bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finding Novel Strategies to Overcome the Impact of Malaria Vector Resistance in Limited-Resources Settings. The Case of Cameroon as a Basis for Reflection
Authors: Jr Fouda Abougou Benjamin
Published: September 2021

Malaria remains one of the most important and deadliest diseases in many countries in Africa, in the Americas, in South-East Asia, in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the Western Pacific regions, with high morbidity and mortality, despite important successes for the control of this disease borne by the vector Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria elimination relies on different strategies including early diagnosis, improved drug therapies and better health infrastructure, and mainly the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual sprayings (IRS) of insecticide. In Cameroon, a country composed of several ethnic groups, malaria transmission is endemic in some regions, while it is seasonal in others; children and pregnant women are most vulnerable. Progress has been made towards malaria control, considering these specificities, and led to a reduction in both morbidity and mortality, but these accomplishments are under threat, mainly due to the development of resistance to insecticides among mosquitoes, targeting the 4 commonly used insecticide classes. To continue our route towards malaria control and elimination, it is urgent to have more knowledge about resistance mechanisms, in the objective of elaborating new strategies with the involvement of the community; these strategies should take into consideration socio-ecological factors such as the young age of the population, low literacy rate especially among women, population’s beliefs, traditions, and customs. Forest ecosystems with abundant rains, humidity and hot temperature, lower access to water for populations living in rural areas, and poverty level are other factors to consider when elaborating malaria control approaches.
Anatomy of the Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta): The Essentials for the Biomedical Researcher
Authors: Casteleyn Christophe , Bakker Jaco
Published: September 2021

Amongst the non-human primates, the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) is the most commonly investigated species in biomedical research. Its similarity to humans regarding the anatomy and physiology has resulted in an increasing number of studies in which the rhesus monkey serves as a model. This book chapter aims to fulfill the researcher’s need for easily accessible anatomical data on the rhesus monkey by presenting the essentials of its various anatomical systems. The cadavers of several rhesus monkeys of either gender were dissected for gross anatomical study of the muscular, digestive, respiratory and urogenital systems. The circulatory system was studied after injection of latex into the blood vessels. Not only did this technique allow for better visualization of the blood vessels, but it was also valuable during the description of the peripheral nerves. In addition, methyl methacrylate casts were prepared to gain insight into the organization of the arterial system. The arthrology of the rhesus monkey was studied during the maceration of several cadavers, which ultimately revealed the individual bones that were described. From one such cadaver the skeleton was mounted. The results of the dissections are textually described and illustrated by means of numerous figures.
The Adoption of Massive Open Online Courses in Selected Sub-Saharan African Countries: The Experiences of Urban Learners
Authors: Ochieng’ Vollan , Mutisya Maurice , Thiong’o Caroline
Published: September 2021

MOOCs is slowly gaining traction in the education provisioning in SSA. Much of this is attributed to governmental and institutional aim of providing quality and affordable universal education to all learners. This chapter explores how MOOCs is affecting access to learning in SSA, with particular bias to urban education context. Evidence adduced in this chapter was adduced from secondary sources, involving review of relevant literature available from internet sources. In the internet sources visited, key search terms that were used in obtaining the relevant resources included but not limited to: ‘MOOCs and education’, ‘MOOCs in Africa’, ‘Education technologies AND MOOCs in Africa’, ‘MOOCs, OERs adoption and adaptability in Africa’, and ‘MOOCs’ challenges in Africa’ among others. It emerged that while MOOCs is gaining the needed traction in the SSA education space, the pace of its development is slow and calls for a more concerted effort from concerned education stakeholders.
Bronchus-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (BALT) Histology and Its Role in Various Pathologies
Authors: Parlak Ak Tuba
Published: September 2021

The lower respiratory tract is in direct communication with the external environment for gas exchange to occur. Therefore, it is constantly exposed to allergens, antigens, bacteria, viruses, and a wide variety of airborne foreign bodies. Bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT), which develops in response to these exposures and is one of the most prominent representatives of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), is important for generating rapid and specific bronchopulmonary adaptive immune responses. Therefore, this chapter focuses on the lymphoid architecture of BALT, which was first discovered in the bronchial wall of rabbits, its inducible form called inducible BALT (iBALT), its immunological response mechanisms, and its roles in certain pathologies including infectious and autoimmune diseases as well as in allergic and malignant conditions. In conclusion, it is hypothesized that BALT plays an important role in maintaining health and in the development of lower respiratory tract diseases; thanks to the pulmonary immune system in which it functions as a functional lymphoid tissue.
Surgical Management of Pleural Space Infection
Authors: Maraschi Alessandro , Billè Andrea
Published: September 2021

Pleural space infections are a common clinical entity affecting a large number of patients. These are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality rate and they require significant healthcare resources. In this chapter, we discuss the disease characteristics with regards to the etiology (primary and secondary), clinical presentation, radiological findings, different stages of the condition and treatment options according to stage at presentation. Conservative management (medical treatment, pleural drainage, with or without intrapleural fibrinolytic) may be effective in management of simple pleural space infections, but surgical management may be required in loculated complex empyema to prevent acute sepsis, deterioration and trapped lung. Surgical treatment of complicated pleural infections either by VATS or thoracotomy will be discussed in order to understand when to perform debridement/decortication of the pleural cavity or less frequently a thoracostomy.
Reducing Compounds Roles in Oxidative Stress Relieving of Human Red Blood Cells
Authors: Gallo Giuseppe
Published: September 2021

Oxidative stress is the consequence of an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant processes. Antioxidants that counteract reactive oxygen species do not all work the same way. Both resveratrol and the more powerful 4-hydroxytyrosol are excellent reducing agents. Polyphenol treatment (red wine polyphenols, resveratrol and catechin) is associated with a significant increase in anion permeability for chloride compared with control and 2.2′-azobis-2 amidinopropan dihydrochloride affected cells. Treatment with polyphenols was associated with a significant reduction in mean ± standard error of the mean membrane lipid peroxidation compared with control and 2.2′-azobis-2 amidinopropan dihydrochloride treatment. Hemolysis data are also obtained in the previously described conditions. 4-hydroxytyrosol is shown to significantly protect red blood cells from oxidative damage by 4-hydroxynonenal. But there are paradoxical effects like uric acid and creatinine. The obtained data evidence that both creatinine and uric acid levels have influence on the ratio of both malondialdehyde/protein and 4-hydroxynonenal/protein content on red blood cell ghosts, demonstrating their possible protective role against oxidative stress at low concentrations in blood and oxidizing power at higher concentrations. Finally, polyunsaturated fatty acids do not have all this reducing power.
Amazon false cedar: a substitute for medium-density timbers from vulnerable species
Authors: Sales Danielle das Flores de , Balboni Bruno Monteiro , Batista Alessandra Silva , Moutinho Victor Hugo Pereira
Published: September 2021

Some Amazon timber species, such as Cedrela odorata and Swietenia macrophylla, are considered vulnerable due to overexploitation. Cedrelinga cateniformis, known as false cedar, has a medium-density wood that may replace species under great commercial pressure. We have assessed some physical (basic and apparent density; tangential, radial, and volumetric shrinkage) and mechanical properties (resistance to parallel compression, shear, static bending, and static bending stiffness), as well as the shear strength in the bonding surface. With an average apparent density of 0.721 g/cm³, the C. cateniformis wood presented density and shrinkage classified as medium and anisotropy coefficient of 1,654. The mechanical properties were similar or superior to higher density woods. C. cateniformis fits the C20 resistance class, with the potential to substitute species such as Couratari oblongifolia, Vochysia maxima, Cedrela odorata, and Swietenia macrophylla. The shear strength in the bonding surface was lower than that of solid wood and the wood failure percentage was below the recommended. However, the results indicate that it is possible to find an efficient bond when evaluating different bond pressures. C. cateniformis have also a high potential for timber plantations, due to its ecological characteristics, for instance, resistance against the Meliacea shoot borer and association with mycorrhiza.
Produção de tijolos prensados com agregados reciclados da construção civil
Authors: Ethur Eduardo Miranda , Costa Juzélia Santos da , Moraes Benedito Ilmar de
Published: September 2021

O setor da construção civil provoca grandes impactos ambientais decorrentes de suas atividades, sendo que a elevada geração de resíduos, denominados de Resíduos da Construção Civil (RCC), e está associada a várias problemáticas críticas e urgentes no contexto urbano. Este artigo, fruto da dissertação de mestrado em Ambiente e Desenvolvimento, realizado no Programa de Pós-Graduação do Univates Centro Universitário - RS, evidencia a possibilidade do reaproveitamento deste material (RCC) como alternativa de incorporá-lo na fabricação de tijolos, com o objetivo de realizar a utilização dos resíduos da construção civil. Para viabilizar a produção de tijolo prensado, foram utilizados Agregados Reciclados da Construção Civil (RCC). A partir das informações e dados levantados, foram estudadas as legislações vigentes priorizando o tema, com ênfase nos instrumentos legais estipulados para a gestão ambiental de RCC. Os tijolos prensados com RCC foram utilizados na execução de alvenarias de vedações, tendo como objetivo proporcionar um destino adequado ao RCC, a fim de contribuir com a sustentabilidade na construção, atenuando, assim, os problemas enfrentados pelos órgãos ambientais e sociais. Para a caracterização dos materiais, foram realizados ensaios laboratoriais, conforme as normas: ensaios de análise granulométrica, ensaios de compressão simples de absorção de água e capilaridade.  Foi utilizado o solo miúdo onde se escolheu a porcentagem com teor de argamassa (51%), aplicando nos traços definidos (1:7, 1:9, 1:11 e 1:20). Foram produzidos tijolos com RCC que foram analisados e testados numa primeira etapa nas idades de 07, 14, 28 dias, sendo que o final dos estudos ocorreu na idade de 180 dias, conforme as normas estabelecidas de ensaios para a absorção de água por imersão, absorção de água por capilaridade, resistência à compressão axial simples entre outros.
Comportamento de vigas de concreto armadas com barras de GFRP
Authors: Carneiro Luiz Antonio Vieira , Silva Rhoan Carlos Busquim e , Teixeira Ana Maria Abreu Jorge
Published: September 2021

Este trabalho trata sobre o comportamento estrutural de vigas de concreto armadas com barras de compósito de resina e fibras de vidro (GFRP). A partir de um programa experimental, 6 (seis) vigas de concreto armado de 150 mm x 150 mm x 1500 mm de dimensões foram ensaiadas à flexão em quatro pontos. Os parâmetros variados nestas vigas foram o material das barras (aço ou GFRP) e a taxa de armadura longitudinal (0,88% e 2,02%). A resistência média do concreto à compressão foi 25 MPa. Foram monitorados até a ruptura das vigas os valores de flecha, deformação específica das armaduras (transversal e longitudinal) e do concreto, e abertura de fissura no vão de flexão pura. Os resultados mostraram que as vigas com barras de GFRP apresentaram resistência próxima à das vigas com barras de aço. Por causa da menor rigidez à flexão, os valores de flecha e de abertura de fissura das vigas com barras de GFRP foram maiores que os das vigas com barras de aço.
Qualidade da água na área de entorno do antigo lixão de Tangará da Serra (MT)
Authors: Santos Luanna Mênithen Souza Silva , Monteiro Nayra Nalessa de Campos , Moraes Gabriel Figueiredo de , Reis Wilhan Douglas dos , Santos Aldecy de Almeida
Published: September 2021

O descarte irregular de resíduos sólidos em áreas de disposição inadequada constitui uma realidade no Brasil, gerando impactos ao meio ambiente (no solo e nas águas subterrâneas e superficiais) e risco à saúde pública. Nesse sentido, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a qualidade das águas subterrâneas e superficial adjacentes do antigo lixão de Tangará da Serra-MT. A metodologia consistiu em realizar análises físicas, químicas e microbiológicas das águas subterrâneas e superficial no período chuvoso e seco compreendidos entre setembro de 2019 e junho de 2020. Foram avaliados quatro poços de monitoramento (P1, P2, P3 e P4) com distância de 100 a 2.000 metros do lixão. A avaliação da água superficial ocorreu no Córrego do Meio, (P5) próximo ao lixão (nascente) e a (P6) a jusante. Foram realizados a avaliação da qualidade da água utilizando o Índice de Qualidade da Água (IQA). Os resultados obtidos nos poços de monitoramento mostraram maiores valores nos parâmetros (cor real, cor aparente, condutividade elétrica, nitrito, nitrato, fósforo, dureza total, demanda bioquímica de oxigênio (DBO) e demanda química de oxigênio (DQO)) no período de seca, em todos os poços, evidenciando que com a redução do volume de água na seca ocorre um aumento da concentração. Nas águas superficiais os dados de nitrato, resíduos totais e Escherichia coli, demostraram maior valores à jusante, em função da vegetação alterada por ações antrópica e do carreamento de partículas na área da nascente verificou-se a melhor qualidade das águas devido a conservação da vegetação na área. Por consequência, os valores de (IQA) do Córrego do Meio classificaram as águas da nascente (P5) como boas e as da jusante (P6) como regular. Os resultados obtidos inferem não haver carreamento de poluentes do antigo lixão capaz de impactar na qualidade das águas subterrâneas e superficial para os parâmetros estudados.
Cinzas de casca de coco e de bagaço de cana como adição mineral em misturas contendo cimento Portaland
Authors: Pacífico Flávia Fabiana Martins , Melo Daniele de Castro Pessoa de , Silva Mayara Teixeira da , Lins Eduardo Antonio Maia , Sousa Wanderson dos Santos , Moraes Karoline Alves de Melo
Published: September 2021

A utilização da biomassa como alternativa na geração de energia é uma prática bastante difundida quando se almeja a redução de impactos ambientais, especialmente quando é possível utilizar o seu resíduo em outros processos. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho buscou caracterizar e analisar o potencial das cinzas das Biomassas de Casca de Coco (CCC) e de cinzas de Bagaço de Cana (CBCA) com base na redução do impacto ambiental na região. A partir da investigação das características físico-químicas desses componentes, buscou-se a seleção do resíduo para maior adequação ao emprego como adição mineral em misturas cimentícias. Foram realizadas análises químicas de termogravimetria (TG) e de difração de raios-x (DRX) para melhor entendimento sobre o comportamento do material, bem como foram feitos ensaios de resistência à compressão com a cal aos sete dias e IAP (Índice de Atividade Pozolânica) com o cimento aos vinte e oito dias.  Com os resultados obtidos, pode-se entender que as amostras possuem potencial pozolânico, uma vez que apresentam as características físicas e químicas requeridas, mas foram encontrados valores reduzidos de resistência à compressão. No entanto, devido ao seu alto teor de sílica e comportamento químico, os materiais podem ser utilizados como um adição mineral. Além disso, as cinzas provenientes da cana de açúcar e da casca do coco podem ser uma alternativa, substituindo parcialmente a areia na composição da argamassa para revestimento, devido à sua baixa necessidade de resistência à compressão.
Reflexões sobre embalagens de alimentos e sustentabilidade
Authors: Carvalho Jessica Santana , Oliveira Jhenifer de Souza Couto , José Jackline Freitas Brilhante de São
Published: September 2021

As embalagens de alimentos apresentam indiscutível importância na vida moderna para viabilização dos produtos à população. Entretanto, a rotina atual de consumo juntamente com as novas tecnologias tem proporcionado aumento na produção de resíduos. Os materiais que compõem as embalagens podem permanecer por muito tempo no ambiente. Ao passo que a quantidade de embalagem consumida aumenta, há consequente aumento da geração de resíduos e, por fim, empresas são pressionadas a assumir responsabilidade por todo o ciclo de vida dos produtos. Neste contexto, percebe-se que os consumidores têm alterado hábitos alimentares e decisões de compras priorizando aspectos de uma vida mais saudável. Estas ações consequentemente promovem mudanças no mercado de embalagens. Embalagens geram impactos ambientais e estão intimamente ligados ao desperdício de alimentos e geração de resíduos, e os responsáveis por mudanças massivas são os consumidores e suas atitudes frente a esse assunto. Uma forma de contribuir para redução na geração de resíduos é conhecer o material que compõe as embalagens e buscar escolher aqueles que provocam menor impacto. Questões ambientais geram grande influência sobre o comportamento dos consumidores, o que é interessante para as empresas e pode se tornar um diferencial. No entanto, para haver mudança é preciso que o consumidor reconheça as informações e se sinta motivado para realizar ações positivas, vendo o impacto por elas gerado.
Indicador da qualidade da água através de análise fatorial: um estudo de caso na zona portuária de Belém, Amazônia, Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Eder Silva de , Santos Diego Nascimento , Oliveira Gilmara Maureline Teles da Silva de , Silva Junior Mario Lopes , Andrade Cristiane da Costa Gonçalves de , Santos Washington Aleksander Savaris dos , Ribeiro Hebe Morganne Campos
Published: September 2021

A zona portuária de Belém, situada no estuário Guajarino, abriga os portos de Belém, Terminal Petroquímico de Miramar e Porto de Outeiro. Neste sentido, este estudo buscou criar indicadores de qualidade da água, através da análise fatorial que reflitam as peculiaridades e a dinâmica da zona portuária de Belém. Foram feitas amostragens mensais de água ao longo dos anos de 2014 e 2016, em toda zona portuária, englobando os três. Os resultados foram submetidos a análise fatorial (AF) para criação do Indicador de Avaliação Padronizado (IAP), que classificou a qualidade das águas amostradas nas faixas péssima, ruim, regular, boa e ótima. Os resultados mostraram que 46,03% e 42,85% das amostras do porto de Belém ficaram classificadas como péssimas e ruins, respectivamente. O terminal de Miramar apresentou classificação péssima para 46,98% das amostras, e o porto de Belém concentrou 45,98% dessas amostras analisadas na faixa de qualidade ruim; por fim, o Porto de Outeiro também mostrou uma qualidade péssima para 52,58% das amostras. A AF possibilitou uma visão integrada dos dados, mostrando como os efeitos das atividades desenvolvidas ao longo da zona portuária de Belém influenciam a qualidade da água.
The southern Jê and adaptation to the wetland areas on the southern of the Araucarias plateau/Brazil
Authors: Fiegenbaum Jones , Dalzochio Marina Schmidt , Périco Eduardo , Machado Neli Teresinha Galarce
Published: September 2021

The Jê archeology has witnessed in the last decades a significant increase in information on the pattern of settlement, subsistence, mobility and ceremonial practices as a result of major projects developed in the South Brazilian Plateau. With the beginning of a systemic and procedural view in archeology, interdisciplinary studies in archaeological research are directed to the study on the understanding of human relations with the environment. Between the basins of the Forqueta and Guaporé Rivers, both tributaries of the right bank of the Taquari/Antas River, twenty-one archaeological sites were found with the presence of pit houses associated with Jê groups. Of the twenty-one areas of identified pit houses, nineteen are in areas close to wetlands. In an interdisciplinary perspective, we seek to understand the reasons why Jê groups established settlements close to wetlands. Six criteria were analyzed regarding the installation of pit houses and the proximity to wetlands, namely hydrography, distance from rivers with running water, clinography, terrain slope, hypsometry, altitude in relation to sea level, soils, soil quality, distance from wetlands, and phytoecological region (vegetation cover). The patterns of occupation of Jê groups were analyzed using the Principal Component Analysis technique on the variables presented.
Valoração econômica do trecho do Rio Tocantins referente à Orla Sebastião Miranda, Marabá/PA
Authors: Bitencourt Emanoelen Bitencourt e , Pereira Júnior Antônio
Published: September 2021

O gerenciamento e uso inadequado dos recursos hídricos geram externalidades negativas à população, e a fim de internalizar a problemática se utiliza a valoração econômica dos cursos d’água. Este trabalho objetivou determinar o valor econômico do trecho do Rio Tocantins referente à Orla Sebastião Miranda, em Marabá – PA. O método utilizado foi o dedutivo, com abrangência quantiqualitativa, em associação ao levantamento bibliográfico no período entre 2012 e 2018. Os dados primários foram coletados pela aplicação de 169 formulários em entrevistas informais, a partir do método de valoração contingente, com o uso da disposição a pagar e, das abordagens open-ended simples e referendum simples, para a pesquisa piloto (40 formulários) e final (129 formulários), respectivamente. A análise dos dados obtidos indicou, na pesquisa piloto, grande concordância entre os 40 entrevistados (n = 28; 70%) em pagar um valor anual para melhorias na conservação do rio, com uma taxa média de R$ 22,75 reais/ano. Na pesquisa final, a análise dos dados obtidos quanto à disposição a pagar, indicou que, maioria dos ambulantes (n = 45; 77,6%) pagariam por essa manutenção; o outro grupo, dos estabelecimentos comerciais e prestadores de serviço apresentaram similaridade (n = 23; 60,5%); bem como os ribeirinhos (n = 28; 84,8%). O valor da DAPT calculada foi de R$3.467,907/ano, para a população total, e R$178.902,326/ano, quando se considerou o núcleo da Marabá Pioneira. Então, a comunidade está disposta a participar na conservação do corpo hídrico e, esses dados podem ser úteis no desenvolvimento de políticas públicas para a área.
Rapid Implementation of a Reserve Reading List Solution in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Black Matthew , Powelson Susan
Published: September 2021

In the spring of 2020, as post-secondary institutions and libraries were adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic, Libraries and Cultural Resources at the University of Calgary rapidly implemented Ex Libris’ reading list solution Leganto to support the necessary move to online teaching and learning. This article describes the rapid implementation process and changes to our reserve reading list service and policies, reviews the status of the implementation to date and presents key takeaways which will be helpful for other libraries considering implementing an online reading list management system or other systems on a rapid timeline. Overall, rapid implementation allowed us to meet our immediate need to support online teaching and learning; however, long term successful adoption of this tool will require additional configuration, engagement, and support.
Text Analysis and Visualization Research on the Hetu Dangse During the Qing Dynasty of China
Authors: Wang Zhiyu , Wu Jingyu , Yu Guang , Song Zhiping
Published: September 2021

In traditional historical research, interpreting historical documents subjectively and manually causes problems such as one-sided understanding, selective analysis, and one-way knowledge connection. In this study, we aim to use machine learning to automatically analyze and explore historical documents from a text analysis and visualization perspective. This technology solves the problem of large-scale historical data analysis that is difficult for humans to read and intuitively understand. In this study, we use the historical documents of the Qing Dynasty Hetu Dangse,preserved in the Archives of Liaoning Province, as data analysis samples. China’s Hetu Dangse is the largest Qing Dynasty thematic archive with Manchu and Chinese characters in the world. Through word frequency analysis, correlation analysis, co-word clustering, word2vec model, and SVM (Support Vector Machines) algorithms, we visualize historical documents, reveal the relationships between functions of the government departments in the Shengjing area of the Qing Dynasty, achieve the automatic classification of historical archives, improve the efficient use of historical materials as well as build connections between historical knowledge. Through this, archivists can be guided practically in historical materials’ management and compilation.
Building a Culture of Resilience in Libraries
Authors: Swanson Paul
Published: September 2021

As we process the impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the profession, we will be turning towards incorporating more flexibility into patron-based services along with our own work. In this editorial, Paul Swanson, Technology Director for Minitex in Minneapolis, MN, argues that instilling a culture of resilience in our libraries will help us to more easily adapt to these changes and take on new ones.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FINANCING AND EFFICIENCY OF INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES OF INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES: EVIDENCE FROM UKRAINE
Authors: Vysochan Oleh , Boychuk Andriy , Hyk Vasyl
Published: September 2021

The article focuses on the study of the closeness of the relationship obtained from different sources and used in different areas, finance, with the effectiveness of innovation, measured by the number of developed innovative products and the number of introduced new technological processes. The input information was the data of industrial enterprises of Ukraine for the period 2015-2019, summarized in statistical reporting and presented on the official resources of the State Statistics Service. To accomplish these objectives, the methods of correlation-regression analysis and analysis of the dynamics and structure of statistical indicators of innovation of industrial enterprises of Ukraine were used. Possible causes of crisis phenomena of innovative activity of Ukrainian enterprises that hinder the economic development of the national economy are discussed. The basis for further research of complex and individual influence of factors on development of innovative activity of the enterprises of various branches of economy is provided.
THE ROLE OF INCOME DISTRIBUTION IN THE GROWTH-POVERTY NEXUS: EVIDENCE FROM CESEE COUNTRIES, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE MACEDONIAN ECONOMY
Authors: Stankov Dejan
Published: September 2021

The paper explores the income distribution as a channel of transmission of the effects of economic growth on poverty reduction. For that purpose, we analyse data for the CESEE countries with a focus on the Macedonian economy. Since the 1990s, in the transition process to market economies, inequalities within countries in the CESEE region have risen the most. The income distribution achieved in the last decade is not sufficient to neutralise the high inequality created after 1990. The Macedonian economy shows improved income distribution in the last decade as well, which influences the level of poverty. Still, income inequality and the relative poverty rate are among the highest in the CESEE region. The study sheds light on the effects of the predistributive and redistributive factors on the level of inequality and poverty. We consider the extent to which different parts of the income distribution are affected by the process of average income growth. The main conclusion from the empirical analysis for the CESEE countries is that the sign of the growth rate of the average income of the population, in most cases, is an important predictor of the income growth rate of the quintile groups. Correlation results show that the sign of the growth rates of the average income of the population is the most important determinant for the sign of the growth rates of the average income of the quintile group for the quintiles nearest to the average income of the population.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE FINANCIAL STRUCTURE OF CAPITAL ON THE ESTIMATED VALUE OF THE COMPANY
Authors: Mujkić Elvis
Published: September 2021

In the modern business environment, the appearance of mergers and acquisitions, the sale of companies, as well as the disappearance of companies from the market are an everyday occurrence. In these, so called “transactions”, there is a need to determine the value of a company that is merged with another company, or that is being sold, or on the other hand that disappears from the market, i.e. goes into liquidation. The companies that are the subject of these “transactions” differ in a number of criteria. One of these criteria is the capital structure. The capital structure is conditioned by numerous factors, from profitability, creditor security, all the way to financial elasticity. Each of these factors implies a different ratio of equity and borrowed capital. The aim of the research is to determine the influence of the financial structure of capital on the estimated value of the company. The methods used to estimate the value of the company are: the method of discounting net cash flow, as a method of yield approach and the method of multiplier based on comparable transactions, as a method of market approach. The influence of the capital structure on the estimated value of the company was determined on the basis of regression and correlation analysis. The results obtained by applying the multiplier method based on comparable transactions, indicate that, with the increase of the share of borrowed capital in the capital structure, the estimated value of the company increases, which is in line with Modigliani - Miller theorem from 1964. However, as the costs of financial troubles increase with the increase in indebtedness, i.e. creditors lose trust in a given company, the question arises what is the upper limit of the company’s indebtedness that maximizes the estimated value of the company. To answer this question, the method of discounting net cash flows was applied. Applying the method of discounting net cash flows, it was determined that the relationship between the share of debt in capital and the value of the company is in line with the theory of static compromise. This means that with an increase in the share of debt in capital, the value of the company will grow to a certain level of that leverage, and after that level, the value of the company will decrease with an increase in the share of debt in capital. The level of debt participation in the capital that maximizes the value of the company differs from company to company, i.e. it is not unambiguously determined and it depends on the price of equity and borrowed capital, as well as the level of income tax rate. Taking into account the above-mentioned results, as well as the results of hypothesis testing, it can be concluded that the hypothesis was confirmed, according to which with increasing share of borrowed capital, the value of the company will grow to a certain level of leverage, and after that level with further increase of leverage the value of the company decreases.
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON AIR TRAFFIC INDUSTRY: CHALLENGES IN CROATIA
Authors: Bajić Jasmin , Škurla Babić Ružica , Tatalović Mirko
Published: September 2021

By the end of September, 2020 total worldwide number of Covid-19 infections has surpassed 34 million inhabitants, while the number of deaths caused by health pandemic crisis stands at more than one million. It’s predicted that the year 2020 will see about 10 percent drop in economic growth compared to the previous year. Different macroeconomic scientific and professional authors in their forecasts agree that the worse scenarios will be suffered by global and regional tourism industries together with air transport industry. The consequences of Covid-19 on air transport results in 2020 compared to results in the last three decades are analysed on four different levels - worldwide, European, South-East European and Croatian aviation achievements. Besides, the correlation between the global touristic and air carriers’ results in last three decades is considered in the paper with adequate conclusions. IATA monitors developments related to the Coronavirus outbreak, publishes industry statistics and analysis of COVID-19 impacts on the financial and traffic performance and produces outlook for the global air transport industry. According to its latest forecast, full-year 2020 traffic is expected to be down by 66% compared to 2019 while revenues are expected to fall by even more than demand. ICAO has prepared few models and analyses of final business results with different magnitudes on air transport industry recovery. Special attention and business details in the paper are devoted to the Croatian air transport situation in light of Covid-19 with conclusions, suggestions and proposals for future survival and development scenarios, including appropriate actions and measures as well as state, regional or local financial support. The activities and measures taken by Croatia Airlines can be characterized as an example of good practice in the conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic and are articulated as guidelines for the operations of regional airlines in the mentioned conditions.
Commentary on four studies for JALT Vocabulary SIG
Authors: Nation I. S. Paul
Published: September 2021

Four papers by Tomoko Ishii, Emilie Masson, Atsushi Mizumoto and Rachael Ruegg will be presented in morning session of the Second Annual JALT Vocabulary SIG Vocabulary Symposium in Fukuoka, Japan on July 2, 2013. As discussant, it is my pleasure to comment upon each manuscript. These four lexical researchers originate from all over Japan: Tokyo, Fukuoka, Osaka and Akita. The range of their lexical topics is almost as wide: semantically related words, loanword usage difficulties, self-efficacy and autonomy in vocabulary learning, and, lexical feedback on writing. After commenting on each paper in turn, I shall present a few suggestions for their future research.
A comparison of lexical feedback on writing received from peers and a teacher
Authors: Ruegg Rachael
Published: September 2021

While a vast number of studies have compared feedback from different sources, few studies if any have compared feedback on lexis from different sources. It is therefore unclear whether the amount or type of feedback given by peers is comparable to that given by a teacher. This study considers feedback on lexical errors in writing as a method of incidental vocabulary instruction and compares lexical feedback given by peers and a teacher over a period of one academic year. While it was found that the teacher gave significantly more feedback on word choice than the peers did, there was no significant difference between the amount of feedback on word use, or the total amount of lexical feedback given by peers and the teacher. It was also found that both peers and the teacher gave a considerable amount of feedback on word use and much less on word choice. If written feedback on writing is to be effective as a form of incidental vocabulary instruction, it is suggested that both teachers and peers should focus more on word choice when giving feedback on writing.
Vocabulary research in the modern language journal: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Meara Paul M.
Published: September 2021

This paper reports a bibliometric analysis of a set of 201 articles which was published in The Modern Language Journal (MLJ) between 1916 and 2010. All these articles deal with vocabulary acquisition. The paper reports an all-inclusive author co-citation analysis of this data, in an attempt to sketch out the historical development of vocabulary acquisition research. The paper presents a set of maps which shows whose work is being cited in the Journal. Co-citation links between cited sources allow us to identify research clusters which are characterised by patterns of citations. This paper uses these maps to show how the predominant research focus has changed significantly over the period studied. Much of the earlier work published in MLJ no longer figures in more recent research. The more recent research appears to be much more inward-looking and self-referential than is the case for the earlier research. This paper suggests that a co-citation analysis of research in a single journal does not capture the full richness of vocabulary research, which in turn raises some interesting questions about the selectivity of journals and their research biases.
Some Physical Properties of Palmyrah Palm (Borassus flabellifer L.) Fruits
Authors: Vengaiah P. C. , Kaleemullah S. , Madhava M. , Mani A. , Sreekanth B.
Published: September 2021

Some physical properties of palmyrah fruit were investigated in this study. The average values of major, medium, minor and geometric mean diameters of fresh whole palmyrah fruit were 11.54,10.45, 9.85 and 10.64 cm respectively at 47.34 % (w.b) moisture content whereas that of palmyrah nut were 8.59, 7.35, 4.99 and 6.79 cm respectively at 8% (w.b) moisture content. Sphericity, surface area and aspect ratio were found to be 91.94%, 359.17 cm2 and 0.90 for fruit and whereas that of nut were 79.19%, 145.16 cm2 and 0.86 respectively. The average mass of the individual palmyrah fruit and nut was 927.78 and 248.10 g whereas bulk density was 525.92 and 693.0 kg/m3 respectively. The coefficient of static friction on mild steel, glass and plywood surfaces were 0.27, 0.21 and 0.25 for palmyrah fruit and 0.36, 0.28 and 0.27 for nut respectively. The angle of repose of palmyrah fruit and nut were 30.77 and 44.03 respectively.
Land Use/Land Cover Changes of Ado-Ekiti LGA, Ekiti State, Nigeria Using Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Babajide Ajagbe, Abeeb , Solagbade Oguntade, Sodiq , Temitope Abiade, Idunnu
Published: September 2021

Land use assessment and land cover transition need remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS). Land use/land cover changes of Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria, were examined in this research. Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 7 ETM+ and Landsat 8 OLI were acquired for 1985, 2000, and 2015 respectively. Image scene with path 190 and row 055 was used for the three Landsat Images. A supervised digital image classification approach was used in the study, which was carried out using the ArcMap 10.4 Software. Five land use/land cover categories were recognised and recorded as polygons, including Built-up Areas, Bare surface, water body, Dense Vegetation and Sparse Vegetation. The variations in the area covered by the various polygons were measured in hectares. This study revealed that between 1985 and 2015, there was a significant change in Built-up areas from 1694 hectares to 5656 hectares. However, there was a reduction in water body from 25 hectares in 1985 to 19 hectares in 2015; there was a severe reduction in the bare surface from 4641 hectares in 1985 to 2237 hectares in 2015. Generally, the findings show that the number of people building houses in the study area has grown over time, as many people reside in the outskirts of the Local Government Area, resulting in a decrease in the vegetation and bare surfaces. The maps created in this research will be useful to the Ekiti State Ministry of Land, Housing, Physical Planning, and Urban Development to develop strategies and government policies to benefit people living in the Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area of the State.
Evaluation of the Effect of Tenoxicam Compared to Diclofenac Sodium in Controlling Postoperative Pain in Third Molar Surgery
Authors: Thota Ramvihari , Periasamy Senthilnathan , Mahathi N.
Published: September 2021

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of tenoxicam compared to diclofenac sodium in controlling postoperative pain after third molar surgery.

Materials and Methods: 36 patients with mean age 30 were selected randomly and placed them in two groups A and B, under group A there are 18 patients and in group B 18 patients were placed, group a is given with tenoxicam 30 mg and for  group b diclofenac sodium 50 mg.

Results: Group A experienced significantly less pain than those patients in group b. at 24 hr on the day of surgery, average pain scores of patients in both treatment groups did not differ significantly. On the evening of the third day postoperatively, the group a (tenoxicam) patients experienced significantly less pain than those in group b (diclofenac sodium).

Discussion: It is generally accepted that pain following third molar surgery reaches moderate to severe intensity within the first 5 hr after surgery. Pain control in this period is thus of vital importance to the oral surgeon. NSAIDs have shown considerable analgesic activity for the relief of pain after surgery. Prostaglandin concentrations do not peak until 4 hr after surgical trauma. tenoxicam has been shown in our study to produce significant analgesia when compared to diclofenac sodium, especially at 3 to 4 hr postoperatively, the period when there is maximum prostaglandin formation in the tissue.

Conclusion: Tenoxicam as administered in the present study was significantly more efficacious than diclofenac sodium and useful for pain control in these cases.
Heavy Metal Determination in Lipstick Products Using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)
Authors: Al-Mouraee Asma A. , Zainy Faten M. Ali
Published: September 2021

Cosmetics production and use are growing worldwide, yet users are concerned about toxicity and heavy metal pollution. Following nitric acid digestion, the estimated levels of lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), titanium (Ti), iron (Fe), and cobalt (Co), in 6 brands of lipstick (12 samples) obtained in the Saudi market have been computed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Correlation coefficients (R2) varied from 0.9992 to 0.9999 on the calibration curve, indicating good linearity. Except for low-cost specimens, the findings indicate that the concentrations of the metals under investigation are often lower than the acceptable limits of both the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (which revealed the maximum lead levels of 125.30 ppm, exceeding the allowed limit of 10 ppm). Arsenic was discovered in significant concentrations, exceeding the SASO permitted limit. Nickel was found at the FDAs allowable limit; chromium and cobalt were found in variable quantities in the majority of the specimens. Dark-colored lipstick had a greater overall content of heavy metals than light-colored lipstick. Numerous tests on SASO-approved lipsticks were conducted as part of the research. The lower-cost specimens were of lesser quality, failing some SASO tests. All such findings suggest that users should be cautious when buying low lipsticks since heavy metals may build up in the body over time, causing skin problems or diseases like cancer.
RP-HPLC and HPTLC Identification and Quantification of Flavonoids in the Leaves Extract of Bauhinia acuminata Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae)
Authors: Chakraborty Sudipta , Bala N. N. , Das Sudipta
Published: September 2021

Aims: The present investigation is aimed at the identification and quantification of flavonoids in the methanol extract of leaves of Bauhinia acuminata Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) by a validated HPTLC method and confirmation of the same by RP-HPLC.

Methodology: CAMAG HPTLC system with VisionCATS software and HPLC Agilent Infinity 1260 were employed for the study. Pre-coated silica gel 60 F254 plates were used as stationary phase and Toluene : Ethyl acetate : Formic acid (5:4:0.2, v/v/v) was used as mobile phase in HPTLC while in HPLC Thermo hypersil BDS C18 column and Methanol and 0.4% Phosphoric acid (65 : 35) were used as stationary and mobile phase respectively.

Results: Among different standards used in HPTLC, only quercetin was found to be present and further quantitatively analyzed. The method shows good correlation coefficient (R2 ≥ 0.99) and linearity in the range of 0.5 to 5.0 µg/band.  The concentration of quercetin in the test extract was found to be 0.514 µg/mg of the extract. The LOD and LOQ values were 0.84 µg/band and 2.59 µg/band respectively. The RP-HPLC study also represented good %  RSD of Retention time (0.025) and Area (0.09) which signifies the high precision and repeatability. The assay result (4.99 %) also indicated good presence of the quercetin in the extract.

Conclusion: The methods were rapid, cost effective and may be employed for quality-control and standardization of quercetin in different plant extracts.
PENGARUH CONVENIENCE, EASE OF INFORMATION SEARCH, TRANSACTION, INFORMATION CREDIBILITY, PRICE AND SAFETY TERHADAP ONLINE HOTEL REPURCHASE INTENTION GENERASI Z PADA ONLINE TRAVEL AGENT (OTA)
Authors: Novianti Angelia , Irawan Felia , Harianto Agung
Published: September 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui apakah convenience, ease of information search, transaction, information credibility, price and safety berpengaruh terhadap online hotel repurchase intention Generasi Z pada OTA. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 154 responden. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa convenience, ease of information search, information credibility, price dan safety berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap online hotel repurchase intention generasi Z, sedangkan transaction berpengaruh negatif dan tidak signifikan terhadap online hotel repurchase intention generasi Z. Variabel safety menjadi faktor yang paling dominan dalam mempengaruhi online hotel repurchase intention generasi Z pada OTA.