bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adapting: A Study of Implementing Adaptive Personalized Instruction, Innovation, and Technology From an Instructor’s Perspective
Authors: Duren Dustin , Layne Todd Estel , Bray Niki , Irwin Carol
Published: January 2021

As time transforms education, methodology also needs to adapt to course instruction. However, instructors face a challenge to be effective while meeting each student’s learning needs. One such need for students today is the implementation of technological approaches to learning. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of a new instructor in higher education of implementing adaptive learning into their coursework, curriculum, and instruction. Data were collected quantitatively through the Stages of Concern Questionnaire, which showed the participant’s concerns about the implementation of adaptive learning. Qualitative data were collected via interviews with the participant that followed the Levels of Use protocol. The interviews allowed the participant to provide their views and beliefs about adaptive learning. Results show the participant was curious and interested in learning more about adaptive learning and its benefit in their classroom. Future research should focus on how universities can develop approaches to help faculty effectively learn and implement new instructional strategies.
Energiewende in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (1974-2017) – Reform, Revolution, oder Restauration? Makroperspektive auf einen Dauerkonflikt
Authors: Neukirch Mario
Published: January 2021

Untersucht wird die Transformation des deutschen Energiesystems im Zeitraum 1974-2017 als ein Konflikt zweier Großkoalitionen: Etablierte, die den Status quo verteidigen und Herausforderer, von denen die Energiewende gefordert bzw. technisch und wirtschaftlich umgesetzt wird. Der Analysezeitraum wird in drei zeitlichen Phasen betrachtet. In der ersten Phase diskursiver Konfrontation fordert eine Graswurzelkoalition Staat und Energiekonzerne heraus, kann aber die quasi revolutionären Forderungen u.a. nach einer Demokratisierung des Energiesystems nicht durchsetzen. Ermöglicht durch eine weitgehende Restrukturierung beider Koalitionen in Phase zwei, kommt es seit Ende der 80er Jahre zu einer partiellen Umsetzung der Ideen. In der 2011 beginnenden dritten Phase schließlich, gelingt es der Etablierten Koalition, die z. T. verlorene Kontrolle über das Energiesystem zurückzugewinnen.
Contribución de colombianos a la generación de conocimiento y desarrollo tecnológico internacional a partir de solicitudes de patentes PCT
Authors: Romero Betancur David , Parra Villamil Blanca Janneth
Published: January 2021

Uno de los indicadores que permiten medir el desarrollo tecnológico y la innovación de un país es el número de solicitudes de patentes, estas además de brindar protección a los inventores en un territorio específico, potencian el desarrollo económico y fomentan la innovación científica y tecnológica. El estudio que se presenta a continuación está basado en el análisis de los registros de solicitudes de patentes en el marco del Tratado de Cooperación de Patentes (PCT por sus siglas en inglés), en las que han participado como titulares colombianos, y que han sido presentadas durante los últimos 20 años en jurisdicciones diferentes a Colombia. La información fue obtenida de la base de datos de patentes de la Organización Mundial de la Propiedad Intelectual (OMPI). Dentro de los factores analizados se encuentra la dinámica en la que se dio la cooperación entre los titulares y los sectores tecnológicos de mayor tendencia de protección, para esto se empleó un abordaje de tipo cuantitativo con enfoque descriptivo.

Los resultados evidencian que los países de mayor interés para tramitar solicitudes de patentes son Europa, Norteamérica y Asia, con una participación mínima en la región centro y suramericana, de igual forma se destaca el trabajo colaborativo que es notorio por el alto número de solicitudes presentadas en co-titularidad, bien sea empresa, universidad, organismo gubernamental o persona natural, tan solo una tercera parte de las solicitudes corresponde a aquellas en cabeza de un solo titular, de las que cerca de la mitad corresponde a personas naturales; este panorama refleja el alto grado de cooperación en torno al cual se generan los desarrollos tecnológicos que relacionan a colombianos.
Cultural Tourism in Georgia: Opportunities at Global and Local Levels
Authors: Koblianidze Tamar , Sachaleli Nino
Published: January 2021

There is an opinion that culture and tourism have a symbolic relationship with each other. Art, dance, rituals, and legends are at risk of being forgotten by modern generations, but they can be revived by tourists who have an interest in the cultures of ancient countries such as Georgia. Monuments and cultural heritage can even be protected by foundations and organizations in the field of tourism and culture, which protect and popularize them and at the same time increase the number of visitors. Today, creativity and modern technologies are changing the connection between culture and tourism. This has made cultural tourism become more desirable and accessible. With the help of technologies, it is getting closer and closer to modern approaches than it was in the past. The paper outlines the challenges of developing sustainable cultural tourism in Georgia. Statistics on state documents, projects, and cultural tours organized by local tour companies was also discussed. They employed both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies which showed that besides pandemic, there is a demand for cultural tourism. Georgian tour companies are offering a wide range of cultural tours and tourists have interest in it. Its full potential has not been harnessed and the main attention is paid to UNESCO heritage. The development of cultural tourism poses challenges (e.g., implementation of digital technologies, quality control mechanisms) for Georgia to become more recognizable within this kind of synergy, which is called the fusion of culture and tourism.
Propuesta Ãgil para Gestionar Proyectos Educativos InformÃ¡ticos en EducaciÃ³n Superior
Authors: MariÃ±o Sonia I. , Alfonzo Pedro L. , Arduino Guillermo A.
Published: January 2021

El artÃ­culo describe la gestiÃ³n Ã¡gil de proyectos educativos informÃ¡ticos en contextos de educaciÃ³n superior en la Argentina. En particular, esta experiencia se sitÃºa en relaciÃ³n con el proceso de enseÃ±anza y aprendizaje significativo debido la importancia del desarrollo del software en todas sus dimensiones y aplicaciones. En el mÃ©todo se describen los elementos adaptados de SCRUM, metodologÃ­a de trabajo Ã¡gil iterativa e incremental para la gestiÃ³n de proyectos, y cÃ³mo se incorpora un sistema de matrices de tres categorÃ­as. El resultado de esta innovadora integraciÃ³n se plasma en una propuesta Ã¡gil que integra prÃ¡cticas y artefactos de SCRUM con un sistema de matrices categoriales orientadas a presentar: los objetivos correlacionados, la relaciÃ³n de actores e instrumentos de recolecciÃ³n de datos y una matriz que refleja: la ApropiaciÃ³n de aprendizajes para el uso de una metodologÃ­a Ã¡gil, el Reconocimiento de los roles de los integrantes del equipo, la ComunicaciÃ³n eficaz para la interacciÃ³n de los miembros del equipo. La propuesta se valida considerando la presentaciÃ³n y exposiciÃ³n de los trabajos integradores en una asignatura de la carrera Licenciatura en Sistemas de InformaciÃ³n. Finalmente, es menester abordar el proceso de enseÃ±anzaaprendizaje significativo situado en contexto Ã¡giles atendiendo a la complejidad y emergentes continuos en la actual sociedad del conocimiento.
The article describes an agile managing for educational IT projects in higher education. Argentina is the reference context. In particular, the experience is placed in relation to the process of teaching and learning meaning, considering the software development in all its dimensions and applications. The method describes the elements adapted from SCRUM, iterative and incremental agile working methodology for project management, and how a three-category matrix system is incorporated. The result of this innovative integration is embodied in an agile proposal that integrates SCRUM practices and artifacts with a system of categorical matrices oriented to present: the correlated objectives, the relationship of actors and data collection instruments and the last one containing the following items: the appropriation of learning for the use of an agile methodology, the recognition of the roles of the team members, the effective communication for the interaction of the team members. The proposal is validated considering the presentation and exposition of the integrative works in a subject of the Information Systems degree. Finally, it is necessary to approach the process of significant teaching-learning located in an agile context, taking into account the complexity and continuous emergences in the current knowledge society.
La CertificaciÃ³n OrgÃ¡nica del CamarÃ³n de ExportaciÃ³n como Estrategia de DiferenciaciÃ³n en los Mercados Internacionales
Authors: Zaruma Maryuri Vanessa SuÃ¡rez , Curillo Jessica Maribel Sibre , Illescas Mayiya GonzÃ¡lez
Published: January 2021

La preferencia por productos orgÃ¡nicos, agrÃ­colas como productos del mar, es una tendencia de los mercados internacionales. El objetivo de esta investigaciÃ³n es analizar las prÃ¡cticas de comercializaciÃ³n de productos orgÃ¡nicos en los mercados internacionales, mediante la revisiÃ³n de estudios precedentes que recogen las percepciones de los consumidores y las experiencias de empresas, para adoptar referentes que contribuyan a orientar a las exportadoras de camarÃ³n orgÃ¡nico. Se empleÃ³ un enfoque cualitativo. Las empresas diversifican la oferta, difunden los atributos de productos y agregan valor con prÃ¡cticas sustentables para diferenciarse de la competencia. Se concluye que las empresas exportadoras de camarÃ³n pueden incrementar sus oportunidades en los mercados internacionales, adoptando la certificaciÃ³n orgÃ¡nica como innovaciÃ³n de sus procesos de producciÃ³n, difundiendo su compromiso con la calidad, el medio ambiente y la sociedad.
The preference for organic, agricultural products such as seafood, is a trend in international markets. The objective of this research is to analyze the marketing practices of organic products in international markets, by reviewing previous studies that gather consumer perceptions and company experiences, in order to adopt references that will help guide organic shrimp exporters. A qualitative approach was used. Companies diversify their offer, disseminate product attributes and add value with sustainable practices to differentiate themselves from the competition. The conclusion is that shrimp exporting companies can increase their opportunities in international markets by adopting organic certification as an innovation in their production processes, spreading their commitment to quality, the environment and society.
Challenges of Online Teaching during the pandemic COVID-19: Reports from Moldovan Vocational Education and Training Teachers
Authors: Stiopca Oleg , Cobb Robert , Faulkner Paula E.
Published: January 2021

Teachers worldwide are experiencing challenges with transitioning from face-to-face to online teaching during the pandemic COVID-19. Policymakers, school administrators, students, parents, and teachers have all been impacted. Moldovan educational policies and infrastructures are being re-visited to identify the best strategies for supporting its teachers during this time. The purpose of this case study was to assess Moldovan Vocational Education and Training (VET) teachers' challenges faced teaching online. Data were analyzed by researchers reviewing interview notes to ascertain the main points gathered from teachers occurred during the focus group interview. The focus group with mostly female teachers revealed their desire to gain online teaching training and frustration over a lack of stable Internet connection during lessons. It was concluded that teachersâ€™ needs should be shared with policymakers and school administrators to ensure technology training and reliable technology devices for at home use be provided while schools are closed. Based on conclusions, the following recommendations would be to assess studentâ€™s needs to ensure their needs are aligned with teachersâ€™ needs so the best teaching and learning can occur.
Distribution de cash-flows aux actionnaires : moyens, dÃ©terminants, effets et modÃ¨les
Authors: Ahmed Nabaoui , Mohamed Benhrimida
Published: January 2021

La problÃ©matique de la politique de distribution des cash-flows a suscitÃ© lâ€™intÃ©rÃªt de plusieurs Ã©conomistes au fil du temps. Dans les derniÃ¨res dÃ©cennies, plusieurs Ã©tudes thÃ©oriques mais aussi empiriques, se sont concentrÃ©es sur lâ€™objectif dâ€™augurer le mystÃ¨re de ce Â« puzzle Â» tel que le qualifie Black en 1976. Le dÃ©veloppement de la finance dâ€™entreprise et de marchÃ© a enrichi le terrain thÃ©orique et empirique en la matiÃ¨re. Cet article a pour objectif dâ€™examiner les effets de la structure de propriÃ©tÃ© du capital et la nature dâ€™actionnariat sur le dividende au travers la mise en exergue des diffÃ©rents conflits qui peuvent surgir entre les diffÃ©rentes parties prenantes de la firme, tout en faisant appel Ã  la thÃ©orie dâ€™agence, dâ€™asymÃ©trie dâ€™information ou des signaux, de clientÃ¨le fiscale, de oiseau en main, dâ€™enracinement, et ce aprÃ¨s mise en Ã©vidence, des diffÃ©rents moyens de distribution, et de modÃ¨les retraÃ§ant les effets du montant du dividende sur la valeur de la firme.Ce travail rÃ©vÃ¨le quâ€™un consensus sur la problÃ©matique du dividende est encore loin dâ€™avoir le jour et les chercheurs sont toujours sur la locomotive dâ€™expliquer le dividende chacun au moins Ã  partir de ses constats contextuels.
The issue of the cash flows distribution policy has aroused the interest of several economists over time. In recent decades, several theoretical but also empirical studies have focused on the objective of predicting the mystery of this "puzzle" as Black describes it in 1976. The development of corporate and market finance has enriched the theoretical and empirical ground in the matter. The objective of this paper is to examine the effects that the structure of the ownership of capital and the nature of shareholding can have on the dividend by highlighting the various conflicts that can arise between the various stakeholders of the firm, while appealing to the theory of agency, asymmetry of information or signals, fiscal clientele, bird in hand, rooting, and this after highlighting the different means of distribution, and models tracing the effects of the amount of the dividend on the value of the firm. This work reveals that a consensus on the issue of the dividend is still far from having the day and researchers are still on the locomotive to explain the dividend each at least based on its contextual findings.
How lead generation can be the link between marketing and sales through the customer experience? A case study of Talentia Software Italy
Authors: Vittorio Arianna Di , Alessandro Di Gioia Vito
Published: January 2021

Digitalization is the use of digital technology to adapt and grow a business model. Businesses use digitalization to create value-producing opportunities through the information they collect from customer interactions by optimizing their marketing and selling processes. Potential customers have changed the way that they research and select products and services, so companies must respond and adapt. Competition has increased so creating win-win customer relationships is even more important today than ever before. Due to the uniqueness of the contemporary digital economy, brands may need to redefine what profit means for both company and consumer. The Customer Lifetime Value Analysis is the potential value of all future profit that an individual customer will generate over the life of potential customer compared with the benefit expected for both parties. First of all, the premise of the paper considers the process of scouting for new and potential customers value for money and value for time are highly relevant for brands. The most important recommended methods are Advertising (it helps to offer a message that not only hits on brands target customers, but also showcases the value brands can offer them); Networking and referral (to pick up customers with the highest retention rates; what is more, referral customers tend to purchase more over time and in turn become a source of additional referrals); Create an agreement with â€œhost beneficiaryâ€ (another business with the same target customer will use their database to promote another one business); Strategic alliances (while a host beneficiary relationship is generally a onetime or short-term commitment, strategic alliances can sometimes last for many years). Then, the aim of the paper is to demonstrate the relevance of the role of the Business Developer through Lead generation. It is more profitable if brands take the approach of using live chat services, direct help options with customer representatives present to solve any incoming query. This works by increasing engagement on the customer level and increases brand word of mouth promotion for more leads and better business development. Moreover, the paper analyses the roles of the Demand Generation Manager, Inside Sales Representative and more are at the core of Business Development. The methodology used in the paper is a descriptive empirical analysis. After a view on the important variables about business development analysis, lead generation and customers experience, the Authors describe the strategies adopted in the case history (Talentia Software Italy). This empirical analysis aims to confirm the validity of the concept that confirms a really and strong relation between lead generation attitudes and marketing sales.
Stayhome Hashtag: Sentiment Analysis on Twitter During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gunduz Ugur
Published: January 2021

With developing technology today, social media has entered every area of our lives. Many people come together and share in social media platforms without time and space restrictions. Social media has been in our lives so much lately. It is an undeniable fact that global outbreaks, which constitute an important part of our lives, are also affected by these networks and that they exist in these networks and share the users. The purpose of making this hashtag analysis is to reveal the difference in discourse and language while analyzing twitter data, while doing this, to evaluate the effects of a global epidemic crisis on language, message and crisis management with social media data. Sentiment analysis of tweets, on the other hand, objectives to take a look at the contents of these messages, to degree the feelings and feelings conveyed. This form of analysis is typically completed through amassing textual content data, then investigating the â€œsentimentâ€ conveyed. Within the scope of our study, one hundred thousand twitter messages posted with the #stayhome hashtag between 23 May 2020 and 29 May 2020 were examined. The impact and reliability of social media in disaster management could be questioned by carrying out a content analysis based totally on the semantic analysis of the messages given on the Twitter posts with the phrases and frequencies used. Social media and Twitter content are increasingly more identified as treasured resources of public health signals concerning use in ailment surveillance and health disaster management.
Vocational Identity Development and the Role of Human Resources Management. A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Pizzolitto Elia , Verna Ida
Published: January 2021

The development and strengthening of employeesâ€™ vocational identity are critical issues in organizations. The absence of professional selfawareness could negatively affect the emotional status of individuals. Moreover, such a condition can lead to a worsening of organizational performance. For this reason, studying the connections between human resources management and identity development is essential. Data and method. This exploratory study performs a systematic literature review starting from SCOPUS and EBSCO Host databases to understand how literature debates these connections. Results. The majority of extracted articles belong to the following fields: human resources management, psychology, and organizational studies. The connections between these three fields represent a clear theoretical framework for understanding how literature debates professional identity development in organizations. The theories considered in the extracted articles are numerous, but the social identity theory and the social categorization theory are the most cited by the authors. Four main themes emerge from the content analysis: motivation, satisfaction, and well-being of employees; the â€œcrisisâ€ status of human resource management; professional identity development in the workplace; the career adaptation of individuals. Conclusions. This study allows confirming how the development of professional identity is critical in organizations. Although the literature shows a considerable interest in vocational identity and human resources management, this study reflects on the possibility of producing further in-depth examinations concerning the connections between these topics. Further studies should explore vocational identity development through a renovated strategic role of human resources management, no more limited to a bureaucratic partner.
DÃ©terminants de la stabilitÃ© politique en Afrique : rÃ´le de la fragmentation et dâ€™abondance des ressources naturelles
Authors: Fanny Kabwe Omoyi , Younchawou Ngouwouo
Published: January 2021

Ce papier analyse empiriquement les facteurs qui influencent la stabilitÃ© politique dans quelques pays africains. Pour y parvenir, nous spÃ©cifions un modÃ¨le logit en panel dans lequel la stabilitÃ© politique est mesurÃ©e par lâ€™indice de la bonne gouvernance. Ce modÃ¨le est estimÃ© sur un Ã©chantillon de 45 pays africains sur la pÃ©riode 1991-2018. Les principaux rÃ©sultats montrent que la fragmentation ethnique amÃ©liore la stabilitÃ© politique dans le contexte des pays pÃ©troliers. Comme suggestions, les pays africains doivent, premiÃ¨rement, mettre en Å“uvre des mesures qui favorisent la dÃ©mocratie afin de rÃ©duire les mÃ©faits de la fragmentation linguistique et religieuse sur la stabilitÃ© politique. DeuxiÃ¨mement, ils doivent poursuivre leurs efforts du respect de lâ€™alternance au pouvoir exÃ©cutif afin de limiter la violence civile et amÃ©liorer la stabilitÃ© politique.
This paper empirically analyzes the factors that influence political stability in a few African countries. To achieve this, we specify a logit panel model in which political stability is measured by the index of good governance. This model is estimated on a sample of 45 African countries over the period 1991-2018. The main results show that ethnic fragmentation improves political stability in the context of oil-producing countries. As suggestions, African countries should, first, implement measures that promote democracy in order to reduce the effects of linguistic and religious fragmentation on political stability. Second, they must continue their efforts to respect the alternation of executive power in order to limit civil violence and improve political stability.
Performance of Decentralized Local Service Delivery in Developed Countries: Case Study of Japan
Authors: Mudalige Priyantha W.
Published: January 2021

Many countries decentralize the administrative, fiscal, and political functions of the central government to lower-level governments. In many developing and developed countries, governments and their policymakers have used decentralization as a means of improving the delivery of local service. Accordingly, this study is based on the delivery of local services to the people by the local governments of Japan as a developed country. The overall objective of this article is to review the performance of decentralized local service delivery in developed countries and based on a case study of Japan. The study also aims to examine the correlation between the revenue and expenditure of local governments of Japan and its trends. Basically, this article has been written based on secondary data materials. This data consists of qualitative and quantitative characteristics. Hence, a qualitative and quantitative descriptive method has been applied to analyse the performance of local government decentralization in Japan, and descriptive statistical methods are used to analyse the data and the correlation between revenue and expenditure. The problem in this research is how the functional political institutions created for local service delivery at the sub-national governments in Japan affects the success of decentralization. This research revealed several findings. The local governments of Japan have a sound institutional system and several powers recognized by the constitution. Japanese local governments monitor over 70% of national works, but a majority of the standard public services are the responsibility of local governments. Karl Pearsonâ€™s correlation value of revenue and expenditure is 0.979, and there is a strong positive relationship between revenues and expenditure. In Japan, the highest value of local government spending is on public welfare. It is followed by education, civil engineering works, and general administration, second, third, and fourth, respectively. Also, its central and local administrative institutions are maintained in a mutually dependent and mutually complementary relationship. Most of the local governments are collaborating with the private sector in Japan. As a result, the efficiency of service delivery has improved at the local level. In this way, waste management, which is a major local problem in Japan, is being dealt with closely by the central government and the local governments.
Religions as Complex Systems: Features, Purpose and Structure
Authors: Coltea Andrei-Razvan
Published: January 2021

Complexity is a paradigm whose relevance is currently expanding beyond the domain of â€˜hardâ€™ sciences. Humanities and social sciences could greatly benefit from using it as an antidote to reductionism, and religious studies in particular is a field in great need of defragmentation and a broader theoretical perspective. This paperâ€™s ambitious aim is to propose such a perspective while frequently crossing interdisciplinary borders and, by drawing inspiration from and criticizing the work of evolutionary anthropologist Richard Sosis, to offer an integrative analytical framework for the study of religions as allopoietic complex adaptive systems. Firstly, this paper describes the core features of complex systems (non-linear, autopoietic/allopoietic, entropy reducing, open, adaptive, emergent). Secondly, it identifies religions as abstract complex systems and their basic components as signal/noise distinctions of informational inputs from the environment. More importantly, it posits that they fulfill an entropy reducing function in psychic systems by the emergence of meaning. Lastly, it builds a model of religious systems and identifies six building blocks: rituals, myths, taboos, supernatural agents, authority and afterlife beliefs, following Luhmann in claiming that individuals are not part of the system, but of the environment. Consequently, the cooperative behavior of individuals to form social structures cannot constitute the ultimate output of the system, but only a behavioral effect of the actual one, meaning.
Serum Ceramides as Prognostic Biomarkers of Large Thrombus Burden in Patients With STEMI: A Micro-Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Karagiannidis Efstratios , Papazoglou Andreas S , Stalikas Nikolaos , Deda Olga , Panteris Eleftherios , Begou Olga , Sofidis Georgios , Moysidis Dimitrios V , Kartas Anastasios , Chatzinikolaou Evangelia , Keklikoglou Kleoniki , Bompoti Andreana , Gika Helen , Theodoridis George , Sianos Georgios
Published: January 2021

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The identification of novel metabolic and imaging biomarkers could unveil key pathophysiological mechanisms at the molecular level and promote personalized care in patients with acute coronary syndromes. We studied 38 patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombus aspiration. We sought to correlate serum ceramide levels with micro-CT quantified aspirated thrombus volume and relevant angiographic outcomes, including modified TIMI thrombus grade and pre- or post-procedural TIMI flow. Higher ceramide C16:0 levels were significantly, but weakly correlated with larger aspirated thrombus volume (Spearman r=0.326, p=0.046), larger intracoronary thrombus burden (Nagelkerke R2=0.236, p=0.030) and worse pre- and post-procedural TIMI flow (Nagelkerke R2=0.210; p=0.049 and Nagelkerke R2=0.277; p=0.039, respectively). Ceramides C24:0 and C24:1 were also significantly associated with larger intracoronary thrombus burden (Nagelkerke R2=0.311; p=0.008 and Nagelkerke R2=0.423; p=0.001, respectively). In conclusion, serum ceramide levels (mainly C16:0 and C24:1) were higher among patients with larger intracoronary and aspirated thrombus burden. This suggests that quantification of serum ceramides might improve risk-stratification of patients with STEMI and facilitate a more individualized approach in everyday clinical practice.
Effect of Zea Mays-Beauveria Bassiana Seed Treatment on Spodoptera Frugiperda
Authors: Kuzhuppillymyal-Prabhakarankutty Laiju , Ferrara-Rivero Fernando H. , Tamez-Guerra Patricia , Gomez-Flores Ricardo , Rodríguez-Padilla María Cristina , Ek-Ramos María Julissa
Published: January 2021

Spodoptera frugiperda is a widely distributed insect pest that causes major economic losses in various crops, particularly maize. On the other hand, Beauveria bassiana is an entomopathogenic fungus that establishes symbiotic associations with many plants and contributes to tolerance against biotic and abiotic stresses. In the present work, under field conditions, 1x106 (first trial) and 1x10⁸ (second trial) of B. bassiana (GHA strain) blastospores were used for corn’s seed inoculation. In the first field trial, a higher number of larvae were present in the negative control plants in comparison with those in B. bassiana-treated plants. No larvae were found in negative control and B. bassiana-treated plants in the second field trial. In further laboratory experiments, the effects of the B. bassiana strains GHA, in addition to a native strain (PTG4) also delivered via seed treatment in maize seedlings, on S. frugiperda growth, development, and mortality were evaluated. 1x10⁶ B. bassiana blastospores were used to inoculate maize seeds, which were germinated and grown to seedlings under growth chamber conditions. Third-instar S. frugiperda larvae were allowed to feed on B. bassiana-treated and -untreated (negative control) seedlings until reaching 6th instar and transferred to artificial diet until reaching adult stage. Results showed that larvae feeding on B. bassiana strain PTG4 prolonged their larval stage. Furthermore, feeding with plants treated with B. bassiana strains yielded fewer S. frugiperda male moths and the female moths emerged with altered wings, compared with the untreated control. In conclusion, seed treatment with B. bassiana in maize reduced S. frugiperda infestation of maize plants in field trials. Besides S. frugiperda development was affected in laboratory trials.
Efficacy Advanced Chemical Oxidation Process (AOP) for Sustainable Pretreatment of Mixed Dairy and Poultry Wastewaters in Nablus, Palestine
Authors: Younes Saja , Al-Sa`ed Rashed
Published: January 2021

This study investigated the efficacy of advanced oxidation process (AOP) for the reduction of pollution loads in mixed agro-food industrial wastewaters (dairy and slaughterhouse) in Nablus city, Palestine. Bench-scale Jar tests using an advanced oxidation process (AOP) were performed as a pretreatment stage. Initial results on direct applications of Fenton’s process on mixed agro-food wastewater (COD: 15400-18200 mg/l) were unsatisfactory. Hence, the performance of the Fenton process was applied on three mixed wastewater samples with different pre-treatment trials: (A) coagulant (FeCl3.6H2O) addition, (B) settling (2h), and use of flocculent (lime Ca(OH)2) in sample (C). Preceded with lime, Fenton`s process (Sample C) was most effective in the removal of organic carbon and nitrogen (89% COD; 80% TKN). The removal efficiency in inorganic loads (91% TSS; 62% TS) were achieved under H2O2/COD (w/w ratio 2:1), H2O2/Fe+2 (w/w ratio 10:1) and acidic conditions (pH = 3). The adoption of AOP technology by agro-food industries could ensure compliance with municipal by-laws and acquire connection permits to sewerage networks.
Towards the Cultural Heritage Low Entropy Enhancement Approach: An Ex-post Evaluation of Creative Regeneration Practices
Authors: Cerreta Maria , Daldanise Gaia , Giovene di Girasole Eleonora , Torre Carmelo Maria
Published: January 2021

According to the current European and Italian scenario related to urban re-generation, cultural and landscape heritage, valorisation is being also enhanced by the activation of innovative processes. These involve the development of methodologies and tools that are able to address decision-making processes among low entropy economy, complex values and creative practices. In this perspective, the research aims to investigate the possibilities of developing a Cultural Heritage Low Entropy Enhancement (CHLEE) approach by considering how the complex values of cultural heritage can vary not only through a physical transformation of spaces but also through a program of uses and activities able to produce new values, where the human experience is essential. This type of model modifies the objectives that characterise the valorisation of cultural heritage and landscape, recognising that the fruition is no longer “consumerist” but “experiential”. A crucial role is represented by the heterogeneity of creative practices that contribute to the identificationidentifying and implementation ofimplementing innovative management and governance models. The present paper explores the components of creative regenerative processes, based upon the ex-post evaluation of some Italian experiments, across the PROMETHEE-GAIA multi-criteria method, to understand how creative experiences are building innovation ecosystem thanks to low entropy economy and improve the ex-ante evaluation for new strategies and policies.
Zebrafish as a Biomedical Model for Stem Cells Research in Hearing Impairment
Authors: Hafeez Salma
Published: January 2021

Zebrafish is an excellent model for observing human genetic disorders. Hearing impairment is the most common genetic disorder including syndromic & non-syndromic hearing loss. Stem cell therapies are considered a new hope in case of hearing impairment. Stem cells are the master cells of the human body and having the capability to differentiate into any other form of cells in more than 200 types of cells (regeneration). This review article describes zebrafish as a biomedical model for stem cell research in hearing impairment, which revolutionized the biomedical arena to compete for the challenges.
Assessment of the Host Range of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Manica Province, Mozambique
Authors: Caniço Albasini , Mexia António , Santos Luisa
Published: January 2021

The alien invasive insect pest Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), commonly referred to as Fall Armyworm (FAW), is a polyphagous insect feeding on more than 350 host plants in addition to maize in its native habitat. Due to the voracious nature of FAW, significant yield losses on maize production were reported across the African continent since its detection in 2016. Despite being a polyphagous insect, little is known about its alternative host plants in the new habitat including Mozambique. This study aimed to assess the host range of FAW in the central province of Manica, Mozambique. A field survey was conducted from May to August 2019 (dry season of 2018/2019 cropping season) and in December 2019 and January 2020 (rainy season of 2019/2020 cropping season) in maize fields and crops often mixed with maize or located in the vicinity of maize fields. A total of 1291 fields were surveyed. In each field, 20 plants were selected in a “W” pattern and checked for the presence of FAW egg masses and/or larvae. At the time of the sampling, no evidence was found suggesting that in Manica province FAW feeds in crops other than maize because out of 35 different crops surveyed, FAW was only recorded on maize. Results from this study suggest that the strain of FAW occurring in Manica province might be the one specialized in maize or the continuous availability of maize fields throughout the year is influencing the choices of the host plants of this invasive insect pest.
HIV- 1: To Splice Or Not To Splice, That Is THE Question
Authors: Swanstrom Ronald , Emery Ann
Published: January 2021

HIV-1 transcribes only one kind of transcript – the full length genomic RNA. To make the mRNA transcripts for the accessory proteins Tat and Rev, the genomic RNA must completely splice. The mRNA transcripts for Vif, Vpr, and Env must splice but not completely. Genomic RNA (which also functions as mRNA for the Gag and Gag/Pro/Pol precursor polyproteins) must not splice at all. HIV-1 can tolerate a surprising range in the relative abundance of individual transcript types, and a surprising amount of aberrant and even odd splicing; however, it must not over-splice, which results in the loss of full length genomic RNA and has a dramatic fitness cost. Cells typically do not tolerate unspliced/incompletely spliced transcripts, so HIV-1 has to circumvent this cell policing mechanism to allow some splicing while suppressing most. Splicing is controlled by RNA secondary structure, cis-acting regulatory sequences which bind splicing factors, and the viral protein Rev. There is still much work to be done to clarify the combinatorial effects of these splicing regulators. These control mechanisms represent attractive targets to induce over-splicing as an antiviral strategy. Finally, splicing has been implicated in latency, but to date there is little supporting evidence for such a mechanism. In this review we apply what is known of cellular splicing to understand splicing in HIV-1, and also present data from our newer and more sensitive deep sequencing assays quantifying the different HIV-1 transcript types.
Metaplastic Carcinoma with Mesenchymal Differentiation in Augmented Breast using Liquid Silicone Injection
Authors: Lorenzo Lara Mae , Datay-Lim Sarah Jane , Carnate Jose
Published: January 2021

The relationship between the use of liquid silicone for breast augmentation and carcinogenesis remains undetermined due to limited data reported, especially regarding its risks for acquiring cancer. We documented a case of an 81-year-old woman who presented with bilateral enlarging breast masses with a known history of breast augmentation using liquid silicone. On microscopic examination, the malignancy showed both mesenchymal and epithelial components in a background of stromal changes related to liquid silicone. Based from morphology and immunohistochemistry studies (p63, CK, HMW-CK, and CK5/6, CD34, and BcL-2), this case was signed out as metaplastic carcinoma with mesenchymal differentiation. This rare case of metaplastic carcinoma with mesenchymal differentiation coexisting with liquid silicone, provides evidence supporting the link between cancer development and siliconomas.
Diagnostic Performance of Mean Platelet Volume in the Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Acapulco Kathrina Aseanne , Morales Shayne Julieane , Verame Tzar Francis
Published: January 2021

Objective. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine summary estimates of the diagnostic accuracy of mean platelet volume for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction among adult patients with angina and/or its equivalents in terms of sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and likelihood ratios.
Methodology. The primary search was done through search in electronic databases. Cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control articles studying the diagnostic performance of mean platelet volume in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in adult patients were included in the study. Eligible studies were appraised using well-defined criteria.
Results. The overall mean MPV value of those with MI (9.702 fl; 95% CI 9.07 – 10.33) was higher than in those of the non-MI control group (8.85 fl; 95% CI 8.23 – 9.46). Interpretation of the calculated t-value of 2.0827 showed that there was a significant difference in the mean MPV values of those with MI and those of the non-MI controls. The summary sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) for MPV were 0.66 (95% CI; 0.59 - 0.73) and 0.60 (95% CI; 0.43 – 0.75), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 2.92 (95% CI; 1.90 – 4.50). The positive likelihood ratio of MPV in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction was 1.65 (95% CI; 1.20 – 22.27), and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.56 (95% CI; 0.50 – 0.64).
Conclusion. The intended role for MPV in the diagnostic pathway of myocardial infarction would perhaps be best as a triage tool. MPV values can discriminate between those who have MI and those without. For a patient with angina presenting with elevated MPV values, it is 1.65 times more likely that he has MI. It is implied that the decision to treat a patient with angina or its equivalents as a case of MI could be supported by an elevated MPV value.
Operational Challenges of Engaging Development Partners in District Health Planning in Tanzania
Authors: Charles James , Ukio Kusirye , Hoffman Axel , Kalolo Albino
Published: January 2021

BackgroundDevelopment assistance for health represents an important source of health financing in many low and middle-income countries. However, there are few accounts on how priorities funded through Development assistance for health are integrated with district health priorities. This study aimed at understanding the operational challenges of engaging development partners in district health planning in Tanzania MethodsThis explanatory mixed methods study was conducted in Kinondoni and Bahi districts. A structured checklist to 35 participants collected quantitative data whereas a semi-structured guide collected qualitative from 20 key informants (the council health planning team members and the development partners) to obtain information related to engagement of development partners in the planning processes and subsequent implementation of the district plan. We used descriptive analysis for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data ResultsMajority (86%) of the development partners delivering aid in the studied districts were Non Governmental Organizations. We found high engagement of Development partners (DPs) (87.5%) in Bahi district and very low in Kinondoni district (37.5%). Guidance on district priorities to be included in Development partner’s plans as part of the Comprehensive Council Health Plan (CCHP) was given to 36% of the Development partners. Submission of written plans to be integrated in the District plans was done by only 56% of Development partners, with majority (77.7%) from Kinondoni district not submitting their plans. Only 8% of the submitted plans appeared in the final District plan document. Qualitative findings reported operational challenges to engagements such as differences in planning cycles between the government and donors, uncertainties in funding from the prime donors, lack of transparency, limited skills of district planning teams, technical practicalities on planning tools and processes, inadequate knowledge on planning guidelines among DPs and poor donor coordination at the district level. ConclusionsWe found low engagement of Development partners in planning. To be resolved are operational challenges related to differences in planning cycles, articulations and communication of local priorities, donor coordination, and technical skills on planning and stakeholder engagement.
Comparison between the accuracy of Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mini-Mental State Examination in the detection of mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Aminisani Nayyereh , alimi Rasoul , Javadpour Ali , Asghari-Jafarabadi Mohhamad , Jourian Mozhgan , Stephens Chris , Shamshirgaran Morteza
Published: January 2021

Introduction:Ageing can cause major changes in the central nervous system of the body, resulting in cognitive decline and associated disorders. Therefore, there is a growing need for an effective cognitive screening method to enhance the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairments and to prevent occurring dementia and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Our study aimed to compare the accuracy of MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) and MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) while evaluating the independent and interaction effects of age and educational level on these screening tools in a healthy sample.Method: The data for the current study was based on the registration phase of the study during 2016-2018 in Neyshabour Longitudinal Study on Ageing (NeLSA). Both the MoCA and MMSE tests were used to assess cognitive decline among 3326 participants aged 50-94 years of old. The ROC curve analysis and the predictive values were performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MMSE to discriminate Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) from the cognitively healthy adult basis of MoCA scores as a gold test. A two-way ANCOVA was run to examine the effect of Age and Education level on MoCA and MMSE score, while controlling for a gender effect. Data were analyzed using MedCalc Statistical Software version 13.0.6 (MedCalc Software bvba, Ostend, Belgium; http://www.medcalc.org; 2014). Results: The chi-square test shows that MoCA ((72% and 90%) significantly (p-value<0.001() classified more persons as cognitively impaired than the MMSE (45.1%), respectively; using a cutoff score of 24 on the MMSE, 23 and 26 on the MoCA. The cut-off point of below 25 yielded the highest Youden J index for the MMSE in discrimination between MCI and healthy basis of MOCA<23 with an AUC of 0.9 (95% CI: 0.89-0.91) and MOCA<26 with an AUC of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.86-0.89). A two-way ANCOVA results show that the effect of education variable on the MMSE and MoCA score is more important than the age variable.Discussion: Although the cut-off scores give a clear indication of the sensitivity and specificity, they are unable to monitor the impact of confounders, which increase the risk of incorrect classification. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the use of demographically adjusted MoCA and MMSE scores that could provide clinicians with a more reliable estimation of the severity of cognitive impairment, thus increasing the instrument's clinical usefulness.