bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indicadores de sustentabilidade em empresas certificadas pela ISO 14.001 do setor de resíduos sólidos
Authors: Souza Giovanna Cristina de , Candiani Giovano
Published: January 2021

O objetivo do trabalho foi caracterizar os indicadores de sustentabilidade utilizados pelas empresas do setor de resíduos sólidos no Estado de São Paulo, certificadas pela norma ISO 14.001 para monitoramento do desempenho ambiental de seus Sistemas de Gestão Ambiental. O método de pesquisa baseou-se em uma revisão sistemática da literatura, pesquisa documental, identificação das empresas certificadas, caracterização e análise dos indicadores de sustentabilidade utilizados por estas empresas. Os principais resultados foram: (i) identificou-se 46 empresas do setor de resíduos sólidos no estado de São Paulo, sendo que 23 empresas (50%) são certificadas e destas, 15 (65%) apresentam a certificação pela norma ISO 14.001, (ii) as empresas SOLVÍ e ESTRE se destacam pelo número de certificações e são as únicas, que apresentam relatórios de sustentabilidade, permitindo verificar o uso dos indicadores de sustentabilidade e (iii) verificou-se que alguns indicadores de sustentabilidade utilizados por estas empresas, constam da metodologia GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), podendo servir de base para as discussões iniciais, em relação ao uso dos indicadores de sustentabilidade nas empresas do setor de resíduos sólidos, porém ainda existem muitos desafios para a implantação de sistemas de avaliação de desempenho ambiental e de sustentabilidade nas empresas do setor.
Comunicación grupal en Whatsapp para el aprendizaje colaborativo en la coyuntura COVID-19
Authors: Montenegro Díaz Denis José
Published: January 2021

En medio del estado sui-generis que vive el mundo con la pandemia del coronavirus (COVID-19), los grupos de conversación en WhatsApp han adquirido importancia significativa en el campo de la educación superior universitaria con un impulso notable al desarrollo del aprendizaje colaborativo entre estudiantes y docentes para el intercambio de mensajes educativos compartidos y contenidos de interés común de una clase.
COVID-19 La transformación de la educación en el Ecuador mediante la inclusión de herramientas tecnológicas para un aprendizaje significativo
Authors: Rojas Londoño Orlando David , Díaz Mora José Luis
Published: January 2021

El COVID-19 ha provocado cambios sustanciales en todas las aristas sociales, al generar en las personas una obligación al cambio desde lo humano, lo económico y lo cultural, siendo el sector educativo uno de los que se vieron más afectados. En este sector, los docentes se vieron obligados a trasladar sus contenidos, metodologías y estrategias pedagógicas de lo presencial a lo virtual, lo que ha traído transformaciones en la educación mediante la inclusión de herramientas tecnológicas para un aprendizaje significativo, que pretende dinamizar el proceso de enseñanza para fomentar en los estudiantes la generación de su propio conocimiento y el convertirse en un ente activo.
Adoption of a multiple use water system (MUWS) to ensure water security for Nepalese hill farmers
Authors: Raut Nani , Shakya Aashna , Gurung Smriti , Dahal Bed Mani
Published: January 2021

Multiple use water system (MUWS) is an approach to water services planning and design of new and rehabilitated systems. It is informed by input on people's multiple water uses, reuses, and needs at their preferred sites within communities. Although MUWS has been implemented in different parts of Nepal to address water security, the motivating factors in adoption of MUWS have not been previously clear. To better understand farmers' interests, the socio-economic context, and severity of water scarcity problems, we analyzed determinant factors in adoption of MUWS related to the extent of area under vegetable production in Annapurna rural municipality of Kaski district. We surveyed 150 households and conducted eight key informant interviews. A binary logistic regression model showed that five variables, namely: households sharing a tap, water tariff, water volume used, availability of a water storage system, and water sufficiency during the dry season have significant positive influences on the adoption of MUWS. In contrast, two variables, namely: caste and access to water have significant negative influences on the adoption behavior of farmers. Likewise, the linear regression model showed agricultural crops grown, total landholdings, and water quality influenced the extent of vegetable production. Thus the socio-economic condition, access to resources and the institution affect the adoption behavior of farmers. Agriculture policy intervention at provincial/national level should highlight the importance of adoption of MUWS and its benefit in terms of securing water, economy and food in a changing climate.
Size and resin fractionations of dissolved organic matter and characteristics of disinfection by-product precursors in a pilot-scale constructed wetland
Authors: Pi Jiachang , Zhu Guangcan , Liu Lianqing , Wang Chuya , Yang Zhonglian
Published: January 2021

Controlling the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) is a major issue in the drinking water industry, and understanding the characteristics of DBP precursors in treatment processes for micro-polluted raw water is key to improving water quality. In this study, a sampling program was undertaken to investigate the fate of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and the characteristics of DBP precursors in a pilot constructed wetland imitating the Yanlong Lake ecological project. Using XAD resin adsorption and ultrafiltration techniques, the dissolved organic carbon, UV254, and DBP formation potential (DBPFP) were measured in different DOM fractions in raw water and wetland effluents. After the constructed wetland treatment, the low molecular weight fraction (<3 kDa) of DOM and DBPFP generally showed a decreasing trend along the water path, while the high molecular weight fraction (>3 kDa) of DOM increased. The specific DBPFP (SDBPFP) was much higher in the <1 kDa fraction than in the other fractions. Although the hydrophobic fraction of DOM was the most abundant in all stages of the wetland treatment, the SDBPFP of the hydrophilic fraction was higher than that of the hydrophobic fraction. Furthermore, compared with raw water, the DOC, UV254 and DBPFP in the treated wetland effluents increased; however, all of the chemical DOM fractions exhibited decreased SDBPFP in accordance with a decrease in the specific ultraviolet absorbance during wetland treatment. These conclusions indicate that the DOM produced by the wetland system may generate DBPs less readily compared with the DOM of raw water.
Influence of water quality on the diversity of macroinvertebrates in the Mandakini River in India
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Kumari Rama , Prasad Chandi , Deep Akash , Singh Neetu , Namtak Stanzin , Tiwari Vijayta , Merugu Ramchander , Mohapatra Swati , Singh Ravindra
Published: January 2021

This research work was carried out from July 2018 to June 2019. WQI method was utilized to examine the seasonal changes in water quality that can indicate the potential use of water in the future. Water samples were tested from three locations along the Mandakini River. Fourteen physical and chemical parameters were analyzed. All water quality parameters were inside the admissible furthest reaches of the WHO for drinking water except turbidity, especially in the monsoon season. Twelve taxa of macroinvertebrates (Philopotamus sp., Laptophlebia sp., Isoperla sp., Diploperla sp., Tabanus sp., Hydropsyche sp., Baetis sp., Glossosoma sp., Heptagenia sp., Ephemerella sp., Psephenus sp., and Protandrous sp.) were identified in the Mandakini River. The fundamental goal of this investigation was to evaluate the seasonal effects on benthic macroinvertebrate diversity from the physicochemical variables of the Mandakini River. The study also affirmed that tourist-generated waste disposal and poisonous and dangerous chemicals from farming are the key components liable for the deterioration of water quality during the monsoon season.
Water quota system in China: problems and countermeasures
Authors: Zhao Ziyang , Wang Hongrui , Gong Shuxin , Wang Cheng
Published: January 2021

Water resources are the foundation of economic development, social progress and ecological security, and water shortage is the primary problem facing China. Water quotas have great practical significance for the resolution of water shortages to achieve sustainable use of water resources and sustainable development of the national economy. In this study, to analyse the problems and countermeasures of the water quota system in China, the water quota system progress domestically and abroad, the water quota problem in China, and the countermeasures for the water quota problem are summarized. The data validity test, spatial correlation test and consistency test are used to test the rationality of water use quota. And the specific countermeasures are presented: improving the water quota system, defining its concept, and revising its scheme, etc. This study provides the support to standardize water quotas and implement the effective water conservation policies of China.
Synergistic photocatalytic activity of a combination of carbon nanotubes-graphene-nickel foam nanocomposites enhanced by dielectric barrier discharge plasma technology for water purification
Authors: Xu Qihui , Fang Shuaikang , Chen Yin , Park Jae Kwang , Pan Chao , Shen Yongjun , Zhu Na , Wu Huifang
Published: January 2021

Degradation activity of plasma catalysis between dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) and carbon nanotubes-graphene-nickel foam (CNTs-G-Nif) has been studied in treatment of dye wastewater. CNTs-G-Nif was prepared through a two-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approach. The composite has been characterized by different techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. SEM results showed that the Nif as the growth substrate was evenly wrapped by G and then CNTs were successfully grown on G as the support. The growth mechanism of composite was proposed. The possible coupled catalytic mechanism between DBD and CNTs-G-Nif were addressed. In addition, the modification on G-Nif was found by SEM during the discharge process in liquid phase. And the modification mechanism of DBD plasma (DBDP) acting on composites was discussed. Finally, by means of analyses of ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), the general degradation pathway and stepwise degradation pathways of alizarin green (AG) were proposed in detail.
Epidemiological Aspects of Dietary Supplement use among Saudi Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Abdel-Salam Doaa M. , Alruwaili Jumanah M. , Alshalan Raghad A. , Alruwaili Taghreed A. , Alanazi Shrouq A. , Lotfy Alshimaa M. Mohamed
Published: January 2021

Background:

Dietary supplement use received wide attention and interest throughout the world, particularly in Gulf countries, because of advanced economic and industrial growth.

Objective:

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of dietary supplement use among medical students at Jouf University, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

For this cross-sectional study, an anonymous self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed among medical students at Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. Out of the 381 medical students, 366 answered the questionnaire with a response rate of 96%. Analysis of data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program, version 24. Statistical significance was considered at P values <0.05.

Results:

Regarding the prevalence of dietary supplement use, 36.3% (n=133) and 29.5% (n=108) of the respondents were previous and current users of dietary supplements, respectively. Multivitamins and vitamin D were the most prevalent dietary supplements used by the participants. The students reported that the internet was the main source of knowledge concerning dietary supplements. The significant predictors of dietary supplement use in the logistic regression analysis were: age >21 years (odds ratio (OR): 3.26; confidence interval (CI): 1.67-10.53), females sex (odds ratio (OR): 2.23; confidence interval (CI): 2.34-6.84), and being in the third academic year or more (odds ratio (OR): 2.58; confidence interval (CI): 1.82-5.37). The most reported reasons for utilizing dietary supplements were nutritional supplementation and health promotion. Nearly three-quarters of the students agreed that dietary supplementation is good for health and recommended others to use them after doctor recommendation.

Conclusion:

Dietary supplement use was remarkably high among medical students at Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. Consumption of dietary supplements increased significantly among older students, females, and those in the third academic year or more. This study recommends other studies involving students from non-health domain colleges to detect if there is a difference in the prevalence of dietary supplement use within this population.
Research on the Method and Application of MapReduce in Mobile Track Big Data Mining
Authors: Liang Shaoyu
Published: January 2021

Background:

Mass movement trajectory data with real scenarios has been evolved with
big data mining to solve the data redundancy problem.

Methods:

This paper proposes a parallel path based on the Map Reduce compression method, using
two kinds of piecewise point mutual crisscross, the classified method of trajectory, and then segment
trajectory distribution to multiple nodes to parallelize the compression.

Results:

Finally, the results based on both compression methods have been simulated for the different
real-time data by merging both techniques.

Conclusion:

The performance test results show that the parallel trajectory compression method proposed
in this paper can greatly improve the compression efficiency and completely eliminate the
error caused by the failure of the correlation between the segments.
centro de governo brasileiro e o desafio de coordenar o monitoramento e a avaliação de políticas públicas:
Authors: Oliveira Patrícia Álvares de Azevedo
Published: January 2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a implementação do Comitê de Monitoramento e Avaliação de Políticas Públicas (CMAP) no período de 2016 a 2017, quando presidiam o país Dilma Roussef (1ª. Fase) e Michel Temer (2ª. Fase), sob o aporte teórico de Capano, Howlett e Hamesh (2015), que propõem uma nova forma de pensar governança em políticas públicas. O arranjo, formado por quatro ministérios pertencentes ao Centro de Governo brasileiro, instituído para coordenar o monitoramento e a avaliação de um grupo seleto de políticas públicas, programas e ações do Poder Executivo federal,  tinha como objetivos o aperfeiçoamento dessas políticas para que alcançassem melhores resultados e o aprimoramento da alocação de recursos públicos. Pretendeu-se, por meio do estudo da dinâmica da governança do arranjo, da sua natureza estratégica e da sua capacidade, avaliar os impactos da sua atuação nas políticas avaliadas pelo Comitê ao longo das duas fases. Este texto traz uma reflexão sobre as possíveis causas para o sucesso ou o fracasso na atuação do Comitê em cada um dos programas avaliados, de forma a contribuir com a discussão sobre o papel da coordenação executiva na avaliação de políticas públicas.
Enterprise Risk Management Agile Canvas: A Framework for Risk Management on Public Administration
Authors: De Freitas Alves Gustavo , Fontenele Martins Mary Anne , Lino de Brito Rodrigo , Oliveira dos Santos Wildenildo
Published: January 2021

Society benefits from public services and dealing with the relative risks, increases the quantity and quality of services delivered to citizens, improving the country's development and welfare. The focus of this article is to report ERM framework tailored to the public sector through a case study with qualitative and quantitative data, involving a specific situation of a contemporary phenomenon of ERM diffusion at Brazilian public organizations. The ERM Agile Canvas uses visual thinking, allowing the participants to quickly see the big picture and objectively plan the ERM treatment. Results allow the comparison of relationships between the sections uncovering the sensemaking and causality.
Governança em segurança institucional: ferramenta estratégica para a geração de valor público da instituição
Authors: Da Silva Antônio Donizete Ferreira , Parente Junior Rubens
Published: January 2021

O artigo aborda a governança e a gestão estratégica da segurança institucional na perspectiva da análise dos principais resultados voltados à geração de valor público, a partir da experiência no Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da 2ª Região. Discute-se a gestão e as ações da segurança institucional, de maneira a expor boas práticas que trazem reflexos positivos para o órgão no alcance de seus objetivos estratégicos e no cumprimento de sua missão institucional. Objetiva-se demonstrar como a atuação da segurança institucional pode gerar valor público à instituição, principalmente por meio da governança, gestão de processos e valorização das pessoas, o que faz da sua atuação uma importante ferramenta de efetividade da justiça. Como técnica de pesquisa, optou-se pela investigação bibliográfica e documental, com utilização do método dedutivo para apresentar conclusões. Após a avaliação das premissas, conclui-se que a governança da segurança institucional associada a boas práticas de gestão, com métodos permanentes e sistemáticos voltados à preservação da integridade das pessoas e do patrimônio, permite a identificação, a avaliação, o acompanhamento e a mitigação de ameaças à instituição, promovendo a independência e a imparcialidade da judicatura, o que promove maior acesso e efetividade da justiça, gerando valor público entregue à sociedade.
Clinical Decision Support for Traumatic Brain Injury: Identifying a Framework for Practical Model-Based Intracranial Pressure Estimation at Multihour Timescales
Authors: Stroh J N , Bennett Tellen D , Kheyfets Vitaly , Albers David
Published: January 2021

Background

The clinical mitigation of intracranial hypertension due to traumatic brain injury requires timely knowledge of intracranial pressure to avoid secondary injury or death. Noninvasive intracranial pressure (nICP) estimation that operates sufficiently fast at multihour timescales and requires only common patient measurements is a desirable tool for clinical decision support and improving traumatic brain injury patient outcomes. However, existing model-based nICP estimation methods may be too slow or require data that are not easily obtained.

Objective

This work considers short- and real-time nICP estimation at multihour timescales based on arterial blood pressure (ABP) to better inform the ongoing development of practical models with commonly available data.

Methods

We assess and analyze the effects of two distinct pathways of model development, either by increasing physiological integration using a simple pressure estimation model, or by increasing physiological fidelity using a more complex model. Comparison of the model approaches is performed using a set of quantitative model validation criteria over hour-scale times applied to model nICP estimates in relation to observed ICP.

Results

The simple fully coupled estimation scheme based on windowed regression outperforms a more complex nICP model with prescribed intracranial inflow when pulsatile ABP inflow conditions are provided. We also show that the simple estimation data requirements can be reduced to 1-minute averaged ABP summary data under generic waveform representation.

Conclusions

Stronger performance of the simple bidirectional model indicates that feedback between the systemic vascular network and nICP estimation scheme is crucial for modeling over long intervals. However, simple model reduction to ABP-only dependence limits its utility in cases involving other brain injuries such as ischemic stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Additional methodologies and considerations needed to overcome these limitations are illustrated and discussed.
Pengaruh Coaching Support Terhadap Kepatuhan Penderita Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Authors: Susanti Susanti , Sulistyana Caturia Sasti
Published: January 2021

Latar Belakang: Salah satu langkah yang sangat penting untuk kelangsungan hidup penderita Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) yaitu pengaturan diet secara tepat dan pembatasan cairan. Penderita CKD yang tidak patuh dapat berisiko akan mengalami kelebihan volume cairan di dalam tubuh yang dapat mengancam nyawa. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh coaching support terhadap kepatuhan penderita Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) di RS Adi Husada Surabaya.Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan quasi experiment dengan desain pretest posttest with control group design. Responden dalam penelitian ini adalah 40 penderita CKD dan dibagi menjadi dua kelompok yaitu kelompok kontrol dan perlakuan dengan teknik consecutive sampling. Coaching support diberikan kepada kelompok perlakuan selama dua minggu empat pertemuan. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji statistik yaitu Paired t-Test dan Independent t-Test dengan signifikansi p<0,05.Hasil: Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa terjadi perbedaan kepatuhan yang signifikan antara kelompok kontrol dan kelompok perlakuan dengan p-value = 0,000. Intervensi coaching support efektif terhadap kepatuhan penderita CKD. Pelaksanaan coaching support berlangsung dengan baik karena responden dan keluarga proaktif. Kesimpulan: Terdapat pengaruh antara coaching support terhadap kepatuhan penderita CKD. Coaching support sebaiknya diterapkan oleh perawat sebagai daily activity manajemen penderita CKD pada stadium dini supaya menghambat progresivitas kerusakan ginjal sehingga penderita tidak jatuh pada stadium lanjut.
Testy poligonowe urządzenia typu PERFOGENERATOR do stymulacji przypływu medium w odwiertach
Authors: Wilk Zenon , Jóźwik Piotr , Koślik Piotr , Nikolczuk Karolina , Frodyma Antoni , Godzik Artur , Habera Łukasz , Hebda Kamil , Kociuba Tomasz , Szczurzydło Krzysztof , Milczanowski Andrzej
Published: January 2021

The paper presents the issue of gas fracturing technology in gas mining, which is being used increasingly to boosting oil and gas extraction. The topic is related to the implementation of the NCBIR project under the Applied Research Program No. PBS3 / B2 / 20/2015. The results of the final phase of the project implementation are presented - functionality tests of the perfogenerator models under fail conditions, in the cladding pipe of the borehole in the concrete block, on the IPO blasting target in the Krupski Młyn. The positive results from these tests endorsed the performance of the experimental parts of the fuel elements, for EU-type certification tests. The IPO obtained the certificate and permits for use for practical forms of perfogenerator fuels. The borehole tests with the use of the new structure of the PERFOGENERATOR PRFG-114 (2.4 m), as part of the final industrial phase of the project, were made on several wells in the Przemyśl region (Q3 2017).
El área de libre comercio de las américas –alca–: tareas y retos ante un proyecto de integración.
Authors: Gamboa Umaña Luis Enrique
Published: January 2021

En el este artículo se estudian las tareas y retos que se presentan alrededor de la conformación del Área de Libre Comercio de las Américas (ALCA). Se hace un breve recorrido histórico de los proyectos hegemónicos de los Estados Unidos de América desde la Doctrina Monroe (1823) hasta las recientes Cumbres de Presidentes y las reuniones ministeriales. Se resaltan los orígenes del proyecto como una iniciativa del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos. Se considera la naturaleza de las acciones y se analizan los intereses de los actores estratégicos desplegados en el proceso de negociaciones. Dicho estudio también presenta el método sugerido para analizar el grado de preparación de Costa Rica para participar en el ALCA. Concluye con un análisis de algunas reacciones ante y contra este proyecto de integración.
Relaciones de poder en la sociedad patriarcal
Authors: Villarreal Montoya Ana Lucía
Published: January 2021

Se aborda el concepto de relaciones de poder desde una perspectiva de género, con el propósito de visibilizar cómo las relaciones de dominación-subordinación caracterizan a la sociedad patriarcal y las relaciones entre las personas de diferente género. Se trata de deconstruir el concepto y de elaborar una propuesta de cómo pueden ser superadas estas relaciones en una sociedad que se proponga lograr el desarrollo humano y con ello el desarrollo de las personas, sin importar su género.
La Iglesia católica y los recuerdos de la Campaña Nacional
Authors: Méndez Alfaro Rafael Ángel
Published: January 2021

El artículo que se presenta ofrece al lector una panorámica general sobre las percepciones que ha tenido la Iglesia católica costarricense sobre el tema de la Campaña Nacional, así como de la figura del héroe nacional Juan Santamaría. Explora preliminarmente la coyuntura 1856-1857 en función del papel desempeñado de forma oficial por la jerarquía eclesiástica del país, de igual modo, recupera las intervenciones y posturas que asumió la dirigencia eclesial en las décadas finales del siglo XIX, momento en que se presenta un interés explícito por parte de las autoridades del Estado costarricense por recuperar  de modo sistemático las imágenes de la Campaña Nacional y del héroe alajuelense.
Panorama de la construcción de vivienda sostenible e incluyente en Colombia
Authors: Gómez Calderón Diego Javier , Duque Gallego Carlos
Published: January 2021

Sustainable development expresses the link between economic and social development and its effects on the environment. The above is not in itself a new problem, the novelty is the magnitude and extent achieved in recent years. To this challenge is added the need to generate inclusive public and residential spaces with the population with physical disabilities. These two elements establish a challenge for the housing sector, since this dynamic specifies the impacts against the mitigation of the described phenomena. The State, from this perspective, acquires a leading role since it promotes and regulates access to housing, being the main guarantor of access to housing for vulnerable populations. Defining a general overview of the subject is the main purpose of this document.
Case Report: Fibrolamellar Hepatocelullar Carcinoma In A 15 Year-Old Male.
Authors: Alshahrani Abdulwahab , Maiman Hisham Al , Alibrahim Rawan , Alsudairi Humood , Mnyan Marooh
Published: January 2021

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC) is a rare variant of
hepatocellular carcinoma, occurs in young adults. It presents with vague
symptoms and diagnosed by imaging and biopsy. The treatment is surgery.
We report a case of 15 years old male patient who was diagnosed with
(FL-HCC) and treated with surgical resection.
Short-term effect of oil-mulch on vegetation dynamic; Integration of ecological and remote sensing-based approaches
Authors: Rostami Noredin , Karimi Haji , Tavakoli Mohsen , Omidipour Reza
Published: January 2021

Wind erosion is one of the desertification results and is among the
natural processes that mostly occur under dry conditions and high wind
velocity. Using oil-mulches is one of the common methods to stabilize
sand dunes. The current study aimed to investigate the short-term
effects of oil-mulch on vegetation attributes (i.e., cover and
diversity) and rangeland condition score (RCS) using integrated
ecological and remote sensing-based approaches in arid regions of
Southwestern Iran. A vegetation survey was carried out in 2019 in the
oil-mulched and control area, and a remotely sensed vegetation index
(MSAVI) was calculated for 2017 and 2019. The results indicate that one
year after treatment, compared to the control area, vegetation cover (30
± 17.11 vs. 17 ± 5.44 %) and litter (4.6 ± 2.18 vs. 0.94 ± 1.55 %)
increased significantly in the oil-mulched area, while bare soil (65.20
± 17.34 vs. 82.31 ± 5.84 %) decreased. Further, diversity indices
(Species evenness, Shannon, and Simpson indices) declined by applying
oil-mulch (88%, 63%, and 71%, respectively). The rangeland condition
score was significantly higher in the oil-mulched area than in the
control area (22 ± 1.86 vs. 12 ± 0.88; P < 0.001). Comparing
MSAVI between 2017 and 2019 showed that vegetation cover increased
44.8%. Based on the results, it can be suggested that planting native
palatable species in an oil-mulched area with the exclusion of livestock
grazing is likely to increase the benefits of oil-mulch treatment and
will lead to better rangeland condition score.
Metabolic Analysis of the Asparagine and Glutamine Dynamics in an Industrial CHO Fed-Batch Process
Authors: Kirsch Brian , Bennun Sandra , Mendez Adam , Johnson Amy , Wang Hongxia , Qiu Haibo , Li Ning , Lawrence Shawn , Bak Hanne , Betenbaugh Michael
Published: January 2021

Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell lines are grown in cultures with
varying asparagine and glutamine concentrations, but further study is
needed to characterize the interplay between these amino acids. By
following 13C-glucose, 13C-glutamine, and 13C-asparagine tracers using
metabolic flux analysis (MFA), CHO cell metabolism was characterized in
an industrially relevant fed-batch process under glutamine supplemented
and low glutamine conditions during early and late exponential growth.
For both conditions MFA revealed glucose as the primary carbon source to
the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle followed by glutamine and asparagine
as secondary sources. Early exponential phase CHO cells prefer glutamine
over asparagine to support the TCA cycle under the glutamine
supplemented condition, while asparagine was critical for TCA activity
for the low glutamine condition. Overall TCA fluxes were similar for
both conditions due to the trade-offs associated with reliance on
glutamine and/or asparagine. However, glutamine supplementation
increased fluxes to alanine, lactate and enrichment of glutathione,
N-Acetyl-Glucosamine (NAG) and pyrimidine-containing-molecules. The late
exponential phase exhibited reduced central carbon metabolism dominated
by glucose, while lactate reincorporation and aspartate uptake were
preferred over glutamine and asparagine. These 13C studies demonstrate
that metabolic flux is process time dependent and can be modulated by
varying feed composition.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF MYASTHENIA GRAVIS AND THYMECTOMY
Authors: V Bharath
Published: January 2021

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disorder.
Though MG was diagnosed four centuries ago, its rational management
started in 1930s. In the present era, MG is managed by both medical
means and surgical techniques. In this article, the concise history of
MG and its management is being described.
FAITH Software Life Cycle Model for Forex Expert Advisors
Authors: Oyemade D.A , Allenotor D
Published: January 2021

The emotional stress and uncertainties associated with foreign exchange (forex) trading due to the high risk of losing the investment capital has left most forex traders in a state of indecision on the best methodology to apply for achieving long term profit. The provision of lot sizes, leverages, take profits and stop losses in forex trading implies that very high profit can be made within a very short time with the same capital, but at the same time, very high losses can be incurred. On one hand, this provision often prompts a set of traders to become greedy by increasing their take profit levels, lot sizes and leverages, which in turn increases their probability of losing out. On the other hand, the provision creates doubts and induces the fear of losses in some other set of traders. Consequently, these set of conservative traders employ the use of relatively small lot sizes, low leverages and low values of take profit and high stop loss levels. This in turn often results in a devastating effect on the investment capital due to lost opportunities and resulting losses. The problem of losses in forex trading effort is compounded by the fact that many programmers and developers of forex expert advisors do not adopt a software life cycle, having learned only how to write codes to program the trading platform. Furthermore, software engineering professionals who understand the import of software development life cycles soon discover that conventional software life cycles are not capable of effectively handling the complexity of the forex market. This paper models the human characteristics of greed, fear and doubt as manifested by traders in forex trading using selected expert advisors’ properties. It proposes Facts, Analysis, Implementation, Testing and Hope (FAITH) software life cycle model for Forex trading profitability to tackle the problem of indecision in the development of forex expert advisors. The proposed model was implemented on a live trading platform for a period of three months and compared with doubt, fear and greed approach to trading. The results showed that while a level of greed can be profitable, FAITH software life cycle produced more profitable results and can be adopted for forex trading. Keywords: Software Development Life Cycle, Expert advisors, Forex Model, Losses, Profit
Diversity of Signing Auditors and Audit Quality
Authors: He Chang , Li Chao Kevin , Monroe Gary S. , Si Yi
Published: January 2021

Using data for listed firms in China, where two auditors sign the audit report, we examine whether the diversity of signing auditors' characteristics affects audit quality. We find a positive association between diversity and audit quality, consistent with the notion that diversity facilitates team performance. Further analyses show there is a stronger association between cognitive, rather than demographic, diversity of signing auditors and audit quality. Our results are robust to the inclusion of client firm and engagement auditor fixed effects. Cross-sectional results indicate stronger effects of the cognitive diversity of signing auditors on audit quality in complex, opaque, less important clients or firms without industry specialist auditors. Findings from our study suggest that audit firms should allocate staff to audit teams in a manner that results in cognitively diverse audit teams because such teams are more likely to deliver high quality audits.

JEL Classifications: M42.
Preparing Accountants of the Future: Five Ways Business Schools Struggle to Meet the Needs of the Profession
Authors: Pasewark William R.
Published: January 2021

In the past few years, the demand for accountants has decreased significantly. Much of the decrease can be explained by offshoring and use of robotic and automated cognitive processes. To prepare for changing needs of the financial community, several groups have identified professional competencies they believe will be needed by future accounting professionals. The intent of this commentary is to illustrate changes in the profession and emphasize how academic institutions might preemptively address those needs. I discuss five ways business schools have struggled to meet the needs of the accounting profession. These include obstacles related to (1) developing competency-based curricula, (2) formulating reliable indicators of student performance, (3) offering convenient delivery of educational services, (4) delivering economical tuition value, and (5) providing meaningful opportunities for lifelong learning. I conclude by suggesting ways academic institutions might improve their value to the accounting profession.
Information Quality and Workplace Safety
Authors: Hope Ole-Kristian , Wang Danye , Yue Heng , Zhao Jianyu
Published: January 2021

This paper examines the effect of internal information quality on workplace safety. Using establishment-level data on workplace injuries from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and employing a strict fixed-effects structure, we show that higher information quality is associated with significantly lower work-related injury rates. Further investigation reveals that the effect is stronger when more decision rights reside in headquarters, weaker when employees have greater bargaining power, and weaker when firms are subject to financial constraints. Our findings are robust to the use of two plausibly exogenous shocks and other robustness checks. Our study suggests an important economic consequence of information quality not examined by prior literature.
A Journey in Diabetes: From Clinical Physiology to Novel Therapeutics: The 2020 Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement Lecture
Authors: Ferrannini Ele
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT

Insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction are the core pathophysiological mechanisms of all hyperglycemic syndromes. Advances in in vivo investigative techniques have made it possible to quantify insulin resistance in multiple sites (skeletal and myocardial muscle, subcutaneous and visceral fat depots, liver, kidney, vascular tissues, brain and intestine), to clarify its consequences for tissue substrate selection, and to establish its relation to tissue perfusion. Physiological modeling of β-cell function has provided a uniform tool to measure β-cell glucose sensitivity and potentiation in response to a variety of secretory stimuli, thereby allowing us to establish feedbacks with insulin resistance, to delineate the biphasic time course of conversion to diabetes, to gauge incretin effects, and to identify primary insulin hypersecretion. As insulin resistance also characterizes several of the comorbidities of diabetes (e.g., obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia), with shared genetic and acquired influences, the concept is put forward that diabetes is a systemic disease from the outset, actually from the prediabetic stage. In fact, early multifactorial therapy, particularly with newer antihyperglycemic agents, has shown that the burden of micro- and macrovascular complications can be favorably modified despite the rising pressure imposed by protracted obesity.
Social Deprivation and Incident Diabetes-Related Foot Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Riley Jenny , Antza Christina , Kempegowda Punith , Subramanian Anuradhaa , Chandan Joht Singh , Gokhale Krishna , Thomas Neil , Sainsbury Christopher , Tahrani Abd A , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah
Published: January 2021

Objective:
To
investigate the relationship between social deprivation and incident diabetes-related
foot disease (DFD), in newly-diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes.

Research
design and methods:
A population-based, open retrospective cohort study, using The Health
Improvement Network (01/01/2005-31/12/2019). Patients with type 2 diabetes, free
of DFD at baseline, were stratified by Townsend deprivation index and the risk
of developing DFD was calculated. DFD was defined as a composite of foot ulcer
(FU), Charcot arthropathy, lower limb amputation (LLA), peripheral neuropathy
(PN), peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and gangrene.

Results: 176,359 patients were eligible (56% men; aged 62.9±13.1years).
After excluding 26,094 patients with DFD before/within 15 months of type 2
diabetes diagnosis, DFD was incidentally developed in 12.1% of study population
during 3.27years (IQR:1.41-5.96). Patients in the most deprived Townsend quintile had
increased risk of DFD compared to those in the least deprived (aHR:1.22, 95%CI:1.16-1.29)
after adjusting for sex, age at type 2 diabetes diagnosis, ethnicity, smoking,
BMI, HbA1c, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, retinopathy, eGFR, insulin,
glucose/lipid-lowering medications and baseline foot risk. Patients in the most
deprived Townsend quintile had higher risk of PN (aHR:1.18, 95%CI:1.11-1.25), FU
(aHR:1.44, 95%CI:1.17-1.77), PVD (aHR:1.40, 95%CI:1.28-1.53) LLA (aHR:1.75,
95%CI:1.08-2.83) and gangrene (aHR:8.49, 95% CI:1.01-71.58) compared to those
in the least.

Conclusion:
Social deprivation is an independent risk factor for the
development of DFD, PN, FU, PVD, LLA and gangrene in newly-diagnosed patients
with type 2 diabetes. Considering the high individual and economic burden of
DFD, strategies targeting patients in socially deprived areas are needed to reduce
health inequalities.
The Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Composites Produced With the Use of Alternative Wastes
Authors: KÜLEKÇİ Gökhan , ÇULLU Mustafa
Published: January 2021

Various studies on the disposal or storage of the wastes generated due to mining activities have been carried out until today. With the developing technology, the use of alternative products instead of aggregates in Composite and the effect of fiber addition were investigated. The most common of these studies is the bending strength tests on the beam sample. In this study, solid wastes generated by mining operations were used instead of aggregate used in Composite. Beam samples were poured with the dimensions of 40×40×160 mm by adding 4-6 kg/m3 polypropylene fiber to the mixture obtained by using these solid wastes; then, its effects on ultrasonic pulse velocity test, tensile test, and compressive strength tests were conducted. According to the results of these tests, it was found that the fibers had a positive effect on compressive strength and bending strength. Also, it was found that water absorption rates and densities did not have an effect, while the ultrasonic pulse velocity decreased with increasing fiber content.
Detection of Biofilm Formation and Antibiotics Resistance for Streptococcus Spp. Isolated from Some Dairy Products in Diwanyah City of Iraq
Authors: Ali Fawwaz Fadhil
Published: January 2021

Multidrug resistance and biofilm formation have increasingly become a leading human threat in particular dairy products, which become the primary source of essential nutrients word-wide. Biofilm formation is responsible for economic losses in the dairy industry. Therefore, in current study, the multi-drugs resistance and biofilm formation were investigated for Streptococcus spp. isolated different dairy products (milk, cheese, and cream) collected from various markets in Diwanyah city, Iraq. Bacteria were isolated and identified by morphological and biochemical characteristics using selective agar plates. Antibiotic resistance was tested using disc diffusion method, whereas biofilm formation was investigated using Microtiter plate method (MTP). The results showed that Streptococcus spp. isolates in milk (7 isolates), cheese (17isolates), and cream (18 strains) showed high resistance against novobiocin, Nalidixic acid, streptomycin, and cephalothin. However, all isolates showed high sensitivity to vancomycin. Streptococcus isolates showed a variant level of biofilm formation with high percentages (71.43%) of strong biofilm formation in milk isolates, 29.4% in cheese, and 50% in cream. These results suggested that multidrug resistance Streptococcus spp. has been observed in some dairy products with a high ability for biofilm formation and could affect the quality of dairy products and probable human threats.
Codifying Mercy
Authors: Osanloo Arzoo
Published: January 2021

This chapter examines the final version of the penal code, passed only in 2013. Since just after the Iranian Revolution, this is the first set of transformative revisions in substantive criminal law. The chapter outlines how the “coloring in” of the code compels judicial officials to consider alternative approaches to sanctioning. The courtroom serves as a space in which the state, through its judicial officials, corrals victims' instincts for revenge. As an affective space, the courtroom also conditions how judges reason and inflects subjectivities of all the parties in the courtroom. By serving in the role of arbiter in the ultimate settling of accounts, the state's aim is to contain extrajudicial violence. It does this, in part, by attending to the victim's need for justice, or rather, through providing an outlet for a “healthy” emotional response to an injury—the desire for retaliation. Judges attempt to make victims whole and reestablish their sense of lost dignity. However, members of the judiciary are aware of the risk to the foundational impartiality of the system and the stature of the judges should they press victims' families too hard, particularly during the merits phase of the case.
Forgiveness Sanctioned
Authors: Osanloo Arzoo
Published: January 2021

This chapter evaluates the heavy burden of the decision that is placed on victims' families. While such decisions might appear as sudden moments, they emerge, rather, from a charged atmosphere saturated with the intensities, sensations, and emotions born of the burden of that decision. Few regulations guide how forbearance happens. However, this is no oversight on the part of the state. This is a purposeful ambiguity in a system that grows out of a need and desire not only to involve victims' families, but also to make the process emotional and sentimental because it is an important component of the faith, of healing, and of reconstituting a virtuous self-identity—both for victim and offender. Interestingly, the gendered affectations the system produces place the sincere forbearance of the victim's mother in concordance with the authentic grief coming from that of the perpetrator. The ambiguity in the law, moreover, permits tailoring the world of possibilities to the various situations that individuals encounter.
Cause Lawyers
Authors: Osanloo Arzoo
Published: January 2021

This chapter reflects on the work of criminal defense lawyers. Although engaged in forgiveness work, particularly post-sentencing, lawyers occupy a distinct position in relation to other actors. Lawyers who take up qisas cases, like anti-death penalty lawyers elsewhere, often possess a deeper agenda and, as cause lawyers, go beyond ethical self-fashioning or culture-building. They seek to enforce the rule of law. They work with and within the laws, but their ethically grounded advocacy risks placing them in the precarious space of apparent opposition to the system itself. The position of defense lawyers, whose rights-based advocacy sits in uncomfortable opposition to the gift economy of forgiveness, ultimately highlights the tensions of human rights advocacy in this climate.
The Decline and Rise of Democracy
Authors: Stasavage David
Published: January 2021

Historical accounts of democracy's rise tend to focus on ancient Greece and pre-Renaissance Europe. This book draws from global evidence to show that the story is much richer—democratic practices were present in many places, at many other times, from the Americas before European conquest, to ancient Mesopotamia, to precolonial Africa. Delving into the prevalence of early democracy throughout the world, the book makes the case that understanding how and where these democracies flourished—and when and why they declined—can provide crucial information not just about the history of governance, but also about the ways modern democracies work and where they could manifest in the future. Drawing from examples spanning several millennia, the book first considers why states developed either democratic or autocratic styles of governance and argues that early democracy tended to develop in small places with a weak state and, counterintuitively, simple technologies. When central state institutions (such as a tax bureaucracy) were absent—as in medieval Europe—rulers needed consent from their populace to govern. When central institutions were strong—as in China or the Middle East—consent was less necessary and autocracy more likely. The book then explores the transition from early to modern democracy, which first took shape in England and then the United States, illustrating that modern democracy arose as an effort to combine popular control with a strong state over a large territory. Democracy has been an experiment that has unfolded over time and across the world—and its transformation is ongoing. Amidst rising democratic anxieties, the book widens the historical lens on the growth of political institutions and offers surprising lessons for all who care about governance.