bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of blockchain technology on tourism intermediation
Authors: Melkić Sara , Čavlek Nevenka
Published: June 2020

Contemporary
tourism has undergone many changes in the last decade, mainly due to expansion
of the new technology. The use of new technology has had more positive than negative
impacts on tourism intermediation, but none of them triggered a radical change.
Blockchain technology has been one of the most discussed topics especially
after 2016 due to its all opportunities, but also threats. Even though it is
still somewhat unfamiliar, it is a form of technology which has a great
potential to cause a revolution in traditional business activities, as it is
predicted by futurists. For now, this phenomenon has only been recognized by
bigger tourism intermediaries, technology-oriented companies. Such fast changes
require even faster adaptations of all tourism intermediaries and this is
challenging because most of stakeholders are not familiar with the use and the impact
of blockchain. Therefore, in this paper the authors will try to provide answers
by presenting a SWOT analysis of blockchain technology implications on activities
undertaken by all participants in tourism intermediation. It implies to
conclusion that everyone will face various challenges in its implementation
which have to be considered seriously. The use and the general understanding of
blockchain technology is still in an initial stage, so it is crucial that
tourism research takes a proactive role in the exploration of this field of
study. Furthermore, as trends are dynamic and evolve rapidly, the topic becomes
particularly challenging for scientists in bridging practice into theory. Therefore,
this theory-based paper on an overall assumption contributes to a better
understanding of this phenomenon and raises the awareness for further research
The perception of travellers and the World Heritage Site image
Authors: Pavlić Ivana , Puh Barbara , Mišković Ljubica
Published: June 2020

The paper investigates the main image determinants of World
Heritage Site (WHS) among different types of travellers. The main purpose is to
define the main features of different types of travellers (tourists and cruise
ship visitors) and to determine the attributes that create their particularly perceived
image of WHS. In order to gain the main aims,
empirical research, based on questionnaire on randomly–chosen travellers
visiting WHS, was carried. The sample consisted of 547 tourists and 472 cruise
ship visitors who visited WHS - Old city of Dubrovnik (OCD) in the period April
1st – October 1st 2016. Research spatial framework consists of multiple-use
protected area with buffer zone. Explorative factor analysis (EFA),
confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modelling (SEM)
were applied. The results show that there are differences between image
formation among different types of travellers regarding cognitive and affective
image elements. The obtained results can be used as a base model for
investigating the influence of the information sources, socio-demographics and
motivation on mediating ones (cognitive and affective evaluation), and finally
on the dependent variable of the overall image of the WHS perceived by different
traveller categories.
ICTs in the hospitality industry
Authors: Garbin Praničević Daniela , Mandić Ante
Published: June 2020

This study delivers the importance-performance analysis of the information and
communication technology (ICT) driven solutions among small and family-owned
hotels (SFH) in Croatia. The analysis reflects the opinions of owners of 21 SFH,
all of which are members of the National Association of Family and Small Hotels
(OMH). The findings demonstrated the existence of a significant
gap between the perception of the importance of specific innovations and actual
hotel performances. In most cases, hotel performances are rated significantly
lower than the perceived importance of particular innovation, which indicate
that resources should be better and more wisely allocated. In some cases,
hotels do not recognise the benefits of ICTs used or are not satisfied with the
results. The primary constraint for higher integration of the ICTs within this
sample is the lack of financial resources. The study reveals the
importance-performance gaps within the perception of technological innovations in
the SFHs, elaborates on potential constraints for more substantial reliance on
ICTs and discusses the possible implications. Finally, the study provides
recommendations for future research.
Homeschooling e o direito à educação
Authors: Berlini Luciana Fernandes , Fuziger Rodrigo José
Published: June 2020

O presente artigo tem por escopo analisar o homeschooling, a partir do prisma do direito à educação. Para tanto, estabelecer-se-á um recorte metodológico voltado para a responsabilidade parental, em seus aspectos civis e penais. Trata-se de tema atual cuja repercussão geral já foi reconhecida e julgada pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal. Cumpre, assim, estabelecer um diálogo entre o Direito Civil e o Penal, especialmente quando a autoridade parental deve ser exercida para garantir o direito à educação. Isso porque, a tutela jurídica desse direito fundamental se dá de forma multifacetada e, muitas vezes, dissonante, haja vista que, embora o direito seja uno, seus diferentes ramos colocam-se de forma desarmoniosa frente à educação, acabando por não dialogar a contento, por conseguinte, não promovendo uma defesa adequada e sistêmica do direito à educação. Dessa forma, buscar-se-á apontar no presente trabalho alguns dos inúmeros desafios (e suas possíveis soluções) ao intrincado tema da tutela do Direito à educação, tendo como pano de fundo a responsabilização parental a partir do fenômeno do homeschooling.
How are Children Coping with the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Developing Country Perspective
Authors: Hewitt-Thompson Kadiann , Wright Donnette
Published: June 2020

This paper sought to discuss how children in developing countries are coping with the social, emotional and financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their daily lives. Additionally, the evidence presented will increase awareness that children also experience varying impact of COVID-19 and provide guidance about coping mechanisms that may change the course of the impact and limit long term effects of the pandemic on them. It also explored the psychosocial influence of social determinants of children living in a developing country, the impact on their academic continuity and the role of parents in supporting children. Finally, the paper proposes pragmatic recommendations for achieving optimal social outcomes for children who experience pandemics.
Exploration and Assertion of the ‘Theory of Potential’ using Human Brain Signals
Authors: J. R. Flower , D. Chuckravanen
Published: June 2020

It may happen that exceptional selforganisation of oneself can lead to the breaking down of old patterns and hence the birth of a new pattern. This new pattern causes a new mindset for that individual, and thus this individual perceives the world differently while being in a higher state of mind. So far, it was posited theoretically and qualitatively by Dr. Flower that this type of manifestation occurs because previously untapped cognitive neural cells are now allowed to create a new neuronal pathway leading to a new path of cognition and human development.
The CARMA–NRO Orion Survey: Protostellar Outflows, Energetics, and Filamentary Alignment
Authors: Feddersen Jesse R. , Arce Héctor G. , Kong Shuo , Suri Sümeyye , Sánchez-Monge Álvaro , Ossenkopf-Okada Volker , Dunham Michael M. , Nakamura Fumitaka , Shimajiri Yoshito , Bally John
Published: June 2020

We identify 45 protostellar outflows in CO maps of the Orion A giant molecular cloud from the Combined Array for Research in Millimeter-wave Astronomy–Nobeyama Radio Observatory Orion survey. Our sample includes 11 newly detected outflows. We measure the mass and energetics of the outflows, including material at low velocities, by correcting for cloud contributions. The total momentum and kinetic energy injection rates of outflows are comparable to the turbulent dissipation rate of the cloud. We also compare the outflow position angles to the orientation of C18O filaments. We find that the full sample of outflows is consistent with being randomly oriented with respect to the filaments. A subsample of the most reliable measurements shows a moderately perpendicular outflow-filament alignment that may reflect accretion of mass across filaments and onto the protostellar cores.
A Search for Optical AGN Variability in 35,000 Low-mass Galaxies with the Palomar Transient Factory
Authors: Baldassare Vivienne F. , Geha Marla , Greene Jenny
Published: June 2020

We present an analysis of the long-term optical variability for ∼50,000 nearby (z < 0.055) galaxies from the NASA–Sloan Atlas, 35,000 of which are low-mass (M
* < 1010
M
⊙). We use difference imaging of Palomar Transient Factory (PTF) R-band observations to construct light curves with typical baselines of several years. We then search for subtle variations in the nuclear light output. We determine whether detected variability is AGN-like by assessing the fit quality to a damped random walk model. We identify 417 variability-selected AGNs, including 237 with stellar masses between 107 and 1010
M
⊙. 75% of low-mass galaxies with AGN-like variability have narrow emission lines dominated by star formation. After controlling for nucleus magnitude, the fraction of variable AGNs is constant down to M
* = 109
M
⊙, suggesting no drastic decline in the BH occupation fraction down to this stellar mass regime. Combining our NASA–Sloan Atlas sample with samples of nearby galaxies with broad Hα emission, we find no dependence of variability properties with black hole mass. Our PTF work demonstrates the promise of long-term optical variability searches in low-mass galaxies for finding AGNs missed by other selection techniques.
Bivariate Number Distribution of Solar Soft X-Ray Flares
Authors: Du Z. L.
Published: June 2020

Conventionally, researchers investigated the number distribution of solar flares by univariate analysis using all available data. For the first time, we investigate the bivariate number distribution of peak flux (f) and duration (T) of soft X-ray flares observed by the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite during the past 10 years. First, the univariate number distribution of f is found to obey a power law either for each class of flares or for the B or ≥C flares in a certain range of T. But the power-law index of B-class flares is much smaller than those of other higher-class ones. For the ≥C flares, the longer the duration, the smaller the power-law index. The univariate number distribution of T deviates from the power law at shorter durations and is better fitted by a skewed Gaussian function in logarithmic coordinates for almost any given range of f, reflecting the random phenomena in solar flares. Then, based on the univariate analysis, a linear Gaussian function is proposed to describe the bivariate logarithmic number distribution of f and T, from which the local power-law index with respect to either f or T can also be analyzed. The real number distribution of B flares should be in between the observed one and the power-law distribution of stronger flares (≥C). We suggest that nanoflare activity may not be the dominant source of coronal heating.
Cosmicflows-4: The Calibration of Optical and Infrared Tully–Fisher Relations
Authors: Kourkchi Ehsan , Tully R. Brent , Anand Gagandeep S. , Courtois Hélène M. , Dupuy Alexandra , Neill James D. , Rizzi Luca , Seibert Mark
Published: June 2020

This study is a part of the Cosmicflows-4 project with the aim of measuring the distances of more than ∼10,000 spiral galaxies in the local universe up to ∼15,000 

km

s

−
1

. New H i line width information has come primarily from the Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA Survey. Photometry of our sample galaxies has been carried out in optical (SDSS u, g, r, i, and z) and infrared (WISE W1 and W2) bands. Inclinations have been determined using an online graphical interface accessible to a collaboration of citizen scientists. Galaxy distances are measured based on the correlation between the rotation rate of spirals and their absolute luminosity, known as the Tully–Fisher relation (TFR). In this study, we present the calibration of the TFR using a subsample of ∼600 spirals located in 20 galaxy clusters. Correlations among such observables as color, surface brightness, and relative H i content are explored in an attempt to reduce the scatter about the TFR with the goal of obtaining more accurate distances. A preliminary determination of the Hubble constant from the distances and velocities of the calibrator clusters is H
0 = 76.0 ± 1.1(stat.) ± 2.3(sys.) km s−1 Mpc−1.
Supermassive Black Holes with High Accretion Rates in Active Galactic Nuclei. XI. Accretion Disk Reverberation Mapping of Mrk 142
Authors: Cackett Edward M. , Gelbord Jonathan , Li Yan-Rong , Horne Keith , Wang Jian-Min , Barth Aaron J. , Bai Jin-Ming , Bian Wei-Hao , Carroll Russell W. , Du Pu , Edelson Rick , Goad Michael R. , Ho Luis C. , Hu Chen , Khatu Viraja C. , Luo Bin , Miller Jake , Yuan Ye-Fei
Published: June 2020

We performed an intensive accretion disk reverberation mapping campaign on the high accretion rate active galactic nucleus Mrk 142 in early 2019. Mrk 142 was monitored with the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory for four months in X-rays and six different UV/optical filters. Ground-based photometric monitoring was obtained from the Las Cumbres Observatory, the Liverpool Telescope, and the Dan Zowada Memorial Observatory in ugriz filters, as well as from the Yunnan Astronomical Observatory in V. Mrk 142 was highly variable throughout, displaying correlated variability across all wavelengths. We measure significant time lags between the different wavelength lightcurves. In the UV and optical, we find that the wavelength-dependent lags, τ(λ), generally follow the relation τ(λ) ∝ λ
4/3, as expected for the T ∝ R
−3/4 profile of a steady-state, optically thick, geometrically thin accretion disk, though they can also be fit by τ(λ) ∝ λ
2, as expected for a slim disk. The exceptions are the u and U bands, where an excess lag is observed, as has been observed in other active galactic nuclei and attributed to continuum emission arising in the broad-line region. Furthermore, we perform a flux–flux analysis to separate the constant and variable components of the spectral energy distribution, finding that the flux dependence of the variable component is consistent with the f

ν
 ∝ ν
1/3 spectrum expected for a geometrically thin accretion disk. Moreover, the X-ray to UV lag is significantly offset from an extrapolation of the UV/optical trend, with the X-rays showing a poorer correlation with the UV than the UV does with the optical. The magnitude of the UV/optical lags is consistent with a highly super-Eddington accretion rate.
Giant Incisional Hernia: Which Treatment? Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Coco Danilo , Leanza Silvana
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernias are one of the most common complications developing in 3.8–11.5% after abdominal surgery. The management of giant incisional hernia (GIH) with loss of abdominal domain remains a surgical challenge with a high recurrence rate of 30%, elevated comorbidity and a mortality rate between 0% and 5%.
CASE REPORT: A 70-year-old woman presented at our emergency room with a 24 h history of abdominal bloating. She had severe comorbidities and GIH with loss of domain (LOD). Abdominal _TC scan demonstrated a GIH about 10 × 11 cm, associated with colon and ileus with “LOD.”
CONCLUSION: Different risk factors are important for developing an incisional hernia as old age, vascular disease, diabetes, obesity, renal failure, hepatic disease, protein deficiency, immunosuppression, and smoking. Surgical treatment should be centralized to discuss every case with a multidisciplinary team (general surgeon, plastic surgeon, and radiologist).
Use of microhabitat and activity patterns of two lizard species from a seasonal dry forest in northern Colombia
Authors: Atencia Pedro Luis , Castillo Cristian José , Montes Luis Fernando
Published: June 2020

In this work, the microhabitat use and activity patterns of two lizard species with sympatric distribution were evaluated in a dry forest fragment within the department of Sucre, northern Colombia. Data was collected in May, June, September and October of 2017, using the active search method limited by time (7:00 and 19:00 hours). Substrates used, spatial distribution and time of capture were recorded for individuals of the species Loxopholis rugiceps (Cope 1869) and Lepidoblepharis sanctaemartae (Ruthven 1916). Complementarily, environmental and physical parameters were recorded, which allowed us to characterise the microhabitats of the species. A total of 276 lizards were recorded, 177 belonging to the species Loxopholis rugiceps and 99 to Lepidoblepharis sanctaemartae. The results showed similar resource use by the two species for the spatial dimension, with both exploiting different terrestrial elements mainly from the interior forest, followed by the riverbed stream and forest edge. Differences were found in the daily activity patterns between species, with individuals of L. sanctaemartae more frequently recorded in the morning hours and L. rugiceps in the afternoon hours. The activity patterns did not differ by age groups: juveniles and adults. Both species were more frequently found in the litter substrate within the forest, followed by rocks and bare ground. Our results indicate that both species are tolerant to matrix conditions, however, they require internal forest conditions to exploit food resources and refuge.
Le cyberespace : espace de confrontation
Authors: Hérisson Audrey
Published: June 2020

Comment définir le cyberespace? Ce terme, francisation du mot anglais cyberspace , souvent qualifié de mot-valise, de buzzword , est-il autre chose que la contraction opportuniste de deux termes : « cybernétique » et « espace » ? Il est un espace libre créé par l’homme dans sa soif de conquête et son besoin de conserver un ordre, un nomos , dans l’espace sous réglemen­tation internationale qu’est le monde physique.
Les espaces communs vus par Jules Verne
Authors: Motte Martin
Published: June 2020

Jules Verne est depuis longtemps considéré comme un précurseur en matière de sciences et de techniques, mais cette réputation a quelque peu occulté sa pensée géopolitique. Or, certains de ses livres abordent de façon prémonitoire la question des espaces communs : ils montrent comment des sociétés privées, des États ou une combinaison des deux peuvent délibérément exploiter la confusion entre les notions de res nullius et de res communis pour s’approprier des ressources naturelles comme la Lune, les astéroïdes, les pôles et la mer. Dans ces écrits, Jules Verne extrapolait certains événements de son temps, en particulier le partage de l’Afrique ; mais le résultat annonce de façon frappante certaines des compétitions géopolitiques auxquelles nous assistons aujourd’hui.
Rendre les espaces transparents : la stratégie génétique au futur antérieur
Authors: Henrotin Joseph
Published: June 2020

La « third offset strategy » actuellement mise en avant ne constitue pas tant une rupture dans la stratégie des moyens que la continuation d’un mouvement amorcé dès les années 1930. Concrètement, le déploiement des premiers radars puis leur mise en réseau a alors permis d’entrer dans une rationalité de « mise en transparence » des espaces stratégiques, qui se diffuse également dans le secteur terrestre.
La guerre des étoiles n’a pas eu lieu
Authors: Pitard-Bouet Jean-Christophe
Published: June 2020

Dans un contexte de guerre la froide, la conquête spatiale a été vue par les USA et par l’URSS comme un facteur de puissance. Elle est associée aussi au développement des capacités balistiques et s’inscrit pleine­ment dans la course aux armements. Afin de maintenir une stabilité, la communauté internationale réagit extrêmement rapidement dès la fin des années 1950. Les différents travaux aboutissent à la ratification du traité de 1967 qui cadre les activités militaires dans l’espace extra-atmosphérique en interdisant par exemple toute action offensive. Malgré les tensions existantes, le vol habité devient un lieu de coopération entre les deux grands. Ainsi, la terre est le lieu de l’expression guerrière ; l’espace, celui de la démonstration de puissance.
Stratégie d’occupation et tactiques de combat dans l’espace électromagnétique
Authors: Ciaravola Nicolas
Published: June 2020

Les espaces partagés sont ceux qui ne sont pas les habitats naturels des hommes. Certains ont une réalité matérielle (la mer, l’espace), d’autres non (l’internet, le spectre électromagnétique). On peut voir des analo­gies dans les modes d’action, civils comme militaires, de chacun de ces espa­ces, qu’il s’agisse de tactiques comme de stratégies. L’utilisation croissante de systèmes autonomes coordonnés par des algorithmes d’intelligence artificielle rend de plus en plus prégnant l’importance de la manœuvre dans l’espace électromagnétique : brouillage, choix agile des formes d’ondes, dissimulation par des signaux faibles, attaques et défenses cybernétiques locales, sont autant de modes d’actions nouveaux qui vont donner de nouvelles lettres de noblesse à la guerre électronique.
Les espaces méditerranéens, lieux d’échanges et de tensions
Authors: Pierre Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2020

Les espaces méditerranéens, charnières entre Amériques du Nord et du Sud, Europe et Afrique et Chine et Sud-Est asiatique, sont devenus depuis quelques décennies des carrefours de la mondialisation. Ces espaces partagés et finis font l’objet de toutes les convoitises. Propices aux déplace­ments des biens et des personnes, ils sont devenus progressivement des zones à forts enjeux stratégiques. Pour les pays les plus riches, le contrôle de ces zones contribue à leur puissance alors que pour les plus pauvres, ils constituent une frontière qu’il faut franchir pour accéder à un partage réel des richesses. Bien que les intérêts de chacun soient différents vis-à-vis de ces espaces communs, l’attention de tous s’y focalise.
La pensée socio-militaire à la fin de l’Ancien Régime : l’œuvre de Guibert à la lumière du Bélisaire de Marmontel
Authors: Puškarić Jelena
Published: June 2020

La seconde moitié du xviii e siècle vit fleurir de nombreuses idées novatrices ayant pour but une réforme fondamentale de l’Ancien Régime tant au plan civil que militaire. Les salons parisiens étaient alors fréquentés par une pléiade de personnalités acquises à ce programme réformateur, parmi lesquelles on trouve maints noms célèbres d’écrivains, de philosophes, de théoriciens divers… Le présent article met en corrélation les œuvres de deux d’entre elles, Jean-François Marmontel (1723-1799) et Jacques-Antoine-Hippolyte, comte de Guibert (1743-1790). Plus précisément, on s’efforcera de retracer les idées et principes que les deux auteurs partagent, à savoir leur conscience commune d’une nécessaire réforme des structures gouvernemen­tales ainsi que leur vision d’une force armée nationale, qui trouvera sa réali­sation partielle dans la loi de recrutement de 1798.
Buttiauxella phytase maintains growth performance in broilers fed diets with reduced nutrients under a commercial setting
Authors: Dersjant-Li Y. , Van de Belt K. , Kwakernaak C. , Marchal L.
Published: June 2020

The effect of down specifying nutrients in diets supplemented with Buttiauxella spp. phytase was studied in a commercial trial. Three treatments were tested with five replicate groups, each containing 700, one-day-old straight run Ross 308 broilers. Birds were fed pelleted diets from days 0-42 in four phases: starter (days 0-10); grower (days 11-21); finisher 1 (days 22-35) and finisher 2 (days 36-42). A nutritionally adequate, unsupplemented, positive control (PC) diet based on wheat, corn and soybean meal was compared against two down specified, negative control (NC) diets containing Buttiauxella phytase supplemented at 500 or 1000 FTU/kg. The reduction level was 0.134 and 0.159% unit for digestible phosphorus, 0.164 and 0.189% unit for calcium, 0.03 and 0.04% unit for sodium, 0.283 and 0.309 MJ/kg for nitrogen corrected apparent metabolizable energy in all phases and variable digestible amino acids in different phases, respectively for the diets containing the phytase at 500 and 1000 FTU/kg. An unsupplemented NC diet was not included, as it would have caused welfare and health issues. Weight gain and mortality-corrected feed conversion ratio for birds receiving phytase at either inclusion levels were equivalent to the PC group. Feed intake was increased by 500 FTU/kg phytase (P<0.05) during 0-21 d vs PC. Including 1000 FTU/kg phytase reduced water intake vs PC at 0-42 d and water-to-feed intake ratios, after the starter phase (P<0.05). Carcass yield in birds supplemented with either phytase level was not different from PC. Tibia ash was unaffected by treatment. Estimated feed costs (inclusive of phytase) were lower in supplemented than un-supplemented (PC) diets, by 10.0 to 13.7 €/ton diet. The trial demonstrated that reducing nutrient specifications of diets supplemented with Buttiauxella phytase maintained growth performance, lowered feed costs, with production benefits maximised at inclusion levels of 1000 FTU/kg.
Cytotoxicity study of deoxynivalenol on human embryo liver and hepatoma cell
Authors: Liu Q. , Qiu S. , Xu Z. , Wang X. , Shen H.
Published: June 2020

To investigate the cytotoxicity of deoxynivalenol (DON) on human embryo liver CCC-HEL-1 and hepatoma cell line HepG2 cell models, both cell experience and metabolomic approach were studied. For the cell evaluation, cells viabilities of CCC-HEL-1 and HepG2 were decreased in both a time- and dose-dependent manner at concentration range from 0.08~10 μmol/l, after which the concentration of 1 μmol/l DON was selected for the next experiments. A higher production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in DON treated CCC-HEL-1 cells was found after 2 h treatment compared with the HepG2 group, while ROS generation was significantly dropped after 48 h in both models. DON-treated CCC-HEL-1 and HepG2 cells displayed significantly decreased percentages of ΔΨm loss. For the metabolomic study based on liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, it was notable that certain amino acids identified in the two DON-treated groups were upregulated. The pathway analysis also revealed that amino acid metabolism played a crucial role underlying DON exposure in the two studied models. Our results provided metabolic evidence that further confirmed the toxicological potential of DON to disturb amino acid and lipid metabolism in human embryo liver cells.
Limited Health Literacy and Hearing Loss Among Older Adults
Authors: Wells Timothy S. , Rush Steven R. , Nickels Lorraine D. , Wu Lizi , Bhattarai Gandhi R. , Yeh Charlotte S.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Effective communications between health care providers and patients are critical for high-quality health care.

Objective:

This study sampled adults age 65 years and older to explore (1) characteristics associated with limited health literacy (LHL) and (2) medical costs and gaps in care based on health literacy, hearing loss, and hearing aid use status.

Methods:

The study included 19,223 adults age 65 years and older who completed a health survey that was linked to his or her medical claims that were generated after medical care provided in the year prior to survey completion. Health literacy, hearing loss, and hearing aid use were assessed through self-reports. Health literacy was coded as
limited
and
adequate
. Hearing loss and hearing aid use were coded into five categories: no hearing loss, unaided mild, aided mild, unaided severe, and aided severe hearing loss.

Key Results:

Seven percent reported LHL and 41% reported hearing loss. Hearing loss, especially unaided severe, was associated with LHL, as were memory loss, depression, loneliness, older age, and male gender. People with aided severe hearing loss and LHL had higher annual medical costs than those with adequate health literacy. Similarly, those with no hearing loss and LHL had higher annual medical costs than those with adequate health literacy.

Conclusions:

Unaided mild, aided severe, and unaided severe hearing loss were positively associated with LHL, although the association was reduced among hearing aid users. Specifically, aided mild or severe hearing loss had lower odds of LHL, compared to unaided mild or severe hearing loss, respectively. We also observed that people with both hearing loss and LHL were more likely to have higher medical costs. Continued focus on solutions to address both LHL and hearing loss remains warranted.

[
HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2020;4(2):e129–e137.]

Plain Language Summary:

Health survey and medical claims data were used for this study. Hearing loss, especially unaided severe, was associated with limited health literacy, as were memory loss, depression, loneliness, older age, and male gender. Those with both limited health literacy and hearing loss had the highest medical costs. Health literacy and hearing loss can affect health care communications, warranting further study.
Hopf bifurcation and stability analysis of the Rosenzweig-MacArthur predator-prey model with stage-structure in prey
Authors: Beay Lazarus Kalvein ,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Brawijaya, Malang–East Java, Indonesia, Suryanto Agus , Darti Isnani , Trisilowati  ,   Department of Education and Culture, Provincial Government of Moluccas, Moluccas, Indonesia
Published: June 2020

We consider a stage-structure Rosenzweig-MacArthur model describing the predator-prey interaction. Here, the prey population is divided into two sub-populations namely immature prey and mature prey. We assume that predator only consumes immature prey, where the predation follows the Holling type Ⅱ functional response. We perform dynamical analysis including existence and uniqueness, the positivity and the boundedness of the solutions of the proposed model, as well as the existence and the local stability of equilibrium points. It is shown that the model has three equilibrium points. Our analysis shows that the predator extinction equilibrium exists if the intrinsic growth rate of immature prey is greater than the death rate of mature prey. Furthermore, if the predation rate is larger than the death rate of predator, then the coexistence equilibrium exists. It means that the predation process on the prey determines the growing effects of the predator population. Furthermore, we also show the existence of forward and Hopf bifurcations. The dynamics of our system are confirmed by our numerical simulations.
Age and geographic dependence of Zika virus infection during the outbreak on Yap island, 2007
Authors: Endo A. ,   Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15 Jo Nishi 7 Chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan, Nishiura H. ,   Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
Published: June 2020

Intensive surveillance of Zika virus infection conducted on Yap Island has provided crucial information on the epidemiological characteristics of the virus, but the rate of infection and medical attendance stratified by age and geographical location of the epidemic have yet to be fully clarified. In the present study, we reanalyzed surveillance data reported in a previous study. Likelihood-based Bayesian inference was used to gauge the age and geographically dependent force of infection and age-dependent reporting rate, with unobservable variables imputed by the data augmentation method. The inferred age-dependent component of the force of infection was suggested to be up to 3-4 times higher among older adults than among children. The age-dependent reporting rate ranged from 0.7% (5-9 years old) to 3.3% (50-54 years old). The proportion of serologically confirmed cases among total probable or confirmed cases was estimated to be 44.9%. The cumulative incidence of infection varied by municipality: Median values were over 80% in multiple locations (Gagil, Tomil, and Weloy), but relatively low values (below 50%) were derived in other locations. However, the possibility of a comparably high incidence of infection was not excluded even in municipalities with the lowest estimates. The results suggested a high degree of heterogeneity in the Yap epidemic. The force of infection and reporting rate were higher among older age groups, and this discrepancy implied that the demographic patterns were remarkably different between all infected and medically attended individuals. A higher reporting rate may have reflected more severe clinical presentation among adults. The symptomatic ratio in dengue cases is known to correlate with age, and our findings presumably indicate a similar tendency in Zika virus disease.
Investigación exploratoria sobre el efecto del aceite de motor usado en un suelo fino de subrasante
Authors: Del Castillo R. D. , Orobio A.
Published: June 2020

La búsqueda de nuevas alternativas para estabilizar suelos con desechos motivó la realización de esta investigación exploratoria para evaluar en forma preliminar las propiedades geotécnicas de un suelo fino de subrasante mezclado con diferentes porcentajes (4 %, 8 %, 12 % y 16 %) de Aceite de Motor Usado (AMU). En el desarrollo de esta investigación se realizaron ensayos de límites de Atterberg, coeficiente de permeabilidad (k), compresión inconfinada (qu), y relación humedad-densidad de un suelo clasificado como MH. Los ensayos se realizaron tanto para el suelo sin estabilizar como para el suelo estabilizado con AMU. Los resultados muestran que los limites líquido y plástico tienden a disminuir con el incremento de AMU, la densidad seca máxima se incrementa ligeramente, el contenido de humedad optima disminuye significativamente, la resistencia a la compresión inconfinada (qu) se mantiene constante para contenidos de AMU hasta el 8 % y la permeabilidad (k) no muestra variación significativa.
QUANTUMIZED GENETIC ALGORITHM FOR SEGMENTATION AND OPTIMIZATION TASKS
Authors: Sabeti Malihe , Karimi Laleh , Honarvar Naemeh , Taghavi Mahsa , Boostani Reza
Published: June 2020

Specialists mostly assess the skeletal maturity of short-height children by observing their left hand X-Ray image (radiograph), whereas precise separation of areas capturing the bones and growing plates is always not possible by visual inspection. Although a few attempts are made to estimate a suitable threshold for segmenting digitized radiograph images, their results are not still promising. To finely estimate segmentation thresholds, this paper presents the quantumized genetic algorithm (QGA) that is the integration of quantum representation scheme in the basic genetic algorithm (GA). This hybridization between quantum inspired computing and GA has led to an efficient hybrid framework that achieves better balance between the exploration and the exploitation capabilities. To assess the performance of the proposed quantitative bone maturity assessment framework, we have collected an exclusive dataset including 65 left-hand digitized images, aged from 3 to 13 years. Thresholds are estimated by the proposed method and the results are compared to harmony search algorithm (HSA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), quantumized PSO and standard GA. In addition, for more comparison of the proposed method and the other mentioned evolutionary algorithms, ten known benchmarks of complex functions are considered for optimization task. Our results in both segmentation and optimization tasks show that QGA and GA provide the best optimization results in comparison with the other mentioned algorithms. Moreover, the empirical results demonstrate that QGA is able to provide better diversity than that of GA.
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF STORMWATER UTILITIES IN THE U.S.
Authors: Allen Linda
Published: June 2020

Communities throughout the U.S. struggle to provide basic public services to their residents, including stormwater management services and recent regulations have only added to this challenge. Increasingly, stormwater utilities are being established to fund stormwater management programs. As of 2018, there were an estimated 1,800 to 2,000 stormwater utilities in the U.S., however the establishment of these utilities has varied both temporally and spatially across the country. This research examines the factors at the national, state, and local-levels that give rise to this variation. Overall, research findings indicate that a lack of clear legal authority, presence of stormwater regulations, and political and public opposition all influence the establishment of a stormwater utility, however the influence of these factors is more nuanced than shown by previous research. Moreover, this research identified several factors that influence the setup of utilities that had not been previously identified, including variations in state-level implementation and enforcement of stormwater regulations, general public attitudes, and the robustness of a community’s baseline stormwater management program. These different factors come into play to varying degrees in individual communities and whether a community succeeds or fails in setting up a utility depends on the final balance of these factors.
A CASE-BASED URBAN MICROCLIMATE VARIETY CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURE: FINISHING MATERIALS AND SHADING IN URBAN DESIGN.
Authors: Urrutia del Campo Nagore , Grijalba Aseguinolaza Olatz , Hernández Aja Agustín
Published: June 2020

This research work focuses on the study of microclimate conditions of two squares of Madrid, a city with a considerable Urban Heat Island. The process includes field measurements of the surface and radiant temperatures of materials on buildings façades, pavements and urban furniture. Air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed and direction were also measured. A virtual 3D model was used for sun exposure and solar radiation simulations. The urban microclimate regulation capacity of the finishing materials and shading are numerically defined.
Considering the results obtained from measurements and simulations, a procedure for open spaces’ microclimate variety classification and identification is proposed: An approach to describe the thermal level for open spaces, in order to help the urban designers and planners to provide high microclimate variety for the users to meet their difference thermal demand. This is a key element to identify environmental quality and to obtain thermal comfort.
THE DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH TREND OF USING DSAS TOOL FOR SHORELINE CHANGE ANALYSIS: A SCIENTOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: Mishra Manoranjan , Sudarsan Desul , Kar Dipika , Naik Arun Kumar , Das Prabhu Prasad , Santos Celso A. G. , Silva Richarde Marques
Published: June 2020

The sensitivity of research on shoreline monitoring of coastal erosion is justified due to high density population, climate changes impacts, and intensified development, which are squeezing the ecosystem of coastal zones around the world. The budding fields of optical remote sensing such source medium and high-resolution satellite imagery in conjunction with avenue programming of Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) are widely used extended tools for analyzing the rate of coastal erosion and deposition. Although, there is a geometric growth in the research published documents in the last decades after the start of DSAS in 1990, but its broad insight into global peer groups, its scientometrics, pattern and trends in research activities in monitoring coastal erosion or shoreline change is missing. To breach this gap, 99 bibliographic records published in the Web of Science core collection for the period of 1994–2019 were analyzed using the VOSviewer software. Further, the analysis about global insight of research activities using DSAS in shoreline change analysis focused on (i) general scientometric characteristics of published output, (ii) experts in research themes and their cooperation, (iii) publishable journal list, (iv) institutional distribution and international collaboration, and (v) potential hotspot areas. This systematic analysis of the theme, graphically using rigorous scientmetric tools, will help coastal researchers to visualize the current research trends and prospective guideline for future research. The output of the present study will provide a robust road map to early carrier researchers for their advance inquiry in these fields in coming days.
Road Traffic Accidents Among Commercial Motorcyclists
Authors: Obadeji Adetunji , Kumolalo Banji Ferdinand , Bamidele Janet Oluisayo , Olasehinde Tolulope Funmilayo
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) constitute a major source of death, morbidity, and disability, with a disproportionate number occurring in developing nations. This study was aimed at evaluating the rate of RTA among commercial motorcyclists and identified psycho-social as well as substance use variables associated with it.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study among commercial motorcyclists in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Participants were assessed with sociodemographic questionnaire, the condensed Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test and Patient Health Questionnaire, the 9-item version. Chi-square tests and the odds of developing RTA were calculated for current substance use variables and other variables of interest.

Results:

Two hundred and thirty-four (51.3%) reported to have experienced one form of accident or the other, of which majority reported major injuries that necessitated hospital in-patient care and 3.0% had fatality. No significant association between history of RTA and sociodemographic characteristics (P > 0.05). Participants with a history of current marijuana use (odds ratio [OR] = 1.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.89–3.51]) tobacco use (OR = 1.45 [95% CI = 0.90–2.34]), alcohol use (OR = 1.49 [95% CI = 1.02–2.17]), and depression (OR = 1.50 [95%CI = 0.97–2.33]) had a higher risk of experiencing RTA compared to those without such history. Significantly, those with a history of current use any substance (OR = 1.55 [95% CI = 1.07–2.24]) (P = 0.04) and alcohol (OR = 1.49 [95% CI = 1.02–2.17]) (P = 0.02) were more likely to have had RTA compared to those without history of current use of any substance.

Conclusion:

There is a high rate of RTA among motorcyclists studied, with most reporting a major accident that required some form of hospital care, thus increasing the burden on the already over-burdened health systems. Among other factors, effort at reducing RTA among motorcyclists should also focus on reducing substance use.
The Number of Non-cyclic Sylow Subgroups of the Multiplicative Group Modulo n
Authors: Pollack Paul
Published: June 2020

For each positive integer n, let $U(\mathbf {Z}/n\mathbf {Z})$ denote the group of units modulo n, which has order $\phi (n)$ (Euler’s function) and exponent $\lambda (n)$ (Carmichael’s function). The ratio $\phi (n)/\lambda (n)$ is always an integer, and a prime p divides this ratio precisely when the (unique) Sylow p-subgroup of $U(\mathbf {Z}/n\mathbf {Z})$ is noncyclic. Write W(n) for the number of such primes p. Banks, Luca, and Shparlinski showed that for certain constants $C_1, C_2>0$, $$ \begin{align*} C_1 \frac{\log\log{n}}{(\log\log\log{n})^2} \le W(n) \le C_2 \log\log{n} \end{align*} $$ for all n from a sequence of asymptotic density 1. We sharpen their result by showing that W(n) has normal order $\log \log {n}/\log \log \log {n}$.
دور كلية التربية بجامعة حائل في تعزيز المسؤولية الاجتماعية عند الطالبات في ضوء رؤية 2030 للمملكة العربية السعودية
Authors: هيفاء علي محمود طيفور هيفاء علي محمود طيفور
Published: June 2020

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى التعرف على دور كلية التربية بجامعة حائل في تعزيز المسؤولية الاجتماعية عند الطالبات في ضوء رؤية 2030 للمملكة العربية السعودية، من خلال تحديد مستوى المسؤولية الاجتماعية عند الطالبات, وتحديد الاختلاف في مستوى المسؤولية الاجتماعية وفقا لتأثير متغيرات الدراسة، والتعرف على أهم معوقات تعزيز المسؤولية الاجتماعية عند الطالبات, وتحديد المقترحات التي تسهم في تعزيز المسؤولية الاجتماعية لديهن, ولتحقيق أهداف الدراسة، استخدمت الباحثة المنهج الوصفي التحليلي, فقد تم تصميم استبيان لجمع البيانات، طبقت الدراسة على عينة بلغت (314) طالبة، تم اختيارهم بالطريقة العشوائية البسيطة، وتوصلت الدراسة في نتائجها إلى أن مستوى المسؤولية الاجتماعية عند طالبات كلية التربية بجامعة حائل جاء بدرجة كبيرة على مستوى الأداة الكلية وعلى جميع المجالات, وكشفت أيضاً وجود فروق داله احصائياً في مستوى المسؤولية الاجتماعية تعزى لمتغير السنة الدراسية, وعدم وجود فروق داله احصائياً تعزى لمتغير التقدير, وكشفت النتائج أيضاً أن أهم معوقات تعزيز المسؤولية الاجتماعية عند الطالبات عدم وجود قنوات ووسائل اتصال واضحة ومحددة بين الكلية والمجتمع الخارجي, وأن أكثر المقترحات التي تسهم في تعزيز المسؤولية الاجتماعية, إيجاد آليات لتشجيع وتحفيز الطالبات في المشاركة في الفعاليات والبرامج والأنشطة التي تعزز المسؤولية الاجتماعية, وأوصت الدراسة بضرورة العمل على ايجاد البرامج التعليمية والإرشادية المناسبة التي تعمل على رفع مستوى المسؤولية الاجتماعية لدى الطالبات.
المقامة البغداديّة لبديع الزمان الهمذاني دراسة نقديّة تطبيقيّة في ضوء نظريّة الاتّصال الأدبي
Authors: د. ساري بن محمد الزهراني د. ساري بن محمد الزهراني
Published: June 2020

يناقش هذا البحث بالنّقد والتّحليل نص "المقامة البغدادية" لبديع الزمان الهمذاني، في ضوء نظرية الاتصال الأدبي؛ نظرًا لما يحمله النّص من أبعاد إيحائيّة، ودلالات متعدّدة، وخصائص فنيّة وجماليّة، بدءًا من مبدع النّص من منظور اجتماعي، وثقافي، وحضاري، ونفسي، مرورًا بالخصائص النصيّة، والتّفاعل النّصي، والبُنية النصيّة، وصولاً إلى قناة الاتصال؛ فالمتلقّي وإستراتيجيّة القراءة، ثم إستراتيجيّة الاتصال، وأخيرًا الارتداد العكسي. كما يناقش هذا البحث العلاقة القائمة ما بين المؤلف بوصفه منتج النّص، والنّص باعتباره مرآة للواقع الاجتماعي في منتصف القرن الرابع الهجري، وذلك وفقًا لمعايير نظرية الاتصال الأدبي؛ نظرًا لاهتمامها بالمبدع، والنّص، والمتلقّي. وخلص البحث إلى وجود علاقة قويّة ما بين الرؤية التكوينيّة لبديع الزمان الهمذاني، والبُينة النصيّة والاجتماعيّة التي تضمّنها نص المقامة البغدادية، تبعًا لما تحتويه المقامة من معانٍ، ودلالاتٍ، ورموزٍ، وإيحاءاتٍ.