bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Crisis Prone to Crisis Prepared
Authors: Ashley William C.
Published: April 2020

Published in Oil & Gas Executive, Volume 1, Number 2, 1998, pages 52-56.

Managers tend to race headlong into the future while looking in the rearview mirror (how it was done in the past) and out the side windows (how the competition is doing it). Needless to say, this type of management is counterproductive. If managers spend their time solving problems and resolving crises, little time remains for innovation and competitive leaps. Foresight and anticipation are needed for managers to be more productive with the resources and assets they have at their disposal. Change and uncertainty are inevitable, but they need not be terminal. Success, and in some cases survival, will require more sophisticated intelligence systems. We will need greater collaboration between the communicators (public affairs, public relations), the operators (senior managers), and the planners (strategic planning).Additionally, the managerial mindset must refocus from looking at the organization as first and foremost a profit-maximizing, economic entity to an awareness of the strategic significance of staying tuned in to what is happening outside the organization, in the dynamic social, political, environmental, and technological arenas.

"For knowing afar off the evils that are brewing, they are easily cured. But, when for want of such knowledge, they are allowed to grow until everyone can recognize them, there is no longer any remedy to be found."—Machiavelli, The Prince (1513)

As Machiavelli counseled long ago, being proactive is wise and affords great advantage. Machiavelli did not, however, provide the strategic and tactical skills necessary for an organization to become more proactive and to gain strategic advantage and avoid crises. In our complex and rapidly changing world, becoming anticipatory and gaining strategic advantage requires sophisticated intelligence-gathering techniques, new decision-process models, and practical accountabilities. These tools allow an organization to capitalize on strategic outside intelligence, to avoid being blind-sided by external forces, to profit from new opportunities, and to turn emerging threats into opportunities. Failure to anticipate and to be proactive, on the other hand, can have destructive consequences. Motorola watched its stock drop 30% when a stakeholder group broke its story about neurological damage from cell phones. Audi (Volkswagen) watched the U.S. sales of its highly profitable Audi 5000plummet 84% after being associated in the media with "sudden acceleration incidents." Like Motorola, Audi stood by as if paralyzed by a media attack of its vehicle, which had 10 years of successful technology to support its safety. IBM, General Motors, Westinghouse, Sears, and the Columbia Broadcasting System also failed to anticipate dramatic external shifts in their respective industries and to avoid the crises they signaled.
Flood Realities, Development Faults and Perceptions – Natural and Anthropogenic causes of 2014 Flood in Kashmir
Authors: MALIK ISHFAQ HUSSAIN , Hashmi S Najmul Islam
Published: April 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be withdrawn due to author disagreement.
Knowledge of Medical Communication-Skills Among Pre-clinical Undergraduate Medical Students: a pre-test post-test experimental study.
Authors: Timilsina Sameer , Ka Sirisa MD , Shrestha Barun , Deo Gopendra Prasad
Published: April 2020

Background

Effective physician-patient communication is integral to building confidence, improving compliance, satisfaction and avoiding mishaps and malpractice suits. Communication-skills (CS) training is an internationally accepted essential component of medical education. This study aims to assess the communication-skills knowledge of pre-clinical undergraduate medical students pre- and post- CS course. We expect an improvement in CS knowledge post-intervention.

Methods

Between March and September 2019, 100 first year pre-clinical undergraduate medical students at Chitwan Medical College were enrolled in CS course. Attitude towards learning CS using communication skills attitude scale (CSAS) and assessment on knowledge of CS was conducted pre- and post-intervention. The intervention included 10 team-based learning (TBL) sessions on selective study areas based on Calgary-Cambridge model. Additionally, students’ demographic profile was collected at the start of the intervention.

Results

Among 100 students, 70% were males and 30% females. Positive attitude towards learning CS improved by 5%. Statistically significant progress was noted in post-intervention mean scores implying CS to be teachable and learnable. (Wilcoxon Signed ranks test z=-6.178 p<0.001). Knowledge on medical CS improved in the study participants irrespective of sex, entry-type, past-educational institute or attitude. Students with pre-intervention negative attitude showed marked improvement in post-intervention knowledge score (z=-5.674 p<0.001).

Conclusion

The intervention was effective in increasing students’ knowledge of medical CS, but we did not assess the skills of the students. Continuation of this study is recommended to explore whether CS training could actually improve soft skills of medical students in our part of the world.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0078607 suppresses ovarian cancer progression by regulating miR-518a-5p/Fas signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Nan , Jin Yue , Hu Qiubo , Cheng Shanshan , Wang Chao , Yang Zhiyou , Wang Yu
Published: April 2020

Background: Increasing researches have demonstrated the critical functions of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the progression of malignant tumors, including ovarian cancer. In this study, we aim to investigate abnormally expression of hsa_circ_0078607 and the role of hsa_circ_0078607 during ovarian cancer pathogenesis.Methods: RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of circ_0078607 in ovarian cancer tissues. To determine the functional roles of circ_0078607 in ovarian cancer, cell proliferation and cell invasion assays were performed. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter analysis were used to predict the target of circ_0078607.Results: In the present study, we first found that circ_0078607 was downregulated in ovarian cancer. Forced circ_0078607 expression significantly suppressed proliferation and promotes apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. Mechanically, bioinformatics and luciferase reporter analysis identified that miR-518a-5p as a direct target of circ_0078607, while Fas as a direct target of miR-518a-5p. MiR-518a-5p negatively regulates Fas in ovarian cancer cells, while overexpression of circ_0078607 could increase the expression of Fas inhibited by miR-518a-5p. Furthermore, overexpression of circ_0078607 could inhibit the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells caused by miR-518a-5p mimic.Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that circ_0078607 suppresses ovarian cancer progression by sponging oncogenic miR-518a-5p to induce Fas expression, which may provide new therapeutic approach for ovarian cancer.
Value of intraoperative frozen section analysis in re-excision margin evaluation in breast-conserving surgery for cancer: a single institution experience
Authors: Shen Jian Guo , Wang Lin Bo , Jiang Zi Nong , Yuan Xiao Ming , Zhao Wen He , Shen Jun
Published: April 2020

Background. Previous studies have demonstrated that in women with breast cancer treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS), intraoperative frozen section analysis of lumpectomy margins results in a decrease in reoperation rates for margin control. However, the value of intraoperative frozen margin evaluation (FME) in re-excision margin analysis is not fully understood. We analyzed our breast cancer database to identify the value of intraoperative frozen section examination of specimens additionally resected prior to BCS. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent attempted BCS for breast cancer with routine intraoperative FME at our institution between January 1998 and May 2016. The number of FMEs was analyzed. We additionally analyzed factors associated with positive re-excised margins to identify correlations with patient characteristics. Results. Of the 760 patients who underwent attempted BCS with routinely conducted intraoperative FME, frozen sections were obtained from the initial margin only in 82.5% (n=627), the initial margin as well as a one-time re-excision analysis in 15.8% (n=120), or the initial margin and two or more re-excision analyses in 1.7% (n-13). Based on the results of FME, 727 (95.6%) of the patients underwent BCS, while the remaining 33 (4.4%) converted to mastectomy. Among the patients who underwent BCS, 112 (15.4%) had an initial positive margin on a FME, underwent one-time margin re-excision and achieved a margin-free status, while 1.6% underwent a second margin resection due to a positive result on the first re-excised margin. In total, 72.7% of the conversions to mastectomy were due to a positive initial margin. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that patients with the ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) histological type were more likely to have repeatedly positive re-excised margins during BCS. Conclusion. While routine intraoperative FME of re-excised margins provided only limited value in patients who underwent attempted BCS, this method may be beneficial in the subgroup of patients with the DCIS histological type.
Drug Repurposing against SARS-CoV-2 RDRP - a computational quest against CoVID- 19
Authors: Chakrabortya Hirak Jyoti , Paria Prasenjit , Gangopadhyay Aditi , Ganguli Sayak
Published: April 2020

The present CoVID-19 pandemic was first detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and is rapidly spreading worldwide. To date, it has affected 465,915 individuals in 200 countries, and has been responsible for 21,031 deaths. In the absence of definitive treatment strategies, there is a pressing demand for drug discovery against CoVID-19. Drug repurposing is a cost- effective and time-saving strategy which essentially involves the identification of novel targets for known drug candidates. This reduces the time and cost of drug discovery, as the pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiles of the drugs are already known, which makes phase-I clinical trials redundant. Here, we employed a computational drug repurposing strategy for identifying drug hits against the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP) protein of CoVID-19. Analysis of the human-virus protein-protein associations revealed that the viral RDRP (NSP12) is associated with multiple host proteins that partake in cellular processes, which indicated that NSP12 could be a potential target for drug discovery. This, combined with the fact that the RDRP protein is a potential antiviral target in several viral diseases, led us to consider the NSP12 as a potential drug target for CoVID-19. Owing to the absence of an experimentally-derived structure in the PDB, we constructed the NSP12 protein of CoVID-19 by homology modelling, and the potential druggable sites were analysed. The 13,533 entries in DrugBank were initially screened using the sequence of CoVID-19 NSP12. The 7 hits thus identified were subjected to a consensus docking and scoring strategy for identifying hits against the druggable site of CoVID-19 NSP12. Analysis of the docking scores and protein- ligand interactions revealed that two hits – N-alpha-[(benzyloxy)carbonyl]-n-[(1r)-4- hydroxy-1-methyl-2-oxobutyl]-l-phenylalaninamide and S-[5-(trifluoromethyl)-4h-1,2,4- triazol-3-yl] 5-(phenylethynyl) furan-2 -carbothioate, had stronger binding affinity than remdesivir, which is being presently tested in clinical trials for its antiviral activity against CoVID-19. This indicated that these two compounds might be effective against CoVID-19, however, further experimentation is necessary for obtaining substantial evidence. We believe that the results of this study could offer a novel avenue for drug development against CoVID- 19.
Impact of mixing treated industrial water with olive mill wastewater on vetch (Vicia sativa L.) germination and early seedling growth
Authors: Mefleh Naji K. Al , Tadros Maher J. , tabbal Jalal A. Al
Published: April 2020

Vetch is a forage crop that is widely grown in high rainfall areas in Jordan for forage production and grazing. Growing vetch species out of the season will need irrigation, which is very expensive. In here, we propose application of wastewater or olive mill wastewater as alternative to the fresh water. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of diluting the industrial water (IND) with olive mill wastewater (OMWW) on the vetch germination (GR) and early seedling growth under controlled conditions. The water treatments consisted of T1 (pure IND100%), T2 (mix of IND75% + OMWW25%), T3 (IND50% + OMWW50%), T4 (IND25% + OMWW75%) and T5 (pure OMWW100%) and tap water (control). This experiment was designed in a CRD with three replications for each treatment. Several measurements on the morphological and biochemical analysis were taken during this study such as seed germination (GR), as well as the seedlings fresh weight of shoot (FWS), dry weight of shoot (DWS), fresh weight of shoot (FWR), dry weight of root (DWR), shoot length (SL), root length (RL) and the ratios of DWS/DWR and SL/RL. The water treatments had a significant influence on data taken, in which the highest mean values of morphological characteristics were obtained under the T1, while the lowest were obtained under the T5 due to high phenols concentrations. The OMWW treatment showed an adverse effect on GR, DWS, DWR, SL, and RL due to low pH values (4.5) and high phenols concentration (1700 mg/L). In contrast, the industrial water showed low to moderate effect on the vetch seed germination. The means of DWS and DWR under T3 and T4 were not significantly different from each other but were different comparing with control. It is recommended that the use of a mixture of OMWW and the Industrial water will have a positive effect on Vetch growth.
Selection of top cross hybrids for green maize yield via REML/Blup method
Authors: Candido Willame dos Santos , Silva Caique Machado e , Costa Maraiza Lima , Silva Bruna Elaine de Almeida , Almeida Pedro Henrique Sousa , Coelho Igor Ferreira , Reis Edésio Fialho dos
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study was to select top cross hybrids of green maize for yield, derived from partially inbred S1 lines based on genetic values using the REML/Blup method, and to estimate important genetic parameters for green maize breeding programs. The experiment was conducted in an experimental area located between 17º53´ S and 52º43´ W, 680 m altitude. The evaluation of 75 top cross hybrids was performed in a randomized block design with four replicates. A sample of five plants/ears was used in each plot to evaluate grain mass trait (MASS). For commercial ear yield trait (CEYIELD), evaluations were carried out for the total number of plants per plot. Hybrids were selected via BLUP procedures using the Selegen-REML/Blup program. Based on the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML), we estimated the coefficients of genetic and residual variation and components of variance, by which a genetic variability between the top cross hybrids was observed. This shows the possibility of successful selection for the traits under evaluation. The estimated accuracy for the selection of top cross hybrids was 0.81 for commercial ear yield and 0.64 for grain mass, pointing to high and moderate precision levels for CEYIELD and MASS traits, respectively, corroborating the possibility of success in selecting top cross hybrids based on the CEYIELD trait. The predicted genetic gain from the selection was 20.12%, for CEYIELD, and 6.10%, for MASS. Therefore, the REML/Blup statistical tool was efficient in selecting top cross hybrids of green maize, providing significant genetic gains for the traits under evaluation. There was evidence that hybrids 19 and 48 were distinguished from others because of the high genetic effects obtained for the commercial ear yield and grain mass weight.
Water rights trading: a new approach to dealing with trans-boundary water conflicts in river basins
Authors: Tian Gui-liang , Liu Ji-ning , Li Xiao-yu , Li Ye-qin , Yin Hao
Published: April 2020

Climate change and increasing demand of water aggravate the frequency and intensity of trans-boundary water conflicts, which are evolving into one of the most sensitive economic and social issues in trans-boundary areas. This paper analyzes the inefficiency of traditional regional negotiation models to deal with trans-boundary water conflicts, and argues that Coase's theory of property rights is more suitable for dealing with trans-boundary water conflicts. Based on the Bayesian evolutionary game model with incomplete information of property rights, we put forward the following two ways to promote the smooth progress of water rights trading and, furthermore, resolve water resources conflicts: first, to reduce the transaction costs of the upstream and downstream regions; second, to increase utilization efficiency of water resources in the upper reaches. Finally, taking the water conflict of Dayankeng Hydropower Station as a case simulation, we give answers to the three questions: (1) under what conditions, both sides of the conflicts will choose water rights trading; (2) what is the impact of transaction costs on water rights trading, which provided a new way to solve trans-boundary water conflicts; (3) what is the improvement of welfare effects of water conflict participants because of water rights trading.
Spatio-temporal evolution and influencing factors of water resource carrying capacity in Shiyang River Basin: based on the geographical detector method
Authors: Yang Liang-jie , Yang Xiao-rong , Wei Wei , Pan Jing-hu
Published: April 2020

In this article, the comprehensive evaluation of water resource carrying capacity (for short WRCC) in Shiyang River Basin is the objective. Based on the comprehensive evaluation model of regional WRCC, the spatial and temporal change characteristics of the WRCC in Shiyang River Basin in 2007, 2011 and 2016 have been analyzed. Moreover, the influence elements of water resource carrying capacity in Shiyang River Basin are detected by the geographical detector. The results show that: (1) In terms of the spatial dimension, water resources in Shiyang River Basin are not in accordance with the distribution of social and economic development and population distribution, presenting a prominent contradiction between supply and demand of water resources; (2) in terms of the temporal dimension, the pressure on water resources in Shiyang River Basin has gradually increased, and the area of overload, light overload and serious overload has been augmented; (3) the geographical detector indicates that the influences of the water resources system and coordinating system factors are declining, and the influences of the social economy system and ecological factor are obviously increasing. The influences of the interaction with any two factors are stronger than that of a single factor, and the synergistic influences of two factors are aggravated.
Riluzole Exhibits No Therapeutic Efficacy on a Transgenic Rat model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Chen Si , Liao Qiao , Lu Ke , Zhou Jinxia , Huang Cao , Bi Fangfang
Published: April 2020

Background:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurological disorder clinically
characterized by motor system dysfunction, with intraneuronal accumulation of the TAR DNAbinding
protein 43 (TDP-43) being a pathological hallmark. Riluzole is a primarily prescribed
medicine for ALS patients, while its therapeutical efficacy appears limited. TDP-43 transgenic
mice are existing animal models for mechanistic/translational research into ALS.

Methods:

We developed a transgenic rat model of ALS expressing a mutant human TDP-43 transgene
(TDP-43M337V) and evaluated the therapeutic effect of Riluzole on this model. Relative to
control, rats with TDP-43M337V expression promoted by the neurofilament heavy subunit (NEF)
gene or specifically in motor neurons promoted by the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) gene
showed progressive worsening of mobility and grip strength, along with loss of motor neurons,
microglial activation, and intraneuronal accumulation of TDP-43 and ubiquitin aggregations in the
spinal cord.

Results:

Compared to vehicle control, intragastric administration of Riluzole (30 mg/kg/d) did not
mitigate the behavioral deficits nor alter the neuropathologies in the transgenics.

Conclusion:

These findings indicate that transgenic rats recapitulate the basic neurological and
neuropathological characteristics of human ALS, while Riluzole treatment can not halt the development
of the behavioral and histopathological phenotypes in this new transgenic rodent model of
ALS.
CircRNA SCARB1 Promotes Renal Cell Carcinoma Progression Via Mir- 510-5p/SDC3 Axis
Authors: Sun Jijian , Pan Shijie , Cui Hongquan , Li Hao
Published: April 2020

Background:

Emerging studies have indicated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important
roles in the development of many tumors. CircRNA-scavenger receptor class B member 1
(Circ-SCARB1) was consistently reported as an elevated circRNA in RCC tissues. This study focused
on examining the biological function and molecular mechanism of circSCARB1 in RCC progression.

Methods:

Expressions of Circ-SCARB1, microRNA (miR)-510-5p, and syndecan 3 (SDC3) were
detected using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and/or western blot.
Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by 3-(4, 5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3, 5-diphenytetrazoliumromide
and flow cytometry, respectively. Cell migration and invasion were measured
using Transwell assays. The interaction between miR-510-5p and Circ-SCARB1 or SDC3 was
verified using dual-luciferase reporter assays.

Results:

Circ-SCARB1 was elevated in 30 pairs of RCC tissues and multiple RCC cell lines.
Knockdown of Circ-SCARB1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while inducing
cell apoptosis. MiR-510-5p was confirmed to be a target of Circ-SCARB1; inhibition of cell progression
by silencing Circ-SCARB1 was mediated by a direct interaction between Circ-SCARB1
and miR-510-5p. SDC3 was verified to be a gene target of miR-510-5p; transfection of miR-510-5p
mimic not only suppressed the expression of SDC3 but also the cell proliferation and an SDC3 cotransfection
partially restored cell proliferation. Additionally, the genetic knockdown of Circ-
SCARB1 reduced the expression SDC3, and the addition of anti-miR-510-5p could partially reelevate
SDC3 expression.

Conclusion:

Circ-SCARB1 promotes RCC progression via sequestering miR-510-5p and indirectly
up-regulating SDC3 expression. This provides a novel perspective for the pathogenesis of RCC and
potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of RCC.
Synthetic Investigations on Medicinally Important Quinoxaline Scaffold: A Mini Review
Authors: Kumar Nitin , Kaushik Niranjan , Kumar Shiv , Sharma Vikas
Published: April 2020

Quinoxaline is a versatile heterocyclic moiety that posses almost all types of biological
activities. The present work is a sincere attempt to review synthetic investigations of quinoxaline. A
wide plethora of literature is available possessing different synthetic methods utilized for the synthesis
of quinoxaline based scaffolds. The present review focuses on the various synthetic approaches of quinoxaline
derivatives, which includes a summary of the advancement made over the past years in the
synthesis of the quinoxaline nucleus and its derivatives. Some of these methods are mentioned in the
review article associated with industrial applicability.
Electrophilic Aromatic Synthesis of Radioiodinated Aripiprazole: Experimental and DFT Investigations
Authors: Moustapha Moustapha E. , Geesi Mohammed H. , Farag Zeinab R. , Anouar El Hassane
Published: April 2020

Background:

Aripiprazole is a quinolinone derivative. It shows a high affinity for neurotransmitters
dopamine and serotonin receptors, which can overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach the central
nervous system (CNS) to exert therapeutic effects. Its radioiodination may lead to high radiochemical yield and
improved its affinity. Aripiprazole radioiodination is an aromatic electrophilic substitution.

Objective:

Herein, we investigate the favorable atom site of the aromatic electrophilic substitution of
aripiprazole by calculating the Fukui indices of heavy atoms and ESP charges of the parent molecule.

Methods:

The calculations have been carried out at the B3LYP/LanL2DZ level of theory. The iodinated
aripiprazole structure is confirmed by comparing the experimental and the predicted 1H NMR chemical shifts
of the parent molecule and its iodinated forms.

Result:

Finally, the electronic properties of aripiprazole and its iodinated form were calculated at the same
level of theory. Nucleophilic Fukui indices and ESP charges calculations confirm that C8 is the most favorable
site of the electrophilic substitution. The calculated electronic properties (e.g, gap energy, electron affinity, and
electronegativity) of aripiprazole and its iodinated form reveal the higher reactivity of iodinated aripiprazole
compared with aripiprazole.

Conclusion:

This may explain the higher affinity of iodinated aripiprazole and the increase of its radiochemical
yield.
Discovery of a Highly Potent and Novel Gambogic Acid Derivative as an Anticancer Drug Candidate
Authors: Ling Huiping , Li Hong , Chen Meijun , Lai Baolong , Zhou Haiming , Gao Hui , Zhang Jiangye , Huang Yan , Tao Yiwen
Published: April 2020

Background and Purpose:

Gambogic acid (GA), a promising anti-cancer agent isolated from the resin of Garcinia species in Southeast Asia, exhibits high potency in inhibiting a wide variety of cancer cells growth. Moreover, the fact that it is amenable to chemical modification makes GA an attractive molecule for the development of anticancer agents.

Methods:

Gambogic acid-3-(4-pyrimidinyloxy) propyl ester (compound 4) was derived from the reaction between 4-hydroxypropoxy pyrimidine and GA. Its structure was elucidated by comprehensive analysis of ESIMS, HRESIMS, 1 D NMR data. Antitumor activities of compound 4 and GA in vitro against HepG-2, A549 and MCF-7 cells were investigated by MTT assay. FITC/PI dye were used to test apoptosis. The binding affinity difference of compound 4 and GA binding to IKKβ was studied by using Discovery Studio 2016.

Results:

Compound 4 was successfully synthesized and showed strong inhibitory effects on HepG-2, A549 and MCF-7 cells lines with an IC50value of 1.49±0.11, 1.37±0.06 and 0.64±0.16μM, respectively. Molecular docking study demonstrated that four more hydrogen bonds were established between IKKβ and compound 4, compared with GA.

Conclusion:

Our results suggested that compound 4 showed significant effects in inducing apoptosis. Further molecular docking study indicated that the introduction of pyrimidine could improve GA’s binding affinity to IKKβ. Compound 4 may serve as a potential lead compound for the development of new anti-cancer drugs.
AN APPROACH FOR COMMUNICATION RELAIBILITY USING SELF-ADAPTIVE AUTONOMIC COMPUTING TECHNIQUES
Authors: Stanimirović Aleksandar , Bogdanović Miloš , Davidović Nikola , Dimov Aleksandar , Baylov Krasimir , Stoimenov Leonid
Published: April 2020

Interdependency of electric power grids and information and communication technology is a rapidly growing topic. With the introduction of Smart Grid, handling dynamic load tracking, dynamic tariffs, clients that can consume but also produce electricity that can be delivered to the grid has become a part of everyday operational cycles within power supply companies. Hence, electricity distribution and power supply companies are in need for introduction of efficient mechanisms for the optimal tracking and use of available electric energy. In this paper, we describe the low voltage (LV) distribution network monitoring system developed for the Electric Power Industry of Serbia (EPS) electricity distribution company. The system we present is implemented in a way so that it provides abilities to measures, communicates and stores real-time data, translating it into actionable information needed by EPS to meet the described challenges regarding LV distribution networks. The implemented system is using self-adaptive autonomic computing techniques to provide a reliable data transfer from measurement devices deployed in different parts of the LV distribution network.
VORTEX ENTERPRISE: DECENTRALIZED VIRTUAL REALITY BLOCKCHAIN-BASED PLATFORM
Authors: Jovanović Aleksandar , Milosavljević Aleksandar
Published: April 2020

Virtual Reality (VR) has been used in industries since the 1960s. However, the recent development of hardware and software has made it possible for VR technologies to become widely adopted by the mass market with the highest level of immersion and affordable price. However, building platforms for VR technologies will require many active users and their engagement in project development. Those activities will include platform activities, content creation, social media marketing, processing power, and storage. For that purpose, we introduce VoRtex enterprise high-level software architecture and decentralized blockchain solution. Introduced VoRtex enterprise high-level software architecture will be used to develop blockchain-based virtual world (VW) platform with VR support. The goal of the VW platform is to support the development of education, certification and massive open online courses (MOOC). A blockchain component inside the VW platform will be used for engaging users in project development through collaboration and content sharing. Active users that promote platform content will get rewards for contributions using cryptocurrency. Also, we will showcase this feature on the VoRtex platform prototype where the user earns cryptocurrencies for activity inside the VW. In the end, we will evaluate the proposed solution
DISTRIBUTED CONSENSUS-BASED CALIBRATION OF NETWORKED CONTROL SYSTEMS
Authors: Stanković Maja , Antić Dragan
Published: April 2020

In this paper a new algorithm for distributed blind macro-calibration of Networked Control Systems is presented. It is assumed that the measured signal is stochastic and unknown. The algorithm is in the form of recursions of gradient type for estimation of the correction parameters for sensor gains and offsets. The recursion for gain correction is autonomous, derived from the measurement increments. The recursion for offset correction is based on differences between local measurements and utilizes the results of gain correction. It is proved that the algorithm provides asymptotic convergence to consensus in the sense that the corrected gains and offsets are equal for all sensors. It is demonstrated that the adopted structure of the algorithm enables obtaining high convergence rate, superior to the algorithms existing in the literature. Simulation results are provided illustrating the proposed algorithm properties.
THE EFFECT OF MURABAHA FINANCING, PROFIT SHARING FINANCING, INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL, AND NON PERFORMING FINANCING (NPF) ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: Azizah Siti Nur , Mukaromah Septiana
Published: April 2020

The result was aimed to prove it empirically the effect of financing murabahah, profit sharing financing, intellectual capital, and Non Performing Financing (NPF) on financial performance. The sample in this study was registered sharia banking at the Financial Services Authority for the 2014-2018 period. Data collection techniques in this study used purposive sampling. Methods of analysis of the data used analysis of regression linear multiple. The result of the study financing murabahah have positive significant on financial performance, profit sharing has not effect on financial performance. Capital Employed (B_VACA) and Non Performing Financing (NPF) have a negative effect on financial performance. While Human Capital (iB_VAHU) and Structural Capital (iB_STVA) have not effect on financial performance.
DASAR-DASAR PENDIDIKAN ANAK DALAM SURAH LUQMAN
Authors: Yusuf Muhammad
Published: April 2020

The results of this study displayed that there are some principles of education that cover the main points of religious guidance such as Aqidah, worship, morality and the command to be patient. Those principles are absolute requirement for success after life. Thus, Luqman Al-Hakim educated his children, and also gave a guidance to anyone who wants to trace the path of virtue, which applies to all nations and people in the world. In a nutshell, this purpose has the same way with the Qur'an's mission which is intended to be a blessing for all nature through educational activities. In closing, the Qur'an wishes for the realization of human beings who are built up their full potential, physical, mental and intellectual, so that, the whole human beings are happy in the world and also the hereafter.
Infiltrasi Pendidikan Agama dan Budaya di Indonesia: Perspektif Islam dan Barat
Authors: Fahmy Achmad
Published: April 2020

This article wants to examine the relationship between religious education and culture in Indonesia from an Islamic and Western perspective. This view stems from the assumption that culture is a human product that provides space for humans freely without regard to religious values. In detail, this article wants to describe a number of things, namely: First, conflict at the level of discourse between religious and cultural education in Indonesia; Second, religious education in a cultural context; Third, Islamic and Western perspectives on religious and cultural education. In discussing this article, the author uses a qualitative library research methodology whose main object is in the form of library materials, articles, journals, and other literature.
Implementasi Manajemen Pendidikan Multikultural di SMP Tumbuh Yogyakarta
Authors: Nurcholish Dani
Published: April 2020

This article wants to explain about the application of multicultural education management in SMP Tumbuh Yogyakarta. With the vision of the school "education for all", in the learning process teaches respect for diversity, tolerance and equal rights. These values of inclusiveness are the main foundation of the school curriculum. In detail, this text wants to reveal a number of things, namely: First, how multicultural leadership practices in SMP Tumbuh; Second, how is the management of multicultural curriculum planning; Third, how the multicultural-based teaching and learning process. This aspect is detailed in several ways, namely the management of education personnel, learning curriculum, management of relations with surrounding communities, and the spirit of multiculturalism that is able to inspire students to excel.
Análise do efeito da fiscalização da função social de imóveis rurais sobre a arrecadação de ITR
Authors: D' Agostin Lineu Erlei , Catapan Anderson
Published: April 2020

Nos anos de 2008 e 2009 a Superintendência do Instituto Nacional de Colonização e Reforma Agrária - Incra no Paraná realizou uma grande operação para verificar o cumprimento da Função Social em diversos imóveis rurais localizados na região Norte do estado, sendo que o presente trabalho buscou investigar se a fiscalização efetuada gerou reflexos na arrecadação do Imposto Territorial Rural - ITR. Foram analisados dados gerados pela Receita Federal do Brasil sobre arrecadação, e os elementos que compõem o cálculo do ITR para cada município: Valor da Terra Nua - VTN, disponibilizado pelo Departamento de Economia Rural da Secretaria de Estado da Agricultura e Abastecimento - SEAB, e o Grau de Utilização da Terra - GUT, conforme dados de levantamento produzido pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística - IBGE, bem como, os efeitos da municipalização da fiscalização do tributo em questão. Ao final da pesquisa verificou-se que nos municípios onde uma parcela importante de imóveis rurais foi fiscalizada pelo Incra houveram expressivos aumentos na arrecadação do imposto analisado, para os anos de 2008, 2009 e 2010, sem que houvesse uma correlação direta com o comportamento dos elementos de cálculo do ITR, o VTN e GUT.
Pinhalzinho/SC e as políticas urbanas: as áreas periurbanas em cidades pequenas
Authors: Dos Santos João Pablo , Farinon Suelen Josiane , Mazetto de Oliveira Wagner
Published: April 2020

A temática sobre cidades pequenas ainda possui poucos estudos e aprofundamento teórico, sendo que a discussão sobre esses territórios se baseia em apontamentos generalizados e com pouca relevância. Por se tratar de pequenos territórios e com uma dinâmica diferenciada, se comparada com as metrópoles e cidades médias, as cidades pequenas somam boa parte do território brasileiro, sendo que em Santa Catarina cerca de 90% do estado é composto por cidades pequenas. Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar as políticas urbanas aplicadas a esses territórios, tendo como estudo de caso uma das cidades que mais cresceu nos últimos anos na região oeste de Santa Catarina, a cidade de Pinhalzinho. Nesse contexto, procura-se abordar uma das particularidades que esses pequenos territórios têm, principalmente nas cidades da região oeste, que é a sua interface urbano/rural, observando a partir das políticas urbanas como esta particularidade é ou não tratada nestas que ordenam o crescimento e o desenvolvimento da cidade. A metodologia foi baseada em breve análise bibliográfica dos principais assuntos tratados aqui, análise documental a partir das legislações urbanas de Pinhalzinho e a observação in-loco da materialização das políticas urbanas. A partir disso, foi possível constatar neste estudo que Pinhalzinho se desenvolveu e se expandiu a partir de diversas áreas periurbanas e fora do perímetro urbano estabelecido pelo Plano Diretor Municipal.
A atuação jurídica do estado brasileiro na migração haitiana a partir do estado do Acre (2010-2015)
Authors: Teles Tayson Ribeiro
Published: April 2020

Neste escrito dialogamos sobre a atuação estatal brasileira nos eventos relacionados à migração massiva de haitianos que chegaram ao país a partir do estado do Acre, no começo de 2010, e prosseguiram utilizando essa porta de entrada até o final de 2015. Privilegiando trabalhos que já trataram da temática em focos sociológicos, identitários, políticos e culturais, como Albuquerque (2014), Santos (2014) e Paula (2013), nossa abordagem mira no foco sociojurídico da questão. Analisamos a Ação Civil Pública n.º 0000723-55.2012.4.01.3000, de 2012, proposta pelo Ministério Público Federal no Acre, e a Ação Civil Pública n.º 0000384-81.2015.5.14.0402, de 2015, interposta pelo Ministério Público do Trabalho na 14ª Região (Acre e Rondônia). Os resultados demonstram ter havido um misto de confusão, ineficiência administrativa e legalismo exacerbado por parte do Estado brasileiro, que demorou para perceber a complexidade e dimensão da questão migratória haitiana.
Apresentação
Authors: Tonezer Cristiane , Fossá Juliano Luiz
Published: April 2020

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Methodology for evaluating linear and non-linear effects in a radio over fiber system
Authors: Puerto López Karla Cecilia , Báez Parada Rudy Paolo , Torres Palencia Ángel David , Guevara Ibarra Dinael
Published: April 2020

This article shows the methodology used to evaluate the linear and non-linear effects present in a radio over fiber system (RoF) by employing the multiplexing technique used for dense wave division, the Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technique. It is completed with a dissemination of 50 GHz, in accordance to the standards of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), through a channel speed of 10 Gbps, at an input power in the optical channel of 30mW, for optical fiber stretches of 40km, 60km and 80km. It presents the modeling of the RoF system graphically through a block diagram by means Matlab, a computational tool, whereby each of the stages of the RoF system are implemented using the libraries offered by the ‘simulink’  toolbox of Matlab. As a result, it is obtained that the methodology proposed for the evaluation of the RoF system using the DWDM technique allows for the analysis of linear and non-linear effects; where it is observed that the effects that degrade the signal are proportional to the established distances of the optical fiber and that the optical input power used is optimal for the optical fiber to behave as a non-linear medium.
Study of the carbon footprint in a ceramic production process in the metropolitan area of Cucuta
Authors: Peñaloza Isidro Leidy Katherine , Ortiz Rodriguez Oscar Orlando , Sánchez Molina Jorge
Published: April 2020

The experimental process was proposed in order to establish the viability of substituting part of the mineral fraction used at present (clayey material) by residues of combustion processes (ashes) of coal in thermoelectric, as an element to reduce the carbon footprint of the process of production of ceramic products, without altering the quality, properties and functionality of the final product. The study focuses on the specific case of a brick-making company in the metropolitan area of Cúcuta, and on the substitution of 10% of the raw material (clay) for ashes from the thermoelectric plant, for the production of ceramic blocks. The analyses carried out establish an energy saving derived from the use of 10% fly ash equivalent to 997.12Kg of Norte de Santander coal per burn. The results determine that, in the case of brick production, the annual reduction of emissions associated with the production process, with the use of ashes from the thermoelectric, would be 849.48 tons of CO2. Thus, the carbon footprint is reduced by 16.39kgCO2equiv/t finished product, which represents a decrease of 5.99% of the carbon footprint compared to the conventional process.
Administración en empresas químicas de Medellín con tendencia a la organización 4.0
Authors: Calle Piedrahita Juan Santiago , Isaza Zapata Gloria María , Isaza Zapata Ana Isabel , Portilla Rosero Byron Enrique
Published: April 2020

Introducción: Las empresas de químicos tienen un enfoque hacia las ventas y no hacia el mercadeo lo cual ha sido motivo que dificulta para incorporarse en una organización 4.0 (Li, 2018). El objetivo del artículo es identificar las características de las empresas de químicos para lograr adaptarse a las organizaciones 4,0 desde una visión del mercadeo. Las organizaciones 4.0 son un modelo de negocio donde participan los comportamientos de los clientes digitales, lo cual fuerza a una modificación de la gestión administrativa tradicional del mercadeo. Metodología: es cuantitativa, se desarrolla mediante un cuestionario con 19 preguntas cerradas y dos abiertas realizada durante los años 2017- 2018, donde participaron 16 directivos de empresas químicas en Medellín. Analizadas con el programa de prospectiva MICMAC. Resultados: Los principales hallazgos se orientan a la certificación, logística y gestión de las relaciones del consumidos (CMR). Es decir, las organizaciones 4.0 desde la química tienen un compromiso de relacionar lo interno con lo externo. Las empresas de químicos deben buscar la gestión de la innovación, la administración de los datos que se convierta en información en tiempo real; es decir, incorporar conocimiento táctico y explícito desde una movilidad interna y externa de la organización con una visión inter-operatividad. Conclusiones: las empresas químicas para empezar una organización 4.0 hacia el 2030, ligadas al desarrollo sostenible deben comprender a sus clientes como si fuesen parte interna de la compañía, además de establecer acciones de transformación ancladas en la actualización. Las implicaciones a futuro de las empresas químicas es relacionar la tecnología y la innovación con una propuesta ambiental.
Accounting and smart cities: New evidence for governmentality and politics
Authors: Alsaid Loai Ali , Mutiganda Jean Claude
Published: April 2020

The concept of a smart city has attracted the attention of many scholars and policymakers in many countries worldwide. The role of accounting as a tool of governance in smart city politics, however, has so far been largely overlooked, especially in less developed countries (LDCs). This paper sets off to fill this research gap and hitherto unexplored linkages between accounting and smart cities. Drawing on the concept of governmentality, the authors conducted a case study based on document analysis, meetings observation, and 42 semi-structured interviews at a branch of a hybrid electricity company owned by New Cairo City in Egypt, during 2018. Findings show that the case company has implemented smart distribution networks of electricity in which new management accounting technology (enterprise resource planning (ERP) system) is used to trace costs, revenues, client complaints and feedback in a timely manner. The new network (of infrastructure and technologies) has represented timely accounting information as a major political power to influence accurate governance decision-making, such as smart electricity pricing and control, and to challenge governance decisions that are not sound. This paper is one of the first studies to explore the socio-political dynamics of accounting in smart city governance in the context of LDCs.
Astropolitics: Yes, that is really a thing
Authors: Dobos Bohumil
Published: April 2020

The paper reviews the main approaches towards the study of the geopolitics
of outer space and presents some main issues to be tackled in the future.
Geopolitics, as an approach towards the analysis of international politics,
generally discusses the impact of geography on the political processes.
Throughout history, approaches to analyse the impact of different types of
terrain or different types of environment (sea, air, land) on the conduct of
political activity were developed. It was only in the 1990s when Everett
Dolman applied the geopolitical approach to the outer space domain. Since
then, many approaches to the issue were developed, and the stream known as
astropolitics became an important stream of academic thought. The author
analyses some physical characteristics necessary for the understanding of
the domain's mechanisms and then presents some important streams of thought
inside the geopolitical thinking. The analysis focuses on the issues of
actorness, the relations between space powers, technological progress, the
introduction of space weapons, utilisation of natural resources, and
sustainability of space operations. The author concludes that with
foreseeable technological progress in the future, the outer space domain
will become more relevant for both academia and practitioners in their
approach to international politics, requiring deeper understanding of how
processes in this domain can impact political events and relations.
Accounting Quality and Debt Concentration
Authors: Li Ningzhong , Lou Yun , Otto Clemens A. , Wittenberg-Moerman Regina
Published: April 2020

We examine the relation between accounting quality and debt concentration in corporate capital structures (i.e., firms' tendency to rely predominantly on only a few types of debt). Motivated by theoretical and empirical research that supports a strong link between debt concentration and creditors' coordination costs and the importance of accounting quality in reducing these costs, we hypothesize that firms with higher accounting quality have less concentrated debt structures. Measuring accounting quality with a comprehensive index based on the occurrence of material internal control weaknesses, accounting restatements, SEC AAERs, and firms' reliance on small auditors, we find that higher accounting quality is indeed associated with less concentrated debt structures. This relation is stronger for firms with higher default risk, as the probability that creditors need to coordinate is higher, and for firms with lower liquidation values, as creditor coordination to avoid liquidation is more important.

Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text.

JEL Classifications: M4; G32; G33.