bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrategia universitaria interinstitucional de acompañamiento académico
Authors: Martínez-Camacho Nelly Yureima , Garay Garay Fredy Ramón , López Hernández Laura Amelia , Niño Rojas Francisco , Pico Sánchez Wilson , Rendon Fernández Margarita Rosa
Published: March 2021

This book is the result of the inter-institutional research project carried out by the Catholic University of Colombia and the University of La Salle. It presents an inter-institutional proposal for the improvement of tutorials as an academic support strategy for the tutoring programs in the areas of Mathematics and Chemistry of both universities. For achieving this, during a period of five years, a mixed research methodology was used. It began with the characterization of the programs based on the review of different documents, as well as the institutional results, and the articulation of these with the theory that founded them. It was found that the two departments of Basic Sciences have understood the tutoring sessions as a space for academic accompaniment in which they seek to improve the academic performance of students, and this as an indicator of learning. This support has been categorized, in both cases, by promoting actions related to the creation of a culture of autonomous work in students and one of participation from teachers. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was carried out between the implemented strategies. And, finally, the incidence of the academic accompaniment strategies was evaluated from the perspective analysis of the academic community.
The use of deep recurrent neural networks to predict performance of photovoltaic system for charging electric vehicles
Authors: Małek Arkadiusz , Marciniak Andrzej
Published: March 2021

Electric vehicles are fully ecological means of transport only when the electricity required to charge them comes from Renewable Energy Sources (RES). When building a photovoltaic carport, the complex of its functions must consider the power consumption necessary to charge an electric vehicle. The performance of the photovoltaic system depends on the season and on the intensity of the sunlight, which in turn depends on the geographical conditions and the current weather. This means that even a large photovoltaic system is not always able to generate the amount of energy required to charge an electric vehicle. The problem discussed in the article is maximization of the share of renewable energy in the process of charging of electric vehicle batteries. Deep recurrent neural networks (RNN) trained on the past data collected by performance monitoring system can be applied to predict the future performance of the photovoltaic system. The accuracy of the presented forecast is sufficient to manage the process of the distribution of energy produced from renewable energy sources. The purpose of the numerical calculations is to maximize the use of the energy produced by the photovoltaic system for charging electric cars.
Molecular, Electronic, Nonlinear Optical and Spectroscopic Analysis of Heterocyclic 3-Substituted-4-(3-methyl-2-thienylmethyleneamino)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ones: Experiment and DFT Calculations
Authors: Beytur Murat , Avinca Ihsan
Published: March 2021

In the present study, 3-p-methoxybenzyl/m-chlorobenzyl/phenyl-4-(3-methyl-2-thienylmethyleneamino)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ones were obtained from the reaction between 3-methylthiophene-2-carbaldehyde and three different 4-amino-(3-p-methoxybenzyl/m-chlorobenzyl/phenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-ones. In order to compare experimental and theoretical values, the geometric parameter, electronic, nonlinear optical properties, molecular electrostatic potentials and spectroscopic properties of 3-substituted-4-(3-methyl-2-thienylmethyleneamino)-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-ones have been simulated. The electronic properties of the newly synthesized compounds were calculated using DFT/B3LYP and DFT/B3PW91 methods revealing parameters such as ionization potential, electron affinity, energy gap, electronegativity, molecular hardness, molecular softness, electrophilic index, nucleophilic index and chemical potential, all obtained from HOMO and LUMO energies, dipole moments and total energies. UV-visible absorption spectra and the stimulation contributions in UV-visible transitions were obtained by using TD-DFT/B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) and TD-DFT/B3PW91/6-311G(d,p) methods in ethanol. The calculated absorption wavelengths, oscillator power and excitation energies were compared with experimental values. In line with DFT, the numbers of molecular vibration were analyzed through the basis set of 6-311G(d,p). The recording of FT-IR frequencies was done for the pertinent compound. The recorded frequencies through DFT/B3LYP and DFT/B3PW91 methods were compared to experimental values, with a result gained closest to the values of B3LYP. Finally, the Gaussian09W program package in DMSO phase, starting from the optimized structure, has been instrumental in calculating the 13C-NMR and 1H-NMR chemical shift values of the GIAO method.
Distributional Weights in Benefit-Cost Analysis: Examples from Rwanda and Uganda
Authors: Moss Charles B. , Schmitz Andrew
Published: March 2021

The question of how to allocate scarce agricultural research and development dollars is significant for developing countries. Historically, benefit/cost analysis has been the standard for comparing the relative benefits of alternative investments. We examine the potential of shifting the implicit equal weights approach to benefit/cost analysis, as well as how a systematic variation in welfare weights may affect different groups important to policy makers. For example, in the case of Rwandan coffee, a shift in the welfare weights that would favor small coffee producers in Rwanda over foreign consumers of Rwandan coffee would increase the support for investments in small producer coffee projects. Generally, changes in welfare weights alter the ordering for selecting investments across alternative projects.
Logic gates based on optical transistors
Authors: Gupta Naveen
Published: March 2021

In this paper a simple and novel scheme to develop optical logic gates for fast switching. This can be obtained by sending two laser beams coaxially through nonlinear media with saturating nonlinearity. The nonlinearity in the optical properties on the medium is assumed to be cubic quintic nonlinearity. Semianalytical solutions of the wave equations for the fields of incident laser beams have been obtained by using a variational formalism. Emphasis are put on dynamical variations of beam widths of the laser beams with distance of propagation through the medium. It has been found that the weak beam modulates the intensity variations of the strong beam that giving rise to the possibility of an optical transistor. Combinations of these optical transistors can further be used to obtain logic gates.
The Philadelphia surgery conference: a value analysis of a hands-on surgical skill-building event
Authors: DiPasquale Luke , Libera Robert , Do-Nguyen Chi Chi , Brehman Elizabeth , Tatagari Vishwant , Waring Heather , Appelt Denah , Sesso Arthur
Published: March 2021

Context

Limited opportunities exist to practice technical skills and to be exposed to various surgical specialties during preclinical medical education.

Objectives

To assess the value of workshop-based educational opportunities to medical students during preclinical training.

Methods

One hundred and 75 medical and physician assistant students from 10 medical schools attended the 2019 Philadelphia Surgery Conference. All students received STOP THE BLEED® bleeding control training and participated in four workshops, chosen from a list of 23, that demonstrated a variety of surgical skills. Data collection was accomplished using both a pre- and postconference survey to assess changes in confidence of personal capabilities, knowledge base, and opinions regarding preclinical medical training.

Results

Preconference survey results indicated low baseline confidence in personal surgical skills (mean [SD], 1.9 [1.0], on a Likert scale of 1–5), and knowledge of various surgical specialties (2.7 [1.0]). Students highly valued skill-building experiences (mean [SD], 4.2 [1.1]) and face-to-face interactions with resident and attending physicians (4.4 [0.9]). Postconference survey analysis demonstrated increased confidence in surgical ability by 52.6% (mean [SD], 2.9 [1.0]; p<0.001) and knowledge base by 34.6% (3.5 [0.8]; p<0.001). Value scores increased for both preclinical surgical skill-building opportunities (mean [SD], 4.4 [0.9]; p=0.014) and interactions with resident and attending physicians (4.7 [0.6]; p=0.002).

Conclusions

The Philadelphia Surgery Conference provided a highly valuable experience to participating students, increasing confidence in personal knowledge base and surgical skills while facilitating a collaboration between students and resident and attending physicians from various surgical specialties.
Karyotype is associated with timing of ovarian failure in women with Turner syndrome
Authors: Fitz Victoria W. , Law Jennifer R. , Peavey Mary
Published: March 2021

Objective

To characterize the age of ovarian failure in Turner Syndrome (TS) patients by karyotype.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of individuals with TS at an academic university hospital. Subjects were seen in TS Clinic at UNC Hospital between 2014 and 2018. Individuals were analyzed by karyotype category (45X, 45X/46XX mosaicism, miscellaneous) and percentage of 45X cells. Age at follicle-stimulating hormone> 30 was defined as the age at loss of ovarian function.

Results

A total of 79 patients were identified after excluding individuals with unknown ovarian function and those with Y chromosome material. Thirty-eight percent were 45X monosomic, 62% were 45X/46XX mosaic or miscellaneous karyotypes. Fifty-five of 79 (70%) patients had evidence of ovarian failure, median age of failure 11 years (IQR: 4,12). Ovarian failure was more prevalent among individuals with 45X karyotype (100%). The median age of ovarian failure for 45X patients (n=30) was 10 years old, which is significantly younger than other karyotypes (n=49), with a median of 15 years, p<0.01. Linear regression analysis found that 1 percentage point increase in 45X cells in the peripheral karyotype is associated with a 0.09 year decrease in age of ovarian failure (p value=0.01). Only 9% of individuals were referred for fertility counseling.

Conclusions

There is a lower prevalence of ovarian failure among individuals with mosaic TS karyotypes, and referral rate for fertility counseling of patients with TS is low. These findings are in line with published literature. The finding that percentage of 45X cells in peripheral karyotype is associated with earlier age of ovarian failure is novel and warrants further investigation in a larger prospective cohort.
Organisations as Computing Systems
Authors: Strohmaier David
Published: March 2021

Organisations are computing systems. The university’s sports centre is a computing system for managing sports teams and facilities. The tenure committee is a computing system for assigning tenure status. Despite an increasing number of publications in group ontology, the computational nature of organisations has not been recognised. The present paper is the first in this debate to propose a theory of organisations as groups structured for computing. I begin by describing the current situation in group ontology and by spelling out the thesis in more detail. I then present the example of a sports centre to illustrate why one might intuitively think of organisations as computing systems. To substantiate the thesis, I introduce Piccinini’s restrictive analysis of physical computation. As I show, organisations meet all criteria for being computing systems. Organisations are structured groups with the function of manipulating medium-independent vehicles according to rules. Furthermore, I argue for the modal claim that this is a necessary feature of organisations. Having sketched the computational account of organisations, I compare it to other proposals in the literature.
Everybody to Count for One? Inclusion and Exclusion in Welfare-Consequentialist Public Policy
Authors: Semple Noel
Published: March 2021

Which individuals should count in a welfare-consequentialist analysis of public policy? Some answers to this question are parochial, and others are more inclusive. The most inclusive possible answer is ‘everybody to count for one.’ In other words, all individuals who are capable of having welfare – including foreigners, the unborn, and non-human animals – should be weighed equally. This article argues that ‘who should count’ is a question that requires a two-level answer. On the first level, a specification of welfare-consequentialism serves as an ethical ideal, a claim about the attributes that the ideal policy would have. ‘Everybody to count for one’ might succeed on this level. However, on the second level is the welfare-consequentialist analysis procedure used by human analysts to give advice on real policy questions. For epistemic reasons, the analysis procedure should be more parochial than ‘everybody to count for one.’
Girls on YouTube: Gender Politics and the Potential for a Public Sphere
Authors: Szostak Natasha
Published: March 2021

YouTube is a massively popular video streaming website. It has become so ingrained in daily consciousness that it is almost difficult to conceive of a time in which it did not exist. YouTube’s slogan is “Broadcast Yourself.” It connotes a sense of freedom to be whoever you want to be and communicate this conceptualization of the self with the world. Vlogs, or video blogs, share the same function as a traditional diary except there is no assumption of privacy since the videos are uploaded publicly. Both men and women participate in the production of these videos. However, the experience of male and female YouTubers is quite different. The following paper will explore whether YouTube operates as a public sphere in light of the gender divide that appears to have formed on the site. The four objectives of the paper are as follows: to define the concept of the public sphere, to determine the factors that have contributed to a gender divide on YouTube by analyzing the gendered use of the medium, to examine the reception of the controversial “Girls on YouTube” video by female vloggers, and to evaluate whether YouTube operates as a public sphere in light of the findings of the preceding sections. Ultimately, this paper will give greater insight into whether new media offers the possibility for women's voices to be heard or if it is simply a remediation of older patriarchal technology.
Agonistic Justice: Difference and Persuasion in Political Theory
Authors: Lauretani Aaron
Published: March 2021

This paper is intended to engage the question of persuasion in a new way. Rather than isolating persuasion and examining its normative aspects independently, this paper situates persuasion alongside an understanding of difference. By understanding difference and persuasion together, the way we think of persuasion can be importantly transformed. If the conclusions of this paper are taken seriously, we will see that persuasion needs to be managed, rather than eliminated, yet not because of any external moral standard. Rather, the management of persuasion now follows from the necessity of persuasion as a supplement to impartial rationality. Normative questions about persuasion can now be understood as inextricably linked to the question of whether a theory understands and recognizes its own limitations; recognizes the difference within itself that precludes any chance of grounding questions in absolute answers. By recognizing that persuasion is a necessary structural feature of any rational theory, more meaningful conclusions about persuasion itself can be drawn.
The value of agenda-setting in media relations: Examining how the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative used agenda-setting to leverage its role as a policy actor in New Brunswick’s 2014 provincial election
Authors: Ryan Claire
Published: March 2021

This case study explores how and to what extent the Business Community Anti‑Poverty Initiative (BCAPI), in Saint John, New Brunswick, used agenda-setting in media relations leading up to the 2014 provincial election. Research, including interviews with three people involved with BCAPI, a literature review, an analysis of media coverage, and a review of BCAPI’s strategy, indicated that BCAPI proactively engaged the provincial daily print newspaper, the Telegraph-Journal, to help influence party platforms and public interest on poverty reduction and ultimately received $300,000 in provincial funding for its initiatives.
 
Keywords: media relations, agenda-setting, policy actors, framing, elections
Preface
Authors: Azmat Sadia
Published: March 2021

Preface
Preface
Authors: Clarke Matthew
Published: March 2021

Preface
Changes in Neuromuscular Status Across a Season of Professional Men's Ice Hockey
Authors: Gannon Edward A. , Higham Dean G. , Gardner Bryan W. , Nan Nan , Zhao Jiwei , Bisson Leslie J.
Published: March 2021

Gannon, EA, Higham, DG, Gardner, BW, Nan, N, Zhao, J, and Bisson, LJ. Changes in neuromuscular status across a season of professional men’s ice hockey. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1338–1344, 2021—To quantify changes in neuromuscular function over a full professional men's ice hockey season, 27 players (n = 18 forwards and 9 defensemen) performed 3 countermovement jumps (CMJ) each week over 30 sessions separated into 4 phases: preseason, early-season, midseason, and late-season. Outcome variables represented jump performance (jump height), kinematics (mean velocity and peak velocity), and movement strategy (countermovement depth). Mixed models characterized relationships between positional group, season phase, and CMJ outcomes. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Concentric peak velocity (p = 0.02), jump height (p = 0.001), and countermovement depth (p < 0.001) displayed a significant reduction across the season. Peak velocity was lower during the early-season than the preseason (−0.10 ± 0.06 m·s−1, mean change ± 95% confidence limit, p = 0.05). Countermovement depth was reduced during the early-season (−0.06 ± 0.03 m, p = 0.02), midseason (−0.10 ± 0.04 m, p = 0.002), and late-season (−0.15 ± 0.04 m, p < 0.001) relative to the preseason. Reductions in CMJ variables from preseason to in-season ranged from trivial to large. Changes in countermovement depth differed for forwards and defensemen by the season phase (p = 0.04). A professional ice hockey season decreases CMJ performance, with the effects of fatigue most prominent during the late-season phase. Countermovement depth was most sensitive to fatigue and differentiated positional-group responses. Frequent CMJ testing is useful for identifying the neuromuscular status of team-sport athletes relative to season-specific phases. Fatigue monitoring should incorporate movement-strategy variables alongside traditional measures of performance and kinematics.
Factors and conditions influencing the willingness of Irish consumers to try insects: a pilot study
Authors: Kane B. , Dermiki M.
Published: March 2021

Entomophagy is being explored as a sustainable food source in Western countries to combat the ever-increasing effects of climate change. Studies conducted in various European countries determine the factors affecting willingness to consume insects. The current study aims to gain the first insight on this topic in Ireland, a country with a long farming tradition. A survey including open- and closed-ended questions was developed and sent to students and staff of an institute of technology in the West of Ireland. The willingness to consume insects and the factors affecting willingness to consume them under different conditions were assessed. It was found that less neophobic males who do not follow a particular diet were most receptive to entomophagy. People who were willing to try insects were less willing if the insects were to be eaten whole. People who were not willing were more inclined to do so if they were disguised or used to feed livestock. Food neophobia, disgust and safety concerns were barriers to acceptance. Tasty products containing disguised insects in familiar foods are the most likely to be accepted. Education and taste tests are recommended first steps to introducing entomophagy. Using insects to feed livestock has the potential to improve acceptance of entomophagy by introducing insects in the supply chain. However, further research should be conducted to assess acceptance of this amongst Irish farmers. The current study agrees with findings of studies conducted in other European countries and reveals the conditions under which insects could become acceptable among Irish consumers.
El cuerpo, un universo de significados: la instrumentalización corporal en la web y la descorporeización en la escuela
Authors: Reales Moreno María Victoria , Gamboa Mora María Cristina
Published: March 2021

The body has been distorted and instrumentalized at school; This social phenomenon has grown in an “invisible” way and has gained strength in recent decades after the mastery of new technologies. The influence of the web on the reproduction of the bodily practices of young people has determined a new reading of education. It is no secret to anyone that new generations learn more from their interaction with new technologies than from the traditional classroom. However, unlimited access to various virtual experiences has triggered a phenomenon related to the body concept that will be the central interest of this research, which is in the initial phase and aims to demonstrate the mechanisms used by the web that affect the construction of a new concept of body in young people and the mobilization of a new idea of corporality in school. The research is exploratory and descriptive; content analysis and hermeneutics were implemented, which allow the interpretation of the phenomenon. The result of the first phase of the investigation related to the characterization of the phenomenon will be presented, which leaves as the most relevant conclusion so far the evidence of the instrumentalization of the body dimension that has been established largely with the immersion of new technologies and how these have transformed the body concept at school, thus influencing the teaching and learning processes.
Finding an Effective Way of Civil Dispute Resolution
Authors: Turkanova Vladyslava
Published: March 2021

The main purpose of this article is to analize the substance of the civil dispute and their effective settlement on the basis of an analysis of modern Ukrainian legal doctrine and legislation, as well as the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and national courts and taking into account modern approaches to dispute resolution in sociology and conflict.
The Principle of Judicial Independence in the Context of the Evolution of EU Law
Authors: Jarukaitis Irmantas , Morkūnaitė Monika
Published: March 2021

This article examines the significance and the content of the principle of judicial independence and its assurance based on Article 267 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 19 (1) of the Treaty on European Union. The interaction between these provisions is analysed in the context of the development of the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Evaluation of an Emergency Department High-risk Bruising Screening Protocol
Authors: Crumm Caitlin E. , Brown Emily C.B. , Thomas-Smith Siobhan , Yu Daniel T.Y. , Metz James B. , Feldman Kenneth W.
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this study was to describe the outcomes of implementing a high-risk bruise screening pathway in a pediatric emergency department (ED).

METHODS:

A retrospective observational study was performed of children aged 0 to <48 months who presented to the ED between December 1, 2016, and April 1, 2019, and had bruising that is high-risk for physical abuse on a nurse screening examination. A high-risk bruise was defined as any bruise if aged <6 months or a bruise to the torso, ears, or neck if aged 6 to <48 months. Records of children with provider-confirmed high-risk bruising were reviewed.

RESULTS:

Of the 49 726 age-eligible children presenting to the ED, 43 771 (88%) were screened for bruising. Seven hundred eighty-three (1.8%) of those children had positive screen results and 163 (0.4%) had provider-confirmed high-risk bruising. Of the 8635 infants aged <6 months who were screened, 48 (0.6%) had high-risk bruising and 24 of 48 (50%) were classified as cases of likely or definite abuse. Skeletal surveys were performed in 29 of 48 (60%) infants, and 11 of 29 (38%) had occult fracture. Of the 35 136 children aged 6 to <48 months who were screened, 115 of 35 136 (0.3%) had high-risk bruising and 32 of 115 (28%) were classified as cases of likely or definite abuse.

CONCLUSIONS:

High-risk bruising was rarely present. When infants aged <6 months were evaluated per recommendations, occult fracture was identified in one-third of patients. The screening pathway could help other institutions identify occult injuries in pediatric ED patients.
Concepción de la Psicoterapia. Aproximación Cualitativa desde la Teoría Fundamentada
Authors: Campo-Redondo Iglesias Maria Susana
Published: March 2021

El objetivo de esta investigación fue describir, cualitativamente y en profundidad, la concepción de la práctica de la psicoterapia en psicólogos venezolanos. Sobre la base de la teoría fundamentada, se procesaron las entrevistas realizadas a siete psicólogos con una experiencia profesional de al menos un lustro, con diversos enfoques terapéuticos en sus prácticas clínicas. Los resultados revelan que los entrevistados conciben la psicoterapia como un proceso basado en una relación que conduce al crecimiento personal, tanto del paciente como del terapeuta, por lo que la dimensión intersubjetiva y relacional —aunque asimétrica— está implícita en su práctica clínica. Se determinó que, de acuerdo con sus experiencias, el éxito del proceso psicoterapéutico depende del establecimiento de una positiva relación terapéutica, porque esta favorece el surgimiento de aspectos íntimos y subjetivos del paciente en el proceso terapéutico. Se concluye que la dimensión intersubjetiva en el proceso psicoterapéutico es esencial y debe estar presente en la conceptualización de la psicoterapia.
 
Cómo citar este artículo: Campo-Redondo, M. (2021). Concepción de la Psicoterapia. Aproximación Cualitativa desde la Teoría Fundamentada. Revista Colombiana de Psicología, 30(1), 47-61. https://doi.org/10.15446/rcp.v30n1.78535
Yoga in Modern Hinduism: Hariharananda Aranya and Samkhyayoga, by Knut A. Jacobsen
Authors: McCartney Patrick
Published: March 2021

Yoga in Modern Hinduism: Hariharananda Aranya and Samkhyayoga, by Knut A. Jacobsen. London: Routledge, 2018. 242 pp., £97.99 (hb). ISBN 978-1-13808-059-1.
Acute cough in children and adolescents: A systematic review and a practical algorithm by the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
Authors: Marseglia Gian Luigi , Manti Sara , Chiappini Elena , Brambilla Ilaria , Caffarelli Carlo , Calvani Mauro , Cardinale Fabio , Cravidi Claudio , Duse Marzia , Martelli Alberto , Minasi Domenico , Del Giudice Michele Miraglia , Pajno Giovanni , Peroni Diego G. , Tosca Maria Angela , Licari Amelia , Ciprandi Giorgio
Published: March 2021

The current systematic review presented and discussed the most recent studies on acute cough in pediatric age. After that, the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology elaborated a comprehensive algorithm to guide the primary care approach to pediatric patients, such as infants, children, and adolescents, with acute cough. An acute cough is usually consequent to upper respiratory tract infections and is self-resolving within a few weeks. However, an acute cough may be bothersome, and therefore remedies are requested, mainly by the parents. An acute cough may significantly affect the quality of life of patients and their family.Several algorithms for the management of acute cough have been adopted and validated in clinical practice; however, unlike the latter, we developed an algorithm focused on pediatric age, and, also, in accordance to the Italian National Health System, which regularly follows the child from birth to all lifelong. Based on our findings, infants from 6 months, children, and adolescents with acute cough without cough pointers can be safely managed using well-known medications, preferably non-sedative agents, such as levodropropizine and/or natural compounds, including honey, glycerol, and herb-derived components.
Do gender and puberty influence allergic diseases?
Authors: Secco Rosário Cristine , Alves Cardozo Cristina , Chong Neto Herberto José , Rosário Filho Nelson  Augusto
Published: March 2021

Differences between biological sex, gender identity, and their impact on health may have significant implications for the prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of several diseases, including allergies. Asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), atopic dermatitis (AD), and allergic conjunctivitis (AC) have different prevalences and different risk factors in infancy. Although boys present allergies more often in childhood, it quickly changes during girls’ sexual development, leading to lifelong female predominance of allergic diseases. This can be explained by the influence of sexual hormones, different lifestyles adopted by men and women, microbiota diversity, diet distinctions, professional options, and adherence to treatment, among others. Gender-related aspects should become essential parameters in allergology to diagnostic and therapeutic stratification, associated with molecular, genetic, and epigenetic patterns. Longitudinal studies would be interesting to evaluate possible mechanisms underlying these differences in prevalence. Sex- and gender-specific observations beyond 14 years of age are scarce and further allergic multimorbidity studies in different populations, especially in adults, are necessary.
Aqueous intradermal low-dose house dust mite immunotherapy in tropical settings: a valid cost-effective approach for developing nations?
Authors: Rondon Cinthya , Sánchez-Borges Mario , Risquez Cupello Eliana , Fabiano Fabiola , Capriles Hulett Arnaldo
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Aqueous allergen injections, an effective and century-old technique, is considered a second-line approach in daily clinical practice. Inconveniences still surround conventional subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) administration, such as a need for frequent injections, prolonged up-dosing schedules, elevated costs, and the unlikely possibility of a systemic reaction. The intradermal immunotherapy route (IDR) might favorably impact many of the aforementioned issues (Table 1). House dust mite (HDM) allergens are the main perennial sensitizers in the tropics, and as such, are solely employed in immunotherapy treatments.
Methods: We carried out a year-long real-life study in 25 perennial allergic rhinitis children, symptomatic on exposure to house dust, employing an intradermal low-dose allergen mix consisting of 50 ng of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus/Dermatophagoides farinae and 120 ng of Blomia tropicalis, under a unique cost-wise protocol. Basal symptoms/signs and face Visual Analog Scale (fVAS) scores were recorded for 2 weeks and later compared with those registered throughout the 1-year treatment. Serum-specific IgG4 and IL-10 levels were employed in the assessment of the immune responses.Results: Symptoms/signs and fVAS scores were significantly reduced from days 42 and 49, respectively, and remained so until treatment completion. Increases in specific IgG4’s and IL-10 levels reflected significant immune responses. Injections were well tolerated and families reported improved health status (quality of life, QoL).Conclusions: A unique cost-effective immunotherapy alternative for deprived allergic communities in tropical settings is depicted; further research is needed.
Antibodies to Der p 1 and Der p 2 in allergic patients
Authors: Harumi Cruz Renata , Hideki Ynoue Leandro , Sanchez Aranda Carolina , Solé Dirceu , Condino Neto Antonio
Published: March 2021

Introduction and objectives: Atopic individuals are characterized by increased IgE production and Th2 response if exposed to certain antigens. It is known that the mother transfers antimite antibodies to the fetus and newborn, IgG thru the placenta, and IgA thru breastfeeding, but it is not clear whether there is a protective mechanism mediated by them concerning the development of future allergies. This study aimed to compare the levels of IgA, IgG, and IgE antibodies specific to Der p 1 and Der p 2 between atopic and healthy individuals.Methods: Serum samples of 98 patients and 44 healthy controls were subjected to quantification for specific IgE, IgG, and IgA antibodies against Der p 1 and Der p 2 by ImmunoCap® and ELISA, and subjected to statistical analysis as indicated.Results: Atopic patients had higher serum levels of IgE, IgG, and IgA specific to Der p 1 and Der p 2. The correlation was more robust between IgE and IgG antibodies.Conclusions: Allergic patients produce higher levels of antibodies against Der p 1 and Der p 2 compared with healthy individuals. The mechanisms involved still require detailed studies.
Novel BTK mutation in X-linked agammaglobulinemia: Report of a 17-year-old male
Authors: Shaka Zoha , Mojtabavi Helia , Rayzan Elham , Zoghi Samaneh , Shahkarami Sepideh , Heredia Raul Jimenez , Sedighi Iraj , Boztug Kaan , Rezaei Nima
Published: March 2021

Introduction and objectives: X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), the first known primary immunodeficiency, is caused by rare mutations in Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) gene. Mutations in the BTK gene lead to a failure in the development and maturation of B-cell linage. A decreased number of B-cells results in agammaglobulinemia and increased susceptibility to a variety of infections. Therefore, patients with XLA usually manifest with repetitive bacterial infections, such as upper respiratory tract infections, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and urinary tract infections, since their infancy.
Patients: We report a 17-year-old Iranian boy with XLA, referred to us with a history of severe and recurrent episodes of bacterial infections for a period of six years.
Results: Genetic analysis using the whole Exome sequencing revealed a hemizygous missense mutation in the BTK gene (c.428 A > T, p.His143Leu).
Conclusion: To our knowledge, c.428 A > T has not been reported in the BTK gene.
Microbiological profile in chronic granulomatous disease patients in a single Brazilian primary immunodeficiency center
Authors: Bifulco Oliveira Aimée Filippini , Pastorino Antonio Carlos , Barros Dorna Mayra de , Moschione Castro Ana Paula Beltran , Mendes Pegler José Roberto , Morgenstern Beni , Carneiro-Sampaio Magda Maria Sales
Published: March 2021

Background: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare primary immunodeficiency. Infections of lung, skin, lymph nodes, and liver are the hallmark of CGD and frequently the initial manifestation of the disease. The aim of the present paper is to describe the sites of infections and their causative agents in 38 pediatric patients with CGD.
Methods: This retrospective, single-center cohort study included CGD patients followed at the allergy and immunology unit of a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil over the last 40 years. Sites of infections and their causative agents were described.
Results: Thirty-eight patients were included (36 males). The median age of onset of symptoms was 45 days (ranging from 7 days–7 years), and the median age at diagnosis was 23 months (ranging from 1 month–12 years). In all, 31.6% of the patients reported a family history of child deaths and 21% (eight cases) had another male family member with CGD. The most common infections were pneumonia (81.6%), skin infections (50.0%), adenitis (42.1%), and liver abscess (23.7%); 188 cultures were positive (85.6% bacteria; 14.4% fungi). The most prevalent bacterial agents were Staphylococcus sp. (12.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (11.2%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.3%). Aspergillus sp. and Candida sp. were 56% and 22.2% of the isolated fungi, respectively. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated in 5.6% and Mycobacterium bovis in one patient (0.9%).
Conclusion: Staphylococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus sp. were the most frequent agents found in this cohort. M. tuberculosis should be considered in endemic area. Detection of infectious agents drives to the adequate treatment and benefits the evolution of patients with CGD.
THE MECHANISMS OF SMART MANAGEMENT FOR INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES
Authors:   V.A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences of the RAS, Burkov Vladimir , Loginovskiy Oleg ,   South Ural State University, Dranko Oleg ,   Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Hollay Alexander ,   South Ural State University
Published: March 2021

In this article you can find some mathematical models of the smart management mechanisms that can be used in the organizational system of management of production corporations. The following mechanisms can be used to improve the management effectiveness of this system: the resource-allocating mechanism (the mechanism of direct priorities, the reverse priorities, the competitive mechanism, the mechanism of open management); the mechanism of active expertise (the mechanism of averaging experts' opinions, mechanisms based on median schemes); the mechanism of domestic prices; cost-cutting pricing and taxation mechanisms; the supply chain optimization mechanism; the assortment selection mechanism; incentive mechanisms (incentives for individual results, collective results, and the brigade payment mechanism); integrated mechanisms.
Changes in the expression of HLA-DR on lymphocyte subpopulations of spouses having children with sporadic congenital heart defects without chromosomal diseases, under the influence of female’s autoserum
Authors: Shabaldin A. V. , Grivtsova S. V. , Deeva N. S. , Shmulevich S. A. , Tsepokina A. V. , Anikeenko A. A. , Shabaldina E. V. , Vavin G. V.
Published: March 2021

This study is aimed to investigate the effect of female autoserum on the HLA-DR expression in various subpopulations of lymphocytes obtained from spouses with children with sporadic congenital heart defects without chromosomal diseases. 78 married couples with children with congenital heart disease were included in the study group. The control group was formed from 35 married couples with healthy children. The immune response in a mixed culture of lymphocytes of spouses was evaluated by an increased HLA-DR expression in a mixed culture in relation to spontaneous cultures of lymphocytes. Primary staining of female and male lymphocytes by monoclonal antibodies to CD45 conjugated with various fluorescent dyes (PC-5 and PC-7) was performed to assess the immune response of female lymphocytes to male ones and vice versa. The activating effect of female autoserum on all subpopulations of female lymphocytes simultaneously occurred significantly less frequently in the study group compared to the control. The control group was characterized by the domination of the positive effect of female autoserum on HLA-DR expression for all subpopulations of female lymphocyte. For all female lymphocytes having HLA-DR molecule on its membrane, the blocking effect of female autoserum in the study group was significantly more expressed in relation to the control group. Thus, the effect of female autoserum is manifested in relation to the HLA-DR expression on its own lymphocytes, but not on the lymphocytes of the spouse.
Effect of β-alanine on humoral immune response in low-dose allergy model
Authors: Chudakov D. B. , Kotsareva O. D. , Tsaregorotseva D. S. , Kashirina E. I. , Fattakhova G. V.
Published: March 2021

At the present time, the efforts of many research groups around the world are aimed at finding new factors triggering the allergic sensitization process linked with IgE synthesis to harmless allergens. According to the recent data, production of tissue cytokines is induced in tissue cells by alarmins, thus, in turn, eliciting pro-allergic immune response. Previously we have shown that β-alanine could be a potential alarmin capable to stimulate production of tissue cytokines. The aim of this work was to determine the impact of β-alanine on humoral immune response in low-dose allergy model. BALB/c mice were immunized by recombinant Asp f 2 protein or commercial ovalbumin (OVA) in the withers 3 times a week with or without β-alanine supplementation. To determine the mechanism of β-alanine effect, α-L-alanine, an isomer which is not MrgD receptor ligand, and β-aminoisobutyrate with β-alanine-like affinity to MrgD ligand, were compared. According to our data, β-alanine stimulated specific IgE and IgG1 production in a short-term course (7 immunizations) and enhanced antibody affinity after long-term (14 immunizations) protocol in the case of low-immunogenic protein Asp f 2. In the case of high-immunogenic OVA protein, the impact of β-alanine was significant only upon antibody affinity. Hence, β-alanine accelerates specific IgE production in the case of low-immunogenic protein. The impact of β-alanine on specific IgE production was not linked to specific MrgD receptor activation, because β-aminoisobutyrate, which is the other ligand of this receptor, did not have a similar effect upon humoral immune response. The effect of β-alanine on IgG1 production seems also independent of MrgD receptor, since the common proteinogenic amino acid α-L-alanine also enhanced specific IgG1 production. The effect of β-alanine on humoral immune response could be linked to its non-specific action, e.g., due to its ability to induce oxidative stress through blocking taurine transporter, or due to its ability to stimulate cellular metabolism.
Second ethical comments towards COVID-19 (one year later)
Authors: Kubar O. I. , Bichurina M. A. , Romanenkova N. I.
Published: March 2021

At the beginning of COVID-19 development, when social vulnerability in the face of the global infectious threat became obvious, we presented target information on a key civilizational issue — the role of ethics in epidemic emergencies. The compliance of RF legislation and the world ethical standards analyzed on based on the study of the humanitarian heritage of pandemic management and a review of existing international documents. Today, one year later, it is time to practically evaluate the effectiveness of the ideology of ethical commitment and objectively comprehend the conflicts that have arisen, their causes and consequences. It should be emphasized that this work is not a so-called “moral lesson learned from COVID-19”, but representation of a real picture of how the centuries-old experience of former epidemics and pandemics was taken into account and the unique truth of the ethical content of management decisions and actions was accepted. It is particularly important to have a possibility to present this article as a continuation of our research topic on the bioethics of pandemics, on the pages of such an authoritative, specialized journal, which fully allows us to preserve the integrity of ideas about the humanitarian essence of anti-epidemic measures. This humanitarian parallel starts from the moment of managing a particular patient with infectious pathology until large-scale measures for eradication vaccine-preventable diseases. A comprehensive and dynamic look at the need to find ways and the nature of overcoming ethical conflicts during the ongoing pandemic of the new coronavirus infection could determine the ethical approach of longterm recommendations in the field of public health protection and ensure the stability of social trust in the future.
Influence of Uniaxial Pressure on the Characteristics of Lamb and SH-wave Propagation in LiNbO₃ Crystalline Plates
Authors: Burkov Sergey I. , Pletnev Oleg N. , Turchin Pavel P. , Zolotova Olga P. , Sorokin Boris P.
Published: March 2021

Theoretical study of uniaxial pressure influence on the propagation characteristics of Lamb and SH-waves in lithium niobate plate is carried out. Electromechanical coupling coefficients and controlling coefficients of the pressure influence on phase velocity are calculated in various directions. Transformation and hybridization of acoustic modes upon a pressure influence have been derived in details. PACS: 43.25.Fe; 43.35.Cg; 77.65.-j
Ring Current Proton Dynamics Driven by Wave-Particle Interactions During a Nonstorm Period
Authors: Smolin Sergei V.
Published: March 2021

Modeling of pitch angle scattering of ring current protons at interaction with electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves during a nonstorm period was considered very seldom. Therefore it is used correlated observation of enhanced electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves and dynamic evolution of ring current proton flux collected by Cluster satellite near the location L = 4.5 during March 26–27, 2003, a nonstorm period (Dst > –10 nT). Energetic (5–30 keV) proton fluxes are found to drop rapidly (e.g., a half hour) at lower pitch angles, corresponding to intensified EMIC wave activities. As mathematical model is used the non-stationary one-dimensional pitch angle diffusion equation which allows to compute numerically density of phase space or pitch angle distribution of the charged particles in the Earth’s magnetosphere. The model depends on time t, a local pitch angle and several parameters (the mass of a particle, the energy, the McIlwain parameter, the magnetic local time or geomagnetic eastern longitude, the geomagnetic activity index, parameter of the charged particle pitch angle distribution taken for the 90 degrees pitch angle at t = 0, the lifetime due to wave–particle interactions). This model allows numerically to estimate also for different geophysical conditions a lifetime due to wave–particle interactions. It is shown, that EMIC waves can yield decrements in proton flux within 30 minutes, consistent with the observational data. The good consent is received. Comparison of results on full model for the pitch angle range from 0 up to 180 degrees and on the model for the 90 degrees pitch angle is lead. For a perpendicular differential flux of the Earth’s ring current protons very good consent with the maximal relative error approximately 3.23 % is received
Spiritualreligiosity in the Workplace between Media and Organizational Logics: A French Perspective
Authors: Tudor Mihaela-Alexandra
Published: March 2021

This exploratory research focuses on how mainstream media apprehends religion in the workplace in the specific French socio-cultural and ideological framing through the media coverage analysis of the French Observatory of Religious Phenomenon in Organization’s annual survey, published in September 2018. Findings reveal that media operates with a meaning of religion still subject to a conception of laicitythat corroborate antagonism between science and religion onthe one hand, and, secularization as an indicator of transition from traditional society to modern society on the other hand. Managers and companies implicitly use a more elastic meaning, in accordance with the specificities of the workplace and labor market that has integrated a more deinstitutionalizing vision of religion, in the context of the emergence of new religious representations in touch with alternative spiritualities.