bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robo-advisor acceptance: Do gender and generation matter?
Authors: Figà-Talamanca Gianna , Tanzi Paola Musile , D’Urzo Eleonora
Published: June 2022

Robo-advice technology refers to services offered by a virtual financial advisor based on artificial intelligence. Research on the application of robo-advice technology already highlights the potential benefit in terms of financial inclusion. We analyze the process for adopting robo-advice through the technology acceptance model (TAM), focusing on a highly educated sample and exploring generational and gender differences. We find no significant gender difference in the causality links with adoption, although some structural differences still arise between male and female groups. Further, we find evidence that generational cohorts affect the path to future adoption of robo-advice technology. Indeed, the ease of use is the factor which triggers the adoption by Generation Z and Generation Y, whereas the perceived usefulness of robo-advice technology is the key factor driving Generation X+, who need to understand the ultimate purpose of a robo-advice technology tool before adopting it. Overall, the above findings may reflect that, while gender differences are wiped out in a highly educated population, generation effects still matter in the adoption of a robo-advice technology tool.
Predictors of telemedicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States–an analysis of a national electronic medical record database
Authors: Khatana Sameed Ahmed M. , Yang Lin , Eberly Lauren A. , Julien Howard M. , Adusumalli Srinath , Groeneveld Peter W.
Published: June 2022

Telemedicine utilization increased significantly in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is concern that disadvantaged groups face barriers to access based on single-center studies. Whether there has been equitable access to telemedicine services across the US and during later parts of the pandemic is unclear. This study retrospectively analyzes outpatient medical encounters for patients 18 years of age and older using Healthjump–a national electronic medical record database–from March 1 to December 31, 2020. A mixed effects multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the association between telemedicine utilization and patient and area-level factors and the odds of having at least one telemedicine encounter during the study period. Among 1,999,534 unique patients 21.6% had a telemedicine encounter during the study period. In the multivariable model, age [OR = 0.995 (95% CI 0.993, 0.997); p<0.001], non-Hispanic Black race [OR = 0.88 (95% CI 0.84, 0.93); p<0.001], and English as primary language [OR = 0.78 (95% CI 0.74, 0.83); p<0.001] were associated with a lower odds of telemedicine utilization. Female gender [OR = 1.24 (95% CI 1.22, 1.27); p<0.001], Hispanic ethnicity or non-Hispanic other race [OR = 1.40 (95% CI 1.33, 1.46);p<0.001 and 1.29 (95% CI 1.20, 1.38); p<0.001, respectively] were associated with a higher odds of telemedicine utilization. During the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore, utilization of telemedicine differed significantly among patient groups, with older and non-Hispanic Black patients less likely to have telemedicine encounters. These findings are relevant for ongoing efforts regarding the nature of telemedicine as the COVID-19 pandemic ends.
Absence of toxin gene transfer from Clostridioides difficile strain 630Δerm to nontoxigenic C. difficile strain NTCD-M3r in filter mating experiments
Authors: Sambol Susan P. , Johnson Stuart , Cheknis Adam , Gerding Dale N.
Published: June 2022

Nontoxigenic Clostridioides difficile strain M3 (NTCD-M3) protects hamsters and humans against C. difficile infection. Transfer in vitro of the pathogenicity locus (PaLoc) to nontoxigenic strain CD37 has been reported. We repeated these conjugations using toxigenic strain 630Δerm as donor and NTCD-M3 and CD37 as recipients. In order to conduct these matings we induced rifampin resistance (50ug/ml) in NTCD-M3 by serial passage on rifampin-containing media to obtain strain NTCD-M3r. 630Δerm/CD37 matings produced 21 PaLoc transconjugants in 5.5 x 109 recipient CFUs; a frequency of 3.8 x 10−9. All transconjugants carried the tcdB gene and produced toxin. 630Δerm/NTCD-M3r matings produced no transconjugants in 5 assays with a total of 9.4 x 109 NTCD-M3r recipient cells. Toxin gene transfer to NTCD-M3r could not be demonstrated under conditions that demonstrated transfer to strain CD37.
Screening PLHIV for depression using PHQs: A RCT comparing non-selective with selective screening strategy within a primary health care facility in Uganda
Authors: Okimat Paul , Akena Dickens , Opio Denis , Mutabazi Tobius , Sendaula Emmanuel , Semitala Fred C. , Kalyango Joan N. , Karamagi Charles A.
Published: June 2022

Background

Depression is rarely screened for among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) although it is 2 to 3 times more prevalent among PLHIV than in the general population. In instances where depression is screened for using screening tools, it usually follows noticing depression risk factors. This practice of selectively screening for depression could be leaving some cases of depression unattended to. On the other hand, subjecting every client to screening tools (non-selective screening) offers every patient an opportunity to be managed for depression. However, this could require additional resources as compared to selective screening. We present and discuss results on whether non-selective and selective screening strategies differ in depression case detection, and in addition, we also present perceptions of the stake holders on the two screening strategies.

Methods

The study was conducted in Princess Diana Memorial Health Centre IV HIV clinic using a randomized controlled trial with a qualitative component. To determine whether there was a difference in depression case detection, consecutively sampled participants were randomly allocated to either non-selective or selective screening strategy. Participants allocated to selective screening were screened for depression using the patient health questionnaire (s) (PHQs) if they were at “crisis points”. While those allocated to non-selective screening were screened regardless of whether the “crisis points” were noticed or not. The PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 were used in sequence. 326 PLHIV participated in the study. Outcomes of the MINI evaluation were analyzed for those with PHQ-9 scores of 10 or more to confirm major depressive disorder (MDD). Data was analyzed using the two sample Z-test for proportions with Stata 2013 software. To explore the perceptions of the stake holders, key informant interviews were performed with six stakeholders that experienced the study.

Results

Cases of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 5) were more likely to be detected by the non-selective screening strategy 30.2% (49/162) compared to the selective screening strategy 19.5% (32/164) (difference in proportions 0.107, 95% confidence interval 0.014–0.200, Cohen’s h = 0.25, P = 0.03). The stake holders thought it was important to screen for depression among PLHIV with preference to non-selective screening strategy.

Conclusion

Evidence from this data suggests that more cases of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 5) are likely to be detected with non-selective screening as opposed to selective screening.

Trial registration

PACTR201802003141213 (name: comparison of routine versus selective screening for depression strategies among PLHIV attending Princess Diana Memorial Health Centre iv Soroti).
What effect have NHS commissioners’ policies for body mass index had on access to knee replacement surgery in England?: An interrupted time series analysis from the National Joint Registry
Authors: McLaughlin Joanna , Kipping Ruth , Owen-Smith Amanda , McLeod Hugh , Hawley Samuel , Wilkinson J Mark , Judge Andrew
Published: June 2022

Objective

To assess the impact of local commissioners’ policies for body mass index on access to knee replacement surgery in England.

Methods

A Natural Experimental Study using interrupted time series and difference-in-differences analysis. We used National Joint Registry for England data linked to the 2015 Index of Multiple Deprivation for 481,555 patients who had primary knee replacement surgery in England between January 2009 and December 2019. Clinical Commissioning Group policies introduced before June 2018 to alter access to knee replacement for patients who were overweight or obese were considered the intervention. The main outcome measures were rate per 100,000 of primary knee replacement surgery and patient demographics (body mass index, Index of Multiple Deprivation, independently-funded surgery) over time.

Results

Rates of surgery had a sustained fall after the introduction of a policy (trend change of -0.98 operations per 100,000 population aged 40+, 95% confidence interval -1.22 to -0.74, P<0.001), whereas rates increased in localities with no policy introduction. At three years after introduction, there were 10.5 per 100,000 population fewer operations per quarter aged 40+ compared to the counterfactual, representing a fall of 14.1% from the rate expected had there been no change in trend. There was no dose response effect with policy severity. Rates of surgery fell in all patient groups, including non-obese patients following policy introduction. The proportion of independently-funded operations increased after policy introduction, as did the measure of socioeconomic deprivation of patients.

Conclusions

Body mass index policy introduction was associated with decreases in the rates of knee replacement surgery across localities that introduced policies. This affected all patient groups, not just obese patients at whom the policies were targeted. Changes in patient demographics seen after policy introduction suggest these policies may increase health inequalities and further qualitative research is needed to understand their implementation and impact.
Acidification of endothelial Weibel-Palade bodies is mediated by the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase
Authors: Terglane Julian , Menche Dirk , Gerke Volker
Published: June 2022

Weibel-Palade bodies (WPB) are unique secretory granules of endothelial cells that store the procoagulant von-Willebrand factor (VWF) in a highly compacted form. Upon exocytosis the densely packed VWF unfurls into long strands that expose binding sites for circulating platelets and thereby initiate the formation of a platelet plug at sites of blood vessel injury. Dense packing of VWF requires the establishment of an acidic pH in the lumen of maturing WPB but the mechanism responsible for this acidification has not yet been fully established. We show here that subunits of the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase are present on mature WPB and that interference with the proton pump activity of the ATPase employing inhibitors of different chemical nature blocks a reduction in the relative internal pH of WPB. Furthermore, depletion of the V-ATPase subunit V0d1 from primary endothelial cells prevents WPB pH reduction and the establishment of an elongated morphology of WPB that is dictated by the densely packed VWF tubules. Thus, the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase present on WPB is required for proper acidification and maturation of the organelle.
Relationship between outpatients’ sociodemographic and belief characteristics and their healthcare-seeking behavioral decision-making: Evidence from Jiaxing city, China
Authors: Yu Mingming , Yang Zan , Jiang Cheng , Shi Lemin
Published: June 2022

Background

China established the Tiered-network Healthcare Delivery System (THDS) in 2015 to address the disproportionate number of patients attending tertiary hospitals relative to primary- or secondary-care institutions. Although the reported number of outpatients visiting tertiary hospitals is slowly decreasing, numerous patients choose to visit them regardless of their disease’s severity. To effectively implement the THDS, this article explored the relationship between patients’ sociodemographic and belief characteristics and their healthcare-seeking behavioral decision-making in China.

Methods

Data obtained through questionnaires were analyzed using decision tree and logistic regression models to explore outpatients’ characteristics and medical decision-making using comprehensive feature data. Moreover, further statistical analyses were conducted on the outpatient data obtained from the regional population health platform in Jiaxing, China.

Results

The decision tree model revealed that whether outpatients have medical insurance is the primary factor guiding their healthcare-seeking behaviors, with those without medical insurance more likely to choose primary or secondary hospitals to treat minor diseases. For those with medical insurance, profession is the main factor, with industrial workers more inclined to choose primary or secondary hospitals for minor diseases. The logistic regression analyses revealed that outpatients without insurance and who were not freelancers or individual owners were more likely to choose primary or secondary hospitals for minor diseases. Further statistical analysis of the data from the Jiaxing population health platform showed that, for minor or general diseases, outpatients without medical insurance and employed as farmers tended to choose primary and secondary hospitals over tertiary hospitals.

Conclusion

The three analyses yielded consistent results: in China, medical insurance and patients’ profession are the most important factors guiding outpatients’ healthcare-seeking behaviors. Accordingly, we propose that the government should focus on economic reforms to increase outpatients’ visits to primary and secondary hospitals and diagnosis-related groups’ payment of medical insurance to decrease the admittance of patients with minor diseases in large tertiary hospitals. Meanwhile, the government should correct patients’ belief prejudice about selecting hospitals through corresponding publicity.
Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with lipid metabolism disorder and upregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
Authors: Zhao Qian , Zhou Xiaoshan , Kuiper Raoul , Curbo Sophie , Karlsson Anna
Published: June 2022

Thymidine kinase 2 (TK2) deficiency in humans leads to a myopathic form of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deficiency. Here we present a skeletal and cardiac muscle specific TK2 knockout mouse (mTk2 KO). The mice showed dilated hearts and markedly reduced adipose tissue during week 12 to 16. A severe decrease of mtDNA was found only in skeletal muscle and heart tissue in mTk2 KO mice. Expression analysis of key metabolic genes of 16 weeks knockout mice showed significant changes of genes involved in lipid metabolism, with different patterns in heart and skeletal muscle. Our study further suggests that lipoprotein lipase (LPL) from liver supports the metabolism when heart and skeletal muscle were impaired due to mitochondrial dysfunction. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is involved in glucose homeostasis, was also affected by mtDNA deficiency in our study. Interestingly, both the gene and protein expression of ACE2 were increased in cardiac tissue of mTk2 KO mice. Since ACE2 is a receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, its regulation in relation to mitochondrial function may have important clinical implications.
Binary cutpoint and the combined effect of systolic and diastolic blood pressure on cardiovascular disease mortality: A community-based cohort study
Authors: Lee Ju-Yeun , Hong Ji Hoon , Lee Sangjun , An Seokyung , Shin Aesun , Park Sue K.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death according to blood pressure levels and systolic and/or diastolic hypertension.

Methods

From 20,636 cohort participants, 14,375 patients were enrolled after patients with prior hypertension on antihypertensive drugs were excluded. For the combination analysis, participants were divided into four groups (systolic/diastolic hypertension, systolic hypertension only, diastolic hypertension only, and non-hypertension). The risk of CV death was calculated using the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) in a Cox regression model.

Results

The risk of CVD death increased in systolic hypertension (HR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.26–2.00) and systolic/diastolic hypertension (HR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.51–2.25). The highest risks of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke were observed in the diastolic hypertension (HR = 4.11, 95% CI 1.40–12.06) and systolic/diastolic hypertension groups (HR = 2.59, 95% CI 1.92–3.50), respectively. The risk of CVD death was drastically increased in those with SBP≥120 mmHg/DBP≥80 mmHg. The highest risk was observed in those with SBP of 130–131 mmHg and 134–137 mmHg.

Conclusion

The combined analysis of systolic and/or diastolic hypertension appears to be a good predictor of CVD death. The risk of CVD death in the prehypertensive group could be carefully monitored as well as in the hypertensive group, presumably due to less attention and the lack of antihypertensive treatment.
Exploring solid-phase proximity ligation assay for survivin detection in urine
Authors: Gleichenhagen Jan , Arndt Christian , Casjens Swaantje , Töpfer Carmen , Gerullis Holger , Raiko Irina , Taeger Dirk , Ecke Thorsten , Brüning Thomas , Johnen Georg
Published: June 2022

Urine-based biomarkers are a rational and promising approach for the detection of bladder cancer due to the proximity of urine to the location of the tumor site and the non-invasive nature of its sampling. A well-known and highly investigated biomarker for bladder cancer is survivin. For detection of very small amounts of urinary survivin protein a highly sensitive assay was developed. The assay is based on the immuno-PCR technology, more precisely a solid-phase proximity ligation assay (spPLA). The limit of detection for the survivin spPLA was 1.45 pg/mL, resulting in an improvement of the limit of detection by a factor of approximately 23 compared to the previously in-house developed survivin ELISA. A key step in development was the initial isolation of survivin by a molecular fishing rod based on magnetic beads. Interfering matrix compounds pose a special challenge for further analytical application, but can be overcome by this isolation step. The assay is designed to work with only 500 μL of voided urine. The survivin spPLA showed a sensitivity of 30% and specificity of 89% for bladder cancer detection in this study of 110 bladder cancer cases and 133 clinical controls. Moreover, the results demonstrated again that survivin is a useful complementary marker in combination with UBC® Rapid by increasing the overall sensitivity to 70% with a specificity of 86%. Although the performance for detection of bladder cancer was rather low, the herein developed assay might serve as a new tool for survivin biomarker research in diverse human fluids, even if the biological matrix is complex or survivin is only present in small amounts.
Inducing apoptosis using chemical treatment and acidic pH, and detecting it using the Annexin V flow cytometric assay
Authors: Worsley Catherine M. , Veale Rob B. , Mayne Elizabeth S.
Published: June 2022

Cell death is important in physiology, and can happen as a result of structural damage, or as a sequence of programmed cellular processes known as apoptosis. Pathogenic alterations in apoptosis occur in a number of diseases, including cancer, viral infections, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and degenerative conditions. Developing accurate and reproducible laboratory methods for inducing and detecting apoptosis is vital for research into these conditions. A number of methods are employed to detect cell death, including DNA fragmentation, the TUNEL assay, and electron microscopy although each has its limitations. Flow cytometry allows for the distinction between live, early apoptotic, late apoptotic and necrotic cells. In this protocol we successfully induce apoptosis using chemical treatment and treatment with low pH in solid tumour cell lines, and have optimized detection using the Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay.
Leukocyte mitochondrial DNA copy number is a potential non-invasive biomarker for psoriasis
Authors: Alwehaidah Materah Salem , AlFadhli Suad , Al-Kafaji Ghada
Published: June 2022

Abnormalities in the mitochondria have been linked to psoriasis, a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is present in thousands of copies per cell and altered mtDNA copy number (mtDNA-CN), a common indicator of mitochondrial function, has been proposed as a biomarker for several diseases including autoimmune diseases. In this case–control study, we investigated whether the mtDNA-CN is related to psoriasis, correlates with the disease duration and severity, and can serve as a disease biomarker. Relative mtDNA-CN as compared with nuclear DNA was measured by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood buffy coat samples from 56 patients with psoriasis and 44 healthy controls. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the value of mtDNA-CN as a biomarker. We found that the mtDNA-CN was significantly decreased in patients with psoriasis compared to healthy controls (93.6±5.3 vs. 205±71; P = 0.04). Sub-group analyses with stratification of patients based on disease duration under or over 10 years and disease severity indicated that the mtDNA-CN was significantly lower in patients with longer disease duration (74±4.3 in disease duration >10 years vs. 79±8.3 in disease duration <10 years, P = 0.009), and higher disease severity (72±4.3 in moderate-to-severe index vs. 88.3 ± 6 in mild index, P = 0.017). Moreover, the mtDNA-CN was negatively correlated with the disease duration and disease severity (r = -0.36, P = 0.006; r = -0.41, P = 0.003 respectively). The ROC analysis of mtDNA-CN showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84 (95% confidence interval: 0.69–0.98; P = 0.002) for differentiating patients from healthy controls. Our study suggests that low mtDNA-CN may be an early abnormality in psoriasis and associates with the disease progression. Our study also suggests that mtDNA-CN may be a novel blood-based biomarker for the early detection of psoriasis.
Development and validation of a larval bioassay and selection protocol for insecticide resistance in Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Gress Brian E. , Zalom Frank G.
Published: June 2022

The rapid invasion of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) throughout Europe and the Americas has led to an increased reliance on calendar-based broad-spectrum insecticide programs among berry and cherry growers. Relatively few active ingredients (AIs) are currently available for effective D. suzukii management, and studies from multiple growing regions indicate that susceptibility to at least some of these materials is declining. Greater effort is needed to understand the status of susceptibility across field populations and the potential for increased resistance to develop, as well as the possible fitness costs incurred by resistant individuals. However, current bioassay protocols used for resistance monitoring and selection studies (i.e. resistance risk assessments) are labor-intensive and costly, making large-scale studies difficult to conduct. Here, we first present a novel bioassay protocol using larvae that requires little effort or cost to implement beyond what is needed for basic D. suzukii laboratory colony maintenance. We then perform dose-response bioassays using this protocol to identify larval lethal concentrations for three commonly used insecticides (malathion, spinosad and zeta-cypermethrin) in a susceptible population. Finally, resistance risk assessments were conducted using a population of D. suzukii from commercial caneberry fields near Watsonville, CA. We find that five generations of larval selection with a discriminating dose is sufficient to significantly increase both larval (malathion and spinosad) and adult (spinosad) resistance to the target AIs. This approach provides a simple, cost-effective tool for assaying susceptibility of D. suzukii populations to insecticides and for selecting resistant insect lines for resistance management research.
A food systems approach and qualitative system dynamics model to reveal policy issues within the commercial broiler chicken system in South Africa
Authors: Queenan Kevin , Cuevas Soledad , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe , Chimonyo Michael , Shankar Bhavani , Slotow Rob , Häsler Barbara
Published: June 2022

Global broiler production and consumption levels continue to rise. South Africa’s broiler system is dominated by commercial production and formal retail trade, with competition from cheap imports. Local broiler policies have narrow, production-driven, short-term aims for industry growth and national food security. However, these have unintended consequences that undermine the system’s future sustainability. Using a food systems approach, this study developed a qualitative system dynamics model of the South African commercial broiler system and used it to engage stakeholders in policy discussions within the boundaries of health, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. A problem statement and key system elements were drawn from a previously published qualitative study and were validated by 15 stakeholders via an online questionnaire. From this, a seed model was developed, expanded into a larger model, and shared in a modular format with stakeholders in virtual meetings, on an individual or institutional basis, for feedback and validation, and for discussion of areas for policy consideration. Refinements were incorporated into the modules, policy considerations were summarised, and crosscutting issues were identified. The model demonstrated the system’s complexity, interlinkages, feedbacks, reinforcing and balancing loops, and behaviour archetypes. The modular presentation format created a suitable platform for stakeholder engagement. Current policies focus on local commercial production, formal markets, and affordability without cognisance of the broader system represented by the model. Inequality pervades throughout the system. Commercial producers, linked to large supermarkets and fast-food chains, dominate the system, presenting barriers to entry. Affordability is unintentionally traded off against non-communicable disease risks through brining of most frozen products, and ultra-processing of fast-food items. Foodborne disease control is critical, given the proportion of vulnerable individuals, and greater coherence of food safety policy is urgently needed. The environmental footprint of broilers, whilst less than that of ruminants, deserves closer scrutiny based on its dependence on intensive cereal production for feed. This study’s food systems approach provides a system-wide perspective and a foundation for policymakers to develop more integrated and transformative policies.
The centromeric histone CenH3 is recruited into the tombusvirus replication organelles
Authors: Gonzalez Paulina Alatriste , Nagy Peter D.
Published: June 2022

Tombusviruses, similar to other (+)RNA viruses, exploit the host cells by co-opting numerous host components and rewiring cellular pathways to build extensive virus-induced replication organelles (VROs) in the cytosol of the infected cells. Most molecular resources are suboptimal in susceptible cells and therefore, tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) drives intensive remodeling and subversion of many cellular processes. The authors discovered that the nuclear centromeric CenH3 histone variant (Cse4p in yeast, CENP-A in humans) plays a major role in tombusvirus replication in plants and in the yeast model host. We find that over-expression of CenH3 greatly interferes with tombusvirus replication, whereas mutation or knockdown of CenH3 enhances TBSV replication in yeast and plants. CenH3 binds to the viral RNA and acts as an RNA chaperone. Although these data support a restriction role of CenH3 in tombusvirus replication, we demonstrate that by partially sequestering CenH3 into VROs, TBSV indirectly alters selective gene expression of the host, leading to more abundant protein pool. This in turn helps TBSV to subvert pro-viral host factors into replication. We show this through the example of hypoxia factors, glycolytic and fermentation enzymes, which are exploited more efficiently by tombusviruses to produce abundant ATP locally within the VROs in infected cells. Altogether, we propose that subversion of CenH3/Cse4p from the nucleus into cytosolic VROs facilitates transcriptional changes in the cells, which ultimately leads to more efficient ATP generation in situ within VROs by the co-opted glycolytic enzymes to support the energy requirement of virus replication. In summary, CenH3 plays both pro-viral and restriction functions during tombusvirus replication. This is a surprising novel role for a nuclear histone variant in cytosolic RNA virus replication.
Photogrammetric processing of non-traditional data
Authors:   , Dlesk Adam
Published: June 2022

Non-traditional data are data that require a different approach than common digital images when processing using modern photogrammetric methods. By definition, as non-traditional data can be considered analogue metric images and thermal infrared images. These two case studies were researched in this doctoral thesis. For successful photogrammetric processing of the non-traditional data, innovative pre-processing and post-processing methods were designed. The methods were designed to have the possibility to achieve sufficient geometrical accuracy of the results and, in the case of the thermal infrared images, the methods were designed to have the ability to create 2D and 3D models augmented by thermal infrared information. In the doctoral thesis, the methods were described, analyzed, and tested on chosen objects. The research findings were presented in four articles in the scientific journals. This thesis is prepared as a commented set of the four articles.
Modeling hydrological impacts of management practices in rural catchments using SWAT
Authors:   , Noreika Nina Elizabeth
Published: June 2022

Inappropriate soil, water, and landscape management has decreased the water retention capacity of the landscape in the Czech Republic over time. Many sources of such mismanagement can be traced to an agricultural intensification across the Czech landscape that began after the 1953 collectivization process due to Communist Era policies. During this time large monotonous fields, subsurface tile drainage systems, and artificially straightened streams were incorporated across the landscape. Currently, much of the Czech agricultural landscape is managed by large conglomerates who prioritize profit over all else. Reinforcing the small water cycle is considered to be a holistic approach to water resource management within a landscape. Changes in land use and land management can greatly affect the water balance at a basin-scale. The objectives of this research are to calibrate and validate the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in the Czech landscape at two scales (the farm-scale and the management-scale) and to model various scenarios (e.g., crop changes, land use/management changes, and the incorporation of agricultural conservation practices) to determine management regimes that would reinforce the small water cycle. This research found that rapeseed adoption does not support the goal of developing a sustainable agricultural landscape in the Czech Republic. The adoption of rapeseed had disproportionate effects on a basin’s water balance depending on its location in the basin. In addition to crop changes, it was found that land use changes significantly affected the small water cycle at the basin-scale. Of the four land use change scenarios conducted (1852, 1954, 1983, and 2019), the 1852 and 1954 scenarios behaved the most similarly hydrologically, likely due to minimal landscape transformation and the fact that these two scenarios occur prior to the widespread incorporation of subsurface tile drainages across the landscape. Additionally, the crop rotation of 1920–1938 (Pre-Communist Era) reinforced the small water cycle the most, while that of 1950–1989 (Communist Era) reinforced the small water cycle the least. Regarding the incorporation of agricultural conservation practices at the farm-scale, SWAT modeled contour farming as the most effective practice that reinforced the small water cycle followed by residue incorporation. At the management-scale, the widespread incorporation of agricultural conservation practices significantly reinforced the small water cycle, but the relative scale and spatial distribution of their incorporation were not reflected in the SWAT scenario analysis.
How do agglomeration economies affect the development of cities?
Authors: Cruz Villamil Jasson
Published: June 2022

This paper tries to shed some light on the role of agglomeration economies in the development of cities, offering a literature review of types of agglomeration economies and their sources, and how those economies can affect both economic growth and urban growth in the cities. Likewise, it aims to document how the agglomeration economies can influence the level of specialization and diversification of the cities.
¿Exportan las pymes En Barranquilla? Análisis institucional del programa Expopyme
Authors: Suárez Pérez Rosmery
Published: June 2022

Basado en el planteamiento de la Economía Institucional Original, este trabajo estudia los instintos del trabajo eficaz, los instintos pecuniarios y lo ceremoniático en las empresas que pertenecieron al Programa Expopyme en Barranquilla entre 2000 y 2007. Con el objetivo de identificar si el Programa Expopyme es exitoso en la promoción de las exportaciones, se entrevistaron 31 empresarios en la ciudad de Barranquilla de una muestra de 210 empresas que pertenecieron al programa. De acuerdo a los resultados se encontró que el espíritu de trabajo eficaz prevalece sobre el pecuniario o lo ceremoniático entre las empresas que asistieron al Programa Expopyme en Barranquilla. En conclusión, se justifica la existencia del Programa Expopyme como programa de fomento a las exportaciones, dado que contribuye al desarrollo y al mejoramiento de las pymes.
Crecimiento y desarrollo en Chile: productividad, salarios y pacto fiscal.
Authors: Sierra Guiseppe
Published: June 2022

Con la llegada de la democracia a partir de los años noventa, la economía chilena asimismo comienza a experimentar un crecimiento sostenido con niveles solo comprobables a los del periodo desarrollista: una tasa promedio de 5,5% del PIB anual entre 1990 y 2007. A pesar de ello, no ha sido posible reducir el excesivo nivel de desigualdades ni garantizar un mejor estándar de vida. El mensaje central de esta investigación es que las desigualdades económicas y sociales en Chile radican en una enorme heterogeneidad productiva a partir de sectores económicos que si bien generan la mayor parte del PIB nacional, emplean a un porcentaje muy reducido de la población. Como recomendación se propone crear un nuevo pacto fiscal y disponer de instituciones adecuadas.
Transferencia de conocimiento en la industria aeroespacial mexicana: el caso de Bombardier Aerospacial, Querétaro
Authors: Hernández Chavarria Juana
Published: June 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la transferencia de conocimiento para la producción de los componentes estructurales de dos modelos de avión: el Q 400 y el Global Express, en la empresa Bombardier Aeroespace, Querétaro. Resulta de interés señalar en esta investigación que a partir del análisis y descripción de la actividad mencionada se obtuvieron resultados distintos a nivel de productividad por factores exógenos y endógenos que influyeron en la transferencia de conocimiento. El sustento para el desarrollo y cumplimiento del objetivo de esta investigación la da la literatura sobre el aprendizaje y la transferencia de conocimiento.
La situación fiscal del distrito de Barranquilla: Logros incompletos
Authors: Roca Sarmiento Wilson
Published: June 2022

El reciente desempeño fiscal del Distrito arroja significativos logros en el recaudo tributario, en la gestión de mayores transferencias nacionales, en la amortización de una parte importante de la deuda que se había acumulado y en el cumplimiento de la segunda modificación del Acuerdo de Reestructuración de Pasivos. Sin embargo, como estos logros son incompletos, la difícil situación fiscal es un asunto aún sin resolver, debido a que al lado del aplazamiento de la amortización de la deuda financiera –a la que hay que sumar los intereses- se ha contratado nuevas obligaciones crediticias, y se ha hecho uso extendido de las vigencias futuras que en estricto sentido económico constituyen una forma de endeudamiento. La siguiente Administración de la ciudad recibirá como herencia del Gobierno que termina un monto de deuda que exigirá apreciables esfuerzos fiscales para amortizarla, y obligará a tener presente que el cumplimiento de programas de gasto –diri-gidos en especial a los sectores más necesitados- deben garantizarse sin colocar en riesgo la estabilidad fiscal, para lo cual será necesario una revisión cautelosa de los gastos y de la estructura tributaria, así como el incremento de la eficiencia en el recaudo.
Regulación urbana, precio e informalidad de la vivienda en Cartagena de Indias
Authors: Carazo Posada Carlos
Published: June 2022

Este documento trata de encontrar una relación entre el nivel de rigi-dez de regulación urbana, el precio promedio del metro cuadrado de viviendas y la proporción de éstas que se catalogan como informales en la ciudad de Cartagena de Indias. Se plantea que las normas más estrictas generan un mayor precio de viviendas formales y esto puede generar una mayor proporción de viviendas informales dentro de un barrio o en los barrios vecinos. A partir de estimaciones econométricas y la utilización de Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG) se con-cluye que las diferencias en reglamentación afectan los diferenciales en precios, haciendo más costosa a la zona más reglamentada; y a su vez se evidencia que al incrementar el precio promedio de la vivienda, la proporción de viviendas informales dentro del barrio es menor.
Análisis de corto plazo del contagio de variables y noticias financieras en Estados Unidos y Colombia
Authors: Corredor Velandia César Augusto , Vega Mazzeo Stefano
Published: June 2022

Este documento analiza el efecto contagio de las variables bursátiles, monetarias y financieras de Estados Unidos sobre el comportamiento de estas en Colombia, a través de pruebas de causalidad de Granger y un modelo de Vectores Autorregresivos (VAR) que nos arroja los impulso-respuesta entre variables y el efecto de noticias financieras. La investigación revela una mayor correlación en las variables bur-sátiles que en las de renta fija y que los choques de corto plazo son más frecuentes en este mercado. Durante períodos de turbulencia se comprueba el aumento en la volatilidad debido al incremento en el número de noticias, la persistencia de los choques se incrementa, lo que se conoce como histéresis y la anticipación por parte del mercado bursátil colombiano de choques esperados, reflejado en un aumento en las volatilidades de estas antes que en las estadounidenses.
La política exterior colombiana: una institución estancada en la historia.
Authors: Galeano David Héctor José
Published: June 2022

La política exterior se entiende como una política pública, encaminada a la consecución de los intereses de un Estado, mediante la interacción con los otros actores del sistema internacional. Su diseño y aplica-ción debe fundamentarse en la capacidad que tengan los gobiernos en consolidar los espacios políticos y económicos mediante alianzas estratégicas de mediano y largo plazo, con los demás actores del sis-tema internacional. El propósito principal de este ensayo es analizar la evolución de la política exterior colombiana y la influencia que los distintos modelos han tenido a lo largo de la historia, marcado prin-cipalmente por el réspice polum, como paradigma prevalente durante la mayor parte de nuestro devenir histórico. Así mismo, estudiará los pilares teóricos que el institucionalismo aporta en su diseño, aplicación y transformación, generando con ello, herramientas fundamentales de obligado estudio.
Desarrollo endógeno y clausura operativa territorial. Una aproximación al estudio del desarrollo desde la perspectiva sistémica (el caso Tlalnepantla Morelos, México).
Authors: Pérez Balcázar Anthony , Salazar Paredes Lizeth Juventina
Published: June 2022

Ante la actual complejidad de la sociedad global en la que se experimentan fenómenos que cambian progresivamente las estructuras territoriales (políticas, sociales, culturales, económicas y educativas) y ocasionan malestares como fragmentación de las unidades territoriales, pobreza, desempleo y aumento de la complejidad, surge la necesidad de considerar mecanismos que enfrenten estos problemas. Dichos mecanismos brotan desde la misma base del territorio a partir de un capital sinérgico, catali-zando, potencializando y creando –si no existen– nueve capitales subjetivos e intangibles que funcionando de manera sistémica posibilitan un proceso de desarrollo endógeno. Por esta razón, es oportuno reflexionar acerca del papel de los seres humanos como especies territoriales, capaces de transformar su propio territorio, dinamizarlo, complejizarlo y clausurarlo operativamente de ma-nera tal que se adapte al contexto global.
Bienestar subjetivo y políticas públicas de los gobiernos locales
Authors: Vargas Pérez Andrés
Published: June 2022

Recientemente ha tomado fuerza la idea de adoptar medidas de bienestar subjetivo para propósitos de política pública. En este estudio se muestran los resultados de dos mediciones diferentes en el Área Metropolitana de Barranquilla (Colombia). Se estudia la asociación del bienestar subjetivo con las características personales, del hogar y del entorno. Se discute el concepto de bienestar, su relación con el concepto de felicidad, y a partir de los elementos normativos que los caracterizan se discute la pertinencia de estas medidas para el diseño de políticas públicas de los gobiernos locales. Se hace énfasis en la importancia de hacer explícito el criterio de bienestar usado y sus características normativas.
Challenges of medical and health tourism: a literature review from 2009 to 2020
Authors: Ramírez Sierra Yuly Andrea
Published: June 2022

The review of literature on medical and healthtourism is carried out to identify the challenges that this topic hasfor researchers, academics, private entities and the government;the information collected and analyzed corresponds to researchpublished from September 2009 to December 2020, in theScienceDirect database and by snowball, which allows theidentification of the aspects that contribute to improve thesatisfaction of the medical tourist and to strengthen a touristdestination, as well as the creation of networks of stakeholders,and the adoption of policies to empower not only the sector butto impact positively on the health system.
Inclusión de micropilotes como elementos recuperadores de carga en cimentaciones: revisión del estado del conocimiento
Authors: Castellanos Guerrero Wendy Madeleyne , Rodriguez Rincón Edgar
Published: June 2022

Contexto: Los micropilotes son utilizados como elementos de refuerzo del suelo o de recalce, dicha función es comprobada y analizada por diferentes autores. En Colombia el uso de esta técnica está limitado a conceptos propios del geotecnista que involucran conocimientos empíricos y experiencias exitosas. En consecuencia, es necesaria la compilación de variables clave y metodologías analíticas y numéricas para la mejor comprensión de esta técnica.
Método: En este documento se presenta un estado del arte sustentado en artículos e investigaciones que tienen como objeto el análisis y la evaluación del comportamiento de los micropilotes como elementos recuperadores de capacidad de carga en grupos de pilotes que presentan defectos.
Resultados: Los hallazgos identificados en los documentos consultados logran ser sintetizados como un soporte teórico que se convierte en un punto de partida para futuras investigaciones en este campo de la ingeniería geotécnica.
Conclusiones: Se logra evidenciar que los micropilotes tienen una influencia positiva en la recuperación de carga de fundaciones existentes, demostrando la importancia de efectuar ensayos y análisis de campo directamente en Colombia, considerando los estratos de suelos específicos que se encuentran en el país.
Metodología para el diseño de un sistema de energía híbrido con enfoque didáctico: estudio de caso Centro Educativo Luis López de Mesa
Authors: Zambrano Joya Diego Alejandro , Rodríguez Salazar David Leonardo , Rodríguez Patarroyo Diego Julián
Published: June 2022

Contexto: El estudio de caso presentado es producto de una propuesta metodológica para diseñar un sistema de energía híbrido con enfoque didáctico para escuelas de las zonas rurales no interconectadas o con intermitencia del flujo eléctrico. La metodología está diseñada para ser aplicada en comunidades sin conocimientos avanzados en energías renovables.
Método: Inicialmente se diseña el sistema de energía híbrido a través del dimensionamiento con base en la adquisición de información y la caracterización energética de la comunidad educativa. La segunda fase es determinar, a través de los procesos de enseñanza, un modelo de bloques estructurales que permita abordar el diseño de un sistema de energía híbrido como herramienta didáctica. La tercera fase consiste en desarrollar el modelo de bloques estructurales para el estudio de caso del centro educativo Luis López de Mesa, estableciendo los alcances y beneficios de la metodología propuesta.
Resultados: A través de los recursos energéticos eólico y solar, el diseño del sistema de energía híbrido logra satisfacer el requerimiento energético y reducir el impacto ambiental negativo. A su vez, el cuerpo directivo docente manifiesta un alto interés en el componente de aprendizaje teórico-didáctico que fundamenta la propuesta metodológica de esta investigación, sustentada en el aporte de un folleto ilustrativo que funcione como herramienta didáctica.
Conclusiones: Evaluando la metodología se logró proporcionar una herramienta de apoyo para el desarrollo de prácticas didácticas impartidas por los docentes, fomentando y promoviendo el uso de las energías renovables en la estructuración de las mallas curriculares, aportando al crecimiento de valores humanos y ambientales en la comunidad estudiantil de básica primaria.
Relasi Kuasa dan Suara: Politik Patron Klien Pada Pilkada Langsung di Kabupaten Grobogan 2020
Authors: Nastain Muhamad , Nugroho Catur
Published: June 2022

Artikel ini mengkaji hubungan patron klien yang terjadi antara penguasa yang memiliki kekuatan dominan di Kabupaten Grobogan, Jawa Tengah dengan masyarakat pemilih. Pertarungan politik dalam kontestasi Pilkada langsung memberikan gambaran secara langsung tentang peta kondisi politik dan demokrasi di Indonesia. Pilkada tahun 2020 di kabupaten Grobogan hanya diikuti satu pasangan calon Bupati dan Wakil Bupati petahana yang melawan kotak kosong. Dengan pendekatan deskriptif-kualitatif dan metode studi kasus penelitian ini berusaha memberikan gambaran tentang hubungan yang terjadi antara penguasa dengan rakyatnya dalam kontestasi politik di daerah. Dari hasil penelitian ditemukan bahwa dalam pemilihan kepala daerah langsung yang terjadi di Kabupaten Grobogan implementasi patron klien secara pragmatis mengantarkan pada proses politik transaksional yang secara jangka panjang merugikan konstituen. Relasi kuasa antara elit politik pemilik kekuatan ekonomi dan politik dengan masyarakat pemilih dijembatani oleh elit politik di daerah, yaitu para tokoh masyarakat dan kepala desa. Pertukaran kepentingan antara bupati dengan para agen terjadi secara terbuka dengan pemberian barang atau uang kepada para tokoh masyarakat dan kepala desa agar dapat menjaga loyalitas masyarakat pemilih. Politik patron klien terjadi di Kabupaten Grobogan yang terjadi dalam skala personal (kepentingan individu) dan skala umum (kepentingan sosial) menjadi jembatan terbentuknya hubungan antara pemilik kuasa dengan pemilik suara.