bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using scripting languages for hardware/software co-design
Authors: Λογαράς Ευάγγελος
Published: September 2021

Τα Ενσωματωμένα Συστήματα σε Ψηφίδα υλικού (embedded Systems on Chip - SoC) περιέχουν τουλάχιστον έναν προγραμματιζόμενο επεξεργαστή αλλά και διάφορες μονάδες (IP cores) που διασυνδέονται στους διαύλους ελέγχου και δεδομένων του ως περιφερειακά ή συνεπεξεργαστές ειδικού σκοπού. Ένας τέτοιος τύπος σύνθετης ψηφιακής αρχιτεκτονικής μπορεί να αξιοποιήσει τις δυνατότητες επαναπρογραμματισμού (reconfiguration) των μονάδων FPGA για να επιτύχει υψηλές επιδόσεις και χαμηλή κατανάλωση ενέργειας. Τις προοπτικές αυτές όμως περιορίζει η έλλειψη εργαλείων συσχεδίασης υλικού/λογισμικού για τη γρήγορη πρωτοτυποποίηση(rapidprototyping)ενσωματωμένων πολυεπεξεργαστικών SoCs.Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή παρουσιάζουμε μεθοδολογία συσχεδίασης υλικού/λογισμικού για ενσωματωμένα πολυεπεξεργαστικά SoCsπου υλοποιείται με τη χρήση της δημοφιλούς scripting γλώσσας προγραμματισμού Python. Αναδεικνύουμε εκείνα τα χαρακτηριστικά της γλώσσας Pythonπου διευκολύνουν τη σχεδίαση ενσωματωμένων SoC με προγραμματιζόμενο επεξεργαστή (processor-centric) και την υλοποίηση τους σε μονάδες FPGA. Συγκεκριμένα αναπτύξαμε μεθόδους για: (α) υποστήριξη περιγραφών στοιχείων υλικού σε Python και αυτόματη μετατροπή τους σε VHDL, (β) χρήση περιγραφών Python για την προσομοίωση ενσωματωμένου συστήματος τόσο σε αλγοριθμικό επίπεδο λειτουργικότητας όσο και σε επίπεδο αρχιτεκτονικής RTL (Register Transfer level) και αυτόματη παραγωγή αρχείων ψηφιακών κυματομορφών με τα αποτελέσματα της ακριβούς προσομοίωσης (cycle-accurate και bit-true) του συστήματος. (γ) Υποστήριξη των απαραίτητων λειτουργιών για τον προγραμματισμό του επεξεργαστή σε γλώσσα C και (δ) παραγωγή αρχείων script (Tcl)για την εύκολη συνεργασία με υπάρχοντα εργαλεία λογικής σύνθεσης για τη φυσική υλοποίηση του συστήματος σε FPGA. Για τον έλεγχο των δυνατοτήτων της μεθοδολογίαςσχεδιάσαμε και υλοποιήσαμε με τη χρήση του SysPy τρία ενσωματωμένα πολυεπεξεργαστικά SoCs, τα οποία αναδεικνύουν τις νέες δυνατότητες συσχεδίασης και προσομοίωσης. Και τα τρία αυτά SoCsχρησιμοποιούν πυρήνα μικροεπεξεργαστή ως κύριο ελεγκτή του συστήματος αλλά και ειδικές μονάδες υλικού που σχεδιάστηκαν για την: α) επεξεργασία εικόνων, β) επεξεργασία αρχείων ήχου και γ) στοχαστική προσομοίωση βιολογικών δικτύων. Η διαδικασία υλοποίησης των τριώνπολυεπεξεργαστικών SoCs έγινε στα πλαίσια της εξέλιξης και βελτιστοποίησης του ίδιου του εργαλείου, ενώ κάθε σχέδιο χρησιμοποιεί και αναδεικνύει συγκεκριμένα του χαρακτηριστικά.Πιστεύουμε ότι η μεθοδολογία σχεδίασης που αναπτύχθηκε με χρήση της Python συνεισφέρει σημαντικά προς την κατεύθυνση της συσχεδίασης υλικού/λογισμικού και πρωτοτυποποίησης για ενσωματωμένα συστήματα σε ψηφίδα υλικού, τομέα όπου σήμερα δεν υπάρχουν ώριμα διαθέσιμα εργαλεία.
Ethics issues identified by applicants and ethics experts in Horizon 2020 grant proposals
Authors: Buljan Ivan , Pina David  G , Marušić Ana
Published: September 2021

Background: We assessed the ethics review of proposals selected for funding under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and the European Research Council (ERC) in Horizon 2020, EU’s framework programme for research and innovation, 2014-2020.

Methods: We analysed anonymized datasets for 3,054 MSCA individual fellowships (IF), 417 MSCA Innovative Training Networks (ITN), and 1,465 ERC main-listed proposals with ethics conditional clearance, over four years (2016 to 2019). The datasets included the information on ethics issues identified by applicants in their proposal and ethics issues and requirements identified by ethics experts during the ethics review.

Results: 42% of proposals received ethical clearance. For proposals with conditional ethics clearance (n=3546), most of the identified ethics issues by both applicants and ethics experts were in the ethics categories related to humans; protection of personal data; environment, health and safety; and non-EU countries. Ethics experts identified twice as many ethics issues compared to applicants across funding schemes, years, and from high- and low-research performing countries. ERC grants had the highest number of ethics requirements per proposal (median (Md)=8, interquartile range (IQR=4-14), compared to ITN (Md=6, IQR=3-13) and IF grants (Md=3, IQR=2-6). The majority of requirements had to be fulfilled after grant agreement: 99.4% for IF, 99.5% for ITN, and 26.0% for ERC. For 9% of the proposals, the requirements included the appointment of an independent ethics advisor and 1% of the proposals had to appoint an ethics advisory board.

Conclusions: Many applicants for highly competitive H2020 funding schemes lack awareness of ethics issues raised by their proposed research. There is a need for better training of researchers at all career stages about ethics issues in research, more support to researchers from research organizations to follow the funding agencies requirements, as well as further development and harmonization of the ethics appraisal process during grant assessment.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Nepal from 2000 to 2020: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shrestha Dhan Bahadur , Budhathoki Pravash , Sedhai Yub Raj , Marahatta Achyut , Lamichhane Samit , Nepal Sarbin , Adhikari Anurag , Poudel Ayusha , Nepal Samata , Atreya Alok
Published: September 2021

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from 2000-2020 in various parts of Nepal. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using the appropriate keywords. All Nepalese studies mentioning the prevalence of T2DM and/or details such as risk factors were included. Studies were screened using Covidence. Two reviewers independently selected studies based on the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software v.3. Results: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of T2DM, pre-diabetes, and impaired glucose tolerance in Nepal in the last two decades was 10% (CI, 7.1%- 13.9%), 19.4% (CI, 11.2%- 31.3%), and 11.0% (CI, 4.3%- 25.4%) respectively. The prevalence of T2DM in the year 2010-15 was 7.75% (CI, 3.67-15.61), and it increased to 11.24% between 2015-2020 (CI, 7.89-15.77). There were 2.19 times higher odds of having T2DM if the body mass index was ≥24.9 kg/m2. Analysis showed normal waist circumference, normal blood pressure, and no history of T2DM in a family has 64.1%, 62.1%, and 67.3% lower odds of having T2DM, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of T2DM, pre-diabetes, and impaired glucose tolerance in Nepal was estimated to be 10%, 19.4%, and 11% respectively.
Soluble FMS-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1: Role in placenta accreta spectrum disorder
Authors: Lumbanraja Sarma , Yaznil M Rizki , Siahaan Andre M , Berry Eka Parda Bancin
Published: September 2021

Background: Placenta accreta is a pregnancy condition where the placenta's blood vessels attach too deeply to the uterine wall. Incidence of placenta accreta  is increasingly seen today as the rate of cesarean section increases, however, the exact pathophysiology of this condition is still not fully understood. Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1  (sflt-1) as a protein produced by the placenta was found to be decreased in placenta accreta, Therefore we aim  to see if  sfltsFlt-1 has a role in the development of placenta accreta. Methods: This study involved 40 samples from patients that had been diagnosed with placenta accreta spectrum disorder (case group), and 40 samples from patients with normal pregnancies (control group)  at Rumah Skit Umum Pusat H.Adam Malik (RSUP) Haji Adam Malik Medan, in Indonesia.  Diagnosis of placenta accreta syndrome was based on Placenta Accreta Spectrum  Score (PAS), and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics  (FIGO) classification of placenta accreta spectrum disorder.Analyses  were performed by independent t-test, man Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis analysis test, with a P-value <0.05  considered as statistically significant (95%CI). Results: Based on this study, we found that the sFlt-1 level in the case group was lower than the control group. Data analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis test showed that there was a difference in sFlt-1 levels in this study group (p = 0.02), which was further evaluated  with post hoc analysis using Mann. -Whitney U test. The results indicated that there were significant differences between the control and PAS 0, PAS1, and PAS 2 (p = 0.043; p = 0.002; p = 0.03). Conclusion: sFlt-1 levels decreased in placental invasive pregnancies compared to normal pregnancies, however, this still needs to be investigated further in a multi-center study, considering that sFlt-1 levels are also influenced by ethnicity and other conditions that cannot be excluded in this study.
Doctoral Studies as part of an Innovative Training Network (ITN): Early Stage Researcher (ESR) experiences
Authors: Biswas Roshni , Schiller Axel , Casolani Chiara , Daoud Elza , Dode Albi , Genitsaridi Eleni , Jacquemin Laure , Liyanage Nuwan , Lourenco Matheus , Makani Punitkumar , Parameshwarappa Vinay , Riha Constanze , L Santacruz Jose , Shabbir Maryam , Simoes Jorge , Trpchevska Natalia , Schoisswohl Stefan
Published: September 2021

Background: The Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Actions’ (MSCA) Innovative Training Network (ITN) is a doctoral training programme jointly implemented by academic institutions and industries from countries across Europe and beyond. To our knowledge no study has examined the experience of students participating in MSCA-ITNs. This study aims to evaluate and report MSCA-ITN Early Stage Researcher (ESR) experiences.

Methods: The Innovative Training Network - Evaluation Questionnaire (ITN-EQ) was developed to assess supervision, training, collaborations and experiences of ESRs and forwarded to two tinnitus-related ITNs and seven ITNs of other disciplines.

Results: Key advantages identified included better career prospects, multidisciplinary research opportunities/collaborations, international exposure, personal/professional development, plus generous salaries and research budgets. However, lack of a common EU framework resulted in the experience being largely dependent on the host institution, country and supervisor. Moreover, managing the dual requirements of ITNs and host institutions while completing a three-year PhD seemed challenging for most ESRs. ESR involvement in workshop and training school planning was desirable. More than 80% of ESRs rated the overall ITN experience favourably and 98.3% would recommend the same to prospective PhD students.

Conclusions: This report could provide valuable insights in planning and management of future ITNs and could assist prospective students in their decision of joining an ITN for their PhD.
Löytyä-verbin konstruktioiden yhteydessä esiintyvä subjektin sijanvaihtelu
Authors: Basile Rodolfo , Ivaska Ilmari
Published: September 2021

Abstrakti. Artikkeli tarkastelee löytyä-verbin konstruktioiden nominatiivi- ja partitiivisubjektin vaihtelua. Aineistona on korpuksista poimittu 779 havainnon satunnaisotos, jota tarkastellaan sekä kvantitatiivisesti tilastollisin menetelmin että kvalitatiivisesta näkökulmasta. Tutkimus pyrkii selvittämään, mitkä muuttujat vaikuttavat löytyä-verbin sisältävien lauseiden subjektien sijanvalintaan. Valikoidut muuttujat ovat subjektin luku, subjektin jaollisuus, subjektin sanaluokka, sanajärjestys, aikamuoto, subjektin ja verbin välinen kongruenssi sekä subjektin lemma, joka toimii satunnaismuuttujana. Regressioanalyysin keinoin subjektin sijanvalintaa ennustetaan mainittujen muuttujien ja niiden välisten vuorovaikutussuhteiden avulla. Laadullisessa analyysissa käsitellään myös näiden morfosyntaktisten ja semanttisten seikkojen vaikutusta lauseen eksistentiaalisuuden sekä subjektin kvantiteetin ja definiittisyyden tulkintaan.

Abstract. Rodolfo Basile, Ilmari Ivaska: Subject case alternation in constructions containing the Finnish verb löytyä. This article examines the nominative-partitive subject alternation occurring with constructions containing the Finnish verb löytyä. The material used is taken from corpora and consists of a random sample of 779 observations, analyzed both quantitatively by means of statistical methods, and from a qualitative point of view. The research aims at investigating which variables influence the case alternation of subjects of constructions containing the verb löytyä. The chosen variables are subject number, subject divisibility, subject part of speech, word order, tense, agreement and subject lemma, the only random variable. With the help of regression analysis, the subject case is predicted on the basis of said variables and of interactions between them. The qualitative analysis will also discuss the relationship these morphosyntactic and semantic variables have with the existential interpretations of the clause as well as with the subject quantity and definiteness.

Kokkuvõte. Rodolfo Basile, Ilmari Ivaska: Subjekti käändevaheldus löytyä-verbiga konstruktsioonides. Artiklis uuritakse nominatiivi- ja partitiivikujulise subjekti vaheldumist soome keele löytyä-verbi sisaldavates konstruktsioonides. 779 vaatlust sisaldavat korpustest pärinevat juhuvalimit analüüsitakse nii kvantitatiivsete kui ka kvalitatiivsete meetoditega. Uurimuse eesmärk on välja selgitada, millised tegurid löytyä-verbi sisaldavate konstruktsioonide subjekti käändevalikut mõjutavad. Käsitletavad tegurid on subjekti arv, loendatavus, sõnaliik, konstruktsiooni sõnajärg, ajavorm ning subjekti ja verbi ühildumine. Juhusliku muutujana kaasatakse ka subjekti lemma. Regressioonanalüüsi abil ennustatakse subjekti käändevalikut mainitud tegurite ja nendevaheliste koosmõjude kaudu. Kvalitatiivse analüüsi käigus arutletakse ka selle üle, milline on nimetatud morfosüntaktiliste ja semantiliste tegurite mõju lause eksistentsiaalsele tõlgendusele ning subjekti kvantiteedile ja definiitsusele.
Kuhu suundub püsivus? Verbidega jääma ja jätma väljendatud sündmuste kujutamine katses
Authors: Tragel Ilona , Klavan Jane
Published: September 2021

Kokkuvõte. Uurimus põhineb autorite välja töötatud joonistamise ja häälega mõtlemise katse tulemustel. Katses paluti katseisikutel (21 eesti keelt emakeelena kõnelejat) kujutada ja selgitada katse läbiviijale 24 verbi suunda (näiteks nooltega). Selles artiklis esitame täpsemalt neist kahe – jääma ja jätma – analüüsi. Verb jätma on jääma kausatiivtuletis. See mõjutab ka nende tähenduserinevust – jääma on passiivsem, jätma aga aktiivsem ja agenti rõhutav. Katseisikute kujutiste ja selgituste põhjal kirjeldame, milline oli noolte suund kujutistel ja millistest elementidest koosneb mõlema uuritava verbi skeem. Selgus, et katseisikud kujutasid verbi jätma suunda nooltega, verbi jääma oli kujutatud pigem punktide, täppide, ringide või kaarjate joontega. Kujutistel ja selgitustes avaldusid ka tüüpilised skeemi osalised: JÄÄJA, JÄTJA ja JÄETU. Mõlema verbi tegevuse aega kujutati ja selgitati minevikulisusega. Sarnane on ka nende verbide mõistemetafoorsus: mõlemad kajastavad pigem negatiivset hinnangut. Verbi jääma tähenduses on olulisel kohal see, et potentsiaalne muutus ei toimu. Verb jätma väljendab aga seda, et potentsiaalse muutuse mittetoimumine põhjustatakse.

Abstract. Ilona Tragel, Jane Klavan: The direction and participants of the events expressed by the verbs jääma and jätma: a drawing experiment. We use an innovative experimental design to extract the regularities of the general conceptual structure from the speakers’ mind: a drawing task with a thinkaloud protocol. 21 native speakers of Estonian provided schematic representations of 20 experimental verbs and 4 control verbs. Our discussion focuses on jääma ‘stay, remain’ and jätma ‘leave something somewhere’. jääma typically expresses intransitive events and jätma transitive events. We zoom in on the following topics: transitivity and causativity, the positive/negative evaluation of the activity, the schematic representation of the direction of verbs and the elements belonging to the verb schema. Our study shows that the differences in the transitivity of the two verbs are reflected in the drawings and explanations given by the participants. Our results confirm the general prediction that abstract verbs have an image-schematic direction, but the specifics of the direction vary according to the type of verb.
Development of Natural Science Literacy in Basic School Algebra Lessons Using Interdisciplinary Connections
Authors: Ignatova O.
Published: September 2021

The article deals with the issue of natural science literacy formation in teaching mathematics in middle school with the use of intersubject connections. Research methodology and techniques. The research is based on systemic-structural and activity approaches.

Results. First of all, attention is paid to the consideration of the very concept of natural science literacy; the issue of assessing the level of development of students’ natural science literacy and means of its diagnostics in process of teaching mathematics, for example, at algebra lessons, is considered. Examples of specific tasks of interdisciplinary nature are given, which are used to determine the level of results achievement as a requirement of the Federal State Educational Standard of Basic General Education. Conditions for conducting integrated classes and their application as a means of developing natural science literacy of high school students at algebra lessons are considered. Issues of educational material synchronization of subject areas are considered as a key condition for implementation of intersubject connections between mathematics and physics.

Practical significance of the work. The directions of changes in approaches to the implementation of intersubject connections of mathematics with other areas of knowledge as a basis for achieving metasubject educational results as a requirement of the Federal State Standard of Basic General Education are identified. Metasubject assignments that contribute to the achievement of metasubject and subject educational results at algebra and physics lessons have been identified. Particular attention is paid to giving integrated classes as a condition for development of natural science literacy of students, as well as a means of assessing the level of natural science literacy formation. In this regard, examples of tasks in physics are considered that require the use of mathematical literacy, which directly affects the ability to analyze the situation and draw conclusions within the framework of the natural-scientific picture of the world. The main recommendations for the implementation of interdisciplinary relationships to achieve metasubject educational results are formulated.
Seasonal Variations of Small Wading Birds in the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, India
Authors: Jagadheesan Rajendran , Pandiyan Jeganathan
Published: September 2021

The Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (PMF) is one of the important wetlands in southern India. The PMF is harboring numerous species of shorebirds seasonally. The current study assessed the population characteristics of small wading birds by using direct count method from 2015 to 2016. In total, 27 species of small wading birds were recorded, in which the Little stint showed highest density 177.24±20.515 (No./ha.) and the Bar-tailed godwit showed lowest density 0.13±0.099 (No./ha.). Indeed the Little stint was only species turned highest density across the three different seasons studied. However, the bar-tailed godwit not recorded during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, the Dunlin, Grey plover and Great sand plover not sighted during the post-monsoon season. The density, diversity and species richness of small wading birds showed significant differences among the seasons (P<0.001). The study inferred that the population characteristics of small wading birds are declining when compared to the previous studies. However exhaustive studies are essential to explore the quality of the PMF which is need of the hour since it is supporting various species of shorebirds seasonally.
The Pandemic COVID-19 and Its Positive Influences on the Environment
Authors: Kumari Meera , Kerry Rout George , Rout Jyoti Ranjan
Published: September 2021

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as the latest and serious public health threat throughout the world. In the absence of prevention and rehabilitation interventions, different countries have implemented shutdown and/or lockout policies to monitor the transmission of the epidemic, resulting of a significant reduction in anthropogenic activities. As a result, this kind of phenomenon is helped to inhibit the environmental degradation activity by reducing various pollutants from the air, water and soil. This condition provided ‘a once-in-a-lifetime’ chance for nature to evolve and recover. This paper discusses the nature of which in terms of its beneficial effect on water, air, the ozone layer, and waste deposition. Finally, the article also presents certain suggestive measures by highlighting the role of government, educational institutes, and a person as a whole in the sustenance of nature under pandemic. Based on the reported effect of the pandemic on the environment, it can be inferred that nature, with or without human intervention, can repair itself to some degree. However, human beings need to aware of saving and supporting to nature instead of involving in constant degradation.
Measles outbreaks among health workers in a university hospital admission ward in Northeastern Thailand in 2019: reflections on the occupational health management system
Authors:   Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Subsookumnuay P , Chaiear N ,   Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Chanpho P ,   Occupational Health and Safety Office, Khon Kaen University, Pithak P ,   Communicable Disease Control Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University
Published: September 2021

Objectives This study examined a measles outbreak among health workers in a university hospital admission ward and details of the existing occupational health management system. Methods Secondary data was obtained from two sources: 1) from the Occupational Health and Safety Office outbreak investigation report a post-exposure immunity evaluation which is completed after a measles, mumps, or rubella outbreak and 2) from the medical records of the individual cases. In addition, the Occupational Health and Safety Office guidelines were reviewed and a descriptive epidemiological investigation was conducted. Results A total of 75 health workers in the university hospital admissions ward who were potentially exposed were included in the study, of whom three were diagnosable as measles based on a positive immunoglobulin M (IgM) test. The three health workers who were identified as confirmed cases were nursing assistants; two worked in the admissions ward 4A, and one worked in the cardiac care unit. We found evidence that a propagated source caused the outbreak. The occupational health management system in the hospital at that time had only exposure and post-exposure protocols, but no pre-exposure protocol. Conclusion None of the health workers who were diagnosable as measles had been examined for measles immunity during their pre-placement health examination. The occupational health management system should revise the policy for ensuring the immunity to measles of health workers before allowing them to begin work and conducting a respirator fit test before using an N95 respirator.
Enhance dynamic wedge verification by using electronic portal imaging device
Authors:   School of Radiological Technology, Faculty of Health Science Technology, Saiyo N ,   Radiation Oncology Department, Chulabhorn Hospital, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Thongsawad S ,   Medical Physics Program, Faculty of Medicine and Public Health,   Radiation Oncology Department, Chulabhorn Hospital, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of medical Science, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Changphong P ,   Radiological Technology Division, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Khotsawan T ,   Radiological Technology Division, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Nilsetkurawat N ,   Radiological Technology Division, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Phongphiriyadecha K ,   Radiological Technology Division, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University
Published: September 2021

Objectives The purpose of this study was to verify the 80% enhanced dynamic wedge (EDW) beam profile using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID). Methods This study investigated symmetric and asymmetric field sizes using a 6 MV photon beam. Verification of the wedge output factor with an 80% beam profile was performed by comparing EPID measurements and treatment planning systems (TPS) calculations in both symmetric and asymmetric field sizes at different wedge angles (15, 30, 45, and 60 degrees). Results For the symmetric field size, the average difference between the measured and calculated beam profile was less than 2% (range 0.57-1.12%). For the asymmetric field size, the difference was also less than 2% (range 0.3-0.52%). Conclusion This study indicates that EPID can be used to verify the 80% enhanced dynamic wedge beam profile at different field sizes and wedge angles. The difference in beam profiles was less than 2% which is in accordance with AAPM TG no.142 recommendations.
Shunt occlusion in neonates with congenital heart disease undergoing systemic-to-pulmonary shunt surgery in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital
Authors:   Nursing Department, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Pasuk P , Inta N ,   Nursing Department, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Taksaudom N ,   Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
Published: September 2021

Objectives To study occlusion of shunts and related factors in neonates after systemic-to-pulmonary shunt surgery. Methods This retrospective descriptive study reviewed the medical records of neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit who underwent a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt operation at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2016. Patient characteristics and operative data were collected. Demographic data and incidence of shunt occlusion were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Factors associated with shunt occlusion were identified using Fisher’s exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results Seventy-five newborns were enrolled in the study, of whom 39 (52.0%) were female. The average birth weight was 2,711.1 grams, and the average gestational age was 37.6 weeks. The number of newborns with TOF or TOF/IVS was equal to those with PA/IVS (34.7%). Sixty neonates (80%) underwent Modified Blalock Taussig shunt surgery, most (57.3%) with a 3.5 Fr. diameter shunt. The average weight at surgery was 2,898.9 grams, and the average age at surgery was 17.6 days. Anticoagulant and anti-platelet medication was used with almost all the neonates following surgery (96.0% and 93.3%, respectively). The incidence of shunt occlusion was 22.7% (17 neonates). Complete occlusion was found in 11 neonates. In-hospital shunt occlusion occurred in 10 neonates as well as in 7 neonates after discharge from the hospital. The overall mortality rate was 14.7%. Congenital heart disease diagnosis and gestational age were significantly associated with shunt occlusion (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). Conclusion The study results can be used to provide develop guidelines for treatment of neonates with complex heart disease and low gestational age as well as nursing care guidelines for the prevention of blockage of the shunt in neonates undergoing a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt operation due to hospitalization in a hospital.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux: is laparoscopic fundoplication an effective treatment?
Authors: Morice DRL , Elhassan HA , Myint-Wilks L , Barnett RE , Rasheed A , Collins H , Owen A , Hughes K , Mcleod R
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is difficult to diagnose and treat owing to uncertainty relating to the underlying pathology. The initial management of LPR includes lifestyle modifications and oral medications. In patients who have failed to respond to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, anti-reflux surgery is considered; laparoscopic fundoplication is the surgery of choice. The primary aim of this review is to identify whether fundoplication is effective in improving signs and symptoms of LPR. The secondary aim is to identify whether patients who have had a poor response to PPIs are likely to have symptom improvement with surgery. The objective of the study is to establish the effect of laparoscopic fundoplication on the reflux symptom index score (RSI).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Medline and Cochrane databases were used to search according to the PRISMA guidelines. Original articles assessing the efficacy of fundoplication in relieving symptoms of LPR were included. For each study, the efficacy endpoints and safety outcomes were recorded.

Findings

Nine studies from 844 initial records met the inclusion criteria: one prospective case control study, one retrospective case–control study, four prospective case series and three retrospective case series involving 287 fundoplications. All nine studies found fundoplication to be effective in improving symptoms of LPR (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests laparoscopic fundoplication is an effective treatment for LPR and should be considered if medical management is unsuccessful.
Multiple primary malignant neoplasms: a case of colonic adenocarcinoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma on a background of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kanani H , Gandhi N , Sheth A , Kulkarni N
Published: September 2021

The presence of an adenocarcinoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in an individual is an uncommon finding. In this case report, we discuss the case of an elderly man presenting with a synchronous moderately differentiated colonic adenocarcinoma alongside a distal ileal extranodal marginal zone lymphoma, on a background of ulcerative colitis. He underwent an elective open panproctocolectomy with an end ileostomy for the management of his malignancy.
Quantitative study in coupling loss reduction under a large mode-field mismatch using a self-written waveguide
Authors: He Liangjun , Chan Hau Ping , Li Binghui
Published: September 2021

The coupling loss between optical devices is a critical factor affecting the performance of optical interconnect. This paper quantitatively studies the effectiveness of using a dye-doped-epoxy-based self-written waveguide (SWW) to reduce the coupling loss in optical interconnect caused by large mode-field mismatch and lateral offset. We formed SWW between single-mode fiber (SMF) with different mode-field diameters (MFD) and a 5 × 2 µm rectangular channel waveguide-under-test (WUT). For the case between a SMF with a mode-field diameter of 9.4 μm and the WUT, the coupling loss is -11 dB. After forming the SWW, the coupling loss is reduced by 8.34 dB. Using SWW, the lateral tolerance length between a SMF with a mode-field diameter of 4.5 μm and the WUT increases by 2.5 times. Under the above-mentioned situation, the coupling loss falls less than 0.20 dB over ± 2 μm lateral offset range. Our findings offer insights quantitatively for coupling loss reduction and relaxing the lateral tolerance under significant mode-field mismatch conditions.
Single-shot generation of composite optical vortex beams using hybrid binary fork gratings
Authors: Kumar Nirjhar , Arora Ankit , Krishnan Ananth
Published: September 2021

We design and experimentally demonstrate a simple, single-shot method for the generation of arbitrary composite vortex (CV) beams using hybrid binary fork gratings (hBFG). These gratings were computationally generated by removing the central region around the fork-dislocation of azimuthal charge ℓ1 and substituting it with a BFG of a different charge ℓ2. The geometrical parameters of hBFGs were optimized for the efficient generation of CV beams. The method was further extended to the generation of CV beams consisting of three different ℓ and of higher radial charges p. This simple generation method may be useful to generate complex beam shapes with engineered phase fronts without complicated interferometry based techniques.
Spatially resolved birefringence measurements with a digital micro-mirror device
Authors: Singh Keshaan , Buono Wagner Tavares , Fernandes Manuel Antonio , Dudley Angela , Forbes Andrew
Published: September 2021

We demonstrate a novel technique to measure spatially resolved birefringence structures in an all-digital fashion with a digital micro-mirror device (DMD). The technique exploits the polarization independence of DMDs to apply holographic phase control to orthogonal polarization components and requires only a static linear polarizer as an analyzer for the resulting phase shift polarization measurements. We show the efficacy of this approach by spatially resolving complex polarization structures, including nano-structured metasurfaces, customized liquid crystal devices, as well as chiral L-Alanine and N-Acetyl-L-cystein crystals. Concentration dependent measurements of optical rotation in glucose and fructose solutions are also presented, demonstrating the technique's versatility. Unlike conventional approaches, our technique is calibration free and has no moving parts, offers high frame rates and wavelength independence, and is low cost, making it highly suitable to a range of applications, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, saccharimetry and stress imaging.
RIN induced penalties in G.654.E and G.652.D based distributed Raman amplifiers for coherent transmission systems
Authors: Hazarika Pratim , Tan Mingming , Iqbal Md Asif , Krzczanowicz Lukasz , Ali Abdallah A. i. , Phillips Ian , Harper Paul , Forysiak Wladek
Published: September 2021

Relative intensity noise (RIN) induced penalties were experimentally measured in distributed Raman amplifiers (DRAs) for G.654.E and G.652.D fibres with forward, backward and bidirectional pumping configurations. The measured signal RIN using the G.654.E fibre was ∼3.5 dB and ∼2 dB lower than the G.652.D fibre with forward (FW) pump configuration for PM-QPSK and PM-8QAM signals, with single span transmission showing a Q-factor improvement of ∼3 dB and ∼2.5 dB for G.654.E over G.652.D fibres. The performance penalty in a long haul coherent system was evaluated for 28 GBaud PM-QPSK signals using a recirculation loop for backward and bidirectional distributed Raman amplifiers. Our experimental results demonstrate an additional transmission distance of more than 1000 km for G.654.E over its counterpart G.652.D assuming a HD-FEC limit of 8.5 dB.
High-bandwidth InGaN/GaN semipolar micro-LED acting as a fast photodetector for visible light communications
Authors: Chang Yun-Han , Hsu Tsung-Chi , Liou Fang-Jyun , Chow Chi-Wai , Liu Yang , Kuo Hao-Chung , Yeh Chien-Hung , Yang Po-Hui
Published: September 2021

We propose and demonstrate a green semipolar (20-21) micro-light emitting diode (LED) acting as a high speed visible light communication (VLC) photodiode (PD). The micro-LED PD has the optical-to-electrical (OE) response of 228 MHz. A record data rate of 540 Mbit/s in on-off-keying (OOK) format with free-space transmission distance of 1.1 m was achieved, fulfilling the pre-forward error correction (FEC) limit. Many transmitters (Txs) and receivers (Rxs) is required to support the high density pico/femto-cells in future wireless networks, as well as the Internet-of-Things (IOT) networks. The proposed work could allow the realization of a low-cost, small-footprint and a high level of integration of VLC Txs and Rxs on the same platform.
Tunable optical differential operation based on the cross-polarization effect at the optical interface
Authors: Xia Daxiu , Wang Yan , Zhi Qijun
Published: September 2021

To achieve optical differential operation based on the
cross-polarization effect at the optical interface, one just needs an
optical interface composed of two uniform media with different
refractive indices. When certain conditions are satisfied, the
reflection co-efficient of the light field at the interface conforms
to the form of the spatial spectrum transfer function required by the
spatial differentiation, the spatial analog operation can be achieved
with a single interface. In this paper, based on the optical
differentiation of Brewster effect, we propose a tunable optical
differentiation based on the cross-polarization effect at the optical
interface. We theoretically derive the tunable optical differentiation
and then conduct an experiment to demonstrate theoretical results. It
is found that the differentiator can achieve the tunable optical
differentiation by adjusting the polarization of output beam. While
getting the clear edge of the object, we can also observe the imaging
of the middle part to different degrees, which realizes the
multi-degree of freedom imaging for the measured target. This provides
a potential way to develop devices more suitable for microscopic
imaging and target detection.
How Non-Being Haunts Being: On Possibilities, Morality and Death Acceptance, Corey Anton (2020)
Authors: Liss Barry
Published: September 2021

Review of: How Non-Being Haunts Being: On Possibilities, Morality and Death Acceptance, Corey Anton (2020)

Vancouver, BC: Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 220 pp.,

ISBN-13: 978-1-68393-284-0, h/bk, $65.00, Kindle, $45.00
Spirals, spikes and spinning wheels: Temporal models challenging the sustainability agenda in relation to fast fashion consumption
Authors: Powell Helen
Published: September 2021

Fast fashion has entered the political arena with specific reference to sustainability. To date the agenda has largely been informed by an examination of production methodologies and techniques documenting the rapid turnover of trends, the speed and efficiency of the production process and the lack of socially cohesive labour practices that it consistently engenders. Whilst governments seek to raise awareness and begin to generate initiatives to tackle the environmental fall out of fast fashion, this article turns its attention to the temporal patterns of consumer behaviour and why such a high percentage of what we buy is readily discarded soon after point of purchase. All stages in this linear model of consumption, it is argued, are shaped by a very specific relationship to time that ultimately informs our buying habits. Utilizing the work of the philosopher A. N. Whitehead and adopting a more psychosocial approach to fashion consumption, this article recognizes that even when purposefully seeking to consume sustainably, a greater need to align our use of time with a results-driven mindset locates the acquisition of something new as a highly achievable goal. As a consequence, rather than positioning the rationale for fashion purchases in the context of conspicuous consumption and emulation, here it functions to mitigate a lack of temporal control in other areas of our lives. In response, it is proposed that any successful attempts at tackling the problems associated with fast fashion must also seek to understand the temporal dynamics of consumption. For whilst governments’ attention is turned to ways to reduce the environmental impact associated with the production of clothing, increasing consumer demand derived from ‘neophilia’ will negate and indeed overturn any successes achieved. The conclusion will therefore suggest that promotional culture has a duty to explore ways in which it might engender greater emotional attachments to what we own. Future research into brand messaging, exploring the consequences of placing emphasis on quality over quantity and a subsequent potential deepening of a sense of brand loyalty, is also recommended as a way forward.
The PUSSYHAT PROJECTTM: Its form and meaning in defining women’s resistance
Authors: Janigo Kristy , Lastovich Theresa , DeLong Marilyn , Oberg Caren S.
Published: September 2021

An item of headwear, the pussy hat, made news in 2017 when women gathered through social media and local events to create the iconic hat. The hat became a part of the Women’s March that took place in January in Washington DC as well as in cities such as St. Paul, Minnesota. This research involves participant observation of the hat-making process and the hat wearing during marches in Washington DC and Minnesota. Findings revealed the effectiveness of the pussy hat in calling attention to the events that took place prior to and during the marches in January 2017. However, examination of the pussy hat included many variations in form, i.e. colour, texture and shape and the meaning represented some but not all voices of the march.
Libertine Fashion: Sexual Freedom, Rebellion, and Style, Adam Geczy and Vicki Karaminas (2020)
Authors: Couturier Myriam
Published: September 2021

Review of: Libertine Fashion: Sexual Freedom, Rebellion, and Style, Adam Geczy and Vicki Karaminas (2020)

London: Bloomsbury, 236 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-35005-410-3, p/bk, £22.49
iUPi, um novo instrumento para avaliar uso problemático da internet
Authors: Pereira Fillipe Rodrigues Santos , Cardoso de Sá Lucas Guimarães
Published: September 2021

Considerando que os testes disponíveis para avaliar o uso problemático de internet no Brasil são adaptações de instrumentos estrangeiros, o objetivo deste estudo foi construir uma ferramenta brasileira para avaliação do construto. Com base na literatura e em entrevistas com o público-alvo, foram elaborados 46 itens que passaram por análise semântica e de validade de conteúdo. Três deles foram excluídos nesta etapa e o instrumento com 43 itens foi aplicado em uma amostra de 710 pessoas. Análise paralela e exploratory graph analysis indicaram uma estrutura de sete fatores como a mais plausível e correlações fortes entre eles sugeriram a existência de um fator de ordem superior. Os resultados da análise fatorial confirmatória de segunda ordem mostraram que os dados se ajustaram à estrutura proposta. Os 43 itens foram distribuídos em sete fatores específicos (Negligência de Atividades, Uso Abusivo, Falta de Controle, Problemas Interpessoais, Efeitos de Recompensa, Prejuízos Físicos e Reações de Abstinência) que estão subordinados a um fator geral de uso problemático de internet. A fidedignidade dos fatores foi classificada como boa. A conclusão é que o uso problemático de internet pode ter uma configuração hierárquica. Considerando que este é um estudo preliminar, novas pesquisas são necessárias para confirmar a invariância da estrutura, utilizando novos grupos e amostras.
Representações do jornalismo e dos jornalistas
Authors: Camponez Carlos
Published: September 2021

Representações do jornalismo e dos jornalistas - Introdução Mediapolis #13.
La Representación social del periodismo y de la mujer periodista en la serie House of Cards, temporada 1
Authors: Angulo Rincón Lizandro , Romero Mosquera Heedy Yurani
Published: September 2021

La exitosa serie de televisión House of Cards retrata la política estadounidense y sus relaciones con los medios informativos. El objetivo de este estudio es indagar la representación social que esta producción audiovisual hace del periodismo y de la mujer periodista especializada en política, a través de las acciones de su personaje principal, el congresista Underwood, y la reportera Zoe Barnes, para determinar si existen sesgos y estereotipos de género en ocho episodios de la temporada 1. Aquí se emplea el enfoque cualitativo, un diseño narrativo y de teoría fundamentada, así como el método del análisis conversacional y el análisis crítico del discurso. Los resultados y conclusiones apuntan a que el periodismo es representado como una profesión sin ética y un instrumento del poder ejecutivo y legislativo, y la mujer periodista como una persona fácilmente manipulable, egocéntrica, que asciende en la escala jerárquica de la prensa por su apariencia física y no por su preparación e inteligencia.
Os jornalistas amigos do Estado Novo
Authors: Baptista Carla
Published: September 2021

Este artigo analisa as relações entre o poder e os jornalistas durante o Estado Novo. Fornece pistas para compreendermos quem foram os jornalistas com um papel relevante na construção e manutenção do regime, e quais os modos de circulação habituais entre as direções dos principais meios de comunicação social e os cargos de poder. Apesar das diferenças que marcam a política de informação de Salazar e de Marcelo Caetano, a principal conclusão é a de que as pessoas foram substituídas, mas a dinâmica e a lógica de relação entre o poder político e os media continuaram idênticas.
Research Competencies Mediated by Technologies: A Systematic Mapping of the Literature
Authors: George Reyes Carlos Enrique , Glasserman Morales Leonardo David
Published: September 2021

This study starts from the need to identify which are the research competencies mediated by technologies, required to support the acquisition of knowledge in higher education institutions. The work developed here aims to analyze the scientific production related to the subject with the intention of identifying current research trends. To achieve this, the method of systematic review of literature adjusted to social sciences was used, taking as a source of information the Scopus database. The results indicate that most of the scientific texts have been produced in English, and that the treatment of the topic has been constantly developed since 2016, mostly from the approach of the relationship between research strategies with digital literacy, information literacy, access to digital library databases and the development of critical thinking.
Contributions of marketing and management approach on communication with applications in the field of image and public relations
Authors: Nita Mircea Aurel
Published: September 2021

The paper deals with a concept of communication market, communication media, demand and tender of communication. It is used the analogical method, so that it is proposed the amphitheatre model, communication mix and public relations mix. The proposal of a graphic representation can be useful for the people working in the field of communication, image and public relations and especially of those specialists that have a socio-human background.
Vulva and lower limb cancer: Results of inguinal lymph node staging on 81 cases
Authors: KA Sidy , MM Dieng , J Thiam , S Dieng , AC Diallo , D Diouf , A Dem
Published: September 2021

Background: The objective of this work completed at the Cancer Institute in Dakar is to report the results of inguinal lymph node dissection in cancers of the lower limb and of the lower genital tract. Methods: This is a retrospective study over a 10-year period. The parameters being studied are histological type, lymph node involvement, postoperative morbidity, recurrence, and survival. Results: 81 patients received surgery over a period of 7 years. The average age of our patients was 61. The sex ratio is 0.74 with 34 men and 47 women. There were 70 cases of cancer of the lower limbs (86%) and 11 cases of cancer of the vulva (14%). The most common histological type was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with 41 cases (51%). Clinical inguinal involvement was noted in 58 patients (72.5%) with palpable lymph nodes. All vulvar cancer patients developed histologically positive nodes. Melanoma patients were more susceptible to developing positive nodes. In sarcoma there were more matches between clinical and histological positive nodes. No vascular and nerve damage was reported. The average length of hospitalization was 5 days, with 3 days being the shortest stay, and 40 days the longest stay. Local complications consisted of suture releases in 9 cases, and 6 surgical necrosis of the wound. A seroma was found with an average duration of 35 days in 69 patients (85%). Postoperative deaths occurred in 5 cases (6%), 1 after a renal failure, 1 due to thromboembolic disease, 1 due to sepsis, and 2 deaths occurred after patients experienced respiratory distress. Conclusion: After five years of follow-up care, no patient presented chronic sequelae after inguinal dissection, 7 patients (8.75%) had local recurrence, and 4 patients (7.7%) had lymph node metastases. We recorded 33 cancer-related deaths (41%). Chronic complications, including lymphedema are underestimated and require better assessment methods for prevention and treatment.