bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The possible puzzles of BCG vaccine in protection against COVID-19 infection
Authors: Marzoog Basheer Abdullah , Vlasova Tatyana Ivanovna
Published: January 2021

Background

The paper aimed to analyze and evaluate the present literature data on the clinical effectiveness of using the bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine in protecting against the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Main body

Several novel clinical data have shown a relationship between the vaccinated population with the bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine and the severity and mortality rate from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the linkage between the BCG vaccine and COVID-19 infection mortality and morbidity rate is still ambiguous. The BCG has been protected previously from many other respiratory viral infections. The efficacy of the BCG vaccine in the protection against COVID-19 depends on various factors including social, economic, cultural norms, mitigation efforts, health infrastructure, and demographic differences between countries.

Conclusion

Thus, the literature analyses show a noticed difference between the countries that follow national vaccination programs than in countries that do not follow such programs (Italy, Netherlands, USA). However, there are not any recommendations for using BCG in the protection against severe cases of COVID-19. The severity of COVID-19 maybe depends on the age, immune state of the patient, and the level of vaccine coverage. The possible reason for BCG protection is trained immunity in both diseases.
A history of tunnels and using active seismic methods to find them
Authors: Sloan Steven D. , Miller Richard D. , Steeples Don W.
Published: January 2021

The modern use of clandestine tunnels has antagonized military and law enforcement agencies alike over the past 50 years, not only in their simplicity and effectiveness, but also in the challenges of defending against them. Likewise, geophysicists have been confounded, finding what should be a straightforward target on paper — detecting an anomaly with often vastly different physical properties than its surroundings — a much more difficult task than models would suggest. We have evaluated half a century of applied seismic investigation, gaining a history of the use of active seismic methods to detect subterranean tunnels in war zones, along borders, and around facility perimeters. Previously published studies using a variety of seismic methods such as reflection, refraction, surface waves, diffraction, resonance, and full-waveform inversion were aggregated to serve as a reference for void and tunnel detection-related research and to show the progression of the methods used over time.
Encorafenib Plus Cetuximab as a New Standard of Care for Previously Treated BRAF V600E–Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Updated Survival Results and Subgroup Analyses from the BEACON Study
Authors: Tabernero Josep , Grothey Axel , Van Cutsem Eric , Yaeger Rona , Wasan Harpreet , Yoshino Takayuki , Desai Jayesh , Ciardiello Fortunato , Loupakis Fotios , Hong Yong Sang , Steeghs Neeltje , Guren Tormod Kyrre , Arkenau Hendrik-Tobias , Garcia-Alfonso Pilar , Elez Elena , Gollerkeri Ashwin , Maharry Kati , Christy-Bittel Janna , Kopetz Scott
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

BEACON CRC evaluated encorafenib plus cetuximab with or without binimetinib versus investigators' choice of irinotecan or FOLFIRI plus cetuximab in patients with BRAFV600E–mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), after progression on 1-2 prior regimens. In the previously reported primary analysis, encorafenib, binimetinib plus cetuximab (ENCO/BINI/CETUX; triplet) and encorafenib plus cetuximab (ENCO/CETUX; doublet) regimens improved overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR; by blinded central review) versus standard of care. The purpose of this analysis was to report updated efficacy and safety data.

METHODS

In this open-label, phase III trial, 665 patients with BRAF V600E–mutant mCRC were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to receive triplet, doublet, or control. Primary end points were OS and independently reviewed ORR comparing triplet to control. OS for doublet versus control was a key secondary end point. Updated analyses include 6 months of additional follow-up and ORR for all randomized patients.

RESULTS

Patients received triplet (n = 224), doublet (n = 220), or control (n = 221). Median OS was 9.3 months (95% CI, 8.2 to 10.8) for triplet and 5.9 months (95% CI, 5.1 to 7.1) for control (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60 [95% CI, 0.47 to 0.75]). Median OS for doublet was 9.3 months (95% CI, 8.0 to 11.3) (HR v control, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.48 to 0.77]). Confirmed ORR was 26.8% (95% CI, 21.1% to 33.1%) for triplet, 19.5% (95% CI, 14.5% to 25.4%) for doublet, and 1.8% (95% CI, 0.5% to 4.6%) for control. Adverse events were consistent with the prior primary analysis, with grade ≥ 3 adverse events in 65.8%, 57.4%, and 64.2% for triplet, doublet, and control, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In the BEACON CRC study, encorafenib plus cetuximab improved OS, ORR, and progression-free survival in previously treated patients in the metastatic setting compared with standard chemotherapy. Based on the primary and updated analyses, encorafenib plus cetuximab is a new standard care regimen for previously treated patients with BRAF V600E mCRC.
Radiation Therapy for Small-Cell Lung Cancer: ASCO Guideline Endorsement of an ASTRO Guideline
Authors: Daly Megan E. , Ismaila Nofisat , Decker Roy H. , Higgins Kristin , Owen Dawn , Saxena Ashish , Franklin Gregg E. , Donaldson Dusty , Schneider Bryan J.
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) produced an evidence-based guideline on radiation therapy (RT) for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Because of the relevance of this topic to ASCO membership, ASCO reviewed the guideline, applying a set of procedures and policies used to critically examine guidelines developed by other organizations.

METHODS

The ASTRO guideline on RT for SCLC was reviewed for developmental rigor by methodologists. Then, an ASCO Expert Panel reviewed the content and the recommendations.

RESULTS

The ASCO Expert Panel determined that the recommendations from ASTRO guideline on RT for SCLC, published in June 2020, are clear, thorough, and based upon the most relevant scientific evidence. ASCO endorsed ASTRO guideline on RT for SCLC with a few discussion points.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommendations addressed thoracic radiotherapy for limited-stage SCLC, role of stereotactic body radiotherapy in stage I or II node-negative SCLC, prophylactic cranial radiotherapy, and thoracic consolidation for extensive-stage SCLC. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/thoracic-cancer-guidelines .
Mutational inactivation of Apc in the intestinal epithelia compromises cellular organisation
Authors: Rannikmae Helena , Peel Samantha , Barry Simon , Senda Takao , de la Roche Marc
Published: January 2021

The adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) protein regulates diverse effector pathways essential for tissue homeostasis. Truncating oncogenic mutations in Apc removing its Wnt pathway and microtubule regulatory domains drives intestinal epithelia tumorigenesis. Exuberant cell proliferation is one well-established consequence of oncogenic Wnt pathway activity; however, the contribution of other deregulated molecular circuits to tumorigenesis has not been fully examined. Using in vivo and organoid models of intestinal epithelial tumorigenesis we found that Wnt pathway activity controls intestinal epithelial villi and crypt structure, morphological features lost upon Apc inactivation. Although the Wnt pathway target gene c-Myc (also known as Myc) has critical roles in regulating cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, Apc specification of intestinal epithelial morphology is independent of the Wnt-responsive Myc-335 (also known as Rr21) regulatory element. We further demonstrate that Apc inactivation disrupts the microtubule cytoskeleton and consequently localisation of organelles without affecting the distribution of the actin cytoskeleton and associated components. Our data indicates the direct control over microtubule dynamics by Apc through an independent molecular circuit. Our study stratifies three independent Apc effector pathways in the intestinal epithelial controlling: (1) proliferation, (2) microtubule dynamics and (3) epithelial morphology.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Adiposity, reproductive and metabolic health, and activity levels in zoo Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)
Authors: Chusyd Daniella E. , Nagy Tim R. , Golzarri-Arroyo Lilian , Dickinson Stephanie L. , Speakman John R. , Hambly Catherine , Johnson Maria S. , Allison David B. , Brown Janine L.
Published: January 2021

Many captive Asian elephant populations are not self-sustaining, possibly due in part to obesity-related health and reproductive issues. This study investigated relationships between estimated body composition and metabolic function, inflammatory markers, ovarian activity (females only) and physical activity levels in 44 Asian elephants (n=35 females, n=9 males). Deuterium dilution was used to measure total body water from which fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) could be derived to estimate body composition. Serum was analyzed for progestagens and estradiol (females only), deuterium, glucose, insulin and amyloid A. Physical activity was assessed by an accelerometer placed on the elephant's front leg for at least 2 days. Relative fat mass (RFM) – the amount of fat relative to body mass – was calculated to take differences in body size between elephants into consideration. Body fat percentage ranged from 2.01% to 24.59%. Male elephants were heavier (P=0.043), with more FFM (P=0.049), but not FM (P>0.999), than females. For all elephants, estimated RFM (r=0.45, P=0.004) was positively correlated with insulin. Distance walked was negatively correlated with age (r=−0.46, P=0.007). When adjusted for FFM and age (P<0.001), non-cycling females had less fat compared with cycling females, such that for every 100 kg increase in FM, the odds of cycling were 3 times higher (P<0.001). More work is needed to determine what an unhealthy amount of fat is for elephants; however, our results suggest higher adiposity may contribute to metabolic perturbations.
Tokay geckos (Gekkonidae: Gekko gecko) preferentially use substrates that elicit maximal adhesive performance
Authors: Garner Austin M. , Pamfilie Alexandra M. , Dhinojwala Ali , Niewiarowski Peter H.
Published: January 2021

Gecko substrate use is likely influenced by adhesive performance, yet few studies have demonstrated this empirically. Herein, we examined the substrate use, adhesive performance and vertical clinging behaviour of Gekko gecko in captivity to investigate whether adhesive performance influences patterns of substrate use. We found that geckos were observed significantly more often on the substrate (glass) that elicited maximal adhesive performance relative to its availability within our experimental enclosures, indicating that geckos preferentially use substrates on which their adhesive performance is maximal. Our work here provides additional, yet crucial data establishing connections between adhesive performance and patterns of substrate use in captivity, suggesting the hypothesis that substrate preferences of free-ranging geckos should be correlated with adhesive performance. Clearly, further experimental and field research is necessary to test this hypothesis and identify other parameters that individually and/or collectively influence the habitat use of free-ranging geckos.
Η αποτελεσματικότητα της εκπαίδευσης στις κοινωνικές δεξιότητες σε άτομα με σχιζοφρένεια
Authors: Ντούσια Παρασκευή , Κατσαμάγκος Αντώνης , Οικονόμου Μαρίνα
Published: January 2021

Ten individuals with schizophrenia and two with schizoaffective disorder received group training in social skills, including conversation skills, friendship skills, and dating skills as well as problem-solving skills. The training, coupled with case management, was administered twice per week for one hour each session for a total of 5 months. The primaryoutcome measures were the Social Contact and Communication subscales of the Life Skills Profile, the WHOQOL-BREF, and the Self-efficacy/self-esteem subscale of the Empowerment Scale. Based on these, participants’ social functioning, community functioning, and self-efficacy perceptions were assessed respectively. Measures were taken at pre-treatment and post-treatment. Patients’ social functioning andcommunity functioning improved over time whereas self-efficacy beliefs did not significantly change. Patients who completed homework assignments frequently improved more in social contact compared to patients who completed homework assignments infrequently. Findings suggest that social skills training for outpatients with chronic mental illness leads to acquisition of social skills that are important in everyday life. Case management is a critical aspect of treatment that enhances learning and transfer of social skills outside the immediate training setting. Benefits from social skills homework assignments mainly depend on the type of homework.
Η ανάδυση του ξενοφοβικού εαυτού στην τρέχουσα ελληνική κοινωνική εμπειρία: Ευρήματα από ομάδες εστίασης
Authors: Ζήση Αναστασία , Χτουρής Σωτήρης , Χίου Μιχαλίτσα , Ρενταρή Μάλαμα
Published: January 2021

The present paper provides a theoretical discussion of the qualitative findings generated by 14 focus groups conducted as a means to study phenomena of xenophobia and racism, individual and collective reactions of host majority members towards immigrants under the contemporary conditions of economic crisis that the country is facing.The focus groups were organized in order to examine how these social and economic conditions shape the ways host majority members and immigrants coexist, their daily experiences, the type and quality ofintergroup relations. Content analysis was focused on the host society members’ lines of arguments, beliefs and perceptions that they developed on issues related to immigrants and immigration. The analysis revealed four different themes; a) xenophobia as negation and rejection of the foreigners, b) xenophobia as a reaction that derives from the idea of the “indigenous citizen” who is entitled to his/her resources, c) xenophobia as an ambivalent reaction, and d) the political production of xenophobia. The contemporary conditions of the country characterized by structural violence contribute in the emergence of a new type struggling xenophobic self as a generator of a negative dialectic relationship between an individual xenophobic reaction and acollective one.
Αποκλίσεις στην ανάπτυξη του λεξιλογίου σε παιδιά βρεφικής και πρώιμης προσχολικής ηλικίας
Authors: Παρίζη Σοφία , Οκαλίδου Αρετή , Χαχούδη Αργυρώ , Πετεινού Κάκια
Published: January 2021

The present research is a first investigation of the development of receptive and expressive vocabulary in Greek-speaking children, aged 0;6-3;6 years, who were characterized as late-talkers (LT) due to a significant deviation of their vocabulary scores from the mean score of their typically-developing peers (TD). The present work is part of a larger project concerning the greek adaptation of a parent questionnaire named Cypriot–Greek Lexical Acquisition Checklist (CYLEX) (Petinou, Hadzigeorgiou & Minaidou, 1999). Within-group comparisons between receptive and expressive vocabulary are drawn for both LT and TD children. In addition, the influence of demographic factors on vocabulary scores, such as gender and parental education level, was examined. The comparison across type of vocabulary revealed that receptive vocabulary develops prior to expressive in both groups, however, late-talkers have a disproportionately low expressive lexical development as compared to receptive. Moreover, the differences in vocabulary scores among LT and TD children are discussed as a function of demographic characteristics.
Υπολογιστικό Μοντέλο της Νοημοσύνης
Authors: Πανούτσος Σταύρος - Εμμανουήλ
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this very study is to highlight important issues underlying the concept of intelligence. Human intelligence has been a crucial topic of heated debate over the years and, as a result, the very nature and structure of intelligence still remain vague. This research addresses intelligence in terms of three aspects namely processing speed, speed of learning and the representational power required to solve complex intellectual tasks. Although all these have been suggested as candidate mechanisms of intelligence, the correlation between them as well as their impact on cognition is still unclear. To investigate this even further, an artificial neural network was developed in Matlab, in order to provide a mechanistic approach to intelligence. This artificial neural network was used to test out the hypothesis that certain parameter manipulations, such as altering the activation function, learning rate or the number of hidden units in the network, could be linked to the network’s processing speed, speed of learning and representational power. Results suggest that only modifications inthe learning rate produced such changes across the aforementioned three constructs. As a result, this parameter is suggested as a candidate mechanism that underlies an important portion of the neurocomputational basis of human intelligence. The implications are discussed.
Θετικές παρεμβάσεις στη Γνωσιακή-Συμπεριφορική Ψυχοθεραπεία
Authors: Μυτσκίδου Πασχαλία , Ιωάννης Βλοντάκης
Published: January 2021

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a well-established, evidence-based psychotherapy. Although it is the therapy of choice for both depression and anxiety disorders, many patients remain symptomatic after termination of their treatment, while relapses are not uncommon in the long-term follow-ups. Over time, different techniques have beenproposed in order to enrich cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy and increase its effectiveness. From the field of Positive Psychology, three psychotherapeutic strategies, Well-Being Therapy, Hope Therapy and Quality of Life Therapy, have been applied as additional ingredients in cognitive-behavioral packages. They are applied either as relapse prevention or as therapeutic strategies, in patients with affective and anxiety disorders who failed to respond to standard psychotherapeutic treatments. This paper presents the clinical and conceptual framework, as well as the structure and application of each strategy. Their potential clinical usefulness and results of preliminary validation studies are presented. Finally, their contribution in enriching the effectiveness of CBT is discussed.
Character strengths and virtues in the Greek cultural context
Authors: Pezirkianidis Christos , Karakasidou Eirini , Stalikas Anastassios , Moraitou Despina , Charalambous Vicky
Published: January 2021

The aim of the present study was to examine the conceptual framework of character strengths in the Greek cultural context and, to do so, the factor structure of the Greek version of the Values In Action-120 (VIA-120) inventory of strengths was explored. A lifespan sample of 3,211 Greek adults was used to examine the factorial structure and psychometric characteristics of the measurement. The results indicated that the structure of the 24 character strengths was confirmed and a model of five virtues has emerged. The similarities and differences between the Greek and other cultures’ models are being discussed. The VIA-114GR demonstrated adequate reliability, convergent validity to wellbeing indices, and discriminant validity to negative experiences. Gender and age differences were found in several strengths and virtues. Also, the findings showed that the five signature strengths of the Greek sample were kindness, love, honesty, fairness, and persistence and the five bottom strengths were love of learning, spirituality, perspective, modesty, and self-regulation. Limitations, recommendations for future studies, and practical implications for the use of VIA-114GR are being discussed.
Adult attachment, cultural orientation, and well-being in Greece
Authors: Kafetsios Konstantinos , Kateri Evangelia
Published: January 2021

Social bonds and relationships are important determinants of well-being and happiness. Peoples’ propensities for relating to individual and cultural levels can partially account for variations in well-being in different cultures. The present paper examined how adult attachment orientations, a seminal aspect of relating, and independent and interdependent self-construal, a cultural category of social relations, interrelate at an individual level to explain well-being in Greece. In a large-scale community study state secure attachment and independent and interdependent cultural orientations were all positively associated with well-being. As expected, the two relating constructs intersected so that higher interdependence was associated with higher anxiety and lower avoidance in line with expectations. Importantly, the interaction between interdependence and anxious attachment accounted for an additional part of the variance in well-being: participants higher in anxiety and interdependence had higher well-being whereas the inverse was true for participants higher in anxiety and independence. These results point to culture-specific patterns in how central relating schemas contribute to well-being[1].
The recipe for Happiness: A critical review - introduction to a new theoretical model and a new psychometric tool for the measurement of Eudemonia
Authors: Galanakis Michael , Kyriazos Theodore , Stalikas Anastassios , Tsoli Sofia
Published: January 2021

This critical review refers (a) to all scientific knowledge to date on the subject of Happiness and (b) to the creation of a new prototype psychometric tool, for its measurement. A new model for the development and increase of happiness levels, the Psychological Equilibrium Model (PEM), is proposed. The Psychological Equilibrium Model (PEM) aims to examine the factors of Happiness and contribute to a more comprehensive approach of the concept. According to the Psychological Equilibrium Model (PEM), Happiness is defined as the psychological result of growth in four areas. In particular, if a person experiences (a) high levels of self-acceptance, (b) positive relationships with family and (c) friends, and (d) is able to set goals and plans for the future, he or she will experience higher levels of Happiness. The main objective of this new model is to measure the objective factors and personal characteristics that make it easier for people to achieve and maintain optimal happiness. This may lead to the creation of a new psychometric tool for the objective measurement of happiness based on the Psychological Equilibrium Model. The purpose of the article is to help define the notion of Happiness in a new more comprehensive and holistic way.
The Immune System and Responses to Cancer: Coordinated Evolution
Authors: Coventry Brendon J. , Henneberg Maciej
Published: January 2021

This review explores the incessant evolutionary interaction and co-development between immune system evolution and somatic evolution, to put it into context with the short, over 60-year, detailed human study of this extraordinary protective system. Over millions of years, the evolutionary development of the immune system in most species has been continuously shaped by environmental interactions between microbes, and aberrant somatic cells, including malignant cells. Not only has evolution occurred in somatic cells to adapt to environmental pressures for survival purposes, but the immune system and its function has been successively shaped by those same evolving somatic cells and microorganisms through continuous adaptive symbiotic processes of progressive simultaneous immunological and somatic change to provide what we observe today. Indeed, the immune system as an environmental influence has also shaped somatic and microbial evolution. Although the immune system is tuned to primarily controlling microbiological challenges for combatting infection, it can also remove damaged and aberrant cells, including cancer cells to induce long-term cures. Our knowledge of how this occurs is just emerging. Here we consider the connections between immunity, infection and cancer, by searching back in time hundreds of millions of years to when multi-cellular organisms first began. We are gradually appreciating that the immune system has evolved into a truly brilliant and efficient protective mechanism, the importance of which we are just beginning to now comprehend. Understanding these aspects will likely lead to more effective cancer and other therapies.
Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis associated with ovarian teratoma in Korea: three case reports
Authors: Lee Jisun , Kang Seongwoo , Chang Hye Jin , Lee Yong Hee , Son Joo-Hyuk , Kong Tae Wook , Chang Suk-Joon , Hwang Kyung Joo , Kim Miran
Published: January 2021

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a severe autoimmune paraneoplastic syndrome associated with ovarian teratomas. Most patients develop neurologic symptoms, including psychosis, memory deficits, seizures, or abnormal movements, and experience abdominal pain related to ovarian neoplasm. We present a case report of three patients diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis accompanied by ovarian teratomas at Ajou University Hospital in Korea. The patients demonstrated a different clinical course of the disease. However, upon diagnosis, all patients underwent surgical removal of the ovarian teratoma followed by intensive immunotherapy. The symptoms progressively improved following treatment. This is a case report of a rare autoimmune anti-NMDAR encephalitis associated with ovarian neoplasms, including immature teratoma.
Написати Лемковину
Authors: Дуць-Файфер Олена
Published: January 2021

AbstractWriting Lemkovyna. Interwar Lemko Literature – An Outline

The aim of the text is to show the main trends in the development of the interwar Lemko literature, strongly involved in the process of shaping and expressing the ethnic identity of the represented community. Faced with the challenges of difficult community experiences, literature takes on a documentary and interpretative role, building a collective memory and a vision of history. As regards literary activity, an integration of national and émigré creative milieus takes place. Especially the two most prominent representatives of the Lemko literature of the interwar period – Ivan Rusenko and Vanio Hunianka – are an example of a creative duo cooperating for many years, outlining the project of the national homeland in line with the aspirations of the native intelligentsia. In opposition to this project, a literary action of Ukrainianization is directed to the area of Lemkovyna, creating a vision of the historical past of the Lemko lands shared with Ukraine and using the model of nationally aware and unaware characters. Apart from ethnic involvement, there is also the literary phenomenon originating from Lemkowyna in the form of the works of Ihor Bohdan Antonycz. In the interwar period, due to the involvement in specifying and strengthening the ethnic shape of Lemkovyna, a lively development of political journalism and periodicals should also be noted.
Calidad de servicio en restaurantes de Todos Santos, México por concepto de género
Authors: MONROY CESEÑA MAURO ALEJANDRO
Published: January 2021

Se evaluó la calidad de servicio y grado de satisfacción del cliente en 49 restaurantes del destino turístico de Todos Santos, México en términos de género. La metodología utilizada fue mediante la evaluación de percepciones de instalaciones, accesibilidad, capital humano, atmósfera y comida. Se demostró que la CS incide positivamente en la SC con correlación de ,896 en hombres y de ,809 en mujeres. Se acepta que, la calidad de servicio en clientes masculinos no presenta diferencia significativa con respecto a las especialidades restauranteras ya que, al hacer un análisis de varianza con una f calculada de 2,42 no rebasa al valor crítico de f (2,8661). Por último, se acepta que, la calidad en servicio en clientes femeninos no presenta diferencia significativa con respecto a las especialidades restauranteras con diferencia significativa de calidad en servicio por parte de los consumidores extranjeros en el análisis de varianza con una f calculada de 1.24 no rebasa al valor crítico de f (2,8661).
Marketing digital en micro y pequeñas empresas de publicidad de Bogotá
Authors: Uribe Clara Inés , Sabogal Neira Daniel Fernando
Published: January 2021

Este artículo presenta resultados de una investigación realizada en micro y pequeñas empresas de publicidad de Bogotá – Colombia.  Objetivo: identificar las herramientas online usadas en sus estrategias de marketing digital, entre ellas el uso de las redes sociales y acciones de social media. Metodología: tipo exploratorio - descriptivo, mediante la técnica de análisis de contenido realizado en una muestra estadísticamente representativa de 365 empresas. Se hicieron, además, 140 encuestas a empresarios como forma de contraste al análisis.  Resultados principales: la mayoría de micro y pequeñas empresas publicitarias, aún no tienen plataforma de comercio electrónico ni realizan acciones de posicionamiento en buscadores. Las redes sociales más usadas son Facebook e Instagram, donde en mayor medida difunden imágenes y contenidos propios. Conclusiones: las empresas de este tamaño aún no hacen un uso eficiente o estratégico de los recursos digitales para su autopromoción. Se evidencia la necesidad de capacitación específica para los empresarios del sector, fortalecimiento en la representación gremial y se vislumbra una oportunidad para este tipo de empresas en relación con las economías creativas, si emprenden procesos de digitalización.
Efecto de la responsabilidad social corporativa en la reputación de las organizaciones: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Castaño Ramírez Anggy Daniela , Arias-Sánchez Samuel
Published: January 2021

La Responsabilidad Social Corporativa se entiende como la forma de actuar responsable de una organización para con sus stakeholders o grupos de interés. Esta variable se ha hecho objeto de investigación por generar valor en las empresas a través de los activos intangibles, como la Reputación Corporativa que hace referencia a la percepción de los grupos sobre las compañías. A pesar de la amplia actividad investigativa, no se encontró ninguna revisión que haya analizado sistemáticamente su relación en las diferentes publicaciones. Por este motivo se hizo necesario el desarrollo de la presente investigación, para estudiar el efecto que podría tener la responsabilidad social corporativa en la reputación. A través de una metodología cuantitativa se analizaron 19 artículos empíricos, demostrando una relación directa y positiva entre ambas variables, en la cual se han detectado que intervienen otras variables mediadoras como la transparencia, edad, confianza en la marca, entornos externos, entre otras.
Competitive Equilibrium with Indivisible Goods and Generic Budgets
Authors: Babaioff Moshe , Nisan Noam , Talgam-Cohen Inbal
Published: January 2021

Competitive equilibrium from equal incomes (CEEI) is a classic solution to the problem of fair and efficient allocation of goods (Foley 1967, Varian 1974). Every agent receives an equal budget of artificial currency with which to purchase goods, and prices match demand and supply. However, a CEEI is not guaranteed to exist when the goods are indivisible even in the simple two-agent, single-item market. Yet it is easy to see that, once the two budgets are slightly perturbed (made generic), a competitive equilibrium does exist. In this paper, we aim to extend this approach beyond the single-item case and study the existence of equilibria in markets with two agents and additive preferences over multiple items. We show that, for agents with equal budgets, making the budgets generic—by adding vanishingly small random perturbations—ensures the existence of equilibrium. We further consider agents with arbitrary nonequal budgets, representing nonequal entitlements for goods. We show that competitive equilibrium guarantees a new notion of fairness among nonequal agents and that it exists in cases of interest (such as when the agents have identical preferences) if budgets are perturbed. Our results open opportunities for future research on generic equilibrium existence and fair treatment of nonequals.
Performance of the Smallest-Variance-First Rule in Appointment Sequencing
Authors: de Kemp Madelon A. , Mandjes Michel , Olver Neil
Published: January 2021

Performance of the Smallest-Variance-First Rule in Appointment Sequencing
Bounding and Binding: Trajectories of Community-Organization Emergence Following a Major Disruption
Authors: Williams Trenton Alma , Shepherd Dean A.
Published: January 2021

An important and underexamined topic in the growing literature on community-embedded organizing concerns situations in which dramatic shifts in the environment require the time-sensitive re-establishment of both communities and organizations to address urgent needs. We conduct a qualitative study of emergent community-organization trajectories in the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake and explore differences in the processes and interactions between emerging organizations and communities. Despite all organizations in our data facing the same external shock, they differed in how they interpreted the nature of crisis-induced voids, established boundaries to build and organize communities, and created connections to bind themselves to their communities. We compare and contrast these differences to reveal three trajectories of community-organization emergence, explain why these trajectories initially formed in the ways they did, and identify unique mechanisms that led to these trajectories’ divergence. Our findings contribute to the literature on community-embedded organizing by demonstrating how organizations re-establish communities while simultaneously emerging within those communities.
Eco-friendly dentistry – and you
Authors: Norton Rachael
Published: January 2021

Head dental nurse Rachael Norton shares her experience of implementing environmentally friendly ways in her practice
A more sustainable 2021 – for you and your patients
Authors: Tilling Elaine
Published: January 2021

Dental hygienist Elaine Tilling suggests the future of the planet lies in our workplace habits
The life of a veterinary dental nurse
Authors: Jefferson Liz , Johal Indy
Published: January 2021

Liz Jefferson is a patient at Renew Dental in Walsall in the West Midlands and is one of nine veterinary nurses to hold a qualification in dentistry. Here, she shares her dental nursing experience in the animal kingdom with her dentist Dr Indy Johal
Is a pandemic the perfect time to have a big think?
Authors: Fowler John
Published: January 2021

John Fowler delves behind the riddles to shine a light on the power of self-reflection
Dental health during pregnancy – and beyond
Authors: Russell Marisa , Grimwood Heidi
Published: January 2021

Marisa Russell and Heidi Grimwood explain why a new pregnancy and paediatric oral hygiene course should be on the to-do list for dental nurses in a COVID-19 world
Disposable vs reusable
Authors: Edgar Laura
Published: January 2021

The lessons of the pandemic will help to make dentistry even safer in the future, says Laura Edgar
Cattle Review
Authors: Barrett David C
Published: January 2021

Introduction: In this Cattle Review we consider two papers on lying times in dairy cattle, a review on lying times and welfare and then a paper looking at cow preference for their lying environment. Finally, we look at some early in vitro evidence illustrating the possible infectivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) in domestic mammalian livestock.
Assessing Farm Stress and Community Supports in a U.S.-Mexico Border County
Authors: Keeney Annie J. , Hernandez Paola J. , Meng Yu
Published: January 2021

Highlights

Of 24 study respondents, 56.3% had clinical depression symptomatology based on the CES-D depression screening scale.

Depression scores were positively correlated with respondents’ ability to obtain credit.

Unpredictable factors, such as government regulations and weather, were the most prevalent farm-related stressors among respondents.

Abstract. Imperial County, California, is a high-need, medically underserved area that has some of the worst overall health outcomes of all California counties. Given this and the high depression and anxiety rates in agricultural occupations, Imperial County farmers and ranchers may be at an increased risk of stress and poor mental health outcomes. An exploratory mixed methods assessment was used to collect information from 24 farmers and ranchers in Imperial County. Survey topics included questions about farm or ranch operations, farm-related stress, mental health, community support, and health behaviors. The results indicate that most respondents perceive unpredictable factors, such as government regulations, as the most impactful stressors related to their farm or ranch operations. Additionally, depression symptomatology scores were positively correlated with respondents’ ability to obtain credit. Efforts to understand farm-related stress and how community support can help Imperial County farmers and ranchers mediate adverse physical and mental health effects through formal and informal networks are considered. Keywords: Community supports, Farm-related stress, Farmers and ranchers, Mental health, U.S.-Mexico border.
Eliminating the middleman: ultraviolet scale realization using a
laser-driven plasma light source
Authors: Arp Uwe , Hagley Edward , Vest Robert
Published: January 2021

After we replaced the argon mini-arc with a laser-driven light source
in the Ultraviolet Spectral Comparator Facility at the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), we realized that the
optical power should be sufficient to use the comparator system for
absolute-cryogenic radiometry. Calibrating working standard detectors
directly against an absolute-cryogenic radiometer in the system used
for calibrations would eliminate all uncertainties resulting from the
use of transfer standards, which were calibrated in a separate system
using a different light source and optics. The transfer standards are
the middlemen we refer to in the title. Any uncertainty caused by
differences in bandpass, out-off-band radiation, spectral purity,
collimation, or data interpolation would be removed. In the end, we
successfully set up a twin system resembling the Ultraviolet Spectral
Comparator Facility and used this system to perform a primary
calibration of several photodiodes, based on an absolute-cryogenic
radiometer. Using this system, we were able to reduce relative
standard uncertainties at wavelengths below 220 nm from above 1 % (

k

=

1

) to below 0.5%. We refer to this
system as the Ultraviolet Scale Realization Facility or UV-SRF.
Joint estimation of self-mixing interferometry parameters and displacement reconstruction based on local normalization
Authors: Kim Jin-Hyok , Kim Chol-Hyon , Yun Tu-Hon , Hong Hui-Sung , Ho Kwang-Myong , Kim Kwang-Ho
Published: January 2021

It is not easy to estimate self-mixing interferometry parameters, namely, the optical feedback factor and the linewidth enhancement factor from the self-mixing signals (SMSs) affected by noise such as speckle. These SMSs call for normalization, which is not only difficult, but also apt to distort the intrinsic information of the signals, thereby resulting in incorrect estimation of the parameters and the displacement reconstruction. In this paper, we present what we believe is a novel normalization method we call “local normalization,” which enables more exact and simpler estimation and displacement retrieval compared to previous methods, for it is based on an analytic relation instead of approximation. The method is very noise-proof, and especially speckle-noise-proof as well. The method proposed can be applied to moderate and strong feedback regimes. The simplicity and accuracy of the method will provide a fine tool for a low-cost self-mixing displacement sensor with a high resolution of about 40 nm.
Functional photoacoustic/ultrasound imaging for the assessment of breast intraductal lesions: preliminary clinical findings
Authors: Wang Ming , Zhao Lingyi , Wei Yao , Li Jianchu , Qi Zhenhong , Su Na , Zhao Chenyang , Zhang Rui , Tang Tianhong , Liu Sirui , Yang Fang , Zhu Lei , He Xujin , Li Changhui , Jiang Yuxin , Yang Meng
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to identify features of breast intraductal lesions in photoacoustic/ultrasound (PA/US) imaging and compare PA/US with color Doppler flow/ultrasound (CDFI/US) in the evaluation of breast intraductal lesions. In the nine patients with 10 breast intraductal lesions and 8 patients with 8 benign lesions, total vessel scores evaluated from PA/US are significantly greater than those from CDFI/US (p=0.005). PA internal vessel scores and oxygen saturation (SO2) score are significantly increased in breast intraductal lesions than in benign lesions (p=0.016, p=0.006). With a cutoff PA score (sum of PA internal vessel score and SO2 score) of 2.5, we obtained a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 87.5% in differentiation of two groups. PA/US upgraded 40% of breast intraductal lesions, and downgraded 50% of benign lesions from the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System grading results based on CDFI/US. PA/US functional imaging has the potential in differentiating breast intraductal lesions.
Three-wavelength optical sensor for measuring distributed mass concentrations of aerosols from stationary sources
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Wang Shu , Zhu Ming , Deng Tian , Chen Ang , Zeng Jin
Published: January 2021

Stationary source emissions of key industries, such as thermal power plants, have become the central consideration in environmental protection programs. Existing photoelectric sensors at stationary sources usually use a single wavelength laser to measure the total mass concentration of the particulate matter, bearing inherent errors due to the changing particle size distribution (PSD). However, the total mass concentration cannot comprehensively estimate the air pollution caused by the stationary sources. Therefore, it is required to measure both the mass concentration and PSD of the aerosols emitted by the stationary sources, based on which we can get a distributed mass concentration. To implement this, in this study, we designed a novel three-wavelength photoelectric sensor and tested its performance. Results showed that the prototype correctly determines the mean particle size and standard deviation of the PSDs and consequently adjusts the coefficient for measuring the mass concentration from light intensity, providing a comprehensive assessment of the pollutants.
Regulation of fast and slow light characteristics of the add-drop ring-resonator employing an assisted ring
Authors: Jiang Weiguo , Zhang Yundong , Zhu Fuxing , Guo Ying , Yi Guo
Published: January 2021

We demonstrate theoretically and experimentally that the fast and slow light characteristics of the add-drop ring-resonator (ADRR) can be regulated by introducing an assisted ring. This novel geometry is named ring-assisted add-drop ring-resonator (RA-ADRR). When the assisted ring is under-coupled, the fast and slow light characteristics of through and drop ports of the RA-ADRR will be reversed, which is different from the coupled resonator induced transparency (CRIT) studied previously. With the decrease of loss, the dispersion peak (dip) of the two ports will grow up towards the opposite directions and finally the inversion occurs. Meanwhile, we find that by increasing the circumference of the assisted ring, the dispersion of the two ports could be improved proportionally. The experimental results show that the maximum group delays of the through and drop ports are 115 ns and −485 ns, respectively. This novel phenomenon could greatly enhance the sensitivity of slow light interferometers and also has potential applications in optical communication, network, filtering and switching.
AlGaAs-on-insulator waveguide for highly efficient photon-pair generation via spontaneous four-wave mixing
Authors: Mahmudlu Hatam , May Stuart , Angulo Alí , Sorel Marc , Kues Michael
Published: January 2021

We report on the generation of correlated photon pairs in AlGaAs-on-insulator (AlGaAs-OI) waveguides through nonlinear spontaneous four-wave-mixing (SFWM). Our measurements reveal an SFWM pair generation efficiency of

∼

0.096
×

10

12

p
a
i
r
s

/

(

s
W

2

)

at a wavelength of 1550 nm. This is one of the highest efficiencies achieved to date for integrated SFWM sources. A maximal coincidence-to-accidental ratio of

∼

122

is measured. A spectral characterization of the device’s pair emission at the quantum level demonstrates a broad generation bandwidth of 2.0 THz, which is important for frequency multiplexing applications. Our results indicate that AlGaAs-OI is an efficient material platform for integrated quantum photonics at telecom wavelengths.
Asymmetric single-cycle control of valence electron motion in polar chemical bonds
Authors: Morimoto Yuya , Shinohara Yasushi , Tani Mizuki , Chen Bo-Han , Ishikawa Kenichi L. , Baum Peter
Published: January 2021

A dielectric material’s response to light is microscopically defined by field-cycle-driven motion of electron densities in the restoring forces of the atomic environment. Here we apply single-cycle mid-infrared pulses to drive the nonlinear motion of valence electrons in a heteronuclear crystal with asymmetric structure and report how the macroscopic optical response can be tracked back to the real-space electron dynamics in the symmetry-breaking potential along the chemical bonds. Whether our single-cycle field drives electrons from the less electronegative to the more electronegative element or vice versa controls the appearance of a smooth nonlinear output spectrum or one with even and odd harmonic orders. Crystal angle scans reveal the absolute orientation of the asymmetric bonds. Directional motion of valence charges controlled by a single cycle of light can therefore be used for spectroscopically exploring the binding potential, to understand and design novel materials for nonlinear optics, or to eventually process information at the frequency of light.