bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping and analysis of river network modification as a factor of flood risk in the Blanice river basin
Authors: Langhammer Jakub , Matoušková Milada
Published: October 2020

Anthropogenic modifications of river network represent a significant phenomenon that influences runoff conditions in river basins, both under normal water level conditions as well as in the period of hydrological extremes. Modifications of watercourses on various levels influence the speed and timing of floodwave progress as well as the potential to efficiently transform the floodwave in the floodplain and to lessen the extremity of the flood event. The paper presents the methodological framework for analysis of historical and current intensity and nature of man-made modifications of river network. There are presented two essential approaches: First represents the analysis of distance data, e.g. the water management maps, historical maps or aerial imagery. The second approach is based on field mapping of various parameters of river network and floodplain modifications. The presented methodologies are applied on the Blanice river basin that represents the core zone of extreme flood in August 2002 that heavily affected the Central Europe. The GIS analysis of results revealed the spatial differentiation of anthropogenic changes in river basin and their potential importance in the context of the flood risk. The results and the applied methodologies are discussed from the viewpoint of their practical applicability and of limitations in terms of data accuracy, availability and reliability.
Succession of vegetation in alluvial floodplains after extreme floods
Authors: Chuman Tomáš , Lipský Zdeněk , Matějček Tomáš
Published: October 2020

The paper deals with the topic of vegetation changes and successional developments as well as spread of invasive species in alluvial plains after extreme floods. The issue has become topical in Czechia after several extreme floods concentrated in the last 10 years. The paper is based on the search of the Czech and foreign literature as well as authors own experience and research after catastrophic summer floods in 1997 and 2002 in Czechia. The attention is paid to processes and mechanisms of vegetation succession and regeneration after floods. Floods are functioning as important natural disturbances increasing both geodiversity and biodiversity in the riverine landscapes. Different successional stages as well as variable habitats create a varied mosaic of vegetation and cause high species and ecosystem biodiversity in floodplains. On the other hand the disturbance regime of floods is particularly favorable also for invasive species that spread rapidly through floodplain. While future spatial distribution and spread of invasive species is difficult to forecast, the processes of succession and regeneration of vegetation after floods as well as changes in species composition of communities are predictable and confirm basic ecological principles.
Maternal and Fetal Outcomes Following Cesarean Deliveries: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Dhakal Rojana
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Cesarean section (CS) was introduced in clinical practice as a life-saving procedure for both the mother and baby. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a 15 percent minimum threshold for cesarean delivery to save the life of the mother and fetus. The rates of cesarean delivery have been increasing worldwide, leading to emerging public health issues affecting both developed and developing countries. This study examined the maternal and fetal outcomes of cesarean section at a tertiary-level hospital.

Methods: This study was based on secondary data retrieved from the record information of the registry of Maternity, Gynecological, Operation Theater, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) ward of the regional hospital in western Nepal. A total of 5802 women delivered by cesarean section, those record had complete information of year 2013 to 2016 were analyzed. Data were collected through review guidelines developed by the researcher. Frequency and percentage were used to analyze the socio-demographic and obstetric information, indication of cesarean section, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and the obtained results presented in tables, graphs, and narratives. The Chi-square test was used to find out the association of cesarean section and its outcomes with demographic and obstetrics variables.

Results: The mean age of mothers was 25.25 ± 4.7 years,with the minimum and maximum age being 14 and 48 years respectively. Of the 5802 mothers, 17.1 percent of mothers had poor outcomes having some maternal complications. Regarding neonatal outcomes of 5872 neonates, 11.8 percent of new born had poor outcomes having some complications like low birth weight, asphyxia, etc. There was statistically significant association of age, ethnicity, and type of cesarean section with maternal outcomes. Similarly, weeks of gestation and mode of cesarean section were significantly associated with neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion: A large number of cesarean sections were emergency. Of the mothers who delivered by cesarean section majority of them and newborns had good outcomes. Mothers and neonates actual needs, contributory factors and outcomes following cesarean section need to be extensive evaluation before performing it.
Therapeutic Adherence among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients under Hemodialysis in Selected Hospitals of Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Luitel Kopila , Pandey Apsara , Sah Bimala Kumari , KC Takma
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an emergent public health problem in Nepal. Hemodialysis is the best treatment for this disease to reduce morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic adherence is crucial factor that influences morbidity and mortality among patients under hemodialysis. The objective of the study was to find out the therapeutic adherence among CKD patients under hemodialysis in selected hospitals of Kathmandu valley.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted. Altogether 164 patients with CKD under hemodialysis were selected by using non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through face to face interview using structured interview schedule. Frequency, percent, mean and standard deviations were used for data analysis. Nonparametric Kruskal Wallis test and Mann Whitney U test were applied to measure the mean difference in therapeutic adherence among CKD patients under hemodialysis according to selected variables.

Results: Therapeutic adherence levels were 33.5%, 62.8% and 3.7% for good, satisfactory and unsatisfactory respectively. Concerning about hemodialysis, 92.7% respondents had good, 6.1% had satisfactory and 1.2% had unsatisfactory level of adherence to hemodialysis. Furthermore, it was found that 29.9%, 1.8 % and 87.8% respondents had good; and 59.1%, 42.1% and 9.1% had satisfactory level of adherence to diet, fluid and medicine respectively. The results showed that therapeutic adherence was statistically significant with mean difference according to sex (p=0.009), duration of hemodialysis (p=0.001), total session of hemodialysis (p=0.001) and providing health information by dietician and other hemodialysis patients (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Therapeutic adherence was found to be satisfactory but adherence to fluid intake is still unsatisfactory. It is recommended that regular education and counseling should be provided in order to increase level of therapeutic adherence.
The Upper end of Tibia of Nepalese adults: A Morphometric study
Authors: Mukhia Rajeev , Mansur Dil Islam , Wahekar Krishna
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The tibia bone forms the main skeleton of the leg. It plays an important role in weight bearing and takes part in the formation of knee joint. The knowledge of different dimensions of upper end of tibia will help the orthopaedic surgeons for diagnosis, planning and treatment of disease related to knee. Inappropriate design of knee replacement could affect the outcome of surgery with reported complications. The objective of the study is to find out the morphometric measurements of upper end of tibia in Nepalese Population.

Methods: After ethical approval (MEMG/IRC/211/GA) the study was done on 60 dry tibia bones of Nepalese citizens irrespective of sex and race in the Department of Anatomy, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara. The morphometric measurements of medial condyle, lateral condyle, intercondylar area and circumference of upper end of tibia of both sides were measured manually by thread, scale and Vernier calliper. Data were reported as mean ± SD and analyzed with MS Excel 2007 software.

Results: Average anteroposterior measurements were found to be 46.38 mm and 39.14 mm and average transverse measurements were 28.79 mm and 27.86 mm respectively for medial and lateral condyles of both sides. The anteroposterior and transverse measurements of intercondylar area of tibia were 47.75 mm and 7.11 mm on the right side and 49.81 mm and 7.25 mm respectively on the left side (p<0.05). Similarly mediolateral length and circumference of upper end of tibia of left limb were significantly greater than the right limb (p<0.05). 

Conclusion: The knowledge of different dimensions of upper end of tibia may be important in anthropological practice. Morp hometric parameters of upper end of tibia will be important to orthopaedic surgeons for diagnosis, planning and treatment of disease related to knee in Nepalese population.
Morphometric Measurement of Sacral Hiatus in Dry Human Sacrum
Authors: Poudel Sabin , Sinha Pranoti , Lakhi Bhutia Karma
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Sacral hiatus is the chief location for caudal epidural anesthesia during surgery of perineal region and also for a pain free parturition. Thus, this study was conducted to examine, measure and record the morphometry of sacral hiatus and to analyze it for any anatomical variations with clinical implications.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried in the Department of Anatomy, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Science, Gangtok, Sikkim. For the study seventy dry human sacral bone with entire sacral hiatus were measured. The shape of the sacral hiatus was observed. Level of the apex, base, length, width and anterior posterior diameter of sacral hiatus was measured with Digital Vernier Caliper. The study was approved by Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC No:SMIMS/IEC/2017-01). Data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the difference was considered significant when P<0.05. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis.

Results: The study revealed inverted “U” shaped sacral hiatus as the common shape in 35(50%) followed by inverted “V” shaped sacra in 18 (25.71 %) followed by irregular shaped sacral hiatus in 8 (11.42 %) cases. A Dumbbell shaped sacral hiatus was observed in 4 (5.71%) cases with a bony protuberance protruding medially from both edges. Absence or complete agenesis of sacral hiatus, a rare phenomenon, was observed in 3 (4.28%) and bifid in 2(2.85%) specimens only.

Conclusion: The prevalence of inverted “U” shaped sacral hiatus and constriction of the sacral canal at apex of sacral hiatus was found high. This knowledge of variation in shape of sacral hiatus could be clinically important while providing caudal anesthesia and doing epidural block.
Job Satisfaction and Its Associated Factors among PHC Level Health Workers of Kaski District
Authors: Tripathi Narayan , Parajuli Bijaya , Subedi Sudarshan
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Job satisfaction has been identified as key factor of health worker retention and turnover in Low and middle income countries. In Nepal, only 55% of the health workers were satisfied with their current jobs. There is limited amount of literature in the areas related to factors affecting job satisfaction. This study aimed to assess the level of   job satisfaction and its associated factors among PHC level health workers in Kaski district.

Methodology: Health facility based cross sectional, quantitative study was conducted collecting quantitative data from all PHC level health facilities (3 Primary Health Care Center and 45 Health Posts) health workers of Kaski district, Nepal through face to face interview. The perceived 12 item job satisfaction scale was developed and used to identify job satisfaction. The association between the independent and outcome variable was analyzed by using chi square test.

Results: The results showed two-third (66%) of PHC level health workers were satisfied with their current jobs in overall job satisfaction at Kaski district. The study showed that Health Assistant were more satisfied than Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery and Auxiliary Health Workers. Sex (OR=1.80, 95%CI=1.0-3.26), level of working post (OR= 2.62,95%CI=.1.44-4.77) salary (OR= 3.96,95%CI=2.07-7.57) ,pension (OR=3.96, 95%CI=2.07-7.57)  training (OR=5.01, 95%CI=2.66-9.39) , opportunity for promotion (OR=2.80, 95%CI=1.54-5.09) , reward provision (OR=3.63,95% CI=1.94-6.77) and role in decision making OR=5.08,95% CI=2.34-11.04) were found to be significantly associated with overall job satisfaction.

Conclusion: Two- third of the PHC level health workers of Kaski district were found to be satisfied with their job. Responsible bodies need to make provisions to improve the job satisfaction level of health professional so as to improve the healthcare services of PHCCS and HPs.

Key words: Job satisfaction, Health workers, Primary health care level
Pengadilan Internasional dalam Memberantas Tindak Pidana Terorisme: Tantangan Hukum dan Politik
Authors: Rivanie Syarif Saddam
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis yurisdiksi dan pengadilan internasional tindak pidana terorisme, serta implikasi antar negara terkait aspek hukum dan politik. Tipe penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian hukum normatif (legal study research). Adapun bahan hukum yang digunakan yaitu bahan hukum primer dan badan hukum sekunder. Teknik pengumpulan bahan hukum dalam penelitian ini adalah dengan cara menganalisis serta melakukan penelusuran yang mendalam dan secara sistematik terhadap peraturan perundang-undangan dan referensi-referensi hukum yang dipandang erat korelasinya dengan objek yang dikaji. Lebih lanjut, analisis bahan hukum dilakukan dengan cara inventarisasi kaidah-kaidah hukum dalam peraturan perundang-undangan, melakukan kategorisasi sesuai dengan sifatnya, serta mendeskripsikan dengan memberi makna hukum. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa yurisdiksi dan pengadilan internasional dapat didasarkan pada prinsip keutamaan (menjalankan yurisdiksi hingga ke pengadilan) atau prinsip komplementaritas atau saling melengkapi (melimpahkan yurisdiksi kepada negara asal si pelaku). Selanjutnya, pengadilan internasional akan memiliki spesifikasi temporal dan geografis yang jelas dan terbatas, dan apabila penyelenggaraannya telah teraktualisasi dengan baik, maka pengadilan tersebut akan dibubarkan. Adapun beberapa anggota konvensi internasional menekankan bahwa definisi terkait tindak pidana terorisme harus jelas, khususnya dalam membedakan tindak pidana terorisme dengan perjuangan sah rakyat dalam menjalankan hak mereka untuk menentukan nasib sendiri dari pendudukan asing atau dominasi kolonial. Dengan dasar kesimpulan tersebut, untuk menghindari kontroversi politik, khususnya perihal konsep terorisme negara, maka disarankan agar memberikan definisi yang tepat atas tindak pidana terorisme dan diadopsi dalam yurisdiksi TIT untuk meminimalisir tindakan terorisme yang dapat terulang di masa yang akan datang.
Forecasting Reference Evapotranspiration Using Time Lagged Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Proias Georgios , Gravalos Ioannis , Papageorgiou Elpiniki , Poczęta Katarzyna , Sakellariou-Makrantonaki Maria
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study is to employ a Time Lagged Recurrent Neural Network (TLRNN) model for forecasting near future reference evapotranspiration (ETo) values by using climate data taken from meteorological station located in Velestino, a village near the city of Volos, in Thessaly, centre of Greece. TLRNN is Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network (MLP-NN) with locally recurrent connections and short-term memory structures that can learn temporal variations from the dataset. The network topology is using input layer, hidden layer and a single output with the ETo values. The network model was trained using the back propagation through time algorithm. Performance evaluations of the network model done by comparing the Mean Bias Error (MBE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Coefficient of Determination (R2) and Index of Agreement (IA). The evaluation of the results showed that the developed TLRNN model works properly and the forecasting ETo values approximate the FAO-56 PM values. A good proximity of predictions with the experimental data was noticed, achieving coefficients of determination (R2) greater than 75% and root mean square error (RMSE) values less than 1.0 mm/day. The forecasts range up to three days ahead and can be helpful to farmers for irrigation scheduling.
ELECTROCATALYSIS INVOLVING AMORPHOUS METAL ELECTRODES
Authors:   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, HERTSYK Oksana , KOVBUZ Myroslava ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, HULA Tetiana ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, PANDIAK Nataliia ,   Ukrainian National Forestry University
Published: October 2020

The effect of chemical composition of amorphous metal electrodes with different elemental composition (i.e. Al87.0Y5.0Ni8.0, Fe80.0Si6.0B14.0, Fe78,5Ni1.0Mo0.5Si6.0B14.0, Fe81,0Ni1.0Nb0.5Mo0.5Si3.0B14.0, Fe73,1Cu1.0Nb3.0Si15.5B7.4) on their electrocatalytic activity in the reactions of the decomposition of peroxide –O–O– bonds in hydrogen peroxide H2O2 and organic oligoperoxide compounds based on vinyl acetate, 2-tert-butyl peroxy-2-methyl-5-hexen-3-yne and maleic anhydride was studied. The electrochemical reduction of H2O2 and organic oligoperoxsde on AMA-electrodes by cyclic voltammetry is investigated. The dependencies of the rate of electrocatalytic processes on the concentration of supporting electrolyte, the rate of scanning of potential, the concentration of depolarizer and the duration of the initial spontaneous (in the absence of external potential) interaction of the peroxides compounds with the electrode surface were investigated. The rate constants of the decomposition of –O–O– bonds in peroxides of different structure were determined. In the case of the electrocatalytic AMA electrode Al87.0Y5.0Ni8.0, the process of dissociation of –O–O– bonding by the reductive mechanism is the most probable: In the case of AMA electrodes based on Fe (especially Fe73,1Cu1.0Nb3.0Si15.5B7.4) the decomposition of –O–O– bonds follows preferential oxidation mechanism: . Due to their high absorption ability, oligoperoxide molecules can undergo conformational changes on the surface of the electrode. This affects the stability of the peroxide bond significantly. The functional groups of oligoperxides show affinity to localized electrons on the electrode surface. This leads to the elongation of the –O–O– bond and facilitates the fragmentation of the oligomers. The amorphous alloys Fe73,1Cu1.0Nb3.0Si15.5B7.4 and Fe81,0Ni1.0Nb0.5Mo0.5Si3.0B14.0 have a higher catalytical activity in decomposition of H2O2.
POLYPYRROLE DEPOSITION ON THE SURFACE OF Al87Ni8Y5 AMORPFOUS ALLOYS IN POTENTIODYNAMIC MODE
Authors:   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, YATSYSHYN Мykhaylo , VLAD Kristina ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, SERKIZ Roman ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, RESHETNYAK Oleksandr ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv
Published: October 2020

Polypyrrole films were deposited on the surface both of the outer and contact sides of the Al87Ni8Y5 amorphous alloy electrodes by potentiodynamic oxidation of 0.1 M pyrrole in 0.5 M H2SO4 aqueous solution. It was found that the oxidation of pyrrole on Al87Ni8Y5 amorphous alloy electrodes occurs comparatively easy and already during the first cycle of potential scanning a nanofilm of polypyrrole is formed. The formation of polypyrrole film essentially accelerates during following cycles of potential scanning. Cyclic voltammogramms has been analyzed and the process of electrochemical oxidation of pyrrole and redox transformations of polypyrrole at these electrodes is described. It is shown that the difference in film topology is due to the surface topology of electrodes, which determines stability of surface oxide films on these surfaces. Studies of the electrode surface topology and also morphology, structure and composition of polypyrrole films produced on an amorphous alloy electrode were carried out using Fourier-transform infrared spectro¬sco¬py with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). It has been confirmed using FTIR analysis that the films deposited on the surface of the Al87Ni8Y5 electrodes corespond to polypyrrole which are in the form of hydrosulfate salt. The analysis of the received electron microscopy images shown that polypyrrole films produced both on the contact and outer sides of the working electrodes has developed surface topology, which depends on surface quality and nature of amorphizing additive in electrode alloy. In addition, it is likely that a significant number of aggregates of polypyrrole macromolecules are formed in the solution, which further play the role of electrodes, where the oxidation of the corresponding monomer from its aqueous solution takes place. The results of EDX microanalysis shown presence in the polymeric films of small amount of metal impurities (in the form of sulfates mainly), which formed in the result of the corrosion of working electrode.
Effect of Hall Currents on Convective Heat and Mass Transfer Flow of a Viscous Electrically Conducting Fluid in A Nonuniformly Heated Vertical Channel with Radiation
Authors: Nagasasikala Madduleti , Lavanya Bommanna
Published: October 2020

In the present document we inspect the deportation study of heat and mass transfer flow of a viscous electrically conducting fluid in a vertical wavy channel under the influence of an inclined magnetic fluid with heat generating sources. The walls of the channels are perpetuated at constant temperature and concentration. The equations reign over the flow heat and concentration are solved by employing perturbation technique with a slope d of the wavy wall. The velocity, temperature and concentration distributions are investigated for a different value of Grashof number Hartmann number, Buoyancy ratio etc. The rate of heat and mass transfer are numerically estimated for a different variation of the governing parameters. It is found that higher the Lorentz force lesser the axial velocity in the flow region. An increase in the Hall parameter (m) enhances the axial velocity.
DO INVESTORS EXPERIENCE HEURISTICS IN EARNINGS FORECASTING?
Authors: Praditha Riza , Haliah Haliah , Habbe Abdul Hamid , Rura Yohanis
Published: October 2020

This research aims to examine empirically the overreliance on representativeness heuristic and anchoring-adjustment influences experienced by investors in forecasting future earnings. This research was a laboratory experiment with a design of 2x2 full factorial between subject. The results showed that representativeness heuristics were only experienced by investors who obtained positive information. Besides, this study also shows that investors do not overreliance on anchoring-adjustment heuristics. Generally, this research shows that cognitive biases occur when the information presented is of good value so that it can be taken into consideration for investors to be more careful in making predictions. Multiple benchmark information can be used as a consideration in evaluating the company’s earnings and stock performance.
Type specimens of Streptaxidae from Henry C. Burnup in the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Authors: Salvador Rodrigo B. , Ablett Jonathan D.
Published: October 2020

A small collection containing thirty-nine lots of South African Streptaxidae land snails is housed in the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (NMNZ). This material previously belonged to British/South African malacologist Henry C. Burnup, who either donated it to, or exchanged it with New Zealand-based Swiss malacologist Henry Suter, whose land snail collection was eventually acquired by the NMNZ. The lots contain type specimens of eight taxa (species and subspecies) and are presented herein in the form of an annotated and illustrated catalogue.
A strategy to digitise natural history collections with limited resources
Authors: Santos Joaquim , Rupino da Cunha Paulo , Sales Fátima
Published: October 2020

The present work is a contribution towards accelerating the digitisation process of natural history collections, usually a slow process. A two-stage process was developed at the herbarium of the University of Coimbra: (i) a new workflow was established to automatically create records in the herbarium master database with minimum information, while capturing digital images; (ii) these records are then used to populate a web-based crowdsourcing platform where citizens are involved in the transcription of specimen labels from the digital images. This approach simplifies and accelerates databasing, reduces specimen manipulation and promotes the involvement of citizens in the scientific goals of the herbarium. The novel features of this process are: (i) the validation method of the crowdsourcing contribution that ensures quality control, enabling the data to integrate the master database directly and (ii) the field-by-field integration in the master database enables immediate corrections to any record in the catalogue.
The data of the Swedish Malaise Trap Project, a countrywide inventory of Sweden's insect fauna
Authors: Karlsson Dave , Forshage Mattias , Holston Kevin , Ronquist Fredrik
Published: October 2020

Despite Sweden's strong entomological tradition, large portions of its insect fauna remain poorly known. As part of the Swedish Taxonomy Initiative, launched in 2002 to document all multi-cellular species occurring in the country, the first taxonomically-broad inventory of the country's insect fauna was initiated, the Swedish Malaise Trap Project (SMTP). In total, 73 Malaise traps were deployed at 55 localities representing a wide range of habitats across the country. Most traps were run continuously from 2003 to 2006 or for a substantial part of that time period. The total catch is estimated to contain 20 million insects, distributed over 1,919 samples (Karlsson et al. 2020). The samples have been sorted into more than 300 taxonomic units, which are made available for expert identification. Thus far, more than 100 taxonomists have been involved in identifying the sorted material, recording the presence of 4,000 species. One third of these had not been recorded from Sweden before and 700 have tentatively been identified as new to science.

Here, we describe the SMTP dataset, published through the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Data on the sorted material are available in the "SMTP Collection Inventory" dataset. It currently includes more than 130,000 records of taxonomically-sorted samples. Data on the identified material are published using the Darwin Core standard for sample-based data. That information is divided up into group-specific datasets, as the sample set processed for each group is different and in most cases non-overlapping. The current data are divided into 79 taxonomic datasets, largely corresponding to taxonomic sorting fractions. The orders Diptera and Hymenoptera together comprise about 90% of the specimens in the material and these orders are mainly sorted to family or subfamily. The remaining insect taxa are mostly sorted to the order level. In total, the 79 datasets currently available comprise around 165,000 specimens, that is, about 1% of the total catch. However, the data are now accumulating rapidly and will be published continuously. The SMTP dataset is unique in that it contains a large proportion of data on previously poorly-known taxa in the Diptera and Hymenoptera.
Towards retrieving the Promethean treasure: a first molecular assessment of the freshwater fish diversity of Georgia
Authors: Epitashvili Giorgi , Geiger Matthias , Astrin Jonas , Herder Fabian , Japoshvili Bella , Mumladze Levan
Published: October 2020

In this study, we provide a first estimation of the molecular diversity of the freshwater fishes of Georgia. In addition to field collections, we integrated DNA barcode data obtained from recent works and public databases (BOLD and NCBI GenBank). Currently, the DNA barcode reference library for freshwater fishes of Georgia comprises 352 DNA barcodes for 50 species, 36 genera and 15 families (52% of total Georgian freshwater fish diversity), from which 162 DNA barcodes belonging to 41 species were newly generated as part of this study. A total of 22 species are reported from the Caspian Sea basin and 31 from the Black Sea basin. Amongst the studied taxa, seven species were found with large interspecific divergences (> 2%) while 11 species were found to share DNA barcodes within our dataset. In the course of the study, we found the first evidence of the existence ofGymnocephalus cernua(Linnaeus, 1758) and also confirm the second occurrence of invasiveRhinogobius lindbergi(Berg, 1933) in Georgia. Based on the evaluation of currently-available barcode data for Georgian fishes, we highlighted major gaps and research needs to further progress DNA-based biodiversity studies in Georgia. Though this study lays a solid base for DNA, based biodiversity assessment and monitoring approaches, further efforts within the recently started CaBOL (Caucasus Barcode Of Life) project are needed to obtain reference data for the species still lacking DNA barcodes.
The pharmacological basis for application of cannabidiol in cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Zhelyazkova Margarita , Kirilov Bogdan , Momekov Georgi
Published: October 2020

Chemotherapy is one of the therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment and has demonstrated great success with the introduction of selectively acting molecules against specific biomarkers of some types of tumors. Despite this success there is a large unmet need for novel therapies that provide effective control on the progression of advanced or drug-resistant cancer diseases. In this review, we briefly summarized our knowledge of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, as possible agents for cancer therapy. We analyzed the anticancer properties and mechanism of action of cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychoactive cannabinoid received from hemp of Cannabis plant. Despite of data for pleiotropic effects of CBD, we here present the results for the efficacy of CBD in the modulation of different stages of cancer development. The analysis of the anticancer properties of CBD is made in relation to the proposed or newly discovered molecular targets of action. Thereafter, we consider the specific effects of CBD on primary tumors, their invasiveness and metastases, whether the influence on identified tumor markers in different types of tumors reflect the therapeutic potential of CBD. The studies reviewed herein indicate that CBD elicit activity through the cannabinoid receptor dependent and independent pathways. The processes such as ceramide production, ER-stress, autophagy and apoptosis, angiogenesis and matrix remodeling also appear to regulate the anticancer activity of CBD. So, the pharmacological basis for therapeutic application of CBD is constructed on the scientific data for its antitumor activity, extensively provided studies in vitro and in vivo in animal tumor models, and available data on the safety profile of clinically approved CBD products. We also try to reduce the deficits of our understanding in relation of pharmacological synergistic interactions of CBD with cytostatic drugs, where data remains limited. It is recognized that more studies for defining the specific molecular and signaling mechanisms of anticancer action of cannabinoids, particularly CBD, requires further evaluation. We believe that the therapeutic advantages of CBD are associated not only with its non-psychoactive behavior, but also are related to its influence on the important biochemical pathways and signal molecules, defining the genome instability and specific changes of the malignant tumor cells.
Hydraulic flow resistance of epigean and hypogean fish of the family Trichomycteridae (Ostariophysi, Siluriformes)
Authors: Sampaio Francisco Alexandre Costa , Rufino Marina Silva , Pompeu Paulo Santos , Santos Hersília de Andrade е , Ferreira Rodrigo Lopes
Published: October 2020

Critical swimming speeds of four trichomycterid fish species from epigean and hypogean environments were analyzed and compared: Trichomycterus itacarambiensis and Ituglanis passensis, both troglobitic from underground rivers; Trichomycterus brasiliensis, from epigean rivers; and Ituglanis sp., an undescribed troglophilic species from an underground stream. Swimming tests were conducted with a non-volitional apparatus in which fish swim against a progressive incremental water velocity until they longer resist the flow. Total length was significantly related to critical speed for only T. itacarambiensis. The critical speed obtained by each species, in decreasing order, with values in lengths per second (lengths/s), were: I. passensis (3.61), T. itacarambiensis (3.49), T. brasiliensis (3.11) and Ituglanis sp. (1.89). Swimming performance differed between the congeners T. itacarambiensis and T. brasiliensis, but did not differed between I. passensis and Ituglanis sp. The greater speed for the troglobitic species compared to that of the troglophilic and epigean species is probably related to seasonal flooding pulses that can be extremely severe in caves. Furthermore, during the tests, fish were observed using their mouth and/or barbels to fasten themselves to the substrate to avoid high flows.
Training Program for Care Professionals in Nursing Homes: Effectiveness and Feasibility
Authors: Assis Luciana de Oliveira , de Castro Paula Maria Arantes , Rodrigues Evellyn Aparecida Almeida , Santos Letícia Cardoso , Sampaio Rosana Ferreira , Assis Marcella Guimarães
Published: October 2020

The aim of the current study was to analyze the effectiveness and feasibility of a training program for care professionals at two nursing homes, investigating the impact on their beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge regarding aging. Twenty-three formal caregivers at a private nursing home and 10 formal caregivers at a philanthropic nursing home participated in the training program, which consisted of five weekly meetings, each lasting 1.5 hours. Characterization of the sample was performed and effectiveness and feasibility of the intervention were analyzed. The training program improved participants' knowledge about older adults; however, their attitudes and beliefs regarding old age were not affected. Results also indicated that the intervention program was feasible at both nursing homes. The positive results of the study underscore the importance of training and continuing education of professionals who work with older adults, especially staff at nursing homes. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 46
(11), 37–47.]
Strategies for Promoting Hand Hygiene Compliance on Inpatient Psychiatric Units
Authors: Bonine Christopher James
Published: October 2020

To identify recommendations to improve staff and patient adherence to hand hygiene best practices on inpatient psychiatric units, a survey of the literature was conducted to distill the most effective recommendations. Several interventions have been identified that have met with success in previous outbreaks of infectious disease. These interventions require little more than basic nursing skills: education, time and attention, and knowledge of one's patients. The literature suggests that strict hand hygiene and infection control processes can be implemented to the benefit of an inpatient psychiatric ward, but only with significant adjustments for staff and patients. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59
(5), 21–24.]
Survival of Indigenous African Healing Systems in Post-Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Mthembu Ntokozo
Published: October 2020

This chapter focuses on the revelation of the status of traditional medicine on which a high number of users depend, despite its historical negation in South Africa. This scenario suggests the need to evaluate the current narrow cultural perspective in the health sector and consider an intervention that will promote respect for diverse cultural practices that provide healthcare services to diverse social groups with their respective moral codes. In this chapter, the researcher argues that the notion of integration of diverse medical practices is a nonstarter and a subtle way of reinsertion of the status quo. In conclusion, this chapter argues that the historical experiences reveal that each medical practice is embedded in its social order; thus, the concept of a plural healthcare system becomes a viable intervention to put an end to the historical injustices against the izinyanga and their practice in this instance.
Mutual Accountability for Sustainable Peace
Authors: Travis Cynthia , Saa William
Published: October 2020

This chapter explores some of the ways that other-than-human guidance can help to restore the mutually beneficial relationships that bring peace and sustain life. Building on the chapter “Restorative Peacebuilding in Liberia” (in this volume), the authors examine some of the underlying principles that make relational peacebuilding such a compelling path to reconnection after violence. They look at how, in the Liberian context, conventional aid reinforces learned helplessness; how communities riven by bloodshed long for reconnection above all; how ecocide exacerbates and often precedes genocide; how a radical shift in perspective from “Me” to “We” opens fresh possibilities for healing; and they consider the role of borders, edges, dreams, and chance encounters as loci of unexpected support. They look at how trauma distorts our perceptions and compromises our decision-making, and they consider the false narrative of “progress.” In its place, they advocate that Westerners seek reciprocity rather than dominance for all our sakes. The authors have included an appendix with benchmarks and questions designed to help us make the necessary changes in ourselves so that we can redefine progress in relational rather than material terms. Above all, the events and stories related here invite us to consider a new kind of relationship with the natural world and each other, based on mutual healing and mutual accountability.
Exploiting Digital Skills in Higher Education
Authors: Magni Domitilla , Orlando Beatrice , Del Giudice Manlio
Published: October 2020

Thus far, digital transformation had a strong impact on business and society. The large-scale adoption of digital technologies changed social relationships and opened up to new opportunities for higher education. Currently, the interplay between innovation and digitalization become are among the most important assets for the educational system. In this light, this chapter aims to explore how digital skills and competencies modify the issue of co-creation in higher education. The authors use the case study analysis to explore such theme. The Little Genius International case is presented and discussed: an international alternative school in English for digital natives recognized as the best benefit corporation for the world. The main contribution of the chapter is that it outlines what are the new digital skills and competencies enabling a better understanding of the concept of students' co-creation in HEIs.
New Trends in Intellectual Capital Disclosures of Higher Degree Institutions in Indonesia
Authors: Hatane Saarce Elsye , Oktavianus Eric , Tarigan Josua , Jie Ferry
Published: October 2020

This study aims to investigate the existence regarding the new method in disclosing intellectual capital called as web-based intellectual capital disclosure to overcome the limitation of traditional intellectual capital disclosures and also examine the determinant factors that may influence web-based intellectual capital disclosure of Indonesian universities such as autonomy, competitiveness, age, and size. A partial least-squares analysis is conducted to have an observation of 83 Indonesian higher education institutions. The results show that there is extensive use of intellectual capital disclosure through websites done by Indonesian universities, especially in internal capital, while the disclosure of external capital and human capital is still limited. Furthermore, autonomy gives the biggest impact toward web-based intellectual capital disclosure because autonomy provides freedom for universities in managing their institution especially in improving their web-based intellectual capital disclosure in order to attract more public and government fund.
Quality Management Principles for Entrepreneurial Sustainability
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: October 2020

Quality definitions have been altered with the transition of time, needs, and demands. But the vitality has more or less been progressed to resolve the issue by compliance to standards approach for customer satisfaction. With management routine getting complicated, attacks to managing quality in operational areas are becoming unmanageable. For TQM to be victorious, all of the elements within the enterprise must be conjointly engaged. While the critical factors are the basis for transformational preference to produce a substantial advancement culture for consistent competitive advantage and be sustainable, basically, the main objective of TQM is to generate an environment in which all the assets are used ingeniously and effectively in order to provide quality service. TQM is a way of managing the efficiency, viscidity, adaptability in general, and in the future would be to ensure entrepreneurial sustainability. Hence adopting an exploratory approach, the aim of this chapter is to critically examine the underlying principles of quality management for entrepreneurial sustainability.
The Blue Economy and Its Long-Term Competitive Advantage
Authors: Zhang Haoming , Marjerison Rob Kim , Zhao Yuxi
Published: October 2020

This chapter seeks to determine whether China's coastal tourism industry can remain competitive in the long run under the blue economy ideology. Current literature claims that when the ocean becomes over-commercialized by the tourism industry, it can potentially lose its pristine amenities, which tourists are attracted to in the first place. By surveying both coastal tourists and residents regarding their stakeholders, coastal resources, and tourism service characteristics, this chapter concludes that such a threat is not impeding progress because coastal tourists and residents have not only overlapping desires but also have interchangeable identities. By conducting tourism service quality management, China's coastal regions have the potential to satisfy both tourists and residents' needs simultaneously by taking advantage of the blue economy transition.
Exploring the Impact of Peer Influence on Online Shopping
Authors: Marjerison Rob Kim , Hu Yiqi Athena
Published: October 2020

Commercialization of social media is no longer optional for businesses, especially online businesses. An effective online presence is crucial for creating awareness of new products or services and triggering activity. The objective of this chapter is to investigate peers' influence on Chinese millennial consumers' purchase behavior. To be specific, this study examines the relationship between peers' purchase histories and consumers' purchase decisions among Chinese millennials. Specifically, this study explores whether and to what extent peers' purchase histories affect consumers' purchase perception, such as perceived usefulness, perceived risk, and purchase intention. Analysis of online surveys shows how peer influence affects Chinese millennial's purchase intention and decision in online shopping. Furthermore, perceived usefulness positively also affects purchase intention, while perceived risk has a negative influence. This chapter provides suggestions for online retailers to attach importance to peer influence when advertising their products.
Developing Trends in Power and Networking Technologies for Intelligent Cities
Authors: Demir Kadir Alpaslan , Turan Buğra
Published: October 2020

The introduction of Industry 4.0 has increased the focus on a number of technologies. These technologies also help realize the vision for intelligent cities. Furthermore, there are already discussions of Industry 5.0. One emerging aspect of Industry 5.0 is human-robot co-working. With the help of artificial intelligence, the internet of things paradigm, Industry 4.0, and Industry 5.0 visions, there will be two predominant types of systems interfacing with people in intelligent cities. These are robotic and ambient intelligence systems. The increasing deployment of these will help make cities even smarter. However, we need to see advancements in a number of relevant key technologies, including power and networking technologies. In this chapter, first, the authors briefly discuss Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0, and intelligent cities paradigm, as well as robotic and ambient intelligence systems. Then, they focus on developing trends in power and networking technologies.
Intelligent Cities
Authors: Sakyi Kwesi Atta
Published: October 2020

This chapter focuses on a systematic and integrated approach to managing cities using multidisciplinary and technology-based approach and drawing on integrated knowledge from different fields. The chapter aims to discuss and analyse issues in an organic and holistic approach. It explores theory and combines praxis, applications, and futuristic conjectures. Emphasis is placed on issues of ethics, human rights, environmental friendliness, sustainability, and compliance with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the chapter has considerable input from existing scholarship, it adopts a narrative that is innovative and creative and engages with novel ideas and propositions for future progress. It also charts the breakthrough in transportation, commerce, medicine, education, the world of work, and contemporary health, with particular emphasis on issues relating to safety, confidentiality, privacy, facial recognition, city policing, crime detection, monitoring and evaluation, forecasting, and future of AI.
The Internet of Things and Blockchain Technologies Adaptive Trade Systems in the Virtual World
Authors: Mkrttchian Vardan
Published: October 2020

This chapter presents artificial and natural intelligence technologies. As part of the digital economy of the virtual world program, it is envisaged to increase the efficiency of electronic commerce and entrepreneurship; a similar task has been set by the leadership of the People's Republic of China. At present, thinking in the virtual world and China is radically transforming, along with methodological approaches to the development of trade policy and its tools in the digital economy. It is these circumstances that determine the relevance of the study, the results of which are presented in this chapter. Development of the fundamental foundations for improving the efficiency of electronic commerce and entrepreneurship in virtual world and China based on the virtual exchange of intellectual knowledge using blockchain technology and implementation multi-chain open source platform is the goal. An acceleration of scientific and technological progress in all areas of knowledge raises the task for ensuring the continuous growth of professional skills throughout the whole life.