bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of indigenous isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Deuteromycota: Hyphomycetes) against the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Baki Derya , Tosun Hilal Sule , Erler Fedai
Published: March 2021

Background

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is one of the most damaging pests of potatoes all over the world as well as in Turkey. Both adults and larvae of this pest feed on the foliage of potatoes, and often cause complete defoliation of potato plants, with considerable yield losses of up to 60%. Chemical control of this pest has induced the selection of resistant CPB populations and negative environmental impact. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pathogenicity of 14 Turkish isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Deuteromycota: Hyphomycetes) against different stages of CPB under laboratory conditions.

Results

All isolates were tested as conidial suspensions of (1 × 107 conidia/ml), using spray method. The results from pathogenicity assays showed that virulence of tested isolates was variable, and mortality increased with the time of exposure. The highest mortality was seen in larvae of CPB; however, young larvae (1st and 2nd instars) were more susceptible to fungal isolates than older ones (3rd and 4th instars). Four isolates (BbDm-1, BbDs-2, BbMg-2, and BbMp-1) were more pathogenic than others against L. decemlineata, causing mortalities between 96.7 and 100% in the 2 youngest larval instars, respectively, between 91.7 and 96.7% in the 2 oldest larval instars, respectively, and between 93.3 and 96.7% in 0–48-h-old adults, respectively, 9 days post treatment. Furthermore, these 4 isolates had the most potent egg-hatching inhibitory effects (66.7–90%). The results of molecular phylogenetic analyses based on the ITS region sequence indicated that all tested B. bassiana isolates showed a high similarity (99%) with other B. bassiana isolates in GenBank.

Conclusions

Results suggested that the 4 B. bassiana isolates were highly virulence and had the potential for biological control of CPB. Further tests under field conditions are recommended to validate the laboratory results.
Performance evaluation of multi-GNSSs navigation in super synchronous transfer orbit and geostationary earth orbit
Authors: Shi Tao , Zhuang Xuebin , Xie Liwei
Published: March 2021

The autonomous navigation of the spacecrafts in High Elliptic Orbit (HEO), Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) are considered feasible in many studies. With the completion of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System with Global Coverage (BDS-3) in 2020, there are at least 130 satellites providing Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services. In this paper, considering the latest CZ-5(Y3) launch scenario of Shijian-20 GEO spacecraft via Super-Synchronous Transfer Orbit (SSTO) in December 2019, the navigation performance based on the latest BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), Global Positioning System (GPS), Galileo Navigation Satellite System (Galileo) and GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS) satellites in 2020 is evaluated, including the number of visible satellites, carrier to noise ratio, Doppler, and Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP). The simulation results show that the GEO/Inclined Geo-Synchronous Orbit (IGSO) navigation satellites of BDS-3 can effectively increase the number of visible satellites and improve the PDOP in the whole launch process of a typical GEO spacecraft, including SSTO and GEO, especially for the GEO spacecraft on the opposite side of Asia-Pacific region. The navigation performance of high orbit spacecrafts based on multi-GNSSs can be significantly improved by the employment of BDS-3. This provides a feasible solution for autonomous navigation of various high orbit spacecrafts, such as SSTO, MEO, GEO, and even Lunar Transfer Orbit (LTO) for the lunar exploration mission.
Opportunities for enhancing brain health across the lifespan
Authors: Gow Alan J.
Published: March 2021

As we age, there are characteristic changes in our thinking, reasoning and memory skills (referred to as cognitive ageing). However, variation between people in the timing and degree of change experienced suggests that a range of factors determine individual cognitive ageing trajectories. This narrative review considers some of the lifestyle factors that might promote (or harm) cognitive health. The focus on lifestyle factors is because these are potentially modifiable by individuals or may be the targets of behavioural or societal interventions. To support that, the review briefly considers people's beliefs and attitudes about cognitive ageing; the nature and timing of cognitive changes across the lifespan; and the genetic contributions to cognitive ability level and change. In introducing potentially modifiable determinants, a framing that draws evidence derived from epidemiological studies of dementia is provided, before an overview of lifestyle and behavioural predictors of cognitive health, including education and occupation, diet and activity.
Democratising “Microscopi”: a 3D printed automated XYZT fluorescence imaging system for teaching, outreach and fieldwork
Authors: Wincott Matthew , Jefferson Andrew , Dobbie Ian M. , Booth Martin J. , Davis Ilan , Parton Richard M.
Published: March 2021

Commercial fluorescence microscope stands and fully automated XYZt fluorescence imaging systems are generally beyond the limited budgets available for teaching and outreach. We have addressed this problem by developing “Microscopi”, an accessible, affordable, DIY automated imaging system that is built from 3D printed and commodity off-the-shelf hardware, including electro-mechanical, computer and optical components. Our design features automated sample navigation and image capture with a simple web-based graphical user interface, accessible with a tablet or other mobile device. The light path can easily be switched between different imaging modalities. The open source Python-based control software allows the hardware to be driven as an integrated imaging system. Furthermore, the microscope is fully customisable, which also enhances its value as a learning tool. Here, we describe the basic design and demonstrate imaging performance for a range of easily sourced specimens.
Are We Strategically Naïve or Guided by Trust and Trustworthiness in Cheap-Talk Communication?
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Özer Özalp , Subramanian Upender
Published: March 2021

Cheap-talk communication between parties with conflicting interests is common in many business and economic settings. Two distinct behavioral economics theories, the trust-embedded model and the level-k model, have emerged to explain how cheap talk works between human decision makers. The trust-embedded model considers that decision makers are motivated by nonpecuniary motives to be trusting and trustworthy. In contrast, the level-k model considers that decision makers are purely self-interested but limited in their ability to think strategically. Although both theories have been successful in explaining cheap-talk behaviors in separate contexts, they point to contrasting drivers for human behaviors. In this paper, we provide the first direct comparison of both theories within the same context. We show that, in a cheap-talk setting that well represents many practical situations, the two models make characteristically distinct and empirically distinguishable predictions. We leverage past experiment data from this setting to determine what aspects of cheap-talk behavior each model captures well and which model (or combination of models) has better explanatory power and predictive performance. We find that the trust-embedded model emerges as the dominant explanation. Our results, thus, highlight the importance of investing in systems and processes to foster trusting and trustworthy relationships in order to facilitate more effective cheap-talk interactions.

This paper was accepted by Charles Corbett, operations management.
Light Optimization for an LED-Based Candling System and Detection Combined with Egg Parameters for Discrimination of Fertility
Authors: Pan Chenghao , Zhu Gai , Zhang Yingping , Rao Xiuqin , Jiang Huanyu , Pan Jinming
Published: March 2021

Highlights

An LED-based candling system was designed to automatically judge egg fertility.

LEDs of six different colors were tested for light optimization.

Relative absorptivity (RA) was negatively correlated with the L* value and positively correlated with the a* value.

The results combined with egg parameters produced higher accuracy than the results without egg parameters.

Abstract. Removal of infertile eggs could increase the efficiency of commercial hatcheries by saving space, ensuring the hatching rate, and decreasing costs. In this study, an LED-based candling system was designed to automatically judge egg fertility by measuring photo-resistance, which was converted into the relative absorptivity (RA) of light through the egg. In the first experiment, 85 eggs were used to test LEDs of six different colors (red, yellow, green, blue, warm white, and cold white) during days 0 to 13 of incubation. In the second experiment, 170 eggs were detected with warm white LEDs during days 0 to 10 of incubation to further study whether egg parameters (weight, dimensions, and shell color) affected the accuracy of logistic regression. The detection results of the first experiment indicated that the RA of fertile eggs increased rapidly throughout the first 13 days of incubation, while the RA of infertile eggs increased little. Comparing the detection results for all LEDs, it was found that the warm white LEDs achieved the best results, with an accuracy of 94.9% on day 7. The second experiment showed that the RA was negatively correlated with the L* value (lightness or darkness) and positively correlated with the a* value (color in the red or green direction). Furthermore, on most days of incubation, the results of logistic regression combined with the egg parameters produced higher accuracy than the results without egg parameters. The accuracy was 100% on day 10. This study provides an automatic and non-destructive method to discriminate fertile eggs from infertile eggs for current hatcheries. Keywords: Egg parameters, Fertility, LED, Light optimization.
Regional motion correction for in vivo photoacoustic imaging in humans using interleaved ultrasound images
Authors: Erlöv Tobias , Sheikh Rafi , Dahlstrand Ulf , Albinsson John , Malmsjö Malin , Cinthio Magnus
Published: March 2021

In translation from preclinical to clinical studies using photoacoustic imaging, motion artifacts represent a major issue. In this study the feasibility of an in-house algorithm, referred to as intensity phase tracking (IPT), for regional motion correction of in vivo human photoacoustic (PA) images was demonstrated. The algorithm converts intensity to phase-information and performs 2D phase-tracking on interleaved ultrasound images. The radial artery in eight healthy volunteers was imaged using an ultra-high frequency photoacoustic system. PA images were motion corrected and evaluated based on PA image similarities. Both controlled measurements using a computerized stepping motor and free-hand measurements were evaluated. The results of the controlled measurements show that the tracking corresponded to 97 ± 6% of the actual movement. Overall, the mean square error between PA images decreased by 52 ± 15% and by 43 ± 19% when correcting for controlled- and free-hand induced motions, respectively. The results show that the proposed algorithm could be used for motion correction in photoacoustic imaging in humans.
Convolutional neural network for self-mixing interferometric displacement sensing
Authors: Barland Stéphane , Gustave François
Published: March 2021

Self-mixing interferometry is a well established interferometric measurement technique. In spite of the robustness and simplicity of the concept, interpreting the self-mixing signal is often complicated in practice, which is detrimental to measurement availability. Here we discuss the use of a convolutional neural network to reconstruct the displacement of a target from the self-mixing signal in a semiconductor laser. The network, once trained on periodic displacement patterns, can reconstruct arbitrarily complex displacement in different alignment conditions and setups. The approach validated here is amenable to generalization to modulated schemes or even to totally different self-mixing sensing tasks.
Nonsuspended optomechanical crystal cavities using As2S3 chalcogenide glass
Authors: Qi Renduo , Xu Qiancheng , Wu Ning , Cui Kaiyu , Zhang Wei , Huang Yidong
Published: March 2021

An optomechanical crystal cavity with nonsuspended structure using

As

2

S
3

material is proposed. The principle of mode confinement in the nonsuspended cavity is analyzed, and two different types of optical and acoustic defect modes are calculated through appropriate design of the cavity structure. An optomechanical coupling rate of 82.3 kHz is obtained in the proposed cavity, and the designed acoustic frequency is 3.44 GHz. The acoustic mode coupling between two nonsuspended optomechanical crystal cavities is also demonstrated, showing that the proposed cavity structure has great potential for realizing further optomechanical applications in multicavity systems.
DNA polymerase theta suppresses mitotic crossing over
Authors: Carvajal-Garcia Juan , Crown K. Nicole , Ramsden Dale A. , Sekelsky Jeff
Published: March 2021

Polymerase theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ) is a chromosome break repair pathway that is able to rescue the lethality associated with the loss of proteins involved in early steps in homologous recombination (e.g., BRCA1/2). This is due to the ability of polymerase theta (Pol θ) to use resected, 3’ single stranded DNA tails to repair chromosome breaks. These resected DNA tails are also the starting substrate for homologous recombination. However, it remains unknown if TMEJ can compensate for the loss of proteins involved in more downstream steps during homologous recombination. Here we show that the Holliday junction resolvases SLX4 and GEN1 are required for viability in the absence of Pol θ inDrosophila melanogaster, and lack of all three proteins results in high levels of apoptosis. Flies deficient in Pol θ and SLX4 are extremely sensitive to DNA damaging agents, and mammalian cells require either Pol θ or SLX4 to survive. Our results suggest that TMEJ and Holliday junction formation/resolution share a common DNA substrate, likely a homologous recombination intermediate, that when left unrepaired leads to cell death. One major consequence of Holliday junction resolution by SLX4 and GEN1 is cancer-causing loss of heterozygosity due to mitotic crossing over. We measured mitotic crossovers in flies after a Cas9-induced chromosome break, and observed that this mutagenic form of repair is increased in the absence of Pol θ. This demonstrates that TMEJ can function upstream of the Holiday junction resolvases to protect cells from loss of heterozygosity. Our work argues that Pol θ can thus compensate for the loss of the Holliday junction resolvases by using homologous recombination intermediates, suppressing mitotic crossing over and preserving the genomic stability of cells.
The etiology of Down syndrome: Maternal MCM9 polymorphisms increase risk of reduced recombination and nondisjunction of chromosome 21 during meiosis I within oocyte
Authors: Pal Upamanyu , Halder Pinku , Ray Anirban , Sarkar Sumantra , Datta Supratim , Ghosh Papiya , Ghosh Sujay
Published: March 2021

Altered patterns of recombination on 21q have long been associated with the nondisjunction chromosome 21 within oocytes and the increased risk of having a child with Down syndrome. Unfortunately the genetic etiology of these altered patterns of recombination have yet to be elucidated. We for the first time genotyped the gene MCM9, a candidate gene for recombination regulation and DNA repair in mothers with or without children with Down syndrome. In our approach, we identified the location of recombination on the maternal chromosome 21 using short tandem repeat markers, then stratified our population by the origin of meiotic error and age at conception. We observed that twenty-five out of forty-one single nucleotide polymorphic sites within MCM9 exhibited an association with meiosis I error (N = 700), but not with meiosis II error (N = 125). This association was maternal age-independent. Several variants exhibited aprotective association with MI error, some were neutral. Maternal age stratified characterization of cases revealed that MCM9 risk variants were associated with an increased chance of reduced recombination on 21q within oocytes. The spatial distribution of single observed recombination events revealed no significant change in the location of recombination among women harbouring MCM9 risk, protective, or neutral variant. Additionally, we identified a total of six novel polymorphic variants and two novel alleles that were either risk imparting or protective against meiosis I nondisjunction. In silico analyses using five different programs suggest the risk variants either cause a change in protein function or may alter the splicing pattern of transcripts and disrupt the proportion of different isoforms of MCM9 products within oocytes. These observations bring us a significant step closer to understanding the molecular basis of recombination errors in chromosome 21 nondisjunction within oocytes that leads to birth of child with Down syndrome.
Laboratory demonstration of the vertical transmission of Rift Valley fever virus by Culex tarsalis mosquitoes
Authors: Bergren Nicholas A. , Borland Erin M. , Hartman Daniel A. , Kading Rebekah C.
Published: March 2021

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-transmitted virus with proven ability to emerge into naïve geographic areas. Limited field evidence suggests that RVFV is transmitted vertically from parent mosquito to offspring, but until now this mechanism has not been confirmed in the laboratory. Furthermore, this transmission mechanism has allowed for the prediction of RVFV epizootics based on rainfall patterns collected from satellite information. However, in spite of the relevance to the initiation of epizootic events, laboratory confirmation of vertical transmission has remained an elusive research aim for thirty-five years. Herein we present preliminary evidence of the vertical transmission of RVFV by Culex tarsalis mosquitoes after oral exposure to RVFV. Progeny from three successive gonotrophic cycles were reared to adults, with infectious RVFV confirmed in each developmental stage. Virus was detected in ovarian tissues of parental mosquitoes 7 days after imbibing an infectious bloodmeal. Infection was confirmed in progeny as early as the first gonotrophic cycle, with infection rates ranging from 2.0–10.0%. Virus titers among progeny were low, which may indicate a host mechanism suppressing replication.
The impact of COVID-19 on mental health outcomes among hospital fever clinic attendants across Nepal: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Devkota Hridaya Raj , Sijali Tula Ram , Bogati Ramji , Ahmad Meraj , Shakya Karuna Laxmi , Adhikary Pratik
Published: March 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has been creating a panic and distressing situations among the entire population globally including Nepal. No study has been conducted assessing the psychological impact of this pandemic on the general public in Nepal. The objective of this study is to assess the mental health status during COVID-19 outbreak and explore the potential influencing factors among the population attending the hospital fever clinics with COVID–19 symptoms.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted between May—June, 2020 with a sample of 645 participants aged 18 and above in 26 hospitals across Nepal. Telephone interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire along with a validated psychometric tool, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) scale. The metrics and scores of symptoms and their severity were created and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association of potential covariates with outcome variables.

Results

The prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress were 14%, 7% and 5% respectively. In reference to Karnali, participants from Bagmati province reported higher level of anxiety (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.31–9.06), while stress (OR 4.27, 95% CI 1.09–18.32) and depressive symptoms (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.05–9.23) observed higher among the participants in Province 1. Women were more at risk of anxiety (OR 3.41, 95% CI 1.83–6.36) than men. Similarly, people currently living in rented houses reported more stress (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.05–8.43) and those living far from family reported higher rates of depressive symptoms (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.03–11.46).

Conclusion

The study identified increased prevalence of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms during the initial stage of COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal. Considering the findings, there is urgent need to develop and implement appropriate community-based mental health programs targeting individuals who have had COVID-19 symptoms and who are prone to develop adverse mental health outcomes.
Hogyan birkózhat meg a COVID-19 utáni gazdaságpolitika a biológiai sokféleség csökkenésével?
Authors: McElwee Pamela , Turnout Esther , Chiroleu-Assouline Mireille , Clapp Jennifer , Isenhour Cindy , Jackson Tim , Kelemen Eszter , C. Miller Daniel , Rusch Graciela , H. Spangenberg Joachim , Waldron Anthony , J. Baumgartner Rupert , Bleys Brent , Howard Michael W. , Mungatana Eric , Ngo Hien , Ring Irene , Santos Rui
Published: March 2021

A COVID-19 járvány világszerte drámai és soha nem látott hatást gyakorolt az egészségügyre és a gazdaságra. Sok kormány gazdasági mentőcsomagot állít össze, hogy segítse a normális működéshez való visszatérést, ám az IPBES (Biológiai Sokféleség és Ökoszisztéma-szolgáltatás Kormányközi Testület) 2019-ben elfogadott Globális Felmérése szerint a gazdaság megszokott működése az ökoszisztémák állapotának nagyfokú és széleskörű romlásához vezetett az elmúlt időkben. A pandémia utáni világrendnek lehetősége van megfékezni azokat a gazdasági folyamatokat, amelyek mindeddig súlyosbították az ökológiai vészhelyzetet. Tanulmányunk ebből a szemszögből vizsgálja meg a különböző érintettek számára rendelkezésre álló gazdaságpolitikai eszközöket, legyenek azok rövidtávú ösztönzők vagy a globális, nemzeti és helyi gazdaságot hosszabb távon megreformáló, átfogó intézkedések. Olyan beavatkozásokat mutatunk be e két kategória mentén, amelyek az ökológiai rendszer rugalmas alkalmazkodóképességét fenntartó tevékenységeket helyezik előtérbe a biodiverzitást károsító tevékenységek helyett – ilyenek például a pénzügyi támogatások, a jogszabályi korlátozások, valamint a gazdaság- és foglalkoztatáspolitikai intézkedések. Ha a pandémia nyomán kialakult krízist a globális gazdaság átalakítására nyíló lehetőségként tekintjük, esélyünk lehet az évtizedek óta zajló természetkárosító folyamatok visszafordítására.
Infokommunikációs technológiák a hazai vállalkozásoknál - Empirikus kutatási eredmények bemutatása
Authors: Vassné Egri Magdolna , Kovács István
Published: March 2021

A tanulmány egy folyamatban levő empirikus kutatás (rész)eredményein keresztül mutatja be a magyarországi kis- és középvállalkozások infokommunikációs technológiával (továbbiakban: IKT) való ellátottságát. Mind a primer, mind a szekunder kutatások egybehangzóan az IKT, valamint a belső és külső kommunikációs rendszer színvonalának szoros összefüggését tárják fel. Az IKT-alkalmazások nagyobb dinamikájú elterjedését, egyebek mellett, a technikai, pénzügyi és folyamatszervezői ismeretek hiánya akadályozza, ugyanakkor a jelenlegi világgazdasági tendenciák sem segítik a szemléletváltást. A tudatos innovációt folytató közepes és nagyvállalkozások, valamint a tudásközpontú kisebb vállalkozások képesek az IKT-rendszerszemléletű használatban jelentős előrelépésre, ugyanakkor az esetek nagy százalékában az IKTeszközök alkalmazása nem hatja át a szervezet egészét, vagy nem használják ki az eszközök által nyújtott lehetőségeket. A szerzők a kutatást nem tekintik lezártnak, következő kutatási fázisokban a téma mélyebb elemzését, szektorspecifikus kutatási irányokat is megjelölnek. A tanulmány hozzájárulhat a gazdálkodói és az akadémiai szféra közötti, az OECD-kutatások által is feltárt, ún. „innovációs szakadék” csökkentéséhez.
Nők és férfiak a szervezetben. Kísérlet a mítoszok feloszlatására
Authors: Nagy Beáta , Primecz Henriett
Published: March 2021

A cikk a nők és férfiak szervezetekben elfoglalt helyét vizsgálja, vállaltan feminista nézőpontból. Az írás részletesen kitér arra is, hogy a jól megfigyelhető tények milyen más társadalmi jelenségekkel függhetnek össze. A szerzők a bevezető részben vázolják a feminizmus összetett jelentésrétegeit, és rámutatnak arra, hogy a feminizmuson belül számtalan irányzat létezik (liberális, radikális, pszichoanalitikus, marxista, szocialista, posztmodern/posztstrukturalista, (poszt)koloniális vagy harmadik világ feminizmusa), amelyek kérdésfeltevésükben, a probléma definiálásában és a megoldási javaslatokban erőteljesen eltérnek egymástól. A tanulmány két szervezeti problémát emel ki: a vertikális szegregációt (üvegplafon-jelenség) és a horizontális szegregációt (üvegfaljelenség). A szerzők azt elemzik, hogy a feminizmus különböző irányzatainak képviselői milyen lépéseket tesznek akkor, ha látják, hogy a horizontális és vertikális szegregációnak köszönhetően egy nőnek nem ugyanazok az esélyei, mint a hozzá hasonlóan tehetséges férfi kollégáinak. Az írás megoldási és továbblépési javaslatokkal zárul.
A Balanced Scorecard alkalmazása egy termelő vállalat létesítménygazdálkodási funkciójára
Authors: Bitó János , Czerny József
Published: March 2021

A cikk egy termelő vállalat létesítménygazdálkodási területén bevezetett Balanced Scorecard kialakítását írja le. Bemutatja a létesítménygazdálkodás – érvényes európai és magyar szabványok szerinti – értelmezését, illetve a kiegyensúlyozott mutatószámrendszer főbb jellemzőit, a kialakításához kapcsolódó általános feladatokat. Részletesen ismerteti, hogy a termelő vállalat e funkciójához kapcsolódóan milyen kihívásokkal kellett szembenézni a vizsgált vállalatnál és miért esett a választás az alkalmazott stratégiaimenedzsment- eszközre. Áttekinti, hogy a vizsgált vállalat létesítménygazdálkodási területének kialakított Balanced Scorecardjában milyen nézőpontok, célok és kiemelt mutatók szerepelnek, és hogyan lehet azokat kialakítani olyan módon, amely a későbbi benchmarkingra is lehetőséget ad.
Injuries that May Have Been Caused by a Crown of Thorns
Authors: Górska Hanna Walentyna
Published: March 2021

The article is the attempt to answer the question: what physical injury could cause the Crown of Thorns, which was placed on the head of Jesus. Analysis of this event and its effects, was carried out on the basis of the study of the Shroud of Turin, Sudarium of Oviedo, Sainte Coiffe. In addition, there has been included information on Jewish funeral procedures and the study of plant species, which served the soldiers to make the crown of thorns for Jesus.
The Declaration on the Doctrine of Justifi cation — 20 Years Later
Authors: Ferdek Bogdan
Published: March 2021

The Joint Declaration on Justification is the greatest achievement in the Catholic-Lutheran theological dialogue. In connection with the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Joint Declaration, the critical points of this document will be recalled. However, the document deserves much more than a reminder: its reception should continue. The lack of reception of the Joint Declaration would be a step backwards for Lutherans and Catholics on their way from conflict to community. Therefore, this paper will indicate the selected attempts of the reception of the Declaration. A threat to the Declaration would be not only the lack of reception, but also the context of post-modernity. Polish Catholic theologians have undertaken the task of reception of the Joint Declaration, and so it is in progress. Many treaties of dogmatic theology have room for the doctrine of justification. The task of the reception of the Joint Declaration it is not a matter of reinterpreting the whole of dogmatic theology in the light of the doctrine of justification, but of broadening individual treaties by showing their connection with justification. The teaching of justification is incomprehensible to many contemporary people, who are no longer interested in Martin Luther’s question, “where will I find a gracious God?”, that is, where will I find justification of a sinner by grace. The contemporary man does not consider himself to be a sinner at all, but a victim of various circumstances, and therefore, he seems to be reversing the problem: it is God, and not man, who needs justification, e.g. God should justify Himself before people because He allowed Auschwitz. While in the field of theology we find this reversal of the understanding of justification, outside theology, the terms used in the Joint Declaration no longer belong to the idiolect of the contemporary man. This applies above all to such terms as grace, sin and justification. Instead, we are witnessing a reinterpretation of these terms in the spirit of deep ecology promoted by the New Age movement.
The First Evangelization of Indigenous Peoples of New France: The Radical Way to Martyrdom of Jesuit Missionaries
Authors: Piasecki Piotr
Published: March 2021

The French Jesuits played a significant role in the first evangelization of the indigenous peoples of North America in the early 17th century. They focused on the evangelization of the Huron and Iroquois tribes which remained in constant conflict with each other. In their work they cut themselves off from the commercial interests of colonial countries, especially of France. After a dozen or so years, they were already able to convey evangelical values in tribal languages, being firmly immersed in the local culture. Thus, they were precursors of the inculturation of the Gospel. The missionaries were characterized by deep Christological spirituality, founded on contemplation of the cross, and, therefore, able to endure boldly the hardships of evangelization. As the result of the vile strategies of colonial powers stirring up tribal disputes, they faced numerous misfortunes, and, ultimately, many of them suffered martyrdom. Consequently, their missionary effort became a path to personal holiness and an irreplaceable contribution to the strengthening of the newly established Church communities on the American soil.
Judicious use of low-dosage corticosteroids for non-severe COVID-19: A case report
Authors: Zhang Jian , Tian Zigang , Feng Lina , Yang Zhongming , Zou Bo , Li Kun , Zhang Yingliang , Wang Yaguo , Fleming Joy , Cui Wenyu
Published: March 2021

Inflammation-mediated lung injury in severe cases of infection with SARS-CoV-2, the aetiological agent of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), can lead to respiratory failure and death, and therapies that block or ameliorate lung injury-associated inflammatory “cytokine storms” and progression to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are urgently needed. Therapeutic use of corticosteroids for this purpose has been controversial because of conflicting reports on their efficacy and immunosuppressive behaviour. The WHO has strongly recommended treating critical COVID-19 patients with systemic corticosteroid therapy, but recommends against corticosteroid therapy in non-severe COVID-19 disease because of a lack of strong evidence on its efficacy. This retrospective case report describing the successful treatment of a non-severe COVID-19 case in Changchun, China, by judicious administration of corticosteroids using a personalized therapeutic approach was recorded to strengthen the evidence base showing how corticosteroid use in non-severe COVID-19 cases can be safe and efficacious. Alongside supportive care and lopinavir/ritonavir antiviral drugs, a low dosage of methylprednisolone was administered over a short period to attenuate lung inflammation. Regular chest CT scans guided dosage reduction in response to lesion absorption and improved lung condition. Judicious use of corticosteroids safely attenuated disease progression and facilitated rapid and complete recovery.
Mind reading improvements in mentalization-based therapy training
Authors: Steinmair Dagmar , Horn Richard , Richter Felix , Wong Guoruey , Löffler-Stastka Henriette
Published: March 2021

The psychological strain of many psychiatric disorders arises from difficulties encountered in social interactions. Social withdrawal is often the first symptom of neuropsychiatric disorders. The authors explore the various options for training social cognition skills. Social cognition was assessed using the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC). After completion of mentalization-based therapy (MBT) training, MASC scores improved significantly in health care providers (p = .006, r = .57). Mentalizing (operationalized with reflective functioning [RF]) was assessed in the MBT group (Group A) and compared with RF in a control group (Group B). RF was significantly higher in Group A (RF = 4.35, SD = 1.19) than in Group B (RF = 3.43, SD = 1.70) (p = .0385; Cohen's d = 0.65). MBT might be a promising intervention in social cognition training. Mentalizing skills might be associated with attitude.
Symptomatic Disorders in Adults and Adolescents With Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Zanarini Mary C. , Athanasiadi Argyro , Temes Christina M. , Magni Laura R. , Hein Katherine E. , Fitzmaurice Garret M. , Aguirre Blaise A. , Goodman Marianne
Published: March 2021

Symptomatic disorders often co-occur with borderline personality disorder (BPD). This study's purpose was to compare the rates of comorbidity reported by adult and adolescent inpatients with BPD, including complex comorbidity (i.e., a combination of disorders of affect and impulsivity). One hundred four adolescents (aged 13–17) and 290 adults (aged 18–35) with BPD were interviewed using an age-appropriate semistructured interview for the assessment of symptomatic disorders. Lifetime rates of mood disorders and ADHD were quite similar for the two study groups. However, rates of anxiety disorders, including PTSD, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and complex comorbidity were significantly higher among adults than adolescents. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that broadly defined disorders of both affect and impulsivity are more common among adults than adolescents with BPD. They also suggest that a pattern of complex comorbidity is even more distinguishing for these two groups of borderline patients.
Testing the Link Between Mothers’ General Reflective Function Capacity and Adolescent Borderline Personality Features: Perceived Parenting Behaviors as a Potential Mechanism
Authors: Vanwoerden Salome , Penner Francesca , Pearson Caroline , Bick Johanna , Yoshida Hanako , Sharp Carla
Published: March 2021

Impairments in mothers’ reflective function (RF), the ability to imagine the mental states of the self and others, underlies maladaptive parenting strategies, which have been associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The current study evaluated the association between mother's RF and adolescents’ BPD and the mediating role of a range of parenting behaviors. Five hundred and thirty-one inpatient adolescents and their mothers participated in the current study. A multimethod assessment of BPD was used alongside mothers’ self-reported quality of RF. Children completed three questionnaires about maternal parenting behaviors. There was no direct relation between mother's RF capacity and adolescents’ BPD. However, mothers’ adaptive certainty about mental states related to less severe BPD in adolescents, specifically through decreases in inconsistent punishment. Mothers’ RF capacity predicted various parenting behaviors, which was associated with adolescents’ BPD severity. Implications of findings for early intervention and prevention are discussed.
Medicalization and Fear: A Midwifery View of the Phenomenon and the Backlash
Authors: Comstock Sydney
Published: March 2021

The phenomenon of medicalization in the United States is something that midwives must deal with on a daily basis, and it has far-reaching consequences for women’s health. This article examines the culture of birth in the U.S. and how medicalization has manifested itself as a social norm from the perspectives of working certified nurse midwives in hospitals and birth centers. It explores the philosophy of the medicalized birth, the impact of technology on the perpetuation of medicalization in United States’ culture, and the fear of this phenomenon that midwives are starting to see in practice, which adversely affects their work. This article argues that advances in and dependence on obstetrical technology have enabled medicalization to continue and created a response of fear from women who worry this phenomenon will negatively affect their birthing experience. My research demonstrates that midwives recognize that the dominance of technology in health care has shaped not only how birth has become medicalized, but also how women are responding to this “technocratic birth” and how navigating women’s fears about hyper-medicalization has become a central part of midwives’ practice. Through Michel Foucault’s theory of biopower and Robbie Davis-Floyd’s idea of the “technocratic birth,” this article explains how medicalization depends on technology and why midwives are seeing an adverse reaction from women who fear these trends.
Activists in Red Capes: Women's Use of The Handmaid's Tale to Fight for Reproductive Justice
Authors: Carrola Madeline Yu
Published: March 2021

This paper examines women’s use of the notable red and white handmaid costume from Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale at political demonstrations following the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Drawing on ten in-depth ethnographic interviews with women who participated in handmaid chapters, my study finds that interviewees began to wear the handmaid costume at political protests because they increasingly saw parallels between the United States and Gilead—the totalitarian society in Atwood’s novel—as a result of the 2016 election. Participants viewed the costume as a feminist symbol that enabled them to increase awareness about women’s issues, particularly related to reproductive justice. Additionally, interviewees saw the anonymity of the costume as a way to represent all women, especially those who were unable to participate in such protests. This study extends existing scholarship on social movements and women’s activism in the United States by exploring women’s reasons for involvement in this new form of protest and their use of dystopian popular culture as the basis of their performance activism.
CAPACIDADE NORMATIVA: UN EXERCICIO QUE PON EN FORMA ÁS FACENDAS AUTONÓMICAS?
Authors: De los Ríos Berjillos Araceli , De Vicente Lama Marta , Muñoz Tomás Juan Mª
Published: March 2021

A partir da construción de índices analízase o diferente grao de exercicio dascompetencias normativas sobre tributos cedidos nas CCAA de réxime común. Ametodoloxía empregada permite identificar diferenzas existentes entre rexións conrespecto á repercusión ou impacto do exercicio da capacidade normativa sobre osbeneficios fiscais e, asemade, permite analizar a estabilidade da representatividade dasfiguras tributarias no período de estudo 2012-2014. As análises indican que as CCAArealizaron un uso intenso malia que dispar da capacidade normativa cedida, pero que esteexercicio non altera substancialmente a súa estrutura de ingresos, polo que poucocontribúe á configuración dunha facenda autonómica propia. In this paper several indexes are designed with the purpose of assessing theexisting differences between the Autonomous Communities of Spain as far as exercisingtheir assigned regulatory capacity on taxes. The methodology used in the analysis allowsthe identification of differences between regions in terms of the impact of the exercise ofregulatory capacity on tax benefits and it also allows the analysis of the stability of therepresentativeness of different taxes throughout the period 2012- 2014. The resultsindicate that the Spanish Autonomous Communities have made an intensive but unevenuse of the exercise of their regulatory capacity, and that this exercise does notsubstantially alter the configuration of their revenue.
DESENVOLVEMENTO ECONÓMICO REXIONAL DE ESPAÑA, 1986-2013: 25 ANOS DE EVOLUCIÓN
Authors: GUISÁN María-Carmen
Published: March 2021

Neste estudo presentamos unha síntese da evolución do desenvolvementoeconómico rexional de España durante 25 anos no período 1986-2013. Malia que oincremento tanto do emprego non agrario como da renda real por habitante foi positivoen todas as Comunidades Autónomas, hai que constatar que moitas rexións poderían terexperimentado un incremento maior de renda real por habitante se as políticaseconómicas, tanto a nivel rexional, como nacional e europeo, apoiaran en maior medida odesenvolvemento industrial. Isto débese a que a evidencia empírica amosa a importanciadas leis de Kaldor, con respecto aos efectos positivos que a industria ten sobre os sectoresde servizos e outros sectores produtivos, incrementando a produtividade xeral e a rendaper cápita. No conxunto de España o incremento da renda real producida por habitantesuperou os 4000 euros a prezos constantes do ano 2000. Destacan, con incrementossuperiores á media nacional, as seguintes Comunidades Autónomas: Aragón, Castela eLeón, Cataluña, Galicia, Madrid, Navarra e País Vasco. Preséntase tamén unhacomparación do conxunto de España con outros países da OCDE e destácase a necesidadede recuperar e impulsar o desenvolvemento industrial en moitas rexións españolas.In this study we present a synthesis of the evolution of the regional economicdevelopment of Spain for 25 years in the period 1986-2013. Although the increase in nonagriculturalemployment and real per capita income has been positive in all AutonomousCommunities, it should be noted that many regions may have experienced a higherincrease in per capita real income if economic policies, both at the regional as national andEuropean levels, would have been more supportive of industrial development. This isbecause the empirical evidence shows the importance of Kaldor's laws with regards to thepositive effects that industry has on the service sectors and other productive sectors,increasing overall productivity and per capita income. In the whole of Spain, the increasein real income produced per inhabitant, for the period 1995-2010, exceeded 4000 Eurosat constant prices in the year 2000. The following Autonomous Communities stand out ashaving had increases higher than the national average: Aragon, Castile and Leon,Catalonia, Galicia, Madrid, Navarre and the Basque Country. This study also presents acomparison of economic development between Spain and other OECD countries, for thisperiod, and highlights the need to recover and boost industrial development in manyregions of Spain.
A EVOLUCIÓN DO MIX ELÉCTRICO EN DIVERSOS PAÍSES EUROPEOS, 1995-2014: ALEMAÑA, FRANCIA, REINO UNIDO, DINAMARCA, ITALIA E ESPAÑA
Authors: DIOS VICENTE Adrián
Published: March 2021

A transformación do mix eléctrico nas últimas décadas foi un dos piaresfundamentais da estratexia empresarial no sector enerxético. Tendo en conta as enormesdiferenzas entre países, a escasa conexión eléctrica europea e o grao de concentraciónempresarial, avalíase a evolución en 6 países europeos. O presente estudo realiza unhaanálise descritiva desta transformación, tendo en conta a evolución de diversas variablescuantitativas no sector. As evolucións son dispares, baseadas moitas veces en realidadesestatais diferentes. A mesma estrutura do sector, dende mercados liberalizados eteoricamente en competencia con outros regulados e baseados en campións nacionaiscomo grandes empresas eléctricas que controlan boa parte do sector impide realidadessemellantes, malia que a regulación europea trata de homologar a realidade continentalpara o sector. Do mesmo xeito, as transformacións internacionais teñen un impactodeterminante na toma de decisións semellantes do sector, malia que moitas veces conestratexias dispares. En particular, a redución do consumo de fuel oil para a produción e aintrodución de novas tecnoloxías renovables son procesos comúns por múltiplesempresas. O presente traballo trata tamén de realizar un estudo comparativo, dende unhaperspectiva rexional, dunha importante empresa eléctrica como Unión Fenosa con parteda contorna europea nos anos de vida da compañía, entre 1982 e 2007.The transformation of the electricity mix in the past decades has become one ofthe cornerstones of business strategies in the energy industry. Whilst weighing theconsiderable differences among countries, the scarce electricity connection in Europe andthe degree of existing business clusters, the evolution is assessed in six Europeancountries. This paper aims to offer a descriptive analysis of such changes, bearing in mindthe evolution of various quantitative variables in the industry. Progress is unalike,frequently based on different state circumstances. The mere structure of the industry,from liberalized markets theoretically competing against other regulated ones which arenational leaders as big electrical companies controlling a huge share of the industry,presents similar circumstances despite the fact that European regulations aims tostandardize conditions throughout the continent in the industry. Likewise, internationaltransformations have a fundamental impact on similar decision-making processes in theindustry, even though these might often result in different strategies. In particular, areduction of fuel oil comsumption encouraging the production and introduction ofrenewable technologies are common processes for several companies. This paper alsoaims to present a regional comparative study between an electricity provider as importantas Unión Fenosa and the European zone during the years the company has existed, ie,between 1982 and 2007
FDI INFLOW SPILLOVER EFFECT IMPLICATIONS ON THE ASIA PACIFIC PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH THROUGH THE EXPORT CHANNEL
Authors: KIA LASHAKI Rahim , AHMED Elsadig Musa
Published: March 2021

This paper inspects the influence of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows onthe catching up process developed by labour, physical capital, human capital, absorptivecapacity, telecommunications investment, and export channel on Asia Pacific's sustainableproductivity growth. A panel data from the period of 1970 to 2012 was used. The modifiedextensive growth theory model that is based on output approach was applied. Bothgrowth accounting and econometric approaches were considered to estimating theparameters of variables in first step and in the second step productivity indicators werecalculated. The results show that the FDI inflows and inputs used are input driven thatwas generally more predominant than total factor productivity (TFP) growth. Meanwhile,The GDP grew significantly during the periods of the study by development of humancapital, export, and telecommunications investment (input driven) variables, whichsupported by FDI inflows. Accordingly, the impact of export channel on the TFP growthfound to be positive with insignificant contribution in most the group selected countries.