bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importancia de los mecanismos de participación ciudadana en los sistemas democráticos
Authors: López C Joan
Published: March 2021

En este trabajo, se señala la importancia que conlleva en un sistema democrático el que existan mecanismos formales de participación ciudadana como una forma de relación socio-estatal. La ciudadanía asocia su participación con la materialización de ejercer su derecho al voto para elegir al mandatario de su nación, más allá de eso no se percata que el involucramiento de su participación en la agenda local podría obtener un mayor alcance para combatir la carencia de credibilidad y legitimidad que existe en el mismo sistema de gobierno. Si bien es cierto existen diversos mecanismos de participación ciudadana también es cierto que la ciudadanía los desconoce, no sabe cómo utilizarlos o bien no los encuentra interesantes. Por el otro lado, no hay una estimulación activa en las iniciativas gubernamentales para que se logre un cambio en la percepción de los ciudadanos con estos mecanismos; por lo que se debe deestudiar de manera reflexiva a que se enfrentan los ciudadanos para hacer uso de su derecho de participación por medio de los mecanismos formales de participación ciudadana y la envergadura que tiene en los sistemas democráticos.
La productividad laboral: Una mirada a las necesidades de las Pymes en México
Authors: Baltodano-García Gabriela , Leyva Cordero Oswaldo
Published: March 2021

Este articulo ofrece un análisis de elementos teóricos y conceptuales sobre la productividad laboral de las Pymes en México y aborda el papel de los programas que ofrece el gobierno para contribuir a incrementar la productividad laboral. En este país en particular, la Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (2001) y la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económicos (2017) hacen referencia que aún existe una latente necesidad de incrementar la participación de estos programas y la difusión de los mismo. Por tanto, critica la poca evidencia sobre el impacto real de las políticas actuales para las futuras implementaciones. Para ello, efectúa un recorrido de diversas publicaciones de organismos internacionales como la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (2018) sobre las políticas laborales, educativas y de formación promovidas en la región latinoamericana y que están enfocados en el incremento de la productividad, en especial del personal que labora en las Pymes, así también, utiliza datos de censos, encuestas e instituciones del gobernó mexicano como el Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (2016), STPS (2020) y la Encuesta Nacional sobre Productividad y Competitividad de las Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (2018) para comentar la efectividad de los programas de financiamiento, asesoría, apoyo y certificación dirigidos paraelevar la productividad laboral y la economía nacional.
A pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of PEC blocks in minimising chronic post-mastectomy pain
Authors: Sheehan Lisa Anne , Britten Greg Mark , Clark Sarah Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

This small prospective pilot study of 17 patients evaluated the efficacy of PECS block in preventing both immediate and long term post-operative pain after mastectomy. It describes the technique for performing a PECS blockade and demonstrated very low pain scores in both the peri-operative period and at 6 months.
Obituary for Hans Jørgen Gottlieb Gundersen
Authors: Nyengaard Jens Randel
Published: March 2021

We have lost one of the greatest founders of modern stereology: Hans Jørgen Gottlieb Gundersen.
Removal of methylene blue from textile waste water using kaolin and zeolite-x synthesized from Ethiopian kaolin
Authors: Mulushewa Zemedkun , Dinbore Wendimagegn Tagesse , Ayele Yihunie
Published: March 2021

The wastewater generated from textile factories is linked to one of the main water pollution problems; therefore, it is important to reduce the pollutants in industrial effluents before their discharge into environment. The present study was to investigate the appropriateness zeolite-x and kaolin as effective adsorbents for removal of methylene blue from the textile wastewater. Batch adsorption experiments were carried out to assess parameters that influence the adsorption process. The prepared zeolite-x and kaolin were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared and X-ray diffraction techniques. The results of this study showed that the particle size is 40.77 nm and 0.45 nm kaolin and zeolite-x respectively. The performance of zeolite-x adsorbent is best at the optimum pH 4 with removal efficiency of 97.77% and kaolin adsorbent at pH 6 with removal efficiency of 86.86%. The optimum contact time was obtained at 60 and 80 minutes for zeolite–x and kaolin respectively. While optimum adsorbent dosage was obtained at 0.4 and 0.6 grams with removal efficiency of 97.12% and 87.75% for the zeolite-x and kaolin adsorption experiment respectively. The confirmed square sum errors values are 1.0×10-4 and 1.0×10-3 for zeolite-x and kaolin, respectively. The Adsorption isotherms results have well fitted to Freundlich isotherm than Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption kinetics results were best fitted the pseudo second order model. The result shows that the zeolite-x has high removal efficiency than kaolin at the same operating conditions. Application of this method can be economically, environmentally, and socially feasible to address wastewater problems. Further research has to be carried out on the removal capacity of this adsorbent for organic dyes not only from the textile industry but also from leather industries and soap industries.
Säkulare und religiöse Bausteine einer universellen Friedensordnung
Authors: Jäggi Christian J.
Published: March 2021

More than ever, the world is faced with the need to develop a sustainable peace order in which all political, ideological and religious communities are involved and which they all support. Based on the previous volumes, which analysed secular conceptions of peace as well as Jewish, Christian and Islamic concepts of peace, this volume juxtaposes partly divergent and partly concurring conceptions of peace, examines them for commonalities and elaborates principles of a global trans-secular and interreligious peace ethic.
Chitosan-Based Oral Drug Delivery System for Peptide, Protein and Vaccine Delivery
Authors: Zuhairah Zainuddin Siti , Abdul Hamid Khuriah
Published: March 2021

Oral delivery is the most common and preferred route of drug administration due to its convenience and ease of administration. However, various factors such as poor solubility, low dissolution rate, stability, and bioavailability of many drugs remain an ongoing challenge in achieving desired therapeutic levels. The delivery of drugs must overcome various obstacles, including the acidic gastric environment, the presence of the intestinal efflux and influx transporters and the continuous secretion of mucus that protects the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). As the number and chemical diversity of drugs has increased, various strategies are required to develop orally active therapeutics. One of the approaches is to use chitosan as a carrier for oral delivery of peptides, proteins as well as vaccines delivery. Chitosan, a non-toxic N-deacetylated derivative of chitin appears to be under intensive progress during the last years towards the development of safe and efficient chitosan-based drug delivery systems. This polymer has been recognised as a versatile biomaterial because of its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. This chapter reviews the physicochemical characteristics of chitosan and the strategies that have been successfully applied to improve oral proteins, peptides, and vaccines bioavailability, primarily through various formulation strategies.
Progress in Parasite Genomics and Its Application to Current Challenges in Malaria Control
Authors: Cambel Dieng Cheikh , T. Ford Colby , Huynh Jennifer , E. Amoah Linda , A. Afrane Yaw , A. Janies Daniel , Lo Eugenia
Published: March 2021

A wide deployment of malaria control tools have significantly reduced malaria morbidity and mortality across Africa. However, in the last five to seven years, there has been a resurgence of malaria in several African countries, raising the questions of whether and why current control mechanisms are failing. Since the first Plasmodium falciparum reference genome was published in 2002, few thousands more representing a broad range of geographical isolates have been sequenced. These advances in parasite genomics have improved our understanding of mutational changes, molecular structure, and genetic mechanisms associated with diagnostic testing, antimalarial resistance, and preventive measures such as vaccine development. In this chapter, we summarize the current progress on: (1) genomic characteristics of P. falciparum; (2) novel biomarkers and revolutionary techniques for diagnosing malaria infections; and (3) current vaccine targets and challenges for developing efficacious and long-lasting malaria vaccines.
The Role of Immune Response and Microbiota on Campylobacteriosis
Authors: Fu Ying , Alenezi Tahrir , Almansour Ayidh , Wang Hong , Jia Zhenquan , Sun Xiaolun
Published: March 2021

Million cases of campylobacteriosis and complications of post-Campylobacter jejuni infection occur every year around the world with huge life losses and economic burdens of billions of dollars. Few therapy options, such as antibiotics, are available to relieve severe cases of the enteritis. The slow progression on new intervention discovery and application is partially resulted from limited mechanistic understanding on campylobacteriosis pathogenesis. As a type of intestinal disorders, campylobacteriosis shares many common features with other intestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and Clostridium difficile infection. In pace with the advancement of the gastroenterology field, a large body of knowledge is accumulating on the factors influencing campylobacteriosis onset, development, and outcomes, including host immune response, intestinal microbiota, and its metabolites. In this chapter, we review the intestinal immune system, intestinal microbiome, and microbiome modulation of inflammation in the development of campylobacteriosis. The interplay between immunity, microbiota, and its metabolites may play essential roles on campylobacteriosis pathogenesis and the finding on the interaction may lead to new prevention and treatment options. The purpose of this chapter is to provide updated knowledge on the role of host–microbe interaction and the therapeutic potential on campylobacteriosis.
Blame at Work
Authors: Lupton Ben , Sarwar Atif ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2021

Existing work in the field of business ethics has explored how concepts in philosophy and other disciplines can be applied to blame at work, and considers blame’s potential impact on organisations and their employees. However, there is little empirical evidence of organisational blaming practices and their effects. This article presents an analysis of interviews with twenty-seven employees from a range of occupations, exploring their experience of blame, its rationale and impact. A diversity of blaming practices and perspectives is revealed, and in making sense of these the authors draw on recent theoretical developments—Skarlicki, Kay, Aquino, and Fushtey’s (2017) concept of ‘swift-blame,’ and Fricker’s (2016) notion of ‘communicative blame.’ The study also reveals a tension between a desire to avoid ‘blaming’ on the one hand, and a need for ‘accountability,’ on the other, and the authors explore the implications of the findings for organisations in seeking to ‘manage’ blame.
One-Step Multiplexed Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction for Quantification of p190 BCR-ABL1 Fusion Transcript in B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Martinez Ryan J. , Kang Qing , Nennig Davis , Bailey Nathanael G. , Brown Noah A. , Betz Bryan L. , Tewari Muneesh , Thyagarajan Bharat , Bachanova Veronika , Mroz Pawel
Published: March 2021

Context.—

Quantification and detection of the t(9;22) (BCR-ABL1) translocation in chronic myelogenous leukemia and B-lymphoblastic leukemia are important for directing treatment protocols and monitoring disease relapse. However, quantification using traditional reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is dependent on a calibration curve and is prone to laboratory-to-laboratory variation. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is a novel method that allows for highly sensitive absolute quantification of transcript copy number. As such, ddPCR is a good candidate for disease monitoring, an assay requiring reproducible measurements with high specificity and sensitivity.

Objective.—

To compare results of ddPCR and RT-qPCR BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript measurements of patient samples and determine if either method is superior.

Design.—

We optimized and standardized a 1-step multiplexed ddPCR assay to detect BCR-ABL1 p190 and ABL1 e10 transcripts. The ddPCR optimization included varying cycle number and primer concentration with standardization of droplet generation and droplet number and analyses to improve data sensitivity. Following optimization, ddPCR measurements were performed on clinical samples and compared with traditional RT-qPCR results.

Results.—

Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction was able to detect the BCR-ABL1 p190 transcript to 0.001% (1:10−5) with a calculated limit of detection and limit of quantitation of 4.1 and 5.3 transcripts, respectively. When tested on patient samples, ddPCR was able to identify 20% more positives than a laboratory-developed 2-step RT-qPCR assay.

Conclusions.—

Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction demonstrated increased detection of BCR-ABL1 compared with RT-qPCR. Improved detection of BCR-ABL1 p190 and the potential for improved standardization across multiple laboratories makes ddPCR a suitable method for disease monitoring in patients with acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia.
Challenges of development of the processed food industry of Bulgaria in the context of European integration
Authors: Ignjatijević Svetlana , Vassileva Antoaneta , Tasić Svetlana , Avakumović Jelena , Bešlin-Feruh Marija
Published: March 2021

The subject of this research is the analysis of competitiveness of the Bulgarian food industry on the international market, with the aim of identifying changes in the export structure of products classified according to commodity groups (SITC Rev.3). In other words, the goal was to point out the sectors which are developing faster and have positive tendencies and influence on the overall competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy. The research used descriptive statistical data processing, the index of comparative advantage of exports - RCA and the index of specialization in foreign trade - GL index. The research results showed that in the analyzed period there were significant changes in the structure of exports, so the groups with leading positions in the initial year of analysis lost their position and were replaced by products of other commodity groups. An increase in the comparative advantage of exports was also confirmed in: Vegetable fats and oils; Cereals and other cereal products; Essential oils, perfumery; Meat and edible leftovers; Rice; Sugar, molasses and honey; etc. It was also established that the products with a pronounced intra-industrial character of exchange in 2017 were: Fruit and vegetable juices; Sugar products; Meat and edible residues; Bird eggs and yolks, egg whites; Butter and other fats obtained from milk, milk spreads, etc.
On the methodics of mathematical modelling of pollution of hydrolithosphere by petroleum products: Exemplified by Kursk oil terminal
Authors: Bredikhin Vladimir , Khaustov Vladimir , Melkumov Dmitriy
Published: March 2021

A potential threat of pollution of hydrolithosphere with petroleum and its products due to accidental and technological leaks on a certain industrial object has been analyzed. The author's method of mathematical modelling is described that allows to perform an adequate dynamic modelling of a petroleum products lens in an aquifer. Execution of the resulting model allows to forecast behavior of petroleum products in the conditions of a real geological and hydro-geological cross-section.
The mobile grape trellises
Authors: Kharibegashvili Alexander , Miruashvili Vladimer , Okhanashvili Svimoni , Kevlishvili Manana , Gagolishvili Mzia , Shavadze Levan
Published: March 2021

The amount of the work in the vineyard, its yield greatly depends on what type of grape trellis is used in the vineyard.The most common is the Vertical Shoot Position. The advantages of the Vertical Shoot Position is the simplicity of the device and the use of inexpensive building materials. It is less time consuming and easily accessible for vineyard care.The disadvantages are that the maximum area of the green mass and the maximum yield cannot be obtained. The horizontal grape trellis system - pergola - allows to get the maximum area of green mass, the maximum assimilation of solar energy takes place, that increase yields by 2-3 times and provide the best quality of grapes.The disadvantages is that the care of vines grown on horizontal trellis is very time-consuming. Because the vintner is forced to work with his head constantly pulled back and his arms raised high.The authors have developed a new type of grape trellis - a mobile pergola - which during the vegetation - during the development of green mass and fruit ripening are placed horizontally, and during the green operations - pruning, spraying, harvesting - in a vertical position. As a result, we get a high yield typical for the pergola, which is 2-3 times higher than the yield obtained on the vertical grape trellis, and its maintenance is just as convenient and simplified as that of the vertical grape trellis.
Treatment of mentally disturbed persons in medieval Serbia
Authors: Stojković-Ivković Mirjana
Published: March 2021

The treatment of mental health patients in Serbia in the Middle ages was the same as in other European countries. Medicine of that time was based on science, the use of magic rituals and witchcraft was banned. Doctors from Serbia, Byzantium and the national doctors had been educated in Salerno and Montpellier, the most developed centers of medicine. They took the exam in front of the government Medical testimony. The development of medicine was followed in the Hodoloski code which was considered the oldest record of folk medicine and the Hilandar medical code which represented a collection of medieval scientific European medicine and Serbian medicine culture (XII-XV). The first Serbian hospital was established in Hilandar in 1199. The founder was Saint Sava who wrote the rules about the work of the hospital. Actually, it was the practice for all medical facilities that were opened later. We know about mental diseases and healing in Serbia from Lives of Saints in monasteries Zica (from 1207) and Decani (1327) and from the biography of Medieval ruler (king) Stephen of Decani. The illustrations of healing some patients with mental diseases were shown on frescoes and in the lives of saints. In Medieval Serbia, there were 49 foreign doctors working (15 in XIV, 30 in XV and 4 in XVI century) and until Turkish conquest Serbia took a very important place in Medieval Europe. Objective of this paper is to show where psychiatric patients were treated in Medieval Serbia, the way they were treated, who treated them, where the hospitals were and what kind of treatment wereapplied.
Hypochondriac fears and beliefs of medical students
Authors: Stefanović Dona , Stankić Dunja , Stoisavljević Stefan , Vuković Olivera
Published: March 2021

Hypochondria is a mental disorder characterized by a preoccupation with fears that a person may be ill or suffering from a serious illness, based on a misinterpretation of problems that cannot be eliminated by appropriate medical reassurance. A special type of hypochondriasis known as Medical Student Syndrome (MSS) refers to student's fears and beliefs that they are ill or may become ill with the illnesses they are learning while studying in pre-clinical and clinical subjects. A cross-sectional study was conducted during the winter semester of the 2019/2020 school year, with a sample of 90 students of the first, third, and sixth year of the Faculty of Medicine, sampled on a random basis. Subjects completed the Illness Attitude Scale (IAS). The aim of study was to investigate whether there is a difference in the incidence of hypochondrial tendencies and beliefs in the students of the Faculty of Medicine in relation to the year of study. The mean values on certain subscales were statistically significantly higher in students of third compared to students of first and sixth year of medicine. Students who have not renewed a year were found to have significantly higher average scores on the Disease Concerns and Pain Concerns subscale, as well as Disease phobia compared to those who renewed the year, while Hypochondrial beliefs were statistically significantly higher in subjects who renewed the year compared to students who had not renewed the year. The presented results support the hypothesis that health anxiety and all its components among the medical students at the preclinical level is most pronounced in the third year of study, and that it shows declining trend in the later stages of study.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia associated with mental disorders: A case report
Authors: Grujičić Roberto , Maslak Jovana , Stupar Sanja , Pejović-Milovančević Milica
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a defect in the synthesis of steroid hormones of the adrenal cortex. This defect results in elevated serum androgen levels. Androgens have been shown to have a significant effect on the developing brain during prenatal and postnatal period, which can lead to impaired neurocognitive functioning and contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders. The aim: In this paper, we will present a patient with CAH who developed serious psychiatric problems during adolescence. The aim of this case report is to discuss a possible connection between these two conditions and to consider possible diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Case report: The patient was diagnosed with the classic form of CAH at birth. After months of corticosteroid substitution therapy, the patient was surgically treated at 7 months of age with vaginoplasty and clitoroplasty. The patient developed serious psychiatric problems from the depressive-anxiety spectrum in the early adolescent period, followed by impaired impulse control and aggression. This report illustrates the diagnostic and therapeutic interventions conducted at the Clinical Department for Children and Adolescents of the Institute of Mental Health. Conclusion: Given the abundant evidence on the impact of CAH on cognitive ability and psychosocial functioning, it is necessary to develop and implement complementary multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in these patients. Such interventions would aim to prevent the onset of psychiatric comorbidities and consequently improve the quality of life and functionality of these patients.
Use of psychopharmaceuticals during COVID-19 treatment
Authors: Milosavljević Maja , Vuković Olivera
Published: March 2021

No specific cure has been found since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the treatment of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, therapeutic protocols include drugs of different groups: antiviral drugs, antibodies, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. It can be expected that a certain number of patients who are receiving therapy with psychopharmacotherapy will get sick from COVID-19, but we also know that the infection itself has certain psychological manifestations. Due to the above, the use of psychopharmacotherapy together with other drugs in the therapy of COVID-19 is sometimes unavoidable. Co-administering these drugs has to be with caution due to the potential prolongation of the QTc interval, drug interactions at the CYP enzyme level, and the associated potential for agranulocytosis.
Geology and petrography of precambrian rocks of Katsina urban area, northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Kankara Aliyu , Shazalli Nafi'u
Published: March 2021

This present study, the mapped area is located between latitude E07°35'00'' to E07°39'0011" and longitude N13°00'00'' to N12°57'00" of sheet 34NW, Katsina State, Northern Nigeria. The area is underlain by Basement Complex rocks and syeno-granitic rocks which dominate in the area. The two sets of granitic rocks were observed and distinguished by texture. The northwest of the mapped area consists of very coarse to coarse grained syeno-granitic rocks, while in the southeast, the rocks are medium to coarse grained. These outcrops exhibit various systems of joints. The mineralogical compositions determine by thin section results displays: quartz, biotite, muscovite, plagio-clase feldspar, apatite, sericite, hornblende, augite and microcline. There are two generalizations of joints with primary WSW to ENW direction and NE-SW, MMW-SSE and WWW-ESE secondary direction of NE-SW, MME-SSE and WWW-ESE.
Development of urbanization until the beginning of the First World War development of urbanization of the Korean Peninsula during the Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945)
Authors: Pogrmić Zorica , Đerčan Bojan , Bjelajac Dajana
Published: March 2021

The urban approach to urban planning during Japanese colonization (1910-1945) boils down to the dimension of colonial rule and exploitation of the Korean Peninsula. Japanese imperialism has left positive and negative aspects on cities on the Korean Peninsula. Positive aspects are the introduction of modern urban planning and the development of industrialization. In addition to the modernization and growth of the Korean economy, the development of urbanization also took place by establishing the so-called "North Korean city routes". Focusing on officials from the Japanese Ministry of Construction and the financial potential of Korea, ways have been devised to establish an urban plan for the peninsula. The Japanese regulation on urban planning introduces a zoning system (1934). From 1910-1945 the growth of the urbanization of the capital Seoul was influenced by the Japanese colonial administration, becoming the first Korean city of millions.
Redaktionelt forord
Authors: Ploug Niels
Published: March 2021

Der er ingen tvivl om, at internettet og den medfølgende digitalisering af vores hverdag er kommet for at blive, og at det samtidig har ændret samfundet, borgernes hverdag, velfærdsstaten, den måde der drives virksomhed på, og den måde vi kommunikerer med hinanden på. Det er samtidig så selvfølgeligt, at yngre læsere ikke har nogen erindring om, at det nogensinde har været anderledes, mens mere modne læsere godt kan huske dengang verden var analog.

Målet med dette nummer af bladet er at stoppe lidt op og tage bestik af den digitale udvikling og dens betydning på væsentlige områder i det danske samfund. Artiklerne er for de flestes vedkommende indlæg for styrelser og organisationer, der har spillet en central rolle i digitaliseringen af Danmark, og er dermed ikke traditionelle forskningsartikler.
Negacionismo o el principio de acción y reacción de las redes sociales: conspiracionismo y globalización
Authors: López-Borrull Alexandre
Published: March 2021

La tercera ley de Newton o principio de acción y reacción dice que, cuando un cuerpo ejerce una fuerza sobre otro, este segundo reacciona ejerciendo una fuerza igual y en sentido contrario sobre el primero. En una aproximación social, esta ley, sin duda, parece cumplirse cuando valoramos la reacción que se ejerce contra los vectores históricos y sociales presentes en nuestra época, como la globalización, el feminismo, la conciencia del cambio climático y el papel en el progreso de la ciencia.
Un año de pandemia, un año de diseño para la pandemia
Authors: Foglia Efraín
Published: March 2021

En marzo de 2020 comenzó la pandemia de la COVID-19. Llevamos viviendo un año de una situación nunca imaginada por nadie a nivel global. El mundo cambió y nuestro uso de los objetos y de la ciudad se modificó drásticamente. La ciudad se construye mientras vivimos en ella y los objetos que la conforman adquieren sentido mientras los usamos.
Entrepreneurial opportunity decisions under uncertainty: Recognizing the complementing role of personality traits and cognitive skills
Authors:   Ph.D., Department of Economics, Via Ravasi, 2, 21100 Varese VA, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy, e-mail: ekmensah@uninsubria.it or kwasimensah87@gmail.com, Kwasi Mensah Emmanuel , Adu Asamoah Lawrence ,   Ph.D. candidate, Department of Economics, Via Ravasi, 2, 21100 Varese VA, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy, e-mail: laduasamoah@uninsubria.it, Jafari-Sadeghi Vahid ,   Ph.D., School of Strategy and Leadership, Coventry University, CV1 5FB Coventry, United Kingdom, e-mail: vahid.jafari-sadeghi@coventry.ac.uk
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The aim of this paper focuses on advancing the entrepreneurial literature by enhancing the understanding of the connections between personal behavior and cognitive skills in decision making under uncertainty. Methodology: The method of this research has been adapted the framework used by Garrett and Holland (2015), who developed propositions from the conceptual narratives of how environmental uncertainty and complexity differentially affect the motivations and cognition of independent entrepreneurs and corporate entrepreneurs to engage in entrepreneurial action. Findings: The findings of this research provide a conceptual basis for a broader perspective on behaviors and cognitions that motivate or hinder entrepreneurial actions while at the same time, positioning the entrepreneur’s decision at the core of decision theory. Implications for theory and practice: Theoretically, this research contributes to a holistic view of opportunity decisions. It redirects the traditional analyses path of entrepreneurial decisions discussed distinctively from the personal behavior or cognition paradigm, which does not provide a complete view into the larger entrepreneurial decisions under uncertainty. Practically, our argument provides further insight into the black box of entrepreneurial opportunity decisions under uncertainty and thus highlights the need for a broader perspective for the entrepreneur, especially in the early stage of venture formation, where some cognitions and required personal attributes are needed in consonance for entrepreneurial action. Originality and value: Entrepreneurship research on decision making under uncertainty has mainly focused on the effect of uncertainty on entrepreneurial actions, while an attempt at the individual level, particularly, from the cognitive framework seeks to explain why actions differ. Scholarly efforts have also been made on what informs entrepreneurial actions from the perspective of the entrepreneur’s personal attributes. However, no integrated approach is offered in the literature to study how cognitive skills and personality traits complement each other.
Absorptive capacity in startups: A systematic literature review
Authors:   Ph.D. student. Faculty of Economics, Administration, and Accounting, University of São Paulo, Brazil. Avenida Professor Luciano Gualberto, 908 - Butantã - São Paulo/SP - 05508-010, Brazil, e-mail: xaflechas@usp.br, Alejandra Flechas Chaparro Ximena , Kozesinski Ricardo ,   Ph.D. candidate. Faculty of Economics, Administration, and Accounting, University of São Paulo, Brazil. Avenida Professor Luciano Gualberto, 908 - Butantã - São Paulo/SP - 05508-010, Brazil, e-mail: ricardo@rika.com.br, Salles Camargo Júnior Alceu ,   Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics, Administration, and Accounting, University of São Paulo, Brazil. Avenida Professor Luciano Gualberto, 908 - Butantã - São Paulo/SP - 05508-010, Brazil, e-mail: alceu@usp.br
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Several scholars have pointed out that absorptive capacity (AC) is critical for the innovation process in large firms. However, many other authors consider startups as key drivers for innovation in the current global economy. Therefore, this article aims to identify how the concept of AC has been addressed in the new venture context. Methodology: A systematic literature review analyzing 220 papers published between 2001 and 2018. Findings: The systematic literature review identifies three clusters of research addressing AC in startups: Knowledge, Innovation, and Performance, along with the central authors of the discussion, the main contributions, theoretical references, and their future research agenda guidelines. Implications for theory and practice: This study contributes to the innovation and entrepreneurship literature by connecting the importance of AC and new venture creation, and providing a better understanding of how entrepreneurs could enhance their innovative processes. Originality and value: Based on the analysis of the literature review, a framework that differentiates knowledge acquisition strategies for new ventures was created. The framework categorizes the strategies according to the knowledge source (i.e., internal or external) and the degree of intentionality (i.e., formal or informal).
Introducing a functional framework for integrating the empirical evidence about higher education institutions’ functions and capabilities: A literature review
Authors:   Mg.Sc., Predoctoral researcher, Deusto Business School, University of Deusto, Unibertsitate Etorb., 24, 48007 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain, e-mail: dorys.rodriguez@deusto.es, Rodríguez-Castro Dorys Y. , Aparicio Juan ,   Ph.D., Director of the Center of Operations Research (CIO in Spanish), University Miguel Hernandez of Elche, Center of Operations Research, Center of Operations Research, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain, e-mail: j.aparicio@umh.es
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The paper introduces a functional framework that synthesizes the functions and capabilities that currently guide the empirical evaluations identified in the literature. Methodology: In this paper, a systematic review of the literature is carried out, which sheds light on the relationship between the modeling of the production of higher education institutions and the objectives of higher education policies. Findings: Our results evidence that four input-output relationships predominate in the production models used to measure the performance of higher education institutions. However, our results point to the existence of certain imbalances in measuring the three university missions. Implications for theory and practice: The functional framework presented here shows that there are several mismatches between the production that is examined in the assessment of HEIs' performance and the goals of higher education policies. This has important implications, both for academia and for the policy practice of HEIs and HESs, if we are to achieve a fair and equitable representation of the activities performed by HEIs and their multiple contributions to HESs. Originality and value: This review emphasizes the need to address broader analytical frameworks that help to avoid possible systemic failures that may arise due to the absence or excessive importance given to concrete functions and capabilities.
Motor Imagery EEG Classification Using Random Subspace Ensemble Network with Variable Length Features
Authors:   Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh, Al Nazi Zabir , Hossain A. B. M. Aowlad ,   Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh, Islam Md. Monirul ,   Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna 9203, Bangladesh
Published: March 2021

Classification of electroencephalography (EEG) signals for brain-computer interface has great impact on people having various kinds of physical disabilities. Motor imagery EEG signals of hand and leg movement classification can help people whose limbs are replaced by prosthetics. In this paper, random subspace ensemble network with variable length feature sampling has been proposed for improving the prediction accuracy of motor imagery EEG signal classification. The method has been tested on eight different subjects and a hybrid dataset of two subjects data combined. Discrete wavelet transform based de-noising scheme has been adopted to remove artifacts from the EEG signal. For sub-band selection, dual-tree complex wavelet Transform has been employed. Mutual information scoring has been used for univariate feature selection from the feature space. A comparative analysis has been carried out where random subspace ensemble network outperformed other classification models. The maximum accuracy obtained by the model was 90.00%. Furthermore, the model showed better performance on the hybrid dataset with an average accuracy of 86.00%. The findings of this study are expected to be useful in artificial limb movements through brain-computer interfacing for rehabilitation of people with such physical disabilities.
Encapsulation of Opiorphin in Polymer-coated Alginate Beads for Controlled Delivery and Painkilling
Authors:   Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria, Stoichev Svetozar , Taneva Stefka ,   Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria, Danailova Avgustina ,   Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria, Toca-Herrera Jose Luis ,   Institute of Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences – BOKU, Muthgasse 11, A-1190 Vienna, Austria, Andreeva Tonya ,   Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 21, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: March 2021

Opiorphin (Oph) is a naturally produced endogenous peptide with a strong analgesic effect, superior to that of morphine, and without the severe side effects that morphine and morphine-like drugs exert. However, despite its strong therapeutic potential, the short duration of action, probably due to its low chemical stability and rapid degradation by the peptidases in the bloodstream, represents a serious obstacle to the Oph use into clinical practice. In this work a novel approach to construct Oph-loaded particles as a platform for its delivery has been developed. Gel beads loaded with Oph were synthesized from alginate, a naturally occurring biodegradable anionic polysaccharide, and coated with polyelectrolyte multilayers (from natural polyelectrolytes (chitosan and hyaluronic acid) and synthetic polyelectrolytes (poly(allylamine hydrochloride) and poly(styrene sulfonate)) or hybrid polyelectrolyte-graphene oxide multilayers. All coated Oph-loaded alginate beads show prolonged drug release compared to the non-coated ones, but the extent of the prolongation depends on the type of the coating. We expect that the successful encapsulation of opiorphin in biodegradable particles will provide an opportunity for the development of adequate drug delivery system with effective and prolonged analgesic activity and will offer a new alternative for pain management.
Disease Diagnosis of Dairy Cow by Deep Learning Based on Knowledge Graph and Transfer Learning
Authors:   College of Electrical Engineering and Information, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China, Gao Meng , Wang Haodong ,   College of Electrical Engineering and Information, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China, Shen Weizheng ,   College of Electrical Engineering and Information, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China, Su Zhongbin ,   College of Electrical Engineering and Information, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China, Liu Huihuan ,   Dairy Association of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150020, China, Yin Yanling ,   College of Electrical Engineering and Information, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China, Zhang Yonggen ,   College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China, Zhang Yi ,   College of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, East University of Heilongjiang, Harbin 150066, China
Published: March 2021

In dairy herd management, it is significant and irreplaceable for veterinarians to make rapid and effective diagnosis of dairy cow diseases. Based on electronic medical records, deep learning (DL) has been widely used to support clinical decisions for humans. However, this method is rarely adopted in veterinary diagnosis. In addition, most DL models are driven by large datasets, failing to utilize the knowledge acquired by veterinarians in subjective experience, which is critical to disease diagnosis. To address these problems, this paper proposes a DL method for disease diagnosis of dairy cow: convolutional neural network (CNN) based on knowledge graph and transfer learning (KGTL_CNN). Firstly, the structural knowledge was extracted from a knowledge graph of dairy cow diseases, and treated as part of the inputs to the CNN based on knowledge graph (KG_CNN). Then, the model performance was enhanced through pre-training by transfer learning. To verify its performance, experiments were carried out on dairy cow clinical datasets. The results show that our model performed satisfactorily on disease diagnosis: the KG_CNN and KGTL_CNN achieved an F1-score of 85.87% and 86.77%, respectively, higher than that of typical CNN by 6.58% and 7.7%. The research results greatly promote the effective, fast, and automatic clinical diagnosis of dairy cow diseases.
Acquisition of innate odor preference depends on spontaneous and experiential activities during critical period
Authors: Qiu Qiang , Wu Yunming , Ma Limei , Xu Wenjing , Hills Max , Ramalingam Vivekanandan , Yu C Ron
Published: March 2021

Animals possess an inborn ability to recognize certain odors to avoid predators, seek food, and find mates. Innate odor preference is thought to be genetically hardwired. Here we report that acquisition of innate odor recognition requires spontaneous neural activity and is influenced by sensory experience during early postnatal development. Genetic silencing of mouse olfactory sensory neurons during the critical period has little impact on odor sensitivity, discrimination, and recognition later in life. However, it abolishes innate odor preference and alters the patterns of activation in brain centers. Exposure to innately recognized odors during the critical period abolishes the associated valence in adulthood in an odor-specific manner. The changes are associated with broadened projection of olfactory sensory neurons and expression of axon guidance molecules. Thus, a delicate balance of neural activity is needed during the critical period in establishing innate odor preference and convergent axon input is required to encode innate odor valence.
Evaluating ELT Textbook in Bangladesh: The Case of English for Today (Classes Nine-Ten)
Authors: Rukan Uddin Muhammed
Published: March 2021

The paper evaluates the ELT textbook English for Today (Classes Nine–Ten) which is used as a dominant instructional material in secondary level schools and madrasahs in Bangladesh. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) of Bangladesh published the revised edition of the textbook series English for Today in the academic year 2013 incorporating the guidelines proposed in National Education Policy (NEP, 2010) and National Curriculum (NC, 2012). Ever since the introduction of the ELT textbook series, systematic evaluations to examine their pedagogical usefulness and constraints have been found inadequate. The purpose of the study is, therefore, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the textbook which will help the teachers do maximum application of its strengths in the classroom, and make sensible decisions about the weaknesses. This study followed the ‘whilst-use’ evaluation type, and adopted mainly the checklist method. The checklist was designed drawing on suitable criteria from the popular checklist developed by McDonough, Shaw and Masuhara (2013). In addition, a short semi-structured interview was conducted with 10 secondary English teachers in order to explore how the teachers would perceive and evaluate the textbook. Though the evaluation identified the textbook’s rewarding features, it also revealed a number of limitations which require sincere attention of the curriculum and materials developers. The study implies that the textbook requires both internal and external improvements in order to maximize the learning outcomes and meet the curriculum objectives. The paper also makes recommendations for the curriculum experts and textbook writers for consideration during future editions of the textbook.
AresB-Net: accurate residual binarized neural networks using shortcut concatenation and shuffled grouped convolution
Authors: Kim HyunJin
Published: March 2021

This article proposes a novel network model to achieve better accurate residual binarized convolutional neural networks (CNNs), denoted as AresB-Net. Even though residual CNNs enhance the classification accuracy of binarized neural networks with increasing feature resolution, the degraded classification accuracy is still the primary concern compared with real-valued residual CNNs. AresB-Net consists of novel basic blocks to amortize the severe error from the binarization, suggesting a well-balanced pyramid structure without downsampling convolution. In each basic block, the shortcut is added to the convolution output and then concatenated, and then the expanded channels are shuffled for the next grouped convolution. In the downsampling when stride >1, our model adopts only the max-pooling layer for generating low-cost shortcut. This structure facilitates the feature reuse from the previous layers, thus alleviating the error from the binarized convolution and increasing the classification accuracy with reduced computational costs and small weight storage requirements. Despite low hardware costs from the binarized computations, the proposed model achieves remarkable classification accuracies on the CIFAR and ImageNet datasets.