bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Florist Apprentices Explore Bouquet Designs: Supporting Design Space Exploration for Vocational Students
Authors: Kim Kevin Gonyop , Oertel Catharine , Dillenbourg Pierre
Published: March 2021

Context: Exploring the design space is an important process in a design task. In this study, we considered design space exploration for the learners in vocational education and training (VET). The goal of the study was to investigate how they explore the design space while focusing on the effect of a graph-like interface on the learner’s understanding of the design space. With florists as the target profession, we investigated how the apprentices explore design variations, what they would gain from such activity, and how we can support this process. Approach: We developed a web application called BloomGraph that allows learners to explore design variations. It provides a graph-based interface that enables the systematic variation of design. Using the BloomGraph application, we conducted an experimental study with 44 florist apprentices in Switzerland to investigate the effect of the graph-based interface which provides a structured way of exploring the design space. The experimental group was given the graph-based interface to explore design variations while the control group had a linear-based interface. We compared them in terms of the number of bouquets explored, time of exploration, diversity of bouquets explored, and the learning gain in terms of the understanding of the design space measured using pre and post-tests. We also analyzed the strategies adopted by the participants for the graph navigation and the visual exploration behavior using the eye gaze data. Findings: Our analysis shows that the graph-based interface fosters a better understanding of the size of the design space and more efficient navigation towards a goal design in terms of the number of intermediate designs but with longer exploration of each intermediate design compared to the linear-based interface. Regarding the behavioral patterns in graph exploration, the participants who showed more strategic behavior in the design choices acquired a better understanding of the design space. Additionally, we trained a model that predicts the next choice of a learner using eye tracking data. It provides a reasonable accuracy that opens new possibilities for future studies.Conclusion: The findings of this study support the feasibility of design space exploration as a digital activity for VET learners and show how the learners can benefit from it. The contribution of the paper includes the validation of the idea with florist apprentices and the demonstration of how the process can be supported using a structured interface and the learner behavior analysis. This paper shows how a design exploration activity can provide an added value in the learning of an apprentice in a design-related VET system.
Scattering oblique plane microscopy for in-vivo blood cell imaging
Authors: McKay Gregory N. , Niemeier Ryan C. , Castro-González Carlos , Durr Nicholas J.
Published: March 2021

Oblique plane microscopy (OPM) enables high speed, volumetric fluorescence imaging through a single-objective geometry. While these advantages have positioned OPM as a valuable tool to probe biological questions in animal models, its potential for in vivo human imaging is largely unexplored due to its typical use with exogenous fluorescent dyes. Here we introduce a scattering-contrast oblique plane microscope (sOPM) and demonstrate label-free imaging of blood cells flowing through human capillaries in vivo. The sOPM illuminates a capillary bed in the ventral tongue with an oblique light sheet, and images side- and back- scattered signal from blood cells. By synchronizing the sOPM with a conventional capillaroscope, we acquire paired widefield and axial images of blood cells flowing through a capillary loop. The widefield capillaroscope image provides absorption contrast and confirms the presence of red blood cells (RBCs), while the sOPM image may aid in determining whether optical absorption gaps (OAGs) between RBCs have cellular or acellular composition. Further, we demonstrate consequential differences between fluorescence and scattering versions of OPM by imaging the same polystyrene beads sequentially with each technique. Lastly, we substantiate in vivo observations by imaging isolated red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in vitro using 3D agar phantoms. These results demonstrate a promising new avenue towards in vivo blood analysis.
Quantitative characterization of human breast tissue based on deep learning segmentation of 3D optical coherence tomography images
Authors: Liu Yuwei , Adamson Roberto , Galan Mark , Hubbi Basil , Liu Xuan
Published: March 2021

In this study, we performed dual-modality optical coherence tomography (OCT) characterization (volumetric OCT imaging and quantitative optical coherence elastography) on human breast tissue specimens. We trained and validated a U-Net for automatic image segmentation. Our results demonstrated that U-Net segmentation can be used to assist clinical diagnosis for breast cancer, and is a powerful enabling tool to advance our understanding of the characteristics for breast tissue. Based on the results obtained from U-Net segmentation of 3D OCT images, we demonstrated significant morphological heterogeneity in small breast specimens acquired through diagnostic biopsy. We also found that breast specimens affected by different pathologies had different structural characteristics. By correlating U-Net analysis of structural OCT images with mechanical measurement provided by quantitative optical coherence elastography, we showed that the change of mechanical properties in breast tissue is not directly due to the change in the amount of dense or porous tissue.
Phase-sensitive nonclassical properties in quantum metrology with a displaced squeezed vacuum state
Authors: Tao Zhiwei , Ren Yichong , Abdukirim Azezigul , Liu Shiwei , Rao Ruizhong
Published: March 2021

We predict that the phase-dependent error distribution of locally unentangled quantum states directly affects quantum parameter estimation accuracy. Therefore, we employ the displaced squeezed vacuum (DSV) state as a probe state and investigate an interesting question of the phase-sensitive nonclassical properties in the DSV’s metrology. We found that the accuracy limit of parameter estimation is a function of the phase-sensitive parameter

ϕ
−
θ

/

2

with a period

π

. We show that when

ϕ
−
θ

/

2
 
∈
[
k
π

/

2
,
3
k
π

/

4
)
(
k
∈

Z

)

, we can obtain the accuracy of parameter estimation approaching the ultimate quantum limit through the use of the DSV state with the larger displacement and squeezing strength, whereas when

ϕ
−
θ

/

2
 
∈
(
3
k
π

/

4
,
k
π
]
(
k
∈

Z

)

, the optimal estimation accuracy can be acquired only when the DSV state degenerates to a squeezed vacuum state.
Dual-frequency Doppler velocimeter based on delay interferometric optical phase-locking
Authors: Feng Yuxiang , Xie Weilin , Meng Yinxia , Zhang Ling , Yang Jiang , Wei Wei , Dong Yi
Published: March 2021

We present a dual-frequency laser Doppler velocimeter (DF-LDV) relying on a DF laser source (DFLS) generated by optical phase-locking two individual lasers to a common unbalanced Mach–Zehnder interferometer, which allows achieving high stability regardless of the DF separation of the lasers. This DFLS is evaluated using an optical frequency comb, testifying to the generation of DFLS with large DF separation up to terahertz with flexible tunability and high stability. Demonstration of DF-LDV using the DFLS of

∼

1.024

T
H
z

separation has achieved

1.62
×

10

−
2

mm/s velocity resolution even for a slow velocity of

1.8

m
m

/

s

in a mere 5 s acquisition time, confirming the high resolution and efficient speckle noise suppression enabled by the proposed DF-LDV. Featuring high precision, flexibility, and robustness, this method is particularly attractive from the practical point of view.
Orchestrating privacy-protected big data analyses of data from different resources with R and DataSHIELD
Authors: Marcon Yannick , Bishop Tom , Avraam Demetris , Escriba-Montagut Xavier , Ryser-Welch Patricia , Wheater Stuart , Burton Paul , González Juan R.
Published: March 2021

Combined analysis of multiple, large datasets is a common objective in the health- and biosciences. Existing methods tend to require researchers to physically bring data together in one place or follow an analysis plan and share results. Developed over the last 10 years, the DataSHIELD platform is a collection of R packages that reduce the challenges of these methods. These include ethico-legal constraints which limit researchers’ ability to physically bring data together and the analytical inflexibility associated with conventional approaches to sharing results. The key feature of DataSHIELD is that data from research studies stay on a server at each of the institutions that are responsible for the data. Each institution has control over who can access their data. The platform allows an analyst to pass commands to each server and the analyst receives results that do not disclose the individual-level data of any study participants. DataSHIELD uses Opal which is a data integration system used by epidemiological studies and developed by the OBiBa open source project in the domain of bioinformatics. However, until now the analysis of big data with DataSHIELD has been limited by the storage formats available in Opal and the analysis capabilities available in the DataSHIELD R packages. We present a new architecture (“resources”) for DataSHIELD and Opal to allow large, complex datasets to be used at their original location, in their original format and with external computing facilities. We provide some real big data analysis examples in genomics and geospatial projects. For genomic data analyses, we also illustrate how to extend the resources concept to address specific big data infrastructures such as GA4GH or EGA, and make use of shell commands. Our new infrastructure will help researchers to perform data analyses in a privacy-protected way from existing data sharing initiatives or projects. To help researchers use this framework, we describe selected packages and present an online book (https://isglobal-brge.github.io/resource_bookdown).
Deciphering the transcriptomic regulation of heat stress responses in Nothofagus pumilio
Authors: Estravis-Barcala Maximiliano , Heer Katrin , Marchelli Paula , Ziegenhagen Birgit , Arana María Verónica , Bellora Nicolás
Published: March 2021

Global warming is predicted to exert negative impacts on plant growth due to the damaging effect of high temperatures on plant physiology. Revealing the genetic architecture underlying the heat stress response is therefore crucial for the development of conservation strategies, and for breeding heat-resistant plant genotypes. Here we investigated the transcriptional changes induced by heat in Nothofagus pumilio, an emblematic tree species of the sub-Antarctic forests of South America. Through the performance of RNA-seq of leaves of plants exposed to 20°C (control) or 34°C (heat shock), we generated the first transcriptomic resource for the species. We also studied the changes in protein-coding transcripts expression in response to heat. We found 5,214 contigs differentially expressed between temperatures. The heat treatment resulted in a down-regulation of genes related to photosynthesis and carbon metabolism, whereas secondary metabolism, protein re-folding and response to stress were up-regulated. Moreover, several transcription factor families like WRKY or ERF were promoted by heat, alongside spliceosome machinery and hormone signaling pathways. Through a comparative analysis of gene regulation in response to heat in Arabidopsis thaliana, Populus tomentosa and N. pumilio we provide evidence of the existence of shared molecular features of heat stress responses across angiosperms, and identify genes of potential biotechnological application.
A strontium isoscape for the Conchucos region of highland Peru and its application to Andean archaeology
Authors: Washburn Eden , Nesbitt Jason , Ibarra Bebel , Fehren-Schmitz Lars , Oelze Vicky M.
Published: March 2021

Strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) analysis of human skeletal remains is an important method in archaeology to examine past human mobility and landscape use.87Sr/86Sr signatures of a given location are largely determined by the underlying bedrock, and these geology specific isotope signatures are incorporated into skeletal tissue through food and water, often permitting the differentiation of local and non-local individuals in past human populations. This study presents the results of a systematic survey of modern flora and fauna (n = 100) from 14 locations to map the bioavailable87Sr/86Sr signatures of the Conchucos region, an area where the extent of geologic variability was previously unknown. We illustrate the necessity to examine the variation in87Sr/86Sr values of the different geological formations available to human land use to document the range of possible local87Sr/86Sr values. Within the Conchucos region we found significant variation in environmental87Sr/86Sr values (0.7078–0.7214). The resulting isoscape represents the largest regionally specific bioavailable87Sr/86Sr map (3,840 km2) to date for the Andes, and will serve as a baseline for future archaeological studies of human mobility in this part of the Peruvian highlands.
Mutation status and prognostic value of KRAS and NRAS mutations in Moroccan colon cancer patients: A first report
Authors: El agy Fatima , el Bardai Sanae , El Otmani Ihsane , Benbrahim Zineb , Karim Ibn Majdoub Hassani , Mazaz Khalid , Benjelloun El Bachir , Ousadden Abdelmalek , El Abkari Mohammed , Ibrahimi Sidi Adil , Chbani Laila
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to estimate the incidence of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations in the Moroccan population, and investigate the associations of KRAS and NRAS gene mutations with clinicopathological characteristics and their prognosis value. To achieve these objectives, we reviewed medical and pathology reports for 210 patients. RAS testing was investigated by Sanger sequencing and Pyrosequencing technology. BRAF (exon 15) status was analyzed by the Sanger method. The expression of MMR proteins was evaluated by Immunohistochemistry. KRAS and NRAS mutations were found in 36.7% and 2.9% of 210 patients, respectively. KRAS exon 2 mutations were identified in 76.5% of the cases. RAS-mutated colon cancers were significantly associated with female gender, presence of vascular invasion, classical adenocarcinoma, moderately differentiated tumors, advanced TNM stage III-IV, left colon site, higher incidence of distant metastases at the time of diagnostic, microsatellite stable phenotype, lower number of total lymph nodes, and higher means of positive lymph nodes and lymph node ratio. KRAS exon 2-mutated colon cancers, compared with KRAS wild-type colon cancers were associated with the same clinicopathological features of RAS-mutated colon cancers. NRAS-mutated patients were associated with lower total lymph node rate and the presence of positive lymph node. Rare RAS-mutated tumors, compared with wild-type tumors were more frequently moderately differentiated and associated with lower lymph node rate. We found that KRAS codon 13-mutated, tumors compared to codon 12-mutated tumors were significantly correlated with a higher death cases number, a lower rate of positive lymph, lower follow-up time, and poor overall survival. Our findings show that KRAS and NRAS mutations have distinct clinicopathological features. KRAS codon 13-mutated status was the worst predictor of prognosis at all stages in our population.
Geochemical and metagenomics study of a metal-rich, green-turquoise-coloured stream in the southern Swiss Alps
Authors: Buetti-Dinh Antoine , Ruinelli Michela , Czerski Dorota , Scapozza Cristian , Martignier Agathe , Roman Samuele , Caminada Annapaola , Tonolla Mauro
Published: March 2021

The Swiss Alpine environments are poorly described from a microbiological perspective. Near the Greina plateau in the Camadra valley in Ticino (southern Swiss Alps), a green-turquoise-coloured water spring streams off the mountain cliffs. Geochemical profiling revealed naturally elevated concentrations of heavy metals such as copper, lithium, zinc and cadmium, which are highly unusual for the geomorphology of the region. Of particular interest, was the presence of a thick biofilm, that was revealed by microscopic analysis to be mainly composed of Cyanobacteria. A metagenome was further assembled to detail the genes found in this environment. A multitude of genes for resistance/tolerance to high heavy metal concentrations were indeed found, such as, various transport systems, and genes involved in the synthesis of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). EPS have been evoked as a central component in photosynthetic environments rich in heavy metals, for their ability to drive the sequestration of toxic, positively-charged metal ions under high regimes of cyanobacteria-driven photosynthesis. The results of this study provide a geochemical and microbiological description of this unusual environment in the southern Swiss Alps, the role of cyanobacterial photosynthesis in metal resistance, and the potential role of such microbial community in bioremediation of metal-contaminated environments.
Improved sensitivity, safety, and rapidity of COVID-19 tests by replacing viral storage solution with lysis buffer
Authors: Erster Oran , Shkedi Omer , Benedek Gil , Zilber Eyal , Varkovitzky Itay , Shirazi Rachel , Oriya Shorka Dorit , Cohen Yuval , Bar Tzahi , Yechieli Rafi , Tepperberg Oikawa Michal , Venkert Dana , Linial Michal , Oiknine-Djian Esther , Mandelboim Michal , Livneh Zvi , Shenhav-Saltzman Gilat , Mendelson Ella , Wolf Dana , Szwarcwort-Cohen Moran , Mor Orna , Lewis Yair , Zeevi Danny
Published: March 2021

Conducting numerous, rapid, and reliable PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 is essential for our ability to monitor and control the current COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we tested the sensitivity and efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 detection in clinical samples collected directly into a mix of lysis buffer and RNA preservative, thus inactivating the virus immediately after sampling. We tested 79 COVID-19 patients and 20 healthy controls. We collected two samples (nasopharyngeal swabs) from each participant: one swab was inserted into a test tube with Viral Transport Medium (VTM), following the standard guideline used as the recommended method for sample collection; the other swab was inserted into a lysis buffer supplemented with nucleic acid stabilization mix (coined NSLB). We found that RT-qPCR tests of patients were significantly more sensitive with NSLB sampling, reaching detection threshold 2.1±0.6 (Mean±SE) PCR cycles earlier then VTM samples from the same patient. We show that this improvement is most likely since NSLB samples are not diluted in lysis buffer before RNA extraction. Re-extracting RNA from NSLB samples after 72 hours at room temperature did not affect the sensitivity of detection, demonstrating that NSLB allows for long periods of sample preservation without special cooling equipment. We also show that swirling the swab in NSLB and discarding it did not reduce sensitivity compared to retaining the swab in the tube, thus allowing improved automation of COVID-19 tests. Overall, we show that using NSLB instead of VTM can improve the sensitivity, safety, and rapidity of COVID-19 tests at a time most needed.
Memorable meals: The memory-experience gap in day-to-day experiences
Authors: Villinger Karoline , Wahl Deborah R. , Schupp Harald T. , Renner Britta
Published: March 2021

Research shows that retrospective memory is often more extreme than in-the-moment experiences. While investigations into this phenomenon have mostly focused on distinct, one-time experiences, we examined it with respect to recurring day-to-day experiences in the eating domain, focusing on variables of the snapshot model—i.e., the most intense and the final experience. We used a smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment to assess the food intake and eating happiness of 103 participants (82.52% female, Mage = 21.97 years) over eight days, and then calculated their best (positive peak), worst (negative peak) and final experiences. Remembered eating happiness was assessed immediately after the study (immediate recall) and after four weeks (delayed recall). A significant memory-experience gap was revealed at immediate recall (d = .53). Remembered eating happiness was predicted by the worst eating experience (β = .41, p < .001), but not by the best or final eating experience. Analyzing changes over time did not show a significant memory-experience gap at delayed recall, but did reveal a similar influence of the worst eating experience (β = .39, p < .001). Findings indicate that, in the domain of eating, retrospective memory is mainly influenced by negative experiences. Overall, the results indicate that the snapshot model is a valid conceptualization to explain recall of both outstanding and day-to-day experiences.
Feasibility and reliability of sequential logic with gene regulatory networks
Authors: Madec Morgan , Rosati Elise , Lallement Christophe
Published: March 2021

Gene regulatory networks exhibiting Boolean behaviour, e.g. AND, OR or XOR, have been routinely designed for years. However, achieving more sophisticated functions, such as control or computation, usually requires sequential circuits or so-called state machines. For such a circuit, outputs depend both on inputs and the current state of the system. Although it is still possible to design such circuits by analogy with digital electronics, some particularities of biology make the task trickier. The impact of two of them, namely the stochasticity of biological processes and the inhomogeneity in the response of regulation mechanisms, are assessed in this paper. Numerical simulations performed in two use cases point out high risks of malfunctions even for designed GRNs functional from a theoretical point of view. Several solutions to improve reliability of such systems are also discussed.
Thyroid function analysis in COVID-19: A retrospective study from a single center
Authors: Malik Jahanzeb , Malik Asmara , Javaid Muhammad , Zahid Tayyaba , Ishaq Uzma , Shoaib Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Background and objective

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an on-going epidemic with a multitude of long-ranging effects on the physiological balance of the human body. It can cause several effects on thyroid functions as well. We aimed to assess the lasting sequelae of COVID-19 on thyroid hormone and the clinical course of the disease as a result.

Methods

Out of 76 patients, 48 patients of COVID-19 positive and 28 patients of COVID-19 negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were assessed for thyroid functions, IL-6, and Procalcitonin between moderate, severe, and critical pneumonia on HRCT.

Results

Seventy-five percent of patients with COVID-19 had thyroid abnormalities and higher IL-6 levels (76.10 ± 82.35 vs. 6.99 ± 3.99, 95% CI 52.18–100.01, P-value <0.01). Logistic regression analysis suggested TT3 (P-value 0.01), IL-6 (P-value <0.01), and Procalcitonin (P-value 0.03) as independent risk factors for COVID-19. ROC curve demonstrated IL-6 as the most sensitive marker (P-value <0.01), and TT3, and Procalcitonin as the predictor for COVID-19 disease.

Conclusion

This pilot study from Pakistan demonstrates that changes in serum TSH and TT3 levels may be important manifestations of the courses of COVID-19 pneumonia.
STALLED FERTILITY DECLINE IN EAST NUSA TENGGARA, INDONESIA, 2002-2017: UNDERSTANDING ITS DETERMINANTS
Authors: Taebenu Melianus Mesakh
Published: March 2021

Indonesia is one of the countries that has been relatively successful in completing a fertility transition. However, provincial differences in fertility still exist, with East Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Timur – NTT) having the highest Total Fertility Rate in 2017 (TFR, 3.4 births per woman). By employing a document analysis method, this study explores the indirect and direct determinants of the stalled fertility decline in NTT. It is revealed that all indirect determinants of fertility –culture, socioeconomics, and governance– have shaped women's persistent fertility behaviour in NTT. Meanwhile, among three direct determinants of fertility –marriage, contraception, and postpartum infecundability–, contraception is the only determinant that has been responsible for the stall of fertility transition in this province. These findings suggest that to foster the fertility decline in NTT, the government plays an essential role in boosting the provision of contraception, information and education, and providing incentives for having fewer children.
Implicit Theories of Learning as Reflected in One Upper Elementary Teacher's Talk
Authors:   Georgia State University, USA, May Laura A. , Truscott Diane ,   Georgia State University, USA, Fremeau R. D. ,   Georgia State University, USA
Published: March 2021

Strong empirical evidence exists indicating language can influence students’ beliefs about ability. Professional literature for teachers offers practical advice on how to adjust their classroom-based talk to support student achievement by orienting students toward an incremental theory of ability. Yet, little empirical work has been done to investigate how teacher talk plays out moment-to-moment within the classroom context. This study reports on a qualitative analysis of one upper elementary teacher's talk with regard to implicit theories of learning. Findings suggest teacher talk is dynamic and overlapping, operating along a continuum from entity-oriented talk to incremental-oriented talk across varied classroom situations. Additionally, a relationship was identified between teacher autonomy and the implicit theories of learning used in the teacher’s talk. Examples of varied teacher talk during classroom activities are presented, and scholarly and practical implications for language use, learning, and instruction are included.
“In LANTITE, No One Can Hear You Scream!” Student Voices of High-Stakes Testing in Teacher Education.
Authors:   Murdoch University, Hilton Alison L. , Saunders Rebecca ,   Murdoch University, Mansfield Caroline ,   The University of Notre Dame Australia
Published: March 2021

This article investigates pre-service teachers’ experiences of undertaking LANTITE, a high-stakes literacy and numeracy test for initial teacher education students. In this mixed methods study, 189 initial teacher education students from 28 Australian universities participated in an online questionnaire, with 27 students going on to take part in semi-structured telephone interviews. Indicative findings give voice to those most impacted by the implementation of LANTITE in 2017, revealing student concerns about the processing and return of results, and test anxiety. This study provides a unique insight into the experiences of completing this high-stakes test.
A többdimenziós skálázás a csődmodellezésben
Authors: Virág Miklós , Kristóf Tamás
Published: March 2021

A tanulmány a csődmodellezési szakirodalomban alulreprezentált, ugyanakkor kiváló klaszterezési teljesítményt nyújtó többdimenziós skálázás csődmodellezési alkalmazását mutatja be empirikus vizsgálattal alátámasztva. Az empirikus vizsgálat alapján levonható a következtetés, hogy a többdimenziós skálázás a logisztikus regresszióelemzéssel kombinálva klasszifikációs képességben és interpretálhatóságban bármelyik alternatív csőd-előrejelzési módszerrel felveszi a versenyt.
Szolgáltatásmenedzsment Magyarországon a termelő- és a szolgáltatóvállalatoknál (Service management at the manufacturing and service companies in Hungary)
Authors: Demeter Krisztina
Published: March 2021

A szolgáltatási tevékenységek ma már döntő szerepet játszanak a gazdaságok működésében, nemcsak az egyre nagyobb arányt képviselő szolgáltatószektorban, hanem a termelővállalatoknál is. Ez a tanulmány – a szolgáltatásmenedzsment néhány elfogadott tételének felhasználásával – azt vizsgálja, hogy a Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem Versenyképesség Kutató Központja által szervezett versenyképesség-kutatás 3. fordulójának adatai alapján mit tudunk mondani ma Magyarországon a szolgáltatásokról. Fő megállapításai szerint hazánkban a termelővállalatok ma felkészültebbek a szolgáltatások nyújtása terén, mint maguk a szolgáltatók. Erőfeszítéseiket nemcsak a szolgáltatásminőség javítására, hanem a szolgáltatásnyújtási folyamat fejlesztésére is fordítják. A nagyobb erőfeszítés pedig erőteljesebb hatást gyakorol a vállalatok jövedelmezőségére és a vevői érték növekedésére egyaránt. ______ Service activities nowadays play a crucial role in developed economies. This statement is true not only in the ever increasing service sector, but also at manufacturing companies. This study gives a picture about services in the Hungarian economy on the basis of the 3rd round competitiveness survey organized by the Competitiveness Research Centre of Corvinus University of Budapest. Some hypotheses based on classical service management issues are tested. According to the most important conclusions, manufacturing companies in Hungary are more prepared today to provide services than the service sector itself. Manufacturing companies put efforts both into improving service quality and processes. And these efforts appear in increasing profitability and customer value.
A környezetbarát terméktulajdonság fontossága a fogyasztói döntésekben Egy empirikus kutatás eredményei
Authors: Majláth Melinda
Published: March 2021

A környezetbarát fogyasztói magatartás vizsgálata a környezeti problémák fokozódásával és antropomorf forrásának elismerésével egyre inkább előtérbe kerül. A nemzetközi és hazai kutatások egyértelműen erősödő pozitív környezetbarát attitűdről számolnak be, miközben a magatartásban csak kisebb változások mutatkoznak. Jelen cikk a budapesti lakosokból vett véletlen minta segítségével igyekszik azonosítani azokat az ismérveket, amelyek mentén leginkább különböznek a környezetbarát terméket vásárló és nem vásárló csoportok.
Környezeti kockázatok felmérése. Paraméterek bizonytalanságának hatása a kockázatkezelési döntéshozatalra = Assessment of environmental risks – effects of parameter uncertainty to the risk management decisions
Authors: Homolya Dániel
Published: March 2021

A környezeti kockázatok megfelelő felmérése és kezelése napjaink egyik legfontosabb kérdése, nemcsak a szakmai, hanem a széles értelemben vett közvélemény számára. A szerző cikkében azt vizsgálja, hogy a környezeti kockázatok felmérésének milyen megközelítései vannak. Kulcskérdésként pedig arra koncentrál, hogy a kockázatkezelési döntéseket hogyan befolyásolja a becslések bizonytalansága. Először a környezeti kockázat definícióját adja meg, majd azt mutatja be, hogy a környezeti kockázatok kezelésére vonatkozó megközelítések milyen párhuzamban állnak a pénzügyi rendszerrel, mint komplex rendszerre vonatkozó megközelítésekkel. Végül a jelenleg legnagyobb kockázatoknak tartott környezeti kockázatokat ismerteti röviden. A cikk második részében kockázatkezelési alternatívákat mutat be, és azt, hogy a kockázatkezelési lépések kiválasztását befolyásolja a bizonytalanság. Ezt illusztrálandó Brouwer-Blois (2008) modelljét használva a soklépéses szimulációt és alternatív döntési kritériumot – a kritikus (extrém) költség-hatás mutatót – alkalmazza. _____________ Adequate assessment and management of environmental risks is a key question nowadays also for professional experts and also for the overall public. In this article the author examines the different approaches concerning environmental risks. He concentrates as a key question the influence on risk management decisions of uncertainties raised by our estimations. First he analyses the definition of environmental risks, and he shows the similarities and differences between approaches concerning environmental risks and risks threatening financial system, and finally he gives short overview on the most current environmental risks. In the second part of the paper he presents risk management alternatives and analyses the influential power of uncertainty on risk management decisions. In order to illustrate this phenomenon the author applies the model of Brouwer-Blois (2008) with multistep simulation and an alternative decisive criterion, the ranking based on critical (extreme) cost to effect measure.
Coping with oil spills: oil exposure and anxiety among residents of Gulf Coast states after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Authors: Goldman Zachary , Kaufman John A. , Sharpe J. Danielle , Wolkin Amy F. , Gribble Matthew O.
Published: March 2021

Introduction: In April 2010, a fatal explosion on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico resulted in the largest accidental marine oil spill in history. This research describes the association of oil exposure with anxiety after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and evaluates effect modification by self-mastery, emotional support, and cleanup participation.

Methods: To assess the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted the Gulf States Population Survey, a random-digit-dial telephone cross-sectional survey completed between December 2010 and December 2011 with 38,361 responses in four different Gulf Coast states­: Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi. Anxiety severity was measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder symptom inventory. We used Tobit regression to model underlying anxiety as a function of oil exposure and hypothesized effect modifiers, adjusting for socio-demographics.

Results: Latent anxiety was higher among those directly exposed to oil than among those who were not directly exposed to oil in confounder-adjusted models (β=2.84, 95% CI: 0.78, 4.91). Among individuals exposed to oil, there was no significant interaction between participating in cleanup activities and emotional support for anxiety (
P=0.16). However, among those directly exposed to oil, in confounder-adjusted models, participation in oil spill cleanup activities was associated with lower latent anxiety (β=-3.50, 95% CI: -6.10, -0.90).

Conclusion: Oil contact was associated with greater anxiety, but this association appeared to be mitigated by cleanup participation.
DIREITO A MEDICAMENTOS DO COMPONENTE ESPECIALIZADO DA ASSISTÊNCIA FARMACÊUTICA: COMPREENSÃO DE TRABALHADORES DA ATENÇÃO BÁSICA
Authors: Brito Acácia da Hora , Araujo Mariana de Oliveira , Araujo Bianca de Oliveira , De Oliveira Luciane Cristina Feltrin
Published: March 2021

O Componente Especializado de Assistência Farmacêutica (CEAF) procura garantir a integralidade do tratamento medicamentoso para todas as doenças por ele contempladas, a partir das diferentes linhas de cuidado apresentadas nos Protocolos Clínicos e Diretrizes Terapêuticas (PCDT). Este estudo teve por objetivo analisar a compreensão dos trabalhadores da Atenção Básica de um município do interior da Bahia sobre o direito ao acesso a medicamentos do CEAF e identificar o conhecimento desses trabalhadores sobre os medicamentos disponibilizados por esse componente e os procedimentos necessários para a sua aquisição. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa, que utilizou para a coleta de dados a entrevista semiestruturada. O campo de estudo foram duas Unidades de Saúde da Família (USF), situadas no município de Feira de Santana, BA, localizadas na zona urbana. Participaram desse estudo dois agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS) e duas enfermeiras. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizada a Técnica de Análise de Conteúdo Temática. Há limitações em relação ao conhecimento dos trabalhadores de saúde da Atenção Básica sobre o CEAF, quando questionados sobre a compreensão acerca do componente, os procedimentos necessários para aquisição e os medicamentos que são disponibilizados. A deficiência no conhecimento dos trabalhadores de saúde sobre o componente especializado poderá prejudicar a integralidade da atenção à saúde pois leva a dificuldades de acesso a esses medicamentos pelos usuários.
CUIDADOS FARMACÊUTICOS A PACIENTES PEDIÁTRICOS COM A SÍNDROME CONGÊNITA DO ZIKA VÍRUS
Authors: Rocha Beatriz Patrício , Morais de Oliveira Júnior José Agnaldo , Medeiros Kallyne , Cunha Lima Rosemary Souza , Costa Paulo Patrícia Trindade
Published: March 2021

A Síndrome Congênita do Zika Vírus é uma importante enfermidade que emergiu no Brasil no ano de 2015 e não existe cura para esta síndrome. O tratamento medicamentoso visa melhorar a qualidade de vida dos portadores desta doença; entretanto, a terapia medicamentosa com o uso de múltiplos fármacos pode acarretar efeitos adversos e interações medicamentosas. O objetivo do trabalho foi realizar o cuidado farmacêutico com os pacientes pediátricos portadores da Síndrome Congênita do Zika Vírus. Trata-se de um garanestudo longitudinal realizado na Clínica de Fisioterapia da Universidade Estadual da Paraíba e no Centro Especializado em Reabilitação, ambos localizados na cidade de Campina Grande, PB, durante 8 meses. Foram 5 atendimentos por pacientes pediátricos, um a cada mês, utilizando a metodologia Phamacoterapy WorKup e a base de dados Micromedex®. No total, foram avaliados 23 pacientes, 29 prescrições e 71 medicamentos pertencentes a 9 classes farmacológicas. Os anticonvulsivantes foram os mais prescritos. Quanto à comorbidade existente, 8 pacientes apresentaram duas ou mais doenças etiologicamente relacionadas. Houve 35 (49,2%) interações medicamento-medicamento, destas, 8 (22,9%) com efeito grave, 23 (65,7%) moderado, 4 (11,4%) menor e nenhuma contraindicada, além de 32 interações medicamentoalimento e 43 medicamento-laboratório. Os problemas relacionados aos medicamentos identificados foram 42; a ineficácia [23 (55%)] sendo o mais frequente. Portanto, é fundamental o acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico aos pacientes pediátricos portadores da Síndrome Congênita do Zika Vírus para avaliar o uso racional destes medicamentos, no qual o Cuidado Farmacêutico pode fazer a diferença na utilização segura e adequada dos fármacos.
LEVANTAMENTO DE INFORMAÇÕES PARA ELABORAÇÃO DE GUIA DE ESTABILIDADE DE MEDICAMENTOS INJETÁVEIS PÓS RECONSTITUIÇÃO E DILUIÇÃO EM HOSPITAL MATERNO-INFANTIL
Authors: Barros Correia Gislayne , Mariz Batista Almária
Published: March 2021

Fragilidades no processo de administração significam que a última barreira de segurança do paciente, em que os erros podem ser interceptados, foi rompida. Portanto, é necessário que estratégias seguras e eficazes sejam inseridas nas instituições para garantir a qualidade na assistência à saúde por meio da redução de erros de medicação. O objetivo do estudo consistiu em investigar informações adequadas e padronizadas sobre estabilidade de medicamentos para administração parenteral pós-diluição, para a elaboração de um guia com orientações pertinentes a respeito. Para tanto, foi utilizada como base a lista pactuada de medicamentos utilizados no Hospital do Seridó e consulta de informações técnico-científicas em fontes de elevada confiabilidade (Micromedex®, UpToDate®). Um total de 89 medicamentos foram analisados e fornecidas informações técnicas sobre seu uso parenteral. Dentre os medicamentos analisados, 64 (71,91%) podem estar envolvidos em incompatibilidade medicamentosa se administrados em dispositivo Y-site concomitantemente. Há poucos estudos que abordem este tema, o que também confere relevância ao estudo. Assegurar o fornecimento de informações de caráter técnico-científico e independentes sobre o medicamento é de responsabilidade do farmacêutico, contribuindo para evitar erros, consequentemente, melhorar a segurança do paciente.
Nachhaltige Bioökonomie und gesellschaftliche Transformation: Manifest mit zehn Thesen
Authors: Barben Daniel , Birner Regina , Zinke Holger
Published: March 2021

Die Bioökonomie soll zu nachhaltiger Entwicklung beitragen, zugleich werden Definitionen und Visionen von Anbeginn sehr kontrovers diskutiert. Eine nachhaltige Bioökonomie erfordert einen grundlegenden Wandel in Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft, dem die Konkurrenz zweier scheinbar
unvereinbarer Paradigmen, einem technologisch-ökonomischen und einem sozial-ökologischen, entgegenstehen. Der Beitrag plädiert dafür, das Spannungsverhältnis zwischen beiden Paradigmen produktiv für eine gesellschaftliche Transformation zu nutzen. Gefordert ist
insbesondere die Politik als zentrale wie moderierende Instanz der Governance.
Too big not to fail? Über Design und Ausführung von inter- und transdisziplinärer Forschung am Beispiel des Großprojekts ENavi
Authors: Dreyer Marion , Bergmann Matthias , Marg Oskar , Ober Steffi , Sellke Piet
Published: March 2021

Gesamtgesellschaftliche Veränderungsprozesse wie die Energiewende rufen nach der Einbindung möglichst vieler unterschiedlicher gesellschaftlicher Akteure im ganzen Land. Inter- und transdisziplinäre Großprojekte zur Erforschung und Unterstützung einer derart
weit gefassten Aufgabe stoßen dabei an ihre Grenzen, wie die Erfahrung des Kopernikus-Projekts Energiewende-Navigationssystem (ENavi) zeigt.This design report reflects the inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation challenges of a large-scale research project that was lacking
a designated problem and project constitution phase. Using the example of the Kopernikus project Energy Transition Navigation System (ENavi), we describe the challenges ‐ the high number and strong heterogeneity of the project participants combined with the large size of the
spatial frame of reference ‐ which created particularly difficult conditions for inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation. We also highlight the role that funding conditions played in this situation. Specifically, we explain the particular challenges that the ENavi project faced
in its efforts to achieve a common orientation, integration, and practice-actor participation as fundamental requirements for an inter- and trans-disciplinary research project. We also outline the approaches to solutions for these challenges developed by the project. Finally, we draw a number
of lessons from the ENavi experience for inter-and transdisciplinary research regarding large-scale projects.
The gender factor in the perception of English segments by non-native speakers
Authors: Bryła-Cruz Agnieszka
Published: March 2021

The aim of the paper is to present the findings of an empirical study which contributes to the ongoing research into gender effects on second language acquisition by exploring a biological influence on L2 pronunciation learning. One of the most frequent arguments used to vindicate single-sex education is that there are substantial sensory and perceptual differences between males and females which rationalize gender-specific teaching methods and gender-segregation at schools. The present study provides some preliminary insights into the perception of selected phonetic contrasts by Polish secondary school learners with the aim of investigating gender-based similarities and differences in the accuracy of sound recognition by males and females. The findings suggest that a commonly cited female advantage in acquiring L2 pronunciation cannot be attributed to their superior phonetic perception, as male participants performed equally well and identified the same number of English segments correctly.
Foreign language education in rural schools: Struggles and initiatives among generalist teachers teaching English in Mexico
Authors: Izquierdo Jesús , Aquino Zúñiga Silvia Patricia , García Martínez Verónica
Published: March 2021

In many countries, English as a foreign/second language (L2) teaching has become compulsory in urban and rural public schools. In rural areas, the challenges for the implementation of this state-sanctioned policy have been explored among L2 teaching specialists. However, this mixed-methods study considered a different teacher group and examined the struggles and initiatives of generalist teachers who are obligated to teach English in rural schools. To this end, data were collected from 115 teachers in 17 rural secondary schools in the Southeast of Mexico. First, the participants completed a survey with closed-ended questions that elicited information about teacher education, teaching experience and knowledge of the rural school system. Then, a subsample of participants completed an individual thematized semi-structured interview. They were selected on the basis of L2 teacher education involvement. In the survey data, response patterns were identified using frequency analyses. The interview data were analyzed using categorical aggregation. The data revealed that the generalist teachers struggle with L2 professionalization, sociocultural and instructional challenges. Nonetheless, only few participants have been engaged in L2 teacher education which could help them overcome these challenges. Instead, they rely upon limited strategies to counteract the day-to-day challenges at the expense of effective L2 teaching practices.
Temperature adjusted cross section libraries used for criticality calculations
Authors: Refeat R. M.
Published: March 2021

The change in the temperature of the nuclear reactor components (fuel, moderator, coolant, and structural materials) is considered to be a significant source of reactivity variation. This change must be taken in account during criticality calculations for safety analysis of the reactor. Hence, the exact representation of temperature in the calculations is very important. In this paper, two PWR assemblies are simulated, solid 16 ⨯ 16 and annular 12 ⨯ 12 fuel assemblies. The infinite multiplication factor and its temperature dependent parameters are calculated for both fuel assemblies. Adjusted temperature dependent libraries are created using makxsf code to exactly represent the different temperature values used in the calculations. It is shown that the results obtained using adjusted cross section libraries are more reliable. The two fuel assembly types follow the same behavior despite the differences in their geometrical configuration. The introduction of annular fuel has a very small effect on the investigated neutronic parameters because the moderator to fuel ratio is preserved.
Dynamic fault tree analysis of auxiliary feedwater system in a pressurized water reactor
Authors: Fahmy R. A. , Gomaa R. I.
Published: March 2021

The safe and secure designs of any nuclear power plant together with its cost-effective operation without accidents are leading the future of nuclear energy. As a result, the Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety analysis of NPP systems is the main concern for the nuclear industry. But the ability to assure that the safety-related system, structure, and components could meet the safety functions in different events to prevent the reactor core damage requires new reliability analysis methods and techniques. The Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) is one of the most widely used logic and probabilistic techniques in system reliability assessment nowadays. The Dynamic fault tree technique extends the conventional static fault tree (SFT) by considering the time requirements to model and evaluate the nuclear power plant safety systems. Thus this paper focuses on developing a new Dynamic Fault Tree for the Auxiliary Feed-water System (AFWS) in a pressurized water reactor. The proposed dynamic model achieves a more realistic and accurate representation of the AFWS safety analysis by illustrating the complex failure mechanisms including interrelated dependencies and Common Cause Failure (CCF). A Simulation tool is used to simulate the proposed dynamic fault tree model of the AFWS for the quantitative analysis. The more realistic results are useful to establish reliability cantered maintenance program in which the maintenance requirements are determined based on the achievement of system reliability goals in the most cost-effective manner.
Range-kernel weak orthogonality of some elementary operators
Authors: Bachir Ahmed , Segres Abdelkader , Sayyaf Nawal A.
Published: March 2021

We study the range-kernel weak orthogonality of certain elementary operators induced by non-normal operators, with respect to usual operator norm and the Von Newmann-Schatten

p

p

-norm

(

1
≤
p
<
∞

)

\left(1\le p\lt \infty )

.