bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Language of Gestures: Mudrā, Mirror, and Meaning in Śākta Philosophy
Authors: Timalsina Sthaneshwar
Published: March 2021

By contextualizing the ways gestures are used and interpreted in tantric practice and philosophy, this paper explores the cultural and cognitive domains of corporeal expression. Initiating the conversation with descriptions of basic dance gestures and widely understood emotional expressions, the paper proceeds to address the generative nature of corporeal language as it contextualizes varied forms of esoteric experience. Confronting simplistic readings of gestural language, the core argument here is that tantric gestures introduce a distinctive form of embodied language that relies on a propositional attitude for deciphering their meanings. This process becomes a ritual in its own right. Even when we accept that gestures represent meaning, tantric gestures are understood to mirror the innate experience, prior to being shaped by language and culture, and in this sense they reflect the absolute. As a consequence, language becomes physical in time and space, and even when language transcends itself, it remains embodied. In sum, tantric gestures can be deciphered to unravel the deeper layers inherent to the sign system, and this is possible only when we are open to critically engaging folk theories.
Dynamic and Friction Parameters of an Industrial Robot: Identification, Comparison and Repetitiveness Analysis
Authors: Hao Lei , Pagani Roberto , Beschi Manuel , Legnani Giovanni
Published: March 2021

This paper describes the results of dynamic tests performed to study the robustness of a dynamics model of an industrial manipulator. The tests show that the joint friction changes during the robot operation. The variation can be identified in a double exponential law and thus the variation can be predicted. The variation is due to the heat generated by the friction. A model is used to estimate the temperature and related friction variation. Experimental data collected on two robots EFORT ER3A-C60 are presented and discussed. Repetitive tests performed on different days showed that the inertial and friction parameters can be robustly estimated and that the value of the measured joint friction can be used to estimate the unexpected conditions of the joints. Future applications may include sensorless identification of collisions, predictive maintenance programs, or human–robot interaction.
Electrophysiological Correlation Underlying the Effects of Music Preference on the Prefrontal Cortex Using a Brain–Computer Interface
Authors: Tseng Kevin C.
Published: March 2021

This study aims to research the task of recognising brain activities in the prefrontal cortex that correspond to music at different preference levels. Since task performance regarding the effects of the subjects’ favourite music can lead to better outcomes, we focus on the physical interpretation of electroencephalography (EEG) bands underlying the preference level for music. The experiment was implemented using a continuous response digital interface for the preference classification of three types of musical stimuli. The results showed that favourite songs more significantly evoked frontal theta than did the music of low and moderate preference levels. Additionally, correlations of frontal theta with cognitive state indicated that the frontal theta is associated not only with the cognitive state but also with emotional processing. These findings demonstrate that favourite songs can have more positive effects on listeners than less favourable music and suggest that theta and lower alpha in the frontal cortex are good indicators of both cognitive state and emotion.
Blood Pressure Morphology Assessment from Photoplethysmogram and Demographic Information Using Deep Learning with Attention Mechanism
Authors: Aguirre Nicolas , Grall-Maës Edith , Cymberknop Leandro J. , Armentano Ricardo L.
Published: March 2021

Arterial blood pressure (ABP) is an important vital sign from which it can be extracted valuable information about the subject’s health. After studying its morphology it is possible to diagnose cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, so ABP routine control is recommended. The most common method of controlling ABP is the cuff-based method, from which it is obtained only the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively). This paper proposes a cuff-free method to estimate the morphology of the average ABP pulse (ABPM¯) through a deep learning model based on a seq2seq architecture with attention mechanism. It only needs raw photoplethysmogram signals (PPG) from the finger and includes the capacity to integrate both categorical and continuous demographic information (DI). The experiments were performed on more than 1100 subjects from the MIMIC database for which their corresponding age and gender were consulted. Without allowing the use of data from the same subjects to train and test, the mean absolute errors (MAE) were 6.57 ± 0.20 and 14.39 ± 0.42 mmHg for DBP and SBP, respectively. For ABPM¯, R correlation coefficient and the MAE were 0.98 ± 0.001 and 8.89 ± 0.10 mmHg. In summary, this methodology is capable of transforming PPG into an ABP pulse, which obtains better results when DI of the subjects is used, potentially useful in times when wireless devices are becoming more popular.
Understanding Malicious Accounts in Online Political Discussions: A Multilayer Network Approach
Authors: Nguyen Nhut-Lam , Wang Ming-Hung , Dai Yu-Chen , Dow Chyi-Ren
Published: March 2021

Online social media platforms play an important role in political communication where users can freely express and exchange their political opinion. Political entities have leveraged social media platforms as essential channels to disseminate information, interact with voters, and even influence public opinion. For this purpose, some organizations may create one or more accounts to join online political discussions. Using these accounts, they could promote candidates and attack competitors. To avoid such misleading speeches and improve the transparency of the online society, spotting such malicious accounts and understanding their behaviors are crucial issues. In this paper, we aim to use network-based analysis to sense influential human-operated malicious accounts who attempt to manipulate public opinion on political discussion forums. To this end, we collected the election-related articles and malicious accounts from the prominent Taiwan discussion forum spanning from 25 May 2018 to 11 January 2020 (the election day). We modeled the discussion network as a multilayer network and used various centrality measures to sense influential malicious accounts not only in a single-layer but also across different layers of the network. Moreover, community analysis was performed to discover prominent communities and their characteristics for each layer of the network. The results demonstrate that our proposed method can successfully identify several influential malicious accounts and prominent communities with apparent behavior differences from others.
Nanostructures in Hydrogen Peroxide Sensing
Authors: Trujillo Ricardo Matias , Barraza Daniela Estefanía , Zamora Martin Lucas , Cattani-Scholz Anna , Madrid Rossana Elena
Published: March 2021

In recent years, several devices have been developed for the direct measurement of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a key compound in biological processes and an important chemical reagent in industrial applications. Classical enzymatic biosensors for H2O2 have been recently outclassed by electrochemical sensors that take advantage of material properties in the nano range. Electrodes with metal nanoparticles (NPs) such as Pt, Au, Pd and Ag have been widely used, often in combination with organic and inorganic molecules to improve the sensing capabilities. In this review, we present an overview of nanomaterials, molecules, polymers, and transduction methods used in the optimization of electrochemical sensors for H2O2 sensing. The different devices are compared on the basis of the sensitivity values, the limit of detection (LOD) and the linear range of application reported in the literature. The review aims to provide an overview of the advantages associated with different nanostructures to assess which one best suits a target application.
Integrated Geoscientific Surveys at the Church of Santa Maria della Lizza (Alezio, Italy)
Authors: De Giorgi Lara , Ferrari Ivan , Giuri Francesco , Leucci Giovanni , Scardozzi Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

The church of Santa Maria della Lizza is one of the most important examples of medieval architecture in the Salento Peninsula in south Italy. In order to understand the extension and layout of the crypts, integrated ground-penetrating radar (GPR) prospections and laser scanner surveys were undertaken in the church and in the surrounding areas. The analysis of the GPR measurements revealed many anomalies that could be ascribed to unknown structures (crypts), as well as other anomalies related to the old church. The GPR data were supported by the laser scanner data establishing the spatial relationship between the surface and the level below the church.
Smart Assistive Architecture for the Integration of IoT Devices, Robotic Systems, and Multimodal Interfaces in Healthcare Environments
Authors: Brunete Alberto , Gambao Ernesto , Hernando Miguel , Cedazo Raquel
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a new architecture that integrates Internet of Things (IoT) devices, service robots, and users in a smart assistive environment. A new intuitive and multimodal interaction system supporting people with disabilities and bedbound patients is presented. This interaction system allows the user to control service robots and devices inside the room in five different ways: touch control, eye control, gesture control, voice control, and augmented reality control. The interaction system is comprised of an assistive robotic arm holding a tablet PC. The robotic arm can place the tablet PC in front of the user. A demonstration of the developed technology, a prototype of a smart room equipped with home automation devices, and the robotic assistive arm are presented. The results obtained from the use of the various interfaces and technologies are presented in the article. The results include user preference with regard to eye-base control (performing clicks, and using winks or gaze) and the use of mobile phones over augmented reality glasses, among others.
Route-Planning Method for Plant Protection Rotor Drones in Convex Polygon Regions
Authors: Hu Shaoxing , Xu Tianliang , Wang Bingke
Published: March 2021

Aiming at the problem of low operating efficiency due to the poor endurance of plant protection rotor drones and the small volume of pesticide carried, this paper proposes a route-planning algorithm for convex polygon regions based on the initial heading angle. First, a series of coordinate conversion methods ranging from the Earth coordinate system to the local plane coordinate system are studied. Second, in the local plane coordinate system, a route generation method based on subregion is proposed; therefore, multiple routes can be generated with different initial heading angles. Lastly, the optimal route and the best initial heading angle can be obtained after the comparison according to the three evaluation criteria: number of turns, route distance, and pesticide waste rate. The simulation results show that, compared with the common grid method, the route generation method based on subregion reduces the route distance and pesticide waste rate by 2.27% and 13.75%, respectively. Furthermore, it also shows that, compared with the route generated by the initial heading angle of 0°, the optimal route reduces the number of turns, route distance, and pesticide waste rate by 60%, 17.65%, and 38.18%, respectively. The route was optimized in three aspects and reached the best overall result using this method, which in turn proved its feasibility.
Urinary Biomarkers of Phthalates Exposure, Blood Lead Levels, and Risks of Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Chen Jingsi , Chen Yi , Liu Shaojie , Chen Bo , Lu Yingli , Dong Ruihua
Published: March 2021

Thyroid nodules (TNs) are becoming increasingly prevalent. However, few studies have reported the effects of phthalates and lead (Pb) on TNs. In this study, we aimed to explore the associations of phthalates and Pb with the risks of TN. We sex-age-matched 220 TNs patients and 220 healthy controls from Zhejiang Shangyu, China. We measured 13 phthalate metabolites in spot urine samples. Blood lead levels (BLLs) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between urinary phthalate metabolites and BLLs and the risks of TNs. We found BLLs were associated with increased risk of TNs in total population. Female-specific positive associations of mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentylphthalate (MECPP), mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexylphthalate (MEHHP), mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexylphthalate (MEOHP), mono-2-carboxymethyl-hexyl phthalate (MCMHP), and mono-isononyl phthalate (MiNP) with increased risk of TNs were also observed. Moreover, the positive association between phthalates and TNs was modified by BLLs. At the highest tertile of BLLs, monoethylphthalate (MEP), MECPP, MEHHP, MEOHP, and MiNP were significantly associated with increased risk of TNs. Our results indicated that certain phthalate metabolites and BLLs may contribute to increased risks of TNs.
Nuclear Equation of State in the Relativistic Point-Coupling Model Constrained by Excitations in Finite Nuclei
Authors: Yüksel Esra , Oishi Tomohiro , Paar Nils
Published: March 2021

Nuclear equation of state is often described in the framework of energy density functional. However, the isovector channel in most functionals has been poorly constrained, mainly due to rather limited available experimental data to probe it. Only recently, the relativistic nuclear energy density functional with an effective point-coupling interaction was constrained by supplementing the ground-state properties of nuclei with the experimental data on dipole polarizability and isoscalar monopole resonance energy in 208Pb, resulting in DD-PCX parameterization. In this work, we pursue a complementary approach by introducing a family of 8 relativistic point-coupling functionals that reproduce the same nuclear ground-state properties, including binding energies and charge radii, but in addition have a constrained value of symmetry energy at saturation density in the range J = 29, 30, …, 36 MeV. In the next step, this family of functionals is employed in studies of excitation properties such as dipole polarizability and magnetic dipole transitions, and the respective experimental data are used to validate the optimal choice of functional as well as to assess reliable values of the symmetry energy and slope of the symmetry energy at saturation.
Disparity of Cervical Cancer Risk in Young Japanese Women: Bipolarized Status of HPV Vaccination and Cancer Screening
Authors: Taniguchi Mariko , Ueda Yutaka , Yagi Asami , Miyoshi Ai , Tanaka Yusuke , Minekawa Ryoko , Endo Masayuki , Tomimatsu Takuji , Hirai Kei , Nakayama Tomio , Kimura Tadashi
Published: March 2021

Women born between 1994 and 1999 achieved high vaccination rates for human papillomavirus (HPV); they are now reaching the age of cervical cancer screening programs in Japan. In this study, we aimed to investigate the health awareness of HPV-vaccinated and unvaccinated women and to create tailored leaflets recommending cervical cancer screening for each. Surveys on the cancer screening rates for HPV-vaccinated and unvaccinated women aged 20 and 21 have demonstrated that the rate was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in vaccinated (6.2%) than in unvaccinated women (3.1%). Next, interviews and Internet questionnaires clarified that there was a trend that vaccinated women have a better health consciousness than the unvaccinated ones, and that in unvaccinated women, their willingness to receive cervical cancer screening was significantly enhanced by the fear of developing cancer. Finally, in a prospective study, the increase in the screening rate for both vaccinated and unvaccinated groups after they read tailored leaflets, from 6.4% to 7.4% and from 3.9% to 5.1%, respectively, was not statistically significant compared to the groups provided with a standard reminder letter. Cervical cancer control measures might be enhanced by recommending cervical cancer screening in ways better tailored to HPV vaccination status.
Immuno-Informatics Analysis of Pakistan-Based HCV Subtype-3a for Chimeric Polypeptide Vaccine Design
Authors: Ahmad Sajjad , Shahid Farah , Tahir ul Qamar Muhammad , Rehman Habib ur , Abbasi Sumra Wajid , Sajjad Wasim , Ismail Saba , Alrumaihi Faris , Allemailem Khaled S. , Almatroudi Ahmad , Ullah Saeed Hafiz Fahad
Published: March 2021

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes chronic and acute hepatitis infections. As there is extreme variability in the HCV genome, no approved HCV vaccine has been available so far. An effective polypeptide vaccine based on the functionally conserved epitopes will be greatly helpful in curing disease. For this purpose, an immuno-informatics study is performed based on the published HCV subtype-3a from Pakistan. First, the virus genome was translated to a polyprotein followed by a subsequent prediction of T-cell epitopes. Non-allergenic, IFN-γ producer, and antigenic epitopes were shortlisted, including 5 HTL epitopes and 4 CTL, which were linked to the final vaccine by GPGPG and AAY linkers, respectively. Beta defensin was included as an adjuvant through the EAAAK linker to improve the immunogenicity of the polypeptide. To ensure its safety and immunogenicity profile, antigenicity, allergenicity, and various physiochemical attributes of the polypeptide were evaluated. Molecular docking was conducted between TLR4 and vaccine to evaluate the binding affinity and molecular interactions. For stability assessment and binding of the vaccine-TLR4 docked complex, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MMGBSA binding free-energy analyses were conducted. Finally, the candidate vaccine was cloned in silico to ensure its effectiveness. The current vaccine requires future experimental confirmation to validate its effectiveness. The vaccine construct produced might be useful in providing immune protection against HCV-related infections.
Potent Neutralization Antibodies Induced by a Recombinant Trimeric Spike Protein Vaccine Candidate Containing PIKA Adjuvant for COVID-19
Authors: Tong Jiao , Zhu Chenxi , Lai Hanyu , Feng Chunchao , Zhou Dapeng
Published: March 2021

The structures of immunogens that elicit the most potent neutralization antibodies to prevent COVID-19 infection are still under investigation. In this study, we tested the efficacy of a recombinant trimeric Spike protein containing polyI:C (PIKA) adjuvant in mice immunized by a 0–7–14 day schedule. The results showed that a Spike protein-specific antibody was induced at Day 21 with titer of above 50,000 on average, as measured by direct binding. The neutralizing titer was above 1000 on average, as determined by a pseudo-virus using monoclonal antibodies (40592-MM57 and 40591-MM43) with IC50 at 1 μg/mL as standards. The protein/peptide array-identified receptor-binding domain (RBD) was considered as immunodominant. No linear epitopes were found in the RBD, although several linear epitopes were found in the C-terminal domain right after the RBD and heptad repeat regions. Our study supports the efficacy of a recombinant trimeric Spike protein vaccine candidate for COVID-19 that is safe and ready for storage and distribution in developing countries.
Measurement Invariance of the Drivers of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Scale: Comparison between Taiwanese and Mainland Chinese-Speaking Populations
Authors: Yeh Ya-Chin , Chen I-Hua , Ahorsu Daniel K. , Ko Nai-Ying , Chen Kuan-Lin , Li Ping-Chia , Yen Cheng-Fang , Lin Chung-Ying , Griffiths Mark D. , Pakpour Amir H.
Published: March 2021

The impacts of novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) on human life continue to be serious. To control the spread of COVID-19, the production of effective vaccines is likely to be one of the best solutions. However, vaccination hesitancy may decrease individuals’ willingness to get vaccinated. The Drivers of COVID-19 Vaccination Acceptance Scale (DrVac-COVID19S) was recently developed to help healthcare professionals and researchers better understand vaccination acceptance. The present study examined whether DrVac-COVID19S is measurement invariant across different subgroups (Taiwanese vs. mainland Chinese university students; males vs. females; and health-related program majors vs. non-health-related program majors). Taiwanese (n = 761; mean age = 25.51 years; standard deviation (SD) = 6.42; 63.5% females) and mainland Chinese university students (n = 3145; mean age = 20.72 years; SD = 2.06; 50.2% females) were recruited using an online survey between 5 January and 21 February 2021. Factor structure and measurement invariance of the two DrVac-COVID19S scales (nine-item and 12-item) were tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The findings indicated that the DrVac-COVID19S had a four-factor structure and was measurement invariant across the subgroups. The DrVac-COVID19S’s four-factor structure was supported by the CFA results is a practical and valid instrument to quickly capture university students’ willingness to get COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, the DrVac-COVID19S can be used to compare university students’ underlying reasons to get COVID-19 vaccination among different subgroups.
The Role of Emotional Competences in Parents’ Vaccine Hesitancy
Authors: Gavaruzzi Teresa , Caserotti Marta , Leo Irene , Tasso Alessandra , Speri Leonardo , Ferro Antonio , Fretti Elena , Sannino Anna , Rubaltelli Enrico , Lotto Lorella
Published: March 2021

The role of parents’ emotional competencies on vaccine hesitancy and decision making has been seldom examined. Two studies investigated the relationship between parents’ attitudes towards childhood vaccines and self-reported behavior (Study 1) and between parents’ emotional competence and attitudes towards vaccines (Study 2). In Study 1, predictors of temporal, partial, or complete vaccine refusal (having voluntarily postponed/forgone some/all vaccines) were examined in 2778 parents. In Study 2, psychological predictors of the attitude towards vaccines were examined in 593 parents, using the Profile of Emotional Competence and the valence of mental images spontaneously associated with the term “vaccine”. In Study 1, attitudes were aggregated in three independent factors (concerns about vaccine safety; diseases prevented by vaccines; and naturalistic views) that independently predicted vaccine refusal. In Study 2, a significant mediational analysis showed a positive indirect effect of intrapersonal emotional competences on attitudes towards vaccines, through mental images associated with the word “vaccine”. Parents’ intrapersonal emotional competences affected all dimensions of attitudes towards vaccines, suggesting that being able to manage, identify, and recognize one’s own emotions is central to vaccine acceptance. These findings suggest that intervention strategies, rather than stressing the pro-social benefits of vaccinating, should focus on aspects related to one’s own emotions.
Low Adenovirus Vaccine Doses Administered to Skin Using Microneedle Patches Induce Better Functional Antibody Immunogenicity as Compared to Systemic Injection
Authors: Flynn Olivia , Dillane Kate , Lanza Juliane Sousa , Marshall Jennifer M. , Jin Jing , Silk Sarah E. , Draper Simon J. , Moore Anne C.
Published: March 2021

Adenovirus-based vaccines are demonstrating promising clinical potential for multiple infectious diseases, including COVID-19. However, the immunogenicity of the vector itself decreases its effectiveness as a boosting vaccine due to the induction of strong anti-vector neutralizing immunity. Here we determined how dissolvable microneedle patches (DMN) for skin immunization can overcome this issue, using a clinically-relevant adenovirus-based Plasmodium falciparum malaria vaccine, AdHu5–PfRH5, in mice. Incorporation of vaccine into patches significantly enhanced its thermostability compared to the liquid form. Conventional high dose repeated immunization by the intramuscular (IM) route induced low antigen-specific IgG titres and high anti-vector immunity. A low priming dose of vaccine, by the IM route, but more so using DMN patches, induced the most efficacious immune responses, assessed by parasite growth inhibitory activity (GIA) assays. Administration of low dose AdHu5–PfRH5 using patches to the skin, boosted by high dose IM, induced the highest antigen-specific serum IgG response after boosting, the greatest skewing of the antibody response towards the antigen and away from the vector, and the highest efficacy. This study therefore demonstrates that repeated use of the same adenovirus vaccine can be highly immunogenic towards the transgene if a low dose is used to prime the response. It also provides a method of stabilizing adenovirus vaccine, in easy-to-administer dissolvable microneedle patches, permitting storage and distribution out of cold chain.
THE INFLUENCE OF N-CARBOMILGLUTAMATE ADDITIVES IN THE DIET ON INDICATORS OF RUMEN DIGESTION, UTILIZATION OF AMMONIA, NITROGEN METABOLISM AND MILK PRODUCTIVITY OF COWS
Authors: КУЗНЕЦОВ А С. , ХАРИТОНОВ Е.Л. , ОСТРЕНКО К.С.
Published: March 2021

Добавки аргинина и N-карбомилглутамата (NCG) способны увеличить лактогенез и ангиогенез путем повышения эффективности утилизации аммиака, что приводит к увеличению доли используемого протеина корма,повышает показатели молочной продуктивности, улучшает качество молока и стимулирует иммунитет. Незащищенный аргинин быстро разрушается в рубце и его стоимость высока. В качестве альтернативы предлагается использовать NCG, который является структурным аналогом N-ацетилглутамата (NAG), катализатора орнитинового цикла. NCG стабилен в рубце и способен увеличить синтез эндогенного аргинина и тем самым снизить его потребность с кормом. Добавление NCG в дозе 20 г на 1 голову в сутки в рацион уменьшало содержание аммиака в кровив 1,7 раза, повышало эффективность использования азота корма на 8,4%и увеличивало молочную продуктивность коров на 2,1 л в сутки. Отмечено повышение концентрации белка в молоке и снижение в нем уровня мочевины. Изученные показатели рубцового пищеварения у коров при добавлении в рацион NCG не изменялись.

Arginine and N-carbomylglutamate (NCG) supplements can increase lactogenesis and angiogenesis by increasing the efficiency of ammonia utilization, which leads to an increase in the proportion of feed protein used, increases milk productivity, improves milk quality, and stimulates the immune system. Unprotected arginine is rapidly destroyed in the rumen and its cost is high. As an alternative, it is proposed to use NCG, which is a structural analog of N-acetylglutamate( NAG), an ornithine cycle catalyst. NCG is stable in the rumen and is able to increase the synthesis of endogenous arginine and thereby reduce its need for food. The addition of NCG at a dose of 20 g per 1 head per day to the diet reduced the content of ammonia in the blood by 1.7 times, increased the efficiency of feed nitrogen use by 8.4% and increased the dairy productivity of cows by 2.1 liters per day. There was an increase in the concentration of protein in milk and a decrease in the level of urea in it. The studied indicators of cicatricial digestion in cows did not change when NCG was added to the diet.
Spring fuelling by arctic Dunlins Calidris a. alpina in the southern Baltic and the potential role of a changing climate
Authors: Stedt Johan , Lindström Åke
Published: March 2021

In spring, Dunlins Calidris a. alpina put on substantial fuel stores in the North Sea region before a long flight to breed in northwest Russia. There are hitherto no well-described fuelling sites in the Baltic region. In May and early June in 2004–2010 we trapped more than 1000 Dunlins at Ottenby, south-east Sweden. Most birds carried substantial fuel loads already when first trapped (much more than in autumn) and, more importantly, 37 within-season re-traps increased in mass at an average rate of 1.2 g/d. This corresponds to a fuelling rate of about 2.6% of lean body mass per day, among the highest recorded for this species. Stopover times were short; only 3.5% of the birds were re-trapped and they stayed on average only 2.2 days. Since the late 1970s, increasing numbers of Dunlins stop over at successively earlier dates. This coincides with an increase in spring temperature of 1.1–2.0°C in 1977–2010. Possibly, a warming climate has facilitated and selected for a gradual shift of the final fuelling sites closer towards the breeding grounds.
Changes in numbers and distribution of breeding waterfowl in the Swedish mountain chain between 1972–1975 and 2009
Authors: Nilsson Leif , Nilsson Johan
Published: March 2021

During 1972–1975, the breeding waterfowl populations of the northern parts of Fennoscandia (south to 65° N in Sweden) were surveyed for the first time. In 2009, a new survey was undertaken in the Swedish part of the mountain chain. Censuses were performed from the air in transects of 5×5 km squares and in special areas. The distribution of the different species was largely similar between the two periods but there were a number of differences on the regional level. Most species had more or less the same population sizes but there were some variation in the different parts of the mountains. Three species showed clear increases between the periods. Cygnus cygnus had the same increase in the mountain chain as in the rest of the country. Melanitta nigra was about four times as common in 2009 compared to the 1970s and Mergus merganser also had higher counts in 2009. Melanitta fusca decreased markedly in the mountain chain as along the coasts.
Estados Unidos y los Derechos Humanos en la Argentina durante la última dictadura
Authors: Morgenfeld Leandro
Published: March 2021

La reciente visita de Obama, que coincidió con el 40 aniversario del inicio de la última dictadura, reactualizó el debate sobre el rol de Estados Unidos en el golpe de estado y el vínculo que estableció luego con el gobierno militar. Si bien no hubo intervención directa, como había ocurrido Chile casi tres años antes, sí existió un apoyo político, económico y militar a la dictadura, que fue cambiando a lo largo de los años, cuando la problemática de los derechos humanos pasó a ser un eje relevante de la política de la Administración Carter y un punto de conflicto, tanto al interior de Estados Unidos, como en su relación con la Argentina. En 1976, las fuerzas armadas daban garantías al Secretario de Estado Henry Kissinger de mantener al país en el rumbo occidental, cristiano y anticomunista que requería la seguridad nacional de Estados Unidos. En los meses siguientes, sin embargo, la política exterior estadounidense comenzaría a mutar. En el presente artículo analizamos cuál fue el rol de los derechos humanos en el sinuoso vínculo entre la Casa Blanca y la Rosada y cómo ese tema generó debates y tensiones al interior de cada uno de los gobiernos. Este análisis busca aportar al conocimiento de un capítulo trágico de la historia argentina, pero también entender las lecturas que, en tiempos actuales, se realizan sobre el rol de Estados Unidos hacia las dictaduras de la región en los años setenta, en función de necesidades e intereses del presente.
transformación de conflictos en las relaciones chileno-argentinas.
Authors: Orso Javier Alejandro , Capeletti Dalila Emilse
Published: March 2021

El presente artículo tiene la intención de analizar el conflicto del Canal de Beagle entre Argentina y Chile a la luz de la teoría de la transformación de los conflictos. Para ello se presentará un recorrido histórico del mismo y un análisis de su resolución hasta la firma del Tratado de Paz y Amistad de 1984. Dicho Tratado constituyó un catalizador para la renovación de las relaciones internacionales entre ambos países y el comienzo de un proceso de integración y amistad que pueden comprenderse a la luz de la cultura kantiana.
aproximación al impacto de expresiones del pensamiento latinoamericano en Tanzania.
Authors: Verdini Aguilar Marina P.
Published: March 2021

En el presente artículo nos interesa abordar el pensamiento y hacer político de quien fuera el primer presidente de la República libre de Tanzania: Juluis Kambarage Nyerere. A partir de ello, analizaremos el impacto que el paradigma cepalino-dependentista y la pedagogía freiriana tuvieron en la praxis de Nyerere, impacto que nos permite identificar vínculos entre nuestra América y África en sentido ‘sur-sur’. Tomaremos a los fines del artículo aportes provenientes de los Estudios Eidéticos.
Evolución de la relación bilateral argentino-chilena:
Authors: Percoco Juan Ignacio
Published: March 2021

En este ar´tículo desarrollaremos  la evolución del v´ínculo bilateral entre Argentina y Chile desde su nacimiento como naciones independientes hasta el 2012. Una vez realizada esta semblanza, nos centramos en el proceso de acercamiento en el área de cuestiones de la Defensa. En primera instancia, exponemos el trabajo teórico de Andrea Oelsner y Francisco Rojas Aravena que nos permite percibir los diferentes matices de este proceso, a través de las Medidas de Confianza Mutua (MMCM). En segunda intancia, detallamos cuales son las diferentes MMCM en la relación bilateral.
común a todos como espacio de conflicto y de división.
Authors: Lesgart Cecilia
Published: March 2021

A pesar de las diferencias que recorren a Jacques Ranciere y a Chantal Mouffe, existen ideas-fuerza que vinculan sus reflexiones, indicativas de un estado teórico y político en la Teoría Política actual.En ambos autores, hay una interlocución argumentativa que señala cómo se ha venido produciendo un pensamiento generalizado sobre la supervivencia de “un mundo” uniformemente democrático, liberal y capitalista. En este sentido, reponen una pregunta de la Teoría Política sobre cómo entender la política en relación al poder: ¿qué sería la democracia si no se pregunta por la constitución del cuerpo político, si no se cuestiona la construcción de un espacio público entendido como lugar que enlaza a los hombres y como gobierno de la ciudad, y si no interpela si es posible y cómo es la distribución de lo común?
La Copa Sudamericana de la Integración Regional
Authors: Lorenzini María Elena , Doval Gisela Pereyra
Published: March 2021

En la misma dirección seguida por Panizza (2006): emplear la metáfora de la ‘marea rosa’ para ilustrar los triunfos electorales –desde 1998- de líderes políticos ubicados en la centro-izquierda del espectro político latinoamericano; las autoras del presente artículo, para caracterizar los procesos políticos acaecidos desde la segunda década del Siglo XXI, construyen la categoría de ‘marea celeste’. En efecto, se pretende jugar con la metáfora de las mareas y/o giros así como con los colores –inspiradas en los aportes del citado autor- dado que se constituyen en una herramienta para analizar los alineamientos políticos y el devenir de la integración en la subregión.

Complementariamente, para comprender la evolución de la política sudamericana contemporánea, recurren a la metáfora de Raymond Aron (1962) sobre el partido de fútbol en el que se entrelazan teoría, sociología, historia y praxeología. En función de ello, imaginan que América del Sur es un campo de juego de fútbol donde se disputa la ‘Copa Sudamericana de la Integración’. Esquemáticamente el trabajo se articula del siguiente modo: en primer lugar, explicitando la función de cada uno de los niveles y los roles que éstos representan en el desarrollo del campeonato. En segundo lugar, presentando la formación de los 10 equipos y el esquema de juego de cada uno de ellos. Finalmente, adentrándose en el fixture Mercosur tomando en consideración las alineaciones políticas así como los esquemas de juego.
relaciones entre Argentina y Japón en el período 2011-2018:
Authors: Zalazar Marina
Published: March 2021

El 2018 marca el 120 aniversario del establecimiento de relaciones entre Argentina y Japón, que se iniciaron de manera formal el 3 de febrero de 1898 con la firma del Tratado de Amistad, Comercio y Navegación. De allí en adelante fueron creciendo en sus aspectos diplomáticos, culturales y económicos; aunque vale la pena mencionar que los contactos comerciales entre ambas naciones fueron y aún están poco desarrollados. Teniendo en cuenta este panorama general, se sostendrá que la jerarquización del vínculo con Japón durante el gobierno de Mauricio Macri sólo se concentró en los aspectos económicos de la relación, mientras que el bajo perfil de las relaciones Argentina-Japón durante el gobierno de Cristina Fernández no obstruyó que las temáticas tratadas fueran variadas. Esto se debió a las diferentes percepciones que ambos presidentes sostuvieron sobre la posición de Argentina en el escenario internacional y sobre el sistema internacional, como también a los diversos supuestos ideológicos que conformaron a la Política Exterior Argentina.
Comparative study of the tourist destinations of La Barrita and Barra de Potosí, Gro., Mexico
Authors: Urueña-Barragán Carlos Minisak , Bravo-González José Guillermo , López-Núñez Miriam Araceli , Galeana-Rosales Montserrat
Published: March 2021

Guerrero is a state with tourist infrastructure. But there are still certain coastal areas in Guerrero that require government attention and allow the development of its inhabitants. That is the case of Playa La Barrita, and on the other hand Barra de Potosí. The lack of development of the tourist destinations of these places, which despite the years, still do not reach progress, which allows to raise the quality of life of its inhabitants. The object of study of the present investigation is to know the causes that have not allowed to reach their maximum potential of the tourist destinations of La Barrita and Barra de Potosí. In this sense, the research is descriptive, and was carried out through the application of a 100% instrument from a universe of 55 establishments, with a maximum acceptable error of 5% and a 95% confidence level, which determined that between the reasons why both tourist destinations have not reached their potential, are the lack of services (drinking water, drainage, internet access, solid waste management), and lack of government investment, as well as the approach to The different banking institutions. It is important to approach government institutions, with the inhabitants, businessmen and other providers of tourism services that allow to seek alternatives to improve the supply of services, and in turn reduce ecological damage in the future.
Analysis and Design of the equipment loan control system (SCPE) of laboratories of the ICT major of the UTVT
Authors: Orona-Lopez Miguel Angel , Maya-Pérez Petra Norma , Rosales-Aviles Pamela Elisa , Reyes-Baltazar Nancy
Published: March 2021

The present work exposes the analysis and design of the Equipment Loan Control System (SCPE). We developed a system in its analysis and design phases of control of equipment inputs and outputs (loans), reducing time and showing reports to be able to make decisions about a subsequent acquisition of equipment or different administration. The functionality of the system is based on the procedure P-EDU-05 http://sgi.utvtol.org.mx/ mainly on the points: 8.2 (update of the equipment inventory) 8.4 (Delivery of laboratory hours) 8.5 (Verification of the laboratory schedule) 8.7 Registration of PTC/PA (Full Time Professor/Subject Professor) in a later version using a fingerprint reader. In this delivery, procedures, processes and calculations will be analyzed; as well as define interfaces. In point 8.7, it will register compliance of the service at the end of the practice. It will also include a processing, calculating the compliance rates according to the procedure. The laboratory/equipment registration interface will reflect what is required in the R-EDU-20-General requirements for laboratory/workshop practices. Finally, the RAD (Rapid Application Development) methodology will be used to develop the system due to the use of fourth generation techniques to reuse existing programs.
Analysis of the Perception of Quality in Service in a Higher Education Institution with the use of the ModelServQual
Authors: Limon-Valencia Luis Alberto , Grijalva-Tapia Juan , Ruiz-Castro Manuela , Hinojosa-Taomori Karina Alejandra
Published: March 2021

The main objective is to evaluate the quality of the service; likewise, to determine what are the essential aspects and measure the quality of service from the students. As expressed by Duque and Chaparro (2012), it is not recommended that the evaluation of the quality of the service only considers the point of view of executives and government agencies, since the perception of the most important client, the student, would be evaded. The method to follow is to determine the variables that will be studied and we establish the instrument to collect information, determine the population to which the study is directed, apply the instrument to the sample, present the results obtained, draw conclusions comparing it with the theoretical framework and with other studies; and finally, the recommendations of the findings. Among the main findings, it was possible to obtain the qualification of the service quality of the students in the period evaluated, the overall score reached is 5.18, interpreted as good service and representing 74%. It is relevant to consider that the characteristic with lower qualification, in this case, the appearance of physical facilities, equipment, personnel and communication material.
Factores que impiden el empoderamiento económico de la mujer chihuahuense
Authors: Martínez-Torres Elsy Denise , Ornelas-Benítez Olinda , Estrada-Perea Jorge Luis , Valles-Baca Herik Germán
Published: March 2021

In recent decades, the participation of women in all movements is increasing, in the field of labor statistics affected by this increase, however, the percentage of discriminatory practices towards women has also been detected in Mexico in the labor market, which has managed to generate high rates of wage discrimination and a lower probability of obtaining better paid positions. Due to the importance of this issue, this study presents the main factors that impede the empowerment of Chihuahua women, through a descriptive statistical methodology, focusing their analysis on the study of the characteristics between men and women when entering the labor market and how They are reflected in the salary remuneration, with the way of knowing if this phenomenon is due to sociodemographic factors or a gender perspective problem, and thus show the current panorama faced by women in the state of Chihuahua.
Ibn Taymiyya’s Criticism of Aristotelian Definition
Authors: Rayan Sobhi
Published: March 2021

Aristotle wrote of two “points of definition”: one posited in negative and the other in positive terms. The negative formulation argues that concepts can be comprehended only through definition, while the positive point stresses the consequences of definition by focusing on the benefits to the sciences achieved through those “concepts.” Ibn Taymiyya criticizes these ideas on the grounds that definition neither necessarily leads to the revelation of the facts and truths of things and their quiddities, nor does it necessarily help in developing the sciences. We notice that his main criticism is directed at specific metaphysical elements of definition, such as genus, species, differences (differentia/ divisions), quiddity, and universality. He argues that these elements are purely mental and do not necessarily correspond to existence. Ibn Taymiyya differentiates between metaphysics and the concrete physical world for, in his opinion, not all that comes to mind necessarily corresponds to existing objects in the concrete physical world. Therefore, human knowledge should be established on concrete rules subject to experiment. He therefore refutes the logic of quiddity, which depends upon pure intellect, and calls for an experimental logic devoid of metaphysics.
Discursive Constructions of the Israel-Hezbollah War
Authors: Lau Ursula , Seedat Mohamed , McRitchie Victoria
Published: March 2021

The media play a contributing influence in exacerbating hostilities between war protagonists. Through particular representations, specific groups are either hailed or vilified; thereby resulting in a “spill-over effect” of negative stereotyping, prejudice, and hostilities among people beyond the physically-designated zones of conflict. The 2006 Israeli-Hezbollah War, fueled by Israel’s history of military aggression in the region and ignited by Hezbollah’s cross-border raid into Israel and the associated capture and killing of Israeli soldiers, received extensive coverage in the South African press and had the effect of polarizing groups in support of a particular side. In this article, we examine a section of the local South African print media—capturing the conflict to reveal the main discourse themes, their hidden ideological positions and their legitimation through specific textual devices. The findings reveal a “discursive war” between news texts representing a favorable stance on Israel and Hezbollah respectively. Through characterizations and intertextual practices, (“right of existence” and “defense against terror” versus “religious resistance” and “Israel as the apartheid state” respectively) that provided legitimation for violence. The ideological effects of such media representations on the ordinary lives of South Africans physically removed from the conflict are considered. In light of the findings, considerations for discursive interventions are proposed in order to promote discourses of peace in the media.
A Critical Reassessment of Huntington’s “Clash of Civilizations” Thesis
Authors: Seif-Amirhosseini Zahra
Published: March 2021

My critique of Samuel Huntington’s “clash of civilizations” thesis is divided into three sections. The first section provides a critical reassessment of his definition of civilization, modernization and westernization from an Islamic perspective, or, more broadly, a religio-traditional understanding of civilization and its various historical manifestations. I also present an academic critique from the perspective of political science and sociology. Consequently, these two perspectives are sometimes set out separately and sometimes intertwined. The second section attempts to demonstrate how his analysis of Islam is based on cultural essentialism, which views Islam as an inherent threat and a stumbling block to democratic development, and to explain how his theories are both inaccurate and extremely dangerous in terms of their political and policy implications. The third section comprises an analysis of his theory’s impact on policy and its consequences for the United States.
Composição do Tempo Social de Mulheres Professoras Durante a Pandemia
Authors: Pessoa Amanda Raquel Rodrigues , Moura Marla Maria Moraes , Farias Isabel Maria Sabino de
Published: March 2021

Esta pesquisa analisa a composição do tempo social de mulheres professoras no período de isolamento social imposto pela pandemia da COVID-19, especificamente a relação do ensino remoto com aspectos do cuidado de si, das obrigações domésticas e familiares, do trabalho e do lazer. Pautada numa abordagem com enfoque qualitativo e quantitativo, 44 mulheres responderam a um questionário misto sendo a análise pautada na análise de conteúdo de Bardin (2011). Os resultados revelaram que o ensino remoto comprometeu o tempo social em virtude da ampliação, intensidade, e das condições de trabalho. Os afazeres domésticos e familiares ainda permaneceram sob responsabilidade das mulheres comprometendo o lazer. Conclui-se que o tempo social no contexto pandêmico intensificou a sensação de sobrecarga e evidenciou a divisão desigual dos papeis sociais.