bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonrandom spatial distribution of Neotropic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) along a coastal highway in Lima, Peru
Authors: Lozano-Sanllehi Sebastián , Zavalaga Carlos B.
Published: March 2021

Neotropic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) are common seabirds along the Peruvian coast. They frequently perch on trees, poles and port structures in urban areas, producing guano that builds up in areas of high levels of human activity. Hundreds of Neotropic Cormorants rest on lighting poles and telephone cables along a 12.7 km highway in the coastal strip of the city of Lima, Peru. We hypothesized that the distribution of the cormorants along this highway is clustered and could be associated with physical features of both the coast and the adjacent marine area. Fortnightly or monthly surveys were performed from July 2018 to March 2020 in the Circuito de Playas de la Costa Verde highway. At each survey, cormorants were counted per lighting pole and adjacent telephone cables (collectively, “pole-cable”) at four count hours (0600 h, 1000 h, 1400 h and 1800 h). Our results revealed that daily bird numbers varied from 46 to 457 individuals and that only 17% of the total number of pole-cables (N = 651) was occupied once by at least one individual. The number of cormorants also varied between count hours within the same day (higher numbers at 1000 h and 1400 h). Birds were clustered into a maximum of five hotspots along the highway. According to a model selection criterion, higher numbers of cormorants on pole-cables were associated mainly to a closer distance from these structures to the shoreline and to the surf zone, suggesting that Neotropic Cormorants may select such pole-cables as optimal sites for sighting and receiving cues of prey availability. Based on the results, the use of nonlethal deterrents and the relocation of these birds to other perching structures on nearby groynes could be the most suitable management proposal for the problems caused by their feces.
Drug-induced Parkinsonism: A strong predictor of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Jeong Sohyun , Cho Hyemin , Kim Yun Joong , Ma Hyeo-Il , Jang Sunmee
Published: March 2021

Background

Although Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD) develops in considerable patients with drug-induced Parkinsonism (DIP), the association hasn’t been well defined. We aimed to evaluate the underlying association and risk factors of DIP and IPD.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study using National Health Insurance Claims data in 2011–2016 was conducted. New-onset DIP patients in 2012 were selected and matched with active controls having diabetes mellitus at a 1:4 ratio by age, sex, and Charlson’s Comorbidity Index score. Comorbidity, causative drugs, and prescription days were evaluated as covariates.

Results

A total of 441 DIP were selected. During the 4-year follow up, 14 IPD events in the DM group but 62 events in the DIP group were observed (adjusted hazard ratio, HR: 18.88, 95% CI, 9.09–39.22, adjusting for comorbidities and causative drugs). IPD diagnosis in DIP was observed high in males compared to females (15.58/13.24%). The event was the most within the 1st year follow-up, mean days 453 (SD 413.36). Subgroup analysis in DIP showed calcium channel blocker (verapamil, diltiazem, and flunarizine) was significantly associated with increased IPD risk (HR: 2.24, 95% CI, 1.27–3.93).

Conclusion

Increased IPD in DIP patients might not be from the causal toxicity of antidopaminergic effects but from a trigger by the causative drugs on the DIP patients who already had subclinical IPD pathology. DIP can serve as a strong proxy for IPD incidence. Subjects who develop DIP should be monitored carefully for potential IPD incidence.
Estimation of change in pleural pressure in assisted and unassisted spontaneous breathing pediatric patients using fluctuation of central venous pressure: A preliminary study
Authors: Okuda Nao , Kyogoku Miyako , Inata Yu , Isaka Kanako , Moon Kazue , Hatachi Takeshi , Shimizu Yoshiyuki , Takeuchi Muneyuki
Published: March 2021

Background

It is important to evaluate the size of respiratory effort to prevent patient self-inflicted lung injury and ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction. Esophageal pressure (Pes) measurement is the gold standard for estimating respiratory effort, but it is complicated by technical issues. We previously reported that a change in pleural pressure (ΔPpl) could be estimated without measuring Pes using change in CVP (ΔCVP) that has been adjusted with a simple correction among mechanically ventilated, paralyzed pediatric patients. This study aimed to determine whether our method can be used to estimate ΔPpl in assisted and unassisted spontaneous breathing patients during mechanical ventilation.

Methods

The study included hemodynamically stable children (aged <18 years) who were mechanically ventilated, had spontaneous breathing, and had a central venous catheter and esophageal balloon catheter in place. We measured the change in Pes (ΔPes), ΔCVP, and ΔPpl that was calculated using a corrected ΔCVP (cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl) under three pressure support levels (10, 5, and 0 cmH2O). The cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl value was calculated as follows: cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl = k × ΔCVP, where k was the ratio of the change in airway pressure (ΔPaw) to the ΔCVP during airway occlusion test.

Results

Of the 14 patients enrolled in the study, 6 were excluded because correct positioning of the esophageal balloon could not be confirmed, leaving eight patients for analysis (mean age, 4.8 months). Three variables that reflected ΔPpl (ΔPes, ΔCVP, and cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl) were measured and yielded the following results: -6.7 ± 4.8, − -2.6 ± 1.4, and − -7.3 ± 4.5 cmH2O, respectively. The repeated measures correlation between cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl and ΔPes showed that cΔCVP-derived ΔPpl had good correlation with ΔPes (r = 0.84, p< 0.0001).

Conclusions

ΔPpl can be estimated reasonably accurately by ΔCVP using our method in assisted and unassisted spontaneous breathing children during mechanical ventilation.
Norm-focused nudges influence pro-environmental choices and moderate post-choice emotional responses
Authors: Trujillo Carlos Andres , Estrada-Mejia Catalina , Rosa Jose A.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we use choice architecture techniques to activate both social and personal norms, seeking to increase pro-environmental choices and to better understand the effect of such norm types on post-choice emotional responses. In four experiments, we make different social or personal norms salient by aligning choice environments with psychosocial mechanisms that activate different types of norms. We use different choice architecture techniques to change information, alter product sets, and generate the social consequences of choices. The target behavior, purchasing a recycled paper notebook, is captured through direct purchase behaviors or willingness to pay commitments. We find that choice architecture activates personal but not social norms, and that associated positive and negative emotions (guilt, shame, regret and pride) are elicited by choices but not by willingness to pay. Moreover, manipulating choice environment moderates the relationship between choice and norm-related emotions, such that positive emotional responses seem to be stronger than negative ones. The results suggest that choice architecture interventions can activate individual level beliefs about sustainability and help reduce the attitude-behavior gap.
Convolutional neural network model based on radiological images to support COVID-19 diagnosis: Evaluating database biases
Authors: Maior Caio B. S. , Santana João M. M. , Lins Isis D. , Moura Márcio J. C.
Published: March 2021

As SARS-CoV-2 has spread quickly throughout the world, the scientific community has spent major efforts on better understanding the characteristics of the virus and possible means to prevent, diagnose, and treat COVID-19. A valid approach presented in the literature is to develop an image-based method to support COVID-19 diagnosis using convolutional neural networks (CNN). Because the availability of radiological data is rather limited due to the novelty of COVID-19, several methodologies consider reduced datasets, which may be inadequate, biasing the model. Here, we performed an analysis combining six different databases using chest X-ray images from open datasets to distinguish images of infected patients while differentiating COVID-19 and pneumonia from ‘no-findings’ images. In addition, the performance of models created from fewer databases, which may imperceptibly overestimate their results, is discussed. Two CNN-based architectures were created to process images of different sizes (512 × 512, 768 × 768, 1024 × 1024, and 1536 × 1536). Our best model achieved a balanced accuracy (BA) of 87.7% in predicting one of the three classes (‘no-findings’, ‘COVID-19’, and ‘pneumonia’) and a specific balanced precision of 97.0% for ‘COVID-19’ class. We also provided binary classification with a precision of 91.0% for detection of sick patients (i.e., with COVID-19 or pneumonia) and 98.4% for COVID-19 detection (i.e., differentiating from ‘no-findings’ or ‘pneumonia’). Indeed, despite we achieved an unrealistic 97.2% BA performance for one specific case, the proposed methodology of using multiple databases achieved better and less inflated results than from models with specific image datasets for training. Thus, this framework is promising for a low-cost, fast, and noninvasive means to support the diagnosis of COVID-19.
The diagnostic function of intravoxel incoherent motion for distinguishing between pilocytic astrocytoma and ependymoma
Authors: Minh Duc Nguyen
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging concurrently measures diffusion and perfusion parameters and has potential applications for brain tumor classification. However, the effectiveness of IVIM for the differentiation between pilocytic astrocytoma and ependymoma has not been verified. The aim of this study was to determine the potential diagnostic role of IVIM for the distinction between ependymoma and pilocytic astrocytoma.

Methods

Between February 2019 and October 2020, 22 children (15 males and 7 females; median age 4 years) with either ependymoma or pilocytic astrocytoma were recruited for this prospective study. IVIM parameters were fitted using 7 b-values (0–1,500 s/mm2), to develop a bi-exponential model. The diffusivity (D), perfusion fraction (f), and pseudo diffusivity (D*) were measured in both tumors and the adjacent normal-appearing parenchyma. These IVIM parameters were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to assess diagnostic performance.

Results

The median D values for ependymoma and pilocytic astrocytoma were 0.87 and 1.25 × 10−3 mm2/s (p < 0.05), respectively, whereas the f values were 0.11% and 0.15% (p < 0.05). The ratios of the median D values for ependymoma and pilocytic astrocytoma relative to the median D values for the adjacent, normal-appearing parenchyma were 1.45 and 2.10 (p < 0.05), respectively. ROC curve analysis found that the D value had the best diagnostic performance for the differentiation between pilocytic astrocytoma and ependymoma, with an area under the ROC curve of 1.

Conclusion

IVIM is a beneficial, effective, non-invasive, and endogenous-contrast imaging technique. The D value derived from IVIM was the most essential factor for differentiating ependymoma from pilocytic astrocytoma.
Blockchain in manufacturing quality control: A computer simulation study
Authors: Wong Pooi-Mun , R. K. Sinha Shreya , Chui Chee-Kong
Published: March 2021

Blockchain has been applied to quality control in manufacturing, but the problems of false defect detections and lack of data transparency remain. This paper proposes a framework, Blockchain Quality Controller (BCQC), to overcome these limitations while fortifying data security. BCQC utilizes blockchain and Internet-of-Things to form a peer-to-peer supervision network. This paper also proposes a consensus algorithm, Quality Defect Tolerance (QDT), to adopt blockchain for during-production quality control. Simulation results show that BCQC enhances data security and improves defect detections. Although the time taken for the quality control process increases with the number of nodes in blockchain, the application of QDT allows multiple inspections on a workpiece to be consolidated at a faster pace, effectively speeding up the entire quality control process. The BCQC and QDT can improve the quality of parts produced for mass personalization manufacturing.
Knowledge in Value Creation Process for Increasing Competitive Advantage
Authors: Závodská Anna , Šramová Veronika , Aho Anne-Maria
Published: March 2021

The aim of this paper is to compare companies by using value creation model and to determine knowledge in these processes. The framework for the value creation process shows problems of case companies in different phases of this process. Knowledge is compared in each of the individual phases of the process and its role in different types of companies. There is identified role of knowledge for increasing competitive advantage. The methodology involves case study from which data are derived and analyzed. The analysis shows that the framework for the value creation process can be used as an analytical tool for value overview in different phases and there is a need for different approaches to improve business and create new value for customers. Based on the analyzed problems, proposed recommendations for improvement are made. These recommendations are based on providing value innovation for customers (end users of software product). Value innovation of software product is considered as crucial for improvement of the companies in machinery industry. Company A has created new value through remote service. This remote service provides several advantages. Customers can prevent problems in machines by implementing software product which is still analyzing and evaluating data from machines. Company B and C were not able to create major value innovation for several years.
Designing Intelligent Tutoring Systems: A Personalization Strategy using Case-Based Reasoning and Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: González Carolina , Burguillo Juan Carlos , Llamas Martín , Laza Rosalía
Published: March 2021

Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs) are educational systems that use artificial intelligence techniques for representing the knowledge. ITSs design is often criticized for being a complex and challenging process. In this article, we propose a framework for the ITSs design using Case Based Reasoning (CBR) and Multiagent systems (MAS). The major advantage of using CBR is to allow the intelligent system to propose smart and quick solutions to problems, even in complex domains, avoiding the time necessary to derive those solutions from scratch. The use of intelligent agents and MAS architectures supports the retrieval of similar students models and the adaptation of teaching strategies according to the student profile. We describe deeply how the combination of both technologies helps to simplify the design of new ITSs and personalize the e-learning process for each student
Tweacher: New proposal for Online Social Networks Impact in Secondary Education
Authors: Romero Sebastián , Fardoun Habib Moussa , Ruiz Penichet Victor Manuel , Gallud José Antonio
Published: March 2021

This paper presents and analyzes the potential uses and motivations of online social networks in education, with special emphasis on secondary education. First, we show several previous researches supporting the use of social networking as an educational tool and discuss Edmodo, an educative online social network. The work carried out during two academic years with senior students of primary and secondary schools is also analyzed. After that we present Tweacher an educative social network application and evaluate its use in the classroom to prove its useful use between teachers and students. This research has allowed us to see the reality of social network use among young people and identify the challenges of its application to education environment.
JOUR-MAS: a multi-agent system approach to help journalism management
Authors: López Barriuso Alberto , De La Prieta Fernando , Lozano Murciego Álvaro , Hernández Daniel , Revuelta Herrero Jorge
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, the vertiginous progress of technology has led society to demand lower response times in general, but in press in particular. For this reason, media groups have to face a big challenge in order to facilitate their employees the technical means that enable professionals in the media sector to face the new communication models. In this article, we face this problem and present a novel system based on Virtual Organizations of agents and Cloud Computing in order to improve the organization, management and distribution of media contents.
A drug identification system for intoxicated drivers based on a systematic review
Authors: González Alfonso , Ramos Juan , De Paz Juan F.
Published: March 2021

Tests to detect the use of illegal substances among drivers are becoming more common. During these tests, a saliva test is performed and agents observe the driver to determine whether or not they are driving under the influence of psychoactive substances. During the joint control of alcohol and drugs, a breath test is performed followed by a saliva test. In addition, agents use a previously established observation questionnaire to evaluate external signs that the driver may present. This review aims to help expand and improve the questionnaire administered by the traffic officer to the driver, so that upon completing the questionnaire as indicated, it is possible to determine which drug corresponds to the symptoms displayed by the driver. The diagnosis will be facilitated by a software tool that employs the use of decision trees whose gain function has been modified to give different weights to signs and methods. A study was conducted on the symptoms and observable and/or easily detectable signs of drugs detected at sobriety checkpoints. This has enabled the creation of a test that determines the substance consumed by the driver. The proposal facilitates the detection of drugs with the data gathered from the test.
Fatores Relacionados à Polimedicação e o Impacto na Qualidade de Vida dos Idosos: Uma Revisão Integrativa da Literatura / Factors Related to Polymedication and the Impact on the Quality of Life of the Elderly: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Paulino Rafaela De Albuquerque , Paulino Rebeca De Albuquerque , Sousa Milena Nunes Alves de , Torres Camila Rocha Vieira
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: Identificar fatores relacionados à polimedicação em idosos e o impacto na qualidade de vida dessa população. Método: revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases de dados Portal Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde do Brasil (Portal BVS Brasil) e Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo). As buscas incluíram artigos em português, na íntegra, publicados entre 2018-2020. Resultados: os fatores relacionados a polimedicação observados foram: idade, sexo feminino, baixo nível de escolaridade, presença de multimorbidades, acesso à saúde suplementar e a percepção negativa da saúde. Como consequência da polimedicação foi observado uso de medicamentos potencialmente inadequados (MPI), reações adversas, declínio funcional, declínio cognitivo, aumento do tempo de internação hospitalar, síndromes geriátricas e óbito. Conclusão: A polifarmácia é um processo natural no idoso, devido à presença, com mais frequência, de multimorbidades, associada ao uso de MPI, produzindo reações adversas, interações medicamentosas, baixa adesão e síndromes geriátricas, contribuindo para o aumento da morbimortalidade nos idosos.
Cura pela Fé: As Benzedeiras do Cariri Cearense / Healing by Faith: The Benzedeiras of Cariri Cearense
Authors: Sousa Maria  Clara De , Queiroz Géssica Da Silva , Morais Maria Gabriela Gomes de , Albuquerque Lucas Tavares Cruz de , Malheiro Djailson Ricardo , Oliveira Christian Dennys Monteiro de
Published: March 2021

Desde os primórdios, a humanidade busca alternativas para tentar amenizar e/ou curar suas enfermidades, sejam elas biológicas ou não. As diversas formas de cuidado com a saúde estão relacionadas aos contextos socioeconômicos e culturais, sendo neste cenário em que, de modo paralelo ao modelo biomédico, a medicina popular se faz presente no cotidiano das comunidades. O ofício das benzedeiras, na maioria são mulheres, cumpre o papel de entrelaçar essas duas questões, utilizando um modelo de terapia não oficializada bastante presente, principalmente, em regiões onde a religião é muito presente, como o Cariri Cearense. Apesar de não ter comprovação técnico-científica, a qual é requerida no modelo de saúde hegemônico, essa prática funciona como uma alternativa para curar as mazelas que afligem a população. O ofício das benzedeiras é passado de geração a geração, no entanto, hoje, pode-se considerar que o papel das pessoas que curam pela fé está desaparecendo porque as filhas e/ou netas dessas mulheres estão renunciando a continuar com o legado. O presente trabalho visa analisar as atividades dessas mulheres e compreender todo o contexto e representatividade destas através da observação das suas práticas. É um estudo descritivo analítico centrado na realização de entrevistas gravadas em domicílio em cinco cidades do Cariri cearense com finalidade de resgatar e registrar relatos das práticas do benzimento. Ademais, são descritos os rituais de cura e as barreiras impostas para sua realização e perpetuação e, além disso, o estímulo das benzedeiras na busca pela procura médica.
"Corpo Negro, Corpo Em Risco": Uma Leitura das Complexas Relações Raciais em O Avesso da Pele, De Jeferson Tenório / "Black Body, Body at Risk": A Reading of the Complex Racial Relations in the Back of the Skin, by Jeferson Tenório
Authors: Rolim Abrantes Francisca Luana , Lins Risonelha De Sousa
Published: March 2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar as complexas relações raciais configuradas no romance O avesso da pele, de Jeferson Tenório, a partir de um estudo crítico-interpretativo. Os questionamentos que motivaram a nossa pesquisa foram: a) De que forma os sujeitos negros são representados na narrativa em questão? b) Como os personagens principais lidam com as complexas relações raciais? Para embasar a nossa pesquisa, utilizamos os estudos de Almeida (2019), Bourdieu (2001), Dalcastagnè (2008), Ribeiro (2019), entre outros. Como resultado, percebemos que a obra em destaque denuncia não só os discursos racistas associados ao corpo do negro e aos estereótipos difundidos pelas ideologias de classe, mas também leva o leitor a refletir sobre as intricadas relações interraciais e a necessidade de enxergar o sujeito negro com olhos livres do preconceito, alimentado pela sociedade.
Análise Custo-Volume-Lucro: Um Estudo de Caso Aplicado a Uma Empresa do Setor Hoteleiro de Maceió / Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis: A Case Study Applied to a Company in the Hotel Sector in Maceió
Authors: Silva Cleiton Rodrigo Buarque , Santos Jéssica Da Silva , Silva Valdemir Da , Santos Raidan Iago dos , Lima Elayne Victória Vieira Chagas de
Published: March 2021

O objetivo deste estudo é  analisar a relação Custo-Volume-Lucro em uma empresa do segmento hoteleiro na capital de Alagoas, Maceió, utilizando-se das técnicas da margem de contribuição, ponto de equilíbrio, margem de segurança e grau de alavancagem operacional. A pesquisa é considerada empírica, qualitativa e, quanto aos procedimentos, foi realizado um estudo de caso. Considerando os dados contábeis da empresa de janeiro a dezembro de 2018 e   a aplicação da relação custo-volume-lucro, constatou-se que, devido à sazonalidade caraterística do segmento, os bons resultados obtidos em meses de maior ocupação seriam necessários à manutenção da operação nos demais meses, que chega a demonstrar resultados abaixo do ponto de equilíbrio em cerca de 40% do ano. Assim, as informações proporcionadas por este estudo subsidiam a gestão no processo de tomada de decisão e contribuem para  a diminuição do risco da entidade.
Melhoria no Atendimento para Incremento dos Lucros Empresariais / Improvement in Service to Increase Corporate Profits
Authors: Araújo Paulo Dhekson , Macêdo Maria Erilúcia Cruz , Silva Samuel Modesto , Góes Claudemar Pimenta , Caffé Filho Hesler Piedade
Published: March 2021

Resumo: O presente artigo contempla informações relevantes quanto ao atendimento ao cliente, no que diz respeito ao aumento nos lucros da empresa. Fruto de um esforço conjunto de pesquisa, o seguinte artigo, ressalta pontos chaves em relação aos possíveis impactos causados pelo mau atendimento ao consumidor. A execução do artigo permitiu um estudo sistêmico, o qual buscou informações concretas, por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica, onde a mesma descreveu dados específicos quanto ao contexto histórico da qualidade ao longo das décadas, que vai desde a inspeção até a gestão da qualidade total, bem como as contribuições de Juran, Feigenbaum, Deming e Ishilkawa, considerados gurus da qualidade. Desse modo, o artigo busca estratégias fundamentais que possibilitará a ascensão dos lucros dentro das organizações. O trabalho aborda em seus aspectos qualitativo, consequências negativas relativas ao mau atendimento das organizações, expressa em dados estatísticos os quais revelam prejuízos orçamentários, bem como desvantagens comerciais frente à concorrência.
A Morte como Representação Simbólica da Infância Roubada: Recepção do Conto “O Rio das Quatro das Luzes” de Mia Couto, em Sala de Aula / The Death as a Symbolic Representation of Stolen Childhood: Reception of the Story “The River of the Four of Lights” by Mia Couto, in the Classroom
Authors: Sabino Raneide Barbosa , Nóbrega Maria Marta Dos Santos Silva
Published: March 2021

Resumo: A dicotomia vida e morte não abarca um simples acontecimento biológico, mas aponta para descoberta da finitude humana, dentro de uma perspectiva existencialista que envolve temporalidade e identidade. Neste sentido, esse trabalho analisa o conto “O rio das quatro luzes”, de Mia Couto, e descreve a recepção do conto por alunos de uma turma do 3º ano do Ensino Médio. Como resultado, constatou-se que os aspectos e simbolismos ligados à temática da morte e sua eufemização através do ato do menino protagonista desejar morrer, ao tempo em que soou como estranhamento para os alunos, ao final da experiência contribuiu para desfazer equívocos da percepção dos discentes acerca da cultura africana, notadamente a de Moçambique, ampliando-lhes, portanto, a compreensão intercultural.
Determination and comparisons of Heavy Metals in Moringa Stenopetala Leaf, Seed and Root: using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Bojago Tsegaye , Dola Adisu , Worku Dr. Getachew
Published: March 2021

This study is aimed to determine and compare the concentration level of heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Pb and Cr) using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) of samples of fresh leaf, seed and root of Moringa stenopetala from Arbaminch area and Konso districts .
Rebound-Effekte in Unternehmen
Authors: Lautermann Christian , Schöpflin Patrick
Published: March 2021

Effizienzmaßnahmen sind in Unternehmen ein wichtiges Instrument, um ökologische und ökonomische Ziele erreichen zu können. In vielen Fällen entfalten die Maßnahmen aber nicht ihre volle ökologische Einsparwirkung. Gründe dafür können Rebound-Effekte sein.
The Structure Study of Triphenylantimony(V) and Triphenylbismuth(V) Derivatives with Some Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids by IR Spectroscopy
Authors:   Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation, Gushchin A.V. , Maleeva A.I. , Kalistratova O.S. , Hamaletdinova N.M. ,   G.A. Razuvaev Institute of Organometallic Chemistry of the RAS,    Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation
Published: March 2021

The interaction of triphenylantimony (or triphenylbismuth) with carboxylic acids in the presence of peroxides in ether or THF gave 14 triphenylantimony and triphenylbismuth dicarboxylates Ph3M(O2CR)2 with crotonic, cinnamic, m-nitrocinnamic, p-methoxycinnamic, furylacrylic, vinylacetic and sorbic acids. An aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide (perhydrol with the peroxide concentration up to 45%) or an 0.8 M ether solution, as well as tert-butyl hydro¬peroxide (98%) were used as initial peroxides. Liquid vinylacetic acid was taken in the amount three times as much as peroxide instead of the required double excess. Solid carboxylic acids had solubility similar to the reaction products, and their separation was more difficult, so they were taken in stoichiometric quantities. Product yields were proved to be 40–90%. The composition of the products was confirmed by the elemental analysis data, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The position of characteristic signals of symmetric and asymmetric valence vibrations of the main functional groups in the IR spectra has been analyzed, and conclusions about monodentate and bidentate binding of me¬tals to carboxylate ligands are drawn from the difference in their values. Monodentate binding has been recorded in most antimony complexes (crotonate, m-nitrocinnamate, p-methoxycinnamate, furlacrylate, sorbate, vinylacetate), as well as in a number of triphenylbismuth complexes (m-nitrocinnamate, p-methoxycinnamate, furlacrylate, vinylacetate). Bidentate or bordering with monodentate binding has been recorded in the case of antimony only in cinnamate, and in the case of bismuth in crotonate, cinnamate, furylacrylate, and sorbate. The position of the peaks of the valence vibrations of C-H, Sb-C, and Bi-C bonds in the studied carboxylate derivatives, as well as in triphenylantimony and triphenylbismuth molecules, has been compared.
The Oxidative Addition Reaction of Tris(2-Methoxy-5-Chlorinephenyl)Antimony With Trifluoropropionic Acid
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, Khaybullina O.A.
Published: March 2021

The interaction of tris(2-methoxy-5-chlorophenyl)antimony with 3,3,3–trifluoropropionic acid in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (1:2:1 mol) in ether proceeds according to the oxidative addition reaction scheme with the formation of bis(3,3,3-trifluoropropionyl)tris(2-methoxy-5-chlorophenyl)antimony [(MeO-2)(Cl-5)C6H3]Sb[OC(O)CH2F3]2. The IR spectra of compound 2, recorded on a Shimadzu IRAffinity-1S Fourier transform IR spectrometer in a KBr pellet in the region of 4000–400 cm–1, contain absorption bands of carbonyl groups, which are shifted to the low-frequency vibration region in comparison with the IR spectra of the initial acids. According to the X-ray diffraction data obtained on a Bruker D8 QUEST diffractometer, compound 1 has the following crystallographic parameters of the unit cell: crystal size 0.23×0.21×0.08 mm3, space group P21/n, а = 8.883(7), b = 21.184(15), c = 13.642(15) Å, α = 90.00°, β = 107.34(3)°, γ = 90.00°, V = 2451(4) Å3, ρcalc = 1.587 g/cm3, Z = 4; crystal 2 has the following crystallographic parameters of the unit cell: 0.3×0.25×0.08 mm3, P21/c, а = 12.00(5), b =16.81(7), c =16.30(9) Å, α =90.00°, β =108.3(3)°, γ =90.00°, V =3121(25) Å3, ρcalc = 1.704 g/cm3, Z = 4. The antimony atom in 2 has a distorted trigonal-bipyramidal coordination with carboxylate ligands in axial positions. The OSbО angles are 174.2(5)°, the sums of the СSbC angles in the equatorial plane are 360°, the axial Sb–O bonds equal 2.073(15), 2.092(15) Å, and the equatorial Sb–С bonds equal 2.05–2.13 Å, which is close to the sum of the covalent radii of the atoms. The intramolecular Sb∙∙∙OМе distances (3.035(3), 3.037(3), 2.992(4) Å (1), 3.03(2), 3.119(17), 3.147(19) Å (2)), as well as Sb∙∙∙OMe for compound 2 (3.232(19), 2.99(2) Å), are much smaller than the sum of the van der Waals radii of atoms.
PEMETAAN KUALITAS TIPE BATU BATA BERDASARKAN KOMPOSISI DAN BAHAN PEMBAKAR DI KABUPATEN BANTUL
Authors: Haryono Fadhilah Siti Anisah , Prihatmaji Yulianto Purwono
Published: March 2021

Batu bata adalah salah satu material yang telah banyak digunakan dalam pembangunan sekarang ini. Meski begitu, hal ini tentunya juga bergantung pada kualitas batu bata tersebut, yang ditentukan berdasarkan komposisi dan bahan pembakarnya. Berdasarkan hal tersebut, maka penelitian ini akan memetakan kualitas batu bata berdasarkan komposisi dan bahan pembakar di Bantul yang tanah dari Bantul dan Klaten, guna mempedalam pengetahuan material batu bata di Bantul serta pengujiannya, agar mempermudah dalam memilih batu bata yang berkualitas. Metode penelitian dilakukan dengan observasi langsung di lima kecamatan Bantul guna mengambil data dan sampel. Kemudian sampel dikelompokkan menjadi beberapa tipe dan dilakukan pengujian terhadap sampel berdasarkan standar. Pengelompokkan tersebut menghasilkan tujuh tipe batu bata berdasarkan komposisi dan bahan pembakar, dan didapatkan bahwa, batu bata terbaik adalah tipe 7 yang memiliki komposisi tanah, lempung, abu dan dibakar menggunakan sekam, kayu. Sedangkan pemetaan menunjukkan bahwa, batu bata yang baik kebanyakan berada di sisi timur peta
Novel Multifunction Filter using Current Feedback Amplifier
Authors: Walde Dr. Nisha , Mavi Mr. Prashant Kumar
Published: March 2021

One configuration for realizing voltage- mode multifunction filters using current feedback amplifiers (CFOA) is presented. The proposed voltage -mode circuit exhibit simultaneously low pass and band pass filters. The proposed circuits offer the following features: No requirements for component matching conditions; low active and passive sensitivities; employing only grounded capacitors and the ability to obtain multifunction filters from the same circuit configuration.
Low-cost Wireless Personal Weather Station for Rural Farmers
Authors: Tchamda André Rodrigue , Djousse K. Merlain Boris , Koumetio Anselme Maffo , Fonteh Mathias Fru , Pelap François Becau , Tchitnga Robert , Kom Martin
Published: March 2021

This document presents the design of a prototype of a low-cost personal weather station suitable for farmers in rural areas who are or may not be engaged in rudimentary agriculture. This prototype measure several weather data: temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall. For further data analysis, these are transmitted for recording to a remote server via wireless communication. The server offers data extraction possibilities in multiple file formats. A prototyping of the personal weather station is designed and commissioned. An extract of the results over two days is presented in the results section of this document
Ograniczenia dopuszczalności złożenia wniosku o przyznanie prawa pomocy przed sądem administracyjnym
Authors: Talaga Robert
Published: March 2021

The right to a fair trial remains a common heritage of European legal culture. Such a standard has been guaranteed under the functioning system of human rights. Equally, the right to a fair trial was confirmed in the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. It does not mean unlimited access to justice without bearing the costs of the initiated proceedings. As a result, mechanisms were created to bear the costs of proceedings and to release certain categories of citizens from such an obligation. In proceedings before administrative courts, it is possible to apply for the right to assistance in order to maintain the right to judicial control of public administration activities. However, the relevant request from the person involved is subject to certain formal requirements. Among other things, it should be submitted using the appropriate official form, and the information contained therein may also indicate the manner in which the request was submitted. An application for granting the right to assistance may be submitted in the course of court proceedings or before their initiation. However, such a statutory definition of the moment for submitting an application for the right to assistance requires clarification. In fact, such a requestcannot be made before the individual has been entitled to submit the appropriate appeal to the administrative court. Failure to comply with such a requirement results in the fact that the application submitted for the right to assistance does not generate any legal effects. A person applying for aid from the state is not yet obliged to bear court costs. There is also no need to provide such persons with professional legal assistance in proceedings before administrative authorities. This situation makes it impossible to grant the right to assistance due to the systemic limitations. In effect, such a procedure under the application for granting the right to assistance is discontinued as being deemed redundant. Moreover, premature submission of an application for the right to assistance may also reveal additionally that the substantive examination of the complaint or objection is inadmissible.
Sustainability of a proactive geriatric trauma consultation service
Authors: Wong Camilla L , Al Atia Raghda , McFarlan Amanda , Holly Y Lee , Christina Valiaveettil , Haas Barbara
Published: March 2021

Background: Proactive geriatric trauma consultation service (GTCS) models have been associated with better delivery of geriatric care and functional outcomes. Whether such collaborative models can be improved and sustained remains uncertain. We describe the sustainability and process improvements of an inpatient GTCS. Methods: We assessed workflow using interviews and surveys to identify opportunities to optimize the referral process for the GTCS. Sustainability of the service was assessed via a prospective case series (July 2012–December 2013). Study data were derived from a review of the medical record and trauma registry database. Metrics to determine sustainability included volume of cases, staffing levels, rate of adherence to recommendations, geriatric-specific clinical outcomes, trauma quality indicators, consultation requests and discharge destination. Results: Through process changes, we were able to ensure every eligible patient was referred for a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Compared with the implementation phase, volume of assessments increased and recommendation adherence rates were maintained. Delirium and/or dementia were the most common geriatric issue addressed. The rate of adherence to recommendations made by the GTCS team was 88.2%. Only 1.4% of patients were discharged to a nursing home. Conclusion: Workflow assessment is a useful means to optimize the referral process for comprehensive geriatric assessment. Sustainability of a GTCS was shown by volume, staffing and recommendation adherence.
Rational cuspidal curves in a moving family of ℙ2
Authors: Mukherjee Ritwik , Singh Rahul Kumar
Published: March 2021

In this paper we obtain a formula for the number of rational degree d curves in ℙ3 having a cusp, whose image lies in a ℙ2 and that passes through r lines and s points (where r + 2s = 3
d + 1). This problem can be viewed as a family version of the classical question of counting rational cuspidal curves in ℙ2, which has been studied earlier by Z. Ran ([13]), R. Pandharipande ([12]) and A. Zinger ([16]). We obtain this number by computing the Euler class of a relevant bundle and then finding out the corresponding degenerate contribution to the Euler class. The method we use is closely based on the method followed by A. Zinger ([16]) and I. Biswas, S. D’Mello, R. Mukherjee and V. Pingali ([1]). We also verify that our answer for the characteristic numbers of rational cuspidal planar cubics and quartics is consistent with the answer obtained by N. Das and the first author ([2]), where they compute the characteristic number of δ-nodal planar curves in ℙ3 with one cusp (for δ ≤ 2).
Gap of knowledge in diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum in clinical specialties education
Authors: Erickson Katherine M. , Reese Ashley M. , Ortega-Loayza Alex G.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a chronic ulcerative neutrophilic dermatosis. It presents a diagnostic challenge due to the absence of disease-specific markers or histopathology, lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria, and many mimicking diseases including necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI). PG cases often present first to specialties other than dermatology. We reviewed major educational resources in internal medicine, family medicine, and infectious disease for their coverage of PG.

Content

For each specialty, we reviewed five major textbooks, five prominent journals, and any commonly used online resources. Twelve of 15 textbooks mentioned PG, only three of which included a differential, with none including NSTI in the differential. Only two of 13 journals included review articles about PG, and none of these including NSTI in their differential. Interestingly, online resources tended to be the most complete; six of nine contained PG articles, nearly all including a differential and three listing NSTI within it.

We found an underrepresentation of PG among major textbooks and journals in clinical specialties, especially in differentiating PG from its mimickers. While online resources may help fill this gap in knowledge, texts and journals remain essential. Misdiagnosis and resultant mismanagement of PG can lead to disastrous outcomes.

Outlook

We recommend that PG be added to the differential diagnoses of chronic ulcers in educational resources. We also suggest the addition of identification and differentiation of PG to learning materials and lectures for providers in specialties who may encounter PG, NSTI, or similarly presenting diseases to address this gap.
Characteristics and treatment of geriatric patients in an osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine clinic
Authors: King Alicia A. , Cox Jayme , Bhatia Shalini , Snider Karen T.
Published: March 2021

Context

Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) is an adjunctive treatment approach available to geriatric patients, but few studies provide details about presenting conditions, treatments, and response to osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in that patient population.

Objectives

To provide descriptive data on the presentation and management of geriatric patients receiving OMT at an outpatient osteopathic neuromusculoskeletal medicine (ONMM) clinic.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected from electronic health records (EHR) at a single outpatient clinic for clinical encounters with patients over 60 years of age who were treated with OMT between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2019. Records were reviewed for demographic information, insurance type, presenting concerns, assessments, regions treated, OMT techniques used, and treatment response.

Results

There were 9,155 total clinical encounters with 1,238 unique patients found during the study period. More women than men were represented for overall encounters (6,910 [75.4%] vs. 2,254 [24.6%]) and unique patients (850 [68.7%] vs. 388 [31.3%]; both p<0.001). The mean (standard deviation, SD) number of encounters per patient per year was 4.5 (4.0) and increased with increasing age by decade (p<0.001). Medicare was the most common primary insurance (7,246 [79.2%]), with private insurance the most common secondary insurance (8,440 [92.2%]). The total number of presenting concerns was 12,020, and back concerns were most common (6,406 [53.3%]). The total number of assessments was 18,290; most were neuromusculoskeletal (17,271 [94.5%]) and in the thoracolumbar region (7,109 [38.9%]). The mean (SD) number of somatic dysfunction assessments per encounter was 5 (1.7); the thoracic region was the most documented and treated (7,263 [15.8%]). With up to 19 technique types per encounter, the total number of OMT techniques documented across all encounters was 43,862, and muscle energy (7,203 [16.4%]) was the most documented. The use of high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) declined as age increased (p<0.001). The overall treatment response was documented in 7,316 (79.9%) encounters, and most indicated improvement (7,290 [99.6%]).

Conclusions

Our results showed that geriatric patients receiving OMT at our clinic were predominately presenting for neuromusculoskeletal concerns associated with back, neck, and extremity conditions, consistent with national epidemiological data for this population. The most common OMT techniques were also consistent with those used nationally by osteopathic medical students and practicing physicians. Future longitudinal studies are needed to determine the length of time improvement persists and the overall health impact experienced by geriatric patients receiving OMT.
Wybrane formy emancypacji kobiet wiejskich na łamach „Przyjaciółki” w latach 1956-1975
Authors:   Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Zajko-Czochańska Justyna
Published: March 2021

„Przyjaciółka” będąca w okresie PRL najpopularniejszym czasopismem kobiecym edukowała kobiety w takich sferach jak rodzina, małżeństwo, gospodarstwo domowe czy rolne. Udzielała porad zdrowotnych, wychowawczych, kulinarnych czy prawnych. Pełniła także funkcję emancypacyjną wśród kobiet wiejskich, do których była kierowana. Stosując metodę analizy zawartości prasy, opracowanie ukazuje w jaki sposób tygodnik kreował proces emancypacji przedstawicielek płci pięknej. Celem opracowania jest próba ukazania propagowanych przez „Przyjaciółkę” sposobów osiągania autonomii przez kobiety wiejskie. Ponadto w oparciu o wybrane numery periodyku z lat 1956-1975 zaprezentowano formy „wyzwolenia” Polek poprzez pracę, edukację, podział obowiązków domowych i relacje w rodzinie.
Kobieta, miłość i władza z nagrodą w tle. „Erasistratos odkrywa przyczynę choroby Antiocha” Jacquesa-Louisa Davida
Authors:   Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Suski Robert
Published: March 2021

Erasistratos odkrywa przyczynę choroby Antiocha nie należy do najważniejszych dzieł Jacquesa-Louisa Davida. To jego wczesny obraz (artysta malując go miał 26 lat), dzięki któremu otrzymał on Prix de Rome. Tematem obrazu jest romantyczna historia młodego Antiocha zakochanego w swojej macosze Stratonice. Młody książę był bliski śmierci z miłości, ale uratował go lekarz, który wykrył przyczynę słabnięcia Antiocha. Opowieść kończy się happy endem, Seleukos I rozwiódł się ze swoją żoną, dzięki czemu Antioch I mógł ożenić się ze Stratoniką. Ta narracja znana była głównie z dzieł Plutarcha. W moim tekście chcę przedstawić jak obecnie reinterpretuje się tę opowieść, ukazując rzeczywiste przyczyny niecodziennej decyzji Seleukosa I o rozwodzie z córką Demetriusza Poliorketesa, a następnie wydaniu jej za swojego syna.
Działalność Ligi Kobiet Polskich w okręgach katowickim i krakowskim w świetle publikacji „Naszej Pracy” (1982-1989)
Authors:   Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Bauchrowicz-Tocka Maria
Published: March 2021

Liga Kobiet Polskich zainaugurowała działalność w 1982 r. W stanie wojennym, w trudnych, politycznych, społecznych i gospodarczych warunkach, powoływała koła zakładowe, które skupiały się na organizowaniu pomocy socjalnej i tworzeniu lepszych warunków pracy. Różnorodną działalność (usługową, edukacyjną, praktyczną) prowadziły ligowe ośrodki gospodarstwa domowego. Ich doświadczenia Liga próbowała wykorzystać w czasie transformacji ustrojowej i gospodarczej. Do sztandarowych inicjatyw należało prowadzenie poradni rodzinnych i prawnych. Organizacja konsekwentnie budowała klimat społeczny, w którym kobiety mogłyby awansować i uczestniczyć we władzach. Z powodzeniem zaangażowała się w wybory do rad narodowych. Działaczki Ligi zostały radnymi. Tego sukcesu Liga nie odniosła w wyborach parlamentarnych w 1985 i 1989 r. Liga, „córka partii”, w 1989 r. odchodziła razem z „partią matką”. Powyższe zagadnienia, z którymi „mierzyła się” Liga Kobiet Polskich w okręgach katowickim i krakowskim w latach 1982-1989, wypełniają treść artykułu, napisanego na podstawie publikacji miesięcznika „Nasza Praca”.
Problemy z Nagrodami Nobla dla Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie
Authors:   Uniwersytet Warszawski, Hennel Andrzej
Published: March 2021

Maria Skłodowska-Curie miała istotne problemy przy obydwóch otrzymanych Nagrodach Nobla. W 1903 r. grupa uczonych francuskich wysunęła kandydaturę Piotra Curie, rozmyślnie pomijając wiodący wkład Marii w badaniach. W 1911 r. zablokowano jej kandydaturę w Akademii Nauk, a następnie odradzano jej wyjazd do Sztokholmu w celu odbioru drugiej Nagrody Nobla. Maria Skłodowska-Curie jest postacią, która stała się ikoną, szczególnie dla ambitnych kobiet. Jeżeli wejdziemy na stronę internetową firmy Empik, znajdziemy 44 produkty jej poświęcone, na stronie firmy Amazon znajdziemy 91 pozycji, na stronie firmy Allegro są 443 oferty książek, filmów itd.