bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observational cohort study of the effect of a single lubricant exposure during transvaginal ultrasound on cell-shedding from the vaginal epithelium
Authors: O’Hanlon D. Elizabeth , Brown Sarah E. , He Xin , Stennett Christina A. , Robbins Sarah J. , Johnston Elizabeth D. , Wnorowski Amelia M. , Mark Katrina , Ravel Jacques , Cone Richard A. , Brotman Rebecca M.
Published: May 2021

The outer layers of the vaginal epithelium (VE) are important because they accumulate glycogen which, under optimal conditions, Lactobacillus spp. consume to grow and acidify the vaginal microenvironment with lactic acid. We hypothesized that exposure to lubricant, for example in the conduct of a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), may contribute to the shedding of mature epithelial cells, exposing immature cells. Cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) was sampled at four time points by menstrual cup (Softdisc™) from 50 women referred for TVUS, during which a controlled volume of lubricant was applied to the TVUS wand. Samples were collected (1) immediately before TVUS and (2) 6–12 hours, (3) within one week, and (4) two weeks after TVUS. Clinical vaginal lubricants are similar to commercial lubricants, and often have a high osmolality or pH, and contain bactericides such as methylparaben and propylparaben. The number and maturity of epithelial cells in each CVF sample were measured by quantitative and differential fluorimetry (maturity index, MI). Comparisons of cell-counts and maturity were made by paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Among women with a high pre-TVUS MI (> 3), there was a decrease in median cell-count and mean MI in the sample collected 6–12 hours after TVUS (p<0.001, n = 26 and p < 0.001, n = 26, respectively). For these women, cell-count and MI remained lower in the sample collected within the subsequent week (p<0.001, n = 29 and p<0.01, n = 29, respectively), and MI remained lower in the sample collected within two weeks of TVUS (p<0.01, n = 25), compared to the pre-TVUS sample. Among participants with a low pre-TVUS MI (< 3), cell-count was higher in the sample collected within two weeks of TVUS compared to the pre-TVUS sample (p = 0.03, n = 15), but no significant changes in MI were observed. Results were similar when restricted to reproductive-age women. This preliminary data indicates hypertonic vaginal lubricants may increase vaginal epithelial cell shedding.
Acquisition of the physiological quality of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seeds during maturation under the influence of the maternal environment
Authors: Okada Maurício Hideki , Oliveira Gustavo Roberto Fonseca de , Sartori Maria Márcia Pereira , Crusciol Carlos Alexandre Costa , Nakagawa João , Amaral da Silva Edvaldo Aparecido
Published: May 2021

The scarcity of information on the maturation physiology of the peanut seed (Arachis hypogaea L.; Virgínia group) makes harvesting high quality seeds a challenge for the seed industry. During two consecutive crop seasons, we studied the acquisition of physiological quality of peanut seeds during maturation in tropical conditions. We bring new insights about the period of late maturation of seeds and the influence of the maternal environment on physiological quality. We monitored water content, dry weight, ability of germination, desiccation tolerance, vigor and longevity. In addition, we monitored temperature and precipitation throughout plant growth. We demonstrate that the physiological quality of peanut seeds is acquired during development, with a maximum between 57 and 76 days after flowering in the late stage of maturation. This final period represents about 25% of the development, considered the best time to harvest peanut seeds with the highest quality. Our findings also support the idea that the adequate proportion of rainfall and thermal sum in the maternal environment are factors that favor the acquisition of peanut seed longevity.
Attenuation parameter and liver stiffness measurement using FibroTouch vs Fibroscan in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Ng Ying Zhuang , Lai Lee Lee , Wong Sui Weng , Mohamad Siti Yatimah , Chuah Kee Huat , Chan Wah Kheong
Published: May 2021

Background & aim

We studied FibroTouch (FT) and Fibroscan (FS) examination results and their repeatability when performed by healthcare personnel of different background.

Methods

FT and FS examinations were performed on patients with chronic liver disease by two operators, a doctor and a nurse, twice on each patient, at two different time points, independent of each other.

Results

The data for 163 patients with 1304 examinations was analyzed. There was strong correlation between FT and FS for attenuation parameter (Spearman’s rho 0.76, p<0.001) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) (Spearman’s rho 0.70, p<0.001). However, FT produced higher value at lower attenuation parameter and LSM, and lower value at higher attenuation parameter and LSM. There was substantial agreement when using 15kPa LSM cut-off, but only moderate agreement when using 10kPa and 20kPa LSM cut-offs and 248dB/m, 268dB/m and 280dB/m attenuation parameter cut-offs. The IQR for attenuation parameter and IQR/median for LSM were significantly lower for FT compared with FS (4dB/m vs 27dB/m, p<0.001, and 10 vs 12, p<0.001, respectively). The intra- and inter-observer reliability of attenuation parameter and LSM using FT and FS were good to excellent with intraclass correlation coefficients 0.89–0.99. FT had shorter examination time (33s vs 47s, p<0.001) and less invalid measurements (0 vs 2, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Measurements obtained with FT and FS strongly correlated, but significant differences in their absolute values, consistency, examination time and number of invalid measurements were observed. Either device can be used by healthcare personnel of different backgrounds when sufficiently trained.
Characterising experiences with acute myeloid leukaemia using an Instagram content analysis
Authors: Parker Catriona , Zomer Ella , Liew Danny , Ayton Darshini
Published: May 2021

Instagram has more than one billion monthly users, which presents a unique research opportunity particularly in rare diseases or hard to reach populations. This study focuses on acute myeloid leukaemia, a rare haematological malignancy and aims to characterise who posts acute myeloid leukaemia-related content and the type of content created. The findings can provide information and a method for future studies, particularly those focused on online or social media based interventions. Acute myeloid leukaemia-related Instagram posts were identified by searching specific and relevant hashtags (#). A content analysis systematically classified themes in the data. A convenience sample of 100 posts (138 photos) were manually extracted and coded. Data are described using descriptive statistics and demonstrated by qualitative examples. The most frequent users in our sample were patients (66%), patient support networks (24%) and professional organisations (10%). Patients who were communicating their health update (31%) were the most frequently posted content and 25% of these posts described a symptom experience. Our findings demonstrate that patients and their support networks are frequenting Instagram and therefore may be able to receive and benefit from tailored intervention, however there is an identified gap in health-organisations participating in this virtual online community.
Does loneliness lurk in temp work? Exploring the associations between temporary employment, loneliness at work and job satisfaction
Authors: Moens Eline , Baert Stijn , Verhofstadt Elsy , Van Ootegem Luc
Published: May 2021

This research contributes to the limited literature concerning the determinants of loneliness at work, as well as to the literature on psychological outcomes associated with temporary work. More specifically, we are adding to the literature by exploring whether there is an association between working temporarily and loneliness at work and whether loneliness at work partly explains the association between working temporarily and job satisfaction. To this end, we analyse—by means of a mediation model—a unique sample of Flemish employees in the private sector. We find that employees with a temporary contract experience more loneliness at work as opposed to employees with a permanent contract. In addition, we discover that loneliness at work mediates the association between working temporarily and job satisfaction.
Postoperative abdominal sepsis induces selective and persistent changes in CTCF binding within the MHC-II region of human monocytes
Authors: Siegler Benedikt Hermann , Altvater Marc , Thon Jan Niklas , Neuhaus Christopher , Arens Christoph , Uhle Florian , Lichtenstern Christoph , Weigand Markus Alexander , Weiterer Sebastian
Published: May 2021

Background

Postoperative abdominal infections belong to the most common triggers of sepsis and septic shock in intensive care units worldwide. While monocytes play a central role in mediating the initial host response to infections, sepsis-induced immune dysregulation is characterized by a defective antigen presentation to T-cells via loss of Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II DR (HLA-DR) surface expression. Here, we hypothesized a sepsis-induced differential occupancy of the CCCTC-Binding Factor (CTCF), an architectural protein and superordinate regulator of transcription, inside the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II (MHC-II) region in patients with postoperative sepsis, contributing to an altered monocytic transcriptional response during critical illness.

Results

Compared to a matched surgical control cohort, postoperative sepsis was associated with selective and enduring increase in CTCF binding within the MHC-II. In detail, increased CTCF binding was detected at four sites adjacent to classical HLA class II genes coding for proteins expressed on monocyte surface. Gene expression analysis revealed a sepsis-associated decreased transcription of (i) the classical HLA genes HLA-DRA, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DPA1 and HLA-DPB1 and (ii) the gene of the MHC-II master regulator, CIITA (Class II Major Histocompatibility Complex Transactivator). Increased CTCF binding persisted in all sepsis patients, while transcriptional recovery CIITA was exclusively found in long-term survivors.

Conclusion

Our experiments demonstrate differential and persisting alterations of CTCF occupancy within the MHC-II, accompanied by selective changes in the expression of spatially related HLA class II genes, indicating an important role of CTCF in modulating the transcriptional response of immunocompromised human monocytes during critical illness.
Hydrodynamical effect of parallelly swimming fish using computational fluid dynamics method
Authors: Doi Keisuke , Takagi Tsutomu , Mitsunaga Yasushi , Torisawa Shinsuke
Published: May 2021

Fish form schools because of many possible reasons. However, the hydrodynamic mechanism whereby the energy efficiency of fish schools is improved still remains unclear. There are limited examples of fish models based on actual swimming movements using simulation, and the movements in existing models are simple. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the swimming behavior of Biwa salmon (Oncorhynchus sp., a salmonid fish) using image analyses and formulated its swimming motion. Moreover, computational fluid dynamics analysis was carried out using the formulated swimming motion to determine the fluid force acting on the fish body model with real fish swimming motion. The swimming efficiency of the fish model under parallel swimming was obtained from the calculated surrounding fluid force and compared for different neighboring distances. The flow field around the fish model was also examined. The swimming efficiency of two fish models swimming parallelly was improved by approximately 10% when they were separated by a distance of 0.4L, where L is the total length of the model. In addition, the flow field behind the fish body was examined under both inphase and antiphase conditions and at inter-individual distances of 0.8L and 1.2L. The apparent flow speed in the distance range of 0.5–2.0L from the midpoint of the snouts of the two individuals was lower than the swimming speed. The pressure distribution on the fish model showed an elevated pressure at the caudal fin. Interestingly, we obtained an isopleth map similar to that of a caudal peduncle. To avoid a negative thrust, the aft part of the body must be thin, as shown in the isopleth map obtained in this study.
The European tomato market. An approach by export competitiveness maps
Authors: Capobianco-Uriarte María de las Mercedes , Aparicio Juan , De Pablo-Valenciano Jaime , Casado-Belmonte María del Pilar
Published: May 2021

Most empirical studies examining the export competitiveness of a country in a target market are undertaken by focusing on supply, only analysing the group of competing countries. In addition, if the target market to be analysed is extensive, like the European Union, it is generally analysed as a whole. This study presents an evaluation of the tomato export competitiveness, from a differentiated demand perspective, analysing its main customers markets in the context of European Union. The methodological framework is implemented through Constant Market Share to analyze variations in exports, allowing the portion attributable to competitiveness and segregation into general or specific competitiveness to be quantified. The Constant Market Share was adapted to focus on the differentiated demand so as to observe the influence of the worldwide crisis (2007/08) on the European tomato market. This study allows the analysis of profile changes into the competitor exporting economies. As a contribution to the methodology, this study presents a new graphical way of representing the results of Constant Market Share methodology by means of export competitiveness maps in the European tomato market for the group for each main competitor in each European client market. According to our results, Spain and Belgium are candidate countries to be competitive in the main European markets.
The effect of intramuscular injection technique on injection associated pain; a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ayinde Oluseyi , Hayward Rachel S. , Ross Jonathan D. C.
Published: May 2021

Aim

To review the effect of different intramuscular injection (IMI) techniques on injection associated pain, in adults.

Methods

The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019136097). MEDLINE, EMBASE, British Nursing Index and CINAHL were searched up to June 2020. Included studies were appraised and a meta-analysis, where appropriate, was conducted with a random effects model and test for heterogeneity. Standardised mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval in reported injection pain (intervention cf. control) was reported.

Results

29 studies were included in the systematic review and 20 studies in the meta-analysis. 13 IMI techniques were identified. 10 studies applied local pressure to the injection site. Of these, applying manual pressure (4 studies, SMD = -0.85[-1.36,-0.33]) and Helfer (rhythmic) tapping (3 studies, SMD = -2.95[-5.51,-0.39]) to the injection site reduced injection pain, whereas the use of a plastic device to apply local pressure to the skin (ShotBlocker) did not significantly reduce pain (2 studies, SMD = -0.51[-1.58,0.56]). Acupressure techniques which mostly involved applying sustained pressure followed by intermittent pressure (tapping) to acupressure points local to the injection site reduced pain (4 studies: SMD = -1.62[-2.80,-0.44]), as did injections to the ventrogluteal site compared to the dorsogluteal site (2 studies, SMD = -0.43[-0.81,-0.06]). There was insufficient evidence on the benefits of the ‘Z track technique’ (2 studies, SMD = -0.20[-0.41,0.01]) and the cold needle technique (2 studies, SMD = -0.73[-1.83,0.37]) on injection pain. The effect of changing the needle after drawing up the injectate on injection pain was conflicting and warming the injectate did not reduce pain. Limitations included considerable heterogeneity, poor reporting of randomisation, and possible bias in outcome measures from unblinding of assessors or participants.

Conclusions

Manual pressure or rhythmic tapping over the injection site and applying local pressure around the injection site reduced IMI pain. However, there was very high unexplained heterogeneity between studies and risk of significant bias within small studies.
Communication of preclinical emergency teams in critical situations: A nationwide study
Authors: Zimmer Matthias , Czarniecki Daria Magdalena , Sahm Stephan
Published: May 2021

Background

The emergency medical service as a high-risk workplace is a danger to patient safety. A main factor for patient safety, but also at the same time a main factor for patient harm, is team communication. Team communication is multidimensional and occurs before, during, and after the patient’s treatment.

Methods

In an online based, anonymous and single-blinded study, medical and non-medical employees in the emergency medical services were asked about team communication, and communication errors.

Results

Seven hundred and fourteen medical and non-medical rescue workers from all over Germany took part. Among them, 72.0% had harmed at least one patient during their work. With imprecise communication, 81.7% rarely asked for clarification. Also, 66.3% saw leadership behavior as the cause of poor communication; 46.0% could not talk to their superiors about errors. Of note, 96.3% would like joint training of medical and non-medical employees in communication.

Conclusion

Deficits in team communication occur frequently in the rescue service. There is a clear need for uniform training in team and communication skills in all professions.
Impact of diabetes mellitus on short-term prognosis, length of stay, and costs in patients with acute kidney injury: A nationwide survey in China
Authors: Tan Lishan , Chen Li , Jia Yan , Li Lingyan , Wang Jinwei , Huang Xiaoyan , Luo Qiong , Yang Li , Xiong Zuying ,   on behalf of ISN AKF 0 by 25 China Consortium
Published: May 2021

Background

International data suggest that people with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at increased risk for worse acute kidney injury (AKI) outcomes; however, the data in China are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the association of DM with short-term prognosis, length of stay, and expenditure in patients with AKI.

Methods

This study was based on the 2013 nationwide survey in China. According to the 2012 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) and expanded criteria of AKI, 7604 patients with AKI were identified, and 1404 and 6200 patients were with and without DM, respectively. Clinical characteristics, outcomes, length of stay, and costs of these patients were compared. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the association of DM with mortality, failed renal recovery, length of stay, and costs.

Results

Patients with AKI and DM were older, had higher male preponderance (61.9%), presented with more comorbidities, and had higher serum creatinine levels compared with those without DM. An apparent increase in all-cause in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and costs was found in patients with DM. DM was not independently associated with failed renal recovery (adjusted OR (95%CI): 1.08 (0.94–1.25)) and in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR (95%): 1.16 (0.95–1.41)) in multivariate models. However, the diabetic status was positively associated with the length of stay (β = 0.06, p<0.05) and hospital expenditure (β = 0.10, p<0.01) in hospital after adjusting for possible confounders.

Conclusion

In hospitalized AKI patients, DM (vs. no DM) is independently associated with longer length of stay and greater costs, but is not associated with an increased risk for failed renal recovery and in-hospital mortality.
Automatic detection of prosodic boundaries in spontaneous speech
Authors: Biron Tirza , Baum Daniel , Freche Dominik , Matalon Nadav , Ehrmann Netanel , Weinreb Eyal , Biron David , Moses Elisha
Published: May 2021

Automatic speech recognition (ASR) and natural language processing (NLP) are expected to benefit from an effective, simple, and reliable method to automatically parse conversational speech. The ability to parse conversational speech depends crucially on the ability to identify boundaries between prosodic phrases. This is done naturally by the human ear, yet has proved surprisingly difficult to achieve reliably and simply in an automatic manner. Efforts to date have focused on detecting phrase boundaries using a variety of linguistic and acoustic cues. We propose a method which does not require model training and utilizes two prosodic cues that are based on ASR output. Boundaries are identified using discontinuities in speech rate (pre-boundary lengthening and phrase-initial acceleration) and silent pauses. The resulting phrases preserve syntactic validity, exhibit pitch reset, and compare well with manual tagging of prosodic boundaries. Collectively, our findings support the notion of prosodic phrases that represent coherent patterns across textual and acoustic parameters.
Lower beta cell yield from donor pancreases after controlled circulatory death prevented by shortening acirculatory warm ischemia time and by using IGL-1 cold preservation solution
Authors: De Paep Diedert L. , Van Hulle Freya , Ling Zhidong , Vanhoeij Marian , Pirenne Jacques , Keymeulen Bart , Pipeleers Daniel , Jacobs-Tulleneers-Thevissen Daniel
Published: May 2021

Organs from donors after controlled circulatory death (DCD III) exhibit a higher risk for graft dysfunction due to an initial period of warm ischemia. This procurement condition can also affect the yield of beta cells in islet isolates from donor pancreases, and hence their use for transplantation. The present study uses data collected and generated by our Beta Cell Bank to compare the number of beta cells in isolates from DCD III (n = 141) with that from donors after brain death (DBD, n = 609), before and after culture, and examines the influence of donor and procurement variables. Beta cell number per DCD III-organ was significantly lower (58 x 106 versus 84 x 106 beta cells per DBD-organ; p < 0.001) but their purity (24% insulin positive cells) and insulin content (17 μg / 106 beta cells in DCD III-organs versus 19 μg / 106 beta cells in DBD-organs) were similar. Beta cell number correlated negatively with duration of acirculatory warm ischemia time above 10 min; for shorter acirculatory warm ischemia time, DCD III-organs did not exhibit a lower beta cell yield (74 x 106 beta cells). Use of Institut Georges Lopez-1 cold preservation solution instead of University of Wisconsin solution or histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate also protected against the loss in beta cell yield from DCD III-organs (86 x 106 for IGL-1 versus 54 x 106 and 65 x 106 beta cells respectively, p = 0.042). Multivariate analysis indicates that both limitation of acirculatory warm ischemia time and use of IGL-1 prevent the reduced beta cell yield in islet cell isolates from DCD III-organs.
Association between short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide and ischemic heart disease and non-accidental death in Changsha city, China
Authors: Xu Zenghui , Xiong Lili , Jin Donghui , Tan Jie
Published: May 2021

Background

To investigate the effects of short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) in the central and southern China areas on ischemic heart disease (IHD) and non-accidental deaths.

Method

We investigated the associations between short-term exposure to SO2 and CO in a city in south-central China and IHD and non-accidental death using a time-series design and generalized additive models with up to a 5-day lag adjusting for day of the week, temperature, air pressure, wind speed, and relative humidity. The relative risks of IHD and non-accidental death per 10-unit increase in SO2 and CO were derived from zero to five days in single-pollutant models.

Results

Between 2016 and 2018, a total of 10,507 IHD and 44,070 non-accidental deaths were identified. The largest significant relative risk for IHD death was lag 02 for both SO2 (1.080; 95% confidence interval: 1.075–1.084) and CO (5.297; 95% confidence interval: 5.177–5.418) in single-pollutants models. A significant association was shown at all lag multiple-day moving averages. Two-pollutant models identified an association between SO2 and mortality when adjusting for CO. In stratified analyses, SO2 exhibited a stronger association with death during the cold season, while CO exhibited a stronger association with mortality from IHD during the warm season. The risk of death was more robust in the elderly for both pollutants, but was greater in men for CO and in women for SO2.

Conclusions

Overall, we found an association between short-term exposure to low-level SO2 and CO and the risk of IHD and non-accidental death.
Factors associated with temporary pacing insertion in patients with inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Yanase Tomonobu , Sakakura Kenichi , Jinnouchi Hiroyuki , Taniguchi Yousuke , Yamamoto Kei , Tsukui Takunori , Seguchi Masaru , Wada Hiroshi , Fujita Hideo
Published: May 2021

Background

High-degree atrioventricular block (HAVB) is a prognostic factor for survival in patients with inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, there is little information about factors associated with temporary pacing (TP). The aim of this study was to find factors associated with TP in patients with inferior STEMI.

Methods

We included 232 inferior STEMI patients, and divided those into the TP group (n = 46) and the non-TP group (n = 186). Factors associated with TP were retrospectively investigated using multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

The incidence of right ventricular (RV) infarction was significantly higher in the TP group (19.6%) than in the non-TP group (7.5%) (p = 0.024), but the incidence of in-hospital death was similar between the 2 groups (4.3% vs. 4.8%, p = 1.000). Long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which were defined as a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR) and readmission for heart failure, were not different between the 2 groups (p = 0.100). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, statin at admission [odds ratio (OR) 0.230, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.062–0.860, p = 0.029], HAVB at admission (OR 9.950, 95% CI 4.099–24.152, p<0.001), and TIMI-thrombus grade ≥3 (OR 10.762, 95% CI 1.385–83.635, p = 0.023) were significantly associated with TP.

Conclusion

Statin at admission, HAVB at admission, and TIMI-thrombus grade ≥3 were associated with TP in patients with inferior STEMI. Although the patients with TP had the higher incidence of RV infarction, the incidence of in-hospital death and long-term MACE was not different between patients with TP and those without.
Designing short-term drama therapy with people who have Parkinson’s disease in Vigo, Spain
Authors: Mondolfi María Luisa , Savage Myriam , Fernández-Aguayo Sara
Published: May 2021

Empirical research about using drama therapy (DT) for people who have Parkinson’s disease (PD) is absent in the literature despite growing, worldwide prevalence of the disease. This article presents an intrinsic case study involving a concurrent mixed-method design within a social constructivist framework that explores the benefits of a short DT program designed for a small group of people who have PD in Vigo, Spain. Two Spanish drama therapists and eight research participants co-designed and co-created material for analysis during five DT workshops that took place once every two weeks over ten weeks. In addition to this, psychometric instruments to assess self-esteem, quality of life (QoL), depression, and purpose in life were administered prior to and after the five-week intervention. Findings are supported by qualitative analysis and are not statistically significant, but suggest an amelioration of depressive symptoms as well as other benefits.
Balancing protection of public health and freedom of information in times of COVID-19
Authors: Richter Andrei
Published: May 2021

International and (generally) national law provides for a fundamental human right to freedom of expression, which includes freedom to seek, receive and impart information through any media of one’s choice. The exercise of this right, however, may be subject to restrictions, including for the protection of public health. The specificity of the COVID-19 crisis lies in its global geographical scale and the generally concerted political response to it, which included limitations on freedom of information. Current limitations differ from those triggered by past public health concerns. Taking European countries as case studies, the author singles out and analyses in detail three areas of concern: restraints on access to information; bans on disinformation; and monopolization of the information flow, the latter potentially contributing to establishing a ‘monopoly on truth’.
Digital Democracy, Social Media and Disinformation, Petros Iosifidis and Nicholas Nicoli (2021)
Authors: Maniou Theodora A.
Published: May 2021

Review of: Digital Democracy, Social Media and Disinformation, Petros Iosifidis and Nicholas Nicoli (2021)

London and New York: Routledge, 172 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-36733-210-5, p/bk, $35.96
Study of models of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development
Authors: Jeet Vikram , Aspal Parvesh Kumar , Nazneen Afroze
Published: May 2021

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a broad concept, and it has witnessed several versions since its initiation. Without doubt, in the current business and economic scenario, CSR has been gaining momentum; therefore, it is crucial to explore and comprehend the basic responsibility of CSR and sustainable development. It is, therefore, significant to analyse and explore the evolution of CSR throughout the years and link it with sustainable development. The present study analyses and compares the various CSR models based on the order of significance, scope of responsibility, role of philanthropy, CSR–corporate financial performance relationship and attractiveness and its impact on sustainable development. The study reveals that the concept of CSR and sustainable development are steadily stepping towards a unified form, where companies’ commitment towards social obligation brings about practical and exhaustive improvement. It was observed that several models have been proposed and modified, yet there is a wide gap between the concept and practical execution of CSR models due to the different strategies followed by business organizations, which vary from nation to nation depending upon their business environment. The widely accepted stakeholder model suggests that companies should care for the interests of stakeholders, for instance shareholders, traders, consumers, employees and the society, for sustaining its business.
El potencial de los territorios de la energía: bases conceptuales de la planificación museológica del Museo Nacional de la Energía
Authors: Aparicio Rabanedo Esther
Published: May 2021

En el siguiente artículo se abordan algunas de las características conceptuales que están presentes en el proyecto de creación del Museo Nacional de la Energía (MNE), que se llegó a materializar solo parcialmente, sin su categoría nacional, en lo que hoy se denomina La Fábrica de Luz-Museo de la Energía en Ponferrada (León). Conceptos transversales como museo en red, territorio museo, parque museo, museología social y sostenibilidad permeabilizan todo el proyecto en una apuesta, no solo por crear un museo nacional, sino para intentar que fuese viable y contribuyera a los profundos retos que tiene la sociedad con respecto a la energía y al cambio climático. A pesar de que ese proyecto no se materializó en su totalidad, tanto el tema del museo, como los conceptos con los que se desarrolló su plan museológico, no sólo siguen estando vigentes, sino que se han consolidado con el tiempo, por lo que las comarcas de El Bierzo y Laciana, tan ricas en recursos, pueden seguir materializando proyectos basados en las mismas premisas, con formulaciones diferentes, pero con el mismo objetivo de contribuir al desarrollo de los territorios en los que se asienten dichos proyectos.
Pre-service Teacher Reflection and Feedback Using an Online Video Platform During Professional Experience
Authors:   Macquarie University, Cavanagh Michael
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the results of a pilot study in which 11 triads comprising a pre-service teacher, a supervising teacher and a university supervisor used a video platform for pre-service teacher self-reflection and for the provision of feedback. Pre-service teachers made video recordings of one lesson each week during a four-week professional experience placement. They annotated the videos using time-stamped comments and shared them with their supervisors who added comments to provide feedback. The annotations were investigated through questionnaires and interviews that were analysed for their depth of reflection and participants’ views about the video reflection process. Results indicate that the video process only marginally supported the provision of targeted feedback and pre-service teacher reflection. Factors which contributed to these outcomes are discussed.
A típusképző kvalitatív tartalomelemzés politetikus terei a pedagógusok reflektív gondolkodásának feltárásában
Authors: Sántha Kálmán
Published: May 2021

A tanulmány célja a típusképző kvalitatív tartalomelemzés politetikus tereinek alkalmazása egy pályakezdő pedagógus reflektív gondolkodásának feltárásában. A kutatásmódszertani fókuszú tanulmány felhívja a figyelmet a típusképző kvalitatív tartalomelemzés strukturáltságára és többdimenzionalitására. A reflektív gondolkodás fejlődését a tanári pálya első hat évében a strukturált reflektív napló segítségével vizsgáltuk. A 3. és a 6. tanév végén készített reflektív naplóban a pedagógus választ adott a következő kérdésekre: Mit csinálok jól? Miért? Honnan tudom, hogy így kell tennem? Mivel vannak gondjaim? Miért? Hol hibázok? Milyen fejlődési lehetőségeim vannak? A szövegkorpuszok feldolgozása a típusképző kvalitatív tartalomelemzés politetikus térgenerálásával történt. A többdimenziós elemzési térben az eredmények a pályán eltöltött idő függvényében a reflexiók összetettebbé válását tükrözték. A 3. év után a reflexiók technikai szintűek, a ’mit’ kérdésre adtak választ, míg a 6. év után a tanári tevékenység megértésére vonatkoztak és kiegészültek a ’miért, honnan tudom’ kérdésekre adott válaszokkal. A reflexiók hozzájárultak a pedagógiai tudás differenciálódásához, a reflektálás során a pedagógusokban kialakulhat a tanári tevékenység egészére vonatkoztatható komplex teoretikus és praxisorientált ismereteket tartalmazó rendszer.
Anya-, illetve idegen nyelvi szövegértés vizsgálata pedagógusok véleményének tükrében
Authors: Tary Blanka
Published: May 2021

A magyar diákok szövegértésben nyújtott teljesítménye nem kielégítő (OECD, 2019), és a nyelvtanulással kapcsolatban is pedagógiai kultúraváltásra hívja fel a figyelmet a szakirodalom (Einhorn, 2015). A szövegértés és az idegen nyelvek ismeretének kulcsfontossága széles körben elismert. Ezek tanulásának folyamatában vitathatatlan szerep jut a tanároknak (Szivák és mtsai, 2020), ami érdekes kérdéseket vet fel a kutatók számára: Milyen szövegértési nehézségeik adódhatnak a tanároknak anya- és idegen nyelven? Hogyan látják a szövegértés fejlesztését a magyar és idegen nyelvű tanórákon? Az idegen nyelvi szintjük befolyásolja olvasási nehézségeiket és véleményüket a szövegértés-fejlesztésről? A kutatásban N = 326 tanár és tanárjelölt vett részt, online anonim kérdőívet töltöttek ki, amelyből a kutatási kérdésekhez kapcsolódó nyitott végű kérdéseket és két zártvégű kérdést tárgyal a jelen tanulmány. Az eredmények azt mutatják, hogy anyanyelven inkább külső tényezőket neveznek meg szövegértési problémaként, míg idegen nyelven saját nyelvi hiányosságukat látják a nehézség gyökerének. Az idegennyelv-tudásuk különbségei eltérő szintű fogalmi műveletek nehézségének azonosításában mutatkoznak meg. A válaszadók a szövegértés tanórai fejlesztését tanári döntéseknek és módszerválasztásnak tulajdonítják; hangsúlyosabbnak találják a szövegértés fejlesztését idegen nyelvű tanórákon. Az idegennyelv-tudás szintje az idegen nyelvi szövegértés-fejlesztésről alkotott véleményeket jelentősebben differenciálja, mint az anyanyelvieket. A kapott eredmények tájékoztatást nyújthatnak mind a pedagógusoknak, mind a tanárképzés számára, illetve informálhatják a tanítási gyakorlatot anya- és idegen nyelvi szövegértés- fejlesztés területén.
Evaluation of Anti-oxidation and Therapeutic Effect of Biofield Energy Healing Based Novel Test Formulation Using TNBS (Tri Nitro Benzene Sulfonic Acid) - Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Trivedi Mahendra Kumar , Jana Snehasis
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of Biofield Energy Healing (the Trivedi Effect®) based test formulation using TNBS-induced colitis animal model. Each ingredient of the test formulation was divided into two parts. One part was denoted as the control without any Biofield Energy Treatment, while the other part was treated with Biofield Energy Treatment by Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi and defined as the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation. The colon tissue was used for the estimation of anti-oxidation activity for catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO) product, myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) using standard procedure. The antioxidant results showed that the CAT level was significantly increased by 95.4% (p≤0.001), 72.3%, 47.6%, and 13.9% in the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (G5), Biofield treatment per se to animals (-15 days)(G6), Biofield Energy Treatment per se to animals plus Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (-15 day) (G8), and Biofield Energy Treatment per se to animals plus untreated test formulation (G9) groups, respectively as compared to the untreated test formulation group (G4). Further, colon GSH activity was found to be significantly increased by 23.2% (p≤0.05) 15.4%, and 15.5%, in G5, G6, and G9 groups, respectively with respect to G2 group. In addition, colon LPO activity data suggested that it was decreased by 12%, 17%, 18%, and 19.1% in G5, G6, Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (-15 day) (G7), and G8 groups, respectively, as compared with the G2 group. The level of MPO showed a significant (p≤0.001) reduced level by 27.9%, 22%, 14.5%, 16.6%, and 25.3% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared with the G2 group. The level of colon SOD was increased by 16.7% and 14.2% in the G5 and G9 groups, respectively as compared with the untreated test formulation, G4 group. Colon GPx level was increased by 177.6%, 71.4%, 71.4%, 161.2%, and 114.3% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared with the G2 group. Thus, it can be concluded that the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing based test formulation and Biofield Energy per se has significant colon anti-oxidation profile, which can be used to improve many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, stress management and prevention, and anti-aging by improving overall health.
Connecting the use of Biofertilizers on Maize silage or Meadows with Progress in Milk Quality and Economy
Authors: Masoero Giorgio , Ariotti Riccardo , Giovannetti Giusto , Ercole Enrico , Cugnetto Alberto , Nuti Marco
Published: May 2021

A systematic use of biofertilizers can improve both the quality of a farming system and the parameters of milk. Some issues related to biofertilization experiments on six farms in the Po Valley (NW Italy) involved in the production of milk from dairy cattle fed maize silage or grazed on hay produced from permanent meadows are reported in this paper. Biofertilized maize was found to lower the live stem pH by about 2.3%, and NIR spectroscopy foreshadowing major changes in the composition. Overall, the plant silage was improved in quantity (+10%) but also in quality, as shown by the delayed maturity stage of the leaves (crop maturity index -4%), the lower indigestible NDF content (-7%), and the higher digestible carbohydrates and protein in the whole plants. Such favorable feeding conditions, together with the improved palatability of the feed ration, boosted the nutrient values of the protein (+4.6%) and fat contents (+5.7%) in the milk. Moreover, the functional properties of the milk were ameliorated, as testified by the higher levels of vitamin A (+27%) and vitamin E (+25%) and the reduced levels of saturated fatty acids (-6%), especially myristic (-18%) and stearic (-32%) acids, while the unsaturated acids increased by 15%. As far as economy aspects are concerned, the biofertilization of maize for silage has led to consistent rewards pertaining to the marginal price of the milk, which in turn has led to a value chain increase of about 9%, because of the fields cultivation, but mainly of the cow transformation in milk quality issues. On another farm, intensive maize was substituted with permanent biofertilized meadows, over a greening path, and a + 17% value chain increase was obtained that already derived mainly from the best price for milk quality parameters. Such an evolutionary leap toward a new vision of sustainable agriculture for the environment and for animals, in which a better quality of products, animal welfare and company budget are combined with soil biofertilization, can be considered a bonanza.
An Algorithm to Predict the Possible SARS-CoV-2 Mutations
Authors: Isea Raúl
Published: May 2021

An algorithm to determine the possible mutations that can occur in the S protein responsible of the Covid-19 in humans is designed. To do that, nine tridimensional sequences available in the Protein Data Bank similar to the initial strain sequenced in Wuhan (December 2019) are identified. The conditions driving this potential mutation are: (1) an accumulated number of mutations greater than (or equal to) 5 in each position; (2), a cumulative value of the different variations of Gibbs free energy less than -2.0 Kcal/mol; and (3), a squared fluctuation greater than 1.6 Å obtained according to calculations for normal mode analysis based on anisotropic network models (ANM) after averaging the first 20 vibration modes. The result is that 491 positions can mutate, while 424 positions did not provide any mutation. Finally, the results reveal that there are mutations that cannot be predicted, so more studies are needed to determine why they are present in the human population.
Estudo do léxico toponímico
Authors: Lopes Ailton Soares , Lima Lilian Castelo Branco de , Castro Maria C´élia Dias de
Published: May 2021

Este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar a base teórica discutida em trabalhos relacionados ao tema geral Toponímia, bem como de trabalhos voltados para o Ensino. Busca-se investigar quais teóricos são abordados e com que finalidade é feita essa abordagem. Para o processo de seleção, foram utilizadas as bases eletrônicas de dados do Google Acadêmico e o Portal de Periódicos Capes, adotando-se os seguintes descritores: “toponímia”, “léxico”, “ensino” e “cidade”. Sendo que, a partir da busca, selecionou-se para a análise uma amostra com dez artigos científicos publicados no período de 2009 a 2019. Verificou-se que muitos aspectos em torno dessa temática precisam ser mais explorados, a citar como exemplos as bases teóricas de toponimistas brasileiros que fundamentam as pesquisas, assim como as áreas pesquisadas, acentuando a necessidade de mais estudos nessa área. Sendo referência presente na elaboração de todos os trabalhos analisados, dedicou-se, ainda, um breve espaço nesta análise para falar das contribuições da linguista Maria Vicentina do Amaral Dick para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas toponímicas.
À sombra do juazeiro
Authors: Abbade Celina Márcia de Souza , Correia Clese Mary Prudente
Published: May 2021

Ilustra-se, neste estudo, a tendência, na toponímia brasileira, de considerar os recursos vegetais como a fonte de maior inspiração para a nomeação de acidentes humanos, tomando por base os designativos dos seguintes municípios do estado da Bahia: Angical, Buritirama, Camaçari, Cansanção, Ibirapitanga, Juazeiro, Mucugê, Pau Brasil, Quixabeira, Umburanas e Xique-Xique. A escolha desses topônimos relaciona-se ao fato de apresentarem uma forte relação entre a espécie vegetal e o bioma onde o município se insere. Para a análise do corpus, foram utilizados os pressupostos da taxionomia proposta por Dick (1990) para um trabalho toponímico, com o propósito de demonstrar que, ao se deslocar do sistema lexical e assumir caráter denominativo, um signo comum e arbitrário de língua conecta-se de forma permanente ao lugar representado.
Aspectos psicológicos da nomeação de lugares
Authors: Seide Marcia Sipavicius
Published: May 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é identificar e descrever aspectos psicológicos envolvidos nos processos de nomeação dos nomes de lugares a partir das reflexões de Dick sobre o assunto (1992). Na introdução deste artigo são recuperadas e reunidas as considerações de Dick sobre os aspectos psicológicos envolvidos na nomeação de lugares. Na sequência, suas reflexões são aprofundadas com base em pesquisas recentes da Psicologia Motivacional (HECKHAUSEN; HECKHAUSEN, 2018). Ao final do artigo, fenômenos toponímicos e psicológicos são relacionados entre si na análise de alguns nomes à guisa de ilustração. A corotoponímia é relacionada à motivação por filiação, a antrotoponímia que presta homenagem a figuras políticas, por sua vez, é relacionada às motivações por afiliação e por busca de poder, já os topônimos descritivos da paisagem são analisados como fruto da motivação pragmática, a qual também se encontra também, embora em menor grau, em toda nomeação toponímica, haja vista a função referencial dos nomes de lugares.
Os hagiônimos como motivação de nomes de lugares
Authors: Ananias Anna Carolina Chierotti dos Santos , Isquerdo Aparecida Negri
Published: May 2021

O estudo dos topônimos (nomes de lugares) de uma localidade pode evidenciar características sociais e ambientais do lugar e de seus habitantes. Os hagiotopônimos (topônimos motivados pelo nome de santos e santas do hagiológio romano), por exemplo, podem evidenciar aspectos da devoção do denominador aos santos católicos materializada no sistema toponímico de uma área geográfica. Este texto discute topônimos de natureza religiosa na toponímia paranaense, tomando por base resultados da pesquisa de Ananias (2018). Os hagiotopônimos analisados foram coletados dos mapas oficiais da malha municipal do estado do Paraná disponibilizados pelo IBGE (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística) de Curitiba/Paraná com escalas que variam entre 1:50.000 ou 1:100.000 (2010), perfazendo um montante de 7.654 hagiotopônimos. Descontadas as repetições, foram identificados 304 nomes distintos de santos do hagiológio romano, na toponímia paranaense. O estudo demonstrou, dentre outros aspectos, a possibilidade de resgate de valores religiosos de grupos sociais por meio da pesquisa toponímica.
The impact of marketing strategy on logistics decisions and the implementation of JIT
Authors: Sós Eszter , Földesi Péter
Published: May 2021

Marketing has a significant impact on logistics systems and corporate performance, so it is nowadays necessary to define a marketing logistics strategy in the lives of larger companies so that logistics decisions are not distorted by the marketing strategy. According to the current direction of development, smaller and smaller quantities of goods are constantly being moved, with ever shorter deadlines. Therefore, companies prefer to use the Just In Time (JIT) system, which results in a gradual reduction in inventory costs, but increases the burden on the environment. In this article, we analyze the interaction between marketing and logistics and the logistics environment required to implement a JIT system. For research we have used the matrix of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) technique to evaluate the needs of the customer with respect to the JIT system, thus clarifying the logistics strategy applicable to the introduction of the specific product.