bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are International Indices Good Predictors of Economic Growth? Panel Data and Cluster Analysis for European Union Countries
Authors: Nogueira Manuel Carlos , Madaleno Mara
Published: May 2021

Every year, news about the publication of rankings and scores of important international indexes are highlighted, with some of the most prestigious being the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), the Human Development Index (HDI), the Ease of Doing Business (EDB), the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and the Global Entrepreneurship (GEI). A country’s progression in these indices is associated with economic growth, especially since several empirical studies have found evidence to reinforce these beliefs, the indices having been built based on the scientific literature on economic growth. Building a database on these indices for European Union countries between 2007 and 2017 and using panel data methodologies and then 2SLS (Two-Stage Least Squares) to solve the problem of endogeneity, we verify empirically through panel data estimates, what is the relationship between the mentioned indices and the European Union countries’ economic growth for the period. However, as the European Union is made up of diverse countries with different economic and social realities, we divided the countries into six clusters and made an individual interpretation for each one. We found that human development and competitiveness play an important role in economic growth, and entrepreneurship also impacts this growth. Regarding income distribution, applying the Gini index, we found that only human development mitigates inequalities.
Managing the Product-Counterfeiting Problem with a Blockchain-Supported E-Commerce Platform
Authors: Jiang Ji , Chen Jin
Published: May 2021

As a disruptive tool, blockchain technology can eradicate the product-counterfeiting problem in supply chains. However, a blockchain-supported platform charges an operating fee to legitimate manufacturers and retailers for product traceability and authentication. In this study, we employ enterprise profit-driven analytical models using Stackelberg equilibrium theory and highlight the values of blockchain-supported e-commerce platforms in addressing the product-counterfeiting problem. To measure the actual benefits of blockchain technology, we compare the profits of all agents in two different supply chains, traditional and blockchain-supported. Results show that the application of blockchain technology is not always beneficial to manufacturers, retailers, and customers. However, when the manufacturing cost of a legitimate manufacturer is sufficiently high, the manufacturer generates more profits using blockchain technology. Further, for a price-sensitive market, a retailer tends to trade in a blockchain-supported e-commerce platform if the retailer’s qualification in the platform is lower than that in a traditional supply chain, and the manufacturing cost of the counterfeit manufacturer in the platform is higher than that in a traditional supply chain.
Strategic Corporate Sustainability in a Post-Acquisition Context
Authors: Vincze Zsuzsanna , Hällerstrand Linda , Örtqvist Daniel , Rist Lena
Published: May 2021

To reach the global sustainability goals, multinationals, regardless of origin, play a significant role. Given their market power and globally distributed operations, they have the position to either accelerate or inhibit sustainability changes. Knowledge about how corporate sustainability (CS) develops within internationalization strategies such as post-acquisition integration is, however, sparse. The purpose of this paper was to analyze and evaluate the development of CS strategies of originally distant companies within an international post-acquisition context. The paper drew on the resource-based view (RBV) to provide a holistically integrated framework for the systematic evaluation of CS strategies and applied the framework to a longitudinal in-depth case study. Findings indicated that long-term perspective, partnering approach and, emphases on learning positively influenced the integration process and the maturity level of the common corporate sustainability strategies. In contributing with an in-depth understanding of strategic CS integration within a post-acquisition case, the study generated implications for proactive management in similar post-acquisition contexts. While the focus of this paper was neither on the differences in legislations and regulations as influencing factors nor on the national and organizational culture and their impact on the integration of strategic CS, these are relevant areas of interest, and future research could consider incorporating those into the new evaluation framework.
How Brand Symbolism, Perceived Service Quality, and CSR Skepticism Influence Consumers to Engage in Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Dalal Bassam , Aljarah Ahmad
Published: May 2021

Brand symbolism, which stems from the vitality of the brand and feeds self-symbolism and social symbolism, has become an increasingly important strategy for firms to enhance consumer behavior. Building on attachment theory, social identity theory, and cognitive consistency theory, and using data from 439 customers of Starbucks in Lebanon, we used an integrative model to examine how brand symbolism, perceived service quality, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) skepticism jointly affect two types of Customer Citizenship Behavior (CCB): helping other customers and policing other customers. The findings revealed that brand symbolism has a significant positive impact on CCBs and is a stronger predictor of policing other customers than helping other customers in the hospitality context. Further, perceived service quality acts as a mediator between the brand symbolism and CCB dimensions. This study discovered that CSR skepticism negatively moderates the direct and indirect effects of brand symbolism on CCBs through perceived service quality. The findings contribute to the literature by examining the boundary conditions of how and under what conditions brand symbolism affects CCBs by enrolling perceived service quality as a mediator variable and CSR skepticism as a moderator variable in the brand symbolism–CCB relationship.
Influence of Altruistic Motives on Organic Food Purchase: Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Boobalan Kirubaharan , Nawaz Nishad , R. M. Harindranath , Gajenderan Vijayakumar
Published: May 2021

Marketing campaigns of organic food emphasize utilitarian benefits and psychological benefits as well as consumer culture to enhance environmental sustainability. In order to study the purchase intention of organic food, the authors developed a model using antecedents like warm glow, subjective norm, attitude and perceived behavioral control. This study examines the model for the Indian and the USA samples and thus integrated using three theories: Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Pro-Social Behavior (PSB) Theory with the interaction of Consumer Culture Theory. The model is estimated using the multi-group Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique using R software with samples from India (n = 692) and the USA (n = 640). Results differ for Indian and USA samples. The expectation of the “warm glow” resulted from an environmentally friendly purchase as having a higher influence on Indian samples than that of the USA. Further, the attitude towards organic food purchase intention is stronger for US samples than the Indian, and the group difference is significant, while all the relationships that take warm glow as an antecedent have higher β for Indian samples. Moreover, the study found that attitude towards organic food is a major element for US subsamples, whereas subjective norm plays a major role in Indian samples to adopt organic food. Managerially, the present study suggests that a firm marketing its organic food must concentrate more on “warm glow” for Indian consumers in order to improve their market share.
Worldwide Research on Land Use and Land Cover in the Amazon Region
Authors: Montalván-Burbano Néstor , Velastegui-Montoya Andrés , Gurumendi-Noriega Miguel , Morante-Carballo Fernando , Adami Marcos
Published: May 2021

Land cover is an important descriptor of the earth’s terrestrial surface. It is also crucial to determine the biophysical processes in global environmental change. Land-use change showcases the management of the land while revealing what motivated the alteration of the land cover. The type of land use can represent local economic and social benefits, framed towards regional sustainable development. The Amazon stands out for being the largest tropical forest globally, with the most extraordinary biodiversity, and plays an essential role in climate regulation. The present work proposes to carry out a bibliometric analysis of 1590 articles indexed in the Scopus database. It uses both Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer software for the evaluation of author keywords, authors, and countries. The method encompasses (i) search criteria, (ii) search and document compilation, (iii) software selection and data extraction, and (iv) data analysis. The results classify the main research fields into nine main topics with increasing relevance: ‘Amazon’, ‘deforestation’, ‘remote sensing’, ‘land use and land cover change’, and ‘land use’. In conclusion, the cocitation authors’ network reveals the development of such areas and the interest they present due to their worldwide importance.
The Morning Commute Problem with Ridesharing When Meet Stochastic Bottleneck
Authors: Zhang Zipeng , Zhang Ning
Published: May 2021

This paper extends Vickrey’s point-queue model to study ridesharing behavior during a morning commute with uncertain bottleneck location. Unlike other ridesharing cost analysis models, there are two congestion cases and four dynamic departure patterns in our model: pre-pickup congestion case and post-pickup congestion case; both early pattern, both late pattern, late for pickup but early for work pattern, and early for pickup but late for work pattern. Analytical results indicate that the dynamic property of the mixed commuters equilibrium varies with the endogenous penetration rates associated with ridesharing commutes, as well as the schedule difference between pickup and work. This work is expected to promote the development of ridesharing to mitigate the traffic congestion and motivate related research of schedule coordination for regulating the ridesharing travel behavior in terms of the morning commute problem.
Campus Decarbonization: Students’ Perceptions for Reducing Meat Consumption in a Portuguese University
Authors: Figueiredo Catarina , Azeiteiro Ulisses Miranda , García-Vinuesa Antonio , Carvalho Sara Costa
Published: May 2021

This study is focused on perceptions regarding meat consumption, targeting university students. This is a timely topic in a context of climate change (CC), sustainability in agri-food systems and in universities. Recently, some universities adopted food-related CC mitigation measures, by removing some types of meat from their canteens. This research intended to find trends, at a Portuguese university, on consumption habits and on willingness to reduce meat. The methodology follows a quantitative and descriptive approach. The universe is the students’ community from the University of Aveiro, with a random sample of 876 valid questionnaires. Although results show that meat is a substantial part of students’ diet, most of them are willing to reduce this product, and mainly for environmental reasons. Undergraduate students have higher level of awareness in this matter, namely from Natural Sciences. Female students are more receptive to diet changes. Further studies and educational actions on Diet-CC should be promoted in all levels of Academy, especially in PhD, Social Sciences and with gender differentiation. Such results may support an effectively participatory discussion to better decide on decarbonization of the Campus through the diet.
Multi-Scale Minero-Chemical Analysis of Biomass Ashes: A Key to Evaluating Their Dangers vs. Benefits
Authors: Comodi Paola , Zucchini Azzurra , Susta Umberto , Cambi Costanza , Vivani Riccardo , Cavalaglio Gianluca , Cotana Franco
Published: May 2021

A multi-methodic analysis was performed on five samples of fly ashes coming from different biomasses. The aim of the study was to evaluate their possible re-use and their dangerousness to people and the environment. Optical granulometric analyses indicated that the average diameter of the studied fly ashes was around 20 µm, whereas only ~1 vol% had diameters lower that 2.5 µm. The chemical composition, investigated with electron probe microanalysis, indicated that all the samples had a composition in which Ca was prevalent, followed by Si and Al. Large contents of K and P were observed in some samples, whereas the amount of potentially toxic elements was always below the Italian law thresholds. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were completely absent in all the samples coming from combustion plants, whereas they were present in the fly ashes from the gasification center. Quantitative mineralogical content, determined by Rietveld analysis of X-ray powder diffraction data, indicated that all the samples had high amorphous content, likely enriched in Ca, and several K and P minerals, such as sylvite and apatite. The results obtained from the chemo-mineralogical study performed make it possible to point out that biomass fly ashes could be interesting materials (1) for amendments in clayey soils, as a substitution for lime, to stimulate pozzolanic reactions and improve their geotechnical properties, thus, on the one hand, avoiding the need to mine raw materials and, on the other hand, re-cycling waste; and (2) as agricultural fertilizers made by a new and ecological source of K and P.
Impact of Women and Independent Directors on Corporate Social Responsibility and Financial Performance: Empirical Evidence from an Emerging Economy
Authors: Wang Chenxi , Deng Xincai , Álvarez-Otero Susana , Sial Muhammad Safdar , Comite Ubaldo , Cherian Jacob , Oláh Judit
Published: May 2021

The purpose of our study is to investigate the impact of women and independent directors on corporate social responsibility and financial performance. We use the fixed effect regression model as a baseline methodology. The data set includes information from 2010 to 2019 regarding Chinese non-financial companies, from which we use yearly information. The RSK rating is used for the assessment of corporate social responsibility reporting, ranging from 0 to 100, and other data are taken from the China stock market and accounting research (CSMAR) database. We use a two-stage least square (TSLS) regression model to control the possible problem of endogeneity. The empirical results show that gender diversity in boards significantly and positively affects CSR reporting. We do not find an effect due to non-executive directors on CSR reporting. The presence of non-executive directors on a board is mostly trivial in the case of China, as they do not have much influence with regard to decision making, especially related to CSR reporting. The control variables, such as board size, board member meeting frequency and leverage, are also found to have a significant effect on CSR reporting. Therefore, our results add a new aspect to the emerging literature on CSR reporting, especially in China. Furthermore, our results are robust with regard to the alternative variables under consideration. Our study has important implications. Our research enriches the existing literature on CSR and highlights the importance of female and independent directors having an impact on decisions related to the increased reporting of CSR activities. Our study contributes to the existing literature by presenting a pioneering investigation of the effect of female and independent directors on CSR reporting, as well as shedding light on the relationship in the context of an emerging economy.
Distributed Adaptive Formation Tracking Control under Fixed and Switching Topologies: Application on General Linear Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Sun Tianhao , Liu Huiying , Yao Yongming , Li Tianyu , Cheng Zhibo
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the time-varying formation tracking problem of the general linear multi-agent system is discussed. A distributed formation tracking protocol based on Riccati inequalities with adaptive coupling weights among the follower agents and the leader agent is designed for a leader-following multi-agent system under fixed and switching topologies. The formation configuration involved in this paper is expressed as a bounded piecewise continuously differentiable vector function. The follower agents will achieve the desired formation tracking trajectory of the leader. In traditional static protocols, the coupling weights depend on the communication topology and is a constant. However, in this paper, the coupling weights are updated by the state errors among the neighboring agents. Moreover, the stability analysis of the MAS under switching topology is presented, and proves that the followers also could achieve pre-specified time-varying formation, if the communication graph is jointly connected. Two numerical simulations indicate the capabilities of the algorithms.
Linear Diophantine Fuzzy Relations and Their Algebraic Properties with Decision Making
Authors: Ayub Saba , Shabir Muhammad , Riaz Muhammad , Aslam Muhammad , Chinram Ronnason
Published: May 2021

Binary relations are most important in various fields of pure and applied sciences. The concept of linear Diophantine fuzzy sets (LDFSs) proposed by Riaz and Hashmi is a novel mathematical approach to model vagueness and uncertainty in decision-making problems. In LDFS theory, the use of reference or control parameters corresponding to membership and non-membership grades makes it most accommodating towards modeling uncertainties in real-life problems. The main purpose of this paper is to establish a robust fusion of binary relations and LDFSs, and to introduce the concept of linear Diophantine fuzzy relation (LDF-relation) by making the use of reference parameters corresponding to the membership and non-membership fuzzy relations. The novel concept of LDF-relation is more flexible to discuss the symmetry between two or more objects that is superior to the prevailing notion of intuitionistic fuzzy relation (IF-relation). Certain basic operations are defined to investigate some significant results which are very useful in solving real-life problems. Based on these operations and their related results, it is analyzed that the collection of all LDF-relations gives rise to some algebraic structures such as semi-group, semi-ring and hemi-ring. Furthermore, the notion of score function of LDF-relations is introduced to analyze the symmetry of the optimal decision and ranking of feasible alternatives. Additionally, a new algorithm for modeling uncertainty in decision-making problems is proposed based on LDFSs and LDF-relations. A practical application of proposed decision-making approach is illustrated by a numerical example. Proposed LDF-relations, their operations, and related results may serve as a foundation for computational intelligence and modeling uncertainties in decision-making problems.
RETRACTED: Effects of a Single Dose of Ivermectin on Viral and Clinical Outcomes in Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infected Subjects: A Pilot Clinical Trial in Lebanon
Authors: Samaha Ali , Mouawia Hussein , Fawaz Mirna , Hassan Hamad , Salami Ali , Bazzal Ali , Saab Hamid , Al-Wakeel Mohamed , Alsaabi Ahmad , Chouman Mohamad , Moussawi Mahmoud , Ayoub Hassan , Raad Ali , Hajjeh Ola , Eid Ali , Raad Houssam
Published: May 2021

Objective: This study was designed to determine the efficacy of ivermectin, an FDA-approved drug, in producing clinical benefits and decreasing the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 among asymptomatic subjects that tested positive for this virus in Lebanon. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 100 asymptomatic Lebanese subjects that have tested positive for SARS-CoV2. Fifty patients received standard preventive treatment, mainly supplements, and the experimental group received a single dose (according to body weight) of ivermectin, in addition to the same supplements the control group received. Results: There was no significant difference (p = 0.06) between Ct-values of the two groups before the regimen was started (day zero), indicating that subjects in both groups had similar viral loads. At 72 h after the regimen started, the increase in Ct-values was dramatically higher in the ivermectin than in the control group. In the ivermectin group, Ct increased from 15.13 ± 2.07 (day zero) to 30.14 ± 6.22 (day three; mean ± SD), compared to the control group, where the Ct values increased only from 14.20 ± 2.48 (day zero) to 18.96 ± 3.26 (day three; mean ± SD). Moreover, more subjects in the control group developed clinical symptoms. Three individuals (6%) required hospitalization, compared to the ivermectin group (0%). Conclusion: Ivermectin appears to be efficacious in providing clinical benefits in a randomized treatment of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects, effectively resulting in fewer symptoms, lower viral load and reduced hospital admissions. However, larger-scale trials are warranted for this conclusion to be further cemented.
Characterization of Cecal Smooth Muscle Contraction in Laying Hens
Authors: Röhm Katrin , Diener Martin , Huber Korinna , Seifert Jana
Published: May 2021

The ceca play an important role in the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract in chickens. Nevertheless, there is a gap of knowledge regarding the functionality of the ceca in poultry, especially with respect to physiological cecal smooth muscle contraction. The aim of the current study is the ex vivo characterization of cecal smooth muscle contraction in laying hens. Muscle strips of circular cecal smooth muscle from eleven hens are prepared to investigate their contraction ex vivo. Contraction is detected using an isometric force transducer, determining its frequency, height and intensity. Spontaneous contraction of the chicken cecal smooth muscle and the influence of buffers (calcium-free buffer and potassium-enriched buffer) and drugs (carbachol, nitroprusside, isoprenaline and Verapamil) affecting smooth muscle contraction at different levels are characterized. A decrease in smooth muscle contraction is observed when a calcium-free buffer is used. Carbachol causes an increase in smooth muscle contraction, whereas atropine inhibits contraction. Nitroprusside, isoprenaline and Verapamil result in a depression of smooth muscle contraction. In conclusion, the present results confirm a similar contraction behavior of cecal smooth muscles in laying hens as shown previously in other species.
How Is Climate Change Included in the Implementation of the European Flood Directive? Analysis of the Methodological Approaches of Different Countries
Authors: Holguin Nuria , Mugica Arantza , Ukar Olatz
Published: May 2021

Climate change has major effects on the planet, and its consequences on today’s society are undeniable. Climate change is the cause of the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events including floods. Flood management in Europe has experienced a significant change due to the emergence of the Flood Directive and its implementation in national regulations. The Flood Directive requires the inclusion of the effects of climate change. With multiple factors such as governmental and administrative diversity, and various management tools, each country uses a different methodology. This research conducts a bibliographic review to analyze the methodological approaches applied by four different countries—the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain—showing their differences and the causes of such differences and examining the common weaknesses and strengths in the countries’ approach. To this end, it analyzes how to include climate change in the implementation of the Flood Directive in the four countries studied throughout the two cycles. Developing a uniform approach to FD implementation has been hampered by (1) different starting points in the technology of flood prediction, (2) widely varying “traditional” approaches to flood and risk management, and (3) differing levels of the integration of local, regional, and national agencies. Development under the FD has, however, led to increased awareness of the common uncertainty associated with the different current methodologies and the need to deepen the knowledge of climate change as well as the need to develop the technology to reduce said uncertainty.
Hydroxyapatite Coatings on Calcite Powder for the Removal of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water
Authors: Gibert Oriol , Valderrama César , Martínez María M. , Darbra Rosa Mari , Moncunill Josep Oliva , Martí Vicenç
Published: May 2021

An approach for the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated wastewater that is gaining increasing attention is the application of hydroxyapatite (HAP)-based particles. HAP is conventionally synthesized through wet chemical precipitation of calcium and phosphate ions, although later studies have focused on HAP synthesis from solid calcite contacted with a phosphate solution under ambient conditions. This synthesis route can allow saving soluble Ca-chemicals and, thus, make the process more cost-efficient. The aim of this study was to coat natural calcite powder with a layer of HAP for the removal of Zn and Cu from contaminated water. For this purpose, a HAP layer was synthesized on calcite particles, characterized using several complementary techniques and evaluated for the removal of Zn and Cu from synthetic solutions. Sorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherms, as well as the effect of sonication of the synthesized sample on its sorption performance, were determined. The results showed that calcite particles were efficiently coated with a HAP layer with high capacity in removing Zn and Cu from acidic solutions, with a qmax of 34.97 mg/g for Zn (increased to 37.88 g/mg after sonication of the sample) and 60.24 mg/g for Cu (which hardly varied with sonication). The mechanisms behind the sorption of Zn and Cu onto HAP, inferred from pH changes, the relation between metal uptake and Ca2+ release and XRD analysis, included surface complexation, ion exchange and precipitation of new Zn- and Cu-containing phases.
Pengaruh Modal, Luas Lahan Dan Tenaga Kerja Terhadap Pendapatan Usahatani Padi (Oryza sativa L.) Kultivar Mekongga (Suatu Kasus di Kecamatan Haurwangi Kabupaten Cianjur)
Authors: Haryanto Asep , Dasipah Euis , Sudradjat Adjat
Published: May 2021

This study aims to determine the effect of variable capital, land area and labor variables on rice farming income. The sample studied was 115 respondents in Haurwangi District, Cianjur Regency. The method used in this research is a survey method, with the rice farmer analysis unit, taking samples from the entire population by means of a questionnaire as a means of collecting basic data. The definition of survey here is limited to the definition of a census sample survey to obtain the necessary information and collected from all populations in the research location. The analysis design used is multiple regression linear analysis. The data obtained were processed using SPSS version 21 For Windows. The results showed that: 1) Multiple regression, simultaneously the variables of capital and labor to income have a significant effect. Income is influenced by capital and labor by 99.9%, while the remaining 0.1% is influenced by other factors not examined in this study. Partially the capital variable and the labor variable affect the income of rice farming. The Î² values for the capital variable and the labor variable are 1.178 and 66.178.541, respectively. Shows that there is a real relationship between the independent and dependent variables; 2) Land area variable because it does not have a significant effect on farm income, the calculation is excluded.
Kinerja Bauran Pemasaran Para Pengumpul Dalam Meningkatkan Daya Saing Dan Omzet Penjualan Mangga Gedong Gincu The Collectorâ€™s Marketing Mix Performance In Improving The Competitiveness And Turnover Of Gedong Gincu Mango Sales
Authors: Barokah Iis , Sendja Tuhpahwana P , Andayani Sri Ayu
Published: May 2021

This study analyzes the Marketing Mix Performance of the collectors in increasing the competitiveness and sales turnover of Gedong Gincu mango. The formulation of the problem is how the performance of the collectors' marketing mix in increasing marketing competitiveness, and the sales turnover of the Gedong Gincu mango and the distribution of the Gedong Gincu mango marketing margin. This research uses descriptive survey methods (descriptive survey method) and explanatory (explanatory research). By using data analysis used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in the AMOS 23 program and Marketing Margins. The high costs in the harvest and post-harvest phases have encouraged farmers to sell in bulk or slash to collectors, resulting in overexploitation of mango trees. Efforts to bridge these two problems are pursued by marketing cooperation and coaching carried out between farmers through farmer groups, PT Indofresh and the Department of Agriculture of Majalengka Regency. In general, the concept and direction of cooperation can be used as a program to accommodate the problems faced by farmers so far, so that technically this pattern can be developed in other mango commodities. Marketing mix performance on sales turnover. This shows that the willingness of collectors to implement the performance of the marketing mix will have an impact on the ability of collectors to compete with other collectors to export. The results of this research are marketing the gedong gincu mango in Panyingkiran District with the second channel with a total cost of Rp. 1,527,087 and a profit of Rp. 12,000 per kg, and resulting in a total margin of Rp. 1,515,087 from the second channel. Marketing of Gedong Gincu mango with the fourth channel. Total cost Rp. 4,656,562 with a profit of Rp. 123,750 per kg, resulting in a total margin of Rp. 4,532,812
Pengaruh Konsentrasi Dan Lama Inkubasi Kolkisin Terhadap Duplikasi Kromosom Planlet Terung (Solanum melongena L.) Haploid Galur Aksesi Hasil Kultur Antera
Authors: Zayid Sopian , Mulya Agus Surya , Taryana Yana
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of colchicine on chromosome duplication and to determine the best colchicine concentration and incubation time for haploid eggplant chromosome duplication results from anther culture. Laboratory experiments have been carried out at PT. East West Seed Indonesia, Benteng Village, Campaka District, Purwakarta from March to June 2020. With an altitude of 69 m above sea level. The environmental design used in this study was a completely randomized design consisting of 7 treatments and repeated 4 times. Colchicine treatment design A = Control, B = colchicine 0.05% 24 hours incubation, C = colchicine 0.05% 48 hours incubation, D = colchicine 0.1% 24 hours incubation, E = colchicine 0.1% 48 hours incubation, F = kolkisisn 0.15% incubation 24 hours, G = colchicine 0.15% incubation 48 hours. The responses observed were contamination, callous plantlets, rooted plantlets, live plantlets, haploid plantlets, double haploid plantlets, triploid plantets and unreadable ploidy check results. The results showed that the colchysis concentration and incubation time had an effect on the duplication of haploid eggplant plantlet chromosomes resulting from anther culture. And giving colchicine at a concentration of 0.05% with an incubation time of 48 hours and a colchicine concentration of 0.1% with an incubation time of 48 hours had a significant effect on the double haploid plantet of 23.44%.
Evolución y desarrollo de sistema interactivo para ayudar a infantes con Trastorno de Espectro Autista en su integración a escuelas convencionales
Authors: Ortiz-Simón José Luis , Aguilera-Hernández Martha , Murillo-Rodríguez Miguel Randall , Olivares-Caballero Daniel
Published: May 2021

The cognitive abilities of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are different from those of children who do not have this characteristic. Parents, teachers, scientists, and therapists strive to develop neuropsychological systems, ludic software, and others systems that help children with ASD improve their attention to learn faster. According to the experience of experts from the Multiple Attention Center 51, a mechanical system that forces them to use their two cerebral hemispheres, as allowed by a pedaling system and with a specific protocol of tasks, will help them to focus their attention allowing them to learn basic tasks that allow them to integrate into conventional schools. There are not many Educational organizations focused on treating children with ASD so they need to improve and develop different learning conditions for infants with ASD to accelerate their integration into conventional schools. This article presents the evolution of a dynamic pedaling system that is used as a parallel complement to the education of a child with ASD, which we believe will accelerate the development of their abilities and the possibility of integrating more quickly into their social environment.
Mejoramiento de la calidad en la recepción de materias primas, mediante la implementación de un plan de muestreo por variables
Authors: Hernández-Benito Fernando , González-Sóbal Martín , Gómez-Márquez Montserrat , Solís-Jiménez Miguel Ángel
Published: May 2021

Objective: To guarantee the adequate inspection of raw material and packaging material by the inspection-receipt area by implementing an effective sampling plan that allows reducing the percentage of defective raw material and its impact on the production process. Methodology: It is based on the continuous improvement cycle (PHVA) within which a diagnosis is made to determine the current state of the inspection process, which will allow defining new action strategies aimed at standardizing the inspection process, through the implementation of a sampling plan by variables based on the MIL-STD 414 standard, once implemented, this process is documented, at the same time the integration of suppliers is carried out, through periodic evaluations in order to know the dynamics of the new inspection process and work only with those suppliers committed to the quality of their inputs. Contribution: Reduction of the percentage of defective raw material, from 21% to 13%, which means an acceptable quality level of the materials of 87%.
Conflict Analysis of Forest and Land Fires in Implementing Collaborative Governance on Disaster Management in Kalimantan Indonesia
Authors: Ruswandi Dody , Sumartono  , Maarif Syamsul , Wijaya Andy Fefta
Published: May 2021

This research combines the ontological and sociological levels of implementing collaborative governance that is very significant in reducing the risk of natural disasters in Indonesia. The problem is very interesting to be examined by conducting descriptive qualitative research. The research is based on public policy theory, collaborative governance theory, and conflict theory. Data were collected using the in-depth interview with several key informants, direct observation, and related documentation. Data were analyzed using interactive models in three steps: data reduction, data display, and data verification supported by triangulation to obtain better credibility. The results were based on ontology, epistemology, and sociology by empowering the collaborative governance theory and conflict theory in Indonesia's forest and land fires disaster. Vision and mission of public policies related to forest and land fires disaster are needed to complete disaster prevention management by providing relevant information to stakeholders regarding regulations and sanctions. The results were produced a revised and detailed relevant regulation and state agencies as public officials in making revised regulations on forest and land fires disaster and natural disaster in Indonesia. The results of this research should be improved related to the forest and land disaster management policies. The researchers suggested that state institutions should cover the collaborative governance of natural disaster reduction in making better regulations on natural disaster management in Indonesia.
Corruption Possibilities in the Climate Financing Sector and Role of the Civil Societies in Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir Mohammad Rasel , Khan Sunjida , Chowdhury Shanjida , Jahan Sharmin , Islam K. M. Anwarul , Zayed Nurul Mohammad
Published: May 2021

Climate governance has become a global issue, and it has proved difficult for any government to tackle this issue on its own. The role of civil society is most crucial, particularly in ensuring transparency and accountability in climate finance. Under certain international agreements, a huge amount of money is channeled in climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh through the climate financing mechanism. This is a tempting opportunity for a country routinely ranked first in the corruption index. This paper explores whether the growing involvement of various non-state actors in climate financing, under the dominant mechanism, creates a new ground for corruption together with the state actors. The paper aimed at helping ensure that climate finance decisions and actions are conducted with transparency, accountability, and integrity to prevent corruption and misuse of funds from undermining climate objectives. The main objective of the paper is to increase the capacity of stakeholders, particularly civil society, to contribute to the creation, implementation, and supervision of climate finance governance policies, with the participation of stakeholders, including government, fund managers, donors, Civil Society Organizations, non-governmental organizations, private sectors, and media analysis. Via content analysis, this study found that the Civil Society Organizations are getting caught up in the vicious circle of corruption in the climate finance sector in Bangladesh. Without having a separate mechanism for the Civil Society Organizations, there is little chance that their role will be positive in tackling corruption in this sector.
CASE SERIES OF REACTIVE HYPOGLYCEMIA
Authors: Varughese mohan , R Anjali.
Published: May 2021

Reactive hypoglycemia (RH) is the condition of postprandially hypoglycemia occurring 2-5 hours after food intake. This study consisted of 12
patients who were reviewed in Neurology and General medicine OPD with atypical symptoms which we couldn't explain. These patients were then
observed for 14 days with CGM. The incidence of reactive hypoglycemia was found to be more in patients with a high waist hip ratio. Patients with
higher BMI have a high risk for reactive hypoglycemia.
White Tape and Indian Wards: Removing the Federal Bureaucracy to Empower Tribal Economies and Self-Government
Authors: Crepelle Adam
Published: May 2021

American Indians have the highest poverty rate in the United States, and dire poverty ensnares many reservations. With no private sector and abysmal infrastructure, reservations are frequently likened to third-world countries. Present-day Indian poverty is a direct consequence of present-day federal Indian law and policy. Two-hundred-year-old laws premised on Indian incompetency remain a part of the U.S. legal system; accordingly, Indian country is bound by heaps of federal regulations that apply nowhere else in the United States. The federal regulatory structure impedes tribal economic development and prevents tribes from controlling their own resources.

This Article asserts the federal regulatory “white tape” is unconstitutional. By focusing on restraints upon trust land and Indian trader laws, this Article demonstrates that contemporary federal regulations impeding tribal economic development are based upon flagrantly racist ideas. This Article explores the unique relationship between Indians and the Constitution and concludes that restrictions on tribal trust land and Indian trader laws should be subjected to strict scrutiny rather than the usual rational basis review applied to legislation relating to Indians. These regulations cannot survive strict scrutiny. Once tribes are liberated from these antiquated regulations, this Article proposes that tribes be able to craft their own land use and economic policies without federal approval.
Theatrical Milieu: Investigating Drama and Theatre in tandem with Socio-Political Landscape of Pakistan
Authors: Fareeha Zaheer
Published: May 2021

This study is an attempt to trace the impacts of socio-political conditions in the formation and evolution of drama and theatre traditions in Pakistan. It provides the genesis of theatre and drama in Pakistan intertwining it with the past and present situations of this genre of literature. It also ventures at the inert position of drama and theatre in English in Pakistan. Qualitative textual analysis is conducted to analyze and highlight the major available critical acumen in the genre of Pakistani drama and theatre. The methodology adopted is interpretive of the theatrical performances by major theatre groups, and the contributions of key playwrights in cementing the foundation of drama and theatre traditions. The major findings are related to the socio-political situations prevalent since the inception of Pakistan and their significance in shaping both dramas in writing and drama in performance. It also examines the role of pioneer theatrical groups and their projects that carved a niche in the theatrical landscape of Pakistan. As compared to fiction theatre and drama remained sporadic and lackluster affair in Pakistan, it is vital to have a deeper understanding and clarity of the socio-political issues that shaped resistance &political theatres and later commercial theatre groups.
Kualitas Audit Berdasarkan Audit Tenure dan Ukuran Perusahaan Klien (Studi pada Perusahaan Manufaktur Sub Sektor Industri Dasar dan Kimia yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia Tahun 2015-2019)
Authors: Irfan Nursyaid Achlan Firdaus  , Dani Sopyan
Published: May 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh audit tenure dan ukuran perusahaan klien terhadap kualitas audit pada perusahaan manufaktur sub sektor industri dasar dan kimia yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia tahun 2015-2019. Penelitian ini berupa penelitian kuantitatif dengan populasi sebanyak 74 perusahaan, teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan metode purposive sampling dan sampel pada penelitian ini sebanyak 37 perusahaan. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini berupa data sekunder yang diperoleh melalui www.idx.co.id. Analisis data menggunakan analisis asosiatif metode regresi logistik untuk hipotesis audit tenure dan ukuran perusahan klien terhadap kualitas audit. Hasil penelitian dengan analisis regresi logistik menunjukkan bahwa audit tenure dan ukuran perusahaan klien secara simultan berpengaruh signifikan. Sedangkan secara parsial audit tenure berpengaruh positif tidak signifikan terhadap kualitas audit, dan ukuran perusahaan klien berpengaruh positif siginifikan terhadap kualitas audit.
Impedance Matching of Axial Mode Helical Antennas
Authors: Mardani Hossein , Buchanan Neil , Cahill Robert , Fusco Vincent
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we study the input impedance characteristics of axial mode helical antennas to find an effective way for matching it to 50 Ω. The study is done on the important matching parameters such as like wire diameter and helix to the ground plane gap. It is intended that these parameters control the matching without detrimentally affecting the radiation pattern. Using transmission line theory, a simple broadband technique is proposed, which is applicable for perfect matching of antennas with similar design parameters. We provide design curves to help to choose the proper dimensions of the matching section based on the antenna’s unmatched input impedance. Finally, using the proposed technique, a 4-turn axial mode helix is designed at 2.5 GHz center frequency and the measurement results of the manufactured antenna will be included. This parametric study gives a good insight into the input impedance characteristics of axial mode helical antennas and the proposed impedance matching approach provides a simple, useful method for matching these types of antennas.
Small temporal asynchronies between the two eyes in binocular reading: Crosslinguistic data and the implications for ocular prevalence
Authors: Zhu Ruomeng , Obregón Mateo , Kreiner Hamutal , Shillcock Richard
Published: May 2021

We investigated small temporal nonalignments between the two eyes’ fixations in the reading of English and Chinese. We define nine different patterns of asynchrony and report their spatial distribution across the screen of text. We interpret them in terms of their implications for ocular prevalence—prioritizing the input from one eye over the input from the other eye in higher perception/cognition, even when binocular fusion has occurred. The data are strikingly similar across the two very different orthographies. Asynchronies, in which one eye begins the fixation earlier and/or ends it later, occur most frequently in the hemifield corresponding to that eye. We propose that such small asynchronies cue higher processing to prioritize the input from that eye, during and after binocular fusion.
Evaluasi Kemampuan HCl dan H2SO4 Sebagai Aktivator Adsorben Bubuk Kulit Batang Sagu (Metroxylon Sagu)
Authors: Mukhlis umar Mukhlis
Published: May 2021

Bubuk kulit batang sagu (Metroxylon sagu) berpotensi sebagai adsorben karena mengandung selulosa, hemiselulosa dan lignin. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menentukan kemampuan aktivator kimia berupa asam  asam klorida dan asam sulfat untuk memperbaiki kualitas adsorben dari bubuk kulit batang sagu sesuai standar SNI 06-3730-1995. Metode yang digunakan adalah dengan sistim bath, dimana bubuk  kulit batang sagu diaktivasi melalui perendaman dengan HCl dan H2SO4  selama 24 jam menggunakan variasi perbandingan berat adsorben dan aktovator 1:1, 1:2 dan 1:3. Analisis di uji melalui karakterisasi meliputi kadar air, kadar abu, daya jerap terhadap iodium dan daya jerap terhadap metilen biru, serta gugus fungsi. Dari hasil penelitian, diperoleh kedua aktivator menunjukan rasio 1: 2 memmberikan kondisi yang optimal kadar air, kadar abu, daya jerap terhadap iodium dan metilen biru, luas permukaan masing-masing sebesar 1,64%; 3,14%; 261,41 mg/g; 4,80 mg/g; 17,76 m2/g untuk aktivator HCl dan 2,67%; 3,20%; 261,10 mg/g; 4,79 mg/g; 17,67 m2/g untuk aktivator H2SO4. Dari penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa penggunaan larutan HCl dan H2SO4 tidak memperlihatkan perbedaan yang signifikan  sebagai aktivator untuk  miningkatkan kualitas adsorben bubuk kulit batang sagu, nilai  daya jerap iodium dan metilen biru kedua aktivator tersebut belum mampu menjadikan bubuk kulit batang sagu sebagai adsorben sesuai standar SNI 06-3730-1995.
Meningkatkan Kemampuan Siswa Membaca Permulaan Melalui Metode Scramble Di Kelas II SDN 3 Tibawa Kabupaten Gorontalo
Authors: Suleman Dajani , Hanafi Yatun R. , Rahmat Abdul
Published: May 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan siswa membaca
permulaan melalui metode Scramble di kelas II SDN 3 Tibawa kabupaten
Gorontalo. Rumusan masalah yakni “apakah melalui metode Scrambledapat
meningkatkan kemampun siswa membaca permulaan di kelas II SDN 3
TibawaKabupaten Gorontalo? Berdasarkan hasil observasi awal siswa yang mampu
membaca permulaan yakni 14 siswa atau 41%, setelah penelitian siklus I
menunjukan bahwa siswa yang mampu berjumlah 24 siswa atau 72% hal tersebut
belum mencapai indikator kinerja yang diharapkan sehingga dilakukan tindak lanjut
ke siklus II. Pada siklus II menunjukan adanya peningkatan, siswa yang mampu
menjadi 29 siswa atau 87% sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa dengan
menggunakan metode Scramble kemampuan siswa membaca permulaan di kelas
II SDN 3 Tibawa Kabupaten Gorontalo.