bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The practice of early mother-newborn skin-to-skin contact after delivery of healthy term neonate and associated factors among health care professionals at health facilities of Southwestern Oromia, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Dirirsa Dejene Edosa , Salo Mukemil Awol , Geleta Tinsae Abeya , Deriba Berhanu Senbata , Melese Girma Tufa
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Skin-to-skin contact between a mother and her new-born baby after birth is beneficial for both the mother and her baby. Although mother-newborn skin-to-skin contact after birth is an essential practice, it is limited to a small proportion of premature babies in low-income countries including Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess the practice of early mother-new-born skin-to-skin contact after the delivery of healthy term neonates and associated factors among health care professionals in Southwestern Oromia, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the practice of 286 health care practitioners towards early mother-new-born skin-to-skin contact after delivery. Data was collected using a pre-tested observational checklist and a self-administered questionnaire from March to April 2017. Epi Info 3.5 was used for data entry, while SPSS version 20 was used for cleaning and analyzing the data. To determine the association between outcome variable and independent variables, bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used with a 95% confidence interval and P <0.05. Frequency tables and charts were used to present the findings.

Results

Only 128 (44.8%) of the study participants practiced mother-newborn skin-to-skin contact within the first hour of life after birth. Mother newborn skin-to-skin contact after birth was found to be significantly associated with health professional’s knowledge (AOR = 4, 95% CI = 1.7, 10), training (AOR = 7, 95% CI = 2.2, 21), complicated delivery (AOR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.4), and maternal chronic illness (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.6).

Conclusion

In general, the practice of health care providers on mother-newborn skin-to-skin contact in the first one hour after birth was low. Knowledge, training, childbirth related maternal complication, and maternal chronic illness were significant factors associated with the practice of mother-newborn skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth. Policies should be revised and enforced, with monitoring and awareness building through training among health care workers, to improve the practice of skin-to-skin contact between mothers and newborns shortly after birth.
Pandemic-influenced human mobility on tribal lands in California: Data sparsity and analytical precision
Authors: Showalter Esther , Vigil-Hayes Morgan , Zegura Ellen , Sutton Richard , Belding Elizabeth
Published: December 2022

Human mobility datasets collected from personal mobile device locations are integral to understanding how states, counties, and cities have collectively adapted to pervasive social disruption stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while indigenous tribal communities in the United States have been disproportionately devastated by the pandemic, the relatively sparse populations and data available in these hard-hit tribal areas often exclude them from mobility studies. We explore the effects of sparse mobility data in untangling the often inter-correlated relationship between human mobility, distancing orders, and case growth throughout 2020 in tribal and rural areas of California. Our findings account for data sparsity imprecision to show: 1) Mobility through legal tribal boundaries was unusually low but still correlated highly with case growth; 2) Case growth correlated less strongly with mobility later in the the year in all areas; and 3) State-mandated distancing orders later in the year did not necessarily precede lower mobility medians, especially in tribal areas. It is our hope that with more timely feedback offered by mobile device datasets even in sparse areas, health policy makers can better plan health emergency responses that still keep the economy vibrant across all sectors.
Towards a deeper understanding of male involvement in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV in the Bogodogo District of the Central Region of Burkina Faso
Authors: Dogba Maman Joyce , Bila Alice , Sermé Luc , Bicaba Abel , Haddad Slim
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Men can play crucial roles at each stage of HIV mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) prevention. Low male involvement in preventative MTCT (PMTCT) in Burkina Faso is partially associated with increased MTCT rates in the country. Male involvement is at the intersection of individual experiences, social locations, organizational and systemic forces. It is crucial that PMTCT interventions are co-designed with all stakeholders, using approaches which account for such interconnected elements. This study, aims to provide a deeper understanding of male involvement using an intersectionality framework.

Methods

We used an intersectional theoretical approach as it positions male involvement at the intersection of social location, systemic forces, individual experiences, and dynamics within couples. We applied an interpretative qualitative description design. The study was performed at St-Camille’s hospital in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Our sample was theoretical to contrast for individual experiences and socioeconomic characteristics. Eligible women were identified via chart review and invited to participate with their male partners. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 12 couples. We performed a semantic thematic analysis using QDA Miner to identify themes and patterns among subjective perspectives, while accounting for variations between individuals.

Results

We interviewed 12 couples; 6 were serodiscordant. All women were HIV-positive. Participant ages ranged from 23 to 48 years. We found male involvement to be multidimensional and multifaceted, covering a large spectrum (from rejection to true partnership) and diverse involvement. Male involvement was limited by competing priorities, contradictory expectations, organizational opportunities and societal beliefs. We found interactions with caregivers impacted male involvement.

Conclusion

This study contributed to enhancing our understanding of male involvement in PMTCT of HIV as a dynamic result of the interconnected individual, organizational and systemic experiences. Increasing male involvement will require implementation of coordinated interventions. Such interventions must strive to simultaneously integrate individual, organizational and systemic actions together.
Comprehensive assessment of facial paralysis based on facial animation units
Authors: Gaber Amira , Taher Mona F. , Abdel Wahed Manal , Shalaby Nevin Mohieldin , Gaber Sarah
Published: December 2022

Quantitative grading and classification of the severity of facial paralysis (FP) are important for selecting the treatment plan and detecting subtle improvement that cannot be detected clinically. To date, none of the available FP grading systems have gained widespread clinical acceptance. The work presented here describes the development and testing of a system for FP grading and assessment which is part of a comprehensive evaluation system for FP. The system is based on the Kinect v2 hardware and the accompanying software SDK 2.0 in extracting the real time facial landmarks and facial animation units (FAUs). The aim of this paper is to describe the development and testing of the FP assessment phase (first phase) of a larger comprehensive evaluation system of FP. The system includes two phases; FP assessment and FP classification. A dataset of 375 records from 13 unilateral FP patients was compiled for this study. The FP assessment includes three separate modules. One module is the symmetry assessment of both facial sides at rest and while performing five voluntary facial movements. Another module is responsible for recognizing the facial movements. The last module assesses the performance of each facial movement for both sides of the face depending on the involved FAUs. The study validates that the FAUs captured using the Kinect sensor can be processed and used to develop an effective tool for the automatic evaluation of FP. The developed FP grading system provides a detailed quantitative report and has significant advantages over the existing grading scales. It is fast, easy to use, user-independent, low cost, quantitative, and automated and hence it is suitable to be used as a clinical tool.
Rationality and cognitive bias in captive gorillas’ and orang-utans’ economic decision-making
Authors: Lacombe Penelope , Brocard Sarah , Zuberbühler Klaus , Dahl Christoph D.
Published: December 2022

Human economic decision-making sometimes appears to be irrational. Partly, this is due to cognitive biases that can lead to suboptimal economic choices and context-dependent risk-preferences. A pertinent question is whether such biases are part of our evolutionary heritage or whether they are culturally acquired. To address this, we tested gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)and orang-utans (Pongo abelii) with two risk-assessment experiments that differed in how risk was presented. For both experiments, we found that subjects increased their preferences for the risky options as their expected gains increased, showing basic understanding of reward contingencies and rational decision-making. However, we also found consistent differences in risk proneness between the two experiments, as subjects were risk-neutral in one experiment and risk-prone in the other. We concluded that gorillas and orang-utans are economically rational but that their decisions can interact with pre-existing cognitive biases which modulates their risk-preference in context-dependent ways, explaining the variability of their risk-preference in previous literature.
US racial and sex-based disparities in firearm-related death trends from 1981–2020
Authors: Young Lindsay J. , Xiang Henry
Published: December 2022

Background

Firearms cause the most suicides (60%) and homicides (36%) in the US. The high lethality and availability of firearms make them a particularly dangerous method of attempted violence. The aim of this study was to study US trends in firearm suicide and homicide mortality and years of potential life lost before age 75 (YPLL-75) between 1981 and 2020.

Methods

Data in this cross-sectional study were collected between 1981 and 2020 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s WISQARS database for fatal injury and violence. Data from the US population were considered for all age groups and were divided by racial groups and sex for analysis.

Results

Those most heavily impacted by firearm homicide were Black, with homicide age-adjusted death rates almost seven times higher than White people. A spike in firearm homicide deaths occurred between 2019 and 2020, with Black people having the largest increase (39%). White people had the highest rates of firearm suicide, and suicide death rates increased between 2019 and 2020. Increases in homicide and suicide YPLL-75 between 2011 and 2020 had most heavily impacted minority populations. Men had a firearm suicide rate that was seven times higher than women, and a firearm homicide rate that was five times higher than women.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that Black and White men were most impacted by firearm deaths, and that firearm homicide and suicide rates increased between 2019 and 2020 for all racial groups except Asian/Pacific Islander. Our results suggest that prevention efforts should focus on specific demographic factors and articulate the urgency to mitigate firearm-related deaths in the US.
Physician preference for receiving machine learning predictive results: A cross-sectional multicentric study
Authors: Wichmann Roberta Moreira , Fagundes Thales Pardini , de Oliveira Tiago Almeida , Batista André Filipe de Moraes , Chiavegatto Filho Alexandre Dias Porto
Published: December 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are transforming several areas of the digital world and are increasingly being applied in healthcare. Mobile apps based on predictive machine learning models have the potential to improve health outcomes, but there is still no consensus on how to inform doctors about their results. The aim of this study was to investigate how healthcare professionals prefer to receive predictions generated by machine learning algorithms. A systematic search in MEDLINE, via PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science was first performed. We developed a mobile app, RandomIA, to predict the occurrence of clinical outcomes, initially for COVID-19 and later expected to be expanded to other diseases. A questionnaire called System Usability Scale (SUS) was selected to assess the usability of the mobile app. A total of 69 doctors from the five regions of Brazil tested RandomIA and evaluated three different ways to visualize the predictions. For prognostic outcomes (mechanical ventilation, admission to an intensive care unit, and death), most doctors (62.9%) preferred a more complex visualization, represented by a bar graph with three categories (low, medium, and high probability) and a probability density graph for each outcome. For the diagnostic prediction of COVID-19, there was also a majority preference (65.4%) for the same option. Our results indicate that doctors could be more inclined to prefer receiving detailed results from predictive machine learning algorithms.
Local seed sourcing for sustainable forestry
Authors: Alía Ricardo , Notivol Eduardo , Climent José , Pérez Felipe , Barba Diana , Majada Juan , García del Barrio José Manuel
Published: December 2022

Seed sourcing strategies are the basis for identifying genetic material meeting the requirements of future climatic conditions and social demands. Specifically, local seed sourcing has been extensively promoted, based on the expected adaptation of the populations to local conditions, but there are some limitations for the application. We analyzed Strict-sense local and Wide-sense local (based on climatic similarity) seed sourcing strategies. We determined species and genetic pools based on these strategies for 40 species and deployment zones in Spain. We also obtained the total number of seed sources and stands for these species in the EU countries. We analyzed the richness of the pools, the relationship with variables related to the use of the species in afforestation, and the availability of seed production areas approved for the production of reproductive material destined to be marketed. This study confirms the existence of extensive species and genetic local pools. Also, that the importance of these pools differs for different species, limitations being derived from the use of forest reproductive material and the existence of approved basic materials. Strategies derived from local seed sourcing approaches are the basis for the use of forest reproductive material because a large number of the species in the area considered in the study are under regulation. However, despite the extensive work done to approve basic materials, limitations based on the availability of seed production areas to provide local material for sustainable forestry are found in those species. Considering a Wide-sense local seed sourcing strategy we provide alternative pools in order to meet social demands under the actual regulations on marketing of reproductive materials.
Second trimester cytokine profiles associated with gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Hart Paulina M. B. , Stephenson Nikki L. , Scime Natalie V. , Tough Suzanne C. , Slater Donna M. , Chaput Kathleen H.
Published: December 2022

Healthy pregnancy requires a coordinated immune response, yet complications can arise, putting both the mother’s and child’s health at risk. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are pregnancy-related complications that account for most maternal morbidity and mortality. Cytokines are proteins released as part of the immune response to disease or infection and regulate inflammation. Certain pregnancy complications cause localized and systemic inflammation; however, cytokine profiles specific to such complications are not well understood. This study aims to examine associations between pregnancy complications of HDP and GDM and cytokine profiles in the second trimester of pregnancy. Data was obtained from the All Our Families birth cohort in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The cohort collected questionnaires at the time of participant enrollment and maternal blood samples at 17–23 weeks gestation. Cases of HDP (n = 27) and GDM (n = 31) were matched to controls on BMI, maternal age, and smoking status in the preconception period at a 1:3 ratio. Cytokine levels were measured in blood samples using Luminex xMAP technology using a panel of 42 cytokines. Using R software, a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was conducted to identify cytokine profiles and levels associated with each complication. Four cytokines were identified in the HDP CART (in descending order of importance): Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (cut-off: <480pg/mL), Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1β (cut-off: ≥26pg/mL), Eotaxin (cut-off: <27/≥27&<36/≥36pg/mL), and Soluble Cluster of Differentiation 40 Ligand (cut-off: <1342pg/mL). Six cytokine levels were identified in the GDM CART: Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1Ra; cut-off: <25pg/mL), Interleukin-5 (cut-off: ≥0.4pg/mL), Interferon-γ (cut-off: <4.9pg/mL), IL-1Ra (cut-off: ≥111pg/mL), Eotaxin (cut-off: ≥21pg/mL), and Interleukin-18 (cut-off: ≥155pg/mL). By examining the complex inter-relationships between cytokines, findings of cytokine profiles guide further research in identifying biomarkers of pregnancy complications relevant to the design of the future management or prevention of these conditions.
GEOGRAFIA DA SAÚDE E EDUCAÇÃO: ANÁLISE INTERDISCIPLINAR DA ORGANIZAÇÃO DOS TERRITÓRIOS SANITÁRIOS PROMOVIDOS PELO SUS
Authors: Darsie Camilo , Souza Matheus Santos de
Published: December 2022

Neste artigo, opera-se na intersecção entre as áreas da Geografia, da Saúde e da Educação. O objetivo é discutir a importância da Geografia da Saúde e sua relação com os as práticas sanitárias e o campo educacional. Mais detidamente, trata-se do conceito de território em saúde, enquanto uma dimensão que precisa ser compreendida por gestores, usuários e profissionais do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). O estudo se baseia nos princípios da revisão narrativa de literatura, a partir de revisão bibliográfica e análise crítica-reflexiva sobre o tema. Argumenta-se que os saberes relacionados ao espaço, às condições sanitárias e às práticas educacionais, de modo articulado, são ferramentas relevantes para o fortalecimento dos índices sanitários nacionais. Ressalta-se a necessidade de conhecimento acerca das dinâmicas territoriais para que o planejamento em saúde não se imponha sobre as territorialidades em que se insere. Assim, a Educação em Saúde colabora de forma significativa para tanto.
A DOCÊNCIA COM BEBÊS E CRIANÇAS BEM PEQUENAS: REGISTROS DA AÇÃO PEDAGÓGICA NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL
Authors: Machado Cortelini Conceição Caroline
Published: December 2022

O presente artigo teve por objetivo analisar a docência com bebês e crianças bem pequenas, enfatizando as especificidades da ação pedagógica na educação infantil com esse grupo etário. A docência é compreendida como prática social interativa que se estabelece pela ação social de crianças e professores no contexto da instituição de educação infantil. Este texto resulta de processo analítico, envolvendo pesquisa e extensão na realização de um curso de formação continuada para professoras de educação infantil, com o propósito de refletir sobre as especificidades da docência nesta etapa educacional. Apresenta como material de análise os registros de observação que integram o memorial de formação produzido pelos participantes do projeto. O memorial de formação é o recurso metodológico utilizado para o registro de trajetórias formativas, experiências profissionais, ação pedagógica e observações sobre as crianças que possibilita, o estabelecimento de um processo de formação e autoformação permanente e o conhecimento do cotidiano pedagógico. Os saberes e práticas profissionais das professoras de bebês e crianças bem pequenas constituem um importante campo de investigação tendo em vista que se trata de uma categoria profissional ainda em constituição. As conclusões apontam que pensar sobre a docência com bebês e crianças bem pequenas passa pela percepção e reconhecimento das singularidades de seus modos de comunicação em que o corpo se coloca como componente essencial da sua ação social.
Propuestas de derecho patrimonial canónico al servicio de la misión de la Iglesia
Authors: Zalbidea González Diego
Published: December 2022

Este artículo contiene varias propuestas de derecho patrimonial canónico. Son sugerencias al servicio de la misión de la Iglesia para desarrollar todo el potencial del Libro V del CIC.
Einfluss der Lastabstützung und des Antriebssystems auf den Energiebedarf von Zahnriemenförderern
Authors: Finke Jan , Sumpf Jens , Golder Markus
Published: December 2022

Gerade im Hinblick auf die aktuellen Herausforderungen im Bereich der Energiewende rückt der Leistungsbedarf von elektrisch angetriebenen Systemen immer mehr in den Fokus, so auch bei Zahnriemenförderern für den intralogistischen Materialtransport. Von wesentlicher Bedeutung ist dabei die Abstützung des Zahnriemens im Obertrum, deren Bewegungswiderstand die entscheidende Größe sowohl zur Dimensionierung der Anlage also auch für ihren Leistungsbedarf ist. Im Beitrag wird zum einen eine neue Art der Abstützung für Zahnriemenförderer vorgestellt und anhand von Versuchen das hohe Einsparpotential bezüglich der erforderlichen mechanischen Antriebsleistung gegenüber einer konventionellen Abstützung aufgezeigt. Zum anderen wird anhand der elektrischen Wirkleistung dargestellt, dass dieses Potential aufgrund von hohen Wirkungsgradverlusten des Antriebssystems nicht direkt auf den Energieverbrauch des Förderers übertragbar ist.
Permanently installed rope monitoring in conveyor systems
Authors: Eisinger Ralf , Novak Gregor , Hecht Stefan
Published: December 2022

A permanently installed rope monitoring system can help to avoid unplanned downtimes and increase the safety level. The aim here is to set up a rope monitoring system that helps to monitor the hoisting rope as a critical component and to minimise downtimes in the context of "predictive maintenance". The already applied magnetic inductive rope testing can be used as a testing method. The paper deals with the topic of integrating such a permanently installed testing device, its use and evaluation strategies, and it identifies possibilities for new business areas for rope testing.
Issues and Innovation for Setting and Infrastructure Management in the Islamic University of Lebanon in the Time of Pandemic
Authors: Haydar Jamal , Fahs Walid , Ayache Mohammad
Published: December 2022

The Islamic University of Lebanon (IUL) is committed to providing faith and knowledge as a source of inspiration for the Lebanese nation, citizen, state and society as a whole. IUL has paid special attention to the environment and to the green metrics when establishing the new campus in Wardanieh, the rules related to green buildings and the preservation of the environment were taken into account. The COVID-19 pandemic has created the largest disruption of education systems in human history, affecting nearly 1.6 billion learners in more than 200 countries. In this paper we will describe how the setting and infrastructure of Wardanieh campus has helped in managing the Covid-19 crisis at the university through different levels: the physical distancing, the effect of the large campus buildings area according to the campus population, moreover the large forest spaces, the natural ventilation of buildings, the sanitization and sterilization procedures with setting guidelines for Covid-19 such as the obligation of wearing masks. Furthermore, we will describe the influence of ICT technologies into education in many different ways for distance learning, and how the university has evolved its ICT infrastructure to support the increase in demand on the internet capacity and on university servers.Keyword: IUL university, Green, SDGs, Covid-19 prevention, education, settings and infrastructure
Three “R” Concept in Waste Management for Sustainable Environment
Authors: Pandiyarajan V , Neelakantan T.R. , Sridharan Shasi Anand , Ramrao Nagaraj
Published: December 2022

The dawn of the 21st century has thrown several challenges to mankind. The most dangerous among the challenges is the maintenance of a sustainable environment. While anthropogenic activities are considered as the predominant cause for environmental pollution, the solution also lies with human beings only. Here comes the role of the Three “R” concept which has been widely adopted across the globe. The Three “R” concept talks about Reducing the waste, Reusing the waste, and Recycling the waste and products to the extent possible. Today, a developing country like India generates a huge amount of solid waste, sewage, electronic waste, and gaseous pollutants.  When we adopt this Three “R” Concept, the ill effects of the pollution caused by these agents can be effectively mitigated.  Indeed, the various pollution control bodies of the governments are vigorously propagating the Three “R“ concept among the highly polluting industries to bring down the carbon emission to the sustainable level. Indeed, this is one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). This new paradigm will definitely yield the desired result in developing and maintaining a sustainable environment which ensures the availability of pristine natural resources for the generations to come. The Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) play an important role in sustainability promotion in society. Waste management is one of the challenges educational institutions have to face in accomplishing the sustainability goals. KARE adopts the Three “R” Concepts in managing the solid, liquid, biochemical, and e-waste resulting in the development of a sustainable and eco-friendly environment on the campus. This poster details the recycling of solid, liquid, biochemical, and e-waste on Kalasalingam University campus. The solid wastes generated are converted into wealth and reused in the form of Vermicompost which is eco-friendly, the liquid waste is reused after treatment, paper and e-waste are recycled or reused through vendors. Further, the bio-medical/biochemical wastes are disposed of as per the government norms. Keyword: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Eco-friendly
Importance of scientific research for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals during Covid19 Pandemic: Northern Technical University - A Case Study
Authors: AL-Attar Alyaa Abbas , Alomar Omar Rafae , Yousif Mohammed Khalid
Published: December 2022

Scientific progress in any country is measured by the importance that is given to scientific research. Recently, the interest in scientific research has increased by the local and international universities in various fields of sciences, given its importance in achieving sustainable development goals, where several countries and universities have initiated to increase scientific research funds. Moreover, the reputation of scientific research in the universities strongly depends on the quality and quantity of papers that are published in the international journals. Thus, the main goal of this study is to investigate and identify the reality of the scientific research situation at Northern Technical University during Covid19 Pandemic (i.e., from 2020 till now). This study is based on the descriptive approach and method of analysis for the published papers that related to the sustainable development topics, which is adopted by UI GreenMetric ranking. The data of the published papers have been collected from the Google Scholar website using the same methodology that was approved in the UI GreenMetric ranking. Those publications have been classified based on the keywords, university researchers and the affiliation of the university’s colleges and institutes. The present data has been compared with data of previous years. Keyword: UI Green metric, sustainability, renewable energy, environment
Bio-Waste Management in Razi University by production of Leaf Mulch for the first time in world
Authors: Mohebi Zahra , Sharifzadeh Esmail , Ebadi Hadi
Published: December 2022

Mulch is a type of protective covering placed on or spread over the soil surface. Mulches can be organic or inorganic and are available in many forms. Plastic film, proprietary mulch fabric, pinebark, straw, wood chips, newspaper, bark, grass clippings and leaf litter are examples. The use of tree leaves as mulch is very important to maximize the use of bio waste and reduce the environmental impact of waste and it is seen as both economically and environmentally sensible.  Therefore, Leaf Mulch was produced for the first time in the world at Razi University by designing devices and using the technical knowledge of researchers. The aim of Leaf Mulch production, in addition to the optimal use of bio waste, was to maintain soil water, strengthen soil, control weeds and balance in soil temperature.Keyword: Bio-Waste Management, Leaf-Mulch, Maintain soil water, Strengthen soil
A successful approach by a small university to transportation management: A case study of Northeastern University, Thailand
Authors: Buntornwon Theenida , Kumphong Jetsada
Published: December 2022

Sustainability is a necessary consideration for ensuring quality of life for current and future generations. It is an absolute priority of Northeastern University (NEU), Khon Kaen, that both operational and academic efforts remain focussed towards delivering a positive impact on the natural world in both the immediate environment and beyond. The university has been a proud participant in the UI Green initiative since 2016 and has seen its green credentials rise significantly thanks to the collaborative efforts of staff – from the board of directors to academic, professional and operational staff – and both current and past students. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the practices of Northeastern University in relation to transportation management; a field in which the university has received the highest rating across six applicable green measurement metrics. By using time series analysis, we expect that this initiative will allow the university to achieve even higher scores by 2022. As a private university with a select student and staff base, the university aims to make efficiency savings wherever possible; however, these aims are aligned with the university’s green initiatives, rather than working in conflict with them. The university has an absolute commitment to reducing CO2 emissions, increasing renewable energy usage, and lessening carbon footprints on both an individual and institutional level.Keyword: NEU, sustainability, CO2 emission, renewable energy
Implementation of Urban Agriculture Plan (green garden) in Razi University of Kermanshah and its Effects on Sustainable Development
Authors: Ebadi Hadi , Mohebi Zahra
Published: December 2022

Urban agriculture with the aim of completing urban food needs, providing ecosystem and environmental services, has multidimensional effects in any society in increasing cultural and social values and even increasing economic resilience.  The present study was conducted on the implementation of urban agriculture plan (green garden) in Razi University of Kermanshah and investigated the effects of urban agriculture on sustainable development. Therefore, it will provide the conditions for strengthening social interaction and economical and environmental. as well as will pave the way for culture-building commensurate with the development of urban agriculture and the results obtained from it can be used in the process of planning and macro-agricultural policies in the different places.Keyword: green spaces, pandemic, social relationships, Covid-19
From geopolitics to anti-geopolitics: The story of Cameroonian bilingualism
Authors: Kučera Josef
Published: December 2022

The aim of the article is to examine how Cameroonian bilingualism was portrayed in academic literature and how it fit into the ongo¬ing geopolitical dynamics. The article considers two time periods for the geopolitical narrativization of African states (1960–1990 and 1990–2020). These two periods differ not only in geopolitical narrativization, but also in the shift in academic paradigms. This article employs geopolitical and anti-geopolitical approaches to show how the state’s narrative of bilingualism has been filling into the globally accepted narratives. Cameroon was chosen as the extreme case, where the two former colonial languages (English and French) share the same status, defining Cameroon as a bilingual country. The conclusion of the article is that Cameroon’s bilingual status has the ability to fit into the current geopolitical narratives. Beside the dominant narrative, there was present at least one important narrative.
The Role of Tourism Education in the Promotion of Tourism. The Case of Greece in the Period 2005-2020 with Particular Reference to the Pandemic Era
Authors: Vathi-Sarava Panagiota
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, tourism appears to be one of the most developing sciences to research and study. Over the last decades, the industry of travel and tourism has evolved significantly, increasing its pace of common development year by year. For the Greek Economy, tourism is a central pillar of development and growth with significant contribution to Gross Domestic Product increase, employment, and investment. The rich cultural heritage, extensive coastline and natural environment are some of the basic advantages that make the country one of the most important tourist destinations worldwide. Considering the impact tourism has on our country, we understand the role that tourism education can play in the shaping of tourism consciousness and, consequently, in promoting social and economic development. Thus, it is necessary to study some elements in order to reach conclusions that will help to improve our tourism consciousness. In this paper, we will deal with tourism data (referring to the period 2005-2020  https://insete.gr/bi/inbound-tourism-total-country) using statistical process control, specifically time series control charts. We use Box-Jenkins methodology to find models of time series in Annual Changes of Income from 2005-2020, of Arrivals from 2010-2020 and the Average per capital expenses from 2005-2020. Specifically, we test models’ sensitivity in detecting even small shifts in mean which may indicate financial instability. This analytical approach is widely applicable and therefore of theoretical and practical interest. Based on the results of this approach  could propose the inclusion of introductory tourism education courses in all levels of education. The Greek tourism industry is thus expected to benefit from the financial and wider benefits of education.
Japanese University Internationalization Strategies: An International Exchange Program Case Study
Authors: Firkola Peter
Published: December 2022

This paper examines a short-term exchange program at a leading Japanese university. This program is a main component of the university's internationalization strategy. The core components of the program, as well as the organizational structure, are first introduced. The challenges, as well as the achievements of the program, are then examined. Finally, the program is discussed in the context of the overall university internationalization process.
What Drive Industrial Development in Low-Income Economies? Role of Foreign Direct Investment in Chinese Manufcturing
Authors: Zhang Kevin
Published: December 2022

Industrial development (ID) or Industrialization is a must for low-income economies to become developed countries. How does foreign direct investment (FDI) affect ID? This paper aims to answer the question with evidence from a panel dataset of Chinese manufacturing at regional levels in 1990-2020. ID is measured by industrial capacity and industrial technology in both domestic and global markets. Estimate results suggest that (a) FDI fuels China’s industrialization; (b) FDI promotes ID through raising industrial capacity and technology; (c) The positive effects of FDI on seems to be larger on industrial capacity than technology, and larger on exports than domestic markets; and (d) gains from FDI depend significantly on China’s FDI absorptive capacity in terms of infrastructure, human capital, and R&D.
Assessing Performance Dimensions in Architecture, Engineer-ing and Construction Organizations
Authors: Katsanis Constantine J.
Published: December 2022

The collaborative nature of the project environment of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry necessitates close and prolonged collaboration of diverse organizations in order to execute a project.  For the duration of the project, a certain degree of strategic alignment amongst the participating organizations often becomes necessary for the successful execution of the project.  The impact of such strategic alignments on the organization’s own performance, is often inevitable. While the performance criteria for the project may be clearly defined along with the project’s program and specifications, the performance criteria that each participating organization has set for itself are not always as evident or articulated to others. In this paper, the results of an exploratory field research are presented.  The data analysis revealed that both shared and unique dimensions of performance apply to Architecture, Engineering and Construction organizations. The research findings are significant in that they provide a framework for assessing the degree of compatibility, in terms of shared strategic goals, for firms engaging in projects networks and alliances.
Estado actual y retos futuros de la medicina de laboratorio en España: un análisis de la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Laboratorio (SEQCML)
Authors: Caballé Imma , Buño Antonio , Bernabeu Francisco A. , Canalias Francesca , Moreno Antonio , Ibarz Mercè , Puzo José , González Concepción , González Álvaro
Published: December 2022

Objetivos

La medicina de laboratorio es una disciplina clave que contribuye al diagnóstico, terapia y seguimiento adecuado de los pacientes. Actualmente se enfrenta a grandes retos debido a la innovación tecnológica y al aumento de la demanda. Desafortunadamente hay una información limitada para comprender la situación actual en España. Este estudio pretende mostrar la situación de los laboratorios clínicos y de los profesionales de la medicina laboratorio.

Métodos

Desde la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Laboratorio se envió una encuesta a los 250 centros más representativos (mayor volumen y con programas formativos), de los cuales 174 (69,6%) respondieron con datos referidos a 2019.

Resultados

Los laboratorios se clasificaron en función del número de determinaciones. El 37% se consideraron pequeños (<1 millón de determinaciones al año), el 40% medianos (entre 1 y 5 millones de determinaciones al año) y el 23% grandes (>5 millones de determinaciones al año). El nivel de especialización de los facultativos y la eficiencia fueron mayores en los laboratorios grandes. La mayoría de las peticiones (87%) y determinaciones (93%) se concentraron en Bioquímica y Hematología. En relación con los facultativos, el 63% disponían de contrato fijo y el 23% superaban los 60 años.

Conclusiones

La medicina de laboratorio en España es una disciplina consolidada y en crecimiento, capaz de aportar valor al diagnóstico, pronóstico y seguimiento de enfermedades y sus tratamientos. El conocimiento del estado actual nos permitirá abordar retos tales como la necesidad de formación de profesionales, la innovación tecnológica, la aplicación del Big data, la optimización de los sistemas de gestión de calidad y la seguridad del paciente.
Failure of strong unique continuation for harmonic functions on RCD spaces
Authors: Deng Qin , Zhao Xinrui
Published: December 2022

Unique continuation of harmonic functions on

RCD

{\operatorname{RCD}}

space is a long-standing open problem, with little known even in the setting of Alexandrov spaces. In this paper, we establish the weak unique continuation theorem for harmonic functions on

RCD
⁡

(
K
,
2
)

{\operatorname{RCD}(K,2)}

spaces and give a counterexample for strong unique continuation in the setting of

RCD
⁡

(
K
,
N
)

{\operatorname{RCD}(K,N)}

space for any

N
≥
4

{N\geq 4}

and any

K
∈
ℝ

{K\in\mathbb{R}}

.
Assembly of electric double-layer capacitors with hardwood kraft lignin-based electrodes and separator together with ionic liquid electrolyte
Authors: Pakkang Nutthira , Suzuki Shiori , Shigetomi Kengo , Uraki Yasumitsu
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to assemble a high-performance electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) using a hardwood kraft lignin (HKL)-based separator and HKL-based electrodes, which were fabricated from a nonwoven mat of electrospun HKL fibers. The separator was prepared by the thermostabilization of the mat derived from a mixed dope of HKL, hexamethylenetetramine, and polyethylene glycol (1.66/0.50/0.09, w/w) for electrospinning. Although a mat-type HKL-based electrode containing conductive carbon black (CB) has been reported to be suitable for a commercial cellulosic separator, this electrode was found to be unsuitable for the HKL-based separator because of its rough surface and poor contact with the separator interface. Hence, a powder-type electrode with a smooth surface was fabricated by grinding the mat, followed by casting with a carboxymethyl cellulose aqueous solution, and its EDLC possessed high energy (49 Wh kg−1) and power densities (151 kW kg−1). Moreover, to provide a simple process for electrode fabrication, another mat-type electrode was fabricated by adding CB to the mixed dope, followed by electrospinning, carbonization, and steam activation. The resultant EDLC exhibited excellent electrochemical performance with energy (58 Wh kg−1) and power densities (55 kW kg−1).
Design and analysis of all-optical 1 × 4 demultiplexer based on 2D photonic crystal
Authors: Kaur Sanmukh , Lubana Anurupa , Shukla Anil Kumar
Published: December 2022

In this paper, an all-optical 1 × 4 demultiplexer (DEMUX) has been designed by employing 2D photonic crystal (PhC) waveguides for use in optical networking and signal processing. The proposed structures consist of four T-shaped and one Y-shaped waveguide using 15a × 15a rectangular lattice silicon rods in ambient air. All-optical DEMUX has been simulated using the finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) method and the results have been verified by distributing the optical field at a wavelength of 1.90 μm. Analysis of the device has been carried out for distinctive crystal and lattice designs with the achievement of a transmission ratio of more than 2.05 in presence of select input.
Optimization of the performance parameters of the Giga passive optical networks for high transmission data rates with various modulation schemes
Authors: Khodaei Amin , Jahan Kausar , Babu Gade Harish , Ahammad Shaik Hasane , Sharma Jyotsna , Hossain Md. Amzad , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki , Nabil Ashraf Ali
Published: December 2022

This article has demonstrated the performance parameters optimization of the Giga passive optical networks (PONs) can enhanced with high transmission data rates with various modulation schemes. These modulation schemes are Mach–Zehnder modulator (MZM), electroabsorption modulator (EAM), amplitude modulator (AM), dual drive MZM measured (DDMZMM), electroabsorption modulator measured (EAMM), and LiNb MZM. The network reach can be extended to 30 km with 20 Gb/s. Maxi Q and mini bit error rate can be measured at both PIN and APD receivers. The study has emphasized AM modulation scheme is the best candidate modulation scheme for upgrading the network performance efficiency. LiNb MZM is the worst modulation scheme for the estimation of PONs performance. Optical power signals after fiber optic channel based different modulation schemes are clarified. EAM modulation scheme is the best technique for upgrading optical power signal through the network reach.
In the Spirit of the Law
Authors: Woodward Jennifer
Published: December 2022

Research on the advancement of employment protections provided by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has focused on litigation and the role of civil rights groups in sponsoring this litigation. Yet the role of individual claims in presenting legal arguments for policy decisions at the agency level outside of litigation has been overlooked. Relying upon archival data from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), this article demonstrates that individual claims of discrimination can be strategically used to advance specific interpretations of laws and to create social change. In the formative years of the EEOC, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) collected individual claims to pressure the EEOC and Congress to establish affirmative action and other policies designed to advance progressive interpretations of Title VII. As such, claim-based campaigns may be used by interest groups to advance their agendas outside of the judicial system. At the same time, the assistance of the NAACP also reduced the number of claims that were delayed or denied, demonstrating that this type of advocacy has the potential to help claimants receive remedies to rights violations outside of the courts.
Converting operations impact on tissue paper product properties – A Review
Authors: Vieira Joana C. , Fiadeiro Paulo T. , Costa Ana P.
Published: December 2022

Tissue paper is deep-rooted in our daily life because of its different types of products that allow various applications. Tissue paper is a low grammage paper that is mainly characterized by softness, tensile strength, liquid absorption, and elasticity. These characteristics are essential when producing products such as toilet paper, kitchen rolls, hand towels, napkins, and facials. The tissue paper production involves two stages: formation of the tissue paper sheet itself and its converting into different finished products. Converting is characterized by several operations, namely: unwinding, winding, embossing, lamination, perforation, cutting, packaging, and palletizing. The most impacting operation is the embossing, which consists of marking a pattern on the paper sheet by applying pressure, with the intent to produce papers more aesthetically pleasing to the final consumer and/or a way to identify a particular brand. Also, it affects final properties, increasing the liquid absorption capacity and bulk but reducing softness and tensile strength. Converting is complex and has a huge impact on the finished products properties. In this review, the authors explored the different steps of converting and how they impact the different properties of finished tissue products.