bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote Sensing of Lake Sediment Core Particle Size Using Hyperspectral Image Analysis
Authors: Ghanbari Hamid , Jacques Olivier , Adaïmé Marc-Élie , Gregory-Eaves Irene , Antoniades Dermot
Published: November 2020

Hyperspectral imaging has recently emerged in the geosciences as a technology that provides rapid, accurate, and high-resolution information from lake sediment cores. Here we introduce a new methodology to infer particle size distribution, an insightful proxy that tracks past changes in aquatic ecosystems and their catchments, from laboratory hyperspectral images of lake sediment cores. The proposed methodology includes data preparation, spectral preprocessing and transformation, variable selection, and model fitting. We evaluated random forest regression and other commonly used statistical methods to find the best model for particle size determination. We tested the performance of combinations of spectral transformation techniques, including absorbance, continuum removal, and first and second derivatives of the reflectance and absorbance, along with different regression models including partial least squares, multiple linear regression, principal component regression, and support vector regression, and evaluated the resulting root mean square error (RMSE), R-squared, and mean relative error (MRE). Our results show that a random forest regression model built on spectra absorbance significantly outperforms all other models. The new workflow demonstrated herein represents a much-improved method for generating inferences from hyperspectral imagery, which opens many new opportunities for advancing the study of sediment archives.
A New Spiral Potato Cleaner to Enhance the Removal of Impurities and Soil Clods in Potato Harvesting
Authors: Bulgakov Volodymyr , Pascuzzi Simone , Ivanovs Semjons , Ruzhylo Zinoviy , Fedosiy Ivan , Santoro Francesco
Published: November 2020

Sustainability in the agricultural field suggests the conservation and maintenance of a natural environment of soil. Nevertheless, in the potato production chain, the mechanized harvest is carried out with the concurring removal of impurities and fertile soil. The authors have developed a new spiral potato cleaner which is able to capture and efficiently remove soil lumps of various sizes and shapes, as well as various plant residues. Theoretical and experimental studies have been performed on this soil clod cleaner to determine the structural and kinematic parameters that provide efficient capturing, motion and sifting down of the soil, through the gaps between the helices of its cleaning spirals. An analytical description of the motion of the clod of soil has been made and a system of differential equations has been compiled, whose numerical solution made it possible to determine the indicated reasonable operative parameters of the developed spiral potato cleaner. The results of the experimental research confirmed those ones obtained through the numerical solution of the mathematical model, i.e., rational angular speed ω of the rotation of the spirals from 20.0 to 30.0 rad s−1 and the radius R of spirals between 0.12 and 0.15 m.
Interpreting Environmental Impacts Resulting from Fruit Cultivation in a Business Innovation Perspective
Authors: Medici Marco , Canavari Maurizio , Toselli Moreno
Published: November 2020

Sustainability of food production is a major concern today. This study assessed the environmental impact of fruit production and discussed business implications for sustainability. Data were collected from three agricultural enterprises growing six species of fruit, extending over a total of 34 hectares, and producing roughly one thousand tons of fruit per year. The results of the life-cycle assessment (LCA) showed that several production activities heavily impact the environment: in descending order of absolute terms, fruit refrigeration, agronomic operations, irrigation, and fertilizer use were recognized as the most impacting. Other activities, including agrochemical applications, planting, and plastic use for harvesting and packaging, showed overall lower impacts. The high environmental impact associated with most of the production activities emphasizes the need to make the primary food production cleaner, more resource-efficient, and less energy-intensive. Affordable incremental innovations able to reshape the way business is conducted in the context of primary food production are proposed, mainly relying on process rationalization and digital switchover. The analysis of the business path toward increased sustainability involves strategic issues, ranging from the reshaping of production processes to relationships with consumers, affecting value proposition, creation, and capture.
Beyond Agenda 2030: Future-Oriented Mechanisms in Localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Authors: Bonsu Nana Osei , TyreeHageman Jennifer , Kele Juliet
Published: November 2020

Given the complex nature of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there are increasing calls for new inclusive and bottom-up governance mechanisms in building a relationship between governments and their citizens, in particular, the youth, to localise the 2030 Agenda. But such successful bottom-up multi-stakeholder engagement tools have yet to emerge in practice. Hence, of specific interest in this study is exploring bottom-up approaches useful for localising the SDGs and harnessing real transformative change to leave no one behind by 2030. Using a case study from the UK, we present a novel integrated mechanism to achieve this. An integrated Social Innovation (SI) and Scenarios Thinking (ST) mechanism remains a valuable bottom-up tool capable of empowering citizens, including the youth and decision-makers in delivering coherent SDGs plans, policies, and programmes. The study reveals that although the SDGs are distinct, they are also interconnected. A scenario development workshop with youth with no prior knowledge of the SDGs showed a common thread of policy measures for different SDG future images. Standard policy measures amongst different SDGs call for an equitable society at all levels; that all energy sources be from clean and renewable sources; investment in low-carbon technologies and research; and financial support for promoting sustainable transportation and consumption measures. This study highlights that we need to change how we think and talk about SDGs and recommends socially innovative steps to embrace cross-sectoral and nexus thinking as the backdrop of the citizen science concept. We conclude that the SDGs should not become a performative exercise or failed social experiment. And any practical localisation from the UN’s Member States across the northern and southern hemispheres will require robust measures addressing future-oriented systemic thinking, inclusivity and good governance, together with standards for community resilience and sustainability.
Nature-Based Solutions for Water Management in Peri-Urban Areas: Barriers and Lessons Learned from Implementation Experiences
Authors: Ramírez-Agudelo Nancy Andrea , Porcar Anento Roger , Villares Miriam , Roca Elisabet
Published: November 2020

Nature-based solutions (NBS) are defined by the European Commission as “actions that are inspired by, supported by, or copied from nature…” and that solve societal challenges and multiple benefits. As a result, NBS are often promoted as alternative responses that solve complex societal challenges such as watershed management, while delivering a systemic approach of multiple benefits for well-being, human health, and sustainable use of resources. Despite rising interest in NBS, further identification of experiences implementing NBS could advance our understanding of the operationalization of this comprehensive concept. For this purpose, we analyzed 35 peer-reviewed articles on implementation experiences of NBS for water management in peri-urban areas, on aspects related to (i) NBS problem–solution: water challenges, ecosystem services, scales, and types; (ii) NBS governance and management. From the insights of the analysis, this paper asks what lessons are learned, and which barriers are identified, from implementing NBS for water management in peri-urban areas? As a result, this study presents a detailed analysis of each aspect. We conclude by highlighting accountancy, monitoring, and communication as potential success factors for integration and development while diminishing the overall barrier of complexity, which leads to technical, institutional, economic, and social uncertainty.
Management of Crop Residues for Improving Input Use Efficiency and Agricultural Sustainability
Authors: Sarkar Sukamal , Skalicky Milan , Hossain Akbar , Brestic Marian , Saha Saikat , Garai Sourav , Ray Krishnendu , Brahmachari Koushik
Published: November 2020

Crop residues, the byproduct of crop production, are valuable natural resources that can be managed to maximize different input use efficiencies. Crop residue management is a well-known and widely accepted practice, and is a key component of conservation agriculture. The rapid shift from conventional agriculture to input-intensive modern agricultural practices often leads to an increase in the production of crop residues. Growing more food for an ever-increasing population brings the chance of fast residue generation. Ecosystem services from crop residues improve soil health status and supplement necessary elements in plants. However, this is just one side of the shield. Indecorous crop residue management, including in-situ residue burning, often causes serious environmental hazards. This happens to be one of the most serious environmental hazard issues witnessed by the agricultural sector. Moreover, improper management of these residues often restrains them from imparting their beneficial effects. In this paper, we have reviewed all recent findings to understand and summarize the different aspects of crop residue management, like the impact of the residues on crop and soil health, natural resource recycling, and strategies related to residue retention in farming systems, which are linked to the environment and ecology. This comprehensive review paper may be helpful for different stakeholders to formulate suitable residue management techniques that will fit well under existing farming system practices without compromising the systems’ productivity and environmental sustainability.
Is Trans-Korean Railway Solely a Symbol of Peace in the Korean Peninsula?
Authors: Lee Minha , Chung Suh-Yong
Published: November 2020

The islandic geopolitical situation of South Korea led the road-centered development and the road freight share reached 97% in 2015. Trans-Korean Railway, thus, is the key to low carbon development of South Korea. With the Trans-Korean Railway, the export freights for Eurasia can be loaded at a local station for a direct rail transport instead of current d-touring road-ship intermodal transport. This will trigger domestic rail facilitation and reduce road externalities. The corresponding reduction of the shuttle shipment among South Korea–China–Russia may further contribute towards the environmental sustainability of the Yellow and East Seas. Yet, Trans-Korean Railway is considered as a symbol of “peace in Korean Peninsula” that there has not been a sufficient research on the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the Trans-Korean Railway connection. This paper, accounting on various phenomenal evidence including air pollution (environmental), public health risks and high fatality (social) and logistics inefficiency (economic), argues for the needs to change the discussion perspective on the Trans-Korean Railway from traditional politics to its environmental, social, and economic values.
Audit Institutions in the European Union: Public Service Promotion, Environmental Engagement and COVID Crisis Communication through Social Media
Authors: Hancu-Budui Andreea , Zorio-Grima Ana , Blanco-Vega Jose
Published: November 2020

This article analyses Social Media (SM) use as a promotion tool for public institutions in the public audit sector. The authors propose a quantitative model to assess online engagement of 94 European audit institutions (national and regional) with their stakeholders, based on SM and web activity metrics of these institutions, with a focus on pressing matters such as environment, sustainability and the current COVID pandemic. The proposed model may be applied to assess organisations from any public or private sector. The research finds that SM presence helps audit institutions to promote their services more effectively by directing their stakeholders to extensive content on the audit institutions’ websites, thus contributing to an increase in their web traffic. Most audit institutions do not have a strategy for the online promotion of their services and work outputs, nor do they, in general, use SM for intensively promoting environmental or sustainability-related messages. The only exception is the European Court of Auditors, who clearly promotes its environment-related activity by actively and increasingly posting on SM and referencing its reports. Audit institutions could benefit from the nature of their evidence-based activity and promote their findings on emerging topics to positively influence public policies and accountability at all levels.
The Use of a Simulation Model for High-Runner Strategy Implementation in Warehouse Logistics
Authors: Fedorko Gabriel , Molnár Vieroslav , Mikušová Nikoleta
Published: November 2020

This paper examines the use of computer simulation methods to streamline the process of picking materials within warehouse logistics. The article describes the use of a genetic algorithm to optimize the storage of materials in shelving positions, in accordance with the method of High-Runner Strategy. The goal is to minimize the time needed for picking. The presented procedure enables the creation of a software tool in the form of an optimization model that can be used for the needs of the optimization of warehouse logistics processes within various types of production processes. There is a defined optimization problem in the form of a resistance function, which is of general validity. The optimization is represented using the example of 400 types of material items in 34 categories, stored in six rack rows. Using a simulation model, a comparison of a normal and an optimized state is realized, while a time saving of 48 min 36 s is achieved. The mentioned saving was achieved within one working day. However, the application of an approach based on the use of optimization using a genetic algorithm is not limited by the number of material items or the number of categories and shelves. The acquired knowledge demonstrates the application possibilities of the genetic algorithm method, even for the lowest levels of enterprise logistics, where the application of this approach is not yet a matter of course but, rather, a rarity.
Comparative Analysis of Private Labels—Private Labels from the Point of View of a Millennial Customer in Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hungary
Authors: Košičiarová Ingrida , Kádeková Zdenka , Džupina Milan , Kubicová Ľubica , Dvořák Marek
Published: November 2020

The present paper is focused on the issues of private labels, their establishment, perception and preference by selected groups of respondents, namely consumers under the age of 25 and also inhabitants of selected V4 countries (Slovakia, Hungary and Czech Republic). An anonymous questionnaire survey was chosen as the main research method. A total of 3038 respondents aged under 25 participated—1064 respondents were from Slovakia, 973 from Hungary and 1001 from Czech Republic. This research method was subsequently supplemented with selected statistical methods evaluated in the XL Stat statistical program, SAS Enterprise Guide 7.1 and SAS 9.4, where hypotheses were examined by Pearson’s Chi-Square Test, Mantel–Haenszel Chi-square test, Cramer’s V contingency coefficient, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Friedman’s test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Correspondence analysis and Phi Coefficient. The results of the survey can be perceived more than positively as most of the respondents declared that they knew the concept of private labels; more than 80% of respondents buy them either regularly or sporadically; just over 32% of respondents explicitly prefer them in their purchases and in terms of the perception of the quality, almost 75% of respondents think the quality of private label products is comparable to that of traditional brands.
Receptor Binding Domains of TcdB from Clostridioides difficile for Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan-4 and Frizzled Proteins Are Functionally Independent and Additive
Authors: Henkel Daniel , Tatge Helma , Schöttelndreier Dennis , Tao Liang , Dong Min , Gerhard Ralf
Published: November 2020

Toxin B (TcdB) produced by Clostridioides difficile is a main pathogenicity factor that affects a variety of different cell types within the colonic mucosa. TcdB is known to utilize frizzled-1,2,7 and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-4 (CSPG4) as protein receptors. By using human cervical cancer cell line HeLa CSPG4 knockout (CSPG4−/−) cells as well as TcdB mutants which do not bind to either CSPG4 or frizzled-1,2,7, or both, we evaluated the impact of the individual receptors for cytopathic and cytotoxic effects of TcdB. We compared TcdB from the reference strain VPI10463 (TcdBVPI) and the endemic strain R20291 (TcdBR20) which does not interact with frizzled-1,2,7. TcdBVPI devoid of CSPG4 binding (TcdBVPI ΔCROP) shows identical cytopathic potency as full-length TcdB in HeLa CSPG4−/− cells, indicating that interaction with frizzled proteins is not affected in the presence of the C-terminal CROP domain. We validated CSPG4 as cellular receptor for both TcdB toxinotypes in HeLa and HEp-2 cells. By exchange of a single phenylalanine residue, 1597 with serine, we generated a mutated TcdBVPI variant (TcdBVPI F1597S) that in accordance with TcdBR20 lacks binding to frizzled-1,2,7 and showed identical potency as TcdBR20 on HeLa cells. This enabled us to estimate the respective share of CSPG4 and frizzled-1,2,7 in the cytotoxic and cytopathic effect induced by TcdB. Our data reveal that binding to frizzled-1,2,7 and to CSPG4 occurs independently and in an additive manner.
Stereoselective Synthesis of the I–L Fragment of the Pacific Ciguatoxins
Authors: Clark J. Stephen , Popadynec Michael
Published: November 2020

The I–L ring system found in all the Pacific ciguatoxins has been prepared from a tricyclic precursor in a highly stereoselective manner. Subtle differences in the reactivity of the enones present in the seven- and eight-membered rings of the tricyclic ether starting material have been exploited to allow selective protection of the enone in the eight-membered ring. Subsequent distereoselective allylation of the seven-membered ring has been accomplished by a palladium-mediated Tsuji-Trost reaction. The K-ring methyl and hydroxyl groups have been installed in a highly stereoselective manner by sequential conjugate reduction and enolate oxidation reactions. Ring L has been constructed by a use of a novel relay ring-closing metathesis reaction to complete the tetracyclic framework, which possesses the functionality necessary for elaboration of rings I and L and the introduction of ring M.
Eco-Cultural Design Assessment Framework and Tool for Sustainable Housing Schemes
Authors: Qtaishat Yahya , Adeyeye Kemi , Emmitt Stephen
Published: November 2020

Assessment tools such as BREEAM and LEED are widely used to assess physical indicators of building performance from the micro- to the mesoscale. However, the built environment represents both intangible and tangible sets of indicators that should be understood within its context. Therefore, this project proposes a prototype Eco-cultural design assessment framework and tool to enhance the process of sustainable housing development that meets the residents’ socio-cultural needs whilst avoiding unwanted environmental impacts. A qualitative research design approach was adopted. The tool was developed using data derived from interviews with 81 participants from two comparative case studies of vernacular and contemporary housing in Jordan. Results showed that indicators related to wellbeing and local culture were the most discussed by participants and were associated with sustainable architecture. The tool was designed to encapsulate these findings and evaluated for its completeness and usability by 38 architects from Jordan. Results indicate that participants had positive feedback, and they deemed the tool content useful and practical for integrating Eco-cultural design indicators within architectural practice in Jordan. The research outputs are novel and significant in that they translated qualitative socio-cultural indicators into tangible design guidelines that can be effectively incorporated into existing sustainable building assessment frameworks.
Tracing Real-Time Transnational Hydrologic Sensitivity and Crop Irrigation in the Upper Rhine Area over the Exceptional Drought Episode 2018–2020 Using Open Source Sentinel-2 Data
Authors: Kempf Michael , Glaser Rüdiger
Published: November 2020

Climate and regional land-use and landcover change (LUCC) impact the ecosystem of the Upper Rhine Area (URA) and transform large parts of the landscape into strongly irrigated agricultural cropland. The increase of long-term drought periods and the trend towards low summer precipitation totals trigger an increase in groundwater scarcity and amplify the negative effects of extensive irrigation purposes and freshwater consumption in a hydrologically sensitive region in Central Europe. This article presents qualitative transnational open source remote sensing temporal series of vegetation indices (NDVI) and groundwater level development to tracing near real-time vegetation change and socio-ecological feedbacks during periods of climate extremes in the Upper Rhine Area (2018–2020). Increased freshwater consumption caused a dramatic drop in groundwater availability, which eventually led to a strong degradation of the vegetation canopy and caused governmental regulations in July 2020. Assessing vegetation growth behavior and linking groundwater reactions in the URA through open source satellite data contributes to a rapidly accessible understanding of the ecosystem’s feedbacks on the local to the transnational scale and further enables risk management and eco-political regulations in current and future decision-making processes.
Application of Irrigation Water Quality Indices and Multivariate Statistical Techniques for Surface Water Quality Assessments in the Northern Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Elsayed Salah , Hussein Hend , Moghanm Farahat S. , Khedher Khaled M. , Eid Ebrahem M. , Gad Mohamed
Published: November 2020

Under sustainable development conditions, the water quality of irrigation systems is a complex issue which involves the combined effects of several surface water management parameters. Therefore, this work aims to enhance the surface water quality assessment and geochemical controlling mechanisms and to assess the validation of surface water networks for irrigation using six Water Quality Indices (WQIs) supported by multivariate modelling techniques, such as Principal Component Regression (PCR), Support Vector Machine Regression (SVMR) and Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression (SMLR). A total of 110 surface water samples from a network of surface water cannels during the summers of 2018 and 2019 were collected for this research and standard analytical techniques were used to measure 21 physical and chemical parameters. The physicochemical properties revealed that the major ions concentrations were reported in the following order: Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and alkalinity > SO42− > Cl− > NO3− > F−. The trace elements concentrations were reported in the following order: Fe > Mn > B > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cu > Zn > Cd. The surface water belongs to the Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3− and Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl−-SO42− water types, under a stress of silicate weathering and reverse ion exchange process. The computation of WQI values across two years revealed that 82% of samples represent a high class and the remaining 18% constitute a medium class of water quality for irrigation use with respect to the Irrigation Water Quality (IWQ) value, while the Sodium Percentage (Na%) values across two years indicated that 96% of samples fell into in a healthy class and 4% fell into in a permissible class for irrigation. In addition, the Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR), Permeability Index (PI), Kelley Index (KI) and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) values revealed that all surface water samples were appropriate for irrigation use. The PCR and SVMR indicated accurate and robust models that predict the six WQIs in both datasets of the calibration (Cal.) and validation (Val.), with R2 values varying from 0.48 to 0.99. The SMLR presented estimated the six WQIs well, with an R2 value that ranged from 0.66 to 0.99. In conclusion, WQIs and multivariate statistical analyses are effective and applicable for assessing the surface water quality. The PCR, SVMR and SMLR models provided robust and reliable estimates of the different indices and showed the highest R2 and the highest slopes values close to 1.00, as well as minimum values of RMSE in all models.
Trump and Political Theology
Authors: Eller Jack David
Published: November 2020

For millennia, a fundamental question of culture and law has been the relationship between religion and ruler, or more recently between church and state. Although the term “political theology” was not always known, the question remained and was answered in various ways: theocracy, the divine right of kings, the mandate of heaven, the rule of jurists, and so forth. Almost a century ago, Carl Schmitt revived political theology and reshaped it into a less theological and more political subject with his famous notions of sovereignty and the exception. Schmitt highlighted the eternal struggle between power or authority on the one hand and positive law and political institutions on the other, arguing that law can never entirely legitimize or constrain power or authority and that the real site and source of law is the moment of exception and of “the decision.”

Trump and Political Theology applies this Schmittian lens to Donald Trump, an exceptional president who seems to use his executive and decision-making power to flaunt law and truth, to cripple and discredit institutions, and to bend reality to his will. The book considers first whether Trump is an aspiring Schmittian sovereign and therefore a threat to democracy. But it goes beyond Trump and Trumpism to critique and rethink political theology in the light of contemporary, especially populist and authoritarian, politics. Finally, it compels us to critique and rethink theology itself as a tool for understanding and organizing politics and society, restoring the relevance of myth and ritual and of pre-Christian and non-Christian characters like the shaman and the trickster for modern politics and social theory.
A quantitative evaluation of color changes occurring in the muscle tissue during the stages of S10 silicone plastination technique
Authors: İNSAL Burcu , HAZIROĞLU Reşide Merih
Published: November 2020

There are many preservation techniques that are used to ensure that the changes (odor, color, and elasticity) in the characteristics of the animal or human bodies after death are minimized in the field of anatomy. One of the most modern anatomic specimen preparation methods is the plastination technique. Therefore, primary plastination stages were applied to the muscle tissue in this study. The aim of the current study is to present color changes in muscle tissue quantitatively by using a colorimeter device in every stage of the standard silicone plastination technique until the last product is obtained. Color analyses were performed on the muscle tissue after each stage of the plastination. Throughout the whole process, it was observed that the stage when the value of color change from green to red in the product was the closest to the fresh tissue was the 1st acetone bath. The value of color change from blue to yellow was closest to the fresh tissue at the gas curing and hardening stage. Furthermore, the closest values to the fresh tissue were recorded after the impregnation stage when the variations in plastinates were evaluated in terms of brightness. Color changes in plastinates, which have been described as close to the natural color up to today, were determined through statistical data in this study. Moreover, as a result of this dissertation, it was asserted that colorimeter can be effectively used in the field of anatomy due to the advantages it holds.
The investigation of fatty acids compositions of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) herbage harvested at different phenological stages
Authors: KARA Kanber
Published: November 2020

This study was aimed to determine fatty acid compositions of Jerusalem artichoke herbages (Helianthus tuberosus) at five different phenological stages. Jerusalem artichoke was harvested at early vegetative, vegetative, early flowering, full flowering, and early seed stages and its herbage samples were obtained. In the herbages, the saturated fatty acid (∑SFA), unsaturated fatty acid (∑UFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (∑PUFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), medium chain fatty acids (∑MCFA), long chain fatty acids (∑LCFA) and very long chain fatty acids (∑VLCFA) were analyzed. The linoleic acid (C18:2n 6c) concentrations of herbages were changed from about 21 to 23% at different growing stages (P<0.05). The oleic acid (C18:2n 6t) concentrations of this forage increased with plant growing (20 to 34% in total fatty acids) (P<0.001). The ∑PUFA, w-3, w-6, ∑MCFA and ∑VLCFA concentrations of Jerusalem artichoke herbage were positively correlated with plant growing stage (from vegetation to after flowering) (P<0.05). The ∑MUFA, w-9 and ∑LCFA concentrations of this herbage were negatively correlated with plant growing stage of plant (P<0.05). As a result of the study, the ∑UFA, ∑MUFA and w-9 fatty acids compositions of Jerusalem artichoke herbage, harvested at early flowering stage, were high than those of other plant growing stages. Besides, the Jerusalem artichoke herbage, harvested at flowering stage, was rich from ∑PUFA, w-3 and ∑VLCFA fatty acids. Therefore, Jerusalem artichoke herbage, harvested at early flowering and full flowering stages, has high functional properties for ruminants and other herbivorous.
Multiple long-term conditions within households and use of health and social care: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Stafford Mai , Deeny Sarah R , Dreyer Kathryn , Shand Jenny
Published: November 2020

Background

The daily management of long-term conditions falls primarily on individuals and informal carers, but the impact of household context on health and social care activity among people with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) is understudied.

Aim

To test whether co-residence with a person with MLTCs (compared with a co-resident without MLTCs) is associated with utilisation and cost of primary, community, secondary health care, and formal social care.

Design & setting

Linked data from health providers and local government in Barking and Dagenham for a retrospective cohort of people aged ≥50 years in two-person households in 2016–2018.

Method

Two-part regression models were applied to estimate annualised use and cost of hospital, primary, community, mental health, and social care by MLTC status of individuals and co-residents, adjusted for age, sex, and deprivation. Applicability at the national level was tested using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD).

Results

Forty-eight per cent of people with MLTCs in two-person households were co-resident with another person with MLTCs. They were 1.14 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00 to 1.30) times as likely to have community care activity and 1.24 (95% CI = 0.99 to 1.54) times as likely to have mental health care activity compared with those co-resident with a healthy person. They had more primary care visits (8.5 [95% CI = 8.2 to 8.8] versus 7.9 [95% CI = 7.7 to 8.2]) and higher primary care costs. Outpatient care and elective admissions did not differ. Findings in national data were similar.

Conclusion

Care utilisation for people with MLTCs varies by household context. There may be potential for connecting health and community service input across household members.
Treatment of uncomplicated UTI in males: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Farrell Karen , Tandan Meera , Hernandez Santiago Virginia , Gagyor Ildiko , Braend Anja Maria , Skow Marius , Vik Ingvild , Jansaaker Filip , Hayward Gail , Vellinga Akke
Published: November 2020

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect around 20% of the male population in their lifetime. The incidence of UTIs in men in the community is 0.9–2.4 cases per 1000 aged <55 years and 7.7 per 1000 aged ≥85 years.

Aim

To evaluate the outcomes of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effectiveness of different antimicrobial treatments and durations for uncomplicated UTIs in adult males in outpatient settings.

Method

A systematic literature review of RCTs of adult male patients with an uncomplicated UTI treated with oral antimicrobials in any outpatient setting. The outcomes were symptom resolution within 2 weeks of starting treatment, duration until symptom resolution, clinical cure, bacteriological cure, and frequency of adverse events.

Results

From the 1052 abstracts screened, three provided sufficient information on outcomes. One study compared trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 14 days (21 males) with 42 days (21 males). Fluoroquinolones were compared in the two other RCTs: lomefloxacin (10 males) with norfloxacin (11 males), and ciprofloxacin for 7 days (19 males) and 14 days (19 males). Combining the results from the three RCTs shows that for 75% males with a UTI (76/101) bacteriological cure was reported at the end of the study. Of the 59 patients receiving a fluoroquinolone, 57 (97%) reported bacteriological and clinical cure within 2 weeks after treatment.

Conclusion

The evidence available is insufficient to make any recommendations in relation to type and duration of antimicrobial treatment for male UTIs. Sufficiently powered RCTs are needed to identify best treatment type and duration for male UTIs in primary care.
Optimizing social sustainability in walkable university campus: A comparison between the old and new campuses of Sulaimani University
Authors: Sabir Abdullah Wrya
Published: November 2020

Sustainable university campus design, to be walkable needs comprehensive planning that remarks the campuses as integrated whole; buildings and surroundings are considered as interrelated units rather than segmented parts. This paper shows a comparative study of the old and new campuses of Sulaimani University to compare social sustainability from the walkability point of view. Walkability as a feature of social sustainability is studied in this paper as walkability in built environment is assessed through four criteria which are connectivity, accessibility, safety/security and comfort. This paper has limited its empirical study to both connectivity and accessibility criteria in both campuses of Sulaimani University to test social sustainability in each campus. The aim of this paper is to achieve social sustainable campus design from the walkability point of view. The results showed that a compact campus design achieves both accessibility and connectedness rather than the linear design in means of social sustainability.
Prediksi Tipe Longsor di Desa Clapar Menggunakan Metode Geolistrik Resistivitas Konfigurasi Dipol-dipol
Authors: Muhardi Muhardi , Wahyudi Wahyudi
Published: November 2020

Desa Clapar merupakan salah satu desa di Kabupaten Banjarnegara, Jawa Tengah, yang tergolong daerah rawan longsor. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk memprediksi tipe longsor dengan menganalisis bidang gelincir berdasarkan sebaran nilai resistivitas secara lateral. Penelitian ini mengaplikasikan metode geolistrik resistivitas dengan konfigurasi dipol-dipol. Pengukuran dilakukan di dua lokasi, yaitu lereng bukit sebelah barat dan timur kawasan pemukiman, yang masing-masing terdiri dari 2 dan 3 lintasan pengukuran. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa bidang gelincir pada lokasi pertama mempunyai nilai resistivitas sebesar 2,93 - 47,43 Ωm, berupa lapisan lempung dengan bidang berbentuk relatif rata pada kedalaman 4,5 - 15,0 meter. Demikian juga dengan bidang gelincir pada lokasi kedua yang mempunyai nilai resistivitas sebesar 1,32 - 14,38 Ωm, berupa lapisan lempung dengan bidang berbentuk relatif rata pada kedalaman 1,5 - 7,0 meter. Hasil penelitian juga menunjukkan bahwa tipe longsor di Desa Clapar diprediksi sebagai longsor translasi.Kata kunci: bidang gelincir, Clapar, konfigurasi dipol-dipol, metode geolistrik resistivitas, tipe longsor Clapar Village is one of the village in Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java, which is classified as landslides prone area. This study aims to predict the landslides type by analyzing the slip surface based on the distribution of resistivity values laterally. This study applied the geoelectrical resistivity method of dipole-dipole configuration. The measurements were conducted in twoareas, on the hill slope western and eastern of the settlement area, which was consist of 2 and 3 lines, respectively. Thestudy results show that the slide surface in the first area has resistivity value of 2.93 - 47.43 Ωm inferred as relatively flat clay layer at a depth of 4.5 - 15.0 meters. While The slip surfacein the second area has a similar case with resistivity value of 1.32 - 14.38 Ωm inferred as a clay layer at a depth of 1.5 - 7.0 m. In addition, the landslides type in Clapar Village is predicted as a translational landslides. Keywords: slip surface, Clapar, dipole-dipole configuration, geoelectrical resistivity method, landslides type
What works to mitigate and reduce relative (and absolute) inequality? A systematic review
Authors: Jorda Vanesa , Alonso Jose M.
Published: November 2020

Over the past two decades, research on the impacts of a diverse range of public policies and income inequality has seen rapid growth. Despite the large number of publications to date, there remain important lacunae in our understanding of how policy interventions might help to reduce income inequality. This paper aims to fill this void by providing a systematic literature review of 270 publications that examine four key policy areas: (1) tax policy, (2) social benefits, (3) labour market interventions, and (4) education policy. We describe patterns of empirical findings and implications drawn from the reviewed publications. The strengths and weaknesses of the existing literature are also discussed, along with potential future research avenues.
Palmitoleik Asidin Moleküler Yapısı, Titreşim Spektrumları ve Elektronik Özelliklerinin Teorik Olarak İncelenmesi
Authors: GÖCEN Tugba , GÜVEN Mehmet Haluk
Published: November 2020

Bu çalışmada, Palmitoleik Asit (cis-9-Hekzadekanoik asit, C16:1, POA) ’in moleküler yapısı, titreşimsel spektroskopik ve elektronik özellikleri Gaussian 09 paket programı kullanılarak DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) seviyesinde incelenmiştir. POA’ nın kristal yapısının henüz belirlenmediğinden, optimize edilmiş geometrik parametreleri (bağ uzunluğu, bağ açıları ve dihedral açılar), POA’ ya izomorf olan Oleik asidin (OA) deneysel geometrik parametreleriyle karşılaştırılmıştır.POA’ nın harmonik titreşim frekansları hesaplanmış ve literatürden elde edilen deneysel titreşim frekansları ile karşılaştırılmıştır. Titreşim frekanslarının işaretlemeleri, VEDA 4 programı kullanılarak potansiyel enerji dağılımı (PED) analizi ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. POA’ nın hesaplanan yapısal parametreleri ve titreşim frekansları deneysel verilerle uyumludur. Molekülün elektronik özellikleri, en yüksek dolu moleküler orbital (HOMO) ve en düşük boş moleküler orbital (LUMO) temeline dayanılarak belirlenmiştir. HOMO-LUMO enerjileri arasındaki yüksek enerji aralığı molekülün kimyasal kararlılığa ve düşük reaktiviteye sahip olduğunu gösterir. Moleküler elektrostatik potansiyel (MEP) yüzey haritası, mulliken atomik yükleri ve sertlik, yumuşaklık, elektronegatiflik, kimyasal potansiyel, iyonizasyon potansiyeli, elektron afinitesi, elektrofilik indeks, dipol moment gibi kuantum kimyasal tanımlayıcıları moleküldeki etkileşim bölgelerini belirlemek için hesaplanmıştır. Ayrıca, POA’ nın ısı kapasitesi, entropi ve entalpi gibi termodinamik özellikleri farklı sıcaklıklarda hesaplanmıştır. Tüm termodinamik parametreler, artan sıcaklıkla birlikte artmıştır.
Hate crime, policing, and the deployment of racial and cultural diversity
Authors: Bryan Timothy
Published: November 2020

This paper examines how diversity is mobilized and deployed as a form of hate crime response in the York Regional Police Service, and how commitments to racial and cultural diversity embedded in the framework of hate crime policy are interpreted by police officers engaged in the frontline policing of hate crimes. Hate crime policies and specialized training programs in Ontario were developed around two central foci: 1) traditional policing concerns involving proper investigative techniques, evidence collection, documentation, and officer roles and responsibilities; and 2) emerging concerns regarding victim care, community relations, and commitments to racial and cultural diversity. Drawing on interviews with officers stationed at all five of the Service’s divisional locations, this paper shows how commitments to diversity embedded in the Service’s approach to hate crime exist along-side, and in conflict with, officer perceptions that see diversity as a source of the problem of hate.
Introduction
Authors: Murdocca Carmela , Kwak Laura J.
Published: November 2020

The special issue addresses several overlapping though not exclusive themes: Foucault’s theorization of modern power and in particular, his thinking in relation to his lectures on governmentality, the politics of resistance, and processes of neoliberalism. The contributions are animated by several questions: How do citizens and marginalized (or stateless) people negotiate law and regulation from the margins through experiences of assimilation or exclusion?; What role does racialization play in these processes?; How has neoliberalism or new processes of globalization opened up questions of individualism, freedom, autonomy, responsibilization, empowerment, rights (in several different spheres): the environment, queer and sexual politics, policing and protest, governmental politics, migration, refugee protection, and humanitarianism?
Apendicectomía profiláctica en la dotación Antártica: Experiencia del Hospital de la Fuerza Aérea de Chile.
Authors: Uribe Sebastian , Vallejo Diego , Jorquera Mauricio , Contreras Luis , Celedón Felipe
Published: November 2020

Objetivo: Reportar y caracterizar las complicaciones quirúrgicas de las apendicectomías laparoscópicas electivas profilácticas, realizadas a pacientes destinados a dotación antártica, realizadas en Hospital clínico de la Fuerza Aérea de  Chile (FACh).Material y método: Análisis retrospectivo descriptivo de fichas clínicas de todos los pacientes sometidos a apendicectomía laparoscópica profiláctica entre los años 2013 y 2017 en Hospital FACh. Se registraron variables demográficas y quirúrgicas de los pacientes. Las complicaciones fueron registradas y clasificadas de acuerdo a Clavien-Dindo.Resultados: Se incluyeron 200 pacientes, 96% hombres y solo 4% mujeres. Se registraron 6 pacientes (3%) con complicaciones quirúrgicas, clasificadas como Grado I según Clavien-Dindo.Discusión: No existen reportes de complicaciones en apendicectomías profilácticas. En nuestra serie éstas alcanzan el 3%Conclusiones: La apendicectomía profiláctica es una cirugía segura, con escasas complicaciones, pero existen y se desarrollan en un paciente que estaba previamente sano.
Era multimodal e tecnológica: que recursos utilizar no ensino de línguas estrangeiras/adicionais?
Authors: Favaretto Santos Carolina , Cristina Ferreira Cláudia
Published: November 2020

O desenvolvimento tecnológico tem promovido mudanças significativas na sociedade, tornando cada vez mais recorrente a utilização de diversos recursos e mídias digitais para o desenvolvimento da comunicação. Consequentemente, o ensino de línguas estrangeiras/adicionais tem se beneficiado dessas transformações, oportunizando reflexão de experiências favoráveis ao ensino, para alcançar maior efetividade e melhor qualidade no processo de ensino e aprendizagem. Nesse viés, este estudo tem por objetivo dialogar sobre conceitos e sugerir ações pedagógicas envolvendo tecnologia e multimodalidade no ensino de língua como prática social (ZAVALA, 2018). Para isso, são apresentados conceitos de letramento digital (LOPES, 2012; XAVIER, 2011), bem como de multimodalidade (COPE; KALANTZIS, 2000; ROJO, 2009), linguagem para a formação cultural e humana, bem como sobre a aplicação de recursos tecnológicos (LEFFA, 2016; MORAN, 2015) em atividades de ensino e aprendizagem de línguas estrangeiras/adicionais. Concluímos, com este estudo, que o letramento digital e a pedagogia dos multiletramentos permitem aos professores realizarem práticas pedagógicas diferenciadas, levando os alunos a otimizarem as habilidades linguísticas de maneira crítica e social, a fim de alcançar os objetivos propostos.
Nonlinear vibration and dynamic response of nano composite conical tube by conveying fluid flow
Authors: RAHMANİ Masoud , MOSLEMİ PETRUDİ Amin
Published: November 2020

Modeling of tubes containing fluid flow is widely used in the study of heat exchangers, nuclear reactors, micro and nano tools, etc. This system is structurally simple but very complex in terms of dynamic behavior and vibrations. In this paper, an analytical relationship for nonlinear vibrations of self-excitation of a nanocomposite conical tube containing fluid flow is extracted, one end of which is free and the other side is fixed and is under gravitational force. The base material is assumed to be 1200 series aluminum, which is reinforced with carbon nanotubes. The Hamiltonian equations are obtained, assuming the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and the use of the Galerkin method, dissected the partial derivative equations into Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE), then solved by MATLAB coding and investigated the effect of various parameters on system behavior. As the fluid velocity increases, the amplitude of the vibration increases and the nonlinear effects of the system increase, so more modes are needed to converge the responses. In a conical tube, the βT coefficient increases with increasing inner diameter along the tube and the system becomes more stable. Increasing the length of the pipe makes the opening conical pipe more stable and the closing conical pipe more unstable. The change in length has no effect on the stability of the cylindrical tube.
Analisa Laju Pertumbuhan Silika Scaling Pada Pipa Air Kondensat Scrubber Unit 5 Di Industri Geotermal
Authors: Puji Astuti Ibrahim  , Ahda Nur Fajri
Published: November 2020

Industri panas bumi merupakan sumber energi alternatif  yang ramah lingkungan serta dapat di perbaharui, selain dengan banyaknya keunggulan dari energi panas bumi terdapat juga kekurangan salah satunya scale.Jenis  scale  yang terdapat pada PLTP Kamojang adalah silka. Silika scaling merupakan jenis mineral yang paling sedikit komposisinya tetapi memiliki kekerasan paling tinggi, karena itu perlu di lakukan analisis tentang kemungkinan terjadinya pengendapan silika scaling dan berapa cepat pertumbuhan silika dan bagai mana cara menanggulanginya. Pada hasil analisi semala 8 hari di temukan pengendapan paling besar 0,00167 in3/tahun atau 0,274 cm3/tahun, jumlah tersebut masih di bawah standar dari perusahaan. Mengingat scaling dapat menghambat produksi pada industri maka scaling harus di minimalisir pertumbuhannya dengan cara menjaga kelarutan mineral dengan menyemprotkan air pada scrubber dan juga dengan menambahkan inhibitor HCl.