bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EPICS Lakota: Promoting Food Sovereignty on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Authors: Bijonowski Samantha , Johnson Kathleen , Damon Jonathan
Published: October 2021

EPICS Team Lakota was started as a way for students to help promote food sovereignty and combat loss of cultural knowledge as felt by the residents of Pine Ridge Reservation, which is located in one of the poorest counties in the United States and is a food desert. In partnership with EPICS students at Oglala Lakota College (OLC) and South Dakota School of Mines (SDSM), students at Purdue came up with the idea of putting up a greenhouse on the Rapid City Campus of OLC. This greenhouse was meant not as a direct solution to food scarcity, but as a blueprint to be implemented across the reservation in the future. The greenhouse will be a resource for students, teachers, residents, and community elders to come together and preserve the knowledge of culturally significant plants and herbs, as well as a place to learn how to grow the fresh produce that is so hard to find on the reservation. Students at all schools worked together to figure out the optimal size and construction of the greenhouse, and also worked with residents to determine what should be grown and how to meet the needs of each plant. Consideration was given to the sustainability of the project as this was important to the Lakota stakeholders, including ways to lighten the load on any water and electric utilities. The greenhouse was also designed to be ADA accessible, so that community elders and all who needed such accommodations would have no trouble taking part. Throughout the project, students kept in contact with each other and the affected community. This continuous communication both aided and impeded the progress of the project. Care was taken at each point in the project to make sure that the final deliverable was the most effective it could be. This paper will explore the successes of the project and how the students addressed concerns as they arose.
Profile Interview with Faculty Mentor Dr. Jason Ware
Authors:   Purdue University, Otterbacher C. Max
Published: October 2021

Dr. Jason Ware is a clinical assistant professor in the Honors College with a courtesy appointment in the College of Education.
Estratégias de Aquisição e Disseminação de Conhecimento para Apoiar o Desenvolvimento de Software com o RUP
Authors: de Oliveira Rodrigo Fernandes , da Rocha Ana Regina C. , Travassos Guilherme Horta
Published: October 2021

As empresas vêm demonstrando ao longo dos últimos anos um grande interesse no desenvolvimento OO. Nesse sentido, muitas delas já adotaram o RUP como base para seu processo de desenvolvimento. Por ser um framework para processo, diversas variáveis podem afetar sua adaptação, execução e gerência para um projeto. Ter conhecimento sobre essas variáveis e os impactos causados por elas no projeto é fundamental para melhoria contínua do processo. Através da definição de uma estratégia para adquirir conhecimentos, tais como pontos fortes e fracos aprendidos ao longo do projeto, pretende-se atacar com mais objetividade os processos mais deficientes (pontos fracos) e incentivar que os pontos fortes continuem sendo aplicados em projetos futuros. Um estudo de caso aplicando a estratégia de aquisição de conhecimento em um projeto que utiliza um processo baseado no RUP é apresentado. Além disso, uma estratégia para disseminação de conhecimento é descrita. Essa estratégia está fundamentada na construção de planos de ação elaborados com base nas necessidades da equipe.
O Papel da Certificação do Profissional de TI na Qualidade do Software: uma Investigação Preliminar
Authors: de Souza Alessandro Nunes , Luciano Edimara Mezzomo
Published: October 2021

Desenvolver software com qualidade é muitas vezes considerado ilusório, dada a dificuldade de mensuração neste sentido. Além desta abordagem tradicional de determinar se o software é bom ou não, têm surgido outras abordagens alternativas para a determinação da qualidade do software, destacando-se hoje a determinação da maturidade do processo e o reconhecimento, via certificação, dos profissionais de desenvolvimento de software. O objetivo deste artigo é mapear os principais testes de certificação profissional do mercado, listando características e explorando a relação custo-benefício, fornecendo subsídios para uma compreensão sistêmica da carreira do profissional de TI, principalmente na questão da qualidade do software por ele produzido. Através de uma pesquisa exploratória e descritiva, obteve-se como resultado um mapeamento das principais certificações do mercado: tipo, nível, características, testes, custos de treinamento e de exames, salário médio do certificado e a relação custo-benefício. Estes resultados podem contribuir: para as universidades, contribuindo para melhorias na formação dos egressos em áreas de TI; para os profissionais, para que possam compreender suas carreiras como um todo; para os gestores de programas de capacitação, para que reflitam sobre a estrutura dos programas de capacitação que promovem; e para a área de TI, através do aprofundamento do tema e identificação de novos focos de pesquisa, bem como a questão da influência da certificação profissional como pilar da qualidade de software.
Avaliação da Aplicabilidade de um Modelo de Qualidade para Especificações de Projetos Orientados a Objetos
Authors: Rezende Denia K. , Melo Walcélio L.
Published: October 2021

Os modelos de qualidade surgiram como uma forma de identificar fatores de qualidade que são importantes e que precisam ser avaliados durante o processo de desenvolvimento do software, fornecendo subsídios para o gerente de projeto tomar decisões importantes, minimizando riscos e buscando a garantia da qualidade desse produto. O objetivo deste documento é avaliar a aplicabilidade de um modelo de qualidade voltado para as especificações orientadas a objetos. Para avaliar tal modelo, realizamos quatro estudos de casos de sistemas comerciais e governamentais, desenvolvidos segundo uma metodologia orientada a objetos. O modelo de referência utilizado foi o Manual para Controle da Qualidade de Especificações Orientadas a Objetos, proposto em Beaufond [1]. Esse modelo utiliza o método de avaliação proposto por Rocha [2]. São mostradas aqui as razões que nos levaram a adotar o Manual. Também apresentamos uma lista de questões que foram levantadas referentes à aplicação desse Manual durante o processo de avaliação, obtendo como resultado seus aspectos positivos e negativos.
Programas de Melhoria de Processos de Software: Reflexões sob a Ótica de uma Teoria de Intervenção
Authors: Santana André Felipe Lemos , Moura Hermano Perrelli de
Published: October 2021

Programas de Melhoria de Processos de Software (MPS) podem ser vistos como uma intervenção na organização. Pesquisas mostram que vários dos fatores críticos de sucesso em MPS são questões humanas, sociais e organizacionais. Uma Teoria de Intervenção em organizações pode contribuir significativamente ao entendimento e tratamento destas questões em programas de MPS. Este trabalho apresenta princípios de uma Teoria de Intervenção relacionando-os a fatores críticos de sucesso em MPS apontados em diversas pesquisas. Sobre isto, busca realizar algumas reflexões e indicar prescrições úteis na condução destes programas.
Um estudo sobre os papéis propostos no XS-CMM em uma Empresa de Pequeno Porte
Authors: Silva Luiz Fernando de Oliveira , Fabbri Sandra C. P. Ferraz
Published: October 2021

Este artigo descreve uma experiência de aplicação do XS-CMM em uma empresa de pequeno porte, dando-se ênfase ao acúmulo e compartilhamento dos papéis propostos nesse modelo, em relação aos papéis definidos no SW-CMM. A experiência mostrou que, embora o modelo tenha como alvo esse tipo de empresa, ainda assim, os cargos e funções estabelecidos na empresa definem e exigem outros tipos de relacionamentos não previstos no modelo.
Integrando o Projeto da Interface com o Usuário no Processo de Desenvolvimento de Software
Authors: Mazzorani Angela , M. Bastos Ricardo , Audy Jorge Luis N. , Majdenbaum Azriel , Poletto Juarez
Published: October 2021

O avanço da tecnologia da informação tem determinado o crescimento na execução de tarefas envolvendo interação com computadores através da Interface com o Usuário (IU). Apesar disso, pode-se constatar tratamento limitado quanto às atividades e artefatos associados à IU entre as principais metodologias e modelos para o desenvolvimento de software. Neste artigo é proposto um conjunto de atividades, artefatos e trabalhadores para o desenvolvimento da IU integrado ao Microsoft Solution Framework.
Sistema de Recomendação para apoio à colaboração em ambientes baseados em conhecimento
Authors: Loh Stanley , Lichtnow Daniel , Saldaña Ramiro , Kickhofel Rodrigo Branco , Simões Gabriel , Borges Thyago , Primo Tiago , Piltcher Gustavo , Ribeiro Junior Luiz Carlos , Gouvêa Cleber
Published: October 2021

Este artigo apresenta um sistema de recomendação para apoio a colaboração através de pessoas. O sistema dispõe de uma sala de chat privada, onde pode-se trocar mensagens textuais. Analisando as mensagens, o sistema descobre os temas discutidos e então este poderá ajudar outras pessoas, recomendando fontes complementares de conhecimento. Além disso, as sessões de chat são armazenadas, podendo ser recuperadas futuramente, então, essas pessoas poderão rever processos decisórios ou aprender com as discussões passadas. Análises estatísticas das sessões podem revelar importantes conhecimentos sobre as discussões.
As Características do Desenvolvimento Distribuído de Software
Authors: Siqueira Fábio Levy , Silva Paulo Sérgio Muniz
Published: October 2021

Existem diversas formas do desenvolvimento distribuído de software, cada uma delas levando a diferentes beneficios, problemas e soluções. Nesse trabalho é proposta uma abstração do desenvolvimento distribuído de software em um conjunto de características, buscando evidenciar as diferenças dessa forma de desenvolvimento ao considerar os principais problemas apontados pela pesquisa atual. A partir disso são apresentados três estudos de caso que discutem como essas características são diferentemente instanciadas em projetos de desenvolvimentos de software.
Um Método Branch and Bound para Maximizar o Valor de Projetos de Software para o Negócio
Authors: Alencar Antonio Juarez , Schmitz Eber Assis , Abreu Ênio Pires de
Published: October 2021

Este artigo apresenta uma abordagem branch and bound que permite aos gerentes de projeto determinar a melhor ordem de desenvolvimento de uma rede de módulos interdependentes de software que possui valor para os clientes. Em diversos casos, o método permite o desenvolvimento de software complexose caros a partir de investimentos relativamente pequenos, favorecendo o desenvolvimento de software como meio para a obtenção de vantagem competitiva.
Verifying Existence and Composition of Workflow Activity Patterns in Real Process Models
Authors: Chiao Carolina , Thom Lucinéia Heloisa , Iochpe Cirano , Reichert Manfred
Published: October 2021

In this paper we present a collection of high level workflow activity patterns based on the semantic of specific business functions (e.g., notification, task execution request, approval). In particular we discuss three pattern samples (approval, unidirectional and decision patterns). Moreover we gather the results of an analysis of their adoption on a wide set of real process models. The analyses showed that the patterns are not only enough but also necessary to model all the 190 process models which were subject of the investigation. We also show and discuss specific sequences or combination ofactivity patterns which were more often in the process models analyzed. In larger research we apply these patterns as well as the analyses results in the development of a suite for process modeling and normalization.
Sistema de Classificação Automática de Carcaças Bovinas
Authors: Bittencourt Carmen Dalla Rosa , Ladeira Marcelo , Silva Saul Fontoura da , Bittencourt Anderson Luis S. , Borges Díbio Leandro
Published: October 2021

No Brasil, a classificação do acabamento de gordura de carcaças bovinas é regulamentado pela Portaria de n.º 612 de 05/12/1989 do Ministério da Agricultura. Esse processo é realizado por meio da observação visual e subjetiva através da análise de regiões predefinidas, feita por um profissional habilitado, durante o processo de abate nas indústrias frigoríficas. Esse artigo propõe o uso de redes neurais artificiais para, de forma automática, segmentar e classificar o acabamento de gordura decarcaças bovinas em imagens digitais.
Sistema para Transição de Governos no Brasil
Authors: Lima Débora , Silva Ricardo , Garcia Ana , Rodrigues Sérgio , Chaves Miriam , Santos Rodrigo , Souza Jano
Published: October 2021

Realizar mudanças entre equipes representa sempre um desafio. No âmbito governamental, isso não poderia ser diferente. As equipes do Governo do Brasil, às vezes com pontos de vista extremamente distintos, têm um curto período de tempo (120 dias) para conseguirem realizar a transição política. Assim sendo, sistemas de informação que auxiliem na gestão de conhecimento dos diversos sistemas do Governo se tornam cada vez mais necessários. Este artigo apresenta um sistema que provê um ponto único para reunião de informações de diversos níveis da esfera federal do Governo do Brasil ao extrair e organizar relatórios de transição governamental. Espera-se, com isso, contribuir para a continuidade programas e iniciativas.
Praticando Qualidade de Software: Ensinando e Aprendendo seus Valores através de Ambiente Real
Authors: N. Rodrigues Nadja
Published: October 2021

Entendendo a importância da educação em qualidade de software para a integração entre academia e indústria, este artigo relata o uso de uma proposta para ensino e aprendizagem de aspectos relacionados à qualidade de software. O lado prático do estudo baseou-se na instanciação de projetos reais de uma Empresa Júnior (EJ), executados através de ambiente específico, em sala de aula. O ambiente permitiu que o aluno entendesse a relação entre qualidade e processos de software, através dos papéis e atividades, templates, procedimentos e ferramentas utilizados no desenvolvimento de projetos. Outras contribuições foram o aumento na qualidade dos projetos da EJ e o valor agregado aos alunos, através do uso das boas práticas da indústria.
Uma Avaliação de Ferramentas para Testes em Sistemas de Informação Móveis baseada no Método DMADV
Authors: Santos Ismayle S. , Bezerra Carla I. M. , Monteiro Gustavo S. , Araújo Ítalo L. , Oliveira Thalisson A. , Santos Rainara M. , Dantas Valéria L. L. , Andrade Rossana M. C.
Published: October 2021

Os dispositivos móveis tem se popularizado e com eles os sistemas de informação móveis (SIM). Devido às restrições desses dispositivos, o desenvolvimento desses sistemas é complexo. Logo, para garantir qualidade aos SIMs é importante que se realize testes de software, mas essa atividade é bastante onerosa. Para reduzir os custos, pode-se usar ferramentas de teste. Contudo, existem várias opções no mercado dificultando a escolha da ferramenta ideal. Este artigo apresenta uma avaliação entre as principais ferramentas de teste para SIMs baseado na metodologia Six Sigma utilizando o DMADV. Os resultados obtidos podem guiar a escolha da ferramenta de teste, bem como são úteis para identificar as necessidades não supridas.
Evaluating CPI and SPI Indicators in Project Management Maturity Evolution
Authors: Gomes Luciana de Q. Leal , Gomes Reinaldo C. M. , M. Gomes de Gusmão Cristine , Perrelli de Moura Hermano
Published: October 2021

Project management has become a common subject in Software Engineering and an everyday task in software organizations. In this task, the effective use of technologies can determine the success of any business; affect quality and ability to provide products and services on time. According to some authors, success in project execution can be associated with organization maturity. Organizations search for project management maturity in order to improve their management process and increase client satisfaction. Maturity is related to cost, time and quality, and can determine the success of projects. In the context of project management, we have two important indicators: Schedule Performance Indicator (SPI) and Cost Performance Indicator (CPI). SPI indicates whether the budgeted costs for work scheduled to date exceed the budgeted costs for the work performed to date. CPI indicates whether the actual costs for the work performed to date exceed the budgeted costs for the work performed to date. These indicators give information about whether or not the project is on track, so they are important factors which represent success in project management. This paper discusses how Cost/Schedule Performance Indicators are related to project management maturity and presents the results based on IT professionals’ opinion analysis.
Approach of immersive adaptive learning for Virtual Reality simulator
Authors: Vega Alieski Véliz , Madrigal Omar Correa , Kugurakova Vlada
Published: October 2021

The need to improve teaching-learning processes promotes the development of Virtual Reality applications with adaptive learning approaches. Adaptive learning considers the premise that each person learns differently, at their own pace, considering the characteristics of the student. This paper describes the main components of an immersive adaptive learning approach for Virtual Reality simulators.
Sistema de Monitoramento Inteligente da COVID-19 em SP
Authors: Santos Alessandro S. , Teixeira Igor C. , Avanço Leandro , Neves Rodrigo , Gonçales Icaro , Inacio Angelina
Published: October 2021

São Paulo was one of the first states affected by COVID-19 in Brazil. The Intelligent Monitoring System (SIMI) was an important milestone to face the pandemic, whose mission was to consolidate and integrate data on vehicular and people mobility, epidemiological situation, and economic status to support the state government in its strategic decisions. Overcoming the challenges of integration, anonymity, privacy, and multidisciplinarity were essential to provide results for analyzing scenarios and better information for decision-making. SIMI indicators impacted the entire São Paulo society, which defined criteria for flexibilization or restriction of economic sectors or supporting strategic changes to face the pandemic.
Technological Advances in Synthetic Biology for Cellulosic Ethanol Production
Authors: Luiz Fantinel Antonio , Margis Rogério , Talamini Edson , Dewes Homero
Published: October 2021

The resurgence of biofuels in the recent past has brought new perspectives for renewable energy sources. Gradually the optimistic scenarios were being challenged by the competition for raw materials dedicated to direct or indirect human food. Second-generation biorefineries have emerged as technological alternatives to produce biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass. The third generation of biorefineries uses alternative raw materials like algae and microalgae. Despite the technical feasibility, these biorefineries were indebted for their economic performance. Synthetic biology has provided new microbial platforms that are increasingly better adapted to industrial characteristics to produce biofuels and fine chemicals. Synthetic biology bioengineers microorganisms to take advantage of the low-cost and less-noble raw materials like lignocellulosic biomass, carbon dioxide, and waste as a sustainable alternative for bioenergy generation using bio-substrates. In this chapter, we analyze the innovations in synthetic biology as applied to cellulosic ethanol production based on registered patents issued over the last twenty years (1999–2019). Using Questel-Orbit Intelligence, we recovered a total of 298 patent families, from which we extracted the key concepts and technology clusters, the primary technological domains and applications, the geographical distribution of patents, and the leading patents assignees. Besides, we discuss the perspectives for future research and innovations and the market and policy opportunities for innovation in this technological field. We conclude that the patented technologies serve as a proxy for the development of synthetic biotechnology applied in cellulosic ethanol production by the fourth generation of biorefineries.
Asthma and COVID-19
Authors: Uzan Gulfidan
Published: October 2021

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease developed against various stimuli (indoor and outdoor allergens, cigarette, air pollution, etc.), associated with airway hypersensitivity and characterized by chronic airway inflammation. COVID-19 is a disease caused by a coronavirus strain called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). There may be some clinical confusions in proper diagnostics due to certain similarities of both diseases’s symptoms such as, for example, a difficulty of breathing, cough, and shortness of breath. The current data on asthma being a risk factor for COVID-19 are controversial. It has been reported that asthma is not a risk factor for COVID-19 as the course of COVID-19 in patients with asthma is similar to that observed in the normal population. On the other hand, a current guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that asthmatic patients can get more severe illness from COVID-19. Moreover, as with all respiratory tract infections, SARS-CoV-2 virus can certainly impair asthma control. However, recent studies suggest a potential beneficial effect of corticosteroids on SARS-CoV-2 infection as they suppress type II inflammation and restore anti-viral immunity. Prolonged use of a high dose of systemic steroids can increase susceptibility to infection and the occurrence of systemic side effects. However, patients with asthma should definitely continue their prescribed treatment with inhaler steroids and other additional medicines they use during SARS-CoV-2 infection. In asthmatic patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, the most significant risk factor is the loss of asthma control and subsequent presentation to healthcare centers due to the lack of asthma control. Therefore, the asthmatic patients using biological agents are recommended to continue their prescribed treatment such as omelizumab, mopelizumab and prolong the treatment intervals during the peak of infection.
Weldability Evaluation of GMAW and GTAW for Al-6.7 wt.% Mg Alloy
Authors: Kang Taehoon , YU Jiyoung , Kim Young-Min , Hwang Insung , Lee Seung Hwan , Kim Dong-Yoon
Published: October 2021

In this study, the arc weldability of an aluminum alloy was investigated based on its Mg content. The base materials used in the experiments were aluminum with a Mg content of 6.7 wt.% (referred as Al-6Mg) and commercial Al5083-O. The weldability of two types of fusion welding methods was evaluated: gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). The tensile strength, hardness, alloy composition, and microstructure properties of the welds of two types of the aluminum alloys were compared. The tensile strength values of the GMAW and GTAW welds of Al-6Mg were 20% and 10% higher than those of Al5083-O, respectively. The weld hardness of the GMAW and GTAW welds of both aluminum alloys were similar. Al-6Mg by GMAW and GTAW were smaller than those of Al5083-O. Based on the results of analysis of the welds, the residual magnesium content was as high as 37% by GMAW and 30% by GTAW.
Subhepatic Appendicitis in North-East India: A Case Series Analysis and Review of Literature
Authors: Kumar Ranjan , Biswajit Singh Thokchom , Pandey Rahul , Bhalla Sandeep
Published: October 2021

: Acute appendicitis is one of the common surgical emergencies performed by general surgeons. The abnormal position of the appendix may cause a diagnostic dilemma for the treating surgeon. A high index of suspicion along with radio imaging can prevent the delay in the diagnosis and the associated complications of the disease. We report a case series of sub-hepatic appendicitis managed at two different institutions in North-East India and advocate surgical management as the modality of treatment for this condition.
Investigation of the Survival of Probiotic Bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum in Free and Microencapsulated Forms in Barley Malt Extract
Authors: Tabaar Niloofar , Bahramian Samira , Mir Ahmadi Fardin
Published: October 2021

Background: Probiotic products with valuable nutritional and therapeutic properties have attracted great attention in the fields of industry, nutrition, and medicine. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the survival of Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic bacteria in capsulated and non-capsulated forms in malt products during storage. We also evaluated the pH, brix, sugar content, and organoleptic properties of the three products, a control malt (non-probiotic extract), an extract containing the probiotic bacteria without capsules, and an extract containing encapsulated probiotic bacteria. Methods: The probiotic strain of L. plantarum was inoculated into a barley malt extract in free and encapsulated forms. Bacterial microencapsulation was performed using the extrusion technique with sodium alginate. In addition, bacterial viability was determined using the mixed culture method in MRS agar medium at the temperature of 37°C for 48 hours. Data analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) in the Minitab 16 software. Results: The count of L. plantarum in the non-capsulated form did not change significantly although it increased in the capsulated form. No significant changes were observed in the sugar content, pH, and brix during the storage of the three products. Moreover, the sensory acceptance of malt with capsulated bacteria was higher compared to the other samples. Conclusions: According to the results, the probiotic strain of L. plantarum in the free and microencapsulated forms was maintained in the barley malt extract for two months of storage at the temperature of 4°C. Therefore, it seems that barley malt extract may be a favorable environment for the preservation of probiotic L. plantarum.
On the origin and diversification of the stygobiotic freshwater snail genus Hauffenia (Caenogastropoda: Hydrobiidae) with special focus on the northern species and the description of two new species
Authors: Haase Martin , Grego Jozef , Erőss Zoltán Péter , Farkas Roland , Fehér Zoltán
Published: October 2021

During systematic surveys of groundwater snails in Slovakia, Hungary and Bosnia and Hercegovina two new species of the genus Hauffenia, H. lozekiana sp. nov. from a single locality in Slovakia, and H. steffeki sp. nov. with a small range in Bosnia and Hercegovina were discovered and are here described based on shell morphology, anatomy and DNA sequence data (COI, 16S rRNA, ITS2). The discovery of H. steffeki sp. nov. extends the range of the genus considerably towards the south. Hauffenia lozekiana sp. nov. appears to be a relict surviving within the range of the today widely distributed H. kissdalmae. Based on a time tree, we developed a scenario for the origin and diversification of the genus. The ancestor probably evolved in the Miocene on the Balkans and with the gradual desiccation of the Paratethys and its remnant water bodies diversified towards the north. Karstic and in particular alluvial connectivities together with changing courses of paleo-rivers probably played an important role for dispersal. Ecological observations suggest that the phreatic rhizosphere, the delicate net of tree rootlets and their exudates, are important for the existence of these groundwater snails.
�We need ground space�: urban densification and transitional housing in Ethiopia
Authors: Sunikka-Blank Minna , Abdie Dawod , Bardhan Ronita
Published: October 2021

Like many countries of rapid urbanisation, Ethiopia has an acute low-income housing shortage. Ethiopia�s Integrated Housing Development Programme (IHDP) can be seen as an attempt to innovate low-income housing provision. Over 200,000 IHDP units have been built since 2005. Drawing from a Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) survey in Amhara region, this article asks how the transition to high-rise has affected household practices and energy use. The POE survey shows low satisfaction among the residents, despite energy access and sanitary facilities. The new built environment compromises and contradicts established cultural practices, reducing the residents� well-being compared to previous living in more informal settlements where the dwelling had direct access to outdoor space and community. This means that the residents tend to view IHDP housing as transitional, disincentivising improvements in the environment or social networks. Further, the loss of ground connection causes domestic and cultural practices to move indoors, increasing energy demand and reliance on appliances. This paper argues that high-rise as the only typology for mass housing should not go unchallenged. If it is the only option, design standards should not be left open to interpretation by the developer and regulations should ensure adequate design, such as dual aspect, flexibility and privacy in floor plans, and design and designation of outdoor spaces. The findings question the idea of modernisation of housing as a linear process and challenge the literature on the compact city model as �the� paradigm for sustainable cities in Southern urban practice.
Climate change and strategic low-carbon planning in African cities after COVID-19: inclusiveness or chaos?
Authors: Lemaire Xavier
Published: October 2021

Cities in sub-Saharan African countries are feeling the impact of climate change with an increase in climate refugees and they have to deal with more intense flooding, land degradation and erosion, droughts, and heatwaves affecting in particular the poor living in informal settlements. Strategies on how to adapt and move to more resilient cities are being designed. But the question is how this transition can be done while municipalities in sub-Saharan Africa are facing difficulties coping with demographic growth, budget scarcity, and poor governance. Most local authorities in sub-Saharan Africa have consistently failed to address the fundamental basic needs of communities, even before the current acute environmental crisis. This paper analyses the persistent urban planning bias preventing transition to sustainability, emerging alternative strategic options promoting resilience and inclusivity while moving toward low-carbon cities, and how the discourse on post-COVID cities is relevant to the context of urban Africa.
Making climate public: energy monitoring and smart grids as political participation
Authors: Knox Hannah
Published: October 2021

This article presents the findings of ethnographic research in the UK with a network of engineers, activists, and citizens involved in developing smart energy monitoring systems and community smart grids. The paper explores how everyday uses of data, material evidence, and sensory information on material and thermodynamic processes that appear in such projects, are opening up new spaces for public participation in climate change politics. Here, familiar discursive and deliberative forms of democratic participation are supplemented by what I term material diagnostics�a practice of public participation that revolves around a collective effort to unpack and rethink infrastructures as sites of climate action. Building on these findings, the paper suggests that everyday digitally informed experiments with urban infrastructures have the potential to extend the kinds of political subjectivities and participatory politics that are possible, as governments seek to transition to a net-zero future.
The Impact of the Turkish Presidential System on the Turkish Lira
Authors:   Warsaw University, Zeki Akarsu Mahmut
Published: October 2021

The political system always has a significant impact on economic indicators. Currency exchange is one of the indicators, which is influenced directly or indirectly by political developments. Investors and economic agents make investment decisions by not only economic outcomes but also political developments. Turkey is one of the countries, which can be an example of a domestic currency losing value significantly due to undemocratic political actions since the 2017 referendum. Therefore, in this study, the impact of the new presidential system on the Turkish Lira is investigated using the Bayesian structural time-series model in R software. According to the literature search, this study is the first article that analyzes how much the Turkish Lira decoupled negatively from peers and how badly the Turkish presidential system harms the Turkish Lira. According to the result, the undemocratic and unorthodox economic and political implementations cause the Turkish Lira to have dropped sharply and have decoupled negatively from other currencies significantly.
The Effect of Targeted Monetary Policy on Bank Lending
Authors:   Tampere University, Laine Olli-Matti
Published: October 2021

This paper studies the effect of central banks’ targeted refinancing operations on bank lending. It utilizes data from the European Central Bank’s targeted longer-term refinancing operations (TLTROs) together with monthly bank level balance sheet data from multiple countries. The effect of targeted policy is identified utilizing the institutional setting that provides natural instrumental variables and a proxy for credit demand. Unlike previous papers, this paper studies the effects on corporate loans and loans for consumption separately. The cumulative effect of TLTROs on participating banks’ stock of corporate loans is estimated to be significant (about 20 per cent). However, the effect on lending for consumption is found close to zero. Furthermore, the positive effects on corporate loans are found to be driven by crisis countries suggesting that the effectiveness of monetary policy depends on the economic conditions. The paper also finds some evidence that the effect on government bond purchases is negative. This result is very different from the earlier results regarding non-targeted liquidity operations.
Do Enhanced Collective Action Clauses Affect Sovereign Borrowing Costs?
Authors:   International Monetary Fund, Chung Kay , Papaioannou Michael G.
Published: October 2021

This paper analyzes the effects of including collective action clauses (CACs) and enhanced CACs in international (nondomestic law-governed) sovereign bonds on sovereigns’ borrowing costs, using secondary-market bond yield spreads. Our findings indicate that inclusion of enhanced CACs, introduced in August 2014, is associated with lower borrowing costs for both noninvestment-grade and investment-grade issuers. These results suggest that market participants do not associate the use of CACs and enhanced CACs with borrowers’ moral hazard, but instead consider their implied benefits of an orderly and efficient debt resolution process in case of restructuring.
Derivation of Equations for a Size Distribution of Spherical Particles in Non-Transparent Materials
Authors: Gurgul Daniel , Burbelko Andriy , Wiktor Tomasz
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a new proposition on how to derive mathematical formulas that describe an unknown Probability Density Function (PDF3) of the spherical radii (r3) of particles randomly placed in non-transparent materials. We have presented two attempts here, both of which are based on data collected from a random planar cross-section passed through space containing three-dimensional nodules. The first attempt uses a Probability Density Function (PDF2) the form of which is experimentally obtained on the basis of a set containing two-dimensional radii (r2). These radii are produced by an intersection of the space by a random plane. In turn, the second solution also uses an experimentally obtained Probability Density Function (PDF1). But the form of PDF1 has been created on the basis of a set containing chord lengths collected from a cross-section.The most important finding presented in this paper is the conclusion that if the PDF1 has proportional scopes, the PDF3 must have a constant value in these scopes. This fact allows stating that there are no nodules in the sample space that have particular radii belonging to the proportional ranges the PDF1.
Drug susceptibility and molecular epidemiology of Escherichia coli in bloodstream infections in Shanxi, China
Authors: Zhang Yanjun , Wang Hairu , Li Yanfang , Hou Yabin , Hao Chonghua
Published: October 2021

Objectives

We carried out a retrospective study to investigate the drug susceptibility and genetic relationship of clinical Escherichia coli isolates from patients with BSIs in Shanxi, China.

Methods

E. coli isolates causing BSIs were consecutively collected from June 2019 to March 2020. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution method. PCR was used to detect antimicrobial resistance genes coding for extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), phylogenetic groups and seven housekeeping genes of E. coli.

Results

A total of 76 E. coli were collected. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the top six E. coli resistant antibiotics were ampicillin (90.7%), ciprofloxacin (69.7%), cefazolin (65.7%), levofloxacin (63.1%), ceftriaxone and cefotaxime (56.5%). Among the 76 isolates, 43 produced ESBLs. Molecular analysis showed that CTX-M-14 was the most common ESBLs, followed by CTX-M-15 and CTX-M-55. Phylogenetic group D (42.2%) predominated, followed by group B2 (34.2%), group A (18.4%) and group B1 (5.2%). The most prevalent sequence types (STs) were ST131 (15/76), ST69 (12/76) and ST38 (6/76).

Conclusions

This study is the first to report the phenotypic and molecular characteristics of E. coli isolated from BSIs in Shanxi, China. Our results indicated a high prevalence of MDR in E. coli strains isolated from BSIs and a serious spread of ESBL genes in Shanxi, especially the epidemiological blaCTX-M. Phylogenetic analysis indicated genetic diversity among E. coli BSIs isolates.
Development and Validation of HPTLC-Densitometric Method Compared to Titrimetric Method for Determination of L-ascorbic Acid in Citrus Fruits
Authors: Dominique Chodaton Zinsou Marthe , Alban Houngbeme Gouton , Habib Ganfon , Mathias Ableto , Djimon Gbenou Joachim , Fernand Gbaguidi
Published: October 2021

Aims: The aim of this study is to develop and validate an efficient method for the specific determination of L-ascorbic acid in citrus fruits and to compare it with a usual method, method using 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol

Methodology: The research for a specific method for determination of L-ascorbic acid has led to development and validation of High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography – Densitometric (HPTLC-D) method. The validation criteria evaluated are response function, determination reading wavelength, limit of detection, precision of the technique, limit of quantification and recovery rate. The validated method was applied to citrus juice samples for quantification of L-ascorbic acid. Then a 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol titrimetric assay of L-ascorbic acid in the same sample was performed for comparison of method results.

Results: HPTLC-D method showed improved sensitivity on 360 ​​nm scanner and a good linearity relationship between standard concentrations and absorbance responses. The regression coefficient obtained is R2 = 0.99. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) are respectively 3 ng and 9.5 ng per deposit. The method also exhibited good repeatability and precision, with intra-day (n = 3) and inter-day (n = 4) coefficients of variation (CV) of less than 6%.

Application of the HPTLC-Dmethod to citrus juices yielded a recovery rate ranging from 97% to 99%.

Conclusion: Comparison of results of the two methods shows that the contents obtained by titrimetry are greater than those obtained by HPTLC-D by 42.25%. This is explained by the presence of other redox compounds which are dosed at the same time as L-ascorbic acid. HPTLC-D makes it possible to specifically dose L-ascorbic acid.
Functional Abdominal Pain of Children: Therapy with Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30, 6086 and Insight into Its Probiotic Properties
Authors: Kumar Tandon Vishnu , Dutta Trayambak , Arasan R. Ezhil
Published: October 2021

Background: Probiotics are effective in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders in adults but there is lack of enough clinical evidence in children.

Aim: To evaluate effectiveness of Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30, 6086 along with digestive enzymes in the treatment of childhood functional abdominal pain (FAP).

Methods: Children with FAP, based on the Rome IV criteria (n = 95, aged 5-16 years), received Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30, 6086 along with digestive enzymes from a commercially available preparation - Tummysoft® for three weeks. Treatment response was assessed by improvement in the Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia Questionnaire (QOLRAD) score and Global Overall Symptom (GOS) scale.

Results: Patients diagnosed with FAP upon receiving a 3-week treatment with Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30, 6086 along with digestive enzymes, registered statistically significant improvement in both QOLRAD (Baseline, 30.27 ± 5.95; 10th Day: 108.39 ± 7.06; 21st day: 173.71 ± 6.71, P=0.00) and GOS scale (Baseline, 3.10 ± 0.37; 10th Day: 2.15 ± 0.73; 21st day: 1.00 ± 0.00, P = 0) signifying the efficacy of the probiotic in FAP.

Conclusion: Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30, 6086 along with digestive enzymes from a commercially available preparation - Tummysoft® was found to be effective in the treatment of childhood functional abdominal pain (FAP).
Impact of Extra-curricular Activities on Students’ Academic Performance at Bhutanese HSS level: A Case of Orong Central School
Authors: Penjor Ugyen
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of extracurricular activities on the academic performance and students’ assessment towards the extra-curricular activities at higher secondary school ( HSS) level. The sample consisted of 156 students from five different classes (IX-XII). The classes were selected randomly. The study used a mixed method approach. The quantitative component integrated was 24 items of 4 Likert scale survey questionnaires categorized under three themes. The qualitative component incorporated students’ assessment on impact of extracurricular activities in academic performance were collected through open-ended questions. Data form survey questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive analysis (means and standard deviation) and inferential t-test was use for analysis of hypothesis. The qualitative raw date was thematically analyzed (transcribed, coded and categorized). The findings of the study indicated that that student who participated in extra-curricular activities either in Games or sports activities have high academic performance as compared to those who did not participate. It is recommended that the school should give facilities and proper time to the participants of extra-curricular activities and ensure every student’s participation.
History and Mental Status Examination in Primary Care in Saudi Arabia: A Review
Authors: Algaows Faisal Suliman , Elrahwan Anas Murad Abdou , Gholam Ashjan Fouad , Aloufi Yasir Nasser , Mutlaqah Mohammed Abdullh , Abdulhamid Rajab, Hadeer , Alammari Mohammed Mousa , Otaywi A. Alyazidi, Abdulalziz , Alanezi Aiyed Hamoud , Ensseran Eman Ahmed , Alazmi Badriah Helal
Published: October 2021

The mental state assessment is an important tool for doctors when determining psychiatric diagnosis. Physicians can better identify and differentiate psychiatric diseases if they are familiar with the components of the examination. A thorough medical history entails a more in-depth investigation into the patient's medical problems, including all diseases and illnesses that are currently being treated, as well as those that have left any lasting consequences on the patient's health. A major source of worry is the patient's health literacy, as well as how questions to acquire histories are asked in such a way that the patient understands and can respond appropriately. Medical record practices have a long history of criticism, despite their usefulness. Records that are untimed or outdated, use imprecise language or are illegible, lack a logical structure, are poorly synthesized, are difficult to access and prone to loss, lack information relevant to clinical treatment goals, or are plain incorrect are all common concerns. In this review we will be looking at approaches for mental and history examination, as well as the importance of such reports.
3,4,5‐Trimethoxy Substitution on an N‐DMBI Dopant with New N‐Type Polymers: Polymer‐Dopant Matching for Improved Conductivity‐Seebeck Coefficient Relationship
Authors: Han Jinfeng , Chiu Arlene , Ganley Connor , McGuiggan Patty , Thon Susanna M. , Clancy Paulette , Katz Howard E.
Published: October 2021

Achieving high electrical conductivity and thermoelectric power factor simultaneously for n‐type organic thermoelectrics is still challenging. By constructing two new acceptor‐acceptor n‐type conjugated polymers with different backbones and introducing the 3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl group to form the new n‐type dopant 1,3‐dimethyl‐2‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole (TP‐DMBI), high electrical conductivity of 11 S cm−1and power factor of 32 μW m−1 K−2are achieved. Calculations using Density Functional Theory show that TP‐DMBI presents a higher singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) energy level of −1.94 eV than that of the common dopant 4‐(1, 3‐dimethyl‐2, 3‐dihydro‐1H‐benzoimidazol‐2‐yl) phenyl) dimethylamine (N‐DMBI) (−2.36 eV), which can result in a larger offset between the SOMO of dopant and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of n‐type polymers, though that effect may not be dominant in the present work. The doped polymer films exhibit higher Seebeck coefficient and power factor than films using N‐DMBI at the same doping levels or similar electrical conductivity levels. Moreover, TP‐DMBI doped polymer films offer much higher electron mobility of up to 0.53 cm2 V−1 s−1than films with N‐DMBI doping, demonstrating the potential of TP‐DMBI, and 3,4,5‐trialkoxy DMBIs more broadly, for high performance n‐type organic thermoelectrics.
Mapping the Regioisomeric Space and Visible Color Range of Purely Organic Dual Emitters with Ultralong Phosphorescence Components: From Violet to Red Towards Pure White Light
Authors: Roy Bibhisan , Maisuls Iván , Zhang Jianyu , Niemeyer Felix C. , Rizzo Fabio , Wölper Christoph , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Tang Ben Zhong , Strassert Cristian A. , Voskuhl Jens
Published: October 2021

We mapped the entire visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum and achieved white light emission (CIE: 0.31, 0.34) by combining the intrinsic ns‐fluorescence with ultralong ms‐phosphorescence from purely organic dual emitters. We realized small molecular materials showing high photoluminescence quantum yields (ΦL) in the solid state at room temperature, achieved by active exploration of the regioisomeric substitution space. Chromophore stacking‐supported stabilization of triplet excitons with assistance from enhanced intersystem crossing channels in the crystalline state played the primary role for the ultra‐long phosphorescence. This strategy covers the entire visible spectrum, based on organic phosphorescent emitters with versatile regioisomeric substitution patterns, and provides a single molecular source of white light with long lifetime (up to 163.5 ms) for the phosphorescent component, and high overall photoluminescence quantum yields (up toΦL=20 %).