bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Production and Logistics Self-Adaption Scheduling Based on Information Entropy Theory
Authors: Yang Wenchao , Li Wenfeng , Cao Yulian , Luo Yun , He Lijun
Published: August 2020

In recent years, the individualized demand of customers brings small batches and diversification of orders towards enterprises. The application of enabling technologies in the factory, such as the industrial Internet of things (IIoT) and cloud manufacturing (CMfg), enhances the ability of customer requirement automatic elicitation and the manufacturing process control. The job shop scheduling problem with a random job arrival time dramatically increases the difficulty in process management. Thus, how to collaboratively schedule the production and logistics resources in the shop floor is very challenging, and it has a fundamental and practical significance of achieving the competitiveness for an enterprise. To address this issue, the real-time model of production and logistics resources is built firstly. Then, the task entropy model is built based on the task information. Finally, the real-time self-adaption collaboration of production and logistics resources is realized. The proposed algorithm is carried out based on a practical case to evaluate its effectiveness. Experimental results show that our proposed algorithm outperforms three existing algorithms.
Atmospheric Neutron Monitoring through Optical Fiber-Based Sensing
Authors: Girard Sylvain , Morana Adriana , Hoehr Cornelia , Trinczek Michael , Vidalot Jeoffray , Paillet Philippe , Bélanger-Champagne Camille , Mekki Julien , Balcon Nicolas , Li Vecchi Gaetano , Campanella Cosimo , Lambert Damien , Marin Emmanuel , Boukenter Aziz , Ouerdane Youcef , Blackmore Ewart
Published: August 2020

The potential of fiber-based sensors to monitor the fluence of atmospheric neutrons is evaluated through accelerated tests at the TRIUMF Neutron Facility (TNF) (BC, Canada), offering a flux approximatively 109 higher than the reference spectrum observed under standard conditions in New York City, USA. The radiation-induced attenuation (RIA) at 1625 nm of a phosphorus-doped radiation sensitive optical fiber is shown to linearly increase with neutron fluence, allowing an in situ and easy monitoring of the neutron flux and fluence at this facility. Furthermore, our experiments show that the fiber response remains sensitive to the ionization processes, at least up to a fluence of 7.1 × 1011 n cm−², as its radiation sensitivity coefficient (~3.36 dB km−1 Gy−1) under neutron exposure remains very similar to the one measured under X-rays (~3.8 dB km−1 Gy−1) at the same wavelength. The presented results open the way to the development of a point-like or even a distributed dosimeter for natural or man-made neutron-rich environments. The feasibility to measure the dose caused by the neutron exposure during stratospheric balloon experiments, or during outer space missions, is presented as a case study of a potential future application.
Application of FTIR Spectroscopy and HPLC Combined with Multivariate Calibration for Analysis of Xanthones in Mangosteen Extracts
Authors: Tejamukti Endjang Prebawa , Setyaningsih Widiastuti , Irnawati  , Yasir Budiman , Alam Gemini , Rohman Abdul
Published: August 2020

Mangosteen, or Garcinia mangostana L., has merged as an emerging fruit to be investigated due to its active compounds, especially xanthone derivatives such as α -mangostin (AM), γ-mangostin (GM), and gartanin (GT). These compounds had been reported to exert some pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, therefore, the development of an analytical method capable of quantifying these compounds should be investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between FTIR spectra and HPLC chromatogram, combined with chemometrics for quantitative analysis of ethanolic extract of mangosteen. The ethanolic extract of mangosteen pericarp was prepared using the maceration technique, and the obtained extract was subjected to measurement using instruments of FTIR spectrophotometer at wavenumbers of 4000–650 cm−1 and HPLC, using a PDA detector at 281 nm. The data acquired were subjected to chemometrics analysis of partial least square (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR). The result showed that the wavenumber regions of 3700–2700 cm−1 offered a reliable method for quantitative analysis of GM with coefficient of determination (R2) 0.9573 in calibration and 0.8134 in validation models, along with RMSEC value of 0.0487% and RMSEP value 0.120%. FTIR spectra using the second derivatives at wavenumber 3700–663 cm−1 with coefficient of determination (R2) >0.99 in calibration and validation models, along with the lowest RMSEC value and RMSEP value, were used for quantitative analysis of GT and AM, respectively. It can be concluded that FTIR spectra combined with multivariate are accurate and precise for the analysis of xanthones.
Group Asylum, Sovereignty, and the Ethics of Care
Authors: López-Farjeat Luis Xavier , Coronado-Angulo Cecilia
Published: August 2020

It is assumed that the states have the right to control their borders and decide whom they want to exclude, isolate, ban, or impose restrictions on. Although it seems that the problematic notion of “sovereignty” gives the state the right to make these kinds of decisions, there are situations where ethical duties to other human beings supersede sovereignty and where, in fact, those ethical duties limit sovereignty. This would be the case of group asylum situations. In this paper, we propose Axel Honneth’s ethics of recognition as a complement to the liberal notion of solidarity. By introducing a derivation of the ethics of recognition, namely, the “ethics of care,” we argue that our connection to others and the ethical duties we have with them impose some limits on the idea of sovereignty.
Transitioning to Better Primary Education: The Role of an Expatriate Organisation in India
Authors: Sharma Sandeep , Marinova Dora , Bogueva Diana
Published: August 2020

India is a signatory to the United Nations’ programs, accepting to implement the Millennium Development Goals and their successor, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While progress on universal primary education has been made since 2000, attaining equitable education for all (SDG4), remains a challenge in rural India. With an estimated 200 million children under the age of fourteen, enrolment in commencing primary education has improved. However, progress beyond year V (primary education in India covers school years I to VIII) is inadequate. One third of children in rural areas drop out of school by that time and this increases to almost half by year VIII. Given India’s large diaspora, this article analyses the impact of a new model of educational support through the work of a non-resident expatriate association, India Rural Education and Development Inc. (IREAD). It uses a 2011–2019 longitudinal case study of a government school in the village of Lakhnu, Uttar Pradesh. Data from the activities of IREAD, researcher observations, interviews, photographs and infrastructure evidence, are analysed. A grounded theory emanating from the data is proposed and areas of improvement are suggested. The research concludes that a major shift is difficult to achieve but IREAD’s contribution delivers small steps in the right direction to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for rural children in India.
Pastoralism Partnerships: Recognizing the Value of Local Involvement in China’s Snow Leopard Conservation Efforts
Authors: Hacker Charlotte E. , Janecka Jan E. , Jackson Rodney M. , Li Diqiang , Zhang Yuguang
Published: August 2020

Pastoralists are key stakeholders in environmental management decisions in China. Thus, their involvement in wildlife conservation and research is imperative for the success of long-term initiatives. Despite the many opportunities for herders to be included in these efforts, biases have hindered knowledge exchange and collaborative outcomes. This is detrimental for species living in quickly changing landscapes reliant on effective conservation, such as that of the snow leopard (Panthera uncia). Pastoralists living in snow leopard habitats on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau of China possess a deep and intricate understanding of the environments in which they live, and can serve as strong conservation allies by playing direct roles in scientific endeavors via expert elicitation and engagement. Here, we draw on our own experiences as academically trained scientists to present a framework for broadening opportunities for local community member participation in research efforts on the species. Framework outcomes include better targeting of conservation concerns, increased integration of Western science and local ecological knowledge, additional income to the community, clearer communication and trust between conservation stakeholders, greater flexibility in research, and additional platforms for community-based conservation. We outline avenues of involvement and considerations when working with local community members in snow leopard habitat, and submit this as an example with wide-ranging applicability to other parts of the world where livelihoods are intrinsically tied to the environment.
Are Existing Battery Electric Vehicles Adoption Studies Able to Inform Policy? A Review for Policymakers
Authors: Song Rongqiu , Potoglou Dimitris
Published: August 2020

Accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles provides a rare historic opportunity for reducing the dependence on fossil fuel and decarbonising road networks in the field of transport. Many countries have introduced various policy packages on both national and local levels to encourage electric vehicle adoption, but their market shares remain low. For better understanding the reasons behind this evidence, exploring the determinants that influence consumers’ adoption intentions is significant. Previous literature reviews have made clear and elaborated syntheses of influential factors; however, a summary of how evidence can be translated into policy through these factors is lacking. In response, this paper synthesises the main policies of various countries, summarises the previous research results, and forms corresponding policy tools, which can provide a reference to policymakers and guide the policy-making process.
Rapid Extraction of Regional-scale Agricultural Disasters by the Standardized Monitoring Model Based on Google Earth Engine
Authors: Liu Zhengrong , Liu Huanjun , Luo Chong , Yang Haoxuan , Meng Xiangtian , Ju Yongchol , Guo Dong
Published: August 2020

Remote sensing has been used as an important tool for disaster monitoring and disaster scope extraction, especially for the analysis of spatial and temporal disaster patterns of large-scale and long-duration series. Google Earth Engine provides the possibility of quickly extracting the disaster range over a large area. Based on the Google Earth Engine cloud platform, this study used MODIS vegetation index products with 250-m spatial resolution synthesized over 16 days from the period 2005–2019 to develop a rapid and effective method for monitoring disasters across a wide spatiotemporal range. Three types of disaster monitoring and scope extraction models are proposed: the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) median time standardization model (RNDVI_TM(i)), the NDVI median phenology standardization model (RNDVI_AM(i)(j)), and the NDVI median spatiotemporal standardization model (RNDVI_ZM(i)(j)). The optimal disaster extraction threshold for each model in different time phases was determined using Otsu’s method, and the extraction results were verified by medium-resolution images and ground-measured data of the same or quasi-same period. Finally, the disaster scope of cultivated land in Heilongjiang Province from 2010–2019 was extracted, and the spatial and temporal patterns of the disasters were analyzed based on meteorological data. This analysis revealed that the three aforementioned models exhibited high disaster monitoring and range extraction capabilities, with verification accuracies of 97.46%, 96.90%, and 96.67% for RNDVI_TM(i), RNDVI_AM(i), and (j)RNDVI_ZM(i)(j), respectively. The spatial and temporal disaster distributions were found to be consistent with the disasters of the insured plots and the meteorological data across the entire province. Moreover, different monitoring and extraction methods were used for different disasters, among which wind hazard and insect disasters often required a delay of 16 days prior to observation. Each model also displayed various sensitivities and was applicable to different disasters. Compared with other techniques, the proposed method is fast and easy to implement. This new approach can be applied to numerous types of disaster monitoring as well as large-scale agricultural disaster monitoring and can easily be applied to other research areas. This study presents a novel method for large-scale agricultural disaster monitoring.
Carbon Emission Reduction Strategy for Energy Users in China
Authors: Zhao Fuquan , Liu Feiqi , Hao Han , Liu Zongwei
Published: August 2020

The Chinese government has made a commitment to control carbon emissions, and the deployment of renewable energy power generation is considered as an effective solution. In recent years, great effort has been exerted to support the development of renewable energy in China. While, due to fiscal pressures and changes in management policies, related subsidies are diminishing now and energy users are asked to pay for the cost. Regulations about carbon cap and renewable energy consumptions are issued to transfer the responsibility of consuming renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions to energy consumers. A national carbon trading system is set up in China and is under its growth stage. Therefore, this study lists the factors that should be considered by the energy users, analyzes the levelized cost of electricity generated by renewable energy in four cities in China, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan, and compares the results with current carbon prices. Based on the research, under the current status, it is still more cost-efficient for enterprises to buy carbon credits than introduce renewable energies, and great differences among cities are shown due to different natural conditions. Besides, with diminishing subsidies and development of the carbon trading market, the carbon price will gradually reflect the actual value and carbon emission reduction costs will become an important part of enterprise expenditure. In the long term, enterprises should link more factors to carbon emissions, like social responsibility and brand image, instead of only the cost.
The Integration of Campsites in Cultural Landscapes: Architectural Actions on the Catalan Coast, Spain
Authors: Martín Xavier , Martínez Anna , de Rentería Isabela
Published: August 2020

Over the last 60 years, the development of tourism in Spain has produced an unprecedented occupation of the territory. Urban growth, hotels and infrastructures have transformed much of the natural environment. This phenomenon has irreversibly altered conditions of regions with great landscape value, putting their cultural heritage at risk. Yet, the campsite is a model of tourist settlement based on shared living in the open natural space. It promotes minimal and temporary interventions in the territory, by means of transportable accommodations with precise occupations of place, leaving a slight footprint. Therefore, architecture contributes to affording the order and services that these individual artifacts cannot provide by themselves. In terms of slight land occupation and natural qualities preservation, the campsite has proven to be one of the most responsible tourist models. It is an opportunity for the future: a resource for landscape integration and local dynamics reactivation. We present a set of architectural actions for the integration of campsites in cultural landscapes along the Catalan coast. These are recommendations catalogued by means of a diagnosis tool that proposes strategies at different levels, from enclosure to lodgings. Focusing on end-users, this research fosters cultural identity preservation and responsible communal living in nature.
Sustainable Assessment Tools for Higher Education Institutions: Guidelines for Developing a Tool for China
Authors: Du Yawei , Arkesteijn Monique H. , den Heijer Alexandra C. , Song Kun
Published: August 2020

Higher education institutions (HEIs) in both early and mature stages of sustainable development (SD) have been moving toward sustainability. Methods for assessing SD have been developed from global and regional contexts to support sustainability efforts. The purpose of this paper is to formulate guidelines as input to develop a sustainable assessment tool (SAT) for China based on the current SD stage of Chinese HEIs. Through desk research, SATs were selected and analyzed. Fifteen SATs consisting of more than 1000 indicators included in the analysis and based on components for developing SATs were identified, and then the components were selected and discussed through an online workshop engaging a 34-people Chinese research team, in order to formulate the guidelines for Chinese HEIs. The findings reveal that the emphasis of SATs mainly results from their contexts, purposes and stages, backgrounds or focus. Chinese HEIs are in the early SD stage, and the multiple purposes and components of SATs are identified to support local sustainability efforts. Having a clear understanding of the current SD stages of SATs and selecting the components accordingly would enable them to fully reach their potential in practice, especially in the case of early SD HEIs.
Challenges of the Sharing Economy for SMEs: A Literature Review
Authors: Soltysova Zuzana , Modrak Vladimir
Published: August 2020

The sharing economy is becoming increasingly popular in many sectors also thanks to the fact that not only young generation, but people of almost all ages are digitally literate, and therefore they readily participate in sharing economy practices. A very important part of their motivation comes from the knowledge that it is a great way to save money, but a no less important reason is the philosophical aspect, which is consistent with efforts to promote more sustainable consumption practices that prioritize access over ownership. The sharing economy has become a subject of interest not only among researchers and practitioners but also among policymakers and stakeholders who are concerned about the further extension of digital ecosystems. Fortunately, theorists from many fields, such as the commercial economy, gift economy, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, etc., pay due attention to this phenomenon. However, there is still room for focused exploration of this entrepreneurial and innovative approach from specific views in order to bring useful findings and insights on given issues. The intention of this study is to analyze the existing related literature and categorize sharing economy-based business models in relation to traditional business models. Potentially, this study can also contribute to a better understanding of the perspectives of the sharing economy in the transition of SMEs towards the Industry 4.0 paradigm.
A Liberal Undergraduate Education for Engineers
Authors: King C. Judson
Published: August 2020

The complex dimensions of many issues faced by engineers require that they understand social and humanistic matters along with the technical, and communicate effectively and synergistically with persons having all sorts of backgrounds. This is especially true for matters of sustainability and energy supply. Engineering should therefore be built upon the foundation of a broad and liberal undergraduate education, with the professional degree being moved to the graduate level, as is the case for the other major professions. Another benefit of moving the degree level can be to delay the point of commitment to an engineering major from before college to the latter part of the undergraduate program, a move which can bring in new enrollees and increase diversity. The move of the professional engineering degree to the graduate level has already happened for a number of European countries as an outgrowth of the Bologna Process. There are incremental changes that can be made so that this transition can be undertaken by evolution as opposed to revolution.
Multi-Criteria Method for Sustainable Design of Energy Conversion Systems
Authors: Mallard Kathleen , Debusschere Vincent , Garbuio Lauric
Published: August 2020

Energy production systems for isolated communities lacking national energy grids are, in many countries, associated with first energy access of rural or developing regions. Those communities require innovative design methods to select relevant solutions for sustainable developments in a context of continuously strengthening climate change conditions. The design of an innovative solution goes through multiple stages. After identifying opportunities, analyzing a context and identifying a problem, we are interested here in the process of imagining solutions and guiding reflections so that the resulting solutions are sustainable. Sustainability is analyzed from technical, economic, environmental and social angles. The two main visions for imagining solutions, the value proposition and the technical solution, are discussed. We are then developing a multi-criteria method of sustainable design to imagine the technical solution of an electricity production system in a context of first access to energy for isolated communities. This method serves as decision and discussion support between all stakeholders (community, decision makers, project managers) so that they collectively build a sustainable solution. As the exchanges progress, criteria from different fields meet and complement each other to allow the development of the specifications for the energy production solution which will be ultimately developed.
Bibliometric Analysis of Methods and Tools for Drought Monitoring and Prediction in Africa
Authors: Adisa Omolola M. , Masinde Muthoni , Botai Joel O. , Botai Christina M.
Published: August 2020

The African continent has a long history of rainfall fluctuations of varying duration and intensities. This has led to varying degrees of drought conditions, triggering research interest across the continent. The research presented here is a bibliometric analysis of scientific articles on drought monitoring and prediction published in Africa. Scientific data analysis was carried out based on bibliometric mapping techniques applied to 332 scientific publications (1980 to 2020) retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. In addition, time series of Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index for the previous 6 months (SPEI-6) over six regions in the continent was analysed giving the relative comparison of drought occurrences to the annual distribution of the scientific publications. The results revealed that agricultural and hydrological drought studies contributed about 75% of the total publications, while the remaining 25% was shared among socioeconomic and meteorological studies. Countries in the southern, western, and eastern regions of Africa led in terms of scientific publications during the period under review. The results further indicated that the continent experienced drought conditions in the years 1984, 1989, 1992, and 1997, thereby inducing an increase in the number of scientific publications on drought studies. The results show that the tools of analysis have also changed from simple statistics to the use of geospatial tools such as Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) models, and recently Machine Learning (ML). The ML, particularly, contributed about 11% of the total scientific publications, while RS and GIS models, and basic statistical analysis account for about 44%, 20%, and 25% respectively. The integration of spatial technologies and ML are pivotal to the development of robust drought monitoring and drought prediction systems, especially in Africa, which is considered as a drought-prone continent. The research gaps presented in this study can help prospective researchers to respond to the continental and regional drought research needs.
Modelling West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus Pathogenicity in Human Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Riccetti Silvia , Sinigaglia Alessandro , Desole Giovanna , Nowotny Norbert , Trevisan Marta , Barzon Luisa
Published: August 2020

West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are genetically related neurotropic mosquito-borne flaviviruses, which frequently co-circulate in nature. Despite USUV seeming to be less pathogenic for humans than WNV, the clinical manifestations induced by these two viruses often overlap and may evolve to produce severe neurological complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of WNV and USUV infection on human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells (hNSCs), as a model of the neural progenitor cells in the developing fetal brain and in adult brain. Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus with known tropism for NSCs, was used as the positive control. Infection of hNSCs and viral production, effects on cell viability, apoptosis, and innate antiviral responses were compared among viruses. WNV displayed the highest replication efficiency and cytopathic effects in hNSCs, followed by USUV and then ZIKV. In these cells, both WNV and USUV induced the overexpression of innate antiviral response genes at significantly higher levels than ZIKV. Expression of interferon type I, interleukin-1β and caspase-3 was significantly more elevated in WNV- than USUV-infected hNSCs, in agreement with the higher neuropathogenicity of WNV and the ability to inhibit the interferon response pathway.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus: A Quest for Better Vaccines against a Virus on the Rise
Authors: Kubinski Mareike , Beicht Jana , Gerlach Thomas , Volz Asisa , Sutter Gerd , Rimmelzwaan Guus F.
Published: August 2020

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the family Flaviviridae, is one of the most important tick-transmitted viruses in Europe and Asia. Being a neurotropic virus, TBEV causes infection of the central nervous system, leading to various (permanent) neurological disorders summarized as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). The incidence of TBE cases has increased due to the expansion of TBEV and its vectors. Since antiviral treatment is lacking, vaccination against TBEV is the most important protective measure. However, vaccination coverage is relatively low and immunogenicity of the currently available vaccines is limited, which may account for the vaccine failures that are observed. Understanding the TBEV-specific correlates of protection is of pivotal importance for developing novel and improved TBEV vaccines. For affording robust protection against infection and development of TBE, vaccines should induce both humoral and cellular immunity. In this review, the adaptive immunity induced upon TBEV infection and vaccination as well as novel approaches to produce improved TBEV vaccines are discussed.
A Novel Rhoptry Protein as Candidate Vaccine against Eimeria tenella Infection
Authors: Song Xingju , Yang Xu , Zhang Taotao , Liu Jing , Liu Qun
Published: August 2020

Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) is a highly pathogenic and prevalent species of Eimeria that infects chickens, and it causes a considerable disease burden worldwide. The secreted proteins and surface antigens of E. tenella at the sporozoite stage play an essential role in the host–parasite interaction, which involves attachment and invasion, and these interactions are considered vaccine candidates based on the strategy of cutting off the invasion pathway to interrupt infection. We selected two highly expressed surface antigens (SAGs; Et-SAG13 and Et-SAG) and two highly expressed secreted antigens (rhoptry kinases Eten5-A, Et-ROPK-Eten5-A and dense granule 12, Et-GRA12) at the sporozoite stage. Et-ROPK-Eten5-A and Et-GRA12 were two unexplored proteins. Et-ROPK-Eten5-A was an E. tenella-specific rhoptry (ROP) protein and distributed in the apical pole of sporozoites and merozoites. Et-GRA12 was scattered in granular form at the sporozoite stage. To evaluate the potential of rEt-ROPK-Eten5-A, rEt-GRA12, rEt-SAG13 and rEt-SAG proteins as a coccidiosis vaccine, the protective efficacy was examined based on survival rate, lesion score, body weight gain, relative body weight gain and oocyst output. The survival rate was significantly improved in rEt-ROPK-Eten5-A (100%) and rEt-GRA12 (100%) immune chickens compared to the challenged control group (40%). The average body weight gains of rEt-ROPK-Eten5-A, rEt-GRA12, rEt-SAG13 and rEt-SAG immunized chickens were significantly higher than those of unimmunized chickens. The mean lesion score and oocyst output of the rEt-ROPK-Eten5-A immunized chickens were significantly reduced compared to unimmunized challenged chickens. These results suggest that the rEt-ROPK-Eten5-A protein effectively triggered protection against E. tenella in chickens and provides a useful foundation for future work developing anticoccidial vaccines.
Time trends in the use and appropriateness of natriuretic peptide testing in primary care: an observational study
Authors: Valk Mark , Hoes Arno W , Mosterd Arend , Broekhuizen Brenda , Zuithoff Nicolaas , Rutten Frans H
Published: August 2020

Background

Diagnosing heart failure (HF) is difficult, relying on medical history, symptoms, and signs only. Clinical guidelines recommend natriuretic peptides (NPs) as an additional diagnostic test, notably to exclude HF in suspected patients. NP testing has been available since 2003 for primary care in the Netherlands, but little is known about its uptake.

Aim

To evaluate the trend in ordering and appropriateness of NP testing in primary care.

Design & setting

An observational study was performed between January 2005 and December 2013. Nine Dutch general practices participated, with 21 000 registered people (approximately 4300 aged ≥65 years).

Method

The total number of patients undergoing NP testing each year was calculated per 1000 patient years (PY) based on the total practice population. NP levels were used to assess whether NP testing was applied to exclude or confirm HF.

Results

The number of NP testing increased from 2.5 per 1000 PY in 2005 to 14.0 per 1000 PY in 2013, with a peak in 2009 of 15.6 per 1000 PY. The proportion of participants with N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) below 125 pg/ml (the exclusionary threshold recommended by the European Society of Cardiology [ESC] guidelines on HF) was on average 30%, and highest in the first year (47%).

Conclusion

After a rapid uptake of NP testing in primary care from 2005 onwards, the use of it seemed to stabilise after 2009, thus leaving patients who are prone to HF without an optimal diagnostic work-up.
Translating Dialectal Expressions and Terms Embedded in Saudi Modern Novels with a particular Emphasis on Ragaa Alsanea’s The Girls of Riyadh
Authors: Ismail Mousa Sayed M. , Alhawamda Bassem
Published: August 2020

Translating dialectal terms and idiomatic expressions embedded in Saudi contemporary fiction is an underresearched topic, and the assessment of translating dialectal terms and expressions has not been examined adequately as there is a scarcity in the studies addressing such a translation issue. Therefore, the current study is mainly interested in assessing how far the translators of the Girls of Riyadh could succeed in translating the embedded dialectal expressions in the novel and whether their translation could transfer the overall effect, aesthetic values, cultural atmosphere, style and pragmatic effect. To achieve this end, the study has classified dialectal elements under the rubric of cultural markers and assessed the rendition of these cultural markers in connection with Dickins’ degrees of cultural transposition and House’s concept of covert translation and its criteria. Following the assessment of samples from the novel, the study has found that the translators neither follow domestication nor foreignization and that they rely heavily on the communicative translation strategy, and in most cases dialectal expressions are omitted or rendered into formal English.
Small and medium-sized businesses in towns of commodity regions as source of diversification and modernization of their economy
Authors: Zubareva Lyubov Vitalyevna , Kuramshina Alsu Vinirovna , Zavedeev Egor Vladimirovich
Published: August 2020

The article presents the results of the analysis of economic indicators of economic entities of the regions with raw materials specialization, from the perspective of the goals and capabilities of medium and small-sized businesses. In modern conditions, due to the achievements of scientific and technological progress, the goals of the activity, and the potential of small and medium-sized businesses, the authors identify and analyze possible directions of diversification and modernization of the economy of these regions. The towns of commodity regions are located mainly in areas of adverse environmental conditions away from large industrial and cultural centers and in many cases depend on the performance of one or two large town-forming companies. Thus, the prospects of maintaining the attractiveness of doing business for small and medium enterprises in the towns of these regions as well as the attractiveness of these towns for the population were revealed and analyzed. As measures to maintain this attractiveness, the authors consider the possibility of diversifying and modernizing the economy of such towns by supporting the activities and development of small and medium enterprises, as well as implementing measures aimed at introducing the technologies of the “Smart City” concept.
It is assumed that to diversify and modernize the economy of the commodity regions, it is necessary to create conditions for the revitalization of many areas of activity. In particular, it can be achieved through the implementation of “Smart City” projects in these regions. This should stimulate the process of activating the most technologically advanced and innovative areas of activity and have a positive impact on the development of small and medium-sized businesses involved in these areas. In turn, the stable and efficient functioning of such enterprises is one of the most significant tools for such transformations and can speed and intensify the efficiency of the implementation of these processes.
At the same time, the use of “smart” technologies for making “smart” decisions, in the process of modernizing the urban economy included, will increase both the efficiency of functioning of small and medium-sized enterprises, and the mechanisms for supporting their activities and development.
International Experience of Administration in the Insurance Area and Possibility of Its Application on Ukraine
Authors: Rusetskyi Anatolii Anatoliiovych , Zagorska Daria Mikhailovna , Ivanova Hanna Sergiivna , Inshyn Mykola Ivanovich
Published: August 2020

The objective of the article is: 1) to study the experience of foreign countries on the organization of insurance activities; 2) to determine the feasibility of introducing international practices into the national insurance system. For this purpose, the authors used the following methods of scientific cognition: dialectical, comparative analysis and bibliographic.
The authors of the paper have analyzed the experience of foreign countries on the organization of insurance activities; have determined the feasibility of implementing legal norms and successful international practices and methods into national insurance system. The historical stages of the development of insurance management, as well as the current forms and methods of its implementation have been studied. It has been emphasized that the sphere of insurance activity is quite an important component in the system of public administration and country’s economy in general. That is the reason that we admit it extremely necessary to provide the national insurance area with the necessary conditions for its further development, in particular, it is offered to accomplish this through more flexible and high-quality legal regulation. Besides, the state policy on administration in the field of insurance should be aimed at: the formation of an insurance market with a highly developed infrastructure and a wide range of insurance services; adaptation of the Ukrainian insurance market to the world requirements of financial regulation and supervision; cooperation with European and international organizations; harmonization of national legislation in the field of insurance with international standards, etc.
Território e povoamento na Amazônia: o caso da comunidade de Boa Esperança, Santarém (PA)
Authors: Santos André das Chagas , Nunes Pereira Costa Izaura Cristina
Published: August 2020

A compreensão do processo de ocupação da Amazônia, perpassa pela análise das políticas de desenvolvimento implementadas pelo Estado na região, a partir da década de 1960. No âmbito do conjunto de ações com foco, inicialmente, na integração nacional, a abertura de rodovias foi um subsídio necessário para o alcance dos objetivos propostos, além da formação de uma rede urbana, como base logística de ocupação. Nesse contexto, surgem na região inúmeros núcleos populacionais tanto induzidos quanto espontâneos, tal como a Comunidade de Boa Esperança, no município de Santarém, oeste do Pará. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho analisa o processo de formação territorial da comunidade de Boa Esperança no bojo das políticas de desenvolvimento regionais, além das especificidades territoriais que atribuem papel de destaque à comunidade na economia local. Para tanto, realizou-se revisão bibliográfica, jornalística, documental e pesquisa de campo. As origens da comunidade de Boa Esperança relaciona-se à construção da PA-370 (Santarém-Curuá-Una) e da Usina Hidrelétrica Sylvio Braga, também conhecida como hidrelétrica de Curuá-Una. Constatou-se três fases em seu processo de desenvolvimento histórico e territorial: A fase extrativista, a fase de organização e consolidação da comunidade, e a fase de especialização da produção e agronegócio.
Recursos didácticos virtuales en proyectos de ciencias naturales en período de confinamiento por COVID-19
Authors: Vélez-Loor Maira Dolores , Vallejo-Valdivieso Patricio Alfredo , Moya-Martínez María Elena
Published: August 2020

La investigación tiene por objetivo analizar los recursos didácticos virtuales planificados para el abordaje de proyectos educativos de ciencias naturales en período de confinamiento por COVID-19. Generándose un trabajo de tipo descriptivo no experimental, con una población conformada por 30 docentes de la Unidad Educativa San Francisco Sales, ubicado en la Provincia de Manabí-Ecuador, siendo la muestra constituida por 6 docentes quienes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Los resultados se abordaron desde las áreas: Recursos didácticos audiovisuales en redes sociales, Aulas virtuales, Método  de aprendizaje, Plataformas de ciencias naturales. Los recursos didácticos virtuales proyectados por los docentes para ser implementados en el proyecto educativo de ciencias naturales, son idoneos para promover un aprendizaje significativo en los estudantes, sin embargo, es necesario contar con un proceso de capacitación tanto para profesores como discentes con la finalidad de evitar inconvenientes que perjudiquen el aprendizaje, así como el rendimiento escolar.
Los modelos de gestión educativa y su aporte en la educación ecuatoriana
Authors: Gorozabel-Quiñonez Josefa Elizabeth , Alcívar-Cedeño Tyrone Gualberto , Moreira-Morales Leila Lucía , Zambrano-Delgado María Fernanda
Published: August 2020

El artículo de reflexión tiene por objetivo analizar los modelos de gestión educativa y su aporte en la educación ecuatoriana. Se desarrolló mediante una revisión documental bibliográfica de artículos científicos y documentos relacionados al tema abordado. Se evidencia que los estudiantes perciben generar mejor aprehensión mediante el modelo no tradicional, esto implica que se pueden aplicar diversos métodos centrados en el estudiante, lo cual posibilita un mejor proceso de empoderamiento del conocimiento. Hoy día se hace necesario plantearse un sistema educativo diseñado en base a lo multidisciplinar en razón de generar la sinergia para focalizar un estudiante con visión reflexiva global en capacidad de asumir los retos sociológicos de la sociedad del conocimiento.
Gestión de aprendizaje creativo mediante la Herramienta Powtoon en estudiantes de lengua y literatura
Authors: Arroyo-Carrera Eugenia Narcisa , Loor-Santos María Valentina , Mendoza-Mera Jean Telmo , Solorzano-Zambrano Mónica Elizabeth
Published: August 2020

La investigación tuvo por objetivo analizar la gestión de aprendizaje creativo mediante la Herramienta Powtoon con la finalidad de proponer estrategias didácticas dirigidas a los estudiantes de lengua y literatura de la Unidad Educativa General “Eloy Alfaro” del Cantón Chone del Ecuador. Se fundamentó desde el enfoque cuantitativo con tipología descriptiva. El diseño de las estrategias didácticas presentadas a los docentes, permiten pasar a una segunda fase de investigación en donde se aplique bajo el enfoque de aprender haciendo, situación que permitirá a los profesores, experimentar en sí mismos. Se propusieron estrategias didácticas basadas en la herramienta Powtoon, posibilitando el acercamiento de los docentes a encontrarse con una visión pedagógica en razón de propiciar el aprendizaje creativo en los estudiantes, proceso generador de la reflexión, análisis, comprensión, creación de nuevas ideas en razón de brindar respuestas a los diversas inquietudes sociales proyectadas desde el mundo global.
La Realidad Virtual como herramienta de innovación educativa
Authors: Toala-Palma Josefa Katiuska , Arteaga-Mera Jéssica Lourdes , Quintana-Loor Juana Maricela , Santana-Vergara María Isabel
Published: August 2020

La investigación de revisión tuvo como objetivo analizar la realidad virtual como herramienta de innovación educativa. Metodológicamente se desarrolló desde una tipología descriptiva – documental con diseño bibliográfico no experimental, aplicándose la técnica de análisis de contenido para la selección e interpretación de la información recopilada de revistas ubicadas en bases de datos como Scopus, WOS, Scielo, Latindex 2.0. El conocimiento escolar puede ser profundizado en la medida que se apoya en recursos tecnológicos, posibilitando un ejercicio pedagógico en consonancia con las tendencias actuales La realidad virtual en escenarios educativos, donde ha sida implementada, desencadena efectos positivos en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes, situación que conlleva a pesar en la necesidad de su implementación en el sistema educativo ecuatoriano, para lo cual, se requiere de inversión y adaptación de los espacios académicos para configurar un aprendizaje significativo desde la realidad virtual.
La responsabilidad social en las empresas camaroneras
Authors: Carreño-Godoy Mariuxi Jasmín , Erazo-Álvarez Juan Carlos , Narváez-Zurita Cecilia Ivonne , Moreno Verónica Paulina
Published: August 2020

El objetivo de la investigación es analizar la gestión de las empresas camaroneras en la provincia de El Oro bajo un marco de responsabilidad social (RS) que determine su competitividad. La investigación aplicada tiene un diseño metodológico no experimental. Los resultados obtenidos muestran el bajo cumplimiento de RS en ciertas empresas camaroneras, lo que evidencia que un mínimo grupo de ellas despliegan sus actividades generando un impacto ambiental negativo en protección al ecosistema, así como también un nivel medio de protección a sus colaboradores durante la manipulación de químicos durante la limpieza de piscinas. Como conclusión general, se destaca la importancia que se ha generado en las empresas camaroneras al realizar actividades e implementar sistemas desplegados en miras de cumplimiento de RS para determinar su competitividad a nivel internacional.
Estrategias de mediación y solución de conflictos para el sector industrial de pinturas
Authors: Calle-Abril David Ricardo , Erazo-Álvarez Juan Carlos , Narváez-Zurita Cecilia Ivonne
Published: August 2020

Las pequeñas y medianas empresas (pymes) son fuentes de empleo directo e indirecto, sin embargo, existe un problema en la comercialización, por negligencia en el servicio y entregas a destiempo, que generan constantes conflictos entre las partes involucradas (productor-consumidor. El presente estudio trata de establecer los motivos más importantes que causan el conflicto entre las pymes y los clientes; y su objetivo es estructurar las estrategias para la mediación y solución de conflictos para las pymes. La metodología es no experimental con alcance descriptivo. Los resultados reflejan en el cliente un bajo nivel de satisfacción, al mismo tiempo se presenta una solución óptima y eficiente a cada problema, para generar mayor confianza y mejorar el servicio al cliente, la empresa tiene un mercado consolidado, pero debe corregir su servicio para ganar más credibilidad y confianza.
Visión sistémica de la gestión del conocimiento en el sector financiero cooperativo
Authors: Cuello-Cojitambo José Darwin , Erazo-Álvarez Juan Carlos , Narváez-Zurita Cecilia Ivonne
Published: August 2020

Las empresas han puesto la mirada en sus fortalezas y las utiliza para apalancar el posicionamiento de marca, las ventas, la productividad y rentabilidad. Las entidades de servicios financieros se encuentran dentro del grupo de empresas orientadas a desarrollar un conocimiento colectivo para que su know how no desaparezca cuando un colaborador deja el equipo, por esta razón el presente artículo tiene como propósito investigar cómo se está manejando la gestión del conocimiento en la Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito Jardín Azuayo y si cuenta con las condiciones para aplicar planes de sucesión dentro de su estructura organizativa.  La investigación se ejecutó con un diseño no experimental con enfoque mixto, con análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo; aplicando técnicas de investigación como la encuesta dirigida a los empleados de la entidad y entrevistas a funcionarios de alto rango; cuyos resultados han permitido generar una propuesta de aplicación en la cooperativa.
Transparencia y efectividad en la ejecución presupuestaria y contratación pública en los gobiernos cantonales
Authors: Vaicilla-González María Magdalena , Narváez-Zurita Cecilia Ivonne , Erazo-Álvarez Juan Carlos , Torres-Palacios Mireya Magdalena
Published: August 2020

La  investigación tuvo por objetivo diseñar un plan de mejora de los procesos de contratación pública en el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado Cantonal de San José de Chimbo, para el mejoramiento de la transparencia y efectividad en la ejecución y control presupuestario. Fue de tipo descriptivo con un diseño no experimental. Entre los principales resultados se destaca la falta de comunicación interdepartamental y la descoordinación entre el plan operativo anual, plan anual de contratación y presupuesto, lo que ha ocasionado que la ejecución presupuestaria sea deficiente. Sin duda alguna, la investigación sobre los procesos de contratación pública resulta transcendental de cara a la mejora de la gestión pública para comprender el impacto que tiene sobre la situación financiera y presupuestaria de las entidades gubernamentales.