bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Files d’attente à temps discret à serveur unique avec temps d’interarrivée et de service interdépendants
Authors: ALFA Attahiru Sule
Published: February 2021

Dans plusieurs systèmes de files d’attente réels les temps d’interarrivée et de service sont, dans une certaine mesure, interdépendants. Ce concept n’a pas reçu toute l’attention qu’il mérite dans la littérature sur les files d’attente. Dans ce chapitre nous étudions les systèmes de files d’attente à temps discret dans lesquels les temps d’interarrivées dépendent des temps de service, puis nous généralisons l’idée au cas où les temps de service et les temps d’interarrivées sont interdépendants.
Analyse de la congestion et de la probabilité de perte dans les files d’attente fluides
Authors: GUILLEMIN Fabrice , REMICHE Marie-Ange , SERICOLA Bruno
Published: February 2021

Ce chapitre traite des files d’attente fluides markoviennes à capacité finie ou infinie. Notre méthode d’analyse se fonde sur l’étude des probabilités de passage conditionnellement au niveau maximal atteint pendant une période d’activité. Elle aboutit au calcul du taux de perte et à une caractérisation de la distribution de la durée de congestion et d’information perdue pendant une telle période.
Réduction d’incertitudes en analyse multidisciplinaire basée sur une étude de sensibilité par chaos polynomial
Authors: DUBREUIL Sylvain , BARTOLI Nathalie , GOGU Christian , LEFEBVRE Thierry
Published: February 2021

Cette étude présente une approche originale pour l’approximation de systèmes multidisciplinaires comportant des incertitudes de modèle, basée sur la construction de métamodèles par processus gaussiens de chaque solveur disciplinaire. La solution du système d’équations aléatoires est approchée par chaos polynomial creux permettant d’approximer les indices de sensibilité de Sobol et de déterminer ainsi quel métamodèle disciplinaire enrichir. Un exemple d’aéroélasticité statique illustre la démarche.
Forme scolaire et accessibilisation pédagogique et didactique
Authors: FEUILLADIEU Sylviane , GOMBERT Anne , BENOIT Hervé
Published: February 2021

Ce chapitre propose des éléments de réflexion sur le processus d’accessibilisation pédagogique et didactique des situations d’apprentissage, dans le cadre de la forme scolaire traditionnelle. Il décrit les gestes et les postures des enseignants visant à rendre accessibles les environnements scolaires, à partir de trois vecteurs pratiques : les gestes d’aide à l’étude, l’usage des outils numériques et les adaptations pédagogiques et didactiques.
Impact of firework on nitrooxy-organosulfates in urban aerosols
during Chinese New Year Eve
Authors: Xie Qiaorong , Su Sihui , Chen Jing , Dai Yuqing , Yue Siyao , Su Hang , Tong Haijie , Zhao Wanyu , Ren Lujie , Xu Yisheng , Cao Dong , Li Ying , Sun Yele , Wang Zifa , Liu Cong-Qiang , Kawamura Kimitaka , Jiang Guibin , Cheng Yafang , Fu Pingqing
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Little is known about the formation processes of nitrooxy-organosulfates (nitrooxy-OSs) by nighttime chemistry. Here we characterize nitrooxy-OSs at a molecular level in firework-related aerosols in urban Beijing during Chinese New Year. High-molecular-weight nitrooxy-OSs with relatively low H / C and O / C ratios and high unsaturation, which are potentially aromatic-like nitrooxy-OSs, considerably increased during the New Year’s Eve. We find that large quantities of carboxylic-rich alicyclic molecules possibly formed by nighttime reactions. The sufficient abundance of aliphatic-like and aromatic-like nitrooxy-OSs demonstrates that both anthropogenic and biogenic volatile organic compounds are essential precursors of urban secondary organic aerosols (SOA). Besides, more than 98 % of nitrooxy-OSs were extremely low-volatile organic compounds that could easily partition into and consist in the particle phase, and affected the volatility, hygroscopicity, and even toxicity of urban aerosols. Our study provides new insights into the formation of nitrooxy-organosulfates from anthropogenic emissions through nighttime chemistry in the urban atmosphere.
Hydraulic performance Analysis of water supply distribution network using water GEM v8i
Authors: Geleta Ebsa Dessalegn , Fufa Fekadu
Published: February 2021

Abstract. The study evaluates the hydraulic analysis of water supply distribution network using water GEMS v8i. which used for modeling and Simulation of hydraulic parameters in the distribution networks. The hydraulic parameters which analyzed by using this software were junction pressure, velocity of water in networking system, and nodal demands and the overall result of water supply did not satisfied demand. The water distribution system has been analyzed for steady state and extended period simulation for the present population scenario for intermittent water supply using water Gems v8i. About 14 percent of the total number of nodes analyzed had negative pressures while 68 percent of the nodes had pressures less than the adopted pressure for the analysis. These negative pressures indicate that there is inadequate head within the distribution network for water conveyance to all the sections. In the same manner 85.6 percent of flow velocities in the pipes were within the adopted velocity while around 14.4 percent of the velocities exceeded the adopted velocity. The results in this study revealed that the performance of the water distribution system of under current demand is inefficient.
The challenges of an in situ validation of a nonequilibrium model of soil heat and moisture dynamics during fires
Authors: Massman William J.
Published: February 2021

Abstract. With the increasing frequency and severity of fire, there is an increasing desire to better manage fuels and minimize, as much as possible, the impacts of fire on soils and other natural resources. Piling and/or burning slash is one method of managing fuels and reducing the risk and consequences of wildfire, but the repercussions to the soil, although very localized, can be significant and often irreversible. In an effort to provide a tool to better understand the impact of fire on soils, this study outlines the improvements to and the in situ validation of a nonequilibrium model for simulating the coupled interactions and transport of heat, moisture and water vapor during fires. Improvements to the model eliminate the following two important (but heretofore universally overlooked) inconsistencies: one that describes the relationship between evaporation and condensation in the parameterization of the nonequilibrium vapor source term, and the other that is the incorrect use of the apparent thermal conductivity in the soil heat flow equation. The first of these made a small enhancement in the stability and performance of the model. The second is an important improvement in the physics underpinning the model but had less of an impact on the model's performance and stability than the first. This study also (a) develops a general heating function that describes the energy input to the soil surface by the fire and (b) discusses the complexities and difficulties of formulating the upper boundary condition from a surface energy balance approach. The model validation uses (in situ temperature, soil moisture and heat flux) data obtained in a 2004 experimental slash pile burn. Important temperature-dependent corrections to the instruments used for measuring soil heat flux and moisture are also discussed and assessed. Despite any possible ambiguities in the calibration of the sensors or the simplicity of the parameterization of the surface heating function, the difficulties and complexities of formulating the upper boundary condition and the obvious complexities of the dynamic response of the soil's temperature and heat flux, the model produced at least a very credible, if not surprisingly good, simulation of the observed data. This study then continues with a discussion and sensitivity analysis of some important feedbacks (some of which are well known and others that are more hypothetical) that are not included in the present (or any extant) model, but that undoubtedly are dynamically influencing the physical properties of the soil in situ during the fire and, thereby, modulating the behavior of the soil temperature and moisture. This paper concludes with a list of possible future observational and modeling studies and how they would advance the research and findings discussed here.
Radar-based assessment of hail frequency in Europe
Authors: Fluck Elody , Kunz Michael , Geissbuehler Peter , Ritz Stefan P.
Published: February 2021

Abstract. In this study we present a unique 10 year climatology of severe convective storm tracks for a large European area covering Germany, France, Belgium and Luxembourg. For the period 2005–2014, a high-resolution hail potential composite of 1×1 km2 is produced from two-dimensional radar reflectivity and lightning data. Individual hailstorm tracks as well as their physical properties, such as radar reflectivity along the tracks, were reconstructed for the entire time period using the Convective Cell Tracking Algorithm (CCTA2D). A sea-to-continent gradient in the number of hail days per year is found to be present over the whole domain. In addition, the highest number of severe storms is found on the leeward side of low mountain ranges such as the Massif Central in France and the Swabian Jura in southwest Germany. A latitude shift in the hail peak month is observed between the northern part of Germany, where hail occurs most frequently in August, and southern France, where the maximum amount of hail is 2 months earlier. The longest footprints with high reflectivity values occurred on 9 June 2014 and on 28 July 2013 with lengths reaching up to 500 km. Both events were associated with hailstones measuring up to 10 cm diameter, which caused damage in excess of EUR 2 billion.
Snow Ensemble Uncertainty Project (SEUP): quantification of snow water equivalent uncertainty across North America via ensemble land surface modeling
Authors: Kim Rhae Sung , Kumar Sujay , Vuyovich Carrie , Houser Paul , Lundquist Jessica , Mudryk Lawrence , Durand Michael , Barros Ana , Kim Edward J. , Forman Barton A. , Gutmann Ethan D. , Wrzesien Melissa L. , Garnaud Camille , Sandells Melody , Marshall Hans-Peter , Cristea Nicoleta , Pflug Justin M. , Johnston Jeremy , Cao Yueqian , Mocko David , Wang Shugong
Published: February 2021

Abstract. The Snow Ensemble Uncertainty Project (SEUP) is an effort
to establish a baseline characterization of snow water equivalent (SWE)
uncertainty across North America with the goal of informing global snow
observational needs. An ensemble-based modeling approach, encompassing a
suite of current operational models is used to assess the uncertainty in
SWE and total snow storage (SWS) estimation over North America during the
2009–2017 period. The highest modeled SWE uncertainty is observed in
mountainous regions, likely due to the relatively deep snow, forcing
uncertainties, and variability between the different models in resolving the
snow processes over complex terrain. This highlights a need for
high-resolution observations in mountains to capture the high spatial SWE
variability. The greatest SWS is found in Tundra regions where, even though
the spatiotemporal variability in modeled SWE is low, there is considerable
uncertainty in the SWS estimates due to the large areal extent over which
those estimates are spread. This highlights the need for high accuracy in
snow estimations across the Tundra. In midlatitude boreal forests, large
uncertainties in both SWE and SWS indicate that vegetation–snow impacts are
a critical area where focused improvements to modeled snow estimation
efforts need to be made. Finally, the SEUP results indicate that SWE
uncertainty is driving runoff uncertainty, and measurements may be beneficial
in reducing uncertainty in SWE and runoff, during the melt season at high
latitudes (e.g., Tundra and Taiga regions) and in the western mountain
regions, whereas observations at (or near) peak SWE accumulation are more
helpful over the midlatitudes.
The Correlation Between Accounting Conservatism and the Efficiency of Investment Decisions in View of Managerial Ownership: A Field Study of Jordanian Environment
Authors:   University of Mu’ta, Kingdom of Jordan, Ali Al-fadhel Muayad Mohammed
Published: February 2021

The study aims to examine the correlation between accounting conservatism and the efficiency of investment decisions in view of managerial ownership variance which is regarded as one of the main principles of determining investment decisions efficiency. Methodology: A model was designed based on the consideration that accounting conservatism represents the independent variable, while the investment decisions efficiency represents the dependent variable. The research measured the accounting conservatism in the companies of the sample by using Basu scale (1997); while using Biddle et. al. (2009) model to measure the dependent variable. To achieve the objective of the study, the study tested the hypothesis by implementing the designed model but with different levels of managerial ownership on a sample of 87 Jordanian companies from 2013 to 2017. Results: The results of the study supported its hypothesis; as it showed the existence of different correlations between accounting conservatism and investment efficiency decisions according to the difference in the ratio of managerial ownership. Practical implication: It was revealed that the majority of the Jordanian companies don’t implement conservative accounting policies. This has led to the prevalence of the phenomenon of asymmetry of information and consequently, inefficiency of investment decisions. The results also revealed that in conservative companies, the efficiency of investment decisions depended on the level of marginal conservatism, which differs from one managerial ownership level to another. Scientific authenticity: The significance of the study lies in refuting the concept that the benefit of the accounting conservative in improving the quality of financial reports, the efficiency of investment decisions as well as reducing agency problems; is absolute and is not affected by the management benefit. Moreover, the study proposes what the research named as ‘The Marginal Level of Conservative Benefit’, which resulted as a consequence of the correlation between conservatism and managers’ motivation.
O Impacto da Iniciação Científica na Formação Universitária
Authors: Bridi Jamile Cristina Ajub , Pereira Elisabete Monteiro de Aguiar
Published: February 2021

Este artigo apresenta os resultados da pesquisa desenvolvida na Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), nos anos de 2000 e 2001, a qual buscou compreender o papel da Iniciação Científica na formação global do aluno de graduação, segundo a percepção dos próprios alunos e de orientadores envolvidos. O estudo configurou-se como descritivo-exploratório e foi desenvolvido a partir de dados coletados através de questionário para os alunos e entrevista para os professores orientadores. Os dados colhidos foram trabalhados através da Análise de Conteúdo, abrangendo aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos.
Formação Continuada de Professores do Município de Regente Feijó: A Municipalização do Ensino Fundamental e o Desafios da Construção de uma Política - 1999/2002
Authors: Klébis Augusta Boa Sorte Oliveira , Leite Yoshie Ussami Ferrari
Published: February 2021

O objetivo central deste trabalho foi o de levantar alguns indicadores de reflexão para a construção de uma política de Formação Continuada dos Professores do Ensino Fundamental da Rede Municipal de Regente Feijó. Sua relevância apoia-se nos vários desafios que um grande número de municípios enfrentam para a definição de uma política educacional de qualidade, tendo em vista a municipalização do ensino fundamental. Essa nova realidade impõe que a educação seja priorizada pelo poder público municipal, consubstanciada numa concepção de formação em serviço como um direito do professor e dever do estado. Dessa forma, deram corpo a essa pesquisa: a) as reflexões sobre as várias dimensões da formação docente (formação inicial, formação em serviço, condições objetivas de trabalho) e a importância delas se articularem num continuum; b) a análise da trajetória da profissão docente, com seus avanços e recuos, apontando para a necessidade dos professores assumirem uma nova profissionalização, pautada numa perspectiva social; c) a análise dos significados e das necessidades de formação dos 48 professores da rede municipal de ensino fundamental, objetivando a construção de uma política de formação em serviço que promova o desenvolvimento profissional docente e possibilite uma maior autonomia para as escolas construírem seus projetos.
Formação Continuada e Certificação de Professores
Authors: Cury Carlos Roberto Jamil
Published: February 2021

Formação Continuada e Certificação deProfessores
Em busca do Humanismo: um olhar sobre a visita técnica nos cursos de turismo a partir da teoria crítica em currículo
Authors: Schulze Thiago Rodrigues
Published: February 2021

No presente artigo objetiva-se analisar uma estratégia de aprendizagem presente nos cursos de Turismo, a visita técnica. Destaca a importância da necessidade de encontrar um olhar humanista para essa estratégia de aprendizagem, construída a partir de aspectos da Teoria Crítica em Currículo. O trabalho é desenvolvido apresentando as características atuais do curso de Turismo e refletindo sobre a visita técnica como estratégia de aprendizagem. Finalmente, apresenta a concepção humanista como alternativa à lógica tecnicista, voltada exclusivamente para o mercado, e o respectivo papel dos educadores nesse processo.
O desenvolvimento profissional do professor
Authors: De Camargo Eliana Nardelli
Published: February 2021

Este trabalho explora relevantes aspectos relativos ao desenvolvimento profissional do professor. Nosso objetivo foi o de explicitar como os programas de formação continuada, dirigidos a professores podem contribuir para o aperfeiçoamento de suas práticas. Os temas abordados foram analisados pelos diversos autores indicados durante o curso da disciplina Formação e Desenvolvimento Profissional de Professores, em 2004, no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação: Currículo, na Linha de Pesquisa de Formação de Professores, da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUCSP). As respostas obtidas nesta pesquisa podem contribuir para que constatemos a presença ou ausência de elementos que acreditamos essenciais nesses programas. Consideramos que há mais de um caminho para se promover o desenvolvimento do professor, e sua escolha vai depender do perfil de professor que se pretende formar. Foram analisados três perfis, aos quais se relacionaram diferentes possibilidades de construção da autonomia. Embora objetivar a construção da autonomia profissional mostre-se fundamental, concluímos que o mais importante elemento a ser incluído nos referidos programas é a intensa preocupação com o desenvolvimento do auto-conhecimento do professor.
Entre o Quinino e a Cloroquina: ecos da gripe espanhola na cobertura jornalística sobre a pandemia no Brasil
Authors: Santana Adriana
Published: February 2021

This paper is the result of the analyses of 1918-1919 Brazilian newspapers and magazines, when the Spanish flu pandemic broke out. An analysis on how the press behave at the time, indicating permanency and divergences between both epochs. It may represent a possibility of increase in professional practice as well as a tool to analyse the role of the press nowadays. The results presented in this article are the result of both cataloging and analyzing published editions in Brazil between September 1918 and September 1919 by the Journalism and Humor Research Group, from the Federal University of Pernambuco.
Reflections on Domestic Violence During the Movement Control Order: Case Study Evidence from Media Reports
Authors: Mohammed Adam Andani , Uddin Md. Sayed , Saidi Abdallah Mpawenimana
Published: February 2021

The study investigates the incidence of domestic violence as reported by the press under the Movement Control Order MCO during the pandemic. The study also discussed how of issues of domestic violence can be handled now and during future pandemics. Empirical evidence used in this study is based on secondary data and qualitative analysis technique adopted to assess issues of domestic violence. To get relevant data, Google Scholar was used as a tool to access the major databases provided by Springer, IISTE, Tailor and Frances, Emerald, Elsevier, Sage and others. Data were obtained from newspaper articles and news articles from various online news outlets as the only source to access data of incidence of domestic violence in Malaysia during the lockdown. Results indicate a slight decrease in calls on domestic violence immediately after the MCO was implemented on March 18. It is found that the decrease was due to the fact that survivors or victims were trapped with the abusers and could not seek help or escape. The study further found that organizations attending to domestic violence cases reported a serious increase in number of abuse cases in Malaysia in the second week of the MCO thus between 18 and 31 March. The findings are intended to contribute to the narratives on violence against women now and during future disease outbreaks. It may also assist in the future improvement of the provision of services and interventions for victims of domestic violence during pandemic.
Inflation Rate, Exchange Rate, Remittances Inflows and Economic Performance in Nigeria: A Granger Causality Approach
Authors: Ayunku Peter Ego , Dickson Rachel Konyefa
Published: February 2021

This study empirically investigated the impact of inflation rate, exchange rate and remittances inflows on the economic performance of Nigeria using time series data from 1960 to 2018. The study employed econometric techniques such as the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) unit root test, correlation statistics, granger causality testand the ordinary least squares multivariate regression methods to analyze the data. The study finding showed that remittances inflows are a major driver of economic activities and growth in the Nigeria clime. Exchange rate exerted a positive impact on gross domestic product per capita growth in Nigeria. Both remittances inflows and exchange rate maintained a bi-directional causality with the performance of economy of Nigeria. The study concludes that remittances inflows have a correlation with monetary policy transmission mechanisms towards enhancing the performance of the economy of Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that the government needs to create investors’ friendly environment capable of encouraging migrants to channel their resources into the economy. This will help to boost economic activities, reduce unemployment rate, increases savings, with the end goal of engendering economic performance of Nigeria. To reduce the effect of Inflation in Nigeria, this study suggests that the policy monetary authority (CBN) needs to come up with a policy framework that can enhance the country’s capital stock instead of expending it.
All the Realities and All the Illusions
Authors: Grumberg Karen
Published: February 2021

This review essay considers Adam Newton’s book Jewish Studies as Counterlife through the lens of modern Hebrew and comparative literary studies. I begin by reflecting on Newton’s articulation of the problems plaguing Jewish studies in the American academy, and on his proposal of a “Jewish Studies to come”–a vision based on relationality, interruption, and sharing that moves beyond disciplines, interdisciplinarity, and the academy itself. Bringing these ideas into conversation with my own experience as a scholar of Hebrew and comparative literature, I outline my ambivalence regarding my positionality within Jewish studies, a field that is by definition concerned with Jewish and Judaic matters and that has privileged history and religious studies over literature and culture. The expansion of the field and the permeability of its boundaries, however, have created the conditions for my own active participation in its institutions, suggesting that Newton’s vision has already started to take shape. Newton’s book, more a manifesto then a report, does the crucial work of theorizing these shifts and their potential not only for Jewish studies but also, critically, for the humanities more broadly. In posing a new set of questions and bypassing the conventional concerns undergirding attempts to define, understand, and situate Jewish studies, Newton invites “the uncontainable” into Jewish studies and Jewish studies–in all its uncontainability–more fully into the humanities. Jewish Studies as Counterlife makes a radical, viable, and imaginative case for inclusion within Jewish studies as well as of Jewish studies.
Resistance to—and Persistence of—Theory
Authors: Berman Lila Corwin
Published: February 2021

In this extended review of Adam Zachary Newton’s Jewish Studies as Counterlife: A Report to the Academy, Lila Corwin Berman explores the different life—immersed in theory, interdisciplinarity, and self-reflexivity—that Newton imagines for Jewish studies. A highly theoretical text, Newton’s book demands close reading and patience, yet the payoff is significant. His contention that Jewish studies should seek new registers through which to liberate itself from its narrowest straits and instead build bridges across the university offers a powerful model for the future of the field. Yet Newton’s approach appears to fold in on itself as he advances the imagery of “pitchforks” and “levers” to describe the Jewish studies he wishes to bring into being. Berman challenges his choices of metaphors and notes the implicit masculinity they—and, thus, Newton’s approach—communicate about a field that traditionally prioritized men’s experiences and voices. In this way, the book falls short of advancing a truly counter life.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Egyptian Women Psychological Empowerment and Work-Life Balance
Authors: Zaki Dajani Maha Ahmed , Mostafa Bassant Adel
Published: February 2021

The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Egyptian Women Psychological Empowerment and Work-Life Balance. The study was conducted on (107) Egyptian working women in different sectors and located in the Greater Cairo region. An online survey link was sent directly to these respondents to answer. They were selected using the non-probability judgmental sampling method; the only criterion for inclusion was that these respondents were working women operating in the Egyptian business context. Research hypotheses were tested using correlation and multiple regression analysis. After testing the effect of Egyptian working women’s psychological empowerment dimensions on the perceived work-life balance, it was concluded that competence and self-determination dimensions were the two main psychological empowerment dimensions that positively affected the perceived work life balance. The other three dimensions: meaning, impact, and trust dimensions, had an insignificant effect on the perceived work-life balance. This research will help in designing a practical roadmap showing how to empower women psychologically while preserving their well-being and balancing their work-life duties and responsibilities. In addition to implementing work-life strategies and HR policies that will support working women in Egypt. Most of the studies have tackled the positive benefits of women empowerment and ignored its consequences on women’s emotional and psychological well-being. Besides, few researches have been empirically administered on working women’s psychological empowerment especially in Egypt.
Availability of diagnostic services and essential medicines for non‐communicable respiratory diseases in African countries
Authors: Plum C. , Stolbrink M. , Zurba L. , Bissell K. , Ozoh B. O. , Mortimer K.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: The global burden of disease due to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is substantial and particularly great in low‐ and middle‐income countries, including many African countries. Management is affected by availability of diagnostic
tests and essential medicines. The study aimed to explore the availability of spirometry services and essential medicines for asthma and COPD in African countries.METHOD: Questionnaires were delivered to healthcare workers at the annual meeting of the Pan African Thoracic Society
Methods in Epidemiology and Clinical Research (PATS MECOR) and International Multidisciplinary Programme to Address Lung Health and TB in Africa (IMPALA). Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics.RESULTS: A total of 37 questionnaires representing 13 African countries
were returned. Spirometry availability was 73.0%. The most common reasons for non‐availability were lack of knowledge of the utility of the test. Within the study sample, 33.3% faced sporadic availability due to maintenance issues. Essential medicines availability ranged from 37.8%
for inhaled corticosteroid‐long‐acting beta‐agonist inhalers to 100% for prednisolone 5 mg tablets, mainly due to supply chain problems.CONCLUSION: There is varied availability of spirometry and WHO essential medicines for COPD and asthma in African countries.
Strategies are needed to improve access to basic effective care for people with non‐communicable lung disease in Africa.
TB management in the European Union/European Economic Area: a multi‐centre survey
Authors: Sotgiu G. , Rosales-Klintz S. , Centis R. , D'Ambrosio L. , Verduin R. , Correia A. M. , Cirule A. , Duarte R. , Gadzheva B. , Gualano G. , Kunst H. , Palmieri F. , Riekstina V. , Stefanova D. , Tiberi S. , van der Werf M. J. , Migliori G. B.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: Essential TB care in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) comprises 21 standards for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of TB that constitute the European Union Standards for Tuberculosis Care (ESTC).METHODS: In 2017, we conducted an
audit on TB management and infection control measures against the ESTC standards. TB reference centres in five EU/EEA countries were purposely selected to represent the heterogeneous European TB burden and examine geographic variability.RESULTS: Data from 122 patients, diagnosed
between 2012 and 2015 with multidrug-resistant TB (n = 49), extensively drug‐resistant TB (XDR‐TB) (n = 11), pre‐XDR‐TB (n = 29) and drug‐susceptible TB (n = 33), showed that TB diagnosis and treatment practices were in general
in agreement with the ESTC.CONCLUSION: Overall, TB management and infection control practices were in agreement with the ESTC in the selected EU/EEA reference centres. Areas for improvement include strengthening of integrated care services and further implementation of patient‐centred
approaches.
Cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Sygitowicz Grażyna , Sitkiewicz Dariusz
Published: February 2021

Both of this year’s Nobel Prize Winners: James P. Allison and Tasaku Honjo made a disruptive discovery concerning the mechanisms of repressing the immunological response. They identified and characterised two different proteins: CTLA-4 and PD-1. They can be found on the surface of T lymphocytes and they are immunological checkpoints. James P. Allison stated that for the complete immunological activation, apart from the recognition of antigen by T-cell receptor, the interaction with proteins B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86) acting as an accelerator/costimulator is also crucial. The protein CTLA-4 controls this process competitively repressing the joining of these proteins to T-cell receptor CD28, which blocks their full activation. Another activation mechanism was discovered by T. Honjo, who identified immunoreceptor PD-1, appearing on T-cells, and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. Their expressed occurs on the surface of various cells, and what seems to be the most important, also on cancer cells. The interaction of PD-1 receptor with its ligands leads to the inhibition of the immunological reaction. The merit of this year’s Nobel Prize Winners is also presenting that blocking of CTLA-4 and PD-1 checkpoints by specific antibodies allows to gain the desirable T lymphocytes activity, which results in cancer destruction. James P. Allison`s and Tasaku Honjo`s research created the structure of new drugs – immunological inhibitors of control points: CTLA-4 and PD-1 checkpoints immunological and PD-L1/L2 ligands inhibitors. These drugs (monoclonal antibodies) in many cases resulted in a spectacular regression of cancer disease (major tumor regression). The results so far have been so impressive that FDA approved their application in therapy of various advanced cancers, such as: metastatic stage, lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer and other cancers.
What is new in ISO standards, recommendations
and legal regulations in Polish POCT?
Authors: Tomasik Przemysław
Published: February 2021

The number of diagnostic tests performed as a point of care testing (POCT) is constantly growing. High quality of the results obtained
in this way requires obligatory implementation of appropriate quality-oriented procedures. Such a procedures should come from legal
issues like acts and executive regulations. In Poland, there is currently no comprehensive legal framework for POCT. The recommendations
of the National Chamber of Medical Laboratory Specialists and the ISO Standard EN-PN 22870 provide guidance on the organization
and management of the “bedside” testing system, as well as the pre-analytic, analytical and post-analytic phases of these in vitro tests.
However, both documents are not obligatory and compliance with them is voluntary. Taking into account the patient’s safety, legal
acts should be created that will allow to ensure the appropriate quality of tests performed “near patient” and will be the basis for the
cooperation of laboratories and clinical departments in this field.
The Polish National External Quality Assessment Scheme in Microbiological Diagnostics – POLMICRO 2017
Authors: Młodzińska Ewa , Bosacka Karolina , Mikołajczyk Anna , Rybicka Joanna , Stefaniuk Elżbieta , Hryniewicz Waleria
Published: February 2021

The Polish National External Quality Assessment Scheme in Microbiological Diagnostics – POLMICRO programme is organized by the Centre of Quality Control in Microbiology (CQCM). The aim of the POLMICRO 2017 Programme was to evaluate proficiency of laboratories in the identification of microorganisms, determination of susceptibility to antibiotics, detection of resistance mechanisms and interpretation of Gram slides. Bacterial isolates distributed within the Programme differed in their susceptibility to antibiotics and presence of various resistance mechanisms. The paper presents the results of the XXIV edition – POLMICRO 2017.
The correlation between the concentration of faecal calprotectin and markers of inflammation in children with gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Lewandowska Katarzyna , Ciepiela Olga
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Calprotectin is an acute phase protein that occurs in large amounts in the granules and cytosolic fluid of neutrophils, and in smaller amounts in monocytes and macrophages. In bowel inflammation, increased neutrophil migration from the circulation to the intestinal lumen is observed as a consequence of mucosal damage. This leads to the release of a significant amount of calprotectin by activated leukocytes in intestine, thereby increasing its concentration in the faeces. This allows the non-invasive assessment of intestinal inflammation. Other markers useful in patients with bowel inflammation are erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between the concentration of faecal calprotectin (FC) and other markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin in serum, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and white blood cells (WBC) count and in children with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Material and methods: This study is based on a retrospective analysis of laboratory results of 370 children suspected of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Pearson’s coefficient was used to assess the correlation between the parameters.

Results: There was a positive correlation between concentration of FC and parameters such as CRP (r=0.16; p=0.0345), ESR (r=0.38; p<0.0001) and WBC (r=0.24; p=0.0008) in children with IBD. There was also a negative correlation between concentration of FC and ferritin (r=-0.24; p=0.0089) in children with IBD.

Conclusion: In this study, ESR turned out to be more adequate than CRP and WBC in detecting inflammation in patients with IBD.
The effect of winter swimming on concentration of malondialdehyde in erythrocytes and blood plasma of healthy individuals – a preliminary report
Authors: Wesołowski Roland , Mila-Kierzenkowska Celestyna , Szewczyk-Golec Karolina , Woźniak Alina
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Variable environmental conditions can disturb oxidant-antioxidant balance. The particular type of such changes in warm-blooded organisms is caused by sudden cooling. The organism tries to prevent the harmful effects of cold by activating many reactions leading to preserve homeostasis. Nevertheless, these mechanisms are often insufficient and oxidative stress occurs, which is manifested by increased lipid peroxidation.
Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of cold water immersion on the concentration of malondialdehyde (the main product of lipid peroxidation) in the blood of regular and novice winter swimmers.
Material and methods: The study was conducted in a group of 30 healthy volunteers, half of whom were regular winter swimmers and half were novices. All participants were exposed to low temperatures during a 3-minute bath in a river, water temperature was 0°C, while the ambient temperature was +4°C. Blood samples were taken three times: at baseline, as well as 5 and 30 minutes after cold water immersion. Concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) in both plasma and erythrocytes were determined.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences of plasma and erythrocytic MDA concentrations between regular winter swimmers and controls at baseline. The significant decrease in plasma MDA concentration (19.4%; p<0.05) was observed in regular winter swimmers 5 minutes after leaving the cold water. Likewise, a statistically significant decreases of MDA concentrations were observed in the erythrocytes of the regular winter swimmers, both 5 minutes (37,1%; p<0.05) and 30 minutes (33,4%; p<0.05) after winter swimming. There were no significant changes in MDA concentrations in both blood plasma and erythrocytes of controls due to exposure to low temperatures. Nevertheless, a trend to lower concentrations of these parameters were observed in this group of swimmers.
Conclusions: The decrease of MDA concentration in patients who regularly use cold water immersion and the trend to decrease this parameter in control group demonstrated in this paper may indicate a rapid and effective removal of lipid peroxidation products as a result of peripheral hyperemia. Furthermore, the results suggest that the mechanisms of defence against oxidative stress may be more effective in the regular winter swimmers than in people not regularly exposed to low temperatures. This may point to the activation of adaptive mechanisms as a result of regular cold water immersions.
Potentiometric methods in routine sodium and potassium measurements
Authors: Kmin Ewelina , Bobilewicz Dagna
Published: February 2021

Because of important role of sodium and potassium in maintenance of homeostasis the interpretation of their concentration should require special attention. In routine two potentiometric methods are used; direct (undiluted samples) and indirect (diluted samples). Results obtained by indirect method reflect the real status in case of physiological proportion of plasma water and stable particles, otherwise (lipemia, hiperproteinemia, alcoholemia) the results are falsely decreased leading particularly to pseudohiponatremia and pseudonormonatremia, what should be considered in clinical interpretation of results.
Protective effects of curcumin on chromatin quality, sperm parameters, and apoptosis following testicular torsion-detorsion in mice
Authors: Shahedi Abbas , Talebi Ali Reza , Mirjalili Aghdas , Pourentezari Majid
Published: February 2021

Objective: The chief outcome of testicular torsion in clinical and experimental contexts is testicular ischemia. Curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has fascinated researchers and clinicians for its promise in the treatment of fertility diseases. Methods: Thirty-five fully grown male mice were randomly classified into five groups: control, sham, testicular torsion, treatment group 1 (testicular torsion+short-term curcumin), and treatment group 2 (testicular torsion+long-term curcumin). Thirty-five days later, spermatozoa from the right cauda epididymis were analyzed with regard to count and motility. Toluidine blue (TB), aniline blue (AB), and chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining assays were used to evaluate the sperm chromatin integrity. In addition, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) test was used to assess apoptosis.Result: Treatment group 1 exhibited a remarkably elevated sperm count compared to the testicular torsion group. Additionally, notably lower sperm motility was found in the testicular torsion group compared to the control, treatment 1, and treatment 2 groups. Staining (CMA3, AB, and TB) and the TUNEL test indicated significantly greater testicular torsion in the torsion group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The data also revealed notably lower results of all sperm chromatin assays and lower apoptosis in both treatment groups relative to the testicular torsion group (p<0.05). Significantly elevated (p<0.05) AB and TB results were noted in treatment group 1 compared to treatment group 2.Conclusion: Curcumin can compensate for the harmful effects of testicular ischemia and improve sperm chromatin quality in mice.
Social weaknesses versus environmental conservation of Extractive Reserves in the Amazon
Authors: Freitas Josimar , Florit Luciano , Farias Filho Milton , Homma Alfredo
Published: February 2021

Extractive Reserves (RESEXs) in the Amazon were created in order to improve the living conditions of its inhabitants and protect natural resources. Seeking to observe this reality, this study aimed to evaluate social and productive policies from the perspective of socio-environmental sustainability of two RESEXs from the Brazilian Amazon. Data and information were generated through observations, interviews and use of a questionnaire with 150 residents of 29 communities of the RESEXs Alto Juruá (Acre) and Rio Ouro Preto (Rondônia) located in the Brazilian Western Amazon. The results indicate the distance between social, economic and forest protection policies led the RESEXs to decline. The conclusion is that the sustainability of these areas depends on social policies associated with economic, ecological and partnership policies that value environmental resources and ensure the maintenance of the minimum living conditions of the inhabitants.
Aspectos materiais da informalidade como recurso urbano: o caso das favelas do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Gonçalves Rafael Soares
Published: February 2021

O artigo procura analisar os desdobramentos materiais de práticas informais. Para isso, centra sua reflexão na reflexão sobre como a informalidade permite práticas de construções mais flexíveis, modulando, através da autoconstrução, a habitação de acordo com as necessidades familiares. Da mesma forma, analisa a gestão informal de certos serviços coletivos, assim como a delimitação oficial das zonas de favela através do estudo da aplicação de medidas de isenção fiscal para os alvarás comerciais nesses espaços. O estudo desses três casos busca compreender como os moradores adaptaram suas práticas informais às suas necessidades, de forma a compreender paradoxalmente a informalidade como uma função social, já que permite a parte considerável da população do Rio de Janeiro de acessar à cidade e seus recursos.
G-PETo: Um Framework para Troca Direta e Transparente de Dados entre Aplicações Filtro-Fluxo em Arquiteturas Multi-GPUs
Authors: Avelar Millas , Andrade Guilherme , Rocha Leonardo
Published: February 2021

Neste trabalho propomos e avaliamos uma abstração genérica para a troca de dados direta e transparente em aplicações filtro-fluxo executadas em cluster (computadores interligados) heterogêneos, compostos por múltiplas placas aceleradoras gráficas (GPUs). Esta abstração permite que todos os detalhes de implementação de baixo nível, relacionados à comunicação entre GPUs e o controle relacionado à localização dos filtros, sejam realizados de forma transparente para os programadores. Este trabalho está consolidado em um framework, o qual denominamos G-PETo, e nossos resultados de avaliação demonstram que ele é capaz de fornecer uma camada de abstração aos programadores sem comprometer o desempenho geral da aplicação.
Transferência de Aprendizado para Redes Bayesianas com Aplicação em Predição de Falha de Discos Rígidos
Authors: Pereira Francisco Lucas F. , Lima Fernando Dione S. , Leite Lucas G. M. , Gomes João Paulo P. , Machado Javam C.
Published: February 2021

Predizer falhas em Discos Rígidos é muito importante para evitar perda de dados e custos adicionais. Logo, um esforço pode ser observado para encontrar métodos adequados de predição de falhas. Apesar dos resultados encorajantes alcançados por vários métodos, um aspecto notado é a falta de dados disponíveis para construir modelos confiáveis. Transferência de Aprendizado oferece uma alternativa válida, uma vez que pode ser usada para transferir conhecimento de modelos de Disco com muitos dados para Discos com menos dados. Neste trabalho, avaliamos estratégias de Transferência de Aprendizado para esta tarefa. Além disso propomos uma estratégia para construir fontes de informação baseadas no agrupamento de modelos de disco parecidos. Resultados mostraram que todos os cenários testados de transferência melhoram a performance dos métodos de predição, principalmente para Discos com muito poucos dados.
REIC - Edição Especial - Artigos do WIC-WSCAD 2018
Authors: Dos Santos Ricardo , Bruschi Sarita Mazzini
Published: February 2021

Esta edição especial da REIC reúne artigos que apresentam os trabalhos realizados por alunos de graduação submetidos e selecionados para o Workshop de Iniciação Científica (WIC) do XIX Simpósio em Sistemas Computacionais de Alto Desempenho (WSCAD), que ocorreu em São Paulo, São Paulo, de 01 a 03 de outubro de 2018.
Diseccionando las experiencias mentales: las reflexiones fenomenológicas de Husserl sobre “Erlebnisen” en “Ideas”
Authors: Moran Dermot
Published: February 2021

No nos interesan las facticidades [Faktizitäten] de la conciencia y de sus cursos [Abläufe], pero sí los problemas esenciales [Wesensprobleme], que aquí habría que formular. (Husserl, Ideas § 135, p. 412; Hua III/1 312)En el presente artículo me centraré en las siguientes cuestiones: (a) que hay de nuevo en las Ideas de Husserl (b) la necesidad de una epoché trascendental o una reducción para acceder a la correlación noesis-noema (c) la estructura compleja de Erlebnis intencional y algunos aspectos de noesis y noema (d) las leyes eidéticas identificadas por Husserl y, finalmente, (e) algunas observaciones sobre el papel del ego en la corriente de las vivencias (Erlebnissstorm)What interests us are not the facticities [Faktizitäten] of consciousness and in-stances of it elapsing [Abläufe], but ra-ther the problems of its essence [Wesensprobleme], problems which would need to be formulated there. (Husserl, Ideas, § 135, p. 269; Hua III/1 312)In this paper I shall focus on the following matters: (a) what is new in Husserl’s Ideas (b) the need for a transcendental epoché or reduction in order to access the noesi-noema correlation (c) the complex structure of an intentional Erlebnis and some aspects of noesis and noema (d) the eidetic laws Husserl identifies, and, finally, (e) some remarks on the role of the ego in the stream of experiences (Erlebnisstrom).