bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic changes of psychrotrophic bacterial populations in Algerian refrigerated raw cow milk
Authors: BOUCHAIR K , BOUBENDIR A , SERRER A
Published: April 2021

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the microbial dynamic changes in raw cow milk during refrigeration. Milk samples were collected from two dairy farms situated in basin and mountain areas in the region of Mila, Algeria. Cold storage of milk samples at 4 °C was used to promote psychrotrophic microbial growth during 10 days. The microbial flora of milk was determined by culture methods and the identification of bacterial isolates was carried using cultural, morphological and biochemical criteria. The variations in total viable count and kinetic parameters of microbial growth were analyzed during refrigeration using Baranyi and Roberts Model. The initial microbial counts ranged from 2.94 ±0.04 to 3.87 ±0.11 log CFU * mL-1 and the maximum growth did not exceed 7.00 ±0.12 log CFU * mL-1. The hygienic limit was surpassed after 2 days in the basin farm and later after 6 days in mountain farm. The generation time varied from 1.20 ±0.55 to 4.18 ±0.22 days in the basin farm and mountain farm respectively. The psychrotrophic bacterial populations were identified as Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Chryseobacterium, Enterococcus and Lactobacillus. The notable delay in microbial growth in milk from the mountain farm compared to the one from basin could be related to indoor/outdoor feeding mode adopted in mountain opposed to indoor feeding in the basin farm. This prolonged shelf-life suggests the possible presence of antimicrobial molecules coming from plants grazed around the farm and the selection in the microbiota of some microbial species with antagonist potential.
Testing the Infrastructure of Wiredu’s Non-Party Democracy
Authors: Ani Emmanuel Ifeanyi
Published: April 2021

Kwasi Wiredu’s proposal of a non-party system of democracy argues that we should have political associations rather than political parties. It advocates cooperation and consensus between these associations and encourages the removal or reduction of some constraints of the multi-party system, such as periodic elections. A critic has argued that this proposal is a recipe for despotism, whilst a supporter has stated that the critic misreads Wiredu’s statements. I attempt to resolve the disagreement by subjecting Wiredu’s non-party infrastructure to a test, a thought experiment that examines the consequences of having this system run by persons with the worst possible intentions. The outcome is that Wiredu’s non-party polity is too poorly equipped to protect us from the damages accruable from the unrestricted rule of such persons. Parties and elections could only be eliminated if supplanted by a political infrastructure that secures a more productive and moral leadership.
Stabilność systemu międzynarodowego – wybrane ujęcia i problemy
Authors: Krzyżanowska-Skowronek Iwona
Published: April 2021

Stability of the International System – Selected Issues and Approaches

Classical theoretical concepts offer many possibilities for study the issue of stability of the international system. Therefore, the article presents a brief analysis of the development of this research, but focuses only on selected theoretical models. Despite the constant creation of new concepts and attempts to formalize research on this question, it was not possible to develop common solutions or conclusions. Numerous cognitive problems either resulted from the preliminary assumptions or were a consequence of using simplified research models. That is why theorists, while analyzing the same problems connected with achieving stability at the level of the international system, so often came to different or even opposite conclusions. The aim of this article is to show the diversity of research on stability of the international system, to present some achievements and to try to diagnose the main problems of the discussed theoretical concepts.
Talking it through
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: April 2021

This is the final article in the series introducing mindfulness, outlining creative activities which encourage children to express their thoughts and anxieties, collaborate and achieve a sense of calm.
…fun that is funny
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: April 2021

The books of Dr Seuss are a fantastic springboard for children to practise repeating refrains and having a go at reading and writing rhymes and missing words. It's all about having ‘lots of good fun that is funny’.
Early-Middle Frasnian (Late Devonian) carbon isotope Event in the Timan-Pechora Basin (Chernyshev Swell, Pymvashor River section, North Cis-Urals, Russia)
Authors: Kotik Ivan S. , Zhuravlev Andrey V. , Maydl Tatyana V. , Bushnev Dmitry A. , Smoleva Irina V.
Published: April 2021

Details of the Early-Middle Frasnian boundary interval of the Pymvashor River section (Timan-Pechora Basin, Cis-Urals, in the far north of European Russia) are revealed by biostratigraphically constrained carbonate (δ13Ccarb) and organic carbon (δ13Corg) stable data. The studied interval corresponds to the lower part of the Domanik Formation, which consists of interbedded limestone and shale beds. Organic-rich black shale that lacks bioturbation and benthic organisms indicates an oxygen-depleted depositional environment. Detection of isorenieratene derivatives in organic matter indicates that anoxia was present in the photic zone during deposition. The Pymvashor River section contains δ13Ccarb and δ13Corg isotope records related to the Early-Middle Frasnian isotope Event. The similarity between the Cis-Uralian (this study) and the Chinese δ13Ccarb and δ13Corg oscillations, including the twostep pattern of the recorded major positive excursions, suggests a robust correlation of the Late Devonian Early- Middle Frasnian isotope Event and minor intra-event excursions. Magnitude of variations and values of δ13Corg and δ13Ccarb in the punctata Zone in the Pymvashor River section are minor than those observed in the North American, Polish, and Chinese successions. Such difference may reflect specific variation of the local environments.
Variacions en les habilitats dels trastorns del llenguatge en etapa infantil: marc teòric i aplicació a la intervenció
Authors: Igualada Alfonso
Published: April 2021

Introducció.
Enllaços d'interès
Authors: Gresa Barbero Deva
Published: April 2021

Enllaços d'interès.
Recull de premsa
Authors: Gresa Barbero Deva
Published: April 2021

Recull de premsa.
La memòria implícita i el trastorn del desenvolupament de llenguatge
Authors: Ahufinger Nadia , Ferinu Laura , Andreu Llorenç , Sanz-Torrent Mònica
Published: April 2021

El trastorn del desenvolupament del llenguatge o TDL és un trastorn caracteritzat per una dificultat severa i persistent en l’expressió i la comprensió del llenguatge que afecta aproximadament un 7% de la població infantil. Tot i ser un trastorn molt prevalent, encara no en sabem la causa. Al llarg dels anys i amb les investigacions fetes per intentar-ne conèixer les possibles causes, s’han posat sobre la taula diferents teories explicatives sobre el trastorn passant des d’algunes de caire innatista fins d’altres de relacionades amb el cognitivisme. L’objectiu d’aquest article és exposar els avenços que s’han dut a terme a partir d’estudis amb infants amb TDL durant els darrers vint anys amb relació als possibles dèficits relacionats amb la memòria implícita en aquesta població. Aquests estudis es van començar a dur a terme després del sorgiment de l’anomenada hipòtesi del dèficit procedimental o PDH (Ullman i Pierpont 2005) en la qual se suggereix que els infants amb TDL presenten dificultats per portar a terme tasques que requereixen la memòria implícita. És a dir, en el procés d’extreure coneixements abstractes de patrons estadístics, càlculs probabilístics o procedimentals de manera inconscient que es relacionarien amb els dèficits lingüístics característics del trastorn.
Pupil-modulation ghost phase imaging
Authors: Ito Takafumi , Komuro Koshi , Nomura Takanori
Published: April 2021

Computational ghost imaging (CGI) allows us to reconstruct images under a low signal-to-noise-ratio condition. However, CGI cannot retrieve phase information; it is unsuitable for observation of transparent objects such as living cells. A phase imaging method with CGI architecture is proposed. The proposed method realizes phase imaging with a simple optical setup by introducing pupil modulation differential phase contrast (PMDPC) to CGI. In PMDPC, phase information can be obtained from intensity distributions, which have phase gradient information, and its optical setup is similar to that of CGI. Therefore, the two methods are highly compatible, and the introduction of PMDPC to CGI can be easily achieved. Numerical simulation and an optical experiment demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed method.
Phasor-based image segmentation: machine learning clustering techniques
Authors: Vallmitjana Alex , Torrado Belén , Gratton Enrico
Published: April 2021

The phasor approach is a well-established method for data visualization and image analysis in spectral and lifetime fluorescence microscopy. Nevertheless, it is typically applied in a user-dependent manner by manually selecting regions of interest on the phasor space to find distinct regions in the fluorescence images. In this paper we present our work on using machine learning clustering techniques to establish an unsupervised and automatic method that can be used for identifying populations of fluorescent species in spectral and lifetime imaging. We demonstrate our method using both synthetic data, created by sampling photon arrival times and plotting the distributions on the phasor plot, and real live cells samples, by staining cellular organelles with a selection of commercial probes.
Realization of doubly inhomogeneous waveplates for structuring of light beams
Authors: Radhakrishna B. , Kadiri Gururaj , Raghavan G.
Published: April 2021

Waveplates having spatially varying fast-axis orientation and retardance provide an elegant and easy way to locally manipulate different attributes of light beams, namely, polarization, amplitude, and phase, leading to the generation of exotic structured light beams. The fabrication of such doubly inhomogeneous waveplates (d-plates) is more complex, compared with that of singly inhomogeneous waveplates (s-plates) having uniform retardance, which can be easily fabricated by different means such as photoalignment of liquid crystals, metasurfaces, etc. Here, exploiting the SU(2) formalism, we establish analytically that any d-plate can be equivalently implemented using a pair of quarter-wave s-plates and a half-wave s-plate. To underline the scope of this method, we propose novel d-plates toward complex amplitude shaping and also for imparting a polarization-dependent phase profile to a scalar light beam. For these two illustrations, the corresponding three-s-plate gadget is constructed, and its functioning is validated with extensive numerical simulations. The main result and its illustrations are generic and agnostic to the way the s-plates are fabricated, and we believe they carry the potential to push the current state of the art in interdisciplinary applications involving structured light beams.
Avoiding organelle mutational meltdown across eukaryotes with or without a germline bottleneck
Authors: Edwards David M. , Røyrvik Ellen C. , Chustecki Joanna M. , Giannakis Konstantinos , Glastad Robert C. , Radzvilavicius Arunas L. , Johnston Iain G.
Published: April 2021

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and plastid DNA (ptDNA) encode vital bioenergetic apparatus, and mutations in these organelle DNA (oDNA) molecules can be devastating. In the germline of several animals, a genetic “bottleneck” increases cell-to-cell variance in mtDNA heteroplasmy, allowing purifying selection to act to maintain low proportions of mutant mtDNA. However, most eukaryotes do not sequester a germline early in development, and even the animal bottleneck remains poorly understood. How then do eukaryotic organelles avoid Muller’s ratchet—the gradual buildup of deleterious oDNA mutations? Here, we construct a comprehensive and predictive genetic model, quantitatively describing how different mechanisms segregate and decrease oDNA damage across eukaryotes. We apply this comprehensive theory to characterise the animal bottleneck with recent single-cell observations in diverse mouse models. Further, we show that gene conversion is a particularly powerful mechanism to increase beneficial cell-to-cell variance without depleting oDNA copy number, explaining the benefit of observed oDNA recombination in diverse organisms which do not sequester animal-like germlines (for example, sponges, corals, fungi, and plants). Genomic, transcriptomic, and structural datasets across eukaryotes support this mechanism for generating beneficial variance without a germline bottleneck. This framework explains puzzling oDNA differences across taxa, suggesting how Muller’s ratchet is avoided in different eukaryotes.
Three corrections for overshoot effect improved the dose for step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiation therapy
Authors: Yu Chun-Yen , Wan Shih-Wen , Weng Yih-Chyang , Hsu Ching-Han
Published: April 2021

We measured the overshoot effect in a linac and reduced it using block correction, reverse-sequence correction, and index correction. A StarTrack detector was used on a Varian iX. Five segments, 1 × 10 cm2 in area, were designed; the centers were at −4, −2, 0, 2, and 4 cm on the x axis for measuring the overshoot effect on a 10 × 10 cm2 collimator setting. Block correction was applied to two segments. The first was on the new first segment at −6 cm, and the other was on the new last segment at 6 cm. Both two new segments were obtained from the 10 × 10 cm2 collimator setting. The order of segments was reversed in reverse-sequence correction. Reverse-sequence correction averages the dose at every segment after two irradiations. When we used MLC Shaper, index correction reduced the first segment’s index (cumulative radiation occupation) by 60% and increased the last segment’s radiation occupation by 60% in a new MLC.log file. As for relative dose, the first segment had an overdose of 52.4% and the last segment had an underdose of 48.6%, when irradiated at 1 MU at 600 MU/min. The relative doses at the first segment, irradiated at 1 MU, after block correction, reverse-sequence correction, and index correction were applied decreased from 152.5% to 95.1%, 104.8%, and 100.1%, respectively. The relative doses at the last segment, irradiated at 1 MU, after block correction, reverse-sequence correction, and index correction were applied increased from 48.6% to 97.3%, 91.1%, and 95.9%, respectively. The overshoot effect depended on the speed of irradiation. High irradiation speeds resulted in notable overdosing and underdosing at the first and last segments, respectively. The three corrections mitigated the overshoot effect on dose. To save time and effort, the MLC.log file should be edited with a program in the future.
City size based scaling of the urban internal nodes layout
Authors: Feng Wenhan , Li Bayi , Chen Zebin , Liu Peng
Published: April 2021

The size of a city is not only essential for depicting the scale of the urban system, but also crucial to support the prosperity, order, and high-speed developments. However, its relation to the underlying urban structure has not been empirically investigated in detail. To examine the impact of city size on the city structure and quantify structural features, in this study, a statistical analysis was performed based on network science and an interdisciplinary theoretical system. To obtain the statistical law of internal node layout, the urban system was regarded as a complete graph weighted by the Euclidean distance. The relationship between the urban internal nodes layout (points of interest data, Weibo check-in data, and central point of road intersection data) and the city size was established. The results confirmed the existence of statistical laws in the layout of urban spatial elements, and explored the relationship between the changes in urban node network structure and inequality. This study provided a new perspective of urban structure to understand the complexity of the city, and suggested an approach to adjust this structure to narrow down the gap between the urban and rural areas.
Hierarchical modelling of factors associated with the practice and perpetuation of female genital mutilation in the next generation of women in Africa
Authors: Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Morhason-Bello Imran Oludare , Kareem Yusuf Olushola , Idemudia Erhabor Sunday
Published: April 2021

Despite a total prohibition on the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), young girls continue to be victims in some African countries. There is a paucity of data on the effect of FGM practice in two generations in Africa. This study assessed the current practice of daughters’ FGM among women living in 14 FGM-prone countries in Africa as a proxy to assess the future burden of FGM in the continent. We used Demographic and Health Surveys data collected between 2010 and 2018 from 14 African countries. We analyzed information on 93,063 women-daughter pair (Level 1) from 8,396 communities (Level 2) from the 14 countries (Level 3). We fitted hierarchical multivariable binomial logistic regression models using the MLWin 3.03 module in Stata version 16 at p<0.05. The overall prevalence of FGM among mothers and their daughters was 60.0% and 21.7%, respectively, corresponding to 63.8% reduction in the mother-daughter ratio of FGM. The prevalence of FGM among daughters in Togo and Tanzania were less than one per cent, 48.6% in Guinea, with the highest prevalence of 78.3% found in Mali. The percentage reduction in mother-daughter FGM ratio was highest in Tanzania (96.7%) and Togo (94.2%), compared with 10.0% in Niger, 15.0% in Nigeria and 15.9% in Mali. Prevalence of daughters’ FGM among women with and without FGM was 34.0% and 3.1% respectively. The risk of mothers having FGM for their daughters was significantly associated with maternal age, educational status, religion, household wealth quintiles, place of residence, community unemployment and community poverty. The country and community where the women lived explained about 57% and 42% of the total variation in FGM procurement for daughters. Procurement of FGM for the daughters of the present generation of mothers in Africa is common, mainly, among those from low social, poorer, rural and less educated women. We advocate for more context-specific studies to fully assess the role of each of the identified risk factors and design sustainable intervention towards the elimination of FGM in Africa.
Intraindividual variation of dose parameters in oncologic CT imaging
Authors: Lange Isabel , Alikhani Babak , Wacker Frank , Raatschen Hans-Juergen
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study is to identify essential aspects influencing radiation dose in computed tomography [CT] of the chest, abdomen and pelvis by intraindividual comparison of imaging parameters and patient related factors. All patients receiving at least two consecutive CT examinations for tumor staging or follow-up within a period of 22 months were included in this retrospective study. Different CT dose estimates (computed tomography dose index [CTDIvol], dose length product [DLP], size-specific dose estimate [SSDE]) were correlated with patient’s body mass index [BMI], scan length and technical parameters (tube current, tube voltage, pitch, noise level, level of iterative reconstruction). Repeated-measures-analysis was initiated with focus on response variables (CTDIvol, DLP, SSDE) and possible factors (age, BMI, noise, scan length, peak kilovoltage [kVp], tube current, pitch, adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction [ASIR]). A univariate-linear-mixed-model with repeated-measures-analysis followed by Bonferroni adjustments was used to find associations between CT imaging parameters, BMI and dose estimates followed by a subsequent multivariate-mixed-model with repeated-measures-analysis with Bonferroni adjustments for significant parameters. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. We found all dose estimates in all imaging regions were substantially affected by tube current. The iterative reconstruction significantly influenced all dose estimates in the thoracoabdominopelvic scans as well as DLP and SSDE in chest-CT. Pitch factor affected all dose parameters in the thoracoabdominopelvic CT group. These results provide further evidence that tube current has a pivotal role and potential in radiation dose management. The use of iterative reconstruction algorithms can substantially decrease radiation dose especially in thoracoabdominopelvic and chest-CT-scans. Pitch factor should be kept at a level of ≥1.0 in order to reduce radiation dose.
Acceptance and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines: A cross-sectional study from Jordan
Authors: El-Elimat Tamam , AbuAlSamen Mahmoud M. , Almomani Basima A. , Al-Sawalha Nour A. , Alali Feras Q.
Published: April 2021

Vaccines are effective interventions that can reduce the high burden of diseases globally. However, public vaccine hesitancy is a pressing problem for public health authorities. With the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, little information is available on the public acceptability and attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccines in Jordan. This study aimed to investigate the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines and its predictors in addition to the attitudes towards these vaccines among public in Jordan. An online, cross-sectional, and self-administered questionnaire was instrumentalized to survey adult participants from Jordan on the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines. Logistic regression analysis was used to find the predictors of COVID-19 vaccines’ acceptability. A total of 3,100 participants completed the survey. The public acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines was fairly low (37.4%) in Jordan. Males (OR = 2.488, 95CI% = 1.834–3.375, p < .001) and those who took the seasonal influenza vaccine (OR = 2.036, 95CI% = 1.306–3.174, p = .002) were more likely to accept COVID-19 vaccines. Similarly, participants who believed that vaccines are generally safe (OR = 9.258, 95CI% = 6.020–14.237, p < .001) and those who were willing to pay for vaccines (OR = 19.223, 95CI% = 13.665–27.042, p < .001), once available, were more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccines. However, those above 35 years old (OR = 0.376, 95CI% = 0.233–0.607, p < .001) and employed participants (OR = 0.542, 95CI% = 0.405–0.725, p < .001) were less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccines. Moreover, participants who believed that there was a conspiracy behind COVID-19 (OR = 0.502, 95CI% = 0.356–0.709, p < .001) and those who do not trust any source of information on COVID-19 vaccines (OR = 0.271, 95CI% = 0.183–0.400, p < .001), were less likely to have acceptance towards them. The most trusted sources of information on COVID-19 vaccines were healthcare providers. Systematic interventions are required by public health authorities to reduce the levels of vaccines’ hesitancy and improve their acceptance. We believe these results and specifically the low rate of acceptability is alarming to Jordanian health authorities and should stir further studies on the root causes and the need of awareness campaigns. These interventions should take the form of reviving the trust in national health authorities and structured awareness campaigns that offer transparent information about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines and the technology that was utilized in their production.
Low efficacy of recombinant SV40 in Ugt1a1-/- mice with severe inherited hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Shi Xiaoxia , Bortolussi Giulia , Bloemendaal Lysbeth ten , Duijst Suzanne , Muro Andrés F. , Bosma Piter J.
Published: April 2021

In contrast to AAV, Simian Virus 40 (rSV40) not inducing neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) allowing re-treatment seems a promising vector for neonatal treatment of inherited liver disorders. Several studies have reported efficacy of rSV40 in animal models for inherited liver diseases. In all studies the ubiquitous endogenous early promoter controlled transgene expression establishing expression in all transduced tissues. Restricting this expression to the target tissues reduces the risk of immune response to the therapeutic gene. In this study a liver specific rSV40 vector was generated by inserting a hepatocyte specific promoter. This increased the specificity of the expression of hUGT1A1 in vitro. However, in vivo the efficacy of rSV40 appeared too low to demonstrate tissue specificity while increasing the vector dose was not possible because of toxicity. In contrast to earlier studies, neutralizing antibodies were induced. Overall, the lack of a platform to produce high titered and pure rSV40 particles and the induction of NAbs, renders it a poor candidate for in vivo gene therapy.
Pro(Found) listening: Suggesting compassion through listening
Authors: Morger Martina
Published: April 2021

This article is about a sonic piece suggesting a way of compassion towards the female, the Other, learnt through listening to noisy sonic structures. With honest, active listening, we find ourselves in a compassionate state of mind towards our environment. We ourselves define these relationships with our surroundings and, as such, define the ways in which we perform or act in such a relation. If we acknowledge and support each other, we can go forward with personal and artistic integrity and attain even more agency through the method of honest listening. I suggest first listening to the sound piece.
Lost and found in translation: Intermittent Aphasia
Authors: Fang Xiaolong
Published: April 2021

This article explores gaps in communication and mistranslations between languages and cultural identities. My article centres on my artistic research practice, alongside Chinese contemporary artists, Xu Bing and Ai Weiwei, who brought their own culture to bear on the experience of living and making work in the West. When facing the clash of cultural and linguistic environments, the work featured seeks to find a balance between inclusive and exclusive language systems. What seems to be ‘lost’ in translation can be used creatively in art practice, through hybridized forms and often through humour, to ‘find’ new meanings for myself, and hopefully for the audiences of my work.
The Signs of Digitalization on Food Safety Issues: A Literature Review Focusing on Traceability
Authors: Freund Anna
Published: April 2021

This study aims to examine the signs of digitalization’s/Industry 4.0’s impact on food safety in form of a literature review. It is intended to awake the interest of both the academic sphere and internal (e.g., managers) and external (e.g., costumers, state) stakeholders of food producers and also processing companies. The main research questions focus on the methodology of tracing and tracking, which both have significant importance in the area of quality assurance especially in the food industry. From an economic point of view, we are now in the age of Industry 4.0, which has a major impact on the whole economy. Industry 4.0 solutions significantly are realized in the automation of data transfer. Excellent food safety conditions can be supported by real-time transmission, analysis, and interpretation of data characterizing products and processes. This study is an introductory part of the literature review of my doctoral research. The research goals include the exploration of Industry 4.0 and practices given by digitalization within different sectors of the food industry. Furthermore, establishing relationships between the measurability of food safety criteria and the toolbox of digitization and regulatory requirements are expected to be the results of the research process. The current study aims to introduce and interpret the basics of the connection between food safety and the toolbox of Industry 4.0. In general, the research may contribute both to the scientific area and the arena of practice.
Possibilities of Digitalization and Service Design in the Development of Patient Adherence
Authors: Nagy Diána
Published: April 2021

In parallel with the development of modern health systems and the growth of the welfare state, diseases have shifted towards chronic diseases. Today, instead of rapid-onset infections, most resources are focused on the long-term treatment of mostly lifelong chronic conditions. The condition for the effective use of therapies is to take the specified dose with the prescribed frequency and for the required period of time. If these parameters are met, we can talk about patient collaboration or adherence. For certain diseases and treatments, adherence is critically low. In the case of complex preparations to be taken several times a day, or diseases that do not cause serious, noticeable complaints, the initial number of patients treated is reduced to a fraction within a short time. As a result, economic harm is perceived not only by the patient but also by all those involved in the health care system, including pharmaceutical companies. However, the factors influencing patient collaboration vary widely. In order to achieve high adherence, the goal is to develop health services that coordinate the actors involved, the infrastructure, the communication, the material components to improve the user experience. As a user-centered methodology, service design can play a prominent role in the design of therapeutic services, contributing to the reduction of uncertainties in innovation processes. In my study, I assess the digital toolkit of patient education in Hungarian society. The aim is to explore digital tools and technologies that can contribute to the development of health awareness and education so that both science and the pharmaceutical and technology companies that exploit it can apply the results of research.
etention of Millennials in the Voluntary Sector: How Can Organizations Not Only Engage but Also Retain This Emerging Generation?
Authors: Forgács-Fábián Sára
Published: April 2021

Why do emerging generations stay active in a voluntary organization? The number of volunteers is increasing in Hungary, one reason is the obligatory community service in secondary schools. There is an emerging generation who has experience in volunteering, however there is a little knowledge about why they sustain voluntary work. Although previous studies elaborate on the retention of volunteers from a general perspective, further research is needed in this specific area. This study aims to examine younger generations’ (Millennials, GenY) retention in nonprofit voluntary organizations by conducting a single case study at Amigos for Children Foundation, in Hungary. Adopting a grounded theory approach, the study aims to build theory on the topic by combining two streams of literature with primary data: sustained volunteerism and expectations of younger generations towards their workplace. Based on prior literature review and qualitative research, findings suggest that organizations should focus on two main areas to keep younger generations motivated. (1) Organizational factors in which volunteering happens are flexible framework for daily operations, flat organization, involvement in decision making and opportunity for shaping the organization. (2) What the volunteer gets in exchange for the prosocial activity: positive feedback, recognition, strong community, opportunity for social and professional development, autonomy, responsibility, mutual trust. An important finding of the study is that younger generations are conscious about the values and the organization itself they work or volunteer at. Further, one of the most important factors for them is the community they do prosocial activity with. Overall, the current study develops propositions on organizational factors to retain younger generations in voluntary organizations.
Interim controllerek már Magyarországon is
Authors: Dénes Tamásné
Published: April 2021

Néhány évvel az interim managerek után megkezdték működésüket az interim controllerek is. A Hungarian Interim Management – stratégiai szövetségben az IFUA Horváth & Partners céggel – hiánypótló szolgáltatással áll a versenyszférában működő vállalatok rendelkezésére azzal, hogy létrehozta az Interim Controlling üzletágat.
AVALIAÇÃO DOS IMPACTOS DA POLUIÇÃO NAS ÁGUAS SUPERFICIAIS DE UM AFLUENTE DO RIO SOLIMÕES NA AMAZÔNIA CENTRAL BRASILEIRA
Authors: Nobre Arcos Adriano , Brandão da Cunha Hillândia
Published: April 2021

A avaliação e monitoramento da qualidade dos recursos hídricos são essenciais para preservação do meio, pois refletem na qualidade da saúde ambiental e pública. Neste sentido, o estudo teve como objetivo principal identificar as principais fontes poluidoras e analisar a qualidade da água da orla da cidade de Anamã, Amazonas, Brasil. As coletas das fontes poluidoras e dos parâmetros físicos, químicos e microbiológicos foram realizadas no primeiro semestre de 2017, em áreas rurais, periurbanas e urbanas ao longo da orla. As áreas urbanas apresentaram um volume maior de resíduos sólidos, com diferença significativa entre a área rural e periurbana (p= 0,005 e 0,036), indicando alto grau de poluição. Além disso, foram classificadas como impróprios para balneabilidade e contato primário. No geral, os parâmetros limnológicos se enquadraram nas resoluções ambientais do CONAMA (Conselho Nacional de Meio Ambiente), e os sólidos totais em suspensão e condutividade elétrica mostraram-se significativos no eixo 1 e 2 da análise de componentes principais (ACP), com valores elevados em ambientes urbanos e periurbanos. Estas variáveis são importantes para determinar a qualidade da água, especialmente por estar associadas com ambientes alterados.
COBERTURA DA TERRA E QUALIDADE AMBIENTAL DA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DO CÓRREGO VILA PINHEIROS, CURITIBA, PARANÁ.
Authors: Muller Gouvea Gabriela , Nucci João Carlos , Liberti Eduardo
Published: April 2021

A fragmentação e supressão das áreas com vegetação e o aumento das superfícies impermeabilizadas nas cidades colaboram para uma diminuição da qualidade ambiental. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a qualidade ambiental da bacia do Córrego Vila Pinheiros, localizada em Curitiba/Paraná (Brasil), com base na cobertura da terra. Foram utilizadas imagens orbitais disponibilizadas pelo Google Earth Pro e Google Street View, ano 2018, nas escalas 1:3.000 e 1:5.000, utilizando-se a quadra como área mínima. O mapeamento foi feito de maneira não automática no software ArcGis, e, posteriormente, foram analisadas as dinâmicas ambientais da bacia, gerando o mapa de qualidade ambiental. Constatou-se que 66,19% (0,98 km²) da bacia são constituídos por espaços edificados, sendo que as edificações de até 4 pavimentos com vegetação nas áreas adjacentes ocupam 46,62% (0,69 km²) da bacia. Os melhores níveis de qualidade ambiental representam 4,04% (0,06 km²) do total da área estudada e são constituídos por espaços não edificados e com vegetação nos estratos arbustivos e/ou herbáceo e solo exposto. Os piores índices de qualidade ambiental da bacia concentram-se nas regiões sudeste, leste e nordeste e representam cerca de 4,05% (0,06 km²) da área total. Esses dados apontam para uma baixa qualidade ambiental na bacia estudada.
Research and development of the controller based on the model predictive control
Authors: Kolodin Aleksey A. , Elshin Viktor V.
Published: April 2021

Modern automated process control systems that use programmable logic controllers use software controllers based on the proportional integral-differential control law, the PID controller. In most cases, this regulator is sufficient for conducting the technological process. It has high performance with configurable and sufficient quality of regulation. However, using a PID controller for non-linear, poorly defined, multi-connected objects with a long delay time can lead to unstable control quality indicators, accumulation of errors, and ultimately to a deterioration in product quality. One of the most promising methods of control is Model Predictive Control - MPC. The method base on predictive models of control objects. The quality of the controller's control depends on how well the system dynamics described by the model used to design the controller. In most cases, MPC-based control use to handle optimal control problems on the Manufacturing Execution System-MES. However, thanks to the development of microprocessors and increased CPU performance, it becomes possible to apply the principles of control with a predictive model at a lower level, and perform real-time operational control in optimal modes. The work presents the algorithm of MPC controller. The control object is a SISO object with a nonlinear characteristic and a long transition process. Studies of the developed MPC regulator showed that the quality of regulation, compared to the PID regulator, increased by more than 20%, the time to get to set point decreased, and there was almost no over-regulation. The most effective application of the MPC controller is seen in processes with long transitions and with a significant delay time.
Integral formulation of solutions of boundary-value problems of heat and mass transfer in domains with moving boundaries
Authors: Shevelev Valentin V.
Published: April 2021

Using the Fourier transform, integral representations of solutions to boundary value problems of heat conduction and diffusion in a two-phase region with a moving interface are obtained. The proposed approach makes it possible to obtain the equation of motion of the interface without the need to first find the temperature and (or) concentration fields. This makes it possible to study the stability of the interface with respect to disturbances in its shape. The validity of the proposed approach is demonstrated by the example of self-similar growth of a spherical crystal in a supercooled melt and crystallization of the melt on a substrate of the same substance. On the basis of the obtained equation, which determines the rate of self-similar motion of the interface, the features of the kinetics of crystallization of the melt on the substrate are analyzed. The conditions of applicability of the developed approach to the solution of boundary value problems of heat conduction and diffusion in regions separated by a moving boundary are briefly discussed.
Structural and parametric synthesis of the control system of the unobserved output for the object with distributed parameters
Authors: Tychinin Aleksandr A. , Tychinina Yulia A. , Ragazin Dmitry A.
Published: April 2021

Method of synthesis of a control system for the object with the distributed parametres, providing compensation of dynamic properties of the object and giving to it of properties of standard model of a set. The system possesses the property of an adaptability to parametrical interference of the object. Control along the unobservable coordinate of the object is implemented by synthesizing a chain structure that implements a transfer function close to the inverse transfer function of the object. Weak sensitivity to parametric instability is provided by solving the inverse problem of dynamics. As an example, the heating of a massive billet in a convection oven is considered.
Environmental Taxes and Economic Growth with Multiple Growth Engines
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Chen Ping-ho , Chu Hsun , Hu Mei-ying , Lai Ching-chong
Published: April 2021

We develop an endogenous growth model in which long-run growth is driven by three engines: private abatement R&D, expanding-variety R&D, and capital accumulation. We show that an environmental tax activates private abatement by directing researchers from the variety R&D sector to the abatement R&D sector, which helps the economy avoid the environmental disaster. Our results also show that the effect of the environmental tax on long-run growth is uncertain, depending mainly on the relative productivity between the two R&D sectors. If the abatement R&D sector is sufficiently productive, increasing the environmental tax will enhance the balanced output growth rate and social welfare.
Icons as punishers. Two narrations from the Vaticanus gr. 1587 manuscript (BHG 1390 f)
Authors: Alexaki Marirena
Published: April 2021

The Iconoclastic controversies of the Byzantine Era have provided a rich literary tradition of miracle narrations regarding the various magical aspects of the icon. The second period of Iconoclasm however seems to have given rise to a lesser prominent motif of the earlier traditions, namely that of the icon-agent acting as active punisher against its transgressor. The current article explores the development of this motif after a concise survey of the history of icon-miracle narrations, their representative texts and their role in liturgical practice. The starting point of the study were two previously unedited byzantine texts from the manuscript Vaticanus gr. 1587, testifying unique stories of icons as punishers. Finally, these stories are also perfect examples of the rich historical information popular narrations can provide on a topographical and prosopographical level regarding the era within which they were produced.
Fragments of a steatite icon (diptych wing) with the Great Feasts cycle excavated in Chełm (eastern Poland)
Authors: Buko Andrzej , Dzieńkowski Tomasz , Gołub Stanisław , Kruk Mirosław P. , Michalik Marek , Musin Aleksandr , Rafalska-Łasocha Alicja , Wołoszyn Marcin
Published: April 2021

The paper presents fragments of a Byzantine icon discovered in 2015 during regular archaeological excavations carried out in Chełm, eastern Poland. Iconographic analyses allow the nine surviving fragments to be interpreted as belonging to a diptych wing with the Great Feasts cycle. The icon represents archaic iconography of the subject, with the scene of Transfiguration placed after Entry into Jerusalem and before the Crucifixion. The artefact was created in the second half or at the close of the 12th century, and it was made from steatite, which has been confirmed by petrographic analyses. The icon was discovered in the remains of a palace complex of King Daniel Romanovich, the greatest ruler of the Galicia-Volhynia Lands. The results of the archaeological research allow the terminus ante quem for the icon’s arrival in Chełm to be determined as before the middle of the 13th century. Various possible explanations as to how the icon found its way to Chełm are also explored in the paper.
Prontuario para una abadesa: El Escur. Φ III 11 e Irene Cumno (con una propuesta de la escritura inédita de Mateo Blastares)
Authors: Martínez Manzano Teresa
Published: April 2021

In this paper I firstly examine the contents of Escur. Φ III 11, which includes a medical section, an anthology of texts both sacred and profane, and the epistolar exchange between Gregorius Acindynus and Eirene Choumnos. Secondly I go through Eirene’s intellectual background and the books transcribed under her patronage. Thirdly I explain the role played by this Escurialensis in Eirene’s library and in the anti-Palamite circles. Fourthly, basing on different kinds of arguments, I attribute the copying of ff. 83r-156v to Matthew Blastares.
Composing the Μικρομεγάλη Ἰλιάς
Authors: Mondini Ugo
Published: April 2021

The Μικρομεγάλη Ἰλιάς, the first work written by John Tzetzes, consists of 1.676 hexameters and numerous scholia. It narrates the events of the Trojan war from the conception of Paris to the fall of the city. This paper analyses the poem and its structure. In his later Exegesis to the Iliad, Tzetzes states that the Μικρομεγάλη Ἰλιάς allows to “learn thoroughly, in every detail” the history of the war. Following this evidence, the macro- and the microstructure of the poem are analysed in order to understand how Tzetzes structured his literary work and to what end. The last paragraph deals with the title Μικρομεγάλη Ἰλιάς.
Affordance Derivation Facilitates the Semantic Access in Comprehending Chinese Puns
Authors: Liao Qiaoyun , Hu Quan , Gao Mengting , Meng Lijun , Tan Zhipeng , Zheng Jie
Published: April 2021

The study employed ERP technique to explore whether the affordance derivation can facilitate semantic access in comprehending Chinese puns. ERPs were measured while participants read the pun sentences containing dual meanings and made a judgement about the following probes and statements. The results showed that highly related probes in pun sentences elicited a smaller N400 and a larger LPC than moderately related probes in pun sentences. As for the comparison of sentence types, both highly and moderately related probes in pun sentences produce a smaller N400 and a larger LPC than those in control sentences. These results indicate that in the early stage of pun comprehension, semantic access to the literal meaning is easier through affordance derivation because of meaning dominance and frequency. In the late stage of integration, however, the intended meaning of puns can be facilitated and accessed through its privilege of affordance derivation activated by pun words in a pun context because of the priming context and its underlying intention. The study has discovered empirically that it is the affordance derivation, which connects the context and the dual meanings indicated by the pun words, that contributes to the different time courses and dynamic underlying neurocognitive mechanisms in comprehending puns in Chinese.
Extensive Reading Research in the EFL Classroom of China: A Qualitative Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Shuyan , Kim Heyoung
Published: April 2021

Extensive reading has long been applied in the English as a foreign language classroom in China, but the fundamental theories and practical instruction are not satisfactory. The study aims to synthesize and examine extensive reading studies over the past fifty years (1962-2019) from a holistic perspective. By performing a qualitative meta-analysis, a total of 81 articles published in widely accepted journals were carefully coded and analyzed. Three latent problems emerged, including that 1) most extensive reading researchers misunderstand the inherent characteristic of extensive reading (i. e., pleasure reading) and less frequently follow the principles of extensive reading instruction; 2) there are methodological weaknesses in empirical research designs, and; 3) research scope is limited regarding participants and methodology. Suggestions for extensive reading research and instruction are included.
Obstetrical history of a family with combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency 3 and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms
Authors: Cagan Murat , Unal Canan , Urel Demir Gizem , Fadiloglu Erdem , Ozgul Riza Koksal , Beksac Mehmet Sinan
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a devastating complication of pregnancy with various etiologic backgrounds.

Case presentation

We present a case of combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency 3 (COXPD3) carrier pregnant woman with Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms. She had five pregnancy losses and a postpartum death due to COXPD3. The patient was admitted to our clinic for the first time at her seventh pregnancy with oocyte donation. The patient was registered in a special antenatal care program and delivered a healthy baby at term. Her eighth pregnancy was terminated due to COXPD3 which was prenatally diagnosed.

Conclusions

Comprehensive and individualized approaches are necessary in RPL cases to obtain optimal outcomes.
Corporate Purpose: A Management Concept and its Implications for Company Law
Authors: Fleischer Holger
Published: April 2021

Many companies have recently been following the so-called corporate purpose concept that is recommended by leading management scholars. To this end, they identify a raison d’être for their enterprise that goes beyond mere profit making and they anchor it in the entire value chain. This paper puts the corporate purpose concept into perspective by linking it to the larger debate on corporate social responsibility and by outlining its theoretical foundations and practical application. It then goes on by explaining how this management concept fits into the company law framework, looking to France and the UK as well as to the US and Germany. Finally, this paper assesses various policy proposals made by leading purpose proponents, ranging from mandatory purpose clauses in the articles of association to say-on-purpose shareholder voting and dual-purpose business organisations.