bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Retailers’ Corporate Social Responsibility on Retailer Equity and Consumer Usage Intention
Authors: Lee Seong Ho
Published: March 2021

This study focused on corporate social responsibility (CSR) to examine how retailers can distinguish themselves in the market and attain sustainability. It thus investigated the correlation between CSR, retailer equity, and consumer usage intention to explain the role of CSR activities. For this study, data were gathered from 357 customers who were doing business (i.e., shopping) with retailers, and they were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results indicated that retailers’ CSR activities had a positive effect on retailer equity, which then had a significant positive effect on customer usage intention. The results further showed that consumers observe retailer equity when they experience its CSR activities, which increased their intention to shop with the retailer. The findings indicated that retailers’ CSR was an attractive factor making retailers stand out in the market, and attain sustainability, and that CSR improved both retailer equity and customer usage intention. This study has academic implications in that it finds a brand-new outcome variable of retailers’ CSR, such as retailer equity. In addition, it also has practical implications in managing and developing retailers’ CSR as an important marketing strategy.
Eco-Discourses in a Virtual Rural Community
Authors: Bakó Rozália Klára , Hubbes László Attila , Tamás Dénes
Published: March 2021

This case study explores social media discourses of a virtual ecovillage community based in Central Romania, in a Hungarian speaking region of Transylvania. The investigated virtual community embraces the idea of ecovillage as a local constructive answer to the challenges of the global ecological crisis, based on strategies of revitalizing local ethnic traditions, promoting sustainable development solutions, and innovations. Our key question is the relationship between tradition and innovation—as revealed by the discursive practices of the ecovillage Facebook group’s most active members. Using ecolinguistic discourse analysis as a frame of reference, the investigation unveiled the role social media played in fostering the formation of a virtual intentional community, and in clarifying the shared values of the group. We found that the local ecovillage is part of a larger regional and global movement, unfolding the organic connection between the Hungarian and the Romanian intentional communities, and the reframing of traditional values within innovative, sustainable everyday practices.
Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Ground Dampness on Heat Transfer between Greenhouse and Ground
Authors: Nawalany Grzegorz , Sokołowski Paweł
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with the problem of the influence of ground dampness on heat exchange between greenhouse and ground. The effect of humidity on the distribution of ground temperature fields was analyzed. The analysis was performed based on the analytical numerical method in the WUFI®plus software. The computational tool was used after a validation process. Research and simulations were conducted on the example of a real single-span greenhouse located in Southern Poland. The results of indoor and outdoor air temperature measurements were used to determine the boundary conditions, while the measured ground temperatures were used to compare with the results of theoretical calculations. Three variants were used for calculation analysis, assuming different levels of ground dampness. Analysis of the test results showed that during the summer period, dry ground provides 8% more thermal energy to the interior of the greenhouse than the damp ground, and provides 30% more thermal energy than wet ground. In the transition period (autumn/spring), the ground temperature fields are arranged parallel to the floor level, while the heat flux is directed from the ground to the interior of the greenhouse, regardless of the ground dampness level. During this period, the ground temperature ranges from 4.0 °C to 13.0 °C. Beneficial effect of dry ground, which contributes to maintaining an almost constant temperature under the greenhouse floor, was found in winter.
The Effects of Smart Factory Operational Strategies and System Management on the Innovative Performance of Small- and Medium-Sized Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Lee Rok
Published: March 2021

This study aims to determine the effects of smart factory system management and operational strategies on the innovative performance of small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms. To this end, we administered an empirical survey to 222 hands-on workers who operate smart factories in small- and medium-sized Korean firms. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and the results showed that the enterprise resource planning (ERP), quality management, ethical management, and productivity management systems had positive effects on innovative performance. The effect of operational strategies on innovative performance was not verified. Consequently, small- and medium-sized firms should focus on establishing ERP systems, which lead to system establishment, standardization of work processes, CEO support and attention, and increase user recognition levels for raising innovative performance.
Social Assessment of the Value of Forests and Protected Areas on the Example of the Silesian Voivodeship
Authors: Lorek Agnieszka , Lorek Paweł
Published: March 2021

This article investigates the social attitudes towards forests and protected areas among the inhabitants of the Silesian Voivodeship in southern Poland. The survey was used as a research tool. The respondents were asked about following issues: Willingness to pay (WTP) to preserve forest functions in the case of logging reduction, willingness to pay (WTP) to preserve protected areas, and the possibility of running business activities in protected areas. The study involved 1204 respondents. The collected answers were used for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used at this stage. The obtained results allowed to assess a relatively low willingness to pay among the surveyed respondents (WTP > 0 in the case of 24.8% of respondents to preserve forest functions in managed forests and 21.1% to preserve protected areas). The diverse factors, such as age, as well as professional and economic status, could be considered as related to this phenomenon.
ESG Reporting: Empirical Analysis of the Influence of Board Heterogeneity from an Emerging Market
Authors: Lavin Jaime F. , Montecinos-Pearce Alejandro A.
Published: March 2021

Firms are facing pressure to convincingly communicate to stakeholders their environment, society, and corporate governance (ESG) disclosure. In developing countries, where frictions among controlling and non-controlling shareholders are pervasive, the possible dissensus inside boards regarding ESG disclosure remains understudied. We investigate the ways in which boards’ heterogeneity between the interests of controlling groups and the interests of institutional investors influences ESG disclosure of firms in the Latin American context. Using social networks and logit panel data models, we analyze for 2015-17 the probability of ESG disclosure by 124 Chilean listed firms. Our evidence suggests that the influence of controlling shareholders through directorate interlocking has a negative relation with ESG disclosure. Additionally, we observe that the influence of institutional investors on ESG disclosure is not yet critical. Moreover, we find partial evidence of the presence of tension within the boards regarding ESG reporting between the directors that represent controlling shareholders and institutional investors. Considering the importance of institutional investors and the ubiquity directorate interlocking among Latin American’ firms, our results are relevant for regulators involved in advancing the rules of ESG disclosure practices, institutional investors focused on enhancing their ESG investment strategies, and firms engaged in improving the ESG decision-making within their boards.
The Impact of On-Demand Collective Transport Services on Sustainability: A Comparison of Various Service Options in a Rural and an Urban Area of Switzerland
Authors: Dang Lisa , von Arx Widar , Frölicher Jonas
Published: March 2021

This study examines the effects of on-demand mobility services on sustainability in terms of emissions and traffic volume. According to our simulations, implementing on-demand mobility services is recommendable only as a supplement to public transport in both urban and rural regions since there are positive effects in terms of CO2 emissions. However, in urban areas, there is a negative impact on the traffic volume in terms of additional vehicle kilometres since the bundled public transport demand is replaced by less bundled on-demand vehicles. In rural areas, the increase in vehicle kilometres plays less of a role due to generally low demand. The negative effects per vehicle kilometre are slightly higher in rural areas due to higher empty kilometres and lower bundling rates, but the negative effects per km2 in dense cities are much more serious. Authorities need to consider these effects according to the spatial context when implementing such services.
Development of Building Information Modeling Template for Environmental Impact Assessment
Authors: Lee Sungwoo , Tae Sungho , Jang Hyungjae , Chae Chang U. , Bok Youngjin
Published: March 2021

Eco-friendly building designs that use building information modeling (BIM) have become popular, and a variety of eco-friendly building assessment technologies that take advantage of BIM are being developed. However, existing building environmental performance assessment technologies that use BIM are linked to external assessment tools, and there exist compatibility issues among programs; it requires a considerable amount of time to address these problems, owing to the lack of experts who can operate the programs. This study aims to develop eco-friendly templates for assessing the embodied environmental impact of buildings using BIM authoring tools as part of the development of BIM-based building life cycle assessment (LCA) technologies. Therefore, an embodied environmental impact unit database was developed, for major building materials during production and operating stages, to perform embodied environmental impact assessments. Moreover, a major structural element library that uses the database was developed and a function was created to produce building environmental performance assessment results tables, making it possible to review the eco-friendliness of buildings. A case study analysis was performed to review the feasibility of the environmental performance assessment technologies. The results showed a less than 5% effective error rate in the assessment results that were obtained using the technology developed in this study compared with the assessment results based on the actual calculation and operating stage energy consumption figures, which proves the reliability of the proposed approach.
The Impact of Industry 4.0 on Employees—Insights from Australia
Authors: Ejsmont Krzysztof
Published: March 2021

Currently, Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is the most popular concept relating to changes in the functioning of industrial enterprises. Industry 4.0 has been discussed in the actual literature mainly from a technological perspective, overlooking social challenges regarding this fourth industrial revolution. The objective of this article is to diagnose the impact of I4.0 on employees. This aim will be achieved by (1) a literature review of existing research efforts, (2) conducting structured interviews, and (3) summarizing the current state of knowledge and providing a definition of further work. Scopus, Web of Science, and a set of specific keywords were used to select peer-reviewed articles showing evidence of the impact of I4.0 on employees/jobs in given countries or industries. After determining the current state of research in this area, it was decided to conduct structured interviews questionnaire in the country (Australia) and industry (horticulture), which had not been covered by the research in this topic so far. The main contribution of the article was the development and validation of a comprehensive research agenda on the impact of I4.0 on employees. The obtained results suggest that the impact of I4.0 on employees is significant, and the changes occur in many different categories related to human work. The impact of I4.0 was identified both at the macro (labor market) and micro (jobs) level.
A Model for Rapid Selection and COVID-19 Prediction with Dynamic and Imbalanced Data
Authors: Kim Jeonghun , Kwon Ohbyung
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is threatening our quality of life and economic sustainability. The rapid spread of COVID-19 around the world requires each country or region to establish appropriate anti-proliferation policies in a timely manner. It is important, in making COVID-19-related health policy decisions, to predict the number of confirmed COVID-19 patients as accurately and quickly as possible. Predictions are already being made using several traditional models such as the susceptible, infected, and recovered (SIR) and susceptible, exposed, infected, and resistant (SEIR) frameworks, but these predictions may not be accurate due to the simplicity of the models, so a prediction model with more diverse input features is needed. However, it is difficult to propose a universal predictive model globally because there are differences in data availability by country and region. Moreover, the training data for predicting confirmed patients is typically an imbalanced dataset consisting mostly of normal data; this imbalance negatively affects the accuracy of prediction. Hence, the purposes of this study are to extract rules for selecting appropriate prediction algorithms and data imbalance resolution methods according to the characteristics of the datasets available for each country or region, and to predict the number of COVID-19 patients based on these algorithms. To this end, a decision tree-type rule was extracted to identify 13 data characteristics and a discrimination algorithm was selected based on those characteristics. With this system, we predicted the COVID-19 situation in four regions: Africa, China, Korea, and the United States. The proposed method has higher prediction accuracy than the random selection method, the ensemble method, or the greedy method of discriminant analysis, and prediction takes very little time.
Security Analysis of Hybrid Multi-Carrier Energy Systems
Authors: Estakhr Javad , Simab Mohsen , Niknam Taher
Published: March 2021

Multi-carrier energy systems (MCESs) provide collaboration between various kinds of energy carriers to supply the electricity, heating, and cooling demands. With the widespread use of MCESs in recent years, the security assessment of energy systems has attracted the attention of many contemporary researchers. However, the complexity of an MCES, including electrical, natural gas, and district heating networks, and different uncertainties imposes vast challenges to keep a safe operation energy supply. In this paper, a systematic methodology for the security analysis of MCESs is presented. For this purpose, considering electrical, natural gas, and district heating networks, an integrated model of energy systems is introduced. The security analysis of this framework is evaluated using some indices. In this approach, two well-known performance indices, including power performance index (PIP) and voltage performance index (PIV), are used to analyze the electrical networks’ security. Besides, the concept of Energy not supplied (ENS) is used for natural gas and district heating networks. In this regard, security analysis of a typical MCES including the IEEE 14-bus electrical network, the IEEE 30-bus electrical network, 20-node Belgian natural gas network, and 14-node district heating network is examined. The applicability of the proposed technique will be proven using comprehensive simulation analysis.
Using Systems Thinking to Improve Tourism and Hospitality Research Quality and Relevance: A Critical Review and Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Moscardo Gianna
Published: March 2021

This paper argues that that much published tourism and hospitality research has had little influence on tourism or hospitality practice especially with regard to the problems of sustainability because of a failure to use systems thinking to guide research questions and approaches. This critical review and conceptual paper demonstrates how a systems thinking approach could be used to improve both the relevance of, and theoretical development in, tourism and hospitality research in the area of sustainability. This paper reviewed recent published research into tourism’s social impacts to demonstrate the power of taking a systems approach to map out the research problem area. It then critically reviewed the use of concepts from psychology in published research into guest engagement in sustainability programs in hospitality businesses to demonstrate the value of systems thinking for organising theoretical concepts. In both of the reviewed areas the overwhelming conclusion was that the majority of the research lacked both practical relevance and was based on inappropriate or deficient theoretical understanding.
Topical Treatment of Premature Ejaculation: The Rise of Anesthetic Spray Formulations?
Authors: Pozzi Edoardo , Belladelli Federico , Bebi Carolina , Salonia Andrea , Boeri Luca
Published: March 2021

Topical anesthetics are one of the first line therapeutical options for men with premature ejaculation (PE). Real-life PE management often involves a range of interventions including systemic drug treatments (such as off-label and on-label selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5Is)), topical anesthetic creams and sprays, and behavioral approaches. Among them, on-demand dapoxetine and lidocaine/prilocaine spray formulations are the only approved treatment options for lifelong PE. The earliest strategy to treat PE was based on the use of topical anesthetic agents. The rationale behind the use of anesthetics is that by reducing the glans penis sensitivity, the spinal and cerebral input of sexual arousal impulses may also be reduced. Oral SSRI proved to be effective to treat PE, but their high rate of side effects limit treatment adherence and both short and long term follow up data are lacking. Conversely, topical anesthetics have proved to increase ejaculatory latency, control, and sexual satisfaction in couple affected by PE with limited rates of adverse events. In this context, we aimed to perform a narrative review to summarize the most recent findings regarding the use of topical treatments for PE.
Characterization of CRISPR Spacer and Protospacer Sequences in Paenibacillus larvae and Its Bacteriophages
Authors: Stamereilers Casey , Wong Simon , Tsourkas Philippos K.
Published: March 2021

The bacterium Paenibacillus larvae is the causative agent of American foulbrood, the most devastating bacterial disease of honeybees. Because P. larvae is antibiotic resistant, phages that infect it are currently used as alternative treatments. However, the acquisition by P. larvae of CRISPR spacer sequences from the phages could be an obstacle to treatment efforts. We searched nine complete genomes of P. larvae strains and identified 714 CRISPR spacer sequences, of which 384 are unique. Of the four epidemiologically important P. larvae strains, three of these have fewer than 20 spacers, while one strain has over 150 spacers. Of the 384 unique spacers, 18 are found as protospacers in the genomes of 49 currently sequenced P. larvae phages. One P. larvae strain does not have any protospacers found in phages, while another has eight. Protospacer distribution in the phages is uneven, with two phages having up to four protospacers, while a third of phages have none. Some phages lack protospacers found in closely related phages due to point mutations, indicating a possible escape mechanism. This study serve a point of reference for future studies on the CRISPR-Cas system in P. larvae as well as for comparative studies of other phage–host systems.
Genetic Association of Hepatitis C-Related Mixed Cryoglobulinemia: A 10-Year Prospective Study of Asians Treated with Antivirals
Authors: Chang Ming-Ling , Chang Su-Wei , Chen Shiang-Chi , Chien Rong-Nan , Hsu Chia-Lin , Chang Ming-Yu , Fann Cathy S. J.
Published: March 2021

Genetic profiles of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) in Asians remain elusive. A 10-year prospective cohort study was conducted with 1043 consecutive HCV Ab-positive Taiwanese surveyed with 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Of 1043, 589 (56.5%) had baseline MC, 934 (89.5%) had positive HCV RNA, 796 completed anti-HCV therapy, and 715 had sustained virological responses (SVRs). SNP associations were surveyed withgenotypic, allelic, trend, permutation and multivariate analyses. At baseline, higher male sex and MC rates were noted in HCV RNA-positive than RNA-negative patients; higher female sex and positive HCV RNA rates but lower HCV RNA levels were noted in patients with than those without MC. Baseline associations were: HLA II-rs9461776 A allele, IFNL3-rs12979860 T allele, SERPINE1-rs6976053 C allele and MC with HCV RNA positivity; IFNL3-rs12979860 C allele, ARNTL-rs6486122 T allele and HCV RNA positivity with baseline MC. In SVR patients, RETN-rs1423096 C allele and SERPINE1-rs6976053 T allele were associated with 24-week and 10-year post-therapy MC, respectively. Conclusions: HCV RNA, IFNL3-rs12979860 and ARNTL-rs6486122 were associated with baseline MC; RETN-rs1423096 and SERPINE1-rs6976053 were associated with short- and long-term post-therapy MC in SVR patients, respectively. Links with HCV RNA and immune-associated SNPs suggest MC an immune reaction to expel HCV.
Mayaro Virus Infects Human Brain Cells and Induces a Potent Antiviral Response in Human Astrocytes
Authors: Bengue Michèle , Ferraris Pauline , Barthelemy Jonathan , Diagne Cheikh Tidiane , Hamel Rodolphe , Liégeois Florian , Nougairède Antoine , de Lamballerie Xavier , Simonin Yannick , Pompon Julien , Salinas Sara , Missé Dorothée
Published: March 2021

Mayaro virus (MAYV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are known for their arthrotropism, but accumulating evidence shows that CHIKV infections are occasionally associated with serious neurological complications. However, little is known about the capacity of MAYV to invade the central nervous system (CNS). We show that human neural progenitors (hNPCs), pericytes and astrocytes are susceptible to MAYV infection, resulting in the production of infectious viral particles. In primary astrocytes, MAYV, and to a lesser extent CHIKV, elicited a strong antiviral response, as demonstrated by an increased expression of several interferon-stimulated genes, including ISG15, MX1 and OAS2. Infection with either virus led to an enhanced expression of inflammatory chemokines, such as CCL5, CXCL10 and CXCL11, whereas MAYV induced higher levels of IL-6, IL-12 and IL-15 in these cells. Moreover, MAYV was more susceptible than CHIKV to the antiviral effects of both type I and type II interferons. Taken together, this study shows that although MAYV and CHIKV are phylogenetically related, they induce different types of antiviral responses in astrocytes. This work is the first to evaluate the potential neurotropism of MAYV and shows that brain cells and particularly astrocytes and hNPCs are permissive to MAYV, which, consequently, could lead to MAYV-induced neuropathology.
LAMP-Coupled CRISPR–Cas12a Module for Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Plant DNA Viruses
Authors: Mahas Ahmed , Hassan Norhan , Aman Rashid , Marsic Tin , Wang Qiaochu , Ali Zahir , Mahfouz Magdy M.
Published: March 2021

One important factor for successful disease management is the ability to rapidly and accurately identify the causal agent. Plant viruses cause severe economic losses and pose a serious threat to sustainable agriculture. Therefore, optimization of the speed, sensitivity, feasibility, portability, and accuracy of virus detection is urgently needed. Here, we developed a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based nucleic acid diagnostic method utilizing the CRISPR–Cas12a system for detecting two geminiviruses, tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV), which have single-stranded DNA genomes. Our assay detected TYLCV and ToLCNDV in infected plants with high sensitivity and specificity. Our newly developed assay can be performed in ~1 h and provides easy-to-interpret visual readouts using a simple, low-cost fluorescence visualizer, making it suitable for point-of-use applications.
Assessing Finite Control Set Model Predictive Speed Controlled PMSM Performance for Deployment in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Murali Abhishek , Wahab Razia Sultana , Gade Chandra Sekhar Reddy , Annamalai Chitra , Subramaniam Umashankar
Published: March 2021

Electric vehicles (EVs) have the main advantage of using sustainable forms of energy to operate and can be integrated into electrical power grids for better energy management. An essential part of the EV propulsion system is the type of motor used to propel the EV. Permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) have found extensive use due to various advantages such as high power density, excellent torque-to-weight ratio and smooth speed profile over the entire torque range. The objective of this paper was to improve the dynamic response in the speed profile for different driving conditions essential in EVs. This was done by using the finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) algorithm for PMSM and by comparing and evaluating the control strategies of a PMSM used in an EV by taking two case studies. The classical control, namely field-oriented control (FOC), of PMSMs is slow to adopt the dynamic changes in the system. The proposed FCS-MPC algorithm for PMSMs provides an improved dynamic response and a good steady-state response for the different driving conditions shown in both cases. In addition, the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) is used to evaluate the FCS-MPC-controlled PMSM to depict its superior performance by matching its speed profile. The results are verified in the hardware in the loop strategy using OPAL-RT. Both the results confirm that the FCS-MPC algorithm, when compared with the conventional FOC, is superior in aspects of steady-state and dynamic responses for various torque and speed profiles.
PRINCIPLES OF RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF ORTHODOX MONASTERIES IN RUSSIAN NORTH
Authors: Shvetsova-Shilovskaya E. , Il'vickaya S.
Published: March 2021

Reconstruction of Orthodox monasteries in Russian North in modern conditions of increased number of tourists and pilgrims has faced a number of challenges. These challenges result from the restoration of traditional, as well as the emergence of new functions of the monastery complexes. Authors propose and justify four main principles for reconstruction of Orthodox monasteries in modern conditions. Among these are: the principle of dividing of the monastery complex into functional zones, the principle of the maximum accessibility of the territories and buildings to persons with disabilities, the principle of preserving and restoring the volumetric-spatial composition, and the principle of preserving and using the landscape of the monastery territories. The examples of applications of the principles to a few monasteries in the Russian North are analyzed. Authors show that the implementation of these principles will allow to form an accessible multifunctional architectural environment of monastery complexes with territory zoning and preservation of both the architectural ensemble and the surrounding landscape. As the result, the optimal conditions for interaction between the monastery community and visitors will be provided. The proposed principles are planned to be used to develop specific recommendations for reconstruction and development of Orthodox monastery complexes
La organización de los juzgados urbanos: los jueces de paz en su quehacer cotidiano, entre recursos materiales y tramas administrativas (Rosario, 1854-1872)
Authors: De los Rios Evangelina
Published: March 2021

El artículo examina el funcionamiento de los juzgados de paz urbanos de la ciudad de Rosario entre 1854 y 1872. Se muestra que estos juzgados tuvieron un papel central en el proceso de reordenamiento político-institucional que buscaba acercar los ámbitos de justicia a la población. En este sentido, el análisis no se ciñe a las orientaciones normativas e institucionales adoptadas por las autoridades del estado sino que atiende, al mismo tiempo, al quehacer cotidiano de los diferentes agentes sociales. Se estudian las tramas administrativas en que se hallaban insertos los jueces de paz y sus comunicaciones con diferentes agentes sociales -jefes de policía, jefes políticos, jueces de primera instancia-, la composición de los juzgados -  tenientes y demás auxiliares- y la dinámica y la materialidad en que se desenvolvieron en el ejercicio de sus funciones.
Reseña de: Devastación. Violencia civilizada contra los indios de las llanuras del Plata y Sur de Chile (Siglos XVI a XIX), de Sebastián L. Alioto, Juan F. Jiménez y Daniel Villar (comps.) (2018).
Authors: Quindimil Sasha
Published: March 2021

Coordinado por Sebastián Alioto, Juan Francisco Jiménez y Daniel Villar; este libro supone un aporte significativo al conocimiento de las maneras en las que se desarrollaron y variaron los episodios de violencia interétnica durante el período comprendido entre los siglos XVI y XIX. Al respecto, se propone establecer si dichas prácticas -llevadas adelante por el Estado Imperial Español, las formaciones políticas pos-coloniales emergidas de las luchas independentistas y los Estados Nacionales- pueden calificarse de genocidas. Su rigurosa construcción de conocimiento no sólo señala nuevos problemas y líneas de estudio, entablando diálogos y disputas hacia el interior del campo específico de la Historia Indígena, sino que manifiesta un profundo compromiso con la causa de las comunidades nativas y los derechos humanos. Constituye, de este modo, una referencia obligada para estudiantes y especialistas, y una herramienta valiosa para docentes y militantes políticos.
Low-Cost and Scalable Platform with Multiplexed Microwell Array Biochip for Rapid Diagnosis of COVID-19
Authors: Wang Yang , Li Kaiju , Xu Gaolian , Chen Chuan , Song Guiqin , Dong Zaizai , Lin Long , Wang Yu , Xu Zhiyong , Yu Mingxia , Yu Xinge , Ying Binwu , Fan Yubo , Chang Lingqian , Geng Jia
Published: March 2021

Sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 is of great importance for inhibiting the current pandemic of COVID-19. Here, we report a simple yet efficient platform integrating a portable and low-cost custom-made detector and a novel microwell array biochip for rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2. The instrument exhibits expedited amplification speed that enables colorimetric read-out within 25 minutes. A polymeric chip with a laser-engraved microwell array was developed to process the reaction between the primers and the respiratory swab RNA extracts, based on reverse transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP). To achieve clinically acceptable performance, we synthesized a group of six primers to identify the conserved regions of the ORF1ab gene of SARS-CoV-2. Clinical trials were conducted with 87 PCR-positive and 43 PCR-negative patient samples. The platform demonstrated both high sensitivity (95.40%) and high specificity (95.35%), showing potentials for rapid and user-friendly diagnosis of COVID-19 among many other infectious pathogens.
Genome Size in South American Gentianella (Gentianaceae, Swertiinae), with a Special Emphasis on Species from the Bolivian and Ecuadorian Andes
Authors: Pfanzelt Simon , Ptáček Jan , Sklenář Petr , Von Hagen K. Bernhard , Albach Dirk C.
Published: March 2021

The subcosmopolitan genus Gentianella Moench (Gentianaceae, Swertiinae), with more than 170 currently accepted species in South America alone, is one of the emblematic examples of major and rapid radiations in the Andes. However, the taxonomy of South American Gentianella is far from being resolved. Over a century has passed since the publication of the last comprehensive treatment by Ernst Gilg in 1916. Using flow cytometry, the genome size of 115 accessions of 39 species, of which 37 were from South America, was measured, with the objective to assess the taxonomic utility of that trait. Also, the relationships of genome size with environmental factors such as mean annual temperature and precipitation, as well as the life history traits, habit, reproduction, habitat, and elevational belt were examined. The genome size values of the investigated South American accessions fell into two size classes, ranging from 2C = 7.60 pg to 11.30 pg and from 2C = 16.54 pg to 18.34 pg. The latter size class contained only accessions of G. briquetiana (Gilg) T. N. Ho & S. W. Liu. These accessions, and a further one of G. limoselloides (Kunth) Fabris with an intermediate value of 2C = 14.71 pg, were inferred to be octoploid. Genome size was not correlated with temperature, precipitation, habit, or elevational belt. By contrast, significant differences in genome size between groups were found regarding habitat and reproduction. Furthermore, genome size of one of the informal taxonomic groups of Gilg (Barbatae) differed from that of the remaining groups. However, this finding is of doubtful taxonomic relevance because of inconsistencies in the application of Gilg’s defining criterion of Barbatae, i.e., the presence of trichomes inside the corolla tube. Based on the overall results, it is concluded that genome size is not a taxonomically useful trait in South American Gentianella. Still, the data offer a first view on genome size variation and evolution in this diverse but poorly studied group.
Use of L1 in the Iranian EFL Classroom
Authors: Masoumi Mayni Setareh , Paramasivam Shamala
Published: March 2021

By reviewing the literature on the development of English language teaching methods in the last three decades, it is obvious that the idea of using the first language (L1) in the second language (L2) classroom has always been controversial. The history of language pedagogy and the role of the first language in foreign language learning generate debates in English as a foreign language. The teaching of English as a foreign language is growing every day in Iran, and as a result, the need for informing the best policy is getting more urgent. The principal intent of the current study, that investigates the use of L1 in the English classroom, is to determine teachers, students and policymakers’ beliefs and attitudes towards the use of L1 in L2 classroom. The L1, in this case, is Farsi language and all the participants are native speakers of Farsi. One hundred and fifty students of the English Language Department at the elementary level at Tehran Institute of Technology are the participants of the study. They are all female and in their late teens or early twenties. The students and the teachers were surveyed by questionnaires and the researcher observed 10 classes and interviewed 3 teachers and 3 policymakers. The information gathered from the questionnaire was submitted to SPSS for analyzing the data, and the information gathered from the interview. Class observation check-list was used to triangulate the findings of the questionnaire. The results of this study indicate that teachers and students have different attitudes towards using L1 in the EFL classes. While students have a positive attitude, teachers have a negative attitude. The main reason mentioned by students for not being against the limited use of Farsi in their English class is that they believe using Farsi even in a limited sense can help them to understand difficult concepts. However, teachers believe in an English-only policy to be more exposed to the English language. Another finding of this study is that the functions of using Farsi by students or teachers in EFL classroom are: for explaining difficult parts, for managing the classroom, for explaining exam instructions, for explaining the two language differences, for checking comprehension, for seeking help from others, for joking with others, for making students relaxed and for presenting the meaning of new words. Given these findings, to match the student’s and teachers’/policymakers’ ideas about using L1 at the elementary level, an EFL teaching methodology that considers the use of Farsi, even in a limited way, is suggested.
Examining the Relationship between the Sense of Humor and the Social Exclusion Perceived by Gifted and Talented Students
Authors: Demir Serkan , Konik Ayça
Published: March 2021

This research aimed to establish the relationship between the social exclusion perceived by gifted and talented students and their sense of humor. Besides, the goal was to evaluate the relationship between the variables of the use of humor, the process of coping through a sense of humor, and the appreciating humor in cases of ignoring and avoiding during social exclusion. A relational screening model was used in the research. Among the research variables included in the model, social exclusion (ostracism) is considered as a dependent variable, while the sense of humor is an independent variable. The study group is composed of 202 students who are diagnosed as gifted and talented students. Within the scope of the study, the “Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale for Children” developed by Akın and Bilgin (2015) and the “Social Exclusion Scale for Adolescents” developed by Sertelin Mercan (2016) have been applied. When the data collected as a result of the study was examined, it was revealed that there was a positive relationship between the sub-dimensions of generating a sense of humor, coping through humor, and appreciating humor, which is the sense of humor sub-dimensions of gifted and talented students and the exclusion subdimension of social exclusion. This situation shows that gifted and talented children generate a sense of humor, cope with this situation through humor, and appreciate humor when they face exclusion in their social environment.
Continuing Professional Development of Teacher Educators: Challenges and Initiatives
Authors: Tyagi Chanchal , Misra Pradeep Kumar
Published: March 2021

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a prerequisite for teacher educators. The importance of CPD for teacher educators lies in the fact that it helps them to improve their professional and instructional practices. Teacher educators usually begin their CPD after joining the profession and continue it as a lifelong learning process. There are two popular routes of CPD for teacher educators: programs planned and mandated by external agencies and their self-initiatives. Researchers conducted in different parts of the world reveal that, like external initiatives, selfinitiative also play an important role in the professional development of teacher educators. As part of their self-initiatives for CPD, teacher educators themselves act as the developers and creators of their professional learning opportunities and activities. Researches also depict that some factors may negatively affect teacher educators’ attitude and capacity to initiate his/her CPD activities. Extending all these arguments, the present study aimed to study teacher educators’ self-initiatives of CPD and the challenges they face in this journey. Data to conduct the study was collected from a sample of 120 teacher educators’ by using ‘Teachers’ CPD Initiatives Scale’ & ‘Teachers’ CPD Challenges Scale’, and analyzed by using percentage and product-moment r.
The terrifying abyss of insignificance
Authors: Billingham Luke , Irwin-Rogers Keir
Published: March 2021

The concept of mattering can be helpful for understanding the ways in which structural and historical factors affect individual psychologies. This paper lays out the usefulness of mattering as a lens through which to examine why a small minority of young people in Britain commit violent acts. We first explore what it means to matter and the evidence linking the quest to matter with violence, and then examine the factors in contemporary Britain which can diminish a young person’s sense of mattering, using recent community research. We then critique the British government’s attempt to address the problem of violence through Gang Injunctions and Knife Crime Prevention Orders. We conclude by suggesting that policy-makers could gain substantial insight from investigating the connections between marginalisation, mattering and violence, rather than focusing disproportionately on the music young people choose to listen to or create, or the specific weapon that they opt to carry.
Mechanisms for providing cybersecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives for Ukraine
Authors: Karpenko Oleksandr , Kuczabski Aleksander , Havryliak Vitalii
Published: March 2021

The article analyses key cybersecurity trends against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic, trends that could lead to an increase in cyber threats. It also looks at cyber threats related to remote work in this period. Foreign experience in counteracting the spread of disinformation online, about COVID-19, has been studied. A global trend for strengthening law enforcement control over cyberspace content, network traffic, and digital devices of users has been identified. It has been established that some states are finding it difficult to counteract the spread of coronavirus-related threats and are sometimes resorting to violating the traditional balance of rights and freedoms of citizens in cyberspace, in fact, legalising cyber-surveillance of citizens. The paper investigates the limits of state intervention in the lives of citizens in the face of a real threat to national security. In matters of cybersecurity in the medical sphere, a shift of emphasis from the problem of protection of personal data of patients to the protection of key functions of the medical sphere is revealed. Mechanisms for implementing cybersecurity to counter the spread of fake news (misinformation) on the internet, about COVID-19, are substantiated. Practical tools and cybersecurity measures used during the COVID-19 pandemic are recommended for Ukrainian authorities. The importance of creating appropriate conditions for ensuring the balance between the implementation of restrictive policies in the field of cybersecurity and ensuring freedom of speech and openness of the internet is proven.
Entre lo público y lo privado: la formulación de sus límites en el formato televisivo del talk show
Authors:   , Laudano Claudia Nora
Published: March 2021

El punto de partida de la presente tesis es construir un mapa de los debates producidos por diferentes formulaciones clásicas de la teoría social y política en torno a los límites de las categorías de lo público y lo privado, como una de las demarcaciones significativas de la Modernidad, a partir de las críticas y redefiniciones producidas por perspectivas basadas en la variable género, en tanto diferencia sexual. Como núcleo de interrogación del vínculo entre configuraciones del límite de lo público y lo privado el trabajo focaliza el campo denominado "violencia de género". En los materiales analizados, este problema va a ser encarado a partir de su formulación en la cultura mediática del presente, en especial en el formato del talk show. De este modo, en relación con la problemática de violencia de género, se procurará incluir algunos debates tanto acerca de la relación entre Estado, políticas públicas y organizaciones sociales, como acerca de la posibilidad de concebir la cultura como articulación de luchas políticas y de producir proyectos de transformación social.
Análisis de los métodos de detección de lesiones orales potencialmente malignas
Authors: Díaz Caballero Antonio José , Anaya Guzmán Laura , Rojano Buelvas Carmen Julia
Published: March 2021

Propósito: determinar la efectividad de detección de lesiones orales potencialmente malignas de cuatro métodos por medio de revisión sistemática tipo paraguas.
Fuente de los datos: la búsqueda fue realizada con bases de datos Pubmed y EBSCOhost. Restricción de los años 2013-2018. Estrategia de búsqueda: (early detection of cáncer) AND (mouth neoplasms), (early detection of cáncer) AND (diagnostic techniques and procedures), (mouth neoplasms) AND (diagnostic techniques and procedures).
Selección de los estudios: fueron seleccionadas a través de lectura crítica y la lista de chequeo del formato PRISMA, aquellas revisiones sistemáticas cuyo objetivo sea evaluar la efectividad de al menos uno de los métodos de detección de lesiones orales potencialmente malignas, seis estudios cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión.
Extracción de datos: mediante la realización de lectura crítica de las revisiones sistemáticas seleccionadas previamente.
Resultado de síntesis de los datos: se determina la efectividad a través de la comparación de las medias de porcentajes de sensibilidad y especificidad. Las medias de sensibilidad y especificidad de Vizilite fueron de 81.31 y 25.4%, de Microlux DL de 82.63 y 69.52%, de azul de toluidina de 82.07 y 66.27% y de citología exfoliativa de 76.77 y 80.87%, respectivamente.
Conclusiones: los métodos de detección de lesiones orales premalignas evaluados en el presente estudio requieren mayor respaldo de evidencia científica para validar su efectividad. El método con mayor eficacia es el Microlux/DL, debido a sus altos niveles de sensibilidad y especificidad
Factores asociados con estancia hospitalaria prolongada en una unidad geriátrica de agudos
Authors: Ojeda Méndez Carlos Aaron , Palomino Pacichana Diana Sofia , Bejarano Barragán Liliana , Ocampo-Chaparro José Mauricio , Reyes-Ortiz Carlos Alfonso
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: Analizar los factores asociados con estancia hospitalaria prolongada en una Unidad Geriátrica de Agudos de un hospital general.

Material y métodos: Incluyó 2014 pacientes ≥60 años hospitalizados entre enero 2012 y septiembre 2015. La variable dependiente fue la estancia hospitalaria (>10 días vs ≤10 días). Variables independientes incluyeron las sociodemográficas, de laboratorio, comorbilidad, estado funcional y mental. Para análisis bivariado se empleó la prueba de Chi2 para variables categóricas y de Wilcoxon Two-Sample no-paramétrico para las cuantitativas. Se realizó un modelo multivariado de regresión logística.

Resultados: El 51,1% fueron mujeres y la edad promedio fue 82,3 años (DE ± 7,2 años).  El 50,6% tuvieron estancia prolongada, con un promedio de estancia de 14.7 días (DE ± 14 días). La asociación más fuerte con la estancia hospitalaria prolongada fue el desarrollo de Úlceras por Presión (OR 2,30 IC 95% 1,56-3,39). El deterioro cognitivo moderado o severo, la dependencia funcional, anemia, hipoalbuminemia y niveles elevados de reactantes de fase aguda (PCR) se asociaron con hospitalizaciones prolongadas. Ser mujer estuvo asociado a menos días de hospitalización.  La estancia prolongada no se relacionó con las variables sociales. 

Conclusión: Los principales factores independientes asociados a la estancia prolongada fueron las ulceras por presión, la dependencia funcional, la hipoalbuminemia y los niveles elevados de PCR.