bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reforma trabalhista: uma análise psicossocial
Authors: Ribeiro Marcelo Afonso
Published: August 2020

O trabalhar segue sendo atividade central na vida das pessoas na contemporaneidade e o Estado cumpre importante papel na regulação e estruturação do mundo do trabalho como promotor de segurança e proteção social. O governo brasileiro aprovou uma reforma trabalhista buscando flexibilizar para aumentar produtividade, competitividade e formalização do trabalho. Críticos à reforma apontam que a flexibilização irá aumentar a precarização do trabalho. Através do método de análise documental do texto da Reforma Trabalhista, o presente artigo visou discutir possibilidades, problemas e contradições desta reforma a partir de uma análise psicossocial, e fornecer subsídios teóricos para discutir se esta reforma resultaria em flexibilização ou precarização do trabalho. As principais conclusões indicaram que a Reforma Trabalhista, ao ser pautada na individualização, flexibilização e livre negociação no trabalho, traz uma dupla consequência. De um lado, irá beneficiar empresários/as e trabalhadores/as de alta renda e qualificação, sendo a flexibilização benéfica para as relações de trabalho. E, por outro lado, irá dificultar o suporte social demandado pela maioria de trabalhadores/as ao enfraquecer os sindicatos e relativizar os suportes e proteções sociais via Estado com a possível consequência de maior vulnerabilidade de grande parte dos/as trabalhadores/as, sendo uma flexibilização do trabalho geradora de precarização.
Escala de Senso de Competência Parental (PSOC): Evidências de validade e precisão em contexto brasileiro
Authors: Moura Darlene , Possidônio de Sousa Emanuela Maria , Silva dos Santos Walberto , Lóren de Holanda Sousa Sophia
Published: August 2020

O senso de competência parental é definido como expectativas e crenças que o indivíduo tem acerca da sua capacidade para desempenhar o papel parental de forma competente e eficaz, englobando, portanto, características como percepção de autoeficácia e satisfação parental. Este estudo objetivou reunir evidências de validade e precisão da Escala de Senso de Competência Parental (PSOC).  Para tanto, participaram da pesquisa 214 mães, com idades entre 18 e 49 anos (M=33,48, DP=5,81), a maioria heterossexual (96,2%) e casada (70,4%). Inicialmente, observou-se a adequação da matriz de dados, cujos resultados demostraram KMO = 0,80 e Teste de Esfericidade de Bartlett significativo [c2 (120) = 664,238; p < 0,001]. Observando os critérios de Kaiser, Cattell e Horn, indicou-se a possibilidade de se extrair dois fatores. Efetuou-se, portanto, uma Análise de Componentes Principais (rotação oblimin) com dois fatores fixos. A solução final (16 itens) explicou 33,77% da variância total e apresentou alfa de Cronbach de 0,79. O primeiro fator (Satisfação, 9 itens), explicou 24,18% da variância e apresentou alfa de 0,75; o segundo (Eficácia, 7 itens) explicou 9,54% e obteve alfa de 0,70. O instrumento apresentou bons parâmetros psicométricos, entretanto, recomenda-se que novos estudos sejam realizados a fim de confirmar a estrutura encontrada.

 

Palavras-Chaves: Senso de competência parental; adaptação; validade; precisão.
Homens e cuidado infantil: estudo de casos em Salvador, Bahia
Authors: Bustamante Vania , Salvador Santos Gama Elenir
Published: August 2020

Abordou-se a participação masculina no cuidado infantil, entre homens de diversos setores socioeconômicos em Salvador (Bahia) Brasil, com base na discussão sobre o conceito de Cuidado sob o enfoque de gênero. Os dados coletados por meio de entrevistas narrativas foram analisados com a técnica de análise de conteúdo temática. Os resultados, com algumas nuances, indicam que a participação masculina no cotidiano do cuidado infantil − incluindo o contato com serviços de saúde − se dá como “ajuda” e predominantemente em momentos em que inexistem outras pessoas para cuidar, o que evidencia a reprodução de papéis de gênero convencionais e permanência da divisão sexual do trabalho. Em paralelo, os participantes têm um vínculo afetivo com a criança e participam no cuidado infantil como processo de construção social da pessoa. Ressalta-se as semelhanças entre os participantes, apesar das diferenças socioeconômicas.
Hannah Arendt e a filosofia da existência: o fim da identidade entre Ser e Pensar
Authors: Barreto Dias Lucas
Published: August 2020

Desenvolvo, neste artigo, o argumento de que o pensamento de Hannah Arendt se inscreve na tradição da filosofia da existência. Para tanto, utilizo como fio condutor a crítica à teoria da identidade entre Ser e Pensar. A partir disso, ponho em destaque elementos desta escola filosófica que permanecem e são incorporados pela pensadora em sua obra. A filiação de Arendt à filosofia da existência nos ajuda a compreender as raízes existenciais de temas centrais na teórica política arendtiana, a saber: os conceitos de contingência, pluralidade, liberdade e mundo.
A Teoria de Kant do A Priori à Luz da Biologia Contemporânea
Authors: Capeleiro Maia Henrique
Published: August 2020

O original não tem resumo.
Tom´´as de Aquino e Epifanio de Moirans: Guerra e escravidão
Authors: Silva de Sousa Luis Carlos
Published: August 2020

Análise da relação entre guerra justa e escravidão em Tomás de Aquino (1224/1225-1274) e Epifanio de Moirans (1644-1689). Argumentarei que a obra de Tomás de Aquino não pode ser vista como um projeto escravista com base em sua noção de guerra justa. A obra de Epifanio de Moirans representa um exemplo de recepção do pensamento de Tomás de Aquino e seus critérios morais sobre a guerra. Moirans integra a visão de Tomás de Aquino em seu discurso antiescravista, acerca dos títulos de escravidão por guerra justa durante a Scholastica colonialis, isto é, no período de recepção e desenvolvimento da Escolástica Barroca na América Latina (séculos XVI-XVII).
Sobre a fragmentação do espaço lógico tractariano
Authors: Silva Marcos
Published: August 2020

Resumo: Defendo, neste trabalho, que os sistemas de proposições (Satzsysteme) do período intermediário da Filosofia de Wittgenstein representam o desenvolvimento da noção de espaço lógico tractariano depois do Problema da Exclusão das Cores. Pretendo, pois, tratar de algumas características essenciais destes sistemas emergentes, a saber: 1. a radicalização de um holismo já presente no Tractatus; 2. a exclusão por contrariedade, que mostra a insuficiência do padrão lógico da contradição em expressar exclusões mais conceitualmente mais sofisticadas; 3. a negação assimétrica, que permite a explosão de alternativas e marca a superação da bipolaridade tractariana; e 4. a obrigatória exaustão (completude) de possibilidades, ou seja, todas as possibilidades de articulação de elementos conceituais devem estar previstas em um sistema.

Palavras-chave: Espaço Lógico, Filosofia da Lógica, Wittgenstein, Sistemas de proposições, holismo.
Violência e Ensino de Filosofia no Brasil
Authors: Costeski Evanildo
Published: August 2020

Este artigo contem dois momentos: em um primeiro, são apresentados quatro tipos de violência: a violência por “ignorância”, a violência social, a violência estatal e a violência filosófica, e a relação com o Ensino de Filosofia no Brasil; em um segundo, é exposto o encontro dos europeus com os índios brasileiros, por meio dos escritos de Manuel da Nóbrega. Veremos como o medo foi utilizado pelos jesuítas para convencer os indígenas a se converterem e, por último, exporemos brevemente como o conceito de escravidão involuntária influenciou a constituição do direito subjetivo moderno.
Diógenes Laércio e a Ética Estoica
Authors: Silva de Almeida José Carlos
Published: August 2020

Este artigo apresenta conceitos importantes da ética estoica e suas conexões encontrados na versão de Diógenes Laércio no livro VII do Vidas e doutrinas dos filósofos ilustres. Diferentemente de Cícero no livro III do De finibus, a formulação de Diógenes não é assinalada por habilidades retóricas e acaba por seguir o tecnicismo presente também no livro II das Éclogas de Ário Dídimo. Diógenes, sem se preocupar em dar uma feição mais de divulgação às exposições dos estoicos, não dissimula as dificuldades e as frequentes excentricidades da filosofia estoica, que por vezes apresenta raciocínios pouco sedutores e até mesmo tediosos.
A Filosofia enquanto cachimbo para duendes
Authors: Cornélio Matos Junot , Vieira Ramos Sérgio Ricardo
Published: August 2020

O texto problematiza o contexto de perseguição e negação do Ensino de Filosofia. Trata-se de uma tentativa de descredenciar a presença da Filosofia na Escola apresentando-a como um conhecimento inútil, sem nenhuma serventia para a formação do jovem estudante. No dizer de um integrante da corte governamental, “cachimbo para duendes”. Os autores interpelam o que seria esse dito cujo “cachimbo” discutindo a importância da Filosofia e seu Ensino nos processos educacionais escolares; e, nesse sentido recoloca o papel crítico do filosofar e da Filosofia.
Nota sobre el oficio del intelectual en la obra de José Luis Aranguren
Authors: Muñoz Ceferino
Published: August 2020

En este trabajo analizo brevemente la noción de intelectual que propone el catedrático español de ética José Luis Aranguren (1909-1996). Para tal fin, se hace un recorrido por los escritos de su obra en los cuales dedica mayor atención a dicha noción. Una vez dilucidado qué entiende este filósofo por el concepto de intelectual y cuál debería ser su función, haremos una reflexión crítica que intentará ponderar hasta qué punto Aranguren encajaba o no en este modelo de intelectual.
Ecologia humana e sociabilidade urbana
Authors: Brancaleone Cassio
Published: August 2020

Considerada uma das fundadoras da pedra angular da sociologia urbana, a assim chamada Escola Sociológica de Chicago foi responsável por um dos mais ousados esforços de elaboração de síntese teórica no moderno campo sociológico, encontrando relevantes pontos de contato entre as teorias de Georg Simmel e Ferdinand Tönnies, para mencionar dois “cânones” ainda não muito referenciados nos dias de hoje. Tomando a cidade (ou o “fenômeno urbano”) como sua unidade de análise por excelência, promoveu, lado a lado a uma perspectiva teórica original, uma vigorosa agenda de pesquisa e refinada abordagem empírica dos fenômenos sociais urbanos, inclusive, abrindo passagem para o desenvolvimento ulterior de outras linhagens sociológicas. O objetivo desse artigo é realizar um breve e modesto balanço do repertório e da gramática conceitual elaborados no período formativo da Escola de Chicago, especialmente através da contribuição de figuras pioneiras de Robert Park, Roderick McKenzie e Ernest Burgess. Considero que o movimento teórico/programa de pesquisa conhecido como Ecologia Humanafoi o primeiro a buscar uma solução, fortemente ancorada em uma abordagem empírica, para compreender as correlações possíveis entre certas configurações sócio-espaciais e disposições comportamentais dos indivíduos em sociedades urbanas modernas, contribuindo para a emergência e consolidação da noção de sociabilidade urbana.
As interações entre os produtos estéticos para cabelos crespos e as mulheres negras
Authors: Tusset De Rocco Aline
Published: August 2020

Neste artigo visa-se tratar sobre as interações entre novas mercadorias de consumo e a beleza negra, mais especificamente o cabelo crespo. Desta maneira, procura-se observar e analisar a possível construção da identidade estética das mulheres negras. Através de uma etnografia digital em canais do Youtube que tratam sobre cabelos crespos, busca-se compreender a relação entre o consumo de produtos para o cabelo crespo e a construção de uma beleza negra pelas mulheres negras. O intuito de fazer uma etnografia digital, que se relaciona também a militância fora das redes sociais, é de compreender os usos dos produtos, além das relações entre as mulheres negras, as mídias, e as novas mercadorias estéticas, a fim de perceber possíveis espaços de visibilidade para a beleza negra através do consumo. Assim, através das youtubers afirma-se uma luta para visibilidade e inclusão da mulher negra através da beleza como pauta política e atual que vai além do consumo e além da esfera digital.
Islamofobia e Elementos Fascistas no Discurso de Olavo de Carvalho e do Movimento Mídia Sem Máscaras (MSM)
Authors: Cruz Natalia
Published: August 2020

O artigo analisa a islamofobia no discurso  do Mídia Sem Máscara e de seu líder Olavo de Carvalho, e sua associação com elementos do fascismo, apontando sua ligação com um projeto político excludente e autoritário da extrema-direita. a metodologia usada foi a análise crítica do discurso e a conclusão é a de que o movimento adota teorias conspiratórias acerca do islã, construindo uma visão binária do mundo entre p "bem" e o "mal", usando como argumento a tese da islamização ocidental, com supostos pretextos de dominação mundial.
Producción de conocimiento en conflictos socioambientales
Authors: Parra-Romero Adela
Published: August 2020

Este trabajo se propone una reflexión sobre diferentes tipos de conocimiento que son producidos y movilizados en los conflictos socioambientales. El modo científico se refiere al tipo de conocimiento que es producido por la institución científica. El modo de producción local/comunitario se refiere al tipo de conocimiento que es producido desde la experiencia y la práctica local de sujetos en interrelación con un ámbito específico como el campesino con la tierra. El modo de producción activista es el conocimiento que resulta de redes de acción colectiva compuesta por organizaciones, activistas y sus prácticas. Se argumenta que los conflictos socioambientales son espacios que permiten la emergencia de redes de producción de conocimiento lo que produce la movilización y creación de categorías sociales con efectos materiales y simbólicos en las relaciones sociedad-naturaleza.
Um artesão da crítica e da utopia
Authors: Silva Marcos Antonio da
Published: August 2020

Resenha da obra "Construindo as epistemologias do Sul: para um pensamento alternativo de alternativas (Boaventura de Sousa Santos)” (2 volumes), org. Maria Paula Meneses, João Arriscado Nunes, Carlos Lema Añón, Antoni Aguiló Bonet e Nilma Lino Gomes; Buenos Aires: CLACSO/Fundação Rosa Luxemburgo, 2018.
Landscape Of HOXA Genes Methylation in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ishak Muhiddin , Baharudin Rashidah , Tan Loh Teng-Hern , Lee Learn-Han , Ab Mutalib Nurul-Syakima
Published: August 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most common cancers worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in Malaysia. The HOXA gene cluster is a family of Homeobox A genes encoding transcriptional regulators that play vital roles in cancer susceptibility and progression. Dysregulated HOXA expression influences various aspects of carcinogenesis processes. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the methylation landscape of HOXA genes in CRC. Twelve pairs of CRC — adjacent normal tissues were subjected to Infinium DNA MethyEPIC array. Differentially methylatedregions were identified using the ChAMP Bioconductor and methylation levels of HOXA genes were manually curated. We identified 100 significantly differentially methylated probes annotated to HOXA genes. HOXA3 has the highest number of differentially methylated probes (n=27), followed by HOXA2 (n=20) and HOXA4 (n=14). The majority (43%) of the probes were located at the transcription start site (TSS) 200, which is one of the gene promoters. In respect to CpG islands (CGI), the probes were equally located in the island and shore regions (47% each) while a minor percentage was in the shelf (6%). Our work gave a comprehensive assessment of the DNA methylation pattern of HOXA genes and provide the first evidence of HOXA2, HOXA3 and HOXA4 differential methylation in Malaysian CRC. The new knowledge from this study can be utilized to further increase our understanding of CRC methylomics, particularly on the homeobox A genes. The prognostic and diagnostic roles of the differentially methylated HOXA genes warrant future investigations.
Thermal Conductivity of Nanofluids-A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Mishra S. , Nayak M.K. , Misra A.
Published: August 2020

The present study deals with a comprehensive review on the enhancement of effective thermal conductivity of nanofluids. The present article summarizes the recent research developments regarding the theoretical and experimental investigations about thermal conductivity of different nanofluids. The current study analyzes several factors those strongly affecting thermal conductivity of nanofluids include solid volume fraction, temperature, particle size, particle type, particle shape, different base fluids, magnetic field, pH, surfactant and ultrasonic time. In addition, different reasonably attractive models contributing augmentation of thermal conductivity of nanofluids are invoked. Finally, important heat transfer mechanisms namely Brownian motion, nanoclustering, thermophoresis, osmophoresis and interfacial nano-layer responsible for significant role in ameliorating the thermal conductivity and therefore the heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids are discussed.
Tunelaje Cuántico en Potenciales Graduales
Authors: Herbert Galarza Cristian Gabriel , Orozco Duarte Rogelio , Romo Martínez Roberto
Published: August 2020

Uno de los fenómenos paradigmáticos de la mecánica cuántica es sin duda el llamado efecto túnel, el cual se manifiesta como la posibilidad que tienen las partículas en la escala nanométrica de atravesar barreras de potencial. Este fenómeno, a pesar de ser poco intuitivo, es tan real que juega un papel prominente en la tecnología de nuestros tiempos y constituye el mecanismo dominante del transporte electrónico en nuevos conceptos de dispositivos nanoelectrónicos. En este trabajo se ilustra mediante mapas de la densidad electrónica, la distribución espacial y energética de los electrones que se propagan a través de barreras de potencial graduales, visualizando la naturaleza ondulatoria de los electrones y el fenómeno de tunelaje. En particular, se discute el efecto de utilizar barreras graduales en lugar de barreras rectangulares.
ASSEMBLY OF HIGH PRIVATE VARIETY CHILDREN: GENETIC VARIABILITY AND HERITABILITY GROWTH CHARACTER AND RESULTS
Authors: Fransisko Eko
Published: August 2020

Limitations in obtaining superior varieties of red chili that are suitable to be planted in the highlands are one of the causes of the low yield of red chili in Rejang Lebong Regency. However, the availability of red chili germplasm as a genetic resource (SDG) in Rejang Lebong Regency is a good potential to be utilized to overcome problems in increasing the yield of red chili plants through the assembly of superior varieties. Assembling superior varieties of red chili has been done by researchers in order to get the desired plant character. This study aims to obtain information on the variability and heritability of growth character and yield of 18 red chili varieties in Rejang Lebong Regency. This research activity is the initial activity of developing the potential of germplasm that will be carried out so as to be able to overcome the problems in increasing the production of red chili in Rejang Lebong Regency. A series of research activities will produce superior varieties of red chili specifically for the highlands. The material used in this study was eighteen (18) varieties of chilli collections from various regions. The experimental design used was a Complete Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with a single factor, namely red chili plant varieties. The red chili varieties to be investigated for genetic variability and heritability in this study amounted to 18 and each treatment was repeated three times. The results showed that the highest estimated heritability was indicated by the leaf width variable at 96.69% and all observed variables had broad genotypic and phenotific variability.
Qualité de la Gestion des Ecoles
Authors: KOM Dorothée
Published: August 2020

L'évaluation de la qualité de l'éducation fait peu de cas des conditions de travail. Or, le facteur "˜qualité de gestion' influence celle des résultats. L'on s'appesantit souvent sur les systêmes éducatifs au détriment des entités "˜école' globalisées et anonymées. Les problêmes et les efforts des directeurs/rices, véritables chefs d'orchestre soucieux de la performance de leurs institutions, se perdent ainsi. Un regard attentif sur l'état des lieux de la qualité de gestion des écoles permet d'apprécier le degré de conscience que ces responsables ont de l'impact de leurs faits et gestes sur la qualité de leur école.
S'appuyant sur une étude dans une vingtaine d'établissements de Yaoundé, la présente communication esquisse les caractéristiques dominantes des indicateurs de qualité de gestion d'un établissement scolaire telle que vue par les gestionnaires eux-mêmes. La grande diversité des types d'établissements ciblés est représentative de celle du systême éducatif camerounais. Mais elle complique toute tentative de modélisation de la gestion du systême dês lors qu'on se soustrait aux généralisations et qu'on tente de cerner de plus prês les situations inédites et les pratiques quotidiennes.
Or, par son style managérial, un gestionnaire d'école peut transformer les ressources disponibles en faveur ou non de son établissement.
Bien que d'envergure limitée, l'étude, qualitative, révêle des aspects souvent négligés d'une gestion scolaire de qualité: sécurité, gouvernance, autorité, espace, convivialité, ressources humaines, etc. Le profil des gestionnaires, leurs styles de gestion pour une école de qualité s'en dégagent, et de nouvelles pistes de recherche conduisant à  des résultats scolaires plus probants sont ouvertes.
Quality challenges to the universities for contributing to the development of the smart cities and communities
Authors: Anttila Juhani , Jussila Kari
Published: August 2020

Universities have had a diverse influence on the development of the society as a whole and also today on the smart city and community projects. Successful collaboration with the many different involved societal parties, however, sets requirements forquality in all of the main activity sectors of the universities including higher education, research and participation and influence in regional development. In practice, this is ensured through organizational learning towards excellence in the overall performance of the university that implies professional quality management principles, innovations in processes and practices aligned with the other organizations of the society.

   Smart cities and communities bring together city planning, industry, universities and citizens to improve urban life of individuals and organizations and ultimately to enhance quality of society and reinforcing sustainable development. Smart city also is a manifestation of the 4th industrial revolution  and industry 4.0, which are the subjects of considerable discourse today widely. These emerging phenomena imply innovations, better planning, a more participatory approach, higher energy efficiency, better transport solutions, intelligent use of information and communication technologies. However, it is essential that people are at the center.

   This article brings up conceptual bases, practical solutions and examples especially from the viewpoint of professional quality management in the universities.
Efficient Way to Analysis the Texural Features of Brain Tumor MRI Image Using Glcm
Authors: kukreja Ashwini , Wadhwani Arun Kumar , Wadhwani Sulochana
Published: August 2020

Tumor spotting and elimination is one problematic issue in medical science that still remains. Untimely imaging techniques CT and MRI imaging techniques aid specialist in coming up with preferable perception, but because of high variability in tumor tissue of divergent patient process come up with laborious risks .In this paper, tumor image processing concern the three stages, namely pre-processing, segmentation and feature extraction using GLCM. After the accession of the source MRI image, it is preprocessed by converting the original image to grayscale image, then use of filters for removal of noise and using arithmetic operators for enhancement, then the stage of thresholding segmentation and watershed segmentation is done followed by a morphological operation to detection of tumor, thereby texture analysis using Gray Level Co -Occurrence Matrix. The above proposed procedures and techniques is applicable in accomplishing the reports axiomatically in less span of time.
Evaluation of Antidiarrheal Activity of the Ethanol Extract Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) de Wit Seed
Authors: Husein Saddam , Nainggolan Marline , Yuandani Yuandani , Fanany Irzal
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: Leucaena leucocephala belongs to the Leguminosae/Fabaceae family. L. leucocephala seeds contain alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins which according to the previous research have antidiarrhea activity.
AIM: This study was investigate the antidiarrheal activity of the ethanol extracts of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) de Wit seeds induced by oleum ricini and intestinal transit methods for rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: L. leucocephala seeds were extracted by maceration with 80% ethanol. Evaluation of antidiarrheal extract activity was performed by induction of oleum ricini and intestinal transit methods. The extract at dose doses of 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW was orally administered to the animals 1 h after induction by oleum ricini. Then diarrhea time, frequency, consistency, stool weight, and duration of diarrhea were observed every 30 min for 6 h. In determining the intestinal transit method, a percentage of the distance of the Chinese ink determined. This study was used positive control as Loperamide (1 mg/kg BW) and 0.5% Na-CMC as a negative control.
RESULT: In diarrhea induced by castor oil, L. leucocephala seed extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg bw has been shown to significantly delay the onset of diarrhea, reduce diarrhea frequency, stool weight and duration of diarrhea compared with Na CMC as a negative control (p < 0.05). The extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg bw did not differ significantly from loperamide as positive control (p > 0.05). In this study, L. leucocephala extract reduced the distance traveled by Chinese ink in the intestine but only at a dose of 400 mg/kg bw which has a comparable activity with loperamide significantly . The antidiarrheal activity of extract showed at a dose dependent manner.
CONCLUSION: The ethanol extract of L. leucocephala seeds has antidiarrheal activity which supports its use in folk medicines.
Burkitt lymphoma as fourth neoplasia in a patient affected by Cowden Syndrome with a novel PTEN germline pathogenic variant
Authors: Galli Eugenio , D’Alò Francesco , Cuccaro Annarosa , Alma Eleonora , Maiolo Elena , Brugnoletti Fulvia , Larocca Luigi Maria , Zollino Marcella , Bacigalupo Andrea Paolo , Hohaus Stefan
Published: August 2020

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The First Case of Concomitant Mycobacterium genavense lymphadenitis and EBV-positive lymphoproliferative disorder
Authors: Ito Yusuke , Takaoka Kensuke , Toyama Kazuhiro , Wakabayashi Yoshitaka , Shinozaki-Ushiku Aya , Okazaki Aiko , Chikamatsu Kinuyo , Mitarai Satoshi , Ushiku Tetsuo , Kurokawa Mineo
Published: August 2020

This is the first case of concurrent Mycobacterium genavense lymphadenitis and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) in the same lymph node with no immunocompromised history. M. genavense infection is a rare opportunistic infection mainly for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Although no immunodeficiency was detected in our patient, our case indicates that the immunodeficiency in the background of EBV latency type III and the immunosuppression by malignant lymphoma itself might induce the M. genavense lymphadenitis. This case highly alerts clinicians the immunosuppressive state of EBV-positive LPD with latency type III even if any serological immunodeficient factors are not detected.
HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN THAI CHILDREN WITH THALASSEMIA AS EVALUATED BY PEDSQL AND EQ-5D-Y: A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE
Authors: Surapolchai Pacharapan , Sinlapamongkolkul Phakatip
Published: August 2020

Background: Thalassemia remains a chronic challenging disease in Thailand, but national prenatal screening along with better treatment and management may have improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for pediatric patients. We aimed to measure the HRQoL of transfusion dependent (TDT) and non-transfusion dependent (NTDT) of these pediatric patients at our institute.

Methods: We included all patients 2 – 18 years old, with TDT and NTDT, using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL) and the EuroQol Group’s Five Dimensions for Youth (EQ-5D-Y) instruments. Patients and caregivers responded as appropriate for age.

Results: Mean PedsQL total summary scores (TSS) (SD) of child self-reports and parent proxy-reports were 81.00 (10.94) and 78.84 (16.72) from 150 participants. Mean EQ-5D-Y VAS (SD) for children was 89.27 (11.56) and 86.72 (10.62) for parent proxies. The most problematic EQ-5D-Y dimension was “having pain or discomfort”. These scores had significant correlations between child and parental proxy perspectives, as well as between the PedsQL and EQ-5D-Y. An age of 8 - 12 years and oral chelation therapy predicted lower self-reported PedsQL TSS. Parental proxy-report predictors for reduced PedsQL TSS and EQ-5D-Y VAS were primary school education for children, parental proxy secondary school education, Universal Coverage insurance, and TDT.

Conclusion: HRQoL scores of our pediatric thalassemia patients had improved from the previous decade, and these findings may represent our better standard of care. Some sociodemographic and clinical characteristics may present negative impacts on HRQoL.
Association of VDBP rs4701 variant, but not VDR/RXR-α over-expression with bone mineral density in pediatric β-Thalassemia patients
Authors: Sahmoud Shaimaa , Ibrahim Mostafa , Toraih Eman , Kamel Noha , Fawzy Manal , Elfiky Samar
Published: August 2020

Introduction: The reduced rate of bone formation despite the availability of vitamin D has been reported in β-thalassemia.  This suggests genetic factors together with environmental one can be implicated in this condition. Since vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) maintains bioavailability of vitamin D which binds to vitamin D receptor (VDR)-retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA) heterodimer to exert its molecular actions, we speculated that vitamin D metabolic-axis expression signature and variants could be potential molecular candidates for bone turnover/disease in thalassemia. To this end, this study aims to analyze VDR/RXRA expression signature, and two VDBP variants in a pilot sample of Egyptian β-thalassemia children in correlation with bone mineral density (BMD).

Patients and methods: Forty-four β-thalassemia children and 40 unrelated controls were enrolled. The serum bone chemistry profile was measured. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMN) VDR/RXRA expression levels were quantified by Real-Time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). VDBP rs7041 and rs4588 variants were identified by Real-Time allelic discrimination assay. All patients were subjected to lumbar-spine Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

Results: VDR/RXRA expressions were significantly higher in β-thalassemia children compared to controls (P = 0.001 and <0.001, respectively) and showed higher values in β-thalassemia major relative to β-thalassemia intermedia. Expression levels of both genes were not associated with sex or BMD. However, VDBP rs4701 genotyping revealed lower BMD-L4 and a higher frequency of osteoporosis.

Conclusions: β-Thalassemia children had higher expression levels of PBMN VDR/RXRA. VDBP rs4701 variant was associated with osteoporosis in our β-thalassemia patients on vitamin D supplementation. Further large-scale studies in other ethnic populations are warranted.
A SEROPREVALENCE OF HBV, HCV AND HIV-1 AND CORRELATION WITH MOLECULAR MARKERS AMONG MULTI-TRANSFUSED THALASSEMIA PATIENTS IN WESTERN INDIA
Authors: Mishra Kanchan , Shah Avani , Patel Krima , Ghosh Kanjaksha , Bharadva Sumit
Published: August 2020

Background: Blood transfusion is a lifesaving therapy for patients with hemoglobinopathies. However, the need of frequent transfusion carries the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). This study was aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Hep-B, Hep-C and HIV-1infections among the multi-transfused Beta-thalassemic patients and correlate the same with NAT testing.

Methods: Total 196 patients with Beta-thalassemia were included in the study. Patients were screened for the presence of viral markers by third generation ELISA test as well as for viral DNA/RNA by NAT. 

Results: Among these 196 multi-transfused Beta-thalassemia patients, 32.1% were females and 67.8% were males. A total of 100 (51.1%) patients were found to be anti-HCV antibody reactive, while HCV-RNA was positive in 66 (33.7 %) of the 196 patients tested. There were 6 (3.1%) patients reactive for anti-HIV-1 antibody, while 8 (4.1%) were positive for HIV-RNA. There were only 3 (1.5%) patients that were found to be reactive for HBsAg, however 5 (2.5%) were positive for HBV-DNA. Two (1%) patients had co-infection of anti-HCV antibody and HBsAg,whereas 6 patients were found co-infected by NAT testing, in-which 3 (1.5%) were positive for HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA, 1 (0.5%) was positive for HIV-RNA and HBV-DNA, and 2 (1%) had co-infection of HIV-RNA and HCV RNA.

Conclusion: Prevalence of HCV among multi-transfused Beta-thalassemia patients is significantly higher than the normal population. On the other hand, the study showed low prevalence of HBV. Therefore, a follow-up schedule and administration of booster dose of HBV vaccine is strongly recommended for thalassemia patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the foremost work that shows prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV in thalassemia patients using both serology and molecular markers in Western India.
Impressive continuous complete response after mogamulizumab in a heavily pre-treated Sézary syndrome patient
Authors: Zinzani Pier Luigi , Lolli Ginevra , Casadei Beatrice , Argnani Lisa , Nanni Laura , Cavo Michele
Published: August 2020

Background: Sézary syndrome (SS) is a rare lymphoproliferative neoplasm, almost incurable outside the setting of allogeneic transplantable patients. Prognosis for relapse/refractory patient remains poor, as the available drugs confer short lasting remission. In this setting, the anti-chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4) monoclonal antibody mogamulizumab demonstrated efficacy in an international, open label, randomized controlled phase 3 trial (MAVORIC) versus vorinostat.

Case description: A heavily pretreated 57-year-old SS woman (stage IVA) was randomized in the mogamulizumab arm of MAVORIC at our Institution. She quickly achieved a response but after 30 cycles she was discontinued from therapy due to cutaneous toxicity. Nevertheless, she is still in complete response (CR).

Conclusions: mogamulizumab is an anti-CCR4 monoclonal antibody that can induce long lasting response also in very heavily pre-treated patients not responding to any previous treatment. The extraordinary characteristic of our patient is that she is still in CR after 2.5 years since treatment discontinuation.
COBALAMIN DEFICIENCY IN THE ELDERLY
Authors: Marchi Giacomo , Busti Fabiana , Lira Zidanes Acaynne , Vianello Alice , Girelli Domenico
Published: August 2020

Older people are at risk for cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency because of a number of common disorders (e.g. autoimmune gastritis) and drugs (e.g. antacids) that may alter its absorption and utilization. The prevalence of cobalamin deficiency increases with age, resulting particularly elevated in frail and institutionalized subjects. At variance with common sense, the diagnosis is far from simple and requires a high degree of suspicion, due to heterogeneity and non-specificity of the signs and symptoms, ranging from macrocytosis (with or without anemia) to neuropsychiatric manifestations, that characterize several other aging-related disorders, like hematological malignancies, diabetes, hypothyroidism or vasculopathies. Furthermore, the detection of low levels of serum vitamin B12 appears poorly sensitive and specific. Other biomarkers, like serum homocysteine or methylmalonic acid, have improved the diagnostic possibilities but are expensive, not widely available and may be influenced by some confounders (e.g. folate deficiency, or chronic renal failure). Early recognition and treatment are crucial, since a proportion of patients develop severe complications, such as bone marrow failure and irreversible neurological impairment. High-dose oral treatment has proven to be as effective as the parenteral route even in subjects with malabsorption, ensuring the complete resolution in the majority of cases. In this review, we trace the essential role of cobalamin in humans, the possible causes and impact of deficiency, the diagnostic challenges and the therapeutic options, between old and emerging concepts, with a particular focus on the elderly.
Successful Outcomes of Severe COVID-19 in Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Diagnostic Challenges in Immunocompromised Hosts
Authors: Malek Alexandre
Published: August 2020

The emergence and spread of 2019 novel coronavirus has led to an unprecedented public health crisis around the globe and has threatened the life of millions of people. We report a severe case of COVID-19 in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and describe primarily the clinical presentation and the challenges encountered in the COVID-19 diagnosis, treatment and specimens sampling pitfalls. This case highlights the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach of pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts, including timely and safe bronchoscopy, because the broad differential diagnosis, more challenging with the current outbreak of COVID-19.
A A Multicentre ICET-A Study of Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients with Hemoglobinopathies: Preliminary Data from 10 Countries
Authors: De Sanctis Vincenzo
Published: August 2020

Objectives: This study aims to investigate, retrospectively, the epidemiological and clinical characteristics, laboratory results, radiologic findings and outcomes of novel coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in patients with transfusion dependent β thalassemia (β-thalassemia major-TM), non-transfusion dependent β thalassemia (β-thalassemia intermedia -TI) and sickle cell disease (SCD). Design, setting: A total of 17 Centers, from 10 countries, following 9,499 patients with hemoglobinopathies participated in the survey. Main outcome measures: Clinical, laboratory and radiologic findings and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 were collected from medical records and summarized. Results: A total of 13 patients, 7 with TM, 3 with TI and 3 with SCD, with confirmed COVID-19, were identified from 6 Centers from different countries. The overall mean age of patients was 33.7±12.3 years (range:13-66); 9/13 (69.2%) patients were females. The commonest symptoms in the 10 symptomatic patients were: fever (80%), cough (70%), headache (60%), fatigue (60%), gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea /vomiting/abdominal pain; 50%), tachypnea/dyspnea (40%), and sore throat (40%). Six patients had pneumonia (unilateral, bilateral or multiple opacity) and 4 needed oxygen therapy. An oxygen saturation ≤ 93% was documented in 3 patients at diagnosis. 6/10 patients had an exacerbation of anemia (2 with SCD, associated with back and chest pain in 1 patient), and 3 (<30%) had a decreased absolute number of lymphocytes. Increased C-reactive protein and D-dimers were the most common laboratory findings (66.6 %). Conclusions: The clinical presentation for COVID-19 in patients with β-thalassemia and SCD varies. Patients with mild/ordinary COVID-19 infection appear to have clinical symptoms and laboratory findings common to other viral respiratory infections. One 30 year old TM female patient with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. For a better understanding of COVID-19 in patients with hemoglobinopathies, further epidemiologic and clinical studies in a larger cohort of patients are required.
Impact of SARS CoV-2 in hemoglobinopathies: a protective mechanism being from Beta chain Hemoglobin defects?
Authors: Torti Lorenza , Maffei Laura , Sorrentino Francesco , De Fabritiis Paolo , Miceli Rossella , Abruzzese Elisabetta
Published: August 2020

Not required for Letters
Mechanical and Tribological Behavior of Mg-Matrix Composites Manufactured by Stir Casting
Authors: Praveenkumar R. , Periyasamy P. , Mohanavel V. , Ravikumar M.M.
Published: August 2020

In the recent decades, magnesium matrix composites present a plenty of applications in automotive, marine and aerospace industries. In this work, AZ31B is selected as Mg matrix material and hard Tungsten carbide (WC) particles as reinforcement material. Mg/WC composites are reinforced with different weight proportions (0, 5, 10 and 15% wt.) using stir casting method. The worn surface of manufactured Mg/WC composites and base Mg material were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The wear test results denote that AZ31B/15% wt. WC composites have excellent tribological behaviour when compared to the base magnesium matrix AZ31B alloy. The yield tensile strength, flexural strength, ultimate tensile strength and micro-hardness of the manufactured composites are improved by increasing the WC content. Further, SEM analysis revealed the homogeneous distribution of WC particles throughout the Mg matrix.
Improvement of Wall Angle in AISI 304 Stainless Steel Cup using Five Stage Single Point Incremental Forming
Authors: Suresh Kumar D. , Ethiraj N.
Published: August 2020

Incremental forming is a non-conventional metal forming process which is widely used to produce the customized parts especially in medical and aerospace industries. One of the challenges encountered in the single stage process is the maximum wall angle of the component that can be formed to a maximum possible depth without fracture. Many strategies have been tried by the researchers in the past to overcome this limitation. The aim of this research work is to investigate the effect of 5 stage incremental forming process in improving the formation of maximum wall angle to a possible height which is not possible in single stage incremental forming. Also, the different strain measurements are carried out to identify the region at which the fracture is likely to occur in the produced part. It is observed from single stage incremental forming process for a wall angle of 64ï‚°, max. depth of 45mm is achieved in the part produced. The current 5 stage incremental forming process reached the max. height of 54 mm with a wall angle of 76ï‚° successfully. The maximum thickness strain of 75% is observed at a distance of 18mm from the bottom end of the flange of a formed component.
Dynamic Stability Analysis of a Cracked Beam using a Lumped Parameter Model
Authors: Sharavankumar C.
Published: August 2020

Vibration based condition monitoring is one of the predictive maintenance strategies applied for structures and rotating machinery. Detection and identification of fatigue crack in structures has been a widely discussed problem in the literature of condition monitoring. This paper discusses the numerical results that have been obtained from the study of bending vibration of a cracked beam. The crack is primarily modelled as an opening/ closing crack resulting in a periodic variation in stiffness. The mathematical model considered for the cracked beam is a lumped single degree of freedom system. The resulting system equation of motion has the canonical form of a Mathieu equation. For obtaining the system response, the equation is written in a state-space form and then solved using fourth order Runge-Kutta numerical integration. The time and frequency domain responses are obtained for a specific harmonic excitation. Further, the stability of the cracked beam is discussed with respect to the variation in stiffness, by numerical analysis, using a Vander Pol and Strutt stability chart diagram.
Prediction of Cutting Forces during End Milling using 3D FEM based Simulation Analysis
Authors: Mugilan T. , Alwarsamy T.
Published: August 2020

Material removal process for dies, moulds and additionally diverse aircraft parts can be made possible by the highspeed end milling operation. Devious cutting forces are created by the impact of various cutting parameters in course with high speed milling process. Due to this phenomenon the wear and chatter of tool can occur. Cutting force prediction is useful method to reduce the chatter occurrence during the machining of hardest materials. DEFORM 3D is an important simulation software which is used for the analysis of complicated metal removal processes. In this work, the tool insert was designed by Solid Works modelling software. The FEM simulation of high-speed end milling of Titanium-Vanadium based alloy was carried out in Deform 3D simulation software to obtain the cutting forces. The material behaviour was modelled with a classical constitutive material equation and was applied in the FEM code to predict the effective stress, strain, temperature and cutting forces towards the impact of cutting parameters. Analysis of variance is achieved to determine the impact of cutting forces with help of Taguchi method in Minitab-17. L16 orthogonal array was used to conduct the analysis of high speed end milling.
Channel Estimation and Equalization for Vehicular Network by Novel Pilot
Authors: Samatha B. , Kumar K. Raja , Karyemsetty Nagarjuna
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we proposed a new technique for channel estimation using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing, (OFDM). Channel estimation is an integral part of the OFDM system based on the latest high speed transmission technology. Channel estimation is a vital technique used at the receiver side in order to estimate actual transmitted signal which gets affected by Interference. In OFDM, the known pilot signal is inserted to get a channel estimate and then the channel response is obtained by interpolation algorithms. We propose two algorithms and studied their characteristics qualities in channel estimation by simulation in NS-2. Firstly, the channel estimation scheme named Frequently Constructed Pilot Based Channel Estimation(FCPCE), which fully utilizes the pilot symbols is used to estimate the channel response and then the equalizer technique Maximum Minimizing Null Adaptive filters(MMNF) is used to completely remove the inter-symbol interference (ISI) and noise at the receiver side. Further, analysis and simulations show better performance of the proposed techniques based on 802.11p standard.
Energy Absorption Capability and Ballistic Resistance of Metallic Plates Subjected to High Velocity Impact
Authors: Karthikeyan P. , Karthick P. , Ramajeyathilagam K.
Published: August 2020

Energy absorption capability and ballistic resistance are the main parameters considered while choosing the material against impact loading. The need for light weight structures with high strength against impact loading is increased in automobiles and military application. In this paper, the energy absorbing capacity and ballistic resistance of the aluminium, steel and combination of steel composite plate is studied. 300ï‚´300mm metallic plate is subjected to rigid projectile impact under high velocity. The energy absorbed during plastic deformation, residual velocity, ballistic limit and metal failure is obtained from the numerical analysis using advanced finite element code LS Dyna and validated with analytical method. From the results, it is observed that the monolithic steel plate provides better resistance than the aluminium plate and steel aluminium composite plate.