bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are ambulance drivers exposed to loud siren noise within their ambulances? Identifying the risks involved.
Authors: Aslam Shiraz , Muhammad Akhlaq  , Bilal Hussain  , Farooq Tajjamal Khan  , Lamia Yusuf  , Asif Mahmood
Published: February 2021

Objective     To identify the risk to the ambulance drivers from the siren systems of their rescue vehicles.

            Study design       This was a cross sectional study.

            Place duration   This study was carried out at two rescue centres, namely, Gulberg and Johar Town areas of Lahore, where the ambulances were parked.

            Methodology      A sound pressure meter was used to measure the sound intensity inside and in the vicinity of the ambulance in use. This was done in two centers in Lahore in 10 vehicles.

            Result                       It was evident that the ambulance drivers are constantly exposed to unsuitable and noxious levels of noise which can over time damage their hearing. A recommendation is contributed regarding hearing assessment for ambulance drivers and their compulsory periodical hearing assessment.

            Conclusion

                                    The sirens in the Pakistani ambulances have almost the same sound intensity levels as the ones abroad which can have a damaging effect on the inner ear. Pakistani ambulance drivers should wear ear protection while in their vehicles to protect against ear damage.
Health care workers in wake of COVID-19 era
Authors: Khalid Waheed  , Munaza Javed
Published: February 2021

By the end of December 2019 clusters of mysterious pneumonias were reported in Wuhan, capital city of Hubei province, China which was later diagnosed to be caused by a novel corona virus. This virus belongs to a large family of Corona viruses which caused diseases like SARS and MERS in the past. It is is now named as SARS-CoV-2 virus causing a disease named as COVID-19.1, 2 Within months this highly contagious abysmal virus spread like wild fire across multiple continents. Finally COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by World health organization (WHO) by mid of March, 2020.3
Kaip Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės ir Abiejų Tautų Respublikos parlamentarizmas atskleistas šiandieniuose istorijos vadovėliuose?
Authors: Kostinienė Nelė
Published: February 2021

Pagal Lietuvos Respublikoje šiuo metu veikiančias Bendrąsias ugdymo programas Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės ir Abiejų Tautų Respublikos istorijos mokiniai pradeda mokytis 5 klasėje, plečia istorijos supratimą 8–9 klasėse, o tie, kurie baigę 10 klasių pasirenka istorijos kursą, aukštesniu lygiu gilinasi 11 klasėje. Straipsnyje analizuojama, kaip Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės ir Abiejų Tautų Respublikos parlamentarizmas atskleistas po Pagrindinio ugdymo bendrosios programos (2008) ir Vidurinio ugdymo istorijos programos (2011) atnaujinimo išleistuose istorijos vadovėliuose.

Lietuvos Didžiosios Kunigaikštystės ir Abiejų Tautų Respublikos parlamentarizmas šiame straipsnyje suvokiamas kaip valstybės įstatymais besiremianti valstybės piliečių (šiuo atveju – bajorų ir dvasininkų) politinė veikla, kuri XV a. antrojoje pusėje – XVI a. pirmojoje pusėje reiškėsi per Ponų tarybą, o XVI a. viduryje – XVIII a. pabaigoje – per įvairias luominio atstovavimo institucijas (Seimus, seimelius, konvokacijas, Vyriausiąjį Lietuvos tribunolą). Išanalizuoti keturių pagrindinių mokymosi priemones rengiančių leidyklų – „Briedis“, „Baltos lankos“, „Šviesa“ ir „Ugda“ – istorijos vadovėlių komplektai: du skirti 5 klasei, trys – 8 klasei, trys – 9 klasei, ir trys – 11 klasei (iš viso 11 vadovėlių komplektų).
ANALISIS DATA KUANTITATIF “EFEKITIVITAS METODE GRAPHOMOTOR TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN MENULIS PESERTA DIDIK”
Authors: Muh Zulkifli
Published: February 2021

Dari hasil observasi, ditemukan berbagai permasalahan yaitu,  rendahnya kemampuan menulis peserta didik, kurang terlatihnya otot-otot tangan sehingga peserta didik cepat merasa letih ketika menulis. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisis data kuantitatif untuk mengetahui sejauhmana efektifitas metode graphomotor terhadap kemampuan menulis peserta didik. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif eksperimen, dengan desain Pre Experimental Design. Hasil analisis data pre-test post-test dengan menggunakan rumus statistik uji t menunjukkan bahwa metode graphomotor efektif meningkatkan kemampuan menulis peserta didik. Ini terbukti setelah dianalisis dengan menggunakan rumus statistik uji t diperoleh harga thitung > ttabel  yaitu  21,56 > 2,12 dengan db =17 pada taraf signifikan 5 %
HUBUNGAN PENEMPATAN DAN PENGEMBANGAN PEGAWAI DENGAN PRESTASI KERJA PADA PARDEDE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL MEDAN
Authors: Napitupulu Binur Pretty , Benedict Ivan
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this research is to analyze between placemet and development the staff with workperformance of the staff Pardede International Hotel Medan. The methode of research which used ismethode of survey with respondent total 40 people, which choosen according of proportional randomsampling. Which using quesioner to collect the variable of data positioning, developmend and good jobperformance. The result of this research find that : 1. There is positif relationship between placement (X¹) with good work performance (Y) withcoefisien corelation ry¹ =0,6767 and regretion equation y = 25,31 + 0,74 X¹ 2. There is positif relationship between development (X²) with good work perpormance (Y) withcorrelation coeficient ry² = 0,7112 and regression equation y= 33,15+0,65X² 3. There is positif relationship between placement (X¹) and development (X²) by doing togetherwith good work performance (Y) with double correlation coeficient Ry 123 = 0,793 and doubleof regression equation y = 10,78 + 0,453 (X¹) + 0,451 (X²) According about that research, the researcher can take the conclusion that good work performance of thestaff Pardede International Medan can improved by the attention about the correct employee placement.(the right man on the right place) accourding with the ability and skill with doing development of the staffto fostering ability of the staff and to create the personality, ability, skill to inovation, initiative anddicipline
Peran Kompetensi Sumber Daya Manusia Pengelola Homestay Berbasis Entrepreneurship di Desa Silimalombu Samosir Dalam Meningkatkan Minat Wisatawan Mancanegara Berkunjung ke Kabupaten Samosir
Authors: Sihombing Bantors , Simanjuntak Krisna Gerda
Published: February 2021

Penelitian ini berjudul Peran Kompetensi Sumber Daya Manusia Pengelola Homestay Berbasis Entrepreneurship di Desa Silimalombu Samosir Dalam Meningkatkan Minat Wisatawan Mancanegara Berkunjung ke Kabupaten Samosir. Bermaksud mengungkap peran kompetensi sumber daya manusia pengelola homestay berbasis entrepreneurship di Desa Silimalombu Samosir dalam meningkatkan minat wisatawan mancanegara berkunjung ke Kabupaten Samosir. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah Deskriptif Kualitatif untuk mengetahui dan menggambarkan secara utuh bagaimana partisipasi masyarakat yang ada di Kabupaten Samosir dalam pembangunan dan pengembangan Pariwisata. Waktu penelitian diadakan di bulan Maret hingga Juli 2019. Peneliti sebagai instrument penelitian juga melakukan pengumpulan data melalui wawancara dan observasi secara langsung ke homestay yang ada di Silimalombu Samosir. Peneliti juga melakukan studi pustaka terkait data yang dibutuhkan dari penelitian sejenis. Dari penelitian ditemukan Homestay berbasis entrepreneur ternyata menarik minat wisatawan asing berkunjung ke Samosir. Meski jumlahnya tidak signifikan karena terbatasnya kamar, Homestay Ecovillage Silimalombu sudah berkontribusi. Jika konsep ini bisa diadopsi di homestay yang berada di Samosir, dengan keunikan masing-masing, maka turis asing yang datang akan lebih banyak.
STRATEGI MEDAN INVESTMENT, TRADE & TOURISM EXPO DALAM MENJALANKAN DIPLOMASI PARIWISATA SUMATERA UTARA DENGAN MALAYSIA
Authors: Tarigan Nirwaty
Published: February 2021

Tourism has strategic economic value for the country, not onlyit generate income for the country but also improve the economic life of the surrounding population. With this, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia advised local governments to promote the tourism out of the country to introduce the tourism potential of the region and national as well as in the public diplomacy.According to that,Medan Investment, Trade & Tourism Expo (MITT) has established offices in different countries, one of which is in Malaysia. This study analyzed the role ofMITT in Malaysia as a commitment to promote tourism in Sumatera Utara. The authors examined the amount of travelers to Sumatera Utara from Malaysia.
PENANGANAN PERALATAN MAKANAN DAN MINUMAN DI RESTORAN SPOON DINING PADA HOTEL GRAND ASTON CITY HALL MEDAN
Authors: Tambunan Ivan Benedict
Published: February 2021

Peralatan makanan dan minuman memegang peranan yang sangat penting di sebuah restoran dimana saja, dikarenakan peralatan makanan dan minuman dibutuhkan untuk memakan makanan yang disediakan oleh pramusaji kepada tamu dan juga untuk memperlancarkan proses pelayanan pramusaji terhadap tamu yang datang ke restoran tersebut. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui kelengkapan dan penanganan peralatan makanan dan minuman serta kemampuan pramusaji dalam melakukan pelayanan kepada tamu. Penulis melakukan penelitian di Hotel Grand Aston City Hall Medan. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada saat Praktek Kerja Lapangan (PKL) selama 6 (enam) bulan, terhitung mulai tanggal 13 Agustus 2018 sampai dengan 13 Februari 2019. Maka penulis melakukan peninjauan langsung dan wawancara kepada pihak yang terkait. Dari hasil analisa ditemukan bahwa terdapat permasalahan kelengkapan peralatan makanan dan minuman. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa sering terjadi kekurangan perlengkapan sehinggan mengakibatkan para tamu mengeluh. Sebaiknya peralatan yang sudah ada sebaiknya ditambah lagi.
PENGARUH GAYA KEPEMIMPINAN DAN BUDAYA ORGANISASI MELALUI KEPUASAN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN DI PT. ANJUR NAULI MEDAN
Authors: Tambunan Lyandru Togumulia
Published: February 2021

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis gaya kepemimpinan dan budaya organisasi pada karyawan, kepuasan, baik secara langsung maupun tidak langsung, melalui kepuasan kerja karyawan sebagai variabel intervening. Penelitian ini dilakukan di PT. Anjur Nauli, Medan, sebuah perusahaan lokal yang beroperasi dalam layanan kontraktor dan pengembangan perumahan. Ini menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif dan eksplanatori, didukung oleh survei. Populasi dan sampel adalah 30 karyawan PT. Anjur Nauli sebagai responden. Data dikumpulkan dengan melakukan studi dokumenter dan menyebarkan kuesioner dan dianalisis dengan menggunakan analisis jalur yang terdiri dari pengaruh langsung dan tidak langsung. Uji-F digunakan untuk menguji hipotesis secara bersamaan, dan uji-t untuk menguji hipotesis secara parsial. Hasil uji hipotesis menunjukkan bahwa, secara langsung, variabel gaya kepemimpinan dan budaya organisasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan. Kepuasan kerja sebagai variabel intervening memiliki pengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan. Variabel gaya kepemimpinan dan budaya organisasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan melalui kepuasan kerja sebagai variabel intervening. Juga ditemukan bahwa pengaruh langsung gaya kepemimpinan dan budaya organisasi lebih signifikan pada kinerja karyawan daripada melalui kepuasan kerja sebagai variabel intervening. Disarankan bahwa perusahaan memperhatikan faktor-faktor yang dapat meningkatkan gaya kepemimpinan, budaya organisasi, dan kepuasan kerja karena variabel-variabel ini akan dapat meningkatkan kinerja karyawan PT. Anjur Nauli, Medan.
Stochastic alluvial fan and terrace formation triggered by a
high-magnitude Holocene landslide in the Klados Gorge, Crete
Authors: Bruni Elena T. , Ott Richard F. , Picotti Vincenzo , Haghipour Negar , Wegmann Karl W. , Gallen Sean F.
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Alluvial fan and terrace formation is traditionally interpreted as related to Quaternary climate oscillations under the backdrop of slow and steady tectonic activity. However, several recent studies challenge this conventional wisdom, showing that such landforms can evolve rapidly as a geomorphic system responds to catastrophic and stochastic events, like large magnitude mass-wasting. Here, we contribute to this topic through a detailed field and geochronological investigation of alluvial sequences in the Klados catchment in southwestern Crete, Greece. The Klados River catchment is characterised by well-preserved, alluvial terraces and a set of fans at the river mouth, which do not seem to fit the sediment capacity of a small catchment with a drainage area of ~ 11.5 km2. Previous studies interpreted the formation of the deposits and their development to be of Pleistocene age and controlled by climate variations and the region's long-term tectonic activity. We find that the > 20 m thick intermediate fan buries a paleoshoreline uplifted in AD 365 placing the depositional age of this unit firmly into the Late Holocene. This is supported by seven new radiocarbon dates that infer mid to late Holocene ages for the entire fan and terrace sequence. As sediment source, we identify a landslide scar at the head of the catchment. We document landslide deposits 100 m above the modern stream and utilise landslide runout modelling to reconstruct landslide volumes and validate our hypothesis. We find that a landslide volume of 0.0908 km2 matches the observed distribution of landslide deposits and the landslide scar dimensions. We hypothesise that subsequent aggradation and incision cycles of the alluvial deposits are not linked to long-term tectonic uplift and climate variations but rather stochastic events such as mobilisation of sediment in large earthquakes, storm events, or blockage in the valley's narrow reaches. The Klados case study represents a model-environment for how stochastically-driven events can mimic climate-induced sedimentary archives, and how catchments can become ultrasensitive to external perturbations after catastrophic events.
Hortonian Overland Flow, Hillslope Morphology and Stream Power
I: Spatial Energy Distributions and Steady-state Power Maxima
Authors: Schroers Samuel , Eiff Olivier , Kleidon Axel , Wienhöfer Jan , Zehe Erwin
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Recent developments in hydrology have led to a new perspective on runoff processes, extending beyond the classical mass dynamics of water in a catchment. For instance, stream flow has been analyzed in a thermodynamic framework, which allows the incorporation of two additional physical laws and enhances our understanding of catchments as open environmental systems. Related investigations suggested that energetic extremal principles might constrain hydrological processes, because the latter are associated with conversions and dissipation of free energy. Here we expand this thermodynamic perspective by exploring how macro and micro hillslope structures control the free energy balance of Hortonian overland flow. This may ultimately help understanding why these structures have evolved to their present shape. To this end, we develop a general theory of surface runoff and of the related conversion of geopotential energy gradients into other forms of energy, particularly kinetic energy as driver of erosion and sediment transport. We then use this framework to analyze how combinations of typical hillslopes profiles and width distributions control the spatial patterns of steady state stream power and energy dissipation along the flow path. Additionally, we provide a first order estimate whether and when rills reduce the overall energy dissipation compared to sheet flow. Finally, we relate accumulated stream power of linear hillslopes to slope angles, closing the loop to Horton's original formulation of erosion force. The analytical analysis of stream power reveals that the common formulation, a function of the depth-discharge product is a reduced version of the more general equations if we neglect changes in velocity and discharge in space. The full equations of stream power result in maximum energy fluxes in space for sinusoidal and exponential hillslope profiles, while linear and negative exponential forms unlimitedly increase these fluxes in the downstream direction. Depending on geometry, rill flow increases or decreases kinetic energy fluxes downslope, effectively counteracting or increasing the dissipation of potential energy. For accumulated power in space for steady state runoff, we find that on linear hillslopes a slope angle of 45° maximizes the conversion of potential energy into dissipation and an angle of 35° maximizes the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy.
Seasonal variability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation at 11° S inferred from bottom pressure measurements
Authors: Herrford Josefine , Brandt Peter , Kanzow Torsten , Hummels Rebecca , Araujo Moacyr , Durgadoo Jonathan V.
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Bottom pressure observations on both sides of the
Atlantic basin, combined with satellite measurements of sea level anomalies
and wind stress data, are utilized to estimate variations of the Atlantic
Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) at 11∘ S. Over the
period 2013–2018, the AMOC and its components are dominated by seasonal
variability, with peak-to-peak amplitudes of 12 Sv for the upper-ocean
geostrophic transport, 7 Sv for the Ekman and 14 Sv for the AMOC transport.
The characteristics of the observed seasonal cycles of the AMOC and its
components are compared to results from an ocean general circulation model,
which is known to reproduce the variability of the Western Boundary Current
on longer timescales. The observed seasonal variability of zonally
integrated geostrophic velocity in the upper 300 m is controlled by pressure
variations at the eastern boundary, while at 500 m depth contributions from
the western and eastern boundaries are similar. The model tends to
underestimate the seasonal pressure variability at 300 and 500 m depth,
especially at the western boundary, which translates into the estimate of
the upper-ocean geostrophic transport. In the model, seasonal AMOC
variability at 11∘ S is governed, besides the Ekman transport, by
the geostrophic transport variability in the eastern basin. The geostrophic
contribution of the western basin to the seasonal cycle of the AMOC is
instead comparably weak, as transport variability in the western basin
interior related to local wind curl forcing is mainly compensated by the
Western Boundary Current. Our analyses indicate that while some of the
uncertainties of our estimates result from the technical aspects of the
observational strategy or processes not being properly represented in the
model, uncertainties in the wind forcing are particularly relevant for the
resulting uncertainties of AMOC estimates at 11∘ S.
Does industry expertise at engagement partner and audit firm level matter in emerging market? Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Herusetya Antonius , Jaunanda Meiliana
Published: February 2021

This study investigates the association of industry specialization at the engagement partner level and audit firm level with aggressive earnings management and modified audit opinion. The study employs a sample of 570 firm-year observations of manufacturing industries on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2014 to 2018 using a binary logistic regression model. First, this study finds no evidence of a relationship between industry specialization at the engagement partner level and audit firm level with aggressive discretionary accruals. Furthermore, the author finds evidence of a positive association between industry specialization at the audit firm level and aggressive real earnings management due to high audit quality. Finally, the study finds evidence that industry specialization at audit firm level is likely to issue modified audit opinion. This study contributes to the study of industry specialization at the engagement partner level and audit firm level, which is rarely performed in Indonesia. Policy makers and capital market players might learn some lessons from the audit quality of external auditors with industry specialists as the gatekeeper of the capital market. Moreover, this study has provided a valuable perspective to practitioners, researchers, and policy makers in other emerging markets regarding the quality of industry specialization at the partner and audit firm level.
Investigating the factors on attracting resources for urban development in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh , Cu Thanh Thuy
Published: February 2021

This study is carried to analyze the factors influencing the attracting resources for urban development in a case study in Vietnam. The research findings show that factors such as human resources, local policies, infrastructure system, local advantages, and international integration were the most influential factors on the ability to attract resources. At the same time, the study carried out the forecast of the need to use resources for urban development of Phuc Yen city in Vietnam. The resources forecasted in the study are human resources and financial resources. For human resources, with the data collected through surveys and evaluation of enterprises - an important subject promoting the socio-economic development of the city, the authors assessed the adaptive capacity of this human resource to serve the development goals of the urban. As for financial resources, the study predicts the demand for capital for industry, agriculture, and services of Phuc Yen City by 2030. The research findings are the basis for proposing solutions to support and promoting the attraction of resources for urban development of Phuc Yen City, Vietnam.
The effect of tax rate on sales tax compliance among Jordanian public shareholding corporations
Authors: Alshira’h Ahmad Farhan , Magablih Ali Mustafa , Alsqour Moh’d
Published: February 2021

Compliance to tax payment generally results in mitigating fiscal deficit and public debt, and in turn, provides funding to meet the economic and social development. However, regardless of the directed efforts of the government to increase sales tax compliance (or value added tax as it is referred to globally), Jordanian listed firms on the Amman Stock Exchange, compliance remains an issue in light of its negative impact on the government revenues. Literature dedicated to tax rate effects on sales tax compliance in the context of listed Jordanian firms on the Amman Stock Exchange has largely been lacking and as such, the study’s main objective is to examine the effect of tax rate on sales tax compliance among such firms. The study adopted a survey method with questionnaire copies distributed to 191 listed Jordanian firms. In the tabulation of data, only 169 questionnaire copies were deemed to be valid for the analysis. The formulated study hypotheses were tested using PLS-SEM and based on the results, tax rate has an insignificant effect on sales tax compliance. Future studies are recommended to provide further insight into the study determinants. The study contributes by furnishing information to and guiding policymakers and the listed Jordanian firms in enhancing sales tax compliance.
Cloud accounting information systems: Threats and advantages
Authors: Al-Nsour Esra , Weshah Sulaiman , Dahiyat Ahmad
Published: February 2021

When the Corona-virus pandemic hit the world, executing and performing the jobs of the remote world became an imperative, this pandemic became as motivator to create this study which aimed to reveal the advantages and threats that encounter the implementing of Cloud Accounting Information Systems CAIS from the view point of external auditors. For that purpose, a questionnaire was developed and distributed then from 198 valid questionnaires which were analyzed by a T- test. It has been found that the main advantages are a reduction of labor and overtime costs because of the ability to access the system from anywhere, while penetration, interruption, and confidentiality are the main threats, also it was found that there is a strong relationship between implementing cloud accounting information systems (CAIS) and the limiting manipulation of financial information. The study therefore recommended upgrading the security procedures of cloud accounting systems and holding courses for auditors to enhance their abilities in auditing CAIS.
Modeling broadband, mobile telephone and economic growth on a macro level: Empirical evidence from G7 countries
Authors: Birinci Tekin , Kirikkaleli Dervis
Published: February 2021

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has played overwhelming roles in the economic and social development of nations and continents in the last two decades. This study aims to explore the impact of mobile telephone and broadband use on economic growth in G7 countries using annual data covering the period of 2000-2017. We performed Pedroni cointegration, Kao cointegration, fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), and panel Granger causality tests to investigate the causal and long-run effects. The empirical findings reveal that (i) mobile telephone and broadband use contribute to economic growth in the long-run; (ii) changes in mobile telephone and broadband use significantly lead to a change in economic growth.
Integral evaluation as the basis of analytical support for managing the competitiveness of socially-oriented retailers
Authors: Berezivskyi Yaroslav , Zbarsky Vasyl , Zbarska Anna
Published: February 2021

The advantages of an integral approach to assessing the competitiveness of retailers are substantiated, which allows obtaining a more thorough and versatile informative base for making further managerial decisions to ensure the development of trading business. A new approach to the integral evaluation of the competitiveness of retailers is developed. The list of functional and structural components of competitiveness was substantiated: marketing,financial and investment, material and technical, intellectual and personnel,innovation, logistic and social. It is proposed to use the methodological sequence of competitiveness assessment, which involves the alternate passage of the following stages: construction of an evaluation hierarchy, identification of the levels of the criterion importance, definition of a set of “local vectors” by evaluation criteria, conducting comparative evaluation of competing enterprises, hierarchical synthesis of alternative options for ensuring competitiveness. The methods of an expert survey are used to form an information and analytical base. Using the Saaty’s analytic hierarchy process and the Delphi method of an expert survey, a matrix of pairwise comparisons of the criteria of the retailers’ competitiveness is formed. The Gallup Institute methodology is used to form the sample of enterprises. A matrix of rating positions of the socially-oriented retailers is developed to enable evaluation.On the basis of the obtained results – analytical support of the policy(regarding the competitiveness level, state of security and coefficients of weight of its functional and structural components), the strategic principles of managing the competitiveness of socially-oriented retailers. A matrix of strategic decisions on managing the competitiveness of socially-oriented retailers is developed.
Operating principles for collective scholar-activism: Early insights from the Agroecology Research-Action Collective
Authors: Montenegro de Wit Maywa , Shattuck Annie , Iles Alastair , Graddy-Lovelace Garrett , Roman-Alcalá Antonio , Chappell M.
Published: February 2021

Scholar-activism is attractive to researchers who want not just to learn about the world, but about how to change that world. Agri-food studies have experienced a surge in the past two decades in researchers who see closer ties to social move­ments as key to food systems change. Yet to date, much scholar-activism depends on individually negotiated researcher-movement relationships, which may or may not be sustained long term and where knowledge can remain siloed. The Agro­ecology Research-Action Collective (ARC) seeks something different. Born of a desire to subordi­nate scholarship for scholarship’s sake to the needs and exigencies of movements, ARC envisages collective processes, horizontal non-exploitative learning among ourselves and with movements, and mechanisms for multidirectional accounta­bility. This reflective essay is the story of how ARC set out to “get our house in order”: to organize ourselves as scholars committed to systematizing more accountable and reciprocal relationships with frontline communities and grassroots movements. We first share the Principles & Protocols that guide our actions and the process through which we developed them. We then discuss two intercon­nected arenas in which ARC is developing a com­munity of practice guided by the Principles & Protocols. The first arena is through integrating participatory education into our everyday teaching and mentoring. The second arena is working to achieve broader social and institutional change by sharing methods and strategies for mobilizing resources and legitimating knowledge, both old and new.
Where do "localphiles" shop?: A mixed-methods case study of food-buying habits
Authors: McKee Emily
Published: February 2021

Why, with local food’s rising popularity, do small-scale farmers report declining sales? This study used a mix of survey and interview methods to examine the priorities and buying habits of food shoppers in one midsized, lower-income metro­politan area of the U.S. Midwest. The study focuses on individual consumers’ decision-making because it aims to be useful, in particular, to small-scale farmers and advocates of their participation in local and regional food systems. Among shoppers’ stated priorities, the survey found broad support for local food and relatively low competition be­tween price and local origin as purchasing priori­ties. However, findings also show an attitude-behavior gap, with only a limited increase in ten­dency among self-defined “local” shoppers to purchase from locally oriented venues. As explana­tion for this attitude-behavior gap, survey and interview data point to differential definitions of “local food” and situational barriers (primarily inconvenience and lack of variety) preventing shoppers from buying local food. One factor off­setting these barriers was past experience growing one’s own food. Study findings are used to identify particular avenues for intervention by farmers, eaters, and other food systems builders to broaden access to local food through adjustments to mar­keting strategies, better alignment of wholesale outlets’ practices with the priorities of farmers and eaters, and improved public education about the food system.
Internationale bevoegdheid van de Nederlandse rechter en de immuniteit van internationale organisaties
Authors: De Brabandere E.C.P.D.C.
Published: February 2021

Internationale bevoegdheid van de Nederlandse rechter en de immuniteit van internationale organisaties – De uitspraak van het Hof van Justitie in Supreme/Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE)

Op 3 september 2020 heeft het Hof van Justitie uitspraak gedaan in de zaak Supreme/Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). De zaak heeft betrekking op de internationale bevoegdheid van de Nederlandse rechter inzake een geschil tussen een reeks vennootschappen en een internationale organisatie. Naast de vraag of de Nederlandse rechter internationaal bevoegd is om kennis te nemen van een verzoek door een internationale organisatie tot opheffing van een conservatoir beslag, bespreken het arrest en deze noot de vraag of rekening gehouden moet worden met de immuniteit van executie van internationale organisaties.

HvJ 3 september 2020, zaak C-186/19, ECLI:EU:C:2020:638 (Supreme/Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE)).
CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY USING A TRI-AXIAL ACCELEROMETER
Authors: Amen Zmnako Jamal , Barawi Omer Ali Rafiq , Omer Shirwan Hamasalh
Published: February 2021

Worldwide children’s walking disabilities that are caused mainly by cerebral palsy display multiple conditions of both permanent and non-developing motor dysfunction that in turn upsets posture, mobility, or muscle tone in general. In order to estimate the influence of instrumented gait analysis on the walking ability in cerebral palsied children the Dynaport Minimod, based on a triaxial accelerometer was employed.

A Dynaport Minimod was used for collecting the spatial and temporal gait data. An evaluation of the gait data carried out via online services application for 80 children with cerebral palsies from April 1 st , 2018 to October 30 th , 2019.

The Dynaport Minimod is capable of capturing most of the spatiotemporal gait parameters which indicate that this technique is quite cooperative and objective in the detection of gait changes and the evaluation of consequences, respectively.

The most useful practice for the managing of children with cerebral palsy is a gait analysis system in which its clinical utilization is considered to be a developing technology especially in providing guidance to service planning centres and hospitals.
Dietary factors and controversies in dementia prevention
Authors: Kurczyńska Aleksandra , Ślusarczyk Kamila
Published: February 2021

Dementia is affecting growing numbers of people. Consequently, we are inclined
toper ceive it as a crucial public health issue. Although cognitive impairment relates
mainly to the elderly, it also significantly burdens their caretakers. However, the development
of dementia is not inevitable. The cognitive functions are influenced by a wide
range of factors, starting with those at the beginning of the prenatal period. The most
important determinants of cognitive impairment involve genetic defects, diseases, intellectual
activity, physical activity and nutrition. The role played by anti-inflammatory, low
in sugar and highly-processed foods is emphasized. Particular importance is attributed
to the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, proper amounts of EPA and DHA and the lowest possible
trans fatty acids intake. The controversial aspects include, among others, high-fat
diet and alcohol consumption. The aim of this paper is to conduct an analysis of controversial
aspects and nutritional strategies related to cognitive impairment prevention,
based on available scientific data.
Renal Pathologic Spectrum in an Autopsy Series of Patients With Plasma Cell Dyscrasia
Authors: Herrera Guillermo A. , Joseph Lija , Gu Xin , Hough Aubrey , Barlogie Bart
Published: February 2021

Context.—Renal dysfunction in plasma cell dyscrasias is common. It is the second most common cause of death in patients with myeloma.

Objective.—We evaluated 77 sequential autopsies performed on patients dying from complications of plasma cell dyscrasias during an 11-year period at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. These consisted of 15% of all the autopsies performed during this time.

Design.—The kidneys were evaluated by light microscopy using hematoxylin-eosin–stained sections as well as Congo red and thioflavin T stains when amyloidosis was in the differential diagnosis. Immunofluorescence was performed on selected cases.

Results.—The most common lesion identified was cast nephropathy (30%). Other findings included acute tubulopathy, AL-amyloidosis, light chain deposition disease, tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with monotypic light chain deposits, thrombotic microangiopathy, renal infarction, fungal infection, and plasma cell tumor nodules. Autolysis, an expected finding in autopsy evaluations, was significant in 25 cases.

Conclusions.—Renal lesions are heterogeneous in these patients. In some cases, combined pathologic lesions were noted. Myeloma cast nephropathy predominated among all the renal lesions noted.
Evaluation of Add-on Testing in the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory of a Large Academic Medical Center: Operational Considerations
Authors: Melanson Stacy Foran , Hsieh; Brian , Flood James G. , Lewandrowski Kent B.
Published: February 2021

Context.—Physicians frequently request that additional tests be performed on an existing specimen (add-ons). In our institution, add-ons comprise approximately 1% of the specimen volume and require a disproportionate number of employees. Not only are add-on tests time-consuming and expensive, but storing routine specimens for 7 days in anticipation of add-ons consumes valuable laboratory space.

Design.—One hundred sixty add-on tests during a 1-week period were reviewed.

Objectives.—To analyze the pattern of add-on testing and determine methods to improve laboratory operations.

Results.—All add-on tests were ordered within 24 hours of receipt of the original specimen, even though specimens were retained for 7 days. At our institution, 1.5 full-time equivalents are required to complete add-on testing, which accounts for less than 1% of the specimen volume. The most common add-on tests recorded during the study period were hepatic and electrolyte/renal/glucose panels. The medicine service ordered more than 60% of the add-on tests. Five percent of add-on tests were caused by a lack of order communication, 64.7% of cardiac marker add-ons were not ordered according to the chest pain protocol, and certain ordering patterns were present.

Conclusions.—Routine specimens do not need to be retained for 7 days to accommodate add-on tests. Decreasing the storage time to 2 days would save space, while still maintaining regulatory compliance. Order communication with the laboratory, educating physicians about chest pain protocols, and instituting admission laboratory panels would decrease the number of add-ons in our hospital. This change would translate into a reduction in laboratory expenses and an improvement in operations.
Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of the Small Intestine: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Reid-Nicholson Michelle , Idrees Muhammed , Perino Giorgio , Hytiroglou Prodromos
Published: February 2021

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the small bowel is rare; to our knowledge, 19 cases have been reported to date in the English literature under several names. We report an additional case occurring in the jejunum of a 55-year-old man. The tumor was a polypoid 7.5-cm mass, which infiltrated the full thickness of the intestinal wall and the serosa of an adhesed loop of small bowel. On microscopic examination, the neoplasm was composed of sheets of spindle cells; focally, an anaplastic component was present, including tumor giant cells with bizarre nuclei. On immunohistochemical stains, tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, vimentin, and focally, epithelial membrane antigen. No staining for cytokeratin 20 was found. Sarcomatoid carcinoma must be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of malignant spindle cell tumors of the small bowel. As consensus regarding the terminology of these rare tumors is being reached, immunohistochemical stains are essential for accurate diagnosis.
Cutting Injuries in an Academic Pathology Department
Authors: Pritt Bobbi S. , Waters Brenda L.
Published: February 2021

Context.—Cutting injuries pose an infrequent but serious threat to anatomic pathology personnel. Although cut-resistant gloves may reduce this danger, it is imperative to recognize specific behaviors that increase the chance of an injury.

Objective.—To examine the incidence of cutting injuries in an academic pathology department and the mechanisms by which such injuries occurred.

Design.—Hospital Report of Event forms completed for laboratory incidents of cutting injury from March 1998 to September 2003 were evaluated. Further information regarding the incidents was obtained, when possible, by interviews with those personnel involved.

Setting.—A university-based pathology laboratory was the setting for this study. On average, 505 autopsies and 29 000 surgical specimens were processed each year during the 5.5-year time period.

Participants.—Pathology attending physicians, residents, dieners, and pathologists' assistants who performed autopsies and surgical specimen examinations.

Results.—Eight scalpel injuries occurred during the study period. No needle-stick injuries were reported. Searching for lymph nodes and cutting firm tissue each accounted for 3 of the injuries. Only 2 of the 8 individuals were in compliance with the departmental policy regarding protective glove wear. Hospital Report of Event forms alone failed to elicit sufficient detail regarding the mechanism of injury.

Conclusions.—A laboratory-based form may be necessary to supplement the hospital form, so as to obtain full details of each injury. This information may then be disseminated to all who handle blades, with the goal of preventing future cutting injuries.
Uterine-like Mass With Features of an Extrauterine Adenomyoma Presenting 22 Years After Total Abdominal Hysterectomy–Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Redman Rachel , Wilkinson Edward J. , Massoll Nicole A.
Published: February 2021

Adenomyoma is a benign tumor composed of smooth muscle and benign endometrium. These tumors typically originate within the uterus. An extrauterine adenomyoma is a rare entity. We report a uterine-like mass consistent with an extrauterine adenomyoma presenting 22 years following a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The mass was pear-shaped with uterine-type smooth muscle and a cavity lined by functional endometrial glands and stroma. To our knowledge, only 4 other cases of an extrauterine uterine-like mass are reported in the literature. Three involved the ovary, while one was located adjacent to the broad ligament with normal pelvic organs. Although none of these other uterus-like masses were described as adenomyomas with uterine-like features, the histologic findings are strikingly similar. An understanding of the müllerian system suggests that either an embryologic malformation or a differential multipotentiality existing in the subcoelomic tissues in response to hormonal stimulation results in a supernumerary müllerian structure like a uterus, as observed in this case. The presence of endometrial glands and stroma in the mass confirms that the tissues in this mass are hormonally responsive. It is most likely that this uterine-like mass arose from the tissues of the secondary müllerian system in response to estrogenic stimulation.
Prognostic Significance of Cyclooxygenase 2 Expression in 259 Cases of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Laga Alvaro C. , Zander Dani S. , Cagle Philip T.
Published: February 2021

Context.—Previous studies report that increased expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) correlates with poor clinical outcome in several malignancies, including non– small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors have been reported to effectively inhibit carcinogenesis in colon cancer experimental models.

Objective.—We examined COX-2 expression in 259 cases of NSCLC to evaluate its prognostic significance.

Design.—Sections of NSCLC from patients with a median 5-year follow-up were immunostained with COX-2 monoclonal antibody (1:150) using the Dako mouse EnVision;pl system. Extent of COX-2 expression in neoplastic cells was recorded as follows: 0, 0% to 10% of cells positive; 1, 11% to 33% positive; 2, 34% to 66% positive; and 3, more than 66% positive. Intensity was scored as either increased (+) or not increased (−), compared to internal control smooth muscle and endothelial cells. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the relationship between survival and COX-2 expression, using the log-rank test for statistical significance.

Results.—No relationship was found between the extent and/or the intensity of COX-2 expression and patient survival when the entire cohort was considered. However, when separately analyzed according to disease stage and intensity of COX-2 expression, a significant relationship (P = .03) between increased COX-2 expression and shortened patient survival was found only in patients with stage I and II NSCLC.

Conclusions.—To our knowledge, this is the largest series of NSCLCs in which COX-2 has been investigated as a prognostic marker. The findings in this large series support previous studies of smaller cohorts that reported that increased COX-2 expression predicts poor outcome in patients with early-stage NSCLC.
Intraoperative Consultation, Cytologic Preparations, and Frozen Section in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Powell Suzanne Z.
Published: February 2021

Context.—Intraoperative evaluation of lesions in the central nervous system requires the correlation of clinical, radiologic, and histologic data and knowledge of clinicopathologic entities and their common locations. Advances in neuroimaging during the last 20 years have revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system diseases. The diagnosis and treatment of patients have improved because of these changes and have allowed access to regions that were previously inaccessible. These new approaches have placed the pathologist in a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with central nervous system lesions. Assessment of the adequacy of the material, particularly for stereotactic biopsies, is necessary, and a combination of cytologic imprint preparations and frozen sections are often used. This review discusses many of the issues involved in intraoperative consultation and provides a simplified approach to the differential diagnosis of a variety of central nervous system lesions that may be encountered intraoperatively.

Objective.—To provide guidelines for and address potential pitfalls in the intraoperative management of the central nervous system.

Data Sources.—Author's experience and pertinent literature.

Conclusions.—Careful assessment of the gross specimen coupled with prudent use of frozen sections and cytologic imprint preparations is pivotal to reducing intraoperative error rates and preventing needless anxiety for the patient.