bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Trade Liberalization Affect Energy Saving in Nigeria?
Authors: Jibrilla Aliyu Alhaji
Published: March 2021

The study empirically examines the role of trade openness and other determinants in explaining the intensity of energy use in Nigeria using annual data from 1981 to 2015. The paper uses an auto-regressive distributed lag (ARDL) model in interpreting both long-run energy intensity as a co integrating relation, and its short-run dynamics. The robustness of ARDL results is verified using Dynamic OLS (DOLS) estimation technique. The results provide evidence of a Cointegration relation between energy intensity and its determinants. The results provide evidence that trade only significantly reduces energy intensity in the short run. Meanwhile, the results also show that income growth and industry value added have significant reducing effects on energy intensity. The results also raise some important policy issues, particularly on the inflows of foreign aid.
Information Technology, Marketing Database and the Process of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC): A Resource-Capability Nexus
Authors: Ahmad Ayaz , Salleh Salniza Md. , Perumal Selvan a/l
Published: March 2021

This study aims at identifying and conceptually linking Information Technology, Marketing Database and the IMC process in a resource paradigm. It also conceptually posits the mediated role of Marketing Database to further transmit the absorbed effect to the IMC process. Review of the past studies has been done to conceptually connect these resources and/or capabilities. This paper establishes different relationships to be further tested empirically for both the academia and industry professionals. The main contribution is to conceptually theorize all the three concept and linking them conceivably that were either missing or vague in the marketing communication literature. Further, it also provides a research avenue to seek the complementarity of such resources by utilizing the extended RBV theory. The theoretical framework proposed is based on past literature from the RBV and marketing communications literature positing some new structural paths beside certain previous linkage (s) if any.
Investigating Customer Satisfaction of Airline Passengers in Aviation Sector of Pakistan
Authors: Azhar Muhammad Salman , Othman Ismail Bin Lebai , Ahmad Norzieiriani bt.
Published: March 2021

This study aims to measure customer satisfaction by exploring service quality, trust and physical environment as drivers of customer satisfaction in airline industry of Pakistan. The study used a cross-sectional research design. The data collection was done by survey research method through a structured, adopted, modified and self-administered questionnaire. There were 576 questionnaires that were distributed to passengers of three airlines namely; Pakistan International Airline (PIA), Shaheen International Airline (SAI) and Air Blue (ABQ), in five airports of Pakistan. The hypothesis were tested simultaneously on 446 passengers out of 576 questionnaire that were distributed getting a response rate of 71 %. The data was analyzed using SPSS (version 21.0) and PLS-SEM (using Smart PLS version 3.2.8) at the 0.05 critical level. The study findings were in line with previous research and expectation disconfirmation theory (EDT) of customer satisfaction. The findings have shown significant association among variables that were examined in the study. Despite the significant association among trust, physical environment and service quality, this study is an addition in the theoretical knowledge of airline industry of Pakistan. Additionally, the study explores influence of trust, physical environment and service quality and their association to how the passengers perceive the service quality, physical environment and their level of trust on service providers whether the passengers are satisfied or not from the international airlines of Pakistan. Also, this study deliver understandings for future research in service marketing area and help travel agencies to employ the implementation of role of service quality, customer trust and physical environment as main drivers of customer satisfaction.
Public Investment in Social Sector in Pakistan: Trends and Issues
Authors: Idrees Sadia , Bakar Nor’Aznin Abu
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this research article is to investigate the key issues, problems and the new challenges in education and health sectors of Pakistan. The functions of health and educational institutions are to develop the people physically, mentally, psychologically, socially and spiritually. It improves and promotes the economic, social, political and cultural life of the nation. In Pakistan, after more than five decades, the developmental indicators are not showing positive results. There are problems of quality of staff, students, library and laboratory, poor quality of Health Information Management System, lack of Governance. Relevance with society needs, research facilities, financial crisis, arts students more than science students weaknesses of examination, ineffective governance and academic results are not at par with international standards. Considering the gigantic problems of education and health sectors in Pakistan, the researcher selected this topic for research.
Liquidity Risk Management in Banking Sector under the Shadow of Systematic Risk and Economic Dynamics in Pakistan
Authors: Kamran Hafiz Waqas , Omran Dr. Abdelnaser , Arshad Dr. Shamsul Bahrain bin Mohamed
Published: March 2021

The aim of this present study is to investigate the impact of systematic risk and economic dynamics on liquidity reserve of banking firms in Pakistan. Data for stock return and market return is collected from Data stream, while for all other factors World Development Indicator (WDI) database is selected. The findings of Pooled Regression have suggested that Liquidity Reserves for overall banking Industry of Pakistan significantly affect by Systematic Risk and Key Economic Dynamics. Panel data Models are applied to check whether there is cross sectional heterogeneity in selected financial firms or not. The study period consists of last 15 years 2001-15, due to the availability of the data set. Moreover, other economic indicators like Lending Interest Rate and Inflation can be under observation for the future studies. As per the best perception of researchers, this is the first study in this context, addressing the Liquidity Management and selected key factors.
Supply Chain Management Moderating Effect on the Nexus amid Intensity of Energy Consumption and Accounting Information System
Authors: Yousaf Waseem , Jamil Raheel , Chohan Zardashia Nazir , Mughal Muhammad Muneeb Akmal
Published: March 2021

The goal of the existing study is to explore the impact of accounting information system (AIS) and intensity of energy on the effective energy consumption of the sugar industry in Pakistan. The goal also consist upon the moderating role of effectiveness of supply chain on the links of AIS and effective energy consumption, intensity of energy and effective energy consumption. The employees that are related with AIS and supply chain are the respondent and they provide the data by questionnaires and the data was evaluated by employing the effective tool of data analysis named as Smart-PLS. The results show that AIS and intensity of energy have positive link with the effective energy consumption. The findings also show that effectiveness of supply chain positively moderates among the links of AIS and effective energy consumption, intensity of energy and effective energy consumption. The policymakers and the upcoming researchers will be the users of this study who can get guidelines in developing regulation regarding effective energy consumption and also in exploration of this area in future.
INTERNACIONALIZAÇÃO E TRANSNACIONALIZAÇÃO NA PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO EM EDUCAÇÃO NO BRASIL: ALGUNS EMBATES
Authors: Hey Ana Paula , Catani Afrânio Mendes , Amorim Antonio Marcos
Published: March 2021

O artigo analisa contenciosos em torno da internacionalização da pós-graduação no Brasil, por meio do estudo de quatro Programas em Educação (PPGEs) que, na última avaliação da CAPES (2013-2016), obtiveram o conceito máximo (nota 7). Conduzindo-se estudo exploratório cienciométrico dos artigos científicos da(o)s docentes destes PPGEs, com extração de dados através do software livre scriptLattes, obteve-se um total de 1.434 artigos, sendo que 13,9%, foram publicados em revistas internacionais e, destes, 64% em inglês. A maior parte (69%) se produziu em coautorias (2 ou mais autores). Problematizam-se aspectos da internacionalização e da transnacionalização da produção de conhecimento, visando distinguir mecanismos formais e estratégias necessárias para trocas menos assimétricas no campo da educação.
PERCEPÇÕES DE PROFESSORES SOBRE O ENSINO DA LÍNGUA INGLESA EM UMA CIDADE DE PEQUENO PORTE DO ESTADO DE SANTA CATARINA
Authors: Fuerst Cremilda Martins , Koerner Rosana Mara
Published: March 2021

Neste artigo serão apresentadas as percepções de professores sobre o ensino da Língua Inglesa em relação à formação docente, às condições de trabalho e aos recursos pedagógicos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa. Na coleta dos dados, utilizamos questionários respondidos por professores de inglês da cidade e entrevistas com quatro professoras. A partir da análise, foi possível observar a ausência de formações continuadas e, por isso, as professoras buscam alternativas para se manterem atualizadas. Há, também, a percepção do pouco tempo para o desenvolvimento das habilidades linguísticas, ainda que haja recursos pedagógicos disponíveis. Com relação ao uso dos gêneros textuais, nota-se pouca variação, ficando entre a letra de música, o diálogo e os jogos, indicando uma tendência ao lúdico.
QUANDO O EDUCAR PELA PESQUISA SE TORNA UMA METODOLOGIA ATIVA
Authors: Ventura Paula Patrícia Barbosa
Published: March 2021

O objetivo deste artigo foi investigar as estratégias utilizadas por uma docente que fez uso do “Educar pela Pesquisa” como metodologia de ensino. De natureza qualitativa, do tipo estudo de caso, a pesquisa foi realizada num curso de Licenciatura de um Instituto Federal. Como instrumentos, recorreu-se a um questionário de sondagem, à observação e à entrevista. Os resultados mostraram um alinhamento com a literatura proposta, o que ratifica a importância de o educador fundamentar suas práticas em referenciais teóricos específicos ao que se propõe. Destaca-se ainda que as estratégias propiciaram aos estudantes engajamento, autoria, interesse intrínseco na realização das atividades, bem como comprometimento com a própria aprendizagem, características das metodologias ativas, daí se afirmar que “Educar pela Pesquisa” pode ser considerada como tal.
É fato ou é fake? Notícias falsas e pós-verdade no ensino de língua portuguesa
Authors: Rocha Patrícia Graciela , Biondo Fabiana
Published: March 2021

As profundas mudanças nos modos de interação e de reconstrução de conhecimentos na chamada era da pós-verdade têm respondido pela disseminação em massa das notícias falsas, as famosas fake news. Um cenário que imprime ainda maior relevância ao trabalho com essas notícias, nas aulas de línguas na educação básica, a partir de gêneros discursivos que encarnam essa prática. Neste trabalho, discutimos o modo como a coleção de Livros Didáticos de Língua Portuguesa dos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental, da Coleção utilizada na Rede Municipal de Ensino de Campo Grande/MS, aborda a temática das fake news, amparando-nos em trabalhos sobre esse fenômeno na condição da pós-verdade e em estudos sobre letramentos críticos. As análises revelam uma abordagem superficial sobre o tema, pouco engajada com os letramentos críticos e com o desenvolvimento de agência transformadora sobre problemáticas sociais e opressoras, como as decorrentes da partilha de informações fabricadas.
Introducción: 20 años después. Expectativas y (duras) realidades en comunicación política
Authors: González Macías Rubén Arnoldo , Echeverría Martín
Published: March 2021

Veinte años es un periodo razonable para esperar avances políticos y sociales en cualquier país. Particularmente en México, durante dicho periodo transcurren poco menos de tres sexenios -medida tradicional de los ciclos del poder- durante los cuales los compromisos y oportunidades de iniciar, continuar o consolidar mejoras parecieran suficientes. En lo que respecta a la dimensión democrática de la comunicación política y el periodismo, la perspectiva de un avance o mejora en los últimos veinte años, los de la transición democrática, es por lo menos ambivalente y en algunos casos, decepcionante ...
Los disfraces del sexo débil
Authors: Ruballo Thirza
Published: March 2021

La izquierda y derecha están cambiando y se enmarañan en redefiniciones ideológicas. La tesis del machismo no se queda atrás, algunos la atribuyen al sistema patriarcal establecido, otros argumentan que es sólo un disfraz utilizado por las mujeres para ocultar su negativa a asumir riesgos y responsabilidades.Entorno reúne a tres mujeres destacadas en el ámbito político y social para debatir sobre el tema, y les ofrece a los lectores extractos de sus coincidencias, diferencias y conclusiones.La elección de las entrevistadas fue difícil, pero garantizó la diversidad de opiniones: Gloria Salguero Gross, ex presidenta de la Asamblea Legislativa y de ARENA, partido asociado con ideas conservadoras; Morena Herrera, líder de Las Dignas, movimiento feminista considerado de los más radicales en el país; y Sandra de Barraza, de pensamiento moderado, coordinadora de la Comisión Nacional de Desarrollo.
Some New Identities for the Generalized Fibonacci Polynomials by the Q(x) Matrix
Authors: Chen Chung-Chuan , Huang Lin-Ling
Published: March 2021

We obtain some new identities for the generalized Fibonacci polynomial by a new approach, namely, the Q(x) matrix.

These identities including the Cassini type identity and Honsberger type formula can be applied to some polynomial

sequences such as Fibonacci polynomials, Lucas polynomials, Pell polynomials, Pell-Lucas polynomials and so on, which

generalize the previous results in references.
Het Skanska-arrest: een mogelijke fundamentele verandering in de civiele handhaving van het Europese mededingingsrecht
Authors: Bothof S.W.
Published: March 2021

Het Skanska-arrest: een mogelijke fundamentele verandering in de civiele handhaving van het Europese mededingingsrecht

In deze bijdrage analyseert de auteur de gevolgen van het Skanska-arrest in een schadeprocedure voor overtreding van het Europese mededingingsrecht. Op grond van de jurisprudentie en literatuur concludeert de auteur dat de doorwerking van het ondernemingsbegrip, als gevolg van het Skanska-arrest, de benadeelde een significante uitbreiding van aansprakelijkheidsmogelijkheden kan bieden.
Nikola Tesla en de coltrui-CEO: de gevaren van informatiemanipulatie
Authors: Giltjes M.J.
Published: March 2021

Nikola Tesla en de coltrui-CEO: de gevaren van informatiemanipulatie. Vertrouwen van het beleggend of het algemeen publiek?

De auteur betoogt dat met de doelstellingen achter het informatiemanipulatieverbod van de Marktmisbruikverordening wordt beoogd het vertrouwen van het algemeen publiek, in tegenstelling tot slechts het vertrouwen van het beleggend publiek, te waarborgen. Een helder begrip van deze doelstellingen is noodzakelijk voor de effectieve handhaving van het informatiemanipulatieverbod.
A influência da ansiedade na compulsão alimentar e na obesidade de universitários
Authors: Munhoz Paula Gulart , Borges Gustavo Da Rosa , Beuron Thiago Antônio , Petry Jonas Fernando
Published: March 2021

Altos níveis de ansiedade são considerados um fenômeno que, infelizmente, está presente  na vida de muitas pessoas. Estes elevados índices de ansiedade podem causar distúrbios tais como a compulsão alimentar e a obesidade. Este estudo tem como objetivo verificar se a ansiedade influencia na compulsão alimentar e na obesidade de alunos da Universidade Federal do Pampa (Campus Dom Pedrito). Usando um conjunto de dados coletados por um survey com 373 acadêmicos da universidade UNIPAMPA. Uma abordagem de regressão é empregada para estudar o impacto das variáveis latentes associadas à compulsão alimentar e a obesidade. Os resultados indicam que a ansiedade pode ter influência na compulsão alimentar. Por outro lado, observou-se que a ansiedade não provoca a obesidade. Os resultados mostram que a compulsão alimentar influencia na obesidade. Além disso, presupõe-se que a compulsão alimentar pode ser uma variável mediadora na relação entre a ansiedade e a obesidade.
Proposta de acolhimento pré-operatório de enfermagem: redução de cancelamentos cirúrgicos de usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde
Authors: Silva Grácia Maria Garcia , Aquino Simone , Morgado Flávio
Published: March 2021

O cancelamento de cirurgias gera stress para o paciente e onera a instituição, refletindo ineficiência na administração hospitalar. O presente estudo, delineado como uma pesquisa quantitativa, observacional, descritiva, retrospectiva, prospectiva e com corte transversal, analisou as cirurgias agendadas, realizadas e suspensas do Sistema Único de Saúde (com maior percentual de cancelamentos), em um hospital de ensino, categorizadas por especialidade, motivo de suspensão e fonte pagadora, entre os anos de 2014 a 2017. O estudo propõe um sistema de intervenção de enfermagem, a fim de diminuir o cancelamento de cirurgias do SUS, com base de uma consulta de enfermagem e busca ativa (contato telefônico com o paciente ou familiar), 48 horas antes da cirurgia. O estudo, realizado com 159 pacientes do SUS com cirurgias eletivas agendadas, constatou que a média de suspensões de cirurgias foi de 17%, acima da média histórica geral (10,5%) e da média histórica do SUS (14 %). Após a intervenção, a taxa de suspensão observada foi de 15,3%, inferior à taxa de 22%, quando não havia o contato prévio.
Deus é de direita?
Authors: Congar Yves , Medeiros Iago
Published: March 2021

Temática Livre - Tradução.
Fundamentalismo à brasileira: perfil e enfoque do Protestantismo de Missão no Brasil
Authors: Cunha Carlos Alberto Motta
Published: March 2021

“Fundamentalismo” é um movimento ou uma corrente de pensamento, que prega obediência rigorosa e literal a um conjunto de princípios fundamentais. Pode estar presente na economia, na política, na educação e em outras instâncias da vida humana. É na religião que o fundamentalismo é mais conhecido e relacionado. Fundamentalismo religioso tem fases de expressão no decorrer da história possibilitando novas elaborações conceituais e estruturais. Nos últimos anos, o tema ressurge na América Latina quando governos fazem das ideias fundamentalistas a sua base. Há uma junção perigosa entre os fundamentalismos religioso e político. O objetivo desse artigo consiste em avaliar criticamente esta relação e os seus desdobramentos sociais. O texto se divide em: 1) distinção entre “conservadorismo” e “fundamentalismo”; 2) panorama sobre as fases de expressão do fundamentalismo cristão de matriz protestante; 3) a Bíblia como base do The Fundamentals: a Testimony to the Truth; 4) fundamentalismo à brasileira, a partir do protestantismo de missão e do pentecostalismo. Os aspectos propositivos são sugeridos no decorrer da reflexão e, principalmente, no último momento do texto como apontamentos para repensar a formação teológica de líderes religiosos no Brasil.
Evangélicos fundamentalistas e política: uma análise da conjuntura brasileira (2018-2019)
Authors: Campos Breno Martins
Published: March 2021

Este artigo reconhece que nunca se falou tanto em fundamentalismo em nosso país como agora; e que o uso ampliado do conceito poucas vezes vem associado ao espectro do protestantismo definido pela hermenêutica literal das Escrituras, como nos primórdios do movimento fundamentalista. No Brasil contemporâneo, grosso modo, fundamentalista qualifica o evangélico conservador ou reacionário, quase sempre pentecostal, e com inserção na mídia e na política. Assim, é urgente que a ação de evangélicos fundamentalistas no espaço público-político brasileiro seja compreendida pelas Ciências da Religião (em diálogo com a Teologia), uma vez que coloca em questão a democracia ao transformar interesses religiosos particulares em questões de Estado e ações de governo. O objetivo deste artigo, portanto, é avaliar como o qualificativo fundamentalista associado ao nome evangélico contribui para a compreensão da eleição de Jair Bolsonaro à presidência da República em 2018, adotando como recorte o caso da promessa de mudança da embaixada brasileira em Israel de Tel Aviv para Jerusalém. As conclusões alcançadas acerca das imbricações do assim chamado sionismo cristão (como um traço fundamentalista de setores evangélicos) com a eleição de Bolsonaro resultam de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, cujos dados empíricos foram retirados do jornal Folha de S. Paulo.
Antioxidants in Female Reproductive Biology
Authors: Nath Banashree , Roy Hirok
Published: March 2021

Human female reproductive biology is a complex system and its pathologies are varied. However, majority of the pathologic processes involves the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Imbalance between the ROS and antioxidants results in oxidative stress (OS). OS is the pathognomonic factor in various female reproductive system ailments. OS contributes to the pathophysiology of infertility, pregnancy related complications, endometriosis, ovarian cancers, etc. Evidence of elevated oxidative stress biomarkers can be found in various inflammatory conditions. Numerous strategies have been postulated for management of OS related pathologic conditions. Antioxidants supplementation may play a crucial in prevention and management of these conditions. However, robust evidence is needed to support the role of antioxidants supplementation in various female reproductive disorders.
Reduce Depression and Anxiety in Methadone Users with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Authors: Naeim Mahdi , Rezaeisharif Ali , Aligholizadeh Moghadam Sahar
Published: March 2021

Background: Research shows that transcranial direct current stimulation is effective in reducing depression and anxiety. Objectives: This research is aimed at reducing depression and anxiety in methadone users with transcranial direct current stimulation. Methods: This study is a randomized clinical trial with a pretest-posttest. The sample of this study was 60 methadone users who had severe depression and anxiety. Participants were allocated to two experimental (n = 30) and control groups (n = 30). The two regions, F3 (cathode) and F4 (anode) were stimulated with a current of 2 mA for 20 minutes in 10 sessions. Participants were assessed before and after stimulation with Beck’s depression inventory and Berger’s anxiety test. Results: Data analysis showed that tDCS reduced the symptoms of depression and anxiety in methadone users (P < 0.01). Conclusions: It seems that the method of tDCS can reduce the severity of symptoms of depression and anxiety. Therefore, it can be claimed that this intervention can be considered by experts as a complementary intervention along with other psychological and pharmacological treatments.
The Assessment of 5 Polymorphisms in the USP9Y Gene in Infertile Patients with Non-obstructive Azoospermia
Authors: Kalhor Naser , Fazaeli Hoda , Sheikholeslami Azar , Davoodi Asl Faezeh
Published: March 2021

Background: Male factor infertility that is the cause of about half of the infertility cases, may occur due to azoospermia. Because spermatogenesis defects may lead to non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), investigating the factors involved in spermatogenesis, including hormones and genes, is one of the most important aspects in understanding the mechanism of NOA in men. Objectives: Male infertility is a complex disorder that affects a large proportion of men, yet many of its causes are unknown. Clarifying its genetic basis may help to identify the causes of infertility and provide effective treatment for patients. Methods: In this case-control study, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the USP9Y gene were investigated. Accordingly, 100 healthy men and 100 NOA patients were regarded as control and case groups, respectively. Testis tissue samples were taken during the testicular sperm extraction (TESE) procedure, DNA extraction was done, and ARMS PCR was designed and performed. The rs3212292, rs2032597, rs2032604, rs2032598, and rs717268 polymorphisms in the USP9Y gene were analyzed by Tetra-ARMS PCR. Furthermore, the serum levels of sex hormones were assessed by the ELISA technique. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: According to the obtained results, there was no significant difference in case of genotype frequency of investigated SNPs between the case and control groups (P ≥ 0.05). The mean FSH and LH levels in the control group were relatively lower than the case group (P ≤ 0.05), whereas no significant difference in the mean testosterone level was observed between the two groups (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusions: Polymorphisms of the assessed SNPs showed no effect on the frequency of azoospermia; Thus, polymorphisms did not increase the risk of NOA and also did not have a protective effect against the disease. Also, the results showed that the serum levels of FSH and LH increased in NOA patients.
The Prevalence and Pattern of Acinetobacter Antibiotic Resistance in the Patients Admitted to Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran (2016 - 2018)
Authors: Shirvani Maria , Zamanian Mohammad Hossein , Janbakhsh Alireza , Sayad Babak , Vaziri Siavash , Mohseni Afshar Zeinab , Miladi Ronak , Khazaei Sedigheh , Mansouri Feizollah , Afsharian Mandana , Tarlan Mitra
Published: March 2021

Background: Acinetobacter is a gram-negative coccobacillus, which is widespread in nature and causes several nosocomial infections, such as pneumonia, meningitis, endocarditis, skin and soft tissue infections, conjunctivitis, and bacteremia. Acinetobacter has also demonstrated resistance against multiple antimicrobial agents. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance pattern of the isolated Acinetobacter strains from the patients admitted to various wards of Imam Reza hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on 726 patients with positive Acinetobacter cultures at Imam Reza hospital during 2016 - 2018. Bacterial isolates were identified using laboratory tests and based on the CLSI protocol, and the standard disc-diffusion method was used assess antibiotic susceptibility. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 20. Results: Most of the Acinetobacter-positive cases were isolated from the intensive care units (75.88%) and sputum (73.3%) and urine samples (10.1%). In addition, the highest and lowest resistance rate of the isolates was observed against ceftriaxone (96.6%) and ampicillin-sulbactam (58.7%), respectively. Conclusions: According to the results, the bacterial isolates were multiple-drug resistant and showed resistance to ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, cotrimoxazole, ceftriaxone, cefepime, gentamicin, imipenem, ampicillin, ampicillin-sulbactam, and amikacin. The high resistance to imipenem is rather alarming as it is considered the 'last resort' in the treatment of the infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, monitoring programs are recommended to prevent the misuse of this drug in hospitals.
Systematic revision of Platevindex Baker, 1938 (Gastropoda: Euthyneura: Onchidiidae)
Authors: Goulding Tricia C. , Bourke Adam J. , Comendador Joseph , Khalil Munawar , Quang Ngo Xuan , Tan Shau Hwai , Tan Siong Kiat , Dayrat Benoît
Published: March 2021

In the Indo-West Pacific, intertidal slugs of the genus Platevindex Baker, 1938 are common in mangrove forests, where they typically live on the roots and trunks of mangrove trees. These slugs are easily distinguished from most onchidiids by their hard notum and narrow foot, but despite their large size and abundance, species diversity and geographic distributions have remained a mystery. With the aid of new collections from across the entire Indo-West Pacific, the taxonomy of Platevindex is revised using an integrative approach (natural history field observations, re-examination of type specimens, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences, and comparative anatomy). In this monograph, nine species of Platevindex are recognized, including one new to science: P. amboinae (Plate, 1893), P. applanatus (Simroth, 1920) comb. nov., P. aptei Goulding & Dayrat sp. nov., P. burnupi (Collinge, 1902) comb. nov., P. coriaceus (Semper, 1880), P. latus (Plate, 1893), P. luteus (Semper, 1880), P. martensi (Plate, 1893) and P. tigrinus (Stoliczka, 1869) comb. nov. Five species names are recognized as junior synonyms, four of which are new, and two Platevindex names are regarded as nomina dubia. One new subspecies is also recognized: P. coriaceus darwinensis Goulding & Dayrat subsp. nov. Most species were previously known only from the type material and many new geographic records are provided across the Indo-West Pacific, from South Africa to the West Pacific (Japan, New Ireland and New Caledonia).
The Impact of Increasing Disease Prevalence, False Omissions, and Diagnostic Uncertainty on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Test Performance
Authors: Kost Gerald J.
Published: March 2021

Context.—

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test performance depends on predictive values in settings of increasing disease prevalence. Geospatially distributed diagnostics with minimal uncertainty facilitate efficient point-of-need strategies.

Objectives.—

To use original mathematics to interpret COVID-19 test metrics; assess US Food and Drug Administration Emergency Use Authorizations and Health Canada targets; compare predictive values for multiplex, antigen, polymerase chain reaction kit, point-of-care antibody, and home tests; enhance test performance; and improve decision-making.

Design.—

PubMed/newsprint-generated articles documenting prevalence. Mathematica and open access software helped perform recursive calculations, graph multivariate relationships, and visualize performance by comparing predictive value geometric mean-squared patterns.

Results.—

Tiered sensitivity/specificity comprised: T1, 90%, 95%; T2, 95%, 97.5%; and T3, 100%, ≥99%. Tier 1 false negatives exceeded true negatives at >90.5% prevalence; false positives exceeded true positives at <5.3% prevalence. High-sensitivity/specificity tests reduced false negatives and false positives, yielding superior predictive values. Recursive testing improved predictive values. Visual logistics facilitated test comparisons. Antigen test quality fell off as prevalence increased. Multiplex severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)–CoV-2)*influenza A/B*respiratory syncytial virus testing performed reasonably well compared with tier 3. Tier 3 performance with a tier 2 confidence band lower limit will generate excellent performance and reliability.

Conclusions.—

The overriding principle is to select the best combined performance and reliability pattern for the prevalence bracket. Some public health professionals recommend repetitive testing to compensate for low sensitivity. More logically, improved COVID-19 assays with less uncertainty conserve resources. Multiplex differentiation of COVID-19 from influenza A/B–respiratory syncytial virus represents an effective strategy if seasonal flu surges next year.
Possible Times and Worlds: Art, Adventure, and the Stranger in Georg Simmel
Authors: Bodei Remo
Published: March 2021

Simmel discovers the essential in the unessential, and sets the centre of our affairs on the periphery of normal life. Temporary gratification, an ubi consistam, can in fact only be obtained in the ulteriority to which we are referred and in which we temporarily linger in marginal experiences, in the eccentric, in the as yet not saturated possibilities that come to meet us, as a gift, or as the result of an activity not entirely our own – the adventure, dreams, artworks. Simmel’s fundamental question is how not to remain below one’s own unexpressed possibilities. Through social or individual levers, men should be put in the position to exploit the richness of their own subjectivity and the objectivity of the modern world, to force an opening into the possible, while at the same time reducing the inevitable exposure to disappointment.
Georg Simmel: Explaining what Goes on in Society Today
Authors: Helle Horst Jürgen
Published: March 2021

In the following pages I hope to transfer my enthusiasm for the sociology of Georg Simmel to my readers. My hope is powered by something of a calling to pass on the message so central his writing and thinking that it can be condensed into one simple statement: Using his approach to culture, politics, and society translates the statement “you are wrong!” to “I see, that is how you look at it!” Thus, the blunt definition of the other person as being in error becomes an acknowledgment of a new insight. Based largely on Simmel's original writings an overall view of his approach, I try to present empowering the reader how topical his thinking is in light of some alarming social and political developments world wide in society today. This simple conversion from one view of a difference of opinion to another has an obvious potential of conflict reduction, and that is why it is “advertised” here.
Entrevista a Rosalía Murciano, consultora en social media y gestión del conocimiento
Authors: Cobarsí-Morales Josep
Published: March 2021

Rosalía Murciano es graduada en Información y Documentación por la UOC (2014). Su trayectoria profesional está vinculada a la aplicación práctica de la gestión del conocimiento y el social media en empresas y organizaciones, mediante la consultoría y el coaching. Tiene previsto incorporarse al equipo docente del grado de Información y Documentación en septiembre de 2015, en la asignatura Comportamiento informacional I.
Las metáforas del presidente (en funciones)
Authors: Sivera Sílvia
Published: March 2021

Año 1359: el rey Pere el Ceremoniós convoca la Corte de Cervera para hacer frente a la invasión de las tropas castellanas de Pedro el Cruel y se nombra a Berenguer de Cruïlles, obispo de Girona, primer presidente de la Generalitat de Cataluña. La peste negra y las batallas marcaron su mandato. Año 2010: Artur Mas se convierte en el 129º presidente del sistema institucional de autogobierno en un contexto de crisis plurales, encrucijadas políticas y… metáforas discursivas.
Volkswagen: 'Das Auto' y 'Der Betrug'
Authors: Lalueza Ferran
Published: March 2021

"Nur der Betrug entehrt, der Irrtum nie" ("Sólo el fraude deshonra, no el error"). Lo decía hace unos 250 años el padre del aforismo alemán, Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, que era físico por cierto. El problema de Volkswagen es que ha aunado fraude y error. Fraude en la manipulación de los controladores de emisiones de sus motores diesel. Error en la gestión comunicativa de la crisis consiguiente.
¡Arriba los birretes! Bienvenidos a Alumni
Authors: Ollé Candela
Published: March 2021

El acto de graduación es, sin duda, uno de los momentos más esperados como el símbolo de culminación de una etapa, y ver las caras de ilusión desde las primeras filas de la platea te contagia emociones. Cada estudiante tiene una historia única, donde el sacrificio y el esfuerzo son sentimientos compartidos. Ahora bien, después de la graduación no se acaba el vínculo con la UOC, ya que se abre la puerta a la Comunidad Alumni; así que una vez graduados: enhorabuena y bienvenidos a Alumni.
SABRE populates ER domains essential for cell plate maturation and cell expansion influencing cell and tissue patterning
Authors: Cheng Xiaohang , Bezanilla Magdalena
Published: March 2021

SABRE, which is found throughout eukaryotes and was originally identified in plants, mediates cell expansion, division plane orientation, and planar polarity in plants. How and where SABRE mediates these processes remain open questions. We deletedSABREinPhyscomitrium patens, an excellent model for cell biology.SABREnull mutants were stunted, similar to phenotypes in seed plants. Additionally, polarized growing cells were delayed in cytokinesis, sometimes resulting in catastrophic failures. A functional SABRE fluorescent fusion protein localized to dynamic puncta on regions of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) during interphase and at the cell plate during cell division. WithoutSABRE, cells accumulated ER aggregates and the ER abnormally buckled along the developing cell plate. Notably, callose deposition was delayed in∆sabre, and in cells that failed to divide, abnormal callose accumulations formed at the cell plate. Our findings revealed a surprising and fundamental role for the ER in cell plate maturation.
HPF1 and nucleosomes mediate a dramatic switch in activity of PARP1 from polymerase to hydrolase
Authors: Rudolph Johannes , Roberts Genevieve , Muthurajan Uma M , Luger Karolin
Published: March 2021

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is an important player in the response to DNA damage. Recently, Histone PARylation Factor (HPF1) was shown to be a critical modulator of the activity of PARP1 by facilitating PARylation of histones and redirecting the target amino acid specificity from acidic to serine residues. Here, we investigate the mechanism and specific consequences of HPF1-mediated PARylation using nucleosomes as both activators and substrates for PARP1. HPF1 provides that catalytic base Glu284 to substantially redirect PARylation by PARP1 such that the histones in nucleosomes become the primary recipients of PAR chains. Surprisingly, HPF1 partitions most of the reaction product to free ADP-ribose (ADPR), resulting in much shorter PAR chains compared to reactions in the absence of HPF1. This HPF1-mediated switch from polymerase to hydrolase has important implications for the PARP1-mediated response to DNA damage and raises interesting new questions about the role of intracellular ADPR and depletion of NAD+.
Multiple time-scales of decision-making in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex
Authors: Tang Wenbo , Shin Justin D , Jadhav Shantanu P
Published: March 2021

The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus are crucial for memory-guided decision-making. Neural activity in the hippocampus exhibits place-cell sequences at multiple timescales, including slow behavioral sequences (~seconds) and fast theta sequences (~100–200 ms) within theta oscillation cycles. How prefrontal ensembles interact with hippocampal sequences to support decision-making is unclear. Here, we examined simultaneous hippocampal and prefrontal ensemble activity in rats during learning of a spatial working-memory decision task. We found clear theta sequences in prefrontal cortex, nested within its behavioral sequences. In both regions, behavioral sequences maintained representations of current choices during navigation. In contrast, hippocampal theta sequences encoded alternatives for deliberation and were coordinated with prefrontal theta sequences that predicted upcoming choices. During error trials, these representations were preserved to guide ongoing behavior, whereas replay sequences during inter-trial periods were impaired prior to navigation. These results establish cooperative interaction between hippocampal and prefrontal sequences at multiple timescales for memory-guided decision-making.
Bioactivity of Mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonaris) Extract on Some Food Pathogens
Authors: Wabali Victor C. , Ekpo Victoria O.
Published: March 2021

The interest in discovering and developing natural antimicrobial has significantly increased due to consumer preferences for food that are free of chemical preservatives while still microbiologically safe. One of the best sourced natural antimicrobials is certain mushrooms as many of them not only have nutraceutical functions but also possess antimicrobial properties. For this work, matured mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonaris) was harvested, clean, dried, and milled into powder. Bioactive extracts were done in ratios of 25 g +200 ml, 50 g + 200 ml, and 100 g + 200 ml both for water and ethanol extracts. The treatments were tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were resistant to water extract of mushroom at the concentrations used. Ethanol extracts showed that sample C containing 50 g of milled mushroom compounds had the highest diameter of inhibitory zone of 1.8 cm for Escherichia coli and 1.3 cm for Staphylococcus aureus. Results also indicated samples B and D were not significantly different from each other though there were microbial inhibitions. This report concludes that further study should be carried out to determine the effective of the extract on field crops and stored produce.
Participation, Income Effect and Challenges of Village Savings and Loans Program in Garu and Tempane Districts of the Upper East Region, Ghana
Authors: Sienso Gifty , Nasow Abdul-Karim Khidir , Lambongang Munkaila
Published: March 2021

Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), have the aim of reducing poverty and creating assets to rural dwellers who have limited access to formal finance due to high collateral requirements. However, since the implementation of VSLAs in the Garu and Tempane districts for over a decade, there is inadequate evidence as to the impact of VSLAs on the lives of the participants. Not only that, there is the need to find out the current and anticipated challenges faced by the participants in the program. This study analyzed the effect of VSLAs on the income of households in Garu and Tempane districts. Data was collected from 100 respondents, 50 direct beneficiaries and 50 non beneficiaries from 3 and 2 communities in Garu and Tempane districts respectively. A Heckman treatment effect model was used to analyze the determinants of participation and the effect of participation on income. The results showed that participants of the VSLA program had an annual income of about GH₵ 2016.60 more than the non-participants. Decision to join VSLAs is mainly influenced by age, the years a respondent spends in the community, the number of active labor force in a household and whether a respondent is a native or migrant. However, based on the challenges identified, it is recommended that the government and other institutions interested in rural development should institute appropriate policies that will help enhance participation in the program. Also, the associations should enforce tougher sanctions on members who absent themselves from meetings without prior notice.
Problems and Suggestions for Health and Wellness Tourism at Panxi, China
Authors: Yen Tsai-Fa(TF) , Shao Jiawei , Lin Xia
Published: March 2021

Health and wellness tourism (HWT) comes from health tourism, which is a form of tourism that maintains and enhances physical and mental health. With the coming of the aging society, government departments are also facing many problems in promoting the development of health tourism industry. This study aims at verifying the problems and offering some suggestions through literature review and a field survey at Pan Zhihua City and Miyi County of southwest China. Through the field survey, this study finds that the problems of health and wellness tourism in Panxi area of China are mainly in transportation, infrastructure, tourism resources, activity planning, medical resources and management system. Based on the conclusions, suggestions like strengthen the health tourism project delivery and activities were recommended.
HyPIR Electrolysis for a 0.25 M Epsom Salt Solution
Authors: Fanchi John R.
Published: March 2021

Previous laboratory work using a 0.12 M Epsom salt solution showed that HyPIR Electrolysis, or Hydrogen Production by Infrared Electrolysis, can increase the rate of hydrogen production from a solution of Epsom salt dissolved in water by irradiating the electrolyte with an optimum wavelength of light. This article presents data for a 0.25 M Epsom salt solution. A comparison of the data for different molarities shows that an increase in molarity of the electrolytic system decreases the rate of hydrogen production.
Factors Influencing Performance of Capsicum under Protected Cultivation: A Review
Authors: Pramanik K. , Mohapatra P. P. , Pradhan J. , Acharya L. K. , Jena C.
Published: March 2021

Vegetables as the succulent pot herb are the most vulnerable to vagaries of climate change i.e. extreme weather events, such as elevated temperature, lengthy droughts, untimely rains, heavy rainfalls, violent storms, sea rising and resurgence of biotic stresses such as weeds, pathogens and their vectors, and insect pests. Adjoining to this, shrinking of cultivable land, limited natural resources, lower productivity, higher inputs cost, shortage of man power, low market price, hesitation among youth to choose farming as career etc. endorse the adoption of protected cultivation as the ultimatum to all these troublesome. In recent days, protected or greenhouse cultivation of high value vegetables like capsicum especially during offseason has been witnessed in increasing trends among small and marginal farmers as it is high value and low volume crop and produce higher yield in manifolds with superior quality. Protected structure not only delimits the abiotic and biotic stresses in capsicum cultivation but also accounts for higher economic remuneration to growers and provide a boost to their socio-economic development through adoption of improved package of practice such as mulching, drip irrigation, fertigation, training and pruning, better plant protection management, etc. Though, protected cultivation is remunerative but high initial investment, lack of technical guidance, non-availability of genuine building material for protected structure, torrential flood, cyclone etc. are major constraints and setbacks prevailed in developing counties like India for its adoption and commercialization. Therefore, this review covers all the aspects of protected cultivation in Capsicum to find an amicable solution through improved technologies.
Social Learning in Integrated Land and Water Resource Management through Indigenous “Zabo System”: A Study from India Tribal State
Authors: Priyadarshni Priti , Padaria R. N. , Burman R. R. , Singh Rashmi , Bandyopadhyay  (Rtd.) Sanjoy , Kumar Pramod
Published: March 2021

Social learning has been cited as essential process for sustainable ecosystem management and enhancement of desirable behavioral change. The present study has focused on an integrated land water resource management through locally developed “zabo system” by the collective action of community. Focus discussion, PRA tools and personal interview methods were used to gather the data. The result reflected that farmers were co-acting together which highly enhanced their occupational capacity (53.3%), adaptive capacity (50%) and knowledge level (69.5%). This system provides 133% more yield of paddy than average yield of the Nagaland state under Jhum cultivation. The study showed that social learning could be an effective tool for bringing sustainability when ecosystem management is at stake.