bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Facial and Dental Midline Discrepancies in Nepalese Population
Authors: Maharjan Surendra , Rajbhandari Anjana , Pradhan Resina , Bajracharya Manju , Manandhar Pushkar , Pant Bashu Dev
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The facial midline is defined by the landmark such as the nose, philtrum, and chin aligned in a straight line. It should be in the center of the face and should coincide with the dental midline. But clinically it is often observed that some discrepancies exist between facial and dental midlines. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the facial and dental midline discrepancies.

Methods: A total of 300 subjects, 150 male and 150 female from People’s Dental College and Hospital were selected. Full facial view standardized photograph with a posed smile with teeth in occlusion was taken with Canon 400D digital SLR. For standardized measurement vertical metallic scale with millimeter, markings were placed on the right side of the patient in all cases. The software program Digimizer image analysis (version 4.6.1) was used to determine the facial and maxillary dental midline.

Result: This study showed 6.66% of male and 12% of female had perfectly coinciding F1 facial midline (perpendicular from the midpoint of inner canthus distance), F2 facial midline (line joining the midpoint of inner canthus and the midpoint of the base of the nose) and maxillary midline. 26% of males and 28% of females had less than 1mm of the discrepancy of F1 midline to maxillary midline whereas 41% of males and 38% of females had less than 1 mm of a discrepancy between F2 facial midline and maxillary midline. The study also showed that 24% of males and 24.66% of females had none coincidence of any of the midlines with one another.

Conclusion: Most of the Nepalese have noncoinciding facial and dental midline but females have more coinciding midlines in comparison to males. The shifted facial midlines are more towards the left side in relation to maxillary dental midline.
Use of Social Media among Intern Doctors in Regards to Covid-19
Authors: Subedi Prativa , Thapa Bibechan , Pandey Aakriti
Published: May 2020

Background: The world is not just fighting a pandemic of COVID-19, but also tackling infodemic due to the rampant spread of misinformation and rumor about COVID-19 across various online and printed media. Social media is an easy, quick, and cost-effective source of information but its contents are not regulated. Users also usually don't verify information on social media on authentic sites. So, misinformation spreads at a exponential rate. Intern doctors as young physician should have scientific knowledge of disease and not be misled by rumors. Also, health-related information shared by health professionals owes greater credibility to the public. This study aims to explore whether or not intern doctors are using social media rationally in regards to COVID-19.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional, mixed-method study carried out among medical and dental interns of KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital. Data was collected with the help of a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire after pretesting. Two Focus group discussions were conducted to gain in- depth information.

Findings: 65 % percent of the intern doctors most often used social media to gain information about COVID-19 out of which 87.1 % used Facebook more often.  Around 46 % just read the full title of news appearing in social media while only 32.9 % read the full text.  36 % share the news just by seeing the title. Nearly 35 % of intern doctors check the authenticity of information on social media by verifying it via experts or from authentic sources.

Conclusion: Rational use of social media is a must to combat the epidemic of COVID 19. Health professionals including young doctors like interns should focus on scientific and evidence-based information and should use social media rationally both for acquisition and dissemination of information on COVID-19.
Choice of Food: A Preventive Measure during Covid-19 Outbreak
Authors: Bhatta Archana
Published: May 2020

As the Covid-19 pandemic has affected communities around the globe, people are facing the fear of being infected by it. It is believed that Coronavirus disease 2019 is directly associated to an individual’s immune response, with no documented research evidence found yet. But, Covid-19 is genetically similar to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV), therefore the same immune response is expected for Covid-191. It has also been found that individuals having weaker immune functions are more suspected to infect and have a high fatality rate2. Preventive measures such as good personal hygiene, wearing a mask, avoiding crowded places and sick individuals, practicing quarantine, and proper choice of food can help an individual to be safe from the risk of current COVID-19 infection. Research findings state that nutrition influences immune strength thereby protecting our body from the attack of pathogens3. Increasing intake of a nutritious diet can help to enhance the immune system and makes an individual less susceptible to diseases, which is also considered as a key factor for the prevention of viral infection like COVID-19. Therefore, the incorporation of foods rich in nutrients that boosts our immunity is one of the possible essential preventive measures to fight with this global crisis.
Subacute ruminal acidosis in dairy cows - physiological background, risk factors and diagnostic methods
Authors: Kovács Levente , Szenci Otto , Baumgartner Walter , Hejel Mátyás , Rózsa László
Published: May 2020

According to the latest studies, the prevalence of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is around 20% in early and mid- lactation dairy cows, generating annual losses in the United States of approximately USD 500 million to 1 billion. The diagnosis of SARA is still difficult due to lack of pathognomonic clues and the delayed appearance of certain clinical signs. Therefore, SARA remains neglected or even unrecognized in many dairy herds. SARA is characterized by daily episodes of low ruminal pH, when the pH remains in the range of 5.2 to 6 for a prolonged period due to the accumulation of short-chain fatty acids and insufficient rumen buffering. The causes of SARA are related to high-grain diets, such as feeding excessive amounts of non-structural carbohydrates and highly fermentable forages, and insufficient dietary coarse fibre. SARA is associated with the inflammation of several organs and tissues in dairy cows, and its main long-term health and economic consequences are the fluctuation of feed intake, reduced fibre digestion, depression of milk yield and milk fat content, gastrointestinal damage, diarrhoea, laminitis, liver abscesses, and lameness. The aim of this review is to summarize the information available on the physiological aspects, risk factors, prevalence and possible indicators of SARA in dairy cattle. Basedon the existing literature, rumenocentesis and the use of an oral stomach tube are reliable field techniques to detect SARA. Nowadays, improved field techniques allowing the continuous measurement of reticuloruminal pH are also available for better diagnosis of SARA. Wireless indwelling pH probes may become important tools for the continuous measurement of ruminal pH in the coming years.
Framework of Socialisation, Authentic Leadership and Affective Commitment for Construction Professionals
Authors: Batra Sachin
Published: May 2020

This paper highlights the human resources (HR) or behaviour-related success factors in construction projects, and these are training, understanding, co-worker support, future prospects, authentic leadership, and affective commitment. There exists discrepancies in existing literature regarding the factor structure of organisational socialisation and authentic leadership. Therefore, this study aims to explore the factor structure of socialisation, authentic leadership and affective commitment. Data was gathered from 301 newly joined construction professionals and  Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine the factor structure for organisational socialisation, authentic leadership and affective commitment. A measurement model was further developed using the domains of organisational socialisation, authentic leadership and affective commitment. The results of CFA revealed that there exists four zero-order factor structure for organisational socialisation, and one zero-order factor structure for authentic leadership. The study contributes to both the researcher and practitioner communities by integrating the three constructs and validating the factor structure in the new context (i.e. construction). Further, the study contributes towards improving HR processes, namely, training, reward system, and induction process. It also helps in augmenting the authenticity among the project participants.
A scientometric analysis and review of fall from height research in construction
Authors: C Vigneshkumar , Ravindra Salve Urmi
Published: May 2020

Fall from height (FFH) in the construction industry has earned much attention among researchers in recent years. The present review-based study introduced a science mapping approach to evaluate the FFH studies related to the construction industry. This study, through an extensive bibliometric and scientometric assessment, recognized the most active journals, keywords and the nations in the field of FFH studies since 2000. Analysis of the authors’ keywords revealed the emerging research topics in the FFH research community. Recent studies have been discovered to pay more attention to the application of Computer and Information Technology (CIT) tools, particularly building information modelling (BIM) in research related to FFH. Other emerging research areas in the domain of FFH include rule checking, and prevention through design. The findings summarized the mainstream research areas (e.g., safety management program), discussed existing research gaps in FFH domain (e.g., the adaptability of safety management system), and suggests future directions in FFH research. The recommended future directions could contribute to improving safety for the FFH research community by evaluating existing fall prevention programs in different contexts; integrating multiple CIT tools in the entire project lifecycle; designing fall safety courses to workers associated with temporary agents and prototype safety knowledge tool development. The current study was restricted to the FFH literature sample included the journal articles published only in English and in Scopus.
Quantifying methane emissions from Queensland's coal seam gas producing Surat Basin using inventory data and an efficient regional Bayesian inversion
Authors: Luhar Ashok K. , Etheridge David M. , Loh Zoë M. , Noonan Julie , Spencer Darren , Smith Lisa , Ong Cindy
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Methane emissions across Queensland’s Surat Basin, Australia, result from a mix of activities, including the production and processing of coal seam gas (CSG). We measured methane concentrations over 1.5 years from two monitoring stations established 80 km apart on either side of the main CSG belt located within a study area of 350 × 350 km2. Coupling bottom-up inventory and inverse modelling approaches, we quantify methane emissions from this area. The inventory suggests that the total emission is 173 × 106 kg CH4/yr, with grazing cattle contributing about half of that, cattle feedlots 25 %, and CSG Processing 8 %. Using the inventory emissions in a forward regional transport model indicates that the above sources are significant contributors to methane at both monitors. However, the model underestimates approximately the highest 15 % of the observed methane concentrations, suggesting underestimated or missing emissions. An efficient regional Bayesian inverse model is developed, incorporating an hourly source-receptor relationship based on a backward-in-time configuration of the forward regional transport model, a posterior sampling scheme, and the hourly methane observations. The inferred emissions obtained from one of the inverse model setups that uses a Gaussian prior whose averages are identical the gridded bottom-up inventory emissions across the domain with an uncertainty of 3 % of the averages best describes the observed methane. Having only two stations is not adequate at sampling distant source areas of the study domain, and this necessitates a small prior uncertainty. This inverse setup yields a total emission that is very similar to the total inventory emission. However, in a subdomain covering the CSG development areas, the inferred emissions are 33 % larger than those from the inventory.
Large-scale biospheric drought response intensifies linearly with drought duration in arid regions
Authors: Orth René , Destouni Georgia , Jung Martin , Reichstein Markus
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Soil moisture droughts have comprehensive implications for terrestrial
ecosystems. Here we study time-accumulated impacts of the strongest observed
droughts on vegetation. The results show that drought duration, the time
during which surface soil moisture is below seasonal average, is a key
diagnostic variable for predicting drought-integrated changes in (i) gross
primary productivity, (ii) evapotranspiration, (iii) vegetation greenness,
and (iv) crop yields. Drought-integrated anomalies in these
vegetation-related variables scale linearly with drought duration with a
slope depending on climate. In arid regions, the slope is steep such that
vegetation drought response intensifies with drought duration, whereas in
humid regions, it is small such that drought impacts on vegetation are weak
even for long droughts. These emergent large-scale linearities are not well
captured by state-of-the-art hydrological, land surface, and vegetation
models. Overall, the linear relationship of drought duration versus
vegetation response and crop yield reductions can serve as a model benchmark
and support drought impact interpretation and prediction.
Assimilating synthetic Biogeochemical-Argo and ocean colour observations into a global ocean model to inform observing system design
Authors: Ford David
Published: May 2020

Abstract. A set of observing system simulation experiments has been performed to explore the impact on global ocean biogeochemical reanalyses of assimilating chlorophyll from remotely sensed ocean colour, and assess the potential impact of assimilating in situ observations of chlorophyll, nitrate, oxygen, and pH from a proposed array of Biogeochemical-Argo (BGC-Argo) floats. Two different potential BGC-Argo array distributions were tested: one where biogeochemical sensors are placed on all current Argo floats, and one where biogeochemical sensors are placed on a quarter of current Argo floats. This latter approximately corresponds to the proposed BGC-Argo array of 1000 floats. Different strategies for updating model variables when assimilating ocean colour were assessed. All similarly improved the assimilated variable surface chlorophyll, but had a mixed impact on the wider ecosystem and carbon cycle, degrading some key variables of interest. Assimilating BGC-Argo data gave no added benefit over ocean colour in terms of simulating surface chlorophyll, but for most other variables, including sub-surface chlorophyll, adding BGC-Argo greatly improved results throughout the water column. This included surface partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), which was not assimilated but is an important output of reanalyses. Both BGC-Argo array distributions gave benefits, with greater improvements seen with more observations. From the point of view of ocean reanalysis, it is recommended to proceed with development of BGC-Argo as a priority. The proposed array of 1000 floats will lead to clear improvements in reanalyses, with a larger array likely to bring further benefits. The ocean colour satellite observing system should also be maintained, as ocean colour and BGC-Argo will provide complementary benefits. There is also much potential to improve the use of existing observations, particularly in terms of multivariate balancing, through improving assimilation methodologies.
Rapid collaborative knowledge building via Twitter after significant geohazard events
Authors: Lacassin Robin , Devès Maud , Hicks Stephen P. , Ampuero Jean-Paul , Bossu Remy , Bruhat Lucile ,   Daryono, Wibisono Desianto F. , Fallou Laure , Fielding Eric J. , Gabriel Alice-Agnes , Gurney Jamie , Krippner Janine , Lomax Anthony , Sudibyo Muh. Ma'rufin , Pamumpuni Astyka , Patton Jason R. , Robinson Helen , Tingay Mark , Valkaniotis Sotiris
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Twitter is an established social media platform valued by scholars as an open way to disseminate scientific information and to publicly discuss research results. Scientific discussions on Twitter are viewed by the media, who can then pass on information to the wider public. Social media is used widely by geoscientists, but there is little documentation currently available regarding the benefits or limitations of this for the scientist or the public. Here, we use the example of two 2018 earthquake-related events that were widely commented on by geoscientists on Twitter: the Palu Mw 7.5 earthquake and related tsunami in Indonesia and the long-duration Mayotte island seismovolcanic crisis in the Indian Ocean. We built our study on a content and contextual analysis of selected Twitter threads about the geophysical characteristics of these events. From the analysis of these two examples, we show that Twitter promotes a very rapid building of knowledge in the minutes to hours and days following an event via an efficient exchange of information and active discussion between the scientists themselves and the public. We discuss the advantages and potential pitfalls of this relatively novel way of making scientific information accessible to scholarly peers and lay people. We argue that scientific discussion on Twitter breaks down the traditional “ivory tower” of academia, contributes to the growing trend towards open science, and may help people to understand how science is developed and, in turn, to better understand the risks related to natural/environmental hazards.
Snow processes in mountain forests: interception modeling for coarse-scale applications
Authors: Helbig Nora , Moeser David , Teich Michaela , Vincent Laure , Lejeune Yves , Sicart Jean-Emmanuel , Monnet Jean-Matthieu
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Snow interception by the forest canopy controls the spatial heterogeneity of subcanopy snow accumulation leading to significant differences between forested and nonforested areas at a variety of scales. Snow intercepted by the forest canopy can also drastically change the surface albedo. As such, accurately modeling snow interception is of importance for various model applications such as hydrological, weather, and climate predictions. Due to difficulties in the direct measurements of snow interception, previous empirical snow interception models were developed at just the point scale. The lack of spatially extensive data sets has hindered the validation of snow interception models in different snow climates, forest types, and at various spatial scales and has reduced the accurate representation of snow interception in coarse-scale models. We present two novel empirical models for the spatial mean and one for the standard deviation of snow interception derived from an extensive snow interception data set collected in an evergreen coniferous forest in the Swiss Alps. Besides open-site snowfall, subgrid model input parameters include the standard deviation of the DSM (digital surface model) and/or the sky view factor, both of which can be easily precomputed. Validation of both models was performed with snow interception data sets acquired in geographically different locations under disparate weather conditions. Snow interception data sets from the Rocky Mountains, US, and the French Alps compared well to the modeled snow interception with a normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) for the spatial mean of ≤10 % for both models and NRMSE of the standard deviation of ≤13 %. Compared to a previous model for the spatial mean interception of snow water equivalent, the presented models show improved model performances. Our results indicate that the proposed snow interception models can be applied in coarse land surface model grid cells provided that a sufficiently fine-scale DSM is available to derive subgrid forest parameters.
Internal tides in the Solomon Sea in contrasted ENSO conditions
Authors: Tchilibou Michel , Gourdeau Lionel , Lyard Florent , Morrow Rosemary , Koch Larrouy Ariane , Allain Damien , Djath Bughsin
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Intense equatorward western boundary currents transit the Solomon Sea, where active mesoscale structures exist with energetic internal tides. In this marginal sea, the mixing induced by these features can play a role in the observed water mass transformation. The objective of this paper is to
document the M2 internal tides in the Solomon Sea and their impacts on the
circulation and water masses, based on two regional simulations with and
without tides. Since the Solomon Sea is under the influence of ENSO, the
characteristics of the internal tides are also analyzed for two contrasted
conditions: the January–March 1998 El Niño and the April–June 1999 La
Niña. The generation, propagation, and dissipation of the internal tides
are sensitive to changes in stratification and mesoscale activity, and these
differ between these contrasted El Niño and La Niña case studies.
Mode 1 is the dominant vertical mode to propagate baroclinic tidal energy
within the Solomon Sea, but mode 2 becomes more energetic during the El
Niño period when the stratification is closer to the surface. The La
Niña period with a higher level of mesoscale activity exhibits more
incoherent internal tides. These results illustrate the complexity of
predicting internal tides in marginal seas in order to clearly observe meso-
and submesoscale signatures from altimetric missions, including the future
Surface Water Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. Diapycnal mixing induced by tides contributes to a stronger
erosion of the salinity maximum of the upper thermocline water and to
cooling of the surface temperature interacting with the atmosphere. Such
effects are particularly visible in quieter regions, where particles may
experience the tidal effects over a longer time. However, when averaged over
the Solomon Sea, the tidal effect on water mass transformation is an order
of magnitude less than that observed at the entrance and exits of the
Solomon Sea. These localized sites appear crucial for diapycnal mixing,
since most of the baroclinic tidal energy is generated and dissipated
locally here, and the different currents entering/exiting the Solomon Sea
merge and mix. Finally, the extreme ENSO condition case studies suggest the
strong role of local circulation changes, as well as stratification changes,
in modifying the internal tides.
Resolved stress analysis, failure mode, and fault-controlled fluid conduits
Authors: Ferrill David A. , Smart Kevin J. , Morris Alan P.
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Failure behaviors can strongly influence deformation-related
changes in volume, which are critical in the formation of fault and fracture
porosity and conduit development in low-permeability rocks. This paper
explores the failure modes and deformation behavior of faults within the
mechanically layered Eagle Ford Formation, an ultra-low permeability
self-sourced oil and gas reservoir and aquitard exposed in natural outcrop
in southwest Texas, USA. Particular emphasis is placed on analysis of the
relationship between slip versus opening along fault segments and the
associated variation in dilation tendency versus slip tendency. Results show
that the failure mode and deformation behavior (dilation versus slip)
relate in predictable ways to the mechanical stratigraphy, stress field, and
specifically the dilation tendency and slip tendency. We conclude that
dilation tendency versus slip tendency patterns on faults and other
fractures can be analyzed using detailed orientation or structural geometry
data and stress information and employed predictively to interpret
deformation modes and infer volume change and fluid conduit versus barrier
behavior of structures.
Boreal-forest soil chemistry drives soil organic carbon bioreactivity along a 314-year fire chronosequence
Authors: Andrieux Benjamin , Paré David , Beguin Julien , Grondin Pierre , Bergeron Yves
Published: May 2020

Abstract. Following a wildfire, organic carbon (C) accumulates in
boreal-forest soils. The long-term patterns of accumulation as well as the
mechanisms responsible for continuous soil C stabilization or sequestration
are poorly known. We evaluated post-fire C stock changes in functional
reservoirs (bioreactive and recalcitrant) using the proportion of C
mineralized in CO2 by microbes in a long-term lab incubation, as well
as the proportion of C resistant to acid hydrolysis. We found that all soil
C pools increased linearly with the time since fire. The bioreactive and
acid-insoluble soil C pools increased at a rate of 0.02 and 0.12 MgC ha−1 yr−1, respectively,
and their proportions relative to total soil C stock remained constant with
the time since fire (8 % and 46 %, respectively). We quantified direct and
indirect causal relationships among variables and C bioreactivity to
disentangle the relative contribution of climate, moss dominance, soil
particle size distribution and soil chemical properties (pH, exchangeable
manganese and aluminum, and metal oxides) to the variation structure of in vitro
soil C bioreactivity. Our analyses showed that the chemical properties of
podzolic soils that characterize the study area were the best predictors of
soil C bioreactivity. For the O layer, pH and exchangeable manganese were
the most important (model-averaged estimator for both of 0.34) factors
directly related to soil organic C bioreactivity, followed by the time since
fire (0.24), moss dominance (0.08), and climate and texture (0 for both). For
the mineral soil, exchangeable aluminum was the most important factor
(model-averaged estimator of −0.32), followed by metal oxide (−0.27), pH
(−0.25), the time since fire (0.05), climate and texture (∼0 for
both). Of the four climate factors examined in this study (i.e., mean annual
temperature, growing degree-days above 5 ∘C, mean annual
precipitation and water balance) only those related to water availability –
and not to temperature – had an indirect effect (O layer) or a marginal indirect
effect (mineral soil) on soil C bioreactivity. Given that predictions of the
impact of climate change on soil C balance are strongly linked to the size
and the bioreactivity of soil C pools, our study stresses the need to
include the direct effects of soil chemistry and the indirect effects of
climate and soil texture on soil organic matter decomposition in Earth
system models to forecast the response of boreal soils to global warming.
Stuck in limbo: Coping with an unusual circumstance as an International Medical Graduate from India
Authors: Chetana Shanmukhappa Sanjana
Published: May 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical students and graduates applying for higher education abroad face stress and anxiety. With countries under lockdown, the situation has left many wondering how they can use their time fruitfully. In this experience, I illustrate the methods I have used to gain maximum productivity in this period.
Evaluation of the physiological state of feijoa (Feijoa sellowiana Berg) in subtropical Russia
Authors: Omarova Zuhra , Platonova Nataliia , Belous Oksana , Omarov Magomed
Published: May 2020

The article presents the results of research examining varietal diversity with respect the activity of oxidative enzymes (EC 1.11.1.6) and the dry matter and Proline accumulation of leaves under optimal and stressful conditions. For feijoa, the most stressful period in the subtropics of Russia, with respect to hydrothermal conditions, occurs between July and September. Studies have shown that the highest degree of enzymatic activity is observed in August in the ‘Superba’ variety of feijoa, which was used as a control in this study, and the lowest level of activity was observed in the 'Sentjabrskaja' variety. The long-term water deficit experienced in September coincides with fruiting in feijoa. This causes a change in catalase activity in leaves, which is maintained until it is inhibited. Form ShV-1 of feijoa is characterised by its metabolic stability. In fact, the activity of oxidative enzymes in leaves of the variety is stable. Dry matter content per unit area increases as the leaf grows. During the drought period, which coincides with active fruiting, the leaves of the ‘Dachnaja' variety and the ShV-1 form accumulate significantly less dry matter than other varieties. In the ‘Dagomysskaja' variety, the intensity of organic matter consumption via respiration and outflow exceeds visible photosynthesis, which is expressed as a negative value (average = 1.96 g.dm-2 h). To fully characterise the physiological state of feijoa plants under the influence of abiotic factors and catalase activity in the humid subtropics of Russia, indicators of dry matter accumulation and true photosynthesis intensity can be used.
Personalized nutrition and “digital twins” of food
Authors: Nikitina Marina , Chernukha Irina
Published: May 2020

Mathematization of research is one of the most effective methods of virtual substantiation of foodstuff recipe and technology. This approach allows creating a product that meets consumer's individual needs, i.e. personalized foodstuff (ethnicity, cultural preferences, regional and environmental characteristics, lifestyle), and at the same time reducing the time and cost of decision-making. The article discusses the hypothesis that the “digital twin” of a food product is a virtual model of the product, namely its mathematical model (simulation model). A simulation model is a logical and mathematical description of a food product that is used to conduct a computerized experiment in order to design desired characteristics and properties. The “digital twin” combines all variety of factors from chemical composition, functional and technological properties to organoleptic indicators. The application of the “digital twin” model of the foodstuff will allow: (1) reacting quickly to changes in the composition, properties and types of raw ingredients, (2) adjusting the product recipe in response to changes in consumer preferences, (3) designing products with a given chemical composition, nutritional value and functional orientation, (4) creating functional, specialized products taking into account the metabolism of nutrients (ethnicity, cultural preferences, health status and clinical factors). Products adapted to the needs of small categories of people will help reducing the risks for those who already have diseases, and will meet the needs of those who would like to make their diet more appropriate to individual needs. The proposed approach to creating a model of the “digital twin” of the foodstuff includes several stages. The first stage involves optimization of the nutritional and biological value of the designed product. The second stage is related to designing the food product’s structural forms. But even if the recipe of a food product is optimally selected in the first stage, it does not guarantee its transformation during processing into a stable system with the required structural, mechanical, functional and technological parameters. Evaluation of the developed food product’s efficiency is possible only by analysing numerous and various parameters and indicators. It is convenient to generalize (convolute) many parameters and indicators into a single quantitative dimensionless indicator. To assess the quality and adequacy of the food product, it is suggested to use an integral indicator in the form of additive convolution – the ‘functional’ of the food product quality.
Lamotrigine Toxicosis Treated with Intravenous Lipid Emulsion Therapy in a Dog
Authors: Hagley Simon P. , Epstein Steven E. , Stern Joshua A. , Poppenga Robert
Published: May 2020

A female spayed dachshund/mixed-breed dog was evaluated following ingestion of lamotrigine tablets with subsequent rapid onset of vomiting, diarrhea, and generalized tremoring. On initial examination, the dog was moderately obtunded and nonambulatory with intermittent myoclonus and hyperesthesia. Electrocardiogram revealed sinus tachycardia with prolongation of the QT interval. Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) infusion was initiated, with reduction in tremoring and improved patient mentation being noted after ∼20 min of therapy. An elevated cardiac troponin I value measured at 1.02 ng/mL the day after presentation. Serum toxicological assay revealed marked reduction in serum lamotrigine levels following ILE and continued reduction during hospitalization. The dog’s clinical signs resolved, corrected QT interval returned to normal, and the patient was discharged 38 hr after presentation. Individual cases of lamotrigine toxicosis have not been fully reported in veterinary literature. This case report documents the rapid onset of clinical signs including neurologic dysfunction, cardiac arrhythmias, and transient corrected QT prolongation. Serial serum concentrations of lamotrigine showed a rapid reduction with ILE therapy and corresponded with clinical recovery, suggesting efficacy of ILE treatment in this case.
Successful Treatment of Urinary Bladder Hemangiosarcoma by Partial Cystectomy in a Dog
Authors: Townsend Sarah , Regier Penny J. , More Sunil N.
Published: May 2020

A 6 yr old neutered male German shepherd dog was evaluated at a veterinary referral hospital following diagnosis of uroabdomen of unknown origin. A positive-contrast retrograde urethrogram identified diffusely irregular margins of the urinary bladder but no active leakage of urine into the peritoneal cavity. An abdominal ultrasound identified severe thickening and loss of wall layering of the apex of the bladder. The dog was initially managed with an indwelling urinary catheter; however, when the catheter was removed 5 days later, the dog developed a recurrent uroabdomen after an episode of dysuria. Subsequent surgical exploration identified numerous (>5), small (1–2 cm), black cyst-like nodules within the bladder wall at the apex of the bladder. A partial cystectomy, removing approximately 65% of the cranial bladder, was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the bladder identified hemangiosarcoma of the bladder wall with chronic neutrophilic and hemorrhagic cystitis. The dog recovered from surgery without major complication and is still alive 9 mo following surgery. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of successful treatment of canine bladder hemangiosarcoma by partial cystectomy in a dog.
Caudal Auricular Axial Pattern Flap for the Reconstruction of the Upper Eyelid in Three Cats
Authors: Del Magno Sara , Giuseppe Paludi , Pisani Guido , Morello Emanuela , Piras Lisa Adele , Buracco Paolo , Martano Marina
Published: May 2020

Three cats bearing malignant tumors (two squamous cell carcinomas and one peripheral nerve sheath tumor) affecting the upper eyelid (UE) were treated by en bloc tumor removal. A caudal auricular axial pattern flap was used for reconstruction, and its margin was sutured to only the medial and lateral canthus in two cats; in the third cat, a narrow strip of spared conjunctiva was sutured to the flap margin. Postoperatively, superficial corneal ulcers occurred in two cats, but they healed with topical treatment. Apart from a reduced ability to blink, no further functional deficits persisted, and the long-term cosmetic appearance was considered satisfactory by the owners. Tumor-free excisional margins were achieved in two cases. Tumor recurrence in the long-term was observed for two cats, 350 and 380 days after surgery, one of whom had excisional noninfiltrated margins on histologic examination. UE reconstruction to preserve eyelid function following tumor excision without exenteration is challenging. In selected cases, caudal auricular axial pattern flap is one of the surgical options available to reconstruct the defect resulting from en bloc UE removal without any replacement of the mucosal layer.
An Empirical Study of Chinese EFL Learners’ Understanding and Translation of Expressions of Multiplication Entailing “Times”
Authors: Li Jing
Published: May 2020

The debate on how to understand such expressions of multiplication entailing “times” as “n times more than” and “increase (by) n times” has been on and off in China since the 1980s. A review of literature seems to suggest that despite early-stage divergence in understanding, there is a general consensus among the Chinese academia at present that the English word “times” entails the base number, and therefore expressions of multiplication like “n times more than” and “increase (by) n times” are equivalent to the expression “n times as much/many as”. This paper intends to find out whether this consensus is reflected in Chinese EFL learners’ understanding of those expressions. Altogether 16 English majors from one of the key universities in the northern part of China were tested on their understanding and translation of two passages with embedded arithmetic comparisons using “n times more than” and “increase n times” respectively. It is found that a sizable proportion of them (62.5% for the former and 56.25% for the latter) gave inaccurate translation and that their rendering manifests not only their misunderstanding but also indiscretion in the translating process. Such factors as students’ indiscriminate use of information from the Internet, ambiguity and errors in popular grammar books, the presumed disjunction between EFL research and EFL teaching, and the untimely updating of English competence on the part of Chinese EFL teachers in China are proposed as possible reasons.
Determining the Motor Ability Levels of the Preschool Children
Authors: Tepe Zehra Gozel
Published: May 2020

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the motor ability levels of the preschool children. The sampling of the study consisted of 46 children (22 girls, 24 boys) between the ages of 5-6. Kindergarten Mobile Test (KiMo) was used in determining the motor ability levels of the children. The test consisted of 5 subtests. These were; the shuttle run, standing long jump, one leg stand, flexibility and lateral jumping. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the average, frequency and percentage distributions regarding the motor abilities of the children. The children achieved average and below-average scores at all age groups in the shuttle run, standing long jump, one leg stand, flexibility and lateral jumping and they were incompetent in coordination, endurance and speed as basic motor abilities. As a result, it was determined that the motor abilities of the preschool children were low as of the early years. Performing activities that involve motor abilities inside and outside the school for the preschool children, who spend most of the day in narrow locations with limited movement areas, would support their healthy development in physical, mental and social terms.
Impact of Performance Feedback for Effective Use of Digital Badges
Authors: Besser Erin D. , Newby Timothy J.
Published: May 2020

A recent educational trend has been the increasing focus on validating and credentialing learning taking place outside of traditional academic settings. Digital badges have the potential to address various concerns within formal education settings. Digital badges have been heralded for having the ability to show mastery of content, and more accurately reflect the actual knowledge and skills of learners (Mehta, Hull, Young, & Stoller, 2013). Digital badges have been shown to increase motivation (Light & Pierson, 2014; Lin et al., 2013), increased student learning outcomes (Newby & Cheng, 2019; Wonder-McDowell et al., 2011), and overall comprehensiveness of learning (Mettler, Massey, & Kellman, 2011). Formative assessment through instructor feedback is crucial to mastering content and displaying achievement. Feedback delivers important information regarding desired learning and perceived learning and affords opportunities to decrease that gap. A common misconception is that all digital badges are automated, however, in many teaching and learning settings, feedback is provided by instructors. The authors provide a set of optimal feedback suggestions to aid in Mastery Learning and digital badge instruction and consider the implications these actions in education.
Cross-national distance impact on FDI strategic decisions into Portugal: Evidence from Eurozone and Ibero-America
Authors: Duarte Marcelo Pereira , Carvalho Fernando Manuel Pereira de Oliveira
Published: May 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess if MNEs from the Eurozone and Ibero-America have different sensitivities to cross-national distance when investing in Portugal, by comparison with non-Eurozone and non Ibero-American MNEs.Methodology: Using qualitative variables on a panel data analysis, we are able to assess the differentiated effects of cross-national distance on MNEs from members and non-members of both groups of countries.Findings: Results suggest that sensitivities are indeed differentiated, with a notable exception of administrative distance which remains with a negative effect throughout all groups.Originality: This research contributes to international business/management literature in the extent that it explores the relationship between cross-national distance and one of the most important international strategic decisions, FDI. It also addresses Portugal’s monetary integration in the Eurozone and the historic and cultural ties with Ibero-American countries.
Social Representations of the Media on Celebrity-Manager's Performance in an Unsuccesful Merger Strategy
Authors: Singh Ananda Silva , Oviedo Ana Beatriz Murillo , Borges Jacquelaine Florindo , Junqueira Murilo
Published: May 2020

Purpose: To analyze how the social representations of the media about a celebrity manager are configured before, during and after the process of an unsuccessful merger attempt. The research was based on studies on celebrity managers, strategist managers and merger and acquisition processes, social representations and the media.Methodology / approach: Techniques of media research, internet research and documentary research were used to collect reports published by the media. From a qualitative and longitudinal approach, we performed a thematic analysis of the content of these reports.Originality / Relevance: No studies were found addressing the way social representations develop before, during and after a merger process.Results: This research showed that representations of celebrity manager Abilio Diniz, built by the media before, during and after the process of an unsuccessful attempt to merge Pão de Açúcar with Carrefour, changed throughout the process.Theoretical / methodological contributions: A psychosociology approach to the roles and behaviors of celebrity managers opens the possibility of studying both the symbolic, historical, cultural and political dimensions of the archetypes that guide strategic leadership. Social / managerial contributions: The research showed the dynamic and collective nature of the celebrity manager's social representations in the media, which guide participants and the managers' own actions and practices in merger and acquisition processes.
Social Representations of the Media on Celebrity-Manager's Performance in an Unsuccesful Merger Strategy
Authors: Singh Ananda Silva , Oviedo Ana Beatriz Murillo , Borges Jacquelaine Florindo , Junqueira Murilo
Published: May 2020

Objetivo do estudo: Analisar como se configuram as representações sociais da mídia acerca de um gestor-celebridade antes, durante e depois do processo de tentativa malsucedida de uma fusão. A pesquisa foi fundamentada nos estudos sobre gestores-celebridades, gestor- estrategista e processos de fusões e aquisições, representações sociais e a mídia. Metodologia/abordagem: Técnicas de pesquisa da mídia, pesquisa em internet e pesquisa documental foram utilizadas para a coleta de reportagens publicadas pela mídia. A partir de uma abordagem qualitativa e longitudinal, foi conduzida a análise temática de conteúdo dessas reportagens. Originalidade/Relevância: Não foram evidenciados estudos contemplando a forma que as representações sociais se desenvolvem antes, durante e depois de um processo de fusão. Principais resultados: Esta pesquisa mostrou que as representações do gestor-celebridade Abilio Diniz construídas pela mídia antes, durante e após o processo de tentativa malsucedida de fusão do Pão de Açúcar com o Carrefour mudaram ao longo do processo. Contribuições teóricas/metodológicas: Uma abordagem da psicossociologia sobre papéis e comportamentos de gestores-celebridades abre a possibilidade de estudos tanto da dimensão simbólica, quanto histórica, cultural e política dos arquétipos que orientam a liderança estratégica. Contribuições sociais / para a gestão: A pesquisa mostrou a natureza dinâmica e coletiva das representações sociais do gestor-celebridade na mídia, representações que guiam os participantes e orientam as ações e práticas dos próprios gestores em processos de fusão e aquisição.
Relevance of Strategic Planning in the Decision-Making Process of Accounting Service Companies: A Fuzzy Analysis
Authors: Keller Guilherme Freitas , Souza Ângela Rozane Leal de , Fernandes Alice Munz , Velho Cassiane Oliveira
Published: May 2020

Objetivo: Identificar as ações estratégicas que devem ser priorizadas pelos escritórios contábeis de pequeno porte da cidade de Porto Alegre/RS no processo decisório para maximizar a possibilidade de atingir os objetivos estratégicos.Método: Pesquisa qualitativa exploratória e descritiva composta por duas etapas. Inicialmente, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com gestores sócios-proprietários de quatro escritórios contábeis com a finalidade de identificar elementos predominantes do planejamento estratégico, mediante análise de conteúdo operacionalizada com o auxílio do software QSR NVivo 11. Posteriormente, os resultados obtidos forneceram subsídios para a segunda etapa que buscava analisar o grau de pertinência de suas ações estratégicas em relação aos objetivos, por meio da Lógica Fuzzy viabilizada pelo software Matlab R2012Originalidade/Relevância: Utilização de uma metodologia não usualmente empregada na área de ciências sociais aplicadas para compreensão de um fenômeno com aporte teórico consolidado.Resultados: Identificou-se a existência de seis objetivos estratégicos latentes: aprimorar os controles internos e aperfeiçoar processos; reestruturar a empresa; promover a marca; ser referência em qualidade e sustentabilidade; aumentar o faturamento, e; manter ou aprimorar o nível técnico dos colaboradores. Constatou-se a existência de um número maior de variáveis concernentes ao ambiente externo do que ao interno, além de que nem todas as ações que os escritórios adotam são suficientemente pertinentes para atingir os objetivos estratégicos de forma satisfatória.Contribuições teóricas/metodológicas: Utilização de métodos de pesquisas complementares para a compreensão de um fenômeno que apesar de contribuir para o processo decisório das organizações, geralmente não é implementado pelas empresas prestadoras de serviços contábeis, sobretudo as de pequeno porte.