bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Formation of Density Filaments in the Turbulent Interstellar Medium
Authors: Xu Siyao , Ji Suoqing , Lazarian A.
Published: June 2019

This study is motivated by recent observations of ubiquitous interstellar density filaments and guided by modern theories of compressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence. The interstellar turbulence shapes the observed density structures. As the fundamental dynamics of compressible MHD turbulence, perpendicular turbulent mixing of density fluctuations entails elongated density structures aligned with the local magnetic field, accounting for low-density parallel filaments seen in diffuse atomic and molecular gas. The elongation of low-density parallel filaments depends on the turbulence anisotropy. When taking into account the partial ionization, we find that the minimum width of parallel filaments in the cold neutral medium and molecular clouds is determined by the neutral–ion decoupling scale perpendicular to magnetic field. In highly supersonic MHD turbulence in molecular clouds, both low-density parallel filaments due to anisotropic turbulent mixing and high-density filaments due to shock compression exist.
Determination of GLE of Solar Energetic Particles by Means of Spectral Analysis
Authors: Márquez-Adame Juan C. , Pérez-Peraza Jorge , Velasco-Herrera Victor
Published: June 2019

Using three nonstationary solar series, the solar flare index (FS), the sunspots index (SS), and the solar flux (F10.7) index, we apply the Morlet wavelet analysis to determine the most dominant harmonics of solar activity, 1.73, 3.27, 4.9, 10.4, and 11 yr. The periodicities obtained are processed by the fuzzy logic method, which allows us to reproduce the occurrence dates of ground level enhancements (GLE), since 1942–2006, which we use as a training baseline of these spectral techniques to determine the occurrence of solar particle enhancements in solar cycles. Then, the result of fuzzy logic is extended to periods later than the training period so as to cover the end of cycle 24 and the beginning of cycle 25. In addition to the forecastable aspect of this work, the obtained results are of high interest in view of the recent controversy that has arisen in relation to the occurrence of small GLE (namely sub-GLE), during cycle 24.
Assessing occupational risk factors for forklift drivers
Authors: H. Ulutas Berna , Firat Ozkan N.
Published: June 2019

L’utilisation d’équipements de manutention est incontournable dans une chaîne d’approvisionnement en supply chain pour déplacer divers types de produits. Les chariots élévateurs à fourche figurent parmi les équipements les plus connus et les plus utilisés dans presque tous les secteurs, en particulier dans les entrepôts et les services d’expédition. Il est courant de considérer que le fait de transporter le bon matériel selon la bonne quantité en toute sécurité et en temps utile est lié à l’expérience du conducteur de chariot élévateur. S’il est prouvé que la conception des chariots élévateurs à fourche peut affecter les performances d’un conducteur, l’influence des facteurs environnementaux et cognitifs n’est en revanche pas étudiée en détail. Cette étude vise à examiner ces facteurs de façon à améliorer la santé et la sécurité au travail des conducteurs de chariots élévateurs. Une enquête a été conçue pour recueillir des informations sur les conducteurs de chariots élévateurs, leur niveau de confort vis-à-vis des facteurs environnementaux et leurs commentaires sur la conception et l’utilisabilité des chariots élévateurs. Les facteurs environnementaux sont mesurés à l’aide d’un multi-mètre. Le questionnaire de Cornell sur l’inconfort de l’appareil locomoteur (Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire) a été appliqué. Un eye-tracker portable a été utilisé pour collecter et analyser les données relatives à la durée et au nombre de fixations du regard, ainsi qu’à la modification de la taille de la pupille en tant qu’indicateur de la charge cognitive pour les tâches de manipulation de palettes. Les résultats sont analysés au moyen d’un test ANOVA. Ils conduisent à attirer l’attention sur l’importance de prendre en compte la situation de travail dans sa globalité et de demander l’avis des conducteurs sur le terrain.
Readiness Analysis of Open Innovation - A Self-assessment Method
Authors: Cheng Mei Na , Cheung Chi Fai , Tsui Eric , Wan Kit Ling
Published: June 2019

Nowadays, many companies are increasingly turning to open innovation (OI) to generate new business opportunities through the utilization of knowledge, and technology with the external parties. Various researchers and practitioners are paying attention to the development of OI readiness evaluation tools for assessing innovation capabilities in their business activities. However, methods of these evaluation tool are capability-oriented and relatively little attention has been paid to considering mindset and behavior intersect in OI activities at organizational level. In this article, attempts to fill this gap are made by examining organizations' readiness for OI adoption. Particular attention is given to what thinking toward OI, what behavior toward OI, and how mindset affects their behavior for OI adoption in the market and technology activities. The goal is to understand how these understanding can enhance effectiveness for implementing OI activities in the organizations, especially technology-intensive enterprises.
Preliminary monitoring of the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances in Italian eggs from different breeding systems
Authors: Ghelli Elisa , Tondo Maria Teresa , Zironi Elisa , Pagliuca Giampiero , Sirri Federico , Gazzotti Teresa
Published: June 2019

Perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) are a wide cluster of fluorinated molecules largely engaged industrially and commercially for many purposes. Because of the strength of the fluorine-carbon bond, PFASs show a firm tenacity against thermal degradation, hydrolysis, photolysis and biodegradation. On the other hand, such chemical stability gives them persistent environmental pollutant feature. In 2012, EFSA published a scientific report on PFASs in food, mentioning their adverse effects on health. Based on observational studies evidences, EFSA has recommended a tolerable daily intake (TDI) for the two most known PFASs, i.e. PFOS 150 ng/kg b.w./day and PFOA 1500 ng/kg b.w./day. The aim of this study was to monitor, for the first time, the level of contamination of PFASs in chicken eggs laid in Northern Italy. The eggs were collected from different rearing systems, in order to search a correlation between this variable and the contamination of PFASs. In this study four PFASs [perfluoro-nnonanoic acid (PFNA), perfluoro-noctanoic- acid (PFOA), sodium perfluoro-1- hexanesulfonate (PFHxS) and sodium perfluoro- 1-octanesulfonate (PFOS)] were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). 132 eggs were analyzed, split up in 11 groups according to the geographical origin and rearing system. Results accord with literature data available for chicken eggs: almost all the samples show a PFASs contamination level under the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.25 ng/mL. No significant difference results from the rearing system, attesting an equal distribution and a concentration of PFASs detectable under the limit of quantification.
Occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella isolates from grilled chicken meat sold at retail outlets in Erbil City, Kurdistan region, Iraq
Authors: Almashhadany Dhary A.
Published: June 2019

Food borne salmonellosis is a major public health problem worldwide. This study aimed to detect the occurrence and antibiotics sensitivity of Salmonella species in grilled chicken meat sold at retail outlets in Erbil City, Kurdistan, Iraq. Two hundred and twenty-five (225) samples were aseptically collected from central and suburb retail outlets. For isolation of salmonellae, samples were cultured on selective media and tested for their susceptibility to common antibiotics by disk diffusion assay. The results revealed that the overall prevalence of Salmonella among grilled chicken meat samples was 7.1%. The isolates belonged to eight different serotypes of Salmonella. These include S. Typhimurium, S. Tennessee, S. Newport, S. Enteritidis, S. Anatum, S. Arizona, S. Muenchen, and S. Montevideo. The antibiotic resistance profile revealed a total resistance to Levofloxacin and total sensitivity to Cefotaxime, Amoxicillin, and Cefadroxil. This resistance among Salmonella may pose a public health hazard that requires effective precautions and response.
Agrochemical plastic packaging waste decontamination for recycling: Pilot tests in Italy
Authors: Picuno Caterina , Godosi Zoe , Kuchta Kerstin , Picuno Pietro
Published: June 2019

Agriculture, one of the main economic pillars in Europe, plays a growing important role towards the environmental sustainability of the extra-urban land, in which the agricultural activities may proactively contribute to control and regulate the whole ecological conditions. Modern agriculture currently needs big quantities of agrochemicals, which are necessary for the growth and protection of crops and animals. These agrochemicals are commercially distributed to consumers in many types of containers. The most widely used packaging solutions usually employ plastic materials (e.g., containers for liquid pesticide; sacks for granular fertiliser; etc.). These materials, after the use of the agrochemical, need to be decontaminated, before being entrained in a recycling process, in the framework of a circular economy. In the present paper the main results coming from a EU-funded international project are reported, with specific reference to a pilot station that was realised in Italy with the aim to implement and test a codified system for the decontamination of these plastic containers for agrochemicals. The experimental tests were supported by relevant laboratory analysis, which have confirmed that the triple-rinsing decontamination procedure - traditionally employed by farmers for washing and decontaminating these containers - may be effective only under some well-defined conditions. Triple rinsing by farmers has indeed led to an only partial decontamination of the plastic containers, if farmers did not follow an appropriate triple-rinsing protocol, or did not triple-rinse the containers immediately after their emptying.
Overt translation strategies in the histories of Robert Lowell and Ezra Pound
Authors: Pym Anthony
Published: June 2019

The present article analyzes the overt translation strategies in Robert Lowell’s Imitations and Ezra Pound’s The Cantos, indicating the conscious use of error as a compositional principle for the construction of knowledge through the distance of foreign documents.
Elementos da Cultura de Inovação do Ambiente Interno que contribuem para adoção de estratégias de ecoinovação para competitividade: análise de empresas industriais do setor da construção
Authors: Da Rosa Vendler Marize Helena , Maçaneiro Marlete Beatriz
Published: June 2019

Este artigo analisa os elementos da cultura de inovação do ambiente interno, que possam contribuir para a adoção de estratégias de ecoinovação na indústria da construção, como fator de competitividade organizacional. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva e exploratória, de abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvida em cinco empresas, adotando-se as técnicas de análise de conteúdo e de triangulação. Para a análise dos dados, foram definidas as categorias: elementos da cultura de inovação do ambiente interno “crenças e valores”; “estrutura”; “estímulo à inovação”; “comunicação aberta”; e elementos resultantes “estratégias de ecoinovação” e “competitividade organizacional”. Os resultados apontam que os elementos culturais apresentam fontes que orientam comportamentos e estratégias ambientais e inovadoras para propósitos ecoinovadores, principalmente os elementos “estímulo à inovação” e “estrutura”, os quais conduziram o surgimento de ecoinovações. Constatou-se que os gestores das empresas entendem que as estratégias de ecoinovação contribuem para a competitividade organizacional, uma vez que garantem a predileção dos clientes.
Afinal, RH para quê? um estudo em economia perférica
Authors: Sant'Anna Anderson de Souza , Diniz Daniela Martins , Paiva Susan Mara Gaudensi
Published: June 2019

O propósito deste artigo é apresentar resultados de uma pesquisa direcionada a investigar papeis e competências requeridas a profissionais de Recursos Humanos (RH) na realidade de um país de economia periférica  (o Brasil). Para tal, procedeu-se revisão teórica que explora relações entre estudos nacionais e internacionais sobre a função RH e o construto “competências”. Em termos metodológicos, a pesquisa pode ser caracterizada como um estudo de caso de natureza qualitativa, envolvendo a realização de 32 entrevistas em profundidade com presidentes e diretores de empresas atuantes no Brasil, bem como com especialistas brasileiros na área de gestão de pessoas. Os resultados revelam percepções unânimes quanto à prevalência de modelos de gestão de pessoas centrados na “dimensão operacional”, sinalizando discrepâncias entre o discurso de um “RH Estratégico”
Higher education and sustainability: understanding of the managers of a higher education institution
Authors: Machado Nelson Santos , Weber Josiane , Silveira Amélia , Petarnella Leandro
Published: June 2019

This article is part of a research in progress which aims at defining a set of sustainability indicators that meets the specificities of a Higher Education Institution (HEI). The objective was to identify what is the responsibility of the HEIs before sustainability and the sustainable development from the managers' insights. This is a qualitative research with case study design. The collection techniques used were bibliographical and documentary research and semi-structured interviews with ten managers of the institution. It was determined that managers understand sustainability broadly. The managers mention the importance of applying the concepts to management practices in order to be an example to other institutions and to contribute to the sustainable development of the region where it operates. The respondents cited several actions developed in the HEIs. These results provide subsidies for the construction of a sustainability indicator system for monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of the actions developed.
Capital Intelectual Individual e Coletivo: estudo em uma industria química
Authors: Pospichil Bruna , Engelman Raquel , Schimdt Serje , Nodari Cristine Hermann
Published: June 2019

O Capital Intelectual consiste em todo e qualquer conhecimento útil que uma empresa possui. Essa pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar a relação entre o Capital Intelectual individual e o Capital Intelectual coletivo em uma indústria química. O estudo pretende contribuir na percepção da relação entre o Capital Intelectual individual e coletivo e seus possíveis subsídios para as organizações do conhecimento. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo de caso por meio da triangulação de dados coletados. Os principais resultados demonstram que a respeito do Capital Humano, os funcionários apresentam habilidades importantes. Ao mesmo tempo, são necessárias melhorias quanto ao trabalho em equipe, contribuições com novas ideias e compartilhamento de conhecimento. Em relação ao Capital Estrutural constatou-se que os funcionários possuem comprometimento com os objetivos e metas estabelecidas.
Efeitos da transferência de tecnologia de Universidades Norte Americana e Brasileiras no capital humano técnico e científico
Authors: Philippi Daniela Althoff , Maccari Emerson Antonio
Published: June 2019

O artigo trata de pesquisa cujo objetivo foi verificar os efeitos de processos de TT-UE no Brasil e nos EUA no capital humano técnico e científico. Destaca-se o interesse das organizações em buscarem conhecimento em universidades como fonte de desenvolvimento tecnológico. Os cultivares têm potencial para contribuir no atendimento à demanda crescente de alimentos. A transferência de tecnologia entre universidade e empresa (TT-UE) gera benefícios diversos, dentre os quais o de capital humano científico e técnico (Bozeman, 2000), que nem sempre é objeto de pesquisa, apesar de relevante. Com estudo multi casos, revelaram-se diferenças entre os casos nos contextos nacionais de inovação e que capital humano técnico e científico pode e deve ser estudado no longo prazo, estendendo-se à criação de redes de conhecimento, além de incluir a observação da habilidade de comunicação entre academia e organizações, contribuindo para maior percepção dos efeitos da TT U-E, especialmente de cultivares.
Growth prospects, the natural interest rate, and monetary policy
Authors: Fiedler Salomon , Gern Klaus-Jürgen , Jannsen Nils , Wolters Maik
Published: June 2019

The recovery from the Global Financial Crisis was characterized by sluggish output growth and by inflation remaining persistently below the inflation targets of central banks in many advanced economies despite an unprecedented monetary expansion. Ten years after the Global Financial Crisis, GDP remains below its pre-crisis trend in many economies and interest rates continue to be very low. This raises the question of whether low GDP growth and low interest rates are a temporary phenomenon or are due to a decline in long-run growth prospects (potential output growth) and equilibrium real interest rates (natural interest rate). Addressing this question is important for central banks for conducting monetary policy and adjusting their strategy. In this paper, the authors address this question based on a review of the literature and an evaluation of the most recent data and discuss implications for monetary policy.
Simulations of black carbon over the Indian region: improvements and implications of diurnality in emissions
Authors: Govardhan Gaurav , Satheesh Sreedharan Krishnakumari , Moorthy Krishnaswamy Krishna , Nanjundiah Ravi
Published: June 2019

Abstract. With a view to improving the performance of WRF-Chem over the Indian region in simulating BC (black carbon) mass concentrations as well as its short-term variations, especially on a diurnal scale, a region-specific diurnal variation scheme has been introduced in the model emissions and the performance of the modified simulations has been evaluated against high-resolution measurements carried out over eight ARFI (Aerosol Radiative Forcing over India) network observatories spread across India for distinct seasons: pre-monsoon (represented by May), post-monsoon (represented by October) and winter (represented by December). In addition to an overall improvement in the simulated concentrations and their temporal variations, we have also found that the effects of prescribing diurnally varying emissions on the simulated near-surface concentrations largely depend on the boundary layer turbulence. The effects are perceived quickly (within about 2–3 h) during the evening–early morning hours when the atmospheric boundary layer is shallow and convective mixing is weak, while they are delayed, taking as much as about 5–6 h, during periods when the boundary layer is deep and convective mixing is strong. This information would also serve as an important input for agencies concerned with urban planning and pollution mitigation. Despite these improvements in the near-surface concentrations, the simulated columnar aerosol optical depth (AOD) still remains largely underestimated vis-à-vis the satellite-retrieved products. These modifications will serve as a guideline for further model-improvement initiatives at a regional scale.
Development of a chromatographic method to study oxidative potential of airborne particulate matter
Authors: Shahpoury Pourya , Harner Tom , Lammel Gerhard , Wilson Jake
Published: June 2019

Abstract. Oxidative potential (OP) is a measure of inhalation toxicity of airborne particulate matter (PM). The redox-active constituents of PM react with lung antioxidants (AOs) in the epithelial lining fluid (ELF), resulting in oxidation of AOs. The excessive loss of AOs leads to oxidative stress, inflammation of the epithelial tissue, and chronic diseases. In this work, we developed a novel rapid chromatographic method, employing an ultra-high performance liquid chromatograph coupled to a triple-quadruple mass spectrometer (UHPLC-MS/MS), to determine the OP of ambient PM, and investigated the application of electrochemical oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) as an alternative approach for estimating OP. We measured the direct oxidation of AOs, ascorbic acid, glutathione, and cysteine, and formation of glutathione disulfide and cystine, following PM addition to various simulated ELF (SELF) formulations which, in addition to AOs, contained inorganic salts, a phospholipid, and proteins. The assay performance was evaluated using standard reference PM, and we investigated the links between OP dose-response, time-dependence, and the ORP. The new assay showed a high precision, and when applied to PM, OP and ORP increased with both reaction time and PM concentrations in SELF. The presence of SELF inorganic species and surfactant lipid increased the OP determined through oxidation of glutathione and cysteine, but showed an opposite effect with ascorbic acid. The presence of proteins did not affect the OP. The findings suggest that ORP measurement could be used as an alternative and simple approach for estimating the OP of ambient PM.
Early summer hydroclimatic signals are captured well by tree-ring earlywood width in the eastern Qinling Mountains, central China
Authors: Zhao Yesi , Shi Jiangfeng , Shi Shiyuan , Ma Xiaoqi , Zhang Weijie , Wang Bowen , Sun Xuguang , Lu Huayu , Bräuning Achim
Published: June 2019

Abstract. In the humid and semi-humid regions of China, tree-ring-width (TRW) chronologies offer limited moisture-related climatic information. To gather additional climatic information, it would be interesting to explore the potential of the intra-annul tree-ring-width indices (i.e., the earlywood width, EWW, and latewood width, LWW). To achieve this purpose, TRW, EWW, and LWW were measured from the tree-ring samples of Pinus tabuliformis originating from the semi-humid eastern Qinling Mountains, central China. Standard (STD) and signal-free (SSF) chronologies of all parameters were created using these detrending methods including (1) negative exponential functions combined with linear regression with negative (or zero) slope (NELR), (2) cubic smoothing splines with a 50 % frequency cutoff at 67 % of the series length (SP67), and (3) age-dependent splines with an initial stiffness of 50 years (SPA50). The results showed that EWW chronologies were significantly negatively correlated with temperature but positively correlated with precipitation and soil moisture conditions during the current early-growing season. By contrast, LWW and TRW chronologies had weaker relationships with these climatic factors. The strongest climatic signal was detected for the EWW STD chronology detrended with the NELR method, explaining 50 % of the variance in the May–July self-calibrated Palmer Drought Severity Index (MJJ scPDSI) during the instrumental period 1953–2005. Based on this relationship, the MJJ scPDSI was reconstructed back to 1868 using a linear regression function. The reconstruction was validated by comparison with other hydroclimatic reconstructions and historical document records from adjacent regions. Our results highlight the potential of intra-annual tree-ring indices for reconstructing seasonal hydroclimatic variations in humid and semi-humid regions of China. Furthermore, our reconstruction exhibits a strong in-phase relationship with a newly proposed East Asian summer monsoon index (EASMI) before the 1940s on the decadal and longer timescales, which may be due to the positive response of the local precipitation to EASMI. Nonetheless, the cause for the weakened relationship after the 1940s is complex, and cannot be solely attributed to the changing impacts of precipitation and temperature.
Bibliotecas nacionais do MERCOSUL: um estudo webométrico em seus websites institucionais
Authors: Silveira Eduardo , Afonso Raffaela Dayane , Matias Márcio
Published: June 2019

Objetivo. Analisou-se o desempenho dos websites institucionais das Bibliotecas Nacionais no MERCOSUL por meio dos indicadores webométricos: tamanho de website, luminosidade, visibilidade e fator de impacto na web com logaritmo natural.Metodo. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva com abordagem quantitativa.Resultados. Os resultados mostram que das 12 bibliotecas nacionais dos países pertencentes a este bloco econômico, nove possuem websites próprios. Quanto aos resultados webométricos, as bibliotecas nacionais que mais se destacaram foram a do Brasil e do Chile, sendo que o Brasil figura entre as três primeiras posições nos quatro indicadores analisados e o Chile em três indicadores. Ainda sobre os resultados, ambos os países são os únicos com fator de impacto na web classificado como alto. Observou-se que o website da biblioteca nacional do Peru apresentou baixo desempenho em todos os indicadores, ficando posicionado entre os últimos três colocados.Conclusão. A utilização dos indicadores webométricos mostrou que os websites destas instituições podem servir como fonte de informação, para investigar sua atratividade, e o seu impacto na web, que estão associados às informações e ao conteúdo disponibilizados na rede.
En la carne del otro: cuerpo y alteridad según el pensamiento fenomenológico de Jan Patočka
Authors: Llorente Cardo Jaime
Published: June 2019

El presente trabajo se centra en las directrices fundamentales que guían la reflexión del fenomenólogo checo Jan Patočka a la hora de abordar la cuestión de la corporalidad, con el fin de situarlas en relación con el problema de la alteridad de los otros. Se trata, pues, en último término, de examinar en qué términos es posible una fenomenología de la intersubjetividad en la cual el cuerpo propio y el de los otros juega un decisivo papel, y de mostrar, a la vez, las limitaciones ligadas a tal punto de vista. Limitaciones referidas fundamentalmente a la excesiva relevancia concedida por Patočka al “cuerpo-objeto” en el marco de la alteridad intersubjetiva.
All-Inclusive Sustainability? The Sustainable Development Goals at the Antwerp Port Authority: Compact Case
Authors: Moratis Lars
Published: June 2019

Launched in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent an authorative global agenda to achieve sustainability. Many organizations have been adopting the SDG and linking it to their sustainability strategies. When the Antwerp Port Authority (APA) adopted the SDGs, it initially focused on five out of these 17 goals. After consulting its stakeholders, APA concluded that its initial choice should be replaced by a choice for focusing on the entire set of SDGs. Since 2017, the SDGs constitute the overarching framework for APA’s sustainability strategy. This brief case aims to enable students to explore and reflect on business organizational approaches towards the SDGs.
Structuring and Planning Public Space based on Right to Protest: Comparing Zuccotti Park, Tahrir Square and Taksim Square
Authors: Lotfata Aynaz
Published: June 2019

Structuring and Planning Public Space based on Right to Protest: Comparing Zuccotti Park, Tahrir Square and Taksim Square
A Welfare Model of Street Vendors: Cases from Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Nilakusmawati Desak Putu Eka , Susilawati Made , Wall Geoffrey
Published: June 2019

This study determines the socio-economic characteristics of street vendors in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia and proposes a welfare model to examine their well-being. The results showed that street vendors in Denpasar are mostly male, married, with an average age of 39. Most are recent migrants who rent their housing. The majority sell food and beverages from carts and work almost 8 hours per day. Most are self-employed and may be assisted by family labor. Most do not do bookkeeping for their business activities and many are not registered businesses. Most have little access to capital and do not participate in empowerment programs in the form of education/training in business skills. Binary logistic regression analysis shows that the incomes of street vendors are related positively to marital status, age, employment status, physical facilities, and presence of bookkeeping.
The Language Awareness of Finnish and German EFL Senior High School Learners and Student Teachers Regarding English Grammar and Its Teaching
Authors: Penttinen Esa Martti , Böttger Heiner , Behning Jens
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study is to examine and contrast the language awareness of Finnish and German EFL senior highschool students and student teachers regarding aspects of English grammar and its teaching. Data was collected fromFinland and Germany during the academic school years of 2015–16 and 2016–17. It consists of the responses to twosurvey questions of 1st year EFL senior high school students (n = 200 from Finland, n = 200 from Germany) andstudent teachers (n = 118 from Finland, n = 118 from Germany). The study utilizes both qualitative (content analysis)and quantitative (frequencies, percentages, cross tabulation [χ2-test]) research methods. The results show that thesubjects’ awareness of English grammar and its teaching was mainly based on intuitive, implicit knowledge. It wasdifficult for both senior high school learners and student teachers to build a cognitive understanding that wouldincrease their awareness of English grammar, and, as a result of this, its teaching, and respectively theirgrammar-related didactical competences.
Exporting Transparency Through Mergers
Authors: Refakar Mohammad , Gueyie Jean-Pierre , Filbien Jean-Yves
Published: June 2019

Openness to trades can intensify competition in a country and confine the possibilities of rent creation and extraction. Mergers and acquisitions introduce competition in the markets and bring not only capital and technologies, but also new norms and policies. This study examines to what extend openness to trades and competition intensification through M&A could affect the level of corruption in a country. Our study focuses on the effect of M&A activity (as a proxy for openness to trades) on corruption levels. Using a large panel of 50 countries over a 16-year period, we find evidence that openness to trades helps countries reduce their level of corruption.
Aplicação da teoria das restrições no transporte público: estudo de caso em uma linha de ônibus na cidade de São Paulo
Authors: Beca Apolo De Lima , Shimabuku Eduardo , Silva Adriano Maniçoba da , Tanaka Wilson Yoshio , Ferreira William de Paula
Published: June 2019

O trânsito congestionado nas grandes cidades impacta significativamente a vida das pessoas em termos de saúde, tempo e produtividade. Há a necessidade do aumento da utilização do transporte coletivo com o intuito de diminuir o nível de trânsito, mas alguns elementos têm desestimulado o seu uso. Foi realizado um estudo de caso, com pesquisa documental e quantitativa, com o objetivo de analisar o desempenho de uma linha de ônibus da cidade de São Paulo à luz da teoria das restrições, de modo a identificar e propor soluções aos possíveis gargalos que impedem o aumento do fluxo de passageiros. As soluções propostas tiveram o intuito de diminuir as reclamações de atendimento ao cliente. Os resultados indicaram potencial significativo de aumento no fluxo de passageiros com a proposta de melhoria baseada na teoria das restrições.
Energy Performance, Indoor Air Quality and Comfort in New Nearly Zero Energy Day-care Centres in Northern Climatic Conditions
Authors: Kuusk Kalle , Kaiser Ahmed , Lolli Nicola , Johansson Jan , Hasu Tero , Gunnarshaug Lien Anne , Arumägi Endrik , Kalbe Kristo , Hallik Jaanus , Kurnitski Jarek , Kalamees Targo
Published: June 2019

The European energy policy pushes the member states to transform building stock into nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEB). This paper is focused on data collected from existing nZEB day-care centres,in order to be able to assess possible differences between predicted and actual energy and indoorenvironmental performance. Building structures, service systems and the indoor climate and energyperformance of five day-care centres were investigated in Estonia, Finland and Norway.Indoor climate condition measurements showed that in general, the thermal environment and indoor airquality corresponded to the highest indoor climate categories I and II (EN 15251). Building heating andventilation systems in studied buildings are working without major problems. Good indoor climate conditions were also reflected in the occupant satisfaction questionnaires. For most of the studied buildings, over 80%of the people marked all indoor environment condition parameters (thermal comfort, indoor air quality,acoustics, odour and illuminance) acceptable. The thermal environment in the cooling season was reportedproblematic because it was lower than the minimum temperature for indoor climate category II.Energy consumption analysis showed that measured real energy use was higher, or even significantlyhigher, than the energy use calculated during the design phase. Potential causes of the higher actualenergy consumption are caused by differences of measured and designed solutions, methodology of theenergy calculations, and the differences in user behaviour.Lessons learnt from previously constructed day-care centres can be utilised in the planning and designof new nZEBs.
Development of Airtightness of Estonian Wooden Buildings
Authors: Hallik Jaanus , Kalamees Targo
Published: June 2019

The field measurements of airtightness in Estonian detached and apartment buildings conducted between2003 – 2017 were combined into a large dataset for further analysis. The buildings were classified basedon building structure, number of storeys, year of construction, energy classification and compactnessfactors. A subset with all wooden buildings (313 in total) was statistically analysed to determine theaverage (median) air leakage rates at 50 Pa and tested (Kruskal-Wallis test with post-hoc Conovertest) for significant differences within the grouping factors. As expected, the median air leakage (q50)of older buildings between 10.7 and 13.9 m3/(hm2) has decreased to 1.1 m3/(hm2) after the minimumrequirements for energy efficiency have taken effect. A more detailed analysis on newer buildings showedthat quality of the workmanship combining systematic measurement routines as well as prefabrication,yields significantly lower median air leakages compared to on-site construction. The buildings with betterenergy classification targets also achieved lower median air leakages compared to buildings designedto meet minimum requirements. Further analysis showed significant differences between buildingswith lightweight timber construction and those with log construction. This can be due to fact that theairtightness has been predominantly measured in prefabricated buildings compared to on-site buildingtechnology. Surprisingly, the analysis showed no significant difference between buildings with a differentcompactness factor or a different number of storeys. For use in energy calculations, the base values ofair leakage rates for each group are calculated and presented accounting for variation of measurements.
Guest Editor Preface
Authors: Kalamees Targo
Published: June 2019

-
THERMOCHRONOLOGY AND MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE FORMATION DYNAMICS OF RARE‐METAL‐GRANITE DEPOSITS OF THE ALTAI COLLISION SYSTEM
Authors: Murzintsev N. G. , Annikova I. Yu. , Travin A. V. , Vladimirov A. G. , Dyachkov B. A. , Maslov V. I. , Oitseva T. A. , Gavryushkina O. A.
Published: June 2019

The article presents an event correlation of the Permian‐Triassic granites of the Altai collision system, which are associated with industrial ore deposits and occurrences (Mo‐W, Sn‐W, Li‐Ta‐Be). The multi‐system and multi‐mineral isotope datings of igneous rocks and ore bodies (U/Pb, Re/Os, Rb/Sr, Ar/Ar‐methods) suggest the postcollisional (intraplate) formation of ore‐magmatic systems (OMS), the duration of which depended on the crustmantle interaction and the rates of tectonic exposure of geoblocks to the upper crustal levels.Two cases of the OMS thermal history are described: (1) Kalguty Mo‐W deposit associated with rare‐metal granite‐leucogranites and ongonite‐ elvan dykes, and (2) Novo‐Akhmirov Li‐Ta deposit represented by topaz‐zinnwaldite granites and the contemporary lamprophyre and ongonit‐elvan dykes. For these geological objects, numerical modeling was carried out. The proposed models show thermal cooling of the deep magmatic chambers of granite composition, resulting in the residual foci of rare‐metal‐granite melts, which are known as the petrological indicators of industrial ore deposits (Mo‐W, Sn‐W, Li‐Ta‐Be). According to the simulation results concerning the framework of a closed magmatic system with a complex multistage development history, the magmatic chamber has a lower underlying observable massif and a reservoir associated with it. A long‐term magmatic differentiation of the parental melt (a source of rare‐metal‐granite melts and ore hydrothermal fluids) takes place in this reservoir.
CONTEMPORARY GEODYNAMICS OF THE GAROMAI ACTIVE FAULT (SAKHALIN ISLAND)
Authors: Vasilenko N. F. , Prytkov A. S.
Published: June 2019

In the northern Sakhalin Island, the tectonic activity of the fault zones is a potential threat to the industrial infrastructure of the petroleum fields. Recently, the background seismicity has increased at the Hokkaido‐Sakhalin fault that consists of several segments, including the Garomai active fault. In the studies of the regional deformation processes, it is important not only to analyze the seismic activity, but also to quantitatively assess the dynamics of deformation accumulation in the fault zones. In order to study the contemporary geodynamics of the Garomai fault, a local GPS/GLONASS network has been established in the area wherein trunk oil and gas pipelines are installed across the fault zone. Based on the annual periodic measurements taken in 2006–2016, we study the features of surface deformation and calculate the rates of displacements caused by the tectonic activity in the fault zone. During the survey period, no significant displacement of the fault wings was revealed. In the immediate vicinity of the fault zone, multidirectional horizontal displacements occur at a rate up to 1.6 mm/yr, and uplifting of the ground surface takes place at a rate of 3.4 mm/yr. This pattern of displacements is a reflection of local deformation processes in the fault zone. At the western wing of the fault, a maximum deformation rate amounts to 1110–6 per year. The fault is a boundary mark of a transition from lower deformation rates at the eastern wing to higher ones at the west wing. In contrast to the general regional compression setting that is typical of the northern Sakhalin Island, extension is currently dominant in the Garomai fault zone. The estimated rates of relative deformation in the vicinity of the Garomai fault give grounds to classify it as ‘hazardous’.
Performance of Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) and Circulation, Respiration, Abdomen, Motor, and Speech (CRAMS) score in trauma severity and in-hospital mortality prediction in multiple trauma patients: a comparison study
Authors: Jiang Xiaobin , Jiang Ping , Mao Yuanshen
Published: June 2019

Background

With an increasing number of motor vehicle crashes, there is an urgent need in emergency departments (EDs) to assess patients with multiple trauma quickly, easily, and reliably. Trauma severity can range from a minor to major threats to life or bodily function. In-hospital mortality and trauma severity prediction in such cases is crucial in the ED for the management of multiple trauma and improvement of the outcome of these patients. Previous studies have examined the performance of Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) or Circulation, Respiration, Abdomen, Motor, and Speech (CRAMS) score based solely on mortality prediction or injury severity prediction. However, to the best of our knowledge, the performances of both scoring systems on in-hospital mortality and trauma severity prediction have not been compared previously. This retrospective study evaluated the value of MEWS and CRAMS score to predict in-hospital mortality and trauma severity in patients presenting to the ED with multiple traumatic injuries.

Methods

All study subjects were multiple trauma patients. Medical data of 1,127 patients were analyzed between January 2014 and April 2018. The MEWS and CRAMS score were calculated, and logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were conducted to investigate their performances regarding in-hospital mortality and trauma severity prediction.

Results

For in-hospital mortality prediction, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCs) for MEWS and CRAMS score were 0.90 and 0.91, respectively, indicating that both of them were good in-hospital mortality predictors. Further, our study indicated that the CRAMS score performed better in trauma severity prediction, with an AUROC value of 0.84, which was higher than that of MEWS (AUROC = 0.77). For trauma severity prediction, the optimal cut-off value for MEWS was 2, while that of the CRAMS score was 8.

Conclusions

We found that both MEWS and CRAMS score can be used as predictors for trauma severity and in-hospital mortality for multiple trauma patients, but that CRAMS score was superior to MEWS for trauma severity prediction. CRAMS score should be prioritized in the prediction of trauma severity due to its excellence as a multiple trauma triage tool and potential contribution to rapid emergency rescue decisions.
Effect of Elephant Grass Genotypes to Bioenergy Production
Authors: Favare Henrique Guimarães De , Abreu Joadil Gonçalves De , Barros Livia Vieira de , Silva Felipe Gomes Da , Ferreira Luis Miguel Mendes , Barelli Marco Antônio Aparecido , Neto Inácio Martins da Silva , Cabral Carlos Eduardo Avelino , Peixoto Wender Mateus , Campos Francisco Ildefonso da Silva , Ledo Francisco José da Silva , Silva Vanessa Quitete Ribeiro Da , Herrera Larah Drielly Santos
Published: June 2019

The study aimed to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) genotypes on energy production in the combustion form. A randomized block design with 3 repetitions was used. The treatments were arranged in subdivided plots scheme, considering as a plot the genotypes and as subplots, the harvest season. The agronomic characteristics plant height (H), leaf length (LL), leaf blade width (LBW), stem diameter (SD), tillers number (TN), stem percentage (SP), dry matter yield (DMY) were evaluated. The rainy season provided greater H to elephant grass genotypes with height above 3.5 m. The average SP obtained by the genotypes was 68.21% and 67.21% to the first and second year of cultivation, respectively, which gives the biomass good quality of burning. The rainy season provided greater DMY comparing to the dry season. In the first year of cultivation there were genotypes with annual dry matter yield (ADMY) above 50 ton ha-1 year-1, however, the non-maintenance of soil fertility promoted the reduction of 39.17% and 39.05% in the DMY and ADMY, respectively. Analyzing the agronomic characteristics, we conclude that the promising genotypes of elephant grass to produce energy in the form of direct combustion are CNPGL 91-25-1, Cubano Pinda, BRS Canará, Porto Rico and Mercker.
Effect of Director’s Tunneling on Assets Utilization: Evidence from Corporate Organizations in Nigeria
Authors: Augustine Nwaorgu, Innocent , Jeff O. Odesa, , Jennifer N. Nzoegbu,
Published: June 2019

This study evaluates the effect of director’s tunnelling on asset utilization of companies in consumer goods sector in Nigeria using a panel data collected from annual financial report of thirty listed consumer goods firm in Nigeria between 2011 and 2016. The study was based on ex-post-facto research design and the data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression. The study finds that the director’s pay and equity holding varies widely among consumer goods firms. Chairman’s pay and director’s equity holding have a statistically significant effect on asset utilization at 5% level. While the director’s pay policy has no statistically significant effect on asset utilization. The finding shows pay, chairman’s pay and director’s equity holding are three major avenues used for tunnelling as they have a significant effect on tunnelling. The study recommends that policymaker should formulate a policy that will reduce the tunnelling tendency of directors and board chairman.
Does working long hours increase the risk of cardiovascular disease for everyone?
Authors: Lee Dong-wook , Kim Hyoung-Ryoul , Myong Jun-Pyo , Choi Jaesung , Hong Yun-Chul , Kang Mo-Yeol
Published: June 2019

Introduction

It has been suggested that long working hours are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although studies on health inequality caused by income inequality have been performed, income levels of workers have been considered only as an adjusting factor in the relationship between long working hours and CVD. In the present study, we investigated the modifying effects of household income level in the relationship between working hours and estimated risk of CVD.

Materials and Methods

We analysed a total of 11,602 Koreans who were randomly enrolled in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2016) with complete data. Nonparametric associations between weekly working hours and estimated risk of CVD were explored according to quartiles of equalised household income by gender, and the size of linear associations among weekly working hours and estimated CVD risk after stratifying for equalised household income by gender was considered.

Results

A 4.1% increased risk of CVD was associated with 10 hours or longer per day weekly working hours among males with the highest household income after adjusting for age, equalised household income, occupation, and shift work, but such was not associated among lower income groups. Negative associations between equalised household income and estimated CVD risk were observed only among low household income males.

Conclusion

Long working hours and household income level can have differential effects on the risk of CVD by socioeconomic status. This study shows that positive income effect may dominate the potential negative effect of long working hours with respect to the risk of CVD in the low-income group.
Comparative proteomic study of liver lipid droplets and mitochondria in mice housed at different temperatures
Authors: Liu Qingfeng , Zhou Ziyun , Liu Pingsheng , Zhang Shuyan
Published: June 2019

Laboratory mice are standardly housed at around 23 °C, setting them under chronic cold stress. Metabolic changes in the liver in mice housed at thermoneutral, standard and cold temperatures remain unknown. In the present study, we isolated lipid droplets and mitochondria from their livers in a comparative proteomic study aiming to investigate the changes. According to proteomic analysis, mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) and retinol metabolism are enhanced, whereas oxidative phosphorylation is not affected obviously under cold conditions, suggesting that liver mitochondria may increase TCA cycle capacity in biosynthetic pathways, as well as retinol metabolism, to help the liver to adapt. Based on proteomic and immunoblotting results, perilipin 5 and major urinary proteins are increased significantly, whereas mitochondrial pyruvate carrier is decreased dramatically under cold conditions, indicating their involvement in liver adaptation.