bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can China’s Aging Population Sustain Its Entrepreneurship? Evidence of Nonlinear Effects
Authors: Yang Hongying , Yu Jin , Su Ching-Hui (Joan) , Chen Ming-Hsiang , Zhou Dahui
Published: April 2020

This article examines the effects of China’s aging population (in terms of the old-age dependency rate (OADR)) on entrepreneurship (in terms of dimensions of innovation (IE) and self-employment (BE)) using data from 30 provinces from 2003 to 2017. Contrary to a widespread pessimistic interpretation that describes an aging population as merely a burden on entrepreneurship, this paper illustrates some positive effects of China’s aging population on entrepreneurship in terms of IE and BE. Moreover, we introduce and test the nonlinear relationship between OADR and IE/BE. Our simple panel regression model can be utilized not only to understand the inverted U-shaped effects of an aging population on entrepreneurship, by using the ordinary least squares (OLS) method and fixed-effects (FE) in our empirical studies and the system generalized method of moments (SYSGMM) in the robustness check, but also to provide managerial implications by pointing out the “optimal OADR” and the comparative regional aging situation.
Inhibition during Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Aqueous Pyrolysis Liquid from Wastewater Solids and Synthetic Primary Sludge
Authors: Seyedi Saba , Venkiteshwaran Kaushik , Benn Nicholas , Zitomer Daniel
Published: April 2020

Pyrolysis can convert wastewater solids into useful byproducts such as pyrolysis gas (py-gas), bio-oil and biochar. However, pyrolysis also yields organic-rich aqueous pyrolysis liquid (APL), which presently has no beneficial use. Autocatalytic pyrolysis can beneficially increase py-gas production and eliminate bio-oil; however, APL is still generated. This study aimed to utilize APLs derived from conventional and autocatalytic wastewater solids pyrolysis as co-digestates to produce biomethane. Results showed that digester performance was not reduced when conventional APL was co-digested. Despite having a lower phenolics concentration, catalyzed APL inhibited methane production more than conventional APL and microbial community analysis revealed a concomitant reduction in acetoclastic Methanosaeta. Long-term (over 500-day) co-digestion of conventional APL with synthetic primary sludge was performed at different APL organic loading rates (OLRs). Acclimation resulted in a doubling of biomass tolerance to APL toxicity. However, at OLRs higher than 0.10 gCOD/Lr-d (COD = chemical oxygen demand, Lr = liter of reactor), methane production was inhibited. In conclusion, conventional APL COD was stoichiometrically converted to methane in quasi steady state, semi-continuous fed co-digesters at OLR ≤ 0.10 gCOD/Lr-d. Undetected organic compounds in the catalyzed APL ostensibly inhibited anaerobic digestion. Strategies such as use of specific acclimated inoculum, addition of biochar to the digester and pretreatment to remove toxicants may improve future APL digestion efforts.
The Role of Venture Capital Investment in Startups’ Sustainable Growth and Performance: Focusing on Absorptive Capacity and Venture Capitalists’ Reputation
Authors: Jeong Jihye , Kim Juhee , Son Hanei , Nam Dae-il
Published: April 2020

This study provides evidence on how venture capital (VC) investment affects startup firms’ sustainable growth and performance. Despite the rich and abundant research on the relationship between VC investment and startup performance, there is no clear evidence about the contribution of VC investment on the performance and market value of invested firms. In order to accurately measure the impact of VC investment, this study explored how VC investment at each stage of growth affects a startup’s sustainable growth and performance. Based on signaling theory and information asymmetry, this study proposed a positive link between initial-stage VC investment and a startup’s growth and performance. Using a sample of 363 firms listed from 2000 to 2007, this study demonstrated that startups are sustained and perform better as they receive their VC investment at the initial stage. The level of potential absorptive capacity positively moderated this association, unlike realized absorptive capacity, which did not show significant moderating effects.
Sustainable Development and Its Dependence on Local Community Behavior
Authors: Kapsalis Takis Ap. , Kapsalis Vasilis C.
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this article is to simplify and facilitate the bottom-up sustainable development of a local society where the dominant element is the residents’ vision. Thus, the primary questions that we investigate here refer to the fundamental components and the derived difficulties that influence the behavior change attitudes. Following a literature review and discourse analysis, the components participating in the intervention system emerge by issuing suitable surveys, which are quantified by using conventional statistical methodology. The estimated desire for change was continuously monitored to dynamically exclude the cognitive bias in the nine-step change process. Coming from the business management area, a structural formulation analysis simplified and remodeled the equation of change used and revealed the factors to interpret the outputs. A pilot case study is presented followed by an extensive discussion of the results. The proposed methodology provides a powerful cognitive tool and may be further utilized and developed. In a local community, a strict distinction should be made between the trend to envision a change and the implementation of a real one. The results foster the discussion of a novel governance paradigm transition towards a transversal approach.
To Wait or Not to Wait? Use of the Flexibility to Postpone Investment Decisions in Theory and in Practice
Authors: Morreale Azzurra , Mittone Luigi , Vu Thi-Thanh-Tam , Collan Mikael
Published: April 2020

Business sustainability and real options are closely connected, as real options are managerial flexibility that allows organizations to adapt to changes in their environment, thus making the organization more robust and economically sustainable. Studies in real options theory abound, yet there is still a lack of evidence on whether people make decisions consistently with the predictions made by real options models. We run a laboratory experiment to study the role of option value and the laboratory time required to resolve uncertainty in individuals’ decision to price and adopt an option to wait. Specifically, we compare decision makers’ choices in two investment scenarios: One with a short time to maturity (implying a low option value), and another with a longer time to maturity (implying a high option value). In the lab, both scenarios are implemented with the waiting time of twenty and sixty minutes. Our results show that decision makers deviate from the theoretical predictions, recognizing the benefit of waiting, when the value of the option is higher, or when the waiting time is shorter. Our study does not only bring more insights into real options adoption at the individual level, but also emphasizes the great potential of behavioral and experimental approach to bridge the gap between theory and practice in the real options literature.
Human Resource Disclosures in Corporate Annual Reports of Insurance Companies: A Case of Developing Country
Authors: Bulut Sürdü Fatma , Çalışkan Arzu Özsözgün , Esen Emel
Published: April 2020

Employees are key stakeholders for companies to maintain their sustainability. Obtaining and disclosing information related to employees can help companies to manage and evaluate the effectiveness of human resources. This paper investigates human resource disclosures in corporate annual reports of 54 insurance companies in Turkey and identifies the determinants of the disclosure for the period of 2007–2017. For this purpose, human resource disclosures with eight subdimensions as employee health and safety, employment of minorities or women, disabled employee, employee training, employee assistance and benefits, employee remuneration, employee profiles and employee morale were obtained from corporate annual reports by content analysis. The data were statistically tested with correlation analysis and a pooled OLS (Ordinary Least Squares) models to determine the effects of return on assets, return on equity, leverage, firm size, number of employees, age of firm, public listing status, foreign ownership, company type on these disclosures. The results indicate that number of employees, foreign ownership and company type have an effect on the extent of human resource disclosure. Employee training is the most disclosed item among human resource disclosures in corporate reports. It is suggested that companies should improve their reporting and disclosure practices related to human resource development.
The Effect of School Design on Users’ Responses: A Systematic Review (2008–2017)
Authors: Manca Sara , Cerina Veronica , Tobia Valentina , Sacchi Simona , Fornara Ferdinando
Published: April 2020

This systematic review focused on the effect of the educational environment design on students’ and teachers’ performance, satisfaction, and wellbeing. Starting from a bulk of 1307 articles, a set of N = 68 empirical papers was selected and organized on the basis of four different content clusters, i.e., architectural building design and aesthetic features, indoor environmental features, classroom design, and school green spaces/outdoor spaces. From the analysis of research findings, the key role of pleasant, warm, and flexible learning environments emerged, for promoting both wellbeing and performance of users. More specifically, the presence of charming colors and pictures, ergonomic furniture, and adequate acoustic, thermal comfort, ventilation, and natural lighting have emerged as important features that school designers should care for. Furthermore, an integration of both indoor and outdoor learning situations showed to be effective for improving students’ learning and wellbeing.
Climatic Change and Habitat Availability for Three Sotol Species in México: A Vision towards Their Sustainable Use
Authors: Becerra-López Jorge Luis , Rosales-Serna Rigoberto , Ehsan Muhammad , Becerra-López Jesús Salvador , Czaja Alexander , Estrada-Rodríguez José Luis , Romero-Méndez Ulises , Santana-Espinosa Saúl , Reyes-Rodríguez César Manuel , Ríos-Saucedo Julio César , Domínguez-Martínez Pablo Alfredo
Published: April 2020

The industrial production and commercialization of distilled beverages from Sotol plants (Family: Asparagaceae, Subfamily: Zolinoideae and Genus: Dasylirion) has witnessed a steady growth in recent decades; this condition involves a greater use of the raw material that comes almost exclusively from natural populations, which could compromise the sustainability of the marginalized areas of Northern México. In the present work, habitat availability was evaluated for the presence and use of the species; Dasylirion wheeleri (S. Watson ex Rothr.), Dasylirion cedrosanum (Trelease), and Dasylirion durangense (Trelease) in México, considering different scenarios of climate change. For this purpose, we used the niche’s spatial analysis from a correlative approach. The results show that under the current climate, the species studied have a predominantly low habitat suitability in the central region of the Chihuahuan desert, with D. cedrosanum being the species with the lowest suitability. For the year 2050, a slight increase in the habitat suitability is expected only for D. durangense and D. wheeleri. This suggests that D. cedrosanum could be considered as the species with the greatest vulnerability to the possible climatic variations generated by global climate change. Likewise, the analysis of the results indicates that D. durangense is the one who has the greatest potential for use; however, it is necessary to consider that many of its populations may be climatically stressed and an inappropriate use could put them at risk.
ESG Scores and the Credit Market
Authors: Jang Ga-Young , Kang Hyoung-Goo , Lee Ju-Yeong , Bae Kyounghun
Published: April 2020

This study analyzes the relationship between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) scores and bond returns using the corporate bond data in Korea during the period of 2010 to 2015. We find that ESG scores include valuable information about the downside risk of firms. This effect is particularly salient for the firms with high information asymmetry such as small firms. Interestingly, of the three ESG criteria, only environmental scores show a significant impact on bond returns when interacted with the firm size, suggesting that high environmental scores lower the cost of debt financing for small firms. Finally, ESG is complementary to credit ratings in assessing credit quality as credit ratings cannot explain away ESG effects in predicting future bond returns. This result suggests that credit rating agencies should either integrate ESG scores into their current rating process or produce separate ESG scores which bond investors integrate with the existing credit ratings by themselves.
The Influence of Different Loads on the Footbridge Dynamic Parameters
Authors: Kilikevičius Artūras , Bačinskas Darius , Selech Jaroslaw , Matijošius Jonas , Kilikevičienė Kristina , Vainorius Darius , Ulbrich Dariusz , Romek Dawid
Published: April 2020

Bringing together the experience and knowledge of engineers allowed building modern footbridges as very slender structures. This in turn has led to structural vibration problems, which is a direct consequence of slender structures. In some footbridges, this problem occurs when natural construction frequencies are close to excitation frequencies. This requires a design methodology, which would ensure user safety and convenience of use of the footbridge in operation. Considering the aforementioned dynamic response, the analysis of the finite element model of a footbridge was conducted focusing on critical acceleration and deformation meanings. The model was based on the footbridge prototype located in Vilnius, Lithuania. Two different loading methods were developed to investigate the dynamic effects caused by people crossing a footbridge. The comparison of experimental and finite element model (FEM) results revealed that the footbridge in operation is within the limit values of comfort requirements in terms of its vibrations.
Symmetric MHD Channel Flow of Nonlocal Fractional Model of BTF Containing Hybrid Nanoparticles
Authors: Saqib Muhammad , Shafie Sharidan , Khan Ilyas , Chu Yu-Ming , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: April 2020

A nonlocal fractional model of Brinkman type fluid (BTF) containing a hybrid nanostructure was examined. The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of the hybrid nanofluid was studied using the fractional calculus approach. Hybridized silver (Ag) and Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were dissolved in base fluid water (H2O) to form a hybrid nanofluid. The MHD free convection flow of the nanofluid (Ag-TiO2-H2O) was considered in a microchannel (flow with a bounded domain). The BTF model was generalized using a nonlocal Caputo-Fabrizio fractional operator (CFFO) without a singular kernel of order α with effective thermophysical properties. The governing equations of the model were subjected to physical initial and boundary conditions. The exact solutions for the nonlocal fractional model without a singular kernel were developed via the fractional Laplace transform technique. The fractional solutions were reduced to local solutions by limiting α → 1 . To understand the rheological behavior of the fluid, the obtained solutions were numerically computed and plotted on various graphs. Finally, the influence of pertinent parameters was physically studied. It was found that the solutions were general, reliable, realistic and fixable. For the fractional parameter, the velocity and temperature profiles showed a decreasing trend for a constant time. By setting the values of the fractional parameter, excellent agreement between the theoretical and experimental results could be attained.
Fuzzy-Based Symmetrical Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Procedure for Evaluating the Impact of Harmful Factors of Healthcare Information Security
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Pandey Abhishek Kumar , Baz Abdullah , Alhakami Hosam , Alhakami Wajdi , Agrawal Alka , Khan Raees Ahmad
Published: April 2020

Growing concern about healthcare information security in the wake of alarmingly rising cyber-attacks is being given symmetrical priority by current researchers and cyber security experts. Intruders are penetrating symmetrical mechanisms of healthcare information security continuously. In the same league, the paper presents an overview on the current situation of healthcare information and presents a layered model of healthcare information management in organizations. The paper also evaluates the various factors that have a key contribution in healthcare information security breaches through a hybrid fuzzy-based symmetrical methodology of AHP-TOPSIS. Furthermore, for assessing the effect of the calculated results, the authors have tested the results on local hospital software of Varanasi. Tested results of the factors are validated through the comparison and sensitivity analysis in this study. Tabulated results of the proposed study propose a symmetrical mechanism as the most conversant technique which can be employed by the experts and researchers for preparing security guidelines and strategies.
The Linguistic Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Aggregation Operators Based on Extended Hamacher T-Norm and S-Norm and Their Application
Authors: Zhu Wei-Bo , Shuai Bin , Zhang Shi-Hang
Published: April 2020

Linguistic interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets, as an extension of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets, have strong practical value in the management of complex uncertainty system with qualitative evaluation information. This study focuses on the development of several linguistic interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy Hamacher (LIVIFH) aggregation operators based on the extended Hamacher t-norm and s-norm. First, the extended Hamacher t-norm and s-norm, which are applicable to linguistic information environment, are applied to define the linguistic interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy Hamacher operational laws. Second, based on the proposed operational laws, this study defines the linguistic interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy Hamacher weighted average (LIVIFHWA) operator and the linguistic interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy Hamacher weighted geometric (LIVIFHWG) operator, and then investigates their properties. Furthermore, the degeneracy and monotonicity of the proposed operators with respect to the adjustable parameter are explored. Finally, a multiple attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) approach is developed based on the proposed LIVIFH aggregation operators, and then this approach is applied to a supplier selection problem. Parameter analysis indicates that the adjustable parameter in the proposed LIVIFH aggregation operators could reflect the attitudes of decision makers. The LIVIFHWA operator would be more appropriate to optimistic decision makers, and the LIVIFHWG operator to pessimistic decision makers. In addition, as the adjustable parameter increasing, both attitudes tend to be neutral. The proposed method is also compared with two other approaches to show its feasibility and efficiency.
Critical Comparison of Analytical Performances of Two Immunoassay Methods for Rapid Detection of Aflatoxin M1 in Milk
Authors: Pecorelli Ivan , Guarducci Natascia , von Holst Cristoph , Bibi Rita , Pascale Michelangelo , Ciasca Biancamaria , Logrieco Antonio F. , Lattanzio Veronica M. T.
Published: April 2020

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a secondary metabolite produced by some Aspergillus spp. fungi affecting many crops and feed materials. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), the 4-hydroxylated metabolite of AFB1, is the main AFB1-related compound present in milk, and it is categorized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a “group 1 human carcinogen”. The aim of this work was to evaluate and compare the analytical performances of two commercial immunoassays widely applied for the detection of AFM1 in milk, namely strip test immunoassay and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Assay validation included samples at AFM1 levels of 25, 50, 75 ng/kg and blank samples (AFM1 < 0.5 ng/kg). With respect to a screening target concentration (STC) of 50 ng/kg the two assays showed cut-off values of 37.7 ng/kg and 47.5 ng/kg for strip test and ELISA, respectively, a false suspect rate for blanks <0.1% (for both assays) and a false negative rate for samples containing AFM1 at levels higher than STC, of 0.4% (for both assays). The intermediate precision (RSDip) was <32% for the strip test and <15% for the ELISA. Method verification through long-term intra-laboratory quality control (QC) measurements confirmed the results from the validation study. Furthermore, a satisfactory correlation of the results obtained with both immunoassays and the AOAC Official Method 2000.08 was obtained for the analysis of cow milk samples naturally contaminated with AFM1 at levels within “not detected” (< 0.5 ng/kg) and 50 ng/kg. Finally, the extension of the scope of the strip test method to goat and sheep milk was evaluated by applying the experimental design foreseen in the EU regulation.
Oligomer Formation and Insecticidal Activity of Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3Aa Toxin
Authors: Shao Ensi , Zhang Aishan , Yan Yaqi , Wang Yaomin , Jia Xinyi , Sha Li , Guan Xiong , Wang Ping , Huang Zhipeng
Published: April 2020

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Vip3A proteins are important insecticidal proteins used for control of lepidopteran insects. However, the mode of action of Vip3A toxin is still unclear. In this study, the amino acid residue S164 in Vip3Aa was identified to be critical for the toxicity in Spodoptera litura. Results from substitution mutations of the S164 indicate that the insecticidal activity of Vip3Aa correlated with the formation of a >240 kDa complex of the toxin upon proteolytic activation. The >240 kDa complex was found to be composed of the 19 kDa and the 65 kDa fragments of Vip3Aa. Substitution of the S164 in Vip3Aa protein with Ala or Pro resulted in loss of the >240 kDa complex and loss of toxicity in Spodoptera litura. In contrast, substitution of S164 with Thr did not affect the >240 kDa complex formation, and the toxicity of the mutant was only reduced by 35%. Therefore, the results from this study indicated that formation of the >240 kDa complex correlates with the toxicity of Vip3Aa in insects and the residue S164 is important for the formation of the complex.
Comprehensive Analysis of HERV Transcriptome in HIV+ Cells: Absence of HML2 Activation and General Downregulation of Individual HERV Loci
Authors: Grandi Nicole , Pisano Maria Paola , Scognamiglio Sante , Pessiu Eleonora , Tramontano Enzo
Published: April 2020

Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) expression is currently studied for its possible activation by HIV infection. In this context, the HERV-K(HML2) group is the most investigated: it has been proposed that HIV-1 infection can prompt HML2 transcription, and that HML2 proteins can affect HIV-1 replication, either complementing HIV or possibly influencing antiretroviral therapy. However, little information is available on the expression of other HERV groups in HIV infection. In the present study, we used a bioinformatics pipeline to investigate the transcriptional modulation of approximately 3250 well-characterized HERV loci, comparing their expression in a public RNA-seq profile, including a HIV-1-infected and a control T cell culture. In our pilot study, we found approximately 200 HERV loci belonging to 35 HERV groups that were expressed in one or both conditions, with transcripts per million (TPM) values from 1 to >500. Intriguingly, HML2 elements constituted only the 3% of expressed HERV loci, and in most cases (160) HERV expression was downregulated in the HIV-infected culture, showing from a 1- to 14-fold decrease as compared to uninfected cells. HERV transcriptome has been inferred de novo and employed to predict a total of about 950 HERV open reading frames (ORFs). These have been validated according to the coding potential and estimated abundance of the corresponding transcripts, leading to a set of 57 putative proteins potentially encoded by 23 HERV loci. Analysis showed that some individual loci have a coding potential that deserves further investigation. Among them, a HML6 provirus at locus 19q13.43 was predicted to produce a transcript showing the highest TPM among HERV-derived transcripts, being upregulated in HIV+ cells and inferred to produce Gag and Env puteins with possible biological activity.
A Comparison of Public Perceptions of Physicians and Veterinarians in the United States
Authors: Kedrowicz April A. , Royal Kenneth D.
Published: April 2020

Veterinary medicine consists of virtually the same medical specialties as human medicine, with veterinarians performing similar roles as medical doctors, albeit with different species. Despite these similarities, anecdotally, some perceptions of veterinarians as not “real doctors” persist. The purpose of this study was to explore and compare public perceptions of physicians and veterinarians. Participants were provided brief definitions of a physician and a veterinarian and then asked to provide a rating that best describes their perception with respect to 25 different personality characteristics/traits. A sample of 606 participants (unweighted) in the United States completed the survey. The results of this research show that the public tends to perceive veterinarians more favorably than physicians. More specifically, veterinarians were viewed as more approachable, sensitive, sympathetic, patient and understanding, while physicians were viewed as more proud, arrogant and overconfident. These results point to the favorable public perceptions of veterinarians. These findings are particularly relevant for veterinary educators who train the future workforce and have a significant role both in how the profession is portrayed and emphasizing the relationship between the public trust and social responsibility. Reinforcing the public’s strong trust in the veterinary profession throughout students’ education could enhance their own self-concept, self-esteem and overall mental health and well-being.
Countrywide Groundwater Quality Trend and Suitability for Use in Key Sectors of Korea
Authors: Jeon Chanhyeok , Raza Maimoona , Lee Jin-Yong , Kim Heejung , Kim Chang-Seong , Kim Bora , Kim Jeong-Woo , Kim Rak-Hyeon , Lee Sun-Woo
Published: April 2020

Under changing climate, increasing groundwater use has risen the concern for groundwater quality variations over recent years, to maintain a healthy ecosystem. The objectives were to identify trend of temporal variations in groundwater quality and its suitability for different uses in Republic of Korea. Water quality data were collected from 198 monitoring stations of Groundwater Quality Monitoring Network (GQMN), annually for the period of ten years (2008–2017). Non-parametric trend analysis of a Mann–Kendall test and Theil–Sen’s slope was done on groundwater physico-chemical data of ten years. Groundwater suitability evaluation was done for use in main sectors including domestic (drinking) and agriculture (irrigation). For drinking suitability analysis, results were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and Korean Ministry of Environment (KME) established guidelines. For irrigation suitability evaluation, electrical conductivity (EC), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), percent of Na+, Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), US Salinity Laboratory (USSL), and Wilcox diagram were used. Most significantly, water type belongs to Ca-HCO3 and Ca-SO4 types, but a small proportion belongs to Na-CO3 and Na-Cl types. Approximately, 96% and 93% of groundwater samples are suitable for drinking, based on WHO and KME guidelines, respectively. Around 98% and 83% of groundwater samples are in suitable range for irrigation use, based on USSL and Wilcox diagrams, respectively.
The Evolution and Sources of Major Ions in Hot Springs in the Triassic Carbonates of Chongqing, China
Authors: Ta Mingming , Zhou Xun , Guo Juan , Wang Xinyun , Wang Yuan , Xu Yanqiu
Published: April 2020

Thermal groundwater in the Lower and Middle Triassic carbonates in Chongqing, China, is mainly concentrated in anticlines. Hot springs (32.9 to 57 °C) with SO4-Ca type waters and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) of 1620 to 2929 mg/L emerge in the middle and the plunging ends of the structures. Multivariate methods are used to analyze the hydrochemical characteristics of the waters, and identify the sources of the main dissolved components, providing an insight into the evolution of the environment in which they formed. Hierarchical cluster analysis of compositional data differentiates samples in the study area into three categories: high TDS-high Ca2+ and SO42− water; medium TDS-high Na+ and Cl− water; and low TDS-high HCO3− water. Factor analysis and ion ratio relationships show that Ca2+ and SO42− are mainly derived from the dissolution of gypsum and anhydrite within the geothermal reservoir, with some addition of SO42− from coal-bearing cap rocks. The main source of HCO3−, is in the dissolution of dolomite and CO2 that also promotes the incongruent dissolution of albite and K-feldspar, adding Na+ and K+ to the groundwater. Reverse modelling of the transfers of each phase shows, in three models, that the minerals dissolved decrease progressively—with the exception of halite and albite. Combined with the hydrochemical characteristics of hot water in the same reservoir in the adjacent area (Cl-Na type, TDS of 13.37 g/L), a process of desalination of the hot water can be confirmed, which has not yet reached the ‘freshwater’ stage dominated by HCO3−.
Energy Consumption and Internal Distribution in Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plants of Greece
Authors: Siatou Alexandra , Manali Anthoula , Gikas Petros
Published: April 2020

The high-energy consumption of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a crucial issue for municipalities worldwide. Most WWTPs in Greece operate as extended aeration plants, which results in high operational costs due to high energy needs. The present study investigated the energy requirements of 17 activated sludge WWTPs in Greece, serving between 1100–56,000 inhabitants (population equivalent, PE), with average daily incoming flowrates between 300–27,300 m3/d. The daily wastewater production per inhabitant was found to lie between 0.052 m3/PE·d and 0.426 m3/PE·d, with average volume of 0.217 ± 0.114 m3/PE·d. The electric energy consumption per volume unit (EQ (kWh/m3)) was between 0.128–2.280 kWh/m3 (average 0.903 ± 0.509 kWh/m3) following a near logarithmic descending correlation with the average incoming flowrate (Qav) (EQ = −0.294lnQav + 3.1891; R2 = 0.5337). A similar relationship was found between the daily electric energy requirements for wastewater treatment per inhabitant (EPE (kWh/PE·d)) as a function of PE, which varied from 0.041–0.407 kWh/PE·d (average 0.167 ± 0.101 kWh/PE·d)) (EPE = −0.073ln(PE) + 0.8425; R2 = 0.6989). Similarly, the daily energy cost per inhabitant (E€/PE (€/PE·d)) as a function of PE and the electric energy cost per wastewater volume unit (E€/V (€/m3)) as a function of average daily flow (Qav) were found to follow near logarithmic trends (E€/PE = −0.013ln(PE) + 0.1473; R2 = 0.6388, and E€/V = −0.052lnQav + 0.5151; R2 = 0.6359), respectively), with E€/PE varying between 0.005–0.073 €/PE·d (average 0.024 ± 0.019 €/PE·d) and E€/V between 0.012–0.291 €/m3 (average 0.111 ± 0.077 €/m3). Finally, it was calculated that, in an average WWTP, the aeration process is the main energy sink, consuming about 67.2% of the total electric energy supply to the plant. The large variation of energy requirements per inlet volume unit and per inhabitant served, indicate that there is large ground for improving the performance of the WWTPs, with respect to energy consumption.
A teoria pós-colonial e a (re)construção da relação língua e cultura na sala de aula de inglês
Authors: Cristina Barros de Souza Hall Silvia
Published: April 2020

Este trabalho buscou verificar as percepções que os alunos de duas turmas de Letras- Inglês da UFOPA tinham acerca da relação entre língua e cultura na sala de aula de língua inglesa e em sua formação de futuros professores, mais especificamente, as reflexões (re)construídas e partilhadas na disciplina de Culturas Anglófonas. As atividades dessa disciplina foram planejadas seguindo um viés intercultural, que, de acordo com Corbett (2003), trata todos os valores culturais como abertos ao debate e sujeitos a examinação crítica e negociação. Os resultados do estudo mostraram que, ao se trabalhar a relação cultura e língua à luz da teoria pós-colonial e da pedagogia intercultural, discursos de empoderamento, agência de falantes, possibilidades de resistência e identidades culturais localmente situadas foram identificados nas falas dos participantes
Serebral Enfarktla Seyreden Çocukluk Çağı Santral Sinir Sistemi Tüberkülozu Olgusu
Authors: ELMAS Bahri , BİRCAN Onur , DERVİŞOĞLU Pınar , ORHAN Mehmet Fatih , ALTUNSOY Didem , DUYU Muhterem
Published: April 2020

Çocuklarda santral sinir sistemi tüberkülozu oldukça nadir görülmekle birlikte tüberküloza bağlı ölüm ve uzun dönem sekellerin en sık sebebidir. BCG aşısının hastaları tüberküloz menenjitinden yüksek oranda koruduğu bilinmekle birlikte yaş ile birlikte koruyuculuğu azalmaktadır. Hastalıkta etken her zaman gösterilememekte, tanı ancak hikâye, fizik muayene, laboratuvar ve görüntüleme yöntemlerinin birlikte değerlendirilmesi ile konulabilmektedir. Hastalığın prognozu ise erken tanı ve anti-tüberküloz tedavinin başlanma zamanıyla doğrudan ilişkilidir. Serebral enfarkt ile seyreden santral sinir sistemi tüberkülozu vakası erken tanı ve tedavinin vurgulanması amacıyla sunulmuştur.
COVID-19 (Yeni Tip Koronavirüs) Günlerinde Dahi Anne Sütü Yine Çok Önemli!
Authors: ASLAN Mustafa Törehan , ÖZER ASLAN İlke , ÖZDEMİR Öner
Published: April 2020

Yeni tip koronavirüs (2019-nCoV / SARS-CoV-2) enfeksiyonu sonucu oluşan COVID-19 hastalığı, ek hastalığı olmayan çocuk ve gençlerin aksine yaşlılarda ve ek hastalığı olan kişilerde daha ağır seyirli ve semptomatik yaşanmaktadır. Ancak fetusa geçiş yolları, yenidoğanlarda ve bebeklerde virüsün klinik seyri, laboratuvar değişiklikleri ve prognozu hakkında kanıt düzeyi yüksek yeterli bilgiler henüz yoktur. Salgınlar gibi olağanüstü koşullarda sağlığın korunmasında anne sütü ile beslenmenin önemi büyüktür. Özellikle enfeksiyonlardan korunmada anne sütünün antimikrobiyal, antienflamatuar ve immünomodülatör olumlu yönleri önem arz etmektedir. Anne sütü içeriğinde bulunan özellikle laktoferrin, lizozim, salgısal IgA, vb. diğer ajanlar ile doğal immünite oluşmaktadır. Şu anki bilimsel veriler çerçevesinde annede COVID-19 kanıtlanmış ve şüpheli enfeksiyon varlığında anne sütünün verilmesinde kesin bir engel görünmemektedir. Tüm Dünya’da yaşanan COVID-19 salgını sürecinde bebek sağlığı açısından birçok yararlı ve olumlu etkileri olan anne sütü ile beslenmeye gerekli hijyen ve izolasyon kurallarına uyularak, aydınlatılmış onam ile birlikte ailenin de görüşünün sürece dahil edilerek devam edilmesi önem arz etmektedir.
Magnetic logs from the Lopra-1/1A and Vestmanna-1 wells, Faroe Islands
Authors: Abrahamsen Niels , Waagstein Regin
Published: April 2020

Susceptibility measurements from cores (representing basalt, lapilli-tuffs and tuffs) and magnetic logs from the Lopra-1/1A well are presented. The basalts fall into high- and low-susceptibility groups with no overlap. The high-susceptibility basalts (seven cores) have susceptibilities between 4 and 88 ×10–3 SI and consist of basalt with < 1% vesicles from thick massive units. The low-susceptibility basalts are intergranular, intersertal or hypocrystalline and contain no or very little (< 1%) visible magnetite, are generally more altered than the high-susceptibility basalts and have susceptibilities in the range from 0.6 to 1.4 × 10–3 SI (seven cores). The susceptibility of ten volcaniclastites of lapilli-tuff or tuff varies from 0.4 to 3.8 × 10–3 SI. The cores from the Lopra-1/1A well reveal a bimodal distribution of magnetic susceptibility. Low susceptibilities ranging from 0.4 to 4 are characteristic of altered basalts poor in magnetite, lapilli-tuffs and tuffs. Thus single measurements of susceptibility are of little use in discriminating between these three types of rock. Susceptibility logs from the Lopra-1/1A well show that the variation below 3315 m distinguishes clearly between volcaniclastics (hyaloclastites) with low and fairly constant susceptibility and basalt beds of between 5 and 10 m thickness (with high susceptibility). The volcaniclastics comprise some 60–70% of the sequence between 3315 and 3515 m with the maximum continuous sediment layer being 80 m thick. A 1½ m core of solid basalt at 2381 m and sidewall cores of basalt from the Lopra1/1A well have a mean susceptibility of 22.1 ± 3.5 × 10–3 SI (standard deviation (σ) = 23.6, number of samples (N) = 46), while samples of hyaloclastite (lapilli-tuff and tuff) have a mean susceptibility of 0.85 × 10–3 SI (σ = 0.39, N = 17). The mean values of the rock magnetic parameters for 303 basalt plugs from the Vestmanna-1 well are: Qave = 13.3 ± 0.6 (σ = 11), Save = 11.8 ± 0.6 × 10–3 SI (σ = 11) and Jave = 4.64 ± 0.25 A/m (σ = 4.4). The reversely polarised, lowermost (hidden) part of the c. 4½ km thick lower basalt formation correlates with Chron C26r. The upper (exposed) part of the lower basalt formation correlates with Chrons C26n, C25r and C25n and the more than 2.3 km thick middle and upper basalt formations correlate with Chron C24n.3r.
Hydrocarbon gases in Palaeogene volcanic rocks from the Lopra-1/1A well, Faroe Islands
Authors: Laier Troels
Published: April 2020

Hydrocarbon gases were monitored in the drilling fluid during deepening of the Lopra-1 well from 2178–3565 m, in which thermogenic, methane-rich gases had been found previously. The mud gas concentration, up to 105 ppm of methane, was generally higher in the hyaloclastite sequence, 2470 m – terminal depth (TD), than in the overlying lavas of the lower basalt formation. The highest concentrations of mud gas in the lower basalt formation were associated with the more porous tuffaceous zones, whereas no simple relationship could be established between measured mud gas concentrations and porosity of the hyaloclastic rocks, which showed less marked porosity variations than the lavas. Chemical (C2+ < 1%) and isotopic (δ13C1: –34 to –39‰) compositions of seven samples of mud gas collected at peak gas concentrations between 2657 m and 3442 m compare well with those of the hydrocarbon gases which had been seeping more or less continuously into the existing well since 1983, suggesting a common origin of the gases. Headspace methane concentrations measured in 135 canned samples of cuttings were scattered between 10 ppm and 6 × 103 ppm, with the exception of six samples from a short interval, 2685– 2745 m, which showed consistently high values > 104 ppm. No particularly gas-rich zones were indicated, however, by the mud gas, nor was any significant change in lithology noted for this interval. It is possible that the technique of turbo-drilling, that had been attempted over a short interval, 2657– 2675 m prior to collection of the high-level methane samples, may have caused enhanced degassing due to the very fine cuttings produced. Chemical and isotopic composition of headspace gas and mud gas indicated the same type of gas throughout the well, although headspace methane tended to be more enriched with respect to the 13C isotope. The origin of the Lopra-1 gas is discussed in the light of recent information obtained from source rock studies of central East Greenland and the Faroe–Shetland Basin.
The regional distribution of zeolites in the basalts of the Faroe Islands and the significance of zeolites as palaeotemperature indicators
Authors: Jørgensen Ole
Published: April 2020

The first maps of the regional distribution of zeolites in the Palaeogene basalt plateau of the Faroe Islands are presented. The zeolite zones (thomsonite-chabazite, analcite, mesolite, stilbite-heulandite, laumontite) continue below sea level and reach a depth of 2200 m in the Lopra-1/1A well. Below this level, a high temperature zone occurs characterised by prehnite and pumpellyite. The stilbite-heulandite zone is the dominant mineral zone on the northern island, Vágar, the analcite and mesolite zones are the dominant ones on the southern islands of Sandoy and Suðuroy and the thomsonite-chabazite zone is dominant on the two northeastern islands of Viðoy and Borðoy. It is estimated that zeolitisation of the basalts took place at temperatures between about 40°C and 230°C. Palaeogeothermal gradients are estimated to have been 66 ± 9°C/km in the lower basalt formation of the Lopra area of Suðuroy, the southernmost island, 63 ± 8°C/km in the middle basalt formation on the northernmost island of Vágar and 56 ± 7°C/km in the upper basalt formation on the central island of Sandoy. A linear extrapolation of the gradient from the Lopra area places the palaeosurface of the basalt plateau near to the top of the lower basalt formation. On Vágar, the palaeosurface was somewhere between 1700 m and 2020 m above the lower formation while the palaeosurface on Sandoy was between 1550 m and 1924 m above the base of the upper formation. The overall distribution of zeolites reflects primarily variations in the maximum depth of burial of the basalt rather than differences in heat flow. The inferred thinning of the middle and upper basalt formation from the central to the southern part of the Faroes is in general agreement with a northerly source area for these basalts, centred around the rift between the Faroes and Greenland. The regional zeolite distribution pattern is affected by local perturbations of the mineral zone boundaries that reflect local differences in the temperature, perhaps related to the circulation of water in the underground. The zonal distribution pattern suggests that these temperature anomalies are in part related to NW–SE-trending eruption fissures or zones of weakness separating the present islands and are subparallel to transfer zones in the Faroe–Shetland Basin. Both the regional and the local distribution of zeolite assemblages are probably a reflection of the basic volcanic-tectonic pattern of the Faroe Islands.
Clima organizacional en las instituciones de salud desde una perspectiva teórica
Authors: Fajardo Aguilar Graciela Maribel , Almache Delgado Verónica Jacqueline , Olaya Santos Heydi Katherine
Published: April 2020

En el sector de la salud cada institución es única y todo grupo humano desarrolla características especiales, así pues en la actualidad, estudiar el clima organizacional dentro del ámbito de la salud es una de las herramientas estratégicas que ayudan al mejoramiento continuo de la institución, dado que, mediante su análisis se pueden establecer factores clave que permiten incrementar la calidad de vida laboral de los distintos profesionales de la salud, y con ello la calidad de los servicios médicos que se ofrecen a la población. A partir de ello, el objetivo del presente manuscrito se centra en realizar una recopilación bibliográfica con la finalidad de presentar el origen y la evolución del término clima organizacional enfocado a instituciones de salud y cuyos actores principales son los distintos profesionales que interactúan en este sector. Para ello, la metodología empleada está dada bajo un enfoque cualitativo, apoyada por una investigación bibliográfica con el fin de recopilar información de diferentes fuentes secundarias y plasmar información útil que servirá como referencia para otras investigaciones. Bajo estos antecedentes y como principales hallazgos se pudo determinar que el conocimiento del clima organizacional en las distintas entidades de salud suministra retroinformación en relación a los procesos que determinan los comportamientos institucionales, permitiendo también introducir cambios planificados tanto en las conductas y actitudes de cada uno de los miembros implicados.
PROGNOSIS OF INDIVIDUAL RISK OF HEART RHYTHM DISTURBANCES AND CONDUCTIVITY IN NEWBORNS IN THE EARLY NEONATAL PERIOD
Authors: Gonchar M. , Ivanova Ye. , Kondratova I. , Komova V.
Published: April 2020

Background. Neonatal arrhythmias, for the most part, have a good prognosis for recovery. However, they can also have an adverse course and lead to the development of life-threatening conditions. Therefore, it is important to search for earlier markers of myocardial lesion, diagnostic criteria and predictors of arrhythmias. Purpose. Improvement of diagnosis and prediction of the risk of cardiac arrhythmias and conduction in newborns in the early neonatal period by identifying factors that play a role in the prediction of neonatal arrhythmias. Subjects & Methods. The study involved 76 newborns. Group 1 included 57 infants with arrhythmias according to Holter monitoring, Group 2 included 19 infants without arrhythmias. The study implied a comparison of history data, laboratory and instrumental findings, levels of troponin I and copeptin. To predict the development of neonatal arrhythmias, logistic regression analysis was performed. The quality of the model was tested using the Percent Concordant (PC). Quality Score was evaluated by R2 Nigelkerke. Model adequacy was estimated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Results. The study showed that the factors that can influence the development of arrhythmias in the early neonatal period are the level of umbilical cord blood, the levels of troponin I, copeptin, GGT, assessment of Apgar scale in the 1st and 5th minutes, asphyxia at birth, indices of wave R amplitude in V3 and V5 of chest leads, ST segment deviation from the isoline according to standard surface ECG, QTc levels and mean daily maximum, minimum heart rate according to Holter monitoring. Conclusions. Predictors of neonatal arrhythmias development are indicators of laboratory-instrumental parameters of cardiovascular system status, troponin I level above 0.29 ng/ml and copeptin level above 0.1 ng/ml.