bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ranked Features Selection with MSBRG Algorithm and Rules Classifiers for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Al-batah Mohammad Subhi
Published: August 2019

In this paper, an automatic three-phase cervical cancer diagnosis system is employed which includes feature extraction, feature selection followed by classiﬁcation. Firstly, the modified seed-based region growing (MSBRG) algorithm is implemented for automatic segmentation and feature extraction using 500 cervical cancer cells. Processes to obtain the threshold values and the initial seed location are carried out automatically using moving k-mean (MKM) algorithm and invariant moment techniques. Secondly, eight attribute evaluators are applied for selecting and ranking the features, which are Correlation-based Feature Selection, Classifier Attribute Evaluator, Correlation Attribute Evaluator, Gain Ratio, Info Gain, OneR, ReliefF, and Symmetrical Uncertainty. Finally, the classification is compared based on five classifiers: Decision Table, JRip, OneR, PART, and ZeroR. The performance of the classifiers is evaluated using 3 test options: the training percentage splits (50% to 98%), the full training data and the cross validation (2-fold to 10-fold). The experimental results prove the capability of the MSBRG algorithm as an automatic feature extraction method. Furthermore, this paper proves the ability of the ranked feature selection methods to select important features of a cervical cell, and favors the Decision Table as the best classifier for cervical cancer classification.
Politiques publiques et pratiques d'acteurs : comportements de Voyageurs en réponse à la législation spécifique du stationnement et de la circulation
Authors: Bergeon Céline
Published: August 2019

La France possède officiellement depuis 2 000 une législation spécifique pour le stationnement des « Gens du Voyage ». Elle oblige les communes de plus de 5 000 habitants à créer des aires d’accueil, tandis que les Voyageurs, public visé par la loi, sont astreints à stationner sur ces lieux identifiés, sous peine de poursuites pénales. Seulement, sept ans après la promulgation de la loi sur « l’accueil et le stationnement des Gens du Voyage », 32 % des communes ont respecté leurs engagements en termes de lieux de halte. L’analyse des parcours réalisés par les Voyageurs montrent une organisation réfléchie et stratégique de l’utilisation de l’espace comme ressource et moyen de reproduction d’un mode de vie. Ainsi, interroger les pratiques circulatoires au prisme des politiques publiques, permet de mettre à jour une circulation « d’avant et d’après législation ». Cette articulation entre mobilité traditionnelle et politiques publiques, redéfinit la circulation et met au jour des comportements circulatoires novateurs.
Critical Success Factors for Enterprise Resource Planning System Implementation in Qatar
Authors: Al Rabeay Abdulla Ali , Sherif Karma
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of project management planning processes (including team competency and business process re-engineering) and top management support on the success of enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementation in Qatar. This study adopted a quantitative method to collect data through a survey from employees working in Qatari government ministries that implemented an ERP system in the last 10 years. Partial least square structural equation modeling analysis was used to test the relationship among variables. The findings revealed that project management, top management support and business process re-engineering make a significant contribution to the success of ERP implementation. However, team competency and composition had no significant effect on ERP implementation success. The study recommends that governmental agencies who are planning to implement a new ERP system should consider these factors during the early planning stages in order to successfully implement the system and avoid any delays or overspending in project delivery.
Design and Study of Hydroelectric Power Plant by Using Overshot and Undershot Waterwheels
Authors: Hameed Jamal A. , Saeed Amer T , Rajab Mugdad H.
Published: August 2019

This article gives an idea about the operative use of waterwheels in a river flow, which offers power generation with low cost. It also defines the working principle, calculations and design, challenges and applications beside the future scope of using Overshot and undershot waterwheels. In order to cover the enlarged demand for power in rural areas of Iraq, generated hydropower from waterwheels are one of the most promising solutions to produce electricity. Modern water wheels are made from steel which promising no harmful effects on the environment. In this research, two types of water wheels (Overshot and Undershot) are used to produce the electricity through fastening the waterwheel to a generator with the support of a belt and pulley arrangement, so the electrical energy resulted from mechanical energy. The full bridge rectifier is used to transfer electricity in its most effectual form while the regulator is used to adjust the current.
A Spotlight on Lack of Evidence Supporting the Integration of Blended Learning in K-12 Education
Authors: Poirier Mark , Law Jeremy M. , Veispak Anneli
Published: August 2019

In an effort to highlight the need for, and lack of, quality empirical research in K-12 blended learning environments, this systematic narrative review investigated and reported on the quantity and quality of recent empirical research in K-12 blended learning, published between 2009 and February 2017. In addition to assessing the quality and scope of these studies, the effectiveness of blended learning environments on learning outcomes and potential contributing variables were discussed. Eleven articles were identified and found to meet the inclusionary criteria and measures of quality set by this review, extending the corpus of 5 articles identified by a previous 2009 meta-analysis commissioned by the U.S. Department of Education to 16. Mixed findings regarding the benefit of blended learning in a K-12 setting were reported across the literature, thereby highlighting the need for more extensive research in this domain.
Perspectives of Pre-Service Teachers About Blended Learning in Technology Integration Courses
Authors: Ketsman Olha
Published: August 2019

This mixed-methods study explores pre-service teachers' perspectives towards using blended learning in technology integration courses. Data were collected through surveys and interviews with pre-service teachers enrolled in technology integration courses in a large Midwestern university. Findings from the study showed that pre-service teachers had favorable perspectives towards using a blended learning approach to teach technology integration courses. The majority of pre-service teachers preferred that the technology-integration course adopt a blended format instead of a traditional face-to-face format; however, it is uncertain if students will be more motivated to study in a blended technology integration course than in a traditional face-to-face one. The study has implications for higher education faculty, instructional designers and technology specialists.
A Geocast Protocol with Information-Centric Perspective in Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs)
Authors: Abdelkrim Houacine , Mustapha Guezouri
Published: August 2019

Vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs) is subclass of network of mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) type, it has emerged as a platform that supports inter-vehicles communication to improve road traffic safety. A conventional packet-based routing protocol where a packet moves from a source to a destination untouched throughout the entire process no longer satisfies the requirements in VANETs because of the high mobility of vehicles. This article proposes a routing protocol with an information-centric perspective for the VANETs, the techniques invoked are: Geocast instead of the classical multicast and the aggregation location-based. The simulation results under NS-3 and SUMO show that this protocol can help to limit the redundancy of the messages exchanged by their aggregation without maintaining a hierarchical structure; which minimizes transmission costs and ensures reliability and performance.
Pregnancy Enables Expansion of Disease-Specific Regulatory T Cells in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Engler Jan Broder , Heckmann Nina F. , Jäger Jan , Gold Stefan M. , Friese Manuel A.
Published: August 2019

Disease activity of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and its mouse model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is temporarily suppressed by pregnancy. However, whether disease amelioration is due to nonspecific immunomodulation or mediated by Ag-specific regulation of disease-causing conventional T cells (Tcon) and immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) remains elusive. In the current study, we systematically analyzed changes of the TCRβ repertoire driven by EAE and pregnancy using TCR sequencing. We demonstrate that EAE, but not pregnancy, robustly increased TCR repertoire clonality in both peripheral Tcon and Treg. Notably, pregnancy was required for the expansion of Treg harboring the dominant EAE-associated TRBV13-2 chain and increased the frequency of EAE-associated clonotypes within the Treg compartment. Our findings indicate that pregnancy supports the expansion of Treg clonotypes that are equipped to recognize EAE-associated Ags. These Treg are thereby particularly suited to control corresponding encephalitogenic Tcon responses and likely contribute to pregnancy-associated protection in autoimmunity.
Provisions against wealth and poverty in Plato’s Cretan city and in ancient Israel: A comparison of the Book of Deuteronomy with Plato’s Nomoi
Authors: Otto Eckart
Published: August 2019

The way in which a nation’s economy is structured is of great importance for the material welfare of its people as well as the people’s relationship with the state and the operation of the state itself. It is also important for the proper functioning of a nation as a people and its psychological welfare. If the gap between rich and poor increases, the structure of an economy, and therefore the welfare of the state and the nation, is at risk. Two important documents of antiquity, Plato’s Nomoi and the Book of Deuteronomy, which even today influence life, dealt intensively with the fissures between rich and poor within society as a danger to political welfare and harmony. This article will examine these documents to make use of these two books for improving a societal situation. This will be done by a comparative perspective on both of these books.
Improving the Birth Registration Service Using Kotter's Change Model: A Quality Improvement Study from Qatar
Authors: Al-Kaabi Salma K. , Selim Nagah , Al-Dahshan Ayman , Chehab Mohamad
Published: August 2019

Introduction: The increased demand for birth registration (BR) services at the Birth Registration Unit (BRU), under the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar, and the negative media criticism called for an urgent quality improvement (QI) plan to be conducted. Methods: A QI project was carried out to improve the process of birth certificate registration in the country. This project depended on Kotter's eight-stage model as a guide for the aspired transformation. Thus, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis, “straw-man” process map, root cause analysis, political, economical, social, technological, environmental and legal (PESTLE) factor analysis, and operational analysis of the BR process were attempted through cooperation and one–one interviews with service providers and stakeholders. The baseline measurements involved in the project focused on two main outcomes: client satisfaction and the cycle time of the BR process. Results: The post-change customer satisfaction survey showed higher overall satisfaction (0.66% overall dissatisfaction) with the services compared to the pre-change client satisfaction survey (17.3% overall dissatisfaction). Moreover, the calculated cycle time of the redesigned process (6.30 min) represented a substantial decrease as compared to the pre-change cycle time (almost 7 days). Conclusion: The study of the BR process revealed many facts regarding delays and wasted time. It served as a trigger for the change and made solving this problem much easier by examining the real underlying factors. In addition, the successful use of Kotter's change model at the BRU serves as a potential source for the diffusion of such model across other health institutions.
Dynamics of the Inner Elite in Dictatorships: Evidence from North Korea
Authors: Mahdavi Paasha , Ishiyama John
Published: August 2019

How does the circle of inner elites evolve over time in dictatorships? We draw on theories of authoritarian power-sharing to shed light on the evolution of politics in North Korea. Given challenges in collecting individual-level data in this context, we employ web-scraping techniques
that capture inspection visits by the dictator as reported by state-run media to assemble network data on elite public co-occurrences. We test the durability of this network since Kim Jong-un's rise to power in December 2011 to find suggestive evidence of elite purging. Our findings contribute
to the broader literature on authoritarian elite dynamics and to subnational studies on power-sharing in communist states. Importantly, our approach helps bring the study of North Korean politics more firmly in the mainstream of political science inquiry.
A numerical modelling study of the physical mechanisms causing radiation to accelerate tropical cyclogenesisand cause diurnal cycles
Authors: Nicholls Melville E. , Smith Warren P. , Pielke Sr. Roger A. , Saleeby Stephen M. , Wood Norman B.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Numerical modeling studies indicate that radiative forcing can significantly accelerate tropical cyclogenesis. The primary mechanism appears to be nocturnal differential radiative forcing between a developing tropical disturbance and its relatively clear-sky surroundings. This generates weak ascent in the system core, which promotes enhanced convective activity. The goal of this study is to examine this hypothesis in more detail and in doing so shed light on the particular physical mechanisms that are responsible for the accelerated development of the system. In order to clarify the effects of radiation the radiative forcing occurring in a full physics simulation is imposed as a forcing term on the thermodynamic equation in a simulation without microphysics, surface fluxes or radiation included. This gives insight into the radiatively induced circulations and the resultant changes to the temperature and moisture profiles in the system core that can influence convective development. Simulations with separate environment and core radiative forcings support the hypothesis that differential radiative forcing due to nocturnal longwave cooling in the environment is the main factor responsible for accelerating the rate of tropical cyclogenesis. Simple idealized cloud experiments indicate that both cooling and moistening caused by the induced ascent significantly influence convective development, with the cooling having the largest impact. Diurnal cycles of Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), outgoing longwave radiation, deep convection and upper level outflows are examined and their relation to the radiative forcing is discussed.
The day-to-day co-variability between mineral dust and cloud glaciation: A proxy for heterogeneous freezing
Authors: Villanueva Diego , Heinold Bernd , Seifert Patric , Deneke Hartwig , Radenz Martin , Tegen Ina
Published: August 2019

Abstract. To estimate the global co-variability between mineral dust aerosol and cloud glaciation, an aerosol model reanalysis was combined with satellite retrievals of cloud thermodynamic phase. We used the CALIPSO-GOCCP and DARDAR products from the A-Train satellite constellation to obtain the cloud phase and the MACC reanalysis to estimate the dust mixing-ratio in the atmosphere. Night-time retrievals within a temperature range from +3 °C to −42 °C for the period 2007–2010 were included. The results confirm that the cloud thermodynamic phase is highly dependent on temperature and latitude. However, at mid- and high latitudes, at equal temperature and within narrow constrains for humidity and static stability the average frequency of fully glaciated clouds increase by +5 to +10 % for higher mineral dust mixing-ratios. The differentiation between humidity-stability regimes reduced the confounding influence of meteorology on the observed relationship between dust and cloud ice. Furthermore, for similar mixing-ratios of mineral dust the cloud ice occurrence-frequency in the Northern Hemisphere was found to be higher than in the Southern Hemisphere at −30 °C but lower at −15 °C. This may suggest a difference in the susceptibility of cloud glaciation to the presence of dust. Based on previous studies, the differences at −15 °C could be explained by higher feldspar fractions in the Southern Hemisphere, while the differences at −30 °C may be explained by the higher freezing efficiency of clay minerals in the Northern Hemisphere.
Influence of atmospheric dynamics during events Secondary Effect of the Antarctic Ozone Hole on southern Brazil
Authors: Bittencourt Gabriela Dornelles , Pinheiro Damaris Kirsch , Bageston José Valentin , Bencherif Hassan , Steffenel Luis Angelo , Vaz Peres Lucas
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The purpose of this paper is to show how atmospheric dynamics behave during the occurrence of ozone-hole inflow events in Antarctica, especially in mid-latitude regions, such as southern Brazil, for 12 years of observation. The results showed that most events occur after the frontal systems pass through mid-latitude regions, highlighting the importance of this study for the southern region of Brazil. This work was developed by the UFSM Graduate Program in Meteorology.
Assimilation of SMOS brightness temperature into a large-scale distributed conceptual hydrological model
Authors: Hostache Renaud , Rains Dominik , Mallick Kaniska , Chini Marco , Pelich Ramona , Lievens Hans , Fenicia Fabrizio , Corato Giovanni , Verhoest Niko E. C. , Matgen Patrick
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The main objective of this study is to investigate how brightness temperature observations from satellite microwave sensors may help in reducing errors and uncertainties in soil moisture simulations with a large-scale conceptual hydro-meteorological model. In particular, we use as forcings the ERA-Interim public dataset and we couple the CMEM radiative transfer model with a hydro-meteorological model enabling therefore soil moisture and SMOS-like brightness temperature simulations. The hydro-meteorological model is configured using recent developments of the SUPERFLEX framework, which enables tailoring the model structure to the specific needs of the application as well as to data availability and computational requirements. In this case, the model spatial resolution is adapted to the spatial grid of the satellite data, and the soil stratification is tailored to the satellite datasets to be assimilated and the forcing data. The hydrological model is first calibrated using a sample of SMOS brightness temperature observations (period 2010–2011). Next, SMOS-derived brightness temperature observations are sequentially assimilated into the coupled SUPERFLEX-CMEM model (period 2010–2015). For this experiment, a Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter is used and the meteorological forcings (ERA interim-based rainfall, air and soil temperature) are perturbed to generate a background ensemble. Each time a SMOS observation is available, the SUPERFLEX state variables related to the water content in the various soil layers are updated and the model simulations are resumed until the next SMOS observation becomes available. Our empirical results show that the SUPERFLEX-CMEM modelling chain is capable of predicting soil moisture at a performance level similar to that obtained for the same study area and with a quasi-identical experimental set up using the CLM land surface model. This shows that a simple model, when carefully calibrated, can yield performance level similar to that of a much more complex model. The correlation between simulated and in situ observed soil moisture ranges from 0.62 to 0.72. The assimilation of SMOS brightness temperature observation into the SUPERFLEX-CMEM modelling chain improves the correlation between predicted and in situ observed soil moisture by 0.03 on average showing improvements similar to those obtained using the CLM land surface model.
Community-based landslide hazard probability and risk assessment: A case in west Hubei, China
Authors: Fu Sheng , Chen Lixia , Woldai Tsehaie , Yin Kunlong , Gui Lei , Li Deying , Du Juan , Zhou Chao , Xu Yong , Lian Zhipeng
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Small communities living in high mountainous terrains, in Hubei Province are often impacted by landslide hazard. Past work by China Geology Survey focused only on hazard assessment at 1 : 100 000 scales. In this study, we conducted a more-detailed semiquantitative landslide and risk assessment at a community level and scale of 1 : 10 000. We applied the probabilistic method to assess the landslide spatial, temporal and size probabilities while the landslide hazard and risk assessment were considered for four return periods (5, 10, 20 and 50 years) and two size scenarios (landslide volume). The spatial probability by susceptibility mapping with an accuracy of 84 % indicates that Quaternary deposits and weathered eluvium from Ordovician limestone are the two major controlling factors. Most building areas in hazard maps are located at the foot of major slopes where hazard probabilities are very high. We computed the loss of lives and properties for each slope. The result shows that 1530 people and 126 million RMB economics were at risk of being affected by landslides with a 50-year return period and a landslide volume of fifty thousand cubic meters. Meanwhile, the longer the return period, the higher the hazard probability is. Compared with the function by ordinary least square method, classic inverse gamma and power law distribution of landslide magnitude and frequency are not suitable for landslide size probability analysis in the study area. The proposed procedure is proved to be more useful to complement risk assessment on the small scale of 100 000 in west Hubei, China.
Religião e espiritualidade no curso de psicologia: revisão sistemática de estudos empíricos
Authors: Pereira Karine Costa Lima , Holanda Adriano Furtado
Published: August 2019

A revisão apresenta um panorama da literatura nacional que trata da vivência espiritual/religiosa de graduandos no contexto da formação científico-acadêmica do psicólogo. O objetivo foi delinear e analisar pesquisas empíricas sobre a relação entre estudantes, espiritualidade, religião e formação nos cursos de psicologia do país. Realizou-se uma busca nas bases de dados virtuais: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Scientific Eletronic Library Online, Periódicos Eletrônicos em Psicologia, e no Banco de Teses e Dissertações da CAPES, sendo selecionados e analisados 11 estudos, no período de 2002 a 2017. Observou-se um número reduzido de publicações, especialmente no formato de artigo. A maioria das pesquisas é oriunda de instituições de ensino confessionais e de Programas de Pós-graduação em Psicologia. Verificou-se que estudantes de psicologia tendem a apresentar índices menores de bem-estar espiritual quando comparados a outros estudantes universitários. Formandos de diferentes regiões do país mencionam sentir dificuldade e insegurança quando o assunto se apresenta na clínica. Questionam sobre a postura ética adequada; sentem medo de influenciar o paciente, de revelar a religião pessoal e não saber lidar com suas próprias crenças. Admitem falta de conhecimento e manejo teórico-clínico; e a dificuldade ou impedimento de abordar tais questões com professores e supervisores de estágio.
Vivências da espiritualidade em mulheres brasileiras e britânicas praticantes de Tai Chi Chuan
Authors: Zaneti Nicole Bacellar , Freitas Marta Helena de , Carrette Jeremy
Published: August 2019

Apresenta-se pesquisa desenvolvida com mulheres brasileiras e britânicas praticantes de Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) cujo objetivo foi identificar suas vivências da espiritualidade, pautando-se nas contribuições de Husserl e Merleau-Ponty para se compreender as relações entre espiritualidade e corporeidade. Foram entrevistadas, em profundidade, doze mulheres (seis brasileiras e seis britânicas), sendo que este recorte foi focado sobre os temas eixos: “vivência e concepção do TCC” e “vivência e concepção de espiritualidade”. As entrevistas - gravadas, transcritas e revisadas - foram analisadas segundo metodologia fenomenológica de Giorgi. Os resultados mostram que as praticantes de TCC o valorizam profundamente em suas vidas e o associam a uma série de benefícios físicos, mentais e existenciais. Suas concepções e vivências da espiritualidade, ainda que mescladas numa teodiceia ocidental, tendem a ser bastante influenciadas e eventualmente substituídas por paradigmas orientais, integrando-se à vivência corporal, em consonância com o que Campbel chamou de “orientalização do Ocidente”.
Integrando Espiritualidade no Cuidado com a Saúde Mental, Psiquiatria e Psicoterapia (tradução)
Authors: Hefti René
Published: August 2019

(Tradução do artigo "Integrating Religion and Spirituality into Mental Health Care, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy", por Hartmut August e Pedro Luís Tiso Santos) A integração da espiritualidade no cuidado com a saúde mental, com a psiquiatria e a psicologia ainda é algo controverso, apesar de um crescente corpo de evidências estar mostrando os efeitos benéficos e a real necessidade de tal integração. Em minha análise eu resumo pesquisas antigas e recentes, assim como evidências da prática clínica de nossa clínica em Langenthal/Suíça.Coping religioso é altamente presente entre pacientes com desordens psiquiátricas. Pesquisas indicam que 70-80% usam de crenças religiosas ou espirituais e atividades para lidar com dificuldades diárias e frustrações. A religião ajuda os pacientes a melhorar o ajustamento emocional e manter a esperança, os propósitos e o sentido. Os pacientes enfatizam que servir a um propósito além deles mesmos pode tornar possível viver com algo que, de outra maneiram, seria insustentável.Programas que incorporaram com sucesso a espiritualidade na prática clínica, são descritos e discutidos. Estudos indicam que o resultado da psicoterapia em pacientes religiosos pode ser incrementado ao integrar-se elementos religiosos no protocolo terapêuticos e que isso pode ser feito com sucesso por terapeutas religiosos ou não.
Principais Impactos da Nova Norma Internacional de Arrendamento Mercantil sobre os Indicadores Econômico-Financeiros das Empresas Aéreas GOL e LATAM
Authors: Najar Luíza Lima , Marques José Augusto Veiga da Costa , Carvalho Marcia Da Silva , Mello Leila Batista
Published: August 2019

As regras de contabilização do arrendamento mercantil tem sido fonte de discussões pelo fato das arrendatárias na modalidade operacional não considerarem essas transações em seu balanço patrimonial, afetando a transparência das informações. Com a nova norma de arrendamento, IFRS 16, em princípio, essas operações passarão a integrar as demonstrações contábeis de todas as arrendatárias. O objetivo deste estudo foi averiguar os principais efeitos dessa norma quando dado um tratamento contábil similar do arrendamento financeiro à classificação operacional, nos indicadores econômico-financeiros das organizações aéreas GOL e LATAM, nos exercícios de 2014 a 2016, aplicando o modelo de ajuste de Barbosa, Barros, Niyama e Souza (2011). Foram observados impactos expressivos no ativo e passivo das empresas, redução da liquidez corrente, da composição do endividamento e do retorno sobre o ativo, bem como aumento do grau de endividamento, imobilização do patrimônio líquido e grau de alavancagem financeira, enquanto apenas o retorno sobre patrimônio líquido permaneceu inalterado.
Análise da Classificação dos Empréstimos e Financiamentos em curto e longo prazo: um estudo das Demonstrações Intermediárias.
Authors: Belote Guilherme Simões , Queiroz Lisia Melo , Santos Geovane Camilo
Published: August 2019

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a classificação dos empréstimos e financiamentos das empresas listadas no Novo Mercado da BM&FBovespa, em curto e longo prazo, considerando os demonstrativos intermediários de 2016. A pesquisa é descritiva e a abordagem é qualitativa, tendo sido explorado as notas explicativas das demonstrações intermediárias das entidades listadas. A população do estudo é composta de 131 participantes do Novo Mercado de Governança Corporativa da BM&FBovespa, porém não se considerou as empresas que os classificavam apenas no curto prazo ou não apresentaram tais critérios de classificação, desse modo, a amostra do estudo reduziu-se para 114 entidades. Os resultados indicam que apenas 41 organizações (35,96%) demonstram em notas explicativas, de forma correta, consoante ao exigido pela Lei das Sociedades por Ações, e em contrapartida, 73 empresas (64,03%) não estavam divulgando de forma compreensível os critérios de classificação dos empréstimos e financiamentos em seus demonstrativos. Espera-se que o estudo contribua com o debate sobre a apresentação fidedigna, característica qualitativa das informações, e apresentação da convergência com o IRFS.
Um Estudo sobre o Processo de Institucionalização das Atividades da Auditoria Interna no Setor Público: A Percepção dos Auditores das Instituições Federais de Educação da Região Nordeste
Authors: De Aquino Márcio Mateus Ferreira , Israel Sheila Miriam Barbosa , Filho Mário De Carvalho , De Souza Givanildo Pereira , Cavalcante Gesualdo Menezes
Published: August 2019

A teoria institucional versa sobre a incorporação de práticas e procedimentos que levam uma organização a se tornar estruturada, sendo legitimada por ações que são reconhecidas pela sociedade atuante, podendo tais práticas e procedimentos se tornar isomórficas dentre as organizações pertencentes ao meio. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi: identificar os principais aspectos no processo de institucionalização da atividade da auditoria interna nas instituições federais de educação na região nordeste. Tipificada como uma pesquisa exploratória-descritiva, os procedimentos metodológicos foram aplicados através de levantamento survey. A amostra classificada como não probabilística intencional, foi composta por 63 respondentes entre chefes e auditores dos departamentos de auditoria interna nos Institutos Federais e Universidades Federais da região nordeste. O tratamento dos dados se deu através de estatística descritiva e inferencial, utilizando-se dos testes de Mann Whitney e Kruskal Wallis. Os resultados além de traçar o perfil predominante dos respondentes (variáveis X), analisou a percepção dos auditores quanto aos aspectos de institucionalização da auditoria interna no ambiente público, através de escala likert, ranking médio (RM) e desvio padrão (DP), aonde foram expostas aos respondentes 10 assertivas correspondentes ao processo de institucionalização, utilizando-se de uma gradação de 1 (discordo totalmente) a 5 (concordo totalmente). O RM geral foi de 2,98 apontando imparcialidade dos respondentes quanto aos aspectos do processo de institucionalização da atividade de auditoria interna. De forma individual houve assertivas que obtiveram como maior RM os índices de 4,66, 4,63 e 4,36 o que demonstra que há aspectos que são vistos como importantes no processo de institucionalização. Os menores RM foram 1,29, 1,56 e 1,73, demonstrando os aspectos de menor importância. Estas assertivas foram utilizadas como variáveis dependentes (Y) e analisadas sobre as variáveis independentes (X). Os testes não paramétricos, tendo estabelecido um p-value < 0,05, demonstram um baixo índice de significância estatística entre as variáveis analisadas.
Formulário de Avaliação
Authors: Costa Flaviano
Published: August 2019

Formulário de Avaliação
Users’ Perception of Financial Reporting Quality in Ghana
Authors: Mbawuni Joseph
Published: August 2019

This paper assesses the extent to which top and middle management perceive FRQ of companies in Ghana after the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Drawing from the literature, a five-dimension FRQ questionnaire was developed for the study. It was a cross-sectional survey that involved a sample of 500 respondents from top and middle level management across seven industries in Ghana. The findings indicate that, generally top and middle management perceive the qualitative characteristics of FRQ of the Ghanaian companies to be very good. However, Timeliness of FRQ in terms of publishing audited financial reports was the only poorly rated qualitative characteristic. Implications to accounting theory and practitioners are discussed. Moreover, there were differences in respondents’ perception of FRQ according to their work background characteristics. It was found that top and middle management who were professional accountants were more critical in their assessment and therefore rated their perceived FRQ significantly lower than those who were non-accounting professionals.  This study contributes to filling the void in FRQ literature regarding accounting information users’ assessment of FRQ in IFRS-compliant countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Managing patients in the emergency department with mental health and substance use disorders
Authors: DuBose Kimberley , Leonard Johnie , Graham Melissa
Published: August 2019

With approximately 3% of the Houston Methodist Hospital Emergency Department’s (ED) 2017 annual volume presenting with resource-intensive psychiatric conditions, a 6-prong approach was applied to address the growing area of concern on how to best manage this unique population safely and efficiently through the provision of high quality care.  This approach included (1) the provision of dedicated care space, (2) placement of a trained team of providers and clinical staff, (3) contracting with a third-party, rapid-screen care team, (4) application of new technology, (5) instilling a partnership with the ancillary team, and (6) extending care after the hospital stay for better management of the longevity of the patients’ medical issues. Through these efforts, the overall time from ED arrival to ED departure for psychiatric patients who were discharged was reduced by 36%. In addition, the admit decision time to ED departure time for psychiatric patients was reduced by 30% from 2016 to the third quarter of 2017. Additionally, the number of violent patient incidents in the ED mental health unit was reduced to zero from 2016 to the third quarter of 2017, a number that is holding to date. Via the presence of heightened security measures, approximately 50% fewer security dispatches were requested in 2018 than in 2017. This is even more profound when considering the 9% growth in overall ED patient volume over the same time period. Thus, through the application of a multifaceted approach to the care of patients with mental health and substance use disorders presenting to the Houston Methodist Hospital ED there was an observed significant positive effect. Continued diligence to this topic in addition to further expanded resources are needed in both the community and clinical setting to mitigate the negative cycle of patients unnecessarily returning to the hospital or landing in jail that currently exists.
Erratum to “A Perspective on Stratigraphic, Vertically-Upward “Displacements or Dislocations” of Conodont-Elements: An Example From the Upper Devonian, Pre-Lithified, Black Shales of the Chattanooga Shale Formation In Tennessee, USA” ...
Authors: Iannicelli Michael
Published: August 2019

Even though the author already incorporated the citation of Sinninghe-Damste & Schouten (2006) into the text of the paper, the author regrets having failed to include their full citation within the Reference Section of my above paper which is: Sinninghe-Damste, J. S. & Schouton, S. (2006). Biological markers for anoxia in the photic zone of the water column. In, Volkman, J. K. (ed.), Marine Organic Matter: Biomarkers, Isotopes and DNA, (pp. 127 – 163). The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, vol. 2N. Springer: Berlin and Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/698_2_005 The author also needs to paraphrase a statement made in the last three lines of the 2nd paragraph on page 40 where it reads as: “Thus, we may conclude here that paleo-upfreezing of any conodont-element(s) originally buried in the pre-lithified, light-colored shale occurred in order to account for their presence in black shale”. Instead, in lieu of that statement, it should read as “At this point in time of the study, we may tentatively conclude here while completely concluding later in the study, that conodont-elements originally existing in the underlying, pre-lithified, light-colored shale, had to paleo-upfreeze vertically upward into pre-lithified, black shale sediment in order to account for their presence in lithified black shale”.
Análise dos critérios de sustentabilidade aplicados nas licitações de uma universidade pública federal
Authors: Gallon Ives , Flores Graziela Machado , Trevisan Marcelo , Kneipp Jordana Marques
Published: August 2019

Objetivo do estudo: o presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar a aplicação dos critérios de sustentabilidade nos processos licitatórios para aquisição de materiais de consumo em uma universidade pública federal, localizada no interior do estado do Rio Grande do Sul.Metodologia/abordagem: foi conduzida uma pesquisa documental nas licitações realizadas durante os anos de 2016 e 2017 que tivessem como objetivo a aquisição de materiais de consumo, utilizando-se palavras-chave para filtrar estes processos. Assim, foi possível verificar os tipos de itens sustentáveis que estavam sendo adquiridos e suas características.Originalidade/relevância: o estudo se mostra relevante considerando que foi somente nos últimos anos que a legislação brasileira incluiu a temática de sustentabilidade nas contratações públicas, sendo importante analisar quais critérios estão sendo efetivamente utilizados.Principais resultados: os resultados indicam a predominância de exigência de critérios de sustentabilidade ambiental, seguida por critérios de sustentabilidade social e, por último, critérios de sustentabilidade econômica. Os itens com exigência de critérios de sustentabilidade representaram pouco mais de sete por cento do total de itens analisados.Contribuições: o trabalho contribuiu para a melhor compreensão dos critérios de sustentabilidade mais utilizados pela instituição, assim como apresentou contribuições metodológicas para a realização de futuros estudos que utilizem como base de dados o sistema de compras do governo federal.Conclusões: identificou-se que a instituição se preocupa principalmente em atender as legislações específicas, possuindo poucas iniciativas em relação à aquisição de produtos sustentáveis.Palavras-chave: Licitações sustentáveis. Critérios de sustentabilidade. Universidade.
Effect of all-trans retinoic acid on casein and fatty acid synthesis in MAC-T cells
Authors: Liao Xian-Dong , Zhou Chang-Hai , Zhang Jing , Shen Jing-Lin , Wang Ya-Jing , Jin Yong-Cheng , Li Sheng-Li
Published: August 2019

Objective: Caseins and fatty acids of milk are synthesized and secreted by the epithelial cells of the mammary gland. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), an active metabolite of vitamin A, has been shown to promote mammary development. This study was conducted to determine the effect of ATRA on casein synthesis and fatty acid composition in MAC-T cells.Methods: MAC-T cells were allowed to differentiate for 4 d, treated with ATRA (0, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 μM), and incubated for 3 d. We analyzed the fatty acid composition, the mRNA expression of casein and fatty acid synthesis-related genes, and the phosphorylation of casein synthesis-related proteins of MAC-T cells by gas chromatography, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting, respectively.Results: In MAC-T cells, ATRA increased the mRNA levels of αS1-casein and β-casein, janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and E74-like factor 5 of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 β (STAT5-β) pathway, ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (S6K1) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, inhibited the mRNA expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E of the mTOR pathway, and promoted the phosphorylation of STAT5-β and S6K1 proteins. Additionally, ATRA increased the de novo synthesis of fatty acids, reduced the content of long-chain fatty acids, the ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (SFA), the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to SFA, and the ratio of ω-6 to ω-3 PUFA. The mRNA levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, fatty acid synthase, lipoprotein lipase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) were enhanced by ATRA.Conclusion: ATRA promotes the synthesis of casein by regulating JAK2/STAT5 pathway and downstream mTOR signaling pathway, and it improves the fatty acid composition of MAC-T cells by regulating SREBP1-related genes.
Development of a Differential Multiplex PCR Assay for the Supplemental Identification of Different Sources of Proteins
Authors: Thompson Christopher M , Gao Quanyin , Lu Zhengfei , Babajanian Silva , Chang Peter , Swanson Gary
Published: August 2019

Background: Differentiation of proteins from multiple sources provides challenges in the accuracy using multiple and often disputed protein identification methods. The U.S. Pharmacopeia Food Chemical Codex does not include monographs for many protein sources, including milk proteins and soy protein isolate. Monographs that are included for proteins do not list a single comprehensive identification method but instead rely on a combined assessment of ash (total), fat, lactose, loss on drying, and protein content. A fast, inexpensive, and accurate protein source assay is tantamount to prevention of economic adulteration in protein powders. Objective: This study describes the development of a novel method to identify and differentiate animal proteins (cow protein powders as milk protein and whey protein) and plant proteins (soy protein powders). These proteins powders are of high importance to the food and dietary supplement industries, as they encompass the highest grossing and fastest growing protein sources in the global protein powder market. Methods: The developed method uses PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis of short chain DNA fragments found in processed protein powders to identify and differentiate the source of each powder. The original development was performed using reference materials of known identity and tested against an inclusivity panel of protein powders from commercial sources. Bands were identified using the Agilent Tapestation 4200 and Tapestation Analysis Software A.02.02 (SR1) using proprietary band analysis. Results: The developed method was found to be specific for the identification of each protein source, passing a computational (National Center for Biotechnology Information Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) exclusivity panel and an experimental inclusivity panel. The method was also able to detect multiple adulterants in concentrations as low as 1% (w/w). Conclusions: The developed method is fast, inexpensive, and accurate (100%) for the supplemental identification of cow and soy proteins and able to detect adulteration as low as 1% (w/w). Highlights: A new method can identify cow and soy proteins, and detect low levels of adulteration using DM-PCR.
Toward a Renewed Theory of the Narreme
Authors: Rosenbaum Richard ,   Semiotic Society of America
Published: August 2019

From Propp’s functions to Levi-Strauss’s mythemes, from Greimas’s actants to Barthes’s narrative units, and beyond, numerous scholars of linguistics, comparative mythology, and narratology have proposed frameworks for identifying and systematizing the fundamental particles of narrative and describing how they interact. The term “narreme” was suggested by Eugèn Dorfman and has caught on, as the proposed basic unit of narrative structure, analogous to the “phoneme” in phonology; however, although the term has been deployed by many contemporary scholars (primarily within the context of ludology (or “game studies”), this has not yet led to definitions or descriptions of the narreme and its associated architecture that have been broadly accepted, nor has it produced any robust descriptive or generative model that has come into wide use. None of the proposed formulations provide a sufficient degree of precision or granularity, and none operate at a suitable level of abstraction to make generative research on the subject possible. Building on the insights of the aforementioned classic scholars in the fields of structuralist semiotics and cognitive studies, as well as contemporaries such as David Herman, Bruno Latour, Umberto Eco, and others, I propose a preliminary model of the narreme, its available values, permissible combinations, and codified conventional patterns within the construction of the narrative objects that the human mind instinctively recognizes as a “story”. My intent is to contribute to an atomic theory of narrativity that can be further developed and deployed as an apparatus for the analysis and creation of works of narrative art, in addition to possible uses in education and narrative-based therapies.
Aspectos qualitativos da carcaça e carne ovina são modificados com uso de aspersão de água
Authors:   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Mateus Karina Aline , Santos Moisés Rodrigues dos , Chiocca Maisa , Lima Jocelita de , Orso Tálison , Cucco Diego de Córdova , Kessler Julcemar Dias
Published: August 2019

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar os aspectos qualitativos da carne ovina, após a submissão ou não de 20 carcaças à aspersão de água. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento em bloco ao acaso, com dois tratamentos com dez carcaças cada e dez repetições. As carcaças foram submetidas e não submetidas à aspersão de água por 10 horas consecutivas em câmara fria. As análises de qualidade instrumental da carne foram determinadas nos músculos Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), e ocorreram em dois períodos distintos, inicialmente dentro do período de 24 horas post mortem e após 7 meses de congelamento não industrial. Foram analisados pH, coloração de carne e gordura subcutânea, perda por cocção, capacidade de retenção de água, atividade de água, comprimento de sarcômero, força de cisalhamento e medidas corporais da carcaça. Além destas, foram incluídas a mensurações subjetivas de cor e marmoreio e a análise microbiológica (Escherichia coli). Após as análises, foi observado que nas carcaças aspergidas, o músculo LTL modificou o croma dentro de 24 horas post mortem e a tonalidade após o congelamento (7 meses). Além destes, houve aumento na contagem microbiológica (5,9 x 10¹ e 4,3 x 10² UFC/cm²) e no rendimento frigorífico (48,77; 46,28 kg). Contudo, houve maior perda no resfriamento (4,87; 3,27%). Para carcaças não aspergidas, houve maior declínio de pH 2 horas post mortem (pH 6,9) e menor pH final após 24 horas (pH 5,6). Entretanto, após o congelamento não houve diferença significativa (p<0,05) entre os tratamentos. Para as outras análises não foi constatada diferença significativa. O uso ou não de aspersão por 10 horas consecutivas em carcaças ovinas, promove alterações indesejadas nos aspectos qualitativos da carcaça e carne. Neste sentido, não recomendamos o uso prolongado (10 horas) de aspersão em carcaças ovinas.