bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maraká: Infra-estrutura Computacional para Apoiar o Planejamento e Controle dos Testes de Software
Authors: Dias Neto Arilo Claudio , Travassos Guilherme Horta
Published: July 2021

Este artigo descreve a infra-estrutura Maraká, uma infra-estrutura computacional que apóia o planejamento e controle de testes de software desenvolvida a partir de requisitos extraídos dos resultados obtidos em um survey, que avaliou o estado da prática das atividades de teste de software em um cenário real de desenvolvimento de software, e do conhecimento extraído na literatura técnica da área de testes de software. Maraká permite o acompanhamento do processo de testes de software e a documentação das atividades realizadas ao longo dos testes usando um padrão internacional (IEEE Standard 829). O controle das atividades de teste de software é suprido através de artefatos que descrevem gráficos de acompanhamento, cronogramas ou outras informações sobre os testes realizados.
PCU|PSP: Uma Estratégia para ajustar Pontos por Casos de Uso por meio do PSP em Empresas de Pequeno Porte
Authors: Sanchez Arnaldo , Montebelo Renan , Fabbri Sandra
Published: July 2021

Este artigo apresenta uma estratégia que permite o ajuste da técnica de Pontos por Casos de Uso para que esta reflita efetivamente as características da equipe de desenvolvimento, de forma que o planejamento do sistema a ser desenvolvido seja mais próximo da realidade. Esse ajuste provém da aplicação de práticas da técnica PSPTM (Personal Software Process) e de uma constante avaliação das mesmas, em conjunto com a atualização e o controle do plano de desenvolvimento elaborado. Essa estratégia foi extraída da aplicação sistemática dessas duas técnicas em conjunto em empresas de pequeno porte. Os resultados obtidos dão indícios de sua contribuição para a melhoria da qualidade do processo de desenvolvimento de software, principalmente no que diz respeito às atividades de planejamento e controle.
Segurança: Fator Determinante para A Qualidade de Software
Authors: Nunes Francisco José Barreto , Belchior Arnaldo Dias
Published: July 2021

A crescente incidência de falhas de segurança decorrentes de problemas nos produtos de software alerta para a baixa qualidade do software desenvolvido. Contudo, a segurança da informação tem um escopo maior que pode combinar diversos aspectos de qualidade. Uma solução para essa tendência de falhas é incluir atividades normalmente aplicadas em segurança da informação no processo de desenvolvimento de software. Logo, este trabalho propõe um processo para tratar a qualidade da segurança de software: o Processo Seguro de Desenvolvimento de Software.
Ensuring Quality in the Development of an Automated Testbed via Concepts of Extreme Programming
Authors: Siebra Clauirton A. , Freitas Angela F. , Carneiro Kleber R. , Costa Paulo R. , Freitas Raquel X. , Da Silva Fabio Q. B. , Santos Andre L. M.
Published: July 2021

This paper describes our experience on using concepts of the Agile methodology during the development cycle of an automated testbed solution. The initial idea was to consider one of the Agile methods, the Extreme Programming, to lead our process. However, the particular features of our system have required adaptations in our initial process so that we could ensure the final product quality. This paper details all the steps of this adaptation, stressing the rationale for each of our decisions.
Inspeções de Requisitos de Software em Desenvolvimento Incremental: Uma Experiência Prática
Authors: Kalinowski Marcos , Spínola Rodrigo Oliveira , Dias Neto Arilo Claudio , Bott Andrew , Travassos Guilherme Horta
Published: July 2021

Inspeção de software é uma técnica eficiente para reduzir o trabalho e melhorar a qualidade de artefatos de software. Entretanto, na indústria a aplicação de inspeções muitas vezes se dá de forma pouco sistemática e seu verdadeiro potencial é raramente atingido. Neste artigo relatamos a experiência da institucionalização do processo de inspeção de software para a realização de inspeções de requisitos em um projeto real que segue um ciclo de vida incremental. Entre os resultados obtidos destacamos a identificação de oportunidades de melhoria no processo de software, a partir da análise dos resultados das inspeções em incrementos anteriores.
Retorno de Investimento da Melhoria de Processo de Software na BL Informática
Authors: Ferreira Analia Irigoyen Ferreiro , Cerqueira Roberta , Santos Gleison , Montoni Mariano , Barreto Ahilton , Barreto Andrea O. S. , Rocha Ana Regina
Published: July 2021

Devido ao ambiente competitivo, organizações tentam melhorar suas práticas visando atingir níveis mais altos de produtividade, qualidade e competitividade. Apesar de a melhoria de processo de software ser uma das abordagens mais usadas para atingir esses objetivos, isto não é fácil e geralmente requer grandes investimentos. Assim, determinar o retorno desses investimentos é crucial para justificá-los e manter a motivação alta. Este trabalho apresenta resultados quantitativos do retorno do investimento relacionados a cronograma, custos, produtividade, qualidade e financeiros na BL Informática, mostrando que esses investimentos realmente podem trazer bons retornos.
Saying What One Means
Authors: Swenson Joseph ,   Southwestern Philosophical Society
Published: July 2021

Few would dispute that Nietzsche writes differently than most philosophers, especially when judged by the standards of contemporary philosophical writing. There is plenty of dispute, however, about why Nietzsche has chosen to present his thinking in the ways that he does. When one turns to much recent Nietzsche scholarship, it would appear that the literary quality of his writing is often treated as something that is merely accidental rather than integral to his philosophical project. Here one finds a working assumption that it is possible to paraphrase Nietzsche’s unconventional style of writing into more conventional forms of philosophical prose without losing sight of the philosophical goals that he is trying to achieve. This paper argues that this working assumption underappreciates the fact that Nietzsche’s chosen style of writing is intended to perform a variety of functions within his philosophy. One underappreciated function of Nietzsche’s writing, I will argue, aims to promote a radical disruption and revaluation of his readers’ basic habitual attitudes towards their experience of their own lives. Such therapeutic and transformative experiences, I conclude, are not only basic to Nietzsche’s philosophical project but are also intimately connected to the literary quality of his writing and cannot easily survive philosophical paraphrase.
G.E. Moore and the Problem of the Criterion
Authors: Anderson Joshua ,   Southwestern Philosophical Society
Published: July 2021

In this paper, I offer an understanding of G.E. Moore’s epistemology as presented in, “A Defence of Common Sense” and “Proof of an External World.” To frame the discussion, I look to Roderick Chisholm’s essay, The Problem of the Criterion. I begin by looking at two ways that Chisholm believes one can respond to the problem of the criterion, and, referring back to Moore’s essays, explain why it is not unreasonable for Chisholm to believe that he is following a line of reasoning that Moore might take. I then show why I believe Chisholm is actually trying to do something quite different from what Moore was, and thus misses Moore’s actual point. I conclude that Moore is best understood as rejecting traditional epistemological concerns. By forcing Moore to deal with a traditional epistemological problem, it will become clear how bold Moore’s “epistemology” is.
Proposal of two new genera of the family Zosimeidae Seifried (Copepoda: Harpacticoida): Heterozosime gen. nov. and Acritozosime gen. nov.
Authors: Kim Jong Guk , Lee Jimin
Published: July 2021

In the Pacific Ocean, the taxonomy of the family Zosimeidae Seifried, 2003 is poorly understood and to date only five species of the genus Zosime Boeck, 1873 are known. During oceanographic cruises exploring the species diversity of harpacticoids, two undescribed zosimeid copepods were sampled from shallow Korean waters and the deep northwestern Pacific. A detailed morphological examination has led us to propose two new genera, Heterozosime gen. nov. for the Korean zosimeid H. tenuis gen. et sp. nov. and Acritozosime gen. nov. for the deep-sea zosimeid A. spinesco gen. et sp. nov. Both new genera exhibit a distinctive feature in that the first thoracic leg has a two-segmented exopod, in contrast to the three-segmented exopod of this leg in all known zosimeid genera. Furthermore, Acritozosime gen. nov. can also be discriminated from other genera by the two-segmented endopod in second to fourth thoracic legs and the reduced setal armatures of the second exopodal segment of antenna, the first endopodal segment of first to third thoracic legs and the third exopodal segment in second to fourth thoracic legs. A comparison of the fundamental structures of appendages suggests that A. spinesco gen. et sp. nov. experienced a unique evolutionary history within the Zosimeidae.
A União Europeia dos 27 (milhões) e o Conselho da Europa
Authors: Jimenez Martha Lucía Olivar , Deitos Marc Antoni , Vicenci Camila
Published: July 2021

O artigo verifica as possíveis incompatibilidades que podem surgir entre a nova política imigratória comum da União Europeia e o Conselho da Europa, com base no texto da “Diretiva do Retorno”. Em 2008, a aprovação dessa Diretiva constituiu o ápice da política imigratória comum e implica padrões mínimos para identificar, deter e expulsar imigrantes indocumentados. Em processo concomitante, mas alocado em outra organização internacional– o Conselho da Europa – abriu-se a possibilidade de submissão do direito comunitário europeu à Convenção Europeia dos Direitos do Homem. Esse desenho institucional sugere uma experiência ainda desconhecida nas relações internacionais.
Os partidos políticos e a formação de capital social mediante a sociabilidade política
Authors: Mörschbächer Melina
Published: July 2021

O presente artigo visa resgatar elementos teóricos que localizam as instituições partidárias como centrais na constituição de um modelo democrático de Estado. A partir desse entendimento, são destacados estudos no campo da cultura política com ênfase no conceito de capital social. A proposta que emerge do resgate conceitual e teórico exposto é a de apresentar de que modo os partidos políticos podem vir a legitimar e justificar a sua existência por meio da promoção de valores e de atitudes que se configuram no âmbito da confiança, da cooperação e da ampliação da participação política. Posto que o nível de capital social de uma sociedade reflete na qualidade de sua democracia, há uma reflexão acerca da carência de determinadas práticas no modo de fazer política dos partidos brasileiros para que uma nova cultura política instaure-se.
Prevenção do terrorismo internacional - uma contextualização histórica
Authors: Carreiro Marcelo
Published: July 2021

Além da resposta meramente militar e o discurso triunfalista pontual, o combate ao terrorismo internacional é antigo tema do direito internacional público, o que esboça um esforço global continuado para a solução do tema – esforço este que, embora não tenha sido inaugurado pelos eventos de setembro de 2001, certamente ganhou fôlego a partir daí, com a projeção política do tema. O artigo em tela analisa o histórico dos tratados referentes ao combate ao terrorismo, delineia seu caráter intrinsecamente global e aponta seus desdobramentos, como o respeito aos direitos humanos e o controle das armas de destruição em massa.
A profissão de fé no Reino Visigodo: um estudo comparado sobre os Flavius visigodos, Recaredo e Recesvinto
Authors: Rainha Rodrigo Dos Santos
Published: July 2021

Os séculos VI e VII são marcados pelo estabelecimento da transação entre as elites episcopais, principais representantes das populações hispano-romanas, e visigodas, que então governavam a maior parte dos territórios na península Hispânica. Neste texto, sublinharemos dois momentos em que a relação de aproximação entre esses grupos fica evidenciada – quando acontecem as reuniões conciliares, especialmente aquelas em que suas atas são marcadas pelo discurso do monarca em sua introdução, prática que podemos identificar, por exemplo, nas atas do III e VIII Concílios de Toledo. Nossa comunicação, então, visa identificar semelhanças e diferenças no processo de ascensão ao poder dos reis indicados, nas atas anteriormente mencionadas, como os autores dos discursos: Flavius Recaredo e Flavius Recesvinto. Os dois monarcas têm em comum o fato de serem filhos de governantes que enfrentaram grande oposição por parte de setores o episcopado – no caso Leovigildo e Chindasvinto, respectivamente –, assumiram o trono de maneira hereditária e direcionaram suas políticas no sentido de constituir uma aliança entre episcopado e monarquia.
A eficácia das decisões jurisdicionais liminares estrangeiras no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro
Authors: Posser Andrês Uliana , Conceição Lucas Gonçalves , Aragão Valdenir Cardoso
Published: July 2021

O fenômeno globalizante cada vez mais intensificado e o complexo procedimento de nacionalização de sentenças estrangeiras, aliados à indiscutível importância das tutelas antecipadas para a satisfação eficaz dos ideais de justiça, trouxeram a necessidade de se problematizar a forma como as decisões liminares estrangeiras passam a ter eficácia em face do aparelho jurisdicional brasileiro, já que a fonte legal e a jurisprudencial caminham em sentidos contrários. A primeira mostra-se rígida na exigência do trânsito em julgado, enquanto a segunda, com um viés mais flexibilizado e justo, revela-se no sentido de possibilitar a eficácia das decisões meramente liminares. O presente trabalho visa, portanto, por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica, entender como essas decisões interlocutórias estrangeiras que concedem medidas antecipatórias passam a produzir efeitos dentro do ordenamento jurídico brasileiro.
Imagens e narrativas da África: desmistificando as teorias de Relações Internacionais
Authors: Minillo Xaman Korai
Published: July 2021

Procura-se questionar as imagens que temos e as narrativas que conhecemos acerca da África e, a partir disso, questionar alguns mitos que construímos acerca do continente no campo das Relações Internacionais. É feito um breve levantamento acerca do espaço que o continente tem nas teorias de Relações Internacionais e um questionamento acerca da adequação do panorama com que nos confrontamos, de narrativas incompletas e enviesadas privilegiando um olhar eurocêntrico. Finaliza-se com uma proposta de pluralismo teórico e epistemológico.
Hegemonia e contestação: a aproximação de Caetano Veloso à teoria crítica coxiana
Authors: Bourscheid Junior Ivan
Published: July 2021

Neste estudo se efetuará a análise de quatro canções de Caetano Veloso relativas ao período dos anos 1990 e 2000, evidenciando sua contribuição para a compreensão das relações internacionais deste período, com enfoque nas temáticas centrais apresentadas pelo artista nas canções. Elucidar-se-á a crítica de Caetano ao projeto hegemônico estadunidense, aportando seus desafios e limites que, quando confrontados definitivamente, resultaram na transformação do modo de atuação dos Estados Unidos, recorrendo aos meios coercitivos para a manutenção do Sistema Internacional. Portanto, ao realizar tais análises, intenta-se aproximar as contribuições de Caetano Veloso para a percepção dos fenômenos internacionais com os apontamentos da teoria crítica coxiana, compreendendo sua lógica hegemônica e fornecendo alternativas viáveis para a solução das problemáticas humanas centrais que permeiam tal contexto.
A hegemonia britânica no Brasil do século XIX
Authors: Pereira Diego Marques Morlim
Published: July 2021

A questão da hegemonia no sistema internacional gera uma série de debates sobre sua posição como fator de estabilidade ou de instabilidade do sistema internacional, sobre custos e benefícios de se manter a hegemonia para os Estados e sobre a ascendência e o declínio de hegemons no sistema internacional durante a História. Tomando-se o século XIX como recorte temporal, a discussão sobre hegemonia no sistema internacional tem de abordar a Inglaterra como principal polo de poder mundial. Isto posto, nesse trabalho buscar-se-á discutir questões relacionadas à hegemonia no ambiente internacional, sob as lentes realista e marxista, assim como analisar o funcionamento da hegemonia britânica no Brasil do século XIX.
Quarenta anos de integração da América do Sul: a política externa para a região de Geisel a Dilma I (1974-2014)
Authors: Ives Diogo
Published: July 2021

O artigo analisa a política externa que o Brasil implementou em relação aos países sul-americanos no período compreendido entre as presidências de Ernesto Geisel (1974-79) e Dilma Rousseff I (2011-14). Ao longo dos quarenta anos, observou-se um movimento de aproximação constante em direção à vizinhança, porém o objetivo dessa ação sofreu uma breve reinterpretação durante os governos de Fernando Collor (1990-92) e Fernando Henrique Cardoso I (1995-98). Nestes dois momentos, o projeto de autonomia regional em relação aos Estados Unidos, que predominou no período, foi substituído por um projeto de interdependência assimétrica com a grande potência.
A política interna brasileira de proteção aos refugiados, apátridas e vítimas de tráfico de pessoas: o caso do COMIRAT
Authors: Lima Pereira Gustavo De Oliveira , Cardoso Squeff Tatiana De A. F. R.
Published: July 2021

Os Comitês Estaduais de Refugiados são órgãos com o objetivo de dar assistência humanitária para migrantes, especialmente no que tange a elaboração de um plano estadual de políticas de atenção às pessoas em situações de vulnerabilidade, a fim de garantir o acesso desse público às políticas públicas. Nesse sentido, durante o seminário de Mobilidade Humana, em outubro de 2012, foi criado o Comitê Estadual de Refugiados do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (COMIRAT) para a proteção de refugiados, apátridas e vítimas de tráfico de pessoas, notadamente para prestar assistência humanitária a estas pessoas. Em vista disso, este texto busca apontar as bases fundamentais que sustentam a construção do COMIRAT e problematizar os seus pontos de maior mérito, qual seja, o de ampliar a discussão sobre o refúgio para também a figura do apátrida, notando as formas de atuação do Estado no tratamento dos fluxos migratórios e o acolhimento de vulneráveis na sociedade.
A aplicação de padrões coloniais pela Corte Europeia: uma análise do caso Armani da Silva Vs. Reino Unido
Authors: De Almeida Rosa Marina
Published: July 2021

Instituída na Guerra Fria, a Corte Europeia de Direitos Humanos é o tribunal internacional voltado à proteção dos direitos humanos daqueles indivíduos que se encontram sob a jurisdição de um Estado europeu que tenha ratificado a Convenção Europeia de Direitos Humanos e reconhecido a competência do tribunal. No seio da Corte Europeia foi implementada em 1976, a doutrina da margem de interpretação, mecanismo interpretativo que confere aos Estados a discricionariedade de resolver assuntos que seriam exclusivamente de sua competência, como a segurança nacional. Desta forma, este trabalho tem por intuito examinar, através do método indutivo e do estudo de caso, em que medida a aplicação da doutrina da margem de apreciação remonta à aplicação de um pressuposto colonial. Isto porque, a doutrina da margem de apreciação é utilizada, na maioria dos casos, quando a vítima é migrante, isto é, quando se trata de um dos indivíduos subjulgados pela modernidade, e exime a responsabilidade internacional do Estado pelas violações aos direitos humano, como no caso do homicídio do brasileiro Jean Charles de Menezes (Caso Armani da Silva Vs. United Kingdom).
A saída do Reino Unido da União Europeia: desconfianças históricas e incertezas jurídicas
Authors: Da Bôaviagem Aurélio Agostinho , Ferreira de Lima Jennifer Klein
Published: July 2021

Objetiva-se uma análise da União Europeia, através de uma perspectiva histórica e de um estudo do seu processo de integração, estruturado com base na supranacionalidade, com foco na sua relação com o Reino Unido, para fins de delinear as questões que envolvem sua saída do bloco (Brexit) e com a tentativa de vislumbrar as consequências dessa retirada.
O Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) e a agenda do establishment norte-americano de política externa no pós-Guerra Fria
Authors: Thudium Guilherme
Published: July 2021

O presente artigo buscará oferecer um estudo sobre o Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), think tank norte-americano especializado em política internacional criado em 1921, e a construção do pensamento do establishment americano de política externa que se dá no âmbito desse think tank durante o pós-Guerra Fria (1991 – 2017), especialmente através da Foreign Affairs, publicação editada pela entidade aqui abordada. Alguns dos principais nomes estudados, como Samuel Huntington, Zbigniew Brzezinski e Francis Fukuyama, mantiveram estreitas relações com think tanks durante suas carreiras acadêmicas e governamentais, notadamente com o CFR, onde publicaram boa parte de suas pesquisas. O artigo buscará traçar, portanto, os esforços desenvolvidos por esses e outros autores no âmbito do CFR visando à manutenção de uma política externa expansionista e da ordem mundial talhada sob a liderança e os valores dos Estados Unidos desde o fim da Guerra Fria.
Drug-allergy investigation, provocation tests
Authors:   Department of Dermatology and Allergology Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical Center University of Szeged, Mihályi Lilla , Kemény Lajos , Bata-Csörgő Zsuzsanna
Published: July 2021

The authors present the in vivo investigation options in drug allergy. In suspicion of drug induced hypersensitivity reaction prick testing, intradermal testing and patch testing are recommended according to the assumed immuno-mechanism. If these examinations are negative, the next step is the drug provocation test, which is the gold standard in the diagnosis of drug allergy. We summarize methods, indications and contraindications and the evaluationof each test, focusing on issues concerning antibiotics, perioperative medication, local anesthetics and biological agents. There are increasing number of patients presenting hypersensitivity reactions who require proper identification of the culprit drug.
Manuscript title: The microbiology of diabetic foot infections: a single-center retrospective study and literature review
Authors:   University of Szeged Faculty of Pharmacy, Gajdács Márió , Terhes Gabriella , Ábrók Marianna , Lázár Andrea , Szolnoki Győző , Urbán Edit
Published: July 2021

Late-onset complications may cause serious problems in diabetic patients. Among these complications, diabetic foot infections play a signifcant role. In the recognition and management of the disease the microbiological procedures are essential. Neglected infectious complications may lead to gangrene, limb amputation, which not only impairs quality of life but also endangers the patient’s life. Prevention should include careful management of metabolic disease, appropriate medication, early detection of neuropathy, and the detection and treatment of infection by a medical team , including clinical microbiologist. In our present study, we retrospectively assessed the bacteriological culture’ results of patients with “diabetic foot” syndrome in 5-years’ clinical material at he Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged.
Multi-stage surgical treatment of extensive gluteal localized hidradenitis suppurativa combined with negativ pressure wound therapy
Authors:   Semmelweis University No.1 Clinic of Surgery and Interventional Gastroenterology, Pálházy Tímea , Bennemann Stephan , Fülöp András , Gergely L. Hunor , Holló Péter , Szijártó Attila
Published: July 2021

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent infammatory disease of the hair follicles in the skinfolds containing apocrine glands, which greatly impairs the quality of life of patients. The fnal solution in extensive cases is surgical treatment. There is no ideal treatment or uniform therapeutic template equally suitable for all patients. Treatment is personalized. In this paper, we present the case of a 53-year-old patient who underwent a two-stage surgical treatment for therapy-resistant HS, Hurley stage III, causing permanent complaints. During the frst surgery, the fstula openings were flled with methylene blue, then the skin and the scary subcutaneous tissue were excised, and after 10 days, in a second step, the surgical site was covered with split thickness skin graft from the back. After both surgeries, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was initiated. After the applied treatment, 98-100% graft adhesion was observed, and the patient was emitted without complaints after 3 weeks. Our case illustrates that in cases where the prospects for fap replacement in HS are poor or the healing tendency of the faps is questionable (infective wound base, poor quality surrounding skin), split thickness skin grafting combined with negative pressure therapy may be less stressful and provides a successful outcome. The combined treatment (NPWT + split thickness skin graft) is excellent not only for clearing and stimulating the wound base, but also provides an excellent wound base and allows successful wound closure / coverage, signifcantly shortening the duration of the long and cumbersome open treatment has been used so far. In this case, NPWT treatment can also be considered as a “bridging” step.
Prevalence of HIV and venereal co-infections in the Hungarian National STD Center, the role of dermato-venerologists’
Authors:   Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology Semmelweis University, Faculty of Medicine, Mihalik Noémi , Tamási Béla , Bánvölgyi András , Herczeg Lívia , Szlávik János , Marschalkó Márta , Tóth Béla
Published: July 2021

Incidence of HIV-infection is increasing in Hungary, due to antiretroviral therapy AIDS related mortality remained low. Delayed diagnosis of HIV infection remains a challenge, co-infection of HIV and other STIs is common. Authors present here the prevalence of HIV-gonorhoea, HIV-syphilis, HIV-neurosyphilis and HIV-lymphogranuloma venereum coinfections in the Hungarian National STD Center among 01.01.2015-31.12.2020.
HPV infections in the dermatovenerological practice
Authors:   Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology Semmelweis University, Faculty of Medicine, Kiss Norbert , Sárdy Miklós , Tamási Béla
Published: July 2021

HPV associated diseases, which may range from banal conditions through sexually transmitted infections to malignant illnesses, are highly prevalent in the everyday dermatological practice. Our aim in this paper is to summarize the variety of their appearance and the possibilities of diagnostics and therapy.
Viral skin diseases in childhood
Authors:   University of Debrecen – Medical Center – Department of Dermatology, Várvölgyi Tünde
Published: July 2021

Some of the dermatological viral infections occur primarily in childhood, and are referred to as classic childhood viral infectious diseases. The incidence and appearance of primary skin infections may also differ from the adult variant. In our paper, we summarized the primary skin infections, the classic viral infectious diseases of childhood from infancy to the later stages of childhood. Tentatively, we mention other, not classically, childhood viral infections.
The challenges of science
Authors: Puigdomènech Pere
Published: July 2021

The preconceived ideas we have about the world and about many aspects of our lives are deeply influenced by the results of the research activity we call science. A large part of the decisions we make as a society and as individuals depends on information that needs to be rigorous; that is, scientific. This is the reason why having information about scientific results and ideas is essential for citizens today. Science is an ongoing process of reflection, rather than immutable and monolithic doctrine, so we need tools to develop these complex ideas and make them available for everyone.
Interlinked. Machines and humans facing the 10101 century
Authors: Torras Carme , López de Mántaras Ramon
Published: July 2021

Robotics and artificial intelligence are two scientific research fields that receive considerable attention from the media and, consequently, from society. Unfortunately, many advances are reported to the general public in sensationalist (or even alarmist) terms, leading to false hopes or unjustified fears, and taking the focus from other key points. For instance, recent successes in artificial intelligence, amplified by the media, are the cause of a mistaken perception of this discipline’s state of the art. The reality is that artificial intelligence is still far from achieving many high-level cognitive skills; particularly, common sense reasoning.
Effectiveness of Farmer Field School and Conventional Extension Trainings on Knowledge Gain among Farm Women
Authors: Krishnan J. , Ranganathan T. T. , Ravichamy P. , Sivabalan K. C.
Published: July 2021

The world extension forum over three-four decades emphasized the people centric bottom up approach in extension work.

In mid 1970s world bank had introduced Training and Visit (T&V) system of extension in 70 countries including India. This solely emphasized the dissemination of Green Revolution technologies to farmers, mainly in Asian and African countries with top down extension approach. Subsequently, FFS emerged in the rice paddy fields of the Philippines and Indonesia in the late 1980s where, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) had heavily involved from its incubation, development and spread to Asian, African countries and other parts of world in 1990s with the emphasis on bottom up approach and participatory extension services. This demanded a paradigm shift in extension purview and its methodology to factor upon farming fraternity participation in all possible ways. Despite that the technology transfer process remains unchanged and unrefined till now. The best features of extension methodologies are identified by making literature review pertaining to Farmer Field School (FFS) and Training and Visit (T&V) method of extension trainings. Both Farmer Field School (FFS) and conventional extension training methodologies were used to train women groundnut growers in Pennagaram villages, Dharmapuri, India and the change in knowledge level and the effectiveness of methodologies were studied. In context, 29 important crop production practices in groundnut cultivation were identified and surveyed with 300 participants of which, 50% of participants ( n=150) exposed to FFS way of training and 50% of participants (n=150) exposed to T&V way of training. Most (90-95%) of the survey respondents found that the FFS way of training as better effective than T&V way of training. Similarly, the knowledge level of 80 to 85% of participants who participated FFS way of training found to be more than the participants who attended T&V way of training.
Characterization of Chemical Composition of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Ethyl Acetate Fraction
Authors: Asiwe E. S. , Igwe C. U. , Onwuliri V. A. , Iheanacho K. M. E. , Iheanacho J. N.
Published: July 2021

Aims: To characterize the chemical composition of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf ethyl acetate fraction.

Methodology: Quantitative phytochemical composition was assessed using gas chromatography fitted with flame ionization detector (GC-FID), while chemical characterization was via gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) analysis. The mass spectra peaks were matched with those found in the National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) spectral database.

Results: Results revealed a rich presence of proanthocyanin, rutin, quinine, flavan-3-ol, anthocyanin, lunamarin, sapogenin, phenol, flavonones, steroids, epicatechin, kaempferol, phytate, oxalate, resveratol, catechin, flavones, tannin, ribalinidine, naringin, and spartein in varying proportion in B. pinnatum leaves ethylacetate fractions. GC-MS analysis of the fractions revealed the presence of at least 50 constituents. The major constituents were Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (24.88%), 10,13-Octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (29.69%), Tetracosanoic acid, methyl ester (7.84%), Methyl stearate (6.97%), cis-Methyl 11-eicosenoate (6.26%), Methyl 18-methylnonadecanoate (4.99%), Docosanoic acid, methyl ester (3.71%) and  4,7-Methano-1H-indene, octahydro- (2.43%).

Conclusion: This rich array of chemical compounds presents B. pinnatum leaves as an important source of potential lead compounds with biological and pharmacological benefits and hence a potential candidate for drug discovery.
Diversity of Pteridophyte Flora in Rajamala, Eravikulam National Park, Kerala, India
Authors: Arjun M. S. , Antony Raju , Ali A. Azhar , Abhirami C. , Sreejith M. M.
Published: July 2021

Aims: To enumerate the fern diversity in the disturbed landscapes of Rajamala part of Eravikulam National Park, Western Ghats

Study Design: Purposive sampling method was adopted in the study area and habitats suitable for ferns were surveyed.

Place and Duration of Study: The study area is Rajamala, a tourist impacted site inside Eravikulam National Park in Kerala, India. Intensive field explorations were carried out in this area during February 2018- April 2019, to document the ferns and fern-allies.

Methodology: A preliminary study was conducted in February 2018 to identify the probable habitats of ferns for further detailed study. Purposive sampling was done in the study area considering the most suitable habitats in both shola ecosystems and grassland ecosystems of the area. Materials for herbaria were processed using standard methods. The collected plants were identified with the help of standard field guides and flora. The potential medicinally important ferns were also listed out.

Results: 54 species of pteridophytes including fern and fern allies belonging to sixteen different families were found from the Rajamala region of Eravikulam National Park. Aspleniaceae was the most common family with 11 species followed by Polypodiaceae. The majority of the Pteridophytes found in the region are showing terrestrial habit. Eleven species found in the study site are medicinally important.

Conclusion: Despite the high tourism pressure in the study area, pteridophyte species richness is higher in the Rajamala region of Western Ghats. The suitable habitat with ideal substrate conditions and year-long moisture availability in the substrates could be the reason for a higher number of pteridophyte species in this area.
Perceived Influence of Large Class Size and Psychological Classroom Environment on Students’ Academic Performance in Senior High Schools in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Akoto-Baako Hansen , Kissi-Abrokwah Bernard
Published: July 2021

This study investigated how large class size and the psychological class environment influenced students’ academic performance. Survey design was employed. Three hundred and twenty students were purposively selected from ten senior high schools in Kumasi Metropolis. Questionnaire was used to obtain data from the respondents with a reliability coefficient of 0.7. The study revealed that large class size influenced students’ academic performance and also limits their learning opportunities. It also came up that psychological class environment have a great influence on students’ academic performance. Furthermore, the study showed that students perform well in smaller class size and good psychological classroom environment. The study, therefore, recommends that small class size and good psychological class environment are better for good performance. Teachers and head teachers should make sure they conform to the required teacher to student ratio of 1:40 recommended by the Ghana Education Service. Teachers should create an enabling environment for students to participate in classroom activities. Government should, therefore, employ more teachers and build more classrooms to solve the problem of large class size in the senior high schools in Ghana.
Economic Efficiency of French bean Production in Karnataka: An Economic Analysis
Authors: Raghupathi R. , Kumar M. J. Anjan , Bhavya A. P.
Published: July 2021

The present study is an attempt to estimate the technical and allocativeefficienciy of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)producing farms in Mysore district of Karnataka, whereFrench bean is cultivated extensively. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Cobb-Douglas production function were used for estimating theeconomic efficiency and the factors determiningthe same.The study is based on the primary data collected from 70 randomly chosen French bean cultivators comprising of 35 sample farmers each growing Arkasharath and check varieties (Ashok) of French beans. The results revealed that farmers realised 45 per cent higher gross returns (Rs.2,62,500 acre-1 ) from cultivation of ArkaSharath as pure crop compared the cultivatingcheck variety (Rs.2,01,750acre-1)which indicated cultivation of Arkasharathwas more efficient compared to check variety.The results of the data envelopment analysis revealed that the technical, allocative and economic of Arkasharath variety was found to be 98, 78 and 76 per cent respectively while in case of check variety than were found to be 96, 75 and 73 per cent respectively.
Incidence of Nosocomial Urinary Tract Infections and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Uropathogenic Bacterial Isolates of Patients from Selected Hospitals in Nsukka, Nigeria
Authors: Aleke C. O. , Ugwu K. O. , Akoma O. N. , Ezeonu I. M.
Published: July 2021

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the significant healthcare and hygienic-based diseases ravaging millions of people, especially in third world countries with poor hospital settings. This cross-sectional and laboratory investigation was done to determine the incidence of nosocomial urinary tract infections (NUTIs) and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the uropathogenic bacterial isolates from hospital patients in Nsukka, Southeastern Nigeria. Urine specimens of fifty patients were collected and analyzed between May and June 2018. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used for detection of antibiotic susceptibility pattern for all isolates. Bacteriuria was observed in urine specimens of 31 (62%) out of the 50 participants, with the specimens of 13 yielding significant growth at 42% rate of nosocomial urinary tract infections (NUTIs). The most predominant bacterial isolate of urinary tract infection was Staphylococcus spp. (31%); followed by Escherichia, Klebsiella and Proteus with (23%) each. Isolates were mostly susceptible to Ciprofloxacin (87.1%), while other isolates were mainly resistant to Zinnacef (937%). Pertinent recommendations were made with respect to treatment, multidrug resistance mitigation and aseptic and optimal health services delivery practices.
Prognostic Factors for Successful Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (Micro-TESE)
Authors: Mashaly Mohamed Hamdy , Gamil Tarek Ahmed , Ragab Maged Moustafa , Ghalwash Mohamed Abo El-Enen
Published: July 2021

Background: There are some men suffer from infertility, non-obstructive azoospermia is one of the causes of infertility, these men need sperm retrieval from testes like microdissection testicular sperm extraction (Micro-TESE). This work aims to assess the different preoperative and intraoperative factors that predict successful sperm retrieval with Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction (Micro-TESE) in men with non-obstructive azoospermia.

Methods: Our study is a cohort prospective one, conducted on 52 male patients with non-obstructive azoospermia who attended to the outpatient andrology and infertility clinic of Urology Department, Tanta University Hospitals during the period between December2018 to November2019. All patients were subjected to detailed medical history, physical examination, two semen analysis on two different laboratories. Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction is performed to all patients after Estimation of serum FSH, LH, testosterone, prolactin, estradiol and scrotal Doppler ultrasonography

Results: From 52 patients who have done, Patients were divided in to 2 groups according to the result of Micro-TESE procedure: negative SSR group (28 patients) and positive SSR group (24 patients).In comparison between the two groups according to preoperative factors as age, FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, prolactin and testicular volume, there was no significant difference between these groups. On comparison of intraoperative size of seminiferous tubules in relation to results of Micro-TESE, we found that presence of large convoluted seminiferous tubules was statistically significant in prediction of successful sperm retrieval with Micro-TESE

Conclusions: The chances of sperm retrieval in men with NOA by Micro-TESE are not related to preoperatively age, FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin and testicular volume. The detection of large seminiferous tubules intraoperatively is a good predictor for successful sperm retrieval with Micro-TESE as it was statistically significant.
Perspectives Associated with an Increase in the Incidence of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma in Uganda
Authors: Wismayer Richard
Published: July 2021

This paper is a current review of work done on colorectal adenocarcinoma in Uganda highlighting the perspectives in the increased rate of cases observed in our hospitals. A steady increase of CRC in other Sub-Saharan African countries is currently being documented however this is associated with a higher CRC-associated morbidity and mortality. Reasons behind this increase may be the nutrition transition in Sub-Saharan Africa characterized by decreased consumption of dietary fibre, starch and plant proteins to a Western diet associated with consumption of fatty foods and red meat. The emergence of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity coupled with increased alcohol consumption and smoking confers a higher risk to CRC. A shift in the demographics is observed in Uganda compared to high income countries with 22.8% of our CRC cases being diagnosed at <40years of age compared to 3-7% in high income countries. A challenge experienced with this early age onset is that it is associated with an aggressive biological behavior with a poor prognosis. The high proportion of left sided colon and rectal adenocarcinoma in Uganda makes our population more amenable to screening. However challenges experienced in Uganda and other Sub-Saharan African countries include the availability of endoscopic training and equipment, costs, availability of pathologic services and patient acceptance. The increased diagnosis of CRC cases that will result from screening will eventually require a parallel increase in surgical and oncological infrastructure to manage CRC patients. An improvement in diagnosing, screening and treating CRC by increasing surgical and endoscopic capacity with the aid of international medical and surgical societies should be a public health priority in Uganda given the observed epidemiological shifts. Future implementation of National screening programmes to detect CRC at an early stage is also necessary to reduce the mortality in the Ugandan population.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Carriage among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Health Facility in Nigeria
Authors: Oyekale Oluwalana T. , Ojo Bola O. , Oguntunmbi Damilola E. , Oyekale Oluwatoyin I.
Published: July 2021

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonized healthcare workers (HCWs) constitute massive threat to the well-being of hospitalized patients due to their ability to transmit this multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria strain in hospital settings.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of MRSA carriage/colonization among HCWs, to identify risk-factors associated with colonization/carriage, and to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern of isolates.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study.

Materials and Methods: A total of 333 randomly selected consenting HCWs from most hospital care units were studied. Data on demographic characteristics and infection control practices were obtained from participants with the aid of questionnaire. Swabs of the anterior nares and hands of participants were cultured on oxacillin-containing mannitol salt agar (MSA), S. aureus was identified using convectional criteria and MRSA was identified by cefoxitin disc diffusion technique. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out on all isolated MRSA.

Results: The carriage rate of MRSA was high (21.3%). Isolation was significantly higher among; males compared to females (P=.035), staff of critical care units compared to other care units (P=.049), among doctors and nurses compared to other HCWs (P=.0031). Poor handwashing practices (P<.001), presence of wound or skin infection (P<.001) and recent antibiotic use (P=.006) were associated with higher isolation rate. Isolation rate was higher from the nose (15.0%) than from the hands (6.3%). Isolates demonstrated low resistance to clindamycin (16.9%) and ciprofloxacin (16.9%). No isolate was resistant to vancomycin.

Conclusion: In this study; colonization of HCWs by MRSA was high, a male doctor or nurse from critical care unit, with poor handwashing practices, wound or skin infection, and recent antibiotic use had a higher risk of MRSA carriage/colonization. No MRSA isolated was resistant to vancomycin. Improved infection control policies and practices are needed to curtail this trend in hospital settings.
Hispanic Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 Disease-Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes at a Tertiary Care Center in New York City
Authors: Waheed Maham Akbar , Munoz-Martinez Alejandro , Raheja Hitesh , Khalid Mazin , Patel Jignesh A. , Fogel Joshua , Hashmi Arsalan Talib , Ehrlich Samantha , Aslam Awais , Sharma Dikshya , Chukwuka Nnamdi , Gomes Bruno Augusto de Brito , Gualan Carlos Jose Merino , Aftab Iqra , Tiwari Aparna , Singh Sehajpreet , Pouching Kristal , Somal Navjot , Shani Jacob , Rojas-Marte Geurys
Published: July 2021

Background: COVID-19 disease has disproportionately affected ethnic minorities in the US.

Objective: To describe the characteristics and predictors of mortality and length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients of Hispanic ethnicity hospitalized for COVID-19 disease.

Design: Retrospective cohort study of 162 patients.

Setting: Tertiary care teaching hospital in Brooklyn, NY.

Patients: Hispanic patients hospitalized with principal diagnosis of COVID-19 disease between March 8, and April 25, 2020.

Methods: Patients were classified into mild/moderate, severe/very severe, and critical disease (intubated) based on oxygen requirements. The primary endpoint was overall mortality rate and the secondary endpoint was LOS.

Results: Mean age was 55.6 years and 40.1% had critical disease. The overall mortality was 35.8%. Increasing age (OR:1.09, 95% CI:1.04, 1.13, p<0.001) and vasopressor use (OR:198.55, 95% CI:15.89, 2480.66, p<0.001) were each independently associated with increased odds for mortality. Steroid use was significantly associated with decreased odds for mortality (OR:0.05, 95% CI:0.004, 0.61, p<0.05). Mean LOS was 14 days. Severe/very severe disease was significantly associated with increased LOS while critical disease was significantly associated with decreased LOS. The use of hydroxychloroquine, steroids, antibiotics, vasopressor, blood transfusion, and diagnosis of bacteremia/fungemia were each significantly associated with increased LOS.  Spanish-speaking patients were older than English-speaking ones, however, there was no difference in mortality or LOS between the groups.

Conclusion: Age and vasopressor use was associated with increased mortality in Hispanics. Steroid use was associated with decreased mortality but increased LOS. No difference in outcomes was observed between English- and Spanish-speaking Hispanics.