bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local dampening
Authors: Farias Victor A. E. , Brito Felipe T. , Flynn Cheryl , Machado Javam C. , Majumdar Subhabrata , Srivastava Divesh
Published: February 2021

Differential privacy
is the state-of-the-art formal definition for data release under strong privacy guarantees. A variety of mechanisms have been proposed in the literature for releasing the noisy output of numeric queries (e.g., using the Laplace mechanism), based on the notions of global sensitivity and local sensitivity. However, although there has been some work on generic mechanisms for releasing the output of non-numeric queries using global sensitivity (e.g., the Exponential mechanism), the literature lacks generic mechanisms for releasing the output of non-numeric queries using local sensitivity to reduce the noise in the query output.

In this work, we remedy this shortcoming and present the
local dampening mechanism.
We adapt the notion of local sensitivity for the non-numeric setting and leverage it to design a generic non-numeric mechanism. We illustrate the effectiveness of the local dampening mechanism by applying it to two diverse problems: (i) Influential node analysis. Given an influence metric, we release the top-k most influential nodes while preserving the privacy of the relationship between nodes in the network; (ii) Decision tree induction. We provide a private adaptation to the ID3 algorithm to build decision trees from a given tabular dataset. Experimental results show that we could reduce the use of privacy budget by 3 to 4 orders of magnitude for Influential node analysis and increase accuracy up to 12% for Decision tree induction when compared to global sensitivity based approaches.
Accelerating exact constrained shortest paths on GPUs
Authors: Lu Shengliang , He Bingsheng , Li Yuchen , Fu Hao
Published: February 2021

The recently emerging applications such as software-defined networks and autonomous vehicles require efficient and exact solutions for constrained shortest paths (CSP), which finds the shortest path in a graph while satisfying some user-defined constraints. Compared with the common shortest path problems without constraints, CSP queries have a significantly larger number of subproblems. The most widely used labeling algorithm becomes prohibitively slow and impractical. Other existing approaches tend to find approximate solutions and build costly indices on graphs for fast query processing, which are not suitable for emerging applications with the requirement of exact solutions. A natural question is whether and how we can efficiently find the exact solution for CSP.

In this paper, we propose
Vine
, a framework that parallelizes the labeling algorithm to efficiently find the exact CSP solution using GPUs. The major challenge addressed in Vine is how to deal with a large number of subproblems that are mostly unpromising but require a significant amount of memory and computational resources. Our solution is twofold. First, we develop a two-level pruning approach to eliminate the subproblems by making good use of the GPU's hierarchical memory. Second, we propose an adaptive parallelism control model based on the observations that the degree of parallelism (DOP) is the key to performance optimization with the given amount of computational resources. Extensive experiments show that Vine achieves 18× speedup on average over the widely adopted CPU-based solution running on 40 CPU threads. Vine also has over 5× speedup compared with a GPU approach that statically controls the DOP. Compared to the state-of-the-art approximate solution with preprocessed indices, Vine provides exact results with competitive or even better performance.
Hindsight logging for model training
Authors: Garcia Rolando , Liu Eric , Sreekanti Vikram , Yan Bobby , Dandamudi Anusha , Gonzalez Joseph E. , Hellerstein Joseph M. , Sen Koushik
Published: February 2021

In modern Machine Learning, model training is an iterative, experimental process that can consume enormous computation resources and developer time. To aid in that process, experienced model developers log and visualize program variables during training runs. Exhaustive logging of all variables is infeasible, so developers are left to choose between slowing down training via extensive
conservative
logging, or letting training run fast via minimalist
optimistic
logging that may omit key information. As a compromise, optimistic logging can be accompanied by program checkpoints; this allows developers to add log statements post-hoc, and "replay" desired log statements from checkpoint---a process we refer to as
hindsight
logging. Unfortunately, hindsight logging raises tricky problems in data management and software engineering. Done poorly, hindsight logging can waste resources and generate technical debt embodied in multiple variants of training code. In this paper, we present methodologies for efficient and effective logging practices for model training, with a focus on techniques for hindsight logging. Our goal is for experienced model developers to learn and adopt these practices. To make this easier, we provide an open-source suite of tools for Fast Low-Overhead Recovery (flor) that embodies our design across three tasks: (i) efficient background logging in Python, (ii) adaptive periodic checkpointing, and (iii) an instrumentation library that codifies hindsight logging for efficient and automatic record-replay of model-training. Model developers can use each flor tool separately as they see fit, or they can use flor in hands-free mode, entrusting it to instrument their code end-to-end for efficient record-replay. Our solutions leverage techniques from physiological transaction logs and recovery in database systems. Evaluations on modern ML benchmarks demonstrate that flor can produce fast checkpointing with small user-specifiable overheads (e.g. 7%), and still provide hindsight log replay times orders of magnitude faster than restarting training from scratch.
Scalable structural index construction for JSON analytics
Authors: Jiang Lin , Qiu Junqiao , Zhao Zhijia
Published: February 2021

JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) and its variants have gained great popularity in recent years. Unfortunately, the performance of their analytics is often dragged down by the expensive JSON parsing. To address this, recent work has shown that building bitwise indices on JSON data, called
structural indices
, can greatly accelerate querying. Despite its promise, the existing structural index construction does not scale well as records become larger and more complex, due to its (inherently) sequential construction process and the involvement of costly memory copies that grow as the nesting level increases.

To address the above issues, this work introduces Pison - a more memory-efficient structural index constructor with supports of intra-record parallelism. First, Pison features a redesign of the bottleneck step in the existing solution. The new design is not only simpler but more memory-efficient. More importantly, Pison is able to build structural indices for a single bulky record in parallel, enabled by a group of customized parallelization techniques. Finally, Pison is also optimized for better data locality, which is especially critical in the scenario of bulky record processing. Our evaluation using real-world JSON datasets shows that Pison achieves 9.8X speedup (on average) over the existing structural index construction solution for bulky records and 4.6X speedup (on average) of end-to-end performance (indexing plus querying) over a state-of-the-art SIMD-based JSON parser on a 16-core machine.
Streptococcus infantarius 25124 isolated from pozol produces a high molecular weight amylopullulanase, a key enzyme for niche colonization
Authors: Rodríguez-Saavedra Carolina , Rodríguez-Sanoja Romina , Guillén Daniel , Wacher Carmen , Díaz-Ruiz Gloria
Published: February 2021

Pozol is a beverage made with maize dough that is prepared after boiling the kernels in limewater, causing a decrease in soluble sugars, with starch being the main fermentable carbohydrate in the dough. Previously, Streptococcus infantarius ssp. infantarius 25124 (Sii-25124) was identified as the most amylolytic bacteria isolated in this product. Analysis of Sii-25124 amylolytic enzymes revealed two amylases, a cytoplasmic α-amylase of 55.7 kDa and an extracellular amylopullulanase of 246.3 kDa, with two catalytic domains, one typical of an α-amylase and another typical of a pullulanase/glycogen debranching enzyme. Characterization of the joint activity of both enzymes using Sii-25124 cell lysate supernatant demonstrated stability between 30 °C and 45°C, and pH stability in a range between 6.8 and 8.0. The joint activity of Sii-25124 amylases showed a fast production of reducing sugars when starch was used as the substrate. In contrast, reducing sugar production from amylopectin was lower, but it steadily increased throughout the reaction time. The amylopullulanase produced by Sii-25124 hydrolyzes the starch in the dough to produce low molecular weight oligosaccharides, which may be transported into Sii-25124 cells, so that intracellular α-amylase hydrolyzes them to mono- and disaccharides. Amylopullulanase production by Sii-25124 could be an example of a specialized enzyme that successfully dominates starchy food fermentation.
Good Co(o)p or Bad Co(o)p? Redistribution Concerns and Competition in Credit Markets with Imperfect Information
Authors: D’Amato Marcello , Di Pietro Christian , Pietroluongo Mariafortuna , Sorge Marco M.
Published: February 2021

Non-profit organizations (NPOs), such as financial cooperatives, have a longstanding tradition in advanced market economies. We develop a model of ‘mixed credit markets’ where pure for-profit institutions (e.g. commercial banks) can coexist with financial NPOs which feature a concern for inter-member surplus redistribution (e.g. credit cooperatives) and enjoy privileged borrower-specific information vis-à-vis their for-profit peers, while facing higher funding costs. We formally investigate market competition between the two alternative financial organizations both offering contracts whose terms entail cross subsidization. We argue that heterogeneity in organizational models can explain stable coexistence under competitive conditions, and also help us interpret the variety of market outcomes — in terms of e.g. overall coverage and market shares — as documented in modern financial systems. Importantly, the viability of redistribution-oriented NPOs is shown not to rest on under-investment issues or concerns about market power, for they can successfully operate in markets where credit rationing never arises.
Evaluation of the Benefits of Implementing a Smart Pedestrian Network System
Authors: Papageorgiou George , Ioannou Anastasia , Maimaris Athanasios , Ness Alexander
Published: February 2021

Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and recent advancements in Computer Science can serve as a catalyst for promoting sustainable means of transport. Through ICT applications, active mobility can be promoted and established as a viable transport mode. This can be achieved by providing relevant information for fostering social capital and promoting physical activity, thus contributing to a higher quality of life. Further, active mobility can greatly contribute to reducing air pollution and improving health status. For this purpose, the implementation of a Smart Pedestrian Network (SPN) information system is proposed. Such an implementation requires the collaboration of various stakeholders including the public, local authorities and local businesses. To convince stake-holders of the viability of implementing SPN, the benefits of active mobility should be clear. This paper proposes a framework to quantify active mobility benefits so that stake-holders can assess the investment that can be realized from implementing SPN. The proposed framework makes use of quantifying benefits in various market conditions. The benefits are shown to be significant and very much in favor of investing in technology and implementing the envisioned SPN system.
A Strategic Approach for implementing A Smart Pedestrian Network (SPN) System
Authors: Papageorgiou George , Ioannou Anastasia , Maimaris Athanasios , Ness Alexander
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a strategic approach for implementing a Smart Pedestrian Network (SPN) navigation System that is geared towards promoting sustainable mobility. The SPN system is being designed to reach multiple market segments by providing information on suitable walking routes aiming to satisfy potential users’ needs, but also multiple stakeholder demands. The paper presents the main objectives of the SPN system as well as its system structure, application features, functions, and relevant data sources. The proposed strategic implementation framework deems necessary for scaling up so that the SPN system is successfully implemented in a variety of urban conditions. The framework emphasizes the element of adaptability, so that SPN can be adjusted where and when necessary, to deal with a variety of contexts and specific sustainable mobility issues, depending on the particular municipality conditions. The proposed framework combines elements of both the waterfall and agile software development methods, as well as, aspects of Open Innovation, Customer Involvement and Co-Creation taking a multiple stakeholder approach.
Optimization of a k-covering of a bounded set with circles of two given radii
Authors: Khorkov Alexander V. , Galiev Shamil I.
Published: February 2021

A numerical method for investigating k-coverings of a convex bounded set with circles of two given radii is proposed. Cases with constraints on the distances between the covering circle centers are considered. An algorithm for finding an approximate number of such circles and the arrangement of their centers is described. For certain specific cases, approximate lower bounds of the density of the k-covering of the given domain are found. We use either 0–1 linear programming or general integer linear programming models. Numerical results demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed methods are presented.
The complex dynamics of adaptive teaching: observing teacher-student interaction in the language classroom
Authors: Smit Nienke , van Dijk Marijn , de Bot Kees , Lowie Wander
Published: February 2021

Real-time verbal interactions between foreign language teachers and their students are of vital importance for language development, but classroom interactions are also multi-faceted and complex. The way a teacher understands and responds to learner utterances can be a powerful pedagogical strategy to scaffold learner language development. In this paper we present the Questions and Answers in English Language Teaching coding scheme which can be used to observe and describe the dynamics of teacher questions and student responses in language classrooms. We piloted the instrument in English as a foreign language lessons of four experienced teachers teaching 16 lessons in total. State Space Grids were used to visualize classroom dynamics and quantify intra-individual variability of each lesson. The results show that interactions between teachers and students have the tendency to self-organize and stabilize in one specific area of the grid. Lessons taught by three of the teachers revealed a dominant pattern formed by closed questions and short student responses. One teacher taught lessons in which more complex question and answer sequences were prevalent. These patterns of variability and stability show that teacher-student interactions have the properties of a shallow attractor state. The analysis of moment-to-moment turns in classroom interaction indicate that students in this study generally adapt their response to the level of teacher questions, but that teachers do not seem to adapt their questions to the level of the previous student answer. This suggests that, even for experienced teachers, scaffolding and adaptive teaching might be easier said than done.
Brain MRIs may be of low value in most children diagnosed with isolated growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Schmitt Jessica , Thornton Paul , Shah Avni N. , Rahman A. K. M. Falzur , Kubota Elizabeth , Rizzuto Patrick , Gupta Anshu , Orsdemir Sena , Kaplowitz Paul B.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Brain MRIs are considered essential in the evaluation of children diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), but there is uncertainty about the appropriate cut-off for diagnosis of GHD and little data about the yield of significant abnormal findings in patients with peak growth hormone (GH) of 7–10 ng/mL. We aimed to assess the frequency of pathogenic MRIs and associated risk factors in relation to peak GH concentrations.

Methods

In this retrospective multicenter study, charts of patients diagnosed with GHD who subsequently had a brain MRI were reviewed. MRIs findings were categorized as normal, incidental, of uncertain significance, or pathogenic (pituitary hypoplasia, small stalk and/or ectopic posterior pituitary and tumors). Charges for brain MRIs and sedation were collected.

Results

In 499 patients, 68.1% had normal MRIs, 18.2% had incidental findings, 6.6% had uncertain findings, and 7.0% had pathogenic MRIs. Those with peak GH<3 ng/mL had the highest frequency of pathogenic MRIs (23%). Only three of 194 patients (1.5%) with peak GH 7–10 ng/mL had pathogenic MRIs, none of which altered management. Two patients (0.4%) with central hypothyroidism and peak GH<4 ng/mL had craniopharyngioma.

Conclusions

Pathogenic MRIs were uncommon in patients diagnosed with GHD except in the group with peak GH<3 ng/mL. There was a high frequency of incidental findings which often resulted in referrals to neurosurgery and repeat MRIs. Given the high cost of brain MRIs, their routine use in patients diagnosed with isolated GHD, especially patients with peak GH of 7–10 ng/mL, should be reconsidered.
Evaluation of Hemoglobin A1c before and after initiation of continuous glucose monitoring in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gurnurkar Shilpa , Owens Lindsey , Chalise Sweta , Vyas Neha
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The development of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems has allowed for identification of blood sugar variations and trends in real-time that is not feasible with conventional self-monitoring of blood glucose. However, there is inconsistent data to show that the use of CGM leads to better glycemic control as measured by Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Our study aimed to compare the average HbA1c level in the 1–2 years prior to starting a CGM to the average HbA1c level in the 1–2 years immediately following CGM initiation in a sample of 1–20 year olds with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Participants were 90 youth (ages 1–20) followed for type 1 diabetes care at our institution who used a CGM for at least a 6 month time period. We performed a retrospective chart review to obtain up to four HbA1c values pre and post-CGM initiation each. We evaluated pre- and post-CGM initiation changes in mean HbA1c via dependent samples t-tests using IBM SPSS 24.0.

Results

The mean HbA1c was 8.7% pre-CGM and decreased to 8.27% 9–12 months after CGM initiation in the overall sample. A statistically significant decrease in HbA1c was seen in patients who used multiple daily injections (p=0.02), those with a pre-CGM HbA1c greater than 9% (p=0.01), and those with a diabetes duration of 5–10 years (p=0.02).

Conclusion

CGM use was associated with a decrease in HbA1c over time which was statistically significant in some subgroups.
Advance on the dispersion treatment of graphene oxide and the graphene oxide modified cement-based materials
Authors: Liu Changjiang , Huang Xiaochuan , Wu Yu-You , Deng Xiaowei , Zheng Zhoulian , Xu Zhong , Hui David
Published: February 2021

For the high demand for cement-based materials in buildings, improving the performance of cement-based materials has become the focus of relevant researchers. In recent years, nanomaterials have broad prospects in many fields such as architecture by virtue of their “lightweight, high strength, and strong solidity” characteristics. As a modifier of cement-based materials, it has also become a research hotspot. Graphene oxide (GO) is one of the most representative graphene-based nanomaterials. Because of its extremely high specific surface area and excellent physical properties, it has greatly improved the properties of cement-based materials. GO acts as an enhancer of cement composites that brings people unlimited imagination. The research progress of GO-modified cement-based materials is reviewed. The purpose is to point out the limitations of current research and provide a reference for later research. The dispersion treatment of GO and the properties of its modified cement-based materials are analyzed and summarized. In addition, the further research work that is needed and future development prospect are discussed.
Stereoselective organocatalysis and flow chemistry
Authors: Puglisi Alessandra , Rossi Sergio
Published: February 2021

Organic synthesis has traditionally been performed in batch. Continuous-flow chemistry was recently rediscovered as an enabling technology to be applied to the synthesis of organic molecules. Organocatalysis is a well-established methodology, especially for the preparation of enantioenriched compounds. In this chapter we discuss the use of chiral organocatalysts in continuous flow. After the classification of the different types of catalytic reactors, in Section 2, each class will be discussed with the most recent and significant examples reported in the literature. In Section 3 we discuss homogeneous stereoselective reactions in flow, with a look at the stereoselective organophotoredox transformations in flow. This research topic is emerging as one of the most powerful method to prepare enantioenriched products with structures that would otherwise be challenging to make. Section 4 describes the use of supported organocatalysts in flow chemistry. Part of the discussion will be devoted to the choice of the support. Examples of packed-bed, monolithic and inner-wall functionalized reactors will be introduced and discussed. We hope to give an overview of the potentialities of the combination of (supported) chiral organocatalysts and flow chemistry.
Non-radioactive imaging strategies for in vivo immune cell tracking
Authors: Kiraga Łukasz , Kucharzewska Paulina , Strzemecki Damian , Rygiel Tomasz P. , Król Magdalena
Published: February 2021

In vivo tracking of administered cells chosen for specific disease treatment may be conducted by diagnostic imaging techniques preceded by cell labeling with special contrast agents. The most commonly used agents are those with radioactive properties, however their use in research is often impossible. This review paper focuses on the essential aspect of cell tracking with the exclusion of radioisotope tracers, therefore we compare application of different types of non-radioactive contrast agents (cell tracers), methods of cell labeling and application of various techniques for cell tracking, which are commonly used in preclinical or clinical studies. We discuss diagnostic imaging methods belonging to three groups: (1) Contrast-enhanced X-ray imaging, (2) Magnetic resonance imaging, and (3) Optical imaging. In addition, we present some interesting data from our own research on tracking immune cell with the use of discussed methods. Finally, we introduce an algorithm which may be useful for researchers planning leukocyte targeting studies, which may help to choose the appropriate cell type, contrast agent and diagnostic technique for particular disease study.
Adaptive Memory Distortions Are Predicted by Feature Representations in Parietal Cortex
Authors: Zhao Yufei , Chanales Avi J. H. , Kuhl Brice A.
Published: February 2021

Similarity between memories is a primary cause of interference and forgetting. Exaggerating subtle differences between memories is therefore a potential mechanism for reducing interference. Here, we report a human fMRI study (n= 29, 19 female) that tested whether behavioral and neural expressions of memories are adaptively distorted to reduce interference. Participants learned and repeatedly retrieved object images, some of which were identical except for subtle color differences. Behavioral measures of color memory revealed exaggeration of differences between similar objects. Importantly, greater memory exaggeration was associated with lower memory interference. fMRI pattern analyses revealed that color information in parietal cortex was stronger during memory recall when color information was critical for discriminating competing memories. Moreover, greater representational distance between competing memories in parietal cortex predicted greater color memory exaggeration and lower memory interference. Together, these findings reveal that competition between memories induces adaptive, feature-specific distortions in parietal representations and corresponding behavioral expressions.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSimilarity between memories is a primary cause of interference and forgetting. Here, we show that, when remembering highly similar objects, subtle differences in the features of these objects are exaggerated in memory to reduce interference. These memory distortions are reflected in, and predicted by, overlap of activity patterns in lateral parietal cortex. These findings provide unique insight into how memory interference is resolved and specifically implicate lateral parietal cortex in representing feature-specific memory distortions.
Relative flux measurements of biogenic and natural gas-derived methane for seven U.S. cities
Authors: Floerchinger Cody , Shepson Paul B. , Hajny Kristian , Daube Bruce C. , Stirm Brian H. , Sweeney Colm , Wofsy Steven C.
Published: February 2021

Using the Purdue University Airborne Laboratory for Atmospheric Research, we measured concentrations of methane and ethane emanating from seven U.S. cities (New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Washington, D.C./Baltimore, MD, Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Richmond, VA, and Indianapolis, IN), in order to determine (with a median 95% CI of roughly 7%) the fraction of methane emissions attributable to natural gas (Thermogenic Methane Emission Ratio [TMER]), for both summer and winter months. New methodology is introduced to compute inflow concentrations and to accurately define the spatial domain of the sampling region, using upwind measurements coupled with Lagrangian trajectory modeling. We show discrepancies in inventory-estimated TMER from cities when the sample domain is defined using political boundaries versus urban centers encircled by the flight track and highlight this as a potential source of error common to top-down studies. We found that methane emissions of natural gas were greater than winter biogenic emissions for all cities except Richmond, where multiple landfills dominate. Biogenic emissions increased in summer, but natural gas remained important or dominant (20%–80%). National inventories should be updated to reflect the dominance of natural gas emissions for urban environments and to account for seasonal increases in biogenic methane in summer.
ESTUDIO DE CASOS SOBRE LOS FACTORES SOCIOCULTURALES Y DE LIDERAZGO QUE AFECTAN LA ENSEÑANZA DE LENGUAS ADICIONALES EN COLEGIOS INTERNACIONALES IB
Authors: Bueno-Villaverde Angeles , Steffen Veronica , Van Vooren Carol
Published: February 2021

En este estudio se recogen los resultados hayados en dos estudios de casos de dos colegios con el Programa de la Escuela Primaria (PEP) de la Organizacióin del Bachillerato Internacional (IB) con programas de inmersión lingüística en lenguas adicionales y procedentes de países distintos de habla hipana (España y Uruguay). Se llevaron a cabo entrevistas en profundidad a 48 personas entre directivos, profesores de lenguas adicionales (segunda y tercera) y padres representativos de la comunidad. Se exponen los resultados tras analizar los factores socioculturales, las estrategias organizativas y pedagógicas que contribuyen a la enseñanza de lenguas adicionales y al fomento de la comprensión intercultural mediante un liderazgo escolar eficaz, la indagación estructurada y el aprendizaje basado en conceptos. Los resultados indican que el marco de referencia IB para la Enseñanza de las lenguas es una guía general y flexible, pero la enseñanza de las lenguas adicionales no se lleva a cabo de igual manera en los centros. Hay diferencias en el conocimiento y la experiencia del desarrollo curricular y su puesta en marcha. Se aportan recomendaciones para los líderes de los centros.
ALGUNAS ÁREAS DE TRABAJO ESENCIALES EN EL PROGRAMA DEL DIPLOMA DEL BACHILLERATO INTERNACIONAL
Authors: Muñoz Castillo Antonio
Published: February 2021

El artículo que se presenta tiene como objetivo ofrecer una propuesta de mejora en la implementación del Diploma del Bachillerato Internacional en ciertas parcelas que se han definido como esenciales para el desarrollo del programa. De esta manera, se proponen tres grandes áreas de perfeccionamiento para cualquier centro educativo que imparta el Diploma relacionadas con los siguientes aspectos: rendimiento académico del alumnado, liderazgo pedagógico y desempeño docente. Estas tres líneas de actuación abarcan los ámbitos académico y organizativo de los centros educativos y son parcelas esenciales para hacer avanzar el programa Diploma, además, están totalmente relacionadas con la implementación de las normas y aplicaciones concretas que rigen los programas del Bachillerato Internacional.

Consecuentemente, este artículo pone énfasis en algunos aspectos que favorecen la mejora de la calidad educativa en el centro educativo en el marco y contexto de la implementación del programa Diploma del Bachillerato Internacional. De esta forma, el objetivo es señalar áreas concretas de trabajo y una serie de buenas prácticas asociadas que puedan servir de instrumento a cualquier colegio del Mundo IB para el perfeccionamiento y desarrollo del Diploma.
Diatomite in situ loaded by MOF (ZIF-8) and its application in removing methylene orange from aqueous solutions
Authors: Chen Zicheng , Zhang Huiwen , Luo Wenlong , He Zhibin , Zhang Lanhe
Published: February 2021

Diatomite is extensively used as a natural environmental material because of its biogenic origin and stable structure. The zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) is a prototypical metal-organic frame (MOF) that is well known for its high surface areas and chemical stability. Herein, a facile method for the generation of diatomite in situ loaded by ZIF-8 (D/Z) was reported. The results of powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis confirmed the successful loading of ZIF-8 on the diatomite. The ZIF-8 were distributed uniformly on the surface of the diatomite from the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The specific surface of the D/Z increased due to the loading of the ZIF-8. Methylene orange (MO-) in an aqueous form was efficiently separated and removed through a simple mixture and filtration process where the D/Z was employed as an absorbent, and the removal rate of the MO- increased in the case of the sample with more ZIF-8 loaded on the diatomite. In addition, the D/Z was reused after several regenerations by washing out the adsorbed dye.
Effect of various pretreatments of oil palm empty fruit bunch fibres for subsequent use as substrate on the performance of cellulase production by Aspergillus terreus
Authors: Shahriarinour Mahdi , Abdul Wahab Mohd Noor , Mustafa Shuhaimi , Mohamad Rosfarizan , Ariff Arbakariya B.
Published: February 2021

The possibility of using treated oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fibres as substrate for cellulase production by Aspergillus terreus was studied using shaking flask fermentation. The effect of different chemical pretreatments, i.e. formic acid, acetic acid, propylamine, phosphoric acid, and n-butylamine, on the suitability of OPEFB fibres as fermentation substrate was investigated. The findings revealed that pretreatment with these chemicals significantly (P<0.05) increased the cellulose and reduced the lignin contents prior to enzymatic hydrolysis. However, fermentation using OPEFB fibres pretreated with phosphoric acid gave the highest cellulase production, which was related to high cellulose content. Further improvement in cellulase production was obtained when the chemically pretreated OPEFB fibres were subsequently treated hydrothermally (autoclaved at 160oC for 10 min) and then biologically (using effective microorganisms). The final activity of the three main components of cellulase (FPase, CMCase, and β-glucosidase) obtained in fermentation by A. terreus using optimally treated OPEFB fibres was (0.77 U mL−1, 8.5 U mL-1, and 6.1 U mL-1), respectively. The production of all these three major components of cellulase using pretreated OPEFB fibres (i.e. chemical, hydrothermal, and biological) were about three times higher than those obtained from fermentation using untreated OPEFB fibres.
Stylistics and Translation of Raymond Queneau’s Work: Translation Analysis of „Exercices de style“
Authors: Černiuvienė Liucija , Montrimaitė Ieva
Published: February 2021

The article covers the stylistics of the work “Exercices de style” by the French writer Raymond Queneau and the translation of this work into Lithuanian. Through the analysis of translations into Italian and English as well, the article investigates the distinctive feature of Queneau’s texts – how they play with various language tools. The article distinguishes and discusses the play of literary devices (these are figures of style and rhetoric), the play of linguistic devices (grammatical tenses, barbarisms, neologisms), the play of language registers (colloquial language, jargon), the play of genres and discourses, and the play of narrative techniques. While playing with the language, the author seeks to entertain the reader – the exercises are rich in various elements of comedy, parody and irony. It is not possible to systematically apply one translation strategy to translate this work, therefore the translator Akvilė Melkūnaitė focused on conveying the logic of Queneau’s rules, making the translation strategies related to semantic and stylistic translation of the text diverse and successful, while the complicated conveying of cultural realia (e.g. jargon) is offset by other means of translation.
Reviewing the Reviewers: (Re)Translations and the Literary Press
Authors: Wardle Mary
Published: February 2021

Within the wider context of (re)translation and reception, this paper outlines a model for assessing how literary review publications address (re)translated works and whether there has been any discernable evolution in their approach over the period during which Translation Studies has emerged and consolidated itself as an academic discipline: the corpus comprises all issues over three separate years (1980, 2000 and 2018) of two international, English-language literary reviews (The New York Review of Books and London Review of Books). The analysis covers all reviews of works of literature translated from any language into English, both for the first time and retranslations, assessing whether there is any observable diachronic change over the time period in question. Although the scope of the material under inspection is limited, this study outlines the methodology developed for analyzing the manner in which reviews address translated texts and, more specifically, retranslations: this methodology, which involves classifying the corpus according to a taxonomy of features typical of the genre, is applicable to wider investigations across different languages, text types, time spans, platforms. Issues examined include how the reviewers assess the quality of the (re)translations; how texts are quoted; the significance of paratextual elements; the figure of the reviewer; whether retranslation is highlighted and/or reviewed differently to first translations. Future applications of the model are also considered.
Deciphering African Financial Development Interaction With Institutional Quality And Economic Growth Nexus
Authors: Nketia Easmond Baah , Kong Yusheng
Published: February 2021

The paper scrutinized the correlation between financial development interaction with institutional quality and economic growth in Africa. The study adopted 30 different interactions. The study used the Augmented mean group estimation technique to estimate the model. Gross domestic savings/GDP and broad money/GDP positively influenced growth with the majority of interactions with institutional quality indicators. Credit to Private Sector/GDP interaction with Voice & Accountability; and Political Stability has a higher impact on growth than any interaction variable. However, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, and corruption control are weak in Africa; even if interacted with financial development indicators, it mostly reduces economic growth. This study recommends that governments in Africa strengthen financial development indicators; Bank Deposit/GDP, Gross Domestic Savings/GDP and Credit to private sector/GDP, and institutional quality indicator political stability & absence of violence since their interaction has proven to aid rapid economic growth.JEL Classification: E17, F62, F63How to Cite:Nketia, E. B., & Kong, Y. (2021). Decipheting African Financial Development Interaction with Institutional Quality and Economic Growth Nexus. Etikonomi: Jurnal Ekonomi, 20(1), 23 – 44. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i1.16177.
Exploring Philosophy of Co-Movements Between Stocks and Macroeconomic Variables
Authors: Ilyas Umer , Butt Matti Ullah , Gulzar Muhammad
Published: February 2021

This study's background is to explore how significant are macroeconomic variables (MEV) in explaining stock movements in the developing economy for every sector and each firm of those sectors. To overcome the deficiencies of traditional index base studies, which provide only cumulative impact and response of MEV and Stock movements, fill the gap of existing literature that is not available for all Pakistan stock exchange (PSX). Panel ARDL Model with Co-Integration is using to achieve this objective. The results show that the overall sector response for changing independent variables was different from the firms from the same sectors in many cases. These results show superiority over the conventional method of using a stock index as the dependent variable, which shows only cumulative response, which was not comprehensive for taking the right portfolio and designing policy for economic development. This study has general applicability to developing economies.JEL Classification: E4, F3, G1, M1How to Cite:Ilyas, U., Ullah, M., & Gulzar, M. (2021). Exploring Philosophy of Co-Movements Between Stocks and Macroeconomic Variables. Etikonomi, 20(1), 67 – 76. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i1.17614.
Financial Development, Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction in India: An Empirical Evidence
Authors: Alam Md. Qaiser , Alam Md. Shabbir
Published: February 2021

The paper examines the response of poverty reduction based on financial development and economic growth in India. The ARDL and ECM based model techniques analyze the long-run and short-run relationship among the variables in the model. The long-run estimates depict that financial development and economic growth have not significantly impacted poverty reduction and, on the other hand, resulted in injecting inequality and becoming attended to wealthier sections of the society. The short-run estimates show that financial development and economic growth have successfully tried to reduce poverty in India. The results flash a long-run nature of poverty in India and need to designs and formulations of policies that should be instrumental in reducing poverty. Impulse Response Functions' application indicates that poverty reduction will act as a catalyst for further poverty reduction in India.JEL Classification: I32, B26, O40, R15How to Cite:Alam, M. Q., & Alam, M. S. (2021). Financial Development, Economic Growth, and Poverty Reduction in India. Etikonomi: Jurnal Ekonomi, 20(1), 13 – 22. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i1.18417.
THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF DEPRECIATION IN MUNICIPALITIES (GNOSIOLOGY, ONTOLOGY AND EPISTEMOLOGY)
Authors: Velikov Diyan
Published: February 2021

The amortization charge leads to an improvement in the quality of accountability and public finance statistics. Accounting analysis is part of the information function of accounting. The aim of the publication is to analyze depreciation in municipalities and to propose a synthesis of properties and a summary of common features, trends and laws. The ontological nature of depreciation in accounting science presents the main problems solved by accounting for depreciation. Epistemological coverage of depreciation covers its origin, scope and peculiarities. The research methods are analysis and synthesis, comparison, analogy, modeling, systematization and summary, comparative and group accounting analysis. The results obtained are presented in tabular form. The conclusion is that by switching from a smaller range of the signage coverage of the unit to the depreciation in municipalities, we are targeting a wider range of sign coverage, pointing out the qualities of the different categories of depreciation in the municipalities as an internal definition and an external manifestation.
BIODYNAMIC AGRICULTURE – OLD TRADITIONS AND MODERN PRACTICES
Authors: Beluhova-Uzunova Rositsa , Atanasov Dimo
Published: February 2021

The concerns regarding food security and safety, environmental challenges and resource scarcity remodel the prospects of agriculture. Therefore biodynamic farming as an alternative method for sustainable production becomes an object of growing scientific interest in the past 20 years. Biodynamic farming is one of the oldest organic systems and its roots could be found in the beginning of 20th century. Although the skepticism, biodynamic agriculture evolved over the years and nowadays is considered as an opportunity to address various environmental, social and economic issues. The aim of the paper is to introduce the concept and features of biodynamic agriculture and observe different case studies and surveys on the effect of this farming system upon yields, profitability and sustainability. The analysis is based on different research methods. The paper applies monographic, historical and comparative methods. The results indicate that biodynamic farms have higher soil quality, lower crop yields, and equal or greater net returns than conventional agricultural holdings. The long-term effect of biodynamic farming on the economic performance, however, needs further research and investigation. The studies prove that biodynamic agriculture is important alternative farming system that could provide answers to number of alarming questions associated with viability and sustainable development.
Foam cell formation associated with a borderline ovarian tumor: a case report
Authors:   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dong-A University, College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea, Park Jung-Woo
Published: February 2021

Foam cell formation is a very common pathologic finding in atherosclerosis, often found in some major organs. However, the involvement of the retroperitoneal organs is very rare and foam cell formation associated with borderline ovarian tumor has not been reported. Borderline ovarian tumors are epithelial ovarian tumors with a low growth rate, low potential to invade or metastasize, and excellent prognosis. Still, a rapidly growing borderline ovarian tumor can exert pressure on the retroperitoneal organs. It may cause retroperitoneal irritation and inflammation, and form a mass lesion in adjacent organs. We report the case of a 41-year-old woman with a borderline ovarian tumor and foam cell infiltration.
Możliwości i ograniczenia stosowania partnerstwa publiczno-prywatnego w sektorze edukacji w Polsce
Authors:   dr, Katedra Polityki Gospodarczej i Regionalnej, Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej w Lublinie, Polska, Szafran Joanna
Published: February 2021

The availability and level of educational services determine the levels of social inequalities and socio-economic development. Budget constraints and a lack of expertise in providing infrastructure, service and management of schools encourage public authorities to cooperate with the private sector. The aim of the paper is to identify the possibilities and barriers to the wider use of the public-private partnership (PPP) in educational investments in Poland. An analysis of the state and local government budgets in the sections ‘Education and upbringing’ and ‘Educational care’ shows a growing gap between the inflows from the educational part of the subsidy and the expenses incurred by local government units, in particular municipalities and the largest cities. Furthermore, the huge investment needs resulting from the use of facilities and equipment as well as school adaptations are covered by local governments. The overview of the PPP contracts concluded in the years 2009–2019, published in the project database www.ppp.gov.pl and BIP leads to the conclusions that pioneer PPP projects in education are the domain of municipalities and concern small infrastructure projects, mainly improving the energy efficiency of buildings. Many announcements on the Polish market do not find an investor, which results from the weakness of local private capital and lack of support from banks. On the advanced PPP markets there is a wide spectrum of contracts for the provision of services and infrastructure delivery models. The subject of PPP may be the construction of greenfield sites as well as modernization of brownfield sites and entire school complexes, combined with their funding and maintenance under the conditions specified in the contract. Service contracts range from technical support and catering to school management, and rarely concern basic services.
Geopolityczne uwarunkowania rywalizacji o zasoby Arktyki
Authors:   dr, Katedra Ekonomii Menedżerskiej, Wydział Społeczno-Ekonomiczny, Uniwersytet Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego w Warszawie, Polska, Karaś Dariusz
Published: February 2021

The aim of the study is to indicate the usefulness of game theory in the context of the effectiveness of geopolitical problem analysis in terms of improving decision-making in relation to Arctic areas. The article presents a series of significant global Arctic problems related to open fisheries, opening Arctic areas for the extraction of natural resources or creating new and more favorable sea routes for transporting goods. Key players in the Arctic area have been identified along with their conflicting claims. It was mentioned that cooperation leads to a reduction in social costs and the stimulation of economic development in the main areas of interest for individual countries. To verify the assumptions, an experiment based on a tragedy of the commons was carried out, in which the participants took the role of fisher-hunters and mining companies. The experiment took the form of a dynamic game, where in each round the participants decided on the volume of catches and resources extracted. The results showed that limiting the freedom of action extended the time of the game, and thus the functioning of the entities and the duration of resources. Leaving plenty of capacity led to agreement between the players and the self-introduction of limits. The experiment showed that the players were aware that only agreement led to gaining benefits in the long term. Thus the creation of an institution supervising disputed areas can lead to conflict mitigation, where entities with different goals and interests must reach agreement, especially when the key challenge is to avoid degradation of the resources and the environment.