bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of fuzzy-controlled slow freezing on pumpkin (Cucurbita Moschata Duch) cell disintegration and phenolics
Authors: Kristianto Yohanes , Wignyanto  , Argo Bambang Dwi , Santoso Imam
Published: May 2020

Freezing has been widely used to preserve vegetables including seasonal pumpkins. This work aimed to investigate the effects of freezing on pumpkin cell disintegration and phenolics. A fuzzy logic control (FLC) system was built to obtain better temperature control of the freezing system. Changes in cellular disintegration, electrical conductivity and phenolics content were evaluated. The angle measure technique and principal component analysis were used to delineate the surface texture changes of the frozen pumpkin cells. The results showed that FLC offered reliable temperature control performance. Freezing at -18 °C for 7 h caused the highest cell degradation of 0.467 on the disintegration scale. Decomposition was also indicated by an almost double increase in electrical conductivity. The changes in texture were accurately reflected in the mean angle spectra and 81.3% and 7.4% of the variability due to treatments could be explained by two principal components respectively. Freezing pumpkin at -18 °C for 6 h correlated to the maximum increase in total phenolics of 70.44%. The increased phenolics were dominated by caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and p-coumaric acid. In conclusion, as the freezing system exhibits positive effects on the phenolics content of pumpkin, it may be employed to process seasonal pumpkin to obtain higher value from the produce.
Surgical Treatment of Suspected Meningioangiomatosis in the Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord
Authors: Dantio Marie C. , Dennis Amanda J. , Bergman Robert L.
Published: May 2020

A 5 yr old male neutered Labrador retriever was evaluated for an 8 wk history of a slowly progressive abnormal hind limb gait that did not respond to treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Initial examination findings were mild pelvic limb ataxia and moderate right pelvic limb lameness. A computed tomography with a myelogram was performed and showed a suspected intramedullary spinal mass. MRI was conducted and supported the computed tomography with myelogram findings of a possible intradural spinal mass at L1. A left-sided hemilaminectomy followed by a durotomy at L1 was performed and a firm, tan mass was removed. The histopathologic findings indicated a vascular proliferation most suggestive of a rare proliferative disorder of leptomeningeal blood vessels termed meningioangiomatosis. Although the dog’s signs initially worsened after surgery and he was nonambulatory with marked paraparesis, he regained ambulation within 3–4 wk after the operation. Eighteen months after surgery, he was ambulatory with mild hind limb ataxia with no progression of signs. This case suggests that surgical resection of lesions of suspected meningioangiomatosis can result in improvement of clinical signs with a good long-term prognosis.
Prognostic Indicators and Clinical Outcome in Dogs with Subcutaneous Mast Cell Tumors Treated with Surgery Alone: 43 Cases
Authors: Gill Virginia , Leibman Nicole , Monette Sebastien , Craft Diane M. , Bergman Philip J.
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine if clinical findings, histologic grade, or other histologic features were associated with clinical outcome in dogs with subcutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs). Medical records of 43 client-owned dogs were retrospectively reviewed, and follow-up information was gathered via phone or follow-up examination. Progression-free survival (PFS), disease-free interval (DFI), and overall survival were calculated. Forty-two and twenty-two dogs, respectively, had grade 2 (Patnaik grading system) or low-grade tumors (two-tier grading system). Median PFS was 1474 days. Median DFI was not reached at >1968 days. Overall median survival time was not reached at >1968 days. In univariate analysis, argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs), proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and mitotic index were negatively prognostic for PFS whereas Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and microvessel density were negatively prognostic for DFI. In multivariate analysis, AgNORs remained negatively prognostic for PFS. Results suggest that proliferation indices, especially AgNORs, may be useful in predicting the rare poor outcomes in dogs with subcutaneous MCTs. The vast majority of subcutaneous MCTs appear to be low or intermediate grade with excellent outcomes from good local tumor control.
Development of a Training Program for Law Enforcement K9 Handlers to Administer Naloxone
Authors: Mitek Ashley , McMichael Maureen , Weir Brad , Smith Michael , Schneider Danielle , Schaefer David
Published: May 2020

As the opioid epidemic continues across the United States, law enforcement K9s (LEK9s) are at increased risk of accidental exposure and overdose. This study evaluated a novel training program teaching handlers to administer naloxone to their LEK9 in the event of an overdose. Seventy-five LEK9 handlers from a governmental agency attended a naloxone training session. A presurvey given to the handlers evaluated their knowledge of opioid overdose in LEK9s and their confidence administering naloxone. Officers were educated via a PowerPoint presentation about naloxone and how to administer it to their LEK9. A postsurvey evaluated changes in their knowledge and confidence as a result of the presentation. Sixty-two presurveys and 47 postsurveys were completed. Nearly all handlers had never given their LEK9 an intramuscular or intranasal injection. Most handlers were not comfortable monitoring their LEK9’s vital signs for an opioid overdose. After the training, handlers demonstrated a mild increase in comfort level administering intramuscular and intranasal naloxone (15 and 14% increase, respectively). Comfort level monitoring vital signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose increased 38 and 32%, respectively. Handlers may not be fully prepared to assess and treat their LEK9 and may benefit from a targeted training program teaching them to administer naloxone.
Valoración participativa de servicios ecosistémicos prestados por el humedal Ramsar de Moyúa, Ciudad Darío
Authors: Chavarría Aráuz Francisco Javier , Chavarría López Anielka K. , González Obregón Josseling V.
Published: May 2020

El estudio de servicios eco sistémicos y sobre todo los obtenidos de un humedal, revierte gran interés para poder justificar la importancia de estos sitios por su valor económico, social y ambiental. El objetivo principal del estudio fue identificar y valorar los servicios ecosistémicos prestados por el sitio Ramsar a los pobladores de dicho lugar. El método utilizado es Valoración contingente. La información se recopiló mediante grupos focales, lista de chequeo de servicios ecosistémicos y Escala Likert. El universo de estudio es igual a la muestra. Los resultados obtenidos concuerdan con la hipótesis planteada ya que los pobladores tienen conciencia del valor que poseen los servicios ecosistémicos prestados por el humedal. El 100% de los pobladores que participaron en el presente estudio, manifestaron saber el valor que tienen los servicios ecosistémicos que presta el sitio Ramsar, los cuales se están viendo afectados por el cambio climático, siendo necesario implementar medidas de conservación del agua, suelos y bosques. Se considera necesaria la participación activa de los pobladores, mayor involucramiento de la alcaldía de ciudad Darío, Ministerio de Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería y Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua-Managua, a fin de lograr la conservación y restauración de las funciones de los ecosistemas.
Determinants of hospital efficiency: A literature review
Authors: Asbu Eyob Z. , Masri Maysoun D. , Naboulsi Marwan Al
Published: May 2020

Background: Inefficiency is a pervasive problem in health systems. The World Health Organization estimates that on average, 20%-40% of the global total health expenditure is wasted. The proportion of total health expenditure attributed to hospitals is high, which implies that improving the efficiency of hospitals will lead to more efficient health systems. This study aims to synthetize the major determinants of hospital inefficiency and to develop a framework to identify causes of inefficiency and develop multi-factor interventions to address inefficiencies.Methods: The study is based on survey of the literature on the determinants of hospital efficiency. The studies include those that employ ratio methods of efficiency analysis, data envelopment analysis and stochastic frontier models and econometric models such as the Tobit regression to assess determinants of technical efficiency. Data was extracted in a table format categorized as those that are within the hospital, outside the hospital but within the health system and those that are outside the hospital and health system in the broader macroeconomic system and analyzed.Results: Hospital efficiency is influenced by factors that may be internal to the hospital or external and thus could be wholly or partially out of the control of the hospital. Hospital-level characteristics that influence efficiency include ownership, size, specialization/scope economies, teaching status, membership of multihospital system and other factors such as case-mix and ratio of outpatients to inpatients. However, the effects of these variables are not definitive and consistent; all depends on the context. Factors out of the direct control of the hospital include geographic location, competition and reimbursement systems. The findings further elucidate that no single factor is effective in addressing hospital inefficiencies in isolation from others.Conclusion: There is no one single magic formula or intervention that can be adopted by different hospitals to improve hospital efficiencies. Multiple factors influence the efficiency of hospitals. To address hospital inefficiency multi-intervention packages focusing on the hospital and its environment should be developed.
Work Integrated Learning at Tertiary Level to Enhance Graduate Employability in Bangladesh
Authors: Chowdhury Faieza
Published: May 2020

In the last few years, higher education institutions (HEIs) in Bangladesh have been under severe pressure to transform the way they operate. The present Government of Bangladesh requires all universities to improve their quality of education and has implemented various projects such as Higher Education Quality Enhancement Project (HEQEP) in collaboration with the World Bank. As Bangladesh has set a target to transition out of the status of Least Developed Country (LDC) to Developing country by 2024, graduate employability and education quality are pivotal interests for the Government of Bangladesh. This paper investigates the concept of work integrated learning (WIL) and generic skills vital to enhance the employability of the current graduates in Bangladesh. We explore different types of WIL that can be applied at higher academic institutions in Bangladesh and what are the various benefits of this type of learning to the key stakeholders, namely; students, universities and employers. Finally, we conclude by pointing out the prerequisites that need to be considered in order to successfully implement WIL in Bangladesh. This is a descriptive study and we have collected data from different secondary sources such as documents available from government agencies, research organizations, archives and library. Moreover, we have also used interviews from sources such as newspapers and magazines documenting views of well-respected academicians and personalities in Bangladesh. Our findings indicate that in order to successfully integrate WIL, there are some prerequisites such as modifying the current curriculum, designing and offering work oriented courses, building strong connections with potential employers and creating awareness about WIL among faculty members and students.
The Effect of the Positive and the Negative Evidences in Learning English ‘to’ with Manner-of-Motion to Goal Constructions by L1 Saudi Arabic Speakers
Authors: Kabli Hanan Mohammed
Published: May 2020

The present study investigates the effect of the first language (L1) on learners by using the negative and the positive evidence in the classrooms while teaching English directional prepositions such as ‘to’ and ‘into’. It is assumed that Arabic has two versions of ‘to’. It has the directional interpretation without boundary-crossing which is equivalent to the English ‘to’; whereas, it also denotes a similar interpretation to English directional preposition ‘into’ which is unavailable in Arabic and involves boundary-crossing. The study considers two groups to examine the effect of the overlaps, who are at an intermediate stage of development; the experiment group (E.G.) and the control group (C.G.). The control group is the base to measure the effectiveness of the treatments on the experiment groups’ judgments. Hence, an Acceptability Judgment Task is devised to elicit participants’ judgments on the task items in the pretest and the posttest. Results show clear advantage of the negative evidence in the experiment group’s performance in the posttest in learning ‘to’ with and without boundary-crossing. There is a difference in the experiment group’s performance in the posttest in learning ‘into’ with the boundary-crossing event after receiving the positive evidence. Similarly, a difference was observed in the experiment group’s judgment with those of the control group in the comparison between ‘to’ and ‘into’ with the boundary-crossing event in the posttest.
The Effect of Sentence-Making Practice on Adult EFL Learners’ Writing Anxiety A Comparative Study
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan
Published: May 2020

Writing anxiety is one of the most essential factors influencing language learning. The current study is to explore the effect of sentence-making practice on reducing writing anxiety of two classes of adult EFL learners, one in low-intermediate level (LI learners), the other in high-intermediate level (HI learners). Two classes received two-week sentence-making practice, before completing the questionnaire designed specifically for the present study and attending the semi-structured interview. The descriptive statistics and independent t-test demonstrate that both mean scores of two classes are below 3 points, showing that they are in low or moderate anxiety levels. Moreover, the mean scores of HI class are lower than LI class in all four dimensions (classroom experience; while-writing experience; feedback experience; further effects), despite no significant difference, except for in the third dimension (feedback experience). Both statistic results and qualitative analysis with learners’ attitudes towards sentence-making practice illustrate that the learners in two classes have less writing anxiety after sentence-making practice, and this teaching method has also brought beneficial effects on learners’ writing. 

 
The Effectiveness of the Dealing with Homophobia Psycho-Education Program on Psychological Counselor Candidates
Authors: Vural-Batık Meryem
Published: May 2020

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of the Dealing with Homophobia Psycho-Education Program on homophobia levels of psychological counselor candidates. This research was conducted with a mixed model and utilized quantitative and qualitative methods. 2 (experimental and control groups) x 3 (pre-test, post-test, follow-up) research design which is a type of quasi-experimental design was used and content analysis was applied to the data obtained via interviews. The study was conducted with a total of 24 psychological counselor candidates, 12 in the experimental group and, 12 in the control group. The Homophobia Scale was used to determine the homophobia levels of psychological counselor candidates. The Dealing with Homophobia Psycho-Education Program was developed by the researcher. In order to determine the effectiveness of the program, The Two-Way Analysis of Variance with Repeated Measures was used. As a result of the research, it was determined that the Dealing with Homophobia Psycho-Education Program is effective in decreasing the levels of homophobia of the psychological counselor candidates. Also, according to the participant's views, it was determined that the psycho-education program was effective in decreasing homophobia and caused changes in attitudes. The importance and necessity of using the program on psychological counselor education are discussed.
Theory of the Firm and Integrated Reporting Model: First Essay from NIBR Guidelines for SMES in Italy
Authors: Baldarelli Maria-Gabriella , Cosentino Antonietta , Del Baldo Mara , Magistro Angela
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates the theoretical relationships among Integrated Reporting (IR) and the theory of the firm. The review of the integrated reporting literature is focused on the Business Administration perspective. The paper aims to understand what is the possible innovations which can be grasped about the theory of the firm underpinning IR.  A qualitative research is carried out on the basis of three different phases: the search for relevant key words, the content analysis applied to Network Italian Business Reporting (NIBR) Guidelines for SMEs in Italy, and finally an in-depth interview to an expert belonging to NIBR committee. The results show that the idea underpinning the integrated reporting (IR) seems to underline the value of other capitals rather than financial one that are considered only according to their contribution to the company's wealth. Nevertheless, the empirical research of this paper as well the most recent Business Administration literature review showed that despite all the premises the results are still quite disappointing. This paper contributes to both literature and practice by offering an in-depth analysis of the link between the theoretical aspects of business theory, the current evolutionary trends in accounting (expressed by IR) and their application in the real world. The results of this paper can offer interesting insights to scholars and accounting professional bodies who must lead accountability strategies and tools.
An Empirical Analysis of the Relationship between Energy Consumption Structure and Environmental Pollution in Beijing
Authors: Shigang Yan , Xin Deng , Lexuan Li
Published: May 2020

With the economic development and the increased energy consumption, challenges of environmental pollution control have been intensified in Beijing. To promote sustainable socioeconomic development, energy consumption restructure and the environment governance have become important issues of Beijing. Based on the grey correlation model, this paper analyzed the relationship between energy consumption structure and environmental pollution in Beijing. It is empirically shown that coal and oil consumption in Beijing’s energy consumption were highly correlated with environmental pollution, while natural gas consumption had the least impact on environmental pollution emissions. The findings of the study provided an empirical support to how to optimize the energy consumption structure and decrease the environment pollution.
A Bayesian Approach for Asset Allocation
Authors: Andrei Mihnea S. , Hsu John S. J.
Published: May 2020

The Black-Litterman model combines investors’ personal views with historical data and gives optimal portfolio weights. In this paper we will introduce the original Black-Litterman model (Section 1), we will modify the model such that it fits in a Bayesian framework by considering the investors’ personal views to be a direct prior on the means of the returns and by including a typical Inverse Wishart prior on the covariance matrix of the returns (Section 2). We will also consider an idea of Leonard & Hsu [1992] for a prior on the logarithm of the covariance matrix (Section 3). Sensitivity analysis for the level of confidence that investors have in their own personal views was performed and performance of the models was assessed on a test data set consisting of returns over the month of January 2018.
The Topp-Leone Marshall-Olkin-G Family of Distributions With Applications
Authors: Chipepa Fastel , Oluyede Broderick , Makubate Boikanyo
Published: May 2020

A new generalized distribution is developed, namely, Topp-Leone Marshall-Olkin-G distribution. The new distribution is a linear combination of the exponentiated-G family of distributions. We considered three sub-families of the new proposed family of distribution. The distribution can handle heavy-tailed data and various forms of the hazard rate functions. A simulation study was conducted to evaluate consistency of the model parameters. Three applications are provided to demonstrate the usefulness of the new model in comparison with competing non-nested models.
Mixed Finite Element-Characteristic Mixed Finite Element Method for Simulating Three-Dimensional Incompressible Miscible Displacement Problems
Authors: Yuan Yirang , Sun Tongjun , Sun Tongjun , Li Changfeng , Yang Qing
Published: May 2020

A mixed finite element with the characteristics is presented as a local conservative numerical approximation for an incompressible miscible problem in porous media. A mixed finite element (MFE) is used for the pressure and Darcy velocity, and a characteristic method is for the saturation. The convection term is discretized along the characteristic direction and the diffusion term is discretized by zero-order mixed finite element method. The method of characteristics confirms the strong stability without numerical dispersion at sharp fronts. Moreover, large time step is possibly adopted without any accuracy loss. The scalar unknown function and the adjoint vector function are obtained simultaneously and the law of mass conservation holds in every element by the zero-order mixed finite element discretization of diffusion flux. In order to derive the optimal $3/2$-order error estimate in $L^2$ norm, a post-processing technique is included in the approximation to the scalar unknown saturation. This method can be used to solve the complicated problem.
Innovation Typologies: A Descriptive Study in Graduated Organizations of Technology-Based Incubators
Authors: Vepo do Nascimento Welter Clarice , Sausen Jorge Oneide , Cappellari Gabriela
Published: May 2020

Objective: The main objective of this research was to classify the innovations developed in organizations from technology-based incubators, describing the evidence of their existence, based on the model of Wang and Hamed (2007).Method: Applied research, with a qualitative approach, exploratory and descriptive, carried out through multiple case studies, considering a sample of 21 companies located in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. Data were collected through structured interviews with the entrepreneurs of these Small business. These data were analyzed by the technique of content analysis. Originality / Relevance: Original in relation to the model of innovation typologies used, because it is a model that has no empirical validation in the studied companies segment, confirming the originality of the research in relation to the segment. Understanding the process of developing innovative capacity is relevant, since the development of innovations constitutes a powerful source of competitive advantage for organizations inserted in dynamic contexts. Results: The main results allowed to identify that the organizations investigated present all the typologies presented in the model of Wang and Ahmed (2004), however, the market and strategic innovation appear to a lesser extent in relation to product, process and behavioral innovation.Theoretical / methodological contributions: It contributes to the theoretical debate by bringing dynamic capabilities under the focus of innovative capability. It also contributes to the exposition of how the companies that have graduated from IBT s develop their innovative capacity, classifying the innovations developed and pointing out the evidences of the existence of innovation typologies.
Popular Cooperatives Incubators and the University Extension: The Case Incoop-UFSCar
Authors: Matsuda Patricia Mari , MacLennan Maria Laura Ferranty
Published: May 2020

Objective: This research analyse the link between popular cooperatives incubators and the University through the extension activity. Methodology / Approach: The methodology applied is a case study at INCOOP-UFSCar in order to evaluate how the Cooperative contributes to the development of the actors in the University. Originality / Relevance: Activities with prospective co-workers generate joint socio-economic benefits for co-workers and academics, but the benefits to the University have scarcer assessments. Main results: The Incubator, as an extension project, can be considered a mean of operationalizing the role of the University vis-a-vis the community in which it is inserted, meeting local demands and also serving as locus in the academy development. Theoretical / methodological contributions: In this study, it is observed that the Incubadora Regional de Cooperativas Populares (INCOOP) positively impacts not only cooperators but also contributes to the development of extension activities of Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar) students and administrative technicians.
Resenha Descritiva - Cambridge Handbook of Strategy-as-Practice. Second Edition.
Authors: Marietto Marcio Luiz , Martins Cibele Barsalini , Cassol Alessandra
Published: May 2020

Objetivo: Disponibilizar aos leitores uma resenha descritiva, também conhecida como resenha resumo, do conteúdo da segunda edição do Handbook de Estratégia como Prática (S-as-P), no idioma Português, para facilitar os estudos na disciplina convidando os leitores a conhecer a obra na integra;Método: Apreciação e descrição resumida de todos os capítulos do Handbook sem nenhum tipo de julgamento;Contribuições: Contribuir para desenvolver e expandir a compreensão da ontologia, epistemologia, teorias, métodos e áreas substantivas de pesquisa da S-as-P na América Latina e, em especial, no Brasil fornecendo um “guia resumido” sobre o conteúdo do Handbook no idioma Português para facilitar os estudos futuros na área. Também contribui para tentar melhorar entendimento pressupostos da disciplina para aumento na qualidade das publicações.
A FEW REMARKS ON LEGAL ASPECTS REGARDING THE SO-CALLED “MATERNITY PENSION”
Authors: Gurdek Magdalena
Published: May 2020

Contrary to the popular belief, the supplementary parental benefit called the “maternity pension” introduced by the Law of 31 January 2019 is not a retirement benefit in the literal sense, financed from the Social Insurance Fund. What is more, it is not a guaranteed benefit for those who raised four or more children, but a discretionary provision benefit financed from the state budget. Unfortunately, at first, a significant part of the society was impressed by the very idea of granting a “benefit” to people who instead of work brought up a large group of children, and did not go into the details of this program, which, as it turned out later, are crucial. This study aims to provide a detailed analysis of the provisions of the Law on supplementary parental benefit, so as to show in detail its true structure. In addition, it will also present the effects of the maternal law and indicate other solutions that could be introduced so that the assumption of honouring the effort put into the education of numerous offspring is fully implemented for all on equal terms.
CONCLUSION OF A CIVIL LAW CONTRACT AS A PREMISE FOR THE MUNICIPALITY TO ACT AS A TAXABLE PERSON OF TAX ON GOODS AND SERVICES (VAT)
Authors: Owczaruk Sławomir
Published: May 2020

The research goal undertaken in this article is to answer two questions. First, can a municipality’s legal tax status in the field of tax on goods and services (VAT) in each transaction always be determined precisely? Second, is the conclusion of a civil law contract by a Polish municipality a sine qua non condition for it to obtain VAT taxable status? Theses presented in the publication, and arguments clearly indicate that with the VAT system in force in the European Union, including Poland, it is not always possible to precisely define the status of a municipality as a taxpayer in a given transaction; and the conclusion of a civil law contract by a municipality is not always sufficient for it to obtain the status of a taxpayer in a given transaction. The research material used includes domestic and foreign substantive law, doctrine and practice, in which current case law of tax authorities, administrative courts and the CJEU plays a special role.
MicroRNAs as novel bioactive components of human breastmilk
Authors: Jakubek Patrycja , Cieślewicz Joanna , Bartoszek Agnieszka
Published: May 2020

MicroRNAs are short, non-coding oligonucleotides that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. These small molecules participate in the control of various cellular processes and signalling pathways. Since 2010 microRNAs have been recognized as a new bioactive component of breastmilk, which is an exceptionally rich source of these oligonucleotides. In infants fed with breastmilk, microRNAs are involved in the growth and proper development as well as maturation of the immune system. It has been demonstrated that microRNAs are resistant to harsh conditions during in vitro digestion in simulated gastrointestinal tract of a newborn and, therefore, may be absorbed by the intestinal cells. Protection against RNase activity and low pH is provided by exosomes, which are carriers of microRNAs in skim milk or by fat globules and milk cells. It has been reported that, in contrast to human milk, infant formulas contain only a few microRNAs, which have been derived from other organisms, such as cow or soy. It may be presumed that supplementing infant formulas with microRNAs identical with those which occur naturally in breastmilk may constitute a new way of designing artificial substitutes for human breastmilk.
Metody stosowane do wykrywania i identyfikacji toksyn botulinowych w próbkach klinicznych i żywności*
Authors: Rudnicka Karolina , Durka Karolina , Chwaluk Paweł , Chmiela Magdalena
Published: May 2020

Botulism is a severe neuroparalytic illness, which affects the nervous system. It is caused by botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), produced by anaerobic gram-positive bacteria Clostridium botulinum. There are 7 serotypes of BoNT A-G, but BoNT A/B/D/E plays a major role in botulism affecting humans. Foodborne botulism (classic botulism) is the most frequent clinical manifestation occurring after consumption of food containing botulinum neurotoxins. The diagnosis of botulism is based on clinical symptoms; however, recommended and alternative laboratory methods are used to confirm the etiology of symptoms and the identification of BoNT toxin type. The aim of this work was to present the epidemiology of foodborne botulism in Poland and to gather and analyze the available diagnostic methods that allow us to detect BoNT in clinical samples. Using the epidemiological reports of National Institute of Hygiene in Poland and findings presented in the Przegląd Epidemiologiczny, the incidence of classical botulism in Poland has been presented over a period of recent 18 years. Searching for the optimal diagnostic method for BoNT identification in various samples, we have confronted the sensitivity and specificity of recently available alternative methods with classical biological assay.
Comparing Meta-Classifiers for Automatic Music Genre Classification
Authors: Shinohara Vítor , Foleiss Juliano , Tavares Tiago
Published: May 2020

Automatic music genre classification is the problem of associating mutually-exclusive labels to audio tracks. This process fosters the organization of collections and facilitates searching and marketing music. One approach for automatic music genre classification is to use diverse vector representations for each track, and then classify them individually. After that, a majority voting system can be used to infer a single label to the whole track. In this work, we evaluated the impact of changing the majority voting system to a meta-classifier. The classification results with the meta-classifier showed statistically significant improvements when related to the majority-voting classifier. This indicates that the higher-level information used by the meta-classifier might be relevant for automatic music genre classification.
Body Building Music: The Kinase Instalation
Authors: Monnazzi João , Faria Regis
Published: May 2020

Thinking on the congruencies between music and sports, we propose with this art installation some novel paths and connections for music production in a little explored field, in the interdisciplinarity with sports. Some similarities in the acting of musicians and athletes, such as the need of technical domain through discipline and practice. A musician who wants to develop her/his technical skills needs to follow a hard routine of practical studies, focusing in improving motor abilities with the proposing to play the piece in the better way possible. This process has a close proximity with the athlete’s during their preparation. Hours of intense practice to improve some motor skills that can enable them to improve their performance. The disciplines can be interpolated in a way that we can argue: there is always something physical on a music interpretation, as well as there is always something artistic in a sport competition. In the inner area between art/music and sports some modalities are easier to verify this symbiosis, as in the choreographic sports. These modalities are evaluated by both physical and artistic parameters. Our work focus in a particular sport modality that has a part of scoring which is evaluated through a choreographic routine: The Bodybuilding.
Der Schutz vor der Herstellung und Verbreitung von Nackt- und Intimaufnahmen
Authors: Hohenstein Sarah
Published: May 2020

Die Arbeit setzt sich mit den Herausforderungen des Bildnis- und Intimsphärenschutzes im Zeitalter der Digitalisierung auseinander. Das „Web 2.0“, die zunehmende Kommerzialisierung von Nackt- und Intimaufnahmen oder der eigene digitale Umgang mit der Intimsphäre stellen den derzeit bestehenden Rechtsschutz vor enorme Herausforderungen. Das Werk analysiert zunächst den derzeit bestehenden zivil- und strafrechtlichen sowie datenschutzrechtlichen Schutz vor der Herstellung und Verbreitung von Nackt- und Intimaufnahmen und prüft den Schutz umfassend. Ist der aktuelle Rechtsschutz überhaupt in der Lage mit der Digitalisierung und dem technischen Fortschritt mitzuhalten? Des Weiteren wird sich intensiv mit den Auswirkungen von neuen Phänomenen (z.B. Revenge-Porn, Cybermobbing) oder dem digitalen Nachlass auf den derzeitig bestehenden Rechtsschutz befasst und ein Ausblick gegeben, wie zukünftig ein effektiver Rechtsschutz ausgestaltet sein muss, um die Intimsphäre angemessen zu schützen.
Die Staatstheorie des Bundesverfassungsgerichts und Europa
Authors: van Ooyen Robert Chr.
Published: May 2020

With the Treaty of Lisbon, the Second Senate of the German Constitutional Court intensified its judgements with regard to Europe and in its recent rulings on rescuing the euro and the electoral threshold in EU elections emphasised its belief in a form of democracy based on the idea that the nation and the state supersede everything else, a standpoint which it has adopted since the Treaty of Maastricht. With the right to be forgotten I and II, the First Senate has now also reacted to the European Court of Justice by suddenly committing itself to being the ‘guardian’ of European fundamental human rights and even threatening to revert to its old ‘European-friendly’ Solange II rulings.

This book’s principal argument is that all this reveals the Europhobic nature of the German Constitutional Court’s state theory, which results from outdated traditions in the German doctrine of constitutional law and from a lack of democratic theory.

The recent rulings on the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Human Rights from November 2019 are just some of new additions to the eighth edition of this book.
Der kommunale Mindestausstattungsanspruch im Verfassungsrecht von Bund und Ländern
Authors: Petit Marc
Published: May 2020

Das Recht der kommunalen Mindestfinanzausstattung ist praktisch umstritten und dogmatisch ungeklärt. Das Werk strukturiert die verschiedenen Aspekte dieser für die kommunalen Haushalte hochrelevanten Materie und untersucht den verfassungsrechtlichen Inhalt systematisch:

Ist die vielzitierte Kern- und Randbereichsdogmatik hier hilfreich?

Steht der Mindestausstattungsanspruch unter Finanzierungsvorbehalt?

Was ist der konkrete Inhalt eines derartigen Anspruches – in vertikaler wie in horizontaler Hinsicht?

Alle für Gesetzgebung, Rechtsprechung und Rechtsberatung relevanten Fragen werden kenntnisreich und in verständlicher Sprache für Bundes- und Landesverfassungsrecht diskutiert und konkrete Lösungsansätze vorgeschlagen.
Low-Profile Metamaterial-Based Adaptative Beamforming Techniques
Authors: Michael Wu Chung-Tse , Chen Pai-Yen
Published: May 2020

In this chapter, we will review recent research advances on beamforming and spatial multiplexing techniques using reconfigurable metamaterials (MTMs) and metasurfaces. This chapter starts by discussing basic principles and practical applications of transmission line-based metamaterials and planar metasurfaces, followed by their active versions that enable novel smart antennas with beam steering and beamshaping functions. We include detailed descriptions of their practical realizations and the integration with circuits and the radio-frequency (RF) frontend, which are used to adaptively and dynamically manipulate electromagnetic radiation. We summarize the state-of-the-art MTM/metasurface-based beamforming techniques and provide a critical comparison for their uses in the RF-to-millimeter-wave range in terms of cost, reconfigurability, system integratability and radiation properties. These techniques are expected to pave the way for the massive deployment of communication, radar, remote sensing and medical and security imaging systems.
Fetal Echocardiogram Normal and Abnormal
Authors: Latha Routhu Madhavi , Krishna Gudikandula
Published: May 2020

In this chapter, the normal anatomy of the heart as well as pathologic cases is consistent with cardiac malposition and isomerism, septal defects, pulmonary stenosis/atresia/absent pulmonary valve syndrome, aortic malformation, hypoplastic left heart, conotruncal anomalies/common arterial trunk, tricuspid dysplasia, Ebstein anomaly, univentricular heart, and systemic venous abnormalities among other congenital cardio vascular defects by ultrasound images. Anatomical details of most CHD in fetus were provided by two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound with higher quality imaging, which enhances the diagnostic accuracy in a variety of CHD.
The Network Paradigm: New Niches for Psychosomatic Medicine
Authors: Lázár Imre
Published: May 2020

Psychosomatic medicine, as a philosophical frame and practical approach of the diagnostic and therapeutical agency, had been undergone several renewals and reframing in the past. We overview the history of psychosomatics and map its branches. Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic frameworks, the Engelian biopsychosocial concept, the paradigm of behavioral medicine, the clinical psychophysiological research background, the clinical fields of PNI, psychocardiology, biobehavioral oncology, the so-called mind-body medicine, and stress medicine frameworks reflect a converging pluralism. Psychoneuroimmunology offers a comprehensive framework to analyze key issues of psychosomatics in a social neuroscience framework and to demonstrate the significance of the network approach in bridging the gap between psychosomatics and biomedicine. Network medicine creates a shared denominator for analyzing socioeconomic, interpersonal, life event-based narrative factors together with psychophysiological features of the clinical and health psychological problems and promotes convergence of psychosomatics, biomedicine, and lifestyle medicine, too. On the other side, psychosomatic medicine as a particular professional medical specialization is not universal at all. In Europe, one can find such specialization only in Germany, while psychotherapy applied by somatic experts is practiced in wider circles. Finally, we explore the new niches for psychosomatic orientation offered by integrative frameworks like lifestyle medicine and network medicine.
Possíveis implicações da produção diagnóstica nas práticas de educação especial
Authors: Pedrozo Gabriela Orengo , Menezes Eliana da Costa Pereira de
Published: May 2020

Neste texto apresenta-se uma reflexão sobre a gestão das práticas de educação especial exercidas na escola regular, considerando o contexto da educação inclusiva. Objetivou-se analisar possíveis implicações do diagnóstico nas práticas de educação especial a partir dos discursos de medicalização. A materialidade analítica do estudo foi estruturada a partir de entrevista realizada com uma professora de educação especial, de uma escola particular da rede regular de ensino do município de Santa Maria/RS. Entende-se que os discursos da medicalização que têm se constituído como mecanismo de governamento na sociedade contemporânea, podem acabar produzindo na escola a individualização de problemas que são coletivos, adoecendo assim comportamentos cujas causas são muitas vezes sociais e não orgânicas.Palavras-chave: práticas de educação especial; escola comum; medicalização; políticas inclusivas.
Índice de desenvolvimento da educação básica e eficácia escolar: evidências de uma pesquisa comparativa
Authors: Faria Pollyanna Silva de Paulo , Alves Maria Teresa Gonzaga
Published: May 2020

Neste artigo apresenta-se resultados de pesquisa pela qual se investigou características de escolas que podem incidir no aprendizagem dos alunos. Por meio de uma análise correlacional entre os dados do Índice de Desenvolvimento da Educação Básica - Ideb - e o indicador de nível socioeconômico, foram identificadas três escolas localizadas na mesma região de Belo Horizonte/MG, da mesma rede de ensino, mas que apresentaram resultados diferenciados em termos de eficácia escolar. Foram analisados dados secundários e primários obtidos por meio de observação e entrevistas realizadas com diretores, supervisores e professores em três categorias principais: liderança, acompanhamento pedagógico e práticas escolares. Os resultados mostraram que a atuação dos profissionais, engajados nos processos de ensino e aprendizagem, são relevantes para a eficácia escolar.Palavras-chave: avaliação educacional; eficácia escolar; liderança escolar; acompanhamento pedagógico; práticas escolares.
Psicologia e Religião: Um Encontro Inevitável
Authors: Herbes Nilton Eliseu , De Jesus e Avila Miriam
Published: May 2020

Neste artigo, procuramos explorar as relações entre Psicologia e Religião e Psicologia e Teologia, trazendo o pensamento desenvolvido ao longo dos tempos por autores e autoras interessados na temática. Descrevendo os instrumentais destas ciências, a psicoterapia e a poimênica/aconselhamento pastoral, respectivamente, bem como suas diferentes abordagens, fica clara a existência de fatores de união e de divergência. Buscamos, numa leitura de textos de psicologia, identificar a proximidade e a importância do fenômeno religioso para a vida do ser humano e mostrar que essa não é uma ameaça à psicologia, bem como mostrar a influência da psicologia no fazer da poimênica/aconselhamento pastoral. O Sagrado possui uma importância inegável na constituição do ser humano e isso não deve ser negado por nenhuma das duas disciplinas. Psicologia e Teologia podem ser parceiras, sem ignorar a diferença existente quanto à intencionalidade de cada uma, mas respeitando suas visões específicas. Para tanto, procuramos definir o específico de cada uma das áreas e a sua contribuição no processo de ajuda e cuidado ao ser humano.
Da indiferença e da aporofobia à hospitalidade: uma reflexão antropológica diante da crise migratória
Authors: Pedrosa-Pádua Lúcia
Published: May 2020

A crise migratória adquire contornos dramáticos e universais nos dias de hoje, em que o sofrimento de milhões de pessoas contrasta com a indiferença, o fechamento e o ódio diante dos migrantes e refugiados. O tema adquire relevância para a Igreja e a sociedade com a tomada de posição firme e solidária do Papa Francisco em defesa dos refugiados e seus direitos. Dentre as causas da indiferença e do ódio aos migrantes e refugiados ressaltamos a aporofobia, ou rejeição aos pobres, segundo a filósofa Adela Cortina, e a insegurança existencial, segundo o sociólogo Zygmunt Bauman. Na tradição judaico-cristã, a relação com o migrante e o refugiado passa pela hospitalidade. Fiel a esta tradição, Francisco realiza o apelo a novas lógicas de desenvolvimento e a nova atitude diante daqueles que buscam oportunidades de vida. Em resposta a estes apelos, uma espiritualidade hospitaleira deverá ser de abertura, superação do sentimento aporófobo e de rejeição, escuta e aproximação de horizontes.
Impact of Cognitive Impairment on Adults with Multiple Sclerosis and Their Family Caregivers
Authors: Halstead Elizabeth J. , Stanley Justin , Fiore Damian , Mueser Kim T.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Cognitive impairment is a prominent feature of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the impact that cognitive symptoms have on daily life, and the effect this has on persons with MS and their relationships with spouses/partners, remains unclear. This qualitative study sought information on the nature of cognitive impairments experienced and the impact of cognitive impairments on the daily lives of adults with MS and their partners to gain further insights into how health care professionals can best support families.

Methods:

Fifteen persons with MS and their spouses/partners participated in separate semistructured telephone interviews.

Results:

Six themes and several subthemes were identified: the social impact of cognitive impairments in MS, changes to daily living, relationship quality, communication, ways of coping with MS, and the desire for help in managing MS.

Conclusions:

These results identified types of support that couples needed and wanted; ways that MS affects couples’ social lives; that there are difficulties negotiating changes in roles due to cognitive challenges; that there are difficulties coping with the impact of cognitive challenges on daily living; that couples often have difficulty communicating about the impact of cognitive changes on daily living and related issues, which also contributes to relationship strain; and finally, that most participants felt that they did not understand enough about the cognitive symptoms of MS. We outline key areas to address these identified needs.
Stimulation strength controls the rate of initiation but not the molecular organisation of TCR-induced signalling
Authors: Ma Claire Y , Marioni John C , Griffiths Gillian M , Richard Arianne C
Published: May 2020

Millions of naïve T cells with different TCRs may interact with a peptide-MHC ligand, but very few will activate. Remarkably, this fine control is orchestrated using a limited set of intracellular machinery. It remains unclear whether changes in stimulation strength alter the programme of signalling events leading to T cell activation. Using mass cytometry to simultaneously measure multiple signalling pathways during activation of murine CD8+ T cells, we found a programme of distal signalling events that is shared, regardless of the strength of TCR stimulation. Moreover, the relationship between transcription of early response genes Nr4a1 and Irf8 and activation of the ribosomal protein S6 is also conserved across stimuli. Instead, we found that stimulation strength dictates the rate with which cells initiate signalling through this network. These data suggest that TCR-induced signalling results in a coordinated activation program, modulated in rate but not organization by stimulation strength.
Finding the mutations that drive resistance
Authors: Bley Nadine
Published: May 2020

Mutations that allow tumors to evolve and become resistant to treatment can be readily identified with a new sequencing approach.