bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Istanbul's heritage at risk: the Galata district
Authors: Orlandi Luca , Ivkovska Velika
Published: February 2021

Istanbul's Galata district is a multicultural crossroad in the Mediterranean. Throughout Istanbul's transformation into a modern metropolis Galata maintained its distinctive and cosmopolitan character due to the cultural diversity of its inhabitants. This aspect of Galata was perpetuated by the continuous arrival of foreigners, who brought their own culture, traditions, and religion. This study demonstrates the architectural richness of the district by examining its coexisting civilizations, past and present. The district today faces the alarming possibility of disappearance due to neglect and lack of improvements. It is important to define Galata and its past layers as a historical and cultural asset and to preserve the richness and multicultural origins of this integral part of Istanbul's identity.
CORPORATE BRAND IMAGE OF ISLAMIC BANK IN MALAYSIA: ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCE
Authors: Ab Hamid Siti Ngayesah , Wan Jusoh Wan Jamaliah , Maulan Suharni
Published: February 2021

The role of corporate brand image in influencing the survival of companies has never been underestimated. Because of this, this study intends to examine the antecedents and the consequence of corporate brand image towards customer behaviour. A model proposing firms and non-firms communication as the antecedents and loyalty as the consequence was proposed. One hundred and sixty-eight (168) questionnaires were collected and data was analysed based on the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The result of the study revealed that both firm and non-firm communication play a significant role in shaping the corporate brand image of an Islamic bank, especially in Malaysia. Corporate brand image on the other hand was also found to influence customers’ loyalty. These findings have broadened the understanding of the corporate brand image’s antecedents and the consequence also shows the importance of managing the Islamic bank corporate communication.
THE FACTORS WHY PEOPLE EXERT LESS: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORKPLACE ENVY AND SOCIAL LOAFING MODERATED BY SELF-ESTEEM
Authors: Awee Azeyan , Mohsin Farhana Hanim , Mohamed Makhbul Zafir Khan
Published: February 2021

The aim of this paper is to link envy at the workplace to social loafing and to examine the role of self-esteem in moderating this relationship. Data was collected via a survey questionnaire from 393 employees working in public and private organizations in Malaysia. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The results show that the higher the degree of workplace envy encountered, the higher the inclination for members to exert less effort while working in a team (social loafing), and this relationship is moderated by self-esteem. In addition, it is found that the relationship is better for low self-esteem workers relative to those high in self-esteem. In terms of workplace envy and avoidance of social loafing, the research provides important implications. Organizations should etablish a supportive workplace that encourages employees to be more involved and practice openness and give continued support. In a team culture especially, managers must play an active role by paying attention and being more sensitive towards circumstances that induce feelings of envy at work. By implementing a proper system and control, tendency towards workplace envy and social loafing can be mimimized.
FIRM-SPECIFIC DETERMINANTS OF DEBT MATURITY STRUCTURE OF LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Mohammed Lawal , Musa Mubi Aliyah
Published: February 2021

The importance of debt financing to firms as a basis for decision-making cannot be over-emphasised. This implies that the maturity structure of debts becomes important for understanding the outcomes of firms’ decisions. There is a dearth of evidence from the Nigerian context in the current body of literature on factors that determine debt maturity structure of listed firms. We observed a persistent and steady decline in the average ratio of length of maturity period among non-financial firms among listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. This study examined the extent to which non-debt tax-shield, liquidity, assets intensity, diversification, investors’ confidence, growth opportunity, firm size, profitability and dividend policy determines the debt maturity structure of non-financial firms in Nigeria. The secondary data collected from the annual reports of a sample of 92 listed non-financial firms were analysed using the Two-stage Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) regression model for the period between 2010 and 2015. The results indicate that the non-debt tax-shield, liquidity, assets intensity, diversification, growth opportunity, firm size and the dividend policy significantly determine the debt maturity structure among the listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. However, the evidence is not enough to conclude that profitability and investors’ confidence determine the debt maturity structure among the non-financial firms in Nigeria. Firm diversification and liquidity appeared to have the most profound negative effect on the debt maturity structure in line with predictions of special use of debt hypothesis and the pecking order theory. Overall, it is concluded that the firm-specific factors determine the choice of debt maturity structure among Nigerian listed non-financial firms. Although the findings of the study are robust, future studies in the areas can extend the literature by identifying and investigating institutional and macroeconomic factors that drive debt maturity structure in Nigeria.
Gemcitabine for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Jones J , Takeda A , Tan SC , Cooper K , Loveman E , Clegg A
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a summary of the evidence review group (ERG) report into the evidence for the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of gemcitabine with paclitaxel for the first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in patients who have already received chemotherapy treatment with an anthracycline, compared with current standard of care, based upon the manufacturer’s submission to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as part of the single technology appraisal (STA) process. The clinical evidence for gemcitabine as a treatment for MBC comes from the unpublished JHQG trial (some data commercial-in-confidence): overall survival was 3 months longer for the gemcitabine/paclitaxel arm (18.5 months) than for the paclitaxel arm (15.8 months) (p = 0.0489); gemcitabine/paclitaxel also improved tumour response and time to documented progression of disease compared with paclitaxel monotherapy, but haematological serious adverse events were more common. In the absence of any formal methods of indirect comparison there is insufficient robust evidence to compare the relative effectiveness of gemcitabine/paclitaxel with docetaxel monotherapy or docetaxel/capecitabine combination therapy. The manufacturers used a Markov state transition model to estimate the effect of treatment with five different chemotherapy regimes, adopting a 3-year time horizon with docetaxel monotherapy as the comparator. Health state utilities for different stages of disease progression and for patients experiencing treatment-related toxicity are used to derive quality-adjusted life expectancy with each treatment. The base-case cost-effectiveness estimate for gemcitabine/paclitaxel versus docetaxel is £17,168 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). When longer survival with docetaxel is assumed in a sensitivity analysis, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) is £30,000 per QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis estimates a 70% probability of gemcitabine/paclitaxel being cost-effective relative to docetaxel at a willingness-to-pay threshold of £35,000. There is considerable uncertainty over the results because of the lack of formal quality assessment or assessment of the comparability of the 15 trials included in the input data, and the questionable validity of the indirect comparison method adopted. An illustrative analysis using a different method for indirect comparison carried out by the ERG produces an ICER of £45,811 per QALY for gemcitabine/paclitaxel versus docetaxel. The guidance issued by NICE in November 2006 as a result of the STA states that gemcitabine in combination with paclitaxel, within its licensed indication, is recommended as an option for the treatment of MBC only when docetaxel monotherapy or docetaxel plus capecitabine is also considered appropriate.
Cetuximab for the treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Greenhalgh J , Bagust A , Boland A , Fleeman N , McLeod C , Dundar Y , Proudlove C , Shaw R
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a summary of the evidence review group (ERG) report into the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of cetuximab for recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) based upon a review of the manufacturer’s submission to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as part of the single technology appraisal (STA) process. The submission’s evidence came from a single reasonably high-quality randomised controlled trial (RCT) [EXTREME (Erbitux in First-Line Treatment of Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer); n = 442] comparing cetuximab plus chemotherapy (CTX) with CTX alone. Cetuximab plus CTX had significant effects compared with CTX alone on the primary outcome of overall survival (10.1 versus 7.4 months respectively) and the secondary outcomes of progression-free survival (PFS) (5.6 versus 3.3 months), best overall response to therapy (35.6% versus 19.5%), disease control rate (81.1% versus 60%) and time-totreatment failure (4.8 versus 3.0 months), but not on duration of response (5.6 months versus 4.7 months). No safety issues with cetuximab arose beyond those already previously documented. The manufacturer developed a two-arm state-transition Markov model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of cetuximab plus CTX versus CTX alone, using clinical data from the EXTREME trial. The ERG recalculated the base-case cost-effectiveness results taking changes in parameters and assumptions into account. Subgroup and threshold analyses were also explored. The manufacturer reported an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £121,367 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained and an incremental cost per life-year gained of £92,226. Univariate sensitivity analysis showed that varying the cost of day-case infusion and the utility values in the stable/response health state of the cetuximab plus CTX arm had the greatest impact on the ICER. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis illustrated that cetuximab plus CTX is unlikely to be cost-effective for patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN, even at what would usually be considered very high levels of willingness to pay for an additional QALY. With regard to the economic model the appropriateness and reliability of parametric survival projection beyond the duration of trial data could not be fully explored because of lack of information. The ERG also questioned the appropriateness of economic modelling in this STA as evidence is available only from a single RCT. In conclusion, the ERG considers that patients with metastatic SCCHN were not shown to receive a significant survival benefit from cetuximab plus CTX compared with CTX alone and that even setting a lower price for cetuximab would not strengthen the manufacturer’s case for cost-effectiveness.
Everolimus for the second-line treatment of advanced and/or metastatic renal cell cancer: a critique of the submission from Novartis
Authors: Pitt M , Crathorne L , Moxham T , Bond M , Hyde C
Published: February 2021

This paper represents a summary of the evidence review group (ERG) report into the clinical efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of everolimus plus best supportive care (BSC) for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) which has progressed following or on vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapy (sunitinib, sorafenib, bevacizumab), compared to BSC alone. The submitting manufacturer’s case for clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness was mainly based on a well-conducted randomised controlled trial (RCT), Renal Cell Cancer Treatment with Oral RAD001 Given Daily-1 (RECORD-1), comparing BSC plus everolimus with BSC plus placebo and a de novo economic model. The RCT indicated a marked statistically significant effect on progression-free survival. The base-case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) estimate was £52,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (this included a reduction in drug cost associated with an approved patient access scheme). The ERG undertook a critical appraisal of the submission. The ERG was generally in agreement with the submitting manufacturer concerning its estimates of effectiveness; however, there was greater concern surrounding the estimates of cost-effectiveness. The ERG judged that if potential errors in the model were corrected, the ICERs offered by the submitting manufacturer would overstate the cost-effectiveness of everolimus for the second-line treatment of metastatic RCC (that this ICER would be a higher value). Concerning the estimates of cost-effectiveness in RCC, the observations in the ERG report provide strong further support for research collecting rigorous estimates of utilities associated with the main health states likely to be experienced by patients with renal cell cancer. At the time of writing, NICE was yet to issue the Appraisal Consultation Document for this appraisal.
Bevacizumab in combination with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Whyte S , Pandor A , Stevenson M , Rees A
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a summary of the evidence review group (ERG) report into the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of bevacizumab in combination with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer based on the manufacturer’s submission to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as part of the single technology appraisal (STA) process. Evidence was available in the form of one phase III, multicentre, multinational, randomised, open-label study (NO16966 trial). This two-arm study was originally designed to demonstrate the non-inferiority of oral capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) compared with 5-fluorouracil plus folinic acid plus oxaliplatin (FOLFOX)-4 in adult patients with histologically confirmed metastatic colorectal cancer who had not previously been treated. Following randomisation of 634 patients, the open-label study was amended to include a 2 × 2 factorial randomised (partially blinded for bevacizumab) phase III trial with the coprimary objective of demonstrating superiority of bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy compared with chemotherapy alone. Measured outcomes included overall survival, progression-free survival, response rate, adverse effects of treatment and health-related quality of life. The manufacturer’s primary pooled analysis of superiority (using the intention-to-treat population) showed that after a median follow-up of 28 months, the addition of bevacizumab to chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free survival and overall survival compared with chemotherapy alone in adult patients with histologically confirmed metastatic colorectal cancer who were not previously treated [median progression-free survival 9.4 vs 7.7 months (absolute difference 1.7 months); hazard ratio (HR) 0.79, 97.5% confidence interval (CI) 0.72 to 0.87; p = 0.0001; median overall survival 21.2 vs 18.9 months (absolute difference 2.3 months); HR 0.83, 97.5% CI 0.74 to 0.93; p = 0.0019]. The NO16966 trial was of reasonable methodological quality and demonstrated a significant improvement in both progression-free survival and overall survival when bevacizumab was added to XELOX or FOLFOX. However, the size of the actual treatment effect of bevacizumab is uncertain. The ERG believed that the modelling structure employed was appropriate, but highlighted several key issues and areas of uncertainty. At the time of writing, NICE was yet to issue the guidance for this appraisal.
Prucalopride for the treatment of women with chronic constipation in whom standard laxative regimens have failed to provide adequate relief
Authors: Pennant M , Orlando R , Barton P , Bayliss S , Routh K , Meads C
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a summary of the evidence review group (ERG) report into the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of prucalopride for the treatment of women with chronic constipation in whom standard laxative regimens have failed to provide adequate relief. The ERG report is based on the manufacturer’s submission (MS) to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as part of the single technology appraisal process. In the submission, quality-of-life data [Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) and Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) questionnaires] from trials of prucalopride were extrapolated to EQ-5D (European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions) data and used to inform effectiveness in an economic model. Response rates to prucalopride were derived from observed response rates in trials, defined as the proportion of patients achieving an average of three or more spontaneous complete bowel movements over the 4- or 12-week trial periods. Adult (18–64 years) and elderly (≥ 65 years) patients were considered separately in the model. Cost-effectiveness was determined from estimated improvements in EQ-5D and anticipated response rates, adjusted for baseline severity of chronic constipation. The ERG considered that the patients participating in these trials were not representative of those in the licensed indication. They were not all refractory to laxatives, and baseline EQ-5D scores showed a large spread in quality of life, with many patients experiencing little baseline dissatisfaction. The mapping of quality-of-life data from trials (PAC-QOL and PAC-SYM data) to EQ-5D was unclear and invalidated. The assumption of the long-term effectiveness and safety of prucalopride to 1 year was considered unjustified. There was no justification or sources given for coefficients used to predict effectiveness in the economic model, and no costs other than the cost of prucalopride were incorporated into the model. Owing to the many areas of uncertainty, particularly the effectiveness of prucalopride in the licensed patient group and its long-term effectiveness and safety, it was considered that the MS provided no evidence for whether prucalopride is effective or not in women with laxative-refractory chronic constipation. Further subgroup analysis of the actual patient group of interest may have better guided decision-making. However, long-term efficacy data, with validated estimates of quality of life incorporated in a well-founded model, would be important for an evidence-based judgement to be made.
LOGISTIČNA PODPORA SLOVENSKE VOJSKE V POVEZAVI Z UČINKOVITIM SISTEMOM UPRAVLJANJA ČLOVEŠKEGA KAPITALA
Authors: ŽURMAN MILAN
Published: February 2021

Ustrezno izobraženi, usposobljeni in motivirani ljudje smo srce in gonilo vsake organizacije. To je splošno dejstvo, pa vendar se v zadnjih desetletjih pomen ustreznega upravljanja tega bogastva – človeškega kapitala – v vseh uspešnih organizacijah zelo povečuje. Vojaška organizacija kljub posebnemu temeljnemu namenu ni nobena izjema in seveda to velja tudi za Slovensko vojsko. Na primeru Logistične brigade Slovenske vojske, katere pripadniki morajo imeti poleg splošnega vojaškega znanja še specialistično, in sicer za opravljanje storitev ter dejavnosti od oskrbovanja, vzdrževanja, premikov in transporta, zdravstvene oskrbe in vojaške infrastrukture, je v prispevku prikazan pomen ustrezne vzpostavitve sistema za upravljanje človeškega kapitala za delovanje logistične podpore.

Properly educated, trained and well-motivated people are the heart of every organization. This is a well-known fact; however, the importance of managing this wealth – human capital – has increased dramatically in the last few decades. Despite their fundamental purpose, military organizations, including the Slovenian Armed Forces, are no exceptions to this. The article discusses the case of the Slovenian Armed Forces Logistics Brigade, whose members, in addition to the basic military knowledge and skills have to possess specialist logistics knowledge, such as supply, maintenance, movement and transportation, medical support and infrastructure. It shows the importance of a properly established human capital management system for the functioning of logistics support.
NEUČINKOVITOST VOJSKE KOT POKAZATELJ NEUSTREZNOSTI CIVILNEGA NADZORA (2)
Authors: FURLAN BRANIMIR
Published: February 2021

Prispevek je nadaljevanje analize o vzročno-posledični povezavi med civilnim nadzorom in učinkovitostjo vojske. V prvem delu je bil predstavljen teoretično- metodološki okvir analize, v tem delu pa avtor predstavlja rezultate raziskave o stanju civilno-vojaških odnosov v Republiki Sloveniji ter vplivih civilnega nadzora na učinkovitost Slovenske vojske. Raziskava je pokazala, da se v Sloveniji uveljavlja praksa civilnega nadzora nad oboroženimi silami po vzoru drugih demokratičnih držav, vendar problematika prve generacije civilno-vojaških odnosov še ni končana. Uveljavljanje nadzora v praksi zagotavlja podrejenost vojske civilnim oblastem, pri čemer mehanizmi nadzora ne krepijo sposobnosti Slovenske vojske, da učinkovito izpolni svoje poslanstvo. Posledično lahko povzročijo nezadovoljstvo vojske ali izgubo kredibilnosti v javnosti. This article is a continuation of the analysis of cause-effect relations between civilian control and military effectiveness. The first part presented the theoretical and methodological framework, while in the second part, the author presents the results of the study of civil-military relations in the Republic of Slovenia, focusing on the impact of civilian control on the effectiveness of the Slovenian Armed Forces. The study showed that the practice of civilian control over the armed forces in Slovenia follows the example of those in other democratic states. However, the issue of the first-generation civil-military relations has not yet been completed. The enforcement of civilian control in practice provides for a complete subordination of the military to civilian authorities; however, it does not contribute to the ability of the military to effectively execute its missions. Rather, civilian control can cause military dissatisfaction and reluctance, as well as loss of credibility with the society.
PARTICIPATION OF THE SLOVENIAN ARMED FORCES IN INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS AND MISSIONS IN THE LIGHT OF THE FOREIGN POLICY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA
Authors: PODBREŽNIK BRANKO
Published: February 2021

Within its scope of tasks, the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) should be capable of providing military defence of the country, fulfilling international obligations, and participating in international operations and missions (IOM) as well as in the system of protection against natural and other disasters.
In a number of countries, the decision to take part in IOMs is a rather complicated one, due to the diverse and contradictory political views and constitutional solutions. The Republic of Slovenia (RS) has actively participated in IOMs since 1997. In this way, it aims to contribute, in accordance with its capabilities and interests, to the establishment of international peace and stability, especially in its neighbourhood, the South-Eastern Europe (SEE).
Thus, in the future, the engagement of the RS in IOMs will mostly be subject to its security and foreign policy interests and objectives. The SAF participation in IOMs
will no longer primarily include operations closer to police tasks, but rather those associated with a higher level of risk requiring enhanced military force.

Slovenska vojska mora biti v okviru svojih nalog sposobna izvesti vojaško obrambo države, izpolnjevati mednarodne obveznosti, sodelovati v mednarodnih operacijah in na misijah (MOM) ter v sistemu varstva pred naravnimi in drugimi nesrečami.
Odločitev države o sodelovanju v MOM je v številnih državah precej zapletena zaradi različnih in med seboj nasprotujočih si političnih pogledov ter ustavnih rešitev.
Republika Slovenija aktivno sodeluje v MOM od leta 1997. Tako želi skladno s svojimi zmožnostmi in interesi prispevati k vzpostavitvi mednarodnega miru in stabilnosti, predvsem v svoji soseščini, jugovzhodni Evropi.
Sodelovanje RS bo imelo v MOM predvsem funkcije varnostnih in zunanjepolitičnih interesov ter ciljev RS. SV bo zato v MOM sodelovala predvsem z višjo stopnjo tveganja, ki zahteva poudarjeno vojaško silo, in ne več predvsem z operacijami, ki so bližje policijskim nalogam.
PROFICIENT CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT THROUGH FOCUSED MATHEMATIC TEACHING
Authors: Samuelsson Marcus , Samuelsson Joakim
Published: February 2021

A not entirely unusual position among teachers is that they believe that they must first establish a peaceful classroom before they can begin to teach the subject. This research, shows how a proficient mathematics teacher teaches his subject and thereby creates a quiet and focused classroom and exerts effective leadership, just by teaching mathematics. The researchers observed a male mathematics teacher for almost half a year, i.e. one semester. The results of research present several patterns that the researchers saw during the observations of his teaching. The teacher showed an interest in each student’s mathematical thinking and expressed explicitly how students were expected to learn mathematics. He also directed students’ attention to mathematics and established a culture where all solutions were important in the teaching process. In the teaching process, he used multiple representations to motivate students and a lot of supportive expressions that made them feel that they were able to learn mathematics. He worked patiently to establish structures, and there was almost no disruptive behaviour. Students simply did not have time to interfere because they were so engaged in learning mathematics.
Keywords: classroom management, mathematics teaching, proficient teacher.
Reduced frequencies and functional impairment of dendritic cell subsets and non-classical monocytes in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Van Leeuwen-Kerkhoff Nathalie , Westers Theresia M. , Poddighe Pino J. , Povoleri Giovanni A.M. , Timms Jessica A. , Kordasti Shahram , De Gruijl Tanja D. , Van de Loosdrecht Arjan A.
Published: February 2021

In myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) the immune system is involved in pathogenesis as well as in disease progression. Dendritic cells (DC) are key players of the immune system by serving as regulators of immune responses. Their function has been scarcely studied in MDS and most of the reported studies didn’t investigate naturally occurring DC subsets. Therefore, we here examined the frequency and function of DC subsets and slan+ non-classical monocytes in various MDS risk groups. Frequencies of DC as well as of slan+ monocytes were decreased in MDS bone marrow compared to normal bone marrow samples. Transcriptional profiling revealed down-regulation of transcripts related to pro-inflammatory pathways in MDS-derived cells as compared to normal bone marrow. Additionally, their capacity to induce T-cell proliferation was impaired. Multidimensional mass cytometry showed that whereas healthy donor-derived slan+ monocytes supported Th1/Th17/Treg differentiation/expansion their MDS-derived counterparts also mediated substantial Th2 expansion. Our findings point to a role for an impaired ability of DC subsets to adequately respond to cellular stress and DNA damage in the immune escape and progression of MDS. As such, it paves the way toward potential novel immunotherapeutic interventions.
Survey on the Industrial Logging Activities in the Businga Territory (Nord-Ubangi Province) in Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Authors: Ngbolua Koto-te-Nyiwa , Doikasiye Armand Endowa , Modeawi Modeste Ndaba , Djoza Ruphin Djolu , Kundana Amédée Gbatea , Ashande Colette Masengo , Mawi Clarisse Falanga , Loketo Ange Thijenira , Lengbiye Emmanuel Moke , Sodi Jonas Nagahuedi Mbongu , Muhammad Ridwan
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate industrial logging in Businga Territory. The survey was carried out by means of a questionnaire addressed to 235 people including 150 men (64%) and 85 women (36%) between 31 and 100 years of age, on the basis of free and informed consent. It emerged from this study that 110 subjects out of the 235 (46.8%) were from SICOTRA company and its surroundings and 125 respondents (53.2%) belonged to from KKF company and its surroundings. Of the 235 people surveyed, only 104 (or 44.3%) were workers from two companies, the rest were heads of groups, capitas, local notables and those who had not worked in either company. 44.6% of the respondents had a primary level followed by 31.9% (or 75 people) with a secondary level. There are 55 illiterate people (23.4%). No university executives were met in the area during the survey. The logging by these two companies (KKF: from 1949 to 1998 (49 years of exploitation) and SICOTRA: from 1980 to 1998 (18 years)) has caused enormous destruction of the ecosystem and the population is today confronted with multiple difficulties and problems of supply of Non Timber Forest Products (caterpillars, snails, mushrooms, Cola acuminata, etc.) and the erosion of biodiversity. Of the 17 forest species exploited in this Sector, 03 have totally disappeared: Diospyros crassiflora Hiern, Nauclea diderrichii (De Wild.) Merr. and Prioria balsaminfera (Vermoesen) Breteler. The majority contacted had no notion of protecting the forest (67.2% vs. 32.8%); the population had no notion of drawing up specifications (95 vs. 5%). The results revealed that the indigenous population did not benefit from their forest, nor did they benefit from basic social infrastructures of community interest. In order to remedy this situation, a good regulation of the forestry exploitation code, the popularization of the new forestry code and the elaboration of specifications in collaboration with local communities are necessary to correct this situation in the future.
Analysis of High School Students 'Mathematic Critical Thinking Ability with Graded Response Models
Authors: Mirunnisa Mirunnisa , Razi Zulfa
Published: February 2021

The ability to think critically in mathematics, especially high-level mathematical critical thinking, is needed by students so that students are able to face changing circumstances or challenges that exist in life that is always developing. Graded response models (GRM) are used in order to display the estimated item parameters and students' abilities. This research is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Subjects in this study using SMA Simpang Tiga in terms of their mathematical critical thinking skills. Subjects were taken using a mathematical critical thinking ability test, then processed through Microsoft Excel to obtain a Graded Response Models (GRM) graph.Based on data analysis Students can be categorized as highly skilled, in general students can determine the concept of the problem correctly, are able to formulate problems in solving problems, are able to provide reasons and arguments clearly, but students are less able to evaluate problems in solving problems. Students who are categorized as having moderate ability, students can determine the concept of the problem correctly, are able to formulate problems, but students are less clear in providing reasons and arguments clearly, and are less able to evaluate the problems contained in solving problems. Students who are categorized as low, students are able to determine the concept correctly, but students are less able to formulate problems, and students are unable to provide clear reasons.
Determinantes de la Productividad Laboral para las Empresas Ecuatorianas en el Periodo 2009-2014
Authors: Quijia-Pillajo Jonathan , Guevara Rosero Carolina , Ramírez-Álvarez José
Published: February 2021

Este estudio determina los factores que afectan la productividad laboral de las empresas en Ecuador, incorporando factores externos a la empresa como las economías de aglomeración. Utilizando la información a nivel de empresas de la encuesta de ciencia, tecnología e innovación de los años 2011 y 2014, se emplea un modelo de regresión múltiple y se estima la productividad a través del método de mínimos cuadrados ordinarios. Los resultados indican que un aumento de un punto porcentual de la proporción de trabajadores con educación terciaria aumenta la productividad laboral en 1%. Si las empresas exportan o se adhieren a un grupo empresarial, su productividad laboral aumentaría en 41% y 27,7%, respectivamente. Otros factores que aumentan la productividad son el estatus multiplanta y la inversión de capital fijo. Además de los factores individuales, los factores externos como la densidad de empresas y la competencia en un sector y región dados pueden incentivar la productividad individual de las empresas.
Estudio de la Influencia de los Parámetros Operativos sobre las Emisiones de un Horno Túnel para Materiales Cerámicos
Authors: Sotalín Quijia Daniel Eduardo , Montenegro Aguas Lucía Margarita , Cabrera Marcelo Fabian
Published: February 2021

En esta investigación se analizó la influencia de los parámetros operativos de un horno túnel para cerámica de una industria ecuatoriana, en la emisión de gases a la atmósfera. El diagnóstico inicial consistió en la medición de los parámetros de temperatura, presión interna, concentración de oxígeno y consumo de combustible del horno túnel, posteriormente se realizaron los balances de masa y energía y a continuación se determinó la relación combustible-aire teórico por galón de diésel. Se identificó que el flujo másico de aire de ingreso al horno (5,83 kg/s) fue menor que el de salida (9,89 kg/s) y que la relación combustible-aire fue de 1 200 ft3 de aire por galón de diésel. Considerando un exceso de aire del 20 % se reguló el flujo de aire que ingresa a los quemadores y se determinaron las condiciones óptimas para la combustión. Bajo los nuevos parámetros establecidos, se evidenció una reducción del 22 % en la concentración de monóxido de carbono (CO) y del 1,5 % en la concentración de oxígeno (O2) presente en la chimenea, sin embargo, los valores alcanzados aun no cumplen con la normativa ambiental del país. Se concluyó que la inducción del aire exterior, fuente abierta, y la relación combustible-aire son los parámetros operativos que más influencia tienen en las emisiones del horno túnel para materiales cerámicos. Además, que el control sistemático de la concentración de oxígeno, mediante la calibración de los quemadores, permite reducir en un 22 % las emisiones de monóxido de carbono y en 1.5 % la concentración de oxígeno, sin afectar la calidad del producto.
Evaluación y Reforzamiento de una Estructura Patrimonial de Adobe con Irregularidad en Planta
Authors: Chacón Sánchez Juan Pablo , Suquillo Ronquillo Betzabeth Jessenia , Sosa Caiza Diego Andrés , Celi Sánchez Carlos Andrés
Published: February 2021

En el Ecuador existe una gran cantidad de estructuras patrimoniales hechas con materiales frágiles como el adobe. Eventos sísmicos recientes han puesto en manifiesto el pobre desempeño de este tipo de estructuras debido a su gran masa y poca capacidad de resistir cargas sísmicas. Este artículo presenta la evaluación del edificio del antiguo Colegio Simón Bolívar y varias técnicas de reforzamiento en el sistema de muros portantes de esta estructura patrimonial de adobe con irregularidad en planta, que está ubicada en el casco colonial de la ciudad de Quito. Este estudio supone que las fuerzas externas actúan en dirección del plano más resistente de la pared y que los muros de adobe tienen poca capacidad de resistir cargas laterales fuera del plano. Basado en estas condiciones, un análisis de sensibilidad de la discretización para elementos finitos se presenta mediante el uso de un programa comercial y se determinan valores empíricos que relacionan la proporción entre las dimensiones de los elementos finitos y la longitud principal de los muros. Por lo tanto, esta propuesta para el mallado de los elementos finitos busca obtener proporciones iniciales para hacer un primer análisis de calibración de los elementos mediante el control de esfuerzos y desplazamientos. El presente trabajo evalúa el mallado de elementos finitos comúnmente utilizado para el análisis de estructuras bidimensionales por lo que se destaca la importancia de la calibración inicial del mallado de elementos para obtener resultados confiables.
Conditional Cash Transfers and Cognitive, Non-Cognitive Outcomes: The Case of the Bono de Desarrollo Humano in Ecuador
Authors: Izurieta Gabriela
Published: February 2021

The BDH cash transfer is a social protection program directed to the poorest households in Ecuador. This paper examines the impact of the BDH cash transfer on cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes for students that want to enter a higher education institution. Close attention is put on the Ser Bachiller exam score, student´s expectations, motivations and self-esteem. The data used corresponds to the Ser Bachiller data base and the Associated Factors Survey for the academic cycle 2016-2017 (one cross-sectional period). The short-term exposure to the program was evaluated building a pseudo-assignation index (pseudo RS index) and a regression discontinuity design. The main results show that households that are near the assignation score (28.2) have an increased probability of participating in the program that ranges from 7.1 to 7.9 percentage points. For the cognitive outcomes, IV estimates reveal that the BDH cash transfer has a statistically significant negative effect on the mathematics score that ranges from 0.35 to 0.43 points (over 10 points). Regarding the non-cognitive outcomes, the BDH has a negative impact on students’ academic self-esteem on both, mathematics class that ranges from 0.25 to 0.28 percentage points) and a similar effect on language class and a statistically significant and negative impact on the expectation to obtain a master’s degree of 0.21 percentage points.
Contribuições da assistência de enfermagem na prevenção de lesões de pele em recém-nascidos na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal
Authors: Leite Airton César , Silva Mariana Pereira Barbosa , Alves Rayssa Stéfani Sousa , Silva Marciele de Lima , Almeida Danielle Sousa , Feitosa Lorena Mayara Hipólito , Avelino Juliana Torres , Barrense Clênio Oliveira , Gomes Bárbara Pereira , Sousa Maria da Conceição Silva Castro , Luz Álesson Marlon Silva da , Sousa Ingrid Ruanna Ximenes de , Santos Allan Bruno Alves de Sousa , Prudêncio Laiana Dias , Silva Márcia Bethania de Sousa , Silva Adriele Dantas do Val , Oliveira Suzane Sales , Costa Rihama Layla Rodrigues , Dias Ingrid Tainá Sousa , Rocha Laísa Ribeiro , Paz Eduarda Beatriz Reis , Santos Jeferson Moreira dos , Rocha Samara Atanielly , Afonso Thyago de Oliveira
Published: February 2021

Analisar as evidências científicas sobre os cuidados de enfermagem na prevenção de lesões de pele em recém-nascidos na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal. O presente estudo trata de uma revisão bibliográfica do método revisão integrativa da literatura, realizado nos meses entre agosto e dezembro de 2020. A busca efetuou-se, através da Plataforma - BVS, utilizando as bases de dados (LILACS), (BDENF), (MEDLINE), (IBECS), e por meio do Portal Google Acadêmico, aderindo-se através dos descritores/palavras chaves: “Recém-nascido”, ”Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal”, “Cuidados de Enfermagem”, “Desenluvamentos Cutâneos”, cruzados com o operador booleando “OR” e posteriormente combinados com o operador booleano “AND”. Compreende-se que o cuidado com a pele do recém-nascido é um processo amplo, que exige cientificidade, responsabilidade, comprometimento, carinho e dedicação por parte da equipe de enfermagem. Desta forma, reforça-se a afirmação de que o cuidado com a pele “é uma intervenção de enfermagem de forma contínua, dinâmica, eficaz, individualizada, criteriosa e humanizada, visando à promoção, manutenção ou recuperação da integridade da pele do recém-nascido, considerando os aspectos fisiológicos, ambientais e da assistência”. É necessário buscar na assistência de enfermagem em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal, pela sua alta complexidade em atendimentos, desenvolver métodos de trabalhos relacionados ao cuidado com a pele dos recém-nascidos, que proporcione uma prática de enfermagem unificada, evidente, com metas a curto e longo prazo, favorecendo e explicitando a eficácia das atividades desenvolvidas.
Características hidrogeomorfométricas da microbacia Três Galhos, Amazônia Ocidental, Brasil
Authors: Silva Eduarda Costa da , Praia Weslley Mesquita , Santos Anderson Assis dos , Cardoso Luane Andrade Palmela , Hara Francisco Adilson dos Santos , Cavalheiro Wanderson Cleiton Schmidt , Vendruscolo Jhony
Published: February 2021

A aquisição de informações sobre as características da paisagem é essencial para o planejamento de uso e conservação dos recursos naturais. Em face ao exposto, o presente estudo tem como objetivo disponibilizar informações geométricas, topográficas e hidrográficas da microbacia do rio Três Galhos. Para a aquisição das informações foram utilizados softwares (QGIS, Google Earth e TrackMaker Free), imagens altimétricas (satélite ALOS) e equações, e para a discussão dos resultados foram utilizados dados da literatura. A microbacia do rio Três Galhos tem área de 23,24 km2, perímetro de 26,13 km, forma alongada, baixa suscetibilidade a inundações (ponto de vista geométrico), altitudes de 247 a 444 m, predominância do relevo suave ondulado (45,1%), rede de drenagem de 91,33 km, padrão dendrítico, 6ª ordem de drenagem (elevada condição para habitação de peixes), 12,62 nascentes km-2 (alta), densidade de drenagem de 3,93 km km-2 (muito alta), índice de sinuosidade de 39,94% (canal principal sinuoso), coeficiente de manutenção de 254,5 m2 m-1 e tempo de concentração de 2,28 h (baixo). Portanto, as informações obtidas da microbacia do rio Três Galhos, podem auxiliar no planejamento e gestão dos recursos naturais na região, através de instituições (públicas e privadas) e proprietários de imóveis rurais, possibilitando a manutenção ou melhoria da qualidade de vida das gerações atuais e futuras.
Exercise-induced prostacyclin release positively correlates with VO2max in young healthy men
Authors: Zoladz JA , Majerczak J , Duda K , Chłopicki S
Published: February 2021

In this study we have evaluated the effect of maximal
incremental cycling exercise (IE) on the systemic release of
prostacyclin (PGI2), assessed as plasma 6-keto-PGF1α
concentration in young healthy men. Eleven physically active –
untrained men (mean ± S.D.) aged 22.7 ± 2.1 years; body mass
76.3 ± 9.1 kg; BMI 23.30 ± 2.18 kg · m-2; maximal oxygen
uptake (VO2max) 46.5 ± 3.9 ml · kg-1 · min-1, performed an IE test
until exhaustion. Plasma concentrations of 6-keto-PGF1α, lactate,
and cytokines were measured in venous blood samples taken prior
to the exercise and at the exhaustion. The net exercise-induced
increase in 6-keto-PGF1α concentration, expressed as the
difference between the end-exercise minus pre-exercise
concentration positively correlated with VO2max (r=0.78, p=0.004)
as well as with the net VO2 increase at exhaustion
(r=0.81, p=0.003), but not with other respiratory, cardiac,
metabolic or inflammatory parameters of the exercise (minute
ventilation, heart rate, plasma lactate, IL-6 or TNF-α
concentrations). The exercise-induced increase in 6-ketoPGF1α concentration was significantly higher (p=0.008) in a group
of subjects (n=5) with the highest VO2max when compared to the
group of subjects with the lowest VO2max, in which no increase in
6-keto-PGF1α concentration was found. In conclusion, we
demonstrated, to our knowledge for the first time, that exerciseinduced release of PGI2 in young healthy men correlates with
VO2max, suggesting that vascular capacity to release PGI2 in
response to physical exercise represents an important factor
characterizing exercise tolerance. Moreover, we postulate that
the impairment of exercise-induced release of PGI2 leads to the
increased cardiovascular hazard of vigorous exercise.
Pollen Pollution Strategy of Artemisia and Chenopodiaceae
Authors: Kobzar V.
Published: February 2021

It is known that 30–40% of people in the world population are sensitized to pollen. This phenomenon is exacerbated in contaminated and urbanized areas. Wormwood is one of the main herbaceous allergenic plants, and its pollen is among the ten global aeroallergens. An allergy to it is a common phenomenon on a global scale. The role of pollen the etiology of pollinosis is usually in tandem with wormwood pollen established in Russia, Central Asia and Kazakhstan, Europe and America. The purpose of this article was to develop a pollen strategy for wormwood and pollen as the leading aeroallergen and assessment of their standardized contribution to the aerobiological situation. The SEM images of the studied pollen of wormwood do not show pronounced changes in the structure and sculpture, since it is tolerant to the effects of pollutants. Different types of deformation and modification of sculptural elements were revealed in pollen from the haze family, since their pollen selectively reacts to various pollutants. The strategy for pollen from wormwood and haze pollen is that, due to its strong, prickly exine, and lipophilicity, weed pollen is a very good biological accumulator of all types of gaseous or solid pollutants. In general, this accumulation depends on the physicochemical processes at the surface or cytoplasmic level, independent of the physiological state of pollen. Many biological agents, such as bacteria and fungal spores, can accumulate on the surface layer of the pollen shell and be used for bioindication.
Change of Melon Agrobiological Indicators Depending on Feeding Area of Plants
Authors: Pahlevanyan A. , Martirosyan G. , Tadevosyan L. , Vardanian I.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this work is to study and identify the optimal method of sowing and plant feeding surface in seed-production of melon crop, providing a high yield of healthy varietal seeds with a low self-cost. The experiments were carried out in 2018–2020. on the experimental fields of the Scientific Center of Vegetable and Industrial Crops of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia. The influence of the sowing scheme 200+80/2×60, 200+80/2×80 and 200+80/2×100 cm on phenological and quality indicators, fruit and seed productivity, average fruit weight, and resistance to diseases was studied. The study object was mid-early ripening melon variety Arpi, which is distinguished by high productivity and taste quality. The control was the sowing scheme 200+80/2×80 cm, which is generally accepted in the agricultural technology of melon cultivation in the Ararat valley. It was found that in case of low-density planting of plants (1.4 m2), the weight of one fruit is the heaviest (4.0 kg), but the productivity of the fruits is reduced by 11.6% in comparison with the control, and in case of high-density planting by 19.3%. Meanwhile, as the feeding area of one plant increases, in relation to the total yield the marketable yield increases, respectively 92.3%; 94.1% and 95.3%. The results of the experiments allow us to state the fact that high density of the seed producing field (feeding area 0.84 m2) contributes to an increase of seed yield by 27.3% compared to the control, to some extent reducing the self cost of seeds, however significant changes in quality indicators of the Arpi variety were not found. In its turn, early diagnosis of diseases based on the modern PCR method allows to take protective measures in time and accordingly contributes to the production of healthy seeds.