bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Locust Invasions in the Island of Cyprus and Its Social and Economic Affects (1750-1840)
Authors: BAYTİMUR Suha Oğuz
Published: July 2022

The island of Cyprus, which has a strategic location in the Mediterranean, has been attacked by locusts at different times. Due to the damage to the vegetation and agricultural products on the island, the people of the island have experienced great distress. The island, which was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire in the period under review, tried to take a series of measures with the encouragement of the central administration in order to overcome the problems. Due to the insufficient measures taken, the locusts continued to exist in swarms on the island and continued to damage agricultural areas and plants. A Christian living in the region, who did not mention his name, reported how to fight locusts on the island in a report he wrote to the center. In this study that we discussed on the information in this report, the information in the archive records and the research works related to the problems caused by the locusts on the island have been evaluated.
Gary-Ajar İronisinde Ontolojik Sorunlar
Authors: TURĞUT Haluk
Published: July 2022

Eleştirel yaklaşımın başat biçemlerinden biri olan ironinin, özellikle egemen düşünce kalıplarının yıpratılmasında etkin yöntemlerden biri olduğu kesindir. Çelişkilerle dolu bir evrenin, kendisi de çelişkin olan bir dille ifade edilmesi gerektiği ilkesinden hareket eden çağdaş ironi anlayışı, yaşamın dokunulmaz kabul edilen alanlarına eleştiri oklarını yöneltmekten çekinmemiştir. İnceleme konusu yaptığımız, çağdaş Fransız edebiyatı romancılarından Romain Gary gerek kendi gerekse Émile Ajar imzasıyla yayımladığı romanlarında, mizah kavramına da yaslanan yetkin bir ironi anlayışı geliştirmiş ve bu alanın özgün yazarlarından biri olmuştur. Romancının yapıtlarında açıkça görülebilecek insancıl tutum, bir dünya görüşü olarak eleştirel bakışını tarih, siyaset, gündelik yaşam gibi konuların yanı sıra, ontolojik konulara da yöneltmiş ve varoluşun iç düzeneklerini sorunsallaştırmaya çalışmıştır. İnsanın dünya üzerindeki varlığını, Tanrı-insan ilişkisi, doğa yasaları ve gelişen uygarlık çerçevesinde ele alan yazar, varoluş ilkelerinin kendince kusurlu bulduğu yönlerini keskin bir dille eleştirir. Yazar varoluşun kendince aksak bulduğu yönlerini söz konusu bakış açısıyla irdeleyerek alternatif bir varoluş arayışı içine girmektedir.
Construindo Tableaux para Lógica Linear Intuicionista
Authors: Borges Hugo Hoffmann
Published: July 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é construir um Tableaux correto e completo para Lógica Linear Intuicionista por meio de um processo de tradução das regras do Cálculo de Sequentes.
Quasi-N4-lattices and their logic
Authors: Lima Neto Clodomir Silva , Silva Thiago Nascimento da , Rivieccio Umberto
Published: July 2022

The variety of quasi-N4-lattices (QN4) was recently introduced as a non-involutive generalization of N4-lattices (algebraic models of Nelson's paraconsistent logic). While research on these algebras is still at a preliminary stage, we know that QN4 is an arithmetical variety which possesses a ternary as well as a quaternary deductive term, enjoys equationally definable principal congruences and the strong congruence extension property. We furthermore have recently introduced an algebraizable logic having QN4 as its equivalent semantics. In this contribution we report on the results obtained so far on this class of algebras and on its logical counterpart.
Integrating tools to reason about Reo circuits
Authors: Ferreira Mariana , Lopes Bruno
Published: July 2022

Critical systems are present in many applications and require high reliability. However, there are still challenges for the verification and certification of these systems. The graphical language Reo is based on coordination and model the communication of software components. A set of existing tools offers compilers and reasoners based on proof assistants and model checkers for Reo-specified systems. This paper proposes the integration of these compilers through an interface that allows building Reo circuits, converting the model to the compilers' input language, simplifying the use of logic tools and allowing the creation of new channels in addition to the canonical ones. The theory used, integrated tools, features of interface and some examples are presented.
Another Calculational Proof of Cantor's Theorem
Authors: Cerioli Márcia R. , Freitas Renata de , Viana Petrucio
Published: July 2022

E. Dijkstra and J. Misra [American Mathematical Monthly, 108:440–443 (2001)] presented a calculational proof of Cantor's Theorem. Their proof is based essentially on the Axiom of Choice. In this note, we present another calculational proof which does not appeal, at least directly, to the Axiom of Choice. Our proof is based only on logical steps and a heuristic guidance analogous to the one used by Dijkstra and Misra in their proof.
Jogos como Ferramenta no Processo de Educação Ambiental: um experimento utilizando RPG e DSC
Authors: Born Míriam Blank , Mota Fernanda P. , Aguiar Marilton Sanchotene de , Adamatti Diana F.
Published: July 2022

O presente estudo apresenta uma análise das estratégias utilizadas por jogadores de Jogos de Papéis (do inglês, Role-Playing Game – RPG) aplicado ao contexto de recursos hídricos. O RPG busca auxiliar no processo de compreensão de um determinado tema e permite a observação das estratégias a partir da perspectiva de um jogador, devido a isso, o indivíduo pode elaborar estratégias que considera relevantes no jogo. Assim, a principal contribuição deste artigo é um estudo empírico e qualitativo sobre a motivação dos indivíduos e como eles elaboraram suas estratégias. Os resultados apresentam a análise dos hábitos dos jogadores do RPG por meio de uma entrevista semi-estruturada, a qual resultou em um conjunto de discursos, baseados na técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo (DSC).
Classificação Inteligente do Teste de Corte do Cacau com Redes Neurais Convolucionais Profundas
Authors: Malcher Daniel Benoliel , Guedes Elloá B.
Published: July 2022

Este trabalho considera a classificação automática de amêndoas de cacau no Teste de Corte como uma tarefa de Visão Computacional abordada com Redes Neurais Convolucionais. Com uma base de dados com exemplos de 14 classes, foram realizados experimentos com validação cruzada holdout os quais mostraram as redes Inception, VGG-16 e EfficientNetB0 como tendo melhor desempenho para a tarefa (acurácia média igual a 68,28 % ± 3,21, 65,54 % ± 3,05 e 55,04 % ± 2,03, respectivamente). Tais modelos foram combinados em um comitê com votação suave cuja acurácia média foi igual a 89,79 % ± 0,92, o que superou os modelos individuais avaliados. Este é um resultado promissor que pode apoiar objetivos estratégicos na melhoria da qualidade da produção do cacau no Brasil.
Technical feasibility study of the use of low-resolution thermal detectors in swine farming 4.0
Authors: Costa Hermano Diógenes Ferreira , Santana Taize Calvacante , Silva Rodes Angelo Batista da , Gomes Nicoly Farias , Gonçalves Glauco Estácio , Guiselini Cristiane , Almeida Gledson Luiz Pontes de , Medeiros Victor Wanderley Costa de
Published: July 2022

This article evaluates the technical feasibility of using low-resolution thermal detectors to monitor the thermal comfort of swine through surface temperature. We built two low-resolution detectors prototypes and compared their captures to a commercial high-resolution sensor. We carried out the experiments at Roçadinho Farm, a pig farm property located in the municipality of Capoeiras, Pernambuco. This study showed that, by adopting the proposed usage practices, the thermal detectors evaluated have the potential for appropriately monitoring environmental thermal comfort in swine farming.
Fomentando o Descarte Racional de Resíduos Sólidos em Comunidades Através do Uso de Tecnologia: Estudo de Caso na Comunidade dos Coelhos – Recife-PE
Authors: Silva Jr. Ozandir F. , Oliveira Sheyla A. C. , Silva Edson P. , Oliveira Jeísa P. , Domingues Marco A. O.
Published: July 2022

A gestão de resíduos sólidos urbanos é uma questão que segue desafiando governos na busca por soluções adequadas, especialmente em comunidades carentes. Nesse cenário, este artigo apresenta um site PWA para auxiliar os moradores da comunidade dos Coelhos, Recife/PE, no descarte adequado de resíduos sólidos específicos, utilizando sistemas geoespaciais para indicar a melhor rota entre o local atual do morador e o ponto adequado de coleta para determinado tipo de resíduo. Todas as entregas são registradas e podem gerar descontos em produtos e serviços no comércio local para o morador. O aplicativo também oferece as chamadas pílulas de conhecimento em gestão ambiental sustentável.
Modelagem e Simulação do Progresso Estudantil no Ensino Superior com Sistemas de Eventos Discretos para Gerenciamento de Capacidade de Turmas Extras
Authors: Sousa José Diogo A. de , Santos Juliana F. dos , Alves Gabriel
Published: July 2022

A demanda por turmas extras em cursos de ensino superior pode ser ocasionada por diversos fatores, dentre os principais está o alto índice de retenção nos períodos iniciais. Essa necessidade tende a gerar custos extras para as universidades, que já possuem um orçamento limitado. Este trabalho implementou um modelo de simulação do progresso estudantil para analisar o impacto causado pela inclusão de vagas extras em disciplinas com índice de retenção elevado nos períodos iniciais de um curso de graduação. O modelo foi construído utilizando o simulador OMNET++, no qual foram utilizados dados de um curso de tecnologia da informação para a simulação. Os resultados apontaram que a inclusão de 30 vagas extras nos 3 períodos iniciais foi capaz de eliminar a fila de espera, que chegou a alcançar uma média 210 estudantes, sem impactar nos índices de evasão do curso.
Uma Avaliação de Desempenho da Implantação de Rádio Definido por Software em Ambientes Virtualizados para Redes de Acesso Sem Fio em Nuvem
Authors: Bezerra Govinda M. G. , Ferreira Tadeu N. , Mattos Diogo M. F.
Published: July 2022

A quinta geração (5G) da rede celular deve ser flexível para atender às diferentes demandas de conexão dos dispositivos de Internet das Coisas (IoT). A virtualização de rádios é uma técnica promissora, pois permite que diversos rádios virtuais heterogêneos coexistam em um mesmo hardware, enquanto o processamento é realizado remotamente. Uma abordagem viável para a implementação de rádios virtuais é através da virtualização de sistemas operacionais completos, tais como máquinas virtuais e contêiner. Este artigo avalia os limites experimentais da comunicação Ethernet do dispositivo de Rádio Definido por Software (Software Defined Radio - SDR) e os impactos da virtualização com intuito de verificar a adequabilidade dos ambientes virtuais para uso a criação de redes de acesso sem fio virtuais em nuvem. Os resultados mostram que o desempenho do contêiner se assemelha ao do Linux nativo.
Avaliação de medidas de similaridade de texto para remoção de ambiguidade de nome de autores
Authors: Lemos Matheus , Figueiredo Daniel R. , Botler Fábio H.
Published: July 2022

A remoção de ambiguidade de nome consiste em identificar nomes diferentes que aparecem em uma base bibliográfica que remetem ao mesmo autor. Uma das primitivas para atacar este problema consiste de medidas de similaridade de string aplicada a pares de nomes dos autores. Este artigo avalia o desempenho de três medidas de similaridade de string (Levenshtein, LCS, TLSH) utilizando uma base de dados real com mais de 10 mil autores com mais de um nome e um universo de 7,3 milhões de nomes distintos. Uma metodologia baseada na ordenação das distâncias dos nomes é utilizada para comparar mais justamente as diferentes medidas de similaridade. Resultados claramente indicam que a LCS é superior as demais, mas ainda assim não identifica adequadamente os nomes sinônimos em uma grande fração de casos.
Em Busca de Redes Esparsas Robustas e Eficientes
Authors: Pires Romeu Lustosa , Serrado Carlos Bravo , Menasché Daniel Sadoc
Published: July 2022

Motivados pela importância de construir redes eficientes e robustas, apresentamos um algoritmo eficiente para calcular a soma das distâncias em redes esparsas. Tal índice, também chamado de índice de Wiener, está relacionado com a eficiência da rede. Aplicando o algoritmo, discutimos algumas propriedades das redes robustas (biconexas) e eficientes (com pequena soma das distâncias).
Modelagem e Análise da Comunicação em VANETs com uso de RSUs
Authors: Macêdo Jorge , Carvalho Vicente , Andrade Ermeson , Silva Francisco Airton
Published: July 2022

Escalabilidade e processamento paralelo são características inerentes às redes veiculares ou VANETs (Vehicular Ad hoc NETworks). A implementação de VANETs pode envolver elevado custo e por serem sistemas críticos, possuem requisitos específicos que exigem configurações heterogêneas. O crescimento da rede aumenta a complexidade e fica propenso a erros, tais como disseminação de dados, perda de pacotes e atraso. Dado o custo de implementação de VANETs, as ferramentas de simulação surgem como alternativa para avaliar configurações apropriadas. Simuladores permitem verificar interações complexas em diversas configurações, compreender o comportamento do sistema e propor otimizações. A análise prévia permite dimensionar corretamente o sistema e minimizar o custo envolvido, seja na ampliação, seja na redução da quantidade de dispositivos. Este trabalho apresenta um modelo Stochastic Petri Net voltado para VANETs com Road Side Units (RSU), onde foram avaliadas as métricas tempo médio de resposta (MRT), probabilidade de descarte de mensagens, taxa de utilização da camada network WIFI e taxa de utilização da camada Edge RSU. A bateria de testes foi executada com variações na taxa chegada de requisições. A partir do estudo realizado foi possível verificar que a alta performance na camada Wifi deixa subutilizada a camada Edge RSU.
Relatos de Experiências do Processo de Implantação do Testbed de Aplicações Blockchain Brasileiro
Authors: Silva Murilo , Veloso Alan , Abelém Antônio
Published: July 2022

Este artigo apresenta relatos de experiências dos times de TI na criação do Testbed de Aplicações Blockchain Brasileiro (TABB). O TABB é um projeto de iniciativa do Comitê Técnico em Blockchain (CT-Blockchain), coordenado pela Rede Nacional de Ensino e Pesquisa (RNP). Atualmente, esse projeto compreende duas blockchains do projeto Hyperledger, o Fabric e a Indy, o primeiro de propósito geral e a segunda para gestão de identidade. Foram elaborados e aplicados questionários para coletar as experiências dos times de TI que fazem a implantação. Essa pesquisa identificou que os métodos atualmente utilizados não são os mais adequados para esse processo. Espera-se com esse artigo, que um desenvolvimento mais assertivo seja feito através de um novo método ou aprimorando os atualmente utilizados.
Last Train West
Authors: Richter Jochen M.
Published: July 2022

Fifteen years after Romania's controversial accession to the EU, a number of personalities who experienced the events at first hand take stock. Their generally sober analysis has recently become very topical due to Putin's war in Ukraine and the rekindled dispute over the meaning of "spheres of influence" in the 21st century. Discussing the respective roles of NATO and the EU, this book contains important messages about the difficult (and potentially game-changing) trade-off between quick, decisive action and the need for thorough preparation. Romania caught ‘the last train’; perhaps a new direction of travel is needed.
Exercise in Cold Weather for COVID-19-Recovered Individuals
Authors: Hoseini Rastegar
Published: July 2022

Background: The sedentary lifestyle caused by the COVID-19 quarantine has resulted in a devastating threat to human health due to stress and anxiety. Although infected individuals must stop exercising, exercise is not prohibited when without symptoms and complications. Whereas exercise can be effective in immune system reinforcement during the prevention, recovery, and post-recovery stages, COVID-19-recovered Individuals (CRI) must exercise under accurate considerations. Objectives: This study aimed to study exercise in cold weather for the CRI. Methods: This article overviews how different exercises affect the immune system. PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar Databases and keywords including cold weather, COVID-19, immune system, and combined exercise were used to access scientific articles. Results: Recent reports show that different sports and exercises significantly improve COVID-19 symptoms, although there are many discrepancies among researchers in prescribing exercise programs (various training protocols, duration, and intensity). Also, CRI should avoid exercise in cold weather due to breathing complications Conclusions: Based on the present study, regular exercises (aerobic, resistance, and combined) with moderate intensity improve COVID-19 symptoms and the immune system.
Successful Stereotactic-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy in the Evaluation of Breast Microcalcifications: A Study in a Single Tertiary Referral Center in the Middle East
Authors: Sadighi Nahid , Bahreini Mona , Jahanbin Behnaz , Gity Masoumeh , Rahmani Maryam , Arian Arvin , Delazar Sina , Ahmadinejad Nasrin
Published: July 2022

Background: Breast microcalcifications are a category of lesions that can lead to malignancies. They remain a major concern in imaging of suspected cases. Vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) has been proposed as a safe and effective measure to evaluate microcalcifications. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the results of VAB for breast microcalcifications. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with microcalcifications detected on mammograms. Patients were recruited through simple random sampling during 2019 - 2020, based on the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were microcalcifications on mammography, classified as the breast imaging-reporting and data system (BI-RADS) categories 3, 4B, 4C, and 5, and undergoing mammography-guided VAB for the microcalcifications. Patients with missing data and those who could not be followed-up for at least six months were excluded from the study. They were assessed regarding different imaging characteristics of lesions, including the breast density, BI-RADS classification, microcalcification distribution and morphology, and other demographic and clinical features before biopsy. Additionally, the results of stereotactic-guided VAB were assessed for various benign and malignant pathologies of microcalcifications. The results of descriptive and analytical tests for various radiological and pathological features of lesions were reported. Results: A total of 257 patients, with a mean age of 50.3 ± 8.3 yars, were included in this study. Almost half of the patients (n = 125, 48.6%) had a C-grade breast composition. Regarding the BI-RADS classification, 206 (80.2%) patients were diagnosed with 4B lesions, followed by 44 (17.1%) patients with 4C lesions. The assessment of the pattern of microcalcification distribution in imaging showed that more than half of the patients (n = 148, 57.6%) had lesions in multiple groups. The most prevalent morphology of microcalcifications was punctate amorphous (n = 109, 42.4%). The majority of patients (n = 180, 70%) had benign findings in the pathological assessment, and only 69 (26.8%) had malignant features in pathology. The distribution of malignancies differed among various BI-RADS categories. In the 4B category of lesions, there were 166 benign lesions versus 32 malignant lesions, while in the 4C category, there were 10 benign lesions versus 34 malignant lesions (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study described the findings of successful stereotactic-guided VAB for breast microcalcifications. VAB can be implemented as a promising assessment tool to evaluate suspected breast microcalcifications effectively.
Should Pride of Place be Given to the Norms? Intentionality and Normativity
Authors: Calabi Clotilde , Voltolini Alberto ,   Peter Lang
Published: July 2022

Reasons motivate our intentions and thus our actions, justify our beliefs, ground our hopes and connect our feelings of shame and pride to our thoughts. Given that intentions, beliefs and emotions are intentional states, intentionality is strongly connected with normativity. Yet what is more precisely their relationship? Some philosophers, notably Brandom and McDowell, contend at places that intentionality is intrinsically normative. In this paper, we discuss Brandom and McDowell’s thesis and the arguments they provide for its defence. In contrast to what they hold, we argue that neither reference intentionality nor content intentionality are intrinsically normative, although at least content intentionality has normative implications. More precisely, we argue that neither species of intentionality are normative from a semantical viewpoint, because being in an intentional state is not being in a state that is semantically correct or incorrect. Nevertheless, being in a state endowed with content may be a reason for believing or acting. Thus, we argue that content intentionality has normative implications. More precisely, we argue that any content is such that, if it is the content of a state that is sensitive to reasons—as judging paradigmatically is—then it entitles the subject of that state to have further states or to act in certain ways.
A new semi-cryptic Filistata from caves in the Levant with comments on the limits of Filistata insidiatrix (Forsskål, 1775) (Arachnida: Araneae: Filistatidae)
Authors: Magalhaes Ivan L.F. , Aharon Shlomi , Ganem Zeana , Gavish-Regev Efrat
Published: July 2022

We describe a new troglophilic species of Filistata, F. betarif sp. nov. , collected from two caves in central Israel, by using light and electron microscopy and by DNA barcoding of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Sequences of this gene show more than 15% of divergence between the new species and its sibling, F. insidiatrix (Forsskål, 1775), which is widely distributed across the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Notwithstanding, the two species are diagnosed only by a minor morphological detail in the embolic keel of the male pedipalp; females of both species are not diagnosable based only on morphology. We also find that samples of F. insidiatrix from different localities have large genetic divergence values (larger than 15% in some cases), but their pedipalps are identical in males; this suggests that F. insidiatrix might hide an additional cryptic diversity. We take this opportunity to provide a dichotomous key for identifying the crevice-weavers (Filistatidae) of Israel and Palestine.
Censorship Dateline
Authors: Stroshane Eric
Published: July 2022

Schools, Libraries, Museums
Is It Legal?
Authors: Stroshane Eric
Published: July 2022

Libraries, Universities
Targets of the Censor
Authors: Stroshane Eric
Published: July 2022

Targets of the Censor, Winter 2021
Dialogues among stakeholders of sugar-energy sector: an analysis of the institutional environment with sights to the social and environment factors
Authors: Santos Paula Silva , Azevedo Denise Barros , Binotto Erlaine , Caleman Silvia Morales de Queiroz , Malafaia Guilherme Cunha
Published: July 2022

Brazilian sugar-energy sector has being defended as a sustainable alternative, as well as innovator for the energy matrix of the country. The sector is not only dependent on the innovative capacities of individual firms and the state policies, but on the interaction among the other stakeholders involved. It is about a descriptive and exploratory research of qualitative nature. The objective was to analyze how the dialogues among stakeholders occur, concerning social and environmental factors, in the institutional environment of the sugar-energy sector, in Mato Grosso do Sul. Interviews with six stakeholders linked to the sugar-energy sector were performed, besides a documentary analysis. Category content analysis was applied. It was evidenced that stakeholders make use of dialogue approaches as a strategic tool to identify the needs of improvements on sugar-energy sector before the institutional changes, making possible the integration among the different links of the sugar-energy sector to ease the conflicts of interests. The development of the sector is based on sustainable practices. The results highlight that the dialogue approach generates effective results, which propitiate more local sustainable development, encouraging the ecobusiness.
The current status of lean manufacturing in small, medium and large scale manufacturing companies of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Wassan , Talha Khan , Sarwar Chandio , Haider Yaseen , Sarwar Umair , Akbar Ali , Umair Muhammad
Published: July 2022

The major purpose of this study was to examine the current status of lean manufacturing in small, medium and large scale manufacturing companies situated in Karachi, Pakistan.The status of lean awareness, implementation, barriers and benefits in manufacturing companies were investigated through the questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was sent to 320 manufacturing companies and a response rate of 40.6% was received. SPSS 22.0 software was used to determine the average mean score for each factor and certain statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the results. It was observed that large organizations and SMEs both are fairly aware of the basic lean concepts but there is a sufficient difference in understanding of lean tools and techniques. Large organizations have a greater understanding and implementation of lean tools and techniques than SMEs. Some tools like 5S, Poka-yoke and TPM were found to have a similar status of implementation in various manufacturing companies irrespective of their size. The results of this study are applicable in Pakistani context, but could vary for other regions of the world, considering the awareness and challenges manufacturing enterprises are facing. To date there has been no research carried out in the context of large, small and medium manufacturing enterprises together in Pakistan, specifically in the Karachi region which investigate the status of lean awareness, implementation, benefits and barriers. Therefore, this study would serve as a foundation for conducting further in depth studies on lean manufacturing in Pakistani manufacturing companies.
Letters from authorities: "for" or "against" business
Authors: Golubenko Konstantin Aleksandrovich , Oleinik Daria Slobodanovna
Published: July 2022

The article examines the impact of letters from Russian authorities on the business community. Currently, the regulation of the publication and withdrawal of letters is non-systemic, and the legal nature of letters has not yet been determined. The lack of clear and transparent procedures for their adoption and application leads to the fact that letters from the authorities can also be used as an element of administrative pressure on business: explanations from the authorities can impose new responsibilities on companies, interfere in their operational activities, "bypass" the procedures of inspections established by law. It is proposed to define letters of authorities as a kind of legal acts that are adopted by law enforcement agencies in the absence of a single regulated legal procedure for their publication, contain explanations of legislation and (or) rules of conduct that can have an indirect impact on an indefinite circle of persons and (or) be applied in specific legal situations.  In order to reduce the negative impact of letters from authorities on subjects of economic legal relations, legal regulation of the publication of letters by authorities is proposed. Within the framework of this procedure, it is important to establish: general rules of registration, a limited list of grounds for their adoption; the need to substantiate the practical benefits of accepting letters for non-government entities; establishing the priority of letters that create favorable conditions for non-government subjects of legal relations, in cases of letters contradicting each other; a limited list of officials who have the right to sign them; the procedure for cancellation (revocation) of letters from public authorities, including a list of entities that have the right to raise the issue of their cancellation (revocation). The latter may be the bodies of the Ministry of Justice and (or) the Prosecutor General's Office of the Russian Federation (due to the emerging practice recognizing such competence for them). At the end of the study, it is additionally proposed to evaluate letters according to the criterion of expediency and within the framework of the judicial norm control procedure.
The importance of optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the glycemic control of older adults with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Data from the study on aging and longevity EELO
Authors: Okuyama Cristina Eunice , Oliveira Denise Cristine de , Fernandes Karen Barros Parron , Poli-Frederico Regina Célia , Diniz Susana Nogueira , Costa Viviane de Souza Pinho , Marquez Audrey de Souza
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Optimal serum levels of vitamin D are of great importance, especially in populations with comorbidities such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Objective: The study evaluated the relationship between hypovitaminosis D and glycemic control in older adults with type 2 DM. Methods: Cross-sectional and prospective study, part of the EELO project (Study on Aging and Longevity), conducted in Southern Brazil. Glycated hemoglobin (diabetes ≥6.5%) and serum levels of vitamin D (25(OH)D) were evaluated. Hypovitaminosis D was determined using cutoff points <20 and <30 ng/mL). Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the risk of having uncontrolled DM. Results: Of the 120 older adults included in the study, aged between 60 and 87 years, 74.2% were women, 66.7% used hypoglycemic medications and 75.8% exhibited uncontrolled diabetes. An inverse correlation was observed between the levels of 25(OH)D and glycated hemoglobin (rS=-0.19, p=0.037), suggesting that low levels of vitamin D are associated with poor glycemic control in diabetic individuals. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D when using the cutoff points of <20 and <30 ng/mL were 34.2% and 75.0%, respectively. The odds ratio (OR) analysis showed that individuals with 25(OH)D<20ng/mL have almost 4 times more risk of having uncontrolled DM (OR:3.94; CI95%:1.25-12.46, p=0.02) when compared to the older adults with sufficient levels of vitamin D. Conclusion: The results indicate that the optimal serum levels currently recommended for 25(OH)D should preferably be 30 ng/mL or higher to contribute to better glycemic control in older adults with type 2 DM.
Autoconsciência corporal e queixas álgicas em estudantes universitários de música
Authors: Araújo Willian Souza , Gonçalves Ingra Bezerra de Melo , Moreira Maria Rosilene Cândido
Published: July 2022

Introdução: Queixas álgicas e problemas osteomusculares são prevalentes em musicistas, tendo como fatores determinantes questões físicas, cognitivas, organizacionais e autoconsciência corporal, podendo surgir já no contexto universitário. Objetivo: Investigar a autoconsciência corporal e sua relação com o surgimento de queixas álgicas em estudantes universitários de música. Métodos: Estudo transversal conduzido no ano de 2019, com 34 estudantes de música de universidade pública situada ao sul do estado do Ceará, Brasil. Utilizou-se a Bateria de Autoconsciência Corporal e Saúde Ergonômica de Músicos, composta pelas escalas: autoconsciência corporal (A), autopercepção da dor (B) e aspectos preventivos (C), e questionário com dados sobre a prática musical curricular. Análises descritivas e testes de Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis foram realizados. Resultados: Houve queixas álgicas em 67,6% dos estudantes e baixa expressividade da autoconsciência corporal em 50%. Associaram-se negativamente: autoconsciência corporal e problemas osteomusculares (p=0,04); autopercepção da dor e queixas álgicas após sete dias (p=0,004) e dor pós-performance (p=0,03); aspectos preventivos e dor nos últimos sete dias (p=0,01). Associaram-se positivamente: autoconsciência corporal e ausência de problemas osteomusculares (p=0,004); aspectos preventivos e realização de alongamentos na rotina musical (p=0,04). Não houve variáveis associadas positivamente à autopercepção da dor. Conclusão: O estudo contribuiu para importantes reflexões sobre o aparecimento de queixas álgicas osteomusculares entre os estudantes e destacou aspectos da prática instrumental que poderão auxiliar na elaboração de estratégias preventivas e promotoras de hábitos saudáveis no contexto universitário, com ênfase na autoconsciência corporal.
Morphometric aspects of the articular cartilage of rats treated with low-level laser therapy and exercise in a rheumatoid arthritis model
Authors: Neves Morgana , Tavares Alana Ludemila de Freitas , Retameiro Ana Caroline Barbosa , Reginato Aline , Leal Taciane Stein da Silva , Ribeiro Lucinéia de Fátima Chasko , Bertolini Gladson Ricardo Flor
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is classified as an autoimmune, chronic disease affecting diarthrodial joints and periarticular structures. Objective: To evaluate whether low-intensity laser treatment (LLLT) and/or exercise reduce the deleterious effects of tissue in a rheumatoid arthritis model. Methods: 128 rats were divided into two inflammatory periods: acute (7 days) and chronic (28 days) and subdivided into control, injury and treatment. The protocol with Freund's Complete Adjuvant was used in two inoculations, one intradermal and one intraarticular in the tibiofemoral joint, the control animals received saline solution. For treatment, LLLT 660 nm, 5 J/cm² was used in the sensitized joint and climbing exercise in stairways with an overload of 100 grams. After the experimental period, the animals were euthanized and the joints were prepared for morphometric analysis of the total thickness, superficial, deep, and cellular density of the articular cartilage. Generalized Linear Models with Sidak post-test were chosen. Results: The control group was found to be different from the lesion group with greater joint cartilage thickness, and the animals treated with exercise alone increased the joint cartilage compared to the control group. Conclusion: The animals treated with laser association and exercise showed improvement in the morphometric aspects of the articular cartilage.
Self-organization of kinetochore-fibers in human mitotic spindles
Authors: Conway William , Kiewisz Robert , Fabig Gunar , Kelleher Colm P , Wu Hai-Yin , Anjur-Dietrich Maya , Müller-Reichert Thomas , Needleman Daniel J
Published: July 2022

During eukaryotic cell division, chromosomes are linked to microtubules (MTs) in the spindle by a macromolecular complex called the kinetochore. The bound kinetochore microtubules (KMTs) are crucial to ensuring accurate chromosome segregation. Recent reconstructions by electron tomography (Kiewisz et al., 2022) captured the positions and configurations of every MT in human mitotic spindles, revealing that roughly half the KMTs in these spindles do not reach the pole. Here, we investigate the processes that give rise to this distribution of KMTs using a combination of analysis of large-scale electron tomography, photoconversion experiments, quantitative polarized light microscopy, and biophysical modeling. Our results indicate that in metaphase, KMTs grow away from the kinetochores along well-defined trajectories, with the speed of the KMT minus ends continually decreasing as the minus ends approach the pole, implying that longer KMTs grow more slowly than shorter KMTs. The locations of KMT minus ends, and the turnover and movements of tubulin in KMTs, are consistent with models in which KMTs predominately nucleate de novo at kinetochores in metaphase and are inconsistent with substantial numbers of non-KMTs being recruited to the kinetochore in metaphase. Taken together, this work leads to a mathematical model of the self-organization of kinetochore-fibers in human mitotic spindles.
Speed variations of bacterial replisomes
Authors: Bhat Deepak , Hauf Samuel , Plessy Charles , Yokobayashi Yohei , Pigolotti Simone
Published: July 2022

Replisomes are multi-protein complexes that replicate genomes with remarkable speed and accuracy. Despite their importance, their dynamics is poorly characterized, especially in vivo. In this paper, we present an approach to infer the replisome dynamics from the DNA abundance distribution measured in a growing bacterial population. Our method is sensitive enough to detect subtle variations of the replisome speed along the genome. As an application, we experimentally measured the DNA abundance distribution in Escherichia coli populations growing at different temperatures using deep sequencing. We find that the average replisome speed increases nearly fivefold between 17 °C and 37 °C. Further, we observe wave-like variations of the replisome speed along the genome. These variations correlate with previously observed variations of the mutation rate, suggesting a common dynamical origin. Our approach has the potential to elucidate replication dynamics in E. coli mutants and in other bacterial species.
A modular software framework for the design and implementation of ptychography algorithms
Authors: Guzzi Francesco , Kourousias George , Billè Fulvio , Pugliese Roberto , Gianoncelli Alessandra , Carrato Sergio
Published: July 2022

Computational methods are driving high impact microscopy techniques such as ptychography. However, the design and implementation of new algorithms is often a laborious process, as many parts of the code are written in close-to-the-hardware programming constructs to speed up the reconstruction. In this article, we present SciComPty, a new ptychography software framework aiming at simulating ptychography datasets and testing state-of-the-art and new reconstruction algorithms. Despite its simplicity, the software leverages GPU accelerated processing through the PyTorch CUDA interface. This is essential for designing new methods that can readily be employed. As an example, we present an improved position refinement method based on Adam and a new version of the rPIE algorithm, adapted for partial coherence setups. Results are shown on both synthetic and real datasets. The software is released as open-source.
Factors associated with non-attendance at appointments in the gastroenterology endoscopy unit: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yılmaz Hasan , Kocyigit Burcu
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a limited health resource because of a scarcity of qualified personnel and limited availability of equipment. Non-adherence to endoscopy appointments therefore wastes healthcare resources and may compromise the early detection and treatment of GI diseases. We aimed to identify factors affecting non-attendance at scheduled appointments for GI endoscopy and thus improve GI healthcare outcomes.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study performed at a tertiary hospital gastroenterology endoscopy unit, 12 months before and 12 months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to identify variables associated with non-attendance at scheduled appointments.

Results

Overall, 5,938 appointments were analyzed, and the non-attendance rate was 18.3% (1,088). The non-attendance rate fell significantly during the pandemic (22.6% vs. 11.6%, p < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis identified the absence of deep sedation (OR: 3.253, 95% CI [2.386–4.435]; p < 0.001), a referral from a physician other than a gastroenterologist (OR: 1.891, 95% CI [1.630–2.193]; p < 0.001), a longer lead time (OR: 1.006, 95% CI [1.004–1.008]; p < 0.001), and female gender (OR: 1.187, 95% CI [1.033–1.363]; p = 0.015) as associated with appointment non-attendance.

Conclusions

Female patients, those undergoing endoscopic procedures without deep sedation, those referred by physicians other than gastroenterologists, and with longer lead time were less likely to adhere to appointments. Precautions should be directed at patients with one or more of these risk factors, and for those scheduled for screening procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Genome-wide identification of long non-coding (lncRNA) in Nilaparvata lugens’s adaptability to resistant rice
Authors: Zha Wenjun , Li Sanhe , Xu Huashan , Chen Junxiao , Liu Kai , Li Peide , Liu Kai , Yang Guocai , Chen Zhijun , Shi Shaojie , Zhou Lei , You Aiqing
Published: July 2022

Background

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), is a very destructive pest that poses a major threat to rice plants worldwide. BPH and rice have developed complex feeding and defense strategies in the long-term co-evolution.

Methods

To explore the molecular mechanism of BPH’s adaptation to resistant rice varieties, the lncRNA expression profiles of two virulent BPH populations were analyzed. The RNA-seq method was used to obtain the lncRNA expression data in TN1 and YHY15.

Results

In total, 3,112 highly reliable lncRNAs in TN1 and YHY15 were identified. Compared to the expression profiles between TN1 and YHY15, 157 differentially expressed lncRNAs, and 675 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified. Further analysis of the possible regulation relationships between differentially expressed lncRNAs and differentially expressed mRNAs, identified three pair antisense targets, nine pair cis-regulation targets, and 3,972 pair co-expressed targets. Function enriched found arginine and proline metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and carbon metabolism categories may significantly affect the adaptability in BPH when it is exposed to susceptible and resistant rice varieties. Altogether, it provided scientific data for the study of lncRNA regulation of brown planthopper resistance to rice. These results are helpful in the development of new control strategies for host defense against BPH and breeding rice for high yield.
Pollution caused by nanoplastics: adverse effects and mechanisms of interaction via molecular simulation
Authors: Oliveira Yamara Matos , Vernin Nathalia Salles , Maia Bila Daniele , Marques Marcia , Tavares Frederico Wanderley
Published: July 2022

The continuous increase in the production of synthetic plastics for decades and the inadequate disposal of plastic waste have resulted in a considerable increase of these materials in aquatic environments, which has developed into a major environmental concern. In addition to conventional parameters, the relevance of the environmental monitoring of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) has been highlighted by the scientific community due to the potential adverse effects these materials pose to the ecosystem as well as to human health. The literature has registered an increasing interest in understanding the mechanisms, at the molecular level, of the interaction between NPs and other compounds using molecular simulation techniques. The present review aims to: (i) summarize the force fields conventionally used to describe NPs by molecular simulations; (ii) discuss the effects of NPs in the structural and dynamical properties of biological membranes; (iii) evaluate how NPs affect the folding of proteins; (iv) discuss the mechanisms by which NPs adsorb contaminants from the environment. NPs can affect the secondary structure of proteins and change the lateral organization and diffusion of lipid membranes. As a result, they may alter the lipid digestion in the gastrointestinal system representing a risk to the assimilation of the nutrients by humans. The adsorption of contaminants on MPs and NPs can potentiate their harmful effects on human health, due to a possible synergism. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms involved in these interactions is crucial to predict dangerous combinations and outline action strategies that reduce negative impacts on ecosystems and human health. Depending on the chemical properties of contaminants and NPs, electrostatic and/or van der Waals interactions can be more relevant in explaining the adsorption process. Finally, we conclude by highlighting gaps in the literature and the critical aspects for future investigations.
Nuclear energy transition and CO2 emissions nexus in 28 nuclear electricity-producing countries with different income levels
Authors: Mahmood Haider
Published: July 2022

Background

Nuclear energy carries the least environmental effects compared to fossil fuels and most other renewable energy sources. Therefore, nuclear energy transition (NET) would reduce pollution emissions. The present study investigates the role of the NET on CO2 emissions and tests the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) in the 28 nuclear electricity-producing countries from 1996–2019.

Methods

Along with a focus on the whole panel, countries are divided into three income groups using the World Bank classification, i.e., three Lower-Middle-Income (LMI), eight Upper-Middle-Income (UMI), and 17 High-Income (HI) countries. The cross-sectional dependence panel data estimation techniques are applied for the long and short run analyses.

Results

In the long run, the EKC is corroborated in HI countries’ panel with estimated positive and negative coefficients of economic growth and its square variable. The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the USA are found in the 2nd stage of the EKC. However, the remaining HI economies are facing 1st phase of the EKC. Moreover, economic growth has a monotonic positive effect on CO2 emissions in LMI and UMI economies. NET reduces CO2 emissions in UMI and HI economies. On the other hand, NET has an insignificant effect on CO2 emissions in LMI economies. In the short run, the EKC is validated and NET has a negative effect on CO2 emissions in HI countries and the whole panel. However, NET could not affect CO2 emissions in LMI and UMI countries. Based on the long-run results, we recommend enhancing nuclear energy transition in UMI and HI economies to reduce CO2 emissions. In addition, the rest of the world should also build capacity for the nuclear energy transition to save the world from global warming.
Aquaculture Based Interventions for Livelihood and Empowerment of Women in Konkan Region of Maharashtra
Authors: Yadav B. M. , Tibile R. M. , Indulkar S. T. , Sharangdhar S. T.
Published: July 2022

A study was carried out to assess the possibility of carp culture in village ponds for livelihood and empowerment of women fish farmers and women SHG’s. Awareness programmes followed by training programmes on carp culture in open water bodies were conducted. A village pond of 1.5 ha area of Posheri, Palghar District and 0.8 ha area of Malgund, Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra state were selected for demonstration. The fertilisers were applied in Posheri pond to boost plankton production. A total of 10000 carp fingerlings (40-60 mm) were stocked and were fed commercial floating feed. The catla grown to a size of 1.0 to 1.2 kg whereas weight of rohu and mrigal ranged between 0.5 and 0.7 kg at the time of harvest. A fish yield of 1200 kg was obtained with a productivity of 800 kg/ha. The fishes were sold at the rate of Rs. 200/- per kg and a revenue of Rs. 2,40,000/- was realised. In Malgund pond, 2000 carp fingerlings were stocked in September, 2019. Carps were fed commercial feed and grown for a period of eight months. At the time harvest, catla reached a size of 1.2 to 1.5 kg and rohu weighed from 0.3 to 0.5 kg. A total yield of 250 kg was sold at average price of Rs. 120/- per kg in fish market of Ratnagiri and revenue of Rs. 30,000/- was generated. Thus, carp culture activity demonstrated at both places indicated a possibility for augmenting socio-economic status of women through provision of livelihoods.