bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise do comportamento com relação ao isolamento social da população de Itaqui – RS
Authors: Morozoli da Silva Dieison , Espinosa Taináh , Da Rosa Carlosso Kellen , Batista Ethur Felipe , Zago Ethur Luciana
Published: December 2020

A pandemia de coronavírus (Covid-19) motivou medidas de isolamento social (quarentena), que trouxeram mudanças consideráveis à rotina da população em geral. No que concerne ao ser humano enquanto integrante de uma sociedade, a realização de um isolamento social em massa requer uma ampla compreensão dos reflexos desse distanciamento. Assim, este trabalho objetivou investigar os impactos do isolamento social sobre o comportamento da população de Itaqui – RS, no período inicial do isolamento social recomendado pelo Ministério da Saúde. Itaqui, situada na fronteira oeste do Rio Grande do Sul, é a cidade mais distante da capital do Estado. A pesquisa constou de um questionário semiestruturado, com aplicação remota por redes sociais. Foram analisadas duas questões relacionadas à fonte e natureza das informações recebidas e duas relacionadas às vivências e aos hábitos no período do isolamento. Identificou-se que se sobressaem como fonte de informações para a população itaquiense a televisão, que atinge 49,59% dos respondentes, e os sites da internet, com 31,78%. Com relação ao estado emocional, manifestaram-se majoritariamente estressados e angustiados (61,65%). Isso demonstra que, mesmo em uma cidade distante de grandes centros urbanos, a tensão sobre um tema tão preocupante atinge a maioria da população. E com relação ao que mudou na sua rotina, 40,27% apontou que foi o isolamento social/familiar; 30,14% a higiene e 8,77% a rotina profissional ou estudantil. Pôde-se observar a desacomodação gerada pelo novo coronavírus, que interferiu em diversos aspectos da vida da maioria da população itaquiense, à semelhança da população brasileira e mundial.
Planejando remotamente com o google forms: uma proposta e prática pedagógica
Authors: Cosme da Silva Claudemir , Nascimento Renata Makelly Tomaz do
Published: December 2020

O presente artigo tem como objetivo propor e descrever uma prática de planejamento remoto utilizando a ferramenta digital Google Forms, desenvolvido em duas escolas do município de Horizonte-Ceará. Para tanto, foi utilizado metodologicamente no trabalho a pesquisa bibliográfica acerca da temática e posterior compilação de dados. Conclui-se que propor e praticar novas maneiras no ato de planejar é inovar o controle do saber-fazer pedagógico para o sucesso no processo de ensino-aprendizagem.
Legal Characteristics of Restriction of the Object of Taxation in Terms of Corporate Property Tax to Real Estate
Authors:   Teaching Assistant of the Department of International and Public Law of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Grigorov Kirill N.
Published: December 2020

Over the past few years the elements of the legal structure of the Corporate Property Tax have undergone various changes. To a large extent this applies to the object of taxation for the above tax. Special attention should be paid to the change related to the restriction of the object of taxation for the Corporate Property Tax only to immovable property. The author analyzes the essence of this change, considers a number of problems related to this change, and explores possible solutions to such problems.
Artificial Intelligence Tax: Prospects of Introduction in the Russian Federation
Authors:   Research Scientist of the Institute of State and Municipal Management of the National Research University Higher School of Economics (NRU HSE) PhD (Law), Lyutova Olga I.
Published: December 2020

The presented article analyzes the legality of the potential introduction of a tax on artificial intelligence in the Russian Federation from the point of view of its economic feasibility, which will not only achieve the proper economic effect from the introduction of the new tax, but also smooth out the social resonance. The author explores various approaches to the interpretation of the concept of the principle of economic feasibility of a tax, projecting its content on the fact of the appearance of a tax on artificial intelligence. The study concludes that there is insufficient justification for the introduction of a tax on artificial intelligence by the need for public law education to financially provide training in new professions for people who have lost their jobs as a result of the use of artificial intelligence by their employer. An analysis is made of the place of the tax on artificial intelligence in the system of taxes and fees of the Russian Federation.
State Management of the Financial Mechanism: New Approaches to the Implementation in the Digital Economy Conditions
Authors:   Leading Research Scientist of the Department of Financial, Tax, Banking and Competition Law of the Institute of State and Law of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ISL RAS) LL.D., Vasyanina Elena L.
Published: December 2020

The article examines the problems of transformation of the mechanism of public administration in the context of the digitalization of the economy. The author pays special attention to the study of public administration instruments in the fiscal and budgetary areas. The author comes to the conclusion that identification, credit and insurance are effective tools for managing the financial mechanism.
O cotidiano dos super-heróis e protagonistas de histórias em quadrinhos em tempos de pandemia: representação social entre o mundo da ficção e o mundo real
Authors: Borges Teixeira Ramos Rubem , Dumont Lígia Maria Moreira
Published: December 2020

As histórias em quadrinhos são um gênero e formato de leitura presentes em todo o mundo, que se caracterizam por veicular narrativas que podem ser empregadas para uma série de finalidades. A pesquisa analisa seis imagens e histórias protagonizadas por super-heróis e por principais personagens de quadrinhos, produzidas em decorrência do Coronavírus, com o objetivo de compreender as formas criadas para informar os cuidados de prevenção ao Coronavírus. Recorre-se à narratologia como método de análise das imagens e histórias, destacando-se o tema, enredo, ambiente e tempo cronológico das histórias, bem como as ações realizadas pelos personagens. Evidencia-se que elas transmitem informações condizentes com o momento sócio histórico ocasionado pelo Coronavírus, destacando ações do cotidiano das pessoas, porém vivenciadas pelos protagonistas das histórias
Shift Work and Work-Family Conflict: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wöhrmann Anne Marit , Müller Grit , Ewert Kathrin
Published: December 2020

Shift work occupies precious time for family and social life. The aim of this review was to systematically assess the state of research on the impact of shift work on work-fam-ily conflict. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and EBSCO to identify studies published between 1990 and 2017. In the end, 36 articles met the inclusion criteria and were considered in this review. Shift workers show higher levels of work-family conflict in comparison to workers in regular day schedules. Different shift types and a large variation of shift characteristics have been studied. Results point to a higher work-family conflict especially among night shift workers and those working in a shift schedule, including weekend work. Research testing for causality is missing.
Wizualna analiza dyskursu na Instagramie – możliwości i ograniczenia
Authors: Kampka Agnieszka
Published: December 2020

W artykule omówiono wyzwania, jakie przed badaczami dyskursu stawiają nowe media. Autorka przedstawia charakterystykę Instagrama jako przestrzeni komunikacji oraz wykorzystanie go w dyskursie politycznym. Na podstawie dotychczasowych badań oraz na przykładzie analizy profili europejskich prezydentów jako największe trudności w badaniach tej platformy społecznościowej zidentyfikowane zostały: nierozłączność obrazu i tekstu, konieczność uwzględnienia szerokiego kontekstu technologicznego i kulturowego oraz wynikająca z tego potrzeba interdyscyplinarnego podejścia.
Koncepcja Green BPM – istota, przesłanki, wyzwania związane z wprowadzaniem
Authors: Brajer-Marczak Renata
Published: December 2020

Wychodząc naprzeciw współczesnym potrzebom związanym z ograniczaniem negatywnego wpływu organizacji na środowisko naturalne, opracowano koncepcję Green Business Process Management (Green BPM). Celem artykułu jest charakterystyka tej koncepcji, wskazanie jej przesłanek i wymagań związanych z wprowadzaniem w odniesieniu do wyzwań tworzenia organizacji odpowiedzialnych społecznie i środowiskowo. Do realizacji tak określonego celu wykorzystano metodę krytycznej analizy literatury przedmiotu, kwerendę źródeł internetowych oraz analizę wtórnych danych empirycznych. W wyniku przeprowadzonej analizy stwierdzono, że zorientowanie zarządzania procesowego na dbałość o środowisko naturalne to duże wyzwanie, wymagające wprowadzenia zmian o charakterze technologicznym, ale również obejmujące wymiar kulturowy i zarządczy organizacji. W praktyce implementacja koncepcji Green BPM wiąże się częściej ze stosowaniem pojedynczych, proekologicznych rozwiązań niż z całościowymi zmianami w zarządzaniu procesami biznesowymi.
Współpraca doradcy i przedsiębiorcy a charakterystyka procesu doradztwa dla małego przedsiębiorstwa
Authors: Głodek Paweł
Published: December 2020

W artykule podjęto próbę uszczegółowienia charakterystyki procesu doradztwa dla małego przedsiębiorstwa, uwzględniając etapy procesu doradczego oraz zagadnienie współpracy pomiędzy doradcą a przedsiębiorcą. Zaproponowana została klasyfikacja relacji współpracy w doradztwie. Na bazie analizy ilościowej wyników badania czterystu małych firm wskazano na częstotliwość występowania każdej z wyróżnionych form współpracy, jak również na ich powiązania z czynnikami odnoszącymi się do typu doradztwa i doradcy, a także do rodzaju zaufania istniejącego w czasie inicjowania relacji doradczej.
Inteligentne wyzwania technologii i organizacji procesów wytwarzania maszyn
Authors: Kałkowska Joanna
Published: December 2020

Inteligentne aspekty wyzwań, przed którymi staną w niedalekiej przyszłości technologia i organizacja wytwarzania maszyn (mikrobusy i autobusy), dotyczą adaptacyjnego rozumienia, uczenia się oraz wykorzystywania posiadanej wiedzy i umiejętności w zmiennych uwarunkowaniach eksploatacyjnych. Turbulentność i nieprzewidywalność tych uwarunkowań są źródłem zwinnościowych problemów, które nie są efektywnie algorytmizowalne. Ich rozwiązywanie wymaga korzystania z ośmiu digitalizujących narzędzi koncepcji Przemysłu 4.0. Prezentowane w artykule badania nad tytułowymi wyzwaniami wykorzystują dwa zestawy metod heurystycznych: metodę delficką i jej quasi-morfologiczny efekt oraz kompleksową burzę mózgów. Konkluzje badawcze podkreślają między innymi wymóg zmiany klasycznych reguł organizatorskiego profesjonalizmu, ryzykologiczne wyzwania zrównoważonego ekosystemu oraz potrzebę „demistyfikacji” inteligentnych systemów.
Współczesne wyzwania technologiczne a zarządzanie projektami w organizacjach
Authors: Spałek Seweryn
Published: December 2020

Wyzwania technologiczne niejednokrotnie wpływały na rozwój zarządzania projektami w organizacjach, stanowiąc problematykę badawczą podejmowaną przez ośrodki naukowe z różnych krajów. Szczególnie teraz, wraz z niespotykanym dotychczas przyspieszeniem w upowszechnianiu się nowych technologii, kontynuacja badań w tej tematyce staje się niezwykle ważna i aktualna. Celem artykułu jest próba odpowiedzi na pytanie: „Które ze współczesnych technologii mogą implikować szczególne wyzwania dla zarządzania projektami w organizacjach?”. Aby uzyskać na nie odpowiedź, przeprowadzono międzynarodowe, empiryczne badania ilościowe z wykorzystaniem kwestionariuszy ankietowych. W efekcie otrzymano odpowiedzi od 264 respondentów. Analiza wyników pozwoliła na zidentyfikowanie technologii związanych z Przemysłem 4.0 oraz mediami społecznościowymi jako stanowiących obecnie największe wyzwania dla zarządzania projektami w organizacjach.
Wykorzystanie metodyk zarządzania projektami w świetle badań empirycznych
Authors: Brzozowski Maciej
Published: December 2020

Głównym celem artykułu jest zbadanie, na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań empirycznych, postrzeganego sposobu zarządzania projektami w organizacjach, jak również określenie częstotliwości stosowania wybranych metodyk zarządzania projektami wraz z oceną ich przydatności. W pierwszej części artykułu przedstawiono – zidentyfikowane na podstawie studiów literaturowych – rodzaje i przykłady metodyk zarządzania projektami, a w drugiej części wyniki badań empirycznych przeprowadzonych z wykorzystaniem kwestionariusza ankiety wśród uczestników projektów realizowanych w organizacjach różnego typu. Badanie wykazało, że w organizacjach zatrudniających ankietowanych najczęściej stosowany jest częściowo metodyczny sposób zarządzania projektami, natomiast najpopularniejszymi metodykami zarządzania projektami były PMBoK, Agile oraz PRINCE2, przy czym respondenci wysoko ocenili przydatność stosowanych metodyk zarządzania projektami.
Zwinna transformacja w dużej skali
Authors: Wyrozębski Paweł , Cichocki Hubert
Published: December 2020

Bariery transformacji agile wzrastają wraz z wielkością organizacji, pojawiają się także nowe – charakterystyczne dla dużych organizacji. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest omówienie zagadnień związanych ze zwinną transformacją w dużej organizacji, w szczególności barier we wdrażaniu zmian. Realizacji tego celu służy badanie literaturowe. Wśród obszarów kluczowych dla skutecznej transformacji agile wymienia się architekturę, koordynację między zespołami, proces skalowania oraz zarządzanie portfolio.
Sugarcane Wax - A Par Excellent by-Product of Sugar Industry - A Review
Authors: Mohan S. , Chithra L. , Nageswari R. , Selvi V. Manimozhi , Mathialagan M.
Published: December 2020

Sugarcane is one of the major cash crops, used for the production of sugar and ethanol. Sugarcane processing, results in many by by-products like bagasse, molasses and press mud which have economic value. Also, the by-products serve to generate many value added products. Sugarcane wax is a value added product obtained by the processing of press mud. It has pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial applications. n-Triacontanol, Policosanol, D-003 acids and waxes are some of the products derived from the sugarcane wax. This article attempt discusses the various methods of extraction of sugarcane wax, its constituents and its characteristics and applications of the products derived from the sugarcane wax.
Identifying Women's Strengths for Promoting Resilience After Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Gonzalez-Mendez Rosaura , Hamby Sherry
Published: December 2020

Guided by the Resilience Portfolio Model, this study examined strengths associated with well-being and post-traumatic growth (PTG) among women who had experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Participants were 109 Spanish women who were receiving specialized psychological services for IPV. They completed a survey on multiple indicators of strengths, subjective well-being, and PTG. The results indicated that PTG was positively correlated with well-being and all strengths. Univariate analysis comparing levels of PTG showed significant differences in all factors, except emotional regulation and optimism. Post hoc analyses revealed two patterns, with some strengths distinguishing across all levels of PTG, and others only discriminating the most resilient women (as indicated by PTG) from the rest. Multivariate analyses accounted for 42% of the variance in posttraumatic growth and 52% in well-being. The results suggest ways to promote well-being and resilience among victimized women.
Presidencialismo en tiempos de pandemia: Ecuador
Authors: Torres Maldonado Ángel Eduardo
Published: December 2020

Los Estados Latinoamericanos, herederos tradicionales del sistema de gobierno presidencial, con ciertas combinaciones de figuras propias de sistemas parlamentarios, incorporan enunciados normativos dedivisión de poderes, aparente en algunos casos. Las reformas constitucionales de los últimos años refuerzan las capacidades de acción y decisión del ejecutivo, como medida encaminada a superar las crisis democráticas e inestabilidad de los regímenes políticos. Las constituciones ecuatorianas de 1998 y 2008 incorporan un vasto reconocimiento de derechos y sus garantías, además, atribuyen amplias competencias a la Función Ejecutiva, en detrimento de la Función Legislativa. El sutil diseño institucional previsto en laConstitución ecuatoriana de 2008 se orienta a consolidar un sistema hiperpresidencial, concentrador del poder político. Este artículo pretende: (i) reflexionar sobre el sistema de gobierno presidencial entiempos de pandemia; (ii) evidenciar que la Constitución ecuatoriana del 2008, desbordalas características esenciales del sistema de gobierno presidencial; y (iii) proponer medidas para prevenir la preocupante crisis moral aflorada en tiempos de pandemia.
Constitucionalismo, hiperpresidencialismo y desequilibrio de poderes en Brasil en tiempos de la pandemia de Covid-19
Authors: Borges de Freitas Graça Maria
Published: December 2020

La pandemia del coronavirus es fruto de un modelo político y económico que genera degradación ambiental, económica y social lo que, a su vez, agrava las crisis que él mismo genera, en un círculo vicioso. Su ocurrenciareveló problemas estructurales de la política y de la economía y sirve para explicitar los grandes desafíos que la humanidad, en general, y América Latina, en particular, necesitan enfrentar para la superación delmodelo vigente. Brasil representa un caso paradigmático para discutir los efectos perversos del modelo político y económico para la democracia y la efectividad de los derechos económicos, sociales, culturalesy ambientales (DESCA) en un país cuyo diseño institucional de los tres poderes y la cultura jurídica y política no favorecen la protección de los derechos fundamentales,  lo que quedó evidenciado por la forma comose dio el enfrentamiento de la pandemia por un gobierno de perfil autocrático y por las dificultades de los demás poderes para contener los efectos perversos de las prácticas abusivas del dirigente de ocasión.
PENSAMENTO CIENTÍFICO, CRÍTICO E CRIATIVO: ENTENDENDO CAMPOS TEÓRICOS E PERSEGUINDO SUAS INTERAÇÕES
Authors: Wartha Edson José , Santana dos Santos Edson José
Published: December 2020

A proposta deste estudo é apresentar uma reflexão crítica sobre dimensões que emergiram a partir de um exercício de aproximações e distanciamentos de três estruturas de pensamento utilizadas como marcos teóricos para estabelecer parâmetros curriculares na ciência escolar. Essas estruturas são os pensamentos crítico, científico e criativo. A partir destas estruturas, destacamos as aproximações, distanciamentos e, principalmente, as interações entre elas. Como resultado, encontramos sobreposições e interações entre Pensamento Científico e Crítico, Pensamento Criativo e Científico e entre Pensamento Crítico e Criativo. Estas interações devem ser evidenciadas de modo que sejam implementadas atividades intencionais e sistemáticas dirigidas à promoção do pensamento científico, crítico e criativo para a formação integral dos estudantes.
INTERFACES ENTRE PENSAMENTO CRÍTICO E EDUCAÇÃO EMANCIPATÓRIA: PENSAR POR SI PRÓPRIO, DESAFIO POLÍTICO-PEDAGÓGICO DE UM EDUCAR PELA PESQUISA
Authors: Wendhausen Mônica
Published: December 2020

Este artigo trata da apresentação de alguns resultados de um estudo realizado durante um processo de doutoramento a cerca da percepção de uma comunidade escolar sobre um projeto educativo que tem a pesquisa como princípio educativo. Neste ínterim, por meio entrevistas e análise documental realizadas, sob o alicerce paradigmático da fenomenologia existencial e do método dialético, colocou em mostração a interface entre pensamento crítico e educação emancipatória nas “falas” de alguns membros da comunidade escolar, demonstrando que a prática educativa realizada no projeto, desde a sua concepção a sua execução, não somente modificou a forma como professores e estudantes se relacionavam com o conhecimento mas, uma outra prática educativa que abriu a possibilidade da participação da comunidade no processo educativo na escola.
Multiplikatives Verständnis fördern : Entwicklung und Evaluation eines Förderkonzepts in differenten Rahmenbedingungen
Authors: Lamprecht Xenia
Published: December 2020

Guter gemeinsamer Mathematikunterricht für Kinder mit unterschiedlichen Voraussetzungen stellt in der Praxis für Lehrkräfte eine große Herausforderung dar. Vor dem Hintergrund der Inklusionsforderung wird in dieser Arbeit ein Konzept zum Multiplikativen Verständnis in der zweiten Jahrgangsstufe entworfen, das in der Einzelförderung sowie im Klassenverband eingesetzt und evaluiert wird. Das Design der Test- und Aufgabenformate basiert auf Forschungsergebnissen und bereits vorliegender Konzeptionen zur Förderung im Inhaltsbereich Multiplikation. Bei der Aufgabenentwicklung spielen Grundvorstellungen wesentlicher Aspekte der Multiplikation und der Wechsel von Darstellungsformen sowie das Verständnis der Eigenschaften der Operation eine besondere Rolle.
AN ANALYSIS OF TYPES AND CAUSES OF TRANSLATION ERRORS
Authors: Putri Tia Aprilianti
Published: December 2020

Translation is a process of changing an original text from one language into another. Nowadays its role is important in almost every single aspect of human’s life. Since its role becomes more vital, the quality of the result of translation must be qualified as well. Doing translation is not an easy task, it is a combination of skill and art. The translators should have enough knowledge about the important aspects from both source language and target language. However there are still many difficulties appear while doing translation. Those difficulties lead the translators make errors while translating. After reviewing some research conducted, the writer of this research discovers the types of translation errors and the causes which lead the errors done by many translators. The most dominant types of errors in translation experienced by the translators lie in surface structure such as semantic, lexical, morphology, and grammar errors. However another type of errors in translation lies in deep structure which is connected with culture differences between both source and target language. The second discovery is about the causes of errors in translation. The most common causes is lack of knowledge about linguistic aspect of the target language can cause the errors. Another primary factor is the anxiety of the translators themselves causes the errors in translation.
Fuzzy Logic of Work Conformity in Small Enterprises of Traditional Medicines
Authors: Dwinta Eliza , Kusuma Ajie , Pronosokodewa Baniady Gennody , Sarwadhamana Raden Jaka
Published: December 2020

Good Manufacturing Practices for Traditional Medicine (CPOTB) certification given by National Food and Drug Agency (BPOM) to Small Enterprises of Traditional Medicines (UKOT) is a claim from the production process of traditional medicines that is in accordance with CPOTB. However, not all human resources at UKOT understand and apply existing guidelines in the work practices of traditional medicine production. This study aims to assess the conformity of work by calculating the gap between knowledge of work practices in human resources in one UKOT Yogyakarta with fuzzy method. This assessment is a quantitative, cross-sectional study using a questionnaire that was adapted and modified from six categories of cause and effect. Respondents included in this study were all human resources in UKOT as many as 24 people (total sampling). The results obtained from the gap calculation of work conformity based on the six categories are machinery that have positive values (0,1146). Human resources who work at UKOT have a good understanding of the CPOTB and are already good at implementing work practices in accordance with the CPOTB in the machinery category. The findings that personnel pass through the production area, storage area and quality control area, as well as analysis methods that have not been validated periodically, can be used as an ingredient for improvement by implementing corrective-action-preventive-action on order to improve the quality of work in accordance with CPOTB and guarantee the quality of traditional medicine products from the UKOT Yogyakarta.
Introduction to the Issue
Authors: McDougle Lindsey M.
Published: December 2020

Introduction to the Issue
The Varieties of Consolidation Experience: A Synthesis and Extension of Local Government Consolidation Models
Authors: Taylor Charles D. , Faulk Dagney , Schaal Pamela
Published: December 2020

This article revises and extends Leland and Thurmaier’s (2004a, 2004b) City—County Consolidation (C3) model by synthesizing it with Johnson’s (2004) Theory of Local Constitutional Change (LCC) and Hughes and Lee’s (2002) Evolutionary Consolidation Model (ECM). The result, we find, is a more general model of local government consolidation. Our model is applicable to a wider variety of consolidation types and incorporates a full consideration of varied charter development processes. Ultimately, this allows for acknowledgment of the possibility that consolidation attempts may be halted prior to a referendum campaign and that those attempts may reflect either conflicts of interest or consensual efforts at problem-solving. We focus specifically on Indiana after enactment of the 2006 Government Modernization Act. After enactment of the act, Indiana experienced seven consolidation efforts from 2008 to 2012. Examination of these efforts provides a robust comparative case study of consolidation efforts occurring during a narrow timeframe and under a common institutional context. The study not only illustrates the suitability of our revised and extended model, but it also confirms a number of Leland and Thurmaier’s (2005) findings from their reassessment of the C3 model.
Anthropogenic Factors Affecting the Vegetation Dynamics in the Arid Middle East
Authors: Rousta Iman , Olafsson Haraldur , Zhang Hao , Moniruzzaman Md , Krzyszczak Jaromir , Baranowski Piotr
Published: December 2020

The spatiotemporal variability of vegetation in the Middle East was investigated for the period 2001–2019 using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 16-day/500 m composites of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI; MOD13A1). The results reveal a strong increase in the NDVI coverage in the Middle East during the study period (R = 0.75, p-value = 0.05). In Egypt, the annual coverage exhibits the strongest positive trend (R = 0.99, p-value = 0.05). In Turkey, both the vegetation coverage and density increased from 2001 to 2019, which can be attributed to the construction of some of the biggest dams in the Middle East, such as the Atatürk and Ilisu dams. Significant increases in the annual coverage and maximum and average NDVI in Saudi Arabia are due to farming in the northern part of the country for which groundwater and desalinated seawater are used. The results of this study suggest that the main factors affecting the vegetation coverage in the Middle East are governmental policies. These policies can have a positive effect on the vegetation coverage in some countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Iran, and Turkey.
Theoretical Study of the Adsorption Behavior of L-amino Acids on the Iron Surface
Authors: Kasprzhitskii Anton , Lazorenko Georgy , Nazdracheva Tatiana , Yavna Victor
Published: December 2020

This research evaluates the inhibitory effect of L-amino acids (AAs) with different side chain lengths on Fe surface implementing Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. A quantitative and qualitative description of the adsorption behavior of AAs on the iron surface has been carried out. Calculations have shown that the absolute values of the adsorption energy of L-amino acids increase with side chain prolongation; they are also determined by the presence of heteroatoms. AAs from nonpolar and basic groups have the best adsorption ability to the iron surface, which indicates their highest inhibitory efficiency according to the results of MC simulation.
Evaluating the Effect of Intensity Standardisation on Longitudinal Whole Brain Atrophy Quantification in Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Carvajal-Camelo Emily Esmeralda , Bernal Jose , Oliver Arnau , Lladó Xavier , Trujillo Maria
Published: December 2020

Atrophy quantification is fundamental for understanding brain development and diagnosing and monitoring brain diseases. FSL-SIENA is a well-known fully-automated method that has been widely used in brain magnetic resonance imaging studies. However, intensity variations arising during image acquisition that may compromise evaluation, analysis and even diagnosis. In this work, we study whether intensity standardisation can improve longitudinal atrophy quantification. We considered seven methods comprising z-score, fuzzy c-means, Gaussian mixture model, kernel density, histogram matching, white stripe, and removal of artificial voxel effects by linear regression (RAVEL). We used a total of 330 scans from two publicly-available datasets, ADNI and OASIS. In scan-rescan assessments, that measures robustness to subtle imaging variations, intensity standardisation did not compromise the robustness of FSL-SIENA significantly (p>0.1). In power analysis assessments, that measures the ability to discern between two groups of subjects, three methods led to consistent improvements in both datasets with respect to the original: fuzzy c-means, Gaussian mixture model, and kernel density estimation. Reduction in sample size using these three methods ranged from 17% to 95%. The performance of the other four methods was affected by spatial normalisation, skull stripping errors, presence of periventricular white matter hyperintensities, or tissue proportion variations over time. Our work evinces the relevance of appropriate intensity standardisation in longitudinal cerebral atrophy assessments using FSL-SIENA.
Antidepressant Drug Enhanced Trail Receptor-2 Expression and Sensitized Lung Cancer Cells to Trail-Induced Apoptosis via Inhibition of Autophagic Flux
Authors: Zinnah K.M.A. , Seol Jae-Won , Park Sang-Youel
Published: December 2020

Autophagy, an alternative cell death mechanism, is also termed programmed cell death type II. Autophagy in cancer treatment needs to be regulated. In our study, autophagy inhibition by desipramine or the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) enhanced tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor-2 [death receptor (DR5)] expression and subsequently TRAIL-induced apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant A549 lung cancer cells. Genetic inhibition of DR5 substantially reduced desipramine-enhanced TRAIL-mediated apoptosis, proving that DR5 was required to increase TRAIL sensitivity in TRAIL-resistant cancer cells. Desipramine treatment upregulated p62 expression and promoted conversion of light chain 3 (LC3)-I to its lipid-conjugated form, LC3-II, indicating that autophagy inhibition occurred at the final stages of autophagic flux. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the presence of condensed autophagosomes, which resulted from the late stages of autophagy inhibition by desipramine. TRAIL, in combination with desipramine or CQ, augmented the expression of apoptosis-related proteins cleaved caspase-8 and cleaved caspase-3. Our results contributed to the understanding of the mechanism underlying the synergistic anti-cancer effect of desipramine and TRAIL and presented a novel mechanism of DR5 upregulation. These findings demonstrated that autophagic flux inhibition by desipramine potentiated TRAIL-induced apoptosis, suggesting that appropriate regulation of autophagy is required for sensitizing TRAIL-resistant cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.
Regulation of Gastrointestinal Immunity by Metabolites
Authors: Gu Bon-Hee , Kim Myunghoo , Yun Cheol-Heui
Published: December 2020

The gastrointestinal tract contains multiple types of immune cells that maintain the balance between tolerance and activation at the first line of host defense facing non-self antigens, including dietary antigens, commensal bacteria, and sometimes unexpected pathogens. Maintaining homeostasis at the gastrointestinal tract requires stringent regulation of the immune responses against various environmental conditions. Diet can be converted into gut metabolites which have unique functional activities through host as well as microbial enzymatic activities. Accumulating evidences demonstrate that gastrointestinal metabolites have significant impacts on the regulation of intestinal immunity and further integrate immune response of distal mucosal tissue. Metabolites, especially derived from microbiota, regulate immune cell functions by various ways including recognition and activation of cell surface receptors, controlling of gene expression by epigenetic regulation and integration of cellular metabolism. These mucosal immune regulations are key to understand underlying mechanism for the development of gastrointestinal disorders. Here, we review the recent advancement of our understanding on the role of gut metabolites in the regulation of gastrointestinal immunity with highlighting the cellular and molecular regulatory mechanisms by macronutrients-derived metabolites.
Economic Risk Assessment by Weather-Related Heat Stress Indices for Confined Livestock Buildings: A Case Study for Fattening Pigs in Central Europe
Authors: Schauberger Günther , Schönhart Martin , Zollitsch Werner , Hörtenhuber Stefan J. , Kirner Leopold , Mikovits Christian , Baumgartner Johannes , Piringer Martin , Knauder Werner , Anders Ivonne , Andre Konrad , Hennig-Pauka Isabel
Published: December 2020

In the last decades farm animals kept in confined and mechanically ventilated livestock buildings are increasingly confronted with heat stress (HS) due to global warming. These adverse conditions cause a depression of animal health and welfare and a reduction of the performance up to an increase of the mortality. To facilitate sound management decisions, livestock farmers need relevant arguments, which quantify the expected economic risk and the corresponding uncertainty. The economic risk was determined for the pig fattening sector based on the probability of HS and the calculated decrease in the gross margin. The model calculation for confined livestock buildings showed, that HS indices calculated by easily available meteorological parameters can be used for assessment quantification of indoor HS, which is so far difficult to determine. These weather-related HS indices can be applied not only for an economic risk assessment but also for a weather-index based insurance for livestock farms. Based on the temporal trend between 1981 and 2017, a simple model was derived to assess the likelihood of HS for 2020 and 2030. Due to global warming, the return period for a 90-percentile HS index is reduced from 10 years in 2020 to 3-4 years in 2030. The economic impact of HS on livestock farms was calculated by the relationship between an HS index based on the temperature-humidity index (THI) and the reduction of the gross margin. From the likelihood of the HS and this economic impact function, the probability of the economic risk could be determined. The reduction of the gross margin for a 10 year return period was determined for 1980 with 0.27 € per year and animal place and increased by the 20-fold to 5.13 € per year and animal place in 2030.
Analysis for Disease Stages of Gait in Patients with Parkinson´s Disease
Authors: Vila Mª Helena , Pérez Rocio , Mollinedo Irimia , Cancela José M.
Published: December 2020

Understanding the motor patterns underlying the movement of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) is fundamental to the effective targeting of non-pharmacological therapies. This study aims to analyze the gait pattern in relation to the evolutionary stage between I-II and III-IV according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale (H&Y) in people affected by PD. The study was conducted with the participation of 37 PD patients, with a mean age of 70.09±9.53 years, and of whom 48.64% were women. The inclusion criteria were: 1. To be diagnosed with PD; 2. To be in an evolutionary stage of the disease of between I and IV and; 3. To be able to walk independently and without any assistance. Kinematic and spatial-temporal parameters of the gait were analyzed. The results show differences in speed of movement, cadence, stride length, support duration, swing duration, step width, walking cycle duration and double support time between the stages analyzed. These results confirm the differences in PD gait pattern between stages I-II and III-IV. Different behaviors of the same variable were recorded depending on whether the right or left sides were affected by PD.
The Effect of Continuous Low Intensity Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields from Radio Base Stations to Cancer Mortality in Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Nádia Cristina Pinheiro , Dode Adilza Condessa , Andrade Mônica Kramer de Noronha , O’Dwyer Gisele , Monteiro Denise Leite Maia , Reis Inês Nascimento Carvalho , Rodrigues Roberto Pinheiro , Frossard Vera Cecília , Lino Valéria Teresa Saraiva
Published: December 2020

Background. This study aims to estimate the rate of death by cancer, according to Radio Base Stations (RBS) radiofrequency exposure, especially for the types of breast, cervix, lung and esophagus cancer. Methods. We collected information about the number of deaths by cancer, gender, age group, Gross Domestic Product per capita, death year and the amount of exposure over the lifetime. We investigated all cancer types and some specific types (breast, cervix, lung and esophagus cancers). Results. In capitals where RBS radiofrequency exposure was higher than 2,000/antennas-year, the average mortality rate was 112/100,000 for all cancers. The adjusted analysis showed that the higher the exposure to RBS radiofrequency, the higher cancer mortality. The highest adjusted risk was observed for cervix cancer (Rate Ratio = 2.18). The spatial analysis showed that the highest RBS radiofrequency exposure was observed in a city in southern Brazil, which also showed the highest mortality rate for all types of cancer and specifically for lung and breast cancer. Conclusion. The balance of our results indicates that the exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from RBS increases the rate of death by all types of cancer.
16-Week Supplementation With a Mediterranean Diet-Inspired Ingredient Rich in a Diversity of Polyphenols Improves Health-Related Quality of Life of Overweight and Obese Volunteers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Clinical Trial
Authors: Romain Cindy , Chung Linda H. , Marín-Cascales Elena , Rubio-Arias Jacobo A. , Gaillet Sylvie , Laurent Caroline , Morillas-Ruiz Juana María , Martinez-Rodriguez Alejandro , Alcaraz Pedro Miguel , Cases Julien
Published: December 2020

Overweight and obesity adversely affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) through day-to-day impairments of both mental and physical functioning. It is assumed that polyphenols within the Mediterranean diet may contribute to improve HRQOL. This investigation aimed at studying the effects of a polyphenol-rich ingredient on HRQOL in overweight and obese but otherwise healthy individuals. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study including 72 volunteers was conducted. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive for a 16-week period either 900 mg/day of the supplement or a placebo. Dietary recommendations were individually determined, and intakes were recorded; daily physical mobility was monitored. Improvement of HRQOL was set as the primary outcome and assessed at baseline and at the end of the investigation, using the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) Health survey. Body composition was analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Physical activity level was calculated using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). After 16 weeks, despite there was no adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS), supplemented individuals experienced significant HRQOL improvement (+5.3%; P=0.001), including enhanced perceived physical (+11.2%; P=0.002) and mental health (+4.1%; P=0.021) components; bodily pain, vitality, and general health, being the greatest contributors. Besides, body fat mass significantly decreased (-1.2 kg; P=0.033), mainly within trunk area (-1.0 kg; P=0.002). Engagement in physical activity significantly increased (+1308 Met-min/week; P=0.050). Hence, chronic supplementation with a nutritional diversity and dose of a Mediterranean diet-inspired polyphenol-rich ingredient resulted in a significant amelioration in both perceived physical and mental health, concomitant with the improvement of body composition, in healthy subjects with excessive adiposity.
iVar, an Interpretation-Oriented Tool to Manage the Update and Revision of Variant Annotation and Classification
Authors: Castellano Sara , Cestari Federica , Faglioni Giovanni , Tenedini Elena , Marino Marco , Artuso Lucia , Manfredini Rossella , Luppi Mario , Trenti Tommaso , Tagliafico Enrico
Published: December 2020

The rapid evolution of Next Generation Sequencing in clinical settings and the resulting challenge of variants interpretation in the light of constantly updated information, requires robust data management systems and organized approaches to variant reinterpretation. In this paper, we present iVar: a freely available and highly customizable tool provided with a user-friendly web interface. It represents a platform for the unified management of variants identified by different sequencing technologies. iVar accepts, as input, VCF files and text annotation files and elaborates them, optimizing data organization and avoiding redundancies. Updated annotations can be periodically re-uploaded and associated to variants as historicize attributes. Data can be visualized through variant-centered and sample-centered interfaces. A customizable search functionality can be exploited to periodically check if pathogenicity related data of a variant are changed over time. Patient recontacting ensuing from variant reinterpretation is made easier by iVar through the effective identification of all patients present in the database and carrying a specific variant. We tested iVar by uploading 4171 VCF files and 1463 annotation files, obtaining a database of 4166 samples and 22569 unique variants. iVar has proven to be a useful tool with good performances for collecting and managing data from medium-throughput
Innovation in NBS Co-Design and Implementation
Authors: Strout James M. , Oen Amy M. P. , Kalsnes Bjørn G. , Solheim Anders , Lupp Gerd , Pugliese Francesco , Caroppi Gerardo , Bernadie Séverine
Published: December 2020

Impact in the form of innovation and commercialisation is an essential component of publicly funded research projects. PHUSICOS, an H2020 Innovation Action project, aims at demonstrating the use of nature-based solutions for mitigating hydrometeorological hazards in rural and mountainous areas. The work program is built around key innovation actions, and each WP leader specifically responsible for nurturing innovation processes, maintaining market focus and ensuring relevance for the intended recipients of the project results. Key success criteria for PHUSICOS include up-scaling and mainstreaming of NBS to reach broader market access. An innovation strategy and supporting tools for implementing this within PHUSICS has been developed and key concepts forming the basis for this strategy are presented in this research note.
A COVID-19 exposure at a dental clinic where healthcare workers routinely use particulate filtering respirators
Authors: Kim Do Sup , Ko Jae-Hoon , Peck Kyong Ran , Baek Jin Yang , Moon Hee-Won , Ki Hyun Kyun , Yoon Ji Hyun , Kim Hyo Jin , Choi Jeong Hwa , Park Ga Eun
Published: December 2020

Back ground. Asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients produce a considerable amount of virus and transmit severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) through close contact. Preventing in-hospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is challenging, since symptom-based screening protocols may miss asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic patients. In particular, dental health workers (HCWs) are at high risk of exposure, as face-to-face contact and exposure to oral secretions is unavoidable. We report exposure of HCWs during dental procedures on a mild symptomatic COVID-19 patient. Methods. A 32-year old male visited a dental clinic at a tertiary care hospital. He experienced mild cough, which started three days before the dental visit, but did not report his symptom during the entrance screening. He underwent several dental procedures and imaging for orthognathic surgery without wearing a mask. Seven HCWs were closely exposed to the patient during dental procedures that could have generated droplets and aerosols. One HCW had close contact with the patient during radiologic exams, and seven HCWs had casual contact. All HCWs wore particulate filtering respirators with 94% filter capacity and gloves, but none wore eye protection or gowns. The next day, the patient experienced dysgeusia and was diagnosed with COVID-19 with high viral load. Results. All HCWs who had close contact with the patient were quarantined for 14 days, and polymerase chain reaction and antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2 were negative. Conclusion. This exposure event suggests the protective effect of particulate filtering respirators in dental clinics. The appropriate personal protective equipment for routine patient care during COVID-19 pandemic should be established. The appropriate personal protective equipment for routine patient care during COVID-19 pandemic should be established.
Effectiveness of a Wellbeing Intervention for Chronic Kidney Disease (WICKD): Results of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dingwall Kylie , Sweet Michelle , Cass Alan , Hughes Jaquelyne , Kavanagh David , Howard Kirsten , Barzi Federica , Brown Sarah , Sajiv Cherian , Majoni Sandawana , Nagel Tricia
Published: December 2020

Background
End stage kidney disease (ESKD) is associated with many losses, subsequently impacting mental wellbeing. Few studies have investigated the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for people with ESKD and none exist for Indigenous people, a population in which the ESKD burden is especially high.
Methods
This three-arm, waitlist, single-blind randomised controlled trial examined efficacy of the Stay Strong App in improving psychological distress (Kessler distress scale; K10), depressive symptoms (adapted Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-9), quality of life (EuroQoL; EQ5D) and dialysis adherence among Indigenous Australians undergoing haemodialysis in central and northern Australia (Alice Springs and Darwin), with follow up over two 3-month periods. Effects of immediate AIMhi Stay Strong App treatment were compared with those from a contact control app (The Hep B Story) and treatment as usual (TAU). Control conditions received the Stay Strong intervention after 3 months.
Results
Primary analyses of the full sample (N = 156) showed statistically significant decreases in K10 and PHQ-9 scores at 3 months for the Hep B Story but not for the Stay Strong app or TAU. Restricting the sample to those with moderate to severe symptoms of distress or depression (K10 > = 25 or PHQ-9 > = 10) showed significant decreases in K10 and PHQ-9 scores for both Stay Strong and Hep B Story. No significant differences were observed for the EQ-5D or dialysis attendance.
Conclusions
Findings suggest that talking to people about their wellbeing and providing information relevant to kidney health using culturally adapted, locally relevant apps improve the wellbeing of people on dialysis. Further research is required to replicate these findings and identify active intervention components.
Trial Registration:
ACTRN12617000249358; 17/02/2017