bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinoculants—Natural Biological Resources for Sustainable Plant Production
Authors: Maitra Sagar , Brestic Marian , Bhadra Preetha , Shankar Tanmoy , Praharaj Subhashisa , Palai Jnana Bharati , Shah M. Mostafizur Rahman , Barek Viliam , Ondrisik Peter , Skalický Milan , Hossain Akbar
Published: December 2021

Agricultural sustainability is of foremost importance for maintaining high food production. Irresponsible resource use not only negatively affects agroecology, but also reduces the economic profitability of the production system. Among different resources, soil is one of the most vital resources of agriculture. Soil fertility is the key to achieve high crop productivity. Maintaining soil fertility and soil health requires conscious management effort to avoid excessive nutrient loss, sustain organic carbon content, and minimize soil contamination. Though the use of chemical fertilizers have successfully improved crop production, its integration with organic manures and other bioinoculants helps in improving nutrient use efficiency, improves soil health and to some extent ameliorates some of the constraints associated with excessive fertilizer application. In addition to nutrient supplementation, bioinoculants have other beneficial effects such as plant growth-promoting activity, nutrient mobilization and solubilization, soil decontamination and/or detoxification, etc. During the present time, high energy based chemical inputs also caused havoc to agriculture because of the ill effects of global warming and climate change. Under the consequences of climate change, the use of bioinputs may be considered as a suitable mitigation option. Bioinoculants, as a concept, is not something new to agricultural science, however; it is one of the areas where consistent innovations have been made. Understanding the role of bioinoculants, the scope of their use, and analysing their performance in various environments are key to the successful adaptation of this technology in agriculture.
Colour Quality Evaluation of Bluish-Green Serpentinite Based on the CIECAM16 Model
Authors: Zhao Zitong , Guo Ying
Published: December 2021

The CIECAM16 colour appearance model is currently a model with high prediction accuracy. It can solve the problem of predicting the influence of different observation conditions on the colour of gemstones. In this study, a computer vision system (CVS) was used to measure the colour of 59 bluish-green serpentinite samples, and the tristimulus values were input into the CIECAM16 forward model to calculate the colour appearance parameters of serpentinite under different surrounds, illuminances, and light sources. It was found that the darkening of the surround causes the lightness and brightness to increase. Pearson’s r of brightness and colourfulness with illuminance is 0.885 and 0.332, respectively, which predicts the Stevens and Hunt effects. When the light source changes from D65 to A, the calculated hue angle shifts to the complementary area of the A light source, which is contrary to the CVS measurement result. The D65 light source is more suitable for the colour presentation and classification of bluish-green serpentinite.
Effects of Galvanic Interaction between Chalcopyrite and Monoclinic Pyrrhotite on Their Flotation Separation
Authors: Yang Liu , Zhou Xiaowen , Yan Huashan , Zhang Hongliang , Liu Xiaohe , Qiu Tingsheng
Published: December 2021

The galvanic interaction between chalcopyrite and monoclinic pyrrhotite and its effect on flotation separation were studied using monomineral flotation tests, adsorption capacity tests, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test. These results showed that the interaction promoted the reduction of O2 on the cathodic chalcopyrite surface and accelerated the generation of Fe(OH)3, which was not conducive to collector adsorption; hence, the flotation recovery decreased by 10–16%. On the other hand, galvanic interaction accelerated the oxidation of S on the anodic monoclinic pyrrhotite surface to S0 or SO42− and produced a large amount of H+, thus preventing the formation of Fe(OH)3. Meanwhile, the Cu2+ eluted from chalcopyrite surface activated monoclinic pyrrhotite; hence, the flotation recovery increased by 3–10%. Galvanic interaction reduced the floatability difference between the two minerals, and the separation difficulty was significantly increased. Even with an increase in the amount of lime, the separation could not be improved.
Modern Approaches and Innovations on Methods and Imaging Protocols of the Maxillofacial District
Authors: Reda Rodolfo , D’Angelo Maurilio , Zanza Alessio , Di Nardo Dario , Testarelli Luca
Published: December 2021

In recent years, improvements in imaging techniques have profoundly changed the diagnosis of pathologies of the maxillofacial district [...]
Structural and Parametric Identification of Knowm Memristors
Authors: Ostrovskii Valerii , Fedoseev Petr , Bobrova Yulia , Butusov Denis
Published: December 2021

This paper proposes a novel identification method for memristive devices using Knowm memristors as an example. The suggested identification method is presented as a generalized process for a wide range of memristive elements. An experimental setup was created to obtain a set of intrinsic I–V curves for Knowm memristors. Using the acquired measurements data and proposed identification technique, we developed a new mathematical model that considers low-current effects and cycle-to-cycle variability. The process of parametric identification for the proposed model is described. The obtained memristor model represents the switching threshold as a function of the state variables vector, making it possible to account for snapforward or snapback effects, frequency properties, and switching variability. Several tools for the visual presentation of the identification results are considered, and some limitations of the proposed model are discussed.
Mineral Composition of Dietary Supplements-Analytical and Chemometric Approach
Authors: Brzezińska-Rojek Joanna , Rutkowska Małgorzata , Brzezicha Justyna , Konieczka Piotr , Prokopowicz Magdalena , Grembecka Małgorzata
Published: December 2021

There is a lack of data on the actual composition and effectiveness of beetroot-based dietary supplements. The research aimed to determine the profile of 22 elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, As, Se, Zn, Cu, Ag, Co, Ni, Mo, Al, Mn, Sr, Cr, Ba, Li, Pb, Cd) in beetroot and its supplements by the microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) method. The analytical procedure was optimised and validated. The composition of both groups was compared, assessing compliance with the recommended daily doses for the chosen elements, and the health risk was estimated. Furthermore, chemometric analysis was applied. Beetroots constituted a significant source of elements, especially K, Na, Mg, Ca, P, in contrast to supplements which contained their negligible amounts except from iron-enriched products which provided notable amounts of Fe (38.3–88% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for an adult male from 19 to 75 years old). Some products were significantly contaminated with toxic elements (As, Cd). Factor and cluster analyses were helpful in the differentiation of beetroot and its supplements in view of their type (vegetable, supplement, iron-enriched supplement), origin, type of cultivation (conventional, organic), and form (capsule, tablet) based on their mineral composition. The obtained results indicate the need for more stringent control of supplements, as they may pose a significant health risk to consumers.
Moving towards a Healthier Dietary Pattern Free of Ultra-Processed Foods
Authors: Casas Rosa
Published: December 2021

In recent years, ultra-processed food (UPF) intake has increased worldwide, representing almost 60% of total dietary intake in several countries such as the USA and the UK, and around 17 to 24% in the Mediterranean countries, such as Spain and Italy, respectively [...]
Synthesis and Characterization of a New Norfloxacin/Resorcinol Cocrystal with Enhanced Solubility and Dissolution Profile
Authors: Fael Hanan , Barbas Rafael , Prohens Rafel , Ràfols Clara , Fuguet Elisabet
Published: December 2021

A new cocrystal of Norfloxacin, a poorly soluble fluoroquinolone antibiotic, has been synthetized by a solvent-mediated transformation experiment in toluene, using resorcinol as a coformer. The new cocrystal exists in both anhydrous and monohydrate forms with the same (1:1) Norfloxacin/resorcinol stoichiometry. The solubility of Norfloxacin and the hydrated cocrystal were determined by the shake-flask method. While Norfloxacin has a solubility of 0.32 ± 0.02 mg/mL, the cocrystal has a solubility of 2.64 ± 0.39 mg/mL, approximately 10-fold higher. The dissolution rate was tested at four biorelevant pH levels of the gastrointestinal tract: 2.0, 4.0, 5.5, and 7.4. In a first set of comparative tests, the dissolution rate of Norfloxacin and the cocrystal was determined separately at each pH value. Both solid forms showed the highest dissolution rate at pH 2.0, where Norfloxacin is totally protonated. Then, the dissolution rate decreases as pH increases. In a second set of experiments, the dissolution of the cocrystal was evaluated by a unique dissolution test, in which the pH dynamically changed from 2.0 to 7.4, stepping 30 min at each of the four biorelevant pH values. Results were quite different in this case, since dissolution at pH 2 affects the behavior of Norfloxacin at the rest of the pH values.
The Interactions and Release Kinetics of Sodium Hyaluronate Implemented in Nonionic and Anionic Polymeric Hydrogels, Studied by Immunoenzymatic ELISA Test
Authors: Wójcik-Pastuszka Dorota , Skrzypczyk Aleksandra , Musiał Witold
Published: December 2021

Hyaluronan is a natural polymer that was introduced to wound therapy. Formulations based on synthetic polymers such as methylcellulose (MC) and polyacrylic acid (PA) containing hyaluronan (HA) were proposed for the development of prospective wound-healing preparations. The formulations of different carrier concentrations containing a fixed amount of HA were prepared, and their viscosity was measured. The HA release was evaluated by employing the apparatus paddle over a disc. The hydrogels were introduced to the donor chamber, and HA was released to the pH = 7.4 buffer. The amount of HA released was obtained using the ELISA test. The release was analyzed on the basis of different kinetic models: zero-, first-, and second-order kinetics, as well as Higuchi and Korsmeyer–Peppas equations. The release rate constants and the half release time were calculated from these equations. According to the value of the coefficient of the determination, the best model describing the observed process was selected. The comparison between the dissolution profiles was carried out by calculating the difference factor f1 and the similarity factor f2. The interaction between the hydrogel components was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. The study revealed that the zero-order equation best described the release of HA from the formulations studied. The FTIR research and the DSC study showed the intermolecular interaction between HA chains in MC-based compositions, as well as between HA and the synthetic polymer in the PA-based formulations. The study revealed that the formulation with a higher concentration of synthetic polymer may prolong the release of HA. The obtained results indicated that the proposed hydrogels have potential for wound healing and may accelerate skin regeneration.
Mass Transfer and Optical Properties of Active PET/PP Food-Grade Films Impregnated with Olive Leaf Extract
Authors: Cejudo Bastante Cristina , Cran Marlene J. , Casas Cardoso Lourdes , Serrano Casimiro Mantell , Bigger Stephen W.
Published: December 2021

A supercritical solvent impregnation (SSI) technique was employed to incorporate, by batch- and semicontinuous-modes, bioactive olive leaf extract (OLE) into a food-grade multilayer polyethylene terephthalate/polypropylene (PET/PP) film for active food packaging applications. The inclusion of OLE in the polymer surfaces significantly modified the colour properties of the film. A correlation of 87.06% between the CIELAB colour parameters and the amount of the OLE impregnated in the film was obtained which suggests that colour determination can be used as a rapid, non-destructive technique to estimate the OLE loading in the impregnated matrices. The UV barrier and water permeability properties of the films were not significantly modified by the incorporation of OLE. The migration of OLE into a 50% (v/v) ethanol food simulant demonstrated faster release of OLE from the PP surface than from the PET surface which may be due to the different interactions between OLE and each polymer.
Paramārtha’s Ultimate Truth and the Development of Chinese Buddhism’s Ultimate Truth
Authors: Wang Sijia , He Huanhuan
Published: December 2021

This paper discusses the development of ideas of the ultimate in the thought of Chinese Buddhism in the Northern and Southern Dynasties. The concept of ultimate truth is, along with that of conventional truth, a core concept in Mahāyāna Buddhism. During the Sui Dynasty, Chinese Buddhism developed the unique perspective of the Three Truths, the foundation for which was formed during the Southern and Northern Dynasties. This begins with Jie jie Jing 解節經 (in full, Foshuo Jiejie Jing 佛說解節經) by Paramārtha (499–569), which is a partial translation of Saṃdhinirmocanasūtra and presents the theory of ultimate truth (paramārtha) to Chinese Buddhists. Through a comparison of Jiejie Jing with other Chinese and Tibetan translations of Saṃdhinirmocana-sūtra, we establish Paramārtha’s thoughts on the ultimate. The relationship between Paramārtha’s thought on the ultimate and the development of the Three Truths is evaluated in a comparison of Paramārtha’s thoughts on ultimate truth with the thinking of nearly contemporary Chinese monks.
Singing the “Wondrous Story” in Portuguese: The First Official Brazilian Baptist Hymnal, Cantor Cristão
Authors: Monteiro Maria
Published: December 2021

This paper discusses the history of Cantor Cristão, the first official Brazilian Baptist hymnal, published in 1891, revealing important aspects of the development of Protestant hymnody in Brazil. It also exposes a web of long-distance connections, multiple linguistic and cultural elements, and distinct perspectives of those who chose to do missionary work and those who chose to welcome them. More specifically, I describe and reflect on the contributions of Solomon L. Ginsburg, an Orthodox Jew from Poland, converted to Christianity in England, and turned Evangelical missionary, who played a crucial role in the history of Cantor Cristão as publisher, author, and translator of hymns. In my analysis, I adopt a historical ethnomusicological perspective and utilize the concept of musical localization, as well as the complementary notions of negotiation of proximity and ethics of style as interpretative lenses. I am drawn to a more nuanced view of the legacy of the mission enterprise, one that is not blind to issues of power, ethnocentrism, and wealth, but makes room for a robust examination of all sorts of capital transfers and investments (economic, cultural, and social), and the real phenomena of musical localization and individual agency.
A Sensitive Capacitive Biosensor for Protein a Detection Using Human IgG Immobilized on an Electrode Using Layer-by-Layer Applied Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Teeparuksapun Kosin , Hedström Martin , Mattiasson Bo
Published: December 2021

A capacitive biosensor for the detection of protein A was developed. Gold electrodes were fabricated by thermal evaporation and patterned by photoresist photolithography. A layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of thiourea (TU) and HAuCl4 and chemical reduction was utilized to prepare a probe with a different number of layers of TU and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The LbL-modified electrodes were used for the immobilization of human IgG. The binding interaction between human IgG and protein A was detected as a decrease in capacitance signal, and that change was used to investigate the correlation between the height of the LbL probe and the sensitivity of the capacitive measurement. The results showed that the initial increase in length of the LbL probe can enhance the amount of immobilized human IgG, leading to a more sensitive assay. However, with thicker LbL layers, a reduction of the sensitivity of the measurement was registered. The performance of the developed system under optimum set-up showed a linearity in response from 1 × 10−16 to 1 × 10−13 M, with the limit detection of 9.1 × 10−17 M, which could be interesting for the detection of trace amounts of protein A from affinity isolation of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.
An Open-Source, Durable, and Low-Cost Alternative to Commercially Available Soil Temperature Data Loggers
Authors: Curasi Salvatore R. , Klupar Ian , Loranty Michael M. , Rocha Adrian V.
Published: December 2021

Soil temperatures play an important role in determining the distribution and function of organisms. However, soil temperature is decoupled from air temperature and varies widely in space. Characterizing and predicting soil temperature requires large and expensive networks of data loggers. We developed an open-source soil temperature data logger and created online resources to ensure our design was accessible. We tested data loggers constructed by students, with little prior electronics experience, in the lab, and in the field in Alaska. The do-it-yourself (DIY) data logger was comparably accurate to a commercial system with a mean absolute error of 2% from −20–0 °C and 1% from 0–20 °C. They captured accurate soil temperature data and performed reliably in the field with less than 10% failing in the first year of deployment. The DIY loggers were ~1.7–7 times less expensive than commercial systems. This work has the potential to increase the spatial resolution of soil temperature monitoring and serve as a powerful educational tool. The DIY soil temperature data logger will reduce data collection costs and improve our understanding of species distributions and ecological processes. It also provides an educational resource to enhance STEM, accessibility, inclusivity, and engagement.
Two-Hop Energy Consumption Balanced Routing Algorithm for Solar Insecticidal Lamp Internet of Things
Authors: Guo Xuanchen , Shu Lei , Yang Xing , Nurellari Edmond , Li Kailiang , Du Bangsong , Yao Heyang
Published: December 2021

Due to the sparsity deployment of nodes, the full connection requirement, and the unpredictable electromagnetic interference on communication caused by high voltage pulse current of Solar Insecticidal Lamps Internet of Things (SIL-IoTs), a Two-Hop Energy Consumption Balanced routing algorithm (THECB) is proposed in this research work. THECB selects next-hop nodes according to 1-hop and 2-hop neighbors’ information. In addition, the greedy forwarding mechanism is expressed in the form of probability; that is, each neighbor node is given a weight between 0 and 1 according to the distance. THECB reduces the data forwarding traffic of nodes whose discharge numbers are relatively higher than those of other nodes so that the unpredictable electromagnetic interference on communication can be weakened. We compare the energy consumption, energy consumption balance, and data forwarding traffic over various discharge numbers, network densities, and transmission radius. The results indicate that THECB achieves better performance than Two-Phase Geographic Greedy Forwarding plus (TPGFPlus), which ignores the requirement of the node-disjoint path.
Comparison of Machine Learning and Sentiment Analysis in Detection of Suspicious Online Reviewers on Different Type of Data
Authors: Machova Kristina , Mach Marian , Vasilko Matej
Published: December 2021

The article focuses on solving an important problem of detecting suspicious reviewers in online discussions on social networks. We have concentrated on a special type of suspicious authors, on trolls. We have used methods of machine learning for generation of detection models to discriminate a troll reviewer from a common reviewer, but also methods of sentiment analysis to recognize the sentiment typical for troll’s comments. The sentiment analysis can be provided also using machine learning or lexicon-based approach. We have used lexicon-based sentiment analysis for its better ability to detect a dictionary typical for troll authors. We have achieved Accuracy = 0.95 and F1 = 0.80 using sentiment analysis. The best results using machine learning methods were achieved by support vector machine, Accuracy = 0.986 and F1 = 0.988, using a dataset with the set of all selected attributes. We can conclude that detection model based on machine learning is more successful than lexicon-based sentiment analysis, but the difference in accuracy is not so large as in F1 measure.
The Search for Atmospheric Laminar Channels: Experimental Results and Method Dissemination
Authors: Roșu Iulian-Alin , Nica Dragoș-Constantin , Dumitraș Cătălin , Chitariu Dragoș , Bibire Luminița , Ghenadi Adrian Stelian , Dragan Valentin-Stelian , Agop Maricel
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a practical application of theoretical developments found in our previous works is explored in relation to atmospheric lidar data. Multifractal structures, previously named “laminar channels”, have been identified in atmospheric profiles—these exhibit cellular and self-structuring properties, and are spatially ordered across the atmospheric profile. Furthermore, these structures have been connected to the spontaneous emergence of turbulent behavior in the calm atmospheric flow. Calculating the location and occurrence of these channels can help identify features of atmospheric evolution, such as the development of the planetary boundary layer (PBL). Employing this theoretical background to atmospheric lidar data, attempts are made to confirm this suggestion and extract information about atmospheric structure and evolution by analyzing turbulent vortex scale dynamics and scale-corresponding Lyapunov exponents that form the basis of identifying the laminar channels in atmospheric lidar profiles. A parameter named “scale laminarity index” is then introduced, which quantifies the relation between vortex scale and chaoticity throughout the profile. Finally, the algorithmic methods employed in this study are described and distributed for future use.
Robust Estimation of Deformation from Observation Differences Using Some Evolutionary Optimisation Algorithms
Authors: Batilović Mehmed , Đurović Radovan , Sušić Zoran , Kanović Željko , Cekić Zoran
Published: December 2021

In this paper, an original modification of the generalised robust estimation of deformation from observation differences (GREDOD) method is presented with the application of two evolutionary optimisation algorithms, the genetic algorithm (GA) and generalised particle swarm optimisation (GPSO), in the procedure of robust estimation of the displacement vector. The iterative reweighted least-squares (IRLS) method is traditionally used to perform robust estimation of the displacement vector, i.e., to determine the optimal datum solution of the displacement vector. In order to overcome the main flaw of the IRLS method, namely, the inability to determine the global optimal datum solution of the displacement vector if displaced points appear in the set of datum network points, the application of the GA and GPSO algorithms, which are powerful global optimisation techniques, is proposed for the robust estimation of the displacement vector. A thorough and comprehensive experimental analysis of the proposed modification of the GREDOD method was conducted based on Monte Carlo simulations with the application of the mean success rate (MSR). A comparative analysis of the traditional approach using IRLS, the proposed modification based on the GA and GPSO algorithms and one recent modification of the iterative weighted similarity transformation (IWST) method based on evolutionary optimisation techniques is also presented. The obtained results confirmed the quality and practical usefulness of the presented modification of the GREDOD method, since it increased the overall efficiency by about 18% and can provide more reliable results for projects dealing with the deformation analysis of engineering facilities and parts of the Earth’s crust surface.
Performance of Concrete Pavement Incorporating Portland Limestone Cement in Cold Weather
Authors: Yasien Ahmed , Ghazy Ahmed , Bassuoni Mohamed
Published: December 2021

The City of Winnipeg (COW) and the University of Manitoba (UM), Canada, have partnered since 2015 to conduct research on the use of portland limestone cement (PLC), comprising up to 15% limestone filler, in transportation infrastructure such as pavements and bridges. Laboratory tests have substantiated the equivalent or superior resistance of concrete made from PLC, relative to that made from general use (GU) cement (Type I) to durability exposures including acids, sulfate salts and chloride-based deicing salts. Subsequently, a field trial was done in 2018, which involved casting two concrete pavement sections made from PLC and GU cement in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The current paper reports on the construction and long-term (three years/winter seasons) properties of these pavement sections including fresh properties, strength, absorption and chloride ions penetrability, as well as microstructural features. Cores were taken from mid-slabs and at joints, which are the most vulnerable locations to damage in concrete pavements. The field trial results showed that concrete pavement sections made with PLC had equivalent or superior performance compared with those made of GU in terms of fresh, hardened and durability properties. Thus, it presents a viable option for sustainable construction of concrete flatwork in cold regions.
A Food-Circular Economy-Women Nexus: Lessons from Guelph-Wellington
Authors: Coghlan Christopher , Proulx Paige , Salazar Karolina
Published: December 2021

Resource nexus approaches have been expanding to include additional sectors beyond standard water, energy, and food approaches. Opportunities exist by re-imagining the resource nexus approach with the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Emerging research and policy themes, such as the circular economy and gender, can provide additional context to traditional nexus arrangements. To illustrate this, we analyze SDG implementation and interaction from 40 unstructured interviews from SMEs participating in Guelph-Wellington’s Seeding Our Food Future (SOFF) program, part of the wider Our Food Future (OFF) initiative led by the City of Guelph and Wellington County in Ontario, Canada. Results show that 16/17 SDGs and associated targets were present on the program. Environmental SDGs were implemented the most, followed by social and economic ones. SDGs 2, 12, and 5 had the most general implementation and direct paired interactions and were associated with the broadest number of SDGs across the project. These findings support the existence of a Food-Circular Economy-Women nexus in Guelph-Wellington’s agri-food sector. Further analysis shows that this nexus is most active in agriculture, and that women are responsible for introducing a social aspect, which addresses food security. Results can inform food system and circular economy researchers and practitioners.
A Systematic Methodology for Design of Sustainable Urban Neighborhood Energy Infrastructure
Authors: Hillman Amir , Fisher Uriyel , Shapiro Michael
Published: December 2021

The growing share of global energy consumption by cities (currently over 65%) raises the requirements for a systematic holistic approach for designing urban energy infrastructure in order to ensure its sustainability. A literature review of state-of-the-art modeling of urban energy infrastructure design emphasized the incomprehensive sustainability of the performed evaluations, as they accounted for several aspects of sustainability but missed others. Omitting important aspects can have significant implications which can put the sustainability of the energy infrastructure at risk. In this study, we attempted to develop a comprehensive model for designing sustainable energy infrastructure for urban districts, which accounts for the four aspects of sustainability: social, technical, environmental, and economic. The model is based on a four-step methodology: district characterization, a technological survey for distributed generation and energy storage, selecting suitable technologies according to social and technical criteria, and simulations of different energy infrastructure configurations to find the most suitable configurations basing on economic and environmental criteria. The research includes a case study in which the model was implemented for the Technion campus in Haifa. The developed model proved to be a comprehensive, efficient, and versatile tool for designing urban energy infrastructure.
Definitional Skills as a Bridge towards School Achievement
Authors: Artuso Caterina , Palladino Paola , Valentini Perla , Belacchi Carmen
Published: December 2021

The general aim of the current study was to investigate the role of definitional skills in promoting primary school achievement (third- to fifth graders) and how school learning may shape definitional skills. Marks from four school subjects, linguistic (Italian and English) and scientific (Math and Science) were collected as well as scores in a Definitional Task. These two domains were chosen as they clearly entail the two different definition types, that is, lexicographic and scientific. Results indicated that scientific school subject marks are more predictive of definitional skills than linguistic school marks are. The opposite direction (i.e., how definitional skills are predictive of school achievement) appears less clear. In sum, the results, although preliminary, suggest that definitional skills represent a bridge towards school achievement as they promote good marks in all disciplines. Moreover, definitional skills are predicted from levels of competence acquired especially in scientific school subjects that request a higher degree of formal/organized learning. It is then of primary importance to promote interaction–integration between these two kinds of concepts via formal schooling.
Effects of Perceptions of Climate Change and Flood Risk on Coping Behavior: A Case Study of Taipei, Taiwan
Authors: Lee Yung-Jaan , Lin Shih-Ying
Published: December 2021

Globalization and population growth have put great pressure on the environment over the last few decades, and climate change has increased associated negative effects. Researchers examine the interactions between human and the environment. Among them, the relationship between place attachment and pro-environmental behavior has attracted particular research attention. However, few studies have addressed the relationships among flood risk perceptions, place attachment, and climate change coping behavior in a densely populated urban area. This study examines the effects of perceptions of climate change and flood risk on coping behavioral intention, and determines whether place attachment plays a mediating or moderating role therein in Taipei, the flood-prone capital city of Taiwan. A total of 1208 questionnaires were collected. An analysis of the mediation effects based on a three-level regression model (Phase I) suggested that place attachment is not a mediator. Adjustment of the model and analysis of moderation effects using structural equation modeling (Phase II) suggested no moderation effect. In Phase III, the mediation effect was reexamined, with the replacement of dependent variables (adaptation/mitigation) with high-effort/low-effort coping behaviors, and one dimension of place attachment was replaced with four dimensions thereof (place dependence and place identity, place satisfaction, place affect, place social bonding). The results thus obtained reveal that the paths of place satisfaction exhibit significant mediating effects between attitudes and high-effort coping behavior. Some paths exhibit significant mediating effects between perceptions and low-effort coping behavior through place satisfaction. Another four paths exhibit partial significant mediating effects through place dependence and place identity and place social bonding. These results suggest that affective attachment of people to local places results in a behavioral tendency to protect or improve those places. The main contribution of this study is its support of meta-analyses of the effects of each dimension of place attachment to provide a better understanding of the effects of place attachment on flood risk perception and coping behavior.
Dual Superconductor Model of Confinement: Quantum-String Representation of the 4D Yang–Mills Theory on a Torus and the Correlation Length away from the London Limit
Authors: Antonov Dmitry
Published: December 2021

This paper is devoted to the dual superconductor model of confinement in the 4D Yang–Mills theory. In the first part, we consider the latter theory compactified on a torus, and use the dual superconductor model in order to obtain the Polchinski–Strominger term in the string representation of a Wilson loop. For a certain realistic critical value of the product of circumferences of the compactification circles, which is expressed in terms of the gluon condensate and the vacuum correlation length, the coupling of the Polchinski–Strominger term turns out to be such that the string conformal anomaly cancels out, making the string representation fully quantum. In the second part, we use the analogy between the London limit of the dual superconductor and the low-energy limit of the 4D compact QED, to obtain the partition function of the dual superconductor model away from the London limit. There, we find a decrease of the vacuum correlation length, and derive the corresponding potential of monopole currents.
Investigation on the Effect of Dose, Frequency and Duration of Allergen Exposure on Development of Staphylococcal Infections in a Chronic Model of Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Marsella Rosanna
Published: December 2021

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is chronic and frequently complicated by Staphylococcal infections. Understanding the role of allergen dose, frequency and duration of exposure in triggering infections requires a model. Most models elicit acute inflammation and do not mimic real-life disease. Here we describe the effects of allergen exposures on development of infections in a model of chronic CAD. Diagnosis of pyoderma was based on clinical signs and consistent cytology. Study 1 evaluated the role of duration of exposure keeping the daily dose constant (25 mg/day). The one-week protocol involved three exposures, 3 days in a row. The one-month protocol involved twice-weekly challenges for 4 weeks. The three-month protocol involved twice-weekly challenges for 12 weeks. Study 2 evaluated different daily doses while keeping constant the total weekly dose (25 mg) and duration (3 weeks). Low-dose used 5 mg/day for 5 days, each week. High-dose used 12.5 mg/day twice-weekly. In Study 1, the longer the exposure, the more dogs developed pyoderma (6/9 in the three-month study, 2/9 in the one-month and 0 in the one-week). In Study 2, low-dose daily exposure caused more infections (5/8) than high-dose infrequent exposure (0/8). It is concluded that low-grade, daily exposure for a long time is most relevant for development of staphylococcal infections.
Anomalía de Ebstein, presentación de un caso
Authors: Intriago Cedeño Carlos Fabricio , Murillo Mera Andrea Monserrate , Alcívar García Melania Del Consuelo , Mendoza Guillem Egny María
Published: December 2021

La anomalía de Ebstein es una cardiopatía congénita de frecuencia inusual, por lo que la presentación de este caso es de interés médico investigativo. Esta patología consiste en una implantación baja de la válvula tricúspide. Se describe el caso de recién nacido de 27 horas de vida, que debutó clínicamente con cianosis  generalizada,  soplo  holosistólico  más  frémito  y  acidosis  metabólica descompensada. Se confirmó el  diagnóstico  mediante  ecocardiograma,  se  derivó  al  tercer  nivel de atención y a pesar del esfuerzo de mantener hemodinámicamente estable al paciente, fallece a las 72 horas de vida. Se concluye destacando la importancia del control prenatal a nivel ecográfico y postnatal mediante la identificación de hallazgos clínicos exhaustivos, con especial atención en la  oximetría  de  pulso,  herramienta  útil,  sencilla  y  económica  de  gran  importancia  para  detección precoz de malformaciones congénitas cardiovasculares, que requieran tratamiento especializado en un nivel de atención acorde a las expresiones clínicas de la enfermedad, para incrementar la supervivencia del neonato, mejorar la calidad de atención y disminuir los índices de mortalidad.

Palabras clave: Ebstein, cardiopatías congénitas, tricúspide.

ABSTRACT:

Ebstein’s anomaly is a congenital heart disease of unusual frequency, so the presentation of this case is of investigative medical interest. This pathology consists of a low implantation of the tricuspid valve. We describe the case of a newborn of 27 hours lifetime that debuted clinically with general- ized  cyanosis,  holosystolic  murmur  more  frightened  and  decompensated  metabolic  acidosis,  the diagnosis  is  confirmed  by  echocardiogram,  it  is  derived  to  the  third  level  of  care  and  despite  the effort to maintain the patient hemodynamically stable, he died in 72 hours’ time. We conclude by highlighting the importance of prenatal control at the ultrasound and postnatal level by identifying comprehensive clinical findings with special attention to pulse oximetry, a useful, simple and eco- nomical tool of great importance for the early detection of congenital cardiovascular malformations requiring  specialized  treatment  in  a  level  of  attention  according  to  the  clinical  expressions  of  the disease, to increase the survival of the neonate, to improve the quality of attention and to decrease the mortality rates.

Key Words: Ebstein, congenital heart disease, tricuspid.
Los Cuidados Paliativos, una revisión documental
Authors: Rodríguez León Amarelys , Garcés González Roberto , Paz Enrique Luis Ernesto
Published: December 2021

Los cuidados paliativos u hospice son un modelo de cuidados de salud que mejora la calidad de vida del paciente con enfermedades crónicas, debilitantes. Existe escasa literatura publicada que sistematice las características y evolución de los cuidados hospice. Se planteó como objetivo del estudio, examinar el surgimiento y desarrollo de los cuidados paliativos a partir de una revisión documental de la literatura científica publicada. Se realizó un estudio documental con el propósito de describir el desarrollo evolutivo de los Cuidados Paliativos desde su surgimiento y las tendencias que han caracterizado su desarrollo. Se recopiló gran cantidad de información acerca los orígenes de los cuidados hospice en distintos contextos tanto de salud como en el la comunidad y hogar. Se realizó un estudio de varias fuentes de información histórica. Como resultado se obtuvieron datos de gran relevancia sobre cómo se introdujeron y evolucionaron los cuidados paliativos en la atención al paciente críticamente enfermo. Igualmente, se describieron los principios sobre los que se sustentan los cuidados paliativos y las funciones del equipo de salud interdisciplinario.

Palabras clave: Cuidados paliativos, enfermedades crónicas, equipo interdisciplinario, cuidados hospice, calidad de vida.

Abstract

Palliative care or hospice is a model of health care that improves the quality of life of the patient with chronic, debilitating diseases. There is scarce published literature that systematizes the characteristics and evolution of hospice care. The objective of the study was to examine the emergence and development of palliative care based on a documentary review of published scientific literature. A documentary study was carried out with the aim of describing the evolutionary development of palliative care since its emergence and the trends that have characterized its development. A great deal of information was gathered about the origins of hospice care in different health contexts, as well as in the community and at home. A study of several sources of historical information was carried out. As a result, very relevant data were obtained on how palliative care was introduced and developed in the care of the critically ill patient. The principles on which palliative care and the functions of the interdisciplinary health team are supported were also described.

Key words: Palliative care, chronic diseases, interdisciplinary team, hospice care, quality of life.
Terapia cognitivo-conductual en la fibromialgia
Authors: Hidalgo Martínez Bárbara Dinorah , Pérez Ortiz Viorkis , Olivera Cardoso María Caridad , López Aristica Lidia , Betancourt Castellanos Liset , Loor Navarrete Mario Augusto
Published: December 2021

La fibromialgia es una enfermedad con fuerte impacto psicológico, de evolución crónica que provoca dolor, rigidez e hipersensibilidad en músculos, tendones y articulaciones por más de tres meses de evolución. Generalmente está asociada a alteraciones cognitivas, disminución del sueño, astenia, ansiedad y depresión a diferentes grados. Aunque la etiología no se conoce con exactitud, el diagnóstico es clínico por exclusión. En este estudio se determinó la eficacia de la terapia cognitivo-conductual (TCC) en pacientes con fibromialgia en el Hospital Básico Miguel H. Alcívar de Bahía de Caráquez, Ecuador. El estudio fue descriptivo y prospectivo en 30 pacientes diagnosticados de fibromialgia, en el periodo de mayo a septiembre de 2017. La mayoría de los pacientes fueron mujeres entre 30 y 40 años de edad, cuyo síntoma principal fue el dolor generalizado, con espectro ansioso-depresivo. Se utilizó el test de ansiedad y depresión hospitalaria para diagnosticar la presencia de ansiedad y depresión antes y después de la terapia. Los pacientes con fibromialgia fueron tratados con hipnosis, con un enfoque cognitivo conductual, en el 70,1 % los síntomas desaparecieron o mejoraron durante los meses en los que mantuvieron el tratamiento, lo cual demuestra la efectividad del tratamiento con TCC en pacientes con fibromialgia.

 

Palabras clave: Fibromialgia, depresión, ansiedad, terapia cognitivo-conductual, hipnosis.

 

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a disease with a strong psychological impact, of chronic evolution that causes pain, stiffness and hypersensitivity in muscles, tendons and joints, for more than three months of evolution. It is generally associated with cognitive alterations, decreased sleep, asthenia, anxiety and depression to different degrees. Although the etiology is not exactly known, the diagnosis is clinical by exclusion. In this study, the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was determined in patients with fibromyalgia at the Basic Hospital Miguel H. Alcívar de Bahía de Caráquez, Ecuador. The study was descriptive and prospective in 30 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, in the period from May to September 2017. Most of the patients were women between 30 and 40 years of age, whose main symptom was generalized pain, with an anxious spectrum- depressant. The hospital anxiety and depression test was used to diagnose the presence of anxiety and depression before and after therapy. Fibromyalgia patients were treated with hypnosis, with a cognitive behavioral approach, in 70.1% the symptoms disappeared or improved during the months in which they maintained the treatment, which demonstrates the effectiveness of CBT treatment in patients with fibromyalgia.

 

Keywords: Fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnosis.
Caracterización de la mortalidad por cáncer gástrico. Cuba 1987-2015
Authors: Gámez Sánchez Donelia , Dueñas Moreira Odeite , Varona Pérez Patricia , González Cruz Roberto
Published: December 2021

En Cuba el cáncer gástrico es la octava causa de muerte según el cuadro de mortalidad. El objetivo fue caracterizar la mortalidad por cáncer gástrico en Cuba durante el período 1987- 2015. Se desarrolló un estudio ecológico de series temporales, el universo de estudio fue todos los fallecidos del país cuya causa básica de muerte recogida en el certificado de defunción fue cáncer gástrico. Las variables fueron edad, sexo, estado civil, color de la piel y ocupación. Se calcularon la razón, porcentajes, tasas de mortalidad bruta, ajustada y específica, por edad y sexo, tendencia y pronóstico. Se estratificó el riesgo según provincias de residencia. Se registraron 21 442 defunciones, 78 % adultos mayores de 60 años, el sexo masculino 62,5 %. Las tasas de mortalidad ajustadas por grupos de edad mostraron una tendencia al aumento a partir de los 50-59 años, predominó el color de la piel negra, mayor frecuencia en jubilados y pensionados. Se incrementaron las tendencias y pronósticos del cáncer gástrico, lo que puede estar influenciado por el envejecimiento y otros factores asociados no investigados en este estudio, por lo que se hace necesario incrementar las medidas preventivas en el país, con vista a direccionar con mayor efectividad los planes de acción para disminuir la mortalidad por esta enfermedad.

Palabras clave: Cáncer gástrico; tasas de mortalidad; tasa bruta de mortalidad; tasa ajustada de mortalidad y riesgo.
DO LIVRO DIDÁTICO FÍSICO AO IMATERIAL: O EMPURRÃO DA PANDEMIA
Authors: Gaeta Caio Kraide , Blandy Beatriz De Azevedo , Gatti Daniel Couto
Published: December 2021

Este ensaio, de caráter exploratório, pretende situar a produção e uso educacional do conteúdo didático do ensino básico brasileiro durante e pós-pandemia, associando-as a políticas públicas que vêm sinalizando a mudança do conteúdo didático em livros físicos para o ambiente digital. Esse marco legal vem sendo implantado já há algum tempo, com resultados ainda pouco tangíveis. Porém no contexto da pandemia do Covid-19, evidenciou pontos críticos, mostrou lacunas estruturais e explicitou interesses. Aborda-se aqui o atual modelo de produção de conteúdo didático, relacionando-o ao PNLD (Programa Nacional do Livro Didático) e a passagem para plataformas de conteúdo. Aponta-se também as bases desejáveis para o desenvolvimento de um ensino híbrido em cenários futuros, nos termos de uma mudança paradigmática, que vai além do campo instrumental. Ao desenhar dinâmicas de criação de conteúdo, modelagem de currículos e avaliações, delineiam-se novos caminhos para o ensino e aprendizagem. Para traçar esse painel sobre o estado atual e possibilidades futuras dessa transformação, utilizamos marcos legais, referências bibliográficas, entrevistas e artigos de jornal.
EDUCAÇÃO MAKER: CONVERGÊNCIA DAS TECNOLOGIAS DE INFORMAÇÃO E COMUNICAÇÃO NA EDUCAÇÃO
Authors: Soster Tatiana , Moura Eliton , Balaton Mariana
Published: December 2021

O Movimento Maker tem despertado interesse na comunidade educacional, contribuindo para o crescente interesse pela implantação da educação maker nas instituições escolares do Brasil e do mundo. Desenvolvendo atividades educativas, ao mesmo tempo em que converge diversas Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação, a educação maker propõe a condução de processos de prototipação, construção ou restauração de um produto, físico ou digital, relacionando tais processos a um conteúdo científico. Ela tem ocorrido, geralmente, embora não exclusivamente, em ambientes de fabricação digital, chamados espaços makers ou Fab Labs. Com o presente artigo, buscamos entender as bases históricas e teóricas que fundamentam a educação maker, bem como, o que essa metodologia pode significar para uma Sociedade 5.0. Neste percurso, apresentamos os principais conceitos que envolvem o tema, apontando direções para a atuação docente e a relação entre currículo e maker.