bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A reassessment about included studies and certainty of evidence on a systematic review and meta-analysis of steroid for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Yoshihiro Shodai , Taito Shunsuke
Published: March 2021

We comment on the study by Hirano et al. about the effect of steroids in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. It might be necessary to include only the existing randomized control trials and to reassess the certainty of evidence about the primary outcomes.
The microbiome of the Black Sea water column analyzed by shotgun and genome centric metagenomics
Authors: Cabello-Yeves Pedro J. , Callieri Cristiana , Picazo Antonio , Mehrshad Maliheh , Haro-Moreno Jose M. , Roda-Garcia Juan J. , Dzhembekova Nina , Slabakova Violeta , Slabakova Nataliya , Moncheva Snejana , Rodriguez-Valera Francisco
Published: March 2021

Background

The Black Sea is the largest brackish water body in the world, although it is connected to the Mediterranean Sea and presents an upper water layer similar to some regions of the former, albeit with lower salinity and temperature. Despite its well-known hydrology and physicochemical features, this enormous water mass remains poorly studied at the microbial genomics level.

Results

We have sampled its different water masses and analyzed the microbiome by shotgun and genome-resolved metagenomics, generating a large number of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from them. We found various similarities with previously described Black Sea metagenomic datasets, that show remarkable stability in its microbiome. Our datasets are also comparable to other marine anoxic water columns like the Cariaco Basin. The oxic zone resembles to standard marine (e.g. Mediterranean) photic zones, with Cyanobacteria (Synechococcus but a conspicuously absent Prochlorococcus), and photoheterotrophs domination (largely again with marine relatives). The chemocline presents very different characteristics from the oxic surface with many examples of chemolithotrophic metabolism (Thioglobus) and facultatively anaerobic microbes. The euxinic anaerobic zone presents, as expected, features in common with the bottom of meromictic lakes with a massive dominance of sulfate reduction as energy-generating metabolism, a few (but detectable) methanogenesis marker genes, and a large number of “dark matter” streamlined genomes of largely unpredictable ecology.

Conclusions

The Black Sea oxic zone presents many similarities to the global ocean while the redoxcline and euxinic water masses have similarities to other similar aquatic environments of marine (Cariaco Basin or other Black Sea regions) or freshwater (meromictic monimolimnion strata) origin. The MAG collection represents very well the different types of metabolisms expected in this kind of environment. We are adding critical information about this unique and important ecosystem and its microbiome.
Pre-emptive quadratus lumborum block for laparoscopic bariatric surgery: a prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Omran Ahmed S. , KamalELDin Doaa M. , Nofal Walid H.
Published: March 2021

Background

Laparoscopic bariatric surgeries in morbidly obese patients have shown a steep rise recently. Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) has been used to decrease pain in various kinds of surgeries. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ability of pre-emptive QLB to decrease intra- and postoperative pain and opioid consumption.

Results

Intraoperative HR and MAP were significantly lower in the QLB group starting 20 min after block initiation. Intraoperative additional fentanyl requirements, postoperative NRS scores at rest and with movement, nausea and vomiting and the consumption of rescue analgesia were also significantly lower in the QLB group for 12 h. Early ambulation was recorded in the QLB group.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that bilateral posterior QLB reduced intra- and postoperative pain during laparoscopic bariatric surgeries and decreased opioid requirements and side effects.
Values and validity of fetal parameters by ultrasound and Doppler as markers of fetal lung maturity
Authors: Kandil Radwa A. , El shahawy Al shymaa Z. , El Shafiey Mohamed H. , Alarabawy Reda A.
Published: March 2021

Background

In this study, we combined ultrasound and Doppler parameters to conclude the most accurate and applicable method for fetal lung maturity assessment. Thepurpose is to reduce risk of neonatal respiratory distress by assessment of fetal lung maturity through ultrasound and Doppler instead of amniocentesis.

Results

A total of 120 women were included. The ultrasound examination was performed at a gestational age ranging between 30 and 37 weeks and delivery occurred within 72 h from ultrasound. After birth, 19 fetuses were diagnosed with RDS.

The ultrasound parameters assessed for fetal lung maturity showed varying sensitivity and specificity but presence of proximal tibial epiphyses showed the highest sensitivity (91%) and specificity (95%) followed by the presence of distal femoral epiphyses with 90% sensitivity and 84% specificity. The placental grade III maturity showed a sensitivity of 81% and 74% specificity followed by the presence of the amniotic fluid free-floating particles with an 83% sensitivity and 63% specificity, while echogenic fetal thalamus showed 77% and 79% for sensitivity and specificity, respectively, for prediction of fetal lung maturity. By using the fetal biometry, we could report that a BPD between 82.8 and 93.5 mm, AC between 295 and 322 mm, and FL (62.7-72.1 mm) correlated with mature fetal lungs. Regarding Doppler indices, increased resistive index of umbilical artery > 0.69 and of pulmonary artery > 0.78 correlated with neonatal RDS while fetuses with UtA RI values between 0.43 and 0.66 noticed in RDS vs (0.42-0.57) in the non-RDS. MCA RI values are also higher in RDS 0.77–0.88 vs 0.74–0.79 in non-RDS.

On the other hand, analysis of colon grading and fetal lung echogenicity in relation to liver showed no significant value in the assessment of fetal lung maturity.

Conclusion

Ultrasound and Doppler showed good predictive value and accuracy and is considered a valuable non-invasive procedure in assessment of fetal lung maturity. However, no single parameter alone could show a definitive sign
Analysis of the MUII-plus mentorship programme: reflections of Fellows’ experiences and lessons for other programmes
Authors: Andia Biraro Irene , Driciru Emmanuella , Namaganda Rehema , Luboga Fiona , Kato Drago Charles , Wajja Anne , Okech Brenda , Mboowa Mary Gorrethy N. , Muganyizi Raymond , Kizza Moses , Cose Stephen , Bukirwa Victoria Diana , Nakanjako Damalie , Elliott Alison M.
Published: March 2021

Background: The MUII mentorship programme began 11 years ago with a successful group mentorship model. Over the years, the programme has evolved and is presently anchored on the “GROW” approach. This model allows individuals to: set Goals (What I want?); Reflect (Where am I now?); think of Options (What can I do?); What to implement (my actions?). It is intended to help fellows (current, honorary, alumni) herein referred to as mentees achieve their short, medium, and long-term research, career and professional goals.

Methods: A mixed methods study combining a cross-sectional survey, one focus group discussion and 11 in-depth key informant interviews were carried out between November 2018 and January 2019 to 1) assess the status of the mentorship programme, 2) perform a strength weakness opportunity and threats (SWOT) analysis, and 3) identify factors relevant for sustainability.

Results: An open invitation was made to 52 fellows to participate in the survey, and 23 responded. Among respondents, the largest proportions were male [70% (16/23)], and PhD fellows [35% (8/23)]. The respondents rated the fellowship experience as excellent [65% (15/23)], and most [78% (18/23)] revealed they had benefitted greatly from the programme. The SWOT analysis revealed outstanding strengths of having regular fellows’ meetings for peer support, and availability of international collaborations, linkages and exposure. Opportunities identified included large pool of mentees within MUII-plus and evidence of fellows taking up leadership positions. The biggest threat to the mentorship programme was the busy schedule of mentors.

Conclusions: The MUII-plus mentorship programme has strong potential to offer research and career mentorship to its fellows. To promote sustainability of the programme, there is a need for innovative ways to engage mentors; such as digital platforms (e-mentorship) for greater mentor-mentee interactions.
PET measured hypoxia and MRI parameters in re-irradiated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: findings of a prospective pilot study
Authors: Rogasch Julian , Beck Marcus , Stromberger Carmen , Hofheinz Frank , Ghadjar Pirus , Wust Peter , Budach Volker , Amthauer Holger , Tinhofer Ingeborg , Furth Christian , Walter-Rittel Thula C. , Zschaeck Sebastian
Published: March 2021

Background: Tumor hypoxia measured by dedicated tracers like [18F]fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) is a well-established prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) treated with definitive chemoradiation (CRT). However, prevalence and characteristics of positron emission tomography (PET) measured hypoxia in patients with relapse after previous irradiation is missing. Here we report imaging findings of a prospective pilot study in HNSCC patients treated with re-irradiation.

Methods: In 8 patients with recurrent HNSCC, diagnosed at a median of 18 months after initial radiotherapy/CRT, [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET/CT (n=8) and FMISO-PET/MRI (n=7) or FMISO-PET/CT (n=1) were performed. Static FMISO-PET was performed after 180 min. MRI sequences in PET/MRI included diffusion-weighted imaging with apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and contrast enhanced T1w imaging (StarVIBE). Lesions (primary tumor recurrence, 4; cervical lymph node, 1; both, 3) were delineated on FDG-PET and FMISO-PET data using a background-adapted threshold-based method. SUVmax and SUVmean in FDG- and FMISO-PET were derived, as well as maximum tumor-to-muscle ratio (TMRmax) and hypoxic volume with 1.6-fold muscle SUVmean (HV1.6) in FMISO-PET. Intensity of lesional contrast enhancement was rated relative to contralateral normal tissue. Average ADC values were derived from a 2D region of interest in the tumor.

Results: In FMISO-PET, median TMRmax was 1.7 (range: 1.1-1.8). Median HV1.6 was 0.05 ml (range: 0-7.3 ml). Only in 2/8 patients, HV1.6 was ≥1.0 ml. In FDG-PET, median SUVmax was 9.3 (range: 5.0-20.1). On contrast enhanced imaging four lesions showed decreased and four lesions increased contrast enhancement compared to non-pathologic reference tissue. Median average ADC was 1,060 ×106 mm2/s (range: 840-1,400 ×106 mm2/s).

Conclusions: This pilot study implies that hypoxia detectable by FMISO-PET may not be as prevalent as expected among loco-regional recurrent, HPV negative HNSCC. ADC values were only mildly reduced, and contrast enhancement was variable. The results require confirmation in larger sample sizes.
Influence of hybrid assistive limb gait training on spatial muscle activation patterns in spinal muscular atrophy type III
Authors: Nishikawa Yuichi , Watanabe Kohei , Orita Naoya , Maeda Noriaki , Kimura Hiroaki , Tanaka Shinobu , Hyngstrom Allison
Published: March 2021

Background: Despite the potential benefits, the effects of Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) gait training on changes in neuromuscular activation that accompany functional gains in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type III is not well known. In this article, we quantify the effects of HAL gait training on spatial muscle activity patterns in a patient with SMA type III using multi-channel surface electromyography (SEMG).

Methods: A 21-years old male (168 cm, 47.8 kg) with spinal muscular atrophy type III, when diagnosed at 18-years old by genetic screening, participated in this case study. Although he presented with forearm distal muscle weakness, atrophy of the intrinsic muscles of the hand, and neuromuscular fatigue, his activities of daily living is independent. The patient underwent a separate, single 33-minute session of both HAL and treadmill gait training. To evaluate the coefficient of variation (CoV) of force and alterations in the SEMG spatial distribution patterns, modified entropy and CoV of root mean square (RMS) were calculated from the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle before and after the intervention of HAL and treadmill gait training. Each training session was separated by a period of one month to avoid cross-over effects.

Results: There was a greater decrease in the ΔCoV of force and an increase in the magnitude of whole VL muscle activation from pre-intervention to post-intervention with the HAL gait training as compared to the treadmill gait training. In response to only HAL gait training, the CoV of RMS was higher, and the modified entropy was lower post-intervention than pre-intervention.

Conclusions: Our results support the notion that HAL gait training has a positive benefit on motor output not only in the magnitude of SEMG generated but also the patterns of neural activation.
The art and science of achieving zero COVID-19 transmissions in staff at a large community care facility in Singapore using implementation science: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Chow Weien , Lum Elaine , Tyebally Arif , Chan Sze Ling , Lee Lai Chee , Ling Moi Lin , Tan Hiang Khoon , Tan Nigel CK
Published: March 2021

Background:The Singapore COVID-19 multi-ministry taskforce commissioned community care facilities (CCFs) as a hospital-sparing strategy amidst rising coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. An exhibition centre was repurposed within ten days as an ad-hoc 3200-bed medical facility (CCF@EXPO) to isolate and treat infected patients amidst concerns of potential COVID-19 transmissions to healthcare staff. This paper deconstructs the implementation of the CCF@EXPO infection prevention and control (IPC) innovation and elicits critical factors which enabled zero transmission of COVID-19 to staff during 100 days of operation using an implementation science framework.

Methods:This study employed retrospective analysis using the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework. The CCF@EXPO IPC innovation comprised five key elements: (a) physical environment, (b) work practices, (c) tools and technology, (d) staff training, and (e) audits. Contextual assessment was conducted for baseline and 100thday of CCF@EXPO operations. Actions taken to improve scores between these timepoints were mapped against the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) tool to surface key implementation strategies.

Results:Positive shifts were observed in all constructs of the i-PARIHS framework, between baseline and 100thday. The largest shifts were in work practices, tools and technology, and staff training. Key implementation strategies used included: rapid Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, identifying champions, team building, creating a culture of collaborative learning, multi-disciplinary teamwork, transparency in communications and decision-making, and skillful facilitation.

Conclusions:Rapid PDSA cycles anchored by principles to ensure staff safety, was the key approach used in implementation of the CCF@EXPO IPC innovation. Retrospective analysis using the i-PARIHS framework is useful to elicit success factors and to inform preparedness planning of future pandemics.
A bibliometric study on the research outcome of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa
Authors: I Narayan Aparna , Chogtu Bharti , Janodia Manthan , Venkata Santhosh Krishnan
Published: March 2021

Background: Publication is one of the quantitative measures of countries' contribution to research and innovation. This paper attempts to understand the publication related information of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).

Methods: Detailed analysis of publications on the basis of collaboration, research area, number of publications, percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) spent on research, and citation is presented in the paper. An attempt is also made to understand the relations between each of the parameters and the overall performance of the country.

Results: Times Higher Education global ranking is considered as a measure to validate the claims of this paper.

This study shows that among the BRICS nations, China with the highest percentage of GDP spent on research has also the highest number of researchers and publication output whereas South Africa excels in terms of number of international collaborative publications and publications in high impact journals. This article has highlighted the distribution of publications as per the subject area with India leading in the area of Computer Science. 

Discussion: Results showed a strong relationship between each of the parameters discussed on the research performance of a country.
Associação de formigas e abelhas-sem-ferrão com Aetalion reticulatum (L.) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) em plantio de açaizeiro-de-touceira
Authors: Souza Santos Rodrigo , Nascimento da Silva Elisandro
Published: March 2021

O açaizeiro, Euterpe oleracea Martius (Arecaceae), abriga vasta entomofauna, cujas espécies podem ser prejudiciais ou benéficas à planta, utilizando-a como sítio alimentar ou área de refúgio. Assim, esta entomofauna se inter-relaciona e firma relações ecológicas dinâmicas que podem afetar positiva ou negativamente as espécies envolvidas. Este trabalho reporta a associação entre as abelhas-sem-ferrão Trigona amazonensis Duke, Oxytrigona cfr. mellicolor (Hymenoptera: Apidae) e a formiga Camponotus sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) com a cigarrinha-das-frutíferas, Aetalion reticulatum (L.) (Hemiptera: Aethalionidae) em plantio de açaizeiro-de-touceira cv. BRS-Pará localizado no município de Rio Branco, AC. Foi verificado que as três espécies coletam o honeydew secretado por A. reticulatum e protegem as colônias das cigarrinhas da aproximação de outros insetos. Ademais, foi verificado que as três espécies não compartilham o mesmo sítio alimentar, devido ao agressivo comportamento territorial apresentado pelas mesmas.
Hypersonic N2 boundary layer flow velocity profile measurements using FLEET
Authors: Hill Jonathan L. , Hsu Paul S. , Jiang Naibo , Grib Stephen W. , Roy Sukesh , Borg Matthew , Thomas Levi , Reeder Mark , Schumaker Stephen A.
Published: March 2021

Femtosecond laser electronic excitation tagging (FLEET) velocimetry was used in the boundary layer of an ogive-cylinder model in a Mach-6 Ludwieg tube. One-dimensional velocity profiles were extracted from the FLEET signal in laminar boundary layers from pure

N

2

flows at unit Reynolds numbers ranging from

3.4

×

10

6

/

m

to

3.9

×

10

6

/

m

. The effects of model tip bluntness and the unit Reynolds number on the velocity profiles were investigated. The challenges and strategies of applying FLEET for direct boundary layer velocity measurement are discussed. The potential of utilizing FLEET velocimetry for understanding the dynamics of laminar and turbulent boundary layers in hypersonic flows is demonstrated.
Direct axial plane imaging of particle manipulation with nondiffracting Bessel beams
Authors: An Sha , Peng Tong , Yan Shaohui , Zhang Peng , Li Manman , Yao Baoli
Published: March 2021

Optical manipulation with nondiffracting beams has been attracting great interest and finding widespread applications in many fields such as chemistry, physics, and biomedicine. Generally, optical manipulation is conducted in an optical microscopy system, which, in general, only allows for imaging motions of particles in the transverse plane, rendering the observation of dynamics processes occurring in the axial plane impractical. We propose and demonstrate an optical manipulation system that incorporates an axial plane imaging module. With this system, the trapping behavior in the transverse plane and the transportation process in the axial plane of a particle immersed in a Bessel beam were acquired simultaneously in real time.
Optical vortices and orbital angular momentum in strongly coupled optical fibers
Authors: Alexeyev C. N. , Degtyarev S. A. , Lapin B. P. , Yavorsky M. A.
Published: March 2021

We have studied the effect of strong coupling on the propagation of optical vortices (OVs) and evolution of their orbital angular momentum (OAM) in parallel multimode optical fibers. Based on the perturbation theory that goes beyond the limits of weak orthogonality approximation we have established that strong coupling does not lead to alteration of the structure of supermodes as compared to the case of weak coupling. The strong coupling affects only the propagation constants of such supermodes, which we have found analytical expressions for. We have also studied the evolution of OVs and emphasized the difference between the powers stored in partial OVs and powers located at the fiber cores. We have studied OAM in such fibers, as well as corrections to the total OAM due to interference effects and shown that the influence of such effects on forming the total OAM under strong coupling is negligible. We have also demonstrated that in such systems it is sufficient to take account only of the coupling of OVs with equal by modulus topological charges, whereas other types of coupling are negligible.
Isotopic gas analysis by means of mid-infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy targeting human exhaled air
Authors: Lassen Mikael , Christensen Jesper B. , Balslev-Harder David , Petersen Jan C.
Published: March 2021

There is a great need for cost-efficient non-invasive medical diagnostic tools for analyzing humanly exhaled air. Compared to present day methods, photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) can provide a compact and portable (bedside), sensitive and inexpensive solution. We demonstrate a novel portable photoacoustic spectroscopic platform for isotopic measurements of methane (

C
H

4

). We identify and discriminate the

12

C
H

4

- and

13

C
H

4

isotopologues and determine their mixing ratio. An Allan deviation analysis shows that the noise equivalent concentration for

C
H

4

is 200 ppt (pmol/mol) at 100 s of integration time, corresponding to a normalized noise equivalent absorption coefficient of

5.1
×

10

−
9

W

c
m

−
1

H
z

−
1

/

2

, potentially making the PAS sensor a truly disruptive instrument for bedside monitoring using isotope tracers by providing real-time metabolism data to clinical personnel.
Fast computational depth segmentation using orthogonal fringe patterns without pattern sequence changing
Authors: Xiao Yu , Han Wenzhong , Zhang Xuejing , Deng Ji , Li Jian , Kang Huifeng , Zeng Zhoumo
Published: March 2021

The recently proposed omnidirectional depth segmentation method (ODSM)
has advantages over traditional depth segmentation in terms of
robustness and computational costs. However, this method uses at least
six fringe patterns and changes their sequences multiple times to
perform depth segmentation, which limits its segmentation speed and
increases computational complexity. This paper proposes a fast
computational depth segmentation (FCDS) method in which only five
patterns are used for object segmentation at different depths into
isolated regions without the requirement of pattern sequence changing.
Phase singularity points are fully utilized due to their significance
as depth segmentation markers to extract segmenting lines used for
depth determination. Meanwhile, a modified Fourier transform algorithm
(MFTA) is introduced to calculate the wrapped phase sequences, which
uses two groups of orthogonal phase-shifting fringe patterns and a DC
component pattern (five in total). The segmenting lines along
orthogonal directions can be extracted with the FCDS method without
changing the fringe sequences, which not only solves the problem of
phase insensitivity but reduces the calculation costs. Besides, the
problem of mis-segmentation is solved with an optimization algorithm
for depth segmenting lines and successfully segments objects with
abrupt depth changes. The simulation results demonstrate the
effectiveness and precision of the proposed method. The experimental
results prove the success of the proposed method for segmenting
objects of similar color with a segmentation speed that is up to a
120% increase relative to previous methods.
High-power femtosecond all-fiber laser system at 1.5  µm with a fundamental repetition rate of 4.9  GHz
Authors: Chen Xuewen , Lin Wei , Wang Wenlong , Guan Xianchao , Wen Xiaoxiao , Qiao Tian , Wei Xiaoming , Yang Zhongmin
Published: March 2021

In this Letter, we demonstrate a high-power femtosecond all-fiber laser
system at 1.5 µm that operates at a fundamental repetition rate of up
to 4.9 GHz. This high repetition rate laser system delivers an average
power of 10 W and a pulsewidth of 63 fs in an all-fiber
configuration—the best overall performance at 1.5 µm, so far, in terms
of the all-fiber design, high average power, short pulsewidth, and
high fundamental repetition rate. Integrated from 10 Hz to 10 MHz,
this high-power femtosecond all-fiber laser system exhibits a relative
intensity noise of only 0.4%. It is anticipated that this femtosecond
laser system is promising for various applications, such as high-speed
micromachining, wide-field multiphoton bioimaging, and nonlinear
optics.
A unified framework for inferring the multi-scale organization of chromatin domains from Hi-C
Authors: Bak Ji Hyun , Kim Min Hyeok , Liu Lei , Hyeon Changbong
Published: March 2021

Chromosomes are giant chain molecules organized into an ensemble of three-dimensional structures characterized with its genomic state and the corresponding biological functions. Despite the strong cell-to-cell heterogeneity, the cell-type specific pattern demonstrated in high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) data hints at a valuable link between structure and function, which makes inference of chromatin domains (CDs) from the pattern of Hi-C a central problem in genome research. Here we present a unified method for analyzing Hi-C data to determine spatial organization of CDs over multiple genomic scales. By applying statistical physics-based clustering analysis to a polymer physics model of the chromosome, our method identifies the CDs that best represent the global pattern of correlation manifested in Hi-C. The multi-scale intra-chromosomal structures compared across different cell types uncover the principles underlying the multi-scale organization of chromatin chain: (i) Sub-TADs, TADs, and meta-TADs constitute a robust hierarchical structure. (ii) The assemblies of compartments and TAD-based domains are governed by different organizational principles. (iii) Sub-TADs are the common building blocks of chromosome architecture. Our physically principled interpretation and analysis of Hi-C not only offer an accurate and quantitative view of multi-scale chromatin organization but also help decipher its connections with genome function.
Young children share more under time pressure than after a delay
Authors: Plötner Maria , Hepach Robert , Over Harriet , Carpenter Malinda , Tomasello Michael
Published: March 2021

Adults under time pressure share with others generously, but with more time they act more selfishly. In the current study, we investigated whether young children already operate in this same way, and, if so, whether this changes over the preschool and early school age years. We tested 144 children in three age groups (3-, 5-, and 7-year olds) in a one-shot dictator game: Children were given nine stickers and had the possibility to share stickers with another child who was absent. Children in the Time Pressure condition were instructed to share quickly, whereas children in the Delay condition were instructed to take time and consider their decision carefully. Across ages, children in the Time Pressure condition shared significantly more stickers than children in the Delay condition. Moreover, the longer children waited, the less they shared. Thus, children, like adults, are more prosocial when acting spontaneously than after considering their decision more carefully.
Slay the Dragon: Writing Great Video Games, Robert Denton Bryant and Keith Giglio (2015)
Authors: Nash Yousif
Published: March 2021

Review of: Slay the Dragon: Writing Great Video Games, Robert Denton Bryant and Keith Giglio (2015)

Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 232 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-61593-229-0, p/bk, $26.95
Percepciones de pequeños propietarios y su disposición a la conservación de la naturaleza en áreas privadas de la Cordillera de la Costa en la Región de Los Ríos, Chile
Authors: Vásquez Mejía Yany Lourdes , Marchant Santiago Carla
Published: March 2021

La inclusión de percepciones e intereses de pequeños propietarios privados es fundamental para garantizar a largo plazo el éxito de estrategias de conservación de la naturaleza. Sin embargo, en Chile estas dimensiones no suelen ser incorporadas en la discusión de políticas públicas y han sido incipientemente abordadas en la literatura académica local. A través de una metodología mixta, que incluyó análisis cartográfico, encuestas de percepción y entrevistas a propietarios y actores clave, se analizó como perciben los propietarios de tierra el desarrollo de medidas de conservación y que tan dispuestos están para implementarlas, en dos localidades de la Cordillera de la Costa de la Región de los Ríos. Esta es una zona de alto valor ecológico que alberga especies en peligro de extinción, como la Rana de Mehuin, además de ser un territorio amenazado por el avance de la industria forestal y otras actividades antrópicas. Los resultados muestran que los propietarios presentan miradas disímiles sobre la conservación de la naturaleza, entendiendo ésta desde concepciones generalizadas y de sentido común vinculadas a la protección del bosque principalmente. Asimismo, la mayoría tendería a incorporarse a estrategias de conservación, pero para ello desearían obtener retribuciones económicas por parte del Estado, considerando que las actividades productivas realizadas en la zona son principalmente de subsistencia. Esto supone la necesidad de considerar estos aspectos al momento de desarrollar planes de conservación a pequeña escala, que permitan también aportar al desarrollo económico local de las comunidades involucradas.
A INERÊNCIA DO PERFORMAR ARTISTA, DOCENTE E PESQUISADOR(A) PARA ALÉM DE BARRAS E HIFENS
Authors: Gonçalves Michelle Bocchi , Gabardo Junior Jair Mario
Published: March 2021

Vinculados ao grupo de pesquisa Laboratório de Estudos em Educação Performativa, Linguagem e Teatralidades (ELiTe/UFPR/CNPq), buscamos, por meio deste artigo, alavancar considerações a respeito da inerência das performances dos papéis sociais do artista, docente e pesquisador(a) em dramas sociais escolares. Isto significa, pois, olhar atentamente para os modos como essas performances se concebem nas particularidades das suas manifestações prática e teórica, em diferentes estudos pela via das grafias, nas quais elas se distinguem. O recorrente uso dos sinais gráficos de barra oblíqua (/) e hífen (-) para delimitar aquilo que operamos por entre o fazer artístico, assim como os contextos do ensino da arte, e o ofício da pesquisa, fornecem subsídios para que, nas considerações aqui desenvolvidas, possamos problematizar o endosso daquelas variáveis (/ -) na expressão escrita. O marco de nossa proposição investigativa são recortes pontuais dos Estudos da Performance e seus desdobramentos na área educacional, denominados de Educação Performativa. Recorremos, igualmente, às ideias e às discussões, comumente presentes no campo da Educação e da Arte em prol de uma concepção de inerência das performances dos papéis sociais do(a) artista, docente, pesquisador(a) as quais, de início, evidenciamos. Por meio a presente escrita, ponderamos a necessidade de (re)conhecimento da natureza no que diz respeito à experiência educacional, ou seja, se torna cada vez mais urgente observar as nomenclaturas adotas em nossa área de conhecimento, indagando constantemente delas suas possíveis interferências e modos de atualização em práxis e contextos de emergência.
FILOSOFIA DIFERENÇA E PERFORMANCE ART RESSONÂNCIAS E RIZOMAS DO PERFORMER PROFESSOR
Authors: Cunha Cláudia Madruga , Peruzzo Leomar
Published: March 2021

Neste artigo, aproximamos a filosofia de Gilles Deleuze e a deleuziana-guattariana, com o objetivo de buscar as ressonâncias filosofia diferença e arte da performance (GOLDBERG; GLUSBERG, COHEN) para fins de alcançar a análise de um processo de educação de professores no qual se fez sensibilização artística voltada aos professores de arte da cidade de Blumenau. Dividimos o texto em quatro abordagens: na primeira, tratamos das vizinhanças entre a filosofia de Gilles Deleuze e da performance arte; no segundo, desdobramos a relação estabelecida no primeiro percurso; no terceiro, apresentamos o “Rizoma” como prática metodológica performática; no último percurso, olhamos para as possibilidades de uma experiência em arte educação que quis desfazer de um corpo educado nos performers professores.
PRÁTICAS EDUCACIONAIS E NOVAS CORPOREIDADES DANÇANTES EM ESPAÇOS E TEMPOS DE MEDIAÇÃO TECNOLÓGICA
Authors: Wosniak Cristiane Do Rocio
Published: March 2021

Este trabalho tem por objetivo desenvolver uma reflexão sobre práticaseducacionais, ancoradas nas competências docentes exigidas pela era da ubiquidade digital e inseridas no âmbito de um curso de formação de artistas-docentes de dança em uma instituição pública de ensino superior no Paraná. O objeto empírico da investigação é constituído pelo projeto avaliativo na disciplina “Crítica de Dança”, que integra a grade curricular do referido curso. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa com abordagem metodológica de revisão bibliográfica associada a um estudo de caso do tipo exploratório. A reflexão aqui proposta fundamenta-se na teoria sociocultural de Vigotski, no conectivismo proposto por Siemens, nos pressupostos da educação para/na era digital de Pérez Gómez e Dede, bem como nas noções de educação ubíqua propostas por Santaella. Neste estudo, foi possível evidenciar a eclosão de novas corporeidades dançantes que emergem em contextos de (des)articulação digital, utilizando como parâmetro discursivo a criação de videodanças, elaboradas pelos alunos com o uso de seus smartphones. Como resultado, além da criação de videodanças, também foi possível observar que as mediações tecnológicas ubíquas alteram a maneira como nos relacionamos com as artes do corpo que, por sua vez, amplificam a linguagem da dança graças à disseminação em múltiplas telas digitais.
Digitalization in the food industry
Authors: Nagy Judit , Jámbor Zsófia , Freund Anna , Dusek Tamás
Published: March 2021

The study examines the appearance of Industry 4.0 and digitalization in the food industry that is not typically considered high-tech. Our aim was to point out that Industry 4.0 is also present in the food industry and offers many opportunities in two areas that are a particular focus of this industry: increasing traceability and food safety. During the research, we asked seven companies about their digital development and Industry 4.0 experience. We have explored the factors that drive companies to adopt digital solutions and the technologies that have been applied. Our results show that companies, not consciously moving towards Industry 4.0 but taking advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalization, are making improvements, often with a lack of workforce, eager to reach higher efficiency and thus competitiveness, as well as to serve the company's growth strategy.
Socio-demographic trends and their macroeconomic context affecting the public sector
Authors: Szabó Tamás
Published: March 2021

Demand concentrates space and vice versa with regard to the principle of rational public services: concentrated space broadens the needs in relation to task fulfilment and the possibilities of organizing public services. The theoretical question concerning the goodness of decentralised and centralised task fulfilment gets exciting when we compare the level of the provision of public services to social trends, and we examine the unintended functions of the applied practice and the latent impacts of these functions. Based on cross-sectional data, present study examines – with public education and health care focus – how access to public goods influences the social competitiveness of the resident population of each district in space. Furthermore, the study also addresses the direction in which the differentiated level of provision of each regions of the country exerts its migration and demographic impact.
Motivations of brand avoidance
Authors: Tamasits Dóra
Published: March 2021

Present study demonstrates the widely known and debated consumer-brand relationship, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of brand avoidance. However, the traditional consumer researches focus predominantly on the consumer loyalty, the examination of negative consumer-brand relationship is actual. The extant literature on the field brand avoidance is scarce. It is important to discover which factors are the those key elements that cause the brand avoidance. Firstly, if we know these factors we can prevent for more losing consumers. Secondly, nowadays the opinion of consumers is critic for the brand successful, because the negative word of mouth (WOM) might be harmful. Based on my previous suppositions the motivation of the brand avoidance are caused by symbolic consumption (selfexpression) which means consumers avoid certain brand because of the brand personality, brand image and the typical brand user. Partly, the results of the qualitative research certifies my previous suppositions, but the functional factors and the message of the advertisement are important elements for the brand avoidance as well.
The economy of Bulgarian Districts and its effect on environmental performance
Authors: Dimitrova Lyubomira
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study is to examine on the relationship between economic growth and environmental performance in the 28 Bulgarian districts for the period between 2010 and 2016. The results show that when in the cases where CO2 emissions are medium, the relationship with the economic growth is very weak. However, for those districts with higher CO2 emissions per capita there is a significant relation with the economic variables. This would mean that economic growth would have a strong effect on the air quality only after certain amount of CO2 emissions.
The problem of economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Klutse Senanu Kwasi
Published: March 2021

A wide range of policy-related variables have a persistent influence on economic growth. This has consistently maintained the interest of economists on the determinants of economic growth over the years. There is consensus however that for countries to grow sustainably, a lot of stall must be placed on higher savings rate as this makes it easy for such countries to grow faster because they endogenously allocate more resources to inventive activities. Due to data difficulties in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) it is nearly impossible for one to consider important variables such as accumulation of knowledge and human capital when analysing growth sustainability. Studying four lower middle-income countries in SSA – Ghana, Republic of Congo, Kenya and Lesotho – this study tests the hypothesis of sustainable growth by using a Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) model to examine the relationship between savings, investment, budget deficit and the growth variable. The results showed that savings had a significant but negative relationship with the GDP per capita (PPP). A Granger Causality test conducted showed that savings does not granger cause GDP per capita (PPP), the HDI index, deficit and investment. This leads to the conclusion that growth in these countries are not sustainable. The study recommends that policy makers focus on the savings variable if these countries will want to achieve sustainable growth.
Does Climatic Seasonality of the Caatinga Influence the Composition of the Free lists of Medicinal Plants? A Case Study
Authors: Lins Neto Ernani Machado de Freitas , Vieira dos Santos Silvana , Soares Ferreira Júnior Washington
Published: March 2021

The free list is a key data collection tool in ethnobotanical studies. For this reason, it is currently receiving a great deal of attention regarding possible methodological limitations. To this end, we aim to investigate the influence of climatic seasonality of the Caatinga ecosystem on the composition of free lists of medicinal plants provided by people from a rural community located in the northeast region of Brazil. People were asked the same trigger question (which medicinal plants do you know?), during the rainy and dry seasons. Comparing the plant lists described during both periods (68 plants), respondent salience in the rainy period was significantly higher than the dry period. However, similarities can be observed between the two lists, especially with respect to their composition and the continued importance of hortelã (Mentha sp.) and alecrim (Lippia sp.), which maintained prominent positions during the rainy and dry seasons. The general analysis of the free lists revealed that there were no significant differences due to temporality, especially in relation to plants with a higher salience value. Since these plants are found mainly in homegardens, it is possible to deduce that the daily conduct of activities in these environments is stimulating and keeping plants in homegardens active in people’s memory. However, much still needs to be investigated about the free list technique in ethnobotanical data collection, especially with regard to the influence of seasonality on stimulating seasonal diseases.
Hatékony piac – hatékony vállalat?
Authors: Reszegi László
Published: March 2021

A hatékony piac ösztönzi, kikényszeríti a hatékonyabb vállalatot. A hatékony adózás növeli a társadalmi jólétet, de gyengíti a piac hatékonyságát, korrigálja az erőforrások elosztását. Az adócsalás és a korrupció rontja a piaci hatékonyságot. Ha az adócsalás megjelenik és jelentőssé válik, akkor a modellszámítások szerint az etikus és az adócsaló vállalat teljesítménye is jó eséllyel romlik. A vállalatok üzleti modelljük változtatásával válaszolhatnak az adócsalás és a korrupció okozta környezeti változásokra. Azonban bármelyik utat is választják, az adócsalás és a korrupció egy adott mértékén túl a vállalati hatékonyság romlásával jár, ráadásul az etikus vállalat ki is szorulhat a piacról. Ettől kezdve a vállalatok értéke csökken, kockázatuk nő. Ezzel együtt elvész az iránytű az erőforrások elosztásához, s ez a gazdaság egészének teljesítményromlásához vezet. Nem lesz hatékony az állam, a gazdaság és a vállalat.
A piaci normák sérülése, üzleti döntések és a vállalati hatékonyság (Violation of market norms, business decisions and firms’ efficiency)
Authors: Wimmer Ágnes
Published: March 2021

Az üzleti vállalkozások környezetére vonatkozó előfeltevések és ezek érvényesülése keretet szab az üzleti döntésekhez és hat a teljesítményre. A cikkben (a feltételezett, illetve elvárt) piaci normák sérülésének hatékonysági következményeit vizsgálja a szerző. Kiindulásként értelmezi a vállalati hatékonyság fogalmát és külső befolyásoló tényezőit. Ezt követően rendszerezi a nem normasértő üzleti döntéshozók lehetséges válaszait a piaci szereplők (versenytársak, üzleti partnerek) normasértéseire, kitérve arra is, hogy ez milyen hatást gyakorol a hatékonyságra. _______ The decisions and the performance of business corporations are not independent of their environment. The assumed norms provide a framework for the business decisions and the existing norms affect the firms’ performance. The article focuses on the efficiency consequences of the violation of the market norms. It presents the concept of corporate efficiency and its influencing factors. Then the decision makers’ possible answers to the violation of norms are investigated and the efficiency consequences are analyzed.
Vállalatok társadalmi felelősségvállalása hatékonysági vonzatok
Authors: Matolay Réka
Published: March 2021

Az érintettekkel való együttműködésen alapuló vállalati társadalmi felelősségvállalás (corporate social responsibility, CSR) hatékonysági előnyökkel kecsegtet, ám a gyakorlat ugyanígy a hatékonyságromlás kockázatával is jár. A szerző írásában összefoglalja, hogy melyek lehetnek a felelős működés vállalati hozadékai. Elemzésében bemutatja, hogy a CSR értelmezésének és kommunikációs gyakorlatának milyen jellegzetességei és kihívásai érhetők tetten.
Hatékony piac, hatékony beszerzés? Beszerzési döntések piacalakító hatásai
Authors: Vörösmarty Gyöngyi
Published: March 2021

A cikk a nagyvállalatok beszerzésében tapasztalható tendenciákat a közgazdaságtanból ismert hatékony piacok fogalmával a tökéletes versenyelméletének alapfeltételeivel való összevetésben elemzi. Kiemeli, hogy a tendenciák hatásaként a verseny logikailag a tökéletlen verseny felé mozdul el, melynek pozitív aspektusa, hogy az ellátási láncok együttműködő kapcsolatai a hatékonyság biztosításának számos esetben letéteményesei. A negatív következmények közé tartozik viszont, hogy a túlzott versenyeztetés hatására a piacok szereplőinek száma csökkenhet, az innováció alacsony szinten stagnálhat és az adóelkerülés felerősödhet.
Finding Hidden Treasures: Investigations in US Astronomical Plate Archives
Authors: Hudec René , Hudec Lukáš
Published: March 2021

We report here on an ongoing investigation of US astronomical plate archives and tests of the suitability of transportable scanning devices for in situ digitization of archival astronomical plates.
Classification of Variable Objects for Search for GRB Candidates on Bamberg Photographic Plates
Authors: Hudec René , Kopel Fabian , Macsics Robert , Hadwige Markus , Heber Ulrich , Cayé Walter
Published: March 2021

We report on an ongoing study based on blink-comparison of more than 5000 Bamberg Observatory Southern Sky Patrol Plates performed within a continuation of a student high school project (Jugend Forscht). After a detailed analyses and classification, 6 non-classified objects were identified as emulsion defects, 19 as asteroids, 37 as variable stars, and 6 as real OT-GRB candidates.
Czech Contribution to LOFT
Authors: Hudec René , Petráček Vojtěch , Šnita Dalimil
Published: March 2021

We describe the current status of the Czech contribution to the ESA LOFT space mission, with emphasis on technical aspects. Expertise available in the Czech Republic will play a positive role in the LOFT project and related developments.
Integration of the Watcher Telescope into the Sierra Stars Observatory Network – Lessons Learned for GLORIA
Authors: Topinka Martin , Hanlon Lorraine , Meehan Seamus
Published: March 2021

The UCD Watcher robotic telescope is planning to participate in the Sierra Stars Observatory Network (SSON), a US-based organisation that provides astronomical images upon request to subscribing users, who are typically either amateurs or university/college students. Implementing the tasks required for the integration of Watcher to SSON, such as remote scheduling, file transfer, image quality validation and the provision of meteorological information, have provided useful experience for the GLORIA project. It has also become apparent that managing user expectations will be important for GLORIA.
Luiza: Analysis Framework for GLORIA
Authors: Żarnecki Aleksander Filip , Piotrowski Lech Wiktor , Mankiewicz Lech , Małek Sebastian
Published: March 2021

The Luiza analysis framework for GLORIA is based on the Marlin package, which was originally developed for data analysis in the new High Energy Physics (HEP) project, International Linear Collider (ILC). The HEP experiments have to deal with enormous amounts of data and distributed data analysis is therefore essential. The Marlin framework concept seems to be well suited for the needs of GLORIA. The idea (and large parts of the code) taken from Marlin is that every computing task is implemented as a processor (module) that analyzes the data stored in an internal data structure, and the additional output is also added to that collection. The advantage of this modular approach is that it keeps things as simple as possible. Each step of the full analysis chain, e.g. from raw images to light curves, can be processed step-by-step, and the output of each step is still self consistent and can be fed in to the next step without any manipulation.