bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise do desempenho dos Fundos Imobiliários no Brasil de 2017 a pandemia Covid-19
Authors: Ivantes Dias Eric , Carlos Magalhães da Silva Antonio
Published: September 2021

Em um contexto onde investidores pessoas físicas estão cada vez acessando o mercado imobiliário por meio dos fundos imobiliários em um cenário de queda de juros, este estudo tem como objetivo analisar o retorno dos fundos imobiliários no período de janeiro de 2017 a maio de 2021 como forma de auxiliar o investidor pessoa física na tomada de decisões para diversificação dos seus investimentos. A metodologia adotada foi a regressão linear de mínimos quadrados ordinários (MQO) para analisar o comportamento das variáveis explicativas macroeconômicas e de mercado em relação a variável dependente IFIX.  Para análise da amostra foi realizada uma regressão para o período amostral completo e posteriormente, uma segunda regressão foi realizada para o subperíodo amostral da pandemia Covid-19, com a conclusão de que, das variáveis adotadas, apenas o Ibovespa apresentou significância na explicação da variação do IFIX em ambas amostras.
Prevalence and Predictors of Caregiver Burden in a Memory Clinic Population
Authors: O’Caoimh Rónán , Calnan Mareeta , Dhar Arup , Molloy D. William
Published: September 2021

Background:

Although caregiver burden is common among carers of people with dementia, little is known about its prevalence and predictors among caregivers of patients attending memory clinics.

Objective:

To examine carer and patient-specific characteristics associated with caregiver burden across the cognitive spectrum in a memory clinic population.

Methods:

Consecutive patients referred to a university hospital geriatric memory clinic were included. Caregiver burden was scored using the Caregiver Burden Score (CBS), (modified Zarit), with scores≥15/30 suggesting burden. BPSD were measured with the dysfunctional behaviour rating instrument (DBRI). Cognition was screened using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment (Q mci) screen.

Results:

In all, 351 patients were included, median age 77 (±11) years; 65.5% were female. The prevalence of caregiver burden was 33.6% overall, increasing from 10.8% in subjective cognitive decline (SCD), to 15% in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 43% in dementia; CBS scores were significantly higher in dementia ( p < 0.001). Caregivers with burden were significantly younger ( p = 0.045) and were more likely to be adult children ( p = 0.007). The CBS weakly correlated with the stage of cognitive impairment ( r = 0.16) but had moderate correlation with MoCA ( r = –0.54) and Q mci scores ( r = –0.60). After adjustment for co-variates, DBRI scores alone independently predicted burden (odds ratio 1.23;1.11–1.35, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Caregiver burden is associated with the stage of cognitive impairment, with higher prevalence proportions in those with dementia compared with MCI and SCD. Only the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms independently predicted caregiver burden in this population and its presence should prompt assessment for burden.
Induction of Gut Microbial Tryptamine by SARS-CoV-2 in Nonhuman Primate Model Consistent with Tryptamine-Induced Model of Neurodegeneration
Authors: Paley Elena L.
Published: September 2021

The author discussed recently the possible molecular mechanisms that cause the COVID-19 disease symptoms. Here the analysis of the recent experimental data supports the hypothesis that production of the gut microbial tryptamine can be induced by the SARS-CoV-2 fecal viral activity due to the selective pressure or positive selection of tryptamine-producing microorganisms. In this report, the author suggests that the mechanism of microbial selection bases on the abilities of tryptamine to affect the viral nucleic acid. In other words, the gut microorganisms producing tryptamine are more resistant to SARS-CoV-2 fecal viral activity than microorganisms producing no tryptamine. Earlier we demonstrated the induction of neurodegeneration by tryptamine in human cells and mouse brain. Furthermore, we were able to uncover the human gut bacteria associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using PCR testing of human fecal samples with the new-designed primers targeting the tryptophan-tryptamine pathway. Likely, SARS-CoV-2 is one of the selective pressure factors in the cascade accelerating the neurodegenerative process in AD. This suggestion is consistent with a higher proportion of AD patients among COVID-19 related victims. Gut microbial tryptamine increase due to the viral infection-induced dysbiosis can synergize and potentiate the tryptamine cytotoxicity, necrotizing ability and other properties as a virulence factor.
Addressing disorder in scholarly communication: Strategies from NISO Plus 2021
Authors: Avissar-Whiting Michele , Bakker Caitlin , Heckner Hannah , Massip Sylvain , Schneider Jodi , Townsend Randy , Woods Nathan D.
Published: September 2021

Open science and preprints have invited a larger audience of readers, especially during the pandemic. Consequently, communicating the limitations and uncertainties of research to a broader public has become important over the entire information lifecycle. This paper brings together reports from the NISO Plus 2021 conference session “Misinformation and truth: from fake news to retractions to preprints”. We discuss the validation and verification of scientific information at the preprint stage in order to support sound and open science standards, at the publication stage in order to limit the spread of retracted research, and after publication, to fight fake news about health-related research by mining open access content.
mHealth wearables and smartphone health tracking apps: A changing privacy landscape
Authors: Suver Christine , Kuwana Ellen
Published: September 2021

The use of digital health technologies is changing the ways people monitor and manage their health and well-being. There is increasing interest in using wearables and smartphone health apps to collect health-related data, a domain within digital health referred to as mHealth. Wearables and health apps can continuously monitor metrics such as physical activity, sleep, and heart rate, to name a few. These mHealth data can supplement the measures taken by healthcare professionals during regular doctor’s visits, with mHealth having the advantage of a much greater frequency of collection. But what are the privacy considerations with mHealth? This paper explores global data privacy protections, enumerates principles to guide regulations, discusses the tension between anonymity and data utility, and proposes ways to improve how we as a society talk about and safeguard data privacy. We include brief discussions about inadvertent or unintended consequences of digital data collection and the trade-off between privacy and public health interests, such as is illustrated by COVID-19 contract tracing apps. This paper concludes by offering suggestions for consideration about improving privacy and confidentiality notices.
Dosimetry and Clinical Efficacy of Transcranial Photobiomodulation for Major Depression Disorder: Could they Guide Dosimetry for Alzheimer’s Disease?
Authors: Caldieraro Marco Antonio , Laufer-Silva Tatiana , Cassano Paolo
Published: September 2021

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is prevalent and has significant impact on individuals and society. Cognitive symptoms are frequent in MDD and insufficiently treated by antidepressant medications. Transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) is a novel device therapy which shows promise as an antidepressant and pro-cognitive treatment. To date, despite the encouraging results, the optimal stimulation parameters of t-PBM to treat MDD are not established, and clinical studies are very heterogeneous in terms of these parameters. While the literature provides guidance on the appropriate fluence to achieve therapeutic results, little is known on the other parameters. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between different parameters and the antidepressant effect of t-PBM. Methods: We reviewed clinical studies on MDD and on depressive symptoms comorbid with other diseases. We calculated the standardized effect size of the change in symptoms severity before and after t-PBM and we performed a descriptive analysis of the reviewed papers. Results: The greatest effect sizes for the antidepressant effect were found in studies using pulse-wave t-PBM with high peak irradiance (but low average irradiance) over large skin surface. One well-designed and sufficiently powered, double-blind, sham-controlled trial indicated that t-PBM with low irradiance over a small skin surface is ineffective to treat depression. Conclusion: The use of t-PBM for Alzheimer’s disease and for dementia is still at its inception; these dosimetry lessons from the use of t-PBM for depression might serve as guidance.
Neuroscience20 (BRAIN20, SPINE20, and MENTAL20) Health Initiative: A Global Consortium Addressing the Human and Economic Burden of Brain, Spine, and Mental Disorders Through Neurotech Innovations and Policies
Authors: Morris Kevin , Nami Mohammad , Bolanos Joe F. , Lobo Maria A. , Sadri-Naini Melody , Fiallos John , Sanchez Gilberto E. , Bustos Teshia , Chintam Nikita , Amaya Marco , Strand Susanne E. , Mayuku-Dore Alero , Sakibova Indira , Biso Grace Maria Nicole , DeFilippis Alejandro , Bravo Daniela , Tarhan Nevzat , Claussen Carsten , Mercado Alejandro , Braun Serge , Yuge Louis , Okabe Shigeo , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farhad , Kotliar Konstantin , Sadowsky Christina , Chandra P. Sarat , Tripathi Manjari , Katsaros Vasileios , Mehling Brian , Noroozian Maryam , Abbasioun Kazem , Amirjamshidi Abbas , Hossein-Zadeh Gholam-Ali , Naraghi Faridedin , Barzegar Mojtaba , Asadi-Pooya Ali A. , Sahab-Negah Sajad , Sadeghian Saeid , Fahnestock Margaret , Dilbaz Nesrin , Hussain Namath , Mari Zoltan , Thatcher Robert W. , Sipple Daniel , Sidhu Kuldip , Chopra Deepak , Costa Francesco , Spena Giannantonio , Berger Ted , Zelinsky Deborah , Wheeler Christopher J. , Ashford J. Wesson , Schulte Reinhard , Nezami M. A. , Kloor Harry , Filler Aaron , Eliashiv Dawn S. , Sinha Dipen , DeSalles Antonio A.F. , Sadanand Venkatraman , Suchkov Sergey , Green Ken , Metin Barish , Hariri Robert , Cormier Jason , Yamamoto Vicky , Kateb Babak
Published: September 2021

Neurological disorders significantly impact the world’s economy due to their often chronic and life-threatening nature afflicting individuals which, in turn, creates a global disease burden. The Group of Twenty (G20) member nations, which represent the largest economies globally, should come together to formulate a plan on how to overcome this burden. The Neuroscience-20 (N20) initiative of the Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT) is at the vanguard of this global collaboration to comprehensively raise awareness about brain, spine, and mental disorders worldwide. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the various brain initiatives worldwide and highlight the need for cooperation and recommend ways to bring down costs associated with the discovery and treatment of neurological disorders. Our systematic search revealed that the cost of neurological and psychiatric disorders to the world economy by 2030 is roughly $16T. The cost to the economy of the United States is $1.5T annually and growing given the impact of COVID-19. We also discovered there is a shortfall of effective collaboration between nations and a lack of resources in developing countries. Current statistical analyses on the cost of neurological disorders to the world economy strongly suggest that there is a great need for investment in neurotechnology and innovation or fast-tracking therapeutics and diagnostics to curb these costs. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, SBMT, through this paper, intends to showcase the importance of worldwide collaborations to reduce the population’s economic and health burden, specifically regarding neurological/brain, spine, and mental disorders.
Climate Change as Observed in the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Rajalakshmi P.R. , Achyuthan Hema
Published: September 2021

The Bay of Bengal covers a vast expanse of area, it being warmer, holds signatures of climate change. Its impact and the parameters have been studied in terms of rise in temperature, sea level change, increased rainfall, drought, heat waves, the intensity of tropical cyclones, ocean acidification and ocean productivity. In the last 45 years, sea surface temperature (SST) has risen by 0.2 to 0.3°C and is projected to rise further by 2.0 to 3.5°C by the end of this century. As a result, the sea level is expected to also rise 37 cm by 2050. The Bay of Bengal is witnessing an increase in the intensity of cyclones in the last two decades. Floods and droughts have increased over the years and are a growing threat to plant and animal life. Ocean acidification and increase in the sea surface temperature have made many fish species a major part of the coastal food chain vulnerable to its productivity. Hence, the collection of real time data and its continuous monitoring of the Bay of Bengal is essential to predict and project the future climate change to its accuracy both in space and time.
A mixed 0-1 programming approach for multiple attribute strategic weight manipulation based on uncertainty theory
Authors: Ji Ying , Jin Xiaowan , Xu Zeshui , Qu Shaojian
Published: September 2021

In practical multiple attribute decision making (MADM) problems, the interest groups or individuals intentionally set attribute weights to achieve their own benefits. In this case, the rankings of different alternatives are changed strategically, which is called the strategic weight manipulation in MADM. Sometimes, the attribute values are given with imprecise forms. Several theories and methods have been developed to deal with uncertainty, such as probability theory, interval values, intuitionistic fuzzy sets, hesitant fuzzy sets, etc. In this paper, we study the strategic weight manipulation based on the belief degree of uncertainty theory, with uncertain attribute values obeying linear uncertain distributions. It allows the attribute values to be considered as a whole in the operation process. A series of mixed 0-1 programming models are constructed to set a strategic weight vector for a desired ranking of a particular alternative. Finally, an example based on the assessment of the performance of COVID-19 vaccines illustrates the validity of the proposed models. Comparison analysis shows that, compared to the deterministic case, it is easier to manipulate attribute weights when the attribute values obey the linear uncertain distribution. And a further comparative analysis highlights the performance of different aggregation operators in defending against the strategic manipulation, and highlights the impacts on ranking range under different belief degrees.
Efficacy of Istradefylline, an Adenosine A2A Receptor Antagonist, as Adjunctive Therapy to Levodopa in Parkinson’s Disease: A Pooled Analysis of 8 Phase 2b/3 Trials
Authors: Hauser Robert A. , Hattori Nobutaka , Fernandez Hubert , Isaacson Stuart H. , Mochizuki Hideki , Rascol Olivier , Stocchi Fabrizio , Li June , Mori Akihisa , Nakajima Yu , Ristuccia Robert , LeWitt Peter
Published: September 2021

Background: Istradefylline is a selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonist for the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experiencing OFF episodes while on levodopa/decarboxylase inhibitor. Objective: This pooled analysis of eight randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase 2b/3 studies evaluated the efficacy and safety of istradefylline. Methods: Istradefylline was evaluated in PD patients receiving levodopa with carbidopa/benserazide and experiencing motor fluctuations. Eight 12- or 16-week trials were conducted (n = 3,245); four of these studies were the basis for istradefylline’s FDA approval. Change in OFF time as assessed in patient-completed 24-h PD diaries at Week 12 was the primary endpoint. All studies were designed with common methodology, thereby permitting pooling of data. Pooled analysis results from once-daily oral istradefylline (20 and 40 mg/day) and placebo were evaluated using a mixed-model repeated-measures approach including study as a factor. Results: Among 2,719 patients (placebo, n = 992; 20 mg/day, n = 848; 40 mg/day, n = 879), OFF hours/day were reduced at Week 12 at istradefylline dosages of 20 mg/day (least-squares mean difference [LSMD] from placebo in reduction from baseline [95%CI], –0.38 h [–0.61, –0.15]) and 40 mg/day (–0.45 h [–0.68, –0.22], p < 0.0001); ON time without troublesome dyskinesia (ON-WoTD) significantly increased. Similar results were found in the four-study pool (OFF hours/day, 20 mg/day, –0.75 h [–1.10, –0.40]; 40 mg/day, –0.82 h [–1.17, –0.47]). Istradefylline was generally well-tolerated; the average study completion rate among istradefylline-treated patients across all studies was 89.2%. Dyskinesia was the most frequent adverse event (placebo, 9.6%; 20 mg/day, 16.1%; 40 mg/day, 17.7%). Conclusion: In this pooled analysis, istradefylline significantly improved OFF time and ON-WoTD relative to placebo and was well-tolerated.
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method development and validation for the determination of flunixin: Animal plasma based study
Authors: Alshahrani Sultan M. , Christensen John Mark
Published: September 2021

This study was designed to develop and validate a simple and efficient high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to determine flunixin concentrations in Asian elephant’s ( Elephas maximus) plasma. Flunixin was administered orally at a dose of 0.8 mg/kg, and blood samples were collected. Flunixin extraction was performed by adding an equal amount of acetonitrile to plasma and centrifuging at 4500 rpm for 25 minutes. The supernatant was removed, and flunixin was analyzed using HPLC-UV detection.

Two methods were developed and tested utilizing two different mobile phases either with or without adding methanol (ACN: H2O vs. ACN: H2O: MeOH). Both methods showed excellent linearity and reproducibility. The limit of detection was 0.05 ug/ml and limit of quantification was 0.1 ug/ml. the efficiency of flunixin recovery was maximized by the addition of methanol to mobile phase (ACN: H2O: MeOH as 50:30:20) at 95% in comparison to 23% without methanol.

In conclusion, adding methanol to HPLC methods for extraction of flunixin from elephants’ plasma yielded higher recovery rate than without methanol.
Nutritional interventions based on dietary restriction and nutrient reductions for the prevention of doxorubicin chemotherapy side effects
Authors: Romero-Márquez Jose M. , Badillo-Carrasco Alberto , Navarro-Hortal María D. , Rivas-García Lorenzo , Jiménez-Trigo Victoria , Varela-López Alfonso
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of most used chemotherapeutic drugs, but it has important adverse effects. Nutrition has a critical role to prevent or minimize chemotherapy side effects. Caloric and nutrient restriction has been widely studied in different health fields showing extensive beneficial effects. Given the importance of these interventions, it is expected that some of them have benefits in patients under DOX chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to compile published studies evaluating the effects of different dietary intetrventions based on restriction of calories or certain nutrients against DOX-induced damage and toxicity. RESULTS: Caloric restriction and partial reduction of fat have shown to reduce DOX cardiotoxicity correlating with a reduction of oxidative stress. Reduction of dietary fat was proved to act in the same sense at liver and kidney. Studies in relation to protein reduction is more elevated has focused only on kidneys and bone, and under certain circumstances, these interventions could increase susceptibility to DOX toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The promising effects of restriction of dietary fat, protein and sodium on differerent organs have been supported by a greater number of studies among all the dietary interventions evaluated. Still, clinical studies are necessary to confirm the potential usefulness of these interventions.
Consent through the lens of semantics: State of the art survey and best practices
Authors: Kurteva Anelia , Chhetri Tek Raj , Pandit Harshvardhan J. , Fensel Anna
Published: September 2021

The acceptance of the GDPR legislation in 2018 started a new technological shift towards achieving transparency. GDPR put focus on the concept of informed consent applicable for data processing, which led to an increase of the responsibilities regarding data sharing for both end users and companies. This paper presents a literature survey of existing solutions that use semantic technology for implementing consent. The main focus is on ontologies, how they are used for consent representation and for consent management in combination with other technologies such as blockchain. We also focus on visualisation solutions aimed at improving individuals’ consent comprehension. Finally, based on the overviewed state of the art we propose best practices for consent implementation.
TheyBuyForYou platform and knowledge graph: Expanding horizons in public procurement with open linked data
Authors: Soylu Ahmet , Corcho Oscar , Elvesæter Brian , Badenes-Olmedo Carlos , Blount Tom , Yedro Martínez Francisco , Kovacic Matej , Posinkovic Matej , Makgill Ian , Taggart Chris , Simperl Elena , Lech Till C. , Roman Dumitru
Published: September 2021

Public procurement is a large market affecting almost every organisation and individual; therefore, governments need to ensure its efficiency, transparency, and accountability, while creating healthy, competitive, and vibrant economies. In this context, open data initiatives and integration of data from multiple sources across national borders could transform the procurement market by such as lowering the barriers of entry for smaller suppliers and encouraging healthier competition, in particular by enabling cross-border bids. Increasingly more open data is published in the public sector; however, these are created and maintained in siloes and are not straightforward to reuse or maintain because of technical heterogeneity, lack of quality, insufficient metadata, or missing links to related domains. To this end, we developed an open linked data platform, called TheyBuyForYou, consisting of a set of modular APIs and ontologies to publish, curate, integrate, analyse, and visualise an EU-wide, cross-border, and cross-lingual procurement knowledge graph. We developed advanced tools and services on top of the knowledge graph for anomaly detection, cross-lingual document search, and data storytelling. This article describes the TheyBuyForYou platform and knowledge graph, reports their adoption by different stakeholders and challenges and experiences we went through while creating them, and demonstrates the usefulness of Semantic Web and Linked Data technologies for enhancing public procurement.
Correlation between anxiety and chronic motion sensitivity
Authors: Alharbi Ahmad A. , Johnson Eric G. , Albalwi Abdulaziz A. , Ambode Oluwaseun I. , Cordett Tim K. , Alshehri Fahad H. , Daher Noha S.
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: Chronic motion sensitivity (CMS) is a combination of autonomic symptoms provoked by exposure to motion. The correlation between anxiety and CMS is not yet well understood. OBJECTIVES: 1) To compare median anxiety levels between young adults with and without CMS. 2) To examine the effect of anxiety on postural stability with immersion virtual reality. 3) To compare anxiety levels between sexes. METHODS: Participants included 60 adults (20–40 years), with and without CMS. After determining their current and general anxiety levels, postural stability was measured. RESULTS: There were significant differences in median (minimum, maximum) state- and trait-anxiety scores between participants with and without CMS, but no significant differences in median state- and trait-anxiety scores between males and females with CMS. There was a significant inverse relationship between state- and trait-anxiety scores and postural stability (ρ= –0.28, p = 0.03, and ρ= –0.32, p = 0.01, respectively). The stepwise regression analysis showed the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire-Short Form score to be the only variable contributing significantly to postural stability (R2 = 26.2%; t = –4.5, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Young adults with CMS are more anxious, although anxiety does not contribute to postural stability in this group. Anxiety levels do not appear to differ between young adult males and females with CMS.
Predictors of depression, anxiety and stress among remote workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Şentürk Erman , Sağaltıcı Eser , Geniş Bahadır , Günday Toker Ömür
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on work and home life, changing all daily routines of remote workers. It is extremely important to figure out some changes in home and work life that may affect the mental health of remote workers more. OBJECTIVES: The first aim of the study was to investigate the predictors of depression, anxiety, and stress among first-time remote workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The second aim was to explore sex differences regarding work and home life during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The sample consisted of 459 participants who have been working from home for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey used included questions relating to sociodemographic characteristics, changes in work and home life, Depression Anxiety Stress Questionnaire-Short Form, Jenkins Sleep Scale, and Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 17.9%, 19.6%, and 19.6% of the participants, respectively. Poor sleep quality, trouble focusing at work, being female, workplace loneliness, low levels of control over working hours, and low levels of physical activity were predictors of depression. Poor sleep quality, increased workload, and being female were predictors of anxiety. Poor sleep quality, trouble focusing at work, being female, financial concern, and workplace loneliness were predictors of stress. It was observed a higher increase in both housework and working hours during the COVID-19 pandemic in women. CONCLUSION: Determining the variables that can affect the mental health of remote workers is highly important for timely psychological intervention.
Work experiences, resources, and beliefs among vulnerable subgroups of mental health care users
Authors: Eklund Mona , Jansson Jan-Åke , Eklund Lisa , Pooremamali Parvin , Gunnarsson A. Birgitta
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: People with mental illness may have difficulties related to work and employment, especially if they experience additional difficult life situations. OBJECTIVE: To explore how subgroups with mental illness and additional adversities perceived their situation with respect to work and employment prospects. METHODS: Three subgroups were included, exposed to an additional difficult life situation: i) psychosis interrupting their career development at young age (n = 46), ii) having a history of substance use disorder (SUD) (= 57) or iii) having recently immigrated (n = 39). They responded to questionnaires addressing sociodemographics, work-related factors, everyday activity, and well-being. A professional assessed their level of functioning and symptom severity. RESULTS: The young people with psychosis had a low education level, little work experience, the poorest worker role resources, and a low level of functioning, but a high quality of life. The SUD group had the fewest work experiences, were the least satisfied with work experiences, and had the lowest activity level, but had the least severe psychiatric symptoms. The immigrant group had severe psychiatric symptoms, but high ratings on work experiences, work resources, and activity level. CONCLUSIONS: Each group presented unique assets and limitations pertaining to work and employment, suggesting that they also needed unique support measures.
The BELE program: The development of a holistic interdisciplinary health-promoting program enhancing work-life balance among female employees working in human service organizations in Sweden
Authors: Agosti Madelaine Törnquist , Bringsén Åsa , Andersson Ingemar , Erlandsson Lena-Karin
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: Despite an increase in work-life balance literature, the development of successful support to help employees manage their work -life balance is slow. Moreover, there are few interventions with a comprehensive approach to workplace health promotion focusing on work-life balance. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to present the development and building blocks of a holistic interdisciplinary health-promoting program, the BELE program, to enhance female employees working in human service organizations health and well-being with a focus on work-life balance. METHODS: The planning and development of the program was done through an intervention mapping and research circles methodology. RESULTS: The planning- and development process of the program resulted in a theoretical framework, and a program structure with a program content. The intervention program was named “The Balance in Everyday Life Empowerment program” (BELE program). CONCLUSIONS: The BELE program adds to the existing body of work-life balance knowledge, so far often based on a conflict approach. Interventions focusing on a comprehensive approach to health and work-life balance with a salutogenic approach are rare. Furthermore, the integration with occupational therapy and health promotion in a workplace health promotion framework is innovative. In a previous study, the BELE program has shown that it enhances women’s well-being and balance in their everyday life.
STRATEGIC PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF TRANSPORT ENTERPRISES
Authors: Kharuta Vitalii , Marunich Valerii , Kharuta Valentyna , Hryhorevska Myroslava
Published: September 2021

The current state of development of science and technology in various sectors of the economy, including transport, requires the timely introduction of new technologies. The movable and immovable property of the enterprises of the transport industry is in such a state that it needs immediate updating and carrying out capital, finishing and current repairs. This, in turn, will help increase the efficiency of management of transport companies and achieve the goals of their stakeholders. This study proposes an analysis of the application of the project approach to the management of the transport sector at the strategic level. In order to improve the management of enterprises of the transport complex, it is proposed to apply strategic planning for the development of these enterprises, which will focus on portfolio-oriented management. The classical model of strategic management includes: development of the mission and goals of the enterprise; research of external and internal environments; analysis of strengths and weaknesses; formation of strategic alternatives; choice; strategy implementation and evaluation. The main directions of development of the transport complex are: competitive and efficient transport industry; innovative development of the transport industry and global investment projects; safe for society, environmentally friendly and energy efficient transport; unhindered mobility and interregional integration. The strategic planning process consists of three main stages: analysis of the current situation, formulation of future prospects and development of an action plan. The problem of modern enterprises in the transport sector is that the developed strategic plan is not implemented due to insufficient specificity of plans, as well as the lack of a well-established mechanism for implementing and monitoring the implementation of planned actions. Thus, the format of the strategic plan of activity and development of enterprises of the transport complex should be developed through the prism of portfolios, programs and projects that will increase the efficiency of management of these enterprises.
Die Welt im Blick
Authors: Busch Klaus , Olle Werner , Wagner Wolf , Christen Christian
Published: September 2021

Wolfgang Schoeller war Mitbegründer der Zeitschrift Probleme des Klassenkampfes (PROKLA) und dieser als Autor und Mitglied des Redaktionsbeirats eng verbunden. Er starb im Mai dieses Jahres. Seine Weggefährten erinnern an einen eindrucksvollen Mitstreiter, den wir nicht so schnell vergessen werden.
Weiterbildung: Hinweise zum Fernstudium der Biowissenschaften in der Grund- und Sekundarstufe
Authors: Dendasck Carla Viana , Oliveira Euzébio de , Fecury Amanda Alves , Dias Claudio Alberto Gellis de Mattos
Published: September 2021

Obwohl die Diskussionen über die Möglichkeit von Online-Bildung in der Grund- und Oberschule in Brasilien in den Zuge der theoretischen Debatte eingetreten sind, gibt es immer noch großen Widerstand. Der Pandemiekontext brachte jedoch keine Alternativen und führte Tausende von Studenten für mehr als ein Jahr in soziale Isolation. Dieser Kontext veranlasste Grund- und Oberschullehrer, sich an neue Technologien anzupassen, was die Notwendigkeit zeigte, sich auf die Arbeit im Fernunterricht vorzubereiten. Die Leitfrage dieses Materials lautete: Wie können sich Life-Science-Lehrer vorbereiten und welche grundlegenden Werkzeuge sollten sie kennen, um ihren Online-Unterricht vorzubereiten? Daher bestand das allgemeine Ziel darin, Hinweise zu geben, die Lehrer kennen sollten, um ihren Online-Unterricht vorzubereiten. Die angewandte Methodik war explorativ durch Literaturrecherche. Die Hauptindikationen waren, dass Lehrer bei der Vorbereitung von Klassen nach diversifizierten Inhalten suchen müssen, um Motivationsstrategien mit ihren Schülern zu verfolgen und sich bei der Produktion von Klassen um das Thema Sprache, Audio und Licht zu kümmern. Schließlich liegt es am Lehrer, die verschiedenen Werkzeuge und Ressourcen wie Youtube, Instagram, Filme, Spiele und andere Subventionen zu erkennen, so dass es eine Annäherung zwischen dem Biologieunterricht und der Realität des Schülers gibt.
РЕІНЖИНІРИНГ БІЗНЕС-ПРОЦЕСІВ ЯК СУЧАСНИЙ ІНСТРУМЕНТ УСПІШНОГО РОЗВИТКУ РЕСТОРАННОГО ГОСПОДАРСТВА
Authors: Д’яконова Анджела , Трішин Федір , Коротич Олена
Published: September 2021

Робота присвячена дослідженню розвитку ресторанного бізнесу, який вважається вагомою високоприбутковою складовою індустрії гостинності в Україні і світі. В сучасних умовах жорсткої конкурентної боротьби підприємствам ресторанного бізнесу дуже важко адаптуватися до швидких змін у зовнішньому економічному середовищі та збільшення вимогливості гостей ресторанних закладів. Тому все більшої актуальності і практичного значення набуває реінжиніринг бізнес-процесів, який базується на новому підході до ведення бізнес-процесів, дає змогу вітчизняним підприємствам активно розвиватися і бути конкурентоспроможними як на внутрішньому, так і на зовнішньому ринку. У зв’язку з цим виникла необхідність у впровадженні у ресторанний бізнес інноваційних заходів та інформаційних технологій. Сучасні інформаційні технології здатні суттєво змінити діяльність ресторанних закладів у відповідності до вимог ринку і очікування споживачів ресторанної продукції. В роботі досліджено практичний досвід використання інформаційних технологій при впровадженні принципів реінжинірингу бізнес-процесів підприємствами ресторанного бізнесу, проведено аналіз матеріальних і інформаційних потоків в діючих ресторанах, що дозволило отримати комплексну функціональну модель діяльності ресторанних закладів. Побудова функціональної моделі AS-IS дозволяє визначити, які процеси здійснюються на підприємствах ресторанного бізнесу, які інформаційні засоби використовуються, а також відображає взаємозв’язок етапів діяльності в ресторані між собою і вплив кожного етапу на кінцевий результат.
Visions of Health: The GirlPower Photovoice Project
Authors: Miller Christina R. , Deacon Zermarie , Brady Shane R
Published: September 2021

The perceptions of 12 middle school girls regarding the health promoting and inhibiting aspects of their community were explored using the innovative methodology known as Photovoice that was situated in a youth-participatory-action research (YPAR) methodology. The photographs and resulting focus group discussions revealed overarching themes of Community Health and Safety, Food, Relationships, Socioeconomic Status (SES), Moral Development, and Physical Activity. The themes offer a way to organize the multiple realities of adolescent girls and how they interpret their personal health and the health of their communities, while the outcomes associated with participating in the project provide evidence of gains in self-esteem, collective efficacy, and leadership and advocacy skills.
The Impact of the Dynamic Model in Feedback Linearization Trajectory Tracking of a Mobile Robot
Authors: Benchouche Welid , Mellah Rabah , Bennouna Mohammed Salah
Published: September 2021

This paper proposes the impact of the Dynamic model in Input-Output State Feedback Linearization (IO-SFL) technique for trajectory tracking of differential drive mobile robots, which has been restricted to using just the kinematics in most of the previous approaches. To simplify the control problem, this paper develops a novel control approach based on the velocity and position control strategy. To improve the results, the dynamics are taken into account. The objective of this paper is to illustrate the flaws unseen when adopting the kinematics-only controllers because the nonlinear kinematic model will suffice for control design only when the inner velocity (dynamic) loop is faster than the slower outer control loop. This is a big concern when using kinematic controllers to robots that don’t have a low-level controller, Arduino robots for example. The control approach is verified using the Lyapunov stability analysis. MATLAB/SIMULINK is carried out to determine the impact of the proposed controller for the trajectory tracking problem, from the simulation, it was discovered that the proposed controller has an excellent dynamic characteristic, simple, rapid response, stable capability for trajectory-tracking, and ignorable tracking error. A comparison between the presence and absence of the dynamic model shows the error in tracking due to dynamic system that must be taken into account if our system doesn’t come with a built-in one, thus, confirming the superiority of the proposed approach in terms of precision, with a neglectable difference in computations.
Germination and seedlings growth of domestic poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) regarding salinity and temperatures
Authors: Varga Ivana , Antunović Manda , Iljkić Dario , Pospišil Milan , Rastija Mirta
Published: September 2021

In this research there were studied the effects of NaCl-induced salinity and environment temperatures on germination and seedlings growth of domestic poppy. The study was conducted in the controlled conditions in the plant growth chamber. There were applied different concentrations of NaCl (0 mM (control), 50 mM, 100 mM and 150 mM) and environment temperatures (10°C, 15°C and 20°C). The 50 seeds of domestic poppy cultivar (Detkovac) were sown in 4 replicates on the filter paper. The germination energy was determined on the 5th day and total germination rate and seedlings morphological characteristic were determined on the 10th day. At the 5th day germination energy was on average 28%. It was interesting to note that at the 10°C there were no germinated seeds after 5 days at all salinity treatments and also, at the salinity level of 150 mM NaCl at every temperature. The average germination rate (on 10th day) of domestic poppy seeds were 52% and it varied from 30% (150 mM NaCl and 20°C) to 90% (0 mM NaCl and 15°C). Different salinity of water solution had a very significant (p<0.01) influence on stem, root and total length (cm) of seedlings. The average root length was 1.3 cm and it varied from 0.9 cm (100 mM NaCl) to 1.8 cm (0 NaCl). The average stem length was 1.8 cm. The longest stem was found at control (2.7 cm), and between 50 and 100 mM of NaCl the difference was not significant and stem length averaged 1.4 to 1.3 cm depending on the temperature. Average total poppy seedlings length of this study was 3.0 cm and it varied from 4.5 cm at the control to 2.3 cm at 100 mM NaCl. With regard to temperatures, there was no significant differences found in root and total length of poppy seedlings, but the differences were very significant (p<0.01) for stem length. The longest poppy seedlings were measured at 20°C and 0 mM NaCl (4.9 cm), while at 10°C and at 0 or 50 mM NaCl, seedlings were less than 0.1 cm. Seeds were not germinating at all on 10°C on both, 100 and 150 mM NaCl. Generally, salinity reduced germination energy and germination rate and seedlings length. Results may indicate that seeds are mainly affected by osmotic stress and therefore it is not recommended to cultivate poppies on soils with excess salts
Utjecaj prorjeđivanja grozdova na kakvoću mošta kultivara Chardonnay u kutjevačkom vinogorju
Authors: Obradović Valentina , Svitlica Brankica , Ergović Ravančić Maja , Škrabal Svjetlana , Marčetić Helena , Mesić Josip
Published: September 2021

Kutjevo wine-hills are located on southern slopes of Papuk and Krndija mountains. The area is the most famous by production of Graševina grapes, but increasing share of other varieties cannot be ignored. Chardonnay is the most widespread variety all over the world, and in Požeško-slavonska county is represented by 5 % of total vineyards area. The aim of this research was to determine the influence of cluster thinning in Kutjevo wine-hills on maturation and must quality of Chardonnay grapes. Research was conducted in 2020 in Podgorje location (Kutjevo wine-hills). Experiment was established by a randomized block schedule in two treatments with three repetitions. Five vines in a row makes one repetition. The following parameters have been determined: sugar content and total acidity in grapes in period of one month before harvest, number of clusters per vine, cluster mass, mass of 100 berries, density, total acidity, volatile acidity, tartaric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, pH, reducing sugars, extract, glucose, fructose, glycerol, alfa amino nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen and potassium. Results have showed that cluster thinning had a significant influence on cluster mass and number of clusters per vine, but majority of chemical parameters were not significantly different between two treatments. Statistically significant difference was only in case of pH, lactic acid and ammonium nitrogen
Agropedološke značajke Drežničkog polja i pogodnost tla za travnjake
Authors: Vidaček Željko
Published: September 2021

Agropedološka istraživanja su u funkciji izrade podloga idejnog rješenja Retencije Drežničko polje, (Vidaček Ž., 2004.). Pedološki pokrov čine Smeđe tlo na vapnencu, Tlo vrtača i manjih depresija, Smeđe tlo na ilovači pseudoglejno, Pseudoglej zaravni i Močvarno glejno epiglejno tlo. Površinu polja većinom pokrivaju livade košanice, a u sjevernom dijelu se nalazi hrastova šuma. Uvažavajući kriterije i načela konvencionalne poljoprivredne proizvodnje, prema stupnju pogodnosti za travnjake to su tla dobre pogodnosti (P-1), umjerene pogodnosti (klasa P-2), ograničene pogodnosti (klasa P-3) i trajne nepogodnosti (N-2), ovisno o vrsti privremenog ili/i trajnog ograničenja. Dominantna različito raspoređena ograničenja za intenzivnije korištenje travnjaka su kiselost, slaba opskrbljenost fiziološki aktivnim fosforom, sadržaj gline, dreniranost i mezoreljef.
The Preparedness of Emergency Care Providers to Deal with Death, Dying and Bereavement in the Pre-Hospital Setting in Dubai
Authors: Conning Reon , Naidoo Raveen , Bhagwan Raisuyah
Published: September 2021

Introduction

This study sought to investigate how prepared emergency care providers are to deal with death, dying and bereavement in the pre-hospital setting in Dubai, and to make recommendations related to such events.

Methods

A quantitative descriptive prospective design was utilised. Data was collected using an online self-report questionnaire sent to all operational emergency care providers in the Dubai Corporation of Ambulance Services. The data was analysed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0.

Results

Nearly 65% of participants (n=316) reported that they had not received any formal education or training on death, dying and bereavement. Those that did, reported that the training was conducted mainly by nursing (25.9%; n=124) and paramedic (13.6%; n=65) instructors. One-quarter of participants (25.4%; n=126) reported experiencing intrusive symptoms such as sleep loss, nightmares and missing work as a result of a work-related death or dying incident, but only 4.1% (n=20) had received professional counselling.

Conclusion

This study found that emergency care providers are underprepared to deal with death, dying and bereavement. A comprehensive death education program encompassing the unique challenges that emergency and pre-hospital setting presents should be implemented to reduce emotional anxiety and help emergency care providers cope better with death, and decrease abnormal grief reactions of the bereft. Abnormal grief reactions can include restlessness, searching for the lost person and disrupted autonomic nervous system functions.
The effect of short-term resistance training on hand reaction time improvement is independent of sexual dimorphism
Authors: Silveira Anderson Luiz Bezerra da , De Carvalho Lucas Monteiro , Nascimento Caio Lima do , Costa César Rafael Marins , Bentes Claudio Melibeu
Published: September 2021

Objectiveː The aim was to evaluate the effects of four weeks of resistance training and sexual dimorphism on Manual reaction time in apparently healthy subjects.

Methods: The subjects of the sample were randomly allocated in two groups, as follow: Control (CTRL) - kept 4 weeks without any systematized physical activity (Nmales= 8, age= 24±3 yrs., body weight= 76.9±15.4 kg; Nfemales= 8, age= 22.5±4 yrs., body weight= 70.8±17.5 kg); Experimental (EXP) - 4 weeks of resistance training (Nmales= 8, age= 23±3 yrs., weight= 69.6±11 kg; Nfemales= 8, age= 22.5±1 yrs., body weight= 59.77±6.8 kg). The resistance training consisted of 4 exercises for upper limbs (3 sets x 8-12 reps) and 4 exercises for lower (3 sets x 12-15 reps). Manual reaction time was evaluated in a manufactured Arduino-based reaction time device connected to a computer.

Results: For men, there was a significant decrease in Manual reaction time after resistance training within EXP (p<0.0001) and between groups (p<0.0001). Women showed the same results within EXP (p<0.0001) and between groups (p<0.0001). Additionally, there was no sexual dimorphism before or after four weeks of resistance training.

Conclusion: The results suggest that just four weeks of resistance training was sufficient to improve Manual reaction time, regardless of sexual dimorphism. Therefore, resistance training inclusion in the training periodization seems essential to improve or rehabilitate the fast voluntary motor response, especially for activities or sports that require it.
SUBJECTIVITY TOWARDS EDUCATIONAL PRACTICE AND THREATS OF CONTEMPORARY TIMES: EXCEPTIONS OF REFLECTION
Authors: Kowalski Mirosław , Kowalska Ewa
Published: September 2021

Subjectivity today is commonly referred to as a necessary condition of education. Regardless of the world-view option, of social, or religious doctrine which determines the ideological layer of the education, the problem of the subjectivity is functioning as the crucial element of the design and implementation of the educational activities. At least in individual presentations it is differently understood, nobody is already contradicting its being. With reference to the introduction – what is the subjectivity?
Modern ideas of education suffer from lack of the paradigmatic continuity, they commit the sin of inconsistency. Apart from the philosophical perspective of anthropology, they do not define their subjects. They constitute themselves as a methodical concept: they grow out of the technological rationality and they cross out a model of communicational rationality. The growth of educational praxeology knowledge actualises itself in isolation from the basic consideration. Inconsistency and ambiguity of ontological assumptions replaced with the indications on epistemology multiplies axiological dilemmas.