bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
#Ihaveembraced: a pilot cross-sectional naturalistic evaluation of the documentary film Embrace and its potential associations with body image in adult women
Authors: Yager Zali , Prichard Ivanka , Hart Laura M.
Published: February 2020

Background

The aim of this project was to examine the qualitative responses of adult women who had seen the feature-length documentary film ‘Embrace’. In addition, to establish the potential for the documentary to be used as an intervention to improve adult body image, a naturalistic study was conducted to examine whether any differences on measures of body image were apparent among women who had, versus those who had not, seen the film.

Method

Participants were 1429 women aged 18–77 who were members of the Facebook group ‘Body Image Movement’ facilitated by Taryn Brumfitt, who also directed the documentaryEmbrace. Participants completed a cross-sectional online questionnaire regarding whether they had seen the film, their perceptions of the impact of the film on their lives and body image, and a range of standardized scales measuring psychological wellbeing.

Results

Overall, the majority of participants had seen the film (n = 1053, 73.7%). Qualitative analysis of open-ended data asking about the changes participants made after viewing the film revealed that a large proportion (44.1%) felt they had higher levels of body appreciation and body confidence, many reported engaging less in dieting (19.6%), and some reported lowered disordered eating (2.8%), since seeingEmbrace. Women who had seen the film also reported significantly higher levels of body appreciation (Body Appreciation Scale; medium effect size), and significantly lower levels of internalization of body ideals, self-objectification, body shame, and dietary restraint, than women who had not seen the film.

Conclusions

Adult women reported numerous positive responses to their viewing of the film. Future experimental research should explore the efficacy ofEmbraceas a brief and engaging intervention for improving body image in adult women.
A stratification method based on clustering for the minimization of data masking effect in signal detection
Authors: Wei Jian-Xiang , Ding Yue , Li Ming , Sun Jun
Published: February 2020

Background

Data masking is an inborn defect of measures of disproportionality in adverse drug reactions (ADRs) signal detection. Many previous studies can be roughly classified into three categories: data removal, regression and stratification. However, frequency differences of adverse drug events (ADEs) reports, which would be an important factor of masking, were not considered in these methods. The aim of this study is to explore a novel stratification method for minimizing the impact of frequency differences on real signals masking.

Methods

Reports in the Chinese Spontaneous Reporting Database (CSRD) between 2010 and 2011 were selected. The overall dataset was stratified into some clusters by the frequency of drugs, ADRs, and drug-event combinations (DECs) in sequence.K-meansclustering was used to conduct stratification according to data distribution characteristics. The Information Component (IC) was adopted for signal detection in each cluster respectively. By extracting ADRs from drug product labeling, a reference database was introduced for performance evaluation based onRecall,PrecisionandF-measure. In addition, some DECs from the Adverse Drug Reactions Information Bulletin (ADRIB) issued by CFDA were collected for further reliability evaluation.

Results

With stratification, the study dataset was divided into 21 clusters, among which the frequency of DRUGs, ADRs or DECs followed the similar order of magnitude respectively.Recallincreased by 34.95% from 29.93 to 40.39%,Precisionreduced by 10.52% from 54.56 to 48.82%, whileF-measure increased by 14.39% from 38.65 to 44.21%. According to ADRIB after 2011, 5 DECs related toPotassium Magnesium Aspartate, 61 DECs related toLevofloxacin Hydrochlorideand 26 DECs related toCefazolinwere highlighted.

Conclusions

The proposed method is effectively and reliably for the minimization of data masking effect in signal detection. Considering the decrease ofPrecision, it is suggested to be a supplement rather than an alternative to non-stratification method.
Emergency department and inpatient utilization among U.S. older adults with multiple chronic conditions: a post-reform update
Authors: Ahn SangNam , Hussein Mustafa , Mahmood Asos , Smith Matthew Lee
Published: February 2020

Background

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted to enhance access to care primarily among nonelderly and low-income populations; however, several provisions addressed key determinants of emergency department (ED) and inpatient visits among Medicare beneficiaries over age 65 years. We take stock of the overall changes in these visits among older Medicare beneficiaries, focusing on those with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs), and provide a nationally representative post-reform update.

Methods

We analyzed a sample of 32,919 older adults (65+) on Medicare from the 2006–2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Using a survey-weighted two-part model, we examined changes in ED visits, inpatient visits, and length of stay (LOS) by MCC status, before (2006–2010), during (2011–2013), and after the ACA (2014–2015).

Results

Prior to the ACA, 18.1% of Medicare older adults had ≥1 ED visit, whereas 17.1% had ≥1 inpatient visits, with an average of 5.1 nights/visit. Following ACA reforms, among those with 2+ chronic conditions, the rate of ever having an ED visitincreasedby 4.3 percentage points [95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.5, 6.1,p < 0.01], whereas the rate of inpatient visits decreased by 1.4 percentage points [95%CI: − 2.9, 0.2,p < 0.1], after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusions

We found sizable increases in ED visits and nontrivial decreases in inpatient visits among older Medicare beneficiaries with MCCs, underscoring the continuing need for improving access to and quality of care among older adults with MCCs to decrease reliance on the ED and reduce preventable hospitalizations.
Anti-cancer effect of gallic acid in presence of low level laser irradiation: ROS production and induction of apoptosis and ferroptosis
Authors: Khorsandi Khatereh , Kianmehr Zahra , hosseinmardi Zohreh , Hosseinzadeh Reza
Published: February 2020

Background

There are different treatments for breast cancer and melanoma that mostly have some side effects. One of the therapeutic strategies is the use of natural components. Phenol components are a class of antioxidants in plants that have many biological functions like anticancer effects. Gallic acid (GA) is a natural polyhydroxy phenolic compound and commonly found in various foods. In the present study, GA effects alone and in combination with low-level laser irradiation on human dermal fibroblast cell line (HDF), human non-tumorigenic breast epithelial cell line (MCF10A), breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) and melanoma cancer cell line (A375) was under the investigation.

Methods

The normal and cancerous cell lines were exposed to 660 nm low-level laser with 3 J/cm2 for 90 s. Then, the cells were treated with different concentrations of GA for 24 h. In another study, the cell lines firstly were treated with GA and then exposed to low-level laser irradiation. The effects of GA and low-level laser on cell survival and apoptosis were examined using MTT assay, light microscopy, ROS production assay, fluorescence microscopy (AO/EB double staining) and flow cytometry.

Results

The results showed that pre-treatment with low-level laser and then GA reduced the survival of breast cancer cells and melanoma more than the first treatment with GA and then low-level laser irradiation. Our findings showed that ROS production in cells treated with both low-level laser and GA was more than the cells treated with GA alone. The apoptosis and ferroptosis assays confirmed the MTT results which combination treatment with low-level laser and then GA increase the cell death probably via apoptosis and ferroptosis cell death mechanisms compared to GA alone.

Conclusions

This study suggests that low-level laser irradiation alone is not able to cause death in human normal and cancerous cells. Preirradiation followed by GA treatment did not change the cell viability in human normal significantly but reduces the cell survival of cancer cells more than GA alone.
Sexual forms obtained in a continuous in vitro cultured Colombian strain of Plasmodium falciparum (FCB2)
Authors: Ararat-Sarria Monica , Prado Cesar Camilo , Camargo Milena , Ospina Laura Tatiana , Camargo Paola Andrea , Curtidor Hernando , Patarroyo Manuel Alfonso
Published: February 2020

Background

The epidemiological control of malaria has been hampered by the appearance of parasite resistance to anti-malarial drugs and by the resistance of mosquito vectors to control measures. This has also been associated with weak transmission control, mostly due to poor control of asymptomatic patients associated with host-vector transmission. This highlights the importance of studying the parasite’s sexual forms (gametocytes) which are involved in this phase of the parasite’s life-cycle. Some African and Asian strains of Plasmodium falciparum have been fully characterized regarding sexual forms’ production; however, few Latin-American strains have been so characterized. This study was aimed at characterizing the Colombian FCB2 strain as a gametocyte producer able to infect mosquitoes.

Methods

Gametocyte production was induced in in vitro cultured P. falciparum FCB2 and 3D7 strains. Pfap2g and Pfs25 gene expression was detected in FCB2 strain gametocyte culture by RT-PCR. Comparative analysis of gametocytes obtained from both strains was made (counts and morphological changes). In vitro zygote formation from FCB2 gametocytes was induced by incubating a gametocyte culture sample at 27 °C for 20 min. A controlled Anopheles albimanus infection was made using an artificial feed system with cultured FCB2 gametocytes (14–15 days old). Mosquito midgut dissection was then carried out for analyzing oocysts.

Results

The FCB2 strain expressed Pfap2g, Pfs16, Pfg27/25 and Pfs25 sexual differentiation-related genes after in vitro sexual differentiation induction, producing gametocytes that conserved the expected morphological features. The amount of FCB2 gametocytes produced was similar to that from the 3D7 strain. FCB2 gametocytes were differentiated into zygotes and ookinetes after an in vitro low-temperature stimulus and infected An. albimanus mosquitoes, developing to oocyst stage.

Conclusions

Even with the history of long-term FCB2 strain in vitro culture maintenance, it has retained its sexual differentiation ability. The gametocytes produced here preserved these parasite forms’ usual characteristics and An. albimanus infection capability, thus enabling its use as a tool for studying sexual form biology, An. albimanus infection comparative analysis and anti-malarial drug and vaccine development.
MicroRNA-192 promotes the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma through targeting RB1 and activating PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Huang Qingli , Hou Sen , Zhu Xiuqing , Liu Shouzhou
Published: February 2020

Background

The dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been found in diseases and cancers, including microRNA-192 (miR-192). This study was designed to investigate the role of miR-192 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) progression.

Methods

The expression levels of miR-192 and some genes were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The function of miR-192 was investigated through MTT, Transwell, and dual-luciferase reporter assays.

Results

The expression of miR-192 was increased in NPC tissues, and high miR-192 expression predicted poor prognosis in NPC patients. Functionally, upregulation of miR-192 promoted NPC cell migration, invasion, and growth. Furthermore, miR-192 activated EMT and PI3K/AKT pathway to regulate NPC progression. In addition, miR-192 directly targeted RB1 and suppressed its expression in NPC. Moreover, overexpression of RB1 weakened the promoted effect of miR-192 in NPC.

Conclusion

miR-192 promoted cell viability and metastasis in NPC through suppressing RB1 expression and activating PI3K/AKT pathway.
Angiocrine endothelium: from physiology to cancer
Authors: Pasquier Jennifer , Ghiabi Pegah , Chouchane Lotfi , Razzouk Kais , Rafii Shahin , Rafii Arash
Published: February 2020

The concept of cancer as a cell-autonomous disease has been challenged by the wealth of knowledge gathered in the past decades on the importance of tumor microenvironment (TM) in cancer progression and metastasis. The significance of endothelial cells (ECs) in this scenario was initially attributed to their role in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis that is critical for tumor initiation and growth. Nevertheless, the identification of endothelial-derived angiocrine factors illustrated an alternative non-angiogenic function of ECs contributing to both physiological and pathological tissue development. Gene expression profiling studies have demonstrated distinctive expression patterns in tumor-associated endothelial cells that imply a bilateral crosstalk between tumor and its endothelium. Recently, some of the molecular determinants of this reciprocal interaction have been identified which are considered as potential targets for developing novel anti-angiocrine therapeutic strategies.
Characterization of a recombinant pseudorabies virus expressing porcine parvovirus VP2 protein and porcine IL-6
Authors: Zheng Hui-Hua , Wang Lin-Qing , Fu Peng-Fei , Zheng Lan-Lan , Chen Hong-Ying , Liu Fang
Published: February 2020

Background

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) and pseudorabies virus (PRV) are the important etiological agents of swine infectious diseases, resulting in huge economic losses to the Chinese swine industry. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has the roles to support host immune response to infections as a pleiotropic cytokine. It is essential to construct a live attenuated vaccine-based recombinant PRV that expresses PPV VP2 protein and porcine IL-6 for prevention and control of PRV and PPV.

Methods

The recombinant plasmid, pGVP2-IL6, was constructed by porcine IL-6 gene substituting for EGFP gene of the PRV transfer plasmid pGVP2-EGFP containing VP2 gene of PPV. Plasmid pGVP2-IL6 was transfected into swine testicle cells pre-infected with the virus rPRV-VP2-EGFP strain through homologous recombination and plaque purification to generate a recombinant virus rPRV-VP2-IL6. The recombinant PRV was further identified by PCR and DNA sequencing, and the expression of the VP2 protein and porcine IL-6 was analyzed by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot. The virus titer was calculated according to Reed and Muench method. The immunogenicity of the recombinant virus was preliminarily evaluated in mice by intramuscular administration twice with the rPRV-VP2-IL6 at 4-week intervals.

Results

A recombinant virus rPRV-VP2-IL6 was successfully constructed and confirmed in this study. The properties of rPRV-VP2-IL6 were similar to the parental virus HB98 in terms of growth curve, morphogenesis and virus plaque sizes, and rPRV-VP2-IL6 was proliferated in different cell types. It induced specific antibodies against PPV as well as a strong increase of PPV-specific lymphocyte proliferation responses in mice immunized with rPRV-VP2-IL6, and provided partial protection against the virulent PPV challenge. rPRV-VP2-IL6 also induced a high level of neutralizing antibodies against PRV, and significantly reduced the mortality rate of (1 of 10) following virulent PRV challenge compared with the control (10 of 10).

Conclusions

The recombinant rPRV-VP2-IL6 might be a potential candidate vaccine against PRV and PPV infections in pigs.
The effect of cisatracurium infusion on the energy expenditure of critically ill patients: an observational cohort study
Authors: Koekkoek W. A. C. , Menger Y. A. , van Zanten F. J. L. , van Dijk D. , van Zanten A. R. H.
Published: February 2020

Background

Both overfeeding and underfeeding of intensive care unit (ICU) patients are associated with worse outcomes. A reliable estimation of the energy expenditure (EE) of ICU patients may help to avoid these phenomena. Several factors that influence EE have been studied previously. However, the effect of neuromuscular blocking agents on EE, which conceptually would lower EE, has not been extensively investigated.

Methods

We studied a cohort of adult critically ill patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and treatment with continuous infusion of cisatracurium for at least 12 h. The study aimed to quantify the effect of cisatracurium infusion on EE (primary endpoint). EE was estimated based on ventilator-derived VCO2 (EE in kcal/day = VCO2 × 8.19). A subgroup analysis of septic and non-septic patients was performed. Furthermore, the effects of body temperature and sepsis on EE were evaluated. A secondary endpoint was hypercaloric feeding (> 110% of EE) after cisatracurium infusion.

Results

In total, 122 patients were included. Mean EE before cisatracurium infusion was 1974 kcal/day and 1888 kcal/day after cisatracurium infusion. Multivariable analysis showed a significantly lower EE after cisatracurium infusion (MD − 132.0 kcal (95% CI − 212.0 to − 52.0; p = 0.001) in all patients. This difference was statistically significant in both sepsis and non-sepsis patients (p = 0.036 and p = 0.011). Non-sepsis patients had lower EE than sepsis patients (MD − 120.6 kcal; 95% CI − 200.5 to − 40.8, p = 0.003). Body temperature and EE were positively correlated (Spearman’s rho = 0.486, p < 0.001). Hypercaloric feeding was observed in 7 patients.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that continuous infusion of cisatracurium in mechanically ventilated ICU patients is associated with a significant reduction in EE, although the magnitude of the effect is small. Sepsis and higher body temperature are associated with increased EE. Cisatracurium infusion is associated with overfeeding in only a minority of patients and therefore, in most patients, no reductions in caloric prescription are necessary.
Genotype-free demultiplexing of pooled single-cell RNA-seq
Authors: Xu Jun , Falconer Caitlin , Nguyen Quan , Crawford Joanna , McKinnon Brett D. , Mortlock Sally , Senabouth Anne , Andersen Stacey , Chiu Han Sheng , Jiang Longda , Palpant Nathan J. , Yang Jian , Mueller Michael D. , Hewitt Alex W. , Pébay Alice , Montgomery Grant W. , Powell Joseph E. , Coin Lachlan J.M
Published: February 2020

A variety of methods have been developed to demultiplex pooled samples in a single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) experiment which either require hashtag barcodes or sample genotypes prior to pooling. We introduce scSplit which utilizes genetic differences inferred from scRNA-seq data alone to demultiplex pooled samples. scSplit also enables mapping clusters to original samples. Using simulated, merged, and pooled multi-individual datasets, we show that scSplit prediction is highly concordant with demuxlet predictions and is highly consistent with the known truth in cell-hashing dataset. scSplit is ideally suited to samples without external genotype information and is available at: https://github.com/jon-xu/scSplit
Analysis of Galileo signal-in-space range error and positioning performance during 2015–2018
Authors: Wu Weiwang , Guo Fei , Zheng Jiazhu
Published: February 2020

A long-term analysis of signal-in-space range error (SISRE) is presented for all healthy Galileo satellites, and the first pair of full operational capability satellites in wrong elliptical orbits. Both orbit and clock errors for Galileo show an obvious convergence trend over time. The annual statistical analyses show that the average root mean squares (RMSs) of SISRE for the Galileo constellation are 0.58 m (2015), 0.29 m (2016), 0.23 m (2017), and 0.22 m (2018). Currently, the accuracy of the Galileo signal-in-space is superior to that of the global positioning system (GPS) Block IIF (0.35 m). In addition, the orbit error accounts for the majority of Galileo SISRE, while the clock error accounts for approximately one-third of SISRE due to the high stability of the onboard atomic clock. Single point positioning results show that Galileo achieves an accuracy of 2–3 m, which is comparable to that of GPS despite the smaller number of satellites and worse geometry. Interestingly, the vertical accuracy of Galileo, which uses the NeQuick ionospheric model, is higher than that of GPS. Positioning with single frequency E1 and E5 show a higher precision than E5a and E5b signals. Regarding precise point positioning (PPP), the results indicate that a comparable positioning accuracy can be achieved among different stations with the current Galileo constellation. For static PPP, the RMS values of Galileo-only solutions are within 1 cm horizontally, and the vertical RMSs are mostly within 2 cm horizontally. For kinematic PPP, the RMSs of Galileo-only solutions are mostly within 4 cm horizontally and 6 cm vertically.
Main insights of genome wide association studies into HCV-related HCC
Authors: Moaz Inas Maged , Abdallah Ayat Rushdy , Yousef Marwa Fekry , Ezzat Sameera
Published: February 2020

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-mortality globally. Hepatocarcinogenesis is a complex multifactorial process. Host genetic background appeared to play a crucial role in the progression of HCC among chronic hepatitis C patients, especially in the era of Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) which allowed us to study the association of millions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with different complex diseases. This article aimed to review the discovered SNPs associated with the risk of HCV-related HCC development which was reported in the published GWA studies and subsequent validation studies and also try to explain the possible functional pathways.

Main text

We reviewed the recent GWA studies which reported several new loci associated with the risk of HCV-related HCC, such as (SNPs) in MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A (MICA), DEP domain-containing 5 (DEPDC5), Tolloid-like protein 1 (TLL1), and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes. We also explained the possible underlying biological mechanisms that affect the host immune response pathways. Additionally, we discussed the controversial results reported by the subsequent validation studies of different ethnicities.

Conclusions

Although GWA studies reported strong evidence of the association between the identified SNPs and the risk of HCV-related HCC development, more functional experiments are necessary to confirm the defined roles of these genetic mutations for the future clinical application in different populations.
pH-Responsive Tunable Mixed-Charge Polymers for pH-Selective Interaction with Anionic Biological Constituents
Authors: Hiruta Yuki , Sawada Kazuki , Mizui Yuki , Citterio Daniel
Published: February 2020

A pH-responsive mixed-charge polymer consists of uniformly distributed cationic and anionic units in the polymer chain. Carboxylic acid monomers are generally used as anionic monomers. The pH responsive range is confined to a relatively narrow pH of ∼5, which is limiting the biological application of pH-responsive polymers. Therefore, we investigated the effect of a series of carboxylic acid and neutral monomers on the pKa value of pH-responsive mixed-charge polymers. We synthesized the polymers using [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride, carboxylic acid monomers, and neutral monomers as the spacer moiety. As the monomer hydrophobicity and the composition ratio of neutral monomers increased, the pKa shifted to higher values. Finally, the polymer pKa values were tuned from 4.6 to 6.1. We confirmed that the pH-dependent interaction between anionic tissue constituent and pH-responsive mixed-charge polymers depends on their pKa.
Spallation of 56Fe by 1.0 GeV Protons
Authors: Nicolis N. G. , Souliotis G. S. , Asimakopoulou A.
Published: February 2020

Mass, charge and isotopic distributions observed in spallation reactions of 56Fe with 1 GeV protons are analysed in the framework of the intranuclear cascade code ISABEL  coupled with the sequential binary decay code MECO. The code MECO provides a description of the equilibrated nuclear decay by the emission of gamma-rays, light-mass particles and clusters as well as intermediate mass fragments emitted in their ground, excited bound and excited unbound states (continuum) according to a generalized Weisskopf formalism. A good overall description of the experimental data is obtained with a global Fermi gas level density parameter and inverse cross sections based on the Christensen and Winther nuclear potential. Multifragmentation decay events are simulated with the code SMM and their influence on the above observables is discussed.
Application of radio-dating methods in marine areas of Greece
Authors: Pappa F. K. , Tsabaris C. , Patiris D. L. , Eleftheriou G. , Androulakaki E. G. , Kokkoris M. , Vlastou R.
Published: February 2020

Chronology models based on radiotracers are useful for dating aquatic sediments influenced by industrialization. Among the many natural (e.g. 7Be, 234Th,210Pb) and artificial (e.g. 137Cs,238,239,240Pu) radiotracers, the proper ones to study the industrial impact and reconstruct past events during the last 100 years, are 210Pb and 137Cs. Mining belongs to the industries with great ecological impact in the aquatic environment, as mines are situated near environmental sensitive areas such as coasts, rivers and lakes. Additionally, the accurate historical reconstruction may provide information regarding the mine footprint in the aquatic environment so as to assess the previous or the remaining contamination, in case of on-going or abandoned mines. In the present study, the retrospective investigation in a coastal area of Lavrio, near an abandoned metallic mine is attempted, using the 210Pb and 137Cs methodologies and the emerged difficulties are discussed.
Nuclear Shell Model And Quantum Phase Transitions
Authors: Karampagia S. , Zelevinsky V.
Published: February 2020

The usual nuclear shell model defines nuclear properties through an effective mean-field plus a two-body interaction Hamiltonian in a finite orbital space. In this study we try to understand the correlation between the various parts of the shell model Hamiltonian and the nuclear observables and collectivity in nuclei. By varying specific groups of matrix elements we find signs of a phase transition in nuclei between a non-collective and a collective phase. In all cases studied the collective phase is attained when the single-particle transfer matrix elements are dominant in the shell model Hamiltonian, giving collective characteristics to nuclei.
First results of the differential cross sections of 9Be(d,d0) at energies and angles suitable for Elastic Backscattering Spectroscopy
Authors: Ntemou E. , Kokkoris M. , Lagoyannis A. , Lungu C. , Mergia K. , Preketes-Sigalas K. , Tsavalas P.
Published: February 2020

The differential cross sections of the 9Be(d,d0) elastic scattering were determined in the present work in the energy range of Ed,lab = 740 - 2200 keV in variable steps, mainly 20 keV at five backscattering angles (120o, 140o, 150o, 160o and 170o). The measurements were performed at the 5.5 MV TN11 HV Tandem Accelerator of the N.C.S.R. “Demokritos” implementing a high precision goniometer. The target used was a thin Si3N4 target with a Beryllium layer on top. The obtained differential cross section values are compared to the ones existing in literature and the observed similarities and discrepancies are discussed.
An improved method to determine neutron fluence in high energy medical accelerators using activation detectors
Authors: Papadopoulos K. , Siltzovalis G. , Savva M. I. , Vasilopoulou T. , Georgolopoulou P. , Karaiskos P. , Kalef-Ezra J. , Stamatelatos I. E.
Published: February 2020

Scope of the present work was to test the hypothesis that a generic simulation geometry can adequately describe a high energy medical accelerator head for the purpose of estimating the parasitic neutron fluence levels at the position of the isocenter. The experiment was performed using an Elekta Synergy 18 MV linear accelerator. Gold, cobalt, indium and copper activation foils were used. Activation measurements were performed using a calibrated HPGe detector based spectrometry system. Four generic accelerator head models were considered. Neutron spectrum averaged cross-section data for each foil were derived for the examined configurations using the Monte Carlo code MCNP5 in conjuction with cross section data obtained from the International Reactor Dosimetry and Fusion File (IRDFF). It was concluded that the accelerator head can be adequately described either as a solid tungsten sphere of 10 cm radius or a spherical tungsten shell 20 cm in external diameter and 10 cm in thickness. This work contributes towards the development of a simple and computationally cost effective method for the determination of neutron fluence around high energy medical accelerators and therefore the optimization of the radiation protection of the patients and staff in radiation therapy.
Extending the UoA Nuclear Physics Laboratory capabilities with low-γ and α spectrometers
Authors: Vasileiou Polytimos , Mertzimekis Theo J.
Published: February 2020

In this project the steps taken toward the characterization, calibration and testing of two spectroscopy stations are presented. The first one is suitable for alpha spectroscopy, consisting of a large-window silicon surface  barrier detector (SSB), a goniometric arm and a movable multiple source-holder inside a dark vacuum chamber. The second station contains two small-size, thin-window NaI(Tl) scintillators, and it is suitable for low-γ ray spectroscopy.
Formation of fragments and hyperfragments in hadron-reduced reactions
Authors: Gaitanos T.
Published: February 2020

N/A
Correlation of 137Cs activity concentrations with MODIS Ocean colour data in the Aegean Sea
Authors: Mavrokefalou G. , Florou H. , Sykioti O. , Kitis G.
Published: February 2020

N/A
Neutron beam spatial profile at n_TOF using CR-39 nuclear track detectors
Authors: Eleme Z. , Gerovasili S. , Patronis N. , Georgali E. , Ioannides K. G. , Al. Et
Published: February 2020

N/A
Development of a novel neutron detector for fusion - Preliminary results
Authors: Savva M. , Vasilopoulou T. , Triantou K. , Mergia K. , Stamatelatos I. E. , Al. Et
Published: February 2020

N/A
A comparative study of curve-fitting algorithms used for radiation detector efficiencies
Authors: Lykiardopoulou M. , Khaliel A. , Mertzimekis T. J.
Published: February 2020

N/A
A systematic study of (t,p) reactions in mid-heavy nuclei using TALYS
Authors: Sideris I. , Khaliel A. , Mertzimekis T. J.
Published: February 2020

N/A
Efficiency calibration of a medium resolution subsea detection system for extended sediment samples
Authors: Maragkos F. , Tsabaris C. , Androulakaki E. G. , Kokkoris M. , Pappa F. K. , Patiris D. L. , Vlastou R.
Published: February 2020

N/A
Study of deuteron elastic scattering on natN by implementing the EBS purposes
Authors: Tsintari P. , Aslanoglou X. , Axiotis M. , Kokkoris M. , Lagoyannis A. , Misaelides P. , Ntemou E. , Patronis N. , Preketes-Sigalas K.
Published: February 2020

N/A
Determining the positron lifetime of a material using Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy
Authors: Triantou K. , Mergia K. , Stamatelatos I. E. , Apostolopoulos G. , Messoloras S.
Published: February 2020

N/A
Release of the Radiochemical Lab at the Tandem Accelerator Building
Authors: Karachristou I. , Ntalla E. , Savidou A.
Published: February 2020

N/A
The Impact of Overconfidence and Ambiguity Attitude on Market Entry
Authors: Gutierrez Cédric , Åstebro Thomas , Obloj Tomasz
Published: February 2020

We study the behavioral drivers of market entry. An experiment allows us to disentangle the impact on entry across different types of markets of two key behavioral mechanisms: overconfidence and attitude toward ambiguity. We theorize and show that the causal effect of overconfidence on entry is limited to skill-based markets and does not appear in those that are chance based. Moreover, we also find that, independent of confidence levels, individuals exhibit ambiguity-seeking behavior when the result of the competition depends on their skills, which, in turn, leads to higher levels of entry. This preference for ambiguity thus can explain results that have previously been attributed to overconfidence. Our results challenge existing literature that has inferred overconfidence from differential entry levels across types of markets.
CECÍLIA MEIRELES E A TRAVEL IN BRAZIL: DUAS FESTIVIDADES RELIGIOSAS NO RIO DE JANEIRO - Santo Antônio e Nossa Senhora da Penha
Authors: Contatori Romano Luis Antonio
Published: February 2020

Pretende-se analisar dois artigos ilustrados, que foram publicados na revista Travel in Brazil (1941-1942), editada por Cecília Meireles: “Um Coronel muito estranho” e “Penha”. Ambos tratam da divulgação turística de festividades religiosas no Rio de Janeiro para o público norte-americano, no contexto do Estado Novo brasileiro. Os objetivos da análise são verificar a autoria dos artigos a partir do estilo de escrita, comparar as versões de lendas religiosas que eles relatam com as de outras fontes, discutir a que tipo de turista ou viajante eles se destinavam e relacionar as imagens fotográficas com os textos verbais no contexto da ideologia modernizadora do Governo Vargas.
Sandra Goulart Almeida (UFMG) por Fernanda Medeiros e Poliana Arantes
Authors: Almeida Sandra Regina Goulart
Published: February 2020

Entrevista
TYRANT, SHAKESPEARE ON POLITICS: Greenblatt e um novo Novo Historicismo?
Authors: Carneiro Leonardo Bérenger Alves
Published: February 2020

Resenha de:GREENBLATT, Stephen. Tyrant, Shakespeare on Politics. 1. ed. New York e Londres: W.W. Norton & Company, 2018.
CAMP? CAUBY! ENTRE O CONCEITO E O ENCANTO
Authors: Matos Cláudia Neiva de
Published: February 2020

No ensaio "Notes on camp", de 1964, Susan Sontag trouxe para os debates acadêmicos a noção e o termo “camp”, designando um conjunto de práticas e valores da estética visual e performática então em voga no universo gay de Nova York. A cultura camp desenvolveu-se nas décadas seguintes e parece ter ganho novo vigor nos últimos anos, como mostrou o Met Gala de 2019, ao eleger o tema “Camp in Fashion”. É difícil definir precisamente essa noção, atravessada por fatores subjetivos, como o gosto, e por questões ligadas à inserção sociocultural de objetos e observadores. O presente ensaio baseia-se principalmente no texto de Sontag e no “Terceiro manifesto camp” (2002), de Denilson Lopes, para elaborar aproximações ao conceito de camp.  Por outro lado, a fim de perceber o modo como o estilo considerado camp é capaz de seduzir seus receptores, analisa o caso do cantor Cauby Peixoto, com seu amaneiramento, seus excessos e ambiguidades, sua voz privilegiada e suas fãs enlouquecidas. Com base em dados teóricos e históricos, mas também na experiência pessoal de assistir ao intérprete em cena, tento analisar a arte de Cauby e discutir se a noção de camp é adequada para caracterizá-la. Os impasses e aporias dessa discussão podem levar-nos a repensar certas posturas e funções da crítica diante dos objetos que pesquisa: como lidar com os encantos que problematizam e desafiam conceitos estéticos academicamente consagrados, sem rejeitar o encantamento nem renunciar à conceituação?
SHAKESPEARE: criador e criatura
Authors: Santos Marlene Soares dos
Published: February 2020

No auge da popularidade e prestígio do teatro elisabetano-jaimesco, William Shakespeare (1564-1616) era um autor como muitos outros. Depois que ele se aposentou em 1611, outros dramaturgos continuaram produzindo peças que asseguravam a merecida fama de excelência desse teatro. Em 1623, a publicação do chamado First Folio, que reunia todas as peças shakespearianas, reacendeu o interesse pelo dramaturgo. Entretanto, o fechamento dos teatros pelo governo puritano em 1642 causou um enorme dano à arte teatral, que só se recuperou em 1660, com a volta de Charles II ao poder. Entretanto, as peças shakespearianas não eram as preferidas na Restauração. Paulatinamente, a partir de 1769, com as famosas comemorações do Jubileu do aniversário de Shakespeare em Stratford promovidas pelo ator David Garrick se inicia a ascensão de Shakespeare como poeta nacional e, com o passar do tempo, como poeta global. Ele é aclamado como um excepcional criador de personagens que marcaram indelevelmente as literaturas e as culturas anglo-saxônicas e mundiais. O próprio Shakespeare passa de criador a criatura na literatura popular, anunciante dos mais diversos produtos e vendedor de outros como os vários tipos de souvenirs.  Este ensaio propõe traçar a mudança de status de Shakespeare como autor, do seu relativo esquecimento no período da Restauração para o seu atual prestígio nacional e global devido à sua excepcional capacidade criativa, e apontar para a outra fase da sua trajetória – a de criador de várias obras à criatura de vários criadores.
O Deslocado Interno como conceito: da formação de uma categoria às implicações do termo
Authors: Araújo de Jesus Raquel
Published: February 2020

Dentre cerca de 68 milhões de pessoas no mundo que foram forçadas a abandonar suasasas e meios de sustento em busca de proteção, em torno de 40 milhões foram internamente deslocadas dentro dos seus países de origem (ACNUR, 2019). Estes indivíduos que não atravessaram uma fronteira reconhecida internacionalmente são categorizados como deslocados internos e, devido a sua condição supostamente ontológica, são frequentemente esquecidos e marginalizados nos âmbitos político e epistemológico das Relações Internacionais. Desta forma, o presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar tanto a criação do conceito de deslocado interno, no seio Nações Unidas (ONU), quanto a maneira pela qual esse processo de categorização, e rotulação, se insere em um escopo global e local de proteção e assistência. Como base empírica, são utilizados documentos oficiais e demais produções científicas sobre a temática, bem como o caso do deslocamento interno forçado de pessoas na Colômbia.Palavras-chave: Deslocados Internos; Conceitualização; Colômbia; FumigaçãoABSTRACTAmong the 68 million people in the world who were forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods for protection, around 40 million were internally displaced within their countries of origin (UNHCR, 2019). These individuals who have not crossed an internationally recognized border are categorized as internally displaced and, because of their supposedly ontological condition, are often forgotten and marginalized in the political and epistemological realms of International Relations. Thus, this article aims to analyze both the creation of the concept of internally displaced person, within the United Nations (UN), and the way in which this process of categorization, and labeling, fits into a global and local scope of protection and assistance. As an empirical basis, official documents and other scientific papers on the subject are used, as well as the case of forced internal displacement of people in Colombia.Keywords: Internally Displaced; Conceptualization; Colombia; Fumigation. Recebido em: 09 abr. 2019 | Aceito em: 18 dez. 2019.
A Política Externa dos Estados Unidos para a Venezuela: Mudanças e Continuidades entre os Governos Bush e Obama
Authors: Dorneles Ferreira da Costa Gabriela
Published: February 2020

Diante do desafio representado aos EUA pela ascensão de Hugo Chávez à presidência da Venezuela, analisa-se o histórico da política externa dos Estados Unidos da América (EUA) para a Venezuela desde o início dos anos 2000. O objetivo é verificar as mudanças e as continuidades da política externa dos EUA para a Venezuela conforme as mudanças de governo estadunidense e o contexto político venezuelano no período recente. Para tanto, a análise compreende os governos de George W. Bush (2001-2009) e Barack H. Obama (2009-2017). Nesse ínterim, o trabalho situa a política dos respectivos governos a três conjunturas venezuelanas: a tentativa de golpe de Estado contra Hugo Chávez em 2002, a consolidação do discurso antiestadunidense do governo chavista e a eclosão da crise generalizada instaurada na Venezuela após a morte de Chávez em 2013.Palavras-chave: Estados Unidos, Política Externa, Venezuela. ABSTRACTIn face of the challenge posed to the US by the rise of Hugo Chávez to Venezuela's presidency, this study aims to analyze the historical pattern of US foreign policy toward Venezuela since early 2000s. It seeks to verify shifts and continuities of US foreign policy toward Venezuela considering US government changes and Venezuelan political context. Therefore, the analysis comprises George W. Bush’s (2001-2009) and Barack H. Obama’s (2009-2017) administrations. Through this period, the research encompasses three different Venezuelan contexts: the Coup D’état attempt in 2002, the consolidation of Chávez’s government and his anti-American discourse e the outbreak of the crisis after Chávez’s death in 2013.Keywords: United States, Foreign Policy, Venezuela. Recebido em: 14 jan. 2020 | Aceito em: 23 jan. 2020.
A relação entre o direito "dos" desastres e o direito "nos" desastres
Authors: Júnior Arílson Thomaz , Mattedi Marcos Antônio
Published: February 2020

O texto aborda a relação entre direito e desastres. Mais precisamente, como o direito brasileiro tem processado a questão dos desastres. Apesar do crescente interesse científico pelo estudo individualizado dos desastres, a reflexão sobre a sua gestão jurídica permanece pouco explorada. Assim, o artigo pretende investigar como se estabelece e opera a mais recente sistemática para a tratativa dos desastres no âmbito jurídico nacional. Para alcançar os desígnios propostos, o artigo está estruturado em três seções: na seção inicial, ele apresenta os paradigmas teóricos que oferecem substratos para a interpretação e a análise dos desastres; na segunda seção, são abordados os principais argumentos que objetivam implementar uma nova categoria jurídica: o Direito dos Desastres; na terceira e última seção, são elencadas diversas contribuições para aprimorar a discussão, especialmente sobre a necessidade implementar uma concepção normativa compatível com o plano interno do Sistema de Justiça brasileiro.
Migrações climáticas e cidades resilientes: uma nova agenda urbana para o desenvolvimento sustentável
Authors: Serraglio Diogo Andreola , Ferreira Heline Sivini , Robinson Nicholas
Published: February 2020

Tendo em vista que centros urbanos podem estimular o recebimento de migrantes ambientais, o presente estudo almeja examinar como a mobilidade humana decorrente dos efeitos adversos da mudança climática pode favorecer a expansão equilibrada de cidades, de modo a proporcionar o resguardo da dignidade da pessoa humana. Para tanto, por meio do método dedutivo, pretende-se alcançar os seguintes objetivos específicos: inicialmente, a análise de como as alterações induzidas do clima provocam o deslocamento forçado de pessoas, bem como os delineamentos que possibilitam a identificação deste grupo de indivíduos; posteriormente, a investigação de como centros urbanos lidam com as consequências de ambos os fenômenos e; por fim, o estudo da Agenda 2030 para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável, com especial enfoque no Objetivo do Desenvolvimento Sustentável 11 (ODS 11), que apesar de almejar tornar as cidades e assentamentos urbanos inclusivos, seguros, resilientes e sustentáveis, não leva em consideração a relevância dos processos migratórios forçados nesse processo. Explora-se, diante disso, a Nova Agenda Urbana (2016), elaborada pelo Programa das Nações Unidas para os Assentamentos Humanos (ONU-Habitat). Embora o movimento populacional para os centros urbanos revele uma variedade de obstáculos, reconhece-se que a migração ambiental pode trazer significante contribuição social, econômica e cultural para a vida urbana.
Plano Diretor de cidades-gêmeas: análise sob a ótica da teoria institucional de Douglass North.
Authors: Nantes Rosalina Alves , Xavier Delson Fernando Barcellos , Oliveira Saiera Silva de
Published: February 2020

A Portaria 213/2016 do Ministério da Integração Nacional, reconhece 32 cidades gêmeas em razão do território municipal fazer limite com o país vizinho e sua sede se localizar no limite internacional. Fundamentando-se no path dependence, onde as influências históricas são responsáveis pela manifestação das instituições no instrumento normativo, destaca-se o Plano Diretor Municipal, obrigatório para cidades com mais de 20 mil habitantes e requisito para obtenção de determinados recursos junto ao Governo Federal. A metodologia tem perspectiva exploratória descritiva ao analisar o conteúdo de cada instrumento normativo dos municípios de fronteira que instituíram o Plano Diretor, na interpretação das características individuais, utilizando do aporte teórico da teoria institucional. Analisou-se os Planos Diretores de  doze cidades-gêmeas de fronteira, para verificar se o modelo adotado contemplou a realidade dos municípios. Os resultados apontaram a não enfatização às questões históricas que influenciam no desenvolvimento das cidades, concluindo que os Planos Diretores de cidades-gêmeas de fronteira podem explorar em seu instrumento normativo nessa variável identificada, recomendando que em pesquisas futuras se investigue o motivo pelo qual mais de 66% dos municípios de fronteira não consideram relevantes a serem incluídas no Plano Diretor as potencialidades históricas que marcam a região de fronteira gêmea.
Cidade moderna/colonial e desenvolvimentismo: uma crítica do cenário urbano brasileiro a partir do pensamento descolonial
Authors: Fernandes Karina Macedo , Bragato Fernanda Frizzo , Romaguera Daniel Carneiro Leão
Published: February 2020

Este artigo apresenta crítica ao modelo de desenvolvimento urbano adotado pelo Brasil, conforme se identifica a lógica da cidade moderna/colonial e o contexto de expansão do capitalismo global. Tal cenário, se encontra intrinsicamente ligada às problemáticas da exclusão social, da violação de direitos humanos e das condições mínimas de urbanidade e cidadania. Nesse sentido, questiona-se o recente desenvolvimento das cidades brasileiras, caracterizado por práticas discriminatórias, excludentes e opressivas. O que se propôs fazer, a partir de reflexões insurgentes do pensamento descolonial. Este ensaio, então, enfrenta o contexto urbano brasileiro, de acordo com perspectivas que concedem particular atenção à colonialidade constitutiva da modernidade e ao sistema mundial capitalista.
Utilização do facebook pelos governos locais para promoção de accountability com participação social
Authors: Siena Osmar , Carvalho Erasmo Moreira de , Borba Priscila De Oliveira
Published: February 2020

Considerando a popularidade das mídias sociais, suas funcionalidades e o déficit de accoutability e participação social nas esferas governamentais, apontado por estudos acadêmicos e perceptível pelo senso comum,  esta pesquisa tem como objetivo verificar   em que medida a gestão dos governos locais estão se utilizando do Facebook enquanto canal de comunicação  para a promoção e fortalecimento de accountability com participação social.  Para o cumprimento desse propósito, o pressuposto filosófico que rege a pesquisa é o pós-positivismo, sendo o método de pesquisa qualitativo descritivo e como estratégia a pesquisa de campo virtual.  O processo de coleta de dados se deu por meio de observação não participante on-line e os dados foram analisados utilizando a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados da pesquisa apresentam indícios de que as gestões municipais fazem uso do Facebook, limitadamente para fins de informação pública, praticando um tipo de comunicação assimétrica e de mão única. Os achados demonstram que estas administrações municipais não se aproveitam dos affordances da mídia social em estudo para promoção e fortalecimento da participação social e para viabilização de uma comunicação simétrica e de mão dupla.