bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel rocket-borne ion mass spectrometer with large mass range: instrument description and first-flight results
Authors: Stude Joan , Aufmhoff Heinfried , Schlager Hans , Rapp Markus , Arnold Frank , Strelnikov Boris
Published: February 2021

Abstract. We present a novel rocket-borne ion mass spectrometer named ROMARA (ROcket-borne MAss spectrometer for Research in the Atmosphere) for measuring atmospheric positive and negative ions (atomic, molecular and cluster ions) and positively and negatively charged meteor smoke particles.
Our ROMARA instrument has, compared to previous rocket-borne ion mass spectrometers, a markedly larger mass range of up to m/z 2000 and a larger sensitivity, particularly for meteor smoke particle detection.
The major objectives of this first ROMARA flight included the following:
a functional test of the ROMARA instrument,
measurements between 55 and 121 km in the mass range of atmospheric positive and negative ions,
a first attempt to conduct mass spectrometric measurements in the mass range of meteor smoke particles with mass-to-charge ratios up to m/z 2000, and
measurements inside a polar mesospheric winter echo layer as detected by ground-based radar.
Our ROMARA measurements took place on the Arctic island of Andøya, Norway, at around noon in April 2018 and represented an integral part of the polar mesospheric winter radar echo (PMWE) rocket campaign.
During the rocket flight, ROMARA was operated in a measurement mode, offering maximum sensitivity and the ability to qualitatively detect total ion signatures even beyond its mass-resolving mass range.
On this first ROMARA flight we were able to meet all of our objectives.
We detected atmospheric species including positive atomic, molecular and cluster ions along with negative molecular ions up to about m/z 100.
Above m/z 2000, ROMARA measured strong negative-ion signatures, which are likely due to negatively charged meteor smoke particles.
Revisiting the long-term decreasing trend of atmospheric electric
potential gradient measured at Nagycenk, Hungary, Central Europe
Authors: Buzás Attila , Barta Veronika , Horváth Tamás , Bór József
Published: February 2021

Abstract. In 2003, a decreasing trend has been reported in the long-term (1962–2001) fair weather atmospheric electric potential gradient (PG) measured in the Széchenyi István Geophysical Observatory (NCK, 47°38' N, 16°43' E), Hungary, Central Europe. The origin of this reduction has been the subject of a long-standing debate, due to a group of trees near the measurement site which reached significant height since the measurements of PG have started. Those trees have contributed to the lowering of the ambient vertical electric field due to their electrostatic shielding effect. In the present study, we attempt to reconstruct the true long-term variation of the vertical atmospheric field at NCK. The time-dependent shielding effect of trees at the measurement site was calculated to remove the corresponding bias from the recorded time series. A numerical model based on electrostatic theory was set up to take into account the electrostatic shielding of the local environment. The validity of the model was verified by on-site measurement campaigns. The changing height of the trees between 1962 and 2017 was derived from national average age-height diagrams for each year. Modelling the time-dependent electrical shielding effect of the trees at NCK revealed that local effects played a pivotal role in the long-term decrease. The results suggest that earlier attempts could not quantify the shielding effect of the trees at NCK accurately. It was found that the reconstructed PG time series at NCK exhibits a significant increase between 1962 and 1997 followed by a decaying trend since 1997. It is pointed out that long-term variation in summertime and wintertime PG averages should be analyzed separately as these may contribute to trends in the annual mean values rather differently.
An upward continuation method based on spherical harmonic
analysis and its application in the calibration of satellite gravity
gradiometry data
Authors: Qu Qingliang , Yu Shengwen , Zhu Guangbin , Chang Xiaotao , Zhou Miao , Liu Wei
Published: February 2021

Abstract. The ground gravity anomalies can be used to calibrate and validate the satellite gravity gradiometry data. In this study, an upward continuation method of ground gravity data based on spherical harmonic analysis is proposed, which can be applied to the calibration of satellite observations from the European Space Agency's Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE). Here, the following process was conducted to apply this method. The accuracy of the upward continuation method based on spherical harmonic analysis was verified using simulated ground gravity anomalies. The DTU13 global gravity anomaly data were used to determine the calibration parameters of the GOCE gravitational gradients based on the spherical harmonic analysis method. The trace and the tensor invariants I2, I3 of the gravitational gradients were used to verify the calibration results. The results revealed that the upward continuation errors based on spherical harmonic analysis were much smaller than the noise level in the measurement bandwidth of the GOCE gravity gradiometer. The scale factors of the Vxx, Vyy, Vzz, and Vyz components were determined at an order of magnitude of approximately 10−2, the Vxz component was approximately 10−3, and the Vxy component was approximately 10−1. The traces of gravitational gradients after calibration were improved when compared with the traces before calibration and were slightly better than the EGG_TRF_2 data released by the European Space Agency (ESA). In addition, the relative errors of the tensor invariants I2, I3 of the gravitational gradients after calibration were significantly better than those before calibration. In conclusion, the upward continuation method based on spherical harmonic analysis could meet the external calibration accuracy requirements of the gradiometer.
Estética teológica y escritura figurativa: Joaquín de Fiore
Authors: Lázaro Pulido Manuel
Published: February 2021

Joaquín de Fiore es un autor especial y muy significativo en la baja Edad Media. Su pensamiento teológico no solo destaca por sus propuestas trinitarias y escatológicas, sino también por su propia forma textual. Analizamos la estética teológica del abad calabrés a través de su pensmaiento histórico profésitoc y dos figuras significativas: el árbol y maiestado domini, señalando el contexto de su lenguaje figurativo y su novedad.
Los hausa y Kānem-Bornu. La islamización de dos grandes reinos desconocidos del "Bilād as-Sūdān" entre los siglos XI-XVI
Authors: Castro Martínez Vicente
Published: February 2021

Cuando se intenta comprender y explicar el proceso de islamización que tuvo lugar en el África subsahariana es muy común que este análisis se centre únicamente en los dos grandes imperios de la zona: Mālī y Songay. Sin embargo, el presente artículo se propone analizar el proceso de islamización de los reinos desconocidos de hausa y Kānem-Bornu, situados, a grandes rasgos, entre el río Níger y el lago Chad. A esta área, el islam llegó, como no podía ser de otra manera, gracias a las rutas comerciales que atravesaban el desierto del Sahara, uniendo sus dos orillas. Los protagonistas de este estudio vieron como los valores musulmanes no sustituyeron repentinamente a los propios de las creencias tradicionales en la zona, sino que durante largo tiempo ambas coexistieron. Esto dio lugar a la formación de una suerte de sincretismo religioso, cuestionado en momentos puntuales de mayor fanatismo religioso, el cual llegó a la región de la mano de los predicadores bereberes, procedentes de la vertiente septentrional del Sahara. Esto último, irá adquiriendo cada vez mayor importancia, pues estos “misioneros”, en las ocasiones en las que tuvieron éxito, siempre contaron con el apoyo de los gobernantes locales.
Los escritores ricardianos y la consolidación de la literatura en inglés medio
Authors: Balestrini María Cristina
Published: February 2021

Este artículo tiene por finalidad destacar las condiciones bajo las que desde las últimas décadas del siglo XIV tuvo lugar el reconocimiento de la poesía en inglés medio como práctica prestigiosa en un contexto todavía dominado por la literatura y la cultura francesa. Para ello, tomo en cuenta una serie de conceptos planteados por eruditos y hombes de letras que, desde principios del siglo XV en adelante, establecieron la noción de un canon literario temprano a partir de los nombres de poetas que estuvieron activos durante el periodo ricardiano, en especial a partir de John Gower y Geoffrey Chaucer, desde entonces identificados como fundadores de la literatura inglesa. A continuación señalo algunos de los rasgos comunes a la obra de estos escritores, y enfatizo la significación que le asignan a la literatura como vehículo de un sentido de pertenencia a una comunidad cultural, seguramente una de las razones que facilitaron su aceptación por parte de sus receptores presentes y futuros.
Extensão universitária no enfrentamento da COVID-19: a Universidade e o (re)configurar de projetos e ações
Authors: Silveira Rogério Zanon da , Miguel Marcelo Calderari , Del Maestro Maria Lúcia Kopernick
Published: February 2021

Introdução: a extensão universitária funciona com a comunicação de conhecimento. Nessa esfera está a questão de como aprender, empreender e conectar o conhecimento produzido diante das novas ou tradicionais interações que unem o ensino, as tecnologias da informação e a pesquisa universitária. Problema de pesquisa: quais são as ações extensionistas que a pandemia provoca na Universidade? Objetivo de pesquisa: identificar e analisar ações e projetos de enfrentamento à pandemia, exercendo atividade extensionista ao desenvolvimento da Responsabilidade Social Universitária, em uma universidade pública do estado do Espírito Santo. Método: este estudo, cujo acervo bibliográfico documental desempenha autoridade necessária para a exposição do trabalho, tem cunho exploratório, descritivo, de corte transversal e se apoia em uma abordagem qualitativa de pesquisa. A extensão da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo apresenta análise de conteúdo que situa as ações e os serviços direcionados à sociedade – essa categorização atua para delinear ações e projetos que têm como eixo central o Sars-Cov-2. Resultados: evidencia a estruturação de programas e projetos de extensão com a finalidade de preparar o agir social. Conclusão: sugere o avanço da temática de enfrentamento ao surto da doença, causada pelo novo coronavírus, aproximando o desenvolvimento da responsabilidade social universitária de ações possíveis e viáveis à área da ciência da informação.
Chinese and Indian Stock Markets: Linkages and Interdependencies
Authors: Chellaswamy Karthigai Prakasam , N. Natchimuthu , Faniband Muhammadriyaj
Published: February 2021

This paper examines the stock market linkages and interdependencies between China and India. We use the quantile regression approach as an alternative to Ordinary Least Squares estimation due to its flexibleness and robustness. Our results of the entire time period reveal the influence of Chinese CPI and ER on Nifty returns is not the same across the different quantiles. However, Chinese IR has no impact on Nifty returns. Further, Indian CPI has a negligible effect on SSE returns. In contrast, IR and ER do not affect SSE returns. This study also observes that the dependence structure between CPI and SSE returns indicates a negligible change post-recession period. However, the dependence structure between IR, ER, and SSE returns has not changed after the recession. Further, a significantly small change is found in the dependence structure between Chinese macroeconomic variables and Nifty returns post-recession.
¿Está asociado el uso de redes sociales digitales a las teorías de la conspiración?: evidencias en el contexto de la sociedad andaluza
Authors: Rodríguez-Pascual Iván , Gualda Estrella , Morales-Marente Elena , Palacios-Gálvez M. Soledad
Published: February 2021

El objetivo de este texto es el estudio de la relación entre el uso de redes sociales digitales y el grado en que la población apoya varias teorías de la conspiración referidas al contexto español. Los resultados muestran una asociación entre un mayor grado de uso de redes sociales y un mayor grado de apoyo a las teorías de la conspiración en al menos 3 de las 4 teorías consideradas. El análisis multivariante ha encontrado en todos los casos que, además del uso de redes sociales digitales, múltiples variables sociodemográficas, políticas y psicosociales intervienen en esta relación y de una manera específica en cada caso. Se concluye que este es solo un primer resultado que necesita de varias matizaciones y futuros estudios que profundicen en la naturaleza de esta asociación.
Un estudio exploratorio sobre capital social familiar en España y sus relaciones con otras formas de capital social
Authors: Marcaletti Francesco , Cavallotti Rita
Published: February 2021

El artículo presenta la validación de una escala de capital social familiar (CSF) diseñada siguiendo el paradigma de la sociología relacional y utilizada para explorar la relación entre el CSF y otras formas de capital social (CS). El análisis exploratorio de los componentes principales produjo tres factores, que representan las dimensiones de «apoyo», «unidad» y «ambivalencia» del CSF. Un modelo de ecuación estructural se llevó a cabo para explorar la relación entre CSF y CS «cívico» y «generalizado». Los resultados indican que se logró una validación satisfactoria de la escala de CSF y que la «ambivalencia» constituye un elemento intrínseco del CSF, como confirman los estudios sobre la solidaridad familiar. Además, las dimensiones de «apoyo» y de «unidad» se asociaron negativamente con la «ambivalencia», y positivamente solo con el CS «generalizado».
Van marxisme naar economisch strafrecht
Authors: de Roos Th.A.
Published: February 2021

Van marxisme naar economisch strafrecht – Over een persoonlijke, autobiografische band met een bijzonder rechtsgebied

De auteur presenteert autobiografische bronnen van zijn speciale aandacht voor, en professionele toewijding aan het terrein van economisch strafrecht. Hij werd op dat spoor gezet door de werken van Karl Marx, maar uiteindelijk ontdekte hij dat Marx maar weinig te bieden had als het om het recht gaat. Niettemin bleef zijn fascinatie voor de relatie tussen economie en (straf)recht. De auteur behandelt enkele – tegenwoordig belangrijke en intrigerende – voorbeelden die die fascinatie kunnen rechtvaardigen.
Groene ketenaansprakelijkheid
Authors: van Duyne P.C.
Published: February 2021

Groene ketenaansprakelijkheid – Geen ontkomen aan

In dit artikel wordt verslag gedaan van onderzoek naar ontbossing in Oekraïne. Uit door Earthsight en plaatselijke onderzoeksjournalisten uitgevoerd onderzoek blijkt dat een groot deel van het naar de EU uitgevoerde hout onwettig gewonnen is, mogelijk gemaakt door corruptie van hooggeplaatste ambtenaren. De in de EU gebruikte duurzaamheidscertificaten blijken de lading niet te dekken. Voorgesteld wordt een systeem van objectieve risicoaansprakelijkheid voor elke schakel in de handelsketen in te voeren: van oorsprong tot eindhandelaar.
Roekeloosheid
Authors: de Doelder H.
Published: February 2021

Roekeloosheid

Roekeloosheid is een begrip uit het wegenverkeersrecht, dat zijn invloed heeft op het gewone strafrecht. De wetswijziging, die beoogt aan het begrip een andere betekenis toe te kennen in het verkeersrecht, heeft gevolgen voor de hantering van het begrip in dat gewone strafrecht.
The Effects of Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs) on Ruminant
Authors: Badgar Khandsuren , Prokisch József
Published: February 2021

This study examines the role of selenium and the effects of selenium nanoparticle-enriched food supplementation especially in ruminant animals. Selenium is an essential element that has multiple biological activities. Particularly it is important for many physiological processes, especially for the functions of reproductive and immune systems, metabolism of thyroid hormones, as well as antioxidant defense. Also, the presence of selenium nanoparticles in the diet provide a high content of selenium in milk and meat due to its high bioavailability and low toxicity, which is essential for humans.
Finding a suitable fit function used to determine the Physical width of the Flux tube with Dynamical fermions
Authors: Purev Battogtokh , Chagdaa Sodbileg , Galsandorj Enkhtuya
Published: February 2021

We have determined the width of the flux tube for several temperatures and distances using four different fit functions in order to determine the appropriate function that fits the data of the middle transverse distribution of flux tube with the dynamical fermions. Our results have revealed that only one fitting function cannot determine the width of the flux tube at the given temperatures and distances. We conclude that appropriate fit functions are a four coefficient function where R < 0.8 fm and where Gaussian function is R > 0.8 fm.
A Rare Etiology of Diffuse Pulmonary Hemorrhage
Authors: Janík Martin , Rybárová Veronika , Straka Ľubomír , Hejna Petr
Published: February 2021

A 36-year-old drug addict presented to the emergency room after intravenously injecting 20 milliliters of pure gasoline [...]
Ambulatory Management of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: The Jury Is Still Out
Authors: Rathi Vidushi , Madan Karan , Mohan Anant , Hadda Vijay , Mittal Saurabh
Published: February 2021

Pneumothorax is a commonly encountered condition in clinical practice [...]
Importance Analysis of Containment Spray System in Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Rahman Priyonta
Published: February 2021

The basic purpose of the containment spray system (CSS) is to cool the containment atmosphere when the internal pressure of the containment exceeds a certain limit. Water is transferred by a pump from the storage tank via heat exchangers to the overhead spray nozzles in the roof of the containment. This water cools the atmosphere of the containment. In this research, the reliability analysis of CSS has been investigated using fault tree analysis (FTA). The results of the top event probabilities, minimal cut sets (MCS), risk decrease factor (RDF), risk increase factor (RIF), and sensitivity analysis were obtained for the WASH-1400 data base.
Advanced Laser Processing towards Solar Cells Fabrication
Authors: Kumar Saha Jhantu , Dutta Animesh
Published: February 2021

The ultra-short pulse laser has the potential in selective nano-structuring of thin-films layers by adjusting the wavelength of laser radiation depending on optical properties of the thin- film and the substrate that will solve its efficiency and stability issues in a one-step process, which is a promising methodology for thin-film solar cell fabrication that are fabricated through a sequence of vapor deposition and scribing processes. The review is performed to further understand the structure of the laser modified surface and the nature of dopants and defects in the crystalline grains. Using low temperature studies, the electronic levels of the dopant and its configuration with the lattice could be probed. The review is also explored the concept of using thin films of silicon as the laser irradiation substrate and for enhanced the visible and infrared absorption of films of silicon with thicknesses of few micrometer. Although the review is made good progress studying the properties of new material and incorporation into device but there are many unanswered questions and exciting avenues of research are also explored with femtosecond laser irradiated silicon.
Secondary Metabolites fromSaccharomyces cerevisiaeSpecies with Anticancer Potential
Authors: Jahangeer Muhammad , Riasat Areej , Mahmood Zahed , Numan Muhammad , Munir Naveed , Ashiq Mehvish , Asad Muhammad , Ali Usman , Salman Mahwish
Published: February 2021

Chemotherapeutic agents produce from numerous sources such as animals, plants and micro-organisms are derived from the natural products. Although the existing therapeutic pipeline lacks fungal-derived metabolites, but hundreds of secondary metabolites derived from fungi are known to be possible chemotherapies. Over the past three decades, several secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic and polyketides have been developed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae species with exciting activities that considered valued for the growth of new chemotherapeutic agents. Many secondary metabolites are protective compounds which prevent abiotic and biotic stresses, i.e. predation, infection, drought and ultraviolet. Though not taking part in a living cell’s central metabolism, secondary metabolites play an important role in the function of an organism. Nevertheless, due to slow biomass build-up and inadequate synthesis by the natural host the yield of secondary metabolites is low by direct isolation. A detailed comprehension of biosynthetic pathways for development of secondary metabolites are necessary for S. cerevisiae biotransformation. These metabolites have higher inhibitory effect, specificity among cancer and normal cells, and the mechanism of non-apoptotic cell killing. This study shows the significance of bioactive compounds produced by S. cerevisiae species with their possible activity and value in chemotherapeutic drugs pipeline. The isolation and alteration of these natural secondary metabolites would promote the development of chemotherapeutic drugs.
A Visual Assessment Scale for Rapid Evaluation of Mangrove Degradation, Using Examples from Myanmar and Madagascar
Authors: Zöckler Christoph , Wodehouse Dominic , Markolf Matthias
Published: February 2021

Mangroves are globally threatened, disappearing and degraded. They are lost due to land use changes, mostly agricultural expansion and aquaculture, but also degraded by cutting by villagers and logging and timber extraction for domestic and economic purposes. Extent and conversion of mangroves can usually be estimated by applying remote sensing and modern drone technology, but the scale of degradation of mangrove habitats is not easily detected by such methods. In this paper we propose an assessment tool for a rapid evaluation on the degradation, using examples from different regions in Myanmar and Madagascar. We propose a visual and practical guide listing a range of 1–6 to identify and quantify the level of degradation. We demonstrate the application by displaying various examples from Myanmar and Madagascar and how this tool can be used for wider applications, discussing advantages scope, and limitations.
Microglial Plasticity Contributes to Recovery of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells during Experimental Stroke
Authors: Cristina S. Franco Edna , Marques Cardoso Marcelo , Cordeiro de Souza Celice , Castro da Silva Michelle , Ramos dos Santos Carolina , Gomes-Leal Walace
Published: February 2021

Brain stroke is an acute neural disorder characterized by obstruction (ischemic) or rupture (hemorrhagic) of blood vessels causing neural damage and subsequent functional impairment. Its pathophysiology is complex and involves a multitude of pathological events including energetic collapse, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, metabolic acidosis, cell death and neuroinflammation. Despite its clinical importance, there is no effective pharmacological therapies available to diminish secondary damage avowing functional deficits. Considering the failure of pharmacological approaches for stroke, cell therapy came as promising alternative. Different cell types have been investigated in different experimental models with promising results. An important issue regarding the transplantation of stem cells into the damaged CNS tissue is how the pathological environment influences the transplanted cells. It has been established that an exacerbated inflammation in the pathological environment is detrimental to the survival of the transplanted stem cells. This prompted us to develop an experimental strategy to improve the therapeutic actions of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) transplanted into the acute phase of brain stroke by modulating microglial activation with minocycline. In this chapter, we first review the basic pathophysiology of ischemic stroke with emphasis on the role of microglia to the pathological outcome. We then review the experimental approach of modulating microglia activation in order to enhance therapeutic actions of BMMCS for experimental stroke. We suggest that such an approach may be applied as an adjuvant therapy to control excessive neuroinflammation in the pathological environment allowing acute transplants and improving therapeutic actions of different kind of stem cells.
Role of Secondary Metabolites to Attenuate Stress Damages in Plants
Authors: Zahan Akhi Masuma , Manjurul Haque Md. , Sanaullah Biswas Md.
Published: February 2021

Plants are constantly facing various threats posed by the biotic and abiotic stressors. To survive in these challenged environment, plants evolve a variety of defense mechanism. Among the various phytochemicals, secondary metabolites (SMs) accumulate higher amount under stressful conditions and initiate signaling functions to up-regulation of defense responsive genes. SMs ensures the survival, persistence and competitiveness of the plant against the threat generated under stressful conditions. Therefore, the signaling functions of SMs to protect the plant from biotic and abiotic stressors are getting importance in the recent times. In this chapter the contribution of SMs to protect the plant from specific environmental stresses has been discussed.
From Money-Centered to People- and Planet-Centered Ledger Economics: Leveraging the Hidden Wealth of Underutilized Productive Capacity
Authors: Fisher Thomas , Hodroff Joel
Published: February 2021

This chapter introduces a for-profit way to repair persistent problems in free enterprise economics and commerce. Today, continuous advances in technology and human capabilities fail to produce a commensurate, across-the-board rise in the standard of living and quality of life for households and communities. Instead, win-lose competition over money and proliferation of competitive duplication put downward pressure on profits, wages and the purchasing power of families. Despite an ever-growing economic pie, everyone does not enjoy a secure income. This is a money issue, not a productivity issue. Eventually, so-called equilibrium is achieved when businesses downsize, merge and/or fail. But businesses fail while there are still unmet needs for their products and services revealing a missed business opportunity. An innovative alternative is to monetize and market currently underutilized productive capacity using a new form of business scrip termed Ledger Dollars (L$) L$ increase purchasing power within a cooperative network of business and community stakeholders. L$ are analogous to loyalty rewards—backed by unsold products and services—but reward more than consumer spending and enhance cooperation and eco-sustainability. Ledger Dollars constitute a new financial asset class designed to improve traditional fiat-centered economics and advance the now popular Triple-Bottom-Line of People, Planet and Profits.
Atomic Force Microscopy Reveals the Role of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Elasticity in Hypertension
Authors: Zhu Yi
Published: February 2021

The vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) mechanical properties not only provide intrinsic cellular functions, but also influence many vascular and circulation functions in physiology. In this report, the VSMCs of thoracic aorta from 16-18 week age Wistar-Kyoto normotensive rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were used as research subjects to reveal hypertension mechanism at a single cell level using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The apparent elastic modulus was significantly increased in VSMCs from SHRs compared to those from WKYs. Treatment with cytochalasin D (CD), ML7, Y27632 and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) modulated VSMC stiffness of WKYs and SHRs. A spectral analysis approach was applied to further investigate the time- dependent change in VSMC elasticity of WKYs and SHRs. This report demonstrated the efficacy of real-time analysis of VSMC elasticity by AFM nano-indentation, and revealed real-time functional differences in biomechanical characteristics of VSMCs with drug treatments.
Modulating the Physicochemical Properties of Chitin and Chitosan as a Method of Obtaining New Biological Properties of Biodegradable Materials
Authors: Latańska Ilona , Rosiak Piotr , Paul Paulina , Sujka Witold , Kolesińska Beata
Published: February 2021

Physical and chemical modifications of chitin and chitosan allow for obtaining new functional properties of the natural polymers. This is a particularly valuable feature for the design and manufacture of new materials for medical applications. Due to their wide and varied biological activity, chitin and chitosan materials are increasingly used as dressing materials with antibacterial and hemostatic properties and as materials accelerating the regeneration of damaged tissues because of stimulation of granulation tissue formation, re-epithelialization and reduction of the formation of scar tissue. In addition, chitosan derivatives have antifungal, antiviral, anticancer activity. The increasing use of chitin and chitosan also has a positive impact on the environment, as it is obtained as a result of chitin deacetylation, usually isolated from shellfish shells. The main source of chitin is waste coating of crustaceans. The annual natural reproducibility of chitin by biosynthesis is estimated at 2–3 billion tons. Our interest in the use of biodegradable biopolymers derived from chitin concerns the design, synthesis in laboratory scale, testing new material properties and the final implementation of new developments for industrial practice of new dressing materials useful in the treatment of bleeding wounds (haemostatic properties) as well as in the regeneration of wounds and ulcers of various etiologies. Examples of chitin-based dressing materials introduced by Tricomed SA are Medisorb R Ag, Medisorb R Membrane, Medisorb R Powder and Tromboguard®.
Prognostic and Predictive Factors in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients with Early Mortality with Prediction Matrix and Three and Five-Year Overall Survival
Authors: R. Terebelo Howard , Reap Leo
Published: February 2021

Survival rates for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma have increased to a remarkable 8–12 years. Novel agents, autologous stem cell transplantation, monoclonal antibodies, improvements in supportive care and attention to minimal residual disease negative all have aided this remarkable journey. With these treatments we are identifying tools to achieve complete remissions. Prognostic factors have an important role in selecting proper patient approaches for trial designs. Prognostic and predictive clinical biomarkers have shaped staging and treatment selections for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Here we review the Early Mortality Prediction Matrix to identify those at risk of an early death (<6 months) incorporating both disease biology with patient fitness. We also review current standards of care for multiple myeloma and provide a three and five-year overall survival prediction matrix. We review benefits for MRD negativity and Next-Gen Sequencing. These tools will help clinicians improve upon reducing early mortality in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients and provide further framework for improving survival by assessing clinical, biologic and individual multiple myeloma patients.
Features of Diagnostics and Differential Diagnostics of Chronic Heart Failure in Outpatient Clinics
Authors: Anatolievich Shtegman Oleg , Mihailovna Petrova Marina
Published: February 2021

The Chapter contains information about the prevalence of heart failure (HF) among patients in outpatient practice. The causal structure of HF, the prevalence of risk factors for HF, and the occurrence of a reduced ejection fraction are described. It describes the frequency of overdiagnosis of HF, the disease most often simulating its symptoms. The difficulties associated with laboratory and instrumental diagnostics of this syndrome are discussed. A pharmacological test for differential diagnosis of the causes of dyspnea in patients with suspected HF is described. Information is provided on the incidence of depressive and anxiety among the patients with this disease.
Sugarcane Breeding for Enhanced Fiber and Its Impacts on Industrial Processes
Authors: Sica Pietro
Published: February 2021

For centuries, sugar has been virtually the only commercialized product derived from sugarcane. Traditionally, sugarcane breeding programs focused exclusively on the increase of the sucrose content, abandoning characteristics such as biomass yield and fiber content. Recently, sugarcane gained prominence also for its potential in terms of biomass production. As a result, some sugarcane breeding programs began to look for ways to increase fiber content and biomass yield instead of sugar content. In the 1980s, Alexander created the concept of energy cane. Here we review the changes in the sugarcane breeding programs related to enhanced fiber instead of sugar content. Compare the energy generation of energy cane with other biomass crops. Also, the recent changes in the biomass and biofuels scenario, focusing on topics as 2G ethanol and the RenovaBio program, from the Brazilian Government, which will give carbon credits to biofuels. Although several studies demonstrate its potential for biomass production, energy cane is still a new technology on an experimental scale and has been struggling to reach and establish on a commercial scale. However, policies and new technologies are increasing the demand for lignocellulosic material. Therefore, this chapter connects these points and shows the potential of this new plant material for the coming years.
A Panglossian Dilemma
Authors: Johannes Bengs Christer
Published: February 2021

Ambient intelligence is a factual phenomenon of increasing magnitude. It also invites intrigued attention as carrier of meanings. Meanings are produced in a variety of contexts, which are here the focus of attention. In order to analyze contextual narratives and their effects, concepts such as intelligence, optimization, rationale, rationality and ambience are discussed. One meaning of ambient intelligence is its indicative contribution to increased unilateral control of the many by the few. Ethical guidelines may be part of prevailing rhetoric, but their success as a self-controlling factor seems fairly unrealistic. Moral confusion is not only related to artificial intelligence, but to the very essence of modern society.
Bioethics, Adaptive Preferences, and Judging the Quality of a Life with Disability
Authors: Stramondo Joseph A. ,   Department of Philosophy, Florida State University
Published: February 2021

Both mainstream and disability bioethics sometimes contend that the self-assessment of disabled people about their own well-being is distorted by adaptive preferences that are only held because other, better options are unavailable. I will argue that both of the most common ways of understanding adaptive preferences—the autonomy-based account and the well-being account—would reject blanket claims that disabled people’s QOL self-assessment has been distorted, whether those claims come from mainstream bioethicists or from disability bioethicists. However, rejecting these generalizations for a more nuanced view still has dramatic implications for the status quo in both health policy and clinical ethics.
The stapes of Thrinaxodon Seeley, 1894 and Galesaurus Owen, 1859: a case of study for intraspecific variability in basal cynodonts
Authors: GAETANO Leandro C. , ABDALA Fernando
Published: February 2021

We surveyed the stapedial anatomy of Thrinaxodon liorhinus Seeley, 1894 and Galesaurus planiceps Owen, 1859, two iconic Early Triassic basal cynodonts. The complete characterization of this bone and the analysis of its morphological variability along the ontogeny within each taxon were possible through the study of eleven elements of Thrinaxodon Seeley, 1894 and nine of Galesaurus Owen, 1859. Our results highlight notable qualitative and quantitative differences among specimens of the same species. Stapes growth model in Galesaurus shows a positive allometry on the lateromedial length and on the anteroposterior width, whereas in Thrinaxodon there is a negative allometry in the anteroposterior width but the lateromedial length is isometric. This study offers a counterintuitive result of inordinate high intraspecific morphological variation of the stapes of basal non-mammaliaform cynodonts.
El mal y las técnicas de envilecimiento: Fenomenología del cuerpo torturado
Authors: Venebra Muñoz Marcela
Published: February 2021

El objetivo central de este artículo es exponer las herramientas que la fenomenología husserliana aporta a la definición, descripción y análisis del mal moral. Parto de la distinción Ricoeuriana entre mal moral y mal sufrimiento, con la intención de justificar la introducción del instrumental husserliano en ambas esferas. Me interesa analizar esta distinción en un marco de interpretación fenomenológico que nos permita explicar el mal sufrimiento como dolor y el mal moral como violencia y envilecimiento. En un primer momento expongo las limitaciones del análisis hermenéutico en relación con la descripción del dolor como pura pasividad; en un se-gundo momento analizo los desarrollos contemporáneos de la fenomenología del dolor a través de los conceptos centrales de la teoría husserliana de la constitución, concretamente, de la teoría de la corporalidad que aparece en este contexto; en un tercer momento trato de definir el mal moral (el mismo de la distinción ricoeuriana) como violencia, y la violencia como acción articulada a través de un conjunto de técnicas de envilecimiento o deshumanización, caracterizadas por la intención de un otro hostil, de dañar o alienar la identidad del yo mediante la manipulación de los sentimientos sensibles de la víctima, a través de la creación de escenarios y condiciones materiales consideradas infrahumanas.The main goal of this paper is to expose the tools offered by Husserlian phenomenology for the definition, description, and analysis of moral evil. My starting point is the Ricoeurian distinction between moral evil and suffering evil, in order to justify the insertion of the Husserlian analysis in both spheres. My purpose to highlight this distinction within a Husserlian interpretation frame so we can understand the suffering evil as pain, and the moral evil as violence and degradation. First, I expose the limitations of hermeneutical analysis in the assumption of pain as pure passivity. Second, I analyze the contemporary developements of the phenomenology of pain through the central concepts of the Husserlian theory of the constitution, specifically, the theory of corporeality. Third, I try to define moral evil–the same contemplated within the Ricoeurian distinction–as violence, and violence as an articulated action through an array of degradation techniques, or dehumanization, characterized by the hostile intention of the other to damage or alienate the identity of the ego by manipulating the sensible feelings of the victim, through the creation of scenarios and material conditions considered as infrahuman.
Martín Buceta: "Merleau-Ponty lector de Proust: lenguaje y verdad", Buenos Aires, Sb Editorial, 2019, 285 pp.
Authors: Cormick Claudio
Published: February 2021

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SÁNCHEZ MUÑOZ, R., "Persona y afectividad. Invitación a la fenomenología de Edith Stein", Bogotá, Aula de Humanidades, 2020, 188 páginas
Authors: Viaña Rubio Carlos Guillermo
Published: February 2021

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Cost-Effectiveness of Durvalumab After Chemoradiotherapy in Unresectable Stage III NSCLC: A US Healthcare Perspective
Authors: Mehra Ranee , Yong Candice , Seal Brian , van Keep Marjolijn , Raad Angie , Zhang Yiduo
Published: February 2021

Background: Durvalumab was approved by the FDA in February 2018 for patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC that has not progressed after platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT), and this regimen is the current standard of care. The objective of this study was to examine the cost-effectiveness of durvalumab following cCRT versus cCRT alone in patients with locally advanced, unresectable stage III NSCLC. Methods: A 3-state semi-Markov model was used. Modeling was performed in a US healthcare setting from Medicare and commercial payer perspectives over a 30-year time horizon. Clinical efficacy (progression-free and post progression survival) and utility inputs were based on PACIFIC study data (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02125461; data cutoff March 22, 2018). Overall survival extrapolation was validated using overall survival data from a later data cutoff (January 31, 2019). The main outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of durvalumab following cCRT versus cCRT alone, calculated as the difference in total costs between treatment strategies per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. Results: In the base-case analysis, durvalumab following cCRT was cost-effective versus cCRT alone from Medicare and commercial insurance perspectives, with ICERs of $55,285 and $61,111, respectively, per QALY gained. Durvalumab was thus considered cost-effective at the $100,000 willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold. Sensitivity analyses revealed the model was particularly affected by variables associated with subsequent treatment, although no tested variable increased the ICER above the WTP threshold. Scenario analyses showed the model was most sensitive to assumptions regarding time horizon, treatment effect duration, choice of fitted progression-free survival curve, subsequent immunotherapy treatment duration, and use of a partitioned survival model structure. Conclusions: In a US healthcare setting, durvalumab was cost-effective compared with cCRT alone, further supporting the adoption of durvalumab following cCRT as the new standard of care in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC.
CURRENT TRENDS AND BARRIERS OF APPLIED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Authors: PASTOR LOPEZ IKER , SANZ URQUIJO BORJA , TELLAECHE IGLESIAS ALBERTO , GARCIA BRINGAS PABLO
Published: February 2021

In 2017, the Spanish Government created a group made up of different experts, in order to develop a joint state strategy in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data. Although it is true that there were moments
in which the development of this strategy
stopped due to political issues, at the end of 2018 the European Commission urged its member countries to have their national strategy for R & D & i in AI presented. In this way, the Spanish R & D & I Strategy in Artificial Intelligence was presented in March 2019.
Writing Victimhood
Authors: Uldbjerg Signe
Published: February 2021

Non-consensual sharing of intimate images, here called digital sexual assault (DSA), has been a heavily debated subject in Denmark over the past few years. In the polarized public and academic debate, DSA victims are often either subjected to victim blaming or portrayed as ‘broken’ victims with little agency and hope of redemption. This article presents a methodology for working with DSA victims to construct their own alternative and empowering stories of victimhood.Through an experimental methodology based on creative writing, I have included three young women in a process of collectively developing and exploring aspects of their experiences with DSA. With this methodology, I aim to combine activism and research in investigating DSA and actively supporting victims in constructing progressive stories of victimhood; stories that, as activism, work in opposition to oppressive discourses, and, as research, offer insights into complex experiences of victimhood. The article ends in a discussion of change as the prospect of activist research and experimental methodologies and concludes with a “manifesto for writing victimhood” stating activist aims that encourage and value social, personal and political change in and through research.
Guiomar do Porto o leer sin perder el hilo
Authors: Calderón Calderón Manuel
Published: February 2021

El Auto de Guiomar do Porto hay que situarlo en la encrucijada del Auto renacentista y las continuaciones de la Tragicomedia de Fernando de Rojas. Mi análisis parte del concepto de «representación», entendido de tres maneras distintas. En un primer sentido teatral, señalo las semejanzas y diferencias del Auto portugués con las imitaciones y continuaciones de La Celestina. Desde el punto de vista de la historia de la lectura, destaco la influecia que la lectura tiene en la conducta de la protagonista. Y desde un punto de vista iconográfico, relaciono algunos pasajes del Auto con la iconosfera celestinesca y la cultura visual de la época.
El amor cristiano en la Tragicomedia de Fernando de Rojas y en la Segunda Celestina de Feliciano de Silva
Authors: Ene Petre
Published: February 2021

El presente trabajo se propone explorar la percepción del amor en el contexto cristiano, con el intento de reconocer la implementación y los cambios de costumbres que se evidencian en dos producciones literarias que tienen como protagonista a Celestina: la Tragicomedia de Calisto y Melibea de Fernando de Rojas y la Segunda Celestina de Feliciano de Silva. La hipótesis central de este ensayo considera que entre la escritura de Rojas y la de Silva, tanto el mal de amor como la conquista de la amada sufren gradualmente un proceso de evolución. Nos referimos a una acentuación de los valores y los fundamentos cristianos reconocidos en la época como primordiales; de tal manera que ocurre una conversión de la trama central, acercando la segunda obra hacia la noción cristiana de amor, como parte del ideal matrimonial.
La Celestina de la compañía Bambalina Teatro Practicable
Authors: Gastañaga Ponce de León José Luis
Published: February 2021

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Sesenta y seis años de la alcahueta en la escena teatral en México
Authors: Lezama Limias Guadalupe
Published: February 2021

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A Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos e as cooperativas ou associações de catadores de recicláveis: caminhos para o agente socioeconômico ambiental
Authors: Severo Ana Luiza Felix , Guimarães Patrícia Borba Vilar
Published: February 2021

O presente trabalho parte de pesquisa empírica para estudar os elementos trazidos na Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos, Lei Federal instituída em 2010. A importância do empirismo é de trazer a realidade da práxis em contraponto com o que reza a lei. O marco teórico utilizado de Enrique Leff tem a finalidade de trazer o papel da nova racionalidade ambiental diante da mudança de paradigmas e diálogo de saberes. Sob o princípio da especialidade do local permitiu-se estudar cada local sem compará-lo. Dessa forma, visa-se esclarecer o papel do catador de material reciclável no desenvolvimento de sua atividade a partir do princípio da livre iniciativa em constituir a cooperativa ou associação para ser reconhecido como agente socioeconômico ambiental.