bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AGENDA AMBIENTAL NA ADMINISTRAÇÃO PÚBLICA: ADESÃO DO DEPARTAMENTO ESTADUAL DE TRÂNSITO DE MATO GROSSO ÀS DIRETRIZES DO PROGRAMA A3P
Authors: Da Costa Mirelly Xavier Rodrigues , Rezende Greyce Bernardes de Mello
Published: July 2020

A crescente preocupação com os problemas ambientais causados pelos padrões de produção e consumo da modernidade tem levado a sociedade contemporânea a exercer pressão sobre os diversos atores sociais a fim de que estes adequem suas ações aos princípios da sustentabilidade. No intuito de desempenhar suas atividades com responsabilidade socioambiental o Departamento Estadual de Trânsito de Mato Grosso adotou o Programa Agenda Ambiental na Administração Pública como uma ferramenta de gestão. Nesse sentido, a presente pesquisa teve por objetivo analisar a adesão do DETRAN/MT as diretrizes propostas pelo programa A3P. Para isso foi realizada uma pesquisa exploratória, de abordagem qualitativa, baseada em bibliográfica e documental. Os resultados apontam que a aderência do DETRAN/MT aos princípios da A3P se dá de forma parcial. O primeiro objetivo da agenda, “sensibilizar os gestores públicos para as questões socioambientais” não foi alcançado. As ações de gestão socioambiental identificadas comtemplam apenas aos eixos “uso racional dos recursos naturais e bens públicos”, “gestão adequada dos resíduos gerados” e “qualidade de vida no ambiente de trabalho”. Deste modo, a pesquisa tende a auxiliar a instituição estudada na avaliação dos rumos que devem ser tomados para o alcance de uma gestão socioambiental eficiente, bem como colaborar para a identificação e divulgação das melhores práticas.
MUDANÇAS PROPORCIONADAS E PARTICULARIDADES DO PROGRAMA UM MILHÃO DE CISTERNAS EM COMUNIDADES DA ZONA RURAL DE APODI-RN
Authors: Targino-Dutra Camila Kayssa , Rozendo de Souza Cimone
Published: July 2020

O Programa Um Milhão de Cisternas (P1MC) surgiu como uma das principais ações propostas pela sociedade civil organizada, através da Articulação Semiárido Brasileiro (ASA). O objetivo do Programa é armazenar águas pluviais para garantir o abastecimento para consumo (P1MC) humano e para produção de autoconsumo (P1+2). O Objetivo desse trabalho foi compreender as dinâmicas colocadas em curso pela implantação dessa Tecnologia Social, do ponto de vista de seus beneficiários. Além da revisão de literatura, o trabalho baseou-se no estudo de caso de três comunidades da zona rural de Apodi-RN. Os resultados demonstram que o Programa P1MC contribuiu para diminuir a penosidade do trabalho das mulheres. O Programa P1+2 contribui para manter pequenos cultivos na residência dos beneficiados; Além disso, a implantação dos Programas propiciou maior organização, pois ao promoverem a criação de Associações Comunitárias em comunidades onde estas não existiam, animam a vida social construindo um tecido associativo importante.
EXPLORING ISLAMIC PEER-TO-PEER LENDING FOR THE UNBANKABLE
Authors: Al-Hashfi Rizqi Umar , Zusryn Alyta Shabrina
Published: July 2020

Increasing internet penetration and technology-savvy generation in Indonesia can be an opportunity for high-tech businesses. Those are driven by the significant growth in the number of borrowers and lenders at the peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplace that provides alternative funding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The presence of shariacompliant P2P providers offers alternatives for both borrowers and financiers who concern about Islamic values. Our work aims to discuss the role of sharia P2P lending on improving people's welfare in Indonesia. By observing 26 P2P platform providers, we conclude that the sharia P2P providers are the potential to be developed. The applications of Islamic value technological advancements, which are the prohibition of interest, transparency, and a sophisticated credit scoring system, enable the unbanked population to access financial service, especially lending. However, the sharia platforms do not offer the redemption mechanism for financiers who take their money back early. Therefore, we also propose an integrated scheme for sharia P2P platforms.
MILENIAL INTERESTS ON ISLAMIC INSURANCE: THE ROLE OF MOBILE SERVICE AND SATISFACTION
Authors: Belianti Leviana , Alim Fathimah Awliyaul , Awaliyah Hizrina
Published: July 2020

This research aims to predict millennial interest in using sharia insurance product mobile services in terms of usability dimensions (Safe, Convenient, Practical) and attractiveness (Visual, Price, Product) dimensions to interest in sharia insurance products through satisfaction mediation. This research observes 212 millennial respondents aged 20-37 years. By utilizing the SEM-PLS method, this research examines the feasibility of models and hypotheses. Estimation results reveal that millennials are interested in Islamic insurance mobile services based on the quality of practical and convenient mobile services, which has a positive value on satisfaction and interest in using Islamic insurance product mobile services. Thus, this research succeeded in renewing the view of the interests of insurance millennials. This research suggests the importance of the Islamic insurance industry in developing strategies designed to engage millennial customers with better service and increase their confidence in Islamic insurance mobile services.
Les exploitations bovines françaises sont parmi les plus extensives de l’Union européenne
Authors: COLSON F. , CHATELLIER V.
Published: July 2020

Cet article présente une analyse comparée des exploitations bovines des douze états membres de l’Union Européenne. Dans un premier temps, l’analyse porte sur l’hétérogénéité des exploitations bovines, prises dans leur ensemble, en termes de types de production (allaitant, laitier, mixte, sans vache) et de niveau d’intensification des superficies fourragères. Dans un second temps, une analyse plus fine est proposée pour les seules exploitations allaitantes. Cette étude s’appuie sur les données du Réseau d’Information Comptable Agricole de chaque pays, pour souligner la diversité des systèmes de production, des dimensions économiques et mettre en évidence une relation entre niveaux d’intensification des superficies fourragères et performance économique. Dans les pays de l’Europe du Nord, la dimension économique, la rémunération du travail agricole et la rentabilité du capital augmentent avec le niveau de chargement des exploitations. Dans les pays du Sud (Italie, Espagne, Portugal, Grèce), l’impact du niveau d’intensification est moins perceptible tant les exploitations sont de petite taille et les superficies fourragères limitées. Les exploitations allaitantes françaises sont, avec un chargement moyen de 1,23 UGB herbivores par hectare de superficie fourragère contre 1,45 en moyenne européenne, parmi les plus extensives de la Communauté.
Préférences et sélection alimentaire au pâturage
Authors: DUMONT B.
Published: July 2020

L’animal exprime ses préférences alimentaires quand il se trouve dans une situation de choix non contraignante. En pratique, une telle situation existe rarement dans les conditions habituelles du pâturage. On mesure alors la sélection alimentaire qui correspond à ce que l’animal prélève. La connaissance des préférences alimentaires des herbivores devrait aider à mieux comprendre les choix que ceux-ci réalisent dans la situation complexe du pâturage. Il est possible de les mesurer quand, expérimentalement, les animaux ont le choix entre des micro-placettes ou entre des couverts homogènes adjacents. Un certain nombre d’expériences a récemment été réalisé ainsi et cet article a pour premier objectif de rassembler et de discuter leurs résultats. Ensuite nous montrons comment, au pâturage, les contraintes liées à la structure de la végétation et aux limites des aptitudes des animaux influencent ce qu’ils sélectionnent.
Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável: uma transformação no debate científico do desenvolvimento?
Authors: Cia Alves Elia Elisa , de Almeida Lopes Fernandes Ivan Filipe
Published: July 2020

Como a sustentabilidade ambiental permeou o debate político-acadêmico sobre desenvolvimento e quais temas ainda permanecem em discussão no âmbito dos objetivos do desenvolvimento sustentável (ODS)? A partir de uma revisão de literatura interdisciplinar, esse trabalho apresenta uma trajetória dos estudos de desenvolvimento, culminando nos ODS. De uma perspectiva técnica e unidimensional, a partir de uma janela de oportunidade do pós-Guerra Fria, o debate caminhou para uma abordagem multidimensional e transversal, envolvendo as esferas social e ambiental. No entanto, críticos questionam se os ODS representam uma agenda legítima e implementável, considerando todos os reveses das políticas internacional e doméstica.
A Bibliometric Analysis of COVID-19 across Science and Social Science Research Landscape
Authors: Aristovnik Aleksander , Ravšelj Dejan , Umek Lan
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus emerged in Wuhan City, Hubei province of China at the end of 2019, has radically transformed the lives of people around the world. Due to its fast spreading, it is currently considered as a worldwide health, social and economic concern. The lack of knowledge on this area has encouraged academic sphere for extensive research, which is reflected in exponentially growing scientific literature in this area. However, current state of COVID-19 research reveals only early development of knowledge, while a comprehensive and in-depth overview remains neglected. Accordingly, the main aim of this paper is to fill the aforementioned gap in the literature and provide an extensive bibliometric analysis of COVID-19 research across science and social science research landscape. The bibliometric analysis is based on the Scopus database including all relevant and latest information on COVID-19 related publications (n=16,866) in the first half of 2020. The findings emphasize an importance of a comprehensive and in-depth approach considering different scientific disciplines in COVID-19 research. The understanding of the evolution of emerging scientific knowledge on COVID-19 is beneficial not only for scientific community but also for evidence-based policymaking in order to prevent and address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Enterococci, from Harmless Bacteria to a Pathogen
Authors: Ramos Sónia , Silva Vanessa , Dapkevicius Maria L. N. E. , Igrejas Gilberto , Poeta Patrícia
Published: July 2020

Enterococci are gastrointestinal commensals whose hardiness allowed them to colonize very diverse environments, including soils, water, food and feed. This ability to overcome adverse conditions makes enterococci problematic once they colonize hospital niches. Together with the malleability of their genomes, the capacity to acquire and disseminate determinants of antibiotic resistance have contributed to convert what was once just another opportunistic pathogen into a first-class clinical problem. This review discusses the dimension of the emergence of enterococcal resistance to key antimicrobial agents, the dissemination of this resistance and its significance in terms of public health, with the aim of raising the awareness to the need to devise and implement monitoring programmes and effective antibiotic usage guidelines.
Dimension Reduction of Machine Learning-based Forecasting Models Employing Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Meng Yinghui , Qasem Sultan Noman , Shokri Manouchehr , Shamshirband S
Published: July 2020

In this research, an attempt was made to reduce the dimension of wavelet-ANFIS/ANN (artificial neural network/adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system) models toward reliable forecasts as well as to decrease computational cost. In this regard, the principal component analysis was performed on the input time series decomposed by a discrete wavelet transform to feed the ANN/ANFIS models. The models were applied for dissolved oxygen (DO) forecasting in rivers which is an important variable affecting aquatic life and water quality. The current values of DO, water surface temperature, salinity, and turbidity have been considered as the input variable to forecast DO in a three-time step further. The results of the study revealed that PCA can be employed as a powerful for dimension reduction of input variables and also to detect inter-correlation of input variables. Results of the PCA-Wavelet-ANN models are compared with those obtained from Wavelet-ANN models while the earlier one has the advantage of less computational time than the later models. Dealing with ANFIS models, PCA is more beneficial to avoid Wavelet-ANFIS models creating too many rules which deteriorate the efficiency of the ANFIS models. Moreover, manipulating the Wavelet-ANFIS models utilizing PCA leads to a significant decreasing in computational time. Finally, it was found that the PCA-Wavelet-ANN/ANFIS models can provide reliable forecasts of dissolved oxygen as an important water quality indicators in rivers.
An Economic Health Study for Treatment on COVID-19 Disease
Authors: Badi Arshia , Rahbar Farhad , Nazem Esmail , Arasteh Rad Habibolah
Published: July 2020

In this paper, drug treatment and vaccination are compared healthy and economically. In this comparison, in addition to comparing economic costs, it has paid attention to patients' recovery. To reach the goal, the prevalence of Covid-19 virus in New York is modeled by using the SEIR dynamic model. The SEIR dynamic model is used to model the period of epidemic diseases. Then, three disease control scenarios are evaluated economically. Treatment and vaccination are two important issues in controlling epidemic diseases. To control the disease, each of these two methods has economic costs and benefits. The main purpose of this paper is to compare the two methods of vaccination and treatment economically. Although the results of the study show that vaccination can be effective in preventing the epidemic of the disease than treatment, but due to the high cost and genetic mutation of the virus, vaccination is not the optimal method for both health and the economy in the long term.
Effect of Inclusions on the Corrosion Properties of Nickel Based Alloys 718 and EP718
Authors: Alekseeva Ekaterina , Karasev Andrey , Jönsson Pär G. , Alkhimenko Aleksey
Published: July 2020

Inclusions in steels and alloys are known as factors that could lower deformation, mechanical, corrosion and other properties. Study of inclusions in nickel based alloys is important since these materials could suffer from corrosion degradation in harsh operational conditions, where inclusions could lead to a pitting initiation. For estimation of a harmful effect of different inclusions on corrosion resistance of Ni-based alloys, inclusion characteristics (such as composition, morphology, size, number and location) on film filter and dissolution of metal matrix around different inclusions on surfaces of metal samples after electrolytic extraction (EE) were investigated in two samples of industrial Ni-based alloys (alloy 718 and EP718). It was found that both Ni-based alloys have various inclusions: carbides (large size NbTi-C and small multicomponent carbides), nitrides TiNb-N and sulfides (TiNb-S in EP718 alloy). The higher harmful effect on corrosion resistance of metal was detected around sulfides and small carbides containing Mo, W, Cr. Dissolution effect was also observed around large carbides and nitrides, especially around inclusions having size more than 10 µm. Moreover, the dissolution of metal matrix around inclusions and clusters located on the grain boundaries is 2.1-2.7 times larger compared to that for those inclusions inside of grains of the given alloy samples.
Cu-Doped KCl Unfolded Band Structure and Optical Properties Studied by DFT Calculations
Authors: Castillo-Quevedo Cesar , Cabellos Jose Luis , Aceves Raul , Núñez-González Roberto , Posada-Amarillas Alvaro
Published: July 2020

The unfolded band structure and optical properties of Cu-doped KCl crystals were computed by first principles within the framework of density functional theory, implemented in the ABINIT electronic structure package utilizing pseudopotential approximation and a plane-wave basis set. From a theoretical point of view, Cu substitution into pristine KCl crystals requires calculation by the supercell (SC) method. This procedure shrinks the Brillouin zone, resulting in a folded band structure that is difficult to interpret. To solve this problem and gain insight into the effect of copper ions (Cu+) on electronic properties, the band structure of SC KCl:Cu was unfolded to make a direct comparison with the band structure of the primitive cell (PC) of pristine KCl. To understand the effect of Cu substitution on optical absorption, we calculated the imaginary part of the dielectric function of KCl:Cu through a sum-over-states formalism and broke it down into different band contributions by partially making an iterated cumulative sum (ICS) of selected valence and conduction bands. Consequently, we identified those interband transitions that give rise to the absorption peaks due to the Cu+ ion. These transitions involve valence and conduction bands formed by the Cu-3d and Cu-4s electronic states
Impact of the Holistic Innovation Methodology on the Creativity Competencies of Student Mentors of the "Impulsa Peru" Recycling Program
Authors: Zuñiga Aguilar Isaac
Published: July 2020

This article shows the alternative learning methodology to stimulate the holistic side of students’ minds to achieve the increment of the innovation skill, managing the creative competencies and level of stress. The present research study is pre-experimental research designed with prior and posterior measurement, longitudinal, explanatory, and co-relational, with the main objective to demonstrate the effect of the holistic innovation coefficient of the beneficiaries of the program “Impulsa Peru”. Program Results: It has been concluded that the experimental group is significant over the control group. Therefore, the holistic innovation methodology had an impact on the experimental group. Conclusions: Hypothesis 1 is fulfilled in which it is affirmed that the holistic innovation methodology has a positive impact on the level of coefficient of holistic innovation of the student mentors of the women recyclers of the program Impulsa Peru with a significance level of 0.05%.
Influence of Non-Governmental Organizations on Corporate Sustainability Practices. Towards an Institutional-Legitimacy Perspective
Authors: Ceesay Lamin B.
Published: July 2020

There is growing adoption of corporate sustainability practice in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. This proliferation is largely due to the increasing concerns for social, environmental and economic factors in which we assume shared responsibility. Despite the growing attention of researchers and practitioners, several corporations failed to meet their sustainability responsibilities. Several reasons could be associated to this phenomenon such as lack of regulatory mechanism, accountability, etc. This review, however, seeks to examine how nongovernmental organizations (henceforth, NGOs) influence corporate sustainability adoption (i.e. sustainability reporting). In the review of prior research, we leveraged the institutional-legitimacy and corporate governance theories. The findings suggest that NGOs have greater potential in sustainability discourse through two salient actions, namely (1) collaborative partnership, and (2) confrontational tactics. While the former promotes stakeholder involvement in corporate decision making through dialogue, joint-projects on CSR, sustainability reporting, the latter, however, is the last resort – involving “naming and shaming” corporations for poor social and environmental performance through public and social media. The objective of such action is to cause reputational damage to businesses. Finally, it is also observed that crucial to NGO power and influence is the collaboration with government and civil society organizations in the fight for environmental sustainability and accountability.
Burnout in the Clinical Personnel of Puerto Rico during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cortina-Rodríguez Gustavo , Afanador Yelianne
Published: July 2020

Objective: To examine the burnout syndrome among the healthcare personnel in Puerto Rico during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Descriptive study that pursues to understand burnout syndrome in the clinical personnel in Puerto Rico. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was sent via email to healthcare professionals around the island. Furthermore, open questions were asked to the participants. Results: The overall burnout level on the clinical personnel was found to be moderate. Nonetheless, in physicians, 12.1% had severe burnout levels compared to a 13.1% score in nurses. Additionally, 92.4% of physicians and 100% of nurses had moderate to severe burnout. In the three subscales, nurses scored high levels in all of them, and physicians were high in Emotional Exhaustion and moderate level in Depersonalization and Personal Accomplishment at Work. There were high levels of burnout syndrome of the clinical personnel in Puerto Rico. Conclusion: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 90% of healthcare professionals in Puerto Rico have been working with moderate to severe burnout syndrome, being the nurses the most affected. Key Words: Burnout syndrome, MBI, Clinical personnel, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2
Efficient Communication for Mobile Devices in the New Era
Authors: Mao Ying
Published: July 2020

Smartphone has become one of the most revolutionary devices in the history of computing. With various kinds of applications, the scope of smartphone has been significantly broadened in the past few years including almost every aspect in our daily life. However, due to the limited on-board resources such as CPU, storage, network bandwidth and battery power, smartphones and the mobile network serving them bring new challenges that have not been encountered in the traditional computing and networking environments. This dissertation focuses on the research areas of improving the network architecture and enhancing the current applications on smartphones. It mainly investigates the areas in the following two directions for three representative categories of mobile services. - In the first direction, the dissertation aims to develop new communication models for smartphone Ad-Hoc networks to achieve efficient communication in the proximity. It is motivated by the fact that smartphone Ad-Hoc networks can help improve the current location-based services and propel new applications. Moreover, the new communication models provide complementary alternatives to the traditional infrastructure-based wireless networks. - In the second direction, the dissertation focuses on improving the other two categories of services, cloud storage services and real-time video streaming services for mobile devices. In the field of cloud storage, we introduce a cloud-assisted approach to provide a set of advanced file operations, such as encryption, decryption and compression, on smartphones. Furthermore, by utilizing the on-board Near Field Communication(NFC) module, we develop an algorithm to securely share the files between mobile devices. For the services of real-time video streaming, we propose approaches that identify a user’s status by analyzing the accelerometer data and then, dynamically adjust the buffer mechanism to save network bandwidth on smartphones.
Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Augmented Reality (AR) di Kelas V MI Wahid Hasyim
Authors: Mukti Fajar Dwi
Published: July 2020

Penelitian pengembangan ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hasil respon guru dan siswa sehingga media layak digunakan dalam pembelajaran. Model pengembangan yang digunakan dalam media ini adalah model 4D Thiagarajan yang telah dimodifikasi. Tahapan yang dilakukan terdiri dari tiga tahap yaitu Define (pendefinisian), Design (perancangan), dan Develop (pengembangan). Media pembelajaran  Augmented Reality (AR) ini dinilai oleh 1 orang ahli media, 1 orang ahli materi, 1 orang peer reviewer, 1 orang guru kelas V dan 10 siswa kelas V MI Wahid Hasyim untuk mengetahui tanggapan siswa. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah lembar angket dan evaluasi menggunakan bentuk uraian non objektif untuk uji kualitas produk media pembelajaran. Hasil penelitian adalah respon atau tanggapan guru kelas V Sangat Baik dengan diperoleh persentase 82.57%. Begitu juga tanggapan siswa diperoleh persentase 90.2%  dengan tanggapan positif sehingga media pembelajaran memiliki kategori kualitas pada kriteria Sangat Baik yang didukung juga dengan hasil nilai siswa yang mengalami penaikan 35.8%. Berdasarkan hasil perolehan data menunjukkan bahwa media pembelajaran Augmented Reality (AR) di kelas V MI Wahid Hasyim layak dipergunakan sebagai sumber belajar siswa.
Un documento para la historia de la Iglesia Católica Griega en la diáspora: el proceso de fe contra Joseph Georgerini, arzobispo de Samos (siglo xvii)
Authors: Martínez Carrasco Carlos
Published: July 2020

Tomando como base el expediente inquisitorial de Joseph Georgerini, este estudio pretende mostrar la peripecia vital del personaje y el choque entre el catolicismo occidental y el griego. Dividido en tres partes siguiendo el orden del documento, la primera de ellas analiza cómo fue recibido y los recelos que despertó a su llegada a Buenos Aires. En la segunda, se centra en los intentos del arzobispo por asentarse en España y hacerse un hueco en la jerarquía eclesiástica. Y finaliza con el recorrido que hizo Georgerini por la Europa dividida de finales del siglo xvii, desde que salió de Samos hasta que recaló en España.
Negative Findings Cultural Resources Survey for the No Name Island Road Improvement Project, Laredo, Texas Laredo Sector, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Authors: Lindemuth John
Published: July 2020

Gulf South Research Corporation (GSRC) personnel conducted an intensive archaeological survey of an existing footpath and detached river terrace, referred to as “No Name Island” proposed for vegetation removal on behalf of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The project area consists of an approximately 0.25-mile-long dirt footpath, which is proposed to be widened to 16 feet to allow vehicle access (i.e., No Name Access Road), and an approximately 1.12-acre area of detached river terrace (i.e., No Name Island), for which clearing of dense vegetation is proposed. This investigation constitutes CBP’s good faith effort to take into account any adverse effects that may occur as a result of the proposed undertaking in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Protection Act (NHPA) (Public Law 89-665; 54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq).

The intensive Phase I archaeological investigation included background research of the physical environment, cultural history of the area, previous investigations and previously reported cultural resources, and field survey. Field survey included pedestrian surface inspection supplemented with the excavation of shovel test pits (STPs).

Background research revealed eight investigations have been previously conducted, three archaeological sites, and one National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)-listed historic district have been previously recorded within a 0.5-mile radius of the proposed project area. Two of these investigations overlapped with portions of the survey area. None of the previously identified archaeological sites or the NRHP-listed district overlap with either the No Name Access Road or No Name Island survey areas.

During field survey, the pedestrian survey encountered no archaeological resources on the ground surface. The subsurface testing consisted of the excavation of four STPs along No Name Access Road within the 0.25 mile long, 60-foot wide project corridor and five STPs within the 1.12 acre No Name Island vegetation removal area. None of the nine STPs were positive for cultural material.

As a result of this investigation, no cultural resources were identified within the proposed project area. The proposed project will have no adverse effect on cultural resources and no further work is recommended.
Scale-Prediction/Inhibition Design Using Machine-Learning Techniques and Probabilistic Approach
Authors: Al-Hajri Nasser M. , Al-Ghamdi Abdullah , Tariq Zeeshan , Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a data-driven methodology to predict calcium carbonate (CaCO3)-scale formation and design its inhibition program in petroleum wells. The proposed methodology integrates and adds to the existing principles of production surveillance, chemistry, machine learning (ML), and probability theory in a comprehensive decision workflow to achieve its purpose. The proposed model was applied on a large and representative field sample to verify its results.

The method starts by collecting data such as ionic composition, pH, sample-collection/inspection dates, and scale-formation event. Then, collected data are classified or grouped according to production conditions. Calculation of chemical-scale indices is then made using techniques such as water-saturation level, Langelier saturation index (LSI), Ryznar saturation index (RSI), and Puckorius scaling index (PSI). The ML part of the method starts by dividing the data into training and test sets (80 and 20%, respectively). Classification models such as support-vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), gradient boosting, gradient-boosting classifier, and decision-tree classifier are all applied on collected data. Prediction results are then classified into a confusion matrix to be used as inputs for the probabilistic inhibition-design model. Finally, a functional-network (FN) tool is used to predict the formation of scale.

The scale-inhibition program design uses a probabilistic model that quantifies the uncertainty associated with each ML method. The scale-prediction capability compared with actual inspection is presented into probability equations that are used in the cost model. The expected financial impact associated with applying any of the ML methods is obtained from defining costs for scale removal and scale inhibition. These costs are factored into the probability equations in a manner that presents incurred costs and saved or avoided expenses expected from field application of any given ML model. The forecasted cost model is built on a base-case method (i.e., current situation) to be used as a benchmark and foundation for the new scale-inhibition program.

As will be presented in the paper, the results of applying the preceding techniques resulted in a scale-prediction accuracy of 95% and realized threefold cost-savings figures compared with existing programs.
Contamination of Oil-Well Cement with Conventional and Microemulsion Spacers
Authors: Zhang Zhidong , Scherer George W. , Prud’homme Robert K.
Published: July 2020

The performance of oil-well cement is altered if contaminated by spacers. Very few studies in the literature are found on this topic, in particular for newly developed microemulsion spacers. Therefore, it is worth investigating the properties of cement contaminated with spacers. In this study, material characterization techniques including chemical shrinkage, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption (NAD) were used to study the hydration and microstructure of contaminated cement. Results showed that the studied microemulsion spacer was less compatible with the cement slurry than the conventional one. The microemulsion spacer has complex effects on cement hydration: it slightly enhances hydration for the low dosage but can retard hydration at the early ages and accelerate hydration in the later ages with the increase of dosage. The conventional spacer caused early acceleration of cement hydration but had no effect at later ages. The presence of spacers in the cement slurry decreases the compressive strength and creates a more complex microstructure than is found for the neat cement. All these effects with the studied microemulsion spacer are worse than with the conventional spacer. Therefore, the presence of a microemulsion spacer in a cement slurry may cause long-term durability issues compromising the downhole zonal isolation.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Anastomotic Leakage after Lower Rectal Cancer Resection, Including Drain Type: A Retrospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Kinugasa Tetsushi , Nagasu Sachiko , Murotani Kenta , Mizobe Tomoaki , Ochi Takafumi , Isobe Taro , Fujita Fumihiko , Akagi Yoshito
Published: July 2020

Background: We investigated the correlations between surgery-related factors and the incidence of leakage after low anterior resection (LAR) for lower rectal cancer.Methods: A total of 630 patients underwent colorectal surgery between 2011 and 2014 in our department. Of these, 97 patients (15%) underwent LAR and were included in this retrospective study. Temporary ileostomy was performed in each patient.Results: Anastomotic leakage occurred in 21 patients (21.7%). Univariate analysis showed that operative duration (p=0.0051), transanal hand-sewn anastomosis (p=0.0141), and operation procedure (p=0.0191) were significantly associated with the occurrence of leakage. Multivariate analysis showed that underlying disease (p=0.0440), transanal hand-sewn anastomosis (p=0.0188) and drain type (p=0.0251) were significantly associated with the occurrence of leakage. Propensity-score analysis showed that closed drainage was associated with 6.3 times with anastomotic leakage than open drainage in patients, according to inverse probability of treatment-weighted analysis. Conclusions: Our results indicate that underlying disease, transanal hand-sewn anastomosis, and drain type may be risk factors for anastomotic leakage after LAR for lower rectal cancer. The notable finding was that the type of drainage was related to the occurrence of anastomotic leakage: closed drainage was correlated with the less volume of postoperative drain discharge than open drain.
Significance of accurate hilar and intrapulmonary lymph node examination and prognostication in stage IA-IIA non-small cell lung cancer, a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhai Wenyu , Duan Fangfang , Zheng Yuzhen , Yan Qihang , Dai Shuqin , Chen Tao , Chen Jianlong , Wang Junye
Published: July 2020

Background The examination of lymph nodes (LNs) plays an important role in the nodal staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For patients without LN metastasis, the main role of thorough LN examination is accurate staging, which weakens the effect of staging migration. To date, on the role of hilar and intrapulmonary (N1) station LNs has not been fully appreciated. In this study, we aimed to confirm the significance of N1 LNs in long-term survival for stage IA-IIA NSCLC patients and to find the minimum number of LN to examine.Methods The data of patients who underwent radical lobectomy and were confirmed as having nonmetastatic LNs from January 2008 to March 2018 were retrospectively screened. Pathology records were reviewed for the number of LNs examined. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model were used to identify survival and prognostic factors.Results The median number of resected N1 LNs was 8. The number of patients with 0-2 N1 LNs, 3-5 N1 LNs, 6-8 N1 LNs, 9-11 N1 LNs and more than 11 N1 LNs examined was 181, 425, 477, 414 and 531, respectively. Sex (P=0.004), age (P<0.001), tumor size (P=0.004), differentiation degree (P=0.001) and number of N1 LNs examined (P=0.008) were independent prognostic factors of overall survival. Gender (P=0.006), age (P=0.031), tumor size (P=0.001), differentiation degree (P=0.001), vascular invasion (P=0.034) and number of N1 LNs examined (P=0.007) were independent prognostic factors of disease-free survival. Conclusion Increasing the number of N1 LNs examination might improve the long-term survival of T1-2N0 NSCLC patients. These data indicate that the optimal practice involves examining at least 6 N1 nodes in surgical and pathological management but cannot prove this. This finding should be confirmed in a large, prospective randomized clinical study.
Local Use of Dexamethasone in the Treatment of Ocular Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Shi Minghua , Ye Yingjia , Zhou Junping , Qin Aijiao , Cheng Jing , Ren Hongxing
Published: July 2020

Background: At present, patients with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) are typically treated with systemic drugs. We investigated the use of dexamethasone injected in the peribulbar region or extraocular muscle to treat patients with OMG. Methods: Patients with OMG were given dexamethasone via peribulbar injection or direct injection into the main paralyzed extraocular muscles, once a week, for 4-6 weeks. The severity of diplopia, blepharoptosis, eye position, and eye movement were evaluated before and after treatment. The duration of follow-up time was ≥6 months. Results: Among the 14 patients with OMG who received this treatment, mean age was 38.7 ± 29.7 years. After treatment, symptoms were relieved in 12 patients (85.7%), 1 patient (7.1%) had partial response to treatment, and 1 patient (7.1%) had no response. Two patients (14.2%) experienced symptom recurrence during the follow-up period.Conclusions: Dexamethasone peribulbar or extraocular muscle injection is effective in the treatment of patients with OMG and may replace systemic drug therapy.
Epidemiological characteristics of 1385 sacral tumors and tumor-like lesions not including metastatic cancers in one institution in China
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Dasen , Yang Rongli , Tang Xiaodong , Yan Taiqiang , Guo Wei
Published: July 2020

Background: Sacral tumors and tumor-like lesions are a rare group of lesions that can affect children and adults of all ages. Little is known about the epidemiological characteristics of them in China. Methods: 1385 patients with sacral tumors and tumor-like lesions, which had the clinical record at our bone tumor center from 2000 to November 2018 were analyzed. The metastatic cancers were not included in the present study. Results: 51.7% (716 cases) were malignant and 48.3 % (669 cases) were benign tumors or tumor-like lesions. Of malignant tumors, chordoma was the most common malignant tumor (316 cases, 22.8% of all tumors), followed by chondrosarcoma, myeloma and other histologic types. The most common histological type of benign tumors was giant cell tumor accounting for 14.8% (205 cases) of all tumors, followed by neurofibroma, schwannoma and other types. The most common age group affected by malignant bone tumors was the 51- to 60-year-old group, followed by the 41- to 50-year-old group. The most commonly affected age group for benign tumors and tumor-like lesions was the 31- to 50-year-old group, followed by the 21- to 30-year old group. Furthermore, the following histologic types had the gender predilection. Chordoma, chondrosarcoma, myeloma and osteosarcoma affected more frequently males than females. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, lymphoma, giant cell tumor, neurofibroma, tuberculosis, teratoma and epidermoid cyst more frequently affected females than males. Conclusions: The large cohort of sacral tumors and tumor-like lesions in our database may reveal their epidemiologic characteristics in China and epidemiological feature of sacral tumors and tumor-like lesions is fairly distinct from the mobile spine and extremities.
Dosimetric evaluation of three commercial radiotherapy planning systems for lung cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cases
Authors: Zheng Wan-jia , Wang Ming-li , Zhang Jun , Liu Yi-mei , Chen Li , YANG Xin , Huang Si-juan
Published: July 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Vaccination concerns, beliefs and practices among Ukrainian migrants in Poland: A qualitative study
Authors: Ganczak Maria , Bielecki Klaudia , Drozd-Dąbrowska Marzena , Topczewska Katarzyna , Biesiada Daniel , Molas-Biesiada Agnieszka , Dubiel Paulina , Gorman Dermot
Published: July 2020

Objectives: Ukrainians numbering approximately 1.2 million are the largest migrant group in Poland. Data on vaccination coverage among migrants are not collected in EU, including Poland. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to identify vaccination practices in this group, to explore facilitators/barriers to vaccination and related access to Polish healthcare services.Methods: In September 2019, a qualitative study of Ukrainian migrants (UMs) living in Szczecin, Poland, and recruited through a snowball sampling method, was conducted. Using a semi-structured topic guide, four focus groups were held with 22 UMs aged 18-45. Participants were asked about attitudes towards vaccination in general with comparison between services in Poland and Ukraine. Following transcription and translation, a thematic analysis was conducted.Results: Respondents were distrustful of Ukrainian vaccination policy, medical personnel and individual vaccines, however, they often returned to Ukraine for dental and gynaecological appoint-ments. While critical with regards to registering with Polish GPs practices, UMs were confident in health professionals, as well as vaccine delivery. Vaccines were perceived as safer and of better quality than in Ukraine. Difficulties in translating vaccination records were rarely reported, verbal communi-cation was not problematic due to language similarities. All UM parents reported vaccinating their children according to the Polish schedule. However, a significant number of adult UMs have not completed mandatory vaccinations, although they may have obtained false immunization certificates; according to UMs those can be obtained by bribing. Participants reported lower acceptance of the influenza vaccine, mainly due to perceptions around its importance; none had been vaccinated against influenza. None of UMs had heard of the HPV vaccine. UMs experienced challenges in accessing credible online vaccination information in Ukrainian, no official local health authority vaccination material existed either, except for information about measles.Conclusions: This study pinpointed positive UM attitudes and practices regarding child vaccination in the Polish healthcare system and identified issues for improvement, such as adult vaccination. Health communication should be more tailored within UMs information delivery systems to enable migrants to make informed choices about vaccination. Further research is needed to better assess factors affecting vaccine uptake identified in this study.
Electrocardiographic findings of methanol toxicity: A cross-sectional study on 356 cases in Iran
Authors: Nikoo Mohammad Hossein , Arjangzadeh Alireza , Pakfetrat Maryam , Boogar Shahrokh Sadeghi , Mohammadkarimi Vahid , Ostovan Vahid Reza , Khodamoradi Zohre , Roozbeh Jamshid , Khalili Mohammadreza , Shirazi Farnaz Kamali Haghighi , Kouhi Paryia , Heydari Seyyed Taghi
Published: July 2020

Background: Methanol is widely used in industry; however, methanol poisoning is not common. In this regard, a number of outbreaks have been recently reported due to inappropriate processing of alcoholic beverages. Shiraz, a city located in the southern part of Iran, faced one of such outbreaks in 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic. There is no sufficient literature on the electrocardiographic findings in methanol toxicity. This study aimed to address this gap in the literature.Method: A total of 356 cases with methanol toxicity referred to Shiraz University of Medical Science Tertiary Hospitals (Faghihi and Namazi) in March and April, 2020. The clinical findings of blindness and impaired level of consciousness, lab data such as arterial blood gas, electrolytes, and creatinine, and the most common findings from ECGs were collected. Results: The most common ECG findings were J point elevation (68.8%), presence of U wave (59.2%), QTc prolongation (53.2% in males and 28.6% in females), and fragmented QRS (33.7%). An outstanding finding in this study was the presence of myocardial infarction in 5.3% of the cases. This finding, to the best of our knowledge, has only been reported in a few case reports. Brugada pattern (8.1%) and Osborn wave (3.7%) were the other interesting findings.In multivariate analysis, when confounding factors were adjusted, myocardial infarction, atrioventricular conduction disturbances, sinus tachycardia, and the prolonged QTC>500 msecond were four independent factors correlated with methanol toxicity severity measured with arterial blood PH on arterial blood gas measurements, with odds ratios of 12.82, 4.46, 2.32 and 3.15 (P<0.05 for all) , respectively.Conclusion: Electrocardiographic variations during methanol intoxication are remarkable and well-correlated with poisoning severity. Myocardial infarction was an egregious and yet a common concerning finding in this sample, which need to be ruled out in methanol toxicity.
Serology surveillance of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among asymptomatic healthcare workers in Malaysian healthcare facilities designated for COVID-19 care
Authors: Woon Yuan Liang , Lee Yee Leng , Chong Yoong Min , Ayub Nor Aliya , Krishnabahawan Swarna Lata , Lau June Fei Wen , Kalianan Ramani Subramaniam , Sam I-Ching , Chan Yoke Fun , Sevalingam Raj Kumar , Ramli Azura , Chuah Chuan Huan , Hussin Hani Mat , Leong Chee Loon , Chidambaram Suresh Kumar , M.Peariasamy Kalaiarasu , Goh Pik Pin
Published: July 2020

IntroductionHealthcare workers (HCW) are presumed to be at increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection due to occupational exposure to infected patients. We aim to determine the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among asymptomatic HCW.MethodsWe prospectively recruited HCW from the National Public Health Laboratory and two COVID-19 designated public hospitals in Klang Valley, Malaysia between April 13th and May 12th, 2020. Quota sampling was applied to ensure adequate representation of the HCW involved in provision of care for patients directly and indirectly. All participants had worked in the respective healthcare facility for at least 30 days prior study enrollment. HCW who were previously confirmed with COVID-19 infection or listed as “patient under investigation” were excluded. A self-administered questionnaire was used to capture sociodemographic information, history of contact with COVID-19 cases within the past month, clinical signs and symptoms and adherence to universal precautions. Blood samples were taken to test for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by surrogate virus neutralization test.ResultsA total of 400 HCW were recruited, comprising 154 (38.5%) nurses, 103 (25.8%) medical doctors, 47 (11.8%) laboratory technologists and others (23.9%). The mean age was 35±7.8 years, with females predominant (74%). A majority (68.9%) reported direct contact with COVID-19 patients, body fluids of COVID-19 patients and/or contaminated objects and surfaces in the past month within their respective workplaces. Nearly all claimed to adhere to personal protection equipment (PPE) guidelines (97%-100% adherence) and hand hygiene practice (91%-96% adherence). None (95% CI: 0, 0.0095) of the participants had anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detected, despite 135 (33.8%) reporting respiratory symptoms one month prior to study recruitment. One hundred and fifteen (29%) participants claimed to have contact with known COVID-19 persons outside of the workplace.ConclusionOur finding of zero seroprevalence among asymptomatic HCW suggests a low risk of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection in our healthcare setting; which is at expected levels for a country with an incidence of 26 per 100,000. The adequacy of PPE equipment and strict adherence to infection prevention and control measures offers considerable protection during contact with COVID-19 cases and should be ensured to prevent future nosocomial transmission.