bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioética em tempos de crise e incertezas
Authors: Bastos Thalita da Rocha , Letícia Fonseca Macedo  , Cambraia Larissa da Silva , Braga Thaisy Luane Gomes Pereira , Soeiro Ana Cristina Vidigal
Published: February 2021

A pandemia causada pelo novo coronavírus intensificou debates acerca do direito à vida e à saúde, descortinando desigualdades e denunciando a carência de recursos e de direitos sociais básicos. O artigo pretende estimular a reflexão bioética sobre a atual pandemia, tendo como eixo de discussão o tema da solidariedade. Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa com acesso às principais bases de dados. Os achados apontam que em meio aos tempos de crise e incerteza, a solidariedade desponta como um princípio ético com potencial de intensificar a ajuda humanitária e as redes de apoio, no enfrentamento das vulnerabilidades.
The Marketing Efficiency Development to Create Value-Added for Product and Service of Community-Based Tourism. Study Case for Phatthalung Province
Authors: NA SONGKHLA Ratirath , WANVIJIT Wit , CHAROENBOON Pawintana , NINAROON Panida
Published: February 2021

This study aims to examine the hypothesis and to carry out the path analysis of casual relationship influencing the marketing efficiency development to create value-added for product and service of community-based tourism; Phatthalung Province, Thailand. The findings are as follows. First, the hypothesis model matched with the empirical data by considering the value of CMIN/df = 1.596, p-value = .768, GFI = .976, AGFI = 0.972. RMR = 0.000, RMSEA = 0.005, NFI = 0.991, TLI = 0.998 and CFI = 0.999, respectively. The total effect of the causal variable having most effect towards the marketing efficiency development is the entrepreneurial orientation and all compositions explained the marketing efficiency’ s variance accounting for 71.90%. Second, the conceptual model of the causal relationship having effect towards the marketing efficiency development consists of one direct effect variable – the entrepreneurial orientation whereas there are 3 direct and indirect effect variables having effect towards the marketing competency; risk appetite, proactive operation and innovation capability.
The Status Quo of Sustainable Tourism Development in Phuket. A Qualitative Assessment
Authors: FUCHS Kevin , SINCHAROENKUL Kris
Published: February 2021

Sustainable tourism is an increasingly fashionable term that is strongly correlated with the global age of increased mobility. While there is increasing interest in sustainable tourism, there is no contemporary research that describes the current state of Phuket, Thailand, the mass-tourism destination. An in-depth review of existing literature revealed that sustainable tourism at large receives a great deal of attention in its current state. This paper aimed to go beyond the common theme of sustainable tourism and conducted a thorough analysis about the status quo in Phuket with regard to sustainable tourism. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews (n=5) with industry experts and later analyzed the content by the means of thematic analysis. The research is specific to Phuket; therefore, the results of this research are not generalizable to other mass-tourism locations. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but it is evident that stakeholders in Phuket recognize the importance of sustainable tourism. Moreover, the lack of accountability, coherent leadership, and consistency resulted in a high failure rate when initiatives were launched to improve sustainable tourism behavior in Phuket.
Simulation of Behavior of Hotel and Restaurant Business Staff in the Conditions of COVID-19 Viral Pandemic
Authors: BOVSH Liudmіla , HOPKALO Larysa , LEVYTSKA Inna , KOMARNITSKYI Igor , RASULOVA Alla
Published: February 2021

The research views staff behavior as a complex mechanism of motivators through the lens of rationality, which obeys the principles of the transitivity axiom and the law of declining marginal utility in times of crisis, including the quarantine COVID-19 pandemic, budget constraints. The factors which affect the behavior of hotel and restaurant staff form a field for understanding behavioral responses. The interests and motives that regulate the behavior of the staff, in this case, reflect the map of utility, which allows modeling the usefulness of employment in an enterprise. It is substantiated that the behavior of the staff should be correlated with the influence of leadership and agile management methods (Scrum, Kanban). The Agile determinants in the pandemic client-oriented management of the hotel and restaurant business provide an algorithmic explanation for the application of the approaches in practice. Flexible management methods allow you to create organizational values for staff, which allows you to build value dependencies within cross-functional team management. The result is the consideration of motivational types of staff and methods for choosing the right Agile approach. It also suggested ways to reformat the hotel and restaurant business in the pandemic and change the professional roles of workers to survive and create conditions for rapid rehabilitation and recovery in the post-quarantine period.
The Role of Non-Financial Reporting in Modern Ecological Problems Updating and Solving
Authors: MYSAKA Hanna , DERUN Ivan , SKLIARUK Iryna
Published: February 2021

The relevance of the paper is due to the conscious demand of society for ecological results data of business against the background of climate change and ecological disasters. The purpose of the article is to develop recommendations aimed at improving informativeness and reliability of the companies’ non-financial reporting on their ecological management. The study is based on a legitimacy and legality analysis of the global practice of compiling and submitting non-financial reporting. It is determined that the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards are the most popular among the public-interest entities for the preparation of non-financial reporting. The authors have structured a set of current GRI Standards 300 series (Environmental topics) on the issues’ content. The authors have formed practical proposals increasing the informativeness of non-financial reporting, which is made according to the GRI Standards by identifying the need for additional data disclosure about the company’s policies on resource consumption, environmental protection, hazardous emissions and waste management. These proposals will help increase the credibility of non-financial reporting indicators by providing cross-sectional information on the same phenomenon or event in case of the absence of independent control over the statement’s reliability. It will be an important argument in favour of non-financial reporting as a data source for all stakeholders’ decision-making.
Sustainable Development of Rural Areas. Assessment of the Investment Appeal of the Region
Authors: KALDIYAROV Daniyar , KASENOVA Aibarshyn , DYRKA Stefan , BISKUPSKI Roman , BEDELBAYEVA Assel
Published: February 2021

The article is devoted to the problem of sustainable development of rural areas as part of the investment policy. The investment appeal of the rural areas in Kazakhstan has been analyzed in the study, and the existing methods for assessing the investment appeal of the rural areas from the standpoint of their sustainable development have been considered. The authors focus on the method for assessing the factors contributing to the formation of investment appeal of the rural areas. A factor score of the investment appeal of the rural areas has been determined using a correlation regression analysis, which revealed the ease of use for a potential investor. Based on the assessment and analysis of the investment potential of the rural areas, proposals have been formulated to improve the method for assessing the investment appeal of the rural areas, taking into account a wide range of factors and monitoring the investment climate in the rural areas.
The Perceptions of Residents and Businesses towards the Sustainable Development of Tourism
Authors: DAUTI Merita Begolli , DAUTI Rron , KRASNIQI Musa , NISHIQI Dukagjin
Published: February 2021

Among the economic benefits of tourism development, the negative environmental and socio-cultural impacts caused during tourism activities should be taken into account and carefully managed. In achieving sustainability in the development of tourism, residents, and businesses - tourism service providers should have the right to identify and express concerns and determine the pace and degree of development. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the importance of negative and positive economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts of tourism, based on the perceptions of residents and businesses on the scale of importance, which is a possible action to boost tourism development sustainably. This quantitative study, based on a random sample, was conducted in Kosovo’s territory, using a questionnaire addressed to 338 residents and 221 businesses. The questionnaire results were analysed using the RII test - Relative importance index and the Mann-Whitney test. This study intended to bridge the gap by measuring residents and businesses’ perceptions on sustainable tourism development and their suggestions to promote it.
Cultural Heritage: A Tourism Product of Egypt under Risk
Authors: MUSTAFA Mairna H.
Published: February 2021

The heritage of Egypt is known for its richness and diversity; besides the numerous archaeological and historical sites (tangible heritage), different regions in the country are distinguished for their poetry, songs, dances, handicrafts and other forms of intangible heritage. This paper aims at giving an overview of Egyptian cultural heritage forms, then shedding the light on different threats that hinder their sustainability as tourism cultural resources. An exploratory approach was used in gathering information from literature. The significance of this research comes from the fact that few published works discussed the problems facing heritage in Egypt, particularly, intangible heritage. Clearly, human actions and climate change, globalization, political instability, improper tourism development and social change are all contributing to the erosion of an integral part of the Egyptian culture and social identity. General recommendations were given on ways to save this valuable heritage from loss; these mainly relate documentation, protecting cultural properties, raising awareness and behaviour modification.
Mit dziewiętnastowiecznego Paryża
Authors: Knapowski Stanisław
Published: February 2021

Esej recenzyjny książki Pierre’a Pinona, Le mythe Haussmann, która zajmuje się zdekonstruowaniem mitu, powstałego wokół Georgesa-Eugène’a Haussmanna jako wykonawcy wielkiej przebudowy Paryża. Analiza argumentów autora odkrywa złożony charakter prowadzonych w XIX-wiecznym Paryżu prac budowlanych, których planowanie i wcielanie w życie było efektem negocjacji i współpracy, a nie arbitralnych decyzji. Ponadto pozwala na wyciągnięcie wniosków dotyczących przepracowywanego we francuskiej humanistyce przeformułowania historii II Cesarstwa, które jednocześnie rehabilituje reżim polityczny Napoleona III i jego urzędników oraz rozbija ich jednostkową ich sprawczość na rozproszone i trudniejsze do jednoznacznego zdefiniowania podmioty zbiorowe i luźniej powiązane sieci aktorów. Książka staje się więc otwarciem do przepisania historii wielkiej przebudowy, która zamiast skupiać się wyłącznie na postaci prefekta Haussmanna i jego Wspomnieniach, uwzględni szereg postaci i oddolnych działań, dzięki czemu przebudowętę będzie można wpisać w szersze nurty dziewiętnastowiecznych procesów modernizacyjnych, których tytułowa postać była tylko epifenomenem i eponimem, nie zaś sprawcą.
Przeciw zamykaniu przyszłości
Authors: Leder Andrzej
Published: February 2021

Niniejszy artykuł recenzyjny jest dyskusją z książką Bartosza Kuźniarza Król Liczb. Szkice z metafizyki kapitalizmu (Warszawa: Fundacja Augusta Hrabiego Cieszkowskiego, 2020).
Astrid
Authors: Shetiya Suraj , Thirumuruganathan Saravanan , Koudas Nick , Das Gautam
Published: February 2021

Accurate selectivity estimation for string predicates is a long-standing research challenge in databases. Supporting pattern matching on strings (such as prefix, substring, and suffix) makes this problem much more challenging, thereby necessitating a dedicated study. Traditional approaches often build pruned summary data structures such as tries followed by selectivity estimation using statistical correlations. However, this produces insufficiently accurate cardinality estimates resulting in the selection of sub-optimal plans by the query optimizer. Recently proposed deep learning based approaches leverage techniques from natural language processing such as embeddings to encode the strings and use it to train a model. While this is an improvement over traditional approaches, there is a large scope for improvement.

We propose Astrid, a framework for string selectivity estimation that synthesizes ideas from traditional and deep learning based approaches. We make two complementary contributions. First, we propose an embedding algorithm that is query-type (prefix, substring, and suffix) and selectivity aware. Consider three strings 'ab', 'abc' and 'abd' whose prefix frequencies are 1000, 800 and 100 respectively. Our approach would ensure that the embedding for 'ab' is closer to 'abc' than 'abd'. Second, we describe how neural language models could be used for selectivity estimation. While they work well for prefix queries, their performance for substring queries is sub-optimal. We modify the objective function of the neural language model so that it could be used for estimating selectivities of pattern matching queries. We also propose a novel and efficient algorithm for optimizing the new objective function. We conduct extensive experiments over benchmark datasets and show that our proposed approaches achieve state-of-the-art results.
Capturing and querying fine-grained provenance of preprocessing pipelines in data science
Authors: Chapman Adriane , Missier Paolo , Simonelli Giulia , Torlone Riccardo
Published: February 2021

Data processing pipelines that are designed to clean, transform and alter data in preparation for learning predictive models, have an impact on those models' accuracy and performance, as well on other properties, such as model fairness. It is therefore important to provide developers with the means to gain an in-depth understanding of how the pipeline steps affect the data, from the raw input to training sets ready to be used for learning. While other efforts track creation and changes of pipelines of relational operators, in this work we analyze the typical operations of data preparation within a machine learning process, and provide infrastructure for generating very granular provenance records from it, at the level of individual elements within a dataset. Our contributions include: (i) the formal definition of a core set of preprocessing operators, and the definition of provenance patterns for each of them, and (ii) a prototype implementation of an application-level provenance capture library that works alongside Python. We report on provenance processing and storage overhead and scalability experiments, carried out over both real ML benchmark pipelines and over TCP-DI, and show how the resulting provenance can be used to answer a suite of provenance benchmark queries that underpin some of the developers' debugging questions, as expressed on the Data Science Stack Exchange.
Understanding the idiosyncrasies of real persistent memory
Authors: Gugnani Shashank , Kashyap Arjun , Lu Xiaoyi
Published: February 2021

High capacity persistent memory (PMEM) is finally commercially available in the form of Intel's Optane DC Persistent Memory Module (DCPMM). Researchers have raced to evaluate and understand the performance of DCPMM itself as well as systems and applications designed to leverage PMEM resulting from over a decade of research. Early evaluations of DCPMM show that its behavior is more nuanced and idiosyncratic than previously thought. Several assumptions made about its performance that guided the design of PMEM-enabled systems have been shown to be incorrect. Unfortunately, several peculiar performance characteristics of DCPMM are related to the memory technology (3D-XPoint) used and its internal architecture. It is expected that other technologies (such as STT-RAM, memristor, ReRAM, NVDIMM), with highly variable characteristics, will be commercially shipped as PMEM in the near future. Current evaluation studies fail to understand and categorize the idiosyncratic behavior of PMEM; i.e., how do the peculiarities of DCPMM related to other classes of PMEM. Clearly, there is a need for a study which can guide the design of systems and is agnostic to PMEM technology and internal architecture.

In this paper, we first list and categorize the idiosyncratic behavior of PMEM by performing targeted experiments with our proposed PMIdioBench benchmark suite on a real DCPMM platform. Next, we conduct detailed studies to guide the design of storage systems, considering generic PMEM characteristics. The first study guides data placement on NUMA systems with PMEM while the second study guides the design of lock-free data structures, for both eADR- and ADR-enabled PMEM systems. Our results are often counter-intuitive and highlight the challenges of system design with PMEM.
Explaining monotonic ranking functions
Authors: Gale Abraham , Marian Amélie
Published: February 2021

Ranking functions are commonly used to assist in decision-making in a wide variety of applications. As the general public realizes the significant societal impacts of the widespread use of algorithms in decision-making, there has been a push towards explainability and transparency in decision processes and results, as well as demands to justify the fairness of the processes. In this paper, we focus on providing metrics towards explainability and transparency of ranking functions, with a focus towards making the ranking process understandable,
a priori
, so that decision-makers can make informed choices when designing their ranking selection process. We propose transparent participation metrics to clarify the ranking process, by assessing the contribution of each parameter used in the ranking function in the creation of the final ranked outcome, using information about the ranking functions themselves, as well as observations of the underlying distributions of the parameter values involved in the ranking. To evaluate the outcome of the ranking process, we propose diversity and disparity metrics to measure how similar the selected objects are to each other, and to the underlying data distribution. We evaluate the behavior of our metrics on synthetic data, as well as on data and ranking functions on two real-world scenarios: high school admissions and decathlon scoring.
Effect of microbial combination with organic fertilizer on Elymus dahuricus
Authors: Li Yingjun , Zhao Yan , Song Zefeng , Deng Yanan , Wang Hao , Xu Liyan , Cai Kui
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study was to compare the growth using an organic fertilizer culture comprising wheat straw, mushroom residue or sawdust and dry dung, or plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPM) on the growth conditions and nutritional status of Elymus dahuricus to provide a set of feasible plans for the treatment and restoration of abandoned land exhibiting lower organic matter, calcification, and alkaline soil of the Qilianshan coal mine. Pot experiments were conducted on four groups to study the effect of the characteristics of nutrient absorption of E. dahuricus: (1) original soil with or without the addition of soil bacteria and compound bacteria (nitrobacteria and Pleurotus), (2) different ratios of original soil mixed with different proportions of organic fertilizer, (3) different proportions of original soil mixed with different proportions of organic fertilizer and soil bacteria, and (4) different proportions of original soil mixed with different proportions of organic fertilizer and compound bacteria. Results showed that original soil supplemented with different PGPM, organic fertilizer treatment, and the organic fertilizer combined with different PGPMs was an obvious increase in the growth of E. dahuricus. In particular, 40% of organic fertilizers mixed with the compound bacteria (nitrobacteria and lateral bacteria) exhibited the best growth trend, significantly improving the soil nutrients, the growth of E. dahuricus, and the nutritional status, and providing a reliable scientific foundation for the treatment and restoration of the abandoned land of the Qilianshan coal mine.
Application of Cholette’s model in non-ideal mixing CSTR: a simulation study on dynamic behavior
Authors: Yang Chane-Yuan , Chien Yu-Shu , Chou Jun-Hong , Li Hsing-Ya , Hsieh Chau Wei
Published: February 2021

Non-ideal mixing phenomena are widely found in industrial chemical reactors. In this work we derived the bifurcation formulas for a non-adiabatic CSTR with an irreversible exothermic first order reaction with the non-ideal mixing effect. This is investigated via dynamic behavior simulations based on Chollete’s model. The results show that the non-ideal mixing parameter n (the fraction of the feed entering the perfect mixing zone) determines the variation between six classified regions and dominates the dynamic behavior patterns in the steady-state response diagram. On the other hand, the phase portraits of examples verify the formulas derived in this work. We note that the non-ideal mixing effect has significant importance in CSTR design and control steps. For example, in the safe operating region for an ideal mixing CSTR, non-linear dynamics are obtained by the system under non-ideal mixing conditions (n ≠ 1). The present study has significance and help for chemical reactor design and CSTR control.
Association of glycaemic status and outcomes in diabetic foot problems: a retrospective evidence from South India
Authors: Ramanathan Balamurugan , Duraisamy Ramesh , Venkatramanasami Balaji Tulse Dass , Abbas Manoj Kumar , Balamurugan Aswinram
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Emerging shreds of evidence indicates that the risk of diabetic foot ulcer and associated morbidity can be reduced through the intensive glycemic control. There are very few studies which assessed the effects of glycemic control on diabetic foot problems among Indian patients. We aimed to assess the effect of glycemic control on the outcomes of diabetic foot problems among adult type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients with foot ulcers.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted among the T2DM patients from a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India. The demographic characters, risk factors, treatment characters, glycemic status were collected among the patients and analyzed against the outcomes of diabetic foot ulcers by reviewing their medical records. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. The Chi-square test and ANOVA were used for was used for the categorical variables and continuous parameters to identify the factors affecting the outcomes, respectively. All analysis was performed in SPSS v21.

Results

Out of the 100 participants included in the study, 70% were male. The majority (78%) were from an age group of 40 to 70 years, and the mean age was found to be 59.91 ± 10.6 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 9.66 years. Only ankle-brachial Index score (p=0.001) was significantly associated with the type of ulcers, whereas other factors not (p>0.05). A high level of average HbA1c, BMI, ABI index and poor glycemic status was associated with a significant debridement strategy and longer duration of hospitalization; however, it was not substantial.

Conclusion

Our study inferred that poor glycemic status is associated with a significant debridement strategy and longer duration of hospitalization. However, these findings need to be strengthened with adequately powered prospective studies.
Non-collinear magnetism & multiferroicity: the perovskite case
Authors: Bousquet Eric , Cano Andrés
Published: February 2021

The most important types of non-collinear magnetic orders that are realized in simple perovskite oxides are outlined in relation to multiferroicity. These orders are classified and rationalized in terms of a mimimal spin Hamiltonian, based on which the notion of spin-driven ferroelectricity is illustrated. These concepts find direct application in reference materials such as BiFeO3, GdFeO3 and TbMnO3 whose multiferroic properties are briefly reviewed.
The glymphatic system and meningeal lymphatics of the brain: new understanding of brain clearance
Authors: Yankova Galina , Bogomyakova Olga , Tulupov Andrey
Published: February 2021

The glymphatic system and meningeal lymphatics have recently been characterized. Glymphatic system is a glia-dependent system of perivascular channels, and it plays an important role in the removal of interstitial metabolic waste products. The meningeal lymphatics may be a key drainage route for cerebrospinal fluid into the peripheral blood, may contribute to inflammatory reaction and central nervous system (CNS) immune surveillance. Breakdowns and dysfunction of the glymphatic system and meningeal lymphatics play a crucial role in age-related brain changes, the pathogenesis of neurovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in brain injuries and tumors. This review discusses the relationship recently characterized meningeal lymphatic vessels with the glymphatic system, which provides perfusion of the CNS with cerebrospinal and interstitial fluids. The review also presents the results of human studies concerning both the presence of meningeal lymphatics and the glymphatic system. A new understanding of how aging, medications, sleep and wake cycles, genetic predisposition, and even body posture affect the brain drainage system has not only changed the idea of brain fluid circulation but has also contributed to an understanding of the pathology and mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.
Parent Involvement and the Education of English Learners and Standard English Learners: Perspectives of LAUSD Parent Leaders
Authors:   Loyola Marymount University, Lavadenz Magaly , Armas Elvira , Villanueva Irene
Published: February 2021

This policy brief reports findings from a survey of parent leaders in 2007 that sought to understand what parents of English Learners and Standard English Learners think about the education of their children and about parent education and involvement in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Surveys with 513 LAUSD parent leaders revealed low ratings for LAUSD’s parent education efforts as well as for student academic programs. Open-ended responses point both to educational as well as policy recommendations in the following areas: 1) home/school collaboration; 2) professional development, curriculum and Instruction, and tutors/support; and 3) accountability. This policy brief concludes that improvement in the educational experiences and outcomes for Standard English Learners and English Learners can happen by capitalizing on existing parent leadership.
Vision as an Impetus for Success: Perspectives of Site Principals
Authors: Dell'Olio Franca , Anguiano Kristen
Published: February 2021

Findings from the first two years of a 3-year evaluation of the PROMISE Model pilot are presented in this policy brief that seeks to understand the extent to which school principals know, understand, and act upon research-based principles for English Language Learners (ELL) and their intersection with the California Professional Standards for Educational Leadership related to promoting ELL success. Surveys and focus groups were used to gather data from school principals at fifteen schools throughout Southern California including early childhood, elementary, middle, and high schools. School principals identified several areas where PROMISE serves as a beacon of hope in promoting and validating critical conversations around a collective vision for success for all learners including ELL, bilingual/biliterate, and monolingual students. Educational and policy recommendations are provided for the following areas: 1) recruitment and selection of personnel and professional development; 2) accountability, communication and support; and 3) university-based educational leadership programs. This policy brief concludes with a call for school principals to facilitate the development, implementation, and stewardship of a vision for learning that highlights success for English Learners and shared by the school and district community.
Incorporating Scaffolded Dialogic Reading Practice in Teacher Training: An Opportunity to Improve Instruction for Young Dual Language Learners in Transitional Kindergarten
Authors: Matera Carola
Published: February 2021

Findings from a joint collaborative between the Center for Equity for English Learners (CEEL) at Loyola Marymount University and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to provide professional development and coaching to Transitional Kindergarten (TK) teachers on the Scaffolded Dialogic Reading (SDR) are presented in this policy brief. SDR is a method to enhance language skills through dialogue and research-based scaffolds between teachers and small groups of children mediated through repeated readings of storybooks. The purpose of this brief is to: 1) state the opportunity to ensure Dual Language Learner (DLL) support within California’s TK policy; 2) provide a synthesis of research findings; and 3) provide TK professional learning and policy recommendations that would allow for the inclusion of professional development on evidence-based practices purposefully integrated with DLL supports. Policy recommendations include: 1) utilize professional learning modules such as SDR in 24 ECE unit requirement for TK teachers; 2) include individuals with ECE and DLL expertise in the ECE Teacher Preparation Advisory Panel; and 3) allocate additional funds in the state budget for training on SDR, in-classroom support for TK teachers of DLLs, and evaluation of these efforts.
Ecofriendly and innovative processing of hemp hurds fibers for tissue and towel paper
Authors: Naithani Ved , Tyagi Preeti , Jameel Hasan , Lucia Lucian A. , Pal Lokendra
Published: February 2021

An innovative approach for preparing hemp fibers from hemp hurds for use in tissue and towel grades of paper is described. Hemp hurds are a low value by-product of industrial hemp processing that are generally used for animal bed litter. Tissue paper was fabricated from hemp hurd fibers by following three pulping processes: autohydrolysis (hydrothermal), sodium carbonate-based defibration, and high yield kraft pulping, and benchmarked against hardwood pulp. To meet industrial standards, hardwood and hemp pulp fibers were mixed at a dry mass ratio of 75:25, from which tissue paper sheets were prepared. Desirable tissue paper properties, such as water absorption, burst resistance, softness, and tensile strength (dry and wet), were measured and compared. Characterization of morphological and chemical properties of tissue handsheets was conducted with SEM and time-of-flight-secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The combined kraft pulped hardwood and autohydrolyzed hemp pulp fibers displayed improvements in tensile index, burst resistance, and softness of tissue handsheets compared to only kraft hardwood pulp handsheets without adversely impacting water absorption. Hardwood fibers showed a sparse distribution of surface lignin compared to hemp fibers using the same defibration. This technology can lead to a variety of eco-friendly tissue paper products that are not only highly energy efficient, but avoid harsh chemical processing.
Exploring the Portrayal of Institutional Translators and Interpreters in the Republic of Ireland’s English-Language Print Media
Authors: Hoyte-West Antony
Published: February 2021

Although the Republic of Ireland has been a member of the European Union for nearly five decades, the country’s first official language, Irish, was only recognised as an official EU language on 1 January 2007. However, a lack of appropriately qualified linguistic personnel means that the language is currently subject to a derogation on its use in the EU institutions, which is scheduled to be lifted in 2022. Interviews conducted previously with interpreters in the Republic of Ireland (Hoyte-West 2020a) noted that practitioners generally viewed media coverage of the derogation as contributing to a positive image of the translational professions within the EU context; however, further research needed to be carried out on the topic. Accordingly, this article looks at how institutional translators and interpreters have been depicted in the Republic of Ireland’s English-language print media from 2007 to 2019. Using data obtained through a qualitative content analysis of the country’s three major English-language newspapers, an overview of the current situation is provided through analysis of the attitudes and opinions expressed.
Morphologically Complex Adjectives with a Negative Prefix: Translation Problems
Authors: Ratkus Artūras
Published: February 2021

The article addresses problems of understanding and translation of morphologically complex words. It is not unusual for English adjectives with a negative prefix to have unexpected meanings that cannot be predicted based on examining the adjectives’ morphological structure. One such complex example is the adjective incapable. It is argued that this adjective has a peculiar set of meanings and uses that are independent of the positive form capable and unrelated to the adjective able. The article adduces evidence of specific uses of incapable, in which it showcases the meaning of ‘unfit for, unsuitable’ – not documented in most dictionaries.
Coronavirus viroporins: structure and function
Authors:   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Zaloilo I. , Rud Y. ,   ESC Institute of Biology and Medicine, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine;, Zaloilo О. ,   ESC Institute of Biology and Medicine, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine;, Buchatskyi L. ,   ESC Institute of Biology and Medicine, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine;
Published: February 2021

Viroporins are involved in viral pathogenesis, play an important role in the morphogenesis of virions and ensure their release from the infected cell. These proteins are potentially promising as possible targets for the regulation of virus reproduction. The literature data on the current understanding of coronavirus viroporins functioning are summarized in the review. Special attention is focused on specific structural features that determine the functional ability of these proteins. The basic principles of viroporins localization in the cell and their influence on the coronavirus life cycle are considered. Keywords: coronavirus, pore formation, protein 3a, protein 8a, protein E, SARS, viroporins
Cryptocurrencies in Modern Finance: A Literature Review
Authors: Rejeb Abderahman , Rejeb Karim , G. Keogh John
Published: February 2021

The focus on cryptocurrencies in the finance and banking sectors is gaining momentum. In this paper, we investigate the role of cryptocurrencies in modern finance. We apply a narrative literature review method to synthesize prior research and draw insights into the opportunities and challenges of leveraging cryptocurrencies. The results indicate that cryptocurrencies offer businesses and individuals’ lower transaction costs, higher efficiencies, increased security and privacy, meaningful diversification benefits, alternative financing solutions, and financial inclusion.Challenges exist related to the integration of cryptocurrencies in modern finance. These include the lack of regulatory standards, the risk of criminal activity, high energy and environmental costs, regulatory bans and usage restrictions, security and privacy concerns, and the high volatility of cryptocurrencies.The current review is useful for scholars and managers, including those seeking to have a more balanced understanding of these emerging financial instruments.JEL Classification: E42, F30, F65, G21, G23How to Cite:Rejeb, A., Rejeb, K., & Keogh, J. G. (2021). Cryptocurrencies in Modern Finance: a Literature Review. Etikonomi, 20(1), 93 – 118. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i1.16911.
The Determinants of the Technical Efficiency of Secondary Schools in Malaysia: A Panel Evidence
Authors: Baba Rozita , Karim Zulkefly Abdul , Majid Mariani Abdul , Sulaiman Noorasiah
Published: February 2021

This study aims to identify the level of technical efficiency of secondary schools and its determinants using the data of 626 Malaysian secondary schools over 2010-2014. Two estimation techniques have been used; the first step is to estimate the school's efficiency score by employing a Data Envelopment Analysis approach. In the second step, we examine the factors affecting the schools' efficiency using a static panel data analysis. The main findings revealed that secondary education is technically inefficient, and on average, the schools can increase their output by 33% using the same resources. Secondary schools in rural areas and less-developed states indicate a better technical efficiency level than schools in urban areas and developed states. Factors that affect technical efficiency are school size, per capita income, and average wage.  The findings suggest that the school may perform better by increasing the schools' size by having more classes.  The opportunities to increase residents' and households' income may help the areas perform better than others.JEL Classification: H5, H75How to Cite:Baba, R., Karim, Z. A., Majid, M. A., & Sulaiman, N. (2021). The Determinants of The Technical Efficiency of Secondary Schools in Malaysia: Panel Evidence. Etikonomi, 20(1), 169 – 184. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i1.17204.
Board of Commissioners’ Structure, Ownership Retention, and IPO Underpricing: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Setiawan Doddy , Prabowo Muhammad Agung , Trinugroho Irwan , Noordin Bany Ariffin Amin
Published: February 2021

This research examines how the board of commissioners' structure and ownership retention affect IPO underpricing in Indonesia. In this study, we have examined the following three aspects: the number of board of commissioners, percentage of independent commissioners, and percentage of female commissioners. In total, 186 Indonesian companies that have conducted IPO from 2001 to 2016 were included in this study. This study uses multiple regressions to test the hypothesis. Our findings show that ownership retention has a negative implication on underpricing. Furthermore, the number of board of commissioners and independent commissioners has also been determined to reduce the level of underpricing. However, female commissioners were found to have no significant effect on IPO underpricing; furthermore, it demonstrated no significant effect in reducing the level of underpricing. These results show that higher ownership retention, a smaller number of board members, and a higher percentage of independent commissioners can reduce IPO underpricing.JEL Classification: G30, G32How to Cite:Setiawan, D., Prabowo, M. A., Trinugroho, I., & Noordin, B. A. A. (2021). Board of Commissioners’ Structure, Ownership Retention, and IPO Underpricing: Evidence from Indonesia. Etikonomi, 20(1), 185 – 200. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i1.19156.
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF THE RISK OF INSOLVENCY AND BANCRUPTCY OF COMPANIES FROM THE FOOD INDUSTRY IN STARA ZAGORA REGION
Authors: Milev Oleg
Published: February 2021

In the modern economy business failures are a matter of great concern to entrepreneurs. The purpose of this article is to predict the possibility of a deterioration in the financial situation and bankruptcy of companies.
Bankruptcy models are a common tool for financial analysis and the ability to predict the risk of corporate insolvency and bankruptcy.
The four-factor Taffler model is one of the applied risk assessment models for bankruptcy, also known as "Z-score analysis". The study presents the main points of the development of the model, examining the advantages, disadvantages and problems that arise from its implementation.
The subject of the study are companies from the food industry in the Stara Zagora Region with main production and processing of meat and meat products for the period 2013-2017.
Znaczenie organizacji pozarządowych w popularyzacji dziedzictwa kulturowego i turystyki na terenie etnoregionu kaszubskiego
Authors:   dr, Instytut Geografii Społeczno-Ekonomicznej i Turystyki, Akademia Pomorska w Słupsku, Polska, Zienkiewicz Aleksandra
Published: February 2021

Changes in social structures usually concern the emergence of new institutions, including those related to the development of tourism, and bring about changes in the existing structures. One of the major socio-economic consequences of tourism is the economic activation of an area. The purpose of this article is to indicate the role of non-governmental organizations in the promotion of cultural heritage and tourism in the Kashubian ethnoregion by presenting the structure, examples of activities and the number of recipients of non-profit organizations operating in this area. An important element of the study, due to the research issues undertaken, is also the presentation of the structure of subsidies granted to non-governmental organizations by the Poviat Eldership in Kartuzy, broken down by the amount of public funds allocated and the organization’s own contribution. The study is also complemented with an indication of the location of the Kashubian ethnoregion, including cultural heritage resources. Research conducted on the number of non-governmental organizations has shown that in the Kartuzy poviat their number has increased to 311 in 2019 since 2011. The structure of NGOs operating in the Kartuzy poviat in 2019 shows that 52 organizations operated in the sphere of ‘Culture, art, protection goods and traditions’, activities for national and ethnic minorities and the regional language, as well as ‘tourism and recreation’. In the area these institutions perform the roles of organizers of various events, including those of a folklore nature, such as concerts, rallies, handicraft exhibitions and many others. Not only is the rich cultural heritage of Kashubia promoted through this type of activity, but it also makes the development of tourism possible.
Problemy zadłużenia publicznego Polski na tle krajów Unii Europejskiej
Authors:   dr hab., prof. IBS PAN, Zakład Modelowania Komputerowego, Instytut Badań Systemowych PAN, Warszawa, Polska, Klukowski Leszek
Published: February 2021

The purpose of the paper is to present the main problems related public debt in Poland in comparison to EU countries. These comprise: low rating and high servicing costs, high level of foreign debt in the State Budget, high level of the deficit in central government (excluding the year 2018), high level of debt in foreign currencies open to variability in exchange rates, lack of long-term debt strategy, failure to satisfy all the requirements of accession to the EURO area, and lack of optimal debt strategy in the economic and financial sense. The current financial policy of Poland, featuring a significant increase in budget expenditures in 2019 and the following years, does not foster the solving of these problems. The direction of indebtedness of Poland after the international crisis in 2008 is not consistent with other EU countries, especially in terms of decreasing debt profitability and servicing costs. It is also related to the lack of a fixed date for accession to the euro area, i.e. belonging to a small group of countries without a common currency and low GDP level. The progress of Poland in terms of debt reduction at the end of previous century and the situation of countries having healthy public finances indicates the directions of optimization for the debt strategy. Many problems require resolution in the shorter time-horizon (about five years): reduction of debt/GDP ratio to the level from the year 2000, achieve the rating of at least A+ (according to S&P), decreasing of servicing costs to a level below 1% of GDP, and start of accession to the euro area.
A negação da pandemia: reflexões sobre a estratégia bolsonarista
Authors: Calil Gilberto Grassi
Published: February 2021

Resumo: Este artigo propõe refletir sobre a política do governo Jair Bolsonaro em relação à pandemia da covid-19. A hipótese central é que ela se baseia na intenção de atingir imunidade coletiva, estimulando a contaminação generalizada. Para atingir este objetivo, minimizou a gravidade da pandemia, estimulou comportamentos inadequados e disseminou informações inverídicas. Considera que os meses de março e abril foram decisivos na definição da estratégia do governo brasileiro e avalia os resultados que produziu.
Serviço Social e pandemia: desafios e perspectivas para a atuação no sociojurídico
Authors: Tejadas Silvia da Silva , Junqueira Maíz Ramos
Published: February 2021

Resumo: O artigo discute a pandemia, na conjuntura brasileira, e suas repercussões para o trabalho do(a) assistente social no sociojurídico - Poder Judiciário, Ministério Público e Defensoria Pública. Debate os efeitos das contrarreformas na condição de trabalhador(a) do(a) assistente social e na precarização das políticas públicas. Situa o trabalho remoto, as tensões engendradas por mecanismos administrativos de contenção de custos e de ampliação do trabalho virtual e formas de resistência desenvolvidas.
Descontinuidades contraceptivas no uso do contraceptivo hormonal oral, injetável e do preservativo masculino
Authors: Borges Ana Luiza Vilela , Chofakian Christiane Borges do Nascimento , Viana Osmara Alves , Divino Eveline do Amor
Published: February 2021

O objetivo foi estimar as taxas de descontinuidade total no uso do contraceptivo hormonal oral, injetável e do preservativo masculino, bem como verificar as taxas de interrupção por abandono e por troca para método mais eficaz e menos eficaz. Dados de 2.051 mulheres usuárias de unidades básicas de saúde de três capitais brasileiras foram coletados por meio do calendário contraceptivo. Os resultados mostraram que 24,5% das usuárias do contraceptivo hormonal oral, 33,5% das usuárias de contraceptivo hormonal injetável e 39% das usuárias do preservativo masculino haviam descontinuado o uso do método até 12 meses de uso, independentemente da razão. Houve pouca variação nas taxas entre capitais, mas não no método utilizado. A principal razão para descontinuar o uso do método contraceptivo foi por querer engravidar (20,8%). Um total de 20% das mulheres engravidou enquanto usava algum método, e essa proporção alcançou 25,7% entre usuárias do preservativo masculino. Ressalta-se que, após 12 meses de uso, a taxa de abandono por razões relacionadas ao método contraceptivo foi de 11,4% entre usuárias do injetável. A taxa de troca para método mais eficaz foi de 15,9% entre usuárias do preservativo masculino, e a taxa de troca para método menos eficaz foi de 16,3% entre usuárias do contraceptivo hormonal injetável. As taxas de descontinuidade contraceptiva foram altas e variaram conforme o tipo de método contraceptivo utilizado.