance and precise control of functional LHR and FSHR for mediating ovarian functions and of the potential repurposing of existing genetically modified mouse models in answering outstanding questions in reproductive physiology.
Black-White Differences in Pregnancy Desire During the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Barber Jennifer S. , Guzzo Karen Benjamin , Budnick Jamie , Kusunoki Yasamin , Hayford Sarah R. , Miller Warren
Published: February 2021

This article explores race differences in the desire to avoid pregnancy or become pregnant using survey data from a random sample of 914 young women (ages 18–22) living in a Michigan county and semi-structured interviews with a subsample of 60 of the women. In the survey data, desire for pregnancy, indifference, and ambivalence are very rare but are more prevalent among Black women than White women. In the semi-structured interviews, although few women described fatalistic beliefs or lack of planning for future pregnancies, Black and White women did so equally often. Women more often described fatalistic beliefs and lack of planning when retrospectively describing their past than when prospectively describing their future. Using the survey data to compare prospective desires for a future pregnancy with women's recollections of those desires after they conceived, more Black women shifted positive than shifted negative, and Black women were more likely to shift positive than White women—that is, Black women do not differentially retrospectively overreport prospectively desired pregnancies as having been undesired before conception. Young women's consistent (over repeated interviews) prospective expression of strong desire to avoid pregnancy and correspondingly weak desire for pregnancy, along with the similarity of Black and White women's pregnancy plans, lead us to conclude that a “planning paradigm”—in which young women are encouraged and supported in implementing their pregnancy desires—is probably appropriate for the vast majority of young women and, most importantly, is similarly appropriate for Black and White young women.
Pilgrimage and Textual Culture
Authors: Bale Anthony , Beebe Kathryne
Published: February 2021

Pilgrimage formed a central motif of medieval culture and shaped a defining aesthetic of early literature. Despite this centrality, research remains in a preliminary state for many of the actual texts, manuscripts, and books connected to pilgrimage and how they contributed to the exchange and translation of knowledge and ideas. This special issue considers issues of reading and writing before, during, and after medieval pilgrimages, as well as the methodological and historical issues at stake for both pilgrim writers and modern scholars. In particular, the articles address the vexed issue of where — and how much — reading and writing took place around historically attested pilgrimages. By employing insights from literature, history, bibliography, geography, and anthropology, this collection aims not only to understand the past, but also to examine how current biases might affect interpretation of that past. From this multidisciplinary perspective, deeper insight is offered into how pilgrims’ libraries shaped not only pilgrimage, but medieval culture in general.
Does standard cosmology really predict the cosmic microwave background?
Authors: Traunmüller Hartmut
Published: February 2021

In standard Big Bang cosmology, the universe expanded from a very dense, hot and opaque initial state. The light that was last scattered about 380,000 years later, when the universe had become transparent, has been redshifted and is now seen as thermal radiation with a temperature of 2.7 K, the cosmic microwave background (CMB). However, since light escapes faster than matter can move, it is prudent to ask how we, made of matter from this very source, can still see the light. In order for this to be possible, the light must take a return path of the right length. A curved return path is possible in spatially closed, balloon-like models, but in standard cosmology, the universe is “flat” rather than balloon-like, and it lacks a boundary surface that might function as a reflector. Under these premises, radiation that once filled the universe homogeneously cannot do so permanently after expansion, and we cannot see the last scattering event. It is shown that the traditional calculation of the CMB temperature is inappropriate and that light emitted by any source inside the Big Bang universe earlier than half its “conformal age” can only become visible to us via a return path. Although often advanced as the best evidence for a hot Big Bang, the CMB actually tells against a formerly smaller universe and so do also distant galaxies.
Salivary biomarkers associated with the progression of disease in people living with HIV: A scoping review
Authors: Prasad Priyanka , D’Souza Viola , Mithra Prasanna , Radhakrishnan Raghu
Published: February 2021

Background: Biomarkers are measurable indicators of normal biological processes, which provide an objective assessment of the physiologic state of living systems. Saliva contains several biomarkers that serve as a diagnostic tool in health and disease. Evaluation of a multitude of salivary components could potentially predict the clinical outcome. This is especially critical in a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Scrupulous evaluation of relevant biomarkers could facilitate the early detection of HIV, determine the stage of infection and monitor the disease progression. Currently, there is a paucity of validated biomarkers in saliva predicting the disease progression in people living with HIV. In this scoping review, we aim to provide an overview of the available evidence on salivary markers associated with the progression of disease in people living with HIV.

Methods: The authors shall develop a tailored search strategy for each database using relevant keywords. We will search for eligible studies indexed in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and gray literature. We will restrict the search to studies published in the English language. Following deduplication, all search results will be exported to the EPPI reviewer web, where two independent reviewers using a data extraction tool developed and pretested by the review authors will screen eligible studies. The result of this review will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist and reporting guidelines.

Discussion: The proposed scoping review protocol will enable the identification and assessment of salivary biomarkers, which can predict disease progression in patients with HIV infection. The synthesis of evidence from this review will assist in improving our current understanding of biomarkers used to evaluate the progression of HIV infection.
Rethinking extra-time in major national football tournaments
Authors: Eliakim Alon , Taoz Eyal , Nemet Dan , Eliakim Eyal , Ben-Zaken Sigal , Meckel Yoav
Published: February 2021

Extra-time (ET) of 30 minutes is played if football match scores are level after 90 minutes in tournament knockout play. The demanding schedule of these tournaments along with possible ET matches in the knockout stages significantly increase players’ overload and injury risk. Present study aimed to determine whether ET during major football national team tournaments contributes to the game outcome. Data on the percentage of elimination matches that needed ET, and the percentage of ET matches that eventually required shootouts were retrieved. Over the years, increased number of participating teams lead to increased number of knockout games, and more knockout games needed ET (13% until 1978, 33% from 1982, in FIFA World Cup). In a significant percentage of matches, the ET itself did not determine the winning team, and the majority of ET matches winners were determined by shootouts (FIFA World Cup since 1982: 60.8%; UEFA European championship: 61.3%; Copa America: 92%). The purpose of playing ET is to make a fair game outcome, and not leave the winning decision for shootouts. However, since in most matches ET does not determine the winner, while significantly increasing the player’s overload and injury susceptibility, the need for ET mandates rethinking.
Injuries in Estonian professional ballet dancers in the 2019/2020 season
Authors: Riitmuru Tarmo , Sokk Jelena
Published: February 2021

The aim of the study was to find the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries in Estonia professional ballet dancers in the 2019/2020 season. A total of 62 dancers participated in the study, 25 were male and 37 female dancers. This study was a questionnaire-based, which was compiled on similar studies to collect the data among ballet dancers working in Estonia. The study showed that 58% of dancers were injured in the last 12 months. The most common type of dance injury during this period was muscle or tendon strain (33%), followed chronic inflammation (21%) and ankle sprain (20%). The most common injured body site was foot (20%), ankle (18%) and knee joint (10%). The highest number of injuries occurred during rehearsals (44%), classical class (27%), and during performances (16%). More than half of Estonian ballet dancers sustained at least one injury during the last twelve months. The most common types of injury were muscle or tendon strain, chronic inflammation and ankle sprain. The highest number of injuries occurred in the foot, whereas the highest number of injuries occurred during rehearsals.
Introduction to teaching activities
Authors: Shaydenko Nadezhda , Kipurova Svetlana
Published: February 2021

The textbook is devoted to the first stage of professional growth of a teacher in a pedagogical university. The purpose of the teacher's profession in society and the corresponding requirements for the professional's personality are defined. The specifics of the teacher's work in different historical periods are revealed. Special attention is paid to the state policy in the field of education in modern Russia. A retrospective analysis of the development of teacher education in Russia is given, as well as the foreign experience of teacher training is described. Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation. For students of higher educational institutions, teachers and teachers.
POLITIZACIÓN DEL HABITAR EN LA CIUDAD DE BARCELONA: PRÁCTICAS COTIDIANAS MIGRANTES FRENTE AL COVID-19.
Authors: Bernardino Márquez Pulido Ulises
Published: February 2021

This article examines the “everyday practices” of the immigrant population of Barcelona in relation to the Covid-19 context during the first few months after the Spanish government declared a State of Emergency (Real Decreto 463/2020, March 14). The first section sets out the theoretical and methodological approach followed along with statistical information about the study population. It then goes on to investigate the “cultural practices” of the Red de Cuidados Antirracista, a network set up to help and support vulnerable migrants who live in Barcelona, also offering a brief discussion of other cases. Finally, it emphasizes the special relevance of everyday life in the social organization processes activated by migrants to cope with the pandemic, in particular how everyday life is expressed within specific practices in the city and the urban space, configuring a particular politicization of habitation.
LA REPRESENTACIÓN MEDIÁTICA DE LAS MIGRACIONES EN LA PRENSA ESPAÑOLA DURANTE LA PANDEMIA.
Authors: Castillo Fernández Ariet
Published: February 2021

This text analyzes the treatment of migration in the Spanish press – particularly in El País and El Mundo – during the first few months of the pandemic, focusing specifically on the arrival of undocumented migrants. The study investigates the terminology used to refer to these people, the ways in which these social events are related and, in general, the type of images and discourses projected. The methodology used is critical analysis of the discourse presented in the aforementioned national newspapers, which have high readership figures, paying close attention to matters of otherness, identity, and construction of difference. Articles from the local press have also been analyzed, due to the low number of searches located in the major newspapers considered in this study. The analysis shows that, even though undocumented migration is still conceptualized as a problem, discourses are also being generated portraying the immigrant as a victim, especially because their situation highlights the limitations and inconsistencies of the State. The crisis experienced due to Covid-19 also turns foreigners into a resource and immigration into an opportunity, in a context in which the pandemic is thought of as a time to reconfigure previous problems.
SEÑORAS DE LA TRADICIÓN. MUJERES FOLKLORISTAS EN CUBA.
Authors: Ortiz García Carmen
Published: February 2021

In the history of Cuban anthropology, little attention has been paid to several women who have, nevertheless, obtained professional recognition from the international academic community. Calixta Guiteras Holmes is one such case, with her unique characters. Another less known but equally relevant woman was Carolina Poncet de Cárdenas, who formed a generation of highly active female pedagogues and folklorists. A different place is required to situate the life and work of a person who could be considered the modern founder of studies on Afro-Cuban religions, the writer and anthropologist Lydia Cabrera, who has only recently begun to be acknowledged by intellectual circles in official Cuban culture. An examination of these three figures is undertaken, and their contributions to anthropology are analyzed, opposing the hegemonic account of the history of science where the role of founders has generally been attributed to men. Likewise, the issues of institutional visibility and continuity and the lines of research in the Cuban academic world dedicated to anthropology and folklore are discussed, with the ultimate goal of bringing the contributions of these women researchers to the fore.
Embedded optical fiber link interferometer sensors for snapshot surface inspection using the synthetic wavelength technique
Authors: Hassan Mothana A. , Al-Nedawe Basman M. , Fakhri Makram A.
Published: February 2021

Free-space optical measurement systems can have a direct impact on evaluation systems operational in propagation paths. During propagation via optical fibers, light suffers scattering or interference, causing some output signal loss with an uncertainty outcome. Therefore, this study aims to explore the instant decisions related to the use of single- and multi-mode fiber optics and how they affect the gathering of data from high-speed optical measurement instrument links. The study also seeks to address a number of design methodology aspects and the empirical outcomes related to a surface topography measurement sensor based on fiber optics capable of surface roughness or step-height measurement. The study suggests that the Fourier transform profilometry method (FTP) can overcome the disadvantages of optical metrology sensors (e.g., bulkiness, challenging set-up, high costs, and low speed). However, despite eliminating vertical height problems, the Fourier transform profilometry (FTP) did have some shortcomings for every outcome related to core variables, including the dispersive optical fiber link sensor. The synthetic wavelength method enabled the dispersive optical fiber link sensor to calculate the vertical step height of the selected sample (1 µm). There was improved step-height repeatability, with satisfactory from 20 to 18 nm outcome improvement range. Additional investigations are necessary to establish the compatibility of single- or multi-mode optical fiber sensors with particular instruments, especially those currently preferred for embedded metrology applications.
Mid-infrared polarization rotator based on a Si3N4-CaF2 hybrid plasmonic waveguide with asymmetric metal claddings
Authors: Wang Fang , Chen Yake , Ma Tao , Liu Heng , Wang Xu , Jin Chan
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a

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hybrid plasmonic waveguide (HPW) with an asymmetric metal cladding is designed for the mid-infrared polarization rotator (PR). The mode characteristics and polarization rotation performances of the

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HPW-based PR are simulated by using the finite element method. Operating at the wavelength of 3.5 µm, the polarization conversion efficiency between two polarization modes (PM 1 and PM 2) is larger than 99% at a

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HPW length of 104 µm. The

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HPW-based PR maintains good polarization rotation performances within fabrication tolerances from

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to 10 nm. The polarization rotator based on the

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HPW paves the way to achieve integrated waveplates, driving many important optical functions from free space onto a chip.
Modeling, optimization, and validation of an extended-depth-of-field optical coherence tomography probe based on a mirror tunnel
Authors: Okoro Chukwuemeka , Cunningham Charles R. , Baillargeon Aaron R. , Wartak Andreas , Tearney Guillermo J.
Published: February 2021

The diagnostic capability of high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) may be enhanced by using extended depth-of-field (EDOF) imaging that retains high transverse resolution over long depths. A recently developed mirror-tunnel optical probe design (single-mode fiber to multimode fiber to lens structure) that generates coaxially focused modes has been previously shown to enable EDOF for endoscopic OCT applications. Here, we present ray-tracing optical modeling of this optical configuration, which has the potential to guide performance improvement through optimization. The Huygens wave propagation of the field was traced through probe components with initial lengths. The irradiance along the

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plane was analyzed, yielding an average full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 9 µm over a 640 µm DOF (defined as the axial range over which the beam’s transverse FWHM is maintained). A custom merit function was then defined, based on the focal region illumination intensity profile that yielded the maximum possible depth having a constrained FWHM size. An orthogonal gradient descent optimization algorithm was then applied using this merit function, using the multimode fiber, spacer, and lens lengths as variables. Optimization resulted in a modeled mean 6 µm FWHM spot diameter over an EDOF of 1 mm. Following optimization, a probe was fabricated, and was validated using a custom-built near-field scanning pinhole beam profiler. The experimental results (6 µm mean FWHM over 800 µm EDOF) showed reasonable correspondence to the simulated predictions, demonstrating the potential utility of optical modeling and optimization for improving EDOF performance in mirror-tunnel endoscopic OCT probes.
Interdependent recruitment of CYC8/TUP1 and the transcriptional activator XYR1 at target promoters is required for induced cellulase gene expression in Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Weixin , Cao Yanli , Zheng Fanglin , Zhao Guolei , Lv Xinxing , Meng Xiangfeng , Liu Weifeng
Published: February 2021

Cellulase production in filamentous fungusTrichoderma reeseiis highly responsive to various environmental cues involving multiple positive and negative regulators. XYR1 (Xylanase regulator 1) has been identified as the key transcriptional activator of cellulase gene expression inT.reesei. However, the precise mechanism by which XYR1 achieves transcriptional activation of cellulase genes is still not fully understood. Here, we identified the TrCYC8/TUP1 complex as a novel coactivator for XYR1 inT.reesei. CYC8/TUP1 is the first identified transcriptional corepressor complex mediating repression of diverse genes inSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Knockdown ofTrcyc8orTrtup1resulted in markedly impaired cellulase gene expression inT.reesei. We found that TrCYC8/TUP1 was recruited to cellulase gene promoters upon cellulose induction and this recruitment is dependent on XYR1. We further observed that repressedTrtup1orTrcyc8expression caused a strong defect in XYR1 occupancy and loss of histone H4 at cellulase gene promoters. The defects in XYR1 binding and transcriptional activation of target genes inTrtup1orTrcyc8repressed cells could not be overcome by XYR1 overexpression. Our results reveal a novel coactivator function for TrCYC8/TUP1 at the level of activator binding, and suggest a mechanism in which interdependent recruitment of XYR1 and TrCYC8/TUP1 to cellulase gene promoters represents an important regulatory circuit in ensuring the induced cellulase gene expression. These findings thus contribute to unveiling the intricate regulatory mechanism underlying XYR1-mediated cellulase gene activation and also provide an important clue that will help further improve cellulase production byT.reesei.
Evolution of impedance values in cochlear implant patients after early switch-on
Authors: Wei Jeff Jia-Fu , Tung Tao-Hsin , Li Lieber Po-Hung
Published: February 2021

Cochlear implantation is currently the most effective treatment modality for severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. Over the past few years, at the Department of Otolaryngology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital (Taipei, Taiwan), cochlear implant devices have been switched on within 24 hours of their implantation. Differences in impedance evolution after early switch-on for different devices have not been previously discussed. The present study aimed to investigate the impedance evolution of one device and the factors influencing this after early activation. Results are compared to published results of other devices. A total of 16 patients who received Advanced BionicsTM devices and had early activation within 24 hours of implantation, were included in the study. Impedance telemetry was recorded intraoperatively and postoperatively at 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. A stepwise increase was observed in the impedance evolution. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to investigate the impedance evolution of the different devices after early switch-on within 24 hours of implantation and its influencing factors. Further research with a longitudinal design to compare the differences in electrode impedances between patients activated early versus those activated after a few weeks will be necessary for the disclosure of the underlying mechanisms.
Extraplexus versus intraplexus ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block for ambulatory arthroscopic shoulder surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Harbell Monica W. , Kolodzie Kerstin , Behrends Matthias , Ma C. Benjamin , Kinjo Sakura , Yap Edward , Braehler Matthias R. , Aleshi Pedram
Published: February 2021

Background

This randomized study compared the efficacy and safety of extraplexus and intraplexus injection of local anesthetic for interscalene brachial plexus block.

Methods

208 ASA I-II patients scheduled for elective shoulder arthroscopy under general anesthesia and ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block were randomly allocated to receive an injection of 25mL ropivacaine 0.5% either between C5-C6 nerve roots (intraplexus), or anterior and posterior to the brachial plexus into the plane between the perineural sheath and scalene muscles (extraplexus). The primary outcome was time to loss of shoulder abduction. Secondary outcomes included block duration, perioperative opioid consumption, pain scores, block performance time, number of needle passes, onset of sensory blockade, paresthesia, recovery room length of stay, patient satisfaction, incidence of Horner’s syndrome, dyspnea, hoarseness, and post-operative nausea and vomiting.

Results

Time to loss of shoulder abduction was faster in the intraplexus group (log-rank p-value<0.0005; median [interquartile range]: 4 min [2–6] vs. 6 min [4–10]; p-value <0.0005). Although the intraplexus group required fewer needle passes (2 vs. 3, p<0.0005), it resulted in more transient paresthesia (35.9% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.0004) with no difference in any other secondary outcome.

Conclusion

The intraplexus approach to the interscalene brachial plexus block results in a faster onset of motor block, as well as sensory block. Both intraplexus and extraplexus approaches to interscalene brachial plexus block provide effective analgesia. Given the increased incidence of paresthesia with an intraplexus approach, an extraplexus approach to interscalene brachial plexus block is likely a more appropriate choice.
Levels and socioeconomic correlates of nonmarital fertility in Ghana
Authors: Nyarko Samuel H. , Potter Lloyd
Published: February 2021

Childbirth outside marriage has several negative implications for the well-being of children, women, and families globally. In sub-Saharan Africa, however, the phenomenon appears to be under-studied. In this study, we examine the levels and socioeconomic correlates of nonmarital fertility in Ghana. Using pooled data from the 2003, 2008, and the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys, logistic regression models were used in determining significantly predictive factors of nonmarital fertility. The results show that nonmarital fertility levels have been on the rise over time without any sign of reduction (24.0%, 33.0%, and 40.0% for 2003, 2008, and 2014, respectively). Some socioeconomic characteristics are linked to nonmarital fertility levels with women without formal education, women from poor households, and self-employed women having significantly higher nonmarital fertility risks. Also, older unmarried women, women who have an early sexual debut, cohabiters, women with unmet need for family planning are all associated with considerably higher risks of nonmarital childbearing. A few significant regional disparities also exist, with the Central Region having higher whereas the Upper West Region has lower risks of nonmarital fertility compared to the Greater Accra Region. Childbirth outside marriage is a social concern among women in Ghana. The findings have possible implications for bridging socioeconomic disparities among unmarried women.