bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Capital Structure within the Context of Corporate Governance in Egypt
Authors: El-Habashy Hanaa A.
Published: June 2018

This study aims to investigate the characteristics of corporate governance that impact the capital structure decisions in listed firms in Egypt, to test the efficiency of the research results conducted in the developed Western countries in an emerging economy. A sample of 240 observations from the most active non-financial companies collected in the period 2009-2014 was used for hypothesis testing. Multiple regression models (OLS) were used for data analysis. Seven variables are used in measuring the attributes of corporate governance; they are the managerial ownership, institutional shareholding, shares owned by a large block, board size, board composition, separation of CEO/Chair positions and audit type. Four ratios were calculated for measuring the capital structure, they are long-term and short-term debt to assets, total debt to assets and debt to equity. The results suggest that corporate governance attributes have a significant impact on the capital structure decisions of listed Egyptian companies. In addition, firm-specific factors such as profitability, tangibility, growth opportunities, corporate tax, firm size and non-debt tax shields influence the choice of capital structure in Egypt. The results showed the same relationship with what was obtained in developed Western countries. The paper offers some contribution in the literature and helps to understand the impact of corporate governance on Egypt's capital structure as an emerging economy.
Effect of Household Factors on Repayment Ability among Islamic Microfinance Borrowers in Bangladesh
Authors: Sharmin Farzana , Bakar Ridzwan
Published: June 2018

The paper aims to discuss the effect of household factors on repayment ability among borrowers of Islamic microfinance in Bangladesh. Cross-sectional survey was used on borrowers who have been involved for more than two years in rural development scheme. Data was collected from 507 households through a close-ended questionnaire. The survey found that household income increased significantly after access to the Islamic microfinance program. The structural equation model analysis shows that household income has a significant positive effect on repayment ability. Household savings and consumption were also found to have a significant positive relationship with household income. Household savings also has a significant positive relationship with repayment ability when it is negative with the household consumption. Unlike conventional studies, this study found that borrowers involved in farm activities have a better repayment ability. The emerging result contributes to the research regarding repayment problems and the findings demonstrate that the adoption of Islamic microfinance could be a better solution. It is also anticipated that the empirical result will contribute to the furtherance of literature on Islamic microfinance.
Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Model for Road Capacity of Open Neighborhood -- Based on Improved NS Cellular Automata
Authors: Cao XiaoYan , Liu Bing-Qian , Cao Jian , Zhang Yuan-Biao
Published: June 2018

With the rapid development of motorization in our country, gated communities have become the obstacle of the development of urban traffic network. In this paper, focusing on the impact of gated communities on the traffic situation in surrounding area before and after it is opened, we firstly establish a comprehensive evaluation system by fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and then build up the improved NS model based on Cellular Automata, which put forward the concept of internal road sharing rate in communities. Finally, we select the urban district of different types and surrounding roads in Shanghai as a case, and through simulation and evaluation, we found that the opening of communities is feasible. What’s more, compared with gated communities, the two-way 2-lane urban opening communities have the most optimal effect on improving road capacity.
Stability Analysis Through the Direct Method of Lyapunov in the Oscillation of a Synchronous Machine
Authors: Abello Muñoz Carlos Alberto , Cárdenas Alzate Pedro Pablo , Mesa Fernando
Published: June 2018

This paper deals with the determination of the stability of a synchronous generator connected to an infinite bus when one of its parameters is varied. The direct method of Lyapunov is proposed for the construction of a scalar function that allows to characterize the stability of said system, this method is chosen since it has several practical advantages.
Politie en krijgsmacht samen in speciale eenheden voor de politietaak
Authors: Timmer Jaap
Published: June 2018

Police and army cooperating in Special Units

Since 2006 the police and the army in the Netherlands cooperate within the System of Special Units. These units are called upon in life-threatening situations with imminent or actual severe violence related for example to organized crime or terrorism. The author examines this cooperation and its added value. The work of the special units system in the police organization should be viewed and treated as police work. Considering today’s concerns about terrorism, it seems wise to invest in an adequate anti-terrorism capacity. Yet the reality is that there are far fewer terrorist attacks and victims in the Netherlands now than in the 1970s. At the same time the number of arrests under life-threatening circumstances that are dealt with by the Arrest Team (SWAT) within the police organization is much higher nowadays. The SWAT lacks capacity to deal with this situation adequately.
Hybridisering van de zwaardmachten: realiteit of fictie?
Authors: Neuteboom Peter , Hovens Hans
Published: June 2018

The police and the army as hybrid organizations: reality or fiction?

National and international security are becoming increasingly interdependent. The question is whether this leads to a certain level of militarization of the police and constibularisation of the military. In some of their operations and units, the Dutch police apply tactics, technologies and organizational principles that resemble those of the military. The police also contribute to international peace support operations and stability missions to train or monitor police in post-conflict areas. The Dutch army has been involved in some sort of interim policing during several stability missions and increasingly support the Dutch police in law enforcement operations by providing search and analytical support. Finally, as a police force with a military status, the Royal Marechaussee has acquired a structural and strong position in the Dutch police system. Although there is some sort of convergence, the authors conclude that the level of militarization of the police and constabularisation of the military remains limited.
Krijger als opsporingsambtenaar?
Authors: Voetelink Joop
Published: June 2018

On warriors acting as investigation officers

The Netherlands armed forces are increasingly involved in activities within the Netherlands as well as abroad, that can be characterized as law enforcement. Military personnel, however, are not trained as law enforcement officials and perform these non-military tasks based on their military skills and drills. Nevertheless, their efforts eventually must lead to a criminal persecution of a suspect. Therefore, it is important that military personnel are well aware of the particular requirements set out by criminal procedures while planning and executing a military action and, whenever possible, operate in close collaboration with authorized law enforcement officials.
Can One Eat Art? The Political, Socio-Economic and Artistic Role of Food in Peter Greenaway’s Film The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, And Her Lover
Authors: Kowalewska Malgorzata
Published: July 2018

The aim of the article is to present the relationship between food and politics based on the example of Peter’s Greenaway film The Cook, the Thief, his Wife, and her Lover. This particular Greenaway’s film is compelling for the purposes of the presented analysis, as he is an accredited painter and he uses food as references to historic paintings. In my article, I analyse the role of food (as an element of scenography in Greenaway’s film) as a means of explaining political and social problems presented. I will reference to history of art, political and social situation, as well as approach to food in the upper class in Great Britain in ’80s of the 20th century
Central Europe after 1918. A short outline
Authors: Miszewski Dariusz , Dąbrowski Franciszek , Deszczyński Marek , Wnętrzak Grzegorz
Published: July 2018

This paper analyses changes in the region’s states, and the evolution of Central Europe’s (CE)
position in the international environment. Since forming in 1918, the new CE independent
states have remained a focus for neighbouring powers and Western powers. The paper looks at
the background for the historical, political, economic, demographic, cultural and geopolitical
importance of Central Europe. Th ree essential periods can be distinguished, the first being the post-WW1 period, when after the downfall of Austria-Hungary and the weakening of Germany,
Russia and Turkey, a number of independent states emerged. The lack of Western assistance and
insufficient mutual cooperation meant that CE countries became subject to aggression from
Berlin and Moscow. After WW2, the region was forcefully reintegrated into the Soviet Union –
and its states were subjected to political, social, economic and cultural degradation. The downfall
of the Soviet Union and democratic transition in the states of Central Europe contributed to the
regional economic and security integration. EU membership and close ties to the USA forged
significant possibilities for development and becoming a subject of European policy. Historical
experiences show that Central Europe has had a significant impact on international security in
Europe. The region’s states of increasing signifi cance have the capability potential to forge their
own concepts of close regional political and economic cooperation.
REGIONAL DIFFERENTIATION OF CHANGES IN THE CONSUMPTION OF MINERAL
FERTILIZERS IN POLAND
Authors: Matyka Mariusz
Published: July 2018

The aim of the paper was to determine the regional diversification of the main directions of change and
the level of mineral fertilizers consumption in Poland. Source material for study was mass statistics data
published by the Central Statistical Office. Among the compared provinces, the use of mineral fertilizers
in 2007-2016 decreased to the largest extent in the provinces Warmińsko-Mazurskie, Wielkopolskie i
Zachodniopomorskie. The strongest upward trend was found in the voivodships Lubelskie, Opolskie
and Podkarpackie. Mineral fertilizer consumption in this period was characterized by a large regional
diversity. The highest fertilization was used in the provinces Opolskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Dolnośląskie
and Wielkopolskie, while the lowest in Małopolskie and Podkarpackie.
ANALYSIS OF SUPP LY LOGISTICS OF PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL FARMS IN THE ARTIFICIAL
FERTILIZERS
Authors: Pakuła Krzysztof , Kuziemska Beata , Becher Marcin , Kiepuszewska Aleksandra
Published: July 2018

The aim of the work was to assess the supplying process of production means in private farms with
diversified area and profile production (mixed production – cattle breeding and cereal cultivation, and
one-way production – cereal cultivation). Mineral fertilizers were bought by all surveyed farmers, the
most – NPK fertilizers, the least – phosphatic fertilizers. Mineral fertilizers and plant protection products
were bought most often twice a year and stored up to 7 days (mainly larger farms, regardless of the
production profile). Lime fertilizers were purchased most often once a year, especially farms specialized
in crop production.
CHANGES IN THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE SALES OF APPLES IN POLAND AFTER the ACCESSION TO THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Rysz Maria
Published: July 2018

The aim of the study was to determine the changes in Polish foreign trade in apples between 2004 and 2016. The paper analyses quantitative and valuable changes in export, import and the balance of Polish apples turnover. There are also presented main sales directions of apples in Poland. As shown in the data, the foreign trade of Polish apples has been continuously growing since the accession to the European Union. The data show that continuously since 2004, despite the turbulence in 2005-2008, 2014-2016 (Russian embargo and bad weather conditions in 2007 and 2010), there has been a positive balance in foreign trade. The main recipients of Polish apples in the analysed period were: countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (Russia in 2004/2005 and 2008-2013, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan), new EU-13 Member States (including Romania, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Latvia), “ old “EU-15 countries (mainly Germany), and after 2014, among others Serbia, Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Arab Emirates.
Historical and Systematic Approaches of Pseudo-Dionysious the Areopagite’s De divinis nominibus
Authors: Terezis Christos , Petridou Lydia ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: June 2018

This is a case study of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite’s De divinis nominibus, a text about God’s names and properties in which human effort to comprehend the projections of the divine energies is described. We specifically focus our attention on the Paraphrasis of George Pachymeres, who was one of the most important representatives of the Palaeologan Renaissance and a great commentator on Pseudo-Dionysius’ works. His introduction to the De divinis nominibus provides us with the opportunity to approach it in two ways: from the historical point of view, we discuss the reason why the text was composed; from the systematic point of view, we discuss some general points about what names and definitions indicate. This is important for a better understanding of the rest of the treatise.
Acerca del término uJpovqesiç en el Adversus haereses de Ireneo de Lyon
Authors: Sáez Gutiérrez Andrés , Ayán Calvo Juan José ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: June 2018

The focus is on the meaning of ὑπόϑεσις in Irenaeus of Lyons’ Adversus haereses. Our case is to argue that two different elements converge in ὑπόϑεσις or its translations (especially argumentum) in the Latin version of AH. The first stems from the Greek literary field, in which ὑπόϑεσις means the “subject” or “plot” of a dramatic or poetic composition. The second is related to the philosophical meaning of ὑπόϑεσις as “that which is placed under” or “foundation”. On the one hand, Irenaeus uses ὑπόϑεσις theologically to express the plot of the historia salutis, so that the term can be understood as teaching or doctrine. On the other hand, this ὑπόϑεσις is at the same time a regula, the normative foundation of all the elements that take part in God’s economy of salvation.
Gregory of Nyssa’s Teaching on Sin in the Homilies on the Beatitudes
Authors: Farrugia Jonathan ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: June 2018

The Homilies on the Beatitudes are believed to be Gregory of Nyssa’s earliest existing homilies, dating most probably from the Lenten season of 378. In them we can clearly see, although still at an early stage, his thoughts on the problem of evil in the world and its effects on human nature. Reading the homilies from this angle, one can show his original ideas on the introduction of sin in human nature, on the state of the man enslaved by sin and on sin’s effects on him. Gregory also gives some useful and practical suggestions as to how sin can be overcome. Even though in later homilies he goes more deeply into these themes, and sometimes his thought develops and points to different conclusions, it is here in this first set of homilies that we start to see his ideas on sin and redemption taking shape.
Almsgiving and the Therapy of the Soul in John Chrysostom’s Homilies on Matthew
Authors: Bae Junghun ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: June 2018

In recent years much scholarly work has explored the topic of John Chrysostom as an ancient “psychagogue”. In these recent studies, however, relatively little attention has been devoted to Chrysostom’s approach to almsgiving in relation to the cure of the soul. This article looks closely at Chrysostom’s view of almsgiving and soul therapy within the context of ancient philosophical therapy. Analyzing Chrysostom’s Homilies on Matthew, it demonstrates that for Chrysostom almsgiving is a crucial remedy for healing the sick soul.
The Canons of the Council of Chalcedon concerning Monks
Authors: Wipszycka Ewa ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: June 2018

The aim of the article is to propose new answers to four fundamental questions concerning those rulings of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 that aim to regulate the functioning of monastic communities: 1. Why did the authors of the canons in question (emperor Marcian and patriarch Anatolius) propose legal regulations for the key organizational aspects of the life of monastic communities? 2. Which monastic groups were to be subject to these regulations? 3. What were the chances of the regulations being implemented? 4. What role did the canons have in relations between monks and the Church after Chalcedon? In her conclusions, the author emphasizes the Constantinopolitan context of the canons. She sees them as an example of “declarative law”, important in the sphere of ideology but hardly usable in practice. She explains her disagreement with those scholars who hold that the canons’ impact on the life of the Churches in the Empire was significant.
La ricerca della Sapientia in De resurr. 278-292 (CPL 1463)
Authors: De Gaetano Miryam ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study is to analyse a passage of the pseudoepigraphic Carmen de resurrectione (vv. 278-292) which relates to insipientes, interpreted as those who do not accept that the rational observation of nature proves the existence of a unique creator God. Such a refusal is believed to make them worthy of eternal damnation. The resulting concept of sapientia involves both ratio and voluntas; it is also connected with gnoseology and soteriology. A similar concept can be found in the Aquitanian poetry of the fifth century and in the theology of the so-called Semipelagians. This similarity calls into question the traditional dating and the supposed area of origin of the Carmen.
SPANISH ENGINEERS AND SCIENTISTS SERVING THE AZOGUE DE ALMADEN MINES IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY
Authors: ALMANSA RODRIGUEZ EMILIANO , SILVESTRE  MADRID MARÍA ÁNGELES
Published: June 2018

The arrival of the Enlightenment in Spain at the beginning of the eighteenth century by French and Italian influences and by the reformist impulse with the arrival of the Bourbons allowed to raise the scientific, cultural and economic level of the country.
Mining was no stranger to this movement and a good example of this was the creation of the Casa-Academia de Minas in Almadén (Ciudad Real) and the arrival at its mines of scientists and engineers both foreign and Spanish, which made it possible to modernize mining operations by increasing production of mercury to meet the demand of Colonial America.
This article aims to disseminate the contribution of Spanish military scientists and engineers who during the second half of the 18th century dedicated their efforts to improve mining techniques in Almadén, of enormous transcendence for the Spanish economy and the development of Colonial America

Keywords: Colonial America, quicksilver or mercury, scientist, history of technology, illustration, military engineer, mines of Almadén, mining technique.
FINITE ELEMENT EVALUATION FOR ADHESIVE JOINTS DISSIMILAR MATERIAL (STEEL – ALUMINUM)
Authors: CRUZ GONZALEZ CELSO EDUARDO , SANTILLAN GUTIERREZ SAUL , TAHA TIJERINA JOSE JAIME , ROMERO LLERENAS RODRIGO , JAMILLOUX ALEXANDRE , GAMEZ CUATZIN HUGO , GONZALEZ GARCIA PEDRO
Published: June 2018

In the automotive industry the demand for the reduction of CO2 emissions and environmental issues has generated regulations such as the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy). One critical point to be addressed is the weight reduction, this can be achieved by the substrate combination that can provide light weight, strength and stiffness. Adhesive bonding, is a technology in which one of its advantages is that it can join dissimilar materials. However, for the safe operation of bonded components, it is necessary to know their mechanical behavior in order to establish suitable operating parameters.
The present manuscript presents a finite element analysis for dissimilar metal (aluminum-steel) adhesive bonded joints with different adhesives (methyl methacrylate, one and two component epoxy) and different thicknesses (3.9 and 2.9 mm).
The substrates and adhesives were characterized to obtain a positive identification of the material and to feed the ABAQUS® software employed in the finite element analysis. In order to validate the model, lap shear tests were performed on samples bonded with the adhesives mentioned before. To verify the amount plastic strain, strain gauges were used bonded near the overlap area. Finally, post-fracture analyzes were used to analyze the type of failure.
The results, provide information related to the mechanical behavior and stress distribution of the joints. It was revealed, that the strength of the joint depends on the type of adhesive and that the shear strength is not affected by the ductility of the adhesive. Additionally, the average normal stresses are greater in the edges of the adhesive joint and are responsible for the generation of the crack as could be verified in the post-fracture analysis. Finally, extensometer analysis suggested that higher stress was concentrated in the aluminum adherend without surpassing the yield stress.

Key words: Adhesive, finite element simulation, stress distribution, scanning electron microscopy, foil strain gauge
WIND TURBINE MAINTENANCE. A REVIEW
Authors: HERNANDEZ CALLEJO LUIS , MERIZALDE YURI-HUMBERTO , DUQUE PEREZ OSCAR , BONILLA MORTE LUIS-MIGUEL
Published: June 2018

Climatic change has taxed humanity in terms of the use of renewable energy in most countries around the world. In this context, installed wind power has recently increased at an almost exponential rate. Although there is still a large potential market that could be covered, minimizing costs has become a critical factor for a wind project to be financially justified and competitive. The present work is a bibliographical review of the primary strategies and methodologies used to reduce the cost of these activities while producing the maximum electricity from wind turbines. This review includes tabulated information on the types of faults, occurrence statistics, and associated costs and equipment suppliers for monitoring, detection, diagnosis and fault prediction and although most of it refers to onshore wind turbines, offshore wind turbines are also included in several parts. Research shows that in order to guarantee the reliability and economic feasibility of wind farms, the most used methodologies is CMS, which include vibration analysis, acoustic emission, ultrasonic testing techniques, thermography, oil analysis, structural health monitoring, optical fiber monitoring, strain measurement, radiographic inspection, power signal analysis. Currently, in addition to technical personnel, turbine operation and maintenance include, sensors, software, trucks, cranes, boats, helicopters, drones and smartphone applications.

Keywords: wind turbines, maintenance strategies, cost, types of faults, condition monitoring system
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENGE IN ENGINEERING: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Authors: FONTENLA ROMERO OSCAR , CALVO  ROLLE JOSE LUIS
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a review on Artificial Intelligence, its current state of development and future perspectives in the area of Engineering. To do this, a brief review of the origins of Artificial Intelligence is carried out, in order to analyze the main advances achieved so far from a practical point of view. Finally, some considerations are made on the possible ethical problems that it is possible that the society has to face with the advance of this technology. Finally, the possibilities of this field in engineering are analyzed.
Key Words: artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning.
ORNAMENTAL FOUNTAINS: ENERGY AND WATER SAVINGS AS WËLL AS IMPROVING THE SERVICE LEVEL
Authors: DE LA FUENTE BORREGUERO CARLOS , FERRANDIZ ALBENDEA ALBERTO
Published: June 2018

This paper approaches how to achieve important energy and water savings and improve the service level of ornamental fountains by implementing various technologies.
It is proposed to implement an automatic anemometric control system to run the water features that will enable running times to be increased and reduce water wastage.
It is proposed to regulate the pumps using variable speed drives to obtain major energy savings.
A remote control system is considered to monitor the main working parameters, to inform of events and set alarms and program and check the state of the equipment, optimise the energy control of the pumps, and be able to know the increase in operating times of the fountain provided by the automatic anemometric control.
A procedure is set out to calculate the energy and water savings achieved by incorporating the proposed technologies.
Finally, an actual case of implementing these systems in ornamental fountains is set out, providing the information on the energy savings obtained and an analysis of the returns on the investment.

Keywords: Ornamental fountain, anemometric control, variable speed drive, remote control, energy efficiency, service level
DESIGN MANAGEMENT IN BUSINESS STRUCTURES. FIRST STEPS OF A RESEARCH PROJECT
Authors: MARTINEZ RODRIGUEZ RODRIGO , GRUBER ACHA JULIA
Published: June 2018

Although the word "design" is used in countless occasions in a company,"management" and all its variants appear in practically all the processes and activities of a business. The communication between design, innovation, technology and customers is essential for decision making and the development of business strategies and therefore management is required. For this reason Design Management was born, and with it a growing interest in the use and dynamization of tools that allow implementing good design management in the company.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator
IMPROVED TEST STIMULUS SCAN-IN METHOD FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
Authors: CHEN CHUANDONG , WEI RONGSHAN , LUO HAIBO , CHEN YUXIANG
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT:
Scan testing is the key technology in the design for test of integrated circuit. For existing scan testing methods, the scan-in for test stimuli requires many clock cycles, which is one of the main restrictions of scan testing. To shorten the scan testing time of an integrated circuit, a novel test stimulus scan-in method was proposed in this study. First, scan chains, test stimuli, and test responses were grouped according to a fixed data width. Second, logic XOR calculation results of test response and test stimuli were coded according to the bit width of each group. The corresponding decoding and control circuits were added in the netlist of the circuit, which achieved fast input of test stimuli. Finally, an experiment using ISCA89 and IWLS2005 benchmark test circuits was performed. Experimental results were compared with those that used a serial input method of test stimuli. Results demonstrate that the proposed method can save approximately 37.5% and 43.7% of test time in average when the width of each group are 4 bits and 8 bits, respectively. The proposed method can decrease the clock cycles of scan testing significantly and shorten the scan testing time of the integrated circuit. Conclusions obtained in this study provide significant references for improving the scan testing method of digital integrated circuit.

Keywords: Scan testing, Design for test, Test response, Test stimulus
DIGITALIZATION AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN FINANCIAL SERVICES
Authors: PLANUCH PRATS CARLES , SALVADOR VALLES RAMON
Published: June 2018

Currently, the development and application of information and communication technologies (ICT) has a special impact on the processes of disruption and transformation in organizations. Many companies are investing significant resources in the development of new digital products and services that are increasingly being adopted by consumers. This dynamic, favoured by the Web 2.0 environment, is key in the processes that allow the acquisition and transfer of knowledge in organisations. Thus, certain knowledge management (KM) processes can foster innovation and performance.
A TOOL TO EVALUATE QUALITY OF THE CORPORATIVE WEBSITES
Authors: SAN MARTIN LOPEZ JOSE JAVIER , SANCHEZ ZURDO FRANCISCO JAVIER
Published: June 2018

The objective of this paper is to show how the CIO-Rank meta-indicator allows an evaluation of the state of the websites of the main public and private environments, obtaining comparative metrics between different established groups, and providing a ranking focused on the interests and expectations of the visitor.
Re-inventando(nos)
Authors: Martínez Morales María , Bermúdez Vázquez Virginia
Published: July 2018

El presente artículo da cuenta de una investigación a/r/tográfica llevada a cabo con una comunidad de inmigrantes como acción artística colectiva. Es un proyecto basado en la construcción de una Web como dispositivo activador de las situaciones y discursos derivados del propio proceso de creación artística. De esta manera, el artículo se organiza según una introducción en la que justificamos el interés que nos lleva a considerar necesaria la propuesta de investigación a/r/tográfica. A continuación, sigue un apartado donde analizamos el papel del medio digital como herramienta de comunicación y agencia vinculada con esta experiencia de investigación. En el siguiente punto damos cuenta del proceso investigativo describiendo el enfoque metodológico llevado a cabo, el diseño de la propuesta de investigación a/r/tográfica y las acciones desarrolladas basadas en la práctica artística colectiva. Finalmente, a modo de conclusión,  exponemos un apartado elaborado a partir de la puesta en común con el colectivo y las reflexiones y pensamientos que se derivan del proceso creativo como eje vertebrador de la acción con la comunidad. Quedando manifestada, por tanto, la importancia del proceso colectivo basado no solamente en la acción artística como forma de conocimiento sino también como aprendizaje y comprensión de una realidad social en la que quedamos sumergidas.
The experience of ECHN-Italy: the voice of the Italian early career hydrogeologists
Authors: De Filippis Giovanna , Stevenazzi Stefania , Viaroli Stefano
Published: June 2018

Not available
The “Ovito” Hydrometrographic station (Carseolani Mounts, Central Apennines). A great adventure born from an innovative idea
Authors: Capelli Giuseppe , Argentieri Alessio
Published: June 2018

non disponibile
WEAP-MODFLOW dynamic modeling approach to evaluate surface water and groundwater supply sources of Addis Ababa city
Authors: Birhanu Behailu , Kebede Seifu , Masetti Marco , Ayenew Tenalem
Published: June 2018

The integration between WEAP and MODFLOW models coupled via LinkKitchen helps to create a dynamic link between surface water and groundwater supply sources of Addis Ababa city. Possible impacts of natural and anthropogenic stresses on surface water reservoirs volume and groundwater storage have been assessed through water supply scenario analysis. Besides, contrary to other surface water hydrological models, the unique nature of WEAP adds water demand assessment by simulating Addis Ababa city near future water demand coverage under three population projection scenarios. The water demand projections of Addis Ababa city indicates 100% water demand coverage will not be achieved for high (4.6%), medium (3.8%) and low (2.8%) population growth rate projections, even with all the emerging and planned water supply projects start production up until 2025. Supply scenario projections indicate, as surface water reservoirs are highly sensitive to climate change and variability, the city groundwater supply sources will be noticeably affected by the emerging and planned groundwater supply expansion schemes. If groundwater abstraction continues to reach to zero unmet demand, more than 30-meter groundwater level decline can be registered in 2025. To foresee the combined effect of both natural and anthropogenic stresses on Addis Ababa city water supply sources, best case (considering conditions which improve Addis Ababa city water supply) and worst case (considering conditions stressing Addis Ababa city water supply) scenarios were tested. The best case scenario results zero unmet water demand in Addis Ababa city in most wet months of future projection years up to 2025, with likely decline of about 6 meter on the groundwater level. The worst case scenario to the contrary shows, Addis Ababa city water demand coverage will potentially be reduced to a maximum of 35% in 2025, with seasonal and annual variability. The dynamic link between surface water reservoirs and groundwater supply sources helps to gain insight into the potential consequences of continuously changing natural and anthropogenic conditions on Addis Ababa city water supply sources. Consequently, the significant predicted near future pressure on Addis Ababa city surface water and groundwater supply clearly indicate planning and developing alternative water supply sources outside of the boundary (Upper Awash basin) where the city is located should be immediately started in order to endure the pressure from the ever increasing demand. Otherwise, not only Addis will continue suffering unmet water demand for the years to come, but also the water supply sources will be severely impacted. Nonetheless, wherever the water supply sources, minimizing water loss, recycling and improving water use efficiency should be given at most priority.
Childhood Community Disadvantage and MRI-Derived Structural Brain Integrity After Age 65 Years
Authors: Peterson Rachel L. , Meza Erika , George Kristen M. , Maillard Pauline , DeCarli Charles , Gilsanz Paola , Soh Yenee , Lor Yi , Kind Amy J. , Barnes Lisa L. , Whitmer Rachel A.
Published: November 2024

Importance

Prior studies associate late-life community disadvantage with worse brain health. It is relatively unknown if childhood community disadvantage associates with late-life brain health.

Objective

To test associations between childhood residence in an economically disadvantaged community, individual income and education, and late-life cortical brain volumes and white matter integrity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was conducted in the ongoing harmonized cohorts KHANDLE (Kaiser Healthy Aging and Diverse Life Experiences Study; initiated 2017) and STAR (Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans; initiated 2018) using all available data collected out of a regional integrated health care delivery network in California between cohort initiation and analysis initiation in June 2023. Eligible participants were Kaiser Permanente Northern California member ages 65 years or older. Data were analyzed between June and November 2023.

Exposure

Residence at birth was geocoded and linked to historical Area Deprivation Indices (ADI). ADI is a nationally ranked percentile; community disadvantage was defined as ADI of 80 or higher.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Regional brain volumes and white matter integrity measures were derived from a random subset of participants who underwent 3T magnetic resonance imaging. Models adjusted for race and ethnicity, sex, and parental education.

Results

Of a total 2161 individuals in the combined cohort, 443 individuals were eligible for imaging (mean [SD] age, 76.3 [6.5] years; 253 female [57.1%]; 56 Asian [12.6%], 212 Black [47.9%], 67 Latino [15.1%], 109 White [24.6%]). Imaging participants had a mean (SD) 15.0 (2.5) years of education, and 183 (41.3%) earned $55 000 to $99 999 annually. Fifty-four participants (12.2%) resided in a disadvantaged childhood community. Childhood community disadvantage was associated with smaller gray matter volumes overall (−0.39 cm3; 95% CI, −0.65 to −0.10 cm3) and in the cerebellum (−0.39 cm3; 95% CI, −0.66 to −0.09 cm3), hippocampus (−0.37 cm3; 95% CI, −0.68 to −0.04 cm3), and parietal cortex (−0.25 cm3; 95% CI, −0.46 to −0.04 cm3) and larger mean lateral ventricle (0.44 cm3; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.74 cm3), third ventricle (0.28 cm3; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.55 cm3), and white matter hyperintensity volume (0.31 cm3; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.56 cm3). Educational attainment and late-life income did not mediate these associations.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of racially and ethnically diverse health plan members, childhood community disadvantage was associated with worse late-life brain health independent of individual socioeconomic status. Future work should explore alternative pathways (eg, cardiovascular health) that may explain observed associations.
Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Authors: Fallon Keelin , Remenschneider Aaron
Published: November 2024

This JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery Patient Page describes Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms, causes, and treatment.
Polygenic Risk Scores and Hearing Loss Phenotypes in Children
Authors: Wang Jing , He Fan , Shepherd Daisy A. , Li Shuai , Lange Katherine , Sung Valerie , Morgan Angela , Kerr Jessica A. , Saffery Richard , Wake Melissa
Published: November 2024

Importance

Monogenic causes of childhood hearing loss are well established, as are polygenic risk contributions to age-related hearing loss. However, an untested possibility is that polygenic risk scores (PRS) also contribute to childhood hearing loss of all severities, alongside environmental and/or monogenic causes.

Objective

To examine the association between a PRS for adult hearing loss and childhood hearing loss phenotypes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used a unique population-based dataset spanning normal hearing to profound loss, combining 2 contemporaneous population cohorts in Australia. This included the Child Health CheckPoint, a national population-based cross-sectional study nested within the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, and the Victorian Childhood Hearing Longitudinal Databank (VicCHILD), a statewide population-based longitudinal data bank open to every child with congenital hearing loss in Victoria, Australia. The analysis took place from March to August 2023.

Exposures

Genotype data were generated from saliva- or blood-derived DNA using global single-nucleotide variations arrays. Based on genotype data, PRS was computed using published UK Biobank genome-wide association study results for self-reported hearing difficulty in individuals aged 40 to 69 years.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Hearing outcomes were classified by laterality (bilateral, unilateral), severity (mild, moderate, severe or worse) and types (sensorineural, conductive, mixed, auditory neuropathy, atresia). Analyses included multinominal logistic regressions of PRS with hearing outcomes.

Results

Overall, 1488 CheckPoint study children (49.8% boys, aged 11-12 years) and 527 VicCHILD study children (55.2% boys, aged 0-13 years) with hearing and genotype data were included. A 1-SD increment in PRS was associated with higher odds of mild (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.6), moderate (OR, 5.1; 95% CI, 3.2-8.1), and severe or worse (OR, 5.3; 95% CI, 3.9-7.3) unilateral hearing loss compared with normal hearing. Similarly, the PRS was associated with increased odds of mild, moderate, and severe or worse bilateral hearing loss (per-SD ORs, 3.9-6.6) and all hearing loss types (per-SD ORs, 8.5-10.6).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, a PRS initially developed for adult hearing difficulty was associated with wide-ranging childhood hearing loss phenotypes, partly explaining hearing phenotype variations despite shared genetic and environmental factors (eg, preterm birth). Large-scale studies with objectively defined hearing phenotypes are crucial for refining PRS and predicting high-risk children.
Surgical Oncology Care for Patients With Frailty—Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?
Authors: Chen Michelle M. , Sethi Rosh K. V.
Published: November 2024

This Viewpoint describes how frailty assessments should be incorporated into surgical oncology decision-making for older adults with head and neck cancer.
Monodomain Liquid‐Crystal Elastomer Lattices for Broad Strain‐Rate Mechanical Damping
Authors: Bischoff Adam , Bawcutt Carter , Sorkin Maksim , Yazzie Joel , C. Cook Caitlyn , Leguizamon Samuel C. , Cook Adam W. , Roach Devin J.
Published: November 2024

Designing structures that effectively dissipate energy across a broad range of mechanical loading rates, including those from compression, shock, and vibration, poses a significant engineering challenge. In this study, liquid‐crystal elastomers (LCEs), which possess anisotropic properties due to the alignment of their polymer backbone, are explored. As a result, LCEs exhibit a soft elastic response under mechanical loading, making them ideal for energy dissipation. Advances in additive manufacturing (AM) enable simple fabrication of foamlike dissipative structures with complex lattice geometries. Herein, direct ink write 3D printing, an extrusion AM method, is used to fabricate aligned, monodomain LCE lattice structures for broad strain‐rate mechanical damping. In this work, it is shown that these structures can dissipate strain energy in quasi‐static environments, comparable to traditional elastomeric lattices, and provide improved damping under high strain‐rate drop testing due to LCE soft elasticity. Additionally, under dynamic mechanical vibration, monodomain LCE lattices enhance damping at structural natural frequencies and provide high‐frequency attenuation. In these findings, a promising method is presented for fabricating mechanical damping devices that effectively dissipate energy across a broad range of loading rates.
Spontaneous Corrosion Induced Scalable Fabrication of Bayberry‐Like Ni@Ni3S2 Core–Shell Catalysts for 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural Oxidation
Authors: Chen Ye , Qiu Jiayao , Li Shilong , Zhang Jingru , Liu Yi , Chen Xin , Liu Xupo , Dou Shixue , Wang Deli
Published: November 2024

Electrocatalytic oxidation of biomass‐derived 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) presents a promising pathway for synthesizing the value‐added chemical, 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). However, it is still lack of scalable strategies to fabricate electrocatalysts with high activity and selectivity. Herein, a bayberry‐like Ni@Ni3S2 core–shell catalyst is prepared via a spontaneous corrosion strategy for HMF electro‐oxidation. The Ni3S2 shells with abundant electron‐deficient Ni sites facilitate the generation of high‐valence Ni3+OOH active species. Additionally, the in situ oxidation of S2− to SO42− enhances the electron and proton transport capacity. Both high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and density functional theory (DFT) analyses reveal that Ni@Ni3S2 preferentially selects the 2,5‐dicarboxyfurylfuran (DFF) pathway due to the lower reaction energy barrier from HMF to DFF, and the rate‐determining step of DFF oxidation to generate 5‐formylfuran‐2‐carboxylic acid (FFCA) is significantly accelerated. Consequently, the yield of FDCA and Faraday efficiency are found to be 99.20% and 99.35%, respectively, and they still reach 88.79% and 90.33% after ten cycles, showing excellent stability. Moreover, a mass production of 13.97 g Ni@Ni3S2 is successfully synthesized using the spontaneous corrosion strategy. This work offers a valuable reference for designing scalable and high‐performance catalysts by manipulating reaction routes to achieve efficient biomass conversion.
Progress and Perspective of High‐Entropy Strategy Applied in Layered Transition Metal Oxide Cathode Materials for High‐Energy and Long Cycle Life Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Leilei , Wang Haichao , Dong Hanghang , Sun Weiwei , Lv Li‐Ping , Yang Chao , Xiao Yao , Wu Feixiang , Wang Yong , Chou Shulei , Sun Bing , Wang Guoxiu , Chen Shuangqiang
Published: November 2024

Layered transition metal oxide (LTMO) cathode materials of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have shown great potential in large‐scale energy storage applications owing to their distinctive periodic layered structure and 2D ion diffusion channels. However, several challenges have hindered their widespread application, including phase transition complexities, interface instability, and susceptibility to air exposure. Fortunately, an impactful solution has emerged in the form of a high‐entropy doping strategy employed in energy storage research. Through the implementation of high‐entropy doping, LTMOs can overcome the aforementioned limitations, thereby elevating LTMO materials to a highly competitive and attractive option for next‐generation cathodes of SIBs. Thus, a comprehensive overview of the origins, definition, and characteristics of high‐entropy doping is provided. Additionally, the challenges associated with LTMOs in SIBs are explored, and discussed various modification methods to address these challenges. This review places significant emphasis on conducting a thorough analysis of the research advancements about high‐entropy LTMOs utilized in SIBs. Furthermore, a meticulous assessment of the future development trajectory is undertaken, heralding valuable research insights for the design and synthesis of advanced energy storage materials.
Therapeutic Controlled Release Strategies for Human Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Dan , Liu Wei , Venkatesan Jagadeesh K. , Madry Henning , Cucchiarini Magali
Published: November 2024

Osteoarthritis is a progressive, irreversible debilitating whole joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite the availability of various options (non‐pharmacological and pharmacological treatments and therapy, orthobiologics, and surgical interventions), none of them can definitively cure osteoarthritis in patients. Strategies based on the controlled release of therapeutic compounds via biocompatible materials may provide powerful tools to enhance the spatiotemporal delivery, expression, and activities of the candidate agents as a means to durably manage the pathological progression of osteoarthritis in the affected joints upon convenient intra‐articular (injectable) delivery while reducing their clearance, dissemination, or side effects. The goal of this review is to describe the current knowledge and advancements of controlled release to treat osteoarthritis, from basic principles to applications in vivo using therapeutic recombinant molecules and drugs and more innovatively gene sequences, providing a degree of confidence to manage the disease in patients in a close future.