bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
20.8% slot-die coated MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells by optimal DMSO-content and age of 2-ME based precursor inks
Authors: Li Jinzhao , Dagar Janardan , Shargaieva Oleksandra , Többens Daniel , Munir Rahim , Unger Eva
Published: October 2020

Solar cells incorporating metal-halide perovskite (MHP) semiconductors are continuing to break efficiency records for solution-processed solar cell devices. Scaling MHP-based devices to larger area prototypes is a crucial step towards commercialization. This requires the development and optimization of scalable process technology for these devices. Here, we demonstrate a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.83% for slot-die coated gas-quenched small-area methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) devices. Our ink is based on 2-methoxy-ethanol (2-ME) with the strongly coordinating solvent dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMSO) added in small amounts. We found that the amount of DMSO, as well as the age of the precursor solutions, are determining factors in achieving highly efficient and reproducible devices. Through in-depth insight into the film formation process as a function of DMSO content from in-situ X-ray diffraction experiments, we found that just the right amount of DMSO favorably affects thin film growth. Adding 11.77 mol% of DMSO prevents the formation of a crystalline intermediate phase related to MAPbI3 and 2-ME (MAPbI3 -2-ME), reported here for the first time, and inducing the formation of some (DMSO)2MA2Pb3I8 intermediate phase. These results demonstrate that ink composition and process control are critical to enable reproducible large-scale manufacturing of MHP-based devices for commercial applications.
SARS-CoV-2 candidate vaccine ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 infection of human cell lines reveals a normal low range of viral backbone gene expression alongside very high levels of SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein expression.
Authors: Almuqrin Abdulaziz , Davidson Andrew D. , Williamson Maia Kavanagh , Lewis Phil , Heesom Kate , Morris Susan , Gilbert Sarah , Matthews David A.
Published: October 2020

Background: ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 is a recombinant adenovirus vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2. Although replication defective in normal cells, 28kbp of adenovirus genes are delivered to the cell nucleus alongside the SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein gene.Methods: We used direct RNA sequencing to analyse transcript expression from the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 genome in human MRC-5 and A549 cell lines that are non-permissive for vector replication alongside the replication permissive cell line, HEK293. In addition, we used quantitative proteomics to study over time the proteome and phosphoproteome of A549 and MRC5 cells infected with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine candidate.Results: The expected SARS-CoV-2 S coding transcript dominated in all cell lines. We also detected rare S transcripts with aberrant splice patterns or polyadenylation site usage. Adenovirus vector transcripts were almost absent in MRC-5 cells but in A549 cells there was a broader repertoire of adenoviral gene expression at very low levels. Proteomically, in addition to S glycoprotein, we detected multiple adenovirus proteins in A549 cells compared to just one in MRC5 cells. Conclusions: Overall the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine’s transcriptomic and proteomic repertoire is as expected. The combined transcriptomic and proteomics approaches provide an unparalleled insight into the behaviour of this important class of vaccine candidate and illustrate the potential of this technique to inform future viral vaccine vector design.
The Balance between Oral Health Needs and Supply Induced Demand in Welsh Dental Services
Authors: Richards Wayne , Ameen Jamal , Coll Anne-Marie , Filipponi Teresa
Published: October 2020

IntroductionReducing social inequality along with oral health inequality in Wales is a policy objective. In this ecological study the relationships between deprivation, dental workforce and oral health are explored. MethodTwenty-two Unitary Authorities (UAs) serving the population of Wales were studied. The number of dentists were obtained from NHS Business Services as well as the 2019 population figures from StatsWales. As data for whole time equivalent General Dental Practitioner (GDP) workforce were not available, GDP sites were used. The condition of teeth at the age 12 years was used as a measure of oral health from the most recent epidemiological survey available. The relationship between oral health and workforce was established using the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD).ResultsAssociations were observed between dental sites and population as well as between oral health and deprivation. A new composite variable called the University of South Wales Dental Index (USWDI) was introduced by combining the number of dentists with their corresponding WIMD of the most deprived 10% of the population. Using regression modelling the USWDI demonstrated its superiority in using either the number of dentists or the WIMD most deprived 10% alone to predict decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT).ConclusionWorkforce levels have increased and there has been a corresponding improvement in oral health over two decades. At the same time deprived subgroups continue to experience relatively higher levels of disease. A proportion of the general dental services delivered in Wales has continued to be based on the principle of supply induced demand for care rather than oral health need. Improving oral health in a diverse population like Wales cannot be achieved by increasing dental workforce alone. It is necessary to account for levels of deprivation. USWDI as a predictor of DMFT could be a useful tool to monitor the macro delivery of oral health care for the future in Wales.
Clinical Trials of Rhodiola rosea in Tomsk in the Late Soviet Period
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Vasilyev Pavel A. , Zvonareva Olga I. ,   Maastricht University, Petrenko Alexander N. ,   Siberian State Medical University
Published: October 2020

Rhodiola rosea is a Siberian medicinal plant possessing qualities of a central nervous system stimulant that has been traditionally used in the folk medicine of the indigenous peoples in Siberia. Between the 1960s and the 1980s, the plant had been intensively studied in the scientific laboratories of Tomsk. The study of physicochemical properties of the plant and its effects on humans was initially carried out in the Tomsk Medical Institute (TMI) by a large research group headed by A. S. Saratikov and E.A.Krasnov. Following a series of animal studies in the early 1960s, Saratikov started to enlist human volunteers from TMI students and stuff and examine the effects of the plant on concentration and auto-suggestion. These trials were later expanded, and a number of medical institutions in Tomsk incorporated them into their research programs, seemingly hailing Rhodiola rosea as a potential all-curing miracle drug for the overworked and stressed modern self. (Interestingly enough, there has recently been a renewed interest in the plant in the West that has corroborated a number of Soviet findings). At the same time, research into the history of Rhodiola rosea trials also highlights both numerous ethically problematic issues in the treatment of research participants as well as unexpected divergences from the officially prescribed Soviet clinical trials practices. Using examples from a large number of published scientific studies and corroborating them with materials from oral history interviews with researchers and study participants, this paper explores the local idiosyncrasies that shaped Soviet clinical trials on the ground.
Formation of conceptual foundations of environmental ideology
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Volkov Vitaly A.
Published: October 2020

The article is devoted to the problem of the theoretical search for value-regulatory provisions that determine the essence of environmental ideology. The peculiarity of the formation of environmen- tal ideology is that its provisions grew out of a broad social environmental movement. They were not preceded by the formation of a developed theoretical concept embodying a new system of values. The fear of self-destruction by mankind through the destruction of the environment, has caused a need for the discovery of uniform values for the salvation of civilization. Understand- ing the ecological crisis, determining its parameters and consequences happens initially in the framework of the traditional worldview of Modern times. Attempts to create the theoretical basis of environmental ideology is done by means of the conceptual framework of classical ideologies: liberalism, conservatism, socialism. The emerging political ecology considers conservation of na- ture in the context of existing ideologically oriented concepts of sustainable development. The 2018 Club of Rome report changes the situation of understanding the fundamentals of environ- mental ideology. This analytical text puts forward conceptual principles that claim to go beyond established alternatives. A new ontology is proposed that is relevant to the current situation of the ecological crisis. The concept of “the full world” serves as its basis. The concept of the “new enlightenment” proceeds from the fundamental limitations of the epistemological principles of empiricism and induction. Hope is placed on the principles of synergy that balance existing dif- ferences and contrasts. At the same time the report leaves aside the political contradictions that arise from the development of the ecological crisis. Environmental ideology has to build a system of values not only based on the interpretation of the picture of the world, but also on the existing political contradictions. The analysis of the formation of political ecology develops a system of values based on political oppositions formed in attempts to overcome the ecological crisis by political actors. The result of such an approach is the need for a special interpretation of concepts of sovereignty, justice, and responsibility in the context of environmental problems.
The Republic of Moldova and visa-free regime: Problems and solutions
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Gutorov Vladimir A. , Mosneaga Valeriu ,   Moldova State University, Turco Tatiana ,   Moldova State University
Published: October 2020

The article analyzes the visa-free regime of the Republic of Moldova within the framework of the CIS and the European Union. The main steps towards achieving the visa-free regime are reviewed. The authors investigate the process of implementing the visa-free regime with the European Union as a recent success of the Republic of Moldova. At the same time, the authors identify the positive and negative effects that accompany the introduction of the Republic of Moldova — European Union visa-free regime. A comparative analysis with other post-Soviet countries that have also obtained the visa-free regime (Georgia and Ukraine) is conducted. The authors note that a visa- free regime is an important tool that allows the EU to regulate relations with third countries. This regime provides important benefits for citizens and strengthens social, cultural, and economic ties between the EU and its partners. At the same time, the visa-free regime holds it responsible for maintaining the progress achieved in the framework of the visa liberalization dialogues and for ensuring a well-managed migration and security environment. The article makes wide use of statistical and sociological data as well as analytical and empirical materials.
BÁLSAMO:
Authors: Dutra Pamela
Published: October 2020

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo apresentar uma reflexão teórica e prática acerca do meu percurso durante o curso de Licenciatura em Teatro (2014-2018). O trabalho baseou-se nos aspectos da memória voltados para a infância, em vista da elaboração de imagens mentais, oníricas e imaginárias permeadas pela ideia do feminino em desconstrução, tendo como resultado a produção do fragmento performático Bálsamo. O extrato narra, através das ações da persona central Aurita, os fatos existentes em minhas experiências de forma ressignificativa.
A ANCESTRALIDADE DO CORPO: DIÁLOGO COM OS MESTRES
Authors: De Sales Silva Sebastião
Published: October 2020

O presente artigo ciceroneia parte da minha trajetória dentro do curso de Licenciatura em Teatro pela UFRN; apresentarei um diálogo com dois professores, a primeira, a mestra Lara Machado – a mulher que quebrou os meus joelhos, que caminhou metaforicamente sobre o meu corpo, tornando-o um corpo consciente e pulsante; o segundo, um encontro que nomeio como o voo da liberdade como o mestre Robson Haderchpek – o homem que abriu as gaiolas do meu corpo a partir do espetáculo Revoada do Grupo Arkhétypos de Teatro; uma mestra e um mestre que passaram-me o bastão, abrindo caminho para um mestre de si que desabrochou em mim.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Ensino-Aprendizagem. Teatro. Grupo Arkhétypos. Espetáculo Revoada.
O ESPETÁCULO “SANTA CRUZ DO NÃO SEI” E A ARTE DO ENCONTRO
Authors: CUNHA DE SOUZA TATIANE
Published: October 2020

Neste artigo aponto meu percurso de formação como atriz, professora e pesquisadora de Teatro, fortemente influenciado pelo Arkhétypos Grupo de Teatro da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, do qual fui uma das fundadoras. Neste dossiê temático, em que comemoramos os dez anos de existência do grupo, discorro sobre o processo de criação do Arkhétypos, que coincide com o processo de montagem do primeiro espetáculo “Santa Cruz do Não Sei”, do qual participei como atriz-pesquisadora. Após analisar o referido processo de montagem aponto como as contribuições da Arte do Encontro, trabalhada no Grupo Arkhétypos, influenciaram a minha experiência docente.
The bird is in he cage and I have swallowed the wolrd
Authors: Johas Regina
Published: October 2020

ensaio visual
Impacto del paradigma neoliberal en el curriculum venezolano, durante los gobiernos de COPEI y acción democratica (1970-1998)
Authors: Mora García José Pascual
Published: October 2020

Los gobiernos democráticos de los partidos políticos Copei y Acción democrática se alternaron el poder en Venezuela entre 1969-1998, y fue precisamente en esta etapa que emerge el paradigma neoliberal educación. En primer lugar, nos proponemos develar que las teorías del  Curriculum recibieron su impacto y tipificaron un modelo educativo que fue privilegiando al llamado “darwinismo social” en el que se privilegia a los sectores de mejores ingresos económicos y marginando los sectores más vulnerables. El presente estudio se conecta con una línea de investigación que analiza las historia del currículum en Venezuela, cuyos resultados han sido presentados a la comunidad científica en informes precedentes, (Mora-García, 2004; Mora-García, 2013; Mora-García, 2014; Rojas & Mora-García, 2019). Se realiza una revisión nueva de la literatura especializada en la relación neoliberalismo y curriculum, con la finalidad de establecer propuestas y conclusiones válidas. Son aproximaciones que nos dan nuevas luces sobre un tema que requiere ser analizado recurrentemente.
Biografia da Professora Raquel Dias Araújo: um olhar sobre a docência universitária e a militância política
Authors: Fialho Lia Machado Fiuza , Santos Hannah Franklin dos , Freire Vitória Chérida Costa
Published: October 2020

O objetivo desse trabalho é biografar a professora Raquel Dias com ênfase na relação entre a docência universitária e a atuação política (1988-2019). Trata-se de uma pesquisa do tipo biográfica, amparada teoricamente na História Cultural e metodologicamente na história oral de vida. Utiliza como objeto de estudo as oralidades de Raquel Dias, coletadas por meio de entrevistas livres. A narrativa biográfica mostra que Raquel Dias foi uma criança pobre, estudante de escola pública, que alcançou nível elevado de escolarização, doutorado. Seu envolvimento político iniciado nos movimentos estudantis impulsionou o prosseguimento da militância em sindicatos e partidos políticos, que interferiu na sua prática docente tornando-a mais contextualizada, crítica e engajada na luta por justiça social.
Un entrenamiento para las tareas: perspectiva desarrollista en la Educación Física Argentina del Nivel Inicial.
Authors: Mansi Daniela
Published: October 2020

El corriente escrito porta como objetivo general, desarrollar y caracterizar la perspectiva desarrollista de la Educación Física Argentina en el Nivel Inicial. Se ha llevado adelante un estudio enmarcado en la metodología cualitativa, siendo una pesquisa exploratoria – descriptiva, posicionada desde un enfoque interpretativo. Los documentos tomados como muestra, la cual ha sido intencional - finalística, han sido competentes a la didáctica de la Educación Física en el Nivel Inicial en Argentina. En base al análisis demostramos que la perspectiva desarrollista, encontrada a partir del año 1966, opera desde la pedagogía tecnicista, legitimando propuestas corporales infantiles sobre los mandatos del rendimiento, la eficacia y la eficiencia.
Educar al cuerpo dentro y fuera del aula. Análisis de dos experiencias en la Nueva Argentina de Perón
Authors: Orbuch Iván Pablo
Published: October 2020

Luego de disensiones internas respecto a los modos de intervención estatal, se creó por decreto presidencial el Consejo Nacional de Educación Física en el año 1947. Tuvo entre sus propósitos principales la tarea de difundir la educación corporal en la población. Dos importantes iniciativas en ese sentido fueron los cuadernillos llamados Gimnasia compensatoria en el aula y Gimnasia para oficinas. En el primer caso, se trató de realizar actividades físicas a toda hora en la escuela, siendo novedoso el intento de hacer ejercicios en medio de las clases de todas las asignaturas escolares. Por su parte, la segunda propuesta nombrada buscó extender la influencia del organismo por fuera de los muros escolares. Un abordaje de ambas me permitirá a arribar a algunas conclusiones acerca de las características que adoptó la Educación Física en la Nueva Argentina de Perón.
Quercetin and MicroRNA Interplay in Apoptosis Regulation in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Khan Khushbukhat , Javed Zeeshan , Sadia Haleema , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Cho William C. , Luparello Claudio
Published: October 2020

The multifaceted nature of ovarian cancer has severely hampered the development of effective therapeutics
over the years. The complicate nature of ovarian cancer makes it therapeutically challenging, therefore,
there has been a renewed interest in phytochemistry. Phytochemicals have emerged as a potential therapeutic
option due to less side effects. Moreover, the signaling inhibition properties have also been studied extensively
in recent times. A growing number of data obtained via high-throughput technologies has started to delineate
the complex oncogenic signaling networks, thus broadening the therapeutic opportunities. Within the network,
microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play a versatile role in the regulation of cancer. Quercetin has been
in the spotlight over the years because of its high pharmacological values and substantial evidence has demonstrated
its anti-proliferative effect against various types of cancers. Despite the versatility of quercetin, little is
known about its anti-proliferative potential towards ovarian cancer. This review sheds some light on quercetin
as an alternative therapeutic approach to cancer. Furthermore, we also addresss the interplay between miRNAs
and quercetin in the regulation of apoptosis in ovarian cancer.
Neuroprotective and Preventative Effects of Molecular Hydrogen
Authors: Noda Mami , Liu Jiankang , Long Jiangang
Published: October 2020

One of the beneficial effects of molecular hydrogen (H2, hydrogen gas) is neuroprotection and prevention
of neurological disorders. It is important and useful if taking H2 every day can prevent or ameliorate the
progression of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease, both lacking
specific therapeutic drugs. There are several mechanisms of how H2 protects neuronal damage. Anti-oxidative,
anti-inflammatory, and the regulation of the endocrine system via stomach-brain connection seem to play an important
role. At the cellular and tissue level, H2 appears to prevent the production of reactive oxygen species
(ROS), and not only hydroxy radical (•OH) but also superoxide. In Parkinson’s disease model mice, chronic intake
of H2 causes the release of ghrelin from the stomach. In Alzheimer’s disease model mice, sex-different neuroprotection
is observed by chronic intake of H2. In female mice, declines of estrogen and estrogen receptor-β
(ERβ) are prevented by H2, upregulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tyrosine kinase
receptor B (TrkB). The question of how drinking H2 upregulates the release of ghrelin or attenuates the decline
of estrogen remains to be investigated and the mechanism of how H2 modulates endocrine systems and the
fundamental question of what or where is the target of H2 needs to be elucidated for a better understanding of
the effects of H2.
Hypothetical Role of Growth Factors to Reduce Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Significantly through Trained Biological Transformations
Authors: Muresanu Cristian , Somasundaram Siva G. , Vissarionov Sergey V. , Gavryushova Liliya V. , Nikolenko Vladimir N. , Mikhaleva Liudmila M. , Kirkland Cecil E. , Aliev Gjumrakch
Published: October 2020

Background:

Given the evidence of little or no therapeutic benefit of injection-based growth factor therapies, it has been proposed that a naturally triggered uninterrupted blood circulation of the growth factors would be superior.

Objective:

We seek to stimulate discussions and more research about the possibility of using the already available growth factors found in the prostate gland and endometrium by starting novel educable physiology, known as biological transformations controlled by the mind.

Methods:

We summarized the stretch-gated ion channel mechanism of the cell membrane and offer several practical methods that can be applied by anyone, in order to stimulate and enhance the blood circulation of the growth factors from the seminal fluid to sites throughout the body. This study describes, in detail, the practical application of our earlier published studies about biological transformations.

Results:

A previously reported single-patient case study has been extended, adding more from his personal experiences to continually improve this novel physiological training and extending the ideas from our earlier findings in detail.

Conclusion:

The biological transformation findings demonstrate the need for additional research to establish the benefits of these natural therapies to repair and rejuvenate tissues affected by various chronic diseases or aging processes.
Stem Cell Based Preclinical Drug Development and Toxicity Prediction
Authors: Kumar Dhruv , Baligar Prakash , Srivastav Rajpal , Narad Priyanka , Raj Sibi , Tandon Chanderdeep , Tandon Simran
Published: October 2020

Stem cell based toxicity prediction plays a very important role in the development of the drug. Unexpected
adverse effects of the drugs during clinical trials are a major reason for the termination or withdrawal
of drugs. Methods for predicting toxicity employ in vitro as well as in vivo models; however, the major drawback
seen in the data derived from these animal models is the lack of extrapolation, owing to interspecies variations.
Due to these limitations, researchers have been striving to develop more robust drug screening platforms
based on stem cells. The application of stem cells based toxicity testing has opened up robust methods to study
the impact of new chemical entities on not only specific cell types, but also organs. Pluripotent stem cells, as
well as cells derived from them, can be evaluated for modulation of cell function in response to drugs. Moreover,
the combination of state-of-the -art techniques such as tissue engineering and microfluidics to fabricate organ-
on-a-chip, has led to assays which are amenable to high throughput screening to understand the adverse and
toxic effects of chemicals and drugs. This review summarizes the important aspects of the establishment of the
embryonic stem cell test (EST), use of stem cells, pluripotent, induced pluripotent stem cells and organoids for
toxicity prediction and drug development.
Synthetic Routes to 2-Iminothiazolidines: State-of-the-Art 2006-2020
Authors: Bhattacharyya Aditya
Published: October 2020

Multiheteroatom-containing small-sized cyclic molecules such as 2-
iminothiazolidines are often found to possess beneficial pharmacological properties. In this
review article, the biological significance of 2-iminothiazolidines is discussed and the literature
reports published in the last 15 years spanning from 2006 to 2020 describing various
preparative routes to access 2-iminothiazolidine derivatives have been categorically and
chronologically described. The notable synthetic methods discussed here involve ringexpansion
transformations of nonactivated and activated aziridines, thiiranes, epoxides, and
other miscellaneous reactions.
Nanotechnology Assisted Targeted Drug Delivery for Bone Disorders: Potentials and Clinical Perspectives
Authors: Zhao Xiaofeng , Li Laifeng , Chen Meikai , Xu Yifan , Zhang Songou , Chen Wangzhen , Liang Wenqing
Published: October 2020

Nanotechnology and its allied modalities have brought revolution in tissue engineering and bone healing. The research on translating the findings of the basic and preclinical research into clinical practice is ongoing. Advances in the synthesis and design of nanomaterials along with advances in genomics and proteomics, and tissue engineering have opened a bright future for bone healing and orthopedic technology. Studies have shown promising outcomes in the design and fabrication of porous implant substrates that can be exploited as bone defect augmentation and drug-carrier devices. However, there are dozens of applications in orthopedic traumatology and bone healing for nanometer-sized entities, structures, surfaces, and devices with characteristic lengths ranging from tens 10s of nanometers to a few micrometers. Nanotechnology has made promising advances in the synthesis of scaffolds, delivery mechanisms, controlled modification of surface topography and composition, and biomicroelectromechanical systems. This study reviews the basic and translational sciences and clinical implications of the nanotechnology in tissue engineering and bone diseases. Recent advances in NPs assisted osteogenic agents, nanocomposites, and scaffolds for bone disorders are discussed.
Applications of Exosomes in Targeted Drug Delivery for the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease: A Review of Recent Advances and Clinical Challenges
Authors: Kumar Bhumika , Pandey Mukesh , Fayaz Faizana , Izneid Tareq Abu , Pottoo Faheem Hyder , Manchanda Satish , Sharma Anjali , Sahoo Pravat Kumar
Published: October 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent and severe neurodegenerative disease affecting more than 6.1 million people globally. It is characterized by age-related progressive deterioration of neurological functions caused by neuronal damage or neuronal death. During PD, the dopamineproducing cells in the substantia nigra region of the brain degenerate, which leads to symptoms like resting tremors and rigidity. Treatment of PD is very challenging due to the blood-brain barrier, which restricts the drug from reaching the brain. Conventional drug delivery systems possess a limited capacity to cross the blood barrier, leading to low bioavailability and high toxicity (due to off-site drug release). Therefore, it becomes necessary to accelerate the development of novel drug delivery systems, including nanoparticles, microemulsions, matrix systems, solid dispersions, liposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of PD. Exosomes are biological lipid bilayer membrane vesicles produced by nearly all mammalian cells. The characteristics of vesicles are unique to their cell of origin and are primarily involved in intracellular communication. Exosomes, due to their nanoscale size, could easily permeate across the central nervous system, which makes them ideal for targeting the neurons in the substantia nigra. Exosomes could be efficient drug carrier systems for brain targeting, which can increase the efficacy of the drug and minimize the side effects. The review aims at providing a broad updated view of exosomes and their application in the treatment of PD.
Computer Vision and Abnormal Patient Gait: A Comparison of Methods
Authors: Hundal Jasmin , Babu Benson A.
Published: October 2020

Abnormal gait, falls and its associated complications have high morbidity and mortality. Computer vision detects, predicts gait abnormalities, assesses fall risk, and serves as a clinical decision support tool for physicians. This paper performs a systematic review of computer vision, machine learning techniques to analyse abnormal gait. This literature outlines the use of different machine learning and poses estimation algorithms in gait analysis that includes partial affinity fields, pictorial structures model, hierarchical models, sequential-prediction-framework-based approaches, convolutional pose machines, gait energy image, 2-Directional 2-dimensional principles component analysis ((2D) 2PCA) and 2G (2D) 2PCA) Enhanced Gait Energy Image (EGEI), SVM, ANN, K-Star, Random Forest, KNN, to perform the image classification of the features extracted inpatient gait abnormalities.
Socio-demographic Determinants of Overweight and Obesity Among Mothers of Primary School Children Living in a Rural Health and Demographic Surveillance System Site, South Africa
Authors: Modjadji Perpetua
Published: October 2020

Background:

South Africa continues to have significant high prevalence rate of overweight/obesity relative to its African counterparts, particularly, among women, owing to several factors such as nutrition transition and socio-demographic factors. Nonetheless, little is known about the socio-demographic determinants of overweight/obesity, especially in the rural settings.

Objective:

To investigate the socio-demographic determinants of overweight and obesity among mothers of primary school children living in a rural Dikgale Health and Demographic Surveillance System Site in South Africa

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 508 mothers of primary school children from a rural setting. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing the body weight by height squared and the prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥ 25–29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) were determined. The socio-demographic variables were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain any relationships with overweight/obesity as an outcome measure. Data were analyzed using STATA 14.

Results:

The response rate was 98%. The mean age of mothers was 37±7years. Mothers were charecterized by singlehood (63%), unemployed (82%) and low literacy (41%). The odds of being overweight/obese were significantly higher among mothers living with spouses as household heads (AOR=3.5 95%CI: 1.97-6.31), had two to three pregnancies (AOR=2.4, 95%CI: 1.40-4.20), and five pregnancies and above (AOR=2.5, 95%CI: 1.0-6.37). Mothers who lived in households with a monthly income between $344.84 and $524,60 were less likely to be overweight or obese (AOR=0.31 95%CI: 0.14-0.70). Additionally, age, marital status and age at first pregnancy were significantly associated with being overweight/obese (χ2test, p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The key determinants of overweight/obesity were living in spouse-headed household, household monthly income and more than one pregnancy. Evidence-based strategies that focus on strengthening the social aspects while addressing overweight and obesity among mothers of primary school children living in a rural Dikgale HDSS site, South Africa.
Effectiveness of Educational Interventions to Increase Knowledge of Evidence-Based Practice Among Nurses and Physiotherapists in Primary Health Care: Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Verloo Henk , Melly Pauline , Hilfiker Roger , Pereira Filipa
Published: October 2020

Background

The implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in daily health care practice is strongly encouraged; it is widely recognized as a means to improve the quality and safety of health care for patients and reduce avoidable costs. Primary care nurses and physiotherapists face numerous challenges in trying to ensure that they deliver effective daily care. Broadly promoted educational interventions aim to increase the integration and implementation of EBP in their daily practice.

Objective

This systematic review will retrieve and evaluate publications examining the effectiveness of educational interventions to increase the integration and implementation of EBP among nurses, nurse practitioners, and physiotherapists active in primary care.

Methods

We will conduct a systematic review of published articles in relevant professional, scientific journals (from their start dates) and in the following electronic databases, from inception until October 31, 2020: Medline Ovid SP (from 1946), PubMed (NOT Medline[sb]; from 1996), Embase.com (from 1947), CINAHL Ebesco (from 1937), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Wiley (from 1992), PsycINFO Ovid SP (from 1806), Web of Science Core collection (from 1900), PEDro (from 1999), the JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports (from 1998), and the Trip Database (from 1997). We will use the predefined search terms of “evidence-based practice,” “nurses,” or “physiotherapists” and combinations with other terms, such as “educational interventions.” We will also conduct a hand search of the bibliographies of all the relevant articles and a search for unpublished studies using Google Scholar, the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses dissemination, Mednar, WorldCat, OpenGrey, and Grey Literature Report. We will consider publications in English, French, German, and Portuguese.

Results

The electronic database searches were completed in October 2020. Retrieved articles are currently being screened, and the entire study is expected to be completed by March 2021.

Conclusions

This systematic review will provide specific knowledge about the effectiveness of educational interventions to increase the implementation and integration of EBP in the daily practice of nurses and physiotherapists providing primary care services. Its findings will inform us about the types and frequencies of the most successful educational interventions.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42017077309; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=77309

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/17621
Impact of Teleconsultation on Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in the Brazilian Public Health System: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (TELEconsulta Diabetes Trial)
Authors: Rodrigues Daniela Laranja Gomes , Belber Gisele Silvestre , Padilha Frederica Valle De Queiroz , Spinel Ligia Fonseca , Moreira Frederico Rafael , Maeyama Marcos Aurélio , Pinho Ana Paula Neves Marques , Júnior Álvaro Avezum
Published: October 2020

Background

Although the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) offers universal health coverage, access to quality care is often limited by social inequality and location. Although telemedicine has been shown to be an important tool in the efforts to overcome this problem, because it can provide access to specialist care and break the geographical barriers to health care, there are no national studies demonstrating its use in public health.

Objective

This study aims to test the hypothesis that remote consultation can be as effective as standard face-to-face consultation for type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Brazilian public health system and to assess the associated costs related to teleconsultation in public health scenarios, for patients referred from Primary Health Care units of the SUS for specialist care.

Methods

This is a pragmatic, phase 2, unicentric, open-label, noninferiority, blinded allocation, data-blinded, centrally randomized clinical trial. The inclusion criteria will be adults, both sexes, ≥18 years old, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥8%. Outcomes will be evaluated by assessing symptoms, laboratory exams, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, adverse events, and satisfaction level for 6 months. The costs of the teleconsultation will be assessed using the time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) method to compare the costs with the face-to-face consultations. The noninferiority margin was set at 0.5%. Assuming an SD of 1.3% for both groups, true difference between the means of zero, and a type I error level of 5% (one-sided), it was estimated that 117 individuals per group would be necessary to achieve 90% power. Statistical analysis of the efficacy will be done using intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches.

Results

The results from this trial will be reported according to the CONSORT guidelines. The trial was approved by the institutional review board on October 5, 2019. Data collection started in January 2019 and is expected to finish in 2022. At the time of manuscript submission, 18 participants were recruited.

Conclusions

Our expectations are that providing remote access to health care will result in improvements in the health and quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes and reduce costs and that both patients and clinicians will benefit from and be satisfied with this technology.

Trial Registration

Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos RBR-8gpgyd; https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8gpgyd

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/23679
Salve Domina. Hinweise auf lesende und schreibende Frauen im Römischen Reich
Authors: Luginbühl Josy
Published: October 2020

Während Darstellungen von lesenden und schreibenden Frauen in der römischen Antike nicht selten sind und auch in der Forschung schon mehrfach behandelt wurden, können sie nur sehr eingeschränkte Erkenntnisse über die effektive Fähigkeit zu lesen und zu schreiben liefern. Persönliche Gegenstände aus dem Fundmaterial wie Schreibgeräte oder beschriftete Gegenstände besitzen dagegen einen direkten Bezug zu ihren Besitzerinnen und erlauben so eine ganz andere Perspektive. Hinweise auf lesende und schreibende Frauen geben beispielsweise Grabbeigaben in Form von Schreibgerät, Liebesgeschenke, aber auch Brieffragmente, Graffiti oder Grabinschriften. Diese Quellen werden in Beispielen vorgestellt und sollen an die Vielfalt und die Problematiken der weiblichen Literalität heranführen. While representations of women who read and write are not rare in Roman antiquity and have been the subject of ample research, they deliver only restricted information about the effective ability to read and write. However, personal belongings as writing instruments or inscribed objects, coming from archeological material, provide a direct connection with their owners and therefore a completely different perspective. Funerary objects like writing instruments as well as love gifts, fragments of letters, graffiti or grave inscriptions can serve as indications in this regard. In this paper, examples of these sources are going to be presented in order to give an idea of the diversity and the difficulty of female literacy.
How Scientism Infiltrated Medicine and Distorted Clinical Practice: Scientism May Be Hazardous to Your Health
Authors: Kowalski Charles J , Fessell David , Mrdjenovich Adam J , Redman Richard W
Published: October 2020

Scientism can be defined as a passionate belief in the universal applicability of the scientific method and approach, and the view that empirical science constitutes the most authoritative worldview or most valuable part of human learning, to the exclusion of other viewpoints. At this level of generality, it is not difficult to show that scientism poses some distinct dangers, putting a damper as it does on the validity and usefulness of other kinds of knowledge and/or ways of learning. But this has not dissuaded some from thinking that scientism might still be of value in medicine. The popularity of evidence based medicine (EMB) attests to the fact that many so believe. We argue, to the contrary, that clinical practice relies on other kinds of knowledge, and that this is attainable only if we admit consideration of other kinds of learning. We conclude that scientism may be dangerous to your health.
Mexico’s Elusive Partnership with China: The Search for Explanations
Authors: Tzili-Apango Eduardo , Legler Thomas
Published: October 2020

This article examines why Mexico been unable to develop and sustain a closer bilateral relationship with China. We argue that three sets of interconnected historical and relational factors help explain Mexico’s inability to deepens its ties with China: a social relationship marked by distrust, stigmatization, and discrimination toward the Chinese; the persistent perception of China as an economic threat; and, the weight of the United States that makes the bilateral relationship in effect triangular. These elements form a three-part historical narrative that has operated against a sustained and stronger partnership between these two countries.
Believe Me: The Evangelical Road to Donald Trump.
Authors: Abreu Colombri José Antonio
Published: October 2020

The ability to synthesize is a necessity for research in the field of social studies. In this sense, the author John Fea shows such capacity in his work: Believe Me: The Evangelical Road to Donald Trump, in addition to showing great ability to connect issues consistently. The general description refers to the state of mind of citizenship regarding religious feelings and beliefs. It is a very interesting question, since it raises several thematic approaches that do not usually have resonance in journalistic analysis at the present moment.
The Medium Is the Message Is the Metaphor: Cool Reason and the Young Intellectual Public of Marshall McLuhan
Authors: Deshaye Joel
Published: October 2020

Background Following recent reappraisals of the work of media and communications theorist Marshall McLuhan, this article argues that an overlooked aspect of his appeal and celebrity is not only his famous use of metaphor, but also a countercultural stance suggested by this use of metaphor.

Analysis Applying Michael Warner’s arguments about publics to McLuhan’s rhetorical style, the article focuses partly on 1) the 1967 film This Is Marshall McLuhan: The Medium Is the Massage and how it might have addressed an audience of countercultural youth; and 2) related texts that helped to construct McLuhan’s celebrity.

Conclusions and implications Ultimately, the article historicizes McLuhan’s celebrity to explain both its relatively short heyday in the 1960s and the comeback that can be attributed to the development of his young audience into teachers and reappraisers.
Translating the Public Imaginary: The Narrative Aesthetics of Public Engagement in Canadian Broadcasting Policy
Authors: Lithgow Michael
Published: October 2020

Background In public proceedings, professionalized discourses often reflect markedly different communicative strategies than those used by members of the general public.

Analysis This article describes the findings of an aesthetic discourse analysis of public submissions to one of the largest public processes ever held by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the Let’s Talk TV review of television regulation in Canada.

Conclusions and implications Public submissions demonstrated heartfelt, affective, psychologically complex, and sometimes ambiguous expressions of desire. A routine tactic engaged in public submissions was “narrative aesthetics”—the implicit and explicit use of story structures to shape aspects of discourse legitimacy. The discursive landscape revealed gaps between public sensibilities and those legitimized by policy decisions, suggesting a territory of public experience more complex than the social realities reflected in policy discourse outcomes.
The impact of downsizing on logistics performance and employees in shipper firms
Authors: Anderson Ronald D , Jerman Roger E , Crum Michael R
Published: October 2020

Firms that downsize hope to achieve improvements in performance and to avoid adverse impacts on employees. This article compares the changes in logistics performance and logistics employee fulfillment for shippers that have downsized with those that have not. Two major conclusions of this research are: (1) Respondent firms that have downsized perceive that they have substantially improved their logistics performance, but no more so than respondent firms that have not downsized; and (2) Stress, morale, and loyalty have worsened for logistics employees in downsized respondent firms, both in an absolute sense and relative to respondent firms that have not downsized.
An examination of risk and resource sharing behavior between LTL trucking companies and warehouse providers
Authors: Hanna Joe B , Bloomberg David J
Published: October 2020

Increased demand for third-party logistics providers who can offer multiple services to their customers has encouraged many entities to explore innovative ways to expand service offerings. The current research examines Class I LTL motor carriers who have expanded their services to include warehousing. While there are several ways to achieve a service expansion into warehousing, the current research focuses on firms who have elected to expand by creating a strategic alliance type relationship with an external warehouse provider. The research examines carriers attitudes about risk and resource sharing in the alliance relationship. The results indicate that carriers are moderately receptive to sharing resources with their warehouse partner and relatively less interested in sharing risks with the warehouse partner.
O dispensário noturno antivenéreo: sífilis e reforma sanitária na Paraíba (1935-1940)
Authors: Araújo Rafael Nóbrega
Published: October 2020

O texto analisa a organização de políticas públicas para a profilaxia e o tratamento da sífilis na Paraíba, especificamente na cidade João Pessoa, ao longo da década de 1930. Num contexto em que se processavam reformas sanitárias a nível nacional, o Estado da Paraíba reformou os serviços de saúde pública ao longo do governo de Argemiro de Figueiredo (1935-1940). Com a organização de um Dispensário Noturno Antivenéreo, em 1938, os médicos sanitaristas imbuídos pela ideologia do trabalhismo se empenharam no combate à sífilis, considerada como uma doença que afetava a saúde do trabalhador, tornando-o improdutivo.
O significado da transgressão no Grão-Pará do Diretório dos Índios (1757-1798)
Authors: Zúniga Melo Vinícius
Published: October 2020

O artigo tem como objetivo abordar o significado que a transgressão possuía na capitania do Pará da segunda metade do século XVIII. A partir de pesquisa realizada, o resultado a que se chegou foi que o termo transgressão era utilizado para se referir a ações que infringiam a uma determinada lei, no caso deste estudo, a lei do Diretório dos Índios. Além disso, essas transgressões mostravam-se moralmente condenáveis, pois eram ações não toleradas por muitos dos habitantes da Capitania do Pará, sendo alvos de denúncias e de combates.
Esquecidos, desclassificados e sem razão de ser? Revisitando a historiografia para localizar o pobre no mundo rural
Authors: Gregory Júlia Leite
Published: October 2020

O objetivo do presente trabalho é revisitar algumas obras importantes da historiografia brasileira que se dedicaram ao estudo dos pobres no mundo rural, principalmente nos séculos XVIII e XIX, enfatizando aqueles que se detiveram sobre os chamados lavradores nacionais no Rio Grande do Sul. Apesar do grupo ter recebido uma variedade de análises desde meados do século XX, sobretudo dentro dos campos das histórias agrária e social, e os pesquisadores terem alcançado avanços a respeito do tema, novos problemas continuam a provocar a ciência histórica na tarefa de desvendar a sociedade do mundo rural.