bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestão por competências: a percepção dos colaboradores de uma cooperativa de crédito
Authors: Herbstrith Éder Luiz , Kieling Rejane Inês
Published: February 2021

Na gestão por competências, delinear as características de um perfil ideal para determinada função se apresenta como um grande desafio. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar quais as competências necessárias para prestar um atendimento de qualidade aos associados. O estudo apresenta delineamento descritivo dos tipos levantamento e análise de dados quantitativa. Para tanto, um questionário foi aplicado aos colaboradores de uma cooperativa de crédito. Com os resultados da pesquisa, foi possível identificar 40 competências relevantes à prestação de um atendimento de qualidade. Além disso, a atitude foi considerada a categoria mais importante pelos colaboradores. Para finalizar, são apontadas recomendações para a realização de novas pesquisas.
Mapeamento das perdas da armazenagem da soja: um estudo de caso em uma cooperativa de armazenagem de grãos
Authors: Leitão Fabrício Oliveira , Da Silva Warley Henrique , Oppelt Guilherme José
Published: February 2021

Os problemas de infraestrutura em armazéns de soja no Brasil são fatores que atrapalham a competitividade da cadeia. Tais fatores estão diretamente relacionados às perdas dos grãos no processo de armazenagem. O objetivo deste trabalho foi mapear as operações relacionadas ao processo de armazenagem da soja em uma cooperativa de grãos com o intuito de identificar etapas onde há maior incidência de perdas. Este estudo, de caráter aplicado e exploratório, fez uso do estudo de caso, desenvolvido com o auxílio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com colaboradores do setor, bem como observações diretas não-participantes para o levantamento dos dados. Como principais resultados destaca-se que as perdas dos grãos podem derivar de diversas operações inerentes ao processo, notadamente na movimentação dos grãos, no transbordo nas moegas, no processo da secagem e da própria armazenagem.  Constatou-se também que para mitigar essas perdas são necessários esforços substanciais, e dependem, sobremaneira, de investimentos em ativos específicos.
Responsabilidade Social Interna em uma Cooperativa
Authors: Lima Cleber Marcelo de , Costa Vera Mariza Henriques de Miranda , Piratelli Claudio Luis , Queda Oriowaldo , Achcar Jorge Alberto
Published: February 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é identificar práticas de Responsabilidade Social Interna (RSI) em uma cooperativa, da ótica de seus funcionários. Para o desenvolvimento da investigação assumiu-se que os indicadores de Responsabilidade Social (RS) estão próximos dos princípios cooperativistas. Assim sendo, as cooperativas devem atuar de forma responsável em relação a todos os seus stakeholders, desenvolvendo, com seus públicos externo e interno, práticas de gestão que podem ser identificadas a partir de Indicadores de Responsabilidade Social do Instituto Ethos (IRSIE). Trata-se de pesquisa descritiva, quali-quantitativa, aplicada, desenvolvida por meio de pesquisa de campo na unidade sede de uma cooperativa de crédito, no interior do estado de São Paulo. Os resultados alcançados apontam para a presença de práticas de RSI e indicam que a maioria dos funcionários identifica a presença de RS nas ações da cooperativa. No entanto, algumas ações e procedimentos devem ser aperfeiçoados e divulgados pela cooperativa.
Construção de indicadores-padrão para cooperativas agropecuárias de Mato Grosso do Sul
Authors: ARANHA JOSE APARECIDO MOURA , Souza Laísa Aparecida Pereira de , Yahiro Agnes Akemi
Published: February 2021

Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver, através de índices-padrão, um referencial de comparação para os índices econômico-financeiros das cooperativas agropecuárias do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa, descritiva, bibliográfica e documental. Dessa forma, utilizou-se de balanços patrimoniais e demonstrações de sobras e perdas de dezoito cooperativas agropecuárias de Mato Grosso do Sul. A partir desses demonstrativos, foram calculados os indicadores econômico-financeiros dessas entidades, que receberam tratamento estatístico, com separação em quartis e definição da mediana, para se chegar aos índices-padrão. Com isso, foi possível classificar os índices econômico-financeiros das cooperativas, em excelentes, bons, regulares e insatisfatórios, se comparados com o padrão setorial. O trabalho se justifica pela relevância dos indicadores-padrão como base de avaliação do desempenho econômico-financeiro tanto pelas cooperativas como pelo Sistema OCB/MS.
Abordagem sobre cooperativismo entre médicos anestesiologistas: um estudo em uma cooperativa de saúde
Authors: Dos Santos Maria Oliveira , Bezerra Viana André Pacelli , Jácome Marília Augusta Raulino , Dos Santos Ana Laís Oliveira
Published: February 2021

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar o conhecimento de médicos anestesiologistas da cidade de João Pessoa – Paraíba sobre o cooperativismo, além de suas expectativas quanto à sua cooperativa. Para isso, realizou-se uma pesquisa com abordagem exploratória, envolvendo 78 médicos cooperados com exercício profissional na Cooperativa dos Anestesiologistas da Paraíba (Coopanest-PB). Os dados foram coletados mediante entrevista semiestruturada e analisados qualitativamente, por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Após a análise dos dados coletados, emergiram três categorias temáticas a respeito da compreensão sobre o cooperativismo: união de pessoas com interesses comum;  melhores resultados econômicos e  progresso coletivo para uma valorização profissional. Em relação à expectativa quanto a cooperativa, obteve-se a classificação em três categorias:  respeito aos direitos dos cooperados; sustentabilidade e gestão transparente com prestação de contas. Os resultados deste estudo contribuem para reflexão dos médicos cooperados acerca dos princípios cooperativistas como agregadores deste modelo organizacional, promovendo a disseminação do cooperativismo para novos cooperados.
Satisfação no trabalho versus resultado contábil: estudo de caso em uma cooperativa de crédito
Authors: Raifur Kos Sonia , Padilha Evandro Thiago
Published: February 2021

O presente estudo teve por objetivo verificar o nível de satisfação no trabalho e se o mesmo tem relação com o resultado contábil atingido. Foi utilizada metodologia quantitativa e descritiva, com coleta de dados por meio de aplicação de questionário em uma cooperativa de crédito, com a participação de 102 respondentes. Os participantes deram uma nota entre 1 e 7 para cada uma das questões, onde a nota de 1 a 3 vai de muito insatisfeito até insatisfeito, nota 4 indica que o quesito é indiferente, seria o equilíbrio entre estar satisfeito ou insatisfeito e por fim, as notas de 5 a 7 correspondem de satisfeito até muito satisfeito. Os resultados indicam que, quanto ao nível de satisfação os resultados mostram que, de forma geral, os colaboradores se mostram satisfeitos, visto que a maior parte das respostas se concentra nas notas 6 e 7. Percebe-se que as dimensões “Relação com Colegas”, “Chefia” e “Natureza do Trabalho” há maior satisfação quando comparado com as dimensões de “Salários” e “Promoções”. Quanto aos “Salários”, somente 9,6% das notas ficaram concentradas na nota mais alta. Quanto a correlação, os resultados não se mostraram significativos, evidenciando a não relação entre o Nível de Satisfação e o Desempenho econômico e financeiro auferido.
Práticas de controle interno em cooperativas de crédito: análise sob a ótica de presidentes, conselheiros de administração e auditores internos
Authors: Carvalho Junior Carlos Fernandes Florêncio de , Jácome Marília Raulino , Holanda Fernanda Marques de Almeida , Menezes Daniela Cíntia De Carvalho Leite , Dos Santos Maria de Fátima Oliveira
Published: February 2021

O estudo teve por objetivo identificar a percepção dos Presidentes, Conselheiros de Administração e Auditores internos acerca das práticas de controle interno em cooperativas de crédito, baseando-se no framework do COSO ICIF 2013. Para tanto, utilizou-se um survey para capturar os contextos institucionais dos respondentes. Os dados foram analisados em conjunto e pelas médias dos grupos, por meio do teste não paramétrico de Kruskal Wallis. Os resultados indicam a existência de práticas de controle interno nas instituições, todavia, não há uniformização conceitual de controle interno. Além disso, as práticas relacionadas aos componentes: Ambiente de controle e atividades de controle, são mais evidentes, todavia, as práticas relacionadas aos demais componentes necessitam de reforço para garantirem o funcionamento constante do sistema de controle interno. No panorama geral, conclui-se que, apesar da divergência conceitual, as cooperativas possuem estruturas de controles internos, sendo corroboradas pela expressiva concordância acerca da implementação de práticas de controle interno.
PET-Redação: o uso do blog como estratégia para impulsionar o alcance de uma página Web
Authors: Almeida Anthony Tailer Ribas de , Sakis Isabella , Oliveira Lucas De Lima , Silva Matheus Dalmolin da , Fazul Rhauani Weber Aita , Barcelos Patrícia Pitthan de Araujo
Published: February 2021

Este trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar estratégias e métodos adotados pelo Programa de Educação Tutorial do curso de Sistemas de Informação (PET-SI) na implantação do projeto PET-Redação. Através deste projeto foi possı́vel impulsionar o alcance da página do grupo para a comunidade externa a universidade, além de promover o nome do PET por meio de publicações de cunho tecnológico acerca de assuntos pertinentes ao público geral. Devido à periodicidade e relevância das postagens, o alcance do website aumentou consideravelmente - cerca de 500% da quantidade de visitantes desde a primeira edição. Este fator incentivou os membros do grupo a escrever e buscar por novos conhecimentos, complementando a formação acadêmica dos estudantes.
Algunas notas sobre el género como campo de problemas de la filosofía y el activismo para la paz
Authors: Forastelli Fabricio
Published: February 2021

El presente trabajo estudia la propuesta de Filosofía para la Paz de Vicent Martínez Guzmán a la luz de los vínculos entre el dis-curso de la fenomenología y los análisis feministas. Su metodología es crítica y busca presentar los argumentos que produjo Martínez Guzmán alrededor de la noción de reconstrucción normativa del campo de la transformación de los conflictos. La hipótesis es que Martínez Guzmán articula su propuesta absorbiendo debates del análisis feminista fundamentales tanto para la producción de nociones básicas como para las proyecciones de su objetivo principal de establecer bases normativas universales para la transformación pacífica de los conflictos. Se vincula su propuesta sobre el tema con temas desarro-llados por Javier San Martín (“pensamiento no-étnico”) y María Luz Pintos Peñaranda (“mundo de la vida”).The aim of the article is to study Vicent Martínez Guzmán´s proposal for a Philosophy for Peace from the perspective of Phenomenology and Feminist Analysis. Using a critical approach, I present Martínez Guzmán´s notion of normative reconstruction of the field of conflict transformation. My hypothesis is that Martínez Guzmán articulates his ideas taking up on the debates within the field of feminist analysis, considering both its interrelationship to his main philosophical notions as well as its projections regarding his main objective of establishing universal normative bases for conflict transformation. Finally, I relate these aspects to the themes developed by Javier San Martín and María Luz Pintos Peñaranda.
Foundational PNT profile :
Authors: Bartock Michael , Brule Joseph , Li-Baboud Ya-Shian , Lightman Suzanne , McCarthy James , Reczek Karen , Northrip Doug , Scholz Arthur , Suloway Theresa
Published: February 2021

The national and economic security of the United States (US) is dependent upon the reliable functioning of the nation’s critical infrastructure. Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services are widely deployed throughout this infrastructure. In a government wide effort to mitigate the potential impacts of a PNT disruption or manipulation, Executive Order (EO)13905, Strengthening National Resilience Through Responsible Use of Positioning, Navigation and Timing Services was issued on February 12, 2020. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as part of the Department of Commerce (DoC), produced this voluntary PNT Profile in response to Sec.4 Implementation (a), as detailed in the EO. The PNT Profile was created by using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and can be used as part of a risk management program to help organizations manage risks to systems, networks, and assets that use PNT services. The PNT Profile is intended to be broadly applicable and can serve as a foundation for the development of sector-specific guidance. This PNT Profile provides a flexible framework for users of PNT to manage risks when forming and using PNT signals and data, which are susceptible to disruptions and manipulations that can be natural, manufactured, intentional, or unintentional.
Spending blood for oil in Nigeria: a frame analysis of Shell’s neutralisation of acts that led to corporate-initiated state crime
Authors: Weswasi Enes Al
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe environmental impact of Shell Oil Company in Nigeria has resulted in largescale protests. Despite their peaceful nature, these protests have been met with lethal violence by the Nigerian security forces. Accusations have been levelled against Shell for liability for human rights violations, but the company has denied responsibility. Previously confidential correspondence between Shell and Nigerian officials has shown that the company repeatedly persuaded security personnel to act against protesters. The current article examines how Shell framed its desire for the Nigerian state to suppress protests against the company. It does this by analysing published documents within Stanley Cohen’s (1993) theoretical framework regarding the neutralisation of criminal acts – most notably the neutralisation technique of appealing to higher loyalties. This is a technique adopted by companies when they use the greater good as a rationale for minimising their responsibility for harmful acts. The correspondence between Shell and Nigerian officials shows that Shell continuously urged Nigerian officials to take action by referring to the company’s contribution to economic and social development in the region, even after their calls for action has been shown to result in human rights abuses. In describing these rationales, the article highlights a case of corporate-initiated state crime, a form of crime that involves corporations inducing state actors to commit harmful acts.
Företags försvar vid anklagelser om brott – betydelsen av den nordiska kontexten
Authors: Flyghed Janne , Schoultz Isabel
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn recent years, several Swedish companies have been accused in the media, by NGOs, and via legal proceedings of engaging in criminal activities. Two of these companies, TeliaSonera and Lundin Petroleum have been the focus of substantial public attention. During the years following the revelations that TeliaSonera, a partly state owned telecommunications company, had committed bribery offences in Central Asia, the affair went from a public scandal in Sweden to a legal process in Sweden and abroad. Lundin Petroleum, a family owned oil company accused of participating in crimes against humanity in Sudan, has continuously denied the accusation by using a variety of denials and neutralizations. The current paper analyzes the strategies employed by these two businesses when defending themselves against allegations of criminal acts. Drawing on Stanley Cohen’s (2009) theoretical work on processes of denial and neutralization techniques, we have identified four main techniques used by the two companies to deflect allegations of criminal wrongdoing: literal denial; denial of knowledge; condemning the condemners; and appealing to a higher loyalty. In addition, we identify how the corporations emphasise their “Nordic values” by linking into a post-colonial discourse and justify their behaviour by relativising it. The article contributes to the discussion of neutralization strategies by pointing out the importance of the context in which a defence takes place.
Etterforskning av illegal ulvejakt
Authors: Larsson Paul
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article deals with the investigation of illegal wolf hunting. It analyses methods and procedures of investigation based on a sample of cases and interviews. The police are often criticised when dealing with wolf cases, as this is a field dominated by strong emotions. Police are either denounced for using too many resources or criticised for not treating illegal hunting as seriously as they should. These cases are demanding to investigate. Single pieces of evidence rarely determine the outcome of the investigation. What matters is the totality of the evidence. Investigations vary by type of case. Most cases fall into one of three categories: those in which the police initiate and “build” the case proactively; those in which a hunter is “caught in the act”; and those in which the shooter reports the incident to police him or herself – generally describing it as an act of selfdefence.
Politi og arkitekters forebyggingslogikker: Forståelser av kriminalitetsforebyggende arbeid i offentlige rom
Authors: Foshaugen Marina Hiller
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article focuses on crime prevention through architecture, environmental design and other situational modifications to public space. Today’s crime control is characterized by a continuously expanding focus on prevention and the proliferation of new contributions to preventive work. In the literature, the situational crime prevention approach is an acknowledged and well-known field in which strategies have been used to reduce crime in public spaces for decades. In Norway, however, this remains an area of crime prevention with little empirical data. The current study therefore attempts to fill this gap in Norwegian research. Based on interviews with architects and police personnel, the article explores these actors interpret and understand prevention through architecture, environment and physical design. The main aim is to examine approaches to crime prevention in public spaces in regards to safety, security, risk and social control.
Allmänhetens syn på våldsbejakande extremism: En balans mellan sociala, ekonomiska och polisiära åtgärder
Authors: Korsell Lars , Axelson Tomas , Stier Jonas
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe so-called Swedish model of trust is characterised by strong public support for the idea of an individual-based and extensive welfare state, well-developed state individualism, high levels of social trust, widespread appreciation of the judiciary, openness, tolerance, and a free and independent press. Today, Swedish society faces several challenges. Will the Swedish model of trust be eroded or is it relatively resilient to stress?

A Novus survey from 2019 found that a total of 74 percent of the Swedish population were very or quite worried about Islamic extremism, 66 percent very or quite worried about right-wing extremism and 46 percent very or quite worried about left-wing extremism. Other surveys show that the public is also concerned about the deterioration of the welfare state, social gaps, the increased number of refugees to Sweden and xenophobia. Moreover, the Novus survey shows that 65 percent believe that violence-promoting extremism will increase in Sweden in the coming ten-year period. 22 percent indicate that they have become suspicious of people they have encountered in everyday situations and 15 percent  have avoided large crowds, e.g. shopping malls, pedestrian areas and subways.

When asked which measures are good for increasing security in society, common answers were to reduce social exclusion, increase camera surveillance in public places and provide more information on democratic principles and values. These answers indicate that Swedish public opinion has a relatively balanced view of public measures against violent extremism, which is consistent withthe Swedish model of trust. In general, the public does not propose the implementation of overly excessive measures against violent extremism. However, given continued public concern over the development of violent extremism, the long term stability of the Swedish model of trust remains in question.
Rape, Intoxication and the Concept of Consent
Authors: Sveinsdóttir Þorbjörg
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this article the applicability of the concept of consent is examined in rape cases where the complainant is voluntarily intoxicated. Consent has been at the core of the offence of rape in England for quite some time and the applicability of the concept in such cases in England is examined. The article argues that the concept of consent has not been adequately able to address cases of voluntary intoxication in England, demonstrating that the concept of consent is particularly problematic when it comes to such cases, both due to its ambiguous meaning and its subjective nature. It is furthermore argued that a coercion-based definition of rape, which the Nordic countries have all until recently adhered to, may provide for a more workable yardstick in cases of voluntary intoxication. The recent introduction of a consent-based definition of rape in Swedish and Icelandic law is examined along with how it applies to cases of voluntary intoxication. The article concludes that although both Sweden and Iceland have recently amended their rape laws as to include consent-based definitions of rape, both countries have in effect adhered to a coercion-based model when it comes to cases of voluntary intoxication, relying on yardsticks focusing on the physical.
Les stratégies déployées par les apprenti·e·s en commerce de détail pour faire face aux conditions de travail difficiles en Suisse
Authors: Caprani Isabelle , Duemmler Kerstin , Felder Alexandra
Published: February 2021

Cette contribution se base sur une recherche auprès d’apprenti·e·s en commerce de détail en Suisse et étudie leur manière de répondre aux exigences et contraintes du métier. Il s’agit de relever à quelles stratégies elles et ils ont recours pour faire face aux conditions de travail pénibles. En se référant au concept ducoping, trois principales stratégies ressortent de l’analyse : résistance, passivité et autonomie. Déterminer les stratégies pour répondre aux situations de travail et de formations difficiles permet de mieux comprendre la manière dont les apprenti·e·s développent et renforcent leur rapport au métier.
L’expérience d’adultes ayant vécu l’unschooling : une approche phénoménologique
Authors: Gaudreau Joëlle , Brabant Christine
Published: February 2021

Pour mieux comprendre l’expérience de l’unschooling, des entretiens en profondeur non directifs avec cinq adultes québécois l’ayant vécue ont été menés selon une approche phénoménologique, révélant les perceptions de leur vécu éducatif et de leur famille, ainsi que leur vision du monde. Certains aspects des témoignages corroborent les résultats d’études antérieures concernant l’autodidaxie, l’usage des technologies de l’information, le développement des intérêts et la participation au groupe de soutien; d’autres relèvent des limites quant à l’apprentissage de la persévérance, la poursuite d’objectifs d’apprentissage complexes, l’intégration scolaire et l’évaluation. Les participants parlent aussi de conflits familiaux, d’emprise parentale, de négligence et de l’influence de cette expérience sur leur vision de la société, du travail, du système scolaire et du rôle de l’État en éducation.
Mongolia-Russia relations: reality, problems, and prospects
Authors: Batchuluun Battelmen
Published: February 2021

This article explores the modern period in Mongolia-Russia relations. This period starts in the 1990s, when the countries shifted from the socialist path of development and planned economy towards democracy and market economy. Along the way, a decline in the relations turned into a comprehensive strategic partnership. The goal of this research consists in identification of the problems that impeded effective and mutually beneficial bilateral relations, as well as in analysis of the current state and prospects of these relations in the primary areas of cooperation. The author comes to the conclusion that at the present stage Mongolia-Russia relations have traveled the journey from a decline to comprehensive strategic partnership, which is substantiated by active political dialogue between the countries’ leaders; however, the problems remain in trade and economic relations, caused by the absence of initiative from the diplomatic mission of the two countries, noncompliance with agreements, berries and restrictions in the movement of goods. etc. Solution of the aforementioned problems is crucial for fruitful and dynamic development of bilateral relations, and would open prospects for long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Public diplomacy mechanism of the Russian Federation: areas of focus in the context of analysis of foreign policy concepts of the Russian Federation
Authors: Grishanina Tat'yana Aleksandrovna
Published: February 2021

The subject of this research is the public diplomacy mechanism of the Russian Federation. The goal consists in consideration of the mechanism of functionality of public diplomacy of the Russian Federation based on the framework government documents, reports on the activity of the structures of public diplomacy of the Russian Federation, and expert analytical articles. The author examines the foreign policy concepts of the Russian Federation of 2000, 2008, 2013 and 2016, as well as reveals their structures and areas of focus. Analysis of the discourse of research on the public diplomacy of the Russian Federation allowed determining the gaps and the problematic areas that require further research. The article presents examples of the projects that were implemented in the indicated directions in accordance with the latter concept. In conclusion, the author outlines the development trends of public diplomacy mechanism of the Russian Federation. The mechanism of public diplomacy of the Russian Federation is an ambiguous phenomenon and still in the making. On the one hand, the understanding of “soft power” on the state level has evolved significantly in recent years. Moreover, the author traces the evolution of terminological field of public diplomacy in the official documents, as well as its objectives and development trends. On the other hand, the question of coordinating body within the mechanism of public diplomacy of the Russian Federation remains open and relevant. Attention of researchers is also focused on the actors and level of their engagement into the system, interaction between the elements within and outside the mechanism. At the same time, public diplomacy projects are implemented by the Russian Federation worldwide; they coordinate with the trends set by intergovernmental organizations, and appear to be quite effective with regards to provision of information support. The trend of digitization of international policy poses new challenges for the public diplomacy structures, which would require an evolution in understanding of the concept.
Critical Spatial Practices: A Trans-scalar Study of Chinese Hutongs and American Alleyways
Authors: Marinic Gregory , Radtke Rebekah , Luhan Gregory
Published: February 2021

Across time and cultures, the built environment has been fundamentally shaped by forces of occupancy, obsolescence, and change. In an era of increasing political uncertainty and ecological decline, contemporary design practices must respond with critical actions that envision more collaborative and sustainable futures. The concept of critical spatial practice, introduced by architectural historian Jane Rendell, builds on Walter Benjamin and the late 20th century theories of Henri Lefebvre and Michel de Certeau to propose multi-disciplinary design practices that more effectively address contemporary spatial complexities. These theoretical frameworks operate through trans-scalar means to resituate the built environment as a nexus of flows, atmospheres, and narratives (Rendell, 2010). Assuming an analogous relationship to the contemporary city, critical spatial practices traverse space and time to engage issues of migration, informality, globalisation, heterotopia, and ecology. This essay documents an interdisciplinary academic design studio that employed critical spatial practices to study correspondences between Chinese and American cities. Here, the notions of urban and interior are relational. Urbanism and interior spaces are viewed as intertwined aspects in the historical development of Beijing hutongs and Cincinnati alleyways. These hybrid exterior-interior civic spaces create sheltered public worlds and socio-spatial conditions that nurture people and culture.
Perinatal granulopoiesis and risk of pediatric asthma
Authors: Turturice Benjamin A , Theorell Juliana , Koenig Mary Dawn , Tussing-Humphreys Lisa , Gold Diane R , Litonjua Augusto A , Oken Emily , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L , Perkins David L , Finn Patricia W
Published: February 2021

There are perinatal characteristics, such as gestational age, reproducibly associated with the risk for pediatric asthma. Identification of biologic processes influenced by these characteristics could facilitate risk stratification or new therapeutic targets. We hypothesized that transcriptional changes associated with multiple epidemiologic risk factors would be mediators of pediatric asthma risk. Using publicly available transcriptomic data from cord blood mononuclear cells, transcription of genes involved in myeloid differentiation was observed to be inversely associated with a pediatric asthma risk stratification based on multiple perinatal risk factors. This gene signature was validated in an independent prospective cohort and was specifically associated with genes localizing to neutrophil-specific granules. Further validation demonstrated that umbilical cord blood serum concentration of PGLYRP-1, a specific granule protein, was inversely associated with mid-childhood current asthma and early-teen FEV1/FVCx100. Thus, neutrophil-specific granule abundance at birth predicts risk for pediatric asthma and pulmonary function in adolescence.
Comparative analysis of the complete plastid genomes of Mangifera species and gene transfer between plastid and mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Niu Yingfeng , Gao Chengwen , Liu Jin
Published: February 2021

Mango is an important commercial fruit crop belonging to the genus Mangifera. In this study, we reported and compared four newly sequenced plastid genomes of the genus Mangifera, which showed high similarities in overall size (157,780–157,853 bp), genome structure, gene order, and gene content. Three mutation hotspots (trnG-psbZ, psbD-trnT, and ycf4-cemA) were identified as candidate DNA barcodes for Mangifera. These three DNA barcode candidate sequences have high species identification ability. We also identified 12 large fragments that were transferred from the plastid genome to the mitochondrial genome, and found that the similarity was more than 99%. The total size of the transferred fragment was 35,652 bp, accounting for 22.6% of the plastid genome. Fifteen intact chloroplast genes, four tRNAs and numerous partial genes and intergenic spacer regions were identified. There are many of these genes transferred from mitochondria to the chloroplast in other species genomes. Phylogenetic analysis based on whole plastid genome data provided a high support value, and the interspecies relationships within Mangifera were resolved well.
The Effect of Simultaneous Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on Specific Lumbar and Acupuncture Points on Labour Pain Relief: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Bastani Fatemeh Farjad , Sharami Seyedeh Hajar , Aski Soudabeh Kazemi , Milani Forozan , Khakifirooz Bahareh , Shakiba Maryam , Attari Seyedeh Maryam , Omidkhah Tayebeh
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Labour pain is among the most challenging experiences a woman could face during life. Non Pharmacological modalities like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) are rather new methods, introduced for relieving this pain. Aim: To investigate the effect of concurrent use of TENS application on the labour pain relief. Materials and Methods: This is a double-blind randomised clinical trial study where, a total of 104 eligible pregnant women qualified for normal vaginal delivery. They were randomly divided into four groups treated with Lumbar-TENS or Acupuncture points-TENS as A: both inactive (placebo group), B: Active Acupuncture points TENS, C: Active Lumbar TENS and D: both active. TENS was applied on four points of toraco-lumbo sacral, while Acupuncture points-TENS was applied on Hegu and Sanyinjiao points. The pain scores were evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) criteria, four times during the study for each individual. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the final impression of the subjects about the TENS method. The groups were compared using chi-square or Kruskal Wallis test. The trend of pain score over the study time points were assessed using Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE). Results: The mean age of the women were 27.86±5.92 years. There were no significant differences between the groups based on the pain scores over the study periods (p-value=0.588). There was a statistically significant difference between groups for satisfaction about the procedure and the placebo group had the lowest rate of tendency to reuse TENS at the future Labour (74%) compared to the other three groups (93-100%) (p-value=0.046). Conclusion: Lumbar or Acupuncture points-TENS had no significant relieving effects on Labour pain among the participants.
Suicide risk in systemic lupus erythematosus: a narrative review
Authors: Barros Solange Murta , Araújo Danilo Barral de , Carvalho Jozélio Freide de
Published: February 2021

Introduction: the restrictions imposed by the disease and the perception of personal and social losses related to its course, despite the medical and scientific advances, reinforce fear and generate intense suffering in lupus patients. Psychiatric comorbidities, especially major depressive episodes, are highly prevailing during the course of systemic lupus erythematosus. Among them, suicide is a behavior that is much more common then we believe. Objective: to perform a narrative review on suicidal behavior associated with systemic erythematosus lupus (SLE). Results: studies have shown an increased risk of suicide among patients with chronic diseases and psychiatric disorder, especially depression. However, suicide occurrence cannot be attributed only to a higher prevalence of depression and other mental illnesses. It is necessary to learn more about the suicide risk factors that can be present in patients with lupus to work on a secondary prevention, and avoid not only the premature loss of lives but also the additional suffering of families and surrounding communities. The coordination between the studies on suicidal behavior and its complex network of individual and sociocultural factors and the studies on this multisystem autoimmune disease with a wide manifestation spectrum, which is lupus, creates a new and important field of research. Conclusion: non-psychiatrist office-based physicians, health clinics, or wards dedicated to the treatment of SLE should be able to recognize and handle the suicide risk factors on their patients in order to reduce the suffering caused by this disease.
19 ANOS DE CIÊNCIAS MÉDICAS E BIOLÓGICAS
Authors: Correia de Araújo Roberto Paulo
Published: February 2021

A análise da figura ilustrativa dos dezenove anos da Revista de Ciências Médicas e Biológicas revela através dos 55 fascículos publicados a divulgação de 652 artigos originais, 215 artigos de revisão, 109 relatos de casos clínicos e 18 produções outras, entre as quais, textos que tratam de atualizações e conferências, além de 6 fascículos especiais contendo os anais de eventos científicos produzidos pelo Programa de Pós-graduação em Imunologia e pelo Programa de pós-graduação Processos interativos dos Órgãos e Sistemas da Universidade Federal da Bahia. A essa expressiva divulgação de produção acadêmica da comunidade científica são acrescidos 55 editoriais que têm contado com a colaboração de docentes e pesquisadores.
Composições clownescas
Authors: Soares Marisa Ribeiro
Published: February 2021

Este artigo é um convite para percorrer a palhaçaria sob a perspectiva de uma narrativa autobiográfica e transversal. Com o objetivo de me aproximar da potência clownesca, busco um diálogo com os encontros e experimentações clownescos, propriamente as vivenciadas através da Cia da Bobagem, em suas criações e suas composições, principalmente através de residências artísticas, e me dedico ao compartilhamento desses conhecimentos. Apoiada, de um lado, por um material empírico enriquecido pelas experiências artísticas e, por outro lado, por uma metodologia cartográfica, essa trajetória busca ir ao encontro da palhaçaria como a arte de provocar o riso. Numa caligrafia de afetos uma paisagem da aventura clownesca começa assim a se estabelecer no horizonte e revela sua multiplicidade de sentidos e suas transformações diante do “respetável público”.

 
Structural Phase Transformations in Nanoscale Systems
Authors: Wilde Gerhard
Published: February 2021

As characteristic size scales of materials systems tend to progressively become shorter, size‐dependent materials’ behavior becomes increasingly important. Related to many aspects concerning stability, function, and performance are phase transformations that might be necessary to obtain a specific state or are necessary to avoid to retain a specific phase or state with desired properties. At dimensions in the range of tens nanometers or below, size effects affect structural phase transformations significantly. Opinions and models about the origin of the size‐dependence abound since several decades. However, more recent results allow analyzing the local atomic structure of the particle/matrix interfaces as well as local strain contributions in detail. In addition, size‐dependent measurements of excess thermodynamic potentials can be carried out and rate‐dependent analyses explore new regimes at significantly enhanced heating rates. These recent results serve to estimate the relative importance of kinetic and different thermodynamic contributions. Herein, the emphasis is on summarizing the recent progress that is made on the size effect and on the impact of the interfacial structure on the melting transformation of embedded nanoparticles. At the same time, these results serve to considerably enhance the understanding of the melting process in general.
Open Flow Reactors Prepared by Laser Sintering
Authors: Guo Qing , Li Chong , Yang Wenbo , Yu Yongxian , Tao Shengyang
Published: February 2021

The open flow reactor is a kind of reactor with at least one side open to the atmosphere. Open channels have the advantages of simple surface modification, direct cleaning, and relatively simple manufacturing methods. In this article, laser sintering is used to prepare a new type of open flow micro‐reactor. Laser sintering can adjust the surface wettability of phenolic resin to produce hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, which lead to the formation of open flow reactors. Laminar flow and mixing processes, which usually happen in regular flow reactors, are also observed in the open‐channel reactor. The phenolic resin film can be doped with iron to catalyze the degradation of organic pollutants when they flow along the channel. The catalytic efficiency can still be maintained at about 80% after 8 h degradation. This work will inspire the development of open flow reactors and further expand the practical application of laser‐sintered materials.
Simple and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells with Multi‐Functional Mixed Interfacial Layers
Authors: Park Byoungchoo , Aggarwal Yushika , Bae In‐Gon , Park Jaewoo , Choi Eun Ha
Published: February 2021

Recently, hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) have attracted significant attention owing to their simple solution processability and high efficiency for the next generation of low‐cost solar cell technology. Herein, a multi‐functional interfacial layer (IFL) composed of a mixture of poly(oxyethylene tridecyl ether) (PTE) and ethanolamine (EA) is introduced between a CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite light‐absorbing layer and a nickel oxide (NiOx) hole transport layer to improve the photovoltaic (PV) performance of PVSCs. With the solution‐coated IFL of mixed PTE:EA, a highly improved film‐forming capability of the perovskite layer is realized together with large‐sized grains and fewer film defects. Moreover, the IFL also improved the charge carrier separation and hole‐extraction capabilities at the interface between the CH3NH3PbI3 and the NiOx layers. The results here successfully demonstrate that the CH3NH3PbI3 PVSC with IFL exhibits greatly improved PV performance, in this case a much higher power conversion efficiency (15.1%), greatly exceeding that (12.3%) of a reference device without an IFL. The author's study demonstrates that a multi‐functional mixed IFL can be used as a solid foundation for efficient and cost‐effective PVSCs, thus providing a platform for the realization of a new generation of highly efficient solution‐processable PVSCs.
Integrated Flexible Ga2O3 Deep UV Photodetectors Powered by Environmental Electromagnetic Radiation Energy
Authors: Wang Tao , Liang Huili , Han Zuyin , Sui Yanxin , Mei Zengxia
Published: February 2021

This work reports an integrated flexible deep ultraviolet (UV) photodetection system hosting an amorphous Ga2O3 (a‐Ga2O3) photodetector (PD) and an energy harvesting component including a receiving electrode and a full‐wave rectifier. An alternating signal is induced by the coupling of human body with environmental electromagnetic radiation through human hand's contact with the receiving electrode. The signal is subsequently converted into direct current (DC) by the rectifier which is composed of four thin‐film diodes with high rectification ratio (≈106) and fast response time (rising time ≈240 µs and falling time ≈680 µs). Driven by the DC output, the a‐Ga2O3 PD achieves a photoresponsivity of 0.10 A W−1 and a detectivity of 2.24 × 1011 Jones under 254 nm UV illumination. The integrated flexible a‐Ga2O3 UV PD manifests a repeatable and pleasurable response behavior with a bending radius of 15 mm, providing a new paradigm for utilizing the environmental energy as the power source in wearable electronics.
Backbone‐Acceptor/Pendant‐Donor Strategy for Efficient Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Conjugated Polymers with External Quantum Efficiency Close to 25% and Emission Peak at 608 nm
Authors: Wang Tao , Yao Bing , Li Kuofei , Chen Yuannan , Zhan Hongmei , Yi Xiaohu , Xie Zhiyuan , Cheng Yanxiang
Published: February 2021

A feasible strategy, backbone‐acceptor and pendant‐donor, for constructing thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) conjugated polymer is presented. In the obtained polymers PSAQFx, the backbone consists of dibenzothiophene‐S,S‐dioxide (S) and 6,7‐difluoroquinoxaline (QF), while two 9,10‐dihydroacridine (A) groups as pendants are grafted on QF acceptor through phenylene bridges. Compared to the model compound AQF, the polymers exhibit redshifted emission owing to extended conjugation along the acceptor backbone. Photoluminescence quantum yields can be improved by managing the molar content (x) of the AQF unit and reach the maximum of 91% for PSAQF5 in neat film. Solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) using these polymers as the emitters achieve a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 24.8% and a maximum power efficiency of 68.5 lm W−1 with the emission peak at 608 nm and luminance at 58 cd m−2. This is the first example of achieving EQE above 20% with emission peak over 600 nm in the polymer TADF OLEDs.
The Role of Intermolecular Interactions on the Performance of Organic Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) Materials
Authors: Cho Eunkyung , Hong Minki , Coropceanu Veaceslav , Brédas Jean‐Luc
Published: February 2021

In most instances, thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters are incorporated into a suitable host matrix at low doping concentration in order to reduce emission quenching and to improve organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) efficiency. Here, a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations is performed for thin films of 1) the neat 4CzIPN TADF emitter and 2) the (guest–host) 4CzIPN:mCBP system, in order to determine how guest–guest and guest–host interactions influence the morphological, electronic, and luminescence properties of the TADF emitters. The red‐shift in emission recently observed experimentally upon increasing the concentration in TADF emitters is attributed to the formation of guest–guest, i.e., dimer, intermolecular charge‐transfer states. It is found that the radiative and reverse intersystem crossing rates associated with these dimer states are similar to those of monomers. Thus, the contributions from both the dimer and monomer states need to be considered to describe TADF within the emissive layer. The exciton diffusion processes are also characterized; singlet excitons are calculated to be the main contributors to the diffusion length, in contrast to recently proposed models.
Tactile Avatar: Tactile Sensing System Mimicking Human Tactile Cognition
Authors: Kim Kyungsoo , Sim Minkyung , Lim Sung‐Ho , Kim Dongsu , Lee Doyoung , Shin Kwonsik , Moon Cheil , Choi Ji‐Woong , Jang Jae Eun
Published: February 2021

As a surrogate for human tactile cognition, an artificial tactile perception and cognition system are proposed to produce smooth/soft and rough tactile sensations by its user's tactile feeling; and named this system as “tactile avatar”. A piezoelectric tactile sensor is developed to record dynamically various physical information such as pressure, temperature, hardness, sliding velocity, and surface topography. For artificial tactile cognition, the tactile feeling of humans to various tactile materials ranging from smooth/soft to rough are assessed and found variation among participants. Because tactile responses vary among humans, a deep learning structure is designed to allow personalization through training based on individualized histograms of human tactile cognition and recording physical tactile information. The decision error in each avatar system is less than 2% when 42 materials are used to measure the tactile data with 100 trials for each material under 1.2N of contact force with 4cm s−1 of sliding velocity. As a tactile avatar, the machine categorizes newly experienced materials based on the tactile knowledge obtained from training data. The tactile sensation showed a high correlation with the specific user's tendency. This approach can be applied to electronic devices with tactile emotional exchange capabilities, as well as advanced digital experiences.