bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gigantism: Microsurgical treatment by transsphenoidal approach and prognostic factors
Authors: Santos María García-Uría , Mateos Cecilia Fernández , Morante Tomás Lucas , Uría José García
Published: August 2022

PurposeWe present the results of transsphenoidal microsurgical treatment in 14 patients with gigantism. The influence on the prognosis of factors such as the size and preoperative levels of GH and IGF-1 is also quantified.MethodsThe patients, operated between 1982 and 2004, were reviewed retrospectively in June 2022. All patients had complete endocrinological studies in the preoperative period and a postoperative control between 6 days and 3 weeks. Follow-up has been maintained with annual check-ups between 3 and 31 years. We have compared the preoperative levels of GH and IGF-1 of these patients with the levels of a series of acromegalic patients operated on in the same Center.ResultsIn this series there were 4 women and 10 men. The age ranged between 14 and 21 years. In 6 patients postoperative hormone levels achieve the disease control criteria (42.8%).The CT/MRI study revealed the existence of invasive tumors in 10 of the patients (71.4%). Postoperative CT/MRI showed no tumor tissue in 3 patients and tumor remains in 7. In the other 4 patients, the images were abnormal but not tumorous. A statistical comparison of preoperative serum GH and IGF-1 levels in patients with gigantism and patients with acromegaly demonstrates a significant elevation in the former.ConclusionPituitary adenomas that cause gigantism are usually large and invasive, which makes them difficult to cure. Another factor that makes remission difficult is the existence of levels of GH and IGF-1 secretion that are much higher than those produced in acromegaly.
Impact of tight blood glucose control within normal fasting ranges with insulin titration prescribed by the Leuven algorithm in adult critically ill patients: the TGC-fast randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gunst Jan , Mebis Liese , Wouters Pieter J , Hermans Greet , Dubois Jasperina , Wilmer Alexander , Hoste Eric , Benoit Dominique , Berghe Greet Van den
Published: August 2022

Background: It remains controversial whether critical illness-related hyperglycemia should be treated or not, since randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown context-dependent outcome effects. Whereas pioneer RCTs found improved outcome by normalizing blood glucose in patients receiving early parenteral nutrition (PN), a multicenter RCT revealed increased mortality in patients not receiving early PN. Although withholding early PN has become the feeding standard, the multicenter RCT showing harm by tight glucose control in this context has been criticized for its potentially unreliable glucose control protocol. We hypothesize that tight glucose control is effective and safe using a validated protocol in adult critically ill patients not receiving early PN.Methods: The TGC-fast study is an investigator-initiated, multicenter RCT. Patients unable to eat, with need for arterial and central venous line and without therapy restriction are randomized upon ICU admission to tight (80-110 mg/dl) or liberal glucose control (only initiating insulin when hyperglycemia >215 mg/dl, and then targeting 180-215 mg/dl). Glucose measurements are performed on arterial blood by a blood gas analyzer, and if needed, insulin is only administered continuously through a central venous line. If the arterial line is no longer needed, glucose is measured on capillary blood. In the intervention group, tight control is guided by the validated LOGIC-Insulin software. In the control arm, a software alert is used to maximize protocol compliance. The intervention is continued until ICU discharge, until the patient is able to eat or no longer in need of a central venous line, whatever comes first. The study is powered to detect, with at least 80% power and a 5% alpha error rate, a one day difference in ICU dependency (primary endpoint) and a 1.5% increase in hospital mortality (safety endpoint), for which 9230 patients need to be included. Secondary endpoints include acute and long-term morbidity and mortality, and healthcare costs. Biological samples are collected to study potential mechanisms of organ protection.Discussion: The ideal glucose target for critically ill patients remains debated. The trial will inform physicians on the optimal glucose control strategy in adult critically ill patients not receiving early PN.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov NCT03665207
Comparative thermal kinetic analysis of Nickel hydroxide nanoparticles through Chemical precipitation and Sol-gel routes
Authors: Mohaideen H. Mohamed , sivabalan G. , Natarajan B.
Published: August 2022

In most of the chemical methods, the as-prepared NPs have metal hydroxide form. The calcination temperature is very important to prepare the metal oxide from metal hydroxide. On the other hand, calcinations is a commonly used treatment method to increase the crystallinity and activity of the prepared NPs. Thus, in the present work, the chemical precipitation and sol-gel routes were employed to produce the Nickel hydroxide nanoparticles and analyse their functional, structural and thermal behavior of prepared NPs using FTIR, XRD and TGA/DTG. The formation of Ni(OH)2 is confirmed by FTIR analysis including both techniques. The crystallite size values are 15.55 ± 1.65 and 4.11 ± 1.37 nm for chemical precipitation and sol-gel respectively. The kinetic factors of thermal activation energy (Ea), order of decomposition (n), and frequency factor (Z) were calculated using Sharp–Wentworth, Freeman-Carroll, MacCallum-Tanner, Coats-Redfern, Horowitz–Metzger, and Broido. The thermo dynamical factors were identified from thermal activation energy. The Phadnis–Deshpande model is employed to identify the mechanism of solid state kinetic reaction. The thermal activation energy are 10.23 KJmol− 1 for both methods. Solid state kinetic model observe a nucleation and nuclei growth (Avrami-Erofeev nuclei growth) and 2D diffusion mechanism for chemical precipitation and Sol-gel respectively. For both procedures, a temperature of 300°C is regarded the minimum appropriate temperature for further calcinations. From the kinetic parameters, we may also conclude that the decomposition of Ni(OH)2 to NiO is thermally stable, slow reaction and spontaneous process at the reported temperature.
Tick microbial associations at the crossroad of horizontal and vertical transmission pathways
Authors: Krawczyk Aleksandra I. , Röttjers Sam , Coimbra-Dores Maria J. , Heylen Dieter J. A. , Fonville Manoj , Takken Willem , Faust Karoline , Sprong Hein
Published: August 2022

Background: Microbial communities can affect disease risk by interfering with the transmission or maintenance of pathogens in blood-feeding arthropods. Here, we investigated whether bacterial communities vary between Ixodes ricinus nymphs, which are (un)infected with horizontally-transmitted human pathogens. Methods: Ticks from eight forest sites were tested for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Babesia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Neoehrlichia mikurensis by qPCR, pooled, and their microbiomes were determined by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Tick bacterial communities clustered poorly by pathogen infection status but better by geography. As a second approach, we analysed variation in tick microorganism community structure (in terms of species co-infection) across space using hierarchical modelling of species communities. For that, we analysed almost 14,000 nymphs, which were tested with targeted qPCR for the presence of horizontally-transmitted pathogens B. burgdorferi s.l., A. phagocytophilum, and N. mikurensis, and the vertically-transmitted tick symbionts Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsiella spp., Spiroplasma ixodetis and Midichloria mitochondrii. Results: All microorganisms but Rickettsiella spp. had either significant negative (R. helvetica and A. phagocytophilum) or positive (S. ixodetis, N. mikurensis, and B. burgdorferi s.l.) associations with M. mitochondrii. Two tick symbionts, R. helvetica and S. ixodetis, were negatively associated. As expected, both B. burgdorferi s.l. and N. mikurensis had a significant positive association with each other and a negative association with A. phagocytophilum. Although these few specific associations do not appear to affect much the entire microbiome composition, they can still be relevant for tick-borne pathogen dynamics. Conclusions: Based on our results, we propose that M. mitochondrii alters the propensity of ticks to acquire or maintain horizontally-acquired pathogens. The underlying mechanisms for some of these remarkable interactions are discussed and merit further investigation.
Predicting Future Mosquito Habitats Using Time Series Climate Forecasting and Deep Learning
Authors: Sun Christopher , Nimbalkar Jay , Bedi Ravnoor
Published: August 2022

Mosquito habitat ranges are projected to expand due to climate change. This investigation aims to identify future mosquito habitats by analyzing the preferred ecological conditions of mosquito larvae. After assembling a data set with atmospheric records and citizen-science larvae observations, a deep neural network is trained to predict larvae counts from ecological inputs. Time series forecasting is conducted on these variables and climate projections are passed into the initial deep learning model to generate location-specific mosquito larvae abundance predictions. The results support the notion of regional ecosystem-driven changes in mosquito spread, with high-elevation regions increasing in susceptibility to mosquito infestation.
Determination of Near-Surface Turbulent Fluxes at a Tropical Location: An Evaluation of Flux-Profile Technique
Authors: Babatunde Oladimeji. A. , Olufemi Ayodele P. , Sunmonu Lukman A. , Omokungbe Opeyemi R. , Toyeje Adekunle B. , Obisesan Omodara. E.
Published: August 2022

Multilevel measurements of mean meteorological variables and turbulent fluxes of sensible and latent heat in the atmospheric surface layer (ASL) were undertaken at the experimental site located within the Teaching and Research Farm of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, between the 1st of June and 31st of July, 2016. Existing empirical flux-profile relationships under the framework of Monin-Obukhov similarity theory (MOST) were used to estimate the turbulent fluxes of sensible and latent heat. The performance of the flux-profile technique was then evaluated based on direct measurements of turbulent fluxes obtained from an eddy covariance system. The results showed that the sensible heat flux estimated from flux-profile relationships has a maximum value of 96.4 W/m2 (daytime mean value of 52.02 W/m2) in June while a peak value of 145.2 W/m2 (daytime mean value of 63.1 W/m2) was obtained from direct measurement. In July, a maximum value of 101.07 W/m2 was estimated as compared to 142.84 W/m2 that was obtained from direct measurement. The percentage error calculated for the period averaged values showed that the sensible heat flux was overestimated by up to 25%. The latent heat flux estimated gave a maximum value of 98.4W/m2 in June whereas a peak value of 310 W/m2 was obtained from the direct measurement. In July, a maximum value of 105.09 W/m2 was estimated as compared to 350 W/m2 recorded from direct measurements of the EC system. Negative Mean Bias Error, MBE values of -27.4 and − 18.6 W/m2 obtained for June and July respectively indicated the underestimation of latent heat flux by the flux-profile method.
On the lack of self-concept and social representation of misophonia and their modulation by an intervention
Authors: Ferrer-Torres Antonia , Giménez-Llort Lydia
Published: August 2022

Misophonia is a poorly understood and underdiagnosed disorder. People who suffer from this condition without knowing it has a notable deterioration in their quality of life, affecting their personal and social relationships. The present study characterized the self-concept of 82 people (women:men, 3:2) attending a medical psychology center in Barcelona before and after their diagnosis of misophonia and intervention to raise awareness. The social representation of misophonia was also studied in their close relatives. A lexicometric analysis using IRaMuTeQ software qualified and quantified the 164 participants' words to describe the patient's behavior (associative cards method) in a list of situations reported but not yet identified as triggers of misophonic responses. The corpus of text, branching, and the word clouds of the most used words showed a high frequency of negative qualifiers (attributed to personality) from relatives [ranking:“irritable” (n=30), “narrow-minded” (n=24) and “anxious” (n=15)] and in the self-concept of patients [ranking: “irritable” (n=34) and “anxious” (n=26), tolerant (n=24) and frank (n=18)], with higher diversification in patients than relatives (14:8 qualifiers n>10), and an increased post-intervention (17:10 qualifiers >10). The intervention strongly modified the corpus since “misophonic” and “disorder” appeared in the self-concept post-intervention, but not the concept, suggesting relatives need substantial efforts to be aware of the nature/impact of the disorder. The distribution of misophonia levels differed among sexes (higher representation of women at level 2 [56%], while men mainly were diagnosed at level 3 [50%]) while age only showed tends. Interestingly, the intervention increased 2.71 points the misophonia score obtained in a self-administered questionnaire repeated seven months later and rescued 13.4% of positive diagnoses, suggesting that for the patients to recognize the diagnosis of misophonia in themselves, they must first ­­be aware of this concept. The individuals with less self-concept stability more frequently recognized themselves as misophonic. Besides, 21% of the variance in the change in self-concept was explained by the change in the concept of a close relative. In summary, the lack of self-concept and social representation of misophonia have strong implications for all the actors and are relevant to design interventions to reduce their impact.
Ethnic Fractionalization, State Fragility and Economic Growth in Developing Countries: A Case of Sub Saharan Africa (SSA)
Authors: Chigeto Amsalu Dachito
Published: August 2022

This study was aimed to investigate the link between ethnic fractionalization, state fragility, and economic growth in developing countries. 80 countries (41 from SSA and 39 from HICs) were chosen obtaining panel data spanning the years 2007 to 2020. The relationship between the three variables was estimated using the Seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) approach, with the direct influence of ethnic fractionalization on economic growth assessed first, followed by an estimate of its indirect effect via the transmission channels. The estimated empirical results revealed that ethnic fractionalization had a minimal effect on economic growth in both SSA and high-income countries. In terms of the indirect effects of the two elements on growth, there were mixed results, with some transmission channels putting a negative strain on economic growth and others imposing a positive one. In addition, we fail to confirm the assumption that ethnic fractionalization would have a strong negative impact on growth in countries where state fragility is higher. Thus, we assert that “the conventional wisdom” in the literature about the negative relationship between growth and ethnic variety could not be well-founded and robust, and that further investigation could clear up the impurity in the field.
Oficina teórico-prática de teste de envelhecimento acelerado como ferramenta de capacitação profissional em análise de sementes
Authors: JESUS Denilda Ribeiro Araujo de , SILVA Mônica Veloso , SILVA Edegmaria da Costa , MENDONÇA Andreza Pereira
Published: August 2022

Este relato de experiência discute as ações realizadas no projeto de curricularização da extensão universitária da disciplina de Projeto Integrador de Extensão II. O objetivo do projeto foi capacitar discentes do curso de agronomia na instalação, condução e interpretação de dados do teste de envelhecimento acelerado por meio de oficina. A oficina foi realizada com vinte alunos de Agronomia da Faculdade São Lucas, dividida em dois momentos, sendo o primeiro teórico e o segundo prático. Os alunos realizaram o teste de envelhecimento acelerado composto pela determinação do teor de água e teste de germinação. Os discentes participaramativamente, tirando dúvidas e perguntando sobre o tema. Ficou evidente que a oficina possibilitou a capacitação de recursos humanos para execução e interpretação do teste de envelhecimento acelerado, permitindo a avaliação rápida de lotes de sementes.
Analytical study of the velocity of the lubricating fluid in the hydrodynamic journal bearing with the effect of centrifugal force for short bearing type
Authors: Thang Nguyen Van
Published: August 2022

The paper aims to obtain the expression of the velocity of lubricating fluid in the hydrodynamic journal bearings by analytical method. In the classical short-bearing theory, the fluid flow was studied by ignoring the effect of centrifugal force of the lubricating fluid film. However, the self-oscillation of the shaft of high-power motors does not follow the rules in classical hydrodynamic lubrication theory. To explain this phenomenon, a modified form of Reynolds equation, in which the influence of centrifugal force of the lubricant is not ignored, is established. The study aims to establish the modified Reynolds equation by including the effect of centrifugal forces for the case of the short bearing type. Integration of the Navier-Stokes equations, yield the expressions for the components of velocity of the lubricating fluid in the gap. The oil’s pressure in the hydrodynamic journal bearing is obtained by solving the modified Reynolds equation. The numerical results are considered in the case of the stable equilibrium position of the motion of the shaft, i.e. the symmetry axis of the shaft does not move. The plots of the velocity components in the tangential axial direction are displayed too. The theoretical results of a parabolic velocity distribution similar to that of a Newtonian fluid, derived from a Bingham plastic flow model. The flow in the gap, which are obtained by analytical method, are completely consistent with its boundary conditions and its physical properties. Further, with these results, the paper as a lemma to solve the dynamics problem in floating ring bearing with the influence of the centrifugal force of the lubricant
Analysis of duck eggshells as hydroxyapatite with heat treatment method
Authors: Sabir Asmeati , Abbas Hammada , Aminy Ahmad Yusran , Asmal Sapta
Published: August 2022

Duck eggshell contains very high calcium, making it a raw material for hydroxyapatite (HA) biomedical applications. The aim of this study was to synthesize natural HA from duck eggshell waste using cleaning, drying, smoothing with a smoothness level of passing is 200 meshes and heat treatment with temperature variations of 850 ºC, 900 ºC, and 950 ºC for one hour. The resulting HA material was characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of the physical characteristics of raw duck eggshells without heat treatment are white, slightly bluish in color, the smell and level of smoothness is smooth. However, heated powdered duck eggshells which are heated 950 °C are whiter than the samples which are heated at 850 ºC and 900 ºC, they have no odor and their smoothness is the smoothest. The small peaks of HA from the non-heat duck eggshell powder were 64.89 % with a CaCO3 of 23.50 %, then the peak of CaO increased along with the increasing of heat treatment temperature of 900 °C that result HA in 69.31 % and reduce CaCO3 in 19.44 %. Duck egg shell powder achieved the highest diffraction with the increasing formation of HA at a heat 950 ºC by 91.87 % with a very significant decrease of CaCO3 in 2.25 %. The XRF test results of duck eggshell powder showed that the chemical composition of CaO was 99.50 %, with elemental calcium (Ca) of 99.71 %. The FTIR test results on mesh 200 observed a reduction in the intensity of CaCO3 absorption, while the intensity of CaO at 364.55 cm-1 was getting stronger, which indicated the formation of CaO at 950 °C. This showed that the CaO formation at a temperature of 950 ºC was much more than the formation at a lower temperature. The deformation from the CaO to HA phase was close to perfect with 91.87 % hydroxylapatite
Detection of the synergetic influence of chemical and microbiological factors on the properties of concrete constructions at chemical plants during the long-term service
Authors: Shkromada Oksana , Pikhtirova Alina , Chivanov Vadym , Ivchenko Viktoriia , Sribniak Nataliia , Shvets Olha , Litsman Yuliia
Published: August 2022

Long-term operation of reinforced concrete structures in the conditions of chemical enterprises has a powerful negative impact on the physical and chemical properties of concrete, which leads to its destruction. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of biological and chemical corrosion on concrete structures in the workshop for the production of titanium dioxide by the sulphate method and the storage of finished products. In particular, chemical production for the synthesis of titanium dioxide by the sulfate method causes the rapid course of chemical (acid and sulfate) and microbiological (thionic bacteria and microscopic fungi) corrosion processes. These corrosion processes reinforce each other according to a synergistic principle. As a result, temperature-programmed desorption mass spectrometry (TPD MS) and scanning electron microscopy have experimentally proven the presence and spatial localization of colonies of thionic bacteria and microscopic fungi in concrete structures. Correlations between the intensity of biochemical corrosion and the depth of damage to the microstructures of concrete structures have been established. Moreover, a change in the chemical composition of concrete in the workshop for the production of titanium dioxide (increased SO2 content and reduced CO2) and the formation of gypsum crystals (CaSO4 2H2O) as a result of the dissimilation of microorganisms was established. Also, in the storage room for finished products, calcium citrate crystals and a violation of the formation of calcium carbonate are formed in the surface layers of concrete. In addition, the results of the study can be used to develop antimicrobial and anticorrosive protective agents to stop the biochemical corrosion of concrete in a chemical plant
The impact of chief executive officer (CEO) and deal characteristics on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) duration: A quantile regression evidence from an emerging market
Authors:   Department of Finance and Banking, Faculty of Administrative Science, Ibb University, Yemen, Al-Sabri Haithm Mohammed Hamood ,   School of Economics, Finance and Banking, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia, Nordin Norhafiza ,   School of Economics, Finance and Banking, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia, Shahar Hanita Kadir ,   School of Economics, Finance and Banking, College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia
Published: August 2022

This paper examines the impact of chief executive officer (CEO) and deal characteristics on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) duration in Malaysia. Univariate analysis and quantile regression (QR) are performed on 556 completed M&As transactions undertaken by Malaysian public firms from 2001 to 2019. In line with the upper echelons theory, which states that organizational outcomes can be predicted by looking at the characteristics of top-level executives, the findings from QR show that CEO characteristics significantly affect acquisition duration. This effect is conditional on the duration quantiles for CEO tenure and CEO duality but non-conditional for foreign CEO. Specifically, the findings reveal that the degree of influence by CEO characteristics gets stronger when the transactions are longer and complicated. CEO tenure can decrease M&A duration when a transaction falls in longer duration quantile. M&A transactions tend to take a longer duration when there is CEO duality. Foreign CEOs show more ability to execute transactions in a short duration compared to local CEOs. Deal characteristics such as deal size, merger transaction, hiring a financial advisor and conducting multiple acquisitions are main factors that prolong duration. The findings of this study may benefit policymakers, managers, and investors who involve directly and indirectly in an M&A process.
Monetary stimulus and bank liquidity hoarding in an emerging market
Authors:   Department of Finance, Banking University of Ho Chi Minh City, 36 Ton That Dam Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam, Dang Van Dan , Nguyen Hoang Chung ,   Department of Finance and Banking, Business School, Thu Dau Mot University, 06 Tran Van On Street, Phu Hoa Ward, Thu Dau Mot City, Binh Duong Province 820000, Vietnam
Published: August 2022

The paper examines the impact of monetary policy on bank liquidity hoarding. Using novel measures to capture bank liquidity hoarding in Vietnam during 2007–2019, we find that banks decrease total liquidity hoarding and all three liquidity hoarding components (asset-, liability-, and off-balance sheet items) when the central bank injects more money into the economy. An interesting result appears when we document that banks hoard more liquidity in the event of lowered interest rates. Our additional analysis indicates that the extent to which bank liquidity hoarding responds to monetary policy changes is clearer in lower-risk banks.
Systemic risk and real economic activity: A South African insurance stress index of systemic risk
Authors:   School of Economics, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park-2006, South Africa, Mwamba John Weirstrass Muteba , Angaman Serge ,   School of Economics, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park-2006, South Africa
Published: August 2022

This study investigates the link between systemic risk in the South African insurance sector real economic activity in South Africa. To this end, we use six systemic risk measures, the Conditional Value at Risk (CoVaR), the Marginal Conditional Value at Risk (ΔCoVaR), the Comovement and Interconnectedness of the South African insurance sector (Eigen), the Dynamic Mixture Copula Marginal Expected Shortfall (DMC-MES), the Average Conditional Volatility (Ave-vol), and the South African Volatility Index (SAVI). We first evaluate the significance of each measure by assessing its ability to forecast future economic downturns in South Africa. We find that only two systemic risk measures possess the ability to predict future economic downturns in South Africa. We then use principal component quantile regression analysis to aggregate these measures into a composite stress index of systemic risk for the South African insurance sector and assess the ability of the proposed index to predict future economic downturns in South Africa. Our results reveal that the proposed index is a good predictor of future economic downturns in South Africa. Thus, our results suggest that regulators and risk managers must develop an analysis of systemic risk in the insurance sector with particular attention to its effects on real economic activity. In addition, our index can potentially be used as an instrument to monitor and mitigate systemic risk in the insurance sector in order to ensure the stability of the financial system and the economy in South Africa.
APPLICATIONS AND EFFECTS OF CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERIES WITH THE HELP OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Authors:   King Mongkuts International Demonstration School (KMIDS), Samutprakarn, Thailand., Jansaenroj Krit
Published: August 2022

Humans great and quick technology breakthroughs in previous decades have undoubtedly influenced how surgical duties are conducted in the operating room (OR). As high-tech workplaces, modern ORshave introduced unique computational technologies into the clinical workflow, with the goal of optimizing operations and assisting the surgical team. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important in surgical decision making to assist surgeons and patients in making better predictions about the consequences of surgical decisions by addressing diverse sources of information such as patient risk factors, anatomy, disease natural history, patient values, and costs. However, there was a controversy whether AIs capacity to deliver on its promises is contingent on effectively overcoming the ethical and practical concerns outlined, such as explainability and algorithmic bias. Even if such concerns appear to be purely practical or technical, a deeper investigation reveals considerations of value, justice, and trust. This review will discuss AI applications as well as its effects and limitations that appear and should be considered.
TERRORIST FINANCING: A STUDY ON EXTREMIST GROUPS OF BANGLADESH
Authors:   Lecturer, Department of Peace, Conflict and Human Rights, Bangladesh University of Professionals., Jahan Jebin Nusrat
Published: August 2022

Terrorist groups maintain their finances from different sources which is difficult to track. In various studies it came out that individuals, organizations donate money to terror outfit. These sources of financing were not easily traceable. Due to technological advances, it has become very easy to send money without exposing the sources. However, governments have taken various measures to halt these sources. Despite their efforts it seems quite impossible to trace some sources. This paper investigate secondary sources of information to study financing the extremist groups in Bangladesh. It has been found that, individuals, some NGOs, organizations were held responsible for financing such groups. It is also came out that, due to lack of evidences it is not possible to take any measures against those sources. Besides, individuals donate money from their earning to terrorist groups which is not easily identifiable.
Runoff estimation using satellite images in sparsely gauged basins: a case of Nzoia River Basin, Kenya
Authors: Mureithi Kivuti , Kosgei Job Rotich , Nyandwaro Gilbert Nyageikaro , Kemboi Ednah Jelagat , Sum Noah Kipyego
Published: August 2022

Nzoia River Basin is an important water resources development and management unit not only in Kenya but also in the region. The basin drains into Lake Victoria, frequently experiences severe flooding, and the catchment area has recently been dominated by unsustainable human activities. The resulting perturbations coupled with a changing climate could have far-reaching consequences in the near future. Efforts to understand the influence of the changes are complicated by a dwindling hydro-meteorological network. This study explored the efficacy of satellite data to estimate run-off time series for the basin. NAM model in Mike 11 was set-up, calibrated and validated. A run-off time series was then generated. The Goddard Earth Observing System model version 5 (GEOS-5) satellite data from NASA was then used to derive run-off series when calibrated and when not. The results were compared to identify which approach resulted to better estimates. The optimal runoff model parameters observed were 12.7 for Umax, 136 for Lmax, 0.2 for CQOF, 1100 for CKIF, 61.65 for CK1, 2, 0.248 for TOF, 0.198 for TIF, 0.0495 for TG and 2825 for CKBF. These gave a water balance of about 0.98 and root mean square error of about 460 with R2 of 0.9 and 0.8 for calibration and validation, respectively. Calibrated GEOS-5 data performed reasonably well in runoff estimation for Nzoia basin. While non-calibrated satellite data was poor with an r-squared of 0.6 in relation to observed discharge, calibrated data performed way better with an r-squared of 0.96 for daily values. Satellite-derived runoff was found to overestimate the discharge especially the peak discharges. This study showed that satellite data such as NASA's GEOS-5 when adequately calibrated provide suitable estimates for discharges in basins that are sparsely gauged.
Frontier, Identity Constructions and Environment. Water as an Essential Condition for Viewing the Muslim Other in the Journey to the Iberian Peninsula by the Physician Hieronymus Münzer (1494-1495)
Authors: Lopes Paulo Catarino
Published: August 2022

Between 1494 and 1495, the German physician Hieronymus Münzer travelled to the Iberian Peninsula, which resulted in an extensive written testimony traditionally known as Itinerarium. The main focus of this northern traveller's observations is not the human element, as several authors have already pointed out. In fact, he focuses his attention especially on the economic element (products, goods, trade, etc.) and, by association, the territories and places where this element takes place. However, he also unquestionably develops evaluative perspectives of the Iberian human landscape, in its most diverse expressions. We sought to reflect precisely upon one of the components of the human sphere the northern traveller contacted – the Muslims –, with special consideration for the resulting identity constructions and alterity exercises, which, in our perspective, are often closely associated with the central issue of water and, consequently, with the territories/places visited and the intrinsic frontiers. We looked for the answer to, what we consider, a paramount and truly original question: to what extent does water assume a "centrality" in this northern European doctor's view of the Other, specifically the Muslim, in the context of direct observation and first-hand experience.
Evaluation of Physicochemical and Microbiological Parameters of Wastewater Submitted to Constructed Wetland Treatment System
Authors: Costa Verônica Almeida , Queiroz Flávia Martins de , Oliveira Marilene Silva , Naves Plínio Lázaro Faleiro
Published: August 2022

The use of natural systems such as wetlands constructed in the treatment of wastewater has become increasingly important due the ability of these systems to remove large amounts of macronutrients and microorganisms and to promote the degradation of organic matter. Given this background, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of an experimental constructed wetland horizontal flow system subsurface cultivated with Zantedeschia aethiopica filled with sand and gravel substrates. The parameters were evaluated by the characterization of physicochemical and microbiological indicators of wastewater from the septic tank of the State University of Goiás in Anápolis city, Goiás, Brazil. The reductions of macronutrients ranged from 57.9 to 94.7%, and 87.0 to 91.0% for organic matter. In addition, a significant reduction in coliform levels in wastewater was observed after wetland treatment. It was concluded that the constructed wetland system could be proposed to treat wastewater from septic tanks at both secondary and tertiary levels, due to its high percentage efficiency in the removal of organic matter and macronutrients. The results obtained demonstrated the applicability of the studied system to be used as a versatile, sustainable, and economical treatment of effluents complementary to the septic tank treatment system.
Cicloturismo como Via de Desenvolvimento Local para o Município de Penha, Santa Catarina, Brasil
Authors: Souza Rubia Consuelo de , Sampaio Carlos Alberto Cioce , Romano Roberta Giraldi , Alves Flávia Keller
Published: August 2022

Em busca de novas experiências, desaceleração da vida cotidiana e benefícios tanto físicos quanto psicológicos, emergem novas modalidades de turismo. Considerando as limitações do turismo de massa e a necessidade de diversificar a economia local, valorizar as riquezas naturais e o patrimônio cultural, e criar bases para modos de vida mais sustentáveis, pretende-se responder a seguinte pergunta de pesquisa: o cicloturismo pode ser uma alternativa para promover o desenvolvimento local, mitigar os efeitos da sazonalidade e diversificar o turismo no município de Penha, Santa Catarina? Esta pergunta se desdobra em dois objetivos, (1) Identificar e caracterizar os atores do trade do cicloturismo enquanto dinamizadores do Desenvolvimento Local e (2) Analisar o processo de construção participativa da política pública voltada ao cicloturismo do município de Penha, Santa Catarina. O presente estudo adota uma abordagem qualitativa e refere-se a um estudo de caso, com uso de observação participante e entrevista. A análise da infraestrutura do trade turístico de Penha (hotéis, serviços de alimentação e apoio ao cicloturista) revelou um cenário de preparo precário frente às necessidades do cicloturista e a ausência de participação da sociedade e do trade na elaboração da política de cicloturismo. Apesar disso, a elaboração da política pública de cicloturismo de Penha releva os interesses dos principais atores sociais, com potencial de geração de renda, valorização da herança material e imaterial, conservação do patrimônio histórico e a biodiversidade, aumento da consciência da população local e dos turistas sobre a necessidade de conservação do meio ambiente, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento sustentável.
Predictor Model of the Supply Chain Effectiveness based on Critical Success Factors in a Commerce Retail Industry
Authors: Da Gama Scott , Hernández-Gómez Jesús Andrés , Escobeto-Portillo María Teresa , Noriega Salvador
Published: August 2022

The business environments of the globalized economy present increasing complexity under highly variable conditions of volatility, risk, and uncertainty that exert intense pressures on retailers; some of them develop programs for the improvement of the supply chain. This paper is about determining the factors of the supply chain and the development of a structural equation model. The first section presents the background, the description of the problem and a literature search of the Supply Chain factors and their classification. The Methodology section explains the development of a questionnaire as a measuring instrument based on the identified factors. The validation of the questionnaire was with the Cronbach alpha index, and then it applied to a sample of retailers in central Mexico. Using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling Approach, the development of a structural model identified the key driver factors related to the improvement of the Supply Chain. In results report the most important factors: 1) supplier’s quality of the goods, 2) internal factors, 3) after-sale service, and 4) road infrastructure and 5) commercial environment, for commerce retail industry in México.
Evolução do Uso e Ocupação da Terra na Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Guaraguaçu, Mata Atlântica Costeira Paranaense
Authors: Torres Guadalupe Vázquez , Tiepolo Liliani Marilia
Published: August 2022

O objetivo geral desta pesquisa foi analisar a evolução do uso e ocupação da terra da bacia hidrográfica do rio Guaraguaçu, por meio do mapeamento espacial do histórico de ocupação dos anos 1996, 2005 e 2017. Envolveu pesquisa qualitativa descritiva, levantamento de campo para aferir dados in loco, pesquisa bibliográfica e documental e uso de técnicas de geoprocessamento. Para a geração dos mapas foram utilizadas técnicas de geoprocessamento e sensoriamento remoto, por meio dos softwares ENVI 4,5 e ArcGis Desktop 10,5. Os mapas base e as imagens de satélite utilizados foram Landsat TM 5 e Landsat OLI TIRS 8. Como resultado para o mapeamento do uso e ocupação da terra analisaram-se três cenários (1996, 2005 e 2017), no período estudado a classe área antrópica agrícola e área antrópica não agrícola cresceram de forma contínua, no entanto a vegetação de planície e serra mantiveram-se como as classes de maior superfície, porém, decrescendo continuamente, o que revela que na região o uso e ocupação da terra vão se amplificando devido aos empreendimentos que vem se instalando os quais ameaçam à perda de vegetação nativa do bioma mata Atlântica. Pelo qual se ressalta a importância da conservação da bacia para que os serviços e as funções ecossistêmicas continuem operando, entre os quais a proteção territorial e o abastecimento de água para milhares de habitantes e atividades econômicas.
Aproximación Constitucional del Desarrollo Sostenible en el Estado Social de Derecho Colombiano
Authors: Poveda Margarita Cárdenas
Published: August 2022

On September 15, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 17 sustainable development goals (“SDGs”) as a call to end poverty, care for the environment, guarantee a decent life and protect the fundamental rights of the planet's inhabitants to 2030. The SDGs are a common and obligatory language for most of the States in the world, however, their progress varies in each one. Colombia has been a pioneer in the implementation of strategies for compliance and its origin within the national legal order is found in the 1991 Constitution. However, the progress of the SDGs in Colombia is not entirely satisfactory, and this shows that the challenges persist, and it becomes essential to work on the objectives that have not yet been met. The crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity to assess and test the strength or weakness that has given the level of compliance with the SDGs. A decade before the 2030 Agenda becomes a reality, it is necessary to join forces between state actors and citizens both nationally and internationally, otherwise it will be too late to protect life, the environment and the economy.
Effect of Different Cover Materials in Household Vermicomposting Process
Authors: Mendes Thiago Augusto , Ramos Sara Gonçalves , Toledo Giovane Moraes , Mendes Daniel , Oliveira Alessandro Silva de , Melo Diógenes Aires de
Published: August 2022

The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) requires an effective system of control and supervision because of its increasing generation. In Brazil, more than half of the MSW are organic. Thus, evaluating treatment possibilities (composting and vermicomposting) for this waste compound, it is of extreme importance from of the physical, chemical, socioeconomic and environmental point of view. So, the objective of this paper is to quantify physical-chemical parameters of the compost (liquid and solid) in different covers (sawdust, leaves and soil), using in the household composting. The results showed that the obtained vermicompost (liquid and solid) did not suffer significant effects of the used particles for filling and different types of cover related to macro and micronutrients, heavy metals and pH, however, those showed satisfactory features for the use in soil fertilization.
The Global Movement of the Transition from Linear Production to the Circular Economy Applied to the Sustainable Development of Cities
Authors: Silva Christian Luiz da , Franz Nádia Mara
Published: August 2022

The process of the linear exploration production, production, usage and waste generation has been taking humanity to the planetary boundaries. The transition to circular economy models dissociates the economic growth from the natural resource depletion and from the environmental degradation. The opportunity to make changes and to find vital solutions to the planet's sustainability emerge in the cities, due to its relevance on population growth, production and consumption. The objective of this research is promoting the understanding of the transition from linear production to the circular economy applied to the sustainable development of cities. The methodology is based on the qualitative approach and the applied technique follows the stages of the bibliographic research. The objectives classify this research as an exploratory, descriptive study with explanatory slant. The bibliographic sources are mostly selected from 2015, when the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement were signed, until 2020. The search of the existing circular models provides, even in transition from the linear process, valuable contributions to the resource protection, promotion of the production and sustainable consumption, as well as the generation of new income opportunities, of market and of social integration.

The results of the analyzes of the selected studies indicate that the sustainable urban development can be enabled by the implementation of circular systems on a holistic and inclusive approach..
Geração de Biogás no Aterro Sanitário de Maceió a Partir de Modelos Empíricos
Authors: Silva Claudionor de Oliveira , Konrad Odorico , Callado Nélia Henriques
Published: August 2022

Os resíduos sólidos urbanos dispostos em aterro sanitário e a partir do processo da digestão anaeróbia gera biogás, o seu reaproveitamento minimiza os impactos ambientais e gera uma fonte de energia renovável. O trabalho estudou o potencial de geração do biogás do aterro sanitário do município de Maceió, no estado de Alagoas, por meio do modelo cinético de primeira ordem recomendado pela CETESB, comparando os dados empíricos de emissões não controladas, com dados medidos em campo de emissões controladas, buscando estimar a eficiência de coleta pelos drenos verticais de biogás do aterro, e estimar o potencial de geração de energia a partir do biogás do aterro. Na composição do biogás, o percentual de CH4 encontrados nos drenos verticais foi de 56,86% e a vazão média de 7,4 Nm3/h, de CH4 por dreno. A produção de biogás acumulada em 20 anos com o modelo LandGEM, foi 15.116.325 Nm3, com uma energia acumulada de 155,28 GWh e potência média de geração de 243,65 kW. Para o modelo Biogás, a produção acumulada é de 15.981.110 m3, com uma energia acumulada de 164,16 GWh, para uma potência média de geração de 257,50 kW.
Atividades pedagógicas para prevenção do tabagis-mo entre adolescentes: uma revisão das pesquisas no Brasil
Authors:   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Zompero Andreia de Freitas , da Silva Klein Tania Aparecida ,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Oliveira Gomes Iago ,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, dos Santos Emily Cristine ,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Arenhart Ives ,   Universidade Estadual de Londrina
Published: August 2022

Neste estudo procuramos responder quais pesquisas têm sido realizadas quanto à implementação e efetividade de práticas realizadas em escolas brasileiras para a prevenção ao uso do tabaco. Para tal finalidade propomos um estudo bibliográfico com levantamento de teses e dissertações em bases de dados brasileiras, com o objetivo de identificar o cenário atual de estudos desenvolvidos em escolas relativos a essa temática e que apontem para práticas pedagógicas como, por exemplo, oficinas e projetos de intervenção realizados para prevenção do tabagismo entre adolescentes. Foram utilizadas três bases de dados, a Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), o Google Acadêmico e a Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD), no período de 2000 a 2020, idioma português, para o levantamento de teses e dissertações sobre o tema. Delimitou-se descritores para a pesquisa e foram selecionados apenas os trabalhos que abordavam sobre a implementação de práticas preventivas e educativas em escolas relativas à temática tabagismo e adolescência. Oito trabalhos foram selecionados para a análise. Nas pesquisas apresentadas predominaram abordagem quanti-qualitativa e estudos do tipo quase- experimental. Quanto aos trabalhos analisados observou-se predomínio de pesquisas realizadas no Ensino Fundamental. As ações pedagógicas eram desenvolvidas com os alunos participantes das pesquisas, no entanto, as ações envolviam, em geral, a participação de professores, pesquisadores e profissionais da saúde. As pesquisas analisadas apontam a necessidade de estudos para conhecer as causas e consequências do tabagismo nessa fase da vida, além de estratégias de prevenção e combate ao tabagismo.