bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Linear Template-Based Approach for the Study of Locomotion
Authors: Dot Tristan , Quijoux Flavien , Oudre Laurent , Vienne-Jumeau Aliénor , Moreau Albane , Vidal Pierre-Paul , Ricard Damien
Published: April 2020

The automatic detection of gait events (i.e., Initial Contact (IC) and Final Contact (FC)) is crucial for the characterisation of gait from Inertial Measurements Units. In this article, we present a method for detecting steps (i.e., IC and FC) from signals of gait sequences of individuals recorded with a gyrometer. The proposed approach combines the use of a dictionary of templates and a Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) measure of fit to retrieve these templates into input signals. Several strategies for choosing and learning the adequate templates from annotated data are also described. The method is tested on thirteen healthy subjects and compared to gold standard. Depending of the template choice, the proposed algorithm achieves average errors from 0.01 to 0.03 s for the detection of IC, FC and step duration. Results demonstrate that the use of DTW allows achieving these performances with only one single template. DTW is a convenient tool to perform pattern recognition on gait gyrometer signals. This study paves the way for new step detection methods: it shows that using one single template associated with non-linear deformations may be sufficient to model the gait of healthy subjects.
Analysis of Space Debris Orbit Prediction Using Angle and Laser Ranging Data from Two Tracking Sites under Limited Observation Environment
Authors: Kim Simon , Lim Hyung-Chul , Bennett James. C. , Lachut Michael , Jo Jung Hyun , Choi Jin , Choi Mansoo , Park Eunseo , Yu Sung-Yeol , Sung Ki-Pyoung
Published: April 2020

The global electro-optical (EO) and laser tracking sensor network was considered to investigate improvements to orbit prediction (OP) accuracy of space debris by combining angle and laser ranging data. However, it is worth noting that weather, schedule and visibility constraints can frequently limit the operations of such sensors, which may not result in sufficient tracking data for accurate OP. In this study, several 1-day OP results for low Earth orbit (LEO) space debris targets were demonstrated under a limited observation environment to verify the OP accuracy through the combination of angle and laser ranging data from two sites. For orbit determination (OD) processes, it was considered to analyze the OP accuracy by one site providing both 2–day arc angle data and 1-day arc laser ranging data, while the other was limited to 1-day arc angle data. In addition, the initial ballistic coefficient ( B C ) application method was proposed and implemented for the improvement of OD/OP accuracy, which introduces the modified correction factor depending on the drag coefficient. In the cases of combining the angle and laser ranging data, the OP results show the 3D position difference values are below 100 m root mean square (RMS) with small position uncertainty. This value satisfies the target OP accuracy for conjunction assessments and blind laser ranging (about 50–100 m at 1000 km altitude). The initial B C application method also shows better OP accuracy than the method without the correction factor.
Shifting Perspectives in Assessing Socio-Environmental Vulnerability
Authors: Long Jonathan W. , Steel E. Ashley
Published: April 2020

Governments and institutions across the globe are conducting vulnerability assessments and developing adaptation plans to confront rapidly changing climatic conditions. Interrelated priorities, including the conservation of biodiversity, ecological restoration, sustainable development, and social justice often underlie these efforts. We collaborated with colleagues in an effort to help guide vulnerability assessment and adaptation (VAA) generally in Southeast Asia and specifically in the watershed of the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park (SIEP) in Phetchaburi Province, Thailand. Reflecting upon our experiences and a review of recent VAA literature, we examine a series of seven questions that help to frame the socio-ecological context for VAAs. We then propose a three-dimensional framework for understanding common orientations of VAAs and how they appear to be shifting and broadening over time, particularly in the USA. For example, key leaders in the SIEP project emphasized social development and community-based approaches over more ecology-centric approaches; this orientation was consistent with other examples from SE Asia. In contrast, many efforts for US national forests have evaluated vulnerability based on projected shifts in vegetation and have promoted adaptation options based upon ecological restoration. Illustrating a third, highly integrated approach, many VAAs prepared by indigenous tribes in the USA have emphasized restoring historical ecological conditions within a broader context of promoting cultural traditions, social justice, and adaptive capacity. We conclude with lessons learned and suggestions for advancing integrated approaches.
Expansion of the Waste-Based Commodity Frontier: Insights from Sweden and Brazil
Authors: Gutberlet Jutta , Bramryd Torleif , Johansson Michael
Published: April 2020

Waste is a valuable commodity and remains a livelihood source for waste pickers in the global South. Waste to Energy (WtoE) is often described as alternative to landfilling, as it provides cheap fuel while making waste disappear. In some European cities, this method has evolved into an impediment, slowing down the adoption of more sustainable technologies and waste prevention. These plants typically strain municipal budgets and provide fewer jobs than recycling and composting, thereby inhibiting the development of small-scale local recycling businesses. We applied the idea of ‘waste regime’ with an interdisciplinary and situated lens to provide insights to the following questions: How do different political developments in Brazil and Sweden, frame and reframe waste incineration and energy recovery, in the context of sustainability and waste management on local, regional and national levels? What forms of resistance against WtoE exist and what are the arguments of these protagonists? We evaluated the impact of WtoE and compare it with other waste management options with regard to CO2 balances and general environmental and social impacts. We conclude by suggesting more socially and environmentally appropriate ways of waste management, particularly for the context of global South cities.
Italian Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Eucalyptus Firewood
Authors: Palmieri Nadia , Suardi Alessandro , Pari Luigi
Published: April 2020

Eucalyptus trees cover about 20 million hectares globally and are used to produce pulp, paper and firewood for domestic uses. From an environmental perspective, these trees have fewer impacts than other crops. In Italy, plantations of eucalyptus can provide a large amount of biomass to satisfy part of the country’s internal demand. However, eucalyptus cultivation is less profitable than cultivation of traditional crops due to the low market prices of wood. This study aims both to analyze the willingness of a sample of Italian consumers to pay for eucalyptus firewood and to investigate the main factors that may affect this willingness. Data are collected from a sample of 231 consumers using a web-based survey. The double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation model is then applied. The findings show that information, the energetic density of firewood, consumers’ interest in environment issues, and the age of respondents are aspects that are positively associated with respondents’ willingness to pay for eucalyptus firewood. Conversely, interest in both firewood species and packaging are factors that reduce consumer willingness to pay for eucalyptus firewood. Even though these results cannot be generalized to the whole Italian population, the findings may indicate new opportunities for eucalyptus, while growing demand for eucalyptus could offer an interesting opportunity for firms to enter the sector and develop marketing strategies targeted towards specific market niches.
Uncertainty Analysis of Embedded Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Using BIM in Early Design Stages
Authors: Schneider-Marin Patricia , Harter Hannes , Tkachuk Konstantin , Lang Werner
Published: April 2020

With current efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of buildings in the operational phase, the share of embedded energy (EE) and embedded GHG emissions is increasing. In early design stages, chances to influence these factors in a positive way are greatest, but very little and vague information about the future building is available. Therefore, this study introduces a building information modeling (BIM)-based method to analyze the contribution of the main functional parts of buildings to find embedded energy demand and GHG emission reduction potentials. At the same time, a sensitivity analysis shows the variance in results due to the uncertainties inherent in early design to avoid misleadingly precise results. The sensitivity analysis provides guidance to the design team as to where to strategically reduce uncertainties in order to increase precision of the overall results. A case study shows that the variability and sensitivity of the results differ between environmental indicators and construction types (wood or concrete). The case study contribution analysis reveals that the building’s structure is the main contributor of roughly half of total GHG emissions if the main structural material is reinforced concrete. Exchanging reinforced concrete for a wood structure reduces total GHG emissions by 25%, with GHG emissions of the structure contributing 33% and windows 30%. Variability can be reduced systematically by first reducing vagueness in geometrical and technical specifications and subsequently in the amount of interior walls. The study shows how a simplified and fast BIM-based calculation provides valuable guidance in early design stages.
Clean and Green Urban Water Bodies Benefit Nocturnal Flying Insects and Their Predators, Insectivorous Bats
Authors: Straka Tanja M. , Lentini Pia E. , Lumsden Linda F. , Buchholz Sascha , Wintle Brendan A. , van der Ree Rodney
Published: April 2020

Nocturnal arthropods form the prey base for many predators and are an integral part of complex food webs. However, there is limited understanding of the mechanisms influencing invertebrates at urban water bodies and the potential flow-on effects to their predators. This study aims to: (i) understand the importance of standing water bodies for nocturnal flying insect orders, including the landscape- and local-scale factors driving these patterns; and (ii) quantify the relationship between insects and insectivorous bats. We investigated nocturnal flying insects and insectivorous bats simultaneously at water bodies (n = 58) and non-water body sites (n = 35) using light traps and acoustic recorders in Melbourne, Australia. At the landscape scale, we found that the presence of water and high levels of surrounding greenness were important predictors for some insect orders. At the water body scale, low levels of sediment pollutants, increased riparian tree cover and water body size supported higher insect order richness and a greater abundance of Coleopterans and Trichopterans, respectively. Most bat species had a positive response to a high abundance of Lepidopterans, confirming the importance of this order in the diet of insectivorous bats. Fostering communities of nocturnal insects in urban environments can provide opportunities for enhancing the prey base of urban nocturnal insectivores.
A Meta-Analysis on the Impact of Social Capital on Firm Performance in China’s Transition Economy
Authors: LYU Tu , JI Xiangfeng
Published: April 2020

There is almost no research consensus on the influence of social capital on firm performance in China, which motivates our study in this paper. Our research aim here is to identify the effect of contextual and methodological moderators on the relationship between social capital and firm performance in China’s transition economy. Meta-analysis is employed to explore the impact of social capital on firm performance and to identify moderators affecting the relationship based on 106 independent studies between 2008 and 2018. The results demonstrate that the social capital–performance link is positive and significant in China. Particularly, social capital has a stronger positive relationship with performance in high-tech industries or in low-level marketization. Meanwhile, the social capital–performance link depends on the specific performance measures and dimensions. The paper clearly indicates the value of cultivating social capital and reveals that distinct types of social capital are needed at different points in different industries and market areas.
Sustainability of China’s Singles Day Shopping Festivals: Exploring the Moderating Effect of Fairness Atmospherics on Consumers’ Continuance Participation
Authors: Li Jingyu , Zhu Anding , Liu Dongsheng , Zhao Wenmin , Zhou Yi , Chen Yahui , Liu Yanni , Sun Nan
Published: April 2020

Singles Day Shopping Festival (SDSF) is one of the most influential online sales events in China. As a big production and even a well-known brand, SDSF has its own design, image, performance, and life cycle. Consumer satisfaction and continuous participation play an important role in the sustainable marketing of SDSF. This study empirically examined the antecedents of continuous participation intention by employing both expectation-confirmation theory (ECT) and stimulus-organism-response (SOR) model to reveal that promotion scale and social interaction have positive and significant effects on participants’ emotional satisfaction-as-trust and -pleasure, which subsequently lead to continuous participation behaviors. This study investigated participants’ perception of fairness atmospherics and its moderating effects on the positive links between promotion scale/social interaction and satisfaction, and the relationships between satisfaction and continuous participation intention. This study suggested that spending more money on jubilant festival buildings will not always exert more influence on participants’ satisfaction as expected. Alternatively, creating a good and fair trading environment will reach the same goal and promote the sustainability of SDSFs. More detailed findings and implications are also discussed at the end of the paper.
Demand Response Economic Assessment with the Integration of Renewable Energy for Developing Electricity Markets
Authors: Conteh Abdul , Lotfy Mohammed Elsayed , Adewuyi Oludamilare Bode , Mandal Paras , Takahashi Hiroshi , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: April 2020

Electricity disparity in sub-Saharan Africa is a multi-dimensional challenge that has significant implications on the current socio-economic predicament of the region. Strategic implementation of demand response (DR) programs and renewable energy (RE) integration can provide efficient solutions with several benefits such as peak load reduction, grid congestion mitigation, load profile modification, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. In this research, an incentive and price-based DR programs model using the price elasticity concepts is proposed. Economic analysis of the customer benefit, utility revenue, load factor, and load profile modification are optimally carried out using Freetown (Sierra Leone) peak load demand. The strategic selection index is employed to prioritize relevant DR programs that are techno-economically beneficial for the independent power producers (IPPs) and participating customers. Moreover, optimally designed hybridized grid-connected RE was incorporated using the Genetic Algorithm (GA) to meet the deficit after DR implementation. GA is used to get the optimal solution in terms of the required PV area and the number of BESS to match the net load demand after implementing the DR schemes. The results show credible enhancement in the load profile in terms of peak period reduction as measured using the effective load factor. Moreover, customer benefit and utility revenues are significantly improved using the proposed approach. Furthermore, the inclusion of the hybrid RE supply proves to be an efficient approach to meet the load demand during low peak and valley periods and can also mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
A Novel Improvement Strategy of Competency for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) of University Teachers Based on Data Mining
Authors: Weng Sung-Shun , Liu Yang , Dai Juan , Chuang Yen-Ching
Published: April 2020

Competency for ESD (education for sustainable development) of university teachers is the key to the sustainable development of higher education. Developing teachers’ competency for ESD poses a new challenge for Chinese universities. Ideally, a new faculty development system should be established. However, this strategy is not feasible because of cost concerns, and improving competency for ESD by using the existing teacher competency training system is preferred. Therefore, this paper employed a specific data mining method to create a relationship model between the existing teacher competency system and the ESD competency according to teacher evaluation data. The developed model was used to analyze the teachers’ core competencies that are critical to ESD competency and derive decision rules for formulating improvement strategies. The teacher competency model was applied to the International Scholarly Exchange Curriculum (ISEC) program implemented at regional universities in China to conduct an empirical case study. The results of this study are anticipated to enable the formulation of an effective and appropriate strategy for improving teachers’ competency for ESD in the existing teacher development system.
Effect of Substrate Concentration on Photo-Fermentation Bio-Hydrogen Production Process from Starch-Rich Agricultural Leftovers under Oscillation
Authors: Zhang Haorui , Li Jiaolin , Zhang Quanguo , Zhu Shengnan , Yang Shuai , Zhang Zhiping
Published: April 2020

China has plenty of starch-rich agricultural leftovers, which can be degraded and further utilized for biogas production. Potato, which has more and more cultivated areas, was taken as a substrate. The pH, OD540, biogas yield, hydrogen yield, biogas production rate, and hydrogen production rate were determined to evaluate the effect of substrate concentration on the photo-fermentation bio-hydrogen production process under an oscillation condition. Results showed that the photo-fermentation period was extended to 264 h under oscillation, which was two times longer than the static condition. It was found that 8 g per 100 mL fermentation broth was the most suitable substrate concentration under oscillation, the cumulative hydrogen yield was 510 mL VS−1, and the hydrogen content was 38.36%.
An Investigation of the Influencing Factors of Chinese WeChat Users’ Environmental Information-Sharing Behavior Based on an Integrated Model of UGT, NAM, and TPB
Authors: Chen Yang
Published: April 2020

Sustainable development is a common challenge for all. Under this background, how to promote public participation in environmental communication has become an important topic. The purpose of this study is to understand the motivating mechanism behind Chinese WeChat users’ environmental information-sharing behavior by taking China’s unique social and cultural background into account. A comprehensive theoretical model for this study is constructed based on the uses and gratification theory, the norm activation model, and the theory of planned behavior. Through an online survey, data were collected from 526 participants to test the research model. The research results show that Chinese WeChat users’ environmental information-sharing behavior is motivated by both egoistic factors (self-presentation, information seeking, and socializing) and altruistic factors (awareness of consequences and ascription of responsibility). During the behavioral decision-making process, these motivating factors impact people’s actual sharing behavior via their attitudes toward the behavior, subjective norms, personal norms, and behavioral intention in various patterns. The findings are discussed from an interdisciplinary perspective of media usage, prosocial behavior, and behavioral psychology. This article not only proposes a new conceptual framework to explain social media users’ behavior of sharing environmental information but also provides important theoretical and practical implications regarding motivating public participation in environmental communication on social media.
Spatial Diversity of Tourism in the Countries of the European Union
Authors: Roman Michał , Roman Monika , Niedziółka Arkadiusz
Published: April 2020

The aim of the article is to present the spatial diversity of tourism in the countries of the European Union (EU). The main objective of the article can be divided into three immediate goals, each of which is to determine countries that are similar by means of: (1) accommodation base; (2) tourism traffic; and (3) tourism-related expenditures and revenues. In order to group countries, Ward’s cluster analysis method is used. The aim is verified with the use of 2017 United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Eurostat data. The analysis covers all EU member states. The research conducted confirms, inter alia, the key role of the accommodation base in the development of tourism in those countries.
The Impact of Income Inequality on Carbon Emissions in China: A Household-Level Analysis
Authors: Liu Yulin , Zhang Min , Liu Rujia
Published: April 2020

This study investigates the impact of income inequality on household carbon emissions in China using nationwide micro panel data. The effect is positive—households in counties with greater income inequality emit more—and remarkably robust to a battery of robustness checks. We also explore the roles that consumption patterns, time preference, and mental health play in the relationship between income inequality and household carbon emissions. The findings suggest that the change in consumption patterns caused by income inequality may be an important reason for the positive effect of inequality on household carbon emissions and that a lower time preference for consumption and improved mental health can mitigate the positive effect of income inequality on household carbon emissions. Furthermore, substantial differences are found among households at different income levels and households with heads of different ages. The findings of this study provide important insights for policy makers to reduce both inequality and emissions.
Attitude Toward Social Enterprises: A Comparison between For-Profit and Social Enterprise Employees
Authors: Choi Eunsoo , Kim Eunji , Kim Inji , Choi Incheol
Published: April 2020

Social enterprises, organizations that pursue social purposes while generating profits, have garnered attention recently as potential key players for a sustainable economy. However, research on the perception of social enterprises by lay people has been ignored even though positive reception of social enterprises is an important condition for their sustainability. In the present study, we compared for-profit enterprise employees (n = 200) and social enterprise employees (n = 162) and examined their differences in attitude toward the profit-making aspects of social enterprises as well as the employees working for social enterprises. The results showed that for-profit enterprises overestimated that social enterprise employees were extrinsically motivated and underestimated their prosocial intentions. In addition, for-profit enterprise employees were less favorable toward the profit-making aspects of social enterprises, including payment of high salaries for the social enterprise employees and using donations to run social enterprises. Interestingly, the difference between for-profit and social enterprise employees in their attitude toward the profit-making aspects of social enterprises was explained by lay theories of altruism called “pure altruism.” The present research makes important contributions by identifying the psychological mechanisms that underlie individuals’ perceptions and attitude toward social enterprises.
Development and Validation of a Knowledge Management Questionnaire for Hospitals and Other Healthcare Organizations
Authors: Karamitri Ioanna , Kitsios Fotis , Talias Michael A.
Published: April 2020

Sustainable societies need to consider the connection between knowledge management (KM) and healthcare as a critical issue for social development. They need to investigate how to create knowledge and identify possible predictors of knowledge-sharing behavior that can support a hospital’s sustainable knowledge-management strategy. KM strategies could help managers to increase the performance of hospitals and other healthcare organizations. The purpose of this paper is to present a valid and reliable questionnaire about KM in healthcare organizations. We develop a new knowledge-management questionnaire based on the use of an extensive literature review and health professionals’ consensus. The Applied Knowledge Management Instrument (AKMI) questionnaire was pilot tested and retested on a small group of employees of healthcare organizations (n = 31). After the pilot process, a larger group of health professionals (n = 261) completed the questionnaire. Further investigation resulted in item reduction and verification of the dimensions of AKMI. Finally, we explore the psychometric properties of the developed tool. The developed questionnaire seems to be reliable, valid, and suitable to be used for studying the suggested nine dimensions of KM: perceptions of KM, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, knowledge synthesis and sharing, cooperation, leadership, organizational culture, and barriers. The developed questionnaire can help policymakers and hospital administrators collect information about KM processes in healthcare organizations and this can result in higher performance of health organizations.
Middle Class, Tradition and the Desi-Realm—Discourses of Alternative Food Networks in Bengaluru, India
Authors: Erler Mirka , Dittrich Christoph
Published: April 2020

It has repeatedly been claimed that persistent traditional agriculture and marketing in countries of the Global South, such as India, are a fruitful basis for the foundation of alternative food networks (AFNs). However, literature on AFNs in the Global South is scarce and it thus remains uncertain how the appropriation of traditional agri-food practices plays out. We conducted semi-structured expert interviews with representatives of 14 AFNs in Bengaluru, India, in order to explore their aims and approaches. We found that there is a high variety of different AFNs in the city. One salient discourse among the representatives was that the agri-food system can be improved by a revitalization of tradition. In this paper, we discuss the implications of this conviction on representatives of AFNs. Traditionalism, we argue, does rather represent a deflection from achieving the stated goals of the AFN, namely the improvement of the livelihood of Indian farmers.
Impacts of Different Air Pollutants on Dining-Out Activities and Satisfaction of Urban and Suburban Residents
Authors: Gao Rong , Ma Hua , Ma Hongmei , Li Jiahui
Published: April 2020

Air pollution has become a global environmental problem that directly affects the living quality of city residents. It not only does damages to the physical health of the human body but also has adverse effects on mood, outdoor activities, and social interactions, which further reduces the vitality of the city. Dining out is an important way of social interaction for city residents. Using Beijing as an example, this paper aims to study the impacts of different air pollutants on dining-out activities and satisfaction of urban and suburban residents. The results show that: (1) Air pollution can significantly reduce dining-out frequency and satisfaction; (2) Due to differences in environmental and health awareness, the impact of air pollution on dining-out behaviors varies among urban and suburban residents; and (3) O3 pollution has a greater emotional impact on suburban residents than urban residents, possibly because of the differences in defense strategies and levels of pollution exposure in the workplace. The findings imply that improving air quality can obtain not only health benefits but also long-term social and economic vitality. The publicity of environment and health information should be strengthened on key urban air pollutants, especially on particulate matter and O3, and on disadvantaged groups to enhance environmental justice.
The Perspective of Total Lighting as a Key Factor to Increase the Sustainability of Strategic Activities
Authors: Peña-García Antonio , Salata Ferdinando
Published: April 2020

In the last decades, lighting has evolved from a branch of engineering ensuring safety and performance in indoor and outdoor installations, to a key discipline interacting with a wide spectrum of fields and having a deep impact on our daily lives. Although this evolution also applies to other areas of knowledge, the special features of lighting make its potential and also its limitations different. It is not the typical field where a well-established mathematical framework allows a departure from well-defined input and identifying clear effects and conclusions. The reason is that lighting is a field dealing with the interaction between a physical phenomenon and a physiological and psychological system, the human being. In addition to the complexity of its basis, the relationship between lighting and sustainability has become stronger in recent years. This relationship is bi-directional in some cases: on one hand, advanced societies require more and more complex lighting installations, which means high energy consumption, use of raw materials, financial costs, manufacturing and maintenance processes, waste and emissions to the atmosphere. On the other hand, good lighting has an impact on issues like productivity, well-being, happiness, disease avoidance, safety, and many other qualitative aspects whose direct or indirect impact on sustainability is remarkable. This work will analyze how lighting can give answers to questions related to sustainability, not only from the classic topics of energy consumption and waste management, but from a wider and global perspective. The results of these works are analyzed, and the basis of the new framework of total lighting, discussed.
Scrub Typhus: Historic Perspective and Current Status of the Worldwide Presence of Orientia Species
Authors: Richards Allen L. , Jiang Ju
Published: April 2020

Scrub typhus and its etiological agents, Orientia species, have been around for a very long time. Historical reference to the rickettsial disease scrub typhus was first described in China (313 AD) by Hong Ge in a clinical manual (Zhouhofang) and in Japan (1810 AD) when Hakuju Hashimoto described tsutsuga, a noxious harmful disease in the Niigata prefecture. Other clinicians and scientists in Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and India reported on diseases most likely to have been scrub typhus in the early 1900s. All of these initial reports about scrub typhus were from an area later designated as the Tsutsugamushi Triangle—an area encompassing Pakistan to the northwest, Japan to the northeast and northern Australia to the south. It was not until the 21st century that endemic scrub typhus occurring outside of the Tsutsugamushi Triangle was considered acceptable. This report describes the early history of scrub typhus, its distribution in and outside the Tsutsugamushi Triangle, and current knowledge of the causative agents, Orientia species.
Exploring how GPs discuss statin deprescribing with older people: a qualitative study
Authors: Thompson Wade , Le Jette Videbæk , Haastrup Peter , Nielsen Jesper Bo , Pedersen Line Bjørnskov , Jarbøl Dorte Ejg
Published: April 2020

Background

Given uncertainty surrounding benefits and harms, shifts in patient health status, and changing patient goals and preferences, statin deprescribing may be considered in some older people. This decision should be carefully discussed between GPs and patients.

Aim

To explore how GPs discuss deprescribing of statins with their older patients.

Design & setting

A qualitative study was undertaken using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with Danish GPs from the regions of Southern Demark and Zealand.

Method

The GP participants belonged to group practices and were identified from personal networks and snowballing. The interviews lasted approximately 30 minutes and were conducted in English. They were analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results

A total of 11 GPs were interviewed and three themes were identified. (1) Reason for initiating a discussion: statin deprescribing mainly came up when GPs reviewed medication lists. There were differences between GPs regarding when or if they brought up deprescribing. (2) Discussion topics: GPs often discussed their interpretation of evidence surrounding statin use in older people. There were differences in how and if GPs discussed patient preferences. GPs viewed uncertainty and life expectancy as difficult to discuss. (3) Depth of discussion: the perceived level of patient engagement, and clinical context, could influence the extent of discussion.

Conclusion

GPs identified a range of topics that could be discussed with patients surrounding statin deprescribing. The depth and content of discussions varied according to the situation, and between GPs. Challenges may exist in communicating around certain topics, such as uncertainty and life expectancy. Further understanding of how to best communicate around challenging topics, and development of structured frameworks, may help facilitate statin deprescribing discussions. Identifying what patients think is important to discuss would provide necessary insight to promote quality discussions and shared understanding of the decision.
Management of logistic activities as a mechanism for providing sustainable development of enterprises in the digital economy
Authors: Zaloznova Yuliya , Trushkina Nataliia
Published: April 2020

In today’s conditions of dynamic development, the digital economy actualizes the problems of management of logistic activities of enterprises, among which there are the problems of the effective use of material resources, improvement of management of warehouse economy, production and commodity stocks, transport streams and marketing activity and improvement of quality of logistic service. Comparative analysis of dynamics of the indicators of logistic activity of business entities in Ukraine and the EU countries is performed. Features are investigated and modern trends in the development of logistic activities of Ukrainian enterprises are determined. It is established that there are many risks on organization of logistic activities of enterprises that are conditionally classified into 2 groups: exogenous (political, institutional, market, financial, environmental) and endogenous (associated with the processes of logistics, inventory formation, economic, transport, marketing, informational). International experience of strategic management of logistic activities of enterprises is analyzed and summarized. Strategic lines of improvement of management of logistic activities of enterprises are defined, taking into account best international practices, which include logistics management, inventory management, process management, customer service, managing sales activity, pricing improvement, formation of transport-logistic system, information support of the process of the logistic activities through the use of modern digital technologies and logistic concepts. Implementation of the above-mentioned measures will help to increase the level of competitiveness and sustainable development of business entities as a result of reducing the cost of organizing the logistic activities of enterprises. Minimizing the risks and losses from the acquisition of low-quality material resources, downtime of transport, late delivery of products to consumers and payment for shipped products.
The concept of the system approach of the enterprise restructuring process
Authors: Dzwigol Henryk
Published: April 2020

The article presents methodical requirements for the restructuring programme in the context of strategic management and the shaping of strategic forms. The author described the corporate restructuring model as a basis for transformations designed to achieve a knowledge-based organisation. The author attempted to address the following question: How should the knowledge management model be perceived in modern companies? Furthermore, the importance of organisational forms in the corporate restructuring process was underlined. The restructuring process should be carried out on the basis of specific restructuring objectives resulting from the scope of changes.
Perception Analysis of Online Shopping: A Case Study of amazon.com
Authors: Manjula Bai H
Published: April 2020

This paper is designed to study the perception of the consumer about online shopping, to know the optimistic and pessimistic influence of online shopping on the consumers and to study the consumer behaviour towards online shopping. For the study, the researcher has selected 50 respondents who are familiar with Amazon. It particularly focused on the problems or the benefits availed from online shopping. A common problem faced by the customer while shopping online is quality service. The biggest problem while buying things online is that there is no guarantee of product quality, digital payments failure, unclear returns and guarantee policies, cyber security or more precisely the lack of it is a major problem on the internet today All levels of customers were surveyed by using a questionnaire, and the level of satisfaction or dissatisfaction from the online shopping was studied. Finally, the detail information about the benefits they had received was also considered. A small attempt has been made to understand the benefits of online shopping, and also the limitation of online shopping was studied concerning AMAZON. Finally, it attempts to offer suggestions to customers to educate much more about online shopping.
Urban Economic Activities and Livelihood: A Case of Autowalas
Authors: Tigari Harish , Varsha G S , Venkatesha S
Published: April 2020

The basic needs like food, shelter, cloth, and other secured necessities are the gross root level requirements of every human being. And even it drives to do economic activities for their livelihood. In India, urbanization characterized by employment argument, and it deals with different sectarian economic activities like infrastructure, service, hospital, education, industries, and transportation. In an urban transportation system, the auto has a centric position because of its coverage network in cities. So the present study attempts to investigate the centric transportation system in urban areas, i.e., auto-rickshaw service, by analyzing the socio-economic lifestyle of auto drivers and economics of auto wallas. The main objective of the study is to explore the socio-economic condition of auto wallas. The study also highlights the educational qualification, marital status, residence, and type of family, savings, borrowings, and economic position of auto wallas in Davangere city.
Corporate Sustainability Practices and Supply Chain Management Performance of Bahraini Companies: An Initial Survey
Authors: N. Salindo Randolf Von , Adnan Mustafa Saed
Published: April 2020

Owing to the relatively small area and the decreasing natural resources of the Kingdom of Bahrain, businesses are searching for supply chains that are both sustainable and Greenly friendly. This study was conducted to determine the level of implementation of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices and the effect of these SSCM activities on the efficiency of supply chain companies in Bahrain. Bahraini companies are adopting two classes of SSCM practices: Renewable Packaging and Green Procurement. Five key components that make up the overall SSCM performance of the respondent firms were identified: Operational Performance, Efficiency, Green Performance; Corporate Social Responsibility; and Socio-economic Performance. The use of recyclable materials as packaging and the option of using only items that are safe at their end-of-life have a direct, positive and more importantly, significant impact on operational efficiency. Sustainable SSCM practices of Bahraini firms have a positive and significant impact on their sustainable supply chain efficiency.
Compliance como meio de combate à corrupção no âmbito da Lei 12.846/2013
Authors: Chaves Sediane Moreira , Passos de Melo Fabiana
Published: April 2020

Trata de pesquisa relacionada à corrupção bem como à atuação do compliance (programa de integridade) como meio de combate a tais práticas. O estudo surgiu da necessidade de analisar os aspectos da Lei no. 12.846/2013 (lei anticorrupção), a qual que vem regular a responsabilização administrativa e civil das pessoas jurídicas quando observada a prática de atos contra a administração pública, bem como analisar o impacto de sua aplicação e a consequente redução dos atos de corrupção. Pretende-se, ainda, avaliar os programas de integridade no que diz respeito à eficácia de sua aplicação junto às empresas (públicas ou privadas). Para tanto, se utilizou de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental da legislação pertinente ao assunto, as quais poderão ser acessadas mediante dados da rede mundial de computadores ou de modo físico; a análise documental também abrange pesquisa em livros e artigos cujos temas sejam relacionados direta ou indiretamente com o pesquisado. A pesquisa realizada permitiu concluir que a corrupção tem abrangência mundial, o que faz com que seus efeitos sejam ainda mais devastadores, visto estar presente há tempos em todos os lugares. No entanto, verifica-se que a boa prática na utilização de instrumentos de controle e responsabilização de atos pode auxiliar no combate à prática da corrupção
Влияние способа перемешивания бродящей среды на накопление биомассы и выход спирта
Authors: Zaitseva O.V. , Barakova N.V.
Published: April 2020

В статье представлены результаты сравнительных исследований динамики физиологического состояния дрожжевой биомассы и накопления спирта при сбраживании ячменного сусла (с массовой долей сухих веществ 21-22) с использованием препарата АСД DistilaMax GW при различных способах перемешивания бродящей среды. Показано, что использование пневматического способа перемешивания способствует большему накоплению биомассы жизнеспособных клеток, по сравнению с механическим перемешиванием на 5, при реализации брожения без перемешивания на 7,1 . В отношении выхода спирта, как механический, так и пневматический способы перемешивания бродящий среды, эффективнее на 9 относительно осуществления процесса брожения без перемешивания. Учитывая, что стоимость оборудования для пневматического перемешивания дешевле, чем для механического, результаты исследований дают основания предполагать экономические преимущества получения спирта из зернового сырья, при использовании пневматического способа перемешивания бродящей среды.

The study compared the dynamics of yeast biomass physiological state and alcohol accumulation during barley wort fermentation (with dry solids weight ratio at 21-22) using the ADY DistilaMax GW preparation and various fermenting medium mixing methods. The paper summarizes the study findings. It has been demonstrated that pneumatic mixing method ensures a 5 increase in the accumulation of viable cells biomass as compared to mechanical mixing method, and a 7.1 increase when no mixing was performed during fermentation. As to the alcohol output, both mechanical and pneumatic fermenting medium mixing methods demonstrated a 9 increase in the effectiveness when fermentation was conducted without mixing. Considering the fact that pneumatic mixing equipment is cheaper than the mechanical one, the research findings suggest economic advantages of grain alcohol production using pneumatic method for mixing of the fermenting medium.
Onde podemos encontrar a impressão digital da legendista? Um estudo sobre o emprego da colocação pronominal e de marcadores discursivos em legendas de Star Trek: Enterprise
Authors: Vitor da Silva Janailton Mick , Oliveira Harden Alessandra Ramos de
Published: April 2020

Este artigo apresenta alguns resultados de uma pesquisa de mestrado que objetivou caracterizar o estilo de uma legendista. O foco deu-se na forma que ela empregou a colocação pronominal e marcadores discursivos (MDs) em legendas em Português Brasileiro, feitas para episódios da série de TV Star Trek: Enterprise. A investigação afiliou-se metodologicamente aos Estudos da Tradução Baseados em Corpus, principalmente por meio do auxílio de dois programas do WordSmith Tools©, 7, o WordList e o Concord. O corpus de estudo se constitui por arquivos de legendas disponíveis na Netflix, em português brasileiro, dos episódios 10 e 11 (temporada 1) e 16 e 24 (temporada 2), enquanto o corpus de referência consiste em outros arquivos de legendas das mesmas temporadas da série feitos por outros legendistas. Os resultados mostram que a impressão digital da legendista em estudo pode ser encontrada por sua preferência pela ênclise e por MDs mais facilmente aceitos nos guias normativos de legendagem da Netflix. Sendo assim, nota-se seu uso variado de registros linguísticos, especialmente do registro formal da língua portuguesa.Palavras-chave: Impressão digital da legendista. Registros linguísticos. Colocação pronominal. Marcadores discursivos.
GYROTRONES WITH CONE-SHAPED RESONATORS
Authors: Kolosov S. V. , Zaitseva I. E.
Published: April 2020

In this paper we compared the efficiency of the cylindrical, conical, and biconical types of gyrotron resonators. Based on the results of comparing the three studied variants of gyrotron profile, it was concluded that the regular-type profile is the least efficient. This type of a resonator made it possible to achieve the level of efficiency of only 23 %, which can be increased in the regular-waveguide gyrothrons only through several modes or by recovering the electrons on the collector. The medium efficiency option is the biconical profile of the resonator. Its efficiency accounted for 42 %. Through a scientific study we revealed an increase in the efficiency for gyrotrons with conical resonators from 23 to 50 % in the TE01 wave. It is worth mentioning that obtaining such efficiency requires phase grouping of the electrons in an increasing high-frequency field by means of an electromagnetic field with further selection of energy from the electron beam in a strong decaying electromagnetic field. The efficiency of 50 % exceeds significantly that of a gyrotron with a regular cavity profile of ~30 %. The gyrotron efficiency for a waveguide profile with a conical resonator and with recovery on the collector can reach 80 %. To carry out the calculations, the KEDR software package was used, and the optimization of the gyrotron parameters, in particular, was carried out using the GYRO-K software. This software has several advantages over other similar options based on the “PIC” code. GYRO-K makes it possible to obtain a high convergence rate when solving boundary value problems, as well as to solve the problem of optimizing the waveguide profile of gyroresonance devices with an acceptable computational burden. Conical cavity gyrotrons can be widely used in industry to create effective gyrotrons for spectroscopy, diagnostics of various media, and for technological needs.