bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Google Trends to Inform the Population Size Estimation and Spatial Distribution of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men: Proof-of-concept Study (Preprint)
Authors: Card Kiffer G , Lachowsky Nathan J , Hogg Robert S
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

We must triangulate data sources to understand best the spatial distribution and population size of marginalized populations to empower public health leaders to address population-specific needs. Existing population size estimation techniques are difficult and limited.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify a passive surveillance strategy that utilizes internet and social media to enhance, validate, and triangulate population size estimates of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM).

METHODS

We explored the Google Trends platform to approximate an estimate of the spatial heterogeneity of the population distribution of gbMSM. This was done by comparing the prevalence of the search term “gay porn” with that of the search term “porn.”

RESULTS

Our results suggested that most cities have a gbMSM population size between 2% and 4% of their total population, with large urban centers having higher estimates relative to rural or suburban areas. This represents nearly a double up of population size estimates compared to that found by other methods, which typically find that between 1% and 2% of the total population are gbMSM. We noted that our method was limited by unequal coverage in internet usage across Canada and differences in the frequency of porn use by gender and sexual orientation.

CONCLUSIONS

We argue that Google Trends estimates may provide, for many public health planning purposes, adequate city-level estimates of gbMSM population size in regions with a high prevalence of internet access and for purposes in which a precise or narrow estimate of the population size is not required. Furthermore, the Google Trends platform does so in less than a minute at no cost, making it extremely timely and cost-effective relative to more precise (and complex) estimates. We also discuss future steps for further validation of this approach.
Self-directed Technology-Based Therapeutic Methods for Adult Patients Receiving Mental Health Services: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Saad Anthony , Bruno Deanna , Camara Bettina , D’Agostino Josephine , Bolea-Alamanac Blanca
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Technological interventions used to treat illnesses and promote health are grouped under the umbrella term of digital therapeutics. The use of digital therapeutics is becoming increasingly common in mental health. Although many technologies are currently being implemented, research supporting their usability, efficacy, and risk requires further examination, especially for those interventions that can be used without support.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to identify the evidence-based, self-directed, technology-based methods of care that can be used in adult patients after they are discharged from mental health services. The interventions reviewed are automated with no human input required (either at the patient’s or at the technology’s end), so the patients can implement them without any support.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) guidelines in 3 databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and OVID. The inclusion criteria were self-directed, automated, and technology-based interventions related to mental health, primarily for adults, having a solid evaluation process. The interventions had to be self-directed, in that the participants could use the technology without any external guidance.

RESULTS

We identified 36 papers that met the inclusion criteria: 26 randomized controlled trials, 9 nonrandomized controlled trial quantitative studies, and 1 qualitative study. The technologies used included websites, automated text messaging, phone apps, videos, computer software, and integrated voice response. There were 22 studies focused on internet-based cognitive behavioral therapies as a therapeutic paradigm compared with the waitlist, web-based human-delivered therapy, and other interventions. Among these studies, 14 used paradigms other than the internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy. Of the 8 studies comparing guided and unguided digital care, 3 showed no differences, 3 favored guided interventions, and 2 favored unguided interventions. The research also showed that dropout rates were as high as 80%, citing potential problems with the acceptability of the suggested technologies.

CONCLUSIONS

There is limited research on the efficacy and suitability of self-directed technology-based care options for mental health. Digital technologies have the potential to bridge the gap between ambulatory care and independent living. However, these interventions may need to be developed collaboratively with the users to encourage their acceptability and to avoid high dropout rates.
Guided Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression: Implementation Cost-Effectiveness Study (Preprint)
Authors: Piera-Jiménez Jordi , Etzelmueller Anne , Kolovos Spyros , Folkvord Frans , Lupiáñez-Villanueva Francisco
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorder is a chronic condition; its prevalence is expected to grow with the aging trend of high-income countries. Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy has proven efficacy in treating major depressive disorder.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of implementing a community internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention (Super@, the Spanish program for the MasterMind project) for treating major depressive disorder.

METHODS

The cost-effectiveness of the Super@ program was assessed with the Monitoring and Assessment Framework for the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing tool, using a 3-state Markov model. Data from the cost and effectiveness of the intervention were prospectively collected from the implementation of the program by a health care provider in Badalona, Spain; the corresponding data for usual care were gathered from the literature. The health states, transition probabilities, and utilities were computed using Patient Health Questionnaire–9 scores.

RESULTS

The analysis was performed using data from 229 participants using the Super@ program. Results showed that the intervention was more costly than usual care; the discounted (3%) and nondiscounted incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were €29,367 and €26,484 per quality-adjusted life-year, respectively (approximately US $35,299 and $31,833, respectively). The intervention was cost-effective based on the €30,000 willingness-to-pay threshold typically applied in Spain (equivalent to approximately $36,060). According to the deterministic sensitivity analyses, the potential reduction of costs associated with intervention scale-up would reduce the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the intervention, although it remained more costly than usual care. A discount in the incremental effects up to 5% exceeded the willingness-to-pay threshold of €30,000.

CONCLUSIONS

The Super@ program, an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for treating major depressive disorder, cost more than treatment as usual. Nevertheless, its implementation in Spain would be cost-effective from health care and societal perspectives, given the willingness-to-pay threshold of €30,000 compared with treatment as usual.
A Comparative Study of Filial Piety in Beijing and the UK
Authors: Sappor Gideon
Published: January 2021

Cultures may display paradoxical natures when studied closely. For example, Americans are individualistic, yet are most generous with charity giving or volunteering for community events. This illustrates the challenges associated with stereotyping groups and cultures. Cultures are sometimes treated as homogenous with attendant generalisation. In the educational context, generalisations consequently influence attitudes held towards groups of learners. People from particular cultural backgrounds are often treated as a homogenous group with its attendant stereotypes irrespective of their individual contexts; an example is individuals from a Chinese cultural background who live in the West relative to those living in China.The present study used a questionnaire to measure an important value in Confucian culture (Chinese background) - Filial Piety - and how it relates to affective variables suggested to be important to academic achievement: self-efficacy and motivation. A sample of 9-11 year old children from the UK were compared with a similar sample from an authentic Confucian context - Beijing.The results suggest a review of expectations of what is meant by “authentic confucian” and gives some insight into the potential problems that could arise with stereotyping cultures and groups. As schools reach out to parents and communities, there are implications for the stereotypic approaches adopted.
The Influence of Brand Logo Frame on Brand Character and Consumer’s Brand Evaluation
Authors: Sheng Yifei , Liu Hanhan , Shen Xiaoting
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes that the different border shapes of brand logos (rectangle and rounded rectangle) cause the differences in the evaluation of brand personality by consumers, which further affects the evaluation of brand by consumers. At the same time, this process is regulated by product category. If product category and brand personality are in the same direction, the border shape of brand logo will generate positive brand evaluation. In this paper, two experiments were designed to verify the hypothesis respectively and to guess the results of data analysis. However, due to the time problem, complete data has not been collected for analysis. This paper provides marketing inspiration for brand identification and deepens the related research on brand identification and brand evaluation.
A Note on Evolution
Authors: Lane Jan-Erik
Published: January 2021

Evolutionary theory has attracted great interest recently in biology and game theory. What about the humanities and social sciences? Are we to explain human action with new natural science concepts?
The Investigation on Solution for Diseases Caused by Contingent Work
Authors: Wang Mo , Hou Fengmei , Hou Bowen , Wang Junqi
Published: January 2021

Contingent work was deemed as a precarious employment which could be characterised by an atypical, temporary and marginal form of work arrangement. There is increasing evidence that contingent employment is significantly associated with adverse health outcomes and three health outcomes will be expounded in this paper: depressive disorders, work-related fatigue and occupational injuries. Simultaneously, fruitful micro-and macro-level precautionary and recovery measures are also be provided, including application of positive psychology interventions (PPI strategies), amelioration of work environments and social support, establishment of a fatigue risk management system (FRMS), and development of multifaceted approaches. Furthermore, various recommendations will be afforded to improve the sustainability and practicability of the aforementioned measures in the future research. Overall, the effective implementation of precautions aimed at health promotion and injury prevention for temporary workforce is of paramount importance to the healthy development of the nation.
A Review of the Soundness of a Study Based on the Understanding of a Good Research
Authors: Song Jing
Published: January 2021

Listening has played an increasingly important role in language learning and acquisition. The issue of the potential relationship between background knowledge and listening comprehension attracted more attentions among linguistics and language scholars over the past decade. The main focus of this paper is to concentrate on the soundness of an empirical study conducted by Sadighi and Zare in 2006, offering an in-depth analysis of this relationship mentioned above. To illustrate this, a brief summary of their research is given. The next session assesses the rationality of the study, presenting details of three areas which include subject selection, data collection and data analysis. Finally, a concluding conception of its beneficial and profound significance in conducting a further good study will be demonstrated.
Urbanization, Climate Change and Environmental Resilience: Experiences in Sri Lanka
Authors: Zoysa Mangala De
Published: January 2021

Urbanization in conjunction with climatic change affecting urban life and pose challenges to cities worldwide creating urban residents increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather and other natural disasters. Improvement of urban ecosystems provide cost-effective solution against negative impacts of climate change accelerated with high population pressure and promote resilience of urban dwellers. The cities in Sri Lanka are focused on improving land use planning and management of urban forest ecosystems for adaptation to and mitigation of climate change impacts with the rapid urbanization. This study attempts to ascertain the effects of urbanization, analyze the impacts of urbanization and climate change, and examine the environmental resilience with urban forests in Sri Lanka, reviewing the relevant literature. This paper explore the effects of urbanization in terms of increase population, land use change, rising greenhouse gas emissions and intensity of urban heat island. The impacts of urbanization and climate change are revealed as change of annual rainfall, urban warming, extreme weather events, and urban health hazards. Disaster resilient cities, sustainable urbanization, greening the cities, other environmental resilience strategies as well as institutional and policy setting are discussed for environmental resilience to urbanization and changing climate. Limiting CO2 emission, reducing land surface temperature, and controlling urban heat island effect are discussed under the other environmental resilience strategies. Institutional and policy setting is explained through popularizing urban forestry and developing policy support. Urban forestry strategies incorporating urban planning should be manifested in urban development policy in order to counteract the negative effects of climate change in the process of environmental resilience and sustainable urbanization.
Sampul Depan 37 2 2019
Authors: Puspitasari Santi
Published: January 2021

Sampul Depan 37 2 2019
Comparison of Short-Term Structured Exercise in Non-Over Weight and Overweight Subjects with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Yuvarani G. , Sumaiya Banu I. , Tharani I. , Kamatchi K. , Princy F.
Published: January 2021

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is one of the most common female endocrinological disorder which is a complex multifaceted heterogeneous disorder affecting approximately 5%-10% of respondents of reproductive age, endocrine and metabolic function. The patients with PCOS have elevated triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LPL) cholesterol levels and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Exercise combined Aerobic and Resistance exercise improves insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control, reduces abdominal fat in women and modified with diet is considered to be preferred as the first-line treatment for PCOS management with the primary goal to normalize serum androgen and to restore reproductive function. The aim of the study was to find the effect of comparison of short-term structured exercise in non-over weight and overweight subjects with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. This experimental study design with a total of 30 subjects were taken by simple random sampling method at Outpatient Physiotherapy Department, ACS Medial college and hospital, vellapanchavadi, chennai. The subjects included were those with secondary amenorrhoea, body hair growing on the chest, belly, face and around the nipples, decreased breast size irregular periods, male-like characteristics, enlargement of the clitoris, male-pattern baldness, acne, cysts on the ovaries, Overweight, skin tags, anxiety or depression, hoarseness of voice, dark or thick skin markings and creases around the armpits groin, neck and breasts, dandruff patches on skin on the neck, arm, breasts, thigh, pelvic pain, sleep apnea, age group with 18-25,unmarried women, BMI ranging between 18-25. The subjects excluded were those with diabetes, thyroid, adrenal or pituitary gland dysfunction obese women, undergoing medications, seizures, hypertension ,cardiac patients, psychological problems, fracture, Non co-operative patients, age group(<18 and >25),neurological problems ,low back ache, married women, pelvic inflammatory disease, urinary tract infection, recent abdominal surgery . The outcome measure is measured by (PCOSQ-50) questionnaire and BMI scale. Group-A consisted of Overweight subjects and Group-B consisted of Non-over weight subjects and both the groups received Aerobic and Resistance training along with dietary plans for 56 days with 3 sessions per week on consecutive days. The PCOSQ-50 questionnaire was used. Result On comparing the mean values of Group A and Group B among BMI and PCOSQ-50 Questionnaire Group A shows (23.16) and (100.91) which has the lower mean value of BMI and PCOS Q50 (100.9) is more effective than group B BMI (27.01) and PCOSQ-50 (109.8). Exercise along with dietary plan shows greater improvement among subjects in Group-A (Overweight) with polycystic ovarian syndrome than Group B.
One Pot Green Synthesis and Structural Characterisation of Bio-Silver Nanoparticles Using Prunus Persica L.
Authors: S.Shamina  , Dr.S.P.Suriyaraj  , V.Senjiskhan
Published: January 2021

The Plant mediated green synthesis of nanoparticles has attracted more attention among the researchers due to their physicochemical and biological properties and their immense applications in environmental, biomedical,  agriculture, textile, and energy storage.  The biosynthesis  of  nanoparticles  using  plants  provides  more advantages  such  as  easy  operation,  eco-friendly, utilization of non-hazardous chemicals, less temperature or energy usage, etc. when compared to physical and chemical synthesis methods. In the present  study, we propose aqueous extracts from the endemic-medicinal fruit Prunus persica L. as an  efficient bioproduct for the green synthesis of silver - nanoparticles (AgNPs). The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transforms Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) High-Resolution Transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Scanning electron microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). HR-TEM gives the formation of monodispersed spherical shape with a mean diameter of 12.6 ± 3.8 nm. The SAED pattern of the nanoparticles showed that the particles were highly crystalline in nature. The purity of the synthesized AgNPs samples was studied by EDS and confirmed the presence of Ag elements corresponding to TEM images.  The 2D and 3D structure images of the nanoparticle were studied and the average particle size calculation has been performed using NOVA-TX software in AFM. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the particles were crystalline in nature with face - centered cubic structure. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using the resazurin assay against  both  Escherichia  coli and Bacillus subtilis bacteria.  The antimicrobial assay  of  the  silver  nanoparticles showed higher activity against Bacillus subtilis than Escherichia coli. Results confirmed this protocol as rapid, simple, eco-friendly and alternative to conventional physical, and chemical methods.
An Overview of Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Smear Negative Cases and their Analysis
Authors: TalluriRameshwari  K R  , Jayashree K  , Anuradha K  , Raghuraj Singh Chouhan  , Sumana K
Published: January 2021

Mycobacterium  tuberculosis  (MTB), a bacterium  which causes the tuberculosis  disease, is one of the most trounce disease in the country. It mainly affects the lungs and other parts of the body. Currently smear-positive cases are further confirmed through chest radiography  for PTB. These cases are further subjected  for short course chemotherapy  (SCC), followed by first line primary drugs, a scheme undertaken  by National Tuberculosis  Programme  to overcome  PTB infection. However, the identification  of infection through smear-negative results are challenging as the cases may become positive over the time and progresses to cause the Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB). Such infections are asymptomatic and referred to as latent infection, where, MTBremains stable for many years at a specific  site and later  activates.    Worldwide  about  10-25%  of latent  infections  progress  to an active  disease  and if undiagnosed,  the mortality rate may reach up to 50%. Twenty five percent of EPTB infection differs from organ to organ of the body. However, in such cases, diagnosis  may be elusive  and is usually delayed.  The proper identification  of infection  that strongly  focuses  on the infection  of either i.e., TB or EPTB is the need of the hour. The diagnosis of EPTB will be elusive, necessitating a high index of suspicion over TB or EPTB. However, smear-negative cases may be positive for EPTB infection, where the suspects are to be further subjected for molecular methods of EPTB detection and confirmation.
Optimization of Protease Production by Streptomyces SP. LCJ1A Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Dhavala Swarna  , J. Joel Gnanadoss
Published: January 2021

Protease is an industrially important enzyme obtained from plants and animals. Production of high amounts of protease at low cost is necessary for its use in different commercial applications. The main objective of this work was to formulate a suitable medium and to optimize various parameters for protease production by Streptomyces sp. LCJ1A which was isolated from Pichavaram mangroves, Tamil Nadu, India. The organism was quantitatively and qualitatively screened for protease production.   Sequencing of 16S rRNA was done and the sequence was deposited in NCBI and Accession no. KU 870428 was obtained. For optimization, the conventional one-time factor method followed  by  the  Plackett-Burman  design  was  used  to  optimize  various  media components.  Variables  with  a  significant  influence  on  the production of protease have been identified. Variables such as maltose, peptone, pH and temperature have shown its strong impact on protease production and the ideal concentration of these factors was further investigated by Response Surface Methodology. The Optimum values of tested variables for favourable protease production were: Maltose, peptone, pH and temperature. Further, the interaction effects of maltose and peptone were found to be extremely important suggesting that both components were extremely crucial for protease production. 186.92 U/mL of protease enzyme was obtained in the experimental study which was close to the predicted value of 190.67 U/mL, which could validate the model. Using such optimized variables, the protease production was increased by 10 times when compared with the unoptimized medium. This is the first report on the conventional and statistical optimization of protease production from Streptomyces sp. LCJ1A. This study also showed that statistical methods are indeed a better approach for optimization of media, when compared with conventional one- factor-at-a-time method in terms of an enhanced protease yield in a short time
A Comparative Study to Find the Effectiveness of Core Muscles Activation Over Conventional Exercises In Subjects with Mechanical Low Back Pain
Authors: Karran Yangma  , Santosh Rajak  , Trishna Saikia Baruah  , Abhijit Dutta
Published: January 2021

Mechanical low back pain is the main common reason for referral to physiotherapy clinic, and a chief reason for people complains, and both  men and women are  equally reported to be affected by this condition. It is found that core stabilization exercises have got significant improvement when compared to conventional back care exercises in improving the function  and in  relieving pain. To see  the effectiveness of core  muscles  activation over  conventional exercises  along with Interferential Therapy (IFT) in each group for the reduction of pain and to increase the range of motion and improve the disability in subjects with mechanical low back pain. This is an experimental study where pre and post design were used with 40 subjects with mechanical low back pain were taken considering the selection criteria and divided into two groups. 20 subjects in Group-A received Core muscles activation exercises   and IFT with pre and post test analysis and 20 subjects in Group-B received Conventional exercises and IFT with pre and post test analysis. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, Revised Oswestry Disability Index (R-ODI) for the disability improvement and Goniometry for range of motion. Statistical analysis was done by using paired ‘t’ tests which showed significant improvement in reducing pain, improving the quality of life and increasing the ROM in Group-A as compared to Group-B but as p > 0.05 so it was non significant. It is concluded that subjects in Group-A who received Core  muscles  activation  exercises  are more effective  as  compared  to  Group-B who received  Conventional exercises and it is found that IFT with core activation exercises is very effective in reducing pain, increasing the ROM and improving the disability.
2019 Novel Human Coronavirus Sars-Cov-2 And Covid-19: A Brief Review
Authors: Satyabrata Sahoo  , Ria Rakshit
Published: January 2021

The emergence of the 2019 novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, causing a highly contagious disease COVID-19 poses a tremendous global public health concern. As the disease is quickly developing into a worldwide pandemic, a careful analysis of  its  origin,  evolution,  transmission,  and  cellular  mechanism  is  urgently  needed  to  combat  the  deadly  virus.  Successful isolation of the 2019-nCoV has promoted some bioinformatic studies to understand the viral origin and the feature of its infectivity.  However,  at this stage, much  remains  unclear  about  the origin  of the novel  virus   and to be investigated  to develop ways to control its spread. The mechanisms associated with the infectiousness of SARS-CoV-2 are not entirely understood. The current knowledge in 2019-nCoV pathogenicity and transmissibility along with several commonly known emerging viruses and information is very much important   for   better control of the disease. So far, the treatment is only supportive.  Any antiviral  agent  is yet to emerge.  The scientific  community  raced to understand  the pathogenesis  of the disease for developing treatment options. Extensive research is going on to understand the host response to the pandemic virus to develop  the disease therapeutic.  To fill the knowledge  gap about the human immune response to SARS-CoV-  2 infections  that  may  help  in  designing  the  appropriate  immune  intervention  for  treatment,  diagnosis,  and prophylactic/therapeutic  vaccines against COVID-19, we present hereby a brief review on the genomic organization, origin, and evolution, transmission   and pathogenesis  of the novel virus, and clinical spectrum and   possible preventive measures against COVID-19 which may be used for future references.
Inclusión social y sistema de justicia penal.
Authors: Santamaría Jiménez Esthela
Published: January 2021

El artículo hace una reflexión sobre el actual sistema de justicia penal costarricense, del por qué este no está respondiendo adecuadamente a los requerimientos de una sociedad en constantes cambios, así como de la relación existente entre ciertos factores económicos, sociales y culturales que inciden en la práctica de políticas criminales que no han sido las más asertivas, en el difícil camino del control social por parte de las instituciones del Estado como respuesta o reacción ante la comisión de conductas desviadas consideradas delitos. Se expone además, la tesis de que el sistema penitenciario tal y como se concibe hoy, no da posibilidad de cumplir los fines que le son asignados, sean la prevención especial de los infractores de la ley penal, y de como impulsando medidas de inclusión social, podría no solo favorecerse la prevención general tanto positiva como negativa, sino también humanizar la forma en que se reacciona frente a esa realidad.
El problema general del desarrollo del Marxismo en el siglo XXI.
Authors: Güendell Hermann
Published: January 2021

Con la consolidación del neoliberalismo como modelo de desarrollo por seguir en las sociedades occidentales, ha reaparecido un capitalismo sin tema social que profundiza las inmensas diferencias sociales existentes. Ello ha producido, como efecto inverso, la necesidad política de conceptualizar una alternativa de organización social que dé respuesta a nuestra situación humana. Esta alternativa es el socialismo. Con ello se abre una rica posibilidad para que el marxismo recupere el protagonismo político que tuvo en el siglo XX. Esto exige un replanteamiento conceptual y organizativo que le dé efectividad política en el contexto del capitalismo del siglo XXI. Tal reto del presente será superado solo si el marxismo, como discurso de la revolución, acepta desarrollos innovadores tanto en el plano teórico como en el organizativo. En este ensayo demuestro que esto es posible, elucidando el mecanismo epistemológico por el cual se da, y ejemplifico, a su vez, con algunos desarrollos innovadores que se han presentado  a en la historia del marxismo.
La concepción de género y la educación a distancia.
Authors: Cruz Muñoz Alejandra
Published: January 2021

Utilizando los conceptos de “desarrollo humano”, “concepción de género” y el papel de la educación ante los cambios de paradigma que se viven con la llegada del siglo XXI, se da una explicación de por qué la educación a distancia ha constituido una respuesta para la población femenina. También se destaca la importancia de mantener la información de la población estudiantil de la UNED considerando la variable del sexo, como una medida concreta dentro de la aceptación de la concepción de género, en el análisis, reflexión y ejecución de estrategias conducentes a continuar aportando en la mejoría y mayor apertura democrática de la educación en el país por parte de esta institución.
Las funciones del psicólogo en una institución de educación especial privada, según las percepciones de los docentes.
Authors: Barquero Ramírez Marjorie
Published: January 2021

El presente estudio es una exploración descriptiva acerca de la percepción que del "rol del psicólogo educativo" tienen los docentes de una Escuela de Educación Especial. Dicho estudio se realizó en el Instituto Andrea Jiménez. Los resultados indican una percepción positiva hacia la inclusión del psicólogo educativo en el equipo de trabajo escolar y sugieren divulgación y capacitación acerca del rol del psicólogo educativo.
Globalización: subdesarrollo, crisis económica y libre comercio en centroamérica.
Authors: Loría Cordero Julio
Published: January 2021

La crisis económica a finales de los años setenta y a principios de los años ochenta evidenció la vulnerabilidad y dependencia de las economías centroamericanas, además de la correspondencia de los problemas sociales con la aplicación del plan de ajuste estructural como una medida de contrarrestar los efectos de la depresión económica. En la década de los noventa con la caída del mundo socialista y el fortalecimiento del capitalismo aparecieron nuevas condiciones para el desarrollo del mercado. Esta situación obliga tanto a las estructuras políticas y a las estructuras económicas de los países centroamericanos a hacer reformas efectivas y sustantivas para ubicarse en un nuevo contexto caracterizado por la regionalización de los mercados y la aplicación de políticas económicas neoliberales. Es en este nuevo contexto que el libre comercio determinará la dinámica financiera y comercial entre los países y, seguirá marcando la inequidad económica, social y tecnológica entre países desarrollados y subdesarrollados.
Tradición e innovación: a propósito del romancero gitano.
Authors: Víquez Jiménez Alí
Published: January 2021

Este artículo se propone estudiar tanto los elementos de la tradición cultural como los del arte nuevo, definido así por Ortega y Gasset, que en el Romancero gitano se encuentran presentes.
El carácter relacional de la creatividad humana.
Authors: López Quintás Alfonso
Published: January 2021

El presente artículo explora de forma sistemática los elementos concernientes al proceso y al carácter relacional de la creatividad humana a través de sus diferentes campos, y a la vez explica los vínculos generados entre la obra, el creador y el entorno. Dichos nexos son como medios garantes de la armonía estética en la preservación de la vida, frente al egoísmo y la barbarie. Es por este motivo que se analizan aspectos sobre el carácter relacional de la condición humana y la infinidad de espectros que esta asimila y recrea desde lo más hondo de su raíz por cuanto es “un ser de encuentro”. El artículo enfatiza la necesidad de fundar una unidad entre el hombre y su entorno, unidad que es básica para una auténtica cultura. La obra de arte y toda creación humana deben expresar relación y proporción, y en ese sentido manifestarán y anunciarán el triunfo de la vida.
Una lectura del discurso poético cima del gozo de Isaac Felipe Azofeifa
Authors: Esquivel Trejos Álvaro
Published: January 2021

Al escrutar las veredas del sentimiento amoroso en la poesía, se puede constatar, por un lado, la ausencia de un lenguaje que lo asuma y, por el otro, la marginalidad residente del tema. Esta situación se percibe aún más en la producción de los textos literarios y en la crítica destinada al tema del amor, pero más aún se constata en la creación de los discursos líricos y su lectura. En este sentido, el presente artículo pretende escindir un espacio de reflexión en torno a esos discursos marginales. Además, se pretende aplicar una lectura oblicua desde la perspectiva de las figuras bartheanas y los aportes de Julia Kristeva en cuanto al amor-pasión.
Leer la diferencia
Authors: Picado González Ana Beatriz
Published: January 2021

A partir de los lineamientos que, según Roland Barthes, debe seguir un lector productivo para detonar la polisemia de un texto, se lleva a cabo una lectura de la Historia de la literatura costarricense, de Abelardo Bonilla. El propósito es ilustrar una forma diferente de relacionarse con un escrito.
Consideraciones sobre el autoengaño. Hacia una etiología del autoengaño.
Authors: Moya Juan Diego
Published: January 2021

El texto se propone tematizar el tratamiento ontológico del autoengaño, fundado sobre los presupuestos de la ontología general y de la psicología racional spinozianas. El enfoque de la etiología del autoengaño se cimenta sobre el monismo ontológico de Spinoza, monismo de la substancia, y sobre el presupuesto metafísico del isomorfismo metafísico.
Los valores de la educación superior a distancia
Authors: Rodríguez Maradiaga Oscar A, Monseñor
Published: January 2021

No Presenta
Globalización: lectura crítica desde la doctrina social de la iglesia
Authors: Víquez Lizano Mauricio
Published: January 2021

No Presenta
Fijación de la sanción penal juvenil en el Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos
Authors: Llobet Rodríguez Javier
Published: January 2021

En este ensayo se analizan los criterios para la determinación de la fijación de la sanción penal juvenil, de acuerdo con los instrumentos internacionales de Derechos Humanos que se han referido a la justicia penal juvenil. Se concluye que el aspecto principal a considerar es el criterio educativo, relacionado con la prevención especial positiva dentro de la teoría de la sanción, pero que dicho criterio encuentra un exige que no pueda superarse con la sanción la proporcionalidad con la gravedad del hecho y el grado de reproche que pueda hacérsele al joven. Así la proporcionalidad opera como un límite al principio educativo, fijando el techo máximo que puede tener la sanción en el caso concreto, aunque podría fijarse una sanción por debajo de ese límite, atendiendo primordialmente al principio educativo. Este principio explica además la preponderancia que tienen las soluciones alternativas, con las que se evita el dictado de una sentencia condenatoria, lo mismo que la prioridad que tienen las sanciones no privativas de libertad.
Sistema americano de Derechos Humanos en Centro América como medio para su democratización y protección
Authors: Benavides Murillo Clotilde
Published: January 2021

El presente artículo analiza la efectividad de los procedimientos y metodologías empleadas por el Sistema de Protección de Derechos Humanos, como medios para la democratización y protección a los Derechos Humanos en Centroamérica. La Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos en Centro América ha emitido una serie de informes como resultado de investigaciones sobre la protección y cumplimiento de los Derechos Humanos en laregión. Estos informes de la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos y de las visitas “in loco” en la región se encuentran asociados especialmente con los cambios institucionales de carácter democrático y de positivización de los derechos humanos en las constituciones e instituciones encargadas de velar por el cumplimiento de Derechos Fundamentales del ser humano.
Lo que debemos saber sobre el TLC Estados Unidos y Centroamérica
Authors: Contreras Gerardo
Published: January 2021

El ensayo tiene como propósito fundamental ofrecer una visión de conjunto de lo que es necesario saber acerca de los contenidos contemplados en el Tratado de Libre Comercio Estados Unidos Centroamérica. En el mismo, se hace referencia a las diversas posturas que sobre este asunto se han generado en el seno de la población costarricense, tanto desde la sociedad política, como desde la sociedad civil.
El cultivo de la palma aceitera en Costa Rica en el contexto del TLC con los Estados unidos de Norteamérica
Authors: Clare Patricia
Published: January 2021

El mercado mundial de aceites y grasas es complejo, ya que son productos sustituibles entre sí. Costa Rica participa de este mercado por medio del aceite de palma, el cual ocupa un lugar importante en las exportaciones nacionales. Su cultivo se concentra en el Pacífico Central y en el Pacífico Sur, que son regiones económicamente deprimidas, por lo que la palma adquiere relevancia como una de las pocas actividades rentables en la zona. La producción palmera se encuentra concentrada en un porcentaje importante en manos de una transnacional, en menor medida en un sector cooperativo y en algunos pocos productores independientes. El sector cooperativo cuenta con su propia procesadora y está adquiriendo otra planta más. En el contexto del TLC  la producción aceitera se ve amenazada, pues si el tratado se aprueba en su versión actual, se verá obligado a competir con el aceite de soya norteamericano. A diferencia de otros cultivos cuya producción se encuentra atomizada a lo largo del territorio, diluyendo así los efectos en sectores más amplios, la palma se concentra en una región. Se desarticularía también un sector cooperativo en despegue, que hasta el momento ha sido exitoso.
Ricoeur's theory of narrative time and one hundred years of solitude
Authors: Álvarez Martínez Luis Gustavo
Published: January 2021

Paul Ricoeur´s narrative theory of time proposes that we, during our reading, move backwards and forward in narrative time and that “temporality springs forth in the plural unity of future, past and present” (167) . In utilizing his theory of time and the idea of cyclical time as a prominent characteristic in twentieth century literature, I attempt to apply his intriguing theory to an exemplary novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude (1967) by the Colombian Gabriel García Márquez. The essay demonstrates how the circularity of the imaginary travel and the linearity of the quest as such are thus put together. Indeed, time is circular and recurrent rather than rectilinear and progressive in this novel wherein readers are moved between present, past and future time.
Evaluación de la calidad de la formación humanística de la UCR: informe del diseño utilizado y sus resultados
Authors: Ramírez Acosta Pedro José
Published: January 2021

El propósito de este trabajo es dar a conocer el diseño utilizado en la investigación evaluación de la calidad del Sistema de Educación General de la UCR  en relación con la formación humanística crítica e, igualmente, los resultados que se derivaron de su aplicación. Se pone énfasis en el diseño por cuanto el modelo y el método pueden asegurar el acercamiento al objeto de estudio y la objetividad de los resultados.
Un País en Subasta
Authors: Vargas Solís Luis Paulino
Published: January 2021

Se analiza el Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC)con los Estados Unidos, situándolo en el contexto más amplio de los procesos de reestructuración capitalista a escala mundial de los últimos 30 años, los cuales son caracterizados como formas de gestión de la crisis en un marco de renovadas rivalidades entre los tres centros hegemónicos. La hegemonía global de los capitales transnacionales se va materializando en un conjunto de formas institucionales, que incluyen las negociaciones comer ciales de la Ronda Uruguay y la fundación de la Or ganización Mundial del Comercio (OMC) . Se ponen así en mar cha pr ocesos que tienden a lahomogeneización institucional y normativa de los Estados en función de esos inter eses hegemónicos. Frente al relativo estancamiento que enfrenta esta agenda en los marcos de la OMC y el Ár ea de Libre Comercio para América (ALCA) , Estados Unidos recurre a los tratados de libr e comercio como vía alternativa. El TLC surge en este contexto más amplio, con arreglo al cual es analizado tanto en relación con el proceso de negociación del cual surge, como de los principios ideológicos que lo orientan, sus contenidos principales y más representativos y el conjunto de sus posibles consecuencias, tanto económicas como sociales y políticas.
Privately held or publicly owned? The role of debt financing
Authors: Toukan Amjad
Published: January 2021

This paper examines the decision to go public under the issuance of both debt and equity financing. The decision to go public, the debt ratio and the shape of the ownership structure depend on the combination of debt and ownership structures that maximizes the initial owners’ wealth. Our model is based on a contest in which owners/managers and shareholders exert costly efforts to increase their probability of winning part of the value of the public firm where the outcome of the contest and the listing decision are affected by the cost of debt. We differ from previous research in that we model the interaction between shareholders, debtholders, and managers as a contest. Our results are largely consistent with previous research in the field where we show that in industries displaying decreasing returns to scale (or slower growth industries) it is always preferred to raise funds through the issuance of debt rather than equity while in industries displaying increasing returns to scale (or high growth industries) a positive relationship obtains between the interest rate and the issuance of equity
Dos guerras, enemigos distintos y las mismas víctimas. O cuando el (bi)centenario silencia la posguerra
Authors: Ramos López José
Published: January 2021

La postergación de los derechos es una realidad que escinde al Perú y abre más las brechas de desigualdad entre los sujetos nacionales, a imagen de los grupos de poder, y los sujetos a quienes se les cuestiona su ciudadanía por no cumplir con los idearios nacionales. El presente artículo reflexiona sobre cómo la conmemoración del acto fundacional del Estado peruano enaltece los proyectos políticos de modernización y silencia la condición de sociedad de posguerra.
Un acuerdo de paz con muchos enemigos
Authors: Escobar Mesa Augusto
Published: January 2021

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Conversación con la Dra. Nancy Appelbaum
Authors: Martínez Botero Sebastián , Molina Corrales Alonso
Published: January 2021

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Landscape connectivity for two sympatric carnivores in central Iran
Authors: Rezaei Sahar , Mohammadi Alireza , Cushman Samuel A , Bencini Roberta , Rooney Thomas , Naderi Morteza
Published: January 2021

Central Iran supports a diversity of carnivores, most of which are
threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. Carnivore conservation
requires the identification and preservation of core habitats and
ensuring connectivity between them. In the present study, we applied
species distribution modeling to predict habitat suitability and used
connectivity modeling to predict linkage (resistant kernel and factorial
least-cost path analyses) for grey wolf and golden jackal in central
Iran. For grey wolf, elevation, topographic roughness and distance from
agriculture lands were the strongest predictors; however, for golden
jackal, distance from agriculture lands, human settlements and
topographic roughness were the most influential variables in predicting
the occurrence of this species. Our results also indicated a high
potential for large parts of the landscape to support the occurrence of
these two canid species. The largest and the most crucial core habitats
and corridor paths for the conservation of both species are located in
the southern part of the study landscape. We found a small overlap
between golden jackal corridor paths and core habitats with protected
areas, which has important implications for conservation and future
viability of the golden jackal populations. Some sections of core areas
are bisected by roads, where most vehicle collisions with grey wolf and
golden jackal occurred. We propose that effective conservation of both
species would require integrated landscape-level management to reduce
mortality risk, as well as protection of core areas and corridors and
development of mitigation strategies to reduce vehicle collisions.
Unboxing mutations: Connecting mutation types with evolutionary consequences
Authors: Berdan Emma , Blanckaert Alexandre , Slotte Tanja , Suh Alexander , Westram Anja , Fragata Inês
Published: January 2021

A key step in understanding the genetic basis of different evolutionary
outcomes (e.g., adaptation) is to determine the roles played by
different mutation types. To do this we must simultaneously consider
different mutation types in an evolutionary framework. Here we propose a
research framework that directly utilizes the most important
characteristics of mutations, their population genetic effects, to
determine their relative evolutionary significance. We review known
population genetic effects of different mutation types and show how
these may be connected to different evolutionary outcomes. We provide
examples of how to implement this framework and pinpoint areas where
more data, theory and synthesis are needed. Linking experimental and
theoretical approaches to examine different mutation types
simultaneously is a critical step towards understanding their
evolutionary significance.
Lymphoepithelial cyst in the pancreatic accessory spleen：A case report
Authors: Hiroi Sawako , Hamaoka Michinori , Yamamoto Rie , Matsugu Yasuhiro , Nishisaka Takashi , Nakahara Hideki , Itamoto Toshiyuki
Published: January 2021

Lymphoepithelial cyst (LEC)is a rare disease. Clear diagnostic criteria
have not been established, and the number of cases is expected to
increase in the future. In particular, LEC in the pancreatic accessory
spleen has not been reported in the past, and this report documents it
for the first time.