bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Typhoon Shelter Selection and Evacuee Allocation Model: A Case Study of Macao (SAR), China
Authors: Zhao Xiujuan , Du Peng , Chen Jianguo , Yu Dapeng , Xu Wei , Lou Shiyan , Yuan Hongyong , Ip Kuai Peng
Published: April 2020

Typhoon disaster represent one of the most prominent threats to public safety in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China and can cause severe economic losses and casualties. Prior to the landing of typhoons, affected people should be evacuated to shelters as soon as possible; this is crucial to prevent injuries and deaths. Various models aim to solve this problem, but the characteristics of disasters and evacuees are often overlooked. This study proposes a model based on the influence of a typhoon and its impact on evacuees. The model’s objective is to minimize the total evacuation distance, taking into account the distance constraint. The model is solved using the spatial analysis tools of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It is then applied in Macao to solve the evacuation process for Typhoon Mangkhut 2018. The result is an evacuee allocation plan that can help the government organize evacuation efficiently. Furthermore, the number of evacuees allocated to shelters is compared with shelter capacities, which can inform government shelter construction in the future.
The Effects of Energy Consumption and National Output on CO2 Emissions: New Evidence from OIC Countries Using a Panel ARDL Analysis
Authors: Shaari Mohd Shahidan , Abdul Karim Zulkefly , Zainol Abidin Noorazeela
Published: April 2020

The issue of energy has been debated among policymakers and economists. Energy plays an important role in generating economic activities. On the other hand, it can have deleterious impacts on the environment as more carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions will be released. Most previous studies focused on total energy rather than types of energy such as oil and gas in investigating the effects of energy consumption on CO2 emissions. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of oil and gas consumption rather than total energy consumption on CO2 emissions in 20 Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. The dynamic heterogeneous panel (panel autoregressive distributed lag model – panel ARDL) approach namely pooled mean group (PMG), mean group (MG), and dynamic fixed effect (DFE) were employed. The main results reveal that in the long run, overall national output contributes to higher environmental degradation. However, in the short run, overall national output does not affect CO2 emissions. The results also suggest that the population can reduce CO2 emissions in the short run but leaves no effect in the long run. Besides, gas consumption and oil consumption can have deleterious effects on the environment. The effect of oil consumption is greater than the effect of gas consumption on the environment. Therefore, it is important to consume more renewable energy such as solar, biodiesel, and hydro to replace non-renewable energy, particularly oil, in a bid to conserve the environment.
The Effective Type of Information Categorization in Online Curation Service Depending on Psychological Ownership
Authors: Seo Bong-Goon , Park Do-Hyung
Published: April 2020

With the development of the Internet, consumers can acquire a variety of information; however, as the amount of information continuously increases, it becomes difficult for consumers to make decisions. In this era of information overload, online curation services are emerging to help consumers choose the information they want. In these online services, information is grouped and classified according to certain criteria and presented to consumers. In this context, there are typical goal-derived and taxonomic categories in the method of structuring information. This study investigated the effect of category types on the categorization attitude of consumers according to their psychological ownership of online services. To this end, this study confirmed the interaction effect of category types (goal-derived vs. taxonomic) and the degree of psychological ownership (higher vs. lower). As a result, users with higher (as opposed to lower) psychological ownership of online curation services revealed a more effective attitude toward categorization in the goal-derived (as opposed to taxonomic) type. The results of this study suggest implications on how to structure information in consideration of the psychological state of consumers in an online context and are expected to be useful guidelines for practitioners such as service providers, marketers, and UX(User Experience)/UI(User Interface) designers.
The Price-Volume Relationship of the Shanghai Stock Index: Structural Change and the Threshold Effect of Volatility
Authors: Wang Panpan , Ho Tsungwu , Li Yishi
Published: April 2020

The price–volume relationship of stocks can be impacted substantially by structural changes and market volatility. In this paper, we analyze China’s stock market behavior and subsequent price–volume equation, with emphasis on two periods of market volatility and structural changes during 2007–2008 and 2015–2016. To account for the impacts of unknown volatility and time breaks, we embed the price–volume relationship into a vector autoregression (VAR) framework with structural breaks and volatility thresholds. Our results indicate that significant time-breaking effects exist and that the high-low volatility effects are substantial. Finally, in its entirety, we identify only a linear causal relationship from price to volume.
Forecasting the Environmental, Social, and Governance Rating of Firms by Using Corporate Financial Performance Variables: A Rough Set Approach
Authors: García Fernando , González-Bueno Jairo , Guijarro Francisco , Oliver Javier
Published: April 2020

The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rating of firms is a useful tool for stakeholders and investment decision-makers. This paper develops a rough set model to relate ESG scores to popular corporate financial performance measures. This methodology permits handling with information in an uncertain, ambiguous, and imperfect context. A large database was gathered, including ESG scores, as well as industry sector and financial variables for publicly traded European companies during the period 2013–2018. We carried out 500 simulations of the rough set model for different values in the discretization parameter and different grouping scenarios of firms regarding ESG scores. The results suggest that the variables considered are useful in the prediction of ESG rank when firms are clustered in three or four equally balanced groups. However, the prediction power vanishes when a larger number of groups is computed. This would suggest that industry sector and financial variables serve to find big differences across firms regarding ESG, but the significance of the model drops when small differences in ESG performance are scrutinized.
Contribution to the Analysis of Depopulation in Rural Areas of the Balkans: Case Study of the Municipality of Niksic, Montenegro
Authors: Mickovic Biljana , Mijanovic Dragica , Spalevic Velibor , Skataric Goran , Dudic Branislav
Published: April 2020

This paper analyses demographic trends and population decline of the rural area surrounding Niksic, Montenegro, from the second half of the 20th century to the first two decades of the 21st century. After World War II, industry in Niksic began to develop strongly. A large number of state enterprises started to operate, and the consequent industrialisation and improved living conditions triggered a wave of migration from the surrounding rural areas to Niksic. The paper describes the depopulation of rural areas and the causes and consequences of migration within the Municipality of Niksic based on an analysis of population movement and density, the rural and urban populations, and the age structure of the population. Transformations of the economy after 1990 indicate that the neglect of agriculture and the destruction of agricultural land are mistakes that will prove difficult to correct. The results of our research reveal that, today, revitalisation of the countryside is only possible if non-agricultural activities are brought to the area centres and the quality of life is improved in the villages, which would reduce unemployment in the city. A solid traffic infrastructure between individual settlements and their connection with the city is also necessary. Between 2003 and 2011, the agricultural population increased by 1.2%, which gives hope because agriculture is now being recognised as significant, and a movement for changing the inherited negative perception of it is being created. This research is addressed to the state and municipal administrations of the region with the message to implement responsible and timely measures to revitalise the countryside and stop the extinction of the villages.
Alternative Fuels for Combined Cycle Power Plants: An Analysis of Options for a Location in India
Authors: Marseglia Guido , Vasquez-Pena Blanca Fernandez , Medaglia Carlo Maria , Chacartegui Ricardo
Published: April 2020

The Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda of United Nations raises the need of clean and affordable energy. In the pathway for more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions, new alternative power technologies and energy sources are developed. Among these, the use of syngas fuels for electricity generation can be a viable alternative in areas with high biomass or coal availability. This paper presents the energy, environmental and economic analyses of a modern combined cycle plant with the aim to evaluate the potential for a combined power plant running with alternative fuels. The goal is to identify the optimal design in terms of operating conditions and its environmental impact. Two possible configurations are investigated in the power plant presented: with the possibility to export or not export steam. An economic analysis is proposed to assess the plant feasibility. The effect of the different components in its performance is assessed. The impact of using four different syngases as fuel is evaluated and compared with the natural gas fuelled power cycle. The results show that a better efficiency is obtained for the syngas 1 (up to 54%), in respect to the others. Concerning pollutant emissions, the syngas with a GHG impact and lower carbon dioxide (CO2) percentage is syngas 2.
Impact of Multi-Dimensional and Dynamic Distance on China’s Exports of Wooden Forest Products to Countries along the “Belt and Road”
Authors: Wu Tianbo , Zhang Bin , Cao Yukun , Sun Pingjun
Published: April 2020

National distance (ND) is the key factor that affects international trade but the traditional trade gravity model only considers spatial distance, which is not enough. This paper therefore constructs a trade gravity model and a Generalized Moment Estimation Model (GMM) based on four dimensions—spatial distance (SD), economic distance (ED), institutional distance (ID) and cultural distance (CD)—comprehensively analyzing the impact of the heterogeneity represented by national distance on exports of wooden forest products (EWFP) from China to countries along the “Belt and Road” using panel data from 2001 to2018. The results show that the impacts of the four types of ND on China’s EWFP are different and that a major change has taken place since the “Belt and Road” initiative was proposed, within which CD has become the key factor that hinders exports, while the traditional SD is not significant. Therefore, using NDs instead of the SD of the traditional trade gravity model is much more reasonable. Finally, this paper proposes some suggestions to reduce the ND between China and the route countries and to promote cooperation among them.
Evaluating Climate between Working Excellence and Organizational Innovation: What Comes First?
Authors: Bonacci Isabella , Mazzitelli Andrea , Morea Donato
Published: April 2020

This research introduces a new concept of organizational climate, seen as a "mediator", namely a factor liable to produce positive effects on both individual performances and on work processes and relations, thereby creating a favorable relationship between work excellence and organizational innovation. Health systems have been called to promote sustainability, as actors who work for the health and well-being of their patients. Starting from these considerations, this work shows the main results of a longitudinal study conducted in the pediatric department of a large hospital in southern Italy, for a period of three years (May 2014–May 2017). The reference survey was very broad because in the first step of the research a general questionnaire was adopted which included various aspects. Subsequently, the analysis of the influence of the “climate” factor was carried out according to a 3-dimensional scheme: structural, interpersonal/relational and individual. The focus was therefore set—especially in the second survey—on those indicators responding to the objective of the research and that were consistent with the epistemological choice made. The main scope was to verify the conditions according to which the organizational climate can emerge as a novel factor capable of siding with and orienting innovative patient-centered policies of human resources management.
Digital Facility Layout Planning
Authors: Peron Mirco , Fragapane Giuseppe , Sgarbossa Fabio , Kay Michael
Published: April 2020

In recent years, companies have increased their focus on sustainability to achieve environmental-friendly improvements, to manage pressures from society and regulations, and to attract customers that appreciate sustainability efforts. While companies have mainly aimed short-term/operational improvements, long-term improvements are difficult to reach. One of the fundamental, strategical decision-making processes for a company is facility layout planning. The layout of a facility can have a significant impact on daily operations. Aiming for the goal of sustainability, a dynamic layout decision-making process can support in achieving it. However, the technologies used currently enable only the design of a static layout due to the time-consuming operations involved. In this paper, the introduction of emerging technologies such as 3D mapping, Indoor Positioning System (IPS), Motion Capture System (MoCap), and Immersive Reality (IR) for dynamic layout planning are assessed and discussed. The results obtained clearly demonstrate that the usage of these technologies favor a reconfigurable layout, positively affecting all the three pillars constituting the sustainability concept: the costs involved are reduced, social aspects are improved, and the environment is safeguarded.
Twitter Social Network in University Teaching. Digital Innovation Strategy for Social Responsibility
Authors: Torres-Barzabal Luisa María , Martínez-Gimeno Almudena , Hermosilla-Rodríguez José Manuel
Published: April 2020

The incorporation of social networks in university teaching enables new communication channels and opens new channels for training meetings, which also provides a different dynamic to day-to-day teaching, promoting communication initiatives under social responsibility. This article presents an experience of digital innovation through the use of social networks, Twitter in particular. The overall objective of this innovation is to allow communication, to provide information and reflection as a learning tool, where the main reason for the existence of this community is the exchange and intercommunication of lessons related to the different subjects and to enable professional development. It is developed through eminently active pedagogical methods, considering the theory called connectivism. The results obtained corroborate the starting hypothesis that this teaching team had from the beginning, that a methodology enriched with the use of Twitter, a tool that allows complementing the content of the subjects and interacting with them without limitations of space and time, would increase and improve the process of teaching–learning.
Caring in, for, and with Nature: An Integrative Framework to Understand Green Care Practices
Authors: Moriggi Angela , Soini Katriina , Bock Bettina B. , Roep Dirk
Published: April 2020

Green Care practices have received increasing scholarly attention in the last decade. Yet most studies are concerned with the aspect of human well-being, with less attention given to other caring dimensions and their relation to sustainability. This paper aims to contribute to an integrative understanding of Green Care by proposing an analytical framework inspired by the ethics of care literature and, in particular, Tronto’s five stages of caring (about, for, with, giving, and receiving). The goal is to use a relational lens to appreciate the diverse caring practices and their potential in three Finnish cases studies—a care farm, a biodynamic farm, and a nature-tourism company. We apply the framework on data gathered during three years through an in-depth participatory action-oriented research. Findings show that: (a) Green Care practitioners share sustainability concerns that go beyond human well-being and that translate into practices with benefits for the target users, wider community, and ecosystems; (b) caring is a relational achievement attained through iterative processes of learning. Two concluding insights can be inferred: a care lens sheds light on practitioners’ moral agency and its sustainability potential; in-depth creative methods are needed for a thorough and grounded investigation of human and non-human caring relations in Green Care practices.
An Overview of Current Challenges in New Food Product Development
Authors: Azanedo Lucia , Garcia-Garcia Guillermo , Stone Jamie , Rahimifard Shahin
Published: April 2020

New product development (NPD) is essential for business success and growth. High- to medium-technology manufacturing sectors have introduced standard models. The adaptation of these systematic NPD procedures supported by appropriate decision support tools has provided significant benefits in production cost, product quality and supply chain availability. However, the challenges involved in NPD of food are rapidly increasing due to consumer demand for organic and healthy diets, in particular, more nutritious low-calorie food, and preference for customised and personalised food products. This has resulted in a proliferation of new varieties, types and shapes of food products that are constantly introduced. Most of these new products are developed based on company-specific ad hoc NPD procedures, within small to medium enterprises that form the biggest proportion of food producers in most developed countries. This highlights a need for further research into novel NPD methods and tools in the food sector. This communication provides an overview of the NPD processes, analyses their strengths and shortcomings and outlines critical missing capabilities for food manufacturers in specific.
APETx-Like Peptides from the Sea Anemone Heteractis crispa, Diverse in Their Effect on ASIC1a and ASIC3 Ion Channels
Authors: Kalina Rimma S. , Koshelev Sergey G. , Zelepuga Elena A. , Kim Natalia Y. , Kozlov Sergey A. , Kozlovskaya Emma P. , Monastyrnaya Margarita M. , Gladkikh Irina N.
Published: April 2020

Currently, five peptide modulators of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) attributed to structural class 1b of sea anemone toxins have been described. The APETx2 toxin is the first and most potent ASIC3 inhibitor, so its homologs from sea anemones are known as the APETx-like peptides. We have discovered that two APETx-like peptides from the sea anemone Heteractis crispa, Hcr 1b-3 and Hcr 1b-4, demonstrate different effects on rASIC1a and rASIC3 currents. While Hcr 1b-3 inhibits both investigated ASIC subtypes with IC50 4.95 ± 0.19 μM for rASIC1a and 17 ± 5.8 μM for rASIC3, Hcr 1b-4 has been found to be the first potentiator of ASIC3, simultaneously inhibiting rASIC1a at similar concentrations: EC50 1.53 ± 0.07 μM and IC50 1.25 ± 0.04 μM. The closest homologs, APETx2, Hcr 1b-1, and Hcr 1b-2, previously demonstrated the ability to inhibit hASIC3 with IC50 63 nM, 5.5, and 15.9 μM, respectively, while Hcr 1b-2 also inhibited rASIC1a with IC50 4.8 ± 0.3 μM. Computer modeling allowed us to describe the peculiarities of Hcr 1b-2 and Hcr 1b-4 interfaces with the rASIC1a channel and the stabilization of the expanded acidic pocket resulting from peptides binding which traps the rASIC1a channel in the closed state.
Numerical Modelling of Satellite Downlink Signals in a Finslerian-Perturbed Schwarzschild Spacetime
Authors: Abraham Ingo , Hasse Wolfgang , Plato Martin
Published: April 2020

The work presented in this paper aims to contribute to the problem of testing Finsler gravity theories by means of experiments and observations in the solar system. Within a class of spherically symmetric static Finsler spacetimes we consider a satellite with an on-board atomic clock, orbiting in the Finslerian-perturbed gravitational field of the earth, whose time signal is transmitted to a ground station, where its receive time and frequency are measured with respect to another atomic clock. This configuration is realized by the Galileo 5 and 6 satellites that have gone astray and are now on non-circular orbits. Our method consists in the numerical integration of the satellite’s orbit, followed by an iterative procedure which provides the numerically integrated signals, i.e., null geodesics, from the satellite to the ground station. One of our main findings is that for orbits that are considerably more eccentric than the Galileo 5 and 6 satellite orbits, Finslerian effects can be separated from effects of perturbations of the Schwarzschild spacetime within the Lorentzian geometry. We also discuss the separation from effects of non-gravitational perturbations. This leads us to the conclusion that observations of this kind combined with appropriate numerical modelling can provide suitable tests of Finslerian modifications of general relativity.
Reverse Genetics System for Shuni Virus, an Emerging Orthobunyavirus with Zoonotic Potential
Authors: Oymans Judith , Wichgers Schreur Paul J. , van Oort Sophie , Vloet Rianka , Venter Marietjie , Pijlman Gorben P. , van Oers Monique M. , Kortekaas Jeroen
Published: April 2020

The genus Orthobunyavirus (family Peribunyaviridae, order Bunyavirales) comprises over 170 named mosquito- and midge-borne viruses, several of which cause severe disease in animals or humans. Their three-segmented genomes enable reassortment with related viruses, which may result in novel viruses with altered host or tissue tropism and virulence. One such reassortant, Schmallenberg virus (SBV), emerged in north-western Europe in 2011. Shuni virus (SHUV) is an orthobunyavirus related to SBV that is associated with neurological disease in horses in southern Africa and recently caused an outbreak manifesting with neurological disease and birth defects among ruminants in Israel. The zoonotic potential of SHUV was recently underscored by its association with neurological disease in humans. We here report a reverse genetics system for SHUV and provide first evidence that the non-structural (NSs) protein of SHUV functions as an antagonist of host innate immune responses. We furthermore report the rescue of a reassortant containing the L and S segments of SBV and the M segment of SHUV. This novel reverse genetics system can now be used to study SHUV virulence and tropism, and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that drive reassortment events.
Rainstorm Magnitude Likely Regulates Event Water Fraction and Its Transit Time in Mesoscale Mountainous Catchments: Implication for Modelling Parameterization
Authors: Lee Jun-Yi , Shih Yu-Ting , Lan Chiao-Ying , Lee Tsung-Yu , Peng Tsung-Ren , Lee Cheing-Tung , Huang Jr-Chuan
Published: April 2020

Event water transit time estimation has rarely been done for violent rainstorms (e.g., typhoons) in steep and fractured mountainous catchments where the range of transit time, potential controlling factors, and the validity of time-invariant parametrization are unclear. Characterized by steep landscape and torrential typhoon rainfall, Taiwan provides great opportunities for inquiring into the above questions. In this study, the hydrometrics and δ18O in rainwater and streamwater were sampled with a ~3-h interval for six typhoon events in two mesoscale catchments. The TRANSEP (transfer function hydrograph separation) model and global sensitivity analysis were applied for estimating mean transit time (MTTew) and fraction (Few) of event water and identifying the chronosequent parameter sensitivity. Results showed that the MTTew and Few varied from 2.0 to 11.0 h and from 0.2 to 0.8, respectively. Our MTTew in the mesoscale catchments is comparable with that in microscale catchments, showing a fast rainfall-runoff transfer in our steep catchments. The average rainfall intensity is a predominant indicator, which negatively affects the MTTew and positively affects the Few, likely activating preferential flow-paths and quickly transferring event water to the stream. Sensitivity analysis among inter- and intra-events demonstrates that parameter sensitivity is event-dependent and time-variant. A quick and massive subsurface flow without distinct mixing with groundwater would be triggered during large rainstorms, suggesting that time-variant parameterization should be particularly considered when estimating the MTTew in steep and fractured catchments at rainstorm scale.
Removal Efficiencies of Manganese and Iron Using Pristine and Phosphoric Acid Pre-Treated Biochars Made from Banana Peels
Authors: Kim Hyunjoon , Ko Ryun-Ah , Lee Sungyun , Chon Kangmin
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study was to compare the removal efficiencies of manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) using pristine banana peel biochar (BPB) and phosphoric acid pre-treated biochars (PBPB) derived from banana peels. The removal efficiencies of Mn and Fe were investigated under different adsorbent dosages (0.4–2 g L−1), temperatures (15–45 °C), and ionic strengths (0–0.1 M), and were directly correlated to the differences in physicochemical properties of BPB and PBPB, to identify the removal mechanisms of heavy metals by adsorption processes. The removal of Mn by PBPB obeyed the Freundlich isotherm model while the removal of Mn and Fe by BPB followed the Langmuir isotherm model. However, the removal of Fe by PBPB followed both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. The removal efficiencies of Mn and Fe by BPB and PBPB increased with increasing temperatures and decreased with increasing ionic strengths. PBPB more effectively removed Mn and Fe compared to BPB due to its higher content of oxygen-containing functional groups (O/C ratio of PBPB = 0.45; O/C ratio of BPB = 0.01), higher surface area (PBPB = 27.41 m2 g−1; BPB = 11.32 m2 g−1), and slightly greater pore volume (PBPB = 0.03 cm3 g−1; BPB = 0.027 cm3 g−1). These observations clearly show that phosphoric acid pre-treatment can improve the physicochemical properties of biochar prepared from banana peels, which is closely related to the removal of heavy metals by adsorption processes.
Can Borehole Heat Exchangers Trigger Cross-Contamination between Aquifers?
Authors: Casasso Alessandro , Ferrantello Natalia , Pescarmona Simone , Bianco Carlo , Sethi Rajandrea
Published: April 2020

Borehole heat exchangers (BHEs) commonly reach depths of several tens of meters and cross different aquifers. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of boreholes to act as preferential pathways for contaminant transport among aquifers (cross-contamination). This article employs numerical modelling of contaminant transport in the subsurface to address these concerns. A common hydrogeological setup is simulated, composed of three layers: A shallow contaminated and a deep uncontaminated aquifer separated by an aquitard, all crossed by a permeable borehole. The hydraulic conductivity of the borehole and, to a lesser extent, the vertical hydraulic gradient between the aquifers are the key factors of cross-contamination. Results of the numerical simulations highlight that, despite the severe conditions hypothesized in our modelling study, the cross-contamination due to the borehole is negligible when filled with a slightly permeable material such as a geothermal grout properly mixed and injected. A good agreement was found with analytical formulas used for estimating the flow rate leaking through the borehole and for studying the propagation of leaked contaminant into the deep aquifer.
A New Look at Storm Separation Technique in Estimation of Probable Maximum Precipitation in Mountainous Areas
Authors: Liao Yifan , Lin Bingzhang , Chen Xiaoyang , Ding Hui
Published: April 2020

Storm separation is a key step when carrying out storm transposition analysis for Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) estimation in mountainous areas. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has recommended the step-duration-orographic-intensification-factor (SDOIF) method since 2009 as an effective storm separation technique to identify the amounts of precipitation caused by topography from those caused by atmospheric dynamics. The orographic intensification factors (OIFs) are usually developed based on annual maximum rainfall series under such assumption that the mechanism of annual maximum rainfalls is close to that of the PMP-level rainfall. In this paper, an alternative storm separation technique using rainfall quantiles, instead of annual maximum rainfalls, with rare return periods estimated via Regional L-moments Analysis (RLMA) to calculate the OIFs is proposed. Based on Taiwan’s historical 4- and 24-h precipitation data, comparisons of the OIFs obtained from annual maximum rainfalls with that from extreme rainfall quantiles at different return periods, as well as the PMP estimates of Hong Kong from transposing the different corresponding separated nonorographic rainfalls, were conducted. The results show that the OIFs obtained from rainfall quantiles with certain rare probabilities are more stable and reasonable in terms of stability and spatial distribution pattern.
Photocatalytic Evaluation of Ag2CO3 for Ethylparaben Degradation in Different Water Matrices
Authors: Petala Athanasia , Nasiou Athanasia , Mantzavinos Dionissios , Frontistis Zacharias
Published: April 2020

The present study examines the photocatalytic properties of silver carbonate (Ag2CO3) for ethyl paraben (EP) degradation under simulated solar irradiation. Ag2CO3 was prepared according to a solution method and its physicochemical characteristics were studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Complete EP (0.5 mg/L) removal was achieved after 120 min of irradiation with the use of 750 mg/L Ag2CO3 in ultrapure water (UPW), with EP degradation following pseudo-first-order kinetics. The effect of several experimental parameters was investigated; increasing catalyst concentration from 250 mg/L to 1000 mg/L led to an increase in EP removal, while increasing EP concentration from 0.25 mg/L to 1.00 mg/L slightly lowered kapp from 0.115 min−1 to 0.085 min−1. Experiments carried out with the use of UV or visible cut-off filters showed sufficient EP degradation under visible irradiation. A series of experiments were performed in real water matrices such as bottled water (BW) and wastewater (WW), manifesting Ag2CO3’s equally high photocatalytic activity for EP degradation. To interpret these results different concentrations of inorganic anions (bicarbonate 100–500 mg/L, chloride 100–500 mg/L) present in aqueous media, as well as 10 mg/L organic matter in the form of humic acid (HA), were added sequentially in UPW. Results showed accelerating effects on EP degradation for the lowest concentrations tested in all cases.
Shared decision making about blood tests: secondary analysis of video-recorded primary care consultations
Authors: Martin Jessica E , Watson Jessica , Barnes Rebecca K
Published: April 2020

Background

Awareness of the importance of shared decision making (SDM) is widespread; however, little research has focused on discussions surrounding investigations, despite increasing laboratory testing in primary care.

Aim

To explore the discussion of blood tests in routine primary care consultations.

Design and setting

A secondary analysis of 50 video-recorded routine primary care consultations, linked surveys, and records data (all from the One in a Million [OiaM] archive). The consultations were taken by 22 GPs across 12 practices.

Method

A coding scheme was developed, using qualitative content analysis, to explore discussion of blood tests in transcripts of recorded consultations. Codes focused on instigating testing, the extent of SDM, and how results were explained. Survey data were used to compare patients’ pre-visit expectations with consultation content. Medical records were reviewed to compare tests discussed with those ordered.

Results

In 36 out of 50 consultations that discussed ordering blood tests, 11 patients (31%) hinted that they wanted a blood test; however, none asked explicitly. Only four patients (11%) were offered alternative options. In 29 cases (81%) the GP gave some explanation of the indication, but only in six cases (17%) were the limitations of testing explained. Only 10 out of 31 patients (32%) were informed about all blood tests ordered. Of the 23 out of 50 consultations in which results were conveyed, the GP gave no explanation of the results in six cases (26%). Thirteen patients (57%) were only informed of an assessment of the results (for example, ‘normal’), rather than the actual results.

Conclusion

A lack of information dissemination and SDM exists around ordering tests and conveying results. Promoting SDM could reduce unnecessary testing and improve patient-centred care.
ANALISIS KESULITAN BELAJAR SISWA DALAM MEMPELAJARI ALJABAR PADA KELAS VIII SMP NEGERI 2 KERINCI
Authors: Rukhmana Trisna
Published: April 2020

This study aims to determine the location of the difficulties that cause difficulties in learning algebra in class VIII SMP Negeri 2 Kerinci. This study uses a qualitative method with a population of all eighth-grade students of SMP Negeri 2 Kerinci. The sample of this study was 9 students of class VIII A and 9 students of class VIII B selected through sampling techniques. The sampling technique used is using a nonprobability sampling technique that is a purposive sample. Data obtained from tests and interviews. The data analysis technique is data reduction and data presentation.
Nonlinear Optimization of Orthotropic Steel Deck System Based on Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Huang Wei , Pei Minshan , Liu Xiaodong , Yan Chuang , Wei Ya
Published: April 2020

The steel bridge deck system, directly subjected to the vehicle load, is an important component to be considered in the optimization design of the bridges. Due to its complex structure, the design parameters are coupled with each other, and many fatigue details in the system result in time-consuming calculation during structure optimization. In view of this, a nonlinear optimization method based on the response surface methodology (RSM) is proposed in this study to simplify the design process and to reduce the amount of calculations during optimization. The optimization design of the steel bridge deck system with two-layer pavement on the top of the steel deck plate is taken as an example, the influence of eight structural parameters is considered. The Box-Behnken design is used to construct a sample space in which the eight structural parameters can be distributed evenly to reduce the calculation workload. The finite element method is used to model the mechanical responses of the steel bridge deck system. From the regression analysis by the RSM, the explicit relationships between the fatigue details and the design parameters can be obtained, based on which the nonlinear optimization design of the bridge deck system is conducted. The influence of constraint functions, objective functions, and optimization algorithms is also analyzed. The method proposed in this study is capable of considering the influence of different structural parameters and different optimization objectives according to the actual needs, which will effectively simplify the optimization design of the steel bridge deck system.
Investigation of Community Perceptions of a New Higher Education Institute in Rural Rwanda
Authors: Kimilu Claire , Rujema Diana , Kalibbala Joseph , Logan Jenae , Wong Rex
Published: April 2020

Background: The community perceptions, experiences, and expectations concerning a new rural university were examined to give insight into the role of higher education institutions in optimizing positive community engagement and social development in rural contexts.

Methods: Five focus group discussions were conducted with community members.

Results: While most participants acknowledged UGHE as an educational institution focusing on the delivery of medical care within rural and vulnerable settings and expressed pride, they also perceived UGHE as a foreign and expensive institution and were uncertain of financial implications. Those displaced by campus construction also felt exploited. Participants did not have accurate information about the university and generally welcome more interactions.
Analisis Kapasitas Tampung pada Lahan Basah Sei Kelik Ketapang
Authors: Wibowo Hari
Published: April 2020

Wetlands have a very important role for humans and the environment. The function of wetlands as a support for human life, among others, water sources, a variety of habitats for living things, controlling floods, and drought. One of the wetlands in the Kelik river, Ketapang Regency. This wetland has an area of 2600 ha. The land is now a conservation area, with cultivation rights. The existing problem, namely, the land is the residual combustion that occurred in 2015 and is always flooded with water and the need for an existing drainage system on the land. Land needs to be managed properly in water management. Efforts to manage conservation areas so as not to experience drought, which results in fires, which will threaten land conservations. Methods for dealing with drainage systems by utilizing existing ditches or drains. Drainage design using hydrological and hydraulic studies. The method used in determining the flood discharge plan is based on the need for drainage modulus and the area of the ArcGIS software aid sub-area. The results of the study indicate the need to improve the existing channel. Repair through efforts to deepen the trenches and hold widening or normalization. Also, the depth of the new channel is needed to make an automatic door so that the water can be grounded to maintain the availability of water in the ground.
ASPERSIONES DE INSECTICIDAS EN CAMPO PARA CONTROLAR LA ESCAMA BLANCA DEL MANGO (HEMIPTERA: DIASPIDIDAE)
Authors: Urías-López Mario A. , Hernández-Fuentes Luis M. , Osuna-García Jorge A. , Pérez-Barraza M. Hilda , García-Álvarez N. Carolina , González-Carrillo Jesús A.
Published: April 2020

Ante la amplia distribución y los daños que produce en Nayarit la escama blanca del mango (EBM) Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead, se establecieron seis experimentos en condiciones de campo durante los años de 2004 a 2007. El objetivo fue evaluar la eficacia biológica de productos con propiedades insecticidas contra la EBM, como posibles opciones para el control de la plaga. Los estudios se realizaron en huertos comerciales de mango ‘Ataulfo’ y ‘Haden’ situados en Las Varas y Atonalisco, Nayarit. Se evaluaron varias dosis de cuatro insecticidas sintéticos, dos detergentes comerciales, aceite mineral (citrolina), mezclas de citrolina más malatión y un concentrado comercial de ajo. Las variables fueron: número de hembras, colonias de machos y total de individuos por hoja. Con las mezclas de citrolina (50 mL L-1) + malatión (1.11 mL L-1 o 2.22 mL L-1), se obtuvo hasta 98.3 % y 100 % de control de escamas, respectivamente. Las aspersiones de piriproxifeno (0.3 mL L-1) o dimetoato (2.0 mL L-1), controlaron el 100 % de la EBM. Con el aceite mineral (citrolina) aplicado a dosis de 50 mL L-1 o 75 mL L-1, el máximo control de escamas fue 91.3 % y 97.5 %, respectivamente.Con los detergentes comerciales Roma® y Ariel® (20 g L-1) se lograron los mejores controles durante la primera semana con 75.5 % y 55.3 %, respectivamente. Los resultados con cipermetrina a 0.24 y 0.36 mL L-1, y con el producto a base de ajo fueron inconsistentes.
EFECTO DE LA DENSIDAD DE POBLACIÓN EN LA CALIDAD DEL GRANO, NIXTAMAL Y TORTILLA DE HÍBRIDOS DE MAÍZ DE ALTA CALIDAD PROTEÍNICA
Authors: Vázquez-Carrillo Ma. Gricelda , Mejía-Andrade Hugo , Salinas-Moreno Yolanda , Santiago-Ramos David
Published: April 2020

Aquí se estudió el efecto de la densidad de población en la calidad comercial y proteínica del grano y las tortillas de tres híbridos de maíz (Zea mays L.), dos de alta calidad proteínica (ACP) desarrollados para los Valles Altos de México (‘H-143C’ y ‘H-149C’), y un testigo no ACP (‘Promesa’), cultivados a densidades de 67 000 y 80 000 plantas ha-1. La calidad comercial y la composición química de los híbridos ACP fueron afectadas por la densidad de plantación y su interacción con el genotipo. El manejo del cultivo con 67 000 plantas ha-1 permitió la producción de maíces ACP con calidad para las industrias de la masa y la tortilla. El híbrido ‘H-143C’ mostró una calidad semejante en las dos densidades de población estudiadas, mientras que el ‘H-149C’ sembrado a 80 000 plantas ha-1 produjo granos de endospermo suaves, con bajo contenido de proteína (8.6 %) y triptófano (0.73 %). Los maíces ACP presentaron una mejor calidad proteínica en comparación con el testigo no ACP. Con los híbridos ACP cultivados a bajas densidades se elaboraron las tortillas recién hechas más blancas y más suaves que el testigo. Los dos híbridos ACP cultivados con 67 000 planta ha-1 son una excelente alternativa para los industriales de la masa-tortilla, ya que se elaboran tortillas con mejor calidad comercial y proteínica que las del maíz testigo no ACP ‘Promesa’.
ESTABLECIMIENTO DEL PASTO ‘CT-115’ (Pennisetum purpureum) EN UNA ZONA SEMIÁRIDA DEL NORESTE DE MÉXICO
Authors: Nava-Cabello José J. , Gutiérrez-Ornelas Erasmo , Zavala-García Francisco , Olivares-Sáenz Emilio , Elías-Treviño José , Bernal-Barragán Hugo , Herrera-García Rafael S.
Published: April 2020

El objetivo del experimento fue evaluar el efecto de dos densidades (17 850 y 11 350 plantas/ha) y cuatro fechas de siembra (julio, agosto, septiembre y octubre de 2009) en el establecimiento del pasto Pennisetum purpureum cv. ‘CT-115’. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar con parcelas divididas con dos repeticiones de las parcelas grandes en donde estuvieron asignadas las fechas de siembra; las densidades de siembra fueron asignadas al azar a subparcelas dentro de cada parcela grande. Se muestrearon aleatoriamente siete plantas por unidad experimental para estimar las proporciones de hojas, tallos y material muerto; la relación hoja:tallo; los porcentajes de materia seca (MS) de tallo, número de tallos/planta; y el rendimiento de MS (g m-2). Se registraron datos de temperatura y precipitación. En el mes de mayo del 2010, se evaluó el grado de establecimiento del pasto. Las heladas (-6 oC) ocurridas durante dos días consecutivos en enero de 2010 no afectaron el establecimiento del pasto ‘CT-115’, ya que rebrotó plenamente en abril ). La densidad de siembra influyó (P ≤ 0.05) en la proporción de material muerto el cual fue de 15.8 vs. 11.4 % para las densidades de siembra de 17 850 y 11 350 plantas/ha, respectivamente, pero no afectó (P > 0.05) al rendimiento de materia seca. Hubo menor porcentaje de MS en tallo en las plantas sembradas en julio y agosto que en las sembradas en fechas posteriores; así mismo, la proporción de hoja fue mayor (P ≤ 0.05) en esos primeros dos meses (57.7 y 58.5 %; respectivamente). La relación hoja:tallo y el número de tallos/planta fueron también mayores (P ≤ 0.05) en las dos primeras fechas de siembra. Se concluye que la producción de materia seca no fue afectada por la densidad y la fecha de siembra, y que las dos heladas de enero 2010 no afectaron el establecimiento del pasto ‘CT-115’, a pesar de su origen tropical.
The Presence and Distribution of Nosemosis Disease in Turkey
Authors: TOSUN Onur , BEKİRCAN Çağrı , BAKİ Hilal
Published: April 2020

Nosemosis is one of the most important bee diseases causing economic losses in beekeeping, which is one of the significant reasons for Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) in the world. Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae, the microsporidian species, are the main causative agents of Nosemosis in honey bees worldwide. This disease causes digestive system disorders, a decrease in the average life of bees and colony losses. In this review, the general characteristics of Nosemosis disease, and information about the situation in Turkey are given.
The Influence of Managerial Orientation in Decision-Making Processes
Authors: Rusdianto Rusdianto
Published: April 2020

This research aims to examine managerial preferences in the resource allocation process. This research used an experimental method to test whether resource availability, stakeholder claims, and managers’ affiliations to stockholders can influence the decision-making process of resource allocation. The results show that resource availability, stakeholder claims, and managers’ affiliation could influence the resource allocation process. The results of the research contribute to several things. The first is to show that stakeholder theory can test managerial preferences at the individual level. Secondly, the resources distribution is influenced by behavioral factors associated with normative stakeholder theory.
СУЧАСНИЙ СТАН РОЗВИНЕНОСТІ ТВОРЧОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ МАЙБУТНІХ ХУДОЖНИТКІВ ДЕКОРАТИВНО- ПРИКЛАДНОГО МИСТЕЦТВА
Authors: Полтавець Наталія
Published: April 2020

У публікації висвітлено сучасний стан розвиненості творчого потенціалу майбутніх художників декоративно-прикладного мистецтва в процесі вивчення фахових дисциплін у закладах вищої освіти. На основі використання методів анкетування, узагальнення, систематизації, зіставлення, аналізу виконаних навчальних та навчально-творчих робіт студентів І курсу, висвітлено результати дослідження сучасного стану розвиненості творчого потенціалу майбутніх художників декоративно-прикладного мистецтва у Київській державній академії декоративно-прикладного мистецтва і дизайну імені Михайла Бойчука. З метою отримання об’єктивних відомостей анкетування, нами враховувалась і порівнювалась думка майбутніх художників декоративно-прикладного мистецтва з думкою експертів. В якості експертів було залучено 17 викладачів фахових дисциплін, що є професійними художниками, членами Національної спілки художників України, що мають почесні звання заслужених і народних художників, діячів мистецтв України. Порівняння отриманих даних уможливлює висновок про те, що думка майбутніх художників декоративно-прикладного мистецтва щодо їхнього рівня розвиненості творчого потенціалу дещо завищена. Експерти наголошують, що студенти не володіють необхідними професійними професійно-художніми знаннями, вміннями і навичками, не мають достатньої художньо-творчої мотивації  та творчої активності. Проведене дослідження щодо аналізу сучасного стану розвиненості творчого потенціалу майбутніх художників декоративно-прикладного мистецтва свідчить про його низький рівень, що негативно впливає на якість професійної навчально-творчої діяльності в закладі вищої освіти.

Ключові слова: творчий потенціал, творча діяльність, майбутні художники декоративно-прикладного мистецтва.