bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
German Population in the Ethnic Policy of “People’s Poland”
Authors: Szczepański Andrzej
Published: October 2021

After the Second World War, according to various sources, there were between 3.5 and 4.5 million citizens of the former German Third Reich within the borders of Poland. According to the agreements of the so-called Big Three, made during the Yalta and Potsdam conferences, this population was to be resettled within the borders of post-war Germany. The mass deportation actions lasted from 1946 to 1949 and covered the vast majority of the population, but still about 200,000 people remained in their previous places of residence. In the following years of the existence of "People's Poland", they also gradually left the country, emigrating to the West. The primary objective of this paper was to attempt to characterize ethnic policy towards the German population in the post-war Poland. Over the years, the attitude of the state towards this group has fluctuated considerably, being characterized both by repressive measures and by the possibility of enjoying a relatively undisturbed existence.
Automated Detection and Classification of Breast Cancer Nuclei with Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Balasundaram Shanmugham , Balasundaram Revathi , Rasuthevar Ganesan , Joseph Christeena , Vimala Annie Grace , Rajendiran Nanmaran , Kaliyamurthy Baskaran
Published: October 2021

Heterogeneous regions present in tissue with respect to cancer cells are of various types. This study aimed to analyze and classify the morphological features of the nucleus and cytoplasm regions of tumor cells. This tissue morphology study was established through invasive ductal breast cancer histopathology images accessed from the Databiox public dataset. Automatic detection and classification was carried out by means of the computer analytical tool of deep learning algorithm. Residual blocks with short skip were employed with hidden layers of preserved spatial information. A ResNet-based convolutional neural network was adapted to perform end-to-end segmentation of breast cancer nuclei. Nuclei regions were identified through color and tubular structure morphological features. Based on the segmented and extracted images, classification of benign and malignant breast cancer cells was done to identify tumors. The results indicated that the proposed method could successfully segment and classify breast tumors with an average Dice score of 90.68%, sensitivity = 98.64, specificity = 98.68, and accuracy = 98.82.
Melhoria da Qualidade de Produto e de Processo de Software a partir da Análise de Indicadores de Teste
Authors: Nita Erika de Freitas
Published: October 2021

Atualmente, a maioria das empresas de software enfrenta problemas relacionados à necessidade de melhorar a qualidade do produto e a satisfação do cliente mantendo custo baixo e cumprindo prazos. Este artigo relata a experiência de uma organização que utiliza a análise dos indicadores de teste como ferramenta para a melhoria do processo de desenvolvimento e a garantia da qualidade do produto.
Implantando CMM Nível 2: A Estratégia SERPRO
Authors: Tavares Helena Cristina , Paim Fábio Rilston Silva , Carvalho Ana Elizabete
Published: October 2021

Com a explosão de novas tecnologias e o aumento crescente dos critérios de qualidade dos seus clientes, a indústria de software passou a requerer mais que um corpo técnico capacitado e ferramentas de última geração. As empresas do setor passaram a investir esforços na melhoria do seu processo de desenvolvimento, visando a adesão a modelos como o SEI-CMM, para permitir o uso sistemático das melhores práticas na consecução de projetos de qualidade. Esse trabalho descreve a estratégia do SERPRO para atingir o nível 2 do CMM, os desafios impostos pelas características internas da organização, as soluções encontradas e as lições aprendidas durante este processo.
Análise de Pontos por Função Fuzzy
Authors: Lima Júnior Osias de Souza , Farias Pedro Porfírio Muniz , Belchior Arnaldo Dias
Published: October 2021

A técnica de Análise de Pontos por Função (FPA) é largamente utilizada para se estimar tamanho de projetos de desenvolvimento, de manutenção ou aplicações de software já implantadas. Este trabalho propõe a utilização de conceitos e propriedades da teoria dos conjuntos fuzzy, para estender a FPA em FFPA (Análise de Pontos por Função Fuzzy). A teoria fuzzy busca construir uma estrutura formal quantitativa, capaz de capturar as imprecisões do conhecimento humano. Com os pontos por função produzidos através da FFPA, a funcionalidade do projeto ficou melhor representada. Conseqüentemente, valores derivados como prazo e custo de desenvolvimento podem ser obtidos com precisão maior do que os gerados através dos dados fornecidos pela FPA.
Consequências e Características de um Processo de Desenvolvimento de Software de Qualidade e Aspectos que o influenciam: uma avaliação de especialistas
Authors: Andrade Jeann M. , Albuquerque Adriano B. , Campos Fábio B. , Rocha Ana Regina C.
Published: October 2021

A sistematização do desenvolvimento pelo uso de processos de engenharia de software tem o potencial de trazer vários benefícios para as organizações desenvolvedoras de software, porém, caracterizar objetivamente o que é um processo efetivo e eficaz não é tarefa simples. Esta caracterização se mostra importante em vários momentos: na definição do processo adequado à organização e seus projetos; na implantação desse processo; no acompanhamento dos seus resultados e na sua melhoria. Visando iniciar essa caracterização, foi realizada uma pesquisa (survey) onde foram apresentados aos participantes, três grupos distintos de questões relativas a processos de software, que buscam responder às seguintes perguntas: Que benefícios o uso de processos de engenharia de software pode trazer? Quais são as principais características que um processo efetivo deve ter? e, por último, Que aspectos organizacionais, humanos e técnicos podem influenciar para a efetividade dos processos?. Os resultados consolidados da pesquisa são apresentados, permitindo uma análise preliminar de quais seriam aqueles aspectos mais relevantes a se considerar na definição, uso e melhoria de processos.
Apoio à Área de Processo Verificação de Software em Ambientes de Desenvolvimento de Software Orientados a Organização
Authors: Barreto Andrea Oliveira Soares , Rocha Ana Regina Cavalcanti da
Published: October 2021

A necessidade de verificar efetivamente a qualidade do software, isto é, determinar se atende aos requisitos funcionais e não-funcionais especificados é da maior importância. Este trabalho apresenta a definição de um processo de verificação de software, cujo objetivo é apoiar essa verificação durante todo o processo de desenvolvimento e/ou manutenção, possibilitando a melhoria da qualidade dos produtos. Com o objetivo de fornecer apoio à execução do processo proposto, uma ferramenta foi desenvolvida. Essa ferramenta está inserida no contexto dos Ambientes de Desenvolvimento de Software Orientados a Organização.
Melhoria Contínua de Estimativa de Esforço para o Desenvolvimento de Software
Authors: Kosloski Ricardo Ajax Dias , Oliveira Káthia Marçal de
Published: October 2021

Buscar a melhoria contínua da precisão das estimativas de esforço pode direcionar a organização a melhorar a sua capacidade de cumprir com os seus compromissos, entregando seus produtos de software dentro dos prazos previstos e, portanto, obter vantagens competitivas. Acreditamos que definir adequadamente as características que causam impactos nas produtividades de projetos de software pode melhorar comparações entre projetos realizados e novos projetos a terem seus esforços estimados. Este artigo apresenta uma abordagem de melhoria para as estimativas de esforço, e sua aplicação numa organização.
A Implantabilidade como Atributo de Qualidade do Software
Authors: Bittes José Márcio , Santoro Flávia Maria , Borges Marcos R. S.
Published: October 2021

Tradicionalmente, muita ênfase se tem dado às características do produto de software, considerando o processo de desenvolvimento e a utilização cotidiana do mesmo pelos usuários. Aspectos como a usabilidade, odesempenho, a robustez e a integridade são considerados durante o desenvolvimento e avaliados durante a sua utilização. No entanto, entre estes dois momentos existe uma etapa que tem tido a sua importância relegada em segundo plano. Trata-se da etapa de implantação que ocorre entre o final do desenvolvimento e o período de operação. Acreditamos que este período é crucial para o sucesso ou o fracasso de um software em uma organização. Este trabalho descreve a necessidade de se considerar a implantabilidade do software como um dos atributos de qualidade pesquisados pela Engenharia de Software. A implantabilidade é o atributo que mede quão fácil é a adoção de um software por uma organização. A definição detalhada deste atributo e a proposta de medição e comparação do mesmo entre softwares diferentes constituem os objetivos deste artigo.
Sistemas de Informação Geográfica Móveis orientados ao contexto: uma abordagem baseada em ontologias de domínios
Authors: Lamas Anderson Resende , Lisboa Filho Jugurta , Oliveira Alcione de Paiva , Lopes André Marques
Published: October 2021

Este artigo apresenta o desenvolvimento de um Sistema de Informação Geográfica Móvel (SIG Móvel) que permite a realização de consultas personalizadas a um banco de dados geográfico através do uso deum dispositivo móvel como um PDA ou um Smartphone. Esta personalização foi implementada através de um mecanismo que utiliza ontologias para definir uma consulta na linguagem SQL. Além disso, foi desenvolvido um conjunto de WebServices para minimizar as limitações dos dispositivos móveis em termos de processamento e memória.
Representação Aberta e Semântica de Anotações de Incidentes em Mapas Web
Authors: Gonzalez André , Izidoro Diego , Willrich Roberto , Santos Celso
Published: October 2021

É crescente o número de ferramentas Web que adotam crowdsourcing, via anotações colaborativas em mapas, como modelo de resolução de problemas e produção de dados. Várias delas permitem aos usuários anotar incidentes de diferentes tipos no mapa, como incidentes relacionados à segurança, saúde e transporte. Idealmente, estas iniciativas deveriam oferecer dados abertos, possibilitando o compartilhamento das anotações e do conhecimento gerado, com consequente melhoria no mapeamento e na resolução de incidentes. Este artigo propõe uma abordagem de produção de anotações abertas e semânticas de incidentes em Mapas, permitindo a interoperabilidade das anotações e da semântica do conhecimento gerado a partir delas. A abordagem proposta é adotada e testada no nosso sistema crowdsourcing OurMap.
SPLOT-TM: Apoio ao Gerenciamento de Testes Funcionais em Linha de Produto de Software
Authors: Hattori Regis , Fantinato Marcelo , Faria Marcelo , Chaim Marcos
Published: October 2021

Linha de Produto (LP) é uma abordagem da Engenharia de Software que busca aumento da qualidade e redução no custo e no tempo de desenvolvimento de sistemas de informação. No entanto, tal abordagem possui particularidades que requerem técnicas e ferramentas específicas de teste de software. Este artigo propõe uma ferramenta de apoio ao gerenciamento de testes funcionais para LP, baseados em Modelos de Características, desenvolvida como uma extensão da ferramenta SPLOT.
MAAT - Sistema de Avaliação de Alunos e Tutores para um Ambiente Virtual de Aprendizagem
Authors: Coutinho Emanuel F. , Moreira Leonardo O. , Sarmento Wellington W. F.
Published: October 2021

Ambientes Virtuais de Aprendizagem (AVA) são aplicações que permitem a interação entre alunos e tutores de maneira dinâmica e estática para cursos presenciais e semi-presenciais. No AVA, e possível a utilização de diversos mecanismos de aprendizagem, como visualizar aulas, ferramentas de bate-papo, trocas de mensagens, foruns etc. Porém, a utilização desses mecanismos não implica o real aprendizado, e para isso é necessário o desenvolvimento de uma avaliação que possa dar maior visibilidade da realidade tanto das aulas quanto da eficiencia dos tutores. O artigo apresenta o sistema MAAT, que permite a geração de questionarios e aplicação em um AVA, e consequente consolidação dos resultados para auxiliar na avaliação e tomada de decisão.
Gestão de Processos para o Gerenciamento de Redes de Circuitos Dinâmicos
Authors: Carneiro Leonardo , Lucena Sidney C. de , Santoro Flávia Maria
Published: October 2021

As redes de circuitos dinâmicos vêm sendo adotadas pelas maiores redes acadêmicas do mundo. Porém, alguns aspectos da gestão deste tipo de rede ainda não estão claros para a comunidade científica, caracterizando-se como um desafio a ser superado na busca pela disponibilização de um serviço robusto e confiável de aprovisionamento de circuitos virtuais. Para resolver esta questão, propomos a adoção de uma abordagem de gestão de processos de negócios. Os processos foram adaptados de redes IP convencionais, nos quais atividades específicas para circuitos virtuais dinâmicos foram incluídas. Os resultados preliminares de um estudo de caso realizado evidenciaram que os processos adaptados são aplicáveis em ambientes de operação de redes.
Monitor de WhatsApp: Um Sistema para Checagem de Fatos no Combate à Desinformação
Authors: Melo Philipe , Benevenuto Fabrício , Kansaon Daniel , Mafra Vitor , Sá Kaio
Published: October 2021

WhatsApp is the most popular instant messaging application in many countries such as Brazil, India, and Indonesia, where many people use it as the main interface to the Web. Recently, WhatsApp has been pointed as an important actor in the spreading of misinformation. However, due to its encrypted and peer-to-peer nature, it is hard for people to explore the content people share within WhatsApp at scale. In this work, we propose the Monitor de WhatsApp (http://www.whatsapp-monitor.dcc.ufmg.br/), a web-based system that helps researchers and journalists explore the nature of content shared on WhatsApp public groups from three different contexts: Brazil, India, and Indonesia. Our tool monitors multiple content categories such as images, videos, audio, and textual messages posted on a set of WhatsApp groups and displays the most shared content ranked per day. Our tool has been used for monitoring content during the 2018 Brazilian Elections to the COVID-19 pandemics and was one of the major sources for estimating the spread of misinformation and helping fact-checking efforts on WhatsApp scenario.
SofiaFala: Software Inteligente de Apoio à Fala
Authors: Rissato Pedro Henrique D’Almeida Giberti , Macedo Alessandra Alaniz
Published: October 2021

Approximately 2.7 million Brazilians may have some speech disorder, according to the Brazilians Institute of Geography and Statistics. Language therapies usually employ speech exercises at home for people with speech disorders without close specialized supervision. There are fundamental movements. Assistive technology and machine learning can support the development of speech pronunciation practice systems. SofiaFala is a mobile application that supports prescription, monitoring, execution, and evaluation of speech therapies. It also supports speech therapist data analysis for the outside clinical environment. In the two last years, 1,400 speech therapists have required access to the SofiaFala.
Callus Induction from Unpollinated Ovary Explants of Beans
Authors: Küçükrecep Asli , Tekdal Dilek , Akça İlknur , Çetiner Selim , Hatipoğlu Rüştü
Published: October 2021

Beans one of the essential plant protein sources for human and animal diets. Conventional breeding methods have been used to develop the cultivars of beans with high quality and high yield. However, conventional methods of plant breeding are time-consuming and laborious. Biotechnological methods can accelerate the breeding process in conventional plant breeding. However, the beans are thought to be a recalcitrant crop plant for applying biotechnological methods since plant regeneration under in vitro conditions in beans is not successful. Developing an appropriate method for in vitro bean regeneration remains a significant problem. The objective of this study was to develop a protocol for the culture of unfertilized ovaries of beans. Culture media and genotype are effective on the success of in vitro cultivation. For this reason, 12 genotypes of beans and some nutrient media such as MS and B5 with various 2,4-D/kinetin combinations were tested to obtain callus from unfertilized ovaries. The highest callus induction was obtained with a medium containing 2,4-D (0.5 mg L−1) and Kinetin (2.5 mg L−1). A literature review on beans indicates that no ovary culture has been carried out on tested varieties in this study to date.
Alzheimer-Like Cell Alterations after Vanadium Pentoxide Inhalation
Authors: Dorado-Martínez Claudia , Montiel-Flores Enrique , A. Mejía-García Oscar , Luis Ordoñez-Librado José , Luisa Gutierrez-Valdez Ana , Espinosa-Villanueva Jesús , Reynoso-Erazo Leonardo , Tron-Alvarez Rocío , Rodríguez-Lara Vianey , Rosa Avila-Costa Maria
Published: October 2021

Vanadium (V), a widely distributed transition metal, has been considered toxic, which depends on the valence of the compound. V pentoxide (V2O5) is considered the most harmful. Its long-term exposure produces neurotoxicity. Mice exposed to inhaled V2O5 displayed less tubulin+ in testicular cells and dendritic spines loss, cell death, and CA1 neuropil modifications, considered as the result of V interaction with the cytoskeleton, which made us suppose that V2O5 inhalation could initiate CA1 cell alterations comparable to what happen in the brains of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients. This study intends to demonstrate pyramidal CA1 cytoskeletal changes in rats which inhaled V2O5. Twenty rats were exposed to V2O5 0.02 M one hour, three times a week for several months. Our findings showed that V2O5-exposed rats had cell death that reached 56,57% after six months; we also observed collapsed strong argyrophilic nuclei and characteristic flame-shaped somas in all V2O5-exposed animals hippocampus CA1 compared to controls. We also found somatodendritic deformations. Neurite’s cytoskeleton exhibited visible thickening and nodosities and prominent dendritic spine loss. Our results demonstrate that V2O5 induces AD-like cell death with evident cytoskeletal and synaptic alterations.
Resonant Optical Solitons in (3 + 1)-Dimensions Dominated by Kerr Law and Parabolic Law Nonlinearities
Authors: S. Al-Ghafri Khalil
Published: October 2021

This study investigates the optical solitons of of (3+1)-dimensional resonant nonlinear Schrödinger (3D-RNLS) equation with the two laws of nonlinearity. The two forms of nonlinearity are represented by Kerr law and parabolic law. Based on complex transformation, the traveling wave reduction of the governing model is derived. The projective Riccati equations technique is applied to obtain the exact solutions of 3D-RNLS equation. Various types of waves that represent different structures of optical solitons are extracted. These structures include bright, dark, singular, dark-singular and combined singular solitons. Additionally, the obliquity effect on resonant solitons is illustrated graphically and is found to cause dramatic variations in soliton behaviors.
An Efficient Model of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Versus Current Experimental Models: Effects of Fructose, Fat, and Carbon Tetrachloride on NAFLD
Authors: Eslami Zahra , Mirghani Seyed Javad , Eghbal Moghanlou Abdorreza , Norouzi Alireza , Naseh Hosein , Joshaghani Hamidreza , Ferreira Peres Wilza Arantes , Younesian Ommolbanin , Hosseinzadeh Sara , Azari Bideskan Javad
Published: October 2021

Background: Accumulation of fat in the liver is one of the causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which affects about 30% of the world's population. Animal models have been useful tools for investigating the mechanisms involved in the etiology of NAFLD and developing new drugs. Objectives: This study aimed to present a new model for the detection of NAFLD in rats. Methods: Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups: (1) control; (2) 45% fructose + 35% olive oil + carbon tetrachloride (FFC1); (3) carbon tetrachloride (1: 4 in olive oil) (C1); (4) carbon tetrachloride (1: 6 in olive oil) (C2); (5) 12.5% fructose + 12.5% olive oil (FF); and (6) 20% fructose + carbon tetrachloride (1: 4 in olive oil) (FC1). Blood samples were taken in three steps, and liver tissue was dissected at the end of the sixth week for histopathological assessments. Results: After six weeks, the alanine transaminase (131.63 ± 1.51), aspartate transaminase (275 ± 1.0), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (4.30 ± 0.1) levels increased significantly in the C1 group (P < 0.05). The serum lipid profile showed significant changes in all groups compared to the controls (P < 0.01). According to the histological results, all experimental groups, except the C2 group, showed symptoms of NAFLD; nevertheless, a higher NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) was found in the C1 group, followed by the FC1 group, compared to the other groups. Conclusions: The present results revealed that injection of 0.1 mL/kg of carbon tetrachloride (C1 group), alone or along with a diet containing 20% fructose (FC1 group), provided useful animal models of NAFLD, although carbon tetrachloride injection alone is the most effective model in inducing NAFLD model that can be used as a new strategy in nutritional and pharmacological studies.
La Bretagne face aux industries extractives. Processus de cadrage et construction de coalitions contre la prospection minière et l’extraction de sable dans les Côtes d’Armor
Authors: Schrijen1 Damien
Published: October 2021

Dans les Côtes d’Armor, en Bretagne, deux projets d’extraction de ressources naturelles font face à de fortes contestations locales à partir de 2016. Il s’agit d’une part du permis exclusif de recherche minière (PERM) de Loc-Envel, dans les terres, et d’autre part de la concession de sable coquillier de la Pointe d’Armor, sur la côte. Bien que géographiquement proches, ces deux mobilisations se structurent différemment : alors que la mobilisation contre le PERM de Loc-Envel prend la forme d’une coalition souple, celle contre l’extraction de sable se structure en organisation de coalition (Staggenborg, 1986). Comment expliquer ces divergences, sur un territoire réduit, dans la structuration de ces mobilisations ? Pour répondre à cette question, nous interrogerons le poids des héritages locaux, mais également des processus de cadrage dans la structuration des mobilisations environnementales. Une problématisation qui, si elle prend un tour plutôt contre-expert sur la côte et plus territorialisé dans les terres, ne s’inscrit ici que marginalement dans une critique de l’extractivisme (Bednik, 2016).
Genetic variability and differentiation in cultured white shrimp Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei with low and high growth
Authors: Rivera-García M , Grijalva-Chon JM
Published: October 2021

To find a relationship between allozyme heterozygosity and body size in cultured white shrimp, Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei, a sample was taken at the end of an experimental culture; 72 small organisms of 7.1 ± 1.35 g average weights, and 72 large organisms of 17.5 ± 1.34 g average weights. Ten enzymatic systems were analyzed. Eighteen loci showed good resolution for genetic interpretation. Only EST-2*, EST-3*, EST-4*, EST-5*, and PGM* were polymorphic. Variability values (mean observed heterozygosity, mean number of alleles per locus, and polymorphism) for small shrimp were 0.029 ± 0.020, 1.5 ± 0.20, and 22%, whereas for large shrimp were 0.020 ± 0.010, 1.7 ± 0.20, and 28%. No significant difference was found in heterozygosity for both size-classes. All loci were out of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium because of a heterozygote deficiency and high inbreeding values. EST-2* and PGM* showed differences in allelic frequencies among both size-classes, and an Fst value of 1.6% was recorded. Both size-classes have a different genetic population structure. Because of the poor information of the analyzed loci and to corroborate that EST-2* and PGM* are involved in growth, it would be necessary to follow the inheritance of those loci in successive generations.
The Modern Challenges of Higher Education Institutions in Armenia
Authors: Atoyan Koryun , Babajanyan Anna , Atoyan Vardan
Published: October 2021

The article discusses the modern key issues hindering the development of higher education institutions in Armenia. The article also refers to the issues related to the legislative regulation of the higher education sphere in Armenia, the internationalization of state universities, the institutional autonomy, the formation of governing councils, educational programs, accreditation, the connection of higher education institutions with the labor market, as well as the funding sources of higher education institutions and the research activities. As a result of the analysis, certain suggestions have been outlined, which, according to the authors, can contribute to the solution of the issues under discussion.
Nephroprotective Activity of Sophora interrupta bedd. against Gentamicin Induced Acute Renal Toxicity in Wistar Rats: An Experimental Study
Authors: Basini Jyothi , Sasikala G. M.
Published: October 2021

Background: Based on ayurvedic/folklore medicine majority of the medicinal plants are used for treatment of different ailments. Sophora interrupta as traditional medicine focused to do the research work for protection of renal injury.

Aim: The present study was investigated the nephroprotective activity of Sophora interrupta bedd. against gentamicin-induced acute renal toxicity in wistar rats.

Study Design Rats have received gentamicin (40 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.) once daily for 5 days of the study to induce nephrotoxicity along with test extract of Sophora interrupta bedd. at a dose of 200 &400 mg/kg, p.o. for 21 days. Urinary parameters like Creatinine, Urea, and Uric acid; Biochemical parameters like Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Creatinine, Total protein, and Albumin were measured along with tissue parameters and histopathological observations were carried out.

Results: The test extracts Sophora interrupta bedd. showed a prominent protective role against the gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity with significant (P=.001) restoration in abnormal plasma & urine biomarkers as compared to the gentamicin-induced group. Treatment with both the doses (200 & 400 mg/kg) of Sophoria extract showed significantly (P=.001; P=0.01) modified levels of antioxidant enzymes when compared to gentamicin-induced animals evidenced by structural restoration of the kidney.

Conclusion: These findings concluded that, Sophora interrupta bedd. exhibits a protective role against Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity.
Disorders of the Immune System and Susceptibility to Various Diseases in Children with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Mekhtieva Seda Vakhaevna , Ismailov Magomedbeg Salahudinovich , Pavlov Bogdan Vladimirovich , Krekova Marina Mikhailovna , Papinyan David Robertovich
Published: October 2021

The article examines the features of emerging disorders of the immune system in children suffering from diabetes mellitus, as well as the susceptibility of such children to various diseases. The authors note that children with diabetes have some disorders of the immune system, which, combined with high glycemia, increase the risk of infections and their severity, and they should be immediately detected and treated.

Infections, even typical childhood diseases, significantly interfere with glycemic control. As a result of the infectious process, the level of counter-regulating hormones, cortisol, adrenaline and growth hormone increases, which leads to increased neoglycogenesis, glycogenesis and increased insulin resistance. This increase in insulin resistance requires adjustment of the patient's usual insulin dose, both basal and bolus. There are usually several hours or days before such a need arises, and it may take time to increase the dose, which can lead to hyperglycemia during this period.

The presence of an infectious condition, in turn, increases blood glucose levels and increases the risk of decompensation, so pediatricians should be warned against the need to strengthen monitoring and insulin therapy. Patients with diabetes are often not fully vaccinated against various diseases. Vaccines are vital for these patients, significantly reducing the risk of infections and exacerbating the development of the underlying ailment.
Editorial Dossiê Sociologia Rural
Authors: Freitas Hingryd Inácio de , Santos Tiago Rodrigues
Published: October 2021

Editorial Dossiê Sociologia Rural, v. 9, n. 9
The Field Guide to 3D Printing in Optical Microscopy for Life Sciences
Authors: Del Rosario Mario , Heil Hannah S. , Mendes Afonso , Saggiomo Vittorio , Henriques Ricardo
Published: October 2021

The maker movement has reached the optics labs, empowering researchers to create and modify microscope designs and imaging accessories. 3D printing has a disruptive impact on the field, improving accessibility to fabrication technologies in additive manufacturing. This approach is particularly useful for rapid, low‐cost prototyping, allowing unprecedented levels of productivity and accessibility. From inexpensive microscopes for education such as the FlyPi to the highly complex robotic microscope OpenFlexure, 3D printing is paving the way for the democratization of technology, promoting collaborative environments between researchers, as 3D designs are easily shared. This holds the unique possibility of extending the open‐access concept from knowledge to technology, allowing researchers everywhere to use and extend model structures. Here, it is presented a review of additive manufacturing applications in optical microscopy for life sciences, guiding the user through this new and exciting technology and providing a starting point to anyone willing to employ this versatile and powerful new tool.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effects of Dual‐Drug Loaded Spermine‐Acetalated Dextran Nanoparticles Coated with Tannic Acid for Cardiac Applications
Authors: Torrieri Giulia , Ferreira Mónica P. A. , Shahbazi Mohammad‐Ali , Talman Virpi , Karhu S. Tuuli , Pohjolainen Lotta , Carvalho Cláudia , Pinto João F. , Hirvonen Jouni , Ruskoaho Heikki , Balasubramanian Vimalkumar , Santos Hélder A.
Published: October 2021

Myocardial infarction results in a massive loss of cardiomyocytes (CMs). Unfortunately, current therapies are unsuccessful in replacing lost CMs, and thus, there is an urgent need for innovative approaches. Here, a nanosystem based on spermine‐acetalated dextran (AcDXSp) and encapsulating two drug compounds able to stimulate in vitro CMs proliferation is developed. The nanosystem is coated by deposition of a film constituted by tannic acid (TA) and Fe3+ ions. The coating with TA increases the retention of the nanocarrier in cell co‐cultures of CMs and fibroblasts stimulated with transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, due to the high affinity of TA for components of the cardiac extracellular matrix. The system exhibits biocompatibility toward primary CMs and induces their proliferation, as indicated by the two‐fold increase of CMs in the active cell cycle. At the same time, the presence of TA synergistically helps contrasting fibrosis by reducing profibrotic genes expression, such as collagen 1 and osteopontin, by approximately 80% compared to the control. Overall, the developed nanosystem demonstrates the capability to stimulate CMs proliferation and reduce fibrosis, showing potential benefits for future in vivo applications.
A Universal Approach for Room‐Temperature Printing and Coating of 2D Materials
Authors: Abdolhosseinzadeh Sina , Zhang Chuanfang (John) , Schneider René , Shakoorioskooie Mahdieh , Nüesch Frank , Heier Jakob
Published: October 2021

Processing 2D materials into printable or coatable inks for the fabrication of functional devices has proven to be quite difficult. Additives are often used in large concentrations to address the processing challenges, but they drastically degrade the electronic properties of the materials. To remove the additives a high‐temperature post‐deposition treatment can be used, but this complicates the fabrication process and limits the choice of materials (i.e., no heat‐sensitive materials). In this work, by exploiting the unique properties of 2D materials, a universal strategy for the formulation of additive‐free inks is developed, in which the roles of the additives are taken over by van der Waals (vdW) interactions. In this new class of inks, which is termed “vdW inks”, solvents are dispersed within the interconnected network of 2D materials, minimizing the dispersibility‐related limitations on solvent selection. Furthermore, flow behavior of the inks and mechanical properties of the resultant films are mainly controlled by the interflake vdW attractions. The structure of the vdW inks, their rheological properties, and film‐formation behavior are discussed in detail. Large‐scale production and formulation of the vdW inks for major high‐throughput printing and coating methods, as well as their application for room‐temperature fabrication of functional films/devices are demonstrated.
Freestanding Metal Organic Framework‐Based Multifunctional Membranes Fabricated via Pseudomorphic Replication toward Liquid‐ and Gas‐Hazards Abatement
Authors: Dai Zijian , Pradeep Shravan , Zhu Jie , Xie Wenyi , Barton Heather F. , Si Yang , Ding Bin , Yu Jianyong , Parsons Gregory N.
Published: October 2021

Metal organic framework (MOF)‐based adsorptive membranes are attractive materials in high flux separation and/or in abatement of hazardous materials. However, fabrication of continuous MOF membrane with ultra‐high loading and anti‐solvent property is a challenging task. Here, the authors report a coordination replication synthetic approach via a morphological replacement procedure that employs pre‐shaped Al2O3 microfiltration membrane to produce freestanding MOF multifunctional membrane (FMMMs). The authors achieve precise control of crystal size, morphology, and orientation on the FMMMs. Moreover, the intrinsic porous structure inherited from Al2O3 pre‐fabricated membrane and newly introduced MOF active sites synergistically contribute to a great rejection (99%) of organic dyes from organic solvent with a permeability over 175 L m−2 h−1 bar−1. Furthermore, the as‐synthesized FMMMs enable heterogeneous HCHO catalytic oxidation and extremely rapid 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) detoxification. This work opens the way to design high‐performance FMMMs from pre‐shaped membranes for various applications.
The Impact of Additive Manufacturing for Medical Care Delivery in Space: A Systematic Review
Authors: Navarro Sergio M. , Shaikh Hashim , Klop‐Packel Nory , Jethwani Hetvi , Wu Jimmy , Sutton Jeffrey P.
Published: October 2021

Additive manufacturing (aka 3D printing) has emerged as a new technique providing various modalities for treatment with respect to space medicine, bolstered by the recent deployment of 3D printers on the International Space Station. There are currently only a few reviews that summarize the evidence of its impact. In order to construct a systematic literature review of the applications and effects of 3D printing in space medicine, the PubMed, NCT, Google Scholar databases are searched for relevant titles, according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses statement guidelines. 3353 titles are retrieved, of which nine met the inclusion criteria and are reported. Studies are separated into three categories, based on the environment of research being conducted in an on‐earth lab, earth based simulation environment, and conducted in low‐earth orbit. The leading applications of 3D printing in space medicine include support of clinicians in nonearth environments via surgical tool manufacturing and development of splints in substitute of alternative casting techniques. 3D printing techniques seem to be beneficial for other purposes, including the deployment of personalized medical care to patients in space. Such conclusions must be confirmed by further research.
Live Biotherapeutic Products and Probiotics for the Skin
Authors: Vargason Ava M. , Anselmo Aaron C.
Published: October 2021

The skin microbiome is essential for the proper barrier functions of the skin, preventing the invasion of pathogens and regulating immune responses. When disrupted, recurrent conditions including atopic dermatitis, acne, or chronic wounds can result. Live biotherapeutic products (LBPs), an emerging class of therapeutics based on live bacteria, are promising for treating these challenging conditions. Several topical LBPs have entered clinical trials for the skin and are quickly reporting positive data from early trials. Herein, a selection of these clinical trials are analyzed to highlight the potential of topical LBPs and provide insights into their identification and development. In addition, the outstanding challenges that need to be addressed for the full translation of these LBPs into clinical therapeutics are commented. In doing so, an overview of the existing formulation landscape for microbial‐based topical products, including direct‐to‐consumer probiotics, is provided. Once the outstanding formulation and delivery challenges are addressed for LBPs and the first topical LBPs reach the market, they will be a promising modality that provides novel therapeutic mechanisms for addressing previously difficult‐to‐treat conditions.
Disposable Passive Electrochemical Microfluidic Device for Diagnosis of Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation
Authors: Sierra Tania , Henry Charles S. , Crevillén Agustín G. , Escarpa Alberto
Published: October 2021

A disposable pump‐free electrochemical microfluidic device made by using a multilayer lamination technique is proposed for diagnosis of glycosylation disorders. Thanks to the stacking of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films and double adhesive layers, it is possible to create a geometry that allows the filling of the tailored channels in a fixed time. In the main channel of this passive microfluidic device, the necessary steps to perform the electrochemical determination of transferrin are performed: labeling of the protein with Os (VI) complex (electrochemical tag), washing with water of the osmium residues and electrochemical detection by adsorptive transfer stripping square wave voltammetry. Electrochemical detection released two electrochemical signals: one from Os (VI) complex due to carbohydrates at −0.9 V, and other from the intrinsic electrochemical signal of glycoprotein due to the amino acids at +0.8 V. The ratio between them establishes an indicator of the degree of glycosylation (called electrochemical index of glycosylation). The method was successfully applied to the analysis of clinical samples from patients with congenital disorders of glycosylation.
Unprecedented North American snowstorm and East Asian cold wave in January 2016: Critical role of the Arctic atmospheric circulation
Authors: Si Dong , Jiang Dabang , Lang Xianmei , Fu Shenming
Published: October 2021

During January 21–24, 2016, most land areas in the Northern Hemisphere experienced extreme low temperatures. In North America, a historic snowstorm hit the northern and eastern United States. In East Asia, an unprecedented cold wave occurred and led to record‐breaking low temperatures in many regions. In this study, observational analyses revealed that both extreme events were triggered by a remarkable change in atmospheric circulation in the Arctic region in early January 2016, which switched from a concentric ring pattern to a dipole pattern. The dipole pattern resulted in two inverted Ω‐shaped circulation patterns that dominated the North America and East Asia. The inverted Ω‐shaped circulation patterns induced remarkable tropopause folding, which conveyed high‐potential‐vorticity cold air downwards from the lower stratosphere of Arctic to the middle and lower troposphere of North America, which increased cyclonic vorticity and negative height perturbations, and converged with moist air from the western North Atlantic and Gulf Stream, resulting in a severe snowstorm in the northern and eastern United States from 22 to 24 January. In East Asia, the tropopause folding transported high‐potential‐vorticity cold air downwards to the middle and lower troposphere of East Asia, resulting in the outbreak of a severe cold wave in East Asia from 21 to 24 January.
Interpregnancy interval and prevalence of selected birth defects: A multistate study
Authors: Liberman Rebecca F. , Heinke Dominique , Petersen Julie M. , Parker Samantha E. , Nestoridi Eirini , Van Zutphen Alissa R. , Nembhard Wendy N. , Ramirez Glenda M. , Ethen Mary K. , Tran Tri , Kirby Russell S. , Getz Kelly D. , Nance Amy E. , Yazdy Mahsa M. ,   for the National Birth Defects Prevention Network
Published: October 2021

Background

Both short and long interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) have been associated with adverse birth outcomes. We undertook a multistate study to describe the prevalence of selected birth defects by IPI.

Methods

We obtained data from nine population‐based state birth defects registries for singleton live births in 2000–2009 among mothers with a previous live birth identified through birth certificates. IPI was calculated as the difference between prior birthdate and start of the current pregnancy (conception date). We estimated prevalence of selected defects per 10,000 live births and prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) overall and stratified by maternal age at previous birth and race/ethnicity. Primary analyses focused on short IPI < 6 months and long IPI ≥ 60 months compared to 18–23 months (referent). Sensitivity analyses limited to active‐surveillance states and those with<10% missing IPI.

Results

Among 5,147,962 eligible births, 6.3% had short IPI while 19.8% had long IPI. Compared to referent, prevalence with short IPI was elevated for gastroschisis (3.7, CI: 3.0–4.5 vs. 2.0, CI: 1.6–2.4) and with both short and long IPI for tetralogy of Fallot (short: 3.4, 2.8–4.2 long: 3.8, 3.4–4.3 vs. 2.7, 2.3–3.2) and cleft lip ± palate (short: 9.9, 8.8–11.2 long: 9.2, 8.5–9.8 vs. 8.4, 7.6–9.2). Stratified analyses identified additional associations, including elevated prevalence of anencephaly with short IPI in younger mothers and limb defects with long IPI in those ages 25–34 at prior birth. Sensitivity analyses showed similar results.

Conclusion

In this population‐based study, we observed increased prevalence of several birth defects with short and long IPI.
Mobility aids predict mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Amin Reshma , Arunothayaraj Sandeep , Kirtchuk David , Williams Timothy , Tanseco Kristoffer V. , Michail Michael , Cockburn James , Trivedi Uday , Hildick‐Smith David
Published: October 2021

Background

Selection of appropriate patients for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can be challenging. Many factors can influence post‐procedure outcomes. Traditional surgical scoring systems do not discriminate effectively. Medical parameters and functional indices can characterize mortality risk. Mobility is an important predictive functional index but is largely defined using subjective criteria.

Aim

To describe the relationship between mobility, objectively defined by the requirement for gait aids to ambulate, and all‐cause 30‐day and long‐term mortality in patients undergoing TAVI.

Methods

Mobility aid use was assessed in 1444 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI in a single center. Patients were categorized into “unaided,” “1‐stick,” and “higher aid” groups based on the Brighton Mobility Index. Mortality tracking was obtained via the NHS Spine Portal in February 2021.

Results

Patients were aged 82 (IQR 78–86). 66% of patients walked unaided, 26% walked with 1 stick, and 8% required more assistance (e.g., 2 sticks, a Rollator, a Zimmer frame, or a wheelchair). Overall 30‐day mortality for the whole cohort was 3.5%; 1‐year mortality was 12.2%. Mobility was a significant predictor of 30‐day mortality (p = 0.025). Use of a higher aid was associated with a mortality odds ratio of 2.83 (95% CI: 1.39–5.74). Mobility was also a significant predictor of long‐term mortality (p < 0.001). Odds ratios for 1‐stick and higher aid groups were 1.45 (95% CI: 1.21–1.72) and 2.01 (95% CI: 1.55–2.60), respectively.

Conclusion

Objective assessment of mobility by gait aid use predicts both short and long‐term survival in patients undergoing TAVI. Increased dependence on mobility aids is associated with a worse prognosis.
Localized scleroderma secondary to mixed connective tissue disease during abatacept therapy
Authors: Nagaoka Sayuko , Hayashi Shujiro , Igawa Ken
Published: October 2021

A 47‐year‐old woman with mixed connective tissue disease was treated with abatacept. After 2 months, a 3‐cm depression with atrophied surface was observed on her back, which had histopathological consistent with the symptoms of localized scleroderma. Although some cases of paradoxical reaction or cutaneous adverse event have been reported from abatacept, no localized scleroderma has been reported, suggesting this to be a unique case.
Synthesis and Structure of Binary Copper/Silver–Arsenic Clusters Derived from Zintl Ion As73–
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Qiang , Tkachenko Nikolay V. , Qiao Lei , Boldyrev Alexander I. , Sun Zhong‐Ming
Published: October 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Polyarsenides containing coinage metals, [As7Cu(PPh3)]2– (1) and [M2As14]4– (M = Cu, 2; Ag, 3), were synthesized by reactions of the nominal composition K3As7 with Group 11 metal complexes. The possible intermediate, cluster 1, was isolated from the solution phase through subtle changes in reaction conditions in the formation process of complex 2. Hence, we establish the pathway of the bimetallic bridged clusters [Cu2As14]4– by the oxidation of the [As7Cu(PPh3)]2–. Quantum chemical calculations reveal the presence of metallophilic interaction in clusters 2 and 3.
Impact of merging of historical and future climate data sets on land carbon cycle projections for South America
Authors: Huntingford Chris , Sitch Stephen A. , O'Sullivan Michael
Published: October 2021

Earth System Models (ESMs) project climate change, but they often contain biases in their estimates of contemporary climate that propagate into simulated futures. Land models translate climate projections into surface impacts, but these will be inaccurate if ESMs have substantial errors. Bias concerns are relevant for terrestrial physiological processes which often respond non‐linearly (i.e. contain threshold responses) and are therefore sensitive to absolute environmental conditions as well as changes. We bias‐correct the UK Met Office ESM, HadGEM2‐ES, against the CRU–JRA observation‐based gridded estimates of recent climate. We apply the derived bias corrections to future projections by HadGEM2‐ES for the RCP8.5 scenario of future greenhouse gas concentrations. Focusing on South America, the bias correction includes adjusting for ESM estimates that, annually, are approximately 1 degree too cold, for comparison against 21st Century warming of around 4 degrees. Locally, these values can be much higher. The ESM is also too wet on average, by approximately 1 mm·day−1, which is substantially larger than the mean predicted change. The corrected climate fields force the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES) dynamic global vegetation model to estimate land surface changes, with an emphasis on the carbon cycle. Results show land carbon sink reductions across South America, and in some locations, the net land–atmosphere CO2 flux becomes a source to the atmosphere by the end of this century. Transitions to a CO2 source is where increases in plant net primary productivity are offset by larger enhancements in soil respiration. Bias‐corrected simulations estimate the rise in South American land carbon stocks between pre‐industrial times and the end of the 2080s is ∼12 GtC lower than that without climate bias removal, demonstrating the importance of merging historical observational meteorological forcing with ESM diagnostics. We present evidence for a substantial climate‐induced role of greater soil decomposition in the fate of the Amazon carbon sink.