bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial
Authors: Delfini C. de Oliveira Ana Claudia
Published: May 2021

With great pleasure we present this issue of the journal Pensamiento Americano. Since 2008, PensamientoAmericano has contributed to the increase in scientific research, striving for the quality of discussionsdeveloped by renowned researchers in their respective areas. On this issue, it is not the exception. Inits twelfth volume, the journal set out topics that dialogue with the main contemporary dilemmas: environmentalissues, legal discussions, gender violence, new information technologies and labour conditions, education, armedconflicts, suicidal behaviors, intergenerational differences, globalization and alternative justice, artistic and culturalaspects are the issues that make up the analytical framework of this edition
Sociology of precondition for Japanese Miracle
Authors: Sato Kan Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

In Japan, World War II was followed by a period of reconstruction and economic growth known as 'the Japanese Miracle'. Although the economic aspects of the nation's recovery are known, there is little emphasis placed on the social development efforts that facilitated this. Professor
Hiroshi Sato, Chief Senior Researcher, Institute of Developing Economies; Japan External Trade Organization (IDE-JETRO), believes that social development policies are the precursor to economic growth and pave the way for social change. He is collaborating with other leading researchers on
a range of projects to explore the links between social development and economic growth in developing countries. Sato is collaborating with: Professor Kazuko Tatsumi, Fukuoka University to investigate the rural livelihood improvement movement in post-war Japan; Professor Mariko Sakamoto, Aichi
Medical University to explore the impact of Occupation policy on public health; and Associate Professor Mayuko Sano, Fukuoka Prefectural University to investigate the history of coal mining town Tagawa city. Sato believes that the rapid economic growth of developing countries without prior
social development is unsustainable and widens the gap between rich and poor, with the distribution of wealth becoming unfairly biased towards the rich.
Using Biometric Sensor Data to Monitor Cancer Patients During Radiotherapy: Protocol for the OncoWatch Feasibility Study
Authors: Holländer-Mieritz Cecilie , Vogelius Ivan R , Kristensen Claus A , Green Allan , Rindum Judith L , Pappot Helle
Published: May 2021

Background

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) experience severe side effects during radiotherapy (RT). Ongoing technological advances in wearable biometric sensors allow for the collection of objective data (eg, physical activity and heart rate), which might, in the future, help detect and counter side effects before they become severe. A smartwatch such as the Apple Watch allows for objective data monitoring outside the hospital with minimal effort from the patient. To determine whether such tools can be implemented in the oncological setting, feasibility studies are needed.

Objective

This protocol describes the design of the OncoWatch 1.0 feasibility study that assesses the adherence of patients with HNC to an Apple Watch during RT.

Methods

A prospective, single-cohort trial will be conducted at the Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen, Denmark). Patients aged ≥18 years intended for primary or postoperative curatively intended RT for HNC will be recruited. Consenting patients will be asked to wear an Apple Watch on the wrist during and until 2 weeks after RT. The study will include 10 patients. Data on adherence, data acquisition, and biometric data will be collected. Demographic data, objective toxicity scores, and hospitalizations will be documented.

Results

The primary outcome is to determine if it is feasible for the patients to wear a smartwatch continuously (minimum 12 hours/day) during RT. Furthermore, we will explore how the heart rate and physical activity change over the treatment course.

Conclusions

The study will assess the feasibility of using the Apple Watch for home monitoring of patients with HNC. Our findings may provide novel insights into the patient’s activity levels and variations in heart rate during the treatment course. The knowledge obtained from this study will be essential for further investigating how biometric data can be used as part of symptom monitoring for patients with HNC.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04613232; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04613232

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/26096
Smartphone and Tablet Software Apps to Collect Data in Sport and Exercise Settings: Cross-sectional International Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Shaw Matthew Peter , Satchell Liam Paul , Thompson Steve , Harper Ed Thomas , Balsalobre-Fernández Carlos , Peart Daniel James
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Advances in smartphone technology have facilitated an increase in the number of commercially available smartphone and tablet apps that enable the collection of physiological and biomechanical variables typically monitored in sport and exercise settings. Currently, it is not fully understood whether individuals collect data using mobile devices and tablets, independent of additional hardware, in their practice.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the use of smartphone and tablet software apps to collect data by individuals working in various sport and exercise settings, such as sports coaching, strength and conditioning, and personal training.

METHODS

A total of 335 practitioners completed an electronic questionnaire that surveyed their current training practices, with a focus on 2 areas: type of data collection and perceptions of reliability and validity regarding app use. An 18-item questionnaire, using a 5-point Likert scale, evaluated the perception of app use.

RESULTS

A total of 204 respondents reported using apps to directly collect data, with most of them (196/335, 58.5%) collecting biomechanical data, and 41.2% (138/335) respondents reported using at least one evidence-based app. A binomial general linear model determined that evidence accessibility (β=.35, 95% CI 0.04-0.67; P=.03) was significantly related to evidence-based app use. Age (β=−.03, 95% CI −0.06 to 0.00; P=.03) had a significant negative effect on evidence-based app use.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that practitioners show a greater preference for using smartphones and tablet devices to collect biomechanical data such as sprint velocity and jump performance variables. When it is easier to access information on the quality of apps, practitioners are more likely to use evidence-based apps. App developers should seek independent research to validate their apps. In addition, app developers should seek to provide clear signposting to the scientific support of their software in alternative ways.

CLINICALTRIAL
Protective Behaviors and Secondary Harms Resulting From Nonpharmaceutical Interventions During the COVID-19 Epidemic in South Africa: Multisite, Prospective Longitudinal Study (Preprint)
Authors: Harling Guy , Gómez-Olivé Francesc Xavier , Tlouyamma Joseph , Mutevedzi Tinofa , Kabudula Chodziwadziwa Whiteson , Mahlako Ruth , Singh Urisha , Ohene-Kwofie Daniel , Buckland Rose , Ndagurwa Pedzisai , Gareta Dickman , Gunda Resign , Mngomezulu Thobeka , Nxumalo Siyabonga , Wong Emily B , Kahn Kathleen , Siedner Mark J , Maimela Eric , Tollman Stephen , Collinson Mark , Herbst Kobus
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

In March 2020, South Africa implemented strict nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to contain the spread of COVID-19. Over the subsequent 5 months, NPI policies were eased in stages according to a national strategy. COVID-19 spread throughout the country heterogeneously; the disease reached rural areas by July and case numbers peaked from July to August. A second COVID-19 wave began in late 2020. Data on the impact of NPI policies on social and economic well-being and access to health care are limited.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine how rural residents in three South African provinces changed their behaviors during the first COVID-19 epidemic wave.

METHODS

The South African Population Research Infrastructure Network nodes in the Mpumalanga (Agincourt), KwaZulu-Natal, (Africa Health Research Institute) and Limpopo (Dikgale-Mamabolo-Mothiba) provinces conducted up to 14 rounds of longitudinal telephone surveys among randomly sampled households from rural and periurban surveillance populations every 2-3 weeks. Interviews included questions on the following topics: COVID-19–related knowledge and behaviors, the health and economic impacts of NPIs, and mental health. We analyzed how responses varied based on NPI stringency and household sociodemographics.

RESULTS

In total, 5120 households completed 23,095 interviews between April and December 2020. Respondents’ self-reported satisfaction with their COVID-19–related knowledge and face mask use rapidly rose to 85% and 95%, respectively, by August. As selected NPIs were eased, the amount of travel increased, economic losses were reduced, and the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms fell. When the number of COVID-19 cases spiked at one node in July, the amount of travel dropped rapidly and the rate of missed daily medications doubled. Households where more adults received government-funded old-age pensions reported concerns about economic matters and medication access less often.

CONCLUSIONS

South Africans complied with stringent, COVID-19–related NPIs despite the threat of substantial social, economic, and health repercussions. Government-supported social welfare programs appeared to buffer interruptions in income and health care access during local outbreaks. Epidemic control policies must be balanced against the broader well-being of people in resource-limited settings and designed with parallel support systems when such policies threaten peoples’ income and access to basic services.
Assessing Suicide Reporting in Top Newspaper Social Media Accounts in China: Content Analysis Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lai Kaisheng , Li Dan , Peng Huijuan , Zhao Jingyuan , He Lingnan
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that suicide reporting in mainstream media has a significant impact on suicidal behaviors (eg, irresponsible suicide reporting can trigger imitative suicide). Traditional mainstream media are increasingly using social media platforms to disseminate information on public-related topics, including health. However, there is little empirical research on how mainstream media portrays suicide on social media platforms and the quality of their coverage.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the characteristics and quality of suicide reporting by mainstream publishers via social media in China.

METHODS

Via the application programming interface of the social media accounts of the top 10 Chinese mainstream publishers (eg, People’s Daily and Beijing News), we obtained 2366 social media posts reporting suicide. This study conducted content analysis to demonstrate the characteristics and quality of the suicide reporting. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, we assessed the quality of suicide reporting by indicators of harmful information and helpful information.

RESULTS

Chinese mainstream publishers most frequently reported on suicides stated to be associated with conflict on their social media (eg, 24.47% [446/1823] of family conflicts and 16.18% [295/1823] of emotional frustration). Compared with the suicides of youth (730/1446, 50.48%) and urban populations (1454/1588, 91.56%), social media underreported suicides in older adults (118/1446, 8.16%) and rural residents (134/1588, 8.44%). Harmful reporting practices were common (eg, 54.61% [1292/2366] of the reports contained suicide-related words in the headline and 49.54% [1172/2366] disclosed images of people who died by suicide). Helpful reporting practices were very limited (eg, 0.08% [2/2366] of reports provided direct information about support programs).

CONCLUSIONS

The suicide reporting of mainstream publishers on social media in China broadly had low adherence to the WHO guidelines. Considering the tremendous information dissemination power of social media platforms, we suggest developing national suicide reporting guidelines that apply to social media. By effectively playing their separate roles, we believe that social media practitioners, health institutions, social organizations, and the general public can endeavor to promote responsible suicide reporting in the Chinese social media environment.
Utility of a Machine-Guided Tool for Assessing Risk Behavior Associated With Contracting HIV in Three Sites in South Africa: Protocol for an In-Field Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Majam Mohammed , Phatsoane Mothepane , Hanna Keith , Faul Charles , Arora Lovkesh , Makthal Sarvesh , Kumar Akhil , Jois Kashyap , Lalla-Edward Samanta Tresha
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Mobile technology has helped to advance health programs, and studies have shown that an automated risk prediction model can successfully be used to identify patients who exhibit a high probable risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A machine-guided tool is an algorithm that takes a set of subjective and objective answers from a simple questionnaire and computes an HIV risk assessment score.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study is to establish that machine learning can be used to develop machine-guided tools and give us a deeper statistical understanding of the correlation between certain behavioral patterns and HIV.

METHODS

In total, 200 HIV-negative adult individuals across three South African study sites each (two semirural and one urban) will be recruited. Study processes will include (1) completing a series of questions (demographic, sexual behavior and history, personal, lifestyle, and symptoms) on an application system, unaided (assistance will only be provided upon user request); (2) two HIV tests (one per study visit) being performed by a nurse/counselor according to South African national guidelines (to evaluate the prediction accuracy of the tool); and (3) communicating test results and completing a user experience survey questionnaire. The output metrics for this study will be computed by using the participants’ risk assessment scores as “predictions” and the test results as the “ground truth.” Analyses will be completed after visit 1 and then again after visit 2. All risk assessment scores will be used to calculate the reliability of the machine-guided tool.

RESULTS

Ethical approval was received from the University of Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC; ethics reference no. 200312) on August 20, 2020. This study is ongoing. Data collection has commenced and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2021. We will report on the machine-guided tool’s performance and usability, together with user satisfaction and recommendations for improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Machine-guided risk assessment tools can provide a cost-effective alternative to large-scale HIV screening and help in providing targeted counseling and testing to prevent the spread of HIV.

CLINICALTRIAL

South African National Clinical Trial Registry DOH-27-042021-679; https://sanctr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=5545

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/30304
Internet-based intervention compared to brief intervention for smoking cessation in Brazil: a pilot study (Preprint)
Authors: Machado Nathalia , Gomide Henrique , Bernardino Heder , Ronzani Telmo
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Smoking is still the leading cause of preventable death. Governments and healthcare providers should make available more and accessible resources to help tobacco users stop.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes a pilot longitudinal study that evaluated the efficacy of a computerized intervention compared to the brief intervention for smoking cessation among Brazilians.

METHODS

Smokers were recruited and randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups.

RESULTS

The results showed similar rates of cessation and reduction for both intervention groups. The internet-based intervention was a little more effective for smoking cessation, while the brief intervention was more effective in reducing the number of cigarettes smoked per day. Despite this, this difference was small and had no statistical significance even after adjusting for intention-to-treat analysis. These results should be interpreted with caution, especially due to the small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Forty-nine smokers were enrolled in this study (25 in the brief intervention group; 24 in the internet-based intervention group). The mean age was 44.46 years old; most were male (59.2%), had elementary school (44.9%), smoked an average of 14.5 cigarettes per day, had a mean score of 4.65 for nicotine dependence, and score of 5.7 for motivation to quit. Measures were drawn from comparing cessation rate, motivation score and sought treatment between groups. Thirty-five participants answered the follow up 1 and 19 answered to the second.
Online Public attention and interest in COVID-19 Vaccination in mainland China (Preprint)
Authors: Wei Shanzun , Jiang Lisha , Meng Xiaoyan , Wen Xi , Zhou Xiangfu
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

In December 2019, few cases of pneumonia were reported outbursting in the city Wuhan, Mainland China and soon became a global pandemic. With the vaccination approval in Mainland China, concerns over its safety and efficacy emerged. Since the Chinese Vaccine has been promoted by the Chinese government for months, and just got emergency approval from the World Health Organization. The Chinese vaccination program is yet to be identified from the perspective of local populations.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the perception, complaints, and inquiries related to the current vaccination program to identify public concerns or hesitancy with the leading search engine in Mainland China.

METHODS

The COVID-19 Vaccine related keywords were examined and queried on Baidu Index for the period 2019.01–2021.04. The searching popularity of each keyword was recorded to analyze the search trend and demographic distributions. Data of demand graph and trend data used for users' demand analysis. Daily Vaccination data were retrieved from the daily government report since 2021,03.

RESULTS

Seventeen vaccination keywords were retrieved and with a total BSI value of 13,708,853. The first vaccine enquiry emerged on 25th January 2020, and the searching trend APC is 21.05% (p < .05). With reference to the government announcement, the coefficient of correlation (r) values is 0.38 (p < .05). As to the age distribution, 39.22% of the search were from people aged 20-29 years and dominated the vaccine enquiry. Followed are the 33.00% from aged 30-39 yr, 14.34% from aged 40-49 yr, 9.27% from aged under 19 yr and 3.88% from aged over 50 yr. In the user demand section, the total valid BSI of the vaccine demand terms were 3,843,325,561. Over 54.93% of the demand term search were pandemic relevant, and the summed vaccine demand ratio was 44.79%.

CONCLUSIONS

The rising search population in COVID-19 Vaccination revealed elevating public interest and focus. Vaccine education programs and materials should be designed for teens and people aged above the 40s. Complaints and symptoms describing inquiries were low, but vaccine-related birth safety should be alerted and further investigated.

CLINICALTRIAL

Not applicable
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF AMPHOTERICIN B AND MILTEFOSINE COMBINATION NANOVESICLES
Authors: BEZABEH MULUGETA F. , WERBOVETZ KARL A. , MURTHY K. V. RAMANA
Published: May 2021

Objective: The aim of the present investigation is to formulate and evaluate amphotericin B-miltefosine combination nanovesicles for application in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis.

Methods: Amphotericin B-miltefosine combination (AmB-MTF) nanovesicles were prepared by ethanol injection method. Formulations of nanovesicles were evaluated at varying conditions of lipids composition, drug-lipid proportion, ethanol-water composition and stirring rate, on drug entrapment efficiency and particle size.

Results: The study showed that entrapment efficiency was significantly affected (p<0.01) by the effects of lipids composition, drug-lipid proportion, ethanol-water composition, and stirring rate. Particle size of nanovesicles was significantly affected (p<0.05) by drug-lipid proportion and stirring rate. An optimized formulation of amphotericin B-miltefosine nanovesicles was prepared at optimal factors composition of: phosphatidylcholine-cholesterol-stearic acid 20:4:1, drug-lipid 1:8, AmB-MTF 1:1; ethanol-water 1:4 ratios, and stirring rate 1000 rpm. The AmB-MTF 1:1 nanovesicles formulation showed particle size of 145.6 nm, poly dispersity index 0.19, zeta potential-27.3 mV and drug entrapment efficiency 87%.

Conclusion: Evaluation of AmB-MTF 1:1 nanovesicles showed development of a successful formulation with very good compatibility, extended drug release, convenient vesicle size and high drug entrapment efficiency. To conclude, AmB-MTF 1:1 nanovesicles formulation could be a safe and reliable therapeutic option over the conventional combination therapy provided further antileishmanial investigations are investigated in vitro and in vivo.
A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON PHARMACEUTICAL AND NUTRITIONAL APPLICATIONS OF INULIN
Authors: KISHAN C. SAI , A. R. AKHILA , SAHOO SUBHASHREE , KULKARNI P. K.
Published: May 2021

Inulin is a versatile, water-soluble polysaccharide that is commonly available in nature. In the pharmaceutical industry, the non-digestible function of inulin has made it attractive. Inulin is granted with GRAS status by the FDA and more than 30,000 plants in nature store inulin as a carbohydrate. The chicory is the key plant source of inulin out of all sources. It can be used as the sugar or fat replacer in the processed foods to influence the desirable characteristics. Good biocompatibility, essential chemical properties, and a wide variety of bioactivities have rendered inulin an outstanding natural nutrient. Regulating blood sugar, antioxidant, anticancer is some of the biological activities of inulin. Inulin can also be a carrier for colon/tumor targeting, as only specific enzymes in the colon zhydrolyze the inulin. It allows the growth of micro-flora, the good bacteria in the gut. Inulin is considered as a prebiotic as it is fermented by bacteria that normalize the colon. This review offers an in-depth insight into its novel Pharmaceutical applications as well as sources, processing, physicochemical properties, and nutritional and physiological activities. The chemically modified inulin is gaining a specific interest in the pharmaceutical field with its outstanding properties which are discussed in this review.
La importancia de la gobernanza en el desarrollo de las Ciencias Sociales
Authors: Aguilera Hintelholher Rina Marissa
Published: May 2021

El artículo enfatiza la relación existente entre las Ciencias Sociales y la gobernanza para su mejor comprensión, lo cual implica concebir a la gobernanza como un referente en el desarrollo de las sociedades contemporáneas, ya que éstas son más vigorosas y participativas que en otros tiempos, frente a Estados que han perdido su influencia de centralización y burocratización en los procesos de dirección, debido a que los espacios públicos son más interactivos, organizados y corresponsables.
Evaluation of the E gene RT-PCR Ct Values in Clinical Samples from Symptomatic and Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patients
Authors: John Neetu , Soni Rani , Majumdar Dev Jyoti
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread globally and is a major public health issue. Procedures that have been established to decrease the spread of the virus depend on the careful and precise detection of infected individuals using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). There have been many ambiguous concerns among the public regarding the severity of infection and its connection with the Cycle threshold (Ct) value and there was forceful need to inform the values to the public especially those with symptoms. The main objective of this study was to determine the association between the E (Envelop) gene Ct values of the symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID 19 patients. The study was conducted at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. Between March 2020 and June 2020, samples were collected from the Bastar region as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines. A total of 29228 clinical samples were tested by qRT-PCR targeting the E and RdRp (RNA-dependant RNA polymerase) genes as well as the ORF (open reading frame) gene that encode polyproteins of SARS-CoV-2. Of the 29228 samples tested, 75 were tested positive and 29153 were tested negative. In addition, the Ct values varied between the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. It was observed that, the Ct values ranged from 15 to 32 in the asymptomatic patients and between 13 to 34 in the symptomatic patients. E gene Ct value analysis showed no significant difference between the asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Thus, we observed that there was no association between the Ct values of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients of COVID-19.
COVID-19 and Diabetes Mellitus: A Complex Interplay
Authors: Koneru Gopala , Sayed Hager H. , Abd-elhamed Nayera A. , Elsedfy Nouran , Mohamed Amira H. , Abdellatif Hania A. , Mohamed Fatmaalzharaa F. , Bahnasawy Esraa H. , Mousa Nayera K. , Eisa Aml , Elshenawy Esraa A. , Basheer Yassmin Z. , Sayed Esraa H. , Mohamed Farah F. , Ali Walaa R. , Soliman Hadir A. , Eltabary Ashrakt A. , Sayed Noorhan M. , Nasr Nourhan H. , Khairallah Nour S. , Hetta Helal F.
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 pandemic, which caused by the newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS- CoV-2), puts the entire world in an unprecedented crisis, leaving behind huge human losses and serious socio-economical damages. The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 varies from asymptomatic to multi-organ manifestations. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic inflammatory condition, which associated with metabolic and vascular abnormalities, increases the risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, severity and mortality. Due to global prevalence, DM effect on COVID-19 outcomes as well as the potential mechanisms by which DM modulates the host-viral interactions and host-immune responses are discussed in this review. This review also highlights the effects of anti-diabetic drugs on treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vice versa.
Periode Masa Jabatan Hakim Konstitusi dan Implikasinya terhadap Kemandirian Kekuasaan Kehakiman (Term of Office for Constitutional Justices and Its Implications against Judicial Independence)
Authors: Hantoro Novianto Murti
Published: May 2021

Constitutional justices have a five-year term and can be re-elected for only one subsequent term. There has been an effort to correct this provision through a request for judicial review of the Constitutional Court Law. Still, there is no decision by the Constitutional Court which states that the term of office of constitutional justice is against the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. This paper analyzes the need to reform the provisions regarding the term of office of constitutional justices associated with the principle of judicial independence. An analysis of the term of office of constitutional justices was also carried out by comparing international principles and practices in other countries. The term of office of 5 years and can be re-elected has its weaknesses, because it opens up opportunities for political influence and controversy in candidacy proposal for the second term of constitutional justices. This term of office needs to be changed with a longer time length without extension combined with the retirement age. The determination of the term of office of constitutional justices which is related to the judicial independence cannot be separated from the requirements, selection, supervision, and dismissal of constitutional justices. Those requirements, mechanisms for selection, supervision, and dismissal of constitutional justices also need to be improved. AbstrakHakim konstitusi memiliki periode masa jabatan lima tahun dan dapat dipilih kembali hanya untuk satu kali masa jabatan berikutnya. Ketentuan ini telah coba dikoreksi melalui permohonan uji materi terhadap UU Mahkamah Konstitusi (MK), tetapi tidak ada putusan MK yang menyatakan periode masa jabatan hakim konstitusi bertentangan dengan UUD NRI Tahun 1945. Tulisan ini menganalisis mengenai perlunya reformulasi ketentuan mengenai periode masa jabatan hakim konstitusi dikaitkan dengan prinsip kemandirian kekuasaan kehakiman. Analisis mengenai periode masa jabatan hakim konstitusi juga dilakukan dengan membandingkan prinsip internasional dan praktik di negara lain. Periode masa jabatan 5 tahun dan dapat dipilih kembali memiliki kelemahan, karena membuka peluang pengaruh politik dan kontroversi pada pengajuan calon hakim konstitusi periode kedua. Periode masa jabatan ini perlu diubah dengan masa jabatan yang lebih lama tanpa perpanjangan dikombinasikan dengan usia pensiun. Penentuan periode masa jabatan hakim konstitusi yang dikaitkan dengan kemandirian kekuasaan kehakiman tidak dapat lepas dari persyaratan, seleksi, pengawasan, dan pemberhentian hakim konstitusi. Persyaratan, mekanisme seleksi, pengawasan, dan pemberhentian hakim konstitusi juga perlu disempurnakan.
MOOCs sobre tecnologia assistiva no contexto educacional: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Poletto Salton Bruna , Bertagnolli Silvia
Published: May 2021

Para muitos estudantes com deficiência, o acesso a recursos e serviços de Tecnologia Assistiva (TA) pode ser o diferencial para que tenham autonomia e êxito no contexto educacional. Para viabilizar essa realidade, há demanda crescente por capacitação em TA que chegue até os envolvidos nesse processo, de forma ampla, aberta e gratuita, características estas que podem ser contempladas pela oferta de Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). Nesse sentido, foi conduzida uma revisão sistemática para prover uma visão geral do estado corrente da pesquisa relacionada à utilização de MOOCs para oferecer capacitação em TA no contexto educacional. Como resultados, verificouse a quase inexistência de MOOCs sobre TA e que o tema ainda é pouco explorado, mas com grande potencial para atender uma demanda urgente e crescente no contexto educacional.
Desenvolvimento de Jogos Educacionais Digitais: um Relato de Experiência com o Framework PlayEduc
Authors: Ferreira Aires Samanta , Andryê Galvão Madeira Charles
Published: May 2021

Os jogos educacionais digitais vêm ganhando espaço como alternativa paraauxiliar no processo de ensino e aprendizagem, mas a qualidade deles depende tanto da forma em que são concebidos quanto da forma em que são aplicados. Por isso, diversas ferramentas têm sido desenvolvidas para permitir avaliar a qualidade dos mesmos em vários aspectos. No entanto, ainda são poucas as ferramentas existentes direcionadas à etapa de concepção, de modo que os jogos venham a ser desenvolvidos da forma mais adequada. Este artigo relata um exemplo de aplicação do framework PlayEduc ao longo do processo de desenvolvimento de um jogo educacional digital por uma equipe multidisciplinar. O objetivo desta aplicação foi avaliar o quanto os princípios do PlayEduc auxiliam à equipe envolvida. Os resultados obtidos são bastante promissores.
Um Estudo Terciário Sobre o Ensino de Computação no Brasil
Authors: Natan Paschoal Leo , Henrique Dias Valle Pedro , M. Melo Silvana
Published: May 2021

O ensino de computação tem ganhado espaço em conferências e períodicos brasileiros que envolvem tecnologias educacionais. Nesse contexto, têm sido discutidas abordagens e mecanismos para apoiar (i) iniciativas que visam desenvolver o pensamento computacional, (ii) movimentos que visam promover mulheres na computação e (iii) problemas que emergem no contexto de ensino de disciplinas de Computação. Nessa perspectiva, estudos secundários vêm sendo produzidos, com o propósito de sintetizar as contribuições já estabelecidas. Apesar disso, não há um panorama sobre quais os tópicos sobre o ensino de Computação já foram investigados, bem como os problemas inerentes a esses tópicos e suas soluções. Nesse sentido, este artigo aborda um estudo terciário, visando contribuir com essa temática, por meio de uma análise das evidêencias sobre os tópicos abordados em ensino de Computação, os principais problemas e soluções propostas.
Parameter estimation and empirical analysis of fractional O-U process based on three machine learning algorithms
Authors: Li Yicun , Teng Yuanyang
Published: May 2021

Abstract Fractional O-U process is a very classical stochastic process
which is used to describe the time series of financial volatility. Three
parameters need to be estimated in this process, and the estimation
method based on discrete observations can be realized by machine
learning optimization algorithm. In this study, the parameter estimation
method of fractional O-U process is briefly described, and three
optimization algorithms, Newton method, quasi Newton method and genetic
algorithm, are used to estimate the parameters. The comparison shows
that genetic algorithm is relatively accurate and efficient. Finally,
the minute data of stock index futures are estimated based on fractional
O-U process. The results show that the estimation of theta and Hurst
index is relatively accurate, and the estimation error of volatility is
large.
Molecular profiling of congenital glioblastoma using a next-generation sequencing panel
Authors: Corrêa Débora Cabral de Carvalho , Tesser-Gamba Francine , Silva Nasjla da , Capellano Andrea , Alves Maria Teresa , Dastoli Patrícia , Costa Marcos Devanir da , Cavalheiro Sergio , Toledo Silvia
Published: May 2021

Background Congenital GBM (cGBM), presenting prenatally or
within the first months of life, is among the rarest type of congenital
brain tumor, with approximately 120 cases reported. Due to its
infrequent occurrence, few studies have focused on the molecular and
genetic aspects of this tumor, and the mutational events involved in the
pathogenesis and progression of cGBM still remains poorly understood.
This study aimed to investigate molecular alterations, with a potential
prognostic marker and therapeutic target in cGBM using the
next-generation sequencing (NGS) strategy. Methods We selected
seven tumor samples from patients diagnosed with cGBM and treated at
Pediatric Oncology Institute-GRAACC/UNIFESP. NGS was performed to
identify somatic genetic variants in tumor samples using the Oncomine
Childhood Cancer Research Assay panel, from
ThermoFisher Scientific, designed specifically for
pediatric neoplasms. Results Of all seven patients analyzed,
three patients exhibited tumors with genetic variants, which include two
pathogenic variants in NF1 and SUZ12 genes that have not
been reported in cGBM yet, an increase in the number of copies
of ALK gene, and two gene fusions, PPP1CB-ALK
and TPM3-NTRK1. Also, none of the cases showed variants
in H3F3A, TP53 and ATRX genes, alterations which
are frequently seen in pediatric and adolescent
GBM. Conclusions Our results suggest that cGBM may comprise a
unique tumor entity and alterations in ALK and NTRK genes
provide a potential target for therapy. Therefore, identification of
genetic variants in cGBM is highly relevant in order to define prognosis
and therapeutic strategies.
Effect of different carbon sources on vacuum carbothermal reduction of low-grade phosphorus ore
Authors: He Xuan , Huang Run
Published: May 2021

In this study, the effect of different carbon sources on the carbothermal reduction of low-grade phosphate ore were examined using FactSage 7.2 calculations and vacuum reduction experiments. The thermodynamic calculations showed that the trend of the effect for three types of reducing agents was generally consistent under 1 Pa pressure and 14% carbon dosage. The reduction effect was maximum when graphite was used as the reducing agent, and a maximum mass of P was obtained at 1250?C. The vacuum experiment results showed that the reduction and volatilization ratios of phosphate rock increased with temperature for different carbon sources. Maximum reduction ratio was obtained using graphite in the temperature range 1250-1300?C. The reduction effect of pulverized coal was optimal at 1350?C, when SiO2, Al2O3 and MgO in the pulverized coal ash were exposed to form low-melting eutectics with CaO due to the increased degree of reaction, and the heat and mass transfer rates were increased. At this time, a maximum reduction ratio of 51.77% of the sample and a maximum volatilization ratio of 82.44% of P were achieved. Considering the cost-effectiveness, pulverized coal was the optimum carbon source for the treatment of low-grade phosphate rock using vacuum carbothermal reduction.
Genetic Evidence for Different Adiposity Phenotypes and their Opposing Influence on Ectopic Fat and Risk of Cardiometabolic Disease
Authors: Martin Susan , Cule Madeleine , Basty Nicolas , Tyrrell Jessica , Beaumont Robin N. , Wood Andrew R. , Frayling Timothy M. , Sorokin Elena , Whitcher Brandon , Liu Yi , Bell Jimmy D. , Thomas E. Louise , Yaghootkar Hanieh
Published: May 2021

To understand the causal role of adiposity and ectopic fat in type 2
diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases, we aimed to identify two clusters of
adiposity genetic variants, one with ‘adverse’ metabolic effects (UFA) and the
other with, paradoxically, ‘favourable’ metabolic effects (FA). We performed a
multivariate genome-wide association study using body fat percentage and
metabolic biomarkers from UK Biobank and identified 38 UFA and 36 FA variants. Adiposity-increasing
alleles were associated with an adverse metabolic profile, higher risk of
disease, higher CRP, higher fat in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue,
liver and pancreas for UFA; and a favourable metabolic profile, lower risk of
disease, higher CRP, higher subcutaneous adipose tissue but lower liver fat for
FA. We detected no sexual dimorphism. The Mendelian randomization studies provided evidence for risk-increasing
effect of UFA and protective effect of FA on type 2 diabetes, heart disease,
hypertension, stroke, non-alcoholic
fatty liver disease and polycystic ovary syndrome. FA is distinct from
UFA by its association with
lower liver fat, and protection from cardiometabolic diseases;
it was not associated with visceral or
pancreatic fat. Understanding the difference in FA and UFA may lead to new
insights in preventing, predicting and treating of cardiometabolic diseases.
Observatorios Europeos de Vulnerabilidad y Pobreza urbana. Características y transferibilidad
Authors: Córdoba Hernández Rafael , González García Isabel , Guerrero Periñán Gerardo
Published: May 2021

Pobreza urbana, exclusión y desigualdad son los problemas sociales más serios a que se enfrentan las ciudades del siglo XXI. La dimensión territorial de las situaciones de vulnerabilidad y pobreza son un tema importante debido a la concentración estructural de ambos aspectos en las llamadas áreas urbanas o barrios desfavorecidos. Esta investigación se centra en el estudio de los Observatorios europeos de ámbito nacional que desde la escala inframunicipal evalúan con criterios diversos la pobreza y/o vulnerabilidad urbana existentes en sus territorios, así como el análisis de sus metodologías y los datos proporcionados. La investigación muestra que, si bien cada observatorio analizado parte de las preocupaciones específicas de cada país, todos, con mayor o menor implicación, pretenden ser herramientas para la toma de decisiones en las diferentes escalas de las políticas urbanas.
Iniciativas de diálogo, participación e innovación social para mejorar la gobernanza territorial en el medio rural
Authors: Herrera Calvo Pedro María , García Fernández Javier
Published: May 2021

La gobernanza territorial es un concepto complejo en el que se mezclan realidad e intención. Mientras el marco teórico plantea formas avanzadas de participación ciudadana y decisiones colaborativas, la realidad territorial, vista a través de la evolución del paisaje, muestra una tendencia clara hacia la polarización territorial, el abandono y el cambio en los usos del suelo hacia modelos urbanocéntricos, en la que la toma de decisiones se aleja cada vez más de las instituciones locales y la ciudadanía. Frente a esta situación, se analizan tres estudios de caso, seleccionados entre los proyectos desarrollados por la Fundación Entretantos y vinculados con la producción primaria de base territorial y se extraen enseñanzas, barreras y propuestas metodológicas con el objetivo de contribuir al diseño e implementación de iniciativas participativas que mejoren la gobernanza de los territorios rurales.
Ancestrality – a fundamental concept in the works of the Romanian composer Tudor Chiriac
Authors: Paciurca Aliona
Published: May 2021

Originally from the Republic of Moldova, the composer Tudor Chiriac built his entire work of art on several key concepts such as ancestrality, identity, “music from notes” (a concept that belongs to him), ethos, modernity, tradition, etc., which we find both in his music and in his reflections, musical principles and beliefs assumed over time. Tudor Chiriac achieved in his creation what he set out to do, regardless of the public’s preferences or other opinions, an aspect that emphasizes once again his compositional “belief”, from which he did not abdicate. In this study we aim to highlight the technical and expressive means by which the author capitalises on the concept of ancestrality in the work Doinatoriu – Opus Sacrum Dacicum: from generating a new musical genre to exploring matrix symbols of Romanian culture. Connected to the universal ancestral inheritances, but especially to those belonging to the Romanian geographical space, the composer stands out by the originality of the musical construction, of the particular timbre associations, as well as through a unique ideational conception. Concerned especially with the meaning of the music he writes, the author explores sounds particularly “alive” and fresh in the context of Romanian musical culture, meant to complete his compositional vision, as well as to strengthen the perspective of the musical aesthetics he has adopted over time.
German Musical Baroque, a mini European Union avant la lettre: the bassoon concerto
Authors: Darie Laurenţiu
Published: May 2021

The German musical Baroque represents a sum of stylistic diversities, in which the European cultural values were merged with the national ones, resulting in a strongly individualized, but malleable style. The works dedicated to the bassoon by German composers are living evidence of aesthetic unity in the Baroque stylistic diversity, emphasizing the universality of music and its cohesive force. The analyzed concertos approach the aesthetics of each composer, through his relationship with Italian and French music, personalized in an expressive form of the German type: robust, in a clear, dynamic solid structure.
The Image of the River in Kazuo Ishiguro’s A Pale View of Hills
Authors: Taketomi Ria
Published: May 2021

This essay focuses on the theme of the river in Kazuo Ishiguro’s A Pale View of Hills which will be analyzed in relation to the nuclear devastation of WWII. Rivers have a special meaning to the inhabitants of Nagasaki since the rivers were filled with the corpses of people who were exposed to radiation after the atomic bombing. It is also known in Nagasaki that unidentifiable fireballs called onibi float over marsh ground at night in summer. Especially in his first novel, A Pale View of Hills, the river evokes the image of Sanzu No Kawa, a river which, in Japanese Buddhism, the souls of the dead are believed to be crossing on the seventh day of afterlife. The river imagery signifies the boundary between life and death, and it has been used as a metaphor for the transience of time. As such, the river displays an ephemeral texture. In A Pale View of Hills, the protagonist Etsuko reminisces about her days in Nagasaki. In her memories, she becomes friends with Sachiko and her daughter Mariko. One night, Mariko confesses to Etsuko that she sees a ghostly woman coming from the other side of the river. Ishiguro also writes about the rivers in other novels. For example, in Never Let Me Go, he uses the river as a metaphor for Kathy and Tommy’s fate. In The Buried Giant, at the end of the novel, Axl sets Beatrice free and lets the boatman carry her alone to the island, which can be read as Beatrice’s departure from life. My analysis explores Ishiguro’s intentions when using the river and various apparitions in his novels, with a special focus on A Pale View of Hills.
Romanian Patients Who Experience in-Stent Restenosis After St-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: The Experience of a Tertiary Center
Authors: Munteanu Alice Elena , Chiriac Liviu , Bolohan Filip Romi , Niţă Daniel , Constantinescu Ruxandra , Ioniţă Iulia Theodora , Casian Mihnea
Published: May 2021

Background and aim. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most important causes of death worldwide. ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is an acute form of presentation in patients with CAD. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the treatment of choice in STEMI patients. Generally, a stent is placed after the culprit lesion is dilated in order to ensure the patency of the coronary artery. In-stent restenosis (ISR) is a possible chronic complication in this setting. The following study is one of the few of its kind, since it investigates ISR in a cohort of Romanian patients who underwent PCI in the setting of STEMI. Our current descriptive study aims at highlighting the characteristics of these patients and identifying potential risk factors in this specific population, which could be validated by a further larger study.

Methods. We studied 68 patients from “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency University Hospital in Bucharest, Romania, who presented with STEMI in 2016. The mean time for angiographic reevaluation was 111 days.

Results. 94% (64) of the patients underwent primary PCI, while in 6% (4) of the cases thrombolysis was initially attempted before PCI. The most prevalent risk factors that we identified were: arterial hypertension (61%), dyslipidemia (60%) and smoking or history of smoking (47%). The anterior myocardial infarction was the most prevalent (49%). Only 6% of the patients had a documented history of CAD, while on the other hand chronic occlusions were observed in most patients (85%). Of note is that only 11% of the patients reported recurrent angina before the angiographic reevaluation.

Conclusion. Common cardiovascular risk factors are also involved in ISR. Their poor management in the case of Romanian patients with STEMI increases the risk of ISR. The lack of symptoms in patients with ISR constitutes a warning sign for clinicians and shows that ISR is a complication which can be easily omitted. Therefore, its incidence is probably underestimated.