bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NARRATIVAS DE CORPOS E IDENTIDADES EM DOCUMENTÁRIOS SOBRE MULHERES LATINO-AMERICANAS
Authors: Silva Meire Oliveira
Published: December 2020

Os documentários Simplesmente Jenny (1977) e Meu corpo, minha vida (2017), em um período de 40 anos, unem dois momentos distintos do cinema de Helena Solberg. Ambos estão ancorados em observação e análise das existências de mulheres permeadas por ideais sexistas no curso da História, das Artes e Literaturas. Pautam-se, inclusive, por imposições sociais que propiciam o auge da violência contra a mulher existencial e politicamente, a partir de sociedades muito marcadas por imposições totalitárias de origem colonial. Assim, tais formações históricas encontram ressonância em discursos hegemônicos que estruturalmente embasaram as sociedades latino-americanas e são deflagradas justamente nas narrativas cujas interseccionalidades apresentam-se como um imperativo para a interrupção de expressões, vozes e vivências.
Fattening and meat qualities of store pigs of large white breed of different intra-breed differentiation by melanocortin-4 receptor gene (MC4R)
Authors: Khalak Viktor
Published: December 2020

The study presents the results of research on fattening and meat qualities of store pigs of large white breed of different intra-breeding differentiation by the gene of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). The study calculated the economic efficiency of animals of different genotypes. The following fattening and meat qualities were evaluated: average daily increase in live weight during the period of control fattening, g; age of live weight 100 kg, days; fat thickness at the level of 6-7 thoracic vertebrae, mm; the length of the cooled carcass, cm; length of bacon half of chilled half-carcass, cm. It was established that store pigs of controlled population at the age of reaching live weight of 100 kg, fat thickness at the level of 6-7 thoracic vertebrae, and length of chilled carcass exceed the minimum requirements of the elite class by 13.69%. A significant difference between animals of different genotypes by the gene of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4RAA, MC4RAG) was established according to the average daily live weight gain during the control fattening period (4.24%, P <0.01), the age of reaching a live weight of 100 kg (2.18%, P <0,01), fat thickness at the level of 6–7 thoracic vertebrae (8,45%, P <0,05), length of chilled carcass (2,26%, P <0,001), length of bacon half of chilled half carcass (3.36%, P <0.001) and selection index (SI) (18.92%, P <0.05). Significant correlations in animals of different genotypes by the melanocortin-4 receptor gene (MC4RAA, MC4RAG) were identified regarding the following features: average daily live weight gain during the control period of fattening × age of 100 kg live weight (-0.475 – -0.853), average daily live weight for the period of control fattening × SI (+0.686 - +0.770), SI × age of reaching live weight 100 kg (+0.515 – -0.721), SI × fat thickness at the level of 6-7 thoracic vertebrae (-0.944 – -0.885), length of chilled carcass × length of bacon half of chilled carcass (+0.899 – +0.861). The maximum increase in additional products was obtained from the sale of young pigs by the gene for the melanocortin-4 receptor MC4RAG – +2.02%.
Automation in Measurement of Inverse Creep in Textile Yarns
Authors: Patil Pratap G.
Published: December 2020

From decades Creep has been known and studied for textile materials. In comparison, a newly observed phenomenon of inverse creep seems not to have received much attention. A new instrument has been fabricated to measure creep and inverse creep in textile materials particularly yarns. Creep and Inverse creep measurements of few of the textile yarns like nylon multifilament yarn, Polyester multifilament yarn, Cotton and wool yarn at different levels of stress have been studied, using the new instrument along with Transreceiver, embedded system and Personal computer the automation is achieved and results are reported in the present paper.
Usability Evaluation using Eye-Tracking on E-Commerce and Education Domains
Authors: Oyekunle Rafiat , Bello Olaiyiwola , Jubril Quincy , Sikiru Ismaheel , Balogun Abdullateef
Published: December 2020

The rapid consumption of content on the web and the creation of online businesses and educational platforms require improved usability for the user. It also calls for concerted effort to understand users' interactions with these digital products and services. This study was carried out to investigate the search and scan patterns employed by users interacting with the selected web interface from the e-commerce and education domains and also to establish the possibility of a localized interface design patterns in Nigeria. Usability evaluation was conducted using OGAMA software as an eye-tracking tool, to record as well as to analyze eye and mouse tracking data from slideshow eye-tracking experiments concurrently. During the evaluation period, fixation count, fixation length and saccade length of each website were taken into the consideration. Findings revealed that educational based site delivers users’ need than that of e-commerce due to less level of distraction as a result of fewer images and pictures. The study recommends that interface designs should be void of the display of excessive ad contents and include proper formatting of navigation items to contribute towards an enhanced user experience.
Complementos para la formación en lengua y literatura
Authors: Ceballos Viro Ignacio
Published: December 2020

Reseña de

Sánchez Jiménez, S. U., Martín Rogero, N., y Servén Díez, C.

Complementos para la formación en lengua y literatura

Madrid: Síntesis, 2018.
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Statistics Dept.
Published: December 2020

The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) Statistics Department (STA) provided technical assistance (TA) on financial soundness indicators (FSI) to the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) during June 15-July 10, 2020. The TA mission took place in response to a request from the authorities, with the support of the IMF’s African Department (AFR). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, the mission was conducted remotely via video conferences. The mission worked with the staff of the NBE on the development of FSIs that are in line with the IMF’s 2019 FSI Guide.1 The main objectives of the mission were to: (i) review the source data, institutional coverage, and accounting and regulatory frameworks supporting the compilation of FSIs; (ii) provide guidance for mapping source data for the banking sector to the FSI reporting templates FS2 and FSD as well as preparing the metadata; and (iii) agree with the authorities on the timeline to begin regular reporting of the FSIs for deposit-takers to STA. The mission also provided technical assistance to the NBE on the compilation of net open positions in foreign currencies.
Türkiye’de özelleştirmelerin istihdam etkileri: Elektrik dağıtım şirketleri üzerine bir inceleme
Authors: Kaya Yağmur
Published: December 2020

Özelleştirme ile ilgili teorik ve ampirik literatürde ve konunun uygulama kısmında en fazla dile getirilen hususlardan birisi, sürecin istihdam üzerindeki etkisidir. Genel olarak bakıldığında, özelleştirilen birçok şirkette olduğu gibi, verimlilik artışını sağlamak ve aşırı istihdam yükünden kurtulmak amacıyla çalışan personel sayısında başlangıçta bir azalma olabilmesine karşılık, özelleştirme sonrasında bu kayıp giderilebilmekte hatta kimi zaman istihdam edilen personel sayısı özelleştirme öncesi durumun da üzerine çıkabilmektedir. Özellikle, özelleştirilen şirketlerde yeni yatırımlarla kapasite artırımına gidilmesi durumunda istihdam edilen işgücü sayısının arttığı görülmektedir. Çoğu ülkede de istihdam kaybını önlemek için yasal düzenlemeler yapılmakta, ihale şartnamelerine ve devir sözleşmelerine istihdam kaybını önleyici maddeler konulmaktadır.
Bu çalışmada incelenen elektrik dağıtım şirketlerinin özelleştirme süreçlerine yönelik analizden elde edilen bulgulara göre, söz konusu şirketlerin özelleştirmelerinin net bir şekilde istihdamı artırıcı bir sonuç doğurduğu tespit edilmiştir. Diğer taraftan elektrik dağıtım şirketlerinin özelleştirilmeleri sonucunda yaşanan istihdam artışlarına; yatırım, pazar ve talep artışı gibi yeni istihdam oluşturmaya etki eden itici faktörler ile kanun, devir sözleşmeleri ve diğer kamusal düzenlemeler gibi istihdamın azalmasını önleyici faktörlerin etki ettiği görülmüştür.
“Suç ve Ceza” ile “Takva”da çevre, suç ve suçluluk
Authors: Bostancı Ertuğrul
Published: December 2020

Rus yazar Dostoyevski’nin 1866 yılında yazdığı “Suç ve Ceza” romanında insanı suç işlemeye sevk eden faktörler arasında çevrenin önemli bir yer tuttuğu gözlenmektedir. Aynı şekilde Özer Kızıltan’ın 2006 yılında vizyona giren “Takva” filminde kendi halinde mütedeyyin bir insanın çevresel faktörler sebebiyle yaşadığı değişim anlatılmaktadır. Her iki eserde maneviyatı kuvvetli iki baş kahramanın esas itibarıyla para ve yoksulluk sebebiyle suç işlemeleri, suçluluk duygusunun kendilerinde yarattığı manevi sıkıntılar dikkat çekmektedir. Bu çalışmada çevresel faktörlerin suç ve suçluluk duygusu üzerindeki etkileri karşılaştırmalı edebiyat incelemesi yöntemiyle ele alınacaktır. Kahramanların yaşadıkları toplumu oluşturan fiziki dış çevre ile kahramanların ilişki içerisinde olduğu kişilerden oluşan çevre bir bütün olarak ele alınıp incelenecektir.
Amellerin zahirî ve batınî yönlerini etkileyen iki kavram: Niyet ve ihlâs
Authors: Çakmak İgalçı Emine Elif
Published: December 2020

Niyet ve ihlâs kavramları kişinin hayatına yön veren, dinî ritüellerine mana katan, duygu ve düşünce yapısını şekillendiren önemli olgulardandır. Bu çalışmamızda dini yaşantı ve uygulamalarda önemli bir yere sahip olan bu kavramlar Tasavvuf ilmi çerçevesinde ele alınacaktır. Niyet ve ihlâs kavramlarını tek tek ele alıp değerlendirildikten sonra bu iki kavramın birbiriyle olan ilişkilenme derecesinin etkinliliği incelenecektir.
Bireylerin niyetleri doğrultusunda oluşan davranış ve duygular onların ibadet boyutlarındaki hal ve durumlarını etkileyip, ihlâsa ulaşma konusunda zemin hazırlamaktadır. Bu açıdan değerlendirdiğimiz bu tasavvufî kavramların ilk önce sözlük ve terim manaları ele alınacak, Kur’an-ı Kerim ve Hadis-i Şeriflerdeki önemi vurgulanacaktır. Sonrasında tasavvuf ilminin öncülerinin eserleri incelenerek niyet ve ihlâs kavramları arasındaki bağlantı ve hayata iz düşümü zahirî ve batinî yönlerden birlikte değerlendirilecektir.
Effect of inclusion of citric acid and Lutrol® F-68 on ziprasidone and β-cyclodextrin complexation: Characterization, solubility and dissolution studies
Authors: Londhe Vaishali Yogesh , Krishnan Sreevidya Ramesh
Published: December 2020

Ziprasidone (ZPR) is an antipsychotic agent having less solubility. It is used for the treatment of schizophrenia. Complexation of hydrophobic drugs with cyclodextrins leads to enhanced solubility and dissolution. In this study, inclusion complexes were prepared by different methods, using ZPR, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), and different auxiliary agents like hydrophilic polymer and hydroxy acid (1:1:0.5) to improve the aqueous solubility. The characterization of the ternary complexes was carried out using solubility study, Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and in vitro dissolution studies. DSC, XRD, and FT-IR studies showed interaction in drug, cyclodextrin, and auxiliary agents which are confirmed by enhancement of solubility and dissolution. Spray-dried dispersion showed less crystallinity and higher solubility as compared to the kneading method for both citric acid and Lutrol® F-68. Thus, the investigation concludes that the presence of the auxiliary agent has a synergistic action on complexation with cyclodextrin, which helps to modify the physicochemical properties of the drug.
Nutritional and antioxidant potential of seeds from two Cucurbitaceae species from Senegal
Authors: Diop Amadou , Sarr Serigne Omar , Sall Awa Boubou , Niass Ousmane , Ndiaye Bara , Diop Yerim Mbagnick
Published: December 2020

Cucurbits are largely grown in tropical and subtropical areas for nutritional and medicinal purposes. In Senegal, two species, watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), are cultivated and their use include consumption of flesh or the whole fruit. In general, people don’t give importance to seeds which can have nutritional properties of great interest. Hence, the relevance of this study whose objective is to assess the nutritional and therapeutic properties of seeds. For that purpose, the seeds of watermelon and pumpkin were air-dried, manually shelled, ground, and subjected to assays including physicochemical determination, characterization of oils, phytochemical screening and antioxidant analysis. Proteins (28.46 - 32.85 %), fat (36.3 - 39.7 %) and carbohydrates (23.6 - 13.9 %) were the main chemical components found in watermelon and pumpkin seeds. Micro-elements such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, calcium, and iron were also found with potassium showing the highest levels as 1026.07 and 635.00 mg/100 g for watermelon and pumpkin, respectively. Magnesium and phosphorous were the following minerals in terms of level content. The unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) were predominant in seed oils with the linoleic acid most representative as 73.01 and 35.90% for watermelon and pumpkin, respectively. From the saturated fatty acids (SFAs), the palmitic acid was the most important. Phytochemical components in seeds include the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, and tannins in the ethanolic extracts of pumpkin and watermelon seeds. Regarding to the radical scavenging activity, relatively close values have been obtained for fractions from the ethanolic watermelon extract, the aqueous fraction showing the highest antioxidant activity (26.82%). For pumpkin, the highest values were registered for ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions as 36.17 and 35.36%, respectively. Therefore, seeds from watermelons and pumpkin cultivated in Senegal exhibited interesting nutritional and antioxidant properties which argue in favor of their use to overcome malnutrition issues.
Front Matter
Authors: Hall Roland
Published: December 2020

Front Cover 

Inside Front Cover

Editorial
Benefits Of Caffeine: Birth Weigth Over 1250 g Infants With Respiratuar Distress
Authors: Yangın Ergon Ezgi , Çolak Rüya , Kıvılcım Meltem , Yıldız Meral , Alkan Özdemir Senem , Kulalı Ferit , Çalkavur Şebnem
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: Prophylactic caffeine therapy, reduces the frequency of apnea in premature babies. Moreover, its effect has been well established in reducing the intermittent hypoxemia, and the need for additional ventilator support of infants with a birthweight of <1.250 g. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of prophylactic caffeine use on neonatal outcomes in preterm babies with a birthweight of >1.250 g and respiratory distress. METHODS: Sixty-eight infants with birthweight of 1.250 to 2.000 g with respiratory distress and born at 32-34 GA and intubated with the indication of respiratory distress who also needed nasal ventilation for at least 48 hours were included in this prospective randomized controlled study, starting from birth one group received prophylactic caffeine citrate at loading dose of 20 mg/kg, and maintenance dose of 5 mg/kg in addition to respiratory support, long term neurological and developmental outcomes were recorded with Bayley-II. RESULTS: There was no difference in weight or gestational age at birth between the groups. Also, the groups were smilar in respiratory states. The caffeine group, was associated with a significant reduction in intubation requirement within the first 72 hr and shorter duration of mechanical and nasal ventilation, while there was no difference between the groups in total duration of oxygen therapy, and frequency of apneic episodes (respectively p=0.03, p=0.00, p=0.02, p>0.05). Any differences were not detected in terms of prematurity morbidities (p>0.05). Any significant intergroup differences were not detected as for PDA, NEC, IVC, laser-requiring ROP, and BPD (p>0.05). While the study was continuing regarding long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes Bayley neurodevelopmental tests were applied to 15 infants in the caffeine and 18 infants in the caffeine group at 12. and 18. months, and test results were csimilar in both groups (p>0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The prophylactic use of caffeine in older preterm babies with respiratory distress, have short term benefits as lesser requirement for ntubation within the first 72 hours and decreased duration of ventilatory support without any advers side effects. Therefore if symptoms of respiratory distress are seen in preterm babies with a birthweight of >1.250 g, then initiation of prophylactic treatment may be considered. Larger scale randomized kontrollü studies are needed regarding this issue.
Impact of Reducing Irritative Symptoms in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer During BCG Instillation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Köse Osman , Akın Yiğit , Gülmez Hakan , Ateş Erhan , Görgel Sacit Nuri , Özcan Serkan , Kati Bülent , Yılmaz Yüksel
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated use of anticholinergics, mirabegron, and combination of anticholinergics with mirabegron during Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillation for reducing irritative symptoms in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). METHODS: Prospectively recorded data of NMIBC patients receiving BCG were retrospectively evaluated between August 2015 and April 2019. Patients with low-grade T1 solitary papillary lesions <4 cm were included in the study. Validated questionnaires (OAB-V8) for irritative symptoms adapted to Turkish language, and QoL index forms were filled out by the study participants. OAB-V8 scores of ≥8 were considered as an indication to start medical treatment for irritative symptoms. Groups were formed according to daily used anticholinergic drugs and combinations as follows: Group 1, tolterodine; Group 2, solifenacin 5mg; Group 3, mirabegron, and Group 4, mirabegron with solifenacin 5 mg. RESULTS: Mean follow- up period was 20.4±6.8 months. There were 132 patients [110 men (83%) and 22 (17%) women] with irritative symptoms and NMIBC. Mean age of the study population was 59.7±12.4 years. The OAB-V8 scores and QoL indexes significantly improved with all drugs. However, in subgroup analyses, Group 4 provided the most dramatic improvement in OAB-V8 and QoL index scores (P=0.02 for both). The longest in time to micturition was recorded in Group 4 (P=0.04). Tumour recurrence was similar for groups 12 months after BCG instillation (P=0.9), however the least recurrence was observed in Group 4. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Combination of solifecacin and mirabegron can reduce irritative symptoms, improve QoL, and prolong time to micturition, during BCG instillation in selected NMIBC patients. This combination may also decrease recurrence rates in this patient population.
Protracted Febrile Myalgia Associated with Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Üzüm Özlem , Manyas Hayrullah , Yıldız Kerem , Baghirov Abbasqulu , Kasap Demir Belde
Published: December 2020

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is considered in children as fever >38.3°C (101°F) at least once a day for 8 days and more without any apparent diagnosis. There are lots of underlying factors for fever of unknown origin and the three most common etiologic categories in children are infectious diseases, connective tissue diseases, and neoplasms. In this article, we have presented a 15-year-old girl admitted with normal physical, and biochemical examination findings except fever and an elevated acute phase reactant. She was diagnosed with protracted febrile myalgia syndrome (PFMS) when severe myalgia was added to her complaints although she denied previously experienced periodic fever, abdominal pain, arthralgia or chest pain. We presented our case to emphasize that protracted febrile myalgia syndrome, one of the atypical clinical manifestations of Familial Mediterranean fever, may be the presenting symptom of Familial Mediterranean fever as well as an underlying cause of fever of unknown origin.
Laparoscopic cauterization of hernia sac in girls; the Burnia technique
Authors: Dayı Sabriye
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common surgical procedures in pediatric surgery. In parallel with the advances in the field of medicine, various laparoscopic techniques have been developed in inguinal hernia repair. The Burnia technique is one of the latest published techniques and it is the cauterization of the inguinal hernia sac laparoscopically without using sutures in girls. The aim of this study is the investigation of the use of Burnia technique in clinical practice, and its postoperative outcomes. Any article concerning the use of this technique in Turkey has not been encountered. METHODS: The demographic features of patients, preoperative, peroperative, postoperative and follow-up results of 41 patients who had been operated with Burnia technique by a single surgeon within 2 years were reviewed retrospectively. Laparoscopically, the camera was first placed at an inclination of 30 degrees to the umbilical region using Hasson technique, and then, a single port was used for cauterization of the hernia sac. The Hernia sac was pulled into the abdominal cavity and cauterized. RESULTS: Burnia technique was applied to 62 inguinal hernia sacs in 41 girls. Their ages ranged from 1.5 to 16 years (median 36 months) with body weights ranging between 3.5 kg-40 kg (median 12 kg). Preoperatively 15 patients had right (37%), 19 patients left (46%), 7 patients bilateral inguinal hernias (17%). During surgery, 14 of the unilateral inguinal hernias were found to have a hernia sac on the contralateral side, and the rate of bilateral hernia increased to 51 percent. In one patient ovary was in the inguinal canal, and after its reduction, we proceeded with the operation Unexpectedly. in one patient, right ovarian torsion was detected which was detorsioned, and hernia surgery was performed in the same session. The duration of the operation was 5-35 min (median 15 min) for unilateral and 8-45 min (median 20 minutes) for bilateral hernias. None of these patients developed peroperative and postoperative complications. Follow-up time was minimum 10 months, and maximum 3 years. Recurrence was not detected. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Burnia technique seems to be effective and safe. The contralateral side and other intra-abdominal pathologies are explored. The cosmetic appearance is its another advantage. The operation time is very short due to the fact that only the hernia sac is cauterized. Comparison of this technique with other laparoscopic techniques is planned in the future study.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Business and Management, Vol. 16 No. 1
Authors: Lee Stephen
Published: December 2020

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Business and Management, Vol. 16 No. 1, 20201
The Legal Provisions Regulating the Finance Lease Contract under the Jordanian Finance Lease Law
Authors: Aljaber Maher J. , Al-Raqqad Asma M. , Alzubi Ali A. , Ghnimat Asma
Published: December 2020

Finance lease is considered a very important method in advanced countries for funding enterprises. It enables facilities to achieve development, growth, and increases productivity. It facilitates the process of getting funds that shall be used for achieving development and using technology. The present study aimed to explore the stand of the Jordanian legislator on the finance lease contract. That is done through shedding a light on thematic and formal requirements of concluding this contract. The researchers aimed to identify the rights and obligations of the lessor and the lessee under the finance lease contract. These things are explored through adopting an analytical approach. Through adopting this approach, the researchers aimed to analyze several legislative texts in the Jordanian Civil Law and the Jordanian Finance Lease Contract Law.
Antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity on human breast cancer cells of essential oil from Pinus sylvestris. var mongolica needle
Authors: Namshir Javzmaa , Shatar Altantsetseg , Khandaa Oyukhan , Tserennadmid Rentsenkhand , Shiretorova Valentina Germanovna , Nguyen Manh Cuong
Published: December 2020

Pinus sylvestris. var mongolica is a major source of timber in Mongolia. The logging process makes many kinds of valuable biomass including bark, cones, and needles, which can be used for obtaining essential oil. The essential oil from the needles of wild growing Pinus sylvestris. var mongolica growing in Mongolia was chemically analyzed and its antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities were evaluated. The chemical analyses identified 101 compounds in the essential oil with the major compounds of α-pinene (29.87 %), limonene + β-phellandrene (16.15 %), camphene (4.95 %), bornylacetate (4.34 %), and β-pinene (3.88 %). This oil possessed the inhibitory activity against B. subtilis, S. cerevisiae, S. aureus and E. coli, successively with minimum inhibition concentration of 0.125, 0.1, 3.0, and 10.0 µg/mL. Importantly, the oil at 50 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells by 45.3 % and 99.7 %. The half of inhibition concentration of DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging was 14.36 ± 0.28 mg/mL. The results, therefore, suggested that the essential oil of a Mongolian Scotch pine could potentially be used as a preservative material in cosmetic and food products, as a bioactive agent in anti-inflammatory and wound healing products in view of its antibacterial activity. Given our findings that this essential oil has such profound activity against MCF-7 cancer cells, a further investigation concerning the full extent of this essential oil’s anticancer activities seems warranted. Furthermore, given the promising antimicrobial effects of this essential oil against various bacterial species, an investigation concerning its effect against drug-resistant bacteria would be of immense interest.
Assessment upon Seasonality of Tourist Offer on the Romanian Seaside using the Paul Krugman's Core-Periphery Model
Authors:   University of Bucharest, GHEORGHE Ruxandra Luminiţa
Published: December 2020

Seasonality is a specific problem of Romanian tourism, especially on the Black Sea seaside. Through a comprehensive approach, based on statistical data, we show the huge differences between the summer and the off-season offer, providing a starting point for future studies, both from official and field sources. The Krugman's Core-Periphery model clearly emphasizes that the development of a core neglects the periphery, and seasonality only accentuates its affectation until its complete abandonment, stagnation of development or regression. The impact of seasonality on the Romanian Black Sea seaside determines, to a certain extent, the development of egocentric poles, around which satellite-resorts are extremely dependent, their improvement requiring a research of all economic indicators involved. The development of the Northern Zone to the detriment of the Southern one has led to the emergence of extremely comprehensive results on the current situation, and the intense study of this area could reduce the socio-economic gap between them, being profitable for both private and public.
Business Relationship Network Model from Social Reactions Data
Authors: Tsutsumi Diego Paolo , Silva Thiago Henrique
Published: December 2020

One of the primary ways to expand a business or to keep it stable during a crisis is to create partnerships with other companies. With that, this study presents results regarding a new data model, which explores user reactions on social media to indicate strategic business partnerships. Th ere are three main contributions of this study to the literature: (i) a business relationship network model; (ii) a business community detection algorithm; and (iii) a business outlier detection algorithm. The evaluation of the contributions was performed exploring real data of approximately 280 million user reactions on Facebook. Results suggest that business partnership recommendation is possible using the information available in social media.
ALARM: A Light Application for Recommendation and Monitoring
Authors: Batista Arthur Rodrigues , Pereira Luiz Fellipe Machi , Domingues Marcos Aurélio
Published: December 2020

Big companies usually have human and financial resources to personalize their websites. On the other hand, small and medium-sized companies usually do not have such resources. In this paper we propose ALARM: A Light Application for Recommendation and Monitoring. This free platform enables automatic recommendations and monitoring in small and medium-sized websites. The platform is independent of the site structure, as well as monitoring and recommendation methods which may be used in it. We illustrate the features of the platform in a case study, where we show how it can be used to provide recommendations as well as to analyze them.
Data mining applied in fake news classification through textual patterns
Authors: Moraes Marcos Paulo , Sampaio Jonice de Oliveira , Charles Anderson Cordeiro
Published: December 2020

Fake news has been around for a long time. But with the advancement of social media and internet access, fake news has become a bigger problem. Because of the rapid spread in social media and instant messaging applications, fake news can reach more people in less time by directly influencing democratic processes, leveraging security issues that sometimes lead to tragic ends. In order to promote a fast and automated method of fake news identification, in this study, we performed an analysis of false Brazilian news, identifying writing patterns through natural language processing and machine learning.
Videocolaboração nas ações de Televisita no Hospital Militar de Área de São Paulo (HMASP) para apoio familiar no combate ao COVID-19: estudo de caso
Authors: Segobia Mauricio M. M. , Novoa Claudia Galindo , Silva Cicero Inácio , Souza Filho Guido Lemos de , Almeida Jane de , Marcon Marcelo de Melo
Published: December 2020

This article analyzes the experience of using a video collaboration tool, through the virtual visit (Televisita) strategy, at the São Paulo Army's Hospital (HMASP). The objective is to analyze the impact of the use of a system developed especially for this project, to reflect on the psychosocial effect that the virtual visit (Televisita) plays on patients and family members affected by COVID-19 and who are hospitalized in the HMASP facilities. The article also assesses and explores some strategies for using virtual visits that may be used in the Brazilian Army's HMASP and also describes future potentials in relation to video collaboration in digital health.
Shaping the Video Conferences of Tomorrow With AI
Authors: Mendes Paulo Renato C. , Vieira Eduardo S. , Freitas Pedro Vinicius A. de , Busson Antonio José G. , Guedes Álan Lívio V. , Soares Neto Carlos de Salles , Colcher Sérgio
Published: December 2020

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, video was already one of the main media used on the internet. During the pandemic, video conferencing services became even more important, coming to be one of the main instruments to enable most social and professional human activities. Given the social distancing policies, people are spending more time using these online services for working, learning, and also for leisure activities. Videoconferencing software became the standard communication for home-office and remote learning. Nevertheless, there are still a lot of issues to be addressed on these platforms, and many different aspects to be reexamined or investigated, such as ethical and user-experience issues, just to name a few. We argue that many of the current state-of-the-art techniques of Artificial Intelligence (AI) may help on enhancing video collabo- ration services, particularly the methods based on Deep Learning such as face and sentiment analyses, and video classification. In this paper, we present a future vision about how AI techniques may contribute to this upcoming videoconferencing-age.
Interpretation of CT Scan Findings During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nouri Ebrahim , Delashoub Omolbanin , Shahabi-Rabori Mohammad Ali , Afzalipour Reza , Jafari Salman
Published: December 2020

Studies have documented criteria for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia as more information has become available about its symptoms and complications. Similar to other coronavirus-induced cases of pneumonia, COVID-19 pneumonia causes acute respiratory problems. The chest CT scan, which is easily available in almost all areas, is a common imaging technique for diagnosing pneumonia. Its findings, which are accompanied by high speed, quality, and accuracy, allow the radiologist to easily identify affected areas of the lungs and to determine typical radiological features of patients with pneumonia caused by COVID-19. These features include ground-glass opacity, multifocal patchy consolidation, and interstitial changes with the peripheral distribution. The highest incidence occurs in the 4th and 5th lobes, where about 50% to 75% of the lesions observed. For infected patients, the CT scan protocol includes administration of HRCT technique in the inspiration phase with spiral 4-slice devices and higher. Scan parameters also include KV: 100 - 120, and mAs: 20 - 30, thickness = 1 - 2 mm, spiral, single breath-hold, and Pitch = 0.8 - 1.5, which are determined for all patients. Since there are restrictions on using ionizing radiation for pregnant women, it is recommended to initially conduct PCR tests. If necessary, typical radiography with an abdominal shield can be used for women in the first trimester of pregnancy, and the HRCT technique in low doses can be used for those in the second and third trimesters.
Christianity and Democracy: A Marriage of Reason
Authors: Burdziej Stanislaw ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

Historically, modern democracy can be rightly regarded as an extension of some of the basic tenets of Christianity, with the letter's focus on individual dignity and inalienable rights of every person regardless of their ethnic or social origin. In some aspects, however, democracy remains a project directly rivaling Christianity. This essay traces the rivalry to the French Revolution which tried to replace Catholicism with the cults of Reason and Supreme Being, which shows that without recourse to traditional sources of authority, such as religion, democracy is incapable of constructing a legitimate social order While democracy continues to be the form of government most compatible with Christian doctrine, the relationship between the two is not a necessary nor an equal one. It depends on whether democracy is viewed as a technique of government, when compromise and cooperation are possible, or as an ideology, when such coexistence is increasingly difficult.
Jacques Maritain and Eduardo Frei Montalva
Authors: Wilson Catherine E. ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

Eduardo Frei Montalva, co-founder of the Christian Democratic Party and President of Chile, represented for Jacques Maritain, French neo-Thomist philosopher, an example of prophetic leadership in contemporary times. According to Maritain, modem democracy could not survive without a profound spiritual revolution of political leadership--the "prophetic factor" of democracy--which he observed in Frei as a public official, senator, and ultimately the Presient of the Republic of Chile (1964-1970). Under his famed "Revolution in Liberty," Frei endeavored to meld socio-economic reforms with an effort to build a more participatory democratic culture in his native land. Guided by Maritain's political philosophy, Frei's initiatives set into motion the possibility of a "third way" of politics in the Southern hemisphere. In the end, this revolution ended in political disappointment due to economic stagnation, social disruption, political infighting, and the impractical idealism of Christian democracy itself.
Maritain on Human Dignity and Human Rights
Authors: Proietti Pamela W. ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

December 2008 marked the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, arguably the single most important and influential document endorsed by the United Nations. Jacques Maritain was a primary author of the religious liberty clauses ofthe 1948 Declaration, and the most prominent Christian philosopher ofthe twentieth century. Maritain developed a radical critique of prevailing Westem political and social thought. A persuasive critic of secular humanism and legal positivism, Maritain sought a cultural renewal of Christian Europe by means of rediscovering an integral Christian humanism. This essay explores the central ideas in Maritain's philosophical defense of universal human rights. Maritain placed the philosophical foundation of human rights in natural law, and assumed the existence of a "natural spirituality of intelligence" grasped by a connatural, pre-philosophic intuition. Yet Pope Benedict XVI challenges the central philosophical assumptions at the foundation of Maritain's defense of human rights.
Christianity and Democracy
Authors: Maritain Jacques ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

In this engaging APSA address, Jacques Maritain outlines the essential relationship between Christianity and democracy. In Maritain's view, it is the Gospel or the Christian leaven which has awakened the secular, temporal consciousness to supreme moral principles and the real content of democracy understood as the earthly pursuit of Gospel truths conceming the transcendent origins and destiny of man and society. Christianity teaches the inalienable dignity of every human being fashioned in the image of God, the inviolability of conscience, the unity of the human race, the natural equality of all men, children of the same God and redeemed by the same Christ, the dignity of labor and the dignity of the poor, the primacy of inner values and good will over external values, universal brotherhood, love, and justbe. Maritain distinguishes between the procedural aspects and the substantive content of democracy, but anchors the Gospel vision in the free exercise of rational and moral faculties as key to democratic self-government. He cautions that without a superior moral law by virtue of which men are bound in conscience toward what is just and good, the rule of the majority runs the risk of being raised to the supreme rule of good and evil, and democracy is liable to tum to totalitahanism, that is, to self-destruction. Maritain concludes that what has been gained for the secular consciousness, if it does not veer to barbarism, is the sense of freedom consonant with the vocation of our nature.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Authors:   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

On 10 December 1948, the General Assembly ofthe United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a truly historic document, the full text of which is reproduced here. Following this historic act, the Assembly called upon all Member countries to publicize the text of the Declaration and "to cause it to be disseminated, displayed, read and expounded principally in schools and other educational institutions, without distinction based on the political status of countries or territories." Jacques Maritain was actively involved in the drafting of the Declaration, especially its clauses regarding freedom of conscience and religious expression.
Progress in Science
Authors: Gruenwald Oskar ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

A new paradigm is emerging which places Charles Darwin's theory of evolution via natural selection into a larger conceptual framework with greater explanatory power. Darwinism needs to be reconceptualized as a scientific enterprise and philosophical worldview. A larger framework is needed to account for the immaterial laws of nature which guide evolutionary mechanisms and processes to achieve predetermined ends that reflect a superlative Intelligence, Mind or God. Curiously, Darwinism fails to explain intelligent observers who can make sense of the laws of nature. Immanuel Kant's conception of man as both phenomenon and noumenon suggests that man is the missing link between science and religion, and that the two views of genesis—-evolution and creation--are complementary rather than antithetical. Evolution should be taught as science, not ideology. Teaching evolution as science means opening the theory to critical scrutiny which can correct, modify, enrich, and develop the theory in interdisciplinary perspective. But the theory of evolution reaches well beyond science narrowly defined, and broaches philosophical, ethical, and theological dimensions which can be addressed only in interdisciplinary conversation bringing to the table insights from many disciplines. Finally, Darwinism as a materialist, reductionist worldview needs to be humanized, if not Christianized, and thus reach its full potential as science. It would then also recognize human exceptionalism, the teleological imperative, the principle of tolerance, and the fundamental religious insight that we live by faith.
The University as Quest for Truth
Authors: Gruenwald Oskar ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

This essay proposes that the crisis of the contemporary university presents a unique challenge and opportunity to re-imagine the university as a quest for truth, reflecting John Henry Newman's ideal of a "wholeness of vision" and "enlargement of the mind" in educating the whole person. Higher education can become more meaningful and relevant by combining a strong core curriculum in the liberal arts with vocational and career preparation, interdisciplinary engagement, and consilience between Athens and Jerusalem as modeled in the science-ethics-religion dialogue. A rediscovery of natural law and the moral law, universals and absolutes, which guide human aspirations for justice, fairness, and community, can counter the postmodem temptation for subjectivity and disconnection. The most cogent remedy for student boredom and faculty apathy is intellectual diversity for a renewed sense of excitement in exploring insights across the disciplines regarding ourselves and the world. This calls also for superceding the anti-liberal strictures of political correctness, rededicating the university to its essential task of free inquiry.
Martin Luther and John Henry Newman
Authors: McDaniel Charles A. , Woods Vance E. ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

Martin Luther and John Henry Newman sought to re-envision university education at unique times in history. While Newman set out to architect a truly Catholic University that co-opted facets of the Protestant ethic without falling into the "heresies" of Lutheranism, Luther and his circle of gifted academics sought to craft a distinctly Evangelical concept of the university that would shield studentsfrom the corruption of worldly values thought to have infiltrated the Catholic Church, Those concemed with ethical, comprehensive education for all face similar challenges today. How do we create an educational system of universal accessibility without discarding the moral foundation provided by a faith-based model? Luther's and Newman's ideas suggest that private colleges and universities will serve students and society well where they remain true to their theological traditions, while public institutions contribute by taking seriously the challenge of moral education and taking advantage of available religious resources. If the basic dilemma in the postmodem university is the lack of balance between heart and mind—the moral and the pragmatic, "ought" and "is "—then Newman's dialectical approach in particular offers an excellent first step toward the restoration of that balance.
Newman's Aesthetic Vision
Authors: Christie Robert C. ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

The evolution of scientism, relativism, and the resultant fragmentation of knowledge over the past century have led to a crisis in contemporary university education. John Henry Newman, a nineteenth-century philosopher of education, a major figure in educational theory and applied research, and author of the classic work on education, The Idea of a Univershy, faced similar problems in his time, and his work is valuable in addressing contemporary dilemmas. Newman's philosophy of mind and his vision of the unity of knowledge, which reflects an aesthetic dimension, and the resultant essential role of theology in education, are key elements for reimagining the university. An analysis of Newman's spirited Eighth Discourse anchors this retrospective and commends his work to higher education today by recalling an eariier ideal of the integration of all disciplines.
Humanities and hiterdisciplinary Studies
Authors: Reichard Joshua D. ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

As the interdisciplinary movement gains momentum, Christian scholars need to reflect on viable interdisciplinary methods rooted in faith-learning integration. The humanities provide a starting point for such a method. The humanities were divorced from the natural sciences in the modem era and, thus, aspects of reality that the humanities represent were alienated from academic conversations. This essay compares Frank Gaebelein's approach in the modem context with William Dennison's methods in the postmodem perspective. Both sought to develop an intentional method for Christian interdisciplinary studies. By synthesizing the best aspects of Gaebelein and Dennison, the humanities emerge as a potential focal point for epistemological pluralism or "multiple ways of knowing." Such methodological openness, balanced by the unity and universality of truth, enables Christian scholars to integrate knowledge from the humanities while transcending both modem positivism and postmodem relativism.
Globalization and Higher Education in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Kim Quy ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: December 2020

With the triumph of the current neo-liberal discourse, many university leaders worldwide have embraced an entrepreneurial model as the answer for change, turning the university from a public good into a commodity. Vietnam, a developing country in Southeast Asia, has become an active participant in this trend. This essay explores how neo-liberal discourse has shaped higher education in both developed and developing countries, with a focus on Vietnam. The expansion in Vietnam of private universities, the introduction of tuition fees, and the corporatization of higher education are all developments associated with trends toward marketization. Given the pervasiveness of globalization and the neo-liberal agenda, serious consequences will follow if the traditional role of the university is sacrificed to the invisible hand of the market. This is confirmed by ongoing trends and outcomes of university reform agendas in different parts of the world, including Vietnam. There is a need to recover the idea of the university as a public good, focusing on academic freedom, autonomy, and human development