bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Net heterotrophy and carbonate dissolution in two subtropical seagrass meadows
Authors: Van Dam Bryce R. , Lopes Christian , Osburn Christopher L. , Fourqurean James W.
Published: November 2019

Abstract. The net ecosystem productivity (NEP) of two seagrass
meadows within one of the largest seagrass ecosystems in the world, Florida
Bay, was assessed using direct measurements over consecutive diel cycles
during a short study in the fall of 2018. We report significant differences
between NEP determined by dissolved inorganic carbon (NEPDIC) and by
dissolved oxygen (NEPDO), likely driven by differences in air–water gas
exchange and contrasting responses to variations in light intensity. We also
acknowledge the impact of advective exchange on metabolic calculations of
NEP and net ecosystem calcification (NEC) using the “open-water” approach
and attempt to quantify this effect. In this first direct determination of
NEPDIC in seagrass, we found that both seagrass ecosystems were net
heterotrophic, on average, despite large differences in seagrass net
above-ground primary productivity. NEC was also negative, indicating that
both sites were net dissolving carbonate minerals. We suggest that a
combination of carbonate dissolution and respiration in sediments exceeded
seagrass primary production and calcification, supporting our negative NEP
and NEC measurements. However, given the limited spatial (two sites) and
temporal (8 d) extent of this study, our results may not be
representative of Florida Bay as a whole and may be season-specific. The
results of this study highlight the need for better temporal resolution,
accurate carbonate chemistry accounting, and an improved understanding of
physical mixing processes in future seagrass metabolism studies.
Eurasian autumn snow impact on winter North Atlantic Oscillation depends on cryospheric variability
Authors: Wegmann Martin , Rohrer Marco , Santolaria-Otín María , Lohmann Gerrit
Published: November 2019

Abstract. In recent years, many components of the connection between Eurasian autumn snow cover and wintertime North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) were investigated, suggesting that November snow cover distribution has strong prediction power for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere winter climate. However, non-stationarity of this relationship could impact its use for prediction routines. Here we use snow products from long-term reanalyses to investigate interannual and interdecadal links between autumnal snow cover and atmospheric conditions in winter. We find evidence for a negative NAO tendency after November with a strong west-to-east snow cover gradient, which is valid throughout the last 150 years. This correlation is linked with a consistent impact of November snow on a slowed stratospheric polar vortex. Nevertheless, interdecadal variability for this relationship shows episodes of decreased correlation power, which co-occur with episodes of low variability in the November snow index. We find that the same is also true for sea ice as an NAO predictor. The snow dipole itself is associated with reduced Barents-Kara sea ice concentration, increased Ural blocking frequency and negative temperature anomalies in eastern Eurasia. Increased sea ice variability in recent years is linked to increased snow variability, thus increasing its power in predicting the winter NAO.
A new model of the coupled carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles in the terrestrial biosphere (QUINCY v1.0; revision 1996)
Authors: Thum Tea , Caldararu Silvia , Engel Jan , Kern Melanie , Pallandt Marleen , Schnur Reiner , Yu Lin , Zaehle Sönke
Published: November 2019

Abstract. The dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems are shaped by the coupled cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, and these cycles are strongly dependent on the availability of water and energy. These interactions shape future terrestrial biosphere responses to global change. Here, we present a new terrestrial ecosystem model, QUINCY (QUantifying Interactions between terrestrial Nutrient CYcles and the climate system), which has been designed from scratch to allow for a seamless integration of the fully coupled carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles with each other and also with processes affecting the energy and water balances in terrestrial ecosystems. This new model includes (i) a representation of plant growth which separates source (e.g. photosynthesis) and sink (growth rate of individual tissues, constrained by temperature and the availability of water and nutrients) processes; (ii) the acclimation of many ecophysiological processes to meteorological conditions and/or nutrient availability; (iii) an explicit representation of vertical soil processes to separate litter and soil organic matter dynamics; (iv) a range of new diagnostics (leaf chlorophyll content; 13C, 14C, and 15N isotope tracers) to allow for a more in-depth model evaluation. In this paper, we present the model structure and provide an assessment of its performance against a range of observations from global-scale ecosystem monitoring networks. We demonstrate that QUINCY v1.0 is capable of simulating ecosystem dynamics across a wide climate gradient, as well as across different plant functional types. We further provide an assessment of the sensitivity of key model predictions to the model's parameterisation. This work lays the ground for future studies to test individual process hypotheses using the QUINCY v1.0 framework in the light of ecosystem manipulation observations, as well as global applications to investigate the large-scale consequences of nutrient-cycle interactions for projections of terrestrial biosphere dynamics.
AGRIDE-c, a conceptual model for the estimation of flood damage to crops: development and implementation
Authors: Molinari Daniela , Scorzini Anna Rita , Gallazzi Alice , Ballio Francesco
Published: November 2019

Abstract. This paper presents AGRIDE-c, a conceptual model for the
assessment of flood damage to crops, in favour of more comprehensive flood
damage assessments. Available knowledge on damage mechanisms triggered by
inundation phenomena is systematised in a usable and consistent tool, with
the main strength represented by the integration of physical damage
assessment into the evaluation of its economic consequences on the income of
the farmers. This allows AGRIDE-c to be used to guide the flood damage
assessment process in different geographical and economic contexts, as
demonstrated by the example provided in this study for the Po Plain (north
of Italy). The development and implementation of the model highlighted that
a thorough understanding and modelling of mechanisms causing damage to crops is a
powerful tool to support more effective damage mitigation strategies, both
at public and at private (i.e. farmers) levels.
Towards an automatic early warning system of flood hazards based on precipitation forecast: the case of the Miño River (NW Spain)
Authors: González-Cao José , García-Feal Orlando , Fernández-Nóvoa Diego , Domínguez-Alonso José Manuel , Gómez-Gesteira Moncho
Published: November 2019

Abstract. An early warning system for flood prediction based on
precipitation forecast is presented. The system uses rainfall forecast
provided by MeteoGalicia in combination with a hydrologic (Hydrologic Modeling System, HEC-HMS) and a
hydraulic (Iber+) model. The upper reach of the Miño River and the
city of Lugo (NW Spain) are used as a study area. Starting from rainfall
forecast, HEC-HMS calculates the streamflow and Iber+ is automatically
executed for some previously defined risk areas when a certain threshold is
exceeded. The analysis based on historical extreme events shows that the
system can provide accurate results in less than 1 h for a forecast
horizon of 3 d and report an alert situation to decision makers.
Soil classification based on spectral and environmental variables
Authors: Dotto Andre Carnieletto , Demattê Jose A. M. , Viscarra Rossel Raphael , Rizzo Rodnei
Published: November 2019

Abstract. Given the large volume of soil data, it is now possible to obtain a soil classification using spectral, climate and terrain attributes. The idea was to develop a soil series system, which intends to discriminate soil types according to several variables. This new system was called Soil-Environmental Classification (SEC). The spectra data was applied to obtain information about the soil and climate and terrain variables to simulate the pedologist knowledge in soil-environment interactions. The most appropriate numbers of classes were achieved by the lowest value of AIC applying the clusters analysis, which was defined with 8 classes. A relationship between the SEC and WRB-FAO classes was found. The SEC facilitated the identification of groups with similar characteristics using not only soil but environmental variables for the distinction of the classes. Finally, the conceptual characteristics of the 8 SEC were described. The development of SEC conducted to incorporate applicable soil data for agricultural management, with less interference of personal/subjective/empirical knowledge (such as traditional taxonomic systems), and more reliable on automation measurements by sensors.
(Des)encuentros entre las instituciones y la economía social y solidaria en Cataluña
Authors: Homs Ramírez de la Piscina Patricia
Published: November 2019

Desde 2008 las políticas de ajuste estructural han desregulado el mercado laboral en España. Después de la destrucción de miles de puestos de trabajo a lo largo de estos últimos años, se ha señalado al sector de la economía social y solidaria, y en particular a las cooperativas de trabajo, como empresas “resilientes” durante los periodos de crisis. Algunas instituciones han tomado medidas para promover este sector de “más rápida recuperación” haciendo inversiones directas en los proyectos de economía social y solidaria, proporcionando facilidades burocráticas y financieras y ofreciendo asesoramiento y formación gratuita en esta área. El artículo aborda el papel de las instituciones en el presente crecimiento de la economía social y solidaria en Cataluña y los efectos de esta estrecha relación a través de diversos casos etnográficos. ¿Se están socializando las prácticas o se están vaciando de su contenido político? ¿Quién está estableciendo la agenda de esta articulación? ¿Cuáles son las mayores tensiones que emergen en estas relaciones? ¿Cuáles son los efectos de este crecimiento para las personas socias-trabajadoras de las cooperativas?
Las monedas sociales en la Economía Social y Solidaria: más allá de la reciprocidad, entendiendo las prácticas concretas a la luz del caso de “La Bellota”
Authors: Alcañiz Gema
Published: November 2019

Este artículo se basa en un trabajo etnográfico sobre las llamadas “monedas sociales”, a saber, aquellos dineros que solo se utilizan en ciertas prácticas y circuitos sociales restringidos que se han multiplicado en los últimos años, y, en concreto, en el caso de la experiencia de “la Bellota”, la comunidad de intercambio creada en la ciudad de Guadalajara. El material etnográfico que se presenta lanza un desafío al tratamiento realizado sobre estas prácticas desde el marco de la Economía Social y Solidaria, en concreto, en lo referente al tipo de relaciones sociales que sustentan los intercambios en estos circuitos. Para ello, se propone un re-examen de un concepto clave para la Antropología, la noción de ‘reciprocidad’, muy subrayado en los modelos económicos alternativos que promueven estas experiencias, cuya aplicabilidad es cuestionable para el análisis de las mismas.
Epistemologías del Sur y las Economías de Ellas. La Cooperativa “Capuchinhas” de la Sierra de Montemuro
Authors: Cunha Teresa , Sousa Vanessa
Published: November 2019

La cooperativa “Capuchinhas” es una iniciativa de mujeres de Serra do Montemuro, una de las regiones más aisladas y empobrecidas del centro de Portugal. Desde su creación en la década de 1980, esta cooperativa ha sido  ideada como forma de resistencia al empobrecimiento y al aislamiento geográfico. Por otro lado, se ha convertido en una alternativa local para la creación de empleo y la emancipación de las mujeres. Esta cooperativa presta especial atención a los problemas concretos de su región y su población, y busca afrontar los desequilibrios territoriales y la creciente mercantilización de todos los ámbitos de la vida. Nuestro trabajo tiene dos objetivos principales. El primero es la expansión teórica y analítica del concepto de economía feminista. En segundo lugar, a través de una etnografía densa, presentamos la complejidad del establecimiento y la vida de la cooperativa, dando centralidad a las propias palabras y narrativas de las protagonistas que piensan en sí mismas y en el mundo en el que viven y trabajan.
Emprendimiento Social. Autoempleo y extracción del valor en la era post-crisis
Authors: Valenzuela-García Hugo , Molina José Luis , Lubbers Miranda J. , Escribano Paula , Fuentes Sandrine
Published: November 2019

El fenómeno del emprendimiento social surgido en Cataluña a partir de la crisis del 2008 se presenta como una alternativa ocupacional promovida por actores financieros y administraciones públicas para responder a dos problemas agravados por la crisis financiera: la necesidad de crear empleo estable y los retos sociales y medioambientales. Este tipo de emprendimiento, liderado por una clase creativa auto-empleada, se enfrenta a las tensiones surgidas de equilibrar las aspiraciones personales y convicciones sociales contra las presiones del mercado. Sostenemos que la nueva etiqueta -emprendimiento social- es parte de una política que refleja la alianza de intereses financieros, escuelas de negocios y el estado neoliberal orientada a cubrir la fractura material e ideológica dejada por la crisis económica. Este texto aporta, por una parte, una contribución empírica al universo del emprendimiento social (basada en el análisis de 43 estudios de caso de empresas sociales, 93 encuestas de emprendedores y una base de datos de 347 entidades) y, por la otra, una aproximación teórica para entender esta expansión capitalista y su creciente sofisticación ideológica y práctica en los procesos de extracción del valor.
The correlation of intake phytate and tannin on serum transferrin receptor and hemoglobin in stunted overweight adolescents
Authors: Mani La , Fatimah-Muis Siti , Kartini Apoina
Published: November 2019

Stunted overweight teenagers are at risk of having iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is caused by various factors including the high food absorption inhibitors of iron such as phytate and tannins. Phytate and tannin contain polyphenol compounds which have a strong ability to bind iron so that it inhibits iron absorption in the intestine. This study aims to analyze the correlation between phytate, tannin intake and serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) and hemoglobin in stunted overweight adolescents. The research method was a cross-sectional study of 64 stunted overweight adolescents selected by consecutive sampling in four high schools/vocational high schools in Banyumanik District, Semarang City. Phytate and tannin intake data using SQ-FFQ method. The serum transferrin receptor examination uses the ELISA method and the hemoglobin level uses the Cyanomethemoglobin method. The results of the study, most of the respondents had high phytate and tannin intake of 96.9% and 89.1%. Respondents with low serum transferrin receptor were 7.8% and low hemoglobin levels were 7.8%. There was no  correlation between phytate intake with serum transferrin receptor or hemoglobin (p1 = 0.937 r1 = -0.010, p2 = 0.192 r2 = 0.165). Tannins were significantly correlated with serum transferrin receptor and hemoglobin (p1 = 0.005 r1 = 0.344, p2 = 0.002 r2 = -0.374). Based on multivariate analysis, tannin is a determinant of hemoglobin (R2 = 0.257). Conclusion is that tannin is positively correlated with serum transferrin receptor and hemoglobin in stunted overweight adolescents. Excessive tannin intake can cause deficiency in stunted overweight adolescents.
“The Raven” and Melville’s Pierre
Authors: Kopley Richard
Published: November 2019

Close reading reveals that Herman Melville alluded to Poe’s “The Raven,” often through verbal correspondences, throughout his novel Pierre. Furthermore, there are significant similarities between Melville’s use of “The Raven” in Pierre and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s use of that poem in The Blithedale Romance. Yet important differences also exist, especially in regard to Melville’s not only remembering, but also renouncing—of societal norms and literary expectations, and perhaps, as well, of efforts to overcome the reserve of Hawthorne and efforts to know the secret of the universe. The varied kinds of renouncing are linked by way of the multiple allusions to Poe’s most celebrated poem. In addition, Melville’s interest in “The Raven” continued in subsequent years.
“Thou Art the Man” as a Clue to “The Mystery of Marie Rogêt”
Authors: Shan Xueqi
Published: November 2019

“Thou Art the Man” has long been regarded by critics as Poe’s burlesque and repudiation of the detective genre after his failure to solve the Mary Rogers case. This article intends to demonstrate that Poe has planted several clues in “Thou Art the Man” to imply its connection to “The Mystery of Marie Rogêt,” and that Poe’s reason for doing so is to reinforce that he has succeeded in solving the Mary Rogers mystery. In “Thou Art the Man,” the narrator notices that the evidence is artificial and, by creating a scene in which the dead man speaks, successfully extorts the confession from the murderer. By creating the connections of “Thou Art the Man” and “Marie Rogêt,” Poe indicates that he has also noticed the artificial evidence in Mary Rogers’s case, and, more importantly, he implies that the publication of his story has actually extorted Mrs. Loss’s confession, which leads to the solution of the case. For Poe, “Marie Rogêt” is a success not only as a fiction, but also because of its role in solving the real-world crime.
Retracing Edgar Allan Poe’s Tales in Stephen King’s Short Fiction
Authors: Miquel-Baldellou Marta
Published: November 2019

In his study “Stephen King’s Fiction and the Heritage of Poe,” Burton R. Pollin argues that, despite the fact that the American best-selling writer Stephen King has often acknowledged the important influence that Edgar Allan Poe has exerted on his fiction, the analysis of King’s use of Poe’s writings in his own work has often been overlooked by Poe scholars. King’s references to Poe are so pervasive, especially in interviews, critical essays, and even books on creative writing, that Pollin claims, in his study, that no writer “enters into the substratum of a whole long work” as Poe does in King’s writings. Drawing on Pollin’s statement about the need to approach King’s fiction with respect to Poe’s tales, this article aims to analyze some of King’s stories included in his collection Nightmares and Dreamscapes in order to attest Poe’s legacy through displays of Gérard Genette’s concept of transtextuality. The imagery, motifs, characters, and plots of some of King’s stories in this collection, particularly those of narratives like “It Grows on You,” “Chattery Teeth,” “Dedication,” and “You Know They Got a Hell of Band,” will be analyzed through a comparative approach with regard to some of Poe’s texts, such as “The Fall of the House of Usher,” “Berenice,” “Morella,” and “The Masque of the Red Death,” with the aim to identify King’s contribution to transforming and updating different features in Poe’s classic tales.
Availability analysis of the Brazilian’s national weather measurement system
Authors: Bezerra Diego De Freitas , Da Silva Júnior José Clodoalves , Gonçalves Glauco Estácio , De Medeiros Victor Wanderley Costa
Published: November 2019

Weather measurement systems became an important tool for the efficient operation of various economic activities. Automated irrigation systems, that improve agricultural productivity and reduce the consumption of water resources, relies on data collected by these systems, for example. Due to the inherent complexity of these systems (i.e. stations with multiple sensors communicating through multiple communication channels to cloud services), it is very important to have measures that clarify how faults behave allowing better planning of maintenance and establish a degree of systems' reliability. This work presents a study of the availability of all meteorological stations of the National Institute of Meteorology - INMET installed in the Brazilian territory in the year 2017. The results present the first analysis of this parameter and serve both for academic and commercial users, as a form of measurement of these systems' reliability, as well as for weather measurement infrastructure providers as a tool for improving the effectiveness of their maintenance policy and as a support for the strategic planning of new investments.
Clusterização de dados mistos para análise da atividade pesqueira artesanal na bacia Araguaia-Tocantins
Authors: Da Silva Renato Sabino , Da Silva Rogério Rômulo , Kuribayashi Hugo Pereira , Da Cunha Cristiane Vieira , Francês Carlos Renato Lisboa , Sousa Keid Nolan Silva
Published: November 2019

Este trabalho apresenta a aplicação de um modelo de Monitoramento Adaptativo da Pesca em conjunto com técnicas de clusterização de dados mistos relativos à registros de atividade pesqueira na bacia Araguaia-Tocantins entre 2016 e 2017. Os registros de dados dos desembarques pesqueiros foram obtidos por meio do Sistema Integrado de Estatística Pesqueira (SIEPE), que se apresenta como uma proposta de ferramenta capaz de dinamizar o processo de coleta e análise de dados das bacias pesqueiras da Região Amazônica. Por meio da interface de exploração de dados do SIEPE diversas variáveis categóricas e numéricas foram extraídas. A partir da aplicação do algoritmo k-prototypes, revelou-se que as variáveis numéricas mais expressivas no estudo foram o rendimento da pesca e potência do motor da embarcação, enquanto que as variáveis categóricas mais expressivas foram, nome popular espécie e ambiente de pesca. Estas variáveis devem ser levadas em consideração em programas de monitoramento da pesca na bacia Araguaia-Tocantins, bem como o uso do SIEPE para apoiar a gestão pesqueira em diferentes escalas.
Supporting collaborative modelling in UML class diagrams
Authors: Neto Raul Antonio Cortiana , Farias Kleinner , Bischoff Vinicius , Gonçales Lucian José
Published: November 2019

Background. Modeling architectural aspects of the system is an essential activity in software development. Inthis context, developers work in parallel, and collaborate to define application software models, such as classdiagrams. Problem. Although many software modeling tools have been proposed, there is a lack of distributed collaboration features. Solution. This study proposes C-SAMT, a web tool for collaborative modeling of UML class diagrams. Developers can benefit from using C-SAMT when performing modeling tasks, such as creating domain models in parallel, and collaboratively. Evaluation. We recruited 20 industry professionals to perform a qualitative evaluation of the tool through a questionnaire. Results. Majority of Industry professionals (85%, 17/20) reported that totally agree that the communication channel of the tool worked properly, they also (80%, 16/20) totally agreed the models generated collaboratively with C-SAMT had small numbers of conflicts, and they also (90%, 18/20) perceived improved productivity gains using the proposed tool. Conclusion. C-SAMT provided a collaborative environment, which were positively evaluated by developers, who reported that C-SAMT had a good communication channel between team members.
Reconhecimento da ceratoconjuntivite infecciosa bovina utilizando imagens termográficas e redes neurais convolucionais
Authors: Freitas Dhyonatan Santos de , Camargo Sandro Da Silva , Comin Helena Brocardo , Domingues Robert , Gaspar Emanuelle Baldo , Cardoso Fernando Flores
Published: November 2019

A ceratoconjuntivite infecciosa bovina (CIB) é considerada a doença ocular de maior importância na criação de bovinos, causando perdas significativas tanto no rebanho afetado quanto para o produtor. Por se tratar de uma doença infectocontagiosa é necessário que as formas de diagnóstico sejam aprimoradas. Atualmente, o diagnóstico para CIB é realizado por meio da avaliação dos sinais clínicos por um especialista e confirmados por exames laboratoriais, o que geralmente é uma tarefa custosa e demorada. Neste trabalho, é avaliada a utilização da termografia infravermelha para aquisição de imagens da região ocular bovina de animais sadios e infectados pela CIB e, a partir disso utilizar essa base de imagens no treinamento e validação de um conjunto de redes neurais convolucionais (RNC), com o intuito de identificar se o animal está ou não infectado em novas amostras. Foram utilizadas 4.938 imagens termográficas da região ocular bovina no processo de treinamento e validação de cinco arquiteturas distintas de RNC, as quais foram avaliadas utilizando validação cruzada. Os melhores resultados obtidos neste trabalho indicam que as RNC são capazes de classificar corretamente os sinais clínicos da CIB em imagens termográficas com uma taxa de acurácia próxima de 80%.
Introdução às tecnologias dos blockchains e das criptomoedas
Authors: Chervinski João Otávio Massari , Kreutz Diego
Published: November 2019

As tecnologias utilizadas pelas criptomoedas, como o blockchain, tornaram possível a realização de transações entre os usuários sem a necessidade de uma entidade intermediária (exemplo: um banco). As criptomoedas (como Bitcoin e Monero) podem ser denidas como sistemas descentralizados que operam sem a necessidade de intermediários, tornando possível a realização de pagamentos descentralizados e sem fronteiras, onde usuários podem participar de transações sem a necessidade de estabelecer confiança. Devido a essas características e possibilidades, o uso de blockchain difundiu-se rapidamente pelos sistemas financeiros tradicionais. Grandes bancos e instituições financeiras passaram a investir significativamente na tecnologia como forma de melhorar a eficiência e reduzir custos em transações financeiras entre bancos e/ou inter-países. Uma das primeiras criptomoedas voltadas para instituições financeiras foi a Ripple. Rapidamente, a aplicação teórica e prática das tecnologias utilizadas pelas criptomoedas difundiu-se também para os mais diversos domínios, com o objetivo de solucionar diferentes tipos de problemas. Este tutorial apresenta uma introdução às tecnologias utilizadas pelas criptomoedas. O principal objetivo é difundir conhecimento sobre o assunto e estimular o desenvolvimento de pesquisas relacionadas à essas tecnologias. No decorrer do tutorial, são discutidos os fundamentos de um blockchain e das criptomoedas Bitcoin e Monero, com especial atenção na segurança e privacidade dos dados.
INSIDe: Image recognition tool aimed at helping visually impaired people contextualize indoor environments
Authors: Fank Elias , Bevilacqua Fernando , Duarte Denio , Scapinello Alesson
Published: November 2019

Visually impaired (VI) people face a set of challenges when trying to orient and contextualize themselves. Computer vision and mobile devices can be valuable tools to help them improve their quality of life. This work presents a tool based on computer vision and image recognition to assist VI people to better contextualize themselves indoors. The tool works as follows: user takes a picture $\rho$ using a mobile application; ρ is sent to the server; ρ is compared to a database of previously taken pictures; server returns metadata of the database image that is most similar to ρ; finally the mobile application gives an audio feedback based on the received metadata. Similarity test among database images and $\rho$ is based on the search of nearest neighbors in key points extracted from the images by SIFT descriptors. Three experiments are presented to support the feasibility of the tool. We believe our solution is a low cost, convenient approach that can leverage existing IT infrastructure, e.g. wireless networks, and does not require any physical adaptation in the environment where it will be used.
A Usability Evaluation Experiment of 3D User Interfaces for Elderly
Authors: Postal Manoela Rogofski Brum , Rieder Rafael
Published: November 2019

Health professionals have used 3D user interfaces as support tools for the elderly rehabilitation, offering fun and beneficial resources for the practice of physical and cognitive activities to them. In this context, it is necessary to establish mechanisms to evaluate the usability of these interfaces, in order to achieve a balance between functionality, ease of use and sense of well-being. The aim of this study is to report a usability evaluation experiment of a virtual reality game developed specifically to elderly people, as a means to identify the needs of this public regarding 3D user interface evaluation. An initial methodology was tested exploring two points of view in the game, and its results showed that it was adequate for seniors. However, it was noted the need to include training periods and an evaluation with a heterogeneous group of seniors to consolidate and optimize the proposed approach, as well as readjust the instruments used.
Harina de plátano (MUSA PARADISIACA L.) en combinación con harina de maíz, para la elaboración de tortillas
Authors: Videa Bustillo Mariliana , Villareyna Ruiz Freyden Belén , Roda Zeledón Hassell Janireth , López Rugama Francys Yuliana
Published: November 2019

Las tortillas son el principal producto alimenticio en Nicaragua y forma parte de la dieta de todos los estatus sociales. El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar características fisicoquímicas y sensoriales de tortillas elaboradas a base de mezcla de plátano y maíz para determinar en qué proporción el maíz puede ser sustituida sin afectar la calidad de la tortilla. Las harinas de maíz y plátano fueron mezcladas para obtener las siguientes tres mezclas: M1= 70/30, M2= 50/50 y M3= 60/40 (% de maíz y plátano). Se determinó color y textura de tortillas a tres tiempos de almacenamiento con el objetivo de ver los cambios en cada tiempo. Para el análisis de las variables, se observó que la mezcla que más se acerca a las características fisicoquímicas y tiempo de almacenamiento de las tortillas testigo, fue la mezcla M1= 70/30, la que presentó mejor atributo a diferencia de las otras formulaciones (50/50, 60/40). Con base a los resultados se puede concluir que la mezcla de harinas 70/30 (M1) puede ser usada para producir tortillas sin afectar preferencias. Con el análisis sensorial, se logró identificar que el atributo mejor evaluado por los consumidores fue la textura de la tortilla elaborada con esta mezcla. En cuanto a los costos de producción de la mezcla seleccionada, para producir 100 bolsas de harina de plátano en combinación con harina de maíz se necesita invertir C$ 1624.27 córdobas, logrando un costo por unidad de tortilla de C$ 1.29.
Literacy autobiographies in pre-service teacher education: opportunities for therapeutic writing in widening participation contexts
Authors: Burke Rachel , Shaw Emma , Baker Sally
Published: November 2019

Literacy autobiographies, where learners write about significant events or experiences that have shaped their literate practices and identities, are commonly employed in composition courses as a means of encouraging author reflexivity. Here, we discuss the implementation of a literacy
autobiography assignment in a pre-service teacher education course offered at a regional university in Australia. The assignment proved to be innovative, particularly resonating with the large proportion of pre-service teachers from first-in-family and traditionally underrepresented backgrounds
in higher education, who often struggle with the literate practices privileged in the academy. Our observations suggest that these pre-service teachers embraced this novel university writing experience as an opportunity to make deeply personal connections with the course content and their
own learning journeys. Our intention is to collectively consider important questions emerging from this innovative practice including: what do the deeply personal responses to this assignment suggest about university writing as a tool for making sense of past and present learning experiences;
how can personal writing help to unpack the complex, power-laden relationships between literacy, biography and access; and how can autobiographical writing assist learners to reflect on the shifting identities (both literate and otherwise) associated with transitions into and through higher
education?
Widening participation for non-traditional students: can using alternative assessment methods level the playing field in higher education?
Authors: Burnell Iona
Published: November 2019

This paper will explore and examine the notion and practice of using alternative assessments as a means to overcoming barriers to learning and success for under-represented groups, such as mature students returning to learning. Since widening participation initiatives began, many universities
have begun to engage in practices that are conducive to their learners successfully accessing and achieving in higher education. The pedagogical practice of using alternative assessments for students who are considered to be at a disadvantage, not because of disability, but because of their
background and affiliation with under-represented groups in higher education, may go some way to levelling the playing field.
Shallow-Water Foraminifera and Other Microscopic Biota of Clipperton Island, Tropical Eastern Pacific
Authors: McGann Mary L , Schmieder Robert W. , Loncke Louis-Philippe
Published: November 2019

The recent foraminiferal fauna and associated
microbiota of Clipperton Island (10.2833°N, 109.2167°W) were investigated at 20
sites collected in the intertidal zone around the perimeter of the island and
from the edge of the inner brackish-water lagoon. Due to the island’s
geographic location in a low productivity zone, a lack of variable habitats on
and surrounding the island, and heavy surf that pounds the exposed land, a
depauperate fauna was recovered although mixed biogeographic affinities are
represented. The shallow-water foraminiferal assemblage has no endemics but primarily
tropical Indo-Pacific and eastern Pacific (Panamic) affinities, as well as one
species of Caribbean affinity. The most abundant taxa are Sorites spp. and Quinqueloculina
spp. Noticeably absent are any species of Amphistegina,
despite the fact that they are considered ubiquitous in the tropical
Pacific. The molluscan fauna has Clipperton Island endemics, a tropical
Pacific/Inter-Island endemic, and tropical eastern Pacific oceanic islands/Panamic Molluscan affinities. The ostracods included endemics found
restricted to Clipperton Island lagoon, as well as Indo-Pacific and Panamic
Province species. The foraminifera, mollusks, and ostracods are thought to
disperse to Clipperton Island by way of the North Equatorial Countercurrent and
North Equatorial Current, suggesting that the island is indeed a stepping stone
for migration both east and west across the Eastern Pacific Barrier.
Perception of Polynomial for Weighted Directed Graph
Authors: El- Morsy Hend
Published: November 2019

In this paper we will apply a polynomial for directed weighted graph. We will introduce notion of deletion and contraction in directed weighted graph. Some examples and propositions will be illustrated.
Neurophysiological Aspects of NeuroTactile Therapy of Masgutova Neurosensory Motor Reflex Integration MNRI® Method
Authors: Nowak Katarzyna , Sendrowski Krzysztof
Published: November 2019

In early childhood, touch is the fi rst means of communication with the surrounding world. How the parents touch and hold a baby and how frequently they touch it affects the emotional and physical development and health of the child. Studies demonstrate that deprivation of human contact for children usually causes them future anxiety and nervousness. The main assumptions of the MNRI® NeuroTactile therapy modality is to increase and create kinesthetic awareness in the body of a patient; to regulate functions of skin receptors by activation of the sense of touch and proprioception targeted at their neurological aspects – receptors, dermatomes, refl ex circuits and their functions. Techniques of the NeuroTactile Therapy created by Dr. Masgutova rely on providing a controlled amount of sensory stimuli and sensory-proprioceptive information for tactile and also proprioreceptive systems, particularly, to create and facilitate spontaneous physiological adaptive responses. The result is to improve the functions of the neurosensory motor system and overall neuro-development. The aim of this type of tactile training is to activate natural mechanisms for development, regulation and normalization of tactile perception, muscle tension, and also to promote sensory and sensory-motor integration mechanisms, develop kinesthetic awareness while reducing or eliminating stress and increasing neuroplasticity.
The influence of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction on accelerometric gait analysis
Authors: Golec Joanna , Wójcik Krzysztof , Bar Agnieszka , Szczygieł Elżbieta , Czechowska Dorota , Masłoń Agata , Tomaszewska Iwona M.
Published: November 2019

ACL injuries – next to damage to the collateral ligaments, menisci of the knee – are the most common injuries of the knee joint and very often require surgical treatment. The main aim of the treatment is to restore normal gait pattern. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of reconstructed ACL on selected gait parameters by using an accelerometer system.

The study involved 34 people aged 18-54 who were divided in two groups. The first group consisted of 20 people after ACL reconstruction, aged 19-54 years old (mean 29). The second group consisted of 14 healthy people between the age of 18-45 (mean 25.36). Gait analysis in normal and fast rate was performed using the CQMotion Electronik System, MEMS type.

Differences in the results were observed in the first group. In 75% of people during normal walking and in 95% during fast walking, a 5% difference between the healthy limb and the limb after ACL reconstruction was observed. The gait rate had influence on acceleration value which was observed in RMS values in both of the groups. The RMS value was different, depending on the gait rate.

Accelerometric gait analysis shows that the differences in comparing rate values between limbs are not so great, however, the gait pace has influence on some gait parameters. parameters.
Radial shockwave and ultrasound in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis – a preliminary report
Authors: Białek Lidia , Franek Andrzej , Błaszczak Edward , Król Tomasz , Dolibog Paweł , Białek Jakub , Dolibog Patrycja , Wróbel Beata , Król Piotr
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Lateral epicondylitis can be resistant to treatment that usually involves the use of conservative therapies, including physical modalities such as radial shockwave and ultrasound. Studies show that both modalities are efficacious but their results are inconsistent. The optimal parameters for applying them are also yet to be determined. This trial was designed to analyse and compare the efficacy of radial shock wave and ultrasound as therapies for treating patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Material and methods: The trial was conducted with 26 patients with lateral epicondylitis divided into two comparative groups (A and B), each consisting of 13 patients. The groups were treated with radial shockwave and ultrasound, respectively. In both of them, changes in patients’ rest pain, night pain, pain during activity, and hand grip strength were evaluated, as well as the efficacy of both therapies.

Results: The intensity of all types of pain decreased over the course of the study in both groups and patients’ grip strength gradually improved. The groups were comparable in terms of percentage change in the analysed parameters and the distribution of patients’ self-assessments of treatment efficacy.

Conclusions: Radial shockwave and ultrasound show comparable efficacy in treating lateral epicondylitis. They are particularly effective in reducing pain intensity and increasing the hand grip strength of the affected extremity.
The effect of dance therapy on patients with mental and somatic disorders – a review of research
Authors: Grudzińska Aleksandra , Izdebski Paweł
Published: November 2019

Introduction: The aim of the study is the evaluation of the effectiveness of dance therapy in patients with mental and somatic disorders, based on a review of current research, and indication of the importance of dance therapy in the treatment of psychophysical disorders, and the presentation of scientific and historical basis of this method and also of therapeutic techniques which are used. Method: The review of literature included 13 selected clinical studies on the effects of dance and movement therapy in patients with mental disorders such as depression (4), autism spectrum disorders (1) and somatic disorders (4): obesity (2) hearing impairment (1) and dementia (1), conducted in the years 2002-2015 around the whole world. Search strategy: Medline and PsycArticles databases were searched and presented research was extracted from the titles, abstracts and full texts of the publications. The primary selection criterion was the finding of dominant mental and somatic disorders, which were treated using dance therapy. As a result, a list of the most common diseases was created, and randomly selected publications on the use of dance therapy in the treatment of patients with psychophysical disorders were presented. The study was based on titles and abstracts, and then on full texts, original papers with control groups as well as other forms of research. Results: All studies have shown the positive effect of dance therapy on patients with mental and somatic disorders, as evidenced by measurements taken during and after treatment (this is discussed in detail regarding each study). Conclusion: From the presented research results, we may conclude that dance therapy is adjuvant to traditional forms of treatment in the case of mental and somatic disorders. However, there are not enough clinical trials and reports to provide clear and reliable assessment of the effectiveness of dance therapy.
Selected methods of unconventional medicine and the possibilities of its usage in multiple sclerosis - analysis of the issue based on the PubMed medical database
Authors: Pasiut Szymon , Mirek Elżbieta , Filip Magdalena , Szymura Jadwiga , Proficz Katarzyna
Published: November 2019

People with multiple or long-term multiple sclerosis often use complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). CAM is considered a controversial field of treatment by both neurologists and specialists in other fields of medicine. Nevertheless, there is growing interest in this type of treatment.

The aim of this study is to review literature related to the most current knowledge regarding the application of alternative medicine methods in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis based on experimental and medical studies.

The method used in the study was to search and analyze the latest articles related to unconventional medicine and multiple sclerosis, available in the PubMed medical databas

The most common methods of CAM usage in MS include: vitamin and mineral supplementation, intake of omega-3 and omega-6, a special diet, acupuncture, herbal medicine, reflexology, yoga and meditation.

Attention has been paid to the problem which is due to high interest in alternatives. Patients with MS often use unconventional in combination with conventional medicine, while remaining under the care of doctors. Patients apply the presented method as complementary therapy, not an alternative.

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Falls-risk in the Third Age University female students against the outcome of a 6-month physical therapy regimen - a randomised trial
Authors: Puzio Grzegorz , Wloch Tomasz , Żarnowski Kamil , Górski Maciek , Żak Marek
Published: November 2019

As our bodies age, the performance of all bodily organs and systems deteriorates, adversely affecting their functional capacity and increasing overall falls-risk, even in the most active individuals, including female students of the Third Age Universities (TAU). A well-developed and implemented physiotherapy programme makes it possible to appreciably reduce the falls-risk in TAU students, as well as any attendant negative consequences mitigated.

The study aimed to assess the impact of a 6-month original physical therapy regimen on the attendant falls-risk, as established in the female TAU students.

The study covered 131 female TAU students, aged 60 and over. The subjects were randomly split into two groups, i.e. Study Group (n = 66; mean age 67.2  5.4 years), and a Control Group (n = 65; mean age 66.2  3.5 years). All subjects were assessed twice, prior to, and up-on the conclusion of a 6-month physical therapy regimen. Falls-risk and individual sense of balance were assessed by a "Step Test" (ST), "One-Leg Standing Test" (OLST), and a "Func-tional Reach Test" (FRT).

The study group ST and OLST test scores upon conclusion of the physical therapy regimen were significantly higher (i.e. longer time of a one-legged stand), as compared to the Control Group, for both right and left lower limbs (p > 0.05). FRT scores upon conclusion of the phys-ical therapy regimen were also significantly higher (p > 0.05), as a greater range of body ex-tension was observed.

Falls-risk in the TAU students aged 60 and over was significantly decreased through the im-plementation of an original, 6-month physical therapy regimen, while an individual sense of balance in a standing position was also found to be appreciably enhanced.

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Methodologies of inspiratory muscle training techniques in obstructive lung diseases
Authors: Kaszuba Marek , Śliwka Agnieszka , Piliński Rafał , Nowobilski Roman , Wloch Tomasz
Published: November 2019

Background: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is a non-pharmacological, non-invasive therapeutic method that can improve the quality of life in patients with obstructive lung diseases. The effectiveness of IMT may depends on the type of the device used in the training and the parameters of the training programme. Objectives: The aim of the review was to present different techniques and protocols of IMT used in patients with obstructive lung diseases. Methods: The MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to identify the potentially eligible publications from the previous 5 years. The various protocols of IMT used in different studies were analysed and described in detail. Results: A database search identified 333 records, of which 22 were included into the final analysis. All of the finally analysed studies were conducted in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The protocols of IMT used in the studies differed in the type of the device used, the duration of the training programme, the number and the duration of training sessions, the initial load, and the rate at which the load was changed during the training. Conclusions: IMT is used mainly in studies on patients with COPD and not with asthma. There is no one approved training programme for IMT. The most predominant type of IMT is a training with threshold loading. The most frequently used devices for IMT are POWERbreath and Threshold IMT. The protocols of IMT used in the studies are very diverse.