bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass Ratios of Merging Double Neutron Stars as Implied by the Milky Way Population
Authors: Andrews Jeff J.
Published: September 2020

Of the seven known double neutron stars (DNSs) with precisely measure masses in the Milky Way that will merge within a Hubble time, all but one has a mass ratio, q, close to unity. Recently, precise measurements of three post-Keplerian parameters in the DNS J1913+1102 constrain this system to have a significantly non-unity mass ratio of 0.78 ± 0.03. One may be tempted to conclude that approximately one out of seven (14%) DNS mergers detected by gravitational-wave observatories will have mass ratios significantly different from unity. However J1913+1102 has a relatively long lifetime (pulsar characteristic age plus the system’s merger time due to gravitational-wave radiation) of ≈3 Gyr. We show that when system lifetimes and observational biases are taken into account, the population of Galactic DNSs implies that ≃98% of all merging DNSs will have q > 0.9. We then apply two separate fitting formulas informed by 3D hydrodynamic simulations of DNS mergers to our results on Galactic DNS masses, finding that either ≃0.004

or ≃0.009

of material will be ejected at merger, depending on which formula is used. These ejecta masses have implications for both the peak bolometric luminosities of electromagnetic counterparts (which we find to be ∼1041 erg s−1) as well as the r-process enrichment of the Milky Way.
Cosmic Amorphous Dust Model as the Origin of Anomalous Microwave Emission
Authors: Nashimoto Masashi , Hattori Makoto , Poidevin Frédérick , Génova-Santos Ricardo
Published: September 2020

We have shown that the thermal emission of the amorphous dust composed of amorphous silicate dust (a-Si) and amorphous carbon dust (a-C) provides an excellent fit both to the observed intensity and the polarization spectra of molecular clouds. The anomalous microwave emission (AME) originates from the resonance transition of the two-level systems attributed to the a-C with an almost spherical shape. On the other hand, the observed polarized emission in submillimeter wave bands is coming from a-Si. By taking into account a-C, the model prediction of the polarization fraction of the AME is reduced dramatically. Our model prediction of the 3σ lower limits of the polarization fraction of the Perseus and W 43 molecular clouds at 17 GHz are 8.129 × 10−5 and 8.012 × 10−6, respectively. The temperature dependence of the heat capacity of a-C shows the peculiar behavior compared with that of a-Si. So far, the properties of a-C are unique to interstellar dust grains. Therefore, we coin our dust model as the cosmic amorphous dust model.
Eviscerated alive: Novel and macabre feeding strategy in Oligodon fasciolatus (Günther, 1864) eating organs of Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) in Thailand
Authors: Bringsøe Henrik , Suthanthangjai Maneerat , Suthanthangjai Winai , Nimnuam Kanjana
Published: September 2020

A hitherto unknown feeding mode among snakes is described for the colubrid snake Oligodon fasciolatus in Northeast Thailand. Three cases of O. fasciolatus using enlarged posterior maxillary teeth to cut open the abdomen of a live poisonous toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus and eat its organs are described. The snakes and toads fought vigorously, and the toads secreted toxic white liquid on the dorsum and neck. The snakes inserted their heads into the abdomen of the toads, pulled out some of the organs and swallowed them. The snakes and toads were adults. All three cases were documented by extensive photographic material.

In a fourth case from Central Thailand, an adult O. fasciolatus was observed swallowing an entire semi-adult D. melanostictus.

The majority of all snake species swallow their prey in one piece, but to place our observations in a broader context we review a number of exceptions.
Neodactylariales, Neodactylariaceae (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota): new order and family, with a new species from China
Authors: Qiao Min , Zheng Hua , Lv Ruili , Yu Zefen
Published: September 2020

During a mycological survey of aquatic hyphomycetes on submerged decaying leaves in southwest China, a distinct new fungus was collected. The collection was cultured and sequenced and a BLAST search of its ITS and LSU sequence against data in GenBank revealed a dothideomycetous affiliation, with the closest related taxa in the genus Neodactylaria. Phylogenetic analyses of a multigene matrix containing sequences from four genes (LSU, SSU, rpb2, and tef1), representing broad groups of Dothideomycetes, revealed its placement within Dothideomycetes, but without a supported familial or ordinal affiliation. Based on further phylogenetic analyses and morphological investigations, the new fungus is described here as a new species of Neodactylaria, N. simaoensissp. nov., and placed in a new family Neodactylariaceaefam. nov. and a new order Neodactylarialesord. nov.
Gamification in Corporate Training to Enhance Engagement: An Approach
Authors: Iacono Saverio , Vallarino Mario , Vercelli Gianni Viardo
Published: September 2020

Engagement in the companies' training programs is a crucial issue for their success. Every company faces the matter in different manners: some enterprises promote mandatory courses or programs; however, they may result not enough effective, due to a low level of motivation that can compromise learning and retention. Other enterprises prefer to adopt voluntary courses or programs, but in this case enrollment and completion depend on many factors: the time that workers can spend on training without compromising their main tasks; the directives of managers; the individual motivation. Another way to face corporate training may exploit gamification to enhance engagement. The authors present the design and implementation of a gamified course of office automation, developed for the employees of a large media company. Our approach attempts to go beyond the well-known triad point-badges-leaderboards, employing also a narrative, the Bartle's taxonomy of player types and the Self-determination theory by Deci and Ryan.
Data Visualisation Literacy in Higher Education: An Exploratory Study of Understanding of a Learning Dashboard Tool
Authors: Donohoe David , Costello Eamon
Published: September 2020

The visualisation of data has become ubiquitous. Visualisations are used to represent data in a way that is easy to understand and useful in our lives. Each data visualisation needs to be suitable to extract the correct information to complete a task and make an informed decision while minimising the impact of biases. To achieve this, the ability to create and read visualisations has become as important as the ability to read and write. Therefore, the Information Visualisation community is applying more attention to literacy and decision making in data vis-ualisations. Until recently, researchers lacked valid and reliable test in-struments to measure the literacy of users or the taxonomy to detect biased judgement in data visualisations. A literature review showed there is relatively little research on data visualisations for different user data literacy levels in authentic settings and a lack of studies that pro-vide evidence for the presence of cognitive biases in data visualisa-tions. This exploratory research study was undertaken to develop a method to assess perceived usefulness and confidence in reporting dashboards within higher education by adapting existing research in-struments. A survey was designed to test perceived usefulness, per-ceived skill and 24 multiple-choice test items covering six data visuali-sations based on eight tasks. The study was sent to 157 potential par-ticipants, with a response rate of 20.38%. The results showed data vis-ualisations are useful, but the purpose of some data visualisations is not always understood. Also, we showed there is a consensus that re-spondents perceive their data visualisation literacy is higher than they believe their peers to be. However, the higher their overconfidence, the lower their actual data visualisation literacy score. Finally, we discuss the benefits, limitations and possible future research areas.
Using Augmented Reality (AR) for Enhancing Chinese Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Uiphanit Thanakorn , Unekontee Jirayu , Wattanaprapa Natcha , Jankaweekool Premkamon , Rakbumrung Wilailuk
Published: September 2020

This research aims to develop a mobile AR application for enhancing Chinese vocabulary learning to students who learn Chinese as a main subject. The requirement was gathered from Chinese teachers by interview to assess a suitable content and educational technology for students. The result showed that augmented reality is the best choice. Then, 3D model , illustration, sound were drawn based on the contents and the software design and implementation were performed. After finishing this development process, Grade 10th students majoring in Chinese, at School A, Ang Thong provience. tested this application. The evaluation process was performed using pretest and posttest data analyzed by a paired samples t-test at a 95% confidence level. The result of this study shows that the application is an efficient tool to help students improve their learning capabilities.
Multimodal Interaction System for Home Appliances Control
Authors: Fakhrurroja Hanif , Machbub Carmadi , Prihatmanto Ary Setijadi , Purwarianti Ayu
Published: September 2020

This paper proposes a way to control home appliances using a multimodal interaction system such as speech, gestures, and smartphone applications. The sensor to capture speech, in the Indonesian language, and gestures from users are Kinect v2. Speech recognition process with the Google Cloud Speech, gesture recognition process with the K-Means clustering, and dialogue system process with the finite state machine. Users can also use the smartphone application to remotely control home appliances through mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones that are connected directly to the real-time database. There are two output responses from this system, namely the audio response generator to provide feedback to the user through the sound of the computer speaker and also provide an action to control home appliances use Esp8266. The average level of accuracy testing of interaction using dialogue systems and gesture are 92.5% and 79,25%. Interaction using dialogue systems is better than gesture. Smartphone applications can control home appliances properly.
Development of Wireless Control System for Smart Street Lighting using ESP8266
Authors: Fuada Syifaul , Adiono Trio , Siregar Lindawani
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we report a smart street lighting control system using the ESP8266 which is a low-cost Wi-Fi chip with full TCP/IP stack and microcontroller capability. Our system is equipped with a web server developed in HTML code. Hence, our smart street lighting system can be controlled wirelessly to turn ON or turn OFF, and it can be monitored its environmental condition (i.e., temperature and humidity around the system). All sensors used in this system are pure digitally-outputted sensor: DHT11 to monitor the ambient temperature and humidity and BH1750 to adjust the street light intensity automatically. The dimming technique was applied in the control system by using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The system was divided into two main parts: Gateway and Node in which these two parts employ the ESP8266. The Gateway as a coordinator will send a message to the node as an end device (in this work, the streetlight act as a Node). Later, the node will send the ACK to the Gateway. As results, each node can send a message to other nodes.
The Interaction Effect of Comprehensiveness Between Social Media and Online Purchasing Intention in Jordanian Pharmacies
Authors: Al-Gasawneh Jassim Ahmad , Al-Wadi Mahmoud Hussein , Al-Wadi Belal Mahmoud , Alown Bandar Ersan , Nuseirat Nawras M
Published: September 2020

This empirical paper examined the moderating role of comprehensiveness between social media and online shopping intention among customers of Jordanian pharmacies. Technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) were the applied theories in this study. Data were collected from potential customers using a survey questionnaire. A total of 198 usable questionnaires were obtained and the data were analyzed. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used in the outcome examination. The results show a positive impact of social media on online shopping intention. Further, comprehensiveness moderated the relationship strengths between social media and online shopping intention. This paper finds that focusing on social media strategies such as adopting intimacy, decreasing the perceived risk, and increasing trust could motivate online shopping among customers. Pharmacies in Jordan may consider these findings and achieve them by providing more comprehensive information in their advertisement and announcement.
Multi-Layered Multimodal Biometric Authentication for Smartphone Devices
Authors: Memon Qurban A
Published: September 2020

As technological advances in smartphone domain increase, so are the issues that pertain to security and privacy. In current literature, multimodal biometric approach is addressed at length for purpose of improving secured access into personal devices. Moreover, most of the financial institutions such as banks, etc. enforce two or three step access into their corporate data to enforce security. However, personal devices currently do not support similar applications or way of enforcing multilayered access to its different domains/regions of data. In this paper, a multilayered multimodal biometric approach using three biometric methods (such as finger print, face and voice) is proposed for smartphones. It is shown that fusion of biometric methods can be layered to enforce secured access to private data on smartphone. The experimental results are presented.
Implementing a Data Mining Solution Approach to Identify the Valuable Customers for Facilitating Electronic Banking
Authors: Sebt Mohammad Vahid , Komijani Elahe , Ghasemi Shiva S.
Published: September 2020

Nowadays, the banking system is known as one of the inherent sectors of customer relationship management systems. Its main advantage is to redesign a more responsive organization to satisfy the customers. The banking system aims to improve the structure of organizations to provide a better customer service through a set of automated and integrated processes. The final goal is to collect and reprocess the personal information of customers. To handle this dilemma, a number of new techniques in data mining provide a powerful tool to explore customers’ information regarding a set of data and tools for customer relationship management. Accordingly, the customers’ classification and coordination of banking system are the main challenging issues of today's world. These reasons motivate the attempts of this study to apply a composition of neural network by considering the C4.5 decision tree and the k-closest neighbor method as a variant of core boosting methodology with maximal strategy. To validate the proposed solution approach, a case study of Ansar Bank in Iran is utilized. From the results, it is observed that the proposed method provides a competitive output with the rate of 95% for the customers’ classification. It also outperforms other existing methods with the rate of C4.5 decision tree, neural network, Naive Bayes and KNN with the rate of 1.04%. The main finding of this research is to propose an algorithm with the error rate of 1.9% and error squared of 0.72% as the best performance among other methods from the literature.
Delivering task instructions in multimodal synchronous online language teaching
Authors: Satar Müge , Wigham Ciara R.
Published: September 2020

Multimodal synchronous online language teaching is an area of growing interest for research and practice. Emerging research investigates online language teachers' semio-pedagogical skills and competencies, which includes giving instructions to inform learners how to complete the task. However, the few studies that exist have explored trainee teachers' instruction-giving practices, while other work on instructions is grounded in face-to-face classroom settings. Using a qualitative design, this paper investigates experienced teachers' delivery of task instructions for the same task in small group multimodal synchronous online language teaching via videoconferencing. Employing grounded theory and multimodal interaction analysis, we depict both a comprehensive overview and a detailed micro-analysis of higher-level and lower-level actions that comprise task instructions-as-process. Our findings identify 13 higher-level actions and propose a framework for understanding the nature of instructions-as-process in online language teaching. We offer multimodal interaction analyses of selected higher-level actions (communicating key task information, suggesting ways into task, launching the task) to illustrate the multimodal elements (lower-level actions) utilised by the teachers. In our conclusions, we offer pedagogical and research directions and discuss challenges in identifying success and best practice in delivering task instructions.
Secure Communication Techniques for Underwater WSNs
Authors: Rani Esha , Juneja Vikas
Published: September 2020

Earth is solitary among the rocky planets revolving in the solar system. It is the only planet that is 3/4 covered with oceans of liquid water. In today's era, wireless sensor network is used in almost places and also is an interesting topic for researchers too. But with the advancement in technology, a network similar to wireless sensor network can be deployed under the water with acoustic signals for data transmission. Because of harsh environment and some more challenges, underwater communication becomes tricky. Underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) is an advanced technology for underwater explorations and have demonstrated their quality in underwater applications. UWSN is a blend of wireless technology with sensor technology that has some extraordinary features like smart sensing, intelligent computing, and communication capabilities. Further, to maintain the secure communication underwater, it becomes more and more tricky. This chapter presents an expansive analysis of challenges, attacks, and security techniques of UWSNs.
Deep Reinforcement Learning Methods for Energy-Efficient Underwater Wireless Networking
Authors: Saihood Ahmed Ali , Alzubaidi Laith
Published: September 2020

The wireless sensor networks have been developed and extended to more expanded environments, and the underwater environment needs to develop more applications in different fields, such as sea animals monitoring, predict the natural disasters, and data exchanging between underwater and ground environments. The underwater environment has almost the same infrastructure and functions with ground environment with some limitations, such as processing, communications, and battery limits. In terms of battery limits, many techniques have been proposed; in this chapter, the authors will focus in deep reinforcement learning techniques.
Demur and Routing Protocols With application in Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks for Smart City
Authors: Kumar Arun , Sharma Sharad
Published: September 2020

As everyone knows the internet of underwater things (IoUT) is an innovative discussion of internet of things (IoT). To help the idea of IoUT, underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) have risen as a promising framework. IoUT is characterized as the system of brilliant consistent submerged items. IoUT is required to empower different functional applications, for example, natural observing, submerged investigation, and fiasco counteractive action. IoUT is viewed as one of the latentinventions toward creating savvy urban communities. The internet of underwater things (IoUT) is characterized as an overall system of savvy interconnected submerged items that empower to screen tremendous unexplored water zones. The motivation behind this chapter is to investigate how to profit by the IoUT to gain from adventure and safeguard the normal submerged assets, and the authors bring up the contrasts among UWSNs and customary territorial wireless sensor networks (TWSNs), and these distinctions are the primary difficulties for IoUT with diverse protocol.
Literacy Development in Vernacular Speakers
Authors: Depradine Kathy
Published: September 2020

The unique language situation in St. Lucia and the heterogeneity of the St. Lucian classroom suggest the implementation of an innovative way of using students' first language. Furthermore, the inability of many infant and primary school students to attain satisfactory marks in certain components of national English examinations are two factors which should influence the method of classroom instruction. Thus, the data in this chapter address the use of home language in instruction. In particular, the investigation of eight infant level students exposed to a model of vernacular instruction which included both English and Kwéyòl instruction produced comparative results of phonological awareness in the two languages. The data revealed that over time the students were better able to perceive sounds common to both languages and that their ability to perform phonological tasks may depend on the cognitive nature of the tasks and the cognitive operations required to perform them.
The First Step
Authors: Tatem Voghn E. , Marrast Martha Kimberly
Published: September 2020

Many of the current teacher resources fail to address the differences between home and target language; therefore, teachers in Barbados need to intentionally incorporate language awareness in their English Language teaching. Based on Craig's three-step orientation for language teaching and learning, this chapter presents data that sought to assist in concretizing the theory through practical application. For the research, eight teachers participated in a workshop designed to facilitate exposure to innovative uses of language awareness and expressed views about the application of the strategy within a focus group. Moreover, rich textual information was gathered through a thematic analysis of data. While participants expressed mixed views on the value of Bajan Dialect in the classroom, they agreed that some element of language awareness was needed. Further, they held the perspective that the implementation of the strategy would advance English Language teaching and learning in Barbados and move toward transformation in pedagogical practices.
‘How Do You Feel About the Language That You Use?'
Authors: Needler Claire Louise , Fairbairn Jamie
Published: September 2020

Scots is one of three indigenous languages in Scotland, alongside English and Gaelic. In recent History, it was considered ‘slang', or ‘bad English'. Following legislative and policy changes, Scots is now recognized as a language and is recognized as a valuable part of the cultural heritage and lived experience of many who reside in Scotland. Further, in 2014, the Scots Language Award was introduced, and Scots is now taught in some schools. This chapter outlines a school-university research partnership that aimed to investigate the influence of teaching Scots on pupils' self-esteem and wider achievement. Using Participatory Action Research and creative arts to explore attitudes to Scots in school, the research highlighted the transformative power of home language (Scots) education.
Who Chooses School?
Authors: Alam Md Jahangir
Published: September 2020

Universally, research shows that early childhood education (ECE) contributes to children's development in the very early years. Governments among developed countries subsidize an ample amount of money for children's early education development to generate and enhance human capital. Consequently, in developing countries like Bangladesh, ECE is driven by the family, where family socio-economic conditions make a significant contribution to children's transition from home to school, and to ensure their children begin school at a very early age. This qualitative case study explores parental socio-economic aspirations and the phenomena of ECE initiatives by the government for child transitions from home to schools in Bangladesh. This empirical research contributes by placing parental aspirations for child schooling and focusing on the information-gathering actions by parents in line with the social conditions that inspire parents to choose schools for their children.
Transition to Elementary School in Croatia
Authors: Hanzec Marković Ivana , Kuterovac Jagodić Gordana
Published: September 2020

This chapter presents the results of an empirical study conducted in Croatia examining individual child characteristics (specific cognitive skills and social-emotional competence) and contextual factors (parental involvement in transition and the schools' readiness) as possible determinants of a successful transition to elementary school (i.e., children's early social and academic school adjustment). The results of the study with 417 first-grade students showed that specific cognitive skills were the best predictor of academic adjustment, and also a significant predictor of some social adjustment indicators, while social-emotional competence predicted the student-teacher relationship. Contextual factors showed no significance as predictors or moderators in the model. Patterns of relationships were equal for girls and boys. The chapter offers possible explanations for the study results, along with suggestions for future research and potential practical implications of the obtained results.
What Matters?
Authors: Hu Aihua
Published: September 2020

This chapter uses a case study to explore Chinese primary school teachers' perspectives on students' overall performance in their transition to primary school and what has been and can be done to make the transition experience better for all children. Open-ended questionnaires, documents, and interviews are the major data sources triangulated by observations, photos of the school environment, and displays of activities. Both quantitative and qualitative content analysis are utilized to analyze the collected data. Findings indicate that children's emotional, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and behavioral as well as preschool academic skills matter in transition. Learning habits and self-care abilities are especially identified as what most children lack and the important aspects they need to be equipped with. Besides individual skills, involvement and collaboration of the significant institutions, namely kindergartens, families, and their primary schools, are of great importance. While identifying good practices, the responding teachers also offer suggestions for improvement.
A Comprehensive Professional Development Approach for Supporting Science, Technology, and Engineering Curriculum in Preschool
Authors: McWayne Christine M. , Greenfield Daryl , Zan Betty , Mistry Jayanthi , Ochoa Wendy
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this chapter is to present initial findings of teacher practice outcomes to illustrate promising aspects of the readiness through integrative science and engineering (RISE) professional development (PD) approach for informing early childhood science, technology, and engineering (STE) curriculum and PD interventions. In this chapter, the framework grounding RISE STE curriculum, the home-to-school approach for developing meaningful RISE home-school connections (HSCs), and the structural components of RISE PD (which consisted of practice-based, individualized, and ongoing supports) are described. Sixty-two teachers (n = 37 RISE, n = 25 Control) and 347 primary caregivers participated in this randomized controlled trial study. Preliminary evidence of the positive impacts of the RISE intervention on teachers' STE attitudes, practice, and knowledge was obtained from teacher report. Evidence for positive HSCs was obtained from teacher and parent surveys, as well as on-going coach documentation of teachers' home-to-school practices.
Consumer Perception and Purchase Intention Towards Refurbished Smart Phones
Authors: Kumar Nishant , Mohan Divya
Published: September 2020

Circular economy is a global economic model that focuses to transform linear consumption in a circular system by minimizing waste and preserving the cost of materials. Refurbishment can be useful to recover value from old products and to minimize waste. Based on the insights from literature, a deductive research approach has been used to examine consumer understanding about refurbished smart phone and their purchase intention. A survey based on barriers, perceived risk, and benefits associated with refurbished phones was conducted. Multiple analyses of variance were employed to identify the effect of demographic parameters on refurbishing dimensions. Multiple regression was used to identify prominent predictors in determining purchase intention towards refurbished products. The study demonstrates a fine level of awareness among people about refurbished phone, and they link it to environmental benefits. A major concern among consumers was performance issue and financial risk involved in purchasing refurbished smart phones. Financial benefits are key aspects behind promoting refurbished.
Theories Related to the Relationship Between Board Diversity, Earnings Management, and Firm Performance
Authors: Alqatan Ahmad , Chbib Imad , Hussainey Khaled
Published: September 2020

Previous research studies have used multiple theories, such as resource dependence, human capital, social capital, busyness, signalling, behavioural, and agency theories in order to investigate the association between board diversity and earnings management and the association between board diversity and firm performance. This chapter surveys 75 research studies and used 37 theories. Most of the studies focused on agency and resource dependent theories. Also, this study used social capital theory as a contribution of the chapter, which was rarely used and which examined the relationship between board diversity and earnings management in addition to firm performance.
Financial Performance Analysis of Companies Registered on BIST Corporate Governance Index
Authors: Bağcı Haşim , Yerdelen Kaygın Ceyda
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study is to measure the 2018 financial performance of 49 businesses that are registered in the Istanbul Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Index. Therefore, the financial performances of 49 businesses were compared to the ROA, ROE, ROS, and MV performance indicators that were determined for the measurement of financial performance. For comparison, first, the significance levels of the indicators were determined by the AHP method, and MV was determined to be the most important indicator. The PROMETHEE method was used to be able to financially compare the businesses, and Tüpraş Türkiye Petrol Rafinerileri A.Ş. (Tüpraş Turkey Petroleum Refineries Inc.) was the most successful corporate governance business within the specified time period. The least successful business is Pınar Su ve İçecek Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Pınar Water and Drink Industry and Trade Inc).
Effect of Ownership Structure on Firm Performance Evidence From Non-Financial Listed Firms
Authors: Arslan Muhammad
Published: September 2020

In modern organizations, there is a separation between ownership and control of the firm. On the lenses of agency theory, this study statistically examines the relationship between ownership structure (i.e., ownership concentration and owner identity) and firm performance of non-financial listed firms of Pakistan by taking firm-level control variables of size, age, liquidity, financial leverage, and growth of the firm. Secondary data is collected from annual reports of 65 non-financial listed firms for the year 2008 to 2012. The least-square dummy variable model followed by the random effect model has been employed to statistically determining the impact of ownership structure on firm performance. The results of the least square dummy variable model reveal that the ownership concentration has a significant positive impact on firm performance. The owner identity (such as dispersed, family, institutional, and government ownership) has a significant causal effect on firm performance as indicated from t and p values.
Cyclic Oxidation of Combined LTA/YSZ and Alumina Thermal Spray Coatings
Authors: Deshpande-Purohit Pritee , Vagge Shashikant , Shrigadi Bhavana
Published: September 2020

Thermal barrier coatings protect the substrate from thermal diffusion, oxidation, phase transformations, elastic deformation, plastic deformation, creep deformation, thermal expansion, thermal radiation. It allows parts and components of gas turbines to withstand high temperature upto1650 °C. Cylic oxidation behavior of alumina incorporated, lanthanum titanium aluminum oxide (LaTi2Al9O19), and yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ), that is LTA/YSZ top ceramic layer coating, was investigated. Two coating combinations, L 100 having top LTA layer thickness of 100 µm and L 150 having top layer of LTA having thickness 150 µm, were tested for thermal cycles at the temperature of 1100°C. The performances of these coatings were compared with conventional YSZ coatings. Microstructure studies, EDX, and XRD analysis demonstrated the formation of mainly LTA, LaAlO3, Al2TiO5, Al2O3, and TiO2 at 1100°C in both coatings. But in L 150 coating, the rate of oxidation was found slower than L 100 coating. Annealed L 150A and L 100A specimens show cyclic oxidation life of 272th and 250th cycles, respectively.
Role of Alloying Elements on Powder Metallurgy Steels and Spectroscopic Applications on Them
Authors: Celik Sefa , Ullen Nuray Bekoz , Akyuz Sevim , Ozel Aysen E.
Published: September 2020

The powder metallurgy (PM) technique is suitable for mass production and is a well-established process for the low production costs of net-shaped products close to long series. The properties of the iron-based PM parts, such as strength, hardness, magnetic properties, impact, wear, and corrosion resistance, can be improved with adding various alloying elements. The desired surface performance can be achieved with various surface coating technologies. Recently, various coating techniques have been developed as discussed in the chapter. The alloying elements have a significant effect on the coating quality of the final product. Surface coating can be analyzed by examining the surface-coated powder metallurgy (PM) using infrared and Raman spectroscopy technique. This contribution focuses on the role of alloying elements on properties and coating technologies of powder metallurgy steels and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopic applications on them.
Tourism and the Poverty Challenge
Authors: Marques Mariana , Sarmento Eduardo Moraes
Published: September 2020

This chapter introduces a practical application of the first Sustainable Development Goal, which is “Tourism Contribution to End Poverty.” It provides a recent literature review about the theme and presents the case study of Cape Verde. Cape Verde is an archipelago with enormous tourist potential, but, on the other hand, it is a country that must deal with the poverty problem. So, it is a destination that needs to work on its sustainability, mainly to provide residents with better living conditions. It is urgent to study the main poverty challenges in Cape Verde in order to provide the right strategies. It is essential, also, to understand if tourism can help fighting local poverty. To achieve some conclusions, authors have done interviews with some local institutions as well as to several stakeholders to understand better the main issues concerning tourism challenges and its potential to deal with poverty in Cape Verde.
Events as Sustainable Experience for Local Communities of a Tourist Destination
Authors: Lobo Cecília Lopes , Costa Rui
Published: September 2020

There is an increasing concern for public stakeholders to develop sustainable tourism strategies, in order to satisfy the needs of today's society, without compromising future generations. Considering the key dimensions of sustainable tourism, this chapter aims to analyse the well-being of a destination's local community and its relationship with tourist events. This exploratory research used a qualitative approach by employing a semi-structured interview with the most relevant stakeholders of the destination. It is possible to conclude that local events can have different positive impacts on the quality of life of the residents. Greater support for local political strategies, better feedback, and word-of-mouth, translating into a positive and sustainable promotion of the destination by the local community are results that can be expected from organising events also designed for the residents of the destination, as a sustainable and inclusive experience.
Intercultural Dialogue as a Tool for Maintaining Sustainable Partnerships in Tourism
Authors: Kiryakova-Dineva Teodora , Chankova Yana
Published: September 2020

International partnerships have a reinforcing effect and lasting benefits for modern economy and social life. The principles of intercultural partnerships in tourism can be compared to other principles of sustainable development. This chapter recognises the ultimate role of sustainable development in the sphere of tourism, while applying the theory of intercultural dialogue as an approach to the SDG 17 and tracing back partnerships to the bridge where different cultures meet. Such meetings very often need a bridge to cross over cultural gaps. In view of the proposed research, one such bridge is presented by the International Tourism Fair Holiday and SPA EXPO 2020, and it is against the background of this event that the established partnerships mediated by intercultural dialogue are classified.
Managing Partnerships Between Tourism and Hospitality Stakeholders
Authors: Guerra Ricardo Jorge da Costa , Gonçalves Eduardo Cordeiro , Figueiredo Vítor
Published: September 2020

This study presents a reflection on a new and resized (re)interpretation of the thermal spa sector in Portugal. Taking a holistic view of the strategic health and wellness tourism product, with the example of a case study (thermal spas in Portugal), it materialises a new proposal for a strategic management model. The study analyses the perspective of networking, which characterises a good part of the sector. Special attention is given to the training of organisations and their connection to integrated strategies to make the best use of resources, to the distinguishing orientation of preparation and placement of the tourism product on the market. The aim was to listen to thermal spa managers in Portugal regarding complementary services associated with their core offer, the partnership relationships they have with local stakeholders and what type, as well as the motivations for networking and development perspectives of the thermal spa sector in Portugal. The results presented are incorporated in this guideline to establish a competitive offer.
Behavior of male and female eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) in an artificial environment
Authors: Martínez Eduardo Cesario Araújo , Paz Vanair Carlos , Navarro Rodrigo Diana
Published: September 2020

The eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) is a species of parrot native to the Solomon Islands, Sumba, New Guinea and nearby islands, northeastern Australia, and the Moluccan Islands. The wide range of behaviors emphasizes the existence of knowledge of only a mere fraction of the significant behavioral parameters of these birds. The objective of this study is to identify the behavior of the eclectus parrot kept in captivity and to check the frequency of these birds in certain places of the nursery, comparing the results to other studies about parrots and the behavior in nature. This is a study about the behavior of a bird with a very pronounced sexual dimorphism, where the males have a predominantly green color, and the females are mainly red-colored. In the wild, while the male perches on the outer branches of the trees, the female usually perches close to tree trunks. This location, together with her red and blue plumage, provides the ideal camouflage in the dark interior of the trees.
Occurrence of Arcellidae (Amorphea, Arcellinida) in a coastal stream in the State of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Miranda Viviane Bernardes dos Santos , Mantovano Tatiane , Silva Yemna Gomes da , Lansac-Tôha Fábio Amodêo , Mazzoni Rosana
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study was to elaborate a taxonomic survey on the testate amoebae of the Family Arcellidae in coastal streams in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Six samplings were conducted in Ubatiba coastal stream (Maricá, RJ). In total, 130 liters water were filtered through a conical net of 60-μm mesh and preserved in 4% formalin. Organisms were identified with the aid of an inverted trinocular microscope. The morphological characteristics (lobose testate amoebae with shell composed of granular chitinoid elements) of each species were recorded. The species were described and illustrated. For the verification of new taxa records of Arcellidae in Rio de Janeiro and their distribution in Brazil, a search based on index articles by Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar using the keywords "tecamebas", "testate amoebae", "Arcella", "Arcellidae", "Brazil" and "Rio de Janeiro", was performed. Eight Arcellidae species were recorded. Some ecological and taxonomic information was provided. Due to the small amount of information on testate amoebae, this study is important because it reduces the knowledge gap regarding this community in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Furthermore, we suggest new studies on species identification to be conducted to expand regional knowledge about these organisms.
Nutritive value and anatomical characterization from Pennisetum purpureum genotypes
Authors: Lista Fábio Nunes , Emerenciano Neto João Virgínio , Almeida João Carlos de Carvalho , Deminicis Bruno Borges , Rocha David Ramos da , Difante Gelson dos Santos
Published: September 2020

The research submitted samples from stems and leaf blades from tree genotypes of Pennisetum purpureum called 93-32-02, 92-70-02, and 91-06-02 (EMBRAPA - Dairy cattle) and elephant grass cv. Napier (reference cultivar) to the chemical, anatomical evaluations, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) measurement. The anatomical characteristics of the stems and leaf blades, the chemical composition, and the IVDMD of these genotypes at 70 days of re-growth were correlated. Concerning IVDMD, the data highlighted differences, and the cultivar Napier presented the smallest value. Digital images obtained by light microscopy from cross-section reveal that all the stem and leaf blade have similar structural organization. Quantitative differences were verified mainly in the stem. The leaves displayed differences only in the mesophyll thickness. The genotypes showed higher potential in the rainy season since they had the largest IVDMD when compared to the cultivar Napier.
O apagamento do nome próprio como traço da escrevivência: Silviano Santiago e as Mil rosas roubadas
Authors: Medeiros Pedro Henrique Alves de , Nolasco Edgar Cézar
Published: September 2020

Este trabalho tem por objetivo propor uma série de reflexões biográfico-metafórico-ficcionais baseadas no apagamento do nome próprio/assinatura do narrador do romance Mil rosas roubadas (2014) do escritor mineiro, crítico literário e ensaísta Silviano Santiago. Esse estudo emerge da compreensão do nome próprio/assinatura enquanto traços, passíveis de serem apagados, de uma escrevivência atravessada por personificações das ausências a partir da morte e do ato de sobreviver (Silviano Santiago) à perda de um amado (Ezequiel Neves). Para isso, nos respaldaremos, essencialmente, na crítica biográfica (Souza, 2002, 2011) (Nolasco, 2010, 2018) e nos pressupostos filosóficos de Jacques Derrida e Geoffrey Bennington como base epistemológica da discussão fundamentada, sobretudo, nos conceitos de nome próprio/assinatura (Bennington, 1996) (Derrida, 1995, 1996, 2009), traço (Amaral, 2000) (Derrida, 2014) e escrevivência (Evaristo, 2017a). Para além dos críticos já mencionados no referencial teórico, também nos valeremos de Roland Barthes e de Martin Heidegger para circunscrever nossas considerações em instâncias e jogos de linguagens próprios à teorização crítico-biográfica que ensejamos nesse artigo. Portanto, no tocante aos resultados esperados, buscaremos explicitar que o traço, contido no nome próprio/assinatura, não pode ser a origem nem o fim, mas, sim, um elemento que desaparece-reaparecendo simultaneamente. Sendo assim, ainda que Silviano apague sua assinatura no corpus literário do romance Mil rosas roubadas, sua escrevivência o transpassa indo além do apagamento e avançando o nome próprio, que, pelo contrário, é impróprio, por excelência.
Da atualidade de Os bruzundangas (e a escola moderna)
Authors: Florêncio Roberto Remígio , Santos Carlos Alberto Batista dos , Leite Vlader Nobre
Published: September 2020

Ao se observar alguns aspectos socioculturais do Brasil contemporâneo, percebe-se uma perturbadora semelhança com o país fictício da obra de Lima Barreto de um século atrás. O presente manuscrito busca empreender uma análise crítica sobre aspectos educacionais, relacionando ao período da atual situação sócio-político-econômica a que os brasileiros estão subjugados neste início de século, assim como os bruzundangas, no início do século passado. Barreto expõe mazelas sociais e éticas de uma sociedade que, ao olhar mais aprofundado, pouco se modificou. Para chegar a estas conclusões, foram utilizadas teorias de estudiosos contemporâneos voltadas à educação, como Toffler (1970, 1980), Morin (2003) e Bauman (2000, 2010), baseando-se nas análises de Maingueneau (2010). Ao se promover a reflexão crítica do período atual, tomou-se por base os noticiários e a vivência dos fatos em dispositivos de mídia. Ao se estabelecer esta proposta, busca-se evidenciar traumatismos socioculturais cruciais para se compreender a sociedade atual e o sistema educacional brasileiro. As considerações finais apresentam incompletudes e diagnósticos não conclusivos de um país complexo, continental, multicultural e racista, que pouco ou nada se modificou em relação à postura ética da sociedade.
Dampening Antigen-Specific T Cell Responses with Antigens Encapsulated in Polyphenolic Microcapsules
Authors: Feduska Joseph M , Kozlovskaya Veronika , Alford Aaron , Padgett Lindsey E , Kharlampieva Eugenia , Tse Hubert M
Published: September 2020

Efficient T cell activation and effector responses require an antigenic peptide presented on the MHC complex to the TCR (signal 1), costimulatory molecule interactions between T cells and APCs (signal 2), and the synthesis of innate immune-derived proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (signal 3). We previously demonstrated that the third signal dissipation impairs autoreactive T cell activation. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that encapsulation of Ag with an antioxidant-containing biomaterial would induce Ag-specific hyporesponsiveness. We cocultured bone marrow–derived dendritic cells with microcapsules composed of multilayer-assembled poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVPON) and the antioxidant tannic acid (TA). LPS-activated dendritic cells cocultured with (PVPON/TA) microcapsules displayed a decrease in TNF-α, IL-12p70, and CXCL10 synthesis. To study Ag-specific T cell responses, we incorporated chicken OVA into the (PVPON/TA) multilayers and stimulated OT-II splenocytes in a primary recall assay. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated a significant inhibition of CD4 T cell activation markers, upregulation of CTLA-4 and PD-1, and blunted secretion of IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and CXCL10 by ELISA. To test microcapsule efficacy in vivo, we immunized OT-II mice with (PVPON/TA)-OVA microcapsules and performed an OVA recall assay. Immunization of OT-II mice with (PVPON/TA)-OVA microcapsules elicited a decrease in CD4 T cell differentiation and effector responses including IFN-γ, TNF-α, CCL3, and CCL5 by ELISA compared with OVA immunization alone. These data show that microcapsules composed of antioxidant and encapsulated Ags can effectively blunt innate immune-derived proinflammatory third signal synthesis necessary for Ag-specific effector T cell responses and present a prospective strategy for T cell–mediated autoimmunity.