bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Access to penile prostheses differ across provinces in Canada: A survey of Canadian urologists
Authors: Whalen Stewart , Langille Gavin , White Josh , Bailly Greg
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Surgical implantation of a penile prosthesis is the gold standard treatment for refractory erectile dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate use of and access to these procedures in Canada.

Methods: Canadian urologists known to perform penile prostheses procedures were surveyed on areas such as surgical volume, type of device used, and the direct cost to patients for both malleable and inflatable devices.

Results: Of the 50 urologists invited to participate in the study, 34 (68%) completed the online survey. Participants represented nine Canadian provinces and included a mix of academic (65%) and community (35%) urologists. Most participants (79%) performed less than 10 procedures per year. Roughly three-quarters of participants (74%) used inflatable devices in over 90% of cases, while half implanted inflatable devices exclusively. The most common devices implanted were American Medical Systems (AMS). Participants from Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland reported full coverage for both malleable and inflatable devices. Saskatchewan was the only province where no coverage was reported. The remaining provinces were found to have variable degrees of coverage. Across all centers without full coverage, the median reported cost to patients for a malleable and inflatable device was $5000 and $6000, respectively.

Conclusions: The urologists surveyed most perform inflatable penile prostheses procedures. Significant geographical differences exist with respect to reported coverage for these procedures. This study highlights the need for continued advocacy on behalf of the urological community towards the goal of equity in coverage for penile prostheses across Canada.
Be on Guard for Networking Failures in a Public System
Authors: Lan Ping
Published: December 2020

Networks and networking tend to be regarded as beneficial for individuals and organizations. However, embeddedness in networking efforts can be counterproductive and bring unexpected negative consequences - networking failures. Many studies have been concentrated on technical breakdowns in addressing networking failures. They paid little attention to other factors or mechanisms. This technical-oriented approach hinders system managers from foreseeing the formation and changes of a system, particularly a public system, in due course. This article employs a deductive approach to study the facade of networking and its failures. By proposing a network typology, it scrutinizes the fundamental building blocks of any networks and standard functionalities, explores the laws governing any networks' operations, and traces the possible dysfunctions of networks in static and dynamic environments. Based on the explorations, this research introduces a new tool. It argues that by borrowing the principles embedded in the Doctrine of the Mean, it could help prevent disaster seeds from growing in a functional network.
“Though This Be Madness, Yet There Is Method In't”. The motif of feigned madness in William Shakespeare's Hamlet and Luigi Pirandello’s Henry IV
Authors: Koman Aleksandra
Published: December 2020

Feigned madness is a motif that – with varying frequency – returns in literary texts. It is usually a carrier of important metaphors, such as: search for truth, escape from reality or conscious rejection of routine. Moreover, it seems to have an exceptional interpretative potential in dramas as it also symbolises a performative treatment of existence and an awareness of fiction which directs the poetics of the drama towards the meta-theatre. The author of this article considers these issues in relation to the titular characters of two dramatic masterpieces of world literature: Hamlet by William Shakespeare and Henry IV by Luigi Pirandello. Both characters, for various reasons, decide to hide their true psychological condition under the image of a madman, which, interestingly, confirms their sophistication and intellect. Putting on the mask of a madman guarantees the privilege of unpunished violation of conventions and established orders, hated by individuals such as Hamlet or Henry IV. This rebellion and emancipation lead to the final defeat of these characters, who, however, dominate over the others, since, unlike other actors who dispassionately play roles that have been imposed to them, they choose their roles, and – most importantly – they are aware that they are playing.
Literary contexts of Józef Hołard’s works
Authors: Giełdoń-Paszek Aleksandra
Published: December 2020

The aim of the article is to demonstrate the relationship between the work of Józef Hołard and literature that inspired his work. A valuable document explaining this issue is found in the unpublished text of the artist entitled Credo, written in connection with the conduct of proceedings at the university. Associated with Bielsko-Biała, Professor Józef Hołard died in January 2015, but his painting, drawing and design works have not been sufficiently explored. They contain many symbolic elements derived from the esoteric and occult sciences. However, they are used and understood very freely by the artist, who gives priority to artistic creation. For many years he drew inspiration from literature dealing with similar subjects, especially Foucault’s Pendulum by Umberto Eco. The series of drawings and paintings According to Umberto Eco is best known in Hołard’s oeuvre.
Fortnite: The business model pattern behind the scene
Authors: Schöber Timo , Stadtmann Georg
Published: December 2020

We analyse the business model pattern behind the success of the Fortnite game. A theoretical model is used to examine the conditions where a Freemium strategy is appropriate. We also shed light on the structure of the in-game-shop and analyse several features from a marketing perspective.
Die „Affäre Eidinger“. Zur Premiere des Profifußballs auf dem europäischen Kontinent 1920Die „Affäre Eidinger“. Zur Premiere des Profifußballs auf dem europäischen Kontinent 1920
Authors: Bial André , Eggers Erik
Published: December 2020

The first attempt at installing professional football on the European continent has so far been handled in a surprisingly cursory manner by German sports historiography - even though it has been hotly debated for years why the German Football Association (Deutscher Fußball-Bund, DFB) only officially introduced professional football in 1972. Who were Otto and Ernst Eidinger, who, together with their brother-in-law Josef Rosenblüth, acted as “directors” in organising the first professional football game in Germany on August 21st, 1920, in (Berlin-)Lichtenberg between the “1st German Professional Football Club” (1. Deutscher Berufs-Fußball-Club) and a selection of Hungarian professional players? Just as unknown as the economic background of this pioneering project is the fact that the three managers were Jewish. The strong hostility towards them was therefore influenced by anti-Semitic resentment - along with their youthful recklessness. Below, it is argued that leading representatives of the DFB - such as second DFB chairman Felix Linnemann - were under such pressure during the events of summer 1920 that they initially supported the organisation of professional football under the umbrella of the DFB. This utilitarianism sheds new light on the debate amongst German football historians about why the DFB defended its amateur status for so long after the supposed Rosenblüth’schen Fußball G.m.b.H. failed. At the heart of this article, however, is the historical reconstruction of the eventful days of the “Eidinger Affair” and the fate of its protagonists.
"Daran ist die Gesellschaft schuld!"
Authors: Kablitz Andreas
Published: December 2020

Society is to blame: The title of this book refers to a widespread dictum in modernity. From a historical point of view, however, it seems to lack plausibility as it appears in a culture whose ethical tradition has emphasised the importance of moral responsibility since antiquity. How could it then happen that social conditions have been declared responsible for all the deficiencies in humans’ lives? This is the central question this book addresses. The answer it gives goes back to the premises of the ethics of the New Testament. It describes Rousseau’s claim that society is to blame for all the evil in our world as the consequence of the secularisation of the Christian concept of charity that took place in the moralist literature of the early modern era.
Nietzsches Antike
Authors: Babich Babette
Published: December 2020

In addition to his lectures on Pre-Platonic philosophy, Nietzsche also ‘discovered’ the pronunciation of ancient Greek, as he claimed, out of the ‘spirit of music,’ given his theory of “quantititative rhythm.” This ‘spirit’ is reflected in Nietzsche’s engagement with classical music traditionally understood, particularly Beethoven but also Bizet and Wagner. The contributions to this book are drawn from essays and lectures given over a range of years on Nietzsche’s less well-known reflections on classical antiquity, poised between ascendance and decadence. In addition to Classics, literature, and philosophy, this book foregrounds the history of art, reading ancient Greek polychromy via the Laocoon. Babette Babich writes and teaches philosophy at Fordham University in New York City.
Two new species of the aphid genus Uroleucon (Hemiptera: Aphididae) living on Grindelia in the USA
Authors: Barjadze Shalva , Kanturski Mariusz
Published: December 2020

Here, we present descriptions of two new aphid species of the genus Uroleucon Mordvilko, 1914 (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Macrosiphini), which are associated with the plant genus Grindelia Willd. (Asteraceae). An apterous viviparous female of Uroleucon (Lambersius) robinsoni sp. nov. from Oregon and apterous and alate viviparous females of Uroleucon (Lambersius) grindeliae sp. nov. from Colorado are described and illustrated. Taxonomical notes of the new and other Grindelia-feeding taxa of Uroleucon are given and an updated key to the apterae of the Grindelia-feeding species of Uroleucon in the world is provided.
Las reseñas teológicas de Flannery O'Connor
Authors: Correoso Rodenas José Manuel
Published: December 2020

La obra de Flannery O’Connor es una de las más conocidas de la literatura norteamericana del siglo XX. Sin embargo, buena parte de su producción ha pasado desapercibida para la mayor parte de la crítica. Sus reseñas se encuentran dentro de este grupo. El objetivo del presente artículo es ofrecer un análisis de aquellas reseñas que produjo O’Connor y que conciernen, explícitamente, a obras teológicas. A través de ese análisis, se obtendrá una comprensión más completa de la producción literaria de la autora, así como de sus inquietudes y formación.
Publicaciones sobre Filología Griega en España (2019)
Authors: Rodríguez Somolinos Helena
Published: December 2020

Bibliografía relativa a Filología Griega publicada en Es­pa­ña en 2019.
Reseña de 'This Ghostly Poetry: History and Memory of Exiled Spanish Republican Poets'
Authors: López Cobo Azucena
Published: December 2020

Reseña de:Daniel Aguirre-Oteiza, This Ghostly Poetry: History and Memory of Exiled Spanish Republican Poets, University of Toronto Press, Toronto-Buffalo-London, ISBN: 978-1487503819, 375 pp.
El historicismo en la restauración arquitectónica: el ejemplo del Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos de Córdoba = Historicism in Architectural Restoration: The Example of the Alcázar of the Christian Kings of Cordova
Authors: López Merino Guillermo Luis
Published: December 2020

El Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos es, con el permiso de la Mezquita-Catedral, el monumento más emblemático de cuantos componen el Patrimonio Arquitectónico de Córdoba. Su interés radica en la dilatada historia que ha ido conformando su imagen sobre el río Guadalquivir, así como en los orígenes edilicios del lugar donde se emplaza, con estructuras que remontan a época romana, pasando por el periodo andalusí, hasta llegar a la conquista cristiana. Sin embargo, el verdadero valor de este monumento para nuestros intereses, radica en que se trata de un formidable ejemplo para analizar la evolución de la restauración patrimonial española, así como atestiguar la mejora metodológica que supuso la aplicación de la arqueología, al estudio y a la restauración de edificios históricos. En la actualidad es aún objeto de debate, pues continúan sucediéndose intervenciones encaminadas a su completa recuperación, surgiendo nuevas oportunidades para reflexionar acerca de la disciplina restauradora.AbstractThe Alcázar of the Christian Kings is, with the permission of the Mosque-Cathedral, the most emblematic monument of the Architectural Heritage of Cordoba. Its interest lies in the long history that has shaped its image on the river Guadalquivir, as well as in the constructive origins,where they are located,with extructures that dating back to Roman times, going through the Andalusian period, until we reach the Christian conquest. However, the real value of this monument for our interests lies in the fact that it is a formidable example to analyze   the evolution of the spanish heritage restoration, as well as witnessing the methodological improvement that resulted from the application of archaeology to the study and restoration of historic buildings. Nowadays is still under debate, since they continue happening interventions aimed to its complete recovery, and emerging new opportunities to reflect on restorative discipline.
Reseña de: Finlayson, Clive: El Neandertal Inteligente. Arte rupestre, captura de aves y revolución cognitiva
Authors: García Álvarez Alba
Published: December 2020

Reseña de: Finlayson, Clive: El Neandertal Inteligente. Arte rupestre, captura de aves y revolución cognitiva, Córdoba, Editorial Almuzara, 2020, 253 pp., ISBN: 978-84-18089-53-4.
Crisis sanitaria y Derecho Constitucional en el contexto global
Authors: Balaguer Callejón Francisco
Published: December 2020

En este trabajo se analiza la incidencia de la crisis sanitaria sobre el derecho constitucional  teniendo en cuenta el contexto global y, por tanto, la incidencia que la crisis puede tener sobre el Estado constitucional con el impulso que va a dar a los grandes agentes globales que han provocado las grandes crisis del constitucionalismo de nuestra época.This paper analyses the impact of the health crisis on constitutional law, taking into account the global context and, therefore, the impact that the crisis may have on the constitutional state with  the boost that it will give to the great global agents that have caused the great crises of constitutionalism in  our time.
Crisis política (y social) y Derecho constitucional
Authors: Tudela Aranda José
Published: December 2020

El sistema institucional español tiene debilidades preocupantes. Aunque las raíces son anteriores, el deterioro ha sido particularmente intenso desde 2015. En este trabajo se analizan distintas instituciones del derecho constitucional como reflejo de esta situación. Circunstancias extraordinarias como la crisis de Cataluña o la sanitaria han agravado esta situación.The Spanish institutional system has worrying weaknesses. Although the roots are older, the deterioration has been particularly intense since 2015. In this work, different institutions of constitutional law ara analyzed as a reflection of this situation. Extraordinary circumstances as the crisis in Catalonia or the health crisis have aggravated this situation. The conclusión is a significant weakness of the rule of law.
Recensiones
Authors: Álvarez Álvarez Leonardo , Azpitarte Sánchez Miguel , Queralt Jiménez Argelia , Giménez Gluck David , Tajadura Tejada Javier , Sobrino Guijarro Irene , Cárdenas Cordón Alicia
Published: December 2020

Reseña de: Óscar Alzaga Villaamil. Discursos parlamentarios (y otras disertaciones) (Leonardo Álvarez Álvarez)Reseña de: Uwe Volkmann. Elementos de una teoría de la Constitución alemana (Miguel Azpitarte Sánchez)Reseña de: Javier García Roca. La transformación constitucional del Convenio Europeo de Derechos Humanos (Argelia Queralt Jiménez)Reseña de: Fernando Rey Martínez. Derecho antidiscriminatorio (David Giménez Gluck)Reseña de: Ignacio Fernández Sarasola. Reforma constitucional: pasado, presente y futuro (Javier Tajadura Tejada)Reseña de: Miguel Agudo Zamora. Reforma constitucional y Estado autonómico (Irene Sobrino Guijarro)Reseña de: Javier Matia Portilla, Ascensión Elvira Perales y Antonio Arroyo Gil (coords.). La protección de los derechos fundamentales de personas LGTB (Alicia Cárdenas Cordón)
Indicadores físicos de um latossolo amarelo distrófico sob adubação verde
Authors: Costa Romário Martins , Matos Sâmia dos Santos , Sousa Rayssa Carolinne Mouzinho de , Leite Marcos Renan Lima , Farias Maryzélia Furtado de , Furtado Mariléia Barros , Serrano Luisa Julieth Parra
Published: December 2020

A adubação verde é uma prática que pode trazer melhorarias nas condições físicas, químicas e biológicas do solo e contribuir para mitigação do uso do fogo na agricultura migratória. Esse estudo avalia os efeitos da adubação verde utilizando três leguminosas e dois anos de cultivo em um Latossolo Amarelo distrófico através de indicadores físicos da qualidade do solo. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em esquema de parcelas subdivididas. As parcelas foram compostas por quatro coberturas: Mucuna aterrima, Canavalia ensiformis, Vigna unguiculata e vegetação espontânea (testemunha), as subparcelas por dois anos de cultivo (2017 e 2018), com 6 repetições. Avaliou-se a produtividade de fitomassa e os indicadores de qualidade física: densidade do solo e a resistência à penetração. As espécies Mucuna aterrima e Canavalia ensiformis apresentaram as maiores produtividades de massa fresca e seca. Não houve diferenças entre as coberturas para densidade do solo. Contudo, para a resistência a penetração, o feijão caupi mostrou-se pouco eficiente comparado a Mucuna aterrima e vegetação espontânea. Após dois anos de cultivo,  houve decréscimos na densidade na camada superficial (0-10 cm) e na resistência a penetração da camada subsuperficial (20-40 cm). Contudo, quando comparado a análise prévia da área de cultivo aos dois anos de cultivo, observa-se reduções apenas na resistência à penetração da camada de 0-20 cm onde houve as maiores  deposições de resíduos vegetais.  Portanto, dentre as leguminosas avaliadas, a mucuna-preta e o feijão-de-porco possuem melhores potenciais produtivo de fitomassa. Nas condições edafoclimáticas do estudo, as coberturas não proporcionam alterações nos atributos físicos do solo, com excessão do feijão caupi que apresentou efeitos negativos, não sendo recomendado como cobertura, quando objetiva-se a melhoria das propriedades físicas do solo.  Os anos de cultivo contribuiram para uma melhora nos atribututos físicos do solo, reduzindo a densidade e a resistência à penetração.
Use of portable environmental sensors in the monitoring of the thermoelectric power plants operation
Authors: Cerqueira Joaci dos Santos , Albuquerque Helder Neves de , Cavalcanti Mário Luiz Farias , Sousa Francisco de Assis Salviano de
Published: December 2020

Thermoelectric power plants can directly cause environmental impacts with respect to emissions of atmospheric gases caused by combustion for operation, being the main agents: unburned hydrocarbons, carbon oxides, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and material particulate. Thus, this research aimed to measure and compare the instantaneous levels of the chemical compounds CO2, CO, SO2, noise, air temperature, relative humidity, dew point temperature, wind speed and luminescence in two peri-urban areas of the surrounding a thermoelectric power plant in the interior of Paraíba, Brazil. To this end, data were collected using environmental sensors (a Garmin Gpsmap 62sc GPS camera 5mp; a Canon powershot SX60HS 16.1MP LCD 3.0 semi-professional digital camera, 65x optical zoom; an ITMCO2-600 meter for measuring CO2 and CO; one ITMP-600 multifunctional meter for AVG/MAX/MIN/DIF measurement, temperature measurement, humidity measurement, sound level measurement, luminescence measurement and wind speed measurement; and a GasAlert Extreme SO2 Gas detector to measure concentrations of sulfur in the environment), from October 2015 to March 2017, during daytime, between 7:00am to 9:00am, with weekly frequency, with instantaneous sampling measurements being collected at the collection points, near the thermoelectric power plant (Area 1) and close to the BR/104 highway (Area 2). The results showed that the records through the environmental sensors were not significant among the areas surveyed regarding the values of CO, CO2, SO2, air temperature, relative humidity, dew point temperature and luminescence. Regarding the wind speed, the two areas showed little variation. The noise levels in Area 1, on the other hand, during the operation of the thermoelectric power plant in its fullness, there was an increase above the permitted level, according to current Brazilian regulations, causing damage to the health of the inhabitants of its surroundings, in addition to harming the fauna of the surrounding area. around, mainly, the birds that are driven away by the noise, and, consequently, reducing the diversity of the avifauna surrounding the Thermoelectric. Thus, the use of environmental sensors to monitor the air quality of this area is very important, thus serving as a comparative support for future studies, as well as establishing the genesis for an environmental database in this metropolitan region of Campina Grande/PB, Brazil.
Sustentabilidade no uso medicinal de jatobá (Hymenaea courbaril L. e H. stigonocarpa Mart. Ex Hayne) e a efetividade da Estação Ecológica Serra das Araras na manutenção destas espécies
Authors: Silveira Rafael Kill , Borges Guilherme Augusto Nogueira , Carniello Maria Antonia , Santos Filho Manoel dos , Paludetti Lisiane Vieira , Silva Donei José da
Published: December 2020

Objetivou-se com este trabalho verificar se as espécies Hymenaea courbaril L. e H. stigonocarpa Mart. Ex Hayne localizadas próximas a Estação Ecológica Serra das Araras (EESA) estão sendo utilizadas de maneira sustentável, e se há uso destas espécies dentro das delimitações da EESA. foram coletadas informações de 10 indivíduos das espécies Hymenaea courbaril L. e H. stigonocarpa Mart. Ex Hayne dentro das delimitações da EESA, e de 10 localizadas próximas a residências e à estrada de acesso da estação, sendo que a mais distante situava-se a 10 km em direção ao município de Porto Estrela. O dados coletados foram a altura do fuste, diâmetro a altura do peito, circunferência a altura do peito, comprimento da maior injúria, largura da maior injúria, número de injúrias e se estas já estavam cicatrizadas ou não. Verificou-se que houve diferença para as variáveis analisadas dentro e fora da EESA, demonstrando que a estação ecológica está cumprindo com o seu papel de conservação, mas também fora da mesma, o uso desta espécie parece não estar sendo realizado de maneira sustentável. Adicionalmente, recomenda-se um trabalho de educação ambiental com a população local, para que o uso deste recurso seja realizado de maneira sustentável, e ainda que se defina qual o número e tamanho das injúrias que garantam a regeneração da árvore para que se promova efetivamente o uso e a conservação destas espécies fora da Estação Ecológica Serra das Araras.
Os impactos das barragens hidrelétricas na pesca artesanal amazônica sob o olhar dos sistemas socioecológicos
Authors: Ramos Júnior Dernival Venâncio , Figueiredo Ellen Silvia Amaral , Doria Carolina Rodrigues da Costa , Lima Maria Alice Leite de , Rossete Amintas Nazareth , Athayde Simone Ferreira de , Marques Elineide Eugênio , Araújo Neiva Cristina de , Brasil Walterlina Barboza
Published: December 2020

A expansão de hidrelétricas na Amazônia tem sido a principal ameaça a sustentabilidade da pesca, mesmo com a implementação de medidas mitigadoras de seus impactos. Considerando que a compensação dos impactos se baseie nos estudos de impactos ambientais, para contribuir com o tema foi desenvolvida uma ferramenta de análise da qualidade de tais documentos a partir do arcabouço dos Sistemas Socioecológicos (SSE). O SSE foi aplicado aos casos de Estreito e Santo Antônio, demonstrando ser de fácil manuseio e potencialmente útil para tomadas de decisão. A análise dos casos evidenciou lacunas de informações importantes sobre o sistema pesqueiro, demonstrando serem insuficientes para a avaliação sistêmica dos impactos e, consequentemente, para a proposição de medidas mitigadoras. Assim, o presente estudo recomenda a aplicação dessa ferramenta para aperfeiçoar os estudos ambientais com vistas a sustentabilidade da atividade. Para tal, apresenta-se um guia de cinco passos que orienta a aplicação do arcabouço.
Formación en competencias digitales: Un diagnóstico que da voz a los estudiantes de psicopedagogía
Authors: Camacho Navarro Araceli , Salinas García Rolando Javier
Published: December 2020

La práctica docente en la Sociedad del Conocimiento requiere de competencias digitales, esto permite que los docentes se desenvuelvan en escenarios en los que se necesita el uso reflexivo de la tecnología educativa. Es por ello que las Instituciones con énfasis en la formación de especialistas en educación necesitan hacer diagnósticos de las competencias digitales de sus estudiantes tomando en cuenta los factores que impactan en su uso y así determinar las acciones para su incorporación y fortalecimiento en este periodo formativo tratando que sea contextualizada al alumno, para lograrlo se propone el uso de las narrativas digitales. Para este estudio se aplicó un cuestionario a los alumnos que estudian psicopedagogía en una Universidad Pública de México, complementando los resultados con el análisis de 10 narrativas autobiográficas con el instrumento denominado T-autoetnografía que muestra la importancia que tiene la tecnología a largo de su vida haciendo una conexión con el periodo de formación; estos resultados permiten identificar las dimensiones en tecnología educativa que más impactan para lograr su incorporación y hacer uso de ella en su futura práctica profesional dando voz al estudiante y construyendo significados sobre tecnología.

Teaching practices in the knowledge society requires digital competences, this allows teachers to develop scenarios in which the reflexive use of educative technology is needed. That´s why the Institutions with emphasis on the training of education specialists need to diagnose the digital skills of their students taking into account the factors that impact their use and thus determine the actions for their incorporation and strengthening in this training period, trying to be contextualized to the student, to achieve this, the use of digital narratives is proposed. For this study, a questionnaire was applied that was supplemented with 10 T-autoethnographies from a Mexican public university were studied, these autobiographical narratives show the importance that technology has had during their lives, making a connection with the formative period. These results allow the identification of the dimensions in educative technology that are more impacting for a student in order to achieve their incorporation and use in their future professional practice giving the student a voice and building meanings about technology.
Forord: Færøerne fra »low politics« til »high politics«
Authors: Skaale Sjúrdur
Published: December 2020

Der vil komme pres på rigsfællesskabet de kommende år.Stormagternes rivalisering i Arktis medfører, at deres interesse for Grønland og Færøerne øges. Rusland opruster mere og har flere øvelser i området end på noget andet tidspunkt siden den kolde krigs afslutning. Gennem strategien »Polar-Silkevejen« har Kina som selvdefineret »nær-Arktisk stat« et erklæret mål om at få indflydelse og præge udviklingen i Arktis. Det gør man blandt andet ved at finansiere infrastruktur i Nordatlanten. USA, som har været meget tilbagetrukket i Arktis de sidste mange år, reagerer på situationen, og ser et øget behov for militær tilstedeværelse. Dertil bevæger amerikanerne sig for første gang ind på det civile område i Grønland og Færøerne med tilbud om samarbejde på flere områder.
Temaredaktørens introduktion: Færøerne i en brydningstid
Authors: Blaxkjær Lau Øfjord
Published: December 2020

Kan du tælle til ti på færøsk?Der er mindst tre gode grunde til at læse dette temanummer ud over hver enkelt af de syv temaartikler. For det første mangler vi i alvorlig grad i Danmark en opdateret samfundsvidenskabelig viden om Færøerne. Vi har i Danmark længe haft en lidt doven tilgang til Rigsfællesskabet fra folkeskole til universiteterne og på Christiansborg. Og hvor mange danskere har egentlig lært at tælle til ti på færøsk? Sjúrður Skaale, færøsk medlem af Folketinget for Javnaðarflokkurin, har tidligere kritiseret folkeskolens undervisningsmateriale om Færøerne, fordi det er 20-30 år gammelt. Derudover, som han skriver i forordet til dette temanummer, kan Rigsfællesskabet og Færøerne nu betegnes som højpolitik, hvorfor det er særligt vigtigt i et dansk internationalt politisk perspektiv at have et godt vidensgrundlag om Færøerne.Den anden grund til at læse videre er, at det styrker dialogen mellem danskere og færinger, hvis man kan basere den på tidssvarende viden og undgå fordomme og forældet fakta. Færøerne har rykket sig rigtig langt siden den store krise i 1990’erne. Færøerne er meget mere end bankkrise, grindehvaler, får og fisk. For det tredje består dette temanummer både af introducerende og generelle artikler om færøsk politik, økonomi og international politik samt artikler om en række specifikke emner. Tilsammen underbygger disse syv artikler, at Færøerne befinder sig i en omfattende brydningstid. I det følgende vil jeg først give en kort præsentation af Færøerne og dernæst de enkelte artikler og deres fælles historie om Færøerne i en brydningstid. Afslutningsvist vil jeg introducere nogle af de emner, som ikke fandt vej til dette temanummer, men som fortjener at blive nævnt med et håb om, at de snart tilføjes forskningen om Færøerne og formidlingen heraf.
Análisis psicométrico de una prueba para evaluar la competencia digital de estudiantes de Educación Obligatoria
Authors: Casillas-Martín Sonia , Cabezas-González Marcos , García-Valcárcel Muñoz-Repiso Ana
Published: December 2020

Para que las investigaciones sobre la competencia digital puedan aportar información valiosa que contribuya a guiar las políticas educativas de desarrollo de la misma y de integración de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación en los sistemas educativos de los países, es necesario contar con instrumentos de recogida de información válidos y fiables.

El objetivo del presente trabajo es el de validar una prueba para evaluar la competencia digital en estudiantes de Educación Obligatoria, en los ámbitos de conocimiento, capacidad y actitud; teniendo como base el Marco para el Desarrollo y la Comprensión de la Competencia Digital en Europa. Este instrumento, diseñado por un equipo de investigación universitario, fue aplicado a una muestra de 771 estudiantes. Se analiza el índice de facilidad/dificultad de la prueba y por dimensiones, así como la validez y la fiabilidad. Se concluye que la prueba es original, novedosa y presenta unas buenas propiedades psicométricas que permiten calificarla como un instrumento fiable y válido para medir la competencia digital en todas sus dimensiones, de manera directa, mediante la reflexión sobre situaciones reales y la resolución de problemas.
Platão e Nietzsche, um conflito entre acrasia e vontade de poder
Authors: Silva Neto Francisco de Assis
Published: December 2020

This research proposal deals with a possible relationship between the Platonic concept of acrasia and the nietzschean concept of will to power. What is specific to the constitution of both terms, has a common root, does not have a conduct of different use, only a philosophical position on the implementation of such an approach, that is, a matter of perspective. A research will be divided into different moments, in order to validate a conjecture proposal. In the first instance, export Plato's panoramic mode and understanding of the problem of acrasia as an anomaly that would lead to an excess and therefore harmful conduct for individuals and society. In a second moment, expose Nietzsche's understanding of the will to power, as constituted by himself and with life value, seeking to show a possible choice between the two terms, correlating them with a human conduct and proposing a similarity between the two. thoughts of Plato and Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900).
Charles Larmore: a questão do desacordo razoável
Authors: Gondim Elnora
Published: December 2020

The present text deals with Charles Larmore's theory, more precisely, of the relations between the conceptions of reasonable disagreement, pluralism and liberalism. Such a theory has as its characteristics rational intuitionism, contextualism and defends a realistic position of morality.
Isoform-specific roles for AKT in affective behavior, spatial memory, and extinction related to psychiatric disorders
Authors: Wong Helen , Levenga Josien , LaPlante Lauren , Keller Bailey , Cooper-Sansone Andrew , Borski Curtis , Milstead Ryan , Ehringer Marissa , Hoeffer Charles
Published: December 2020

AKT is implicated in neurological disorders. AKT has three isoforms, AKT1/AKT2/AKT3, with brain cell type-specific expression that may differentially influence behavior. Therefore, we examined single Akt isoform, conditional brain-specific Akt1, and double Akt1/3 mutant mice in behaviors relevant to neuropsychiatric disorders. Because sex is a determinant of these disorders but poorly understood, sex was an experimental variable in our design. Our studies revealed AKT isoform- and sex-specific effects on anxiety, spatial and contextual memory, and fear extinction. In Akt1 mutant males, viral-mediated AKT1 restoration in the prefrontal cortex rescued extinction phenotypes. We identified a novel role for AKT2 and overlapping roles for AKT1 and AKT3 in long-term memory. Finally, we found that sex-specific behavior effects were not mediated by AKT expression or activation differences between sexes. These results highlight sex as a biological variable and isoform- or cell type-specific AKT signaling as potential targets for improving treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Optogenetic control of gut bacterial metabolism to promote longevity
Authors: Hartsough Lucas A , Park Mooncheol , Kotlajich Matthew V , Lazar John Tyler , Han Bing , Lin Chih-Chun J , Musteata Elena , Gambill Lauren , Wang Meng C , Tabor Jeffrey J
Published: December 2020

Gut microbial metabolism is associated with host longevity. However, because it requires direct manipulation of microbial metabolism in situ, establishing a causal link between these two processes remains challenging. We demonstrate an optogenetic method to control gene expression and metabolite production from bacteria residing in the host gut. We genetically engineer anEscherichia colistrain that secretes colanic acid (CA) under the quantitative control of light. Using this optogenetically-controlled strain to induce CA production directly in theCaenorhabditis elegansgut, we reveal the local effect of CA in protecting intestinal mitochondria from stress-induced hyper-fragmentation. We also demonstrate that the lifespan-extending effect of this strain is positively correlated with the intensity of green light, indicating a dose-dependent CA benefit on the host. Thus, optogenetics can be used to achieve quantitative and temporal control of gut bacterial metabolism in order to reveal its local and systemic effects on host health and aging.
Jaan Bergmanni pilaeepos „Jaaniida“: tekst, kontekst ja intertekst / Jaan Bergmann’s mock-epic Jaaniida: text, context and intertext
Authors: Lotman Maria-Kristiina , Lotman Rebekka
Published: December 2020

Mock-epics were first created already in the antiquity and the most famous of them, the Batrachomyomachia, was translated into Estonian already in 1875 by Jaan Bergmann; it was also the first full translation of an ancient epic poem into Estonian. However, until now, no Estonian original mock-epics were known and this genre was presumed to have evolved in Estonian literature only in the 20th century, mostly used in parodies of the national epic, the Kalevipoeg.

In this issue, we introduce a new archival find from Jaan Bergmann’s manuscript poetry book. We discovered that, having probably been inspired by the Batrachomyomachia, but perhaps also by Nikolay Osipov’s Eneida (1791), Jaan Bergmann had created his own mock-heroic poem Jaaniida (1875). It is a multidimensional and poetically rich poem, interweaving different verse cultures and different eras. On the one hand, its analysis reveals clear influences of the Odyssey: there are parallels with the portrayal of the main hero, images and the plot, as well as with the Homeric epic techniques (for example, both epics begin with the prooemium, which contains an invocation). But in terms of poetic devices and versification, Jaaniida draws on Estonian folk songs, using the folk meter, plenty of alliteration and assonance as well as parallelism, and imitating their morphology and vocabulary. The storyline of the poem features events that appear to have happened only recently before the writing of the text (most probably in 1866–1875): the transition from villeinage to money rent and the cases of corruption among local administrators. Against this background, Bergmann satirically pictures the rise of an individual and his later downfall caused by his weaknesses and vices.
Muscle strength and inflammatory response to the training load in rowers
Authors: Podgórski Tomasz , Nowak Alicja , Domaszewska Katarzyna , Mączyński Jacek , Jabłońska Magdalena , Janowski Jarosław , Ogurkowska Małgorzata B.
Published: December 2020

Background

Regular exercise leads to changes in muscle metabolism. The consequence of this is the adaptation to higher training loads.The aim of this study was to evaluate biomechanical and biochemical parameters describing the functions of skeletal muscles in periods when changes in training forms were introduced.

Methods

Seventeen male sweep-oar rowers, members of the Polish national rowing team, participated. The study was carried out at the beginning and at the end of the preparatory period. In the first and second examination measurements of torques of selected muscle groups and blood biochemical analysis were performed.

Results

There was observed a statistically significant decrease in the relative global force of the right lower limb between both terms of examination. A statistically significant increase in maximum torque was found for torso flexors. In the case of muscles responsible for torso rotation, a statistically significant decrease in the torque values of right torso rotators was observed. A significant difference was found with respect to creatine kinase activity, total testosterone concentration, total testosterone to cortisol ratio and total phenolics concentration (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study shows that the rowers’ training should be more focused on building the strength of lower limbs to prevent the overload of lumbar spine and that the amount of force developed may be significantly affected by the antioxidant potential of rowers.
Long-term administration of vitamin B12 and adenosine triphosphate for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a retrospective study
Authors: Kurioka Takaomi , Sano Hajime , Furuki Shogo , Yamashita Taku
Published: December 2020

Background

In idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL), the relationship between the administration duration of vitamin B12 (vit B12) with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and their therapeutic effect is not fully understood.

Objective

To investigate the therapeutic effect of long-term 16 (≥weeks) administration of vit B12 with ATP on the prognosis of ISSNHL patients and compare it with those of short-term (<8 weeks) and middle-term (≥8 weeks, <16 weeks) administration.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 117 patients with ISSNHL treated between 2015 and 2018.

Results

The overall recovery rate was 32.5%. Initial higher hearing threshold and initial higher grade of hearing loss (HL) were associated with a poor prognosis. However, the administration duration of vit B12 and ATP did not influence the overall hearing improvement. With regard to the time course of hearing recovery, there was no significant difference in hearing recovery among the long-, middle-, and short-term administration groups until 16 weeks after treatment. However, at 16–24 weeks after initial treatment, the short-term administration group exhibited significantly lower hearing recovery than did the long-term administration groups.

Conclusions

The administration duration of vit B12 and ATP did not influence the overall hearing prognosis in ISSNHL, but long-term administration of vit B12 and ATP helped prevent the progression of HL after ISSNHL. Our results suggest that long-term administration of vit B12 and ATP is not necessarily required to treat ISSNHL patients, except for slowly progressing HL in the affected ears.
An Analytical Assessment of Financial Crisis in Developing Countries, Its Effects, Consequences and Implications
Authors: Isukul Araniyar C. , Chizea John J.
Published: December 2020

This research was borne out of the need to revisit the global financial crisis and re-examine the issue of how well policy responses by developing countries in Africa have fared in addressing the crisis. In the analysis of the effect of financial crisis, two specific periods were chosen, the period during the financial crisis, and a period after the financial crisis, a decade later. The data used in the analysis of the crisis include: Current account as a percentage of GDP, external debt as a percentage of gross national income, exports of goods as a percentage of GDP, openness of the economy, economic growth rate, inflation rate, credit to the private sector by banks as a percentage of GDP and foreign direct investment inflows as a percentage of GDP. The findings of this research reveal that the global financial crisis is long gone, but its effect on many developing countries continues to deepen as the prolong and protracted effect of the crisis continues to linger. The crisis has not only caused a serious setback on the growth momentum gained by developing countries, but it also may endanger hard won economic development striders garnered over the recent years.
On the Improvement of Multivariate Ratio Method of Estimation in Sample Surveys by Calibration Weightings
Authors: Clement Etebong P.
Published: December 2020

The most challenging limitation of the ratio estimation is that of deriving variance estimator that admits more than two auxiliary variables. This paper introduces a new calibration weights that prompt the formulation of a multivariate ratio estimator by the calibration tuning parameter subject to a pooled-calibration constraint. Analytical framework for deriving variance estimator that admits as many auxiliary variables as desired is developed. The efficiency gains of the proposed estimator vis-a-vis the Generalized Regression (GREG) Estimator are studied through simulation. Simulation results proved the dominance of the new proposals over existing ones.
Statistical Modelling of Intensity Modes of Rainfall Using Principal Component Itemization: A Case Study of Kano State
Authors: Sadiq Ibrahim Abubakar , Isah Nazir Muhammad
Published: December 2020

Kano State is experiencing greater weather extremes, changes in rainfall patterns, analysis of heat and cold waves, and increasing droughts and floods (Kano meteorological agency). As a result, there is a need for the provision of the necessary weather advisories and early warnings to planners, decision-makers, and operators of the various rainfall-sensitive socio-economic sectors. However, this study is aiming to realize some hidden variables of Kano State total monthly rainfall dataset from the onset to cessation period of rain from the month of April to October over a 105 years (1911-2015) for classification into the intensity of the rain of the area under study, also to determine the linear model for the changing patterns of rainfall in Kano State and to identify some of the adverse impacts on socio-economic sectors and transport infrastructures. Thus, the appearances of the rainfall figure are established for the study region with the operation of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), application least square method. The leading three (3) PCs, gives account for about 61% of the entire disparity, is described. The revision displays and describe PC1 as associated with the heavy intensity rainfall, whereas PC2 is connected to the moderate-intensity rainfall and finally PC3 is linked to the light intensity rainfall of the region under study. By the scores of our PCs, uniform rainfall zones are established over the region of enquiring to which the yearly performance of rainfall is discussed. Statistically, all three models for the various mode of rainfall intensity are significant, which serves as the annual pattern of rainfall in the study area.
Genomic and prognostic heterogeneity among RAS/BRAFV600E/TP53 co‐mutated resectable colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Berg Kaja C. G. , Brunsell Tuva H. , Sveen Anita , Alagaratnam Sharmini , Bjørnslett Merete , Hektoen Merete , Brudvik Kristoffer W. , Røsok Bård I. , Bjørnbeth Bjørn Atle , Nesbakken Arild , Lothe Ragnhild A.
Published: December 2020

Hepatic resection is potentially curative for patients with colorectal liver metastases, but the treatment benefit varies. KRAS/NRAS (RAS)/TP53 co‐mutations are associated with a poor prognosis after resection, but there is large variation in patient outcome within the mutation groups, and genetic testing is currently not used to evaluate benefit from surgery. We have investigated the potential for improved prognostic stratification by combined biomarker analysis with DNA copy number aberrations (CNAs), and taking tumor heterogeneity into account. We determined the mutation status of RAS, BRAFV600, and TP53 in 441 liver lesions from 171 patients treated by partial hepatectomy for metastatic colorectal cancer. CNAs were profiled in 232 tumors from 67 of the patients. Mutations and high‐level amplifications of cancer‐critical genes, the latter including ERBB2 and EGFR, were predominantly homogeneous within patients. RAS/BRAFV600E and TP53 co‐mutations were associated with a poor patient outcome (hazard ratio, HR, 3.9, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.3–11.1, P = 0.012) in multivariable analyses with clinicopathological variables. The genome‐wide CNA burden and intrapatient intermetastatic CNA heterogeneity varied within the mutation groups, and the CNA burden had prognostic associations in univariable analysis. Combined prognostic analyses of RAS/BRAFV600E/TP53 mutations and CNAs, either as a high CNA burden or high intermetastatic CNA heterogeneity, identified patients with a particularly poor outcome (co‐mutation/high CNA burden: HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2–5.9, P = 0.013; co‐mutation/high CNA heterogeneity: HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1–5.6, P = 0.022). In conclusion, DNA copy number profiling identified genomic and prognostic heterogeneity among patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases with co‐mutated RAS/BRAFV600E/TP53.