bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospital Efficiency Measurement in the West of Iran: Data Envelopment Analysis and Tobit Approach
Authors: Nayer Mohamad Yousefi , Fazaeli Aliakbar , Hamidi Yadollah
Published: September 2021

Objective

The optimal hospital performance and optimal use of resources are among the goals of healthcare policymakers. This study aimed to assess the association between hospital size and hospital area population with technical efficiency in public hospitals .
Methods

In this descriptive-analytical study, the statistical population consisted of 15 public hospitals in the west of Iran. First, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method was used to evaluate technical efficiency. Data inputs included staff and beds, and data outputs consisted of the number of surgeries, the number of patients, and the average length of stay. Then, according to the public ownership of all hospitals, their educational and therapeutic activities, as well as their size and population were considered as the environmental factor affecting efficiency. Thus, Tobit regression was applied to measure their effects on efficiency.
Results

The average technical efficiency of the studied hospitals, the average management efficiency, and the average efficiency of the scale were 0.933, 0.951, and 0.977, respectively. Out of the total evaluated hospitals, six and nine hospitals had an efficiency of less than one and one, respectively. Moreover, the size of the hospital and the population as the environment variable were significant in the Tobit model. Our regression demonstrated that although the size of the hospital is positively associated with its technical efficiency, the hospital population negatively affects hospital efficiency.
Conclusion

According to the size and area population of the hospitals, they decrease their inputs to maximize their efficacy by optimizing their surplus amounts. It would be possible for policy-makers to examine the least efficient hospitals to correct widespread inefficiency.
Anderson transition: a novel route to high thermoelectric performance
Authors: Garmroudi Fabian , Parzer Michael , Riss Alexander , Ruban Andrei , Khmelevskyi Sergii , Reticcioli Michele , Knopf Matthias , Michor Herwig , Pustogow Andrej , Mori Takao , Bauer Ernst
Published: September 2021

Discovered exactly 200 years ago in 1821, thermoelectricity is nowadays of global interest as it allows to directly interconvert thermal and electrical energy via the Seebeck/Peltier effect, which could be exploited to enhance energy efficiency. In their seminal work, Mahan and Sofo mathematically derived the conditions for ’the best thermoelectric’ − a delta-distribution-shaped electronic transport function, where charge carriers contribute to transport only in an infinitely narrow energy interval. So far, however, only approximations to this concept were expected to really exist in nature. Here, we propose as a physical realisation of this scenario the Anderson transition in an impurity band, i.e. the transition from Anderson-localised to extended quantum states. We obtained a significant enhancement and dramatic change of the thermoelectric properties from p-type to n-type in the stoichiometric Heusler compound Fe2VAl, which we assign to a narrow region of delocalised electrons in the energy spectrum near the Fermi energy. We achieved this through an innovative approach of driving the Anderson transition via continuous disorder tuning: variable amounts of atomic defects are induced in a controlled fashion by thermal quenching from high temperatures (950 − 1380 °C). Based on our experimental electronic transport and magnetisation results, supported by Monte-Carlo and density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate a universal enhancement strategy towards colossal thermoelectric performance that is applicable to diverse material classes.
Evidence for a Novel Partitivirus Isolated From Entomopathogenic Nematode Steinernema Ceratophorum
Authors: Wang Shuangchao , Ahmed Irfan , Li Xianhui , Guo Lihua
Published: September 2021

Nematodes are abundant, yet little is known about their viruses. In this study, we report a novel partitivirus isolated from Entomopathogenic nematode specie “Steinernema ceratophorum, named as Steinernema ceratophorum Partiti-like Virus 1 (ScPV1). The complete genome of ScPV1 is comprised of two dsRNA segments, dsRNA1 (2352 bp) and dsRNA2 (2196 bp) in length. Both dsRNAs contained a single open reading frame (ORF), encoding a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and a coat protein (CP), respectively. The sequences of the RdRp and CP showed the highest similarity (47% and 33% identity, respectively) to Plasmopara viticola associated Partitivirus 7. Multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis of RdRp of ScPV1 with other selected viruses indicated that ScPV1 is the new member of genus Betapartitivirus in the family Partitiviridae.
Prognostic Value of Hepatocyte Growth Factor for Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Katayama Satoshi , Schuettfort Victor M. , Pradere Benjamin , Mori Keiichiro , Mostafaei Hadi , Quhal Fahad , Motlagh Reza Sari , Laukhtina Ekaterina , Grossmann Nico C. , Aydh Abdulmajeed , Rajwa Pawel , König Frederik , Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Haydter Martin , Moschini Marco , Abufaraj Mohammad , Lotan Yair , Lee Richard K. , Trinh Quoc-Dien , Compérat Eva , Teoh Jeremy , Nasu Yasutomo , Shariat Shahrokh F.
Published: September 2021

PurposeThe HGF/MET pathway is involved in cell motility, angiogenesis, proliferation, and cancer invasion. We assessed the clinical utility of plasma HGF level as a prognostic biomarker in patients with MIBC.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 565 patients with MIBC who underwent radical cystectomy. Logistic regression and Cox regression models were used, and predictive accuracies were estimated using the area under the curve and concordance index. To estimate the clinical utility of HGF, DCA and MCID were applied.ResultsPlasma HGF level was significantly higher in patients with advanced pathologic stage and LN metastasis (p=0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). Higher HGF levels were associated with an increased risk of harboring LN metastasis and non-organ-confined disease (OR1.21, 95%CI 1.12-1.32, p<0.001, and OR1.35, 95%CI 1.23-1.48, p<0.001, respectively) on multivariable analyses; the addition of HGF improved the predictive accuracies of a standard preoperative model (+7%, p<0.001 and +8%, p<0.001, respectively). According to the DCA and MCID, half of the patients had a net benefit by including HGF, but the absolute magnitude remained limited. In pre- and postoperative predictive models, a higher HGF level was significant prognosticator of worse RFS, OS, and CSS; in the preoperative model, the addition of HGF improved accuracies by 6% and 5% for RFS and CSS, respectively.Conclusion﻿Preoperative HGF identified MIBC patients who harbored features of clinically and biologically aggressive disease. Plasma HGF could serve, as part of a panel, as a biomarker to aid in preoperative treatment planning regarding intensity of treatment in patients with clinically MIBC.
High incidence of hypertension-mediated organ damage in a series of Chinese patients with 17α-hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Zhao Zhiyuan , Lu Lin , Wang OU , Wu Xueyan , Sun Bang , Zhang Wei , Wang Xi , Mao Jiangfeng , Chen Shi , Tong Anli , Nie Min
Published: September 2021

Objective
To analyze the prevalence of hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) and its relationship with enzyme activity of mutant CYP17A1 and other risk factors in patients with 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency (17-OHD).
Methods
A total of 68 patients with 17-OHD were recruited in the Peking Union Medical Hospital from 2003 to 2021.The incidence of hypertension and HMOD was analyzed. CYP17A1 sequencing was performed for all patients and the enzyme activity of CYP17A1 mutant was determined by analyzing the characteristics of mutation itself and the functional data reported previously. A logistic regression model was employed to analyze the factors related to HMOD and the specific damaged organs in patients with 17-OHD.
Result(s):
Sixty-five patients (95.6%) exhibited hypertension,32 of whom were diagnosed with HMOD in this 17-OHD cohort. c.985_987del TAC ins AA (p. Y329KfsX418) (53.8%) and c.1459_1467del (p. del D487_F489) (11.4%) were the top 2 mutations in this cohort, and no correlation was found between enzyme activity of mutant CYP17A1 and HMOD. Age, hypertension grade, and hypokalemia grade were independent risk factors for HMOD in 17-OHD patients. The risk of HMOD increased by 27% for each additional year of age, 7.7-fold for each one-grade increase in hypertension level, and 1.7-fold for each grade of exacerbation of hypokalemia.
Conclusion
Patients with 17-OHD experience high incidence of HMOD. There was no correlation between the HMOD occurrence and enzyme activity of mutant CYP17A1.Age, hypertension grade, and hypokalemia grade are independent risks for the occurrence of HMOD.
"We Need a System that's not Designed to Fail Māori": Experiences of Racism Related to Kideny Transplantation in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Walker Rachael Claire , Abel Sally , Palmer Suetonia , Walker Curtis , Heays Nayda , Tipene-Leach David
Published: September 2021

BackgroundReported experiences of racism in Aotearoa New Zealand are consistently associated with negative measures of health, self-rated health, life satisfaction, and reduced access to high quality healthcare with subsequent poor health outcomes. In this paper we report on perceptions and experiences of prejudice and racism by Indigenous Māori with kidney disease, their family members and donors who took part in a wider study about experiences of kidney transplantation.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 40 Māori. Participants included those with kidney disease who had considered, were being worked up for, or who had already received a kidney transplant as well as family members and potential or previous donors. We examined the data for experiences of racism using a theoretical framework for racism on three levels: institutionalised racism, personally mediated racism, and internalised racism.ResultsWe identified subthemes at each level of racism: institutional (excluded and devalued by health system; disease stigmatisation; discriminatory body weight criteria, lack of power), personally-mediated (experiencing racial profiling; explicit racism) and internalized racism (shame and unworthiness to receive a transplant).ConclusionsThe wide-reaching experiences and perceptions of racism described by participants with kidney disease and their families in this research point to an unfair health system and suggests that racism may be contributing to kidney transplantation inequity in Aotearoa New Zealand. Addressing racism at all levels is imperative if we are to address inequitable outcomes for Māori requiring kidney transplantation.
Research-ready data for multi-cohort analyses: The Dementias Platform UK (DPUK) C-Surv data model
Authors: Bauermeister Sarah , Bauermeister Joshua R , Bridgman Ruth , Felici Caterina , Newbury Mark , North Laura , Orton Christopher , Squires Emma , Thompson Simon , Young Simon , Gallacher John E J
Published: September 2021

Research-ready data (that curated to a defined standard) increases scientific opportunity and rigour by integrating the data environment. The development of research platforms has highlighted the value of research-ready data, particularly for multi-cohort analyses. Following user consultation, a standard data model (C-Surv), optimised for data discovery, was developed using data from 12 population and clinical cohort studies. The model uses a four-tier nested structure based on 18 data themes and 137 domains selected according to user behaviour or technology. Standard variable naming conventions are applied to uniquely identify variables within the context of longitudinal studies. The model was used to develop a harmonised dataset for 11 cohorts. This dataset populated the Cohort Explorer data discovery tool for assessing the feasibility of an analysis prior to making a data access request. It was concluded that developing and applying a standard data model (C-Surv) for research cohort data is feasible and useful.
Characterization of a case series of Mastocytosis in a health care center in Cali, Colombia
Authors: Sandoval Daniela Marulanda , Montes Oscar Felipe Borja , Urbano Jose Leonel Zambrano , Gutierrez Rigoberto Gomez
Published: September 2021

Mastocytosis is a group of rare diseases, which correspond to neoplasms of the myeloid lineage. In Colombia there are only case reports and so far there are no studies of greater extension. We conducted a case series in which an active search was made for patients with a diagnosis of mastocytosis, either cutaneous (CM) or systemic (SM), from the total number of consultations between June 2004 and June 2019 in the reference hemato-oncologic center ("mastocytosis"). A total of 4 cases of CM and 3 cases of SM were identified. The most frequent clinical manifestations were skin lesions, which were present in 100% of patients; of these hyperpigmented macules were the most frequent findings. Serum tryptase (TS) levels were found to be elevated in 67% (2/3) of patients with DM. Both TS levels and mean absolute eosinophils were higher in patients with MS. In this case series we found a higher frequency of extracutaneous involvement, and in general a very poor response to the management. The findings of this series are comparable to those reported in world literature.
Increasing IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic blood donors through the second COVID-19 wave in Karachi associated with exposure and immunity in the population
Authors: Hasan Muhammad , Moiz Bushra , Qiaser Shama , Ghous Zara , Hussain Areeba , Masood Kiran Iqbal ,   Natasha Ali1, Simas J Pedro , Veldhoen Marc , Alves Paula , Abidi Syed Hani , Ghias Kulsoom , Khan Erum , Hasan Zahra
Published: September 2021

Introduction

One million cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Pakistan until August 1, 2021. However, SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing capacity is limited, and the true level of SARS-CoV-2 infections is unknown. Most individuals have asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 and remain undiagnosed. Volunteer healthy blood donors can be a control population for assessment of SARS-CoV-2 exposure. We determined COVID-19 seroprevalence during the second pandemic wave in Karachi.
Materials and Methods

We enrolled 558 healthy blood donors at the Aga Khan University Hospital blood bank between December 2020 and February 2021. Serum IgG reactivity were measured to spike and receptor binding domain (RBD) proteins. Clinical history was taken from individuals with a positive IgG result.
Results

Of the 558 study subjects, 553 (99.1%) were males and 5 (0.9%) were females with a mean (± SD) age of 29.0 ± 7.4 years (range 17–53 years). Positive IgG responses to spike were detected in 298/558 blood donors (53.4%). Of the spike IgG positive cases, 93/298 individuals (31.2%) had IgG antibodies to RBD. Clinical information was available for 63.7% of spike IgG positive cases. Of these, 37% had flu-like symptoms, 25% had travelled, individuals had contact with COVID-19 suspected (18%) or confirmed (15%) cases. Within the year prior to blood donation, 29% of individuals had laboratory confirmed COVID-19.
Conclusions

The seroprevalence of 53.4% of IgG antibodies to spike and 31.2% of IgG to RBD of SARS-CoV-2 in healthy blood donors indicates high rates of exposure and gives insights into protective immunity in the population.
Awareness and practice of standard precautions among Kerala State Health Services personnel in Neyyattinkara
Authors: H Veena Saroji , Kannan Srinivasan
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Standard precautions are the basic infection control precautions that should be followed in any setting where health care is delivered. This study aims to determine the level of awareness and practice of standard precautions among health personnel, factors that influence practice and the possible hindrances in practice of the same.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was done using a structured interview schedule among 78 doctors, 151 nurses, 80 nursing assistants and 16 lab technicians working in the State health service institutions of Neyyattinkara Taluk. SPSS version 21 software was used for analysis.Results: The findings of the study show that 86.5 percent of the health care personnel (HCP) had good awareness in hand hygiene (HH), 64 percent in use of personal protective equipment (PPE), 78.8 percent in respiratory hygiene (RH), 93.5 percent in safe injection practices (SIP) and 18.5 percent in waste disposal and decontamination (WD). Good practice was seen in 9.2percent of HCP for HH, 69.5 percent in PPE, 94.2 percent in RH, 86.8 percent% in SIP and 97.8percent for WD respectively. When all elements were analysed together nurses were the most likely to have good awareness (15.9%) and doctors were the most likely to have good practice (8.97%). Significant association was noted between age and awareness in HH (p=0.012) and RH (p=0.049), between availability of resources and practice in RH(p=0.004), PPE(p=0.042) and HH(p=0.045) and between trainings received and practice in RH(p=0.037). Hepatitis B vaccination was taken by 68.6 percent of respondents onlyConclusion: Awareness and practice of standard precautions are much deficient among the study population. Trainings and availability of resources have some positive effect in practice. Training coverage and Hepatitis B vaccination coverage were deficient. The needs for extensive trainings and for making the resources available are suggested.
Efficient tetracycline removal from aqueous solutions using ionic liquid modiﬁed magnetic activated carbon (IL@mAC)
Authors: Bazrafshan Edris , Zarei Amin Allah , Mohammadi Leili , Zafar Muhammad Nadeem , Foroughi Maryam , Aman Summan , Sabri Faezeh , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Barahuie Farahnaz
Published: September 2021

Tetracycline (TCy) belongs to PPCPs is such an widely used antibacterial drug, which is discharged from urban wastewater treatment plants or agricultural effluents. Due to low metabolism, poor absorption, overuse, and misuse, TCy is considered as threat to environmental and its removal from waste-water is vital. In this research, a novel ionic liquid modified magnetic activated carbon nanocomposite (IL@mAC) was synthesized, characterized, and the adsorption efficiency of IL@mAC for removal of TCy was investigated under different operational parameters of pH (3–11); dose of IL@mAC (0.01–0.1 g/50 mL); reaction time (30–240 min), and initial TCy concentration (50-1500 mg/L). The IL@mAC characterization was done using XRD, VSM, SEM-EDX, BET, and FTIR. Results of equilibrium experiment showed that the highest removal efficiency (~ 98%) was obtained using 0.06 g of IL@mAC in 135 min at pH 7 and temperature 303 K. Considering the correlation coefficients (R2) for different adsorption models, it can be deduced that adsorption of TCy onto IL@mAC is better followed by Langmuir (0.9977) in comparison to Freundlich (0.9412), and Temkin (0.9536) models. Furthermore, Langmuir adsorption capacity was observed to be 666.7 mg/g. The regeneration study showed that IL@mAC retained around 85% TCy adsorption efficiency after 6th cycle. Finally, the present study indicates that the IL@mAC is of a high applicability and has extremely high adsorbent capacity to remove TCy from water compared to most of other benchmark adsorbents reported in literature.
Genetic Detection and Phylogenetic Relationship of Babesia Species Infecting Domestic Dogs from Select Regions in Kenya
Authors: Ngoka Ismail Thoya , Mbogo Kevin , Kyallo Martina , Obiero David , Pelle Roger
Published: September 2021

The genus Babesia has more than 100 species that are transmitted by ticks with some being zoonotic. They can infect humans, livestock, and wildlife. Although canine babesiosis occurs locally, published studies on the species involved are limited. Babesia parasites cause severe disease in dogs which can be fatal. Drawbacks of the current control methods necessitate vaccine development. The study objective was to identify the Babesia species infecting dogs from three Kenyan counties; Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and determine their phylogenetic relationship. This will enable improved control and rule out zoonotic potential. The study period was October 2018 to November 2019.The study design was descriptive and sampling opportunistic. One hundred and forty-three dogs were sampled. From whole blood, total DNA was extracted using the TanBead extractor followed by PCR amplification targeting Babesia 18S rRNA. Positive samples were purified and sequenced using the Sanger Dideoxy method.CLC Genomics Workbench, GenBank™ and BLASTn™ on NCBI were used for sequence processing and analysis. Geneious prime™ was used for multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis. The overall prevalence of Babesia canis was 9.0% (95% CI: 4.37–13.81). Two out of 13 positive samples (2/13) were identified as Babesia canis vogeli, with a prevalence of 1.4% (95% CI: 1.38–14.2, n = 143) while 11/13 were identified as Babesia canis rossi, with a prevalence of 7.69% (95% CI: 3.3–12, n = 143). The Babesia rossi sequences identified were closely related to sequences from black-backed jackals, while the Babesia vogeli ones were related to sequences from a pet cat in China. Babesia rossi which causes severe canine babesiosis was identified in 84.6% of the positive samples, immediate and aggressive clinical intervention is necessary. The possible sylvatic cycle of Babesia rossi and low levels of infections by Babesia vogeli should inform pertinent control measures.
Effects of Interspecific Grafting Between Capsicum Species on Scion Fruit Quality Characteristics
Authors: Vega-Alfaro Andrey , Bethke Paul C. , Nienhuis James
Published: September 2021

Production of Capsicum annuum peppers is often limited, especially in tropical environments, by susceptibility to soil pathogens including Ralstonia solanacearum. Grafting desirable cultivars onto selected rootstocks can increase adaptation to abiotic stress and is an alternative to pesticides for managing soilborne pathogens. Cultivars of two other pepper species, Capsicum baccatum and Capsicum chinense, are tolerant or resistant to an array of soilborne pathogens and have potential as rootstocks; however, knowledge of how interspecific grafting may affect scion fruit quality is lacking. Flowering time, yield, and fruit quality characteristics were evaluated in 2017 and 2020 for C. annuum cultivars Dulcitico, Nathalie (2017), Gypsy (2020), and California Wonder used as scions grafted onto Aji Rico (C. baccatum) and Primero Red (C. chinense) rootstocks, including self-grafted and nongrafted scion checks. In 2020, the rootstocks per se were evaluated. The two rootstocks (‘Aji Rico’ and ‘Primero Red’), three scions, and self- and nongrafted scions were evaluated using a factorial, replicated, completely randomized design in fields at the West Madison and Eagle Heights Agricultural Research Stations located in Madison, WI, in 2017 and 2020, respectively. Differences among the main effects for scion fruit quality characteristics were consistent with cultivar descriptions. No scion × rootstock interactions were observed. Rootstocks did not result in changes in total fruit number, yield, fruit shape (length-to-width ratio), or soluble solids of scion fruit compared with self- and nongrafted checks. The rootstock ‘Primero Red’ increased fruit weight and decreased time to flowering regardless of scion compared with self- and nongrafted checks. All scions were sweet (nonpungent) cultivars and both rootstocks were pungent cultivars. No capsaicinoids were detected in the fruit of sweet pepper scions grafted onto pungent pepper rootstocks. The results indicate that interspecific grafts involving ‘Aji Rico’ and ‘Primero Red’ will not have deleterious effects on fruit quality characteristics of sweet pepper scions.
Indicadores de Endividamento Público: Um estudo a partir da revisão da literatura considerando aspectos legais, gerenciais e sociais
Authors: Costa Camila Brehm da , Raupp Fabiano Maury
Published: September 2021

O objetivo do estudo consistiu em investigar um conjunto de indicadores de endividamento público que pudesse contemplar os aspectos legais, gerenciais e sociais. A pesquisa empreendida é do tipo exploratória, realizada por meio de uma pesquisa bibliográfica, com abordagem qualitativa. Foi utilizada a primeira etapa do instrumento de intervenção Knowledge Development Process – Constructivist (ProKnow-C) o qual permite, a partir da revisão estruturada da literatura, a formação do portfólio bibliográfico (PB). A seleção dos artigos para formação do PB divide-se em três fases: (i) seleção do banco de artigos bruto; (ii) filtragem dos artigos e (iii) o teste de representatividade dos artigos. Com a formação do PB desta pesquisa os 14 artigos científicos selecionados possibilitaram uma ampliação do conhecimento científico na área, visto que abordaram em suas pesquisas a temática desta pesquisa, sempre buscando evidenciar as causas e formas de verificação do endividamento público. Estas pesquisas mostram-se relevantes, portanto, pois demonstram-se dentro da problemática estudada, estudos chaves para a compreensão e análise do endividamento público. Desta forma, além evidenciar os indicadores mais utilizados pela literatura, também permitiu identificar as fontes de estudos na área.
A Viabilidade Econômica da implantação de Energia Solar Fotovoltaica para a redução dos custos com energia elétrica das famílias com diferentes níveis de renda: uma análise para a região norte de Mato Grosso
Authors: Dalfovo Wylmor Constantino Tives , Zilio Paola Carla , Sornberger Geovane Paulo , Redivo Arlete
Published: September 2021

A busca por fontes energéticas renováveis tornou-se um dos grandes desafios às economias do mundo, e neste contexto, a utilização da energia solar fotovoltaica é vista como uma alternativa econômica e sustentável em vários setores. No Brasil, esta inovação tem se destacado, pois o país possui condições climáticas favoráveis para sua geração com intensa luminosidade na maioria das regiões do país, contribuindo por diversificar a matriz enérgica brasileira. Assim, o presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar a viabilidade econômico-financeira da utilização da energia solar fotovoltaica como alternativa para a redução dos gastos com energia elétrica tradicional em domicílios com renda domiciliar alta, média e baixa (considerando os padrões de consumo e renda) no município de Sinop-MT. A metodologia englobou uma análise de viabilidade econômica e do emprego de uma regressão linear múltipla, buscando verificar a relação entre o aumento da renda e consumo de energia tradicional e os indicadores financeiros para a implantação da energia fotovoltaica nos domicílios de acordo com a renda de seus moradores. Os resultados demonstraram que o projeto da implantação de energia solar fotovoltaica é viável economicamente para domicílios com renda domiciliar alta, e inviável economicamente para domicílios de média e baixa renda. Paralelo a isso, o resultado da regressão linear demonstrou que aumentar em 1% a renda familiar aumentaria os gastos com energia em 0,4034%, motivando a implantação do modelo fotovoltaico. A estimação demonstrou significância estatística a 1% e R2 em 30,91%, demonstrando haver uma relação entre as variáveis analisadas. O teste F indicou rejeição da hipótese nula de não significância conjunta das variáveis com Intervalo de Confiança de 99%. Os testes de Breush-Pagan e de White indicaram que os resíduos são heterocedásticos, rejeitando a hipótese nula que estes seriam homocedásticos. O teste VIF abaixo de 10 demonstrou não haver multicolineariedade para as variáveis.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on performance of small enterprises that are e-commerce adopters and non-adopters
Authors: Lestari Dirga , Zainurossalamia ZA Saida , Maria Siti , Wardhani Wirasmi , Yudaruddin Rizky
Published: September 2021

Researchers have emphasized the role of e-commerce for small enterprises in improving their performance. However, there is limited evidence on the use of e-commerce by small enterprises, and e-commerce adopters and non-adopters dealing with COVID-19. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the differences in the impact of COVID-19 on income between small enterprises that are adopters and non-adopters of e-commerce. This study also explored the impact of restrictions on community activities, the intention to adopt e-commerce, and the types of assistance required by small enterprises due to the pandemic. Data were collected through an online questionnaire survey among small enterprises that operate in the culinary field (1,024 small enterprises in Indonesia). The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, cross-tabulation, and the Mann-Whitney test. This study finds that non-adoption of e-commerce caused small enterprises to experience a decline in income, which worsened due to restrictions of community activities, compared to adopters of e-commerce. Therefore, to overcome this negativity, small enterprises were pushed to adopt e-commerce. Finally, working capital assistance is the main assistance required due to the pandemic both by e-commerce adopters and non-adopters. This study has significant implications for how small enterprises and governments may benefit from e-commerce dealing with extreme disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. AcknowledgmentWe are grateful to Mulawarman University for providing us with the funding necessary to gather the necessary data for the study and complete this empirical investigation. We also would like to thank two anonymous reviewers and seminar participants at Mulawarman University for their helpful feedback.
Impact of organizational entrepreneurship characteristics on entrepreneurial orientation: Moderating role of firm size and education
Authors: Farhan Swadi Amel , Abed al-hayy Al-dalaien Ahmad
Published: September 2021

Organizational entrepreneurial characteristics (OEC) have received less attention compared with the individual entrepreneurial ones. In addition, few studies examined this issue in the context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of OEC on the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) of an organizational member. OEC are operationalized to include top management support (TMS), organizational culture (OC), and transformational leadership (TL). Two moderators are proposed in this study: the CEO’s education and company`s size. The data were collected via purposive sampling using a questionnaire; a survey included 206 SMEs in Iraq. The data were analyzed using AMOS. The findings indicate that the impact of EOC (B = 0.14) on OE is positive. Its dimensions TL (B = 0.14) and TMS (0.50) also impacted positively the OE. CEO’s education and company size moderated positively the effect of OEC on OE. Decision makers are advised to pay more attention to leadership style and adopt open culture as well as free expression and tolerance among SMEs in Iraq.
Surfactant rhamnolipid promotes anaerobic codigestion of excess sludge and plant waste
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Zhou Xiaohui , Dai Bin , Zhu Xiaoqiang
Published: September 2021

In order to solve the bottleneck of low methane production in anaerobic codigestion of excess sludge (ES) and plant waste (PW), a new strategy of enhancing hydrolysis and acidification by rhamnolipid (RL) was proposed under thermophilic condition. The results showed that the optimal dosage of RL was 50 g/kg total suspended solids, and the maximum yield of methane was 198.5 mL/g volatile suspended solids (VSS), which was 2.3 times of that in the control. RL promoted the dissolution of organic matter in the codigestion process of ES and PW, and the higher the dosage of RL, the higher the concentration of soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) in the fermentation broth. When RL was 100 g/kg, the maximum content of SCOD in fermentation broth was 2,451 mg/L, and the contents of soluble protein and polysaccharide were 593 mg/L and 419 mg/L on 10 d, respectively, which were significantly higher than other groups. In addition, the yield of VFA in RL group was also significantly increased, and acetate and propionate were the main components of VFAs. This research work provides data support for the resource utilization of ES and PW, and expands the application field of RL.
Anodic oxidation of synthetic refinery effluent on lead anode: mass transport and charge rate balance
Authors: Zier T. , Bouafia-Chergui S. , Chabani M.
Published: September 2021

A synthetic wastewater based on Algiers refinery real effluent was prepared and treated using anodic oxidation. Full factorial plan design was used to conduct the statistical analysis of the results. The aim of the study was to assess the interaction between current density (CD) and stirring degree (SD), and quantify their effects on chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and electric energy specific consumption (EESC). With an initial COD of 487 mg/L, pH of 5.5 and 0.05 M of Na2SO4 as supporting electrolyte, it was found that a 55 rpm stirring degree variation led to a substantial gain in COD removal and energy consumption: 6% and 8.5 KWh/kg, respectively. Current density was found to have a different effect on removal efficiency within the applied stirring domain, and mass transport coefficient (km) is inversely correlated to energy consumption. A theoretical model describing the process was reviewed and the relation between concentration, hydrodynamics and applied current was emphasized.
Treatment of seawater salinity sewage with intermittent sand bioreactors
Authors: Conroy Kristen M. , Mancl Karen M.
Published: September 2021

In water stressed areas, flush toilets using fresh water are unsustainable. This paper explores the ability of intermittent sand bioreactors (ISBs) to treat seawater salinity septic tank effluent for on-site wastewater treatment in coastal regions. Two ISB designs, sand only and layered sand and gravel, are compared for treatment efficacy. Six columns of each design were constructed in the laboratory and dosed four times per day, for a total hydraulic loading rate of 4 cm/day, with artificial seawater salinity septic tank effluent over 21 months. Average TOC and ammonia removal for both designs averaged >90% and >96%, respectively. No statistically significant difference existed in the percent removal or effluent concentrations between the two designs. Half of the columns of each design produced effluent with >4 mg/L ammonia at least once during the study, resulting in discontinuation of wastewater application for seven weeks. This resting approach resulted in effective treatment for up to 9 months (limited by the end of the study). The results indicate that both ISB designs can treat artificial seawater salinity septic tank effluent, but that an additional 1/3 capacity is needed to maintain a consistent hydraulic loading rate while accounting for resting ISBs when treatment efficacy declines.
Facile synthesis of superhydrophobic MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge for efficient oil–water separation
Authors: Yang Juxiang , Yang Xueying , Jia Yuan , Li Beibei , Shi Qi
Published: September 2021

To obtain a kind of superhydrophobic sponge with high oil and water selectivity, the MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge was prepared via a two-step hydrophobic fabrication based on the melamine sponge (MS), tetrabutyl titanate (TBOT), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The effects of modification time, the concentrations of TBOT and PDMS on the properties of the MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge were studied, and the separation mechanism was also discussed based on the interaction between the oil and the surface of the MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge. The results suggest that under optimal conditions, the MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge show superhydrophobicity. The contact angle and adsorption capacity for oil of the MS/TiO2/PDMS sponge are 149.2° and 98.5 g·g−1, respectively, and they can be recycled for about 25 cycles after oil–water separation test. This study prepares a new composite material with high oil–water selectivity, which is a good foundation for the development and research of new oil adsorbents.
O educador no espaço das políticas de assistência social
Authors: Saturnino da Silva Marcelo , Pessoa da Silva Verônica , Alves de Menezes Germana
Published: September 2021

O artigo tem como foco a atuação dos educadores sociais no campo das políticas públicas, especificamente, das políticas de assistência social no âmbito do qual, tal função tem sido assumida tanto por indivíduos egressos do ensino médio, quanto por profissionais oriundos de cursos de humanidades. Partindo do pressuposto de que nem sempre os sujeitos que assumem a função de “educadores sociais” sentem-se preparados para uma atuação qualificada junto aos usuários da política de assistência social, o texto busca oferecer um conjunto de reflexão de ordem teórico-metodológica e ética como subsídio à ação desse profissional na perspectiva do desenvolvimento humano e social. Para tanto, fundamenta-se nas reflexões de diversos pensadores, bem como nos pressupostos da teoria Sócio-histórica. A intenção, é oferecer aos educadores sociais que atuam em contexto de vulnerabilidade e exclusão, uma reflexão sistemática que possa nortear suas práticas numa ótica da competência técnica, compromisso político e sensibilidade humana.
A utilização das tecnologias digitais nas aulas do século XXI
Authors: Semião Daniela , Tinoca Luís
Published: September 2021

Este artigo pretende caracterizar as concepções e práticas pedagógicas dos professores do Ensino Fundamental e entender o posicionamento da escola em análise face à utilização das tecnologias digitais nas aulas, numa altura em que “o movimento no sentido da personalização já se encontra avançado na medicina e precisamos de avançar rapidamente para este, também no mundo da educação” (ROBINSON, 2019). O estudo empírico enquadra-se numa abordagem qualitativa, mediante a modalidade de estudo de caso, assumindo um cariz interpretativo. Os dados foram recolhidos por meio de análise documental, observação e entrevista, tendo-se procedido à análise de conteúdo dos mesmos, com recurso à triangulação. Participaram, neste estudo, 6 professores do Ensino Fundamental, de uma escola privada de Lisboa, Portugal. Os resultados apontam para a existência de vontade, confiança e competências por parte dos docentes, embora a utilização das tecnologias pelos alunos, em contexto escolar, não seja expressiva.
Análise da distribuição espacial e qualificação da oferta de hospedagem em Anápolis (Goiás/Brasil)
Authors: Gomes Godinho Rangel , Gomes Pereira Maria Eduarda , Costa da Vitória Cotrim Luiz Gustavo
Published: September 2021

Anápolis constitui-se como centro de crescente fluxo de mercadorias, pessoas e informações, tendo potencialidade para promover elementos locais como atrativos turísticos, o que implica investimento na oferta turística.  O presente artigo tem como principal objetivo a análise da distribuição espacial e da qualificação da oferta de hospedagem de Anápolis (Goiás). Desse modo, apresenta a cartografia da oferta de hospedagem de Anápolis, contemplando a identificação dos objetos técnicos que compõem os meios de hospedagem e a participação das diferentes categorias na oferta de hospedagem. Para isso, realizou-se levantamento bibliográfico; levantamento de bases cartográficas; compilação de dados sobre a infraestrutura de hospedagem; georreferenciamento da hospedagem; elaboração, análise e interpretação de mapas temáticos com subsídio do software ArcGIS 10.2.2. Identificou-se que Anápolis conta com 27 meios de hospedagem, que se dividem em três categorias: Hotéis, Pousadas e Flat/Apart-hotel. Os hotéis se sobressaem quanto ao número de estabelecimentos e na oferta de leitos, seguidos das pousadas e do flat/Apart-hotel. Os estabelecimentos, em sua maioria, são de baixa qualificação, sendo 81% deles estão classificados com uma ou duas estrelas. Os estabelecimentos concentram-se na área central da cidade e sua dispersão acompanha a principal avenida de Anápolis (Avenida Brasil). Há um número maior de estabelecimentos que ofertam entre 16 e 79 vagas de leitos; somente a categoria dos hotéis apresenta disponibilidade acima de 113 leitos. Conclui-se que há necessidade de um planejamento turístico em Anápolis atento à oferta de hospedagem da cidade, no sentido de promover a diversidade de categorias de estabelecimentos e qualificação dos empreendimentos.

Palavras-chave: Cartografia Turística. Oferta Turística. Hospedagem. Anápolis.
O caso do museu histórico e pedagógico Índia Vanuíre: sua importância para a atividade turística
Authors: Mancini Lorena , Hytomy dos Santos Ogavva Kelly
Published: September 2021

No presente estudo objetiva-se analisar a importância do Museu Histórico e Pedagógico Índia Vanuíre para o município de Tupã. Para tanto evidenciou-se o caráter educativo de um museu, além de sua utilização para o turismo. Com isso, busca-se entender qual sua importância enquanto atrativo turístico, ou seja, se ele contribui para o fluxo turístico, além de verificar sua atuação enquanto ferramenta para educação. O museu localiza-se em Tupã – SP e, através dele conta-se e preserva-se a história da formação do município, dessa maneira, o local relembra e mantém vivo o passado desde os primeiros habitantes da região, os indígenas, e também os demais povos que formaram o município. O estudo possui caracterização de pesquisa exploratória, utilizando-se pesquisa documental, bibliográfica, de observação e estudo de caso. Além de entrevista e visitação com observação no local. Os dados de visitação foram analisados de forma qualitativa e quantitativamente. Apesar de abordar dados de fluxo turístico em números, a análise de dados se deu de forma significativa e não quantitativa. Como resultado, foi possível verificar que o museu possui reconhecimento e atratividade para o turismo, além de cumprir com maestria seu papel enquanto museu, desta maneira, o MHPIV é importante tanto para o município e seus munícipes como para a região. Sendo assim, poderá se consolidar como atrativo turístico regional e nacional assim como já acontece com demais museus.

Palavras-chave: Museu Histórico e Pedagógico Índia Vanuíre. Museu. Educação. Turismo.
Hemozoin (beta-hematin) Formation Inhibitors: Promising Target for the
Development of New Antimalarials: Current Update and Future Prospect
Authors: Mali Suraj N. , Pandey Anima
Published: September 2021

Background:

Malaria is responsible for social and economic burden in most lowincome
malaria-affected countries. Thus, newer antimalarials are needed to tackle morbidities and
mortalities associated with the drug-resistant malarial strains. Haemoglobin digestion inside the
food vacuole of malarial parasite would lead to producing redox-active and toxic-free heme. The
detoxification process adopted by Plasmodium sp. would give rise to hemozoin (Hz) (betahematin)
formation. Targeting the pathway of hemozoin formation is considered a validated target
for the discovery of newer antimalarials.

Objective:

This study aims to collect detailed information about aspects of hemozoin (Hz) (betahematin)
inhibitors.

Methods:

A systemic search has been carried out using PubMed, Google Scholar, CNKI, etc., for
relevant studies having the keyword, 'hemozoin or beta-hematin' for almost the last 2 decades
(2000-2021).

Results:

This review tries to summarize all the recent advancements made for the developments of
synthetic, natural isolated phytoconstituents and plant extracts inhibiting the hemozoin (betahematin)
formation.

Conclusion:

Thus they would act as promising antimalarial candidates in the near future.
Analisis biomotor kecepatan reaksi pada pemain bola voli kelas khusus olahraga Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Authors: Fauzi Fauzi , Dwihandaka Riky , Pamungkas Okky Indera , Silokhin Muhamad Nanang
Published: September 2021

Empat puluh tiga pemain yang berlatih di Sekolah Menengah Atas Kelas Khusus Olahraga Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta berpartisipasi dalam penelitian ini. Pengambilan data telah disetujui oleh pelatih dari sekolah tersebut. Para pemain dalam kondisi sehat saat melakukan tes. Sebelum melakukan tes, pemain mendapatkan penjelasan tentang penelitian ini.  Instrumen yang dipergunakan dalam pengambilan data untuk mengetahui kecepatan reaksi seseorang diukur dengan menggunakan tes whole body reaction. Setelah data diperoleh kemudian dianalisis dengan membandingkan data dengan norma instrument tes whole   body   reaction. Kemudian setelah itu dicari prosentase kategori kecepatan reaksi yang dimiliki oleh pemain Kelas Khusus Olahraga Bola Voli di D.I. Yogyakarta. Dari hasil pengukuran yang dilakukan ditemukan bahwa terdapat 30% dari pemain bola voli di Kelas Khusus Olahraga Yogyakarta memiliki kecepatan reaksi yang masuk dalam kategori bagus sekali, 63% termasuk dalam kategori bagus, dan 7% dalam kategori cukup. Hasil ini tentu tidak akan terlepas dari banyak faktor yang mempengaruhi kecepatan reaksi yang dimiliki oleh seseorang.Biomotor Analysis of Reaction Speed in Players of Special Class volleyball in Yogyakarta Special Region AbstractForty-three players who trained at the Yogyakarta Special Sports Class High School participated in the study. The data retrieval has been approved by the school's trainer. The players are in good health when conducting tests. Before conducting the test, the player gets an explanation about this study.  The instrument used in data retrieval to determine the speed of a person's reaction is measured using the Whole Body Reaction test. After the data is obtained then analyzed by comparing the data with the instrument norms of whole body reaction test. Then after that sought percentage of reaction speed category owned by players special class volleyball sports in D.I. Yogyakarta. From the results of the measurements, it was found that 30% of volleyball players in Yogyakarta Sports Special Class had reaction speed that falls into the category of very good, 63% belongs to the good category, and 7% in the category of enough. These results will certainly not be separated from many factors that affect the speed of reaction that a person has.