bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acesso e permanência do aprendente com autismo no Brasil: marcos teóricos legais que subsidiam esse direito
Authors: Matos Maria Almerinda de Souza , Tiradentes Regina Oliveira , Menezes Reinaldo Oliveira
Published: October 2020

O respectivo trabalho tem o objetivo de compreender o processo de construção da inclusão escolar do aprendente com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA), assim como, sua definição. Debruçaremos nos documentos que são os marcos legais e normativas acerca da educação especial. Como também, nos referenciais teóricos que investigam a questão do Transtorno do Espectro Autista e sua inclusão nos estabelecimentos de ensino regular. Adotou-se a pesquisa qualitativa para melhor compreensão e aprofundamentos da discussão sobre o objetivo em questão. Buscando compreender a realidade escolar e o sujeito inserido nela, em especial o aprendente com TEA, um direito garantido nos dispositivos legais. Nesse sentido a organização de medidas de apoio que oportunizem a implementação das redes de ensino colaborativa, que visam oferecer condições estruturais em âmbito escolar, teremos sim a possibilidade de estabelecer um processo sólido de construção de uma inclusão escolar dia a dia. De acordo com nossos estudos, apontamos o seguinte resultado: o envolvimento da escola, da família e dos profissionais da educação na organização de práticas pedagógicas inclusivas levam a ampliação das estruturas cognitivas, facilitarão a aprendizagem nas diversas aéreas do conhecimento, auxiliando também não só no desenvolvimento intelectual do aprendente com TEA, como de promover sua autonomia e seu bem-estar social, e contribuindo de maneira produtiva para seu acesso e permanência no ensino comum.
Hanseníase: determinantes sociais e análise espacial de casos em município hiperendêmico
Authors: Macedo Juliana Bezerra , Macedo Daniela Bezerra , Ferreira Anderson Fuentes , Macedo Glauber Bezerra , Bortoleto Claudio Scott , Santos Laurita dos , Rodrigues Bruno Vinícius Manzolli , Pavinatto Adriana
Published: October 2020

O estudo objetivou mapear a distribuição espacial e caracterizar os indivíduos diagnosticados com hanseníase na cidade de Picos, município hiperendêmico para a doença, situado no semiárido do estado do Piauí, região nordeste do Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, analítico e exploratório realizado através do acesso a fichas de notificação compulsória contidas na Vigilância Epidemiológica, onde foram realizadas estatísticas descritivas como frequências absolutas e relativas, razão de proporção e cálculo de incidência. Após constatada autocorrelação através do índice de Moran global, foi avaliada a autocorrelação local através do LISA (Local Indicators of Spatial Association) sendo utilizados os Mapas de Moran (Moran Maps) para a representação espacial do diagrama de espalhamento de Moran. Os resultados evidenciaram que a taxa de detecção média no período foi de 45,60/100 mil habitantes na população geral e 6,4/ 100 mil habitantes em menores de 14 anos. Observou-se maior percentual de casos notificados em indivíduos adultos, do sexo masculino, ensino fundamental incompleto, cor parda e zona de residência urbana. Verificaram-se percentuais equiparados nas notificações de hanseníase na atenção básica e em pontos de atenção de nível secundário (50,5% e 49,5%) respectivamente. Evidenciou que a endemicidade da doença está espalhada em todas as regiões do município e a maioria dos bairros apresentaram-se hiperêndemicos. A formação de cluster alto/alto em regiões específicas da cidade. Os dados apresentados são elementos a serem considerados na organização e fortalecimento dos serviços de saúde.
Qual a compreensão dos discentes de Ensino Médio sobre o processo evolutivo? Uma análise realizada em uma escola pública da rede federal
Authors: Bezerra Kaydsy Natiely Conceição , Cordeiro Rogério Soares , Sousa Elson Silva de , Borges Artemisa Nazaré Costa , Cajaiba Reinaldo Lucas , Martins Jesuino da Silva Costa
Published: October 2020

A biodiversidade dos organismos é resultante da evolução biológica. Os processos evolutivos estão imbricados com as mais variadas áreas da biologia o que demonstra a importância desse conhecimento para a compreensão de inúmeros fenômenos biológicos. Apesar disso, é notória em diversas situações, a dificuldade dos discentes em compreender os principais aspectos do processo evolutivo. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as concepções sobre o processo evolutivo dos discentes do ensino médio técnico integrado de uma escola pública da rede federal. Participaram desta pesquisa 137 discentes, sendo entrevistados por meio de questionário composto de sete itens. Os resultados demonstram que os discentes associam de forma incorreta o processo evolutivo com os termos: melhoria, progresso ou complexidade, além de possuírem dificuldades em associar a evolução com as demais áreas da biologia. Recomenda-se que os conteúdos a serem ministradas durante esta etapa da educação básica ocorra de forma articulada, de modo a diminuir as dificuldades apontadas.
The Educational Nexus to the War on Drugs: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rodríguez-Gómez Diana , Bermeo Maria Jose
Published: October 2020

The war on drugs has had a heavy impact on educational settings, yet to date the fields of education in emergencies and comparative and international education have largely overlooked it. This systematic review of relevant empirical studies published between 1988 and 2018 across 20 subfields of education examines how academic scholarship has addressed the intersection of schooling and the war on drugs. Through a content analysis of 420 articles, we quantified the occurrence of terms related to the war on drugs, identified patterns and trends, and explored their underlying meaning. We found abundant academic literature on drugs and schools, particularly with regard to student drug use, but little research that examines the educational implications of the war on drugs. We draw from the concept of assemblage to frame the scope of this global conflict and conclude with a research agenda that incorporates discussions about the war on drugs in the education in emergencies field.
"If you don't have an education, you are no one": Understanding the School Experiences of Youth Involved in Drug-Related Crime in Ciudad Juárez and Medellín
Authors: Chavez Villegas Cirenia , Butti Elena
Published: October 2020

The relation between being out of school and participating in criminal economies is widely documented in the literature on youth delinquency. However, the complex connection between these two phenomena has not yet been fully unpacked. This paper draws from two studies that we, the authors, conducted separately to explore the role educational experiences play in shaping the delinquent trajectories of male youth who participate in the drug business in urban centers located in Mexico and Colombia. The first consists of in-depth interviews and surveys conducted in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, while the second is based on long-term ethnographic engagement in Medellín, Colombia. We provide unique insights into the educational experiences of this hard-to-reach population and find that economic hardship does not wholly explain why these young people leave school and engage in delinquent activities. These youth do not "drop out" of school in search of money; rather, they are "pushed out" by a vicious cycle of stigmatization, segregation, punishment, and exclusion. By exploring these dynamics in two cities that have waged long drug wars, this article furthers understanding of the nexus between crime-related violence and educational experiences, thus making an important contribution to the field of education in emergencies.
Catalyst: Expanding Harm-Reduction Education and Youth Participation in the Context of the War on Drugs
Authors: Di Castri Theo
Published: October 2020

Catalyst is a year-long, bilingual (English/Spanish) fellowship program for high school students and their teachers who live in communities affected by the war on drugs (WoD) that is being waged across the Americas. This educational effort is a response to the social suffering caused by the WoD. Catalyst is working to forge transnational networks of solidarity and analysis among youth on the frontlines of the WoD and to ensure that their voices are heard by the growing drug-policy reform movement. In this field note, I argue that existing abstinence- and prevention-based programs fail to address the structural roots of the WoD and that a radical, more comprehensive approach to drug education is needed. I first lay out the context and rationale for the Catalyst program and then outline some of the challenges and lessons that emerged during its inaugural session. Based on facilitators' and students' experiences at that session, the program is seen as a promising first step toward an alternative approach to drug education. I conclude the field note by suggesting new avenues for inquiry and collaboration between the field of education in emergencies and drug-policy reform.
Missed Appointments by Hypertension Patients in Transitional Care: Race and Insurance Correlates
Authors: Appel Hoa B. , Ai Amy , Tingir Seyfullah
Published: October 2020

Missed outpatient appointments represent a barrier to continuity of care. Little evidence exists on the relationship between health insurance status and missed appointments at a transitional care clinic (TCC) for underserved hypertensive patients. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke. This study examined associations between payment status and race with missed first appointments after discharge following hypertension-based hospitalization. We conducted a retrospective study using an appointment database during the first three years at a TCC that serves underserved patients. Nearly two-thirds of eligible patients (n=144) self-identified as Blacks. Three types of insurance and demographics were used to predict the missed first appointment in three two-step logistic regression models. We also examined the interaction between race and appointment status. The role of race in appointment status varied across three models. Privately insured patients had fewer missed appointments. However, the interaction analyses showed that privately insured Black patients were more likely to miss their first appointments than patients of other races or patients with other insurance types. Black patients without insurance were more likely to appear at appointments, though neither being publicly insured nor being uninsured was independently related to missed appointments. Further investigation into vulnerable populations should address mechanisms underlying these relationships.
Möllermodellen. Svensk socialförsäkring 1944-51
Authors: Edebalk Per Gunnar
Published: October 2020

Gustav Möller var tongivande svensk socialpolitiker åren efter krigsslutet. Den modell för socialförsäkring som han sökte genomdriva baserades på den så kallade minimistandardprincipen och skulle ge grundtrygghet. Modellen blev emellertid inte offentligt formulerad i sin helhet. I artikeln görs ett försök att rekonstruera modellen och den relateras till den allmänna socialförsäkringsutvecklingen i Sverige. Härigenom kan Möllers självständighet som socialförsäkringsideolog belysas.
Anhörigvårdare - informella vårdare i ett formellt vårdsystem
Authors: Mossberg Ann-Britt
Published: October 2020

Att hjälpa människor i sina hem för att minska institutionsboende har länge varit en målsättning i lagstiftningen. Att kunna bo kvar i sitt hem skulle dock inte vara möjligt for så många utan de insatser som anhöriga gör. Vissa av dessa anhöriga blir anställda av kommunen för att hjälpa sin närstdende. Artikeln handlar om hur deras situation kan vara och dilemmat med att utföra ett arbete som ibland räknas som lönearbete, ibland som ett familjeansvar.
Hur påverkas psykisk hälsa av arbete och familjeliv?
Authors: Björnberg Ulla
Published: October 2020

Kvinnors psykiska hälsa och välbefinnande är sämre än männens. Detta sammanhänger med arbetsfördelningen i hemmet och med villkor i arbetslivet. Att leva i familjer där många konflikter förekommer visar påtagliga samband med negativ upplevelse av hemansvar och med psykiskt välbefinnande.
Barns hälsa och föräldrars arbetslöshet
Authors: Hagquist Curt , Starrin Bengt
Published: October 2020

Hur foräldrars arbetslöshet påverkar barns hälsa är en angelägen fråga att belysa - särskilt i en tid med hög arbetslöshet och när många fältrapporter kommer om att allt fler barn mår dåligt. Utifrån två bredare studier redovisas i artikeln resultat över sambandet mellan föräldrars sysselsättningssituation och barns hälsa.
Frivilligt socialt arbete under omprövning
Authors: Lundström Tommy
Published: October 2020

Den frivilliga sektorns roll i det sociala arbetet betonas allt mer i samhällsdebatten, det märks bland annat i socialtjänstkommittens nya betänkande. Det tycks vara så att frivilligsektorns roll är under omprövning. I den här artikeln analyseras relationerna mellan det frivilligt organiserade sociala arbetet och staten . Med utgångspunkt i ett historiskt perspektiv diskuteras förutsättningarna för och konsekvenserna av att frivilligsektorn får en mer framträdande roll i produktionen av service på det sociala fältet.
Vräkt till hemlöshet? Vräkningar i Sverige 1982-1994
Authors: Flyghed Janne
Published: October 2020

I artikeln skall vräkningsutvecklingen sedan 1982 beskrivas och analyseras samt dess relation till hemlöshet diskuteras. Vilka är det som vräks och vart tar de vägen? Hur har det stigande antalet vräkningar påverkat socialtjänstens, kronofogdens och hyresvärdarnas arbete?
Arbetsorganisation och gruppklimat i hemtjänsten
Authors: Olsson Eric , Ingvad Bengt , Hansson Kjell
Published: October 2020

Påverkar utformningen av grupporganisationen i hemtjänsten arbetsgruppernas klimat? 25 arbetsgrupper i tre olika kommuner har undersökts. Gruppstorlek, mötesordning, ledningsform samt gruppernas självständighet i organisationen visar sig vara avgörande för kommunikation, stämning, sammanhållning och konflikthantering.
Fattigvårdsfolket och pensionsstriden 1912/13
Authors: Edebalk Per Gunnar
Published: October 2020

Den avgörande kraftmätningen mellan fattigvårdens målsmän och företrädarna för en modernare socialpolitisk ideologi ägde rum under några intensiva månader vintern-våren 1912/13. Det var en revirstrid som kan kallas klassisk.
Det sociala misslyckandet som berättelse - Att återställa den moraliska ordningen
Authors: Hydén Lars-Christer
Published: October 2020

Utredningar som görs av socialarbetare inför ett tvångsomhändertagande av barn, utnyttjar och bygger på en likartad berättelsegrammatik. I berättelserna figurerar en begränsad uppsättning karaktärer som binds samman och finner sin plats genom en intrig som ytterst skänker mening åt socialarbetarnas utredning. I artikeln analyseras uppbyggnaden av barnavårdsutredningar i ett narrativt perspektiv.
"Tig med dig, karring!" skrek flickan till sin mor. Mötet mellan barn, föräldrar och Norrköpings bamavårdsnämnd 1903-1925
Authors: Sundkvist Maria
Published: October 2020

Syftet med denna artikel är att studera den tidiga kommunala barnavårdens historia från ett underifrånperspektiv. Artikeln utgår från min avhandling »De vanartade barnen. Mötet mellan barn, föräldrar och Norrköpings barnavårdsnämnd 1903-1925«. Med ett underifrånperspektiv menas bland annat att det är barnen och deras handlingar som är det huvudsakliga forskningsintresset.
Nobel Prize roots in Russia
Authors: Antipova Tatiana
Published: October 2020

The scientist who does not dream of receiving the Nobel Prize is unthinkable. The main reason for this research is that fact that just about 2,5% of Nobel Prize winners are Russians. This paper analyzed archive and literature documents about the activity of Alfred Nobel in Russia. In 1879 three Nobel Brothers (including Alfred) founded the "Nobel Brothers Association", abbreviated as Branobel, in Russia. Success touched Alfred Nobel’s fut in Russian business and part of his profit was secured in Russian Central Bank as we know from Alfred Nobel’s will. As a result of current research author tried to evaluate contribution of A. Nobel’s Russian business in Nobel Foundation and Russian life. Consequently, it was revealed that A. Nobel’s executor Sohlman R. stated that in the assets of the Nobel Prize the originally share of funds received from Branobel activities was about 12%.
A Weighted Ensemble Learning Algorithm Based on Diversity Using a Novel Particle Swarm Optimization Approach
Authors: You Gui-Rong , Shiue Yeou-Ren , Yeh Wei-Chang , Chen Xi-Li , Chen Chih-Ming
Published: October 2020

In ensemble learning, accuracy and diversity are the main factors affecting its performance. In previous studies, diversity was regarded only as a regularization term, which does not sufficiently indicate that diversity should implicitly be treated as an accuracy factor. In this study, a two-stage weighted ensemble learning method using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed to balance the diversity and accuracy in ensemble learning. The first stage is to enhance the diversity of the individual learner, which can be achieved by manipulating the datasets and the input features via a mixed-binary PSO algorithm to search for a set of individual learners with appropriate diversity. The purpose of the second stage is to improve the accuracy of the ensemble classifier using a weighted ensemble method that considers both diversity and accuracy. The set of weighted classifier ensembles is obtained by optimization via the PSO algorithm. The experimental results on 30 UCI datasets demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms other state-of-the-art baselines.
Acoustic and Flow Aspects of Novel Synthetic Jet Actuator
Authors: Smyk Emil , Gil Paweł , Gałek Rafał , Przeszłowski Łukasz
Published: October 2020

The acoustic and flow aspects of the novel synthetic jet actuator (SJA) with fins inside the cavity were experimentally investigated for three types of enclosure design and two models of loudspeaker. The aim of the study is to find the parameter which connects the flow and acoustic properties of the SJA and allows us to choose the optimal solution in those regards. The hot wire anemometry was used for the velocity measurements and the sound pressure level was measured with a sound level meter. The model of the loudspeaker turned out to have a significantly stronger impact on the flow parameters and noise level than the shape of the fins in the cavity. The parameter that showed a dependence on the shape of the fins was the actuator’s efficiency. A ratio of the root-mean-square velocity at the orifice axis to the sound pressure level (U0.c/SPL) was used to connect the acoustic and flow properties of the tested actuators. This parameter was subsequently applied to determine the best configuration among the tested actuators.
A Review for Southern Highbush Blueberry Alternative Production Systems
Authors: Fang Yang , Nunez Gerardo H. , Silva Mariana Neves da , Phillips Douglas A. , Munoz Patricio R.
Published: October 2020

Southern highbush blueberry cultivation has expanded into non-traditional growing areas worldwide due to elite cultivars and improved horticultural practices. This article presents a comprehensive review of current production systems—alternatives to traditional open field production—such as production in protected environments, high-density plantings, evergreen production, and container-based production. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each system and compare their differences to open field production. In addition, we provide potential solutions for some of the disadvantages. We also highlight some of the gaps existing between academic studies and production in industry, providing a guide for future academic research. All these alternative systems have shown the potential to produce high yields with high-quality berries. Alternative systems, compared to field production, require higher establishment investments and thus create an entry barrier for new producers. Nevertheless, with their advantages, alternative productions have the potential to be profitable.
Combined Linkage Mapping and Genome-Wide Association Study Identified QTLs Associated with Grain Shape and Weight in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Kang Ju-Won , Kabange Nkulu Rolly , Phyo Zarchi , Park So-Yeon , Lee So-Myeong , Lee Ji-Yun , Shin Dongjin , Cho Jun Hyeon , Park Dong-Soo , Ko Jong-Min , Lee Jong-Hee
Published: October 2020

In the current study, we used a linkage mapping–Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) joint strategy to investigate quantitative trait loci (QTLs) governing rice grain shape and weight in a doubled haploid (DH) population, using Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers. Results revealed the co-detection of the QTLs, qGLE-12-1 and qGLE-12-2 (Chromosome 12), qGTE-3-1 (Chromosome 3), and qGWL-5-1 and qLWRL-5-1 (Chromosome 5), associated with grain length, width, and length–width ratio, by both linkage mapping and GWAS. In addition, qGLL-7-1 (logarithm of the odds (LOD): 18.0, late-transplanted rice) and qGLE-3-1 (LOD: 8.1, early-transplanted rice), and qLWRL-7-1 (LOD: 34.5), detected only by linkage mapping, recorded a high phenotypic variation explained (PVE) of 32.5%, 19.3%, and 37.7% for grain length, and grain length–width ratio, respectively, contributed by the allele from 93-11. Meanwhile, qGWL-5-1 (LOD: 17.2) recorded a high PVE (31.7%) for grain width, and the allele from Milyang352 contributed to the observed phenotypic variation. Furthermore, qGTL-5-1 (LOD: 21.9) had a high PVE (23.3%) for grain thickness. Similarly, qTGWE-5-1 (LOD: 8.6) showed a high contribution to the PVE for grain weight (23.4%). Moreover, QTLs, qGW-5-1, qGT-5-1, qLWR-5-1, and qTGW-5-1 coincided on chromosome 5, flanked with KJ05_17 and KJ05_13 markers. Therefore, these QTLs are suggested to govern rice grain shape and weight. Additionally, the identified candidate genes could play active roles in the regulation of rice grain shape and weight, regarding their predicted functions, and similarity with previously reported genes. Downstream breeding and functional studies are required to elucidate the roles of these candidate genes in the regulation of grain shape and weight in rice.
Variable Rate Nitrogen and Water Management for Irrigated Maize in the Western US
Authors: Dahal Subash , Phillippi Evan , Longchamps Louis , Khosla Raj , Andales Allan
Published: October 2020

Nitrogen (N) and water continue to be the most limiting factors for profitable maize (Zea Mays L.) production in the western US Great Plains. Precision application of N and water has the potential to significantly enhance input use efficiency without impairing yields. The overall objective of this study was to determine the most productive and efficient nitrogen and water management strategy for irrigated maize by using site-specific management zones and a proximal remote sensing approach. This study was conducted over 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 crop growing seasons near Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Six nitrogen rates (0, 56, 112, 168, 224, and 280 kg N ha−1) were applied along experimental strips across three delineated management zones (low, medium, and high productivity). Four rates of irrigation were applied to maize (60%, 80%, 100%, and 120% of evapotranspiration) using a center pivot precision irrigation system equipped with zone control. Optical proximal sensor readings were acquired on all experimental strips four times during the growing season to assess four nitrogen management strategies (uniform, management zone (MZ), remote sensing (RS), and management zone remote sensing (MZRS)) on grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Results from this three-year study showed the significant interaction (p = 0.05) of zone vs. irrigation and irrigation vs. nitrogen across all years. In two of the three years (2016 and 2018), the high productivity zone benefitted from high irrigation rates, demonstrated by 16% and 18% yield increase from the lowest irrigation rate. In 2016, yield plateau was reached at 168 kg N ha−1 with 80% and 100% irrigation rates, whereas the plateau was reached at 112 kg N ha−1 in the 120% irrigation rate. These results demonstrate the possibility of fine-tuning zones, irrigation, and nitrogen to achieve optimum yield. While uniform and MZ nitrogen management strategies produced the highest grain yield, the best NUE was achieved via the RS strategy, followed by the MZ strategy. In this study, the MZRS strategy (combined MZ and RS) did not produce superior yield and NUE as compared to uniform and other strategies. However, there is a tremendous opportunity to fine-tune these two strategies, using other algorithms that are not explored in this study to improve the sustainability of maize production under irrigated conditions.
Climate Change May Imperil Tea Production in the Four Major Tea Producers According to Climate Prediction Models
Authors: Jayasinghe Sadeeka Layomi , Kumar Lalit
Published: October 2020

The threat of accelerating climate change on species distribution now and in the future is a topic of increasing research interest. However, little work has been undertaken to assess how shifting climates will affect the suitability of tea cultivation. Therefore, we used MaxEnt modelling to project the impact of current and future climatic scenarios on the potential distribution of tea across the four tea-producing countries of China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka. Projections were made for the years 2050 and 2070 with three Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) using seven bioclimatic predictors under three global circulation models (GCMs). The current and future habitat suitability for tea predicted by the models produced a high accuracy rate, with high areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) for all tested RCPs under the three GCMs for the four countries. The mean true skill statistic (TSS) values for tea in Sri Lanka, Kenya, India and China were 0.80, 0.91, 0.91, and 0.74, respectively. The kappa values (k) of the current and future models for all four countries ranged from 0.40 to 0.75, which indicates that the overall performance of the model was good. The precipitation seasonality and annual precipitation were found to be the most influential variables in Sri Lanka and India, respectively, while annual mean temperature was the most effective contributor for determining the suitability of habitat for tea in Kenya and China. An important proviso is that some existing tea-growing areas will face reduced suitability for future tea cultivation suggesting that by 2050 there will be a drastic reduction in the optimal suitability by averages of 26.2%, 14%, and 4.7% in Kenya, Sri Lanka and China, respectively. The optimal suitability will be reduced by 15.1%, 28.6% and 2.6% in Kenya, Sri Lanka and China, respectively, by 2070. India displays an advantage in projected future climates as it gains optimal suitability areas of 15% by 2050 and 25% by 2070.
The Effect of Low-Temperature Crystallization of Fish Oil on the Chemical Composition, Fatty Acid Profile, and Functional Properties of Cow’s Milk
Authors: Bodkowski Robert , Czyż Katarzyna , Sokoła-Wysoczańska Ewa , Janczak Marzena , Cholewińska Paulina , Wyrostek Anna
Published: October 2020

The study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation of fish oil after the process of low-temperature crystallization (LTC-FO) enriched with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) on cow milk parameters. The experiment was carried out on 24 Polish Holstein Friesian cows. For 4 weeks, experimental (EXP) group animals (n = 12) were fed LTC-FO (1% of dry matter). Milk was collected two times: on days 14 and 30. LTC-FO supplementation decreased milk fat yield and concentration (p < 0.01). Higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including these with beneficial biological properties, i.e., eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), docosapentaenoic (DPA), CLA, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and TVA (p < 0.01), and lower levels of SFAs, especially short- (p < 0.01) and medium-chain ones (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), were found in the EXP group. The addition of LTC-FO reduced the value of atherogenic and thrombogenic indices as well as SFA/UFA and n-6/n-3 ratios and increased the content of n-3 PUFA and functional fatty acids (p < 0.01). The addition of LTC-FO also increased the delta-9 desaturase index for CLA/TVA and decreased it for pairs C14:1/C14:0 and C16:1/C16:0 (p < 0.05, p < 0.01).
The Utility of Grimace Scales for Practical Pain Assessment in Laboratory Animals
Authors: Mota-Rojas Daniel , Olmos-Hernández Adriana , Verduzco-Mendoza Antonio , Hernández Elein , Martínez-Burnes Julio , Whittaker Alexandra L.
Published: October 2020

Animals’ facial expressions are widely used as a readout for emotion. Scientific interest in the facial expressions of laboratory animals has centered primarily on negative experiences, such as pain, experienced as a result of scientific research procedures. Recent attempts to standardize evaluation of facial expressions associated with pain in laboratory animals has culminated in the development of “grimace scales”. The prevention or relief of pain in laboratory animals is a fundamental requirement for in vivo research to satisfy community expectations. However, to date it appears that the grimace scales have not seen widespread implementation as clinical pain assessment techniques in biomedical research. In this review, we discuss some of the barriers to implementation of the scales in clinical laboratory animal medicine, progress made in automation of collection, and suggest avenues for future research.
The Late-Stage Protective Effect of Mito-TEMPO against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mouse and Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models
Authors: Abdullah-Al-Shoeb Mohammad , Sasaki Kenta , Kikutani Saori , Namba Nanami , Ueno Keiichi , Kondo Yuki , Maeda Hitoshi , Maruyama Toru , Irie Tetsumi , Ishitsuka Yoichi
Published: October 2020

An overdose of acetaminophen (APAP), the most common cause of acute liver injury, induces oxidative stress that subsequently causes mitochondrial impairment and hepatic necroptosis. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), the only recognized drug against APAP hepatotoxicity, is less effective the later it is administered. This study evaluated the protective effect of mitochondria-specific Mito-TEMPO (Mito-T) on APAP-induced acute liver injury in C57BL/6J male mice, and a three dimensional (3D)-cell culture model containing the human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2. The administration of Mito-T (20 mg/kg, i.p.) 1 h after APAP (400 mg/kg, i.p.) injection markedly attenuated the APAP-induced elevated serum transaminase activity and hepatic necrosis. However, Mito-T treatment did not affect key factors in the development of APAP liver injury including the activation of c-jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), and expression of the transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) in the liver. However, Mito-T significantly reduced the APAP-induced increase in the hepatic oxidative stress marker, nitrotyrosine, and DNA fragmentation. Mito-T markedly attenuated cytotoxicity induced by APAP in the HepG2 3D-cell culture model. Moreover, liver regeneration after APAP hepatotoxicity was not affected by Mito-T, demonstrated by no changes in proliferating cell nuclear antigen formation. Therefore, Mito-T was hepatoprotective at the late-stage of APAP overdose in mice.
Film Adaptation as Experimental Game Design
Authors: Barr Pippin
Published: October 2020

Film adaptation is a popular approach to game design, but it prioritizes blockbuster films and conventional “game-like” qualities of those films, such as shooting, racing, or spatial exploration. This leads to adaptations that tend to use the aesthetics and narratives of films, but which miss out on potential design explorations of more complex cinematic qualities. In this article, I propose an experimental game design method that prioritizes an unconventional selection of films alongside strict game design constraints to explore tensions and affinities between cinema and videogames. By applying this design method and documenting the process and results, I am able both to present an experimental set of videogame film adaptations, along with potentially generative design and development themes. In the end, the project serves as an illustration of the nature of adaptation itself: a series of pointed compromises between the source and the new work.
Increasing Neurons or Deepening Layers in Forecasting Maximum Temperature Time Series?
Authors: Tran Trang Thi Kieu , Lee Taesam , Kim Jong-Suk
Published: October 2020

Weather forecasting, especially that of extreme climatic events, has gained considerable attention among researchers due to their impacts on natural ecosystems and human life. The applicability of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in non-linear process forecasting has significantly contributed to hydro-climatology. The efficiency of neural network functions depends on the network structure and parameters. This study proposed a new approach to forecasting a one-day-ahead maximum temperature time series for South Korea to discuss the relationship between network specifications and performance by employing various scenarios for the number of parameters and hidden layers in the ANN model. Specifically, a different number of trainable parameters (i.e., the total number of weights and bias) and distinctive numbers of hidden layers were compared for system-performance effects. If the parameter sizes were too large, the root mean square error (RMSE) would be generally increased, and the model’s ability was impaired. Besides, too many hidden layers would reduce the system prediction if the number of parameters was high. The number of parameters and hidden layers affected the performance of ANN models for time series forecasting competitively. The result showed that the five-hidden layer model with 49 parameters produced the smallest RMSE at most South Korean stations.
NIFS Atomic and Molecular Numerical Database for Collision Processes
Authors: Murakami Izumi , Kato Masatoshi , Emoto Masahiko , Kato Daiji , Sakaue Hiroyuki A. , Kawate Tomoko
Published: October 2020

The National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) has compiled and developed atomic and molecular numerical databases for various collision processes and makes it accessible from the internet to the public. The database contains numerical data of cross sections and rate coefficients for electron collision or ion collisions with atoms and molecules, attached with bibliographic information on their data sources. The database system provides query forms to search data, and numerical data are retrievable. The graphical output is helpful to understand energy dependence of cross sections and temperature dependence of rate coefficients obtained by various studies. All data are compiled mainly from published literature, and data sources can be tracked by the bibliographic information. We also have data of sputtering yields and back-scattering coefficients for solid surfaces collided by ions in the database. All data in the database are applicable to understand atomic and molecular processes in various plasmas, such as fusion plasma, astrophysical plasma and applied plasma, as well as for understanding plasma–surface interaction in plasmas.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with High Concentration of Prostate-Specific Antigen: ELSIA Study
Authors: Galvão Lucas Lima , Tribess Sheilla , Silva Tamara Guimarães , Santa Rosa Cremilda Garcia , Pereira Cristian Gomes , Silva Rizia Rocha , Sasaki Jeffer Eidi , Virtuoso Junior Jair Sindra , de Lira Claudio Andre Barbosa , Santos Douglas Assis Teles
Published: October 2020

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common cancer among men, behind only non-melanoma skin cancer, and the main method of screening for PC is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). To analyze the prevalence and the factors associated with high concentration of PSA in the elderly is essential to understand this outcome, and building strategies to decrease their rates of morbidity and mortality. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study with 96 elderly men. A high level of PSA was defined by >4.0 ng/mL. In order to identify sociodemographic, health, functional and behavioral variables, which may be associated with high levels of PSA, we carried out a multivariate analysis using Poisson regression. Results: The prevalence of high levels of PSA was 21.9% (n = 21). High levels of PSA was associated with years of study, race/ethnicity and family arrangement, health perception, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, metabolic diseases, alcohol consumption and sedentary behavior. Conclusions: The study found a high prevalence of high PSA concentrations in the elderly and several aspects are associated, which can be a worrying factor for their health, since PSA is an important marker of prostate cancer.
Angiotensin Receptor 1 Blockers Prolong Time to Recurrence after Radiofrequency Ablation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Facciorusso Antonio , Abd El Aziz Mohamed A. , Cincione Ivan , Cea Ugo Vittorio , Germini Alessandro , Granieri Stefano , Cotsoglou Christian , Sacco Rodolfo
Published: October 2020

Inhibition of angiotensin II synthesis seems to decrease hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after radical therapies; however, data on the adjuvant role of angiotensin II receptor 1 blockers (sartans) are still lacking. Aim of the study was to evaluate whether sartans delay time to recurrence and prolong overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after radiofrequency ablation. Data on 215 patients were reviewed. The study population was classified into three groups: 113 (52.5%) patients who received neither angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors nor sartans (group 1), 59 (27.4%) patients treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (group 2) and 43 (20.1%) patients treated with sartans (group 3). Survival outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier analysis and compared with log-rank test. In the whole study population, 85.6% of patients were in Child-Pugh A-class and 89.6% in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer A stage. Median maximum tumor diameter was 30 mm (10–40 mm) and alpha-fetoprotein was 25 (1.1–2100) IU/mL. No differences in baseline characteristics among the three groups were reported. Median overall survival was 48 months (42–51) in group 1, 51 months (42–88) in group 2, and 63 months (51–84) in group 3 (p = 0.15). Child-Pugh stage and Model for End-staging Liver Disease (MELD) score resulted as significant predictors of overall survival in multivariate analysis. Median time to recurrence was 33 months (24–35) in group 1, 41 (23–72) in group 2 and 51 months (42–88) in group 3 (p = 0.001). Number of nodules and anti-angiotensin treatment were confirmed as significant predictors of time to recurrence in multivariate analysis. Sartans significantly improved time to recurrence after radiofrequency ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients but did not improve overall survival.
Tissue-Specific Role of Macrophages in Noninfectious Inflammatory Disorders
Authors: Skuratovskaia Daria , Vulf Maria , Khaziakhmatova Olga , Malashchenko Vladimir , Komar Aleksandra , Shunkin Egor , Shupletsova Valeriya , Goncharov Andrei , Urazova Olga , Litvinova Larisa
Published: October 2020

Chronic inflammation may not begin with local tissue disorders, such as hypoxia, but with the accumulation of critically activated macrophages in one site. The purpose of this review is to analyze the data reported in the scientific literature on the features of the functions of macrophages and their contributions to the development of pathology in various tissues during aseptic inflammation in obese subjects. In individuals with obesity, increased migration of monocytes from the peripheral blood to various tissues, the proliferation of resident macrophages and a change in the balance between alternatively activated anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2) and pro-inflammatory classically activated macrophages (M1) towards the latter have been observed. The primary cause of some metabolic pathologies has been precisely identified as the recruitment of macrophages with an altered phenotype, which is probably typical for many other pathologies. Recent studies have identified phenotypes, such as metabolically activated M (MMe), oxidized (Mox), hemoglobin-related macrophages (Mhem and MHb), M4 and neuroimmunological macrophages (NAM, SAM), which directly and indirectly affect energy metabolism. The high heterogeneity of macrophages in tissues contributes to the involvement of these cells in the development of a wide range of immune responses, including pathological ones. The replenishment of tissue-specific macrophages occurs at the expense of infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMFs) in the pathological process. The origin of MoMFs from a general precursor retains their common regulatory mechanisms and similar sensitivity to regulatory stimuli. This makes it possible to find universal approaches to the effect on these cells and, as a consequence, universal approaches for the treatment of various pathological conditions.
Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Invasiveness and the Tumor Microenvironment: From Biology to Clinical Trials
Authors: Mejia Isabel , Bodapati Sandhya , Chen Kathryn T. , Díaz Begoña
Published: October 2020

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) originates in the glandular compartment of the exocrine pancreas. Histologically, PDAC tumors are characterized by a parenchyma that is embedded in a particularly prominent stromal component or desmoplastic stroma. The unique characteristics of the desmoplastic stroma shape the microenvironment of PDAC and modulate the reciprocal interactions between cancer and stromal cells in ways that have profound effects in the pathophysiology and treatment of this disease. Here, we review some of the most recent findings regarding the regulation of PDAC cell invasion by the unique microenvironment of this tumor, and how new knowledge is being translated into novel therapeutic approaches.
Accounting for the Spatial Variability of Seismic Motion in the Pushover Analysis of Regular and Irregular RC Buildings in the New Italian Building Code
Authors: Ruggieri Sergio , Uva Giuseppina
Published: October 2020

Pushover analysis is the main methodology adopted in practice-oriented applications for investigating the non-linear response of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings; it is applicable for both new and existing buildings. It is well-known that several limitations characterize this methodology and the scientific literature proposes several non-conventional approaches to provide results comparable to those of the more efficient nonlinear dynamic analysis. In most recent seismic guidelines, some improvements have been introduced, in order to overcome the main drawbacks of conventional pushover methods, in view of practice-oriented applications. In particular, new prescriptions are related to the load profiles and the choice of control nodes, aspects that lead to different results in terms of capacity curves and in the safety assessment. Another relevant point is represented by the spatial combination of effects, which suggests the opportunity of executing simultaneous bi-directional pushover analyses. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of the new trends followed by some guidelines about pushover analysis, such as the recent 2018 release of the Italian Building Code. In particular, after a general test of the new conventional procedure for the case of RC buildings, a set of case studies has been generated, consisting of three-dimensional RC-archetypes specifically designed and investigated in order to cover the more significant scenarios. The results in terms of global and local performances are processed and critically analyzed, with the aim of appraising the main differences between the traditional and new approaches and identifying the effectiveness and of the actual improvements achieved.
Progress and Challenges in Generative Product Design: A Review of Systems
Authors: Mountstephens James , Teo Jason
Published: October 2020

Design is a challenging task that is crucial to all product development. Advances in design computing may allow machines to move from a supporting role to generators of design content. Generative Design systems produce designs by algorithms and offer the potential for the exploration of vast design spaces, the fostering of creativity, the combination of objective and subjective requirements, and the revolutionary integration of conceptual and detailed design phases. The application of generative methods to the design of discrete, physical, engineered products has not yet been reviewed. This paper reviews the Generative Product Design systems developed since 1998 in order to identify significant approaches and trends. Systems are analyzed according to their primary goal, generative method, the design phase they focus on, whether the generation is automatic or interactive, the number of design options they generate, and the types of design requirements involved in the generation process. Progress using this approach is recognized, and a number of challenges that must be addressed in order to achieve widespread acceptance are identified. Possible solutions are offered, including innovative approaches in Human–Computer Interaction.
Blood-Based Biomarkers Are Associated with Different Ischemic Stroke Mechanisms and Enable Rapid Classification between Cardioembolic and Atherosclerosis Etiologies
Authors: Harpaz Dorin , Seet Raymond C. S. , Marks Robert S. , Tok Alfred I. Y.
Published: October 2020

Stroke is a top leading cause of death, which occurs due to interference in the blood flow of the brain. Ischemic stroke (blockage) accounts for most cases (87%) and is further subtyped into cardioembolic, atherosclerosis, lacunar, other causes, and cryptogenic strokes. The main value of subtyping ischemic stroke patients is for a better therapeutic decision-making process. The current classification methods are complex and time-consuming (hours to days). Specific blood-based biomarker measurements have promising potential to improve ischemic stroke mechanism classification. Over the past decades, the hypothesis that different blood-based biomarkers are associated with different ischemic stroke mechanisms is increasingly investigated. This review presents the recent studies that investigated blood-based biomarker characteristics differentiation between ischemic stroke mechanisms. Different blood-based biomarkers are specifically discussed (b-type natriuretic peptide, d-dimer, c-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A), as well as the different cut-off values that may be useful in specific classifications for cardioembolic and atherosclerosis etiologies. Lastly, the structure of a point-of-care biosensor device is presented, as a measuring tool on-site. The information presented in this review will hopefully contribute to the major efforts to improve the care for stroke patients.