bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A qualitative assessment of structural barriers to prenatal care and congenital syphilis prevention in Kern County, California
Authors: Chan Elaine Y. L. , Smullin Carolyn , Clavijo Stephanie , Papp-Green Melissa , Park Eunhee , Nelson Marlene , Giarratano Gloria , Wagman Jennifer A.
Published: April 2021

Congenital syphilis is the result of placental transmission from mother to fetus of Treponema pallidum. Although congenital syphilis is preventable through timely treatment, the rate of new infections in the United States (US) has increased each year since 2013, and is increasing at a noticeably greater pace in California (CA). Most research into congenital syphilis has focused on individual psychosocial and behavioral factors that contribute to maternal vulnerability for syphilis. The aim of this study was to evaluate structural barriers to prenatal care access and utilization and congenital syphilis prevention in Kern County, CA. Transcripts from 8 in-depth interviews with prenatal care providers and 5 focus group discussions with 42 pregnant and postpartum persons were examined using thematic analysis. Structural barriers experienced by pregnant and postpartum persons to prenatal care access and utilization included (1) burdens of poverty; (2) stigma around substance use in pregnancy; (3) citizenship status; (4) lack of healthcare coverage; (5) low sexual health literacy; and (6) gender inequality Structural barriers experienced by prenatal care providers in congenital syphilis prevention included (1) limited guidance on clinical management of syphilis in pregnancy; (2) decay in public health infrastructure; and (3) inadequate support for managing patients’ social comorbidities. The response to congenital syphilis prevention will require an examination of the complex context of social determinants of health in which persons diagnosed with syphilis live in.
GHS-R in brown fat potentiates differential thermogenic responses under metabolic and thermal stresses
Authors: Lee Jong Han , Lin Ligen , Ye Xiangcang , Wolfrum Christian , Chen Yingjie , Guo Shaodong , Sun Yuxiang
Published: April 2021

In response to cold or diet, fatty acids are dissipated into heat through uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in brown adipose tissue (BAT). This process is termed non-shivering thermogenesis, which is important for body temperature maintenance and contributes to obesity pathogenesis. Thermogenic enhancement has been considered a promising anti-obesity strategy. Ghrelin and its receptor Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHS-R) have critical roles in energy intake, nutrient sensing, and lipid metabolism. We previously reported that global Ghsr-knockout mice have increased energy expenditure due to enhanced thermogenesis. To determine the site of action for GHS-R mediated thermogenesis, we generated brown adipocyte-specific Ghsr knockout mice (UCP1-CreER/Ghsrf/f) and assessed thermogenic responses under regular diet (RD) fed homeostatic metabolic state or high-fat diet (HFD) fed metabolically-impaired obese state, under normal or cold housing environment. Under a RD-feeding, UCP1-CreER/Ghsrf/f mice showed increased body fat and a slightly elevated core body temperature under cold but not under normal temperature. Consistently, the expression of thermogenic genes in BAT of RD-fed UCP1-CreER/Ghsrf/f mice was increased in reposes to cold. Under HFD feeding, HFD-fed UCP1-CreER/Ghsrf/f mice showed no difference in body fat or body temperature under either normal or cold exposure. Interestingly, the expression of thermogenic genes in BAT of HFD-fed UCP1-CreER/Ghsrf/f mice was upregulated under normal temperature but downregulated under cold exposure. Overall, our data show that GHS-R has cell-autonomous effect in brown adipocytes, and GHS-R regulates BAT thermogenic activity in a temperature- and metabolic state-dependent manner. The thermogenic effect of GHS-R in BAT is more pronounced in cold environment and differentially variable based on metabolic state; under cold exposure, GHS-R inhibition in BAT activates thermogenesis under homeostatic state but suppresses thermogenesis under obese state. Our finding collectively suggests that GHS-R in BAT, acting as a “metabolic thermostat”, differentially regulates thermogenesis in response to different metabolic and thermal stimuli.
Beta decoupling relationship between CO2 emissions by GDP, energy consumption, electricity production, value-added industries, and population in China
Authors: Khan Rabnawaz
Published: April 2021

The credible sources of fossil energy efficiently are a vital cause of economic growth and considerable influence on adequate security. Whereas radiant energy positively enhances or ostensibly promotes socio-economic stability and the controlled environment. The fossil energy sources supply has become progressively stern in China and reconnoitering the beta decoupling relationships between CO2 emissions, GDP, energy consumption, electricity consumption, value-added industries, and population. The results will be favorable for illustrative the security of the valuable resources. This study adopts the extended stochastic model (STIRPAT) with Beta Decoupling Techniques (BDT). This modern technique merely employs the decoupling situation by the alpha and beta effects from 1989 to 2018 and calculates the % change in CO2 emissions by GDP growth and energy consumption. The estimated results represent negative and economic growth depends on coal and natural gas. First, CO2 emissions annually increasing cause of rapid growth, energy consumption, and electricity production, and the structural contradiction of energy remained static. Second, the Value-added industries estimated that CO2 emissions reduce by primary industries. Third, the decoupling states of CO2 emissions and population show an inverse relationship. This paper tentatively suggests China is sustainable, naturally strengthens energy output, transmutes the energy consumption structure, and advances development policies under environmental circumstances.
Determinants of content marketing effectiveness: Conceptual framework and empirical findings from a managerial perspective
Authors: Koob Clemens
Published: April 2021

Content marketing has gained momentum around the world and is steadily gaining importance in the marketing mix of organizations. Nevertheless, it has received comparatively little attention from the scientific community. In particular, there is very little knowledge about the effectiveness, optimal design and implementation of content marketing. In this study, the authors conceptualize content marketing as a set of activities that are embedded in and contingent on the specific organizational context. Based on this framework, the authors empirically investigate the context features determining content marketing effectiveness from a managerial perspective, using primary data collected from senior marketers in 263 organizations from various sectors and across different size categories, conducting multiple regression analysis. The empirical results indicate that clarity and commitment regarding content marketing strategy and a content production in line with the organization’s target groups’ content needs as well as normative journalistic quality criteria are context factors associated with higher content marketing effectiveness. The outcomes also reveal that regularly measuring content marketing performance and using the data obtained as guidance for improving content offerings positively influence content marketing effectiveness, as do structural specialization and specialization-enabling processes and systems. The insights provided in this study could offer important theoretical contributions for research on content marketing and its effectiveness and may help practitioners to optimize the design and implementation of content marketing initiatives.
HIV epidemic in fishing communities in Uganda: A scoping review
Authors: Musumari Patou Masika , Techasrivichien Teeranee , Srithanaviboonchai Kriengkrai , Wanyenze Rhoda K. , Matovu Joseph K. B. , Poudyal Hemant , Suguimoto S. Pilar , Zamani Saman , Tangmunkongvorakul Arunrat , Ono-Kihara Masako , Kihara Masahiro
Published: April 2021

Background

Fishing communities in many Sub-Saharan African countries are a high-risk population group disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. In Uganda, literature on HIV in fishing communities has grown extensively since the first country’s documented case of HIV in a fishing community in 1985. The current study describes the status of the HIV burden, prevention, and treatment in Ugandan fishing communities.

Method

This scoping review was conducted based on the York Framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant quantitative and qualitative studies on HIV incidence, HIV prevalence, HIV-related risk factors, HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy coverage and adherence, and interventions to improve treatment outcomes and reduce HIV risk factors.

Results & conclusion

We identified 52 papers and 2 reports. Thirty-four were quantitative, 17 qualitative, and 3 had a mixed-methods design. Eleven studies reported on the prevalence of HIV and 8 on HIV incidence; 9 studies documented factors associated with HIV incidence or HIV positive status; 10 studies reported on HIV testing coverage and/or associated factors; 7 reported on antiretroviral therapy coverage/adherence/outcomes; and 1 study reported on the impact of combination HIV interventions in fishing communities. This scoping review revealed a significant lack of evidence in terms of what works in HIV prevention and for improving adherence to ART, in contrast to the relatively large amount of evidence from observational quantitative and qualitative studies on HIV prevalence, incidence and related risk factors in Ugandan fishing communities. Intervention studies are urgently needed to fill the current evidence gaps in HIV prevention and ART adherence.
Measurements of the local evoked potential from the cochlear nucleus in patients with an auditory brainstem implant and its implication to auditory perception and audio processor programming
Authors: Gärtner Lutz , Lenarz Thomas , Büchner Andreas
Published: April 2021

The measurement of the electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) in cochlear implant (CI) patients is widely used to provide evidence of a functioning electrode-nerve interface, to confirm proper location of the electrode array and to program the sound processor. In patients with an auditory brainstem implant (ABI), a likewise versatile measurement would be desirable. The ECAP measurement paradigm “Alternating Polarity” was utilized to record responses via the implanted ABI electrode array placed on the cochlear nucleus. Emphasizing on the different location of stimulation and recording, these responses are called local evoked potentials (LEP). LEP measurements were conducted during the clinical routine in 16 ABI patients (12 children and 4 adults), corresponding to 191 electrode contacts. A retrospective analysis of these data revealed, that LEP responses were observed in 64.9% of all measured electrode contacts. LEP responses predicted auditory perception with a sensitivity of 90.5%. False-positive rate was 33.7%. Objective LEP thresholds were highly significantly (p < 0.001) correlated both to behavioral thresholds (Pearson’s r = 0.697) and behavioral most comfortable levels (r = 0.840). Therefore, LEP measurements have the potential to support fitting in ABI patients.
Rapid diagnostic tests for the detection of recent dengue infections: An evaluation of six kits on clinical specimens
Authors: Yow Kok-Siang , Aik Joel , Tan Eugene Yong-Meng , Ng Lee-Ching , Lai Yee-Ling
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Early and rapid confirmation of dengue infections strengthens disease surveillance program and are critical to the success of vector control measures. Rapid diagnostics tests (RDTs) are increasingly used to confirm recent dengue infections due to their ease of use and short turnaround time for results. Several studies undertaken in dengue-endemic Southeast Asia have reported the performance of RDTs against enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and virus isolation methods. However, few studies have compared multiple RDTs for the detection of dengue NS1 antigen and IgM antibody in a single combo cassette. We evaluated six RDTs in Singapore for their utility in routine clinical testing to detect recent dengue infections.

Methods

The evaluation comprised two phases. The first phase sought to determine each RDT’s specificity to dengue NS1 and IgM using zika and chikungunya virus supernatant and zika convalescent samples. RDTs that cross-reacted with zika or chikungunya were not further tested in phase 2. The second phase sought to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the remaining RDTs to dengue NS1 and IgM using pre-characterised dengue specimens and non-dengue/chikungunya febrile clinical specimens.

Results

None of the RDTs cross-reacted with zika IgM in Phase 1. Truquick and Quickprofile cross reacted with zika and chikungunya viruses and were not evaluated thereafter. Standard Q had the highest dengue NS1 and IgM sensitivity at 87.0% and 84.3% respectively whereas Bioline (68.5%) and Multisure (58.3%) had the lowest dengue NS1 and IgM sensitivity respectively. Combining dengue NS1/IgM detection results greatly improved the RDT ability to detect recent dengue infection; Standard Q had the highest sensitivity at 99.1% while Multisure had the lowest at 92.6%. All the RDTs were highly specific for dengue NS1 and IgM (96.7% to 100%). All the RDTs had high positive predictive values (98.4% to 100%) for NS1, IgM and combined NS1/IgM parameters whereas Standard Q had the highest negative predictive values at 68.2% (NS1), 63.8% (IgM) and 96.8% (NS1/IgM). For the RDTs, detection of NS1 declined from acute to convalescent phase of illness whereas IgM detection rate gradually increased over time.

Conclusion

In our study, several RDTs were evaluated for their diagnostic accuracy and capability in detecting recent dengue infection. Standard Q demonstrated a high degree of diagnostic accuracy and capability in the detection of NS1 and IgM biomarkers. RDTs can provide rapid and accurate confirmation of recent dengue infections and augment dengue surveillance and control programmes. Further studies are required to assess the usefulness of these RDTs in other epidemiology settings.
Standardized procedure to measure the size distribution of extracellular vesicles together with other particles in biofluids with microfluidic resistive pulse sensing
Authors: Cimorelli Michael , Nieuwland Rienk , Varga Zoltán , van der Pol Edwin
Published: April 2021

The particle size distribution (PSD) of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and other submicron particles in biofluids is commonly measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS). A new technique for measuring the PSD is microfluidic resistive pulse sensing (MRPS). Because specific guidelines for measuring EVs together with other particles in biofluids with MRPS are lacking, we developed an operating procedure to reproducibly measure the PSD. The PSDs of particles in human plasma, conditioned medium of PC3 prostate cancer cell line (PC3 CM), and human urine were measured with MRPS (nCS1, Spectradyne LLC) to investigate: (i) the optimal diluent that reduces the interfacial tension of the sample while keeping EVs intact, (ii) the lower limit of detection (LoD) of particle size, (iii) the reproducibility of the PSD, (iv) the optimal dilution for measuring the PSD, and (v) the agreement in measured concentration between microfluidic cartridges with overlapping detection ranges. We found that the optimal diluent is 0.1% bovine serum albumin (w/v) in Dulbecco’s phosphate-buffered saline. Based on the shape of the PSD, which is expected to follow a power-law function within the full detection range, we obtained a lower LoD of 75 nm for plasma and PC3 CM and 65 nm for urine. Normalized PSDs are reproducible (R2 > 0.950) at dilutions between 10–100x for plasma, 5–20x for PC3 CM, and 2–4x for urine. Furthermore, sample dilution does not impact the dilution-corrected concentration when the microfluidic cartridges are operated within their specified concentration ranges. PSDs from microfluidic cartridges with overlapping detection ranges agreed well (R2 > 0.936) and when combined the overall PSD spanned 5 orders of magnitude of measured concentration. Based on these findings, we have developed operating guidelines to reproducibly measure the PSD of EVs together with other particles in biofluids with MRPS.
Where myth and archaeology meet: Discovering the Gorgon Medusa’s Lair
Authors: Finlayson Clive , Gutierrez Lopez Jose Maria , Reinoso del Rio M. Cristina , Saez Romero Antonio M. , Giles Guzman Francisco , Finlayson Geraldine , Giles Pacheco Francisco , Abulafia David , Finlayson Stewart , Jennings Richard P. , Rodriguez Vidal Joaquin
Published: April 2021

Here we report the discovery of ceramic fragments that form part of a Gorgoneion, a ceramic image representation of the Gorgon Medusa. The fragments were found in a deep part of Gorham’s Cave, well known to ancient mariners as a natural shrine, between the 8thand 2ndcentury BCE. We discuss the context of this discovery, both within the inner topography of the cave itself, and also the broader geographical context. The discovery is situated at the extreme western end of the Mediterranean Sea, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. The location was known to ancient mariners as the northern Pillar of Herakles, which marked the end of the known world. We relate the discovery, and its geographical and chronological context, to Greek legends that situated the lair of the Gorgon sisters at a location which coincides with the physical attributes and geographical position of Gorham’s Cave. We thus provide, uniquely, a geographical and archaeological context to the myth of Perseus and the slaying of the Gorgon Medusa.
Silver linings of the COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand
Authors: Jenkins Matthew , Hoek Janet , Jenkin Gabrielle , Gendall Philip , Stanley James , Beaglehole Ben , Bell Caroline , Rapsey Charlene , Every-Palmer Susanna
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption, distress, and loss of life around the world. While negative health, economic, and social consequences are being extensively studied, there has been less research on the resilience and post-traumatic growth that people show in the face of adversity. We investigated New Zealanders’ experiences of benefit-finding during the COVID-19 pandemic and analysed qualitative responses to a survey examining mental well-being during the New Zealand lockdown. A total of 1175 of 2010 eligible participants responded to an open-ended question probing ‘silver linings’ (i.e., positive aspects) they may have experienced during this period. We analysed these qualitative responses using a thematic analysis approach. Two thirds of participants identified silver linings from the lockdown and we developed two overarching themes: Surviving (coping well, meeting basic needs, and maintaining health) and thriving (self-development, reflection, and growth). Assessing positive as well as negative consequences of the pandemic provides more nuanced insights into the impact that New Zealand’s response had on mental well-being.
An update of the Japanese Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaires on overuse injuries and health problems
Authors: Mashimo Sonoko , Yoshida Naruto , Hogan Takaaki , Takegami Ayaka , Nishida Satoru , Nagano Yasuharu
Published: April 2021

Monitoring the health of athletes is important for their protection, and questionnaires such as those produced by the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) are a valuable tool in this process. In 2020, several changes were made to the OSTRC questionnaires (OSTRC-O, OSTRC-H), including changes to the wording, structure, and logic of the original questionnaires. In the present study, the Japanese versions of the OSTRC questionnaires (OSTRC-O.JP, OSTRC-H.JP) were revised to meet the requirements of the updated versions and to analyse new and previously collected data to illustrate the impact of the changes on Japanese athletes. Proposed changes were categorized as minor or more substantial; minor changes were effected to the questionnaire instructions and to the wording of all four questions, and more substantial changes were made to the wording of question 2. The updated questionnaires also included changes to questionnaire logic and answer categories. To assess the consequences of the changes to the wording of question 2, 101 athletes were asked to complete the OSTRC-H.JP, which included both the original and updated versions of question 2, over 10 consecutive weeks. We calculated the number of health problems identified when new gatekeeper logic was and was not applied, using 1585 OSTRC-H.JP responses to assess the consequences of the changes to the questionnaire logic. The kappa coefficient, which measures the level of agreement between the responses to question 2 of the original and updated versions, was high. By applying gatekeeper logic, there was a remarkable reduction in the number of injuries and illnesses among all health problems but less reduction in substantial health problems and time loss health problems. These changes will make it easier for Japanese athletes to complete the questionnaires and improve the quality of collected data.
Effector and regulator: Diverse functions of C. elegans C-type lectin-like domain proteins
Authors: Pees Barbara , Yang Wentao , Kloock Anke , Petersen Carola , Peters Lena , Fan Li , Friedrichsen Meike , Butze Sabrina , Zárate-Potes Alejandra , Schulenburg Hinrich , Dierking Katja
Published: April 2021

In C. elegans, 283 clec genes encode a highly diverse family of C-type lectin-like domain (CTLD) proteins. Since vertebrate CTLD proteins have characterized functions in defense responses against pathogens and since expression of C. elegans clec genes is pathogen-dependent, it is generally assumed that clec genes function in C. elegans immune defenses. However, little is known about the relative contribution and exact function of CLEC proteins in C. elegans immunity. Here, we focused on the C. elegans clec gene clec-4, whose expression is highly upregulated by pathogen infection, and its paralogs clec-41 and clec-42. We found that, while mutation of clec-4 resulted in enhanced resistance to the Gram-positive pathogen Bacillus thuringiensis MYBt18247 (Bt247), inactivation of clec-41 and clec-42 by RNAi enhanced susceptibility to Bt247. Further analyses revealed that enhanced resistance of clec-4 mutants to Bt247 was due to an increase in feeding cessation on the pathogen and consequently a decrease in pathogen load. Moreover, clec-4 mutants exhibited feeding deficits also on non-pathogenic bacteria that were in part reflected in the clec-4 gene expression profile, which overlapped with gene sets affected by starvation or mutation in nutrient sensing pathways. However, loss of CLEC-4 function only mildly affected life-history traits such as fertility, indicating that clec-4 mutants are not subjected to dietary restriction. While CLEC-4 function appears to be associated with the regulation of feeding behavior, we show that CLEC-41 and CLEC-42 proteins likely function as bona fide immune effector proteins that have bacterial binding and antimicrobial capacities. Together, our results exemplify functional diversification within clec gene paralogs.
Morphological categorization and typological classification of lace fabrics in Nigeria
Authors: Kalilu Razaq Olatunde Rom , Adeoti Adeola Abiodun
Published: April 2021

This article presents a study of lace textiles used for clothing in southern Nigeria. The study was conducted with the aim of providing a preliminary morphological categorization and typological classification of the lace textiles. Based on field research conducted in six strategically selected cities of southern Nigeria, the study used a total of 135 lace textile samples available in the region from 1990 and 2016 for its analyses. The study categorized the lace textiles into two morphological classes of handmade lace and machine-made lace. It also classified the machine-made lace into eleven typological groups based on the visual qualities of the laces.
Tasteful Bunkers: Shades of Race and ‘Contamination’ in Luxury Design Sectors
Authors: Arzumanova Inna , Stasiowski Maciej
Published: April 2021

In the days following the onslaught of the COVID-19 global pandemic, it became clear that this humanitarian health crisis would be accompanied by a financial crisis. In response to these inevitabilities, the industries that make up the consumer design sector – interior design, decor, architecture, fashion and so on – quickly turned their attention to aestheticizing our new, increasingly private and isolationist realities, launching advertising campaigns and editorials to address these new realities. Work-from-home edits, new ‘home office’ collections, wardrobes for video conferencing and ‘digital gallery hopping’ campaigns all began encouraging consumers to accessorize their domestic spaces as a bulwark against the threats marking urban environments and their contaminated bodies; bodies that, through the notion of ‘contamination’, drag along a set of inescapable racial and class-based assumptions. Echoing the ways in which interior design, architecture and media enabled America’s ‘white flight’ and suburbanization in the 1950s, luxury retailers are again inviting privileged populations to retreat and design their homes as comfortable bunkers, full of the accessories of art, travel and public life, without the risk of actual encounter. In this article, I argue that these luxury industries are complicit in renewing a post-pandemic racialization of urban space. In the contemporary moment, the luxury design industry’s entreaties to (re)design our homes to accommodate a newly public life led in private amounts to a symbolic suburbanization founded in the fear of ‘contaminated’ racialized bodies.
ÁGUA, AR, TERRA E FOGO: ARQUÉTIPOS DAS CONFIGURAÇÕES DA IMAGINAÇÃO POÉTICA NA METAFÍSICA DE GASTON BACHELARD
Authors: De Freitas Alexander
Published: April 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é disc utir e sistematizar as configurações da imaginação poética propostas pela metafísica de Gaston Bachelard, relacionando-as aos arqu étipos dos quatro elementos (água, ar, terra e fogo). Conduzindo a análise através da relação dialógica entre o simbolismo do elemento material e sua síntese emumadas cinco configurações da imaginação poética, encontrou-se a imaginação ma terial estruturada pelo elemento água, a imaginação dinâmica (do movimento) situada pelo elemento ar, a imaginação dinâmica (das forças) configurada pelo elemento terra e a imagem-lembrança e a imaginação arquetipal, ambas, arregimentadas pelo elemento fogo. Por fim , pode-se concluir que a hermenêutica tetra elementar utilizada na proposição das configurações da imaginação poética é vivida e confessada pelo próprio filósofo, sendo a obsessão pelo elemento fogo, o que vai iluminar a epistemologia e a metafísica poética de Gaston Bachelard.
DELIMITAÇÃO DA ANaLISE EXISTENCIAL DA MORTE
Authors: Pisetta Elvis
Published: April 2021

O propósito deste trabalho é muito simples: localizar ou delimitar

uma análise existencial da morte em relação a algumas outras

abordagens do mesmo fenômeno. Com isso pretende-se não apenas

ampliar nossa compreensão acerca da morte, mas acessar

filosoficamente o conceito existencial de ser-para-a-morte,

desenvolvido na obra Ser e tempo de M. Heidegger. Para tanto,

tomaremos por base o pensamento deste autor, principalmente o

do §49 de Ser e tempo que se ocupa desta problemática.
EPISTEMOLOGIA DAS POSSIBILIDADES EDUCATIVAS: RECONSTRUIR O CONHECIMENTO PEDAGÓGICO
Authors: Martins Ernesto Candeias
Published: April 2021

As teorias da educação não têm dado muita atenção aos fenómenos

e às questões de prática pedagógica nos diversos contextos

educativos, pois há uma falta de enquadramento nas estruturas

ordenadas e coerentes e de fundamentação epistemológica, devido

à complexidade, ao caos e à falta de um estatuto teórico mais

adaptado a essas novas situações de prática pedagógica actuais.

Desde a com plexidade educativa haverá que reconstruir o

conhecimento pedagógico, reconduzindo a aprendizagem dos

alunos a novas práticas (aprendizagem de labirinto, aprendizagem

interpretativa, aprendizagem criativa, autogestão educativa,

investigação-acção, hipertexto, educação ambiental, etc.). O autor

admite a possibilidade de novas teorizações sobre a educação

(reconstrução das teorias da educação) ajustadas às características

de educabilidade e da educação/formação dos novos públicos. O

futuro estará no equilíbrio entre a escola real e a escola virtual,

porque a complexidade é simultaneamente real e virtual, de modo

que a escola hipertextual e criativa se transforme numa estrutura

social baseada em redes, promotoras de inovação e criatividade

nos alunos.
The Effect of Independence and Integrity on Audit Quality: Is There A Moderating Role for E-Audit?
Authors: Prabowo Diza Dianeke Budi , Suhartini Dwi
Published: April 2021

The financial statements must be reliable and become a benchmark in considering an audit decision on the financial statements. In order for this to be achieved, independence and integrity is required in carrying out the audit process. E-Audit helps overcome challenges in the industrial revolution 4.0 and prevent fraud. This research aims of testing and analyzing the role of e-audit in moderating the impact of auditor independence and integrity on audit quality. The data was collected through a questionnaire distributed to auditors at Public Accounting Firms in Surabaya. There are 36 respondents involved. The data were analyzed using SmartPLS. The results showed that auditor independence positively effect audit quality, auditor integrity positively effect audit quality; e-audit does non moderate the effect of auditor independence on audit quality; ande-Audit negatively moderates the effect of auditor integrity on audit quality. The practical implication of this research is that when determining high audit quality, independent auditors should at least increase their independence and integrity so that the resulting audit reports are of high quality and can be a reference for decision makers.
Alat Permainan Edukatif Golf Anak Usia Dini sebagai Program Edupreneur Prodi Pendidikan Islam Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Leli Fertiliana Dea  , Yusuf M. , Saidun Anwar M. , Choirudin Choirudin , Ayu Juniati Dwi
Published: April 2021

The mismatch between competence and job requirements is a cause of rampant unemployment. Moreover, the imbalance between supply and demand, as well as the quality of human resources are produced. The edupreneur program in the Islamic Early Childhood Education (IECE) department can equip graduates to be more competitive, especially looking for competent jobs. This study aims to develop an Educational Game Tool (EGT) in the form of APE Golf as a form of entrepreneurial education program (edupreneur) in the IECE study program. The method used is research and development (research and development) Borg and Gall. EGT Golf development is carried out in several stages, namely: the initial trial design stage given to material expert validators and media experts and the main field trial stage with 14 children. The results of this study indicate that EGT golf is feasible to be used as an educational program for students and prospective teachers in the IECE department. EGT golf testing with respondents can encourage student activity and develop fine and gross motor skills. EGT golf can also be used as a learning medium in early childhood education.
A DFT Study of Heteroatom Doped-Pyrazine as an Anode in Sodium ion Batteries
Authors: Zaidi S.Z.J. , Raza M. , Hassan S. , Harito C. , Walsh F.C.
Published: April 2021

Lithium ion batteries cannot satisfy increasing demand for energy storage. A range of complementary batteries are needed which are environmentally acceptable, of moderate cost and easy to manufacture/recycle. In this case, we have chosen pyrazine to be used in the sodium ion batteries to meet the energy storage requirements of tomorrow. Pyrazine is studied as a possible anode material for bio-batteries, lithium-ion, and sodium ion batteries due to its broad set of useful properties such as ease of synthesis, low cost, ability to be charge-discharge cycled, and stability in the electrolyte. The heteroatom doped-pyrazine with atoms of boron, fluorine, phosphorous, and sulphur as an anode in sodium ion batteries has improved the stability and intercalation of sodium ions at the anode. The longest bond observed between sodium ion and sulphur-doped pyrazine at 2.034 Å. The electronic charge is improved and further enhanced by the presence of highly electronegative atoms such as fluorine and bromine in an already electron-attracting pyrazine compound. The highest adsorption energy is observed for the boron-doped pyrazine at -2.735 eV. The electron-deficient sites present in fluorine and bromine help in improving the electronic storage of the sodium ion batteries. A mismatch is observed between the adsorption energy and bond length in pyrazine doped with fluorine and phosphorus.
Stabilization of A Single Chamber Single Population Microbial Fuel Cell by Using of a Novel Nonlinear Adaptive Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Fu Xiuwei , Fu Li , Marrani Hashem Imani
Published: April 2021

The microbial fuel cell is one of the most important tools in the supply of renewable energy and its controller plays an important role in improving the performance and stability of its output. Using the advantages of adaptive and sliding mode methods, this paper presents a combined technique to ensure the stability and output voltage stabilization of the fuel cell in the presence of parametric uncertainties and nonlinear terms. The proposed control method is compared with classical control approaches and the simulation results confirm its efficiency.
Silver Nanoparticles Formation by Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Irradiation in an Aqueous Solution of Silver Nitrate; Effect of Sodium bis (2-ethyl hexyl) Sulfosuccinate
Authors: Qazi Umair Yaqub
Published: April 2021

A photochemical reduction of a silver salt precursor using near-ultra-violet (UV) pulsed laser (355 nm) irradiation into aqueous surfactant sodium-bis (2–ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) solution has succeeded in synthesizing homogenous speculative silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Without using any additive, the irradiation from ns laser pulses to aqueous silver nitrate solution was observed to create nanocubes (NCs). The photoproduct was transformed into a nanosphere when irradiated with a particular AOT concentration. The photoproduct concentration of NCs to NSs was approximately ten times lower than the critical concentration of micellar (CMC) in AOT, which means that the growth of NSs was aided in a single layer of AOT adsorbed on silver surfaces. A UV / Visible Spectrophotometer and Transmission/Scanning electron microscopy (TEM/SEM) were used to characterize the photochemically synthesized sample thoroughly. The mean size of AgNSs, analyzed by TEM, was 8 nm. These parameters have shown the growth of AgNSs and discussed in the paper. These nanoparticles are potential candidates for catalyst, semiconductor, photovoltaic equipment, medical diagnostics applications than bulk materials.
Novel Neural network single sensor MPPT for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Harrag Abdelghani
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a new neural network single sensor maximum power point tracking algorithm controlling the DC-DC boost converter to guarantee the transfer of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell maximum generated power to the load. The implemented neural network single sensor controller has been developed and trained firstly in offline mode using single sensor maximum power point tracking data obtained previously; and secondly used in online mode to track the maximum output power of the fuel cell power system. Comparative simulation results prove the superiority of the proposed neural network single sensor maximum power point compared to the single sensor one especially in transit response reducing by the way the overshoot and the tracking time which leads to an overall energy losses reduction. In addition, the implemented neural network single sensor MPPT employs only one sensor which will reduce the complexity and the cost of PEM fuel cell power system. To our knowledge, this study is a pioneering work using a neural network single sensor controller as PEM fuel cell MPPT.
Critical soft factors for card-based production systems implementation: A multi-method study
Authors: Bagni Gustavo , Godinho Filho Moacir , Tortorella Guilherme Luiz , Jabbour Charbel José Chiappetta
Published: April 2021

Goal: Although card-based systems are a mature topic in literature, studies have focused mainly on how to optimize parameter of each system. The influential of human factors in the implementation of those systems have rarely been evaluated. Therefore, this study aims to understand what are the critical soft factors for a successful card-based systems implementation.

Design / Methodology / Approach: A multi-method study is used in this research, combining systematic literature review, longitudinal case study, content analysis, interviews with experts and validations with two different groups.

Results: The paper proposes a list of 15 soft factors critical to a successful implementation of card-based systems categorized in a “house framework” according to the level of analysis each factor is included.

Limitations of the investigation: A single case study, although longitudinal, was conducted to proposed the list of factors. Therefore, further studies should be conducted to adapt the list to other organizations and contexts.

Practical implications: Following the proposed list of factors, managers can increase the success in implementing a card-based system in their organizations.

Originality / Value: This study combines different research methods in a unique way, since in the researchers' view, an individual method was not sufficient to answer the proposed research question. Moreover, the case study reported a failure implementation of a card-based system, a rare addition to literature which mainly presented success cases.
First record of the genus Cryptotaenia (Apiaceae, Oenantheae) in Colombia
Authors: Fonseca-Cortés Andrés , Peña-Torres Jairo A.
Published: April 2021

Cryptotaenia japonica Hassk., a native species of Eastern Asia, is reported for the first time for the flora of Colombia. This taxon is easily recognized by its ternate leaves, rhombic leaflets, leaf margins irregularly serrate, cymose inflorescences, irregular rays and pedicels, white petals, cylindric stylopodium, erect stiles, and oblong fruits with five ribs. To date, this species has been recorded only in one locality in Cundinamarca department. A neotypification of C. japonica is proposed and keys for the genera of the tribe Oenantheae present in Colombia, and the species of Cryptotaenia s. str., are presented. Additionally, we report for the first time the family Empididae (Diptera) as floral visitor of this species.
Russian-Mongolian Trade and Economic Relations: Far Eastern Prospects
Authors:   Buryat Scientific Centre SB RAS, Namzhilova Victoria
Published: April 2021

The article examines the role of the Far East in modern Russian-Mongolian trade and economic relations. Based on the data of customs statistics, the features of mutual trade of the Far Eastern subjects with Mongolia are determined. The factors determining the growing interest of Ulaanbaatar to Russian Far Eastern ports are identified. Author highlights the Mongolian projects of railways construction, potentially aimed at enhancing transport connectivity with Russian territories, especially in the context of mineral raw materials supply diversification. The «bottlenecks» of the transport and logistics environment in the region bordering on Mongolia – the Republic of Buryatia, are shown. The research findings are applicable to management practices, especially those concerning transport and logistics solutions to ensure Russian-Mongolian trade.
DPRK’s Foreign Trade: The Impact of Sanctions
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Dyomina Yana
Published: April 2021

The author analyzes the dynamics and structure of DPRK’s foreign trade, as well as the impact of international sanctions. Currently, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, sanctions include a complete ban on the country’s main export goods, restrictions on the import of petroleum products and the use of North Korean labor abroad. International sanctions and the aggravation of the North and South relations had a significant negative effect on the DPRK’s foreign trade. Until 2013, there was a positive trend, but the tightening of sanctions and nullification of trade with the Republic of Korea led to the collapse of export-import operations. The possibility of restoring the DPRK’s foreign economic relations and developing cooperation with Russia is closely linked to resolving the nuclear issue and lifting international sanctions.
Employment Structure of the Population of the Republic of Buryatia: Trends and Shifts
Authors:   Buryat Science Center SB RAS, Byuraeva Yulia
Published: April 2021

The article is devoted to the assessment of shifts in the structure of employment of the population of the Republic of Buryatia. The analysis was carried out using the method of shift-components based on the selection of national, regional and sectoral factors that led to the change in the number of employees in the context of economic activities. The information base was the data of Buryatstat and Rosstat from 2000 to 2018. The main reason for the change in the structure of employment in the region was revealed as the presence of unfavorable regional (to a greater degree) and sectoral conditions for development with a positive influence of national factors. The types of economic activities basic for the region, local significance and outside the specialization of the region have been determined, the competitiveness of the types of economic activities has been assessed from the position of employment
Strategies for Russia and Russia
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Minakir Pavel
Published: April 2021

In this article we use the 100th anniversary of the development and approval of the GOELRO plan, the plan to electrify Russia (State Commission for the Electrification of Russia), as a cause to discuss the role of strategic planning in determining the economic destiny of our nation. Another reason for this is, of course, the lingering economic crisis in Russia and the inability to escape its grasp despite the growing number of strategies, programs, and projects being developed in Russia. The article suggests picking three points in time that were truly important for making fundamental decisions concerning the main development of the country for the subsequent years. The article proposes to consider these decisions, dating back to the early 1920-s, 1950-s, 1990-s, development strategies (strategies 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 respectively). The comparative analysis of their specific features, and conditions (internal and external) under which the strategies were developed and implemented, allowed the author to draw a line between first two strategies and the 1990-s strategy, and to formulate requirements for a new strategy (4.0). This new strategy is urgently needed not only for the economic recovery, but for constructing the economy that would make Russia one of the leading global economies. It should not only be able to provide the economy with opportunities for endogenous growth, but also for effective social development. In this regard, some thoughts are given on the recently published policy report on the strategic basis of the Russian economy development. The report is not, technically, a long-term economic development strategy, but by the expert community and the media it is perceived as a strategy for a certain ‘U-turn’ of the Russian economy
How Effective Are Special Economic Zones in the Russian Far East: A Financial Assessment Using Firm-Level Data
Authors:   Economic Research Institute for Northeast Asia (ERINA), Shida Yoshisada , Kan Viktoriya ,   Teikyo University
Published: April 2021

With ‘Advanced Development Zones (TORs)’ formed in the Russian Far East in the mid-2010s, now it is a good time to overview the first five years of this policy development. Here, in contrast to the mostly qualitative prior studies, we assess the initial growth of the Far East TORs quantitatively. In order to achieve this, we set up a novel financial database which we use to trace the dynamics of zonal economic activities, compare their fiscal performances, and capture their structural differences. Our analysis, based on the database composing resident registers and financial accounting reports, reveals the following. First, a few TORs successfully attract new residents, leading to regional heterogeneity of the resident distribution and zone development dynamics. Second, there is one or a few companies in each TOR that dominate in the zone and determine total TOR revenue. Thus, their presences sway the TORs’ economic performance. Curiously, these ‘dominant’ firms do not necessarily act as ‘anchor residents’ originally supposed to initiate foundations of clusters in their industries. Third, small businesses, on the contrast, show rather low profitability; however, there is variation among companies in different TORs. SMEs are hoped to play a key role in creating local labor market stability and adding to the regional economy what centralized big business cannot. In this regard, the TOR’s institutional improvement is vital to ensure local SME profitability. Summing up, we bid to label TORs as having ‘rich’ or ‘poor’ development potential to attract and stimulate SME in the zones
Impact of the Demographic Processes on the Inflation Rate in the Russian Regions
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Shevchenko Ekaterina
Published: April 2021

The influence of demographic processes on the inflation rate in Russian regions is reviewing. The hypothesis of heterogeneous influence of the population of different age groups on the inflation rate are testing. Such influence can be explained by the different behavior of age groups concerning consumption, inflation expectations, as well as other factors that determine the behavior of different age groups, the specifics of the country’s regions, and interregional interaction. The database includes the statistical indicators of 81 regions of Russia for the period from 2010 to 2018. As the dependent variable the author has taken the inflation rate. As the independent variables in this paper are using the growth rate of the working age population share, the population younger than working age share, and the population older than working age share. Control variables are the openness of the economy, the growth rate of the physical volume index of investment, and the regional fiscal balances. The global and local Moran, Geary, Getis and Ord indices were used to identify the spatial dependence of the inflation rate. The obtained results allowed us to conclude that we can observe a positive global autocorrelation of the inflation rate in Russian regions and there is a need to use spatial models. Estimation of the Durbin spatial model allowed us to confirm the hypothesis. The growth rate of the working-age population share is inflationary, the growth rate of the population older than working age is inflationary too, but less, and the growth rate of the population younger than working age – deflationary. The obtained conclusions can be used to forecast inflation in the regions of Russia