bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public procurement in construction: a critical review
Authors: Pavlov Alexander S.
Published: April 2022

Introduction. The first article of the series addresses the main findings of the analysis of regulatory documents governing public procurement in construction in some foreign countries. Methods, that are little known in Russia and not typical for the domestic practice of contractual relations, are successfully used abroad. On the contrary, some of the rules look strange to a foreign bidder. The Auditing Chamber of the Russian Federation emphasizes the instability of competition legislation.

Materials and methods. The authors address the Russian investment and procurement statistics and study basic principles and methods of public procurement. Basic rules governing relations between customers and contractors are analyzed. The Russian bidding legislation is compared with foreign bidding legislation systems, which are analyzed in the article.

Results. The author have found that no thorough preparations for design and construction works are made. Little financial resources are invested into feasibility studies. Electronic document management is overemphasized, and features of the construction process are not sufficiently addressed. Competitive negotiations are not used abroad, although auctions, that do not take into account any parameters other than the price, are applied. The contact price is set in advance, without taking into account the contractor’s capabilities, and later this price remains unchanged, even if its initial value is too low. In many cases no contractors join the bidding process, which causes investment programmes to fail. The procurement legislation hardly addresses the contract implementation phase.

Conclusions. It is advisable to draft and pass an independent federal law on public procurement in construction. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the international experience and the capabilities of contractors operating in civil and industrial engineering. There is a need to limit indirect costs and profit margins of equipment and construction material producers in the same way as it is done in respect of construction companies within the framework of price control measures.
Efectos del genotipo, tamaño de la camada y el sexo sobre las características de la canal y el perfil de ácidos grasos en corderos de pelo
Authors: Cruz-Sánchez Oscar Elías , Herrera-Camacho José , García-Herrera Ricardo A. , Aguayo-Ulloa Lorena , Moo-Huchin Víctor M. , Cruz-Hernández Aldenamar , Gómez-Vázquez Armando , Macias-Cruz Ulises , Chay-Canul Alfonso J.
Published: April 2022

El efecto del genotipo (Pelibuey vs Katahdin), tipo de parto (simple vs dobles) y sexo (machos vs. hembras) sobre las características de la canal y de sus cortes, además del perfil de ácidos grasos del lomo fueron evaluados en 66 corderos sacrificados al destete. El rendimiento de la canal y del costillar fue mayor (P<0.05) en la raza Pelibuey. El peso al sacrificio, peso de canal y rendimiento del costillar fue mayor (P<0.01) en crías de parto simple, mientras que el rendimiento de paleta y pierna fue menor (P< 0.01) que en crías de parto doble. La proporción del tejido blando de los diferentes cortes fue mayor (P<0.05), pero el de hueso fue menor (P< 0.05) en crías de parto simple que las de parto doble. Las hembras tuvieron mayor (P<0.05) proporción de tejido blando y menor proporción de hueso (P<0.01) que los machos. Las concentraciones de C18:1n7 y C20:4n-6 fueron mayores (P< 0.05) en la raza Pelibuey que, en la Katahdin, mientras que los C22:5n-3 y C22:6n-3 fueron menores. El porcentaje de ácidos grasos monoinsaturados fue mayor (P<0.05) en la carne de crías de partos simples, en tanto que el de los ácidos grasos poliinsaturados totales y n-3 fue mayor (P<0.05) en crías de partos dobles. Las características de la canal, la composición tisular de los cortes comerciales y el perfil de ácidos grasos en ovinos de pelo sacrificados al destete mostraron más cambios por el tipo de parto que por el genotipo o el sexo.
Modelos de negocio para la producción de ovinos en el nororiente y centro del Estado de México
Authors: Calderón-Cabrera Judith , Santoyo-Cortés Vinicio Horacio , Martínez-González Enrique Genaro , Palacio-Muñoz Víctor Herminio
Published: April 2022

La ovinocultura es importante debido a la creciente demanda y los beneficios que genera. Sin embargo, para impulsar su productividad se requieren conocer sus características empresariales. El objetivo de la investigación fue explicar el entorno en el cual se desarrolla la producción y definir los principales modelos de negocio, para precisar sus perspectivas de desarrollo. Se aplicó una entrevista semiestructurada a 32 empresas. Para analizar el perfil del productor y la unidad de producción se usó estadística descriptiva y para tipificar las empresas dependiendo de su modelo de negocio se utilizó un análisis clúster. Se encontró que, debido a la cercanía con grandes centros urbanos, la producción se ubica en una zona periurbana con alta demanda por recursos como tierra y agua, participa en una cadena comercial de circuito corto y los productores realizan la actividad de manera complementaria. Bajo este contexto, se identificaron tres modelos de negocio: i) el tradicional, que ofrecen animales sin atributos diferenciados, sin realizar mejoras productivas y comerciales, que desarrollan la actividad de manera inercial y sin perspectivas de mejora; ii) el intermedio, que muestra mayor disposición a aplicar conocimientos técnicos, comerciales y gerenciales, debido a la escolaridad de sus productores; y iii) el especializado, en donde se realiza un mejor manejo productivo, ofreciendo productos de alto valor. Se concluye que para impulsar la productividad es necesario tomar en cuenta el modelo de negocio y el entorno, pues solo una vez que se atiendan las necesidades del mercado, los productores mejorarán su competitividad.
Producción y calidad nutritiva de Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Grey en tres épocas del año y su efecto en la preferencia por ovinos Pelibuey
Authors: Vargas Velázquez Vicky Tatiana , Pérez Hernández Ponciano , López Ortiz Silvia , Castillo Gallegos Epigmenio , Cruz Lazo Cristino , Jarillo Rodríguez Jesús
Published: April 2022

Se determinó producción, calidad nutritiva y preferencia de T. diversifolia por ovinos Pelibuey a diferentes edades, en tres épocas del año. Se midió la producción de materia seca (MS) y calidad nutritiva de forraje cada 14 días, desde el corte hasta 84 días de edad. Se tomaron muestras de hoja y tallo para determinar proteína cruda (PC), fibra detergente neutro (FDN) y fibra detergente ácida (FDA). Se utilizaron ocho ovinos Pelibuey adultos para determinar su preferencia por el follaje de T. diversifolia a los 42, 56 y 70 días de rebrote. La producción de MS total fue similar en otoño e invierno y ambas mayores que primavera. En otoño a los 56 días y en invierno a los 70 días después del corte, la producción de MS fue 9 t ha-1, mientras que en primavera a los 84 días fue cercana a las 3 t ha-1. El incremento o decremento de los componentes morfológicos de la biomasa a través del tiempo fue distinto entre las épocas evaluadas y mostró un comportamiento curvilíneo en el tiempo, dentro de cada época. La PC aumentó en forma lineal con la edad de corte. En otoño e invierno hubo mayor porcentaje de FDN y FDA. Las plantas de 42 días tuvieron menor porcentaje de FDA. El rendimiento de MS y la calidad nutritiva de T. diversifolia difiere según la época del año y la edad de rebrote. La edad de corte de la planta afectó su preferencia por los ovinos Pelibuey (P=0.0091), fue mayor por el follaje de 42 días, seguido por 56 y 70 días.
Batallas culturales y memorialización en Chile: reflexiones sobre las posibilidades críticas y la autonomía del arte público en la posdictadura
Authors: Cuevas Valenzuela Hernán
Published: April 2022

Este artículo se pregunta si hubo, en el Chile de la posdictadura, limitaciones a la autonomía de la producción cultural y artística sobre la memoria de eventos traumáticos. En particular, se analiza el contenido y la historia de la producción de secciones relevantes del mural Memoria Visual de una Nación del artista chileno Mario Toral. El artículo demuestra que el arte público fue una arena de lucha por los sentidos de la democratización durante la posdictadura. Para ello usa conceptos de la teoría política posestructurlista, los estudios culturales, la filosofía de la memoria y los estudios de la memoria. El artículo ofrece también una interpretación de la producción cultural como un proceso abierto y contingente. Concluye que la transición vía transacción en Chile influyó negativamente sobre el campo de producción artístico reduciendo su autonomía y divergencia respecto del discurso político dominante en el período.
Durkheim’s ambivalence towards psychology and the foundations of sociology as a discipline
Authors: Ignjatovic Suzana
Published: April 2022

The paper explores Durkheim?s ambivalent position towards psychology, drawing
on his debates with Comte, Tarde, and Wundt. In addressing this issue, we
propose different types of anti-psychologism in sociology: epistemological
(excluding psychological dimensions from sociological explanations),
institutional (denying psychology the status of science), and strategic
(establishing sociology as a scientific field). The analysis shows that
Durkheim?s strategic anti-psychologism was more prominent and comprehensive
than his epistemological anti-psychologism. Durkheim was against
psychologism in sociology, but he incorporated psychological dimensions into
his theory (cognitivism). He opted for a clear distinction between
sociological and psychological fields, but he accepted psychology as an
academic discipline (unlike Comte) and even incorporated some ideas from
Wundt?s psychology. Durkheim?s position was determined by historical
developments in the emerging social sciences. The competition between the
neighbouring academic fields asked for ?distinction?. At the same time,
shifting paradigms in psychology resulted in converging positions (Durkheim
and Wundt). We argue that a common perception of Durkheim?s
anti-psychologism has overshadowed his nuanced approach to psychological
factors in his work. It has also determined the long-term ?fear of
psychologism? and a lack of relevant psychological perspective in sociology.
Fraud Risk Assessment: A Story Based Approach Outperforms the Checklist
Authors: Bierstaker James L. , Hanes Downey Denise , Rose Jacob M. , Thibodeau Jay C.
Published: April 2022

Bierstaker, Hanes-Downey, Rose, and Thibodeau (2018) investigate whether using a fraud story (a one-page summary of the key facts in an SEC AAER written as a narrative) as compared to a traditional checklist improves fraud risk assessments in two separate experiments. This article summarizes their findings and discusses practical implications and actionable suggestions for audit practitioners. Specifically, the summary focuses on the capacity of fraud stories to help novice auditors develop knowledge structures that closely resemble the knowledge structures of experts and ultimately to improve experienced auditors' risk assessments. Importantly, one Big 4 firm that participated in this research has adopted new and innovative fraud training methods based upon the results of this study. This article discusses these training implications, along with the potential for stories to help auditors improve their fraud-related judgments and additional considerations for the design of decision aids and knowledge management systems.
Influence of Manual and Ultrasonic Scaling on Surface Roughness of Four Different Base Materials Used to Elevate Proximal Dentin–Cementum Gingival Margins: AnIn VitroStudy
Authors: Ismail HS , Ali AI , Garcia-Godoy F
Published: April 2022

Aim

To evaluate and compare the effects of both manual and ultrasonic scaling on surface roughness of four different base materials, used for elevating dentin/cementum gingival margins of proximal cavities.

Methods and Materials

Eighty human upper molars with compound Class II mesial cavities, with gingival margins 1 mm below the cemento–enamel junction (CEJ), were divided into four different groups according to the type of the base material used; resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI), glass hybrid (HV-GIC), flowable bulk-fill resin composite (Bulk Flow) and bioactive ionic resin (Activa). This was followed by completing the restorations with the same resin composite. All materials were used according to the manufacturers’ instructions. All groups were further subdivided into two subgroups according to the scaling technique: manual (hand) or ultrasonic. All restorative and scaling procedures were performed after fixation of specimens with acrylic beside neighboring teeth to simulate natural contact. The mean surface roughness (Ra, μm) of all specimens was measured quantitatively and qualitatively by a three-dimensional (3D) surface analyzer system at two stages; (1) after thermal cycling for 5000 cycles without scaling and (2) after scaling. Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey post hoc tests, and paired sample t-tests (at α=0.05).

Results

For baseline readings, the Bulk Flow group had the lowest Ra values, while HV-GIC group had the highest. RMGI and Activa groups had no statistical significant difference between their Ra values (p>0.05). For post scaling readings, hand scaling had significantly lower Ra values than ultrasonic scaling in all the material groups (p<0.05), except in the Bulk Flow group, where both scaling methods were not significantly different from each other (p>0.05)

Conclusion

Bulk Flow had the smoothest surfaces when cured against a matrix band compared with the other tested base materials. When hand and ultrasonic scaling methods were compared, the latter technique had more detrimental effect on the surface texture of the four tested base materials.
Surface Treatment and Cementation of Lithium Silicate Ceramics Containing ZrO2
Authors: Martins JD , Moura DMD , Lima CM , de Carvalho RLA , Leite FPP , Souza ROA
Published: April 2022

Objective

To evaluate the effect of different surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) of lithium silicate (LS) and lithium disilicate (LD) ceramics, after thermocycling.

Methods and Materials

For SBS test, 72 ceramic blocks (18×14×2 mm) were made (24 blocks from each ceramic material): VITA Suprinity (LSS), Celtra Duo (LSC), and Lithium disilicate (LD). The blocks were polished with sandpaper of increasing grit (#280, #400, #800, and #1200) and embedded in chemically activated acrylic resin. Afterwards, they were randomly divided into 12 groups (6 blocks per group) according to: “Ceramic” (LD, LSC, and LSS) and “Surface treatment” (HFS: hydrofluoric acid + silane; MEP: Monobond Etch & Prime/Ivoclar). From each treated surface ceramic block, four dual-curing resin cement cylinders (RelyX U200, 3M Oral Care) were prepared using a Tygon tube (Ø=3 mm and h=2 mm) and light cured for 40 seconds (1000 mW/cm2) (N=288/n=24). All specimens were submitted to thermocycling (10,000 cycles, 5°C and 55°C, 30 seconds) and then to SBS test at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min using a 50-kgf load cell. Forty-five additional blocks were made for roughness and SEM analysis. Failure mode was also performed. The data (MPa) were statistically analyzed by oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey test (5%), and Weibull analysis. The Ra was analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn Test (5%). The other variables were analyzed qualitatively.

Results

ANOVA revealed that “surface treatment” was significant for all ceramic materials (p<0.05). The LD-HFS (18.66±3.49), LSC-HFS (16.81±2.62), and LSS-HFS (16.33±3.08) groups had significantly higher SBS than the LD-MEP (7.00±4.2), LSCMEP (14.12±3.51), and LSS-MEP (13.87±2.52) groups. Complete adhesive failures at the cement–dentin interface were more frequent. Weibull modulus was superior for the LD-HFS (6.22), LSC-HFS (8.8), and LSS-HFS (7.4) groups.

Conclusion

HF followed by silanization is the most suitable surface treatment for the cementation of LS and LD glass ceramics.
The Influence of Cement Removal Techniques on In Situ Bacterial Adhesion and Biodegradation at the Marginal Interface of Ceramic Laminates
Authors: de Brito OFF , Sandes JM , de Lima FCG , Oliveira JB , Alves LC , Brayner FA , de Melo Monteiro GQ
Published: April 2022

Objectives

This in situ study aimed to analyze the influence of different resin cement removal techniques on bacterial adhesion and biodegradation at the marginal interface of ceramic laminates.

Methods and Materials

Eighty feldspathic ceramic (F) blocks were prepared and cemented onto bovine enamel slabs (7×2.5×2 mm). Excess cement was removed using a microbrush (MBR), a scalpel blade (SCP), or a Teflon spatula (TSP). For the biodegradation analysis, 40 disc-shaped resin cement specimens were prepared (7×1.5 mm) using a Teflon mold. The specimens were randomly allocated into two groups: (1) No finishing procedure (only Mylar strip), and (2) with finishing and polishing procedures using the Jiffy system (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA) (n=20). The in situ phase consisted of using an intraoral palatal device by 20 volunteers for 7 days. Each device contained five cylindrical wells (8×3 mm), where three dental blocks and two cement specimens were included in the wells. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured using a contact profilometer. A micromorphological analysis was performed under a stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope. Bacterial adhesion was quantitated based on the number of colony-forming units (CFU/mL) and their biofilm development potential.

Results

The cement removal techniques directly affected surface roughness at the marginal interface (p<0.001), and the SCP technique produced higher mean roughness, regardless of the surface area analyzed. Surface polishing protected cement specimens from further biodegradation (p=0.148). There were no differences in CFU counts between the groups after the in situ phase (p=0.96). All specimens showed CFU with a strong ability to develop a biofilm.

Conclusions

The techniques used for cement removal increased the surface roughness of ceramic laminates, particularly SCP, but they did not affect bacterial adhesion at the marginal interface. Surface polishing of the resin cement is recommended to mitigate biodegradation.
Trajetórias de escolarização de negros/as e quilombolas
Authors: De Oliveira Osvaldo Martins , Da Trindade Luana Ribeiro , Alves Paula Aristeu
Published: April 2022

Este artigo resulta de pesquisas sobre o acesso de negros/as e quilombolas à educação escolar. O objetivo aqui é refletir sobre a diversidade do currículo escolar a partir de reivindicações de estudantes negros/as e quilombolas pela inclusão da cultura afro-brasileira e das trajetórias de escolarização de personagens e intelectuais negros/as no currículo escolar de todos os níveis de ensino. A metodologia empregada é a revisão de bibliografia sobre trajetórias negras e entrevistas com estudantes negros e quilombolas. Ao analisar os dados, verifica-se que a história, memória e legados de autores/as negros/as no Brasil e na diáspora que escrevem sobre história e culturas negras influenciam as ações desses estudantes, mas esses personagens foram silenciados e não reconhecidos nos currículos das escolas e dos cursos universitários. A reivindicação é que sejam incluídos.
Diversidade sociocultural e currículo nas Amazônias
Authors: Camargo Leila Maria , Hage Salomão Antônio Mufarrej , Gomes Raimunda Kelly Silva , Figueiredo Arthane Menezes
Published: April 2022

Este artigo, objetiva refletir sobre a diversidade sociocultural existente nas múltiplas Amazônias e suas interrelações com o currículo, ao compreender o território em sua pluralidade socioambiental. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa bibliográfica e documental desenvolvida por integrantes do NUCFOR, que integra o PROCAD/AMAZÔNIA. Discute a importância da diversidade enquanto direito de todos os povos e compreende as amazônicas em suas múltiplas formas de estar no mundo, a fim de resistir à fragmentação, hierarquização e à padronização que vem sendo propostas pelas políticas curriculares brasileiras, a exemplo da BNCC e da BNC-Formação que recentemente passaram a traçar as diretrizes curriculares nacionais, oferecendo outras propostas e possibilidades.
FEM elements enriched with meshfree functions: overview and application
Authors:   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Bekhta M. , Savula Ya. ,   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv
Published: April 2022

A specific method of coupling FEM and meshless/meshfree methods is presented. This method is based on placing meshfree nodes inside the finite element and as a result improving the overall approximation on that element. Advantages and disadvantages of such approach are explained. It is shown that such approach is a version of a more general one. Numerical experiments are presented and analyzed.
Damping characteristics of three-layer beam-damper under harmonic loading
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Zhuk Y.
Published: April 2022

Thermomechanical behavior of inhomogeneous viscoplastic structures under cyclic loading is investigated for the problem of harmonic bending and dissipative heating of a three layer beam. Two problem statements are used. One is based on the generalized thermomechanically consistent flow theory (complete problem statement) and the other one is the approximate scleronomic model implementation (approximate problem statement). Aluminium alloy and steel are chosen as the materials of layers. Comparison of the results obtained for complete and approximate problem statements is performed. Comparative estimation of beam loss coefficients for different configurations is also performed.
Cytogenetic techniques in current biomedical research. Part II: chromosomal rearrangements
Authors: Volkov А. N. , Rytenkova O. I.
Published: April 2022

Mutations represent a natural mechanism for adaptation of species to changing environmental conditions. Chromosomal rearrangements play a pivotal role in the evolution, as evidenced by the comparison of human and non-human primate karyotypes, and have diverse clinical consequences. In most cases chromosomal aberrations are compatible with life, yet their carriers might show a variety of mental and physiological abnormalities and malformations. Albeit chromosomal rearrangements often do not affect the health and reproductive ability, offspring of their carriers still have a high risk of inherited disorders. Most notably, chromosomal aberrations strongly correlate with cancer risk. When unbalanced, chromosomal abnormalities are associated with reduced life expectancy and reproductive potential. In this lecture, we analyse the mechanisms of chromosomal aberrations, review their diversity, and describe significant clinical consequences such as inherited syndromes which are illustrated with images of patients' karyotypes. The lecture is primarily aimed at biomedical students, researchers and physicians who often have an unmet need to analyse and interpret the results of cytogenetic analyses.
Associations of antibodies to benzo[a]pyrene, estradiol and progesterone with estrogen receptor phenotype in breast cancer tissue
Authors: Polenok E. G. , Mun S. A. , Gordeeva L. A. , Kostyanko M. V. , Antonov A. V. , Verzhbitskaya N. E. , Kolpinskiy G. I. , Glushkov A. N.
Published: April 2022

Aim. To reveal the associations of IgA antibodies to benzo[a]pyrene, estradiol and progesterone (IgA-Bp, IgA-Es, IgA-Pg) with the conversion of estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) into estrogen-receptor negative (ER-) tumors during breast cancer progression.

Materials and Methods. Having collected serum samples from 338 healthy volunteers and 1407 breast cancer patients, we have profiled them for IgA-Bp, IgA-Es, IgA-Pg by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Conjugates of bovine serum albumin with Bp, Es and Pg were used as adsorbed antigens and anti-human IgA horseradish peroxidase-conjugated antibodies were used for the detection of specific antigen-bound antibodies. Individual IgA-Bp/IgA-Pg and IgA-Es/IgA-Pg ratios were calculated. Estrogen receptor phenotype was determined using immunohistochemistry.

Results. Low IgA-Bp/IgA-Pg ratios (≤ 1) in combination with low IgA-Es/IgA-Pg ratios (≤ 1) indicative of protective immunophenotype were more frequently revealed in healthy women (43.8%) in comparison with stage 1 breast cancer patients with ER+ (12.9%) and ER- (23.9%) tumors. High IgA-Bp/IgA-Pg ratios (>1) with high IgA-Es/IgA-Pg ratios (>1) suggestive of pro-carcinogenic immunological phenotype were less often detected in healthy women (27.5%) as compared with stage 1 breast cancer patients with ER+ (65.5%) and ER- (58.7%) tumors. Prevalence of protective and pro-carcinogenic phenotypes significantly differed in stage 1breast cancer patients with ER+ and ER- tumor phenotypes (p = 0.017). ER- tumor phenotype was more prevalent at II-IV tumor stages (25.6%) than at the stage 1 (16.3%). Conversion of ER+ to ER- tumors reflecting the breast cancer progression was characteristic for the patients with pro-carcinogenic immunological phenotype (p<0.0001).

Conclusion. Detection of antibodies against Bp, Es and Pg may be applied as a risk marker of breast cancer development and progression.
Rubidium intake in the adult population of the Omsk region
Authors: Brusentsova A. V. , Turchaninov D. V. , Sokhoshko I. A. , Shirinskiy V. A.
Published: April 2022

Aim. To assess the nutritional consumption of rubidium in the adult population of the Omsk Region.

Materials and Methods. Here we performed a cross-sectional study which included 421 individuals (177 men and 244 women) aged 18 to 83 years (median age 37 (23; 57) years). Rubidium consumption was determined by analysing the frequency of food intake and chemical composition of food consumed by the population of the Omsk Region.

Results. Median daily rubidium intake was 1.1 mg/day (0.81; 1.48) that sufficiently exceeds minimum recommended dose (0.1 mg/day). We defined the reference range of rubidium intake as 1.1 (0.71 – 1.71) mg/day. Rubidium consumption tended to increase along with the population age, albeit no significant differences have been found between different age groups as well as between men and women. The most abundant rubidium sources were vegetables (55.6%) and beverages (29.6%). Among vegetables, the main sources of rubidium were onion (31.7%) and fresh tomatoes (20.7%), while tea was responsible for the majority (84.6%) of rubidium consumed from beverages. The proportion of vegetable-derived rubidium increased with age, in contrast to beverage-derived rubidium which demonstrated an opposite trend.

Conclusion. The reference range of rubidium intake in the Omsk Region is 1.1 (0.71 – 1.71) mg/day. Rubidium intake does not depend on age and gender. The main sources of rubidium are vegetables and beverages.
Assessing Financial Performance of Mobile Banking Services Organization in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Md. Kamal
Published: April 2022

Mobile banking service organization are operating business activities in Bangladesh for an era. The study aims to evaluate the financial performance of mobile banking services organization in Bangladesh experiencing the bKash limited. Financial ratio analysis and DuPont analysis have used to assess the financial performance of the organization on the basis of secondary data. Financial ratio analysis covers liquidity, solvency, activity and profitability ratio. DuPont analysis comprises of return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). The study also compares the financial performance of bKash limited between first four years and last four years. F statistics is used to test the hypothesis. The findings in liquidity and solvency ratio reveal that the organization is in decent position to settle the debt. The activity and profitability ratio finds that assets turnover and net profit margin was dissatisfactory. DuPont analysis shows that the organization was inefficient in operating activities and asset utilization. The study finds that there is no significant difference of financial performance between first and last four years. The study concludes that the management of bKash limited should focus on improving the efficiency in operational activities and asset utilization for enhancing the profit and maintaining healthy financial position.
Oral Health Policy in Latin America: Challenges for Better Implementation
Authors: Galante Mariana Lopes , Otálvaro-Castro Gabriel Jaime , Cornejo-Ovalle Marco Antonio , Patiño-Lugo Daniel Felipe , Pischel Nicole , Giraldes Amanda Iida , Carrer Fernanda Campos de Almeida
Published: April 2022

Background: Oral health is considered an important public policy. This study aimed to understand which barriers and facilitator occurs during the implementation of oral health programs/policies.

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted within personal interviews with decision-makers, at the political, technical, and academic levels. Data were transcribed and analyzed using Maxqda®.

Results: The formation of dentists with an emphasis on the public service proved to be a critical knot, also the population´s lack of knowledge about their rights was mentioned. In Chile and Colombia, one of the main facilitators was the previous existence of oral health programs. As barrier, the lack of systematization of epidemiological data. In Brazil, the main facilitators were many dentists available and the political will of politicians to include oral health as public. Managers unprepared to work in public service was one of the main barriers.

Conclusions: During the development and implementation of public policies several factors are encountered, it can be concluded that human resources are fundamental elements for the functioning of public service, besides the interest of the managers and politicians for the inclusion of this theme in the political agenda of the country.
Factors that Influence the Clinical Longevity of Ceramic Unit Restoration: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sousa N. O. , Galvão C. S. , Almeida E. O. , Freitas Júnior A. C.
Published: April 2022

Statement of Problem: Ceramic restorations can be essential in dental rehabilitation aesthetic and functional, but its longevity and treatment plan need to be good settled down. Different material options, manufacturing techniques and protocols are available. It is important to map the literature to know the state of the art about of clinical failures related to these fixed prostheses.

Purpose: Evaluate the rate of survival of single restorations (crowns and ceramic veneers) as well as identify the types of clinical complications reported.

Material and methods: A scoping review was conducted from the MEDLINE/Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. A search of all published literature until June 2021 was based on the following keywords: ('dental crown' OR 'ceramic veneer' OR 'porcelain veneer' OR 'dental veneer' OR 'dental porcelain') AND ('survival rate' OR 'ceramic restoration failure' OR 'prosthesis complication' OR complication).

Results: The most reported biological complications were need for treatment endodontic and detachment. The complications and technical failures involved, mainly, fractures and cracks in ceramics. There were also cases of pigmentation marginal.

Conclusion: The survival rate of single ceramic restorations is high. The main factors influencing restoration failures are bruxism, operator inexperience and inadequate cementation.
Energy Management in Hybrid Microgrid using Artificial Neural Network, PID, and Fuzzy Logic Controllers
Authors: Arrar Sara , Xioaning Li
Published: April 2022

Microgrids are described as linking many power sources (renewable energy and traditional sources) to meet the load consumption in real-time. Because renewable energy sources are intermittent, battery storage systems are required, typically used as a backup system. Indeed, an energy management strategy (EMS) is required to govern power flows across the entire Microgrid. In recent research, various methods have been proposed for controlling the micro-grids, especially voltage and frequency control. This study introduces a microgrid system, an overview of local control in Microgrid, and an efficient EMS for effective microgrid operations using three smart controllers for optimal microgrid stability. We design the Microgrid, which is made up of renewable solar generators and wind sources, Li-ion battery storage system, backup electrical grids, and AC/DC loads, taking into account all of the functional needs of a microgrid EMS and microgrid stability. In addition, the battery energy storage is managed through the performance control of battery charging and discharging using an efficiency controller. The proposed system control is based on the optimum supply of loads through the available renewable sources and the battery State of Charge (SOC). The simulation results using Matlab Simulink show the performance of the three techniques (PID, ANN, and FL) proposed for microgrid stability.
Exploring The Relevance of School-Based Curriculum Development with Culture Integration
Authors: Legbo Tsaro-Igbara G.
Published: April 2022

In some decades past, a lot of efforts have been put together within education policy, curriculum reform etc. both as a means of implementing change and for the purpose of fostering educational and school improvements from a central governing body outside the school. However, not much has been achieved with those efforts. School-based curriculum and development has been observed to not only facilitate the change needed in education, with its relevance and development but totally improves societal wellbeing. Integrating culture in its development improves the school education system and society at large. Schools need to be given a chance to develop their own curriculums to promote educational advancement.
The Effect of Music on the Acquisition of Mathematical Skills in Early Childhood Education in the Buea Municipality of Cameroon
Authors: Moluayonge Gracemary E.
Published: April 2022

This study set out to investigate the effect of music on the acquisition of mathematical skills in early childhood education in Buea Municipality. A sample of 30 pupils and 30 teachers were sampled through the purposive sampling technique. Four instruments were used to collect data; a structured questionnaire designed using the Likert scale and an interview guide for teachers while a working memory test and participant’s observation was used to collect data from the pupils. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics in the form of percentages, charts and frequencies were used to present demographic information and to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics with the aid of independent one-way ANOVA was used as a statistical tool to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between music and the acquisition of mathematical skills in early childhood education. Implications and recommendations were made to teachers, parents and the government as well as suggestions for further studies was made based on these findings.
Arduino Uno Based Voice Conversion System for Dumb People
Authors: Al Rakib Md Abdullah , Rahman Md. Moklesur , Alam Anik Md Shamsul , Jahangir Masud Fayez Ahmed , Rahman Md. Ashiqur , Islam Sanjib , Abbas Fysol Ibna
Published: April 2022

Around nine million individuals are dumb at intervals of the planet's unit of measurement. Communication between a deaf and a hearing person has a significant disadvantage as compared to communication between blind and elderly visual individuals. A dumb communication translator is a gadget that translates hand motions to sensible speech. This job provides assistance to persons who are deaf and dumb. The main goal of this research is to connect them to the actual world via a sophisticated methodology. It is based on Human Computer Interaction, in which the patient is connected to the outside world by translating their sign language into conventional language. In this work, Arduino Uno, MP3, and speaker module has been used. Some button has been used for generating the voice signal at the output.
Appraisal of Challenges to Sustainable Forest Management in Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Olukwu-Kalu Diana C. , Riki Josiah T.B. , Agbeja Busuyi O.
Published: April 2022

The sustainability of the forest estate is largely dependent on the available manpower and proper funding for maximum utilisation and productivity of the forest estate. This study, therefore, examined the challenges to sustainable forest management in Abia State, Nigeria for the period of ten years (2008-2017). Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with key members of the Department of Forestry in the State. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the obtained variables using simple percentages, charts, and correlation. A total of one hundred (100) copies of questionnaires were administered to the randomly selected respondents to investigate budgetary allocation in each year and identify the problems militating against forest service. Results from the study show that there are nineteen (19) Forest reserves in Abia State (Four (4) natural forests and fifteen (15) plantation forest reserves). The highest budget allocation in the past ten (10) years was observed in 2012 with 12 million and the least was recorded in 2017 with 2.3 million with inconsistency in trend within the ten years which could be as a result of government policies and change in the government. the major problems facing forest estate in the State are lack of funding (87%), logistics (96%), staff recruitment/training (62.5%) and lack of consistent government policies from the State government. There is urgent need for proper funding, staff recruitment/training, policies, and federal government intervention for the forest estate in Abia State for sustainability.
Evaluating the Impact of Small Farmer’s Inclusion in Agricultural Value Chain for Sustainable Rural Development in Albania
Authors: Tomorri Ilir , Keco Remzi , Tomorri Kejsi
Published: April 2022

The rural sector is one of the most important and largest sector in Albania, referring to the contribution to economic growth, gross domestic product, level of employment in the country and increasing the welfare of the population living in rural areas. The average small farm sizes, combined with the excessive land fragmentation, the low level of investments, poor infrastructure, and the loss of agricultural land due to the change of use, have been major structural challenges for the agriculture sector in Albania. The farm structures are dominated by smallholders with many small farms (1.2 ha/farm) and few large farms. Farmers and smallholders are critical for food security, as well as for poverty reduction of rural areas. The smallholder farmers facing a number of challenges such as lack of access to reliable and timely data on market prices as well as markets, inability to access appropriate infrastructure such as storage facilities leading to post-harvest losses or low prices as a result of low-quality produce. One way to counter the above challenges is through the agricultural value chain. If a strong market linkage is created, then it can lead to the development of the value chains, and stimulate an increase in the productive base of the smallholders. An effective market linkage increases opportunities for value addition which can benefit the farmers as well as the smallholders.

This paper is intended to highlight the importance of farmers and smallholders in the value chain as a key to sustainable development for the rural sector.
Effects of An Educational Programme on Knowledge of Cerebral Palsy among Informal Caregivers of Children Presenting at Selected Physiotherapy Clinics in Ibadan
Authors: Ajayi Opemipo Omolara , Fatudimu Margaret Bukola , Hamzat Talhatu Kolapo
Published: April 2022

Background: Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) often require assistance from their informal caregivers to perform age-expected functions. These caregivers require sufficient knowledge of CP to effectively perform their roles. Effects of a structured education programme to improve CP knowledge among caregivers have been separately studied using single-module and multi-module educational programmes Information is however scarce on their differential effects. Objective: To compare the effects of single and multi-module educational programme interventions on the knowledge of CP among their informal caregivers. Methods: A quasi-experimental design involving 40 consecutively sampled informal caregivers of children with CP. They were assigned into either the single-module or the multi-module educational intervention groups. Baseline and post-intervention knowledge of CP were assessed using the Knowledge of Cerebral Palsy Questionnaire and compared using Wilcoxon signed- rank test and Mann-Whitney U test at p=0.05. Results: There was a significant within-group increase in the knowledge of CP in each of the two groups (p=0.001). Between-groups comparison revealed no statistically significant difference in the effects of either models (p= 0.26). Conclusion: The single-module and multiple module educational programme are equally effective in improving knowledge of CP and should be incorporated into the total management of CP.
Event Planning and Management Practices of Funeral Rites among Asantes in Ghana
Authors: Amissah Emmanuel K. , Adjei Grace , Asante Evans
Published: April 2022

The success of organizing funeral celebrations depends largely on how events are managed. Funeral celebration has been one of the major cherished tradition in Ghana. The study sought to examine event management practices on funeral rites among Asante people using Kumasi metropolis as a case study. The study employed the mixed method paradigm with exploratory and descriptive design. Convenience sampling technique was adopted in selecting sample size with eighty (80) event planners as the targeted population. Questionnaire and observation guide served as the main data collection tools for the survey. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics. It was established that most event managers get connected to their clients largely through referrals and advertisement on various radio stations. The financial position of clients influences the products and services rendered to them. The study concludes that challenges to event management on funeral rites include delay in releasing funds and lack of effective communication between event managers and clients. Event management practices as an essential tool to minimize cost and increase satisfaction is yet to defeat the large expenditure incurred by most Asantes in organizing funeral rites in Kumasi. The study recommends that event planning and management firms should create awareness and educate the public on the significance of adopting effective event management practice in funeral celebrations.
Strengthening the Capacity of Government Apparatus Resources in Supporting Micro Enterprises to “Go Digital” in the Special Region of Yogyakarta
Authors: Fridayani Helen D. , Chiang Li C.
Published: April 2022

This research contributes to the current knowledge on public sector support for and digital transformation of micro-enterprises. The goal of this research is to identify the necessary public-sector or government support measures for microenterprises and to provide policymakers with guidance on how to facilitate a successful digital transformation. To accomplish our goal, we conducted qualitative research with an in-depth interview with Yogyakarta micro-enterprises to collect authentic data. As a result, we were able to obtain responses from the local government as well as six sectors of MEs in Yogyakarta that was affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis, namely culinary, processed industry, creative industry, agriculture sector, fashion, and event organizer. According to the findings of the study, supporting digital transformation with full government support has a significant impact on enterprise success, income generation, and crisis resilience. In terms of assisting with the implementation of going digital, the Yogyakarta government already has a fairly good apparatus capital readiness, such as creating a marketing platform “Sibakul,” providing business consulting facilities to micro businesses in collaboration with an integrated business service center, which includes facilitating things about online business, and collaborating with relevant stakeholders such as regional apparatus organizations, and universities. However, the government’s capacity to support micro-enterprises in the Yogyakarta area still has flaws, including in terms of quality and quantity that are not yet qualified and insufficient, a lack of budget to support going digital, and government officials’ understanding of the importance of technology. Another factor to consider in the development of digitalization is the presence of research and development (R&D), which is currently lacking in Yogyakarta.
Rośliny lecznicze terenów odłogowanych Pogórza Przemyskiego
Authors: Stokłosa Agnieszka , Stępnik Katzarzyna , Barabasz-Krasny Beata
Published: April 2022

W pracy przestawiono charakterystykę i rozmieszczenie roślin leczniczych Pogórza Przemyskiego. Badania przeprowadzono w sierpniu 2005 r., w miejscowościach: Leszczyny, Sopotnik, Paportno, Huwniki (południowo-wschodnia część Pogórza) oraz Olszany (północna część Pogórza). Badania przeprowadzono wzdłuż 21 transektów, sporządzając listy roślin leczniczych na 100 poletkach, każde o powierzchni 100 m2. Ilościowość roślin określono na podstawie skali Braun-Blanqueta. Na badanym terenie zlokalizowano 154 taksony flory leczniczej. Większość gatunków (107–70%) wystąpiła w częstości przyjętej jako rzadka (9–16 poletek) i bardzo rzadka (1–8 poletek). Wśród form życiowych taksonów leczniczych dominowały hemikryptofity (82–54%). Gatunki rodzime – apofity, stanowiły większość spośród grup geograficznohistorycznych (142–92%).
Wybrane elementy biologii kiełkowania stulichy psiej (Descurainia sophia Webb. ex Prantl.) i stokłosy żytniej (Bromus secalinus L.)
Authors: KAPELUSZNY JAN , HALINIARZ MAŁGORZATA
Published: April 2022

Modifications of management ways on cultivated fields entail changes in the species and quantitative composition of segetal flora. The occurrence of such species as Descurainia sophia and Bromus secalinus in crop canopies is one of those effects of changes effect. First, germination ability of their diaspores depending on the age, depth in the soil and light conditions was studied.

The study was carried out at the Department of General Plant Cultivation and Farming, at ambient temperature (about 20°C). Germination ability of flaxweed was examined in 2000–2002, that of rye brome – in two series: autumn and spring. 2006–2007. One part of sown diaspores was placed under natural light (with no additional light); the other was hermetically covered with aluminum foil.

Age and depth of seeds in the soil was another experimental factor. Studies revealed that flaxweed and rye brome seeds germinated both in natural light and in darkness. Germination ability of both species significantly depended on their sowing depth. Descurainia sophia and Bromus secalinus germinated best when diaspores were placed on the soil surface (0.0 cm). In the case of flaxweed, the age of seeds (1–3 years) stored in the soil only slightly affected their germination, while 18-years-old kernels of rye brome did not germinate.