bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“NONA ARTE”: FONTE INESGOTÁVEL PARA INVESTIGAÇÕES TEÓRICAS E PRÁTICAS NA ÁREA DE LETRAS
Authors: Prado Natália Cristine , Cezar Kelly Priscilla Lóddo
Published: June 2020

O presente número especial da Revista X, intitulado “Histórias em Quadrinhos: pesquisa e ensino” traz artigos selecionados a partir de uma chamada para publicação que teve como motivação principal reunir pesquisas científicas da área de Letras que tivessem as Histórias em Quadrinhos (HQs) como um objeto de investigação científica. Obtivemos grande êxito com a campanha, pois foram submetidos mais de sessenta manuscritos sobre essa temática. Assim, como idealizadoras deste projeto, agradecemos aos autores que confiaram em nossa proposta e nos enviaram seus originais para avaliação. Os artigos que foram aceitos pelos pareceristas encontram-se publicados neste número. Aproveitamos também para agradecer a todos os colegas que doaram seu tempo e sua energia para que o processo avaliativo dos textos submetidos fosse o mais criterioso possível.
The Mediating Role of the Capital Structure, Growth Rate, and Dividend Policy in the Relationship Between Return on Equity and Market to Book Value
Authors: Altahtamouni Farouq , Matahen Reem , Qazaq Amna
Published: June 2020

This Study aims to study the indirect effect of profits measured by the return on stockholders' equity for the Jordanian Banks on market value measured by market value to book value for the period from 2008 to 2017. We have applied the indirect impact model to know the ability of capital structure, growth rate and dividend policy as mediating variables to transfer the impact of profits to market value. By using the simple linear analysis and applying indirect effect test model by using the Sobel equation the study reached out to a positive effect of profits on market value with the presence of debt ratio, growth rate and dividend policy as a mediating variables of that relation.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Bird-in-Hand-Dividends Policy in the Stability of Jordanian Listed Banks
Authors: Ali Mohammad Sami
Published: June 2020

The present paper is empirically scrutinized the long and short-run causalities, which are running from the bird-in-hand dividends policy towards investors' preferences as proxied by banks’ stability. Through analyzing a quarterly data set covering the period Q1/1996-Q4/2018; results from the ADF test proved that the series variables became stationary only after including the first difference. However, although the Johansen test showed long-run integrations among variables; findings from the single equation of the error correction model asserted that there are no long-run causalities running from dividends’ policy towards investors’ preferences as captured by the Z-Score index “ZSI”, bankometer model or market capitalization. By contrast, results from the Waldtest proved that except for earnings per share and retained ratio; the solvency of banks is found to be significantly responding to the change in dividends payout ratio. However, since there are short-run correlations among dividends’ stability, investors’ preferences and banking stability, the study concluded that the ZSI is significantly related to investors’ attitudes towards banks' decisions regarding dividends’ payments.
Announcement of Retraction
Authors: Zhang Jenny
Published: June 2020

The editorial board announced this article has been retracted on July 16, 2020.

If you have any further question, please contact us at: ass@ccsenet.org
Predictors of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Teachers: An Exploratory Investigation in Malaysia
Authors: Ming Ng Yi , Kiong Peter Voo Su , Maakip Ismail
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

The present study aimed to examine the prevalence and gender differences in MSDs among teachers, as well as the interaction of  associated predictor .In addition, another aim of the study was to investigate the contribution of these predictors, which have not been examined thoroughly particularly in Malaysia.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was employed in this study. A questionnaire was used to measure physical factors, psychosocial factors, workload, work-life balance, general well-being, and MSDs levels among primary school teachers (N=460) from 10 primary schools in Kota Kinabalu.

Findings:

The prevalence of MSD in the past 6 months was 61.7% (95% CI: 57.4% – 65.9%). The present study findings also indicated that there were significant gender differences in MSDs between female and male teachers (t = 1.04, p< .05). Hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to examine a range of predictors related to MSDs. Physical factors (ß = .17, p<0.05). Multiple regression was used for a variety of predictors that are associated with MSD. Physical factors (ß = .17, p<0.05), psychosocial factors (ß = -.14, p<0.05), and general well-being (ß = .43, p<0.01) are significantly associated with MSD in Malaysian primary school teachers. Overall, model statistic result was F (3, 276) = 36.730, p=0.001, R² = .45 and adjusted R² = .435. The model explained 44.7% (r= 0.67) of the variance in MSD discomfort.

Conclusion:

The studies concerning MSDs among teachers revealed the need for a significant effort, not only to examine the risk factors but also to develop interventions to minimize MSDs for those in the teaching profession.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 13, No. 7
Authors: Lee Chris
Published: June 2020

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 13, No. 7, 2020.
Curaçao en de coronacrisis
Authors: Sybesma J. , de Knegt R.E.R.
Published: June 2020

Curaçao en de coronacrisis

Dit artikel brengt de juridische grondslag voor de door de Curaçaose regering genomen maatregelen ter bestrijding van COVID-19 in kaart. Elk overheidsoptreden dient te berusten op kenbare en voldoende algemene wettelijke regels en grondrechten dienen door de overheid te worden geëerbiedigd. Ook onder grote druk en in tijden van nood waarin snel en adequaat handelen door de overheid is geboden, zal de rechtsstaat gerespecteerd moeten worden. De getroffen maatregelen begin 2020 in Curaçao verhouden zich echter niet altijd even goed tot de beginselen van de democratische rechtsstaat.
Una historia trágico-telúrica. Miguel Torga y la Guerra Civil Española
Authors: Neto Sérgio
Published: June 2020

Como es bien sabido, la Guerra Civil Española, un trágico acontecimiento que anunció la Segunda Guerra Mundial, atrajo la atención de numerosos escritores e intelectuales, algunos de los cuales se ofrecieron como voluntarios para luchar sobre el terreno. El caso del escritor portugués Miguel Torga (1907-1995) es el tema de este artículo. Dado que otros autores ya han analizado este tema, es mi intención hacer que su poesía dialogue con otros autores de la época (los poetas Fernando Pessoa y Mário Beirão, el compositor Fernando Lopes-Graça, entre otros) con el fin de entender las influencias y la dinámica que giran en torno a la Guerra Civil. Por otra parte, a través de su diario personal y una novela autobiográfica, trataremos de integrar su comprensión de la guerra en el marco más amplio del iberismo que suscribió a lo largo de su vida.
Más allá de la nación. Religión, Filosofía de la Historia y Humanidad en la España del siglo XIX
Authors: Capellán De Miguel Gonzalo
Published: June 2020

La historiografía y las ciencias sociales han prestado mucha atención al Estado-nación como sujeto esencial de los discursos dominantes en el siglo XIX. En el caso español, ese discurso encontró refuerzo en el liberalismo y en el enorme peso que mantuvo el catolicismo en los ámbitos político, social y cultural. Sin embargo, hubo otros discursos que relativizaron la importancia de la nación como una instancia histórica que sería superada en el inevitable curso de la historia de la Humanidad. Este concepto, Humanidad, se asociaba al sentido cristiano de unidad, fraternidad y universalidad, pero fue adquiriendo nuevos significados y usos en los relatos de la Filosofía de la Historia y la Historia universal, de creciente influencia.El objetivo de este trabajo es poner de manifiesto la importancia de este nuevo discurso alternativo de carácter supranacional y su paulatina secularización durante la segunda mitad del siglo XIX en España. Para ello se analizan algunos de los principales textos y autores que construyeron un relato histórico que permitía sustentar un proyecto democrático de sociedad sobre el fundamento de una gradual federación universal –y pacífica– de naciones en el seno de la Humanidad.
Introducción
Authors: Alonso García Gregorio
Published: June 2020

Una profunda impronta católica marcó la forma en la que los países que formaron parte del Imperio español -o mejor dicho, de la Monarquía de España- y determinó cómo sus líderes y habitantes han imaginado, experimentado y organizado las naciones que lo reemplazaron desde la crisis de 1808. Este dossier recoge los trabajos de un grupo de reconocidos especialistas, que exploran diferentes dimensiones del vínculo entre las vivencias religiosas y nacionales, sus definiciones y las tensiones que han generado en los últimos doscientos años.
How Vegetation Spatially Alters the Response of Precipitation and Air Temperature? Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Waqar , Khan Afed Ullah , Khan Fayaz Ahmad , Farooq Muhammad , Baig Ammar Ahmad , Shah Liaqat Ali , Khan Jehanzeb
Published: June 2020

Precipitation, air temperature and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data of 32 sites for a period of 1983 to till date in Pakistan were collected with the objective of studying the effects of vegetation on precipitation and air temperature in Pakistan. Spatial trends were assessed for NDVI, precipitation and air temperature (maximum and minimum). Increasing trends were observed at 18, 20, 24 and 26 number of monitoring stations for NDVI, precipitation and maximum and minimum temperature respectively. The trends of NDVI were compared with the trends of precipitation and maximum and minimum temperature in hilly and urban areas. NDVI and precipitation showed parallel trends in hilly areas at 64% of the monitoring stations. Whereas, only 53% of the stations displayed parallel trends in urban areas. 71% of the stations showed opposite NDVI and maximum temperature trends and 79% of the stations showed opposite NDVI and minimum temperature trends in hilly areas. However, in urban areas only 47% and 41% of the stations showed opposite trends of NDVI and maximum temperature and NDVI and minimum temperature respectively. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the effects of vegetation on precipitation and air temperature (maximum and minimum) in hilly and urban areas. The results showed that there exists positive relationship between NDVI and precipitation and negative relationship between NDVI and temperature (maximum and minimum) in most of the hilly areas. However, in urban areas, the positive relationship between NDVI and precipitation exists only in 47% of the stations and negative relationships between NDVI and maximum temperature and between NDVI and minimum temperature exist only in 47% and 41% of the stations respectively. Results of the current study suggest afforestation practices at country level to reduce climate change effects.
Epicoccum nigrum Link as a Potential Biocontrol Agent Against Selected Dermatophytes
Authors: Piecuch Agata , Ogórek Rafał , Dyląg Mariusz , Cal Magdalena , Przywara Katarzyna
Published: June 2020

Epicoccum nigrum Link is well known for producing biologically-active substances with activities against prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The major goal of this study was to assess E. nigrum as a potential in vitro agent against selected species of dermatophytes. The effects of the types of media used in this study on the interactions between the microscopic fungi were also examined. Epicoccum nigrum’s bioactive metabolites exhibited a strong growth inhibitory effect against the dermatophytes, suggesting its potential as a biocontrol agent. Notably, the strength of these interactions was dependent on the type of the medium. These secondary metabolites are not toxic against the higher eukaryotic organisms, which was further demonstrated by using the Galleria mellonella model.
Security and defense challenges – civil preparedness in NATO
Authors: Jacuch Andrzej
Published: June 2020

The current security and defense challenges, a new type of cold war, requires strengthening civil preparedness in areas that are critical for collective defense, enabling the conduct of operations and military mobility. The article analyses the Alliance’s approach to security and defense threats, including to counter hybrid threats. NATO’s decisions to reinforce the Allies Eastern Flank are presented. Allied forces should be able to move into and across Europe at high speed to reinforce a threatened Ally. Therefore, attention is paid to civil preparedness and civil sector resilience to provide support to military operations. It considers recent summit decisions and measures to improve military mobility. A wide range of civilian capabilities and active cooperation between public and private partners are critical. In conclusion, the research demonstrates that civil support is a critical enabler for the Alliance’s collective defense.
Decisions in safety management
Authors: Ścibiorek Zbigniew
Published: June 2020

The article emphasizes that safety is the most important value for every person. Today, in the face of many threats, its level and interpretation are changing. The conditions of some phenomena also generate premises and possibilities for situations threatening health, life, environment, or infrastructure of a specific area to occur. The probability of occurrence of non-military supernatural events is relatively high. Therefore, it is necessary to skillfully use all the circumstances to distance the potential threats and minimize the possible consequences. It is imperative to take action that will keep and prolong the safety situation. Systemic solutions and the inclusion of many public institutions (organizations) and the society in action taken are essential. Security management is one of the basic functions of all government bodies and public administration, both at government and local government levels. Once the state is achieved, it cannot be maintained for too long. In each case, the procedure will be different. The article presents selected principles of the decision-making process, a procedure aimed at ensuring that the security level is acceptable.
Mitochondria disease due to humidifier disinfectants: diagnostic criteria and its evidences
Authors: Leem Jong Han , Kim Hwan-Cheol
Published: June 2020

Humidifier disinfectant damages caused by the misuse of humidifier disinfects, such as polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG), resulted in chemical disasters in South Korea in 2011. About four million people were exposed to humidifier disinfectants (HDs) in the 17 years between 1994 and 2011. Although fatal lung damage was initially reported, investigations into the victims’ injuries revealed that the damage was not limited to the lungs, but that systemic damage was also confirmed. Considering the spread of HD from the lungs to the whole body, the toxic effects of PHMG from reactive oxygen species (ROS), NOTCH signaling pathways, and mitochondrial dysfunction resulted in endothelial damage in the lungs, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, bone marrow, nerves, and muscles. The main toxic mechanisms involved in HD damage may be the NOTCH pathway and mitochondrial damage. There are many case reports which include neurologic disorders (ADHD, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder), muscular disorder (exercise intolerance, myalgia), energy metabolism disorder (chronic fatigue syndrome), and immunologic disorder (rheumatoid arthritis) in HDs victims. These case reports involve multi-system involvement in HDs victims. Further well-designed study is needed to clarify whether mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with multi-organs involvement in HDs victims.
Differences in Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) of SMEs in the International Context: Evidence from the Czech Republic and Turkey
Authors: Civelek Mehmet , Ključnikov Aleksandr , Çera Gentjan , Mezuláník Jiří , Maňák Radim
Published: June 2020

Although SMEs make significant contributions to socio-economic conditions of countries, they face many financial, organizational and mercantile obstacles in their operations. In this regard, having more innovative, risk-taking and proactive activities (EO) increases SMEs’ performance, financial conditions and help them to survive in the long term. Therefore, finding regional, national and international differences in EO of SMEs can enable policymakers, financing institutions, SMEs, and entrepreneurs to create more opportunities for SMEs to overcome those problems. In this regard, this research seeks to explore the differences between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of SMEs that operate in different regions of countries with various cultural values, income levels, economic, political and legal risks. Moreover, age and size of firms are also considered to find differences among SMEs in national and international contexts. In line with these objectives, the current study examines two different countries that have cultural differences and have different economic, legal and political risks. To achieve the objectives, 1620 Czech and Turkish SMEs were analyzed by performing the Mann-Whitney U and Moran’s I spatial autocorrelation tests. According to the results of Moran’s I autocorrelation test, this research does not find any differences between the low and high-income regions of the selected countries regarding EO of SMEs. Experience and age of the respondents might be the reason for these results. Significant results in the national context are that EO of SMEs does not differ across the age categories, while there are differences between firm size and their EO. In the international context, the main findings are that Czech SMEs are more proactive than Turkish ones in all age and size categories, while Turkish SMEs are more innovative in all age categories and only in small size segment. However, this research has not revealed any differences within the risk-taking behaviour of SMEs from different countries considering their size and age. The significant differences and similarities in EO of SMEs from different countries might stem from the educational status of the respondents, a considerable number of operating firms in a market, agility, flexibility, R&D activities and sector of firms. Financial, educational, administrative and legislative support needs to be given by policymakers to close the gap between EO of SMEs of different age, size, regions and countries.
FFT-Based Data Hiding on Audio in LWT-Domain Using Spread Spectrum Technique
Authors: Budiman Gelar , Suksmono Andriyan Bayu , Danudirdjo Donny
Published: June 2020

Audio watermarking is a process to hide digital data without being seen or heard by the sense of sight or hearing. Watermaking is applied to insert the copyright on digital media, such as an image file, an audio file or a video file. In this paper, we propose watermarking procedure to embed spread spectrum watermark into frequency domain of adaptive selected subband from host audio. Lifting Wavelet Transform (LWT) is used to decompose the host audio into several subbands, and then Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) transforms selected several subbands with lowest energy. The watermark image is converted into one-dimensional signal, then it is modulated by imperceptible pseudo-noise (PN) code with controlled gain. Next, the frequency domain of audio is added by modulated and imperceptible watermark prior to transforming it to time domain by Inverse FFT (IFFT) obtaining watermarked subbands. Finally, the watermarked subbands are combined with other unused subbands by inverse LWT (ILWT) becoming the perfect version of watermarked audio. The result of this method has good robustness against most attacks from stirmark benchmark experiments, good imperceptibility with Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) more than 30 dB and payload 172.66 bps.
Small Motion Detection and Non-Contact Vital Signs Monitoring with Continuous Wave Doppler Radars
Authors: Seflek Ibrahim , Acar Yunus Emre , Yaldiz Ercan
Published: June 2020

Radars have become devices that one can come across in any environment at any moment. This means that they enter to all areas of life and even in the field of medicine and will be used more intensively in the future. Especially, the attention has been drawn to that they are suitable for the non-contact vital signs monitoring. In this study, two radar structures operating at 24 GHz (Radar 1) and 2.4 GHz (Radar 2) frequencies are used. Radar 1 structure is created on a printed circuit board (PCB), whereas Radar 2 is obtained by combining discrete components. The 8.5 mm movement performed with the aid of a test mechanism is detected by two radars with percentage errors (PEs) of 2.58% and 6.23%, respectively. For the 0.25 Hz vibration frequency, the error is the same for both radars and is 2.4 %. In measurements taken from a healthy human subject, Radar 1 finds a respiration rate with 1.85 % of PE and heart beat rate with 6.17 % of PE. In Radar 2, these values are 2.35 % and 8.24 %, respectively. From the measurement results, it is seen that the resolution of Radar 1 is better than that of Radar 2. The results also indicate that small motion detection and vital signs monitoring are carried out successfully.
Dual-Mode Multifunctional Reconnection-Less Reconfigurable Filter
Authors: Langhammer Lukas , Sotner Roman , Dvorak Jan , Dostal Tomas
Published: June 2020

A novel solution of a reconnection-less reconfigurable filter is being presented. The filter works in the current mode, voltage mode, and mixed mode (voltage tocurrent) offering sixteen transfer functions in total. The structure utilizes a voltage differencing transconductance amplifier, current follower and voltage, and current amplifiers. The designed structure offers the control of the pole frequency and quality factor and the adjustment of the band-stop/band-pass area of available functions. The proposed design is supported by the PSpice simulations using available simulation models.
Psychometric Properties of Persian Version of Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5-Research Version (SCID-5-RV): A Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Authors: Mohammadkhani Parvaneh , Forouzan Ameneh Setareh , Hooshyari Zahra , Abasi Imaneh
Published: June 2020

Background: The structured clinical interview for DSM-5 has recently been revised to reflect the new findings in the diagnostic criteria of psychological disorders. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Persian translation of structured clinical interview for diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders-fifth edition (DSM-5)-research version (SCID-5-RV) on Iranian adult population. Methods: In the current diagnostic accuracy study a total of 305 clinical samples were admitted to fifteen adult clinical settings and a subsample of these participants (n = 50, with a mean age of 34.31 and a standard deviation of 11.96) was recruited to evaluate test-retest reliability, and 40 non-clinical participants were recruited to examine construct validity. All participants completed the Millon Clinical Multiaxial inventory-III (MCMI-III) and Brief Symptom inventory (BSI). Results: SCID psychometric properties indicated an acceptable range for internal consistency (0.95 - 0.99), test-retest reliability (0.60 - 0.79), and Kappa reliability (0.57 - 0.72). Further, the agreement between interviewer and psychiatrist diagnoses was assessed using the Kappa index, and the result was satisfactory. The current diagnostic accuracy study used sensitivity and specificity indexes to assess the diagnostic validity of SCID by positive predictive value and also negative predictive value under the “likelihood ratio” domain. Specificity values for most psychiatric disorders were high; the sensitivity values were to somewhat lower. Furthermore, SCID-5-RV categorical diagnoses demonstrated an acceptable construct validity based on the significant differences between the clinical and non-clinical samples in all subscales of BSI except for phobia as well as all clinical subscales of MCMI-III. Conclusions: In general, the Persian translation of SCID-5-RV represented acceptable reliability and validity for various categorical diagnoses in different clinical settings.
Effects of Pistacia lentiscus and Coriander Triphala on Adult Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial
Authors: Sadeghi Fariba , Fazljou Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Sepehri Bita , Khodaie Laleh , Monirifar Hassan
Published: June 2020

Background: The cardinal symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include heartburn (pyrosis) and regurgitation. Conventional treatment is done by proton pump inhibitors. In Persian traditional medicine, several herbs (single or combined) have been used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of Pistacia lentiscus (mastic) and Coriander Triphala on reflux symptoms compared to omeprazole in a double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Methods: In a double-blinded, multicenter, randomized clinical trial, we assessed the effects of Pistacia lentiscus L., Coriander Triphala, and omeprazole on the symptoms of GERD in Tabriz, Iran, in 2018 - 2019. Thus, 105 patients with GERD symptoms were assigned randomly to three groups as group A (Pistacia lentiscus L., 1000 mg/TDS), group B (Coriander Triphala, 1000 mg/TDS), and group C (omeprazole, 20 mg/day plus five placebo capsules per day). The assessments were done at the beginning and the end of the study using FSSG, VAS, RS, and GERD-HRQL questionnaires. Results: In the beginning, no significant differences were observed between the groups in the background characteristics. There was no statistically significant difference between Pistacia lentiscus, Coriander Triphala, and omeprazole in the improvement of FSSG, VAS, GERD-HRQL, and reflux scores. In all groups, the FFSG, VAS, reflux, and GERD-HRQL scores significantly decreased and improved after four weeks of intervention compared to the respective baselines. The FSSG score improvements after four weeks of intervention were 73.68%, 83.33%, and 68.62%, in groups A, B, and C, respectively. The VAS score improvements were 66.66%, 75.00%, and 62.50% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Improvements in GERD-HRQL were 90.00%, 91.28%, and 82.00%, in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Reflux improvements were 66.66%, 80.00%, and 66.66% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Conclusions: The results showed that Pistacia lentiscus and Coriander Triphala are as effective as omeprazole in the treatment of GERD.
Antropologický pohled na jednu pražskou BDSM komunitu
Authors: Cichá Martina , Maiello Giuseppe
Published: June 2020

Práce umožňuje antropologický vhled do tematiky života lidí ve specifické, BDSM komunitě. Prostřednictvím terénního výzkumu, jehož součástí bylo dlouhodobější zúčastněné pozorování a formální i neformální rozhovory s pasivními i aktivními členy této komunity, autoři dospěli k sumárním závěrům. Bylo potvrzeno, že nejčastěji používanými praktikami jsou i ve zkoumané komunitě bondage a spanking, ovšem jejich konkrétní techniky jsou co do kvantity i kvality různé. Tedy může jít o velmi malé až totální omezení (u bondage), stejně tak minimální až krutou bolest, způsobenou spankingem, nebo (a) o ponížení, které má stejně tak různou míru, různý charakter, s využitím nejrůznějších prostředků a pomůcek. Méně často je smyslem těchto aktivit sexuální akt jako takový, jde spíše o jejich sexuální podtext. Daleko podstatnější je pro členy této komunity možnost scházet se v tomto specifickém prostředí, udržovat dobré vztahy, vzájemně se obohacovat, dbát o příjemnou, přátelskou atmosféru, saturovat vlastní intimní a sexuální potřeby, a to jak na úrovni fyzické, tak psychické, a díky tomu si upevňovat a chránit svou vlastní sexuální i osobní identitu.
Tzv. procesné trestné činy v rímskom práve
Authors: Gregor Martin
Published: June 2020

Príspevok poukazuje na eventuálnu zodpovednosť žalobcu za dolózne konanie, ktorým by sa pokúšal negatívne ovplyvniť priebeh rímskeho trestného procesu s cieľom mariť výkon spravodlivosti. Bližšie analyzuje skutkové podstaty troch trestných činov, ktoré mali chrániť riadny priebeh trestného konania. Išlo jednak o zamedzenie krivého obvinenia, aby žalobami neboli zaťažovaní nevinní ľudia. Ak podaná žaloba vykazovala v tomto smere prvky adresnosti, žalobca bol povinný svoju úlohu zastávať svedomito a nenadržiavať z istých príčin obžalovanému, inak by sa dopustil trestného činu nepoctivej žaloby. Napokon by bol žalobca potrestaný za rozpačitosť, ak by svoju žalobu v priebehu procesu opustil tým, že by vo veci nevykonával žiadne procesné úkony.
Právní rozhovor soudu a stran v civilním procesu
Authors: Mazel Filip
Published: June 2020

Příspěvek se zabývá problematikou právního rozhovoru soudu a stran v civilním sporném řízení, v rámci kterého by soud měl se stranami probrat věc po skutkové a právní stránce. V příspěvku je analyzována současná česká právní úprava (včetně návrhu věcného záměru civilního řádu soudního) a zejména možnosti inspirace v zahraničních (rakouském a německém) civilních procesech, ve kterých má právní rozhovor (Rechtsgespräch) své pevné místo coby součást materiálního vedení řízení soudem. Příznivé účinky, které může probrání věci s účastníky mít na průběh a výsledek celého řízení, jsou pak demonstrovány skrze funkce, které právní rozhovor v řízení plní.
Community gardens in post-socialist Hungary: Differences and similarities
Authors: Bende Csaba , Nagy Gyula
Published: June 2020

Interest of scholars in community gardens has skyrocketed recently. However, little is known about how community gardens are adopted in post-socialist countries and what modifications took place. The present article aims to identify spatial differences and management practices of gardens organized in Hungary from a critical geography perspective. The paper presents the findings of a nationwide research based on online research and interviewing including 44 community gardens. Results show that in contrast to the gardens in the USA, these located in Hungary are organized on the peripheries (of cities) and local governments play a significant role in organizing and managing them.
Cross-border public transport between Poland and Czechia and the development of the tourism functions of the region
Authors: Kołodziejczyk Krzysztof
Published: June 2020

Most of the Polish-Czech borderland is of great tourist attractiveness and has a considerable potential for tourism development. In order for a tourist region to function properly, appropriate public transport is necessary, which in the analysed case also includes cross-border transport. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the level of development of cross-border public transport in the Polish-Czech borderland from the perspective of its attractiveness and the development of tourism functions. Despite the fact that both Poland and Czechia joined Schengen the development of cross-border journeys’ range has been relatively slow (in some cases even diminishing). The coordination of services organised by the two countries is poor in terms of routes and timetables (in the latter case especially taking into account tourists’ needs). Locations where it is possible to cross the border using means of public transport are located irregularly and do not always correspond with the tourist attractiveness of a region. For the tourists who do not have a vehicle or for those who consciously refrain from using the car on holidays, the border is still a barrier.
Development of agency traits in adolescents who are on record with their school and the Minors Affairs Department
Authors: Kubyshkina Marina Leonidovna , Kazakova Elena Valerievna , Konopleva Violetta Aleksandrovna
Published: June 2020

The problems of minors with juvenile record often pertain to the weakness of their agency. The subject of this research is determination of the agency traits, which are weakest among adolescents who are on record with their school and the Minors Affairs Department, as well as elaboration and scientific substantiation of program for their development. The program developed by the authors can serve as the active means for increasing agency among adolescents with juvenile record. The research included 99 adolescents, 50 of which are currently on record. To measure the agency traits of individuals, the study employed psychodiagnostic questionnaires. Comparison between adolescents with record and those of good social standing revealed their agency traits that require development: mediacy, activeness, autonomy, creativity, responsibility, self-respect and self-esteem, characteristics of self-organization in activity (goal-setting, planning, self-control), qualities of social and communication competence. The program was tested using experimental plan with a control group, as well as measurement before and after exposure. The results yielded statistical confirmation of the effectiveness of all six parts of the program: 1) self-cognition; 2) social competence; 3) self-organization; 4) realization of one’s self in the context of activity, selection of goals, decisions and elimination of contradictions; 5) moral consciousness as an ability to exercise moral choices; 6) realization of one’s self in the context of life, development of awareness and responsibility.
A non-mosaic transchromosomic mouse model of Down syndrome carrying the long arm of human chromosome 21
Authors: Kazuki Yasuhiro , Gao Feng J , Li Yicong , Moyer Anna J , Devenney Benjamin , Hiramatsu Kei , Miyagawa-Tomita Sachiko , Abe Satoshi , Kazuki Kanako , Kajitani Naoyo , Uno Narumi , Takehara Shoko , Takiguchi Masato , Yamakawa Miho , Hasegawa Atsushi , Shimizu Ritsuko , Matsukura Satoko , Noda Naohiro , Ogonuki Narumi , Inoue Kimiko , Matoba Shogo , Ogura Atsuo , Florea Liliana D , Savonenko Alena , Xiao Meifang , Wu Dan , Batista Denise AS , Yang Junhua , Qiu Zhaozhu , Singh Nandini , Richtsmeier Joan T , Takeuchi Takashi , Oshimura Mitsuo , Reeves Roger H
Published: June 2020

Animal models of Down syndrome (DS), trisomic for human chromosome 21 (HSA21) genes or orthologs, provide insights into better understanding and treatment options. The only existing transchromosomic (Tc) mouse DS model, Tc1, carries a HSA21 with over 50 protein coding genes (PCGs) disrupted. Tc1 is mosaic, compromising interpretation of results. Here, we “clone” the 34 MB long arm of HSA21 (HSA21q) as a mouse artificial chromosome (MAC). Through multiple steps of microcell-mediated chromosome transfer, we created a new Tc DS mouse model, Tc(HSA21q;MAC)1Yakaz (“TcMAC21”). TcMAC21 is not mosaic and contains 93% of HSA21q PCGs that are expressed and regulatable. TcMAC21 recapitulates many DS phenotypes including anomalies in heart, craniofacial skeleton and brain, molecular/cellular pathologies, and impairments in learning, memory and synaptic plasticity. TcMAC21 is the most complete genetic mouse model of DS extant and has potential for supporting a wide range of basic and preclinical research.
Novel Dual-Fluorescent Mitophagy Reporter Reveals a Reduced Mitophagy Flux in Type 1 Diabetic Mouse Heart
Authors: Kobayashi Satoru , Patel Joy , Zhao Fengyi , Huang Yuan , Kobayashi Tamayo , Liang Qiangrong
Published: June 2020

Context: Patients with diabetes are susceptible to heart failure. Defective mitochondria can cause cardiac damage. Mitochondrial autophagy or mitophagy is a quality control mechanism that eliminates dysfunctional mitochondria through lysosome degradation. Mitophagy is essential for maintaining a pool of healthy mitochondria for normal cardiac function. However, the effect of diabetes on the functional status of cardiac mitophagy remains unclear.

Objective: To determine and compare cardiac mitophagy flux between diabetic and nondiabetic mice.

Methods: Using a novel dual fluorescent mitophagy reporter termed mt-Rosella, we labeled and traced mitochondrial fragments that are sequestered by the autophagosome and delivered to and degraded in the lysosome.

Results: Mitophagic activity was reduced in high-glucose–treated cardiomyocytes and in the heart tissue of type 1 diabetic mice.

Conclusions: Mitophagy was impaired in the heart of diabetic mice, suggesting that restoring or accelerating mitophagy flux may be a useful strategy to reduce cardiac injury caused by diabetes.
A preoperative nomogram for sepsis in percutaneous nephrolithotomy treating solitary, unilateral and proximal ureteral stones
Authors: Xun Yang , Yang Yuanyuan , Yu Xiao , Li Cong , Lu Junlin , Wang Shaogang
Published: June 2020

Background

Postoperative sepsis is a lethal complication for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). An early predictive model combined local and systemic conditions is urgently needed to predict infectious events. We aim to determine the preoperative predictors of sepsis after PCNL in patients with unilateral, solitary, and proximal ureteral stones.

Methods

A total of 745 patients who underwent PCNL between January 2012 and December 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. Sepsis was defined based on the International Sepsis Definitions in 2001, and the preoperative factors were compared between the non-sepsis and sepsis groups. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted to determine the predictors for sepsis after PCNL. A nomogram was generated using the predictors.

Results

In this study, 35 patients (4.7%) developed sepsis after PCNL. Univariate analysis showed that post-PCNL sepsis was associated with the female, lower albumin, higher globulin, lower albumin globulin ratio (AGR < 1.5), preoperative fever, leukocytosis (WBC ≥ 10,000 cells/μL), positive urine culture, leukocyturia (≥50 cells/μL) and positive urine nitrite. Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that AGR < 1.5 (odds ratio [OR] = 5.068, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.135–22.624], P = 0.033), positive urine culture (OR = 3.243, 95% CI [1.162–9.047], P = 0.025), leukocytosis (OR = 3.706, 95% CI [1.444–9.512], P = 0.006) and female (OR = 2.529, 95% CI [1.127–5.672], P = 0.024) were independent risk factors for sepsis. A nomogram was generated and displayed favorable fitting (Hosmer–Lemeshow test P = 0.797), discrimination (area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.807), and clinical usefulness by decision curve analysis.

Conclusions

Patients with certain preoperative characteristics, such as female, lower AGR, positive urine culture, and leukocytosis, who undergo PCNL may have a higher risk of developing sepsis. A cautious preoperative evaluation and optimized treatment strategy should be considered in these patients to minimize infectious complications.
Hemogram data as a tool for decision-making in COVID-19 management: applications to resource scarcity scenarios
Authors: Avila Eduardo , Kahmann Alessandro , Alho Clarice , Dorn Marcio
Published: June 2020

Background

COVID-19 pandemics has challenged emergency response systems worldwide, with widespread reports of essential services breakdown and collapse of health care structure. A critical element involves essential workforce management since current protocols recommend release from duty for symptomatic individuals, including essential personnel. Testing capacity is also problematic in several countries, where diagnosis demand outnumbers available local testing capacity.

Purpose

This work describes a machine learning model derived from hemogram exam data performed in symptomatic patients and how they can be used to predict qRT-PCR test results.

Methods

Hemogram exams data from 510 symptomatic patients (73 positives and 437 negatives) were used to model and predict qRT-PCR results through Naïve-Bayes algorithms. Different scarcity scenarios were simulated, including symptomatic essential workforce management and absence of diagnostic tests. Adjusts in assumedpriorprobabilities allow fine-tuning of the model, according to actual prediction context.

Results

Proposed models can predict COVID-19 qRT-PCR results in symptomatic individuals with high accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, yielding a 100% sensitivity and 22.6% specificity with apriorof 0.9999; 76.7% for both sensitivity and specificity with apriorof 0.2933; and 0% sensitivity and 100% specificity with apriorof 0.001. Regarding background scarcity context, resources allocation can be significantly improved when model-based patient selection is observed, compared to random choice.

Conclusions

Machine learning models can be derived from widely available, quick, and inexpensive exam data in order to predict qRT-PCR results used in COVID-19 diagnosis. These models can be used to assist strategic decision-making in resource scarcity scenarios, including personnel shortage, lack of medical resources, and testing insufficiency.
Effects of the octopus fishery on the American horseshoe crab population in the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
Authors: Sandoval-Gío Juan José , Avilés-Ramírez Gerardo , Ortiz-León Héctor Javier , Zamora-Bustillos Roberto , Rosas-Correa Carmen Olivia , Castro-Pérez José Manuel
Published: June 2020

The American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, has been reported to be illegally caught for use as Octopus spp. bait in some localities of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. To learn if the octopus fishery could be negatively influencing the limulus populations in the area, L. polyphemus individuals were sampled twice a year, before and after the annual octopus fishing season, over 4 consecutive years (2015–2018) in Río Lagartos and San Felipe, both in the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve (RLBR), Yucatán. Quadrants were drawn perpendicular to the mangrove edge, physicochemical parameters in the water (depth, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, and electrical conductivity) were determined, and granulometry of marine sediments was measured (Folk technique). The number of live specimens, number of females, and average length were recorded. No significant differences were found for the physicochemical properties of water or the recorded sedimentology (P > 0.05). Samplings revealed a low number of organisms per site: 22 in Río Lagartos and 24 in San Felipe, both from data before the start of the 2017 octopus fishing season. In the samplings after the start of the 2018 octopus fishing season, only 2 organisms were observed in Río Lagartos and none in San Felipe. The results showed a significant decrease in the number of live L. polyphemus specimens after the beginning of the octopus fishing season and a decrease in the average length of organisms, suggesting a negative effect of mollusk fishing activities on the horseshoe crab populations. More studies are required that integrate other physicochemical, biological, and socioeconomic factors to elucidate the potential threat of this fishery on L. polyphemus populations in the RLBR.
Trophic interactions between the 11 most abundant demersal fish species on the Pacific coast of central Mexico
Authors: Flores-Ortega Juan Ramón , Godínez-Domínguez Enrique , González-Sansón Gaspar
Published: June 2020

We describe the diet, feeding strategy, and trophic interactions between the 11 most abundant demersal fish species on the Pacific coast of central Mexico during both the warm and cold seasons. A total of 4,547 stomachs were collected, with 1,921 empty stomachs being discarded. According to the stomach content analysis, 95 prey items were identified and grouped into 70 food categories belonging to crustaceans, mollusks, fish, polychaetes, and echinoderms. The Smith index value and high prey diversity indicated that the 11 fish species exhibited a generalist opportunistic feeding strategy in both survey seasons. Low values of dietary overlap were recorded, and only a few significant cases of dietary overlap were found in the interaction between some rays (Urotrygonidae) and flatfish species (Pleuronectiformes). The availability and abundance of prey resources in the environment and the generalization of niche breadth allows the demersal predator community of the soft shallow bottoms to coexist without any evident competition for trophic resources.
Effect of Addition of Doum Fruits Powder on Chemical, Rheological and Nutritional Properties of Toast Bread
Authors: Hadidy G. S. El- , Dreny E. G. El-
Published: June 2020

The aim of study to produce high quality, nutritional value, sensory and rheological properties toast bread from doum fruit powder DFP and wheat flour WF. Four toast were prepared; by substituting wheat flour with 0, 10, 20 and 30% by doum fruit powder (DFP). The chemical, caloric value, physical and sensory properties of toast bread were studied. The results showed that addition of DFP to WF at different proportion due to an increase in water absorption (%), dough softening (B.U), dough development (min) and water holding capacity. Meanwhile, extensibility(mm) decreased in all doughs of DFP (10, 20 and 30%). Energy was decreased by addition of DFP at levels of 20 and 30% of DFP were (15 and 20 cm2), respectively. The results showed that increasing the levels of replacement increased ether extract, ash and crude fiber contents in prepared toast bread compared with control. Minerals of the prepared toast bread showed an increased in Ca, K, Mg and Fe while slightly decreased in P and Mn with increasing the proportions of replacement. The sensory evaluation results showed a significantly increase in the taste, odor, crumb grain and crumb texture by increasing the DFP substitution comparing with control.  Meanwhile, crust color, appearance and overall acceptability decreased than control.
Effect of Variegated Forest Soil Amendments on the Germination and Early Growth of Irvingia gabonensis (O Rorke, Baill)
Authors: Egwunatum A. E. , Dolor D. E. , Ofobike C. J.
Published: June 2020

This study evaluated the early germination and growth variables of Irvingia gabonensis under organically primed and thermally amended soil media. Six media were prepared from Gmelina plantation topsoil by amendment with poultry waste (T2), river sand (T3) and combusted forest floor litters for 5 (T4), 10 (T5), 15 (T6) and 20 (T7) minutes respectively to contrast a control topsoil (T1). Soil media were analyzed for critical nutrient properties and engaged in the germination and early growth trial of Irvingia replicated three times, and arranged in a completely randomized design. Data collected were analyzed with ANOVA and significant means separated with the Duncan multiple range test. The results showed that Ca/Mg ratio was widest for T3, least CEC (13.2 meq/100 g soil) by T7 and slightly acidic pH (H2O) for T1 and T2 while T3, T4, T6 and T7 were alkaline. Germination at 6WAS was T4 (100%)> T1=T2=T5 (85.71%) > T3 (71.43%) > T6 (42.86%) > T7 (0%). The growth variables of seedling varied significantly (P<0.05) with T3 and T4 comparing favorably in collar diameter (4.50x10-1± 0.05 mm) and leaf area (35.08±4.85 mm2) although T3 recorded the highest stem height (117.79±0.42 mm). The study recommends the use of least thermally modified media (T4) and primed topsoil-riversand (T3) for fast germination in view of conserving food reserve for the critical early growth period of I. gabonensis in pursuit of its domestication in nutrient degraded soils.