bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Wind-Induced Waves on ENSO Simulations
Authors: Hu Yao , Tan Xiaoxiao , Tang Youmin , Shen Zheqi , Bao Ying
Published: April 2021

We evaluated the influence of wind-induced waves on El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) simulations based on the First Institute of Oceanography-Earth System Model version 2 (FIO-ESM 2.0), a global coupled general circulation model (GCM) with a wave component. Two sets of experiments, the GCM, with and without a wave model, respectively, were conducted in parallel. The simulated sea surface temperature (SST) was cooled by introducing the wave model via the enhancement of the vertical mixing in the ocean upper layer. The strength of ENSO was intensified and better simulated with the inclusion of wave-induced mixing, particularly the La Niña amplitude. Furthermore, the simulated amplitude and spatial pattern of El Niño events were slightly altered with the wave model. Heat budget analyses revealed the intensification of La Niña events to be generally attributed to wave-induced vertical advection, followed by the zonal and meridional advection terms.
Characterization of a Dye-Decolorizing Peroxidase from Irpex lacteus Expressed in Escherichia coli: An Enzyme with Wide Substrate Specificity Able to Transform Lignosulfonates
Authors: de Eugenio Laura Isabel , Peces-Pérez Rosa , Linde Dolores , Prieto Alicia , Barriuso Jorge , Ruiz-Dueñas Francisco Javier , Martínez María Jesús
Published: April 2021

A dye-decolorizing peroxidase (DyP) from Irpex lacteus was cloned and heterologously expressed as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. The protein was purified in one chromatographic step after its in vitro activation. It was active on ABTS, 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMP), and anthraquinoid and azo dyes as reported for other fungal DyPs, but it was also able to oxidize Mn2+ (as manganese peroxidases and versatile peroxidases) and veratryl alcohol (VA) (as lignin peroxidases and versatile peroxidases). This corroborated that I. lacteus DyPs are the only enzymes able to oxidize high redox potential dyes, VA and Mn+2. Phylogenetic analysis grouped this enzyme with other type D-DyPs from basidiomycetes. In addition to its interest for dye decolorization, the results of the transformation of softwood and hardwood lignosulfonates suggest a putative biological role of this enzyme in the degradation of phenolic lignin.
Does Post-Transplant Cytomegalovirus Increase the Risk of Invasive Aspergillosis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chuleerarux Nipat , Thongkam Achitpol , Manothummetha Kasama , Nematollahi Saman , Dioverti-Prono Veronica , Torvorapanit Pattama , Langsiri Nattapong , Worasilchai Navaporn , Plongla Rongpong , Chindamporn Ariya , Sanguankeo Anawin , Permpalung Nitipong
Published: April 2021

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and invasive aspergillosis (IA) cause high morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. There are conflicting data with respect to the impact of CMV on IA development in SOT recipients. Methods: A literature search was conducted from existence through to 2 April 2021 using MEDLINE, Embase, and ISI Web of Science databases. This review contained observational studies including cross-sectional, prospective cohort, retrospective cohort, and case-control studies that reported SOT recipients with post-transplant CMV (exposure) and without post-transplant CMV (non-exposure) who developed or did not develop subsequent IA. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect estimate. Results: A total of 16 studies were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. There were 5437 SOT patients included in the study, with 449 SOT recipients developing post-transplant IA. Post-transplant CMV significantly increased the risk of subsequent IA with pORs of 3.31 (2.34, 4.69), I2 = 30%. Subgroup analyses showed that CMV increased the risk of IA development regardless of the study period (before and after 2003), types of organ transplantation (intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal transplantation), and timing after transplant (early vs. late IA development). Further analyses by CMV definitions showed CMV disease/syndrome increased the risk of IA development, but asymptomatic CMV viremia/infection did not increase the risk of IA. Conclusions: Post-transplant CMV, particularly CMV disease/syndrome, significantly increased the risks of IA, which highlights the importance of CMV prevention strategies in SOT recipients. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of programmatic fungal surveillance or antifungal prophylaxis to prevent this fungal-after-viral phenomenon.
Structural, Evolutionary, and Functional Analysis of the Protein O-Mannosyltransferase Family in Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Pejenaute-Ochoa María Dolores , Santana-Molina Carlos , Devos Damien P. , Ibeas José Ignacio , Fernández-Álvarez Alfonso
Published: April 2021

Protein O-mannosyltransferases (Pmts) comprise a group of proteins that add mannoses to substrate proteins at the endoplasmic reticulum. This post-translational modification is important for the faithful transfer of nascent glycoproteins throughout the secretory pathway. Most fungi genomes encode three O-mannosyltransferases, usually named Pmt1, Pmt2, and Pmt4. In pathogenic fungi, Pmts, especially Pmt4, are key factors for virulence. Although the importance of Pmts for fungal pathogenesis is well established in a wide range of pathogens, questions remain regarding certain features of Pmts. For example, why does the single deletion of each pmt gene have an asymmetrical impact on host colonization? Here, we analyse the origin of Pmts in fungi and review the most important phenotypes associated with Pmt mutants in pathogenic fungi. Hence, we highlight the enormous relevance of these glycotransferases for fungal pathogenic development.
Intratumoral Heterogeneity in Differentiated Thyroid Tumors: An Intriguing Reappraisal in the Era of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Ieni Antonio , Vita Roberto , Pizzimenti Cristina , Benvenga Salvatore , Tuccari Giovanni
Published: April 2021

Differentiated thyroid tumors (DTTs) are characterized by significant molecular variability in both spatial and temporal intra-tumoral heterogeneity (ITH), that could influence the therapeutic management. ITH phenomenon appears to have a relevant role in tumor growth, aggressive behavior and drug resistance. Accordingly, characteristics and consequences of ITH in DTTs should be better analyzed and understood in order to guide clinical practice, improving survival. Consequently, in the present review, we investigated morphological and molecular ITH of DTTs in benign, borderline neoplasms and in malignant entities, summarizing the most significant data. Molecular testing in DTTs documents a high risk for recurrence of cancer associated with BRAFV600E, RET/PTC 1/3, ALK and NTRK fusions, while the intermediate risk may be related to BRAFK601E, H/K/N RAS and PAX8/PPARγ. In addition, it may be suggested that tumor genotype is associated with peculiar phenotype.
Targeted Therapies for Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Leow Christopher Chang-Yew , Low Michael Sze Yuan
Published: April 2021

Multiple myeloma continues to be a challenging disorder to treat despite improved therapies and the widespread use of proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs. Although patient outcomes have improved, the disease continues to invariably relapse, and in the majority of cases, a cure remains elusive. In the last decade, there has been an explosion of novel drugs targeting cellular proteins essential for malignant plasma cell proliferation and survival. In this review, we focus on novel druggable targets leading to the development of monoclonal antibodies and cellular therapies against surface antigens (CD38, CD47, CD138, BCMA, SLAMF7, GPRC5D, FcRH5), inhibitors of epigenetic regulators such as histone deacetylase (HDAC), and agents targeting anti-apoptotic (BCL-2), ribosomal (eEF1A2) and nuclear export (XPO1) proteins.
Therapeutic Value of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on the Efficacy of New Therapies in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Zarzuelo Romero María José , Pérez Ramírez Cristina , Carrasco Campos María Isabel , Sánchez Martín Almudena , Calleja Hernández Miguel Ángel , Ramírez Tortosa María Carmen , Jiménez Morales Alberto
Published: April 2021

The introduction of new therapies for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a very recent phenomenon and little is known of their mechanism of action. Moreover, the response is subject to interindividual variability and may be affected by genetic factors, such as polymorphisms in the genes implicated in the pathologic environment, pharmacodynamics, and metabolism of the disease or in the mechanism of action of the medications, influencing the effectiveness of these therapies. This review evaluates the impact of pharmacogenetics on the response to treatment with new therapies in patients diagnosed with MS. The results suggest that polymorphisms detected in the GSTP1, ITGA4, NQO1, AKT1, and GP6 genes, for treatment with natalizumab, ZMIZ1, for fingolimod and dimethyl fumarate, ADA, for cladribine, and NOX3, for dimethyl fumarate, may be used in the future as predictive markers of treatment response to new therapies in MS patients. However, there are few existing studies and their samples are small, making it difficult to generalize the role of these genes in treatment with new therapies. Studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are therefore needed to confirm the results of these studies.
Post-Disaster Spillovers: Evidence from Iranian Provinces
Authors: Fischer Sven
Published: April 2021

This paper studies the relationship between natural disasters and economic growth in the disaster-prone country of Iran, using a spatial Durbin panel model and covering the time period from 2010 to 2016 and including 29 provinces. The results of the empirical investigation suggest that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between the spatially-lagged occurrence of natural disasters and the change of the first difference of the natural logarithm of GDP per capita. Moreover, the estimations support the findings of previous cross-country studies, namely that we cannot find empirical evidence for a statistically significant direct effect of natural disasters on economic growth in the short term. When including time-lags, we can see a statistically significant positive effect of natural disasters on economic growth after two years. When taking into account the disaster type, which is mainly earthquake and flood in the case of Iran, the results suggest that the positive spillover effects are, rather, driven by earthquakes, and that there is a direct positive effect of floods in the short run. These findings extend existing literature and add new insights that are not just relevant for the case of Iran. The novelty of this study is that established and innovative approaches are used to study natural disasters on the provincial level, instead of the country level, and also take into account spatial spillover effects after disaster events that have been rarely discussed in literature.
Carbon Storage along with Soil Profile: An Example of Soil Chronosequence from the Fluvial Terraces on the Pakua Tableland, Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Chin-Chiang , Tsai Heng , Huang Wen-Shu , Huang Shiuh-Tsuen
Published: April 2021

A well-dated soil chronosequence may allow exploration of the accumulation of soil carbon over time. There are multiple levels of river terraces on the Pakua tableland in Central Taiwan. Unlike many of the reddish or lateritic soils in Taiwan, these soils were recently dated, with absolute ages in the range of 19–400 kyr. This information allowed us to develop an ideal soil chronosequence, with time constraints, through which it is possible to explore soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and its changes over time. In this study, we attempted to establish an SOC time series, and to give an estimate of long-term accumulation of the SOC storage in the red soils of Taiwan. The data on these soils used in this study were taken from the soil profiles presented in our previous studies. Two additional soil profiles were sampled for those soils for which data were not available from the previous studies. The total carbon stock (TCS) for each soil profile was measured and assessed based on the depth categories of 0–30, 30–50, and 50–100 cm. Weighted carbon stock (WCS) measurements were further derived by the total thickness of the soil profile, for better comparison. The overall carbon stocks of the soils in the Pakua tableland were in the range of 2.8–3.2 Tg for TCS and WCS, respectively. In addition, the SOC tended to be highest in the surface soil horizons and decreased with the soil depth. The continuous pattern of the carbon content, in terms of its vertical distribution, was considered in terms of a negative exponential function, which showed that the SOC was highest in the shallowest soil layers and decreased rapidly with the soil depth. This trend was mitigated at a depth of 50–100 cm, which approached a fixed value, denoted as the carbon sequestration value (CSV), below a certain depth. We show here that the values of the CSV, as approximated by exponential fitting, are closely related to soil age. The CSV linearly decreases with age. These findings point to the potential of using carbon storage for chronometric applications.
Model Prediction of the Soil Moisture Regime and Soil Nutrient Regime Based on DEM-Derived Topo-Hydrologic Variables for Mapping Ecosites
Authors: Zhao Zhengyong , Yang Qi , Ding Xiaogang , Xing Zisheng
Published: April 2021

Ecosites are required for stand-level forest management and can be determined within a two-dimensional edatopic grid with soil nutrient regimes (SNRs) and soil moisture regimes (SMRs) as coordinates. A new modeling method is introduced in this study to map high-resolution SNR and SMR and then to design ecosites in Nova Scotia, Canada. Using coarse-resolution soil maps and nine topo-hydrologic variables derived from high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) data as model inputs, 511 artificial neural network (ANN) models were developed by a 10-fold cross-validation with 1507 field samples to estimate 10 m resolution SNR and SMR maps. The results showed that the optimal models for mapping SNR and SMR engaged eight and seven topo-hydrologic variables, together with three coarse-resolution soil maps, as model inputs, respectively; 82% of model-estimated SNRs were identical to field assessments, while this value was 61% for SMRs, and the produced ecosite maps had 67–68% correctness. According to the error matrix, the predicted SNR and SMR maps greatly alleviated poor prediction in the areas of extreme nutrient or moisture conditions (e.g., very poor or very rich, wet, or very dry). Thus, the new method for modeling high-resolution SNR and SMR could be used to produce ecosite maps in sites where accessibility is hard.
Analysis of Ecological and Economic Benefits of Rural Land Integration in the Manas River Basin Oasis
Authors: Liao Na , Gu Xinchen , Wang Yuejian , Xu Hailiang , Fan Zili
Published: April 2021

Land consolidation is an effective means of promoting the regularization of fragmented arable land, optimizing the allocation of land resources and improving the environment in farming areas, as well as an important means of increasing the economic returns of farming households, and it is important to scientifically assess the ecological and economic benefits of agricultural land consolidation. In this study, participatory rural assessment (PRA) was used to investigate, in detail, the meaning, satisfaction and changes in farmland rehabilitation before and after implementation. The accuracy of the remote sensing data was verified through an experiment on the net cultivation coefficient. We used a sample of 447 farmers from nine villages in Manas County to study the differences in plot area, crop unit value, income and irrigation before and after the farmers’ integration. We found that, after the integration of farmland, the cultivated area increased significantly, the crop unit yield increased by at least 42.66%, the average income of farmers increased by a value of RMB 4324/ha and the water savings were all higher than 7.18 m3/ha. At the same time, after the integration of farmland, the number of plots was significantly reduced, the arable land became more regular and the microclimate of the farmland improved significantly. The government and individuals should follow the concept and construction requirements of the “community of life in mountain, water, forest, lake, grass and sand”, consider the economic and ecological benefits of land consolidation, ensure the quality of farmland ecosystems, actively explore new models of land consolidation and stimulate the economic vitality of rural areas.
Surface Runoff Responses to Suburban Growth: An Integration of Remote Sensing, GIS, and Curve Number
Authors: Jahan Khurshid , Pradhanang Soni M. , Bhuiyan Md Abul Ehsan
Published: April 2021

Suburban growth and its impacts on surface runoff were investigated using the soil conservation service curve number (SCS-CN) model, compared with the integrated advanced remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS)-based integrated approach, over South Kingston, Rhode Island, USA. This study analyzed and employed the supervised classification method on four Landsat images from 1994, 2004, 2014, and 2020 to detect land-use pattern changes through remote sensing applications. Results showed that 68.6% urban land expansion was reported from 1994 to 2020 in this suburban area. After land-use change detection, a GIS-based SCS-CN model was developed to examine suburban growth and surface runoff estimation. The developed model demonstrated the spatial distribution of runoff for each of the studied years. The results showed an increasing spatial pattern of 2% to 10% of runoff from 1994 to 2020. The correlation between runoff co-efficient and rainfall indicated the significant impact of suburban growth in surface runoff over the last 36 years in South Kingstown, RI, USA, showing a slight change of forest (8.2% area of the total area) and agricultural land (4.8% area of the total area). Suburban growth began after 2000, and within 16 years this land-use change started to show its substantial impact on surface runoff. We concluded that the proposed integrated approach could classify land-use and land cover information to understand suburban growth and its potential impact on the area.
Tectonic Archaeology as a Foundation for Geoarchaeology
Authors: Barnes Gina L.
Published: April 2021

This article proposes a new subdiscipline, Tectonic Archaeology, based on the efforts of Japanese archaeologists to deal with the effects of earthquakes, volcanic tephra cover, and tsunami on archaeological sites. Tectonic Archaeology is conceived as an umbrella term for those efforts and as a foundation for Geoarchaeology in general. Comparisons distinguish between Geoarchaeology and Tectonic Archaeology, and a survey of major archaeological journals and textbooks reveals how the concept of ‘tectonics’ and specifically the processes of Plate Tectonics have been treated. Al-though the term ‘tectonics’ occurred fairly frequently, particularly as affecting coastlines and sea levels, it was not thoroughly defined and discussed. Volcanic activity was most mentioned in journals due to its provision of resources and modification of the landscape, while the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan seems to have stimulated more studies in Archaeoseismology. The textbooks were found to have scattered references to Plate Tectonic processes but no clear approach tying these together. The major exception is the Encyclopedia of Archaeology which addresses volcanoes, Archaeoseismology, and tsunami—soon to be linked together vis à vis Earth processes. Tectonic Archaeology attempts first to explain the processes of Plate Tectonics to underwrite investigation of their effects; it is applicable worldwide, in continental and coastal contexts.
Anticancer Activity of New 1,2,3-Triazole-Amino Acid Conjugates
Authors: Le Thanh Thanh , Le Phung Thi Kim , Dam Hai Thi Thanh , Vo Duy Duc , Le Thanh Tin
Published: April 2021

A multistep synthesis was developed to prepare new 1,2,3-triazole-amino acid conjugates (6 and 7). These compounds contain the diaryl ether moiety and were synthesized via SNAr reaction under mild condition and in good yield. Their structures were confirmed by spectroscopic analyses (HR-MS, NMR, IR). These compounds showed significant antiproliferative activity (>30%) toward the breast MCF7 and liver HepG2 cancer cells lines at <10 µM concentration.
Migration Measurement of Pins in Postoperative Recovery of the Proximal Femur Fractures Based on 3D Point Cloud Matching
Authors: Liu Kaifeng , Nagamune Kouki , Oe Keisuke , Kuroda Ryosuke , Niikura Takahiro
Published: April 2021

Background and objectives: Internal fixation is one of the most effective methods for the treatment of proximal femur fractures. The migration of implants after the operation can seriously affect the reduction of treatment and even cause complications. Traditional diagnosis methods can not directly measure the extent of displacement. Methods: Based on the analysis of Hansson pins, this paper proposes a measurement method based on three-dimensional matching, which uses computerized tomography (CT) images of different periods of patients after the operation to analyze the implants’ migration in three-dimensional space with the characteristics of fast speed and intuitive results. Results and conclusions: The measurement results show that the method proposed in this paper has more minor errors, more flexible coordinate system conversion, and more explicit displacement analysis than the traditional method of manually finding references in CT images and measuring displacement.
Different Response of Cast and 3D-Printed Co-Cr-Mo Alloy to Heat Treatment: A Thorough Microstructure Characterization
Authors: Roudnicka Michaela , Bigas Jiri , Molnarova Orsolya , Palousek David , Vojtech Dalibor
Published: April 2021

The Co-Cr-Mo alloy is a biomaterial with very good corrosion resistance and wear resistance; thus, it is widely applied for knee replacements. The wear resistance is influenced by the amount of hcp phase and morphology of carbidic precipitates, which can both be altered by heat treatment. This study compares a conventional knee replacement manufactured by investment casting with a material prepared by the progressive technology of 3D printing. The first set of results shows a different response of both materials in increasing hardness with annealing at increasing temperatures up to the transformation temperature. Based on these results, solution treatment and subsequent aging at conditions to reach the maximum hardness was applied. Microstructural changes were studied thoroughly by means of optical, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy. While increased hardness in the conventional material is caused by the precipitation of fine hard carbides combined with an increase in the hcp phase by isothermal transformation, a massive fcc → hcp transformation is the main cause for the hardness increase in the 3D-printed material.
Adapting a National Framework to Inform Curricular Redesign Focused on Enhancing Student Clinical Competency
Authors: Bzowyckyj Andrew , Bradley Bridget , Cawley Pauline , Nuziale Brandon , White Sarah
Published: April 2021

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs continually engage in curricular redesign to ensure practice readiness of graduates. With ever-increasing demands on clinical competency and curricular time, it is important to be intentional when determining curricular priorities and prioritize contemporary pharmacist practice. This paper describes how to adapt a national framework for pharmacotherapy curricula to emphasize the pharmacist’s role within a given topic area in order to facilitate conversations about allotting curricular time during a curricular redesign. Customized Tier descriptions based on various factors expected of student pharmacists during Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) were developed (e.g., relative autonomy of the pharmacist in managing the topic, emphasis on licensing exams, frequency with which students can expect to encounter the topic at school-specific experiential placements, and condition-specific information). Topics were also reprioritized to address regional variations in practice and ideologies. Customizing a national framework to determine program-specific considerations for prioritizing topics within the pre-APPE curriculum can help faculty and students alike maintain focus on highly critical and foundational concepts, while also making sure not to completely disregard topics of lower priority. We have proposed such a framework for programs to utilize when facilitating conversations surrounding curricular reforms and topic prioritization.
Mapping Food Production in Hyper-Arid and Arid Saharan Africa in the Holocene—A View from the Present
Authors: Lancelotti Carla , Biagetti Stefano
Published: April 2021

The reconstruction of land use practices in hyper-arid Saharan Africa is often hampered by the accuracy of the available tools and by unconscious biases that see these areas as marginal and inhospitable. Considered that this has been for a long time the living space of pastoral mobile communities, new research is showing that agriculture might have been more important in these areas than previously thought. In this paper, after a review of present-day land use strategies in Saharan Africa, we show how ethnographic and ethnoarchaeological data can offer us a different point of view and help in better defining land use and food production strategies in this area. Ultimately, these insights can be integrated into the ongoing efforts to reconstruct past land use globally.
Geometric Calibration Updates to Landsat 7 ETM+ Instrument for Landsat Collection 2 Products
Authors: Choate Michael J , Rengarajan Rajagopalan , Storey James C. , Lubke Mark
Published: April 2021

The Landsat 7 (L7) spacecraft and its instrument, the enhanced thematic mapper plus (ETM+), have been consistently characterized and calibrated since its launch in April of 1999. These performance metrics and calibration updates are determined through the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Landsat image assessment system (IAS), which has been performing this function since launch. Starting in 2016, the USGS adopted a tiered collection management structure for its Landsat data products that ensures a consistent method of processing for the Landsat archive within a given collection while allowing a set of calibration updates to be performed between any two given collections. The time frame between 2016 and the end of 2020 was part of the Landsat data Collection 1, in the middle of 2020 was the start of the Landsat Collection 2 data products. The start of a given collection initiates the reprocessing of the Landsat archive, which may involve one or more of a set of updated calibration parameters, improvements in the support data needed for product generation, and improved algorithms used in both the processing flow of products along with the characterization and calibration of the Landsat instruments and spacecraft. This paper discusses only the ETM+ geometric spacecraft and instrument calibration improvements for Collection 2. Three ETM+ calibration updates were made for the ETM+; updates to the thermal band odd-to-even detector alignment, sensor to attitude control system (ACS) alignment, and a cold-to-warm focal plane alignment adjustment. The sensor alignment updates impact only the accuracy of the systematic terrain products (L1GT), which are the products generated before applying any corrections based on the ground control used in registration. The band alignment changes impacted only bands 5, 6, and 7 within the focal plane. Other geometric calibration updates, such as scan mirror alignment, are done on a routine basis and are not part of the Collection 2 updates due to their more dynamic characteristics.
An Approach to Applying the Ability-Motivation-Opportunity Theory to Identify the Driving Factors of Green Employee Behavior in the Hotel Industry
Authors: Sibian Adina-Raluca , Ispas Ana
Published: April 2021

In the context of climate change and all other harmful effects of pollution, companies should improve their environmental performances. As part of their strategies, companies should explore the consequences of their environmental practices from the perspective of internal stakeholders and must be more attentive to employee environmental behavior. This study’s purpose was to identify the motives that encourage the employees of a green hotel to adopt pro-environmental behaviors. Qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews among three-star hotel employees from Brașov, Romania. This research uses the ability-motivation-opportunity (AMO) theory that could lead to a better understanding of employee green behavior. Data analysis revealed that less than half of the respondents have a proper understanding of the concept of environment and only a third of them are aware of the harmful effects caused by people, both at work and at home. Moreover, most of the respondents know little of the measures implemented by the hotel in order to reduce resource consumption, the extrinsic motivation being dominant. Consequently, the results lead to the recommendation that the hotel managerial team should invest in the employees’ training and motivation, creating a corporate environment and a proper organizational culture to develop green behaviors among the employees. The results of this study should be a starting point for those hotels, which face the challenge of involving their employees in the process of greening their activity.
What Best Explains Reporting Delays? A SME Population Level Study of Different Factors
Authors: Lukason Oliver , Camacho-Miñano María-del-Mar
Published: April 2021

The objective of this paper is to find out which factors best explain why SMEs delay their annual reports (DAR). Relying on various theoretical streams, we use three types of variables to explain DAR: past DAR behaviour of managers, corporate governance characteristics and occurrence of financial distress. The study is based on the whole population data from Estonia, with a total 59,294 unique firms. Two types of DAR, i.e., short- and long-term delays, are used as dependent variables in the logistic regression analysis. The paper indicates that both types of today’s DAR are best explained by the previous DAR behaviour of managers, especially in the nearest past. Financial distress has a lower, but still acceptable explanatory power, while it remains weak for the corporate governance characteristics. Firm size and age have an impact on the results. As the paper indicates the prominence of recurrent violation behaviour in explaining DAR, the legal framework and its implementation could be adjusted to take account of this fact. The linkage of DAR and financial distress suggests the inclusion of the former into credit scoring models.
Entrepreneurial Intention: A Gender Study in Business and Economics Students from Chile
Authors: Contreras-Barraza Nicolás , Espinosa-Cristia Juan Felipe , Salazar-Sepulveda Guido , Vega-Muñoz Alejandro
Published: April 2021

The study of entrepreneurial intention sheds new light on the complex dynamics of entrepreneurial behavior. This research contributes to the academic debate by examining the gap in studies on entrepreneurial intention in Latin America, considering the importance of gender differences and their effects on entrepreneurial intention. Thus, this study is a contribution to research on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to social equity, in the areas of quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), and inequalities reduction (SDG 10). To study gender entrepreneurial intention phenomena differences, researchers have taken refuge in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and focused their analysis on a group of economics and business students from a coastal campus of a Chilean University. In a two-step methodological process, the authors verified the applicability of the entrepreneurial intention questionnaire (CIE) with the selected sample and then calculated entrepreneurial intention using the CIE instrument. Contrary to general literature results, the study shows that there are no significant gender differences in entrepreneurial intention levels. Furthermore, there is neither evidence for gender differences in any of the three entrepreneurial intention factors, i.e., (a) attitudes, (b) subjective norms, and (c) control of perceived behavior.
Evaluating Occupational Health and Safety Management Strategy Success Factors for Small-Scale Contractors in Zambia
Authors: Mambwe Mwewa , Mwanaumo Erastus M. , Thwala Wellington D. , Aigbavboa Clinton O.
Published: April 2021

Small-scale contractors (SSCs) require management strategies in implementing occupational health and safety (OH&S) performance at projects to reduce accidents, injuries, fatalities and diseases. Management strategy success factors have been acknowledged to be of great benefit in improving in OH&S performance. Hence, the study sought to assess the management strategy success factors for the improvement of OH&S performance by SSCs in Zambia’s electricity industry. Using quantitative methods, data was collected using a survey questionnaire from 246 respondents representing firm owners, managers, project managers and OH&S representatives at electricity industry projects at 70.3% response rate. Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted as methods of data analysis using exploratory factor analysis. After analysis, the success factors were clustered into three construct categories within OH&S performance namely, compliance and workplace processes, policy and human resource development, and leadership and structure significant values ranging from 0.513 to 0.972. The independent reliability was tested using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient. The study exposed management strategy success factors are well recognised by most SSCs and contributed to the body of knowledge in this mastery by introducing three success factors for OH&S performance. It is recommended that these factors be adopted and considered to improve OH&S performance management by SSCs in the electricity industry in Zambia.
Effect of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccination on Acute Phase Immune Response and Anovulation in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae)
Authors: Kim Daehyun , Moon Joonho , Ha Jaejung , Kim Doyoon , Yi Junkoo
Published: April 2021

Vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease is the most common method for preventing the spread of the disease; the negative effects include miscarriage, early embryo death, lower milk production, and decreased growth of fattening cattle. Therefore, in this study, we analyze the side effects of vaccination by determining the acute immune response and ovulation rate after vaccinating cows for foot-and-mouth disease. The test axis was synchronized with ovulation using 100 Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) cows from the Gyeongsangbuk-do Livestock Research Institute; only individuals with estrus confirmed by ovarian ultrasound were used for the test. All test axes were artificially inseminated 21 days after the previous estrus date. The control group was administered 0.9% normal saline, the negative control was injected intramuscularly with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.5 µg/kg), and the test group was administered a foot-and-mouth disease virus vaccine (FMDV vaccine; bioaftogen, O and A serotypes, inactivated vaccine) 2, 9, and 16 days before artificial insemination. White blood cells and neutrophils increased significantly 1 day after vaccination, and body temperature in the rumen increased for 16 h after vaccination. Ovulation was detected 1 day after artificial fertilization by ovarian ultrasound. The ovulation rates were as follows: control 89%, LPS 60%, FMDV vaccine (−2 d) 50%, FMDV vaccine (−9 d) 75%, and FMDV vaccine (−16 d) 75%. In particular, the FMDV vaccine (−2 d) test group confirmed that ovulation was delayed for 4 days after artificial insemination. In addition, it was confirmed that it took 9 days after inoculation for the plasma contents of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A to recover to the normal range as the main acute immune response factors. The conception rate of the FMDV vaccine (−2 d) group was 20%, which was significantly lower than that of the other test groups.
Survey on Endoparasites of Dairy Goats in North-Eastern Italy Using a Farm-Tailored Monitoring Approach
Authors: Maurizio Anna , Stancampiano Laura , Tessarin Cinzia , Pertile Alice , Pedrini Giulia , Asti Ceren , Terfa Waktole , Frangipane di Regalbono Antonio , Cassini Rudi
Published: April 2021

With the spread of anthelmintic resistance (AR), endoparasite monitoring consolidates its role for a more sustainable targeting of treatments. A survey on endoparasites in dairy goat farms of north-eastern Italy was conducted to test a monitoring approach based on a farm-tailored sample size. Farm management and parasites control practices were investigated in 20 farms through a questionnaire survey. Further, fecal samples were collected (November 2018–September 2019) from 264 animals from 13 farms and were analyzed individually with a modified McMaster method and subsequently pooled to perform a coproculture. Coccidia (78.4%), gastrointestinal strongyles (37.9%), Strongyloides (28.4%), Skrjabinema (18.9%), Trichuris (8.0%) and Nematodirus/Marshallagia (0.4%) were identified. Abundances were higher for coccidia and gastrointestinal strongyles. Haemonchus (71%) was the dominant gastrointestinal nematode. Pasture and age class resulted in the main risk factors at the multivariable analysis through a negative binomial regression model. Results from farm monitoring indicate that our approach can be a cost-effective decision tool to target treatments more effectively, but farmers need to be educated about the importance of parasitological testing, which is currently scarcely implemented, against the risk of AR.
Effects of Clay Content on Pore Structure Characteristics of Marine Soft Soil
Authors: Jiao Wencan , Zhou Dong , Wang Yetian
Published: April 2021

This study investigates the pore structure characteristics of a marine soft soil of the Beibu Gulf, Guangxi Province, China and its variation with clay content. Pore-size distribution was measured by Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and analyzed based on fractal theory. The analysis of the results relies on the distinction of several types of pores: micropores, small pores, mesopores and macropores, separated by the critical pore diameters of 0.02 μm, 0.18 μm and 0.78 μm, respectively. Mesopores and small pores were dominant, accounting for more than 75% of the total pore volume. Small pore volume increases with clay content at the expense of the mesopore volume. Between 22.31% and 32.31% clay, the connectivity of pores improves with clay content, while the tortuosity of pores increases from 22.31% to 32.31% of clay and then decreases between 32.31% and 37.31% clay. Marine soft soil in the Beibu Gulf is characterized by multiple fractal dimensions. Macropores had a large (close to 3) fractal dimension, independent of clay content. Mesopores and small pores had a smaller fractal dimension comprised between 2.1 and 2.4, while the fractal dimension of micropores did not exceed 1.5. The fractal dimension of mesopores and micropores are influenced significantly by the clay content. The study of the porosity of the marine soft soil of the Beibu Gulf could serve as a useful basis for the prediction of its hydraulic properties.
¿Qué significa ser un buen profesor?
Authors: Portocarrero O'Phelan Felipe
Published: April 2021

La presente investigación plantea la exploración de la vasta producción discursiva alrededor de la idea del ‘buen’ profesor en el contexto inglés. Habiendo identificado tres capas de análisis – que, además, representan tres niveles del discurso – el objetivo es proponer una visión comprehensiva de los diferentes elementos discursivos que constituyen al de ‘buen’ profesor o, mejor dicho, aquellos elementos a partir de los cuales la idea de ‘buen’ profesor está construida. Así, basándonos en las políticas educativas gubernamentales inglesas, literatura didáctica (manuales), investigación académica y crítica, y los testimonios de profesores; podremos observar la multiplicidad de discursos, dispositivos retóricos y las percepciones que los diversos actores que participan en la construcción de la idea de un ‘buen’ profesor expresan, y, con mayor énfasis, en las diversas perspectivas que los propios profesores tienen de su propia práctica profesional. Esta aproximación nos permite entender la complejidad de la interacción y los cálculos que los profesores deben incorporar y poner en operación al momento de ‘encarnar’ las políticas oficiales; y las diferentes ‘tecnologías’ utilizadas por las políticas – y por quienes las diseñan e implementan -  y discursos oficiales para persuadir, coercer y someter a los profesores bajo sus directivas.
El efecto de los procesos escolares en el rendimiento en Matemática y las brechas de rendimiento debido a diferencias socioeconómicas de los estudiantes peruanos
Authors: León Juan , Youn Min-Jong
Published: April 2021

Evaluaciones internacionales, regionales y nacionales han mostrado que los estudiantes peruanos tienen serias deficiencias en el aprendizaje de las matemáticas. Así, el identificar variables de procesos escolares que podrían ayudar a mejorar los resultados educativos, en términos de calidad y equidad, es fundamental para la mejora de la educación en nuestro país. El presente estudio se sirve de las bases de datos de Pisa 2012 para estimar un modelo multinivel de coeficientes aleatorios que permita no solo modelar el rendimiento de los estudiantes, sino las brechas educativas asociadas a diferencias socioeconómicas. Los principales resultados del estudio muestran que, entre las variables de procesos escolares usadas en el presente estudio, el clima disciplinario en clase tiene un efecto positivo y significativo sobre el rendimiento promedio de los estudiantes, mientras que el clima escolar y el sentido de pertenencia promedio de los estudiantes en la escuela tienen un efecto sobre las brechas de rendimiento debido a diferencias socioeconómicas.
Complete dislocation of the eye globe into the maxillary sinus: a rare case
Authors: Nguyen Nam Thanh , Bien Van Thi Cam , Duong Nguyet Minh
Published: April 2021

Blowout fracture with entrapped orbital contents within the maxillary sinus is common due to the fragility of the inferior wall, but complete herniation of the eye globe is extremely rare and emergent. Dealing with such a case appears to be a real challenge for any ophthalmologist. We herein present a case of a 31-year-old woman with the entire eyeball missing from the orbit following a road traffic accident. Imaging revealed a complete herniation of the globe into the maxillary sinus. The patient underwent surgery for repositioning the herniated orbital contents and reconstructing the orbital walls. The outcome was satisfactory in terms of aesthetic effect, although the patient’s vision could not be restored as it still depends on various factors, especially the survival of ganglion cells after trauma.
Tactical Urbanism Where it Matters: How Small Scale Spatial Practice Can Catalyze Change in Underserved Communities
Authors:   Temple University, Harrison Sally
Published: April 2021

Small scale spatial interventions that bring vibrancy to city life have been a preoccupation of designers in recent years. While creative actions have focused on the almost-healthy environment, what of those communities perennially underserved, and whose problems of poverty, crime, health and environmental decay are more complex and challenging? Through several case studies, this paper examines a new direction for the spatial practice known as “tactical urbanism,” and suggests that it might catalyze change in distressed communities if undertaken with careful consideration of multiple systems that form these contexts. Design collaborations, cooperative research and willingness to expand the temporal frame of a project can help to catalyze institutional growth and neighborhood stability.
Edible Materials Lab
Authors:   University of Texas at Austin, Siddiqui Igor
Published: April 2021

Situated within an increasingly complex global reality, any critical consideration of materiality in contemporary design requires an eco-systemic approach to resources and their circulation in space and time. Through their lifecycles materials travel not only geographically and temporally, but also flow across seemingly incompatible industries, technologies, and markets. Edible Materials Lab focuses on a set of possibilities for material innovation by investigating relationships between the constructed environment and the food supply system.
Building a resilient infrastructure: challenges of rural transportation in Soba Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors:   Geography Department, Federal College of Education, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, Muhammed Yahaya Abdulkadir , Salahudeen Hajara ,   Nigeria Institute of Transport and Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, Zubairu Dauda ,   Nigeria Institute of Transport and Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Despite the economic importance of rural transportation, it is often being neglected. This study is aimed at identifying the challenges of rural transportation in the Soba Local Government Area to recommend measures for tackling them. Research methodology: Both interview and observation methods were applied in data collection and purposive sampling was adopted in choosing rural areas covered by the study. However, 140 interviewees were asked from five areas chosen. The interviewees were transporters, commuters and other stakeholders in rural transportation. Descriptive and inferential techniques were used in data analysis. Results: The results revealed that road conditions were in a deplorable state, about 39% of interviewees considered them bad and only 25% said they were good. About 43% of the interviewees said transport fare was expensive. About 41% of vehicles used were in bad shape, 84% of the interviewees said passengers often spend more than 30 minutes to get a vehicle. The result also showed that there was a significant relationship between good transportation network and economic development. Limitations: The scope of the study should have been wider to cover the whole eleven political wards of the local government area. The sampling method used might not necessarily give a true reflection of what happens. Contribution: Rural transport contributes immensely to the development of the world. It creates jobs, access to markets and infrastructure. This study is consistent with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goal 9 and 11. Which are aimed at building resilient infrastructure and settlements. Keywords: Local, Government, Area, Rural, Transportation