bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remuneração de executivos e ciclos de vida organizacional: um enfoque em empresas brasileiras
Authors: Oliveira Alan Santos , Almeida Karla Katiuscia Nóbrega , Lucena Wenner Glaucio Lopes
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to analyze the remuneration of executives in each phase of the business life cycle. A descriptive, documentary, survey-type study was performed with a predominantly quantitative approach, using a sample of 560 observations across 112 companies. For the definition of the current life cycle phase of each company analyzed, Dickinson’s (2011) methodology was chosen, which classifies the life cycle into the five phases of start-up, growth, maturity, turbulence, and decline, based simultaneously on the signs of the operating, investment, and financing cash flows. The construction of the econometric model was based on Madhani (2012), Ventura (2013), and Koh et al. (2015). The results suggest that the highest level of executive compensation was in the turbulence phase, followed by the growth, decline, and start-up phases, with the lowest level observed in the maturity phase. It was concluded that the level of remuneration paid to the executives of the companies studied herein is related to the organizational life cycle, which corroborates the contingency and agency theories.
Utilização da escala SERVQUAL para mensuração da qualidade: estudo de caso em uma empresa de transporte público
Authors: Silva Deoclécio Junior Cardoso da , Godoy Leoni Pentiado , Godoy Taís Pentiado , Wegner Roger Da Silva , Sudati Lucas Urach
Published: April 2020

Various services provided throughout the country in recent years, generated skilled jobs, increased internal and external competitiveness and accelerate innovation. It has expanded customer choice, preferring companies that offer differentiated services that meet their needs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish a measurement of services using SERVQUAL, and five dimensions of quality. It is evident in the public transport company, factors that must improve more efficiently and effectively what customers need and expect of the services received. The methodology was characterized as descriptive as it described the quality and measurement of SERVQUAL guidelines, when dealing with a case study because it involves a single company. In the analysis of results, it was used descriptive statistics and SERVQUAL scale with five dimensions of quality, taking into account the importance of each issue. The issue that stood out was the guarantee, reaching the ideal quality, both in expectancy and experience. It is suggested for future studies, management for an implementation project of the SERVQUAL methodology for continuous measurement of quality enterprise.
Metodologia de avaliação do risco em investimentos de inovação
Authors: Belotti Vitor Novelini , Santos David Ferreira Lopes , Basso Leonardo Fernando Cruz
Published: April 2020

The aim of this research is to analyze a theoretical method for measuring the business risk of investments in innovation proposed by Basso and Kimura (2010). The bases of the conceptual model relate the risk of investments in innovation at the firm level to the risk of the sector. In an analogous way, this study measures the sectorial risk of the different Brazilian industries with the added risk of investments in innovation, and then shows the risks of the companies listed on B3 (the São Paulo Stock Exchange) that exhibited all the necessary information for the model. This is an exploratory study with a quantitative approach, based on descriptive statistical methods and the proposed empirical model. The materials that support the research were taken from the five available editions of the Technological Innovation Survey – PINTEC (2000, 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2011) and from the standardized financial statements of the selected companies. The results of the research confirmed the possibility of using the proposed methodology, with the use of weighted factors that – in this study – were guided by the Brazil Innovation Index. Thus, it was possible to measure the level of risk of each sector of Brazilian industry and of 85 companies.
A governança do arranjo produtivo local de vestuário de Muriaé-MG a partir de um modelo bidimensional de análise
Authors: Antero Cecilia Alves da Silva , Tavares Bruno , Antonialli Luiz Marcelo , Castro Sabrina Olimpio de Caldas
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to understand governance in Muriaé’s (MG) clothing LPA. A qualitative study of descriptive character, supported by case study method, was performed. Additionally, an analytical model for analysis of governance in LPA was proposed based on the following categories: representation, cooperation and coordination. The primary qualitative data were analyzed with support of the NVIVO® software, using the content analysis technique. Governance in the clothing LPA of Muriaé-MG is characterized by expressive representation of the actors, the incipient cooperation and coordination of the companies and the significant operations of most entities that are committed to the development of said LPA. This study expanded the understanding of the theme of governance in LPA due to its detailed consideration of the criteria used for their understanding, regarding the procedures that can be employed to conduct an investigation, which may be adopted in future researches.
O uso do smartphone pelos universitários que trabalham: identificando os paradoxos tecnológicos
Authors: Corso Kathiane Benedetti , Moreira Martiele Gonçalves
Published: April 2020

With the advent of technology, smartphones have occupied a prominent place in their users’ personal and professional lives. Thus, it is relevant to understand how the relationship between smartphones and individuals occurs, which may be paradoxical and not distinguish the positive and negative uses of the device. This situation may interfere in the lives of these people. This research is a descriptive study, which used univariate descriptive statistical analysis by means of data and Student’s t-test; it was performed with individuals who face double shift (working and studying). We identified the presence of eight paradoxes, which can be classified into two categories: the first refers to the intimate relationship between individuals and smartphones, whereas the second concerns the functionalities of this type of device. This article also retrieves studies that have addressed the theme “paradoxes”, making a comparison with this study. It was possible to notice differences and similarities over the years.
Privações do consumo infantil: um estudo realizado com crianças em situação de pobreza relativa
Authors: Oliveira Mayara Muniz , Pereira Rita de Cássia Faria
Published: April 2020

The objective of this article is to analyze the material deprivations of child consumption in the context of relative poverty, in order to identify the deprivations experienced by children and to characterize the implications of and strategies for coping with these deprivations. In this empirical research, 23 children and their respective relatives were interviewed, totaling 46 interviewees. To collect data, a design technique was also employed through the production of a drawing by the child to support the interviews. The results indicate that children suffer deprivations related to health, education and housing. Deprivations concerning entertainment and toys were found more frequently. As a result of deprivation, children suffer emotional and social consequences, tackled through emotional reorientation.
Sustainable cities versus political context: where do we go? the case of Radio Base Stations (RBS) of Porto Alegre/RS
Authors: Schiavi Cristiano Sordi , Pedrozo Eugenio Avila
Published: April 2020

This article aims to analyze the participation of social actors in the decision-making and political processes of the city of Porto Alegre, concerning the installation of Radio Base Stations (RBSs). Thus, an exploratory and descriptive research of qualitative nature was performed choosing the case of Porto Alegre. As a result, there was an environmental retreat in community participation and a change of orientation in the discussion about the possible adverse effects caused by electromagnetic of RBS. In a period of little more than a decade, the initial protagonism of the community was reduced, when a new discussion about changes in the Law emerged in 2013 and 2014. Finally, the article reinforces the importance of the political decentralization for Sustainable Development of cities, favoring the participation of local actors in the construction of environmental public policies.
O valor e a autenticidade da marca influenciados pelos canais de distribuição
Authors: Farra Samanta Puglia Dal , Queiroz Mauricio Jucá , Prado Paulo Henrique Müller , Queiroz Renata Steffanoni Bernardes de
Published: April 2020

Brands, being ubiquitous, can provide different perceptions of brand equity and brand authenticity among consumers. This paper aims to identify the impact of the fit between a brand, premium positioned, placed in premium channels, in contrast with popular channels placement. A product of an identical brand may have its brand value (brand equity) altered by the fit of the channel option, i.e. a channel consistent in image and brand positioning (high fit) would impact on a higher end consumer based brand equity (CBBE). We intend to contribute to enhancing the understanding of the role of channel strategy in brand value as well as the mediating effect of brand authenticity. As a methodological proposal, a couple of experiments were conducted and it was found that the consistency between brand positioning and channel (fit) leads consumers to evaluate differently the CBBE. In addition, the study found that the fit between channel and brand has a direct effect on consumer purchase intent, the higher the fit, the greater purchase intent. Likewise, it was found that the perception of brand authenticity is affected by the fit between the channel and the brands, the higher the fit with the channel, the greater the perception of brand authenticity.
Avaliação do potencial antioxidante de hortaliças orgânicas durante o armazenamento a frio
Authors: Santos Maria Letícia De Almeida Kasctin dos , Gonzales Juliana , Vicenzi Raul
Published: April 2020

The relation between an antioxidant-rich diet with protection against some diseases such as Alzheimer's and cardiovascular diseases has increased research on the evaluation of these components in food. Another factor related to some diseases is the consumption of food produced from conventional agriculture with the excessive use of agrochemicals and the search for food free of pesticides increases the demand for products grown in organic systems. Aiming to relate these two themes, the present study aimed to produce a kit of organic vegetables and evaluate antioxidant activity during storage at reduced temperatures. The results indicate a sudden drop in antioxidant activity and phenolic compound concentration in the first month of storage.
Unit Fractions as Superheroes for Instruction
Authors: Empson Susan Baker , Jacobs Victoria R. , Jessup Naomi A. , Hewitt Amy , Pynes D'Anna , Krause Gladys
Published: April 2020

The complexity of understanding unit fractions is often underappreciated in instruction. We introduce a continuum of children's understanding of unit fractions to explore this complexity and to help teachers make sense of children's strategies and recognize milestones in the development of unit-fraction understanding. Suggestions for developing this understanding are provided.
Using Scratch Programming to Explore Coordinates
Authors: Germia Erell , Panorkou Nicole
Published: April 2020

We present a Scratch task we designed and implemented for teaching and learning coordinates in a dynamic and engaging way. We use the 5Es framework to describe the students' interactions with the task and offer suggestions of how other teachers may adopt it to successfully implement Scratch tasks.
Noticing before Responding
Authors: Amador Julie M. , Glassmeyer David , Brakoniecki Aaron
Published: April 2020

This article provides a framework for integrating professional noticing into teachers' practice as a means to support instructional decisions. An illustrative example is included based on actual use with secondary students.
Mathematics is Personal. Mathematics is Debatable.
Authors: Luzniak Chris
Published: April 2020

Debate and discussions have often been staples of humanities classrooms. However, as Elham Kazemi states “everything we know about student learning and classroom practice tells us that classroom conversations are crucial to mathematics learning.” Let's explore ways to incorporate short debates into everyday math lessons.
GPS: Spring Frogs
Authors: Hagan Kelly , Lin Cheng-Yao
Published: April 2020

April 2020's GPS department provides tasks for each grade band that invite students to reason with age-appropriate number theoretic concepts.
Drawing at Visual Art’s teachers education: reflections from Designare
Authors: Vasconcelos Flávia Pedrosa
Published: April 2020

This work aims to present some reflections of my PHD research, with the title Designare: pontes artistico/educativas na formação docente em Artes Visuais. This research sought to build an interpretation about the Drawing and its teaching in the Visual Arts teachers education, questioning the "how to draw" and the "not knowing how to draw" in the view of the teachers who teach in this area at the university. At the methodological process, based the investigative ways in three research methodologies of Educational Research Based on Visual Arts (Viadel, 2005): Narrative, Autoetnography and A/r/tography and with research in specialized literature, problematization and justification in narrative memory and interviews making  with professors who teach Drawing in graduation courses in the area of Visual Arts at the University of Porto - UPORTO and at the Federal University of the Valley of São Francisco – UNIVASF. Focused on the understanding of the influence of drawing discourses and from drawings as visual narratives on teaching/learning of teachers practices in Visual Arts as rethinking historical issues in curricula, I analyzed issues of pedagogical practices of university professors and their repercussions on contemporary Visual Arts Teachers Education in Brazil and Portugal.
Conversaciones hipervisuales, esbozos de una tecnología social para la educación de la cultura visual
Authors: Ospina Juan Sebastián , Martins Alice Fátima
Published: April 2020

Este texto presenta relatos y reflexiones sobre las posibilidades de transformar las conversaciones hipervisuales, abordaje metodológico desarrollado en la tesis doctoral Conversações Hipervisuais: vamos falar sobre olhares masculinizados? en una tecnología social acoplable a la educación de la cultura visual. Este proceso consistió en una expansión de la investigación narrativa a partir del trabajo con visualidades e imágenes visuales. El objetivo principal del estudio residió en analizar las circunstancias y estrategias de deconstrucción de las miradas y visualidades masculinizadas, ello por medio de conversaciones, ejercicios de memoria y narrativas audiovisuales desarrolladas por las y los participantes de la investigación, en su mayoría estudiantes de la Universidade Federal de Goiás. El trabajo de campo de dicha investigación estuvo enmarcado por el proyecto de extensión NarrATIVIDADES, un laboratorio abierto que en su primera edición fue conformado por seis encuentros sobre temas referentes a la masculinización de las miradas, visualidades e imágenes visuales. De ese modo, se exponen aquí algunos esbozos de aplicación de las conversaciones hipervisuales en proyectos pedagógicos realizados a partir de la educación de la cultura visual.
Encontros intergeracionais mediados por imagens e memórias do bairro e da escola
Authors: Vago-Soares Maria Angélica , Schütz-Foerste Gerda Margit
Published: April 2020

Este artigo descreve o processo de produção de narrativas intergeracionais desenvolvido com crianças, adolescentes, adultos e velhos. Trata-se de etapa de investigação de doutorado baseada em etnografia realizada na Escola Municipal de Ensino Fundamental Sonia Regina Gomes Rezende Franco, bairro Serra Dourada I, Serra (ES), em que 34crianças/adolescentes de 6º/7º ano foram envolvidas em um projeto de ensino de Arte que se desenrolou no âmbito das aulas de Arte e História, ao longo de três semestres letivos. Após apreciar vídeos e fotografias e visitar alguns dos espaços culturais da cidade, as crianças/adolescentes remeteram o olhar ao bairro e, desejando saber mais sobre ambos, sugeriram conversa com moradores antigos, o que se concretizou com a roda de conversa. A experiência fundamenta-se em Ciavatta (2007), Benjamin (2012), Bosi (1994), Brandão (1984, 2003, 2007), Fonseca da Silva e Schlichta (2015), Freire (2014), Halbwachs (2003), Mannheim (1952, 2014) e Schütz-Foerste (2004). Os resultados mostram que a roda de conversa intergeracional é possibilidade para cultivar imagens e memórias, promovendo o ato de narrar que inclui velhos, adultos e crianças e adolescentes, que se encontram e compartilham suas distintas culturas, sem, contudo, estabelecer hierarquização entre elas.
O ensino de artes visuais e a formação no contexto contemporâneo
Authors: Simão Selma Machado
Published: April 2020

Este artigo foi elaborado a partir das ideias geradas pelas análises e experiências vivenciadas na disciplina de Estágio Pedagógico em Artes Visuais do Curso de Licenciatura em Artes Visuais do Instituto de Artes da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (IA UNICAMP). Os conteúdos de artes estudados permearam vários temas contemporâneos que se referem às demandas do nosso tempo, como por exemplo: transversalidade, interculturalidade, identidades, diversidade, inclusão, convivência, autoconhecimento, memória, afetividade, formação, estágio, meio-ambiente, entre outros. Diante das problemáticas atuais, o professor de artes tem hoje um campo de atuação ampliado que necessita de uma atualização constante sustentada pela pesquisa teórica e prática sobre conteúdos, metodologias e didáticas variadas fomentadas pelas necessidades de públicos cada vez mais heterogêneos. Deste modo, este estudo apresenta um conjunto de análises e interconectadas com o diálogo de autores da área, incluindo a apresentação de observações e reflexões críticas formuladas por estudantes estagiários a partir da aplicação de suas práticas no ensino em Artes Visuais.
A importância da arte na formação interdisciplinar proposta pela UFABC
Authors: Leite Marcelo Alecsander Chagas , Albrecht Mirian Pacheco Silva
Published: April 2020

A Universidade Federal do ABC foi criada em 2005 com uma proposta diferenciada. O acesso ocorre por meio dos Bacharelados Interdisciplinares, nos quais o aluno recebe uma formação geral antes de ingressar em um dos cursos de formação específica. Neste estudo, buscamos conhecer os documentos oficiais da UFABC para verificar se e como a Arte está inserida na proposta interdisciplinar da Universidade. Usamos a abordagem qualitativa e o procedimento pesquisa documental. Para a análise das ementas das disciplinas, foi considerado o conceito da Abordagem Triangular. Como resultado, encontramos referências à formação integral, na qual a Arte está inserida, porém, verificamos que entre as 1.183 disciplinas ofertadas para os anos de 2017/2018 apenas uma atendeu a todos os critérios definidos na pesquisa em relação à promoção de uma experiência relevante com a Arte.
Fra helgenbillede i Kevelaer til kistebillede i Haderslev
Authors: Clausen Helge
Published: April 2020

I Haderslev findes to varianter af et religiøst billede fra slutningen af 1700-tallet af Jomfru Maria og Jesusbarnet. De befinder sig henholdsvis i den katolske Sankt Marie Kirke og i Museum Sønderjylland. Det kan påvises, at billedet stammer fra et andagtsbillede fra 1642 i den tyske valfartsby Kevelaer. I analysen og fortolkningen af billedet inddrages derfor elementer af den katolsketeologi om Jomfru Maria. Kevelaerbilledet må være blevet indført til Haderslev, men før det blev genudgivet her, har det undergået visse forandringer for ikke at komme i konflikt med den lutherske teologi. Der sammenlignes med eksempler på kirkelige tekster og kirkekunst, som har været igennem den samme procedure.
Critical Review of the Pivotal Studies of Four rFVIII Products for the Treatment of Hemophilia A Patients: The Role of Octocog Alfa
Authors: Di Minno Matteo Nicola Dario , D'Angiolella Lucia , Cortesi Paolo Angelo , Molinari Angelo Claudio , Mantovani Lorenzo Giovanni
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION: Hemophilia A is a rare congenital bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII (FVIII). The severe form of the disease is characterized by spontaneous bleeds, especially into the joints. Prophylaxis, based on regularly intravenous administration of the missing factor to avoid hemorrhages, represents the gold standard of treatment. In recent years, new products that significantly improve the treatment management options for patients with hemophilia have become available in the market.OBJECTIVE: To critically evaluate the pivotal studies of recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) products, approved in Europe within the first half of 2018 having obtained the indication for a prophylaxis dosing regimen based also on a twice weekly infusion frequency or even less, highlighting their limitations or strengths.METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted, and several databases (PubMed and Embase) were consulted.RESULTS: Nine clinical trials involving patients with severe hemophilia A without inhibitor were included in this analysis. Four rFVIII products (Elocta®, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA; Kovaltry®, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Germany; Afstyla®, CSL Behring GmbH, Germany; Adynovi®, Baxalta Innovation GmbH, Austria) with different pharmacokinetic profiles were evaluated. The trials included in this analysis had different designs and heterogeneous methods were utilized to assess the study outcomes. The baseline characteristics of the patients enrolled in the studies were also often different and sometimes not adequately described. LEOPOLD II, a trial to compare prophylaxis to on-demand therapy with an unmodified rFVIII product (Kovaltry®, octocog alfa), was the only completely randomized trial that enrolled a more critical patient population in terms of compromised joint condition than the other studies. Based on these side-by-side comparison, Octocog alfa reported similar efficacy, in terms of annualized bleeding rate, to the other rFVIII products, including extended half-life.CONCLUSIONS: Even without structural modifications, octocog alfa may be considered a useful treatment option for two times a week prophylaxis in a selected population of haemophilia patients.
KIT ligand protects against both light-induced and genetic photoreceptor degeneration
Authors: Li Huirong , Lian Lili , Liu Bo , Chen Yu , Yang Jinglei , Jian Shuhui , Zhou Jiajia , Xu Ying , Ma Xiaoyin , Qu Jia , Hou Ling
Published: April 2020

Photoreceptor degeneration is a major cause of blindness and a considerable health burden during aging but effective therapeutic or preventive strategies have not so far become readily available. Here, we show in mouse models that signaling through the tyrosine kinase receptor KIT protects photoreceptor cells against both light-induced and inherited retinal degeneration. Upon light damage, photoreceptor cells upregulate Kit ligand (KITL) and activate KIT signaling, which in turn induces nuclear accumulation of the transcription factor NRF2 and stimulates the expression of the antioxidant gene Hmox1. Conversely, a viable Kit mutation promotes light-induced photoreceptor damage, which is reversed by experimental expression of Hmox1. Furthermore, overexpression of KITL from a viral AAV8 vector prevents photoreceptor cell death and partially restores retinal function after light damage or in genetic models of human retinitis pigmentosa. Hence, application of KITL may provide a novel therapeutic avenue for prevention or treatment of retinal degenerative diseases.
Prevalence and risk factors ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection among children in Kuichong Subdistrict of Shenzhen City, China
Authors: Hu Jingjing , Wang Xiangyu , Chua Eng Guan , He Yongsheng , Shu Qing , Zeng Li , Luo Shiyang , Marshall Barry J. , Liu Aijun , Tay Chin Yen
Published: April 2020

Background

Helicobacter pyloriinfection is a significant burden to the public health in China as it can lead to various gastric diseases including peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. Since most infections occurred during childhood, it is therefore necessary to understand the prevalence and risk determinants of this bacterial infection in children. Herewith, we conducted a cross-sectional study in the Kuichong Subdistrict of Shenzhen City to assess the prevalence and risk factors ofH. pyloriinfection among children.

Methods

From September 2018 to October 2018, 1,355 children aged 6–12 years from four primary schools in the Kuichong Subdistrict of Shenzhen City were recruited. These children were screened forH. pyloriinfection using the13C-urea breath test. In addition, parents were requested to fill out a standardized questionnaire. The chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify risk factors forH. pylori.

Results

Among 1,355 children recruited in this study, 226 (16.7%; 95% CI [14.7–18.7]) were positive ofH. pyloriinfection. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified six factors significantly associated withH. pyloriinfection children including parent(s) with tertiary education level (OR: 0.64; 95% CI [0.46–0.89]), testing bottle feed temperature using the mouth (OR: 1.79; 95% CI [1.19–2.68]), sharing of cutlery between the feeding person and young children during meals (OR: 1.84; 95% CI [1.22–2.78]), eating fruit after peeling (OR: 2.56; 95% CI [1.4–4.71]), frequent dining out (OR: 3.13; 95% CI [1.46–6.68]) and snacking (OR: 1.43; 95% CI [1.01–2.01]).

Conclusions

Overall, better educated parent(s) played a protective role against the acquisition ofH. pyloriinfection in children. Testing bottle feed temperature using the mouth, cutlery sharing between the feeding person and young children, and snacking posed a lower but significant risk forH. pyloriinfection. Only eating peeled fruits and frequent dining out were associated with greater infection risks.
Observations of an unexpected abundance of estuarine mosquitoes associated with an urban freshwater wetland
Authors: Hanford J. K. , Hochuli D. F. , Webb C. E.
Published: April 2020

Urban freshwater wetlands have been identified as a potential source of mosquitoes of pest and public health concern in Australia. Mosquitoes most commonly associated with these habitats include Anopheles annulipes, Culex annulirostris, Culex quinquefasciatus, Coquillettidia linealis and Mansonia uniformis. However, adaptive management of freshwater wetlands for wildlife conservation or vegetation management can alter the local environmental conditions and may provide opportunities for other mosquito species to exploit these habitats. A series of small wetlands at Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, were drained in spring 2016 and allowed to refill via rainfall to improve conditions for the endangered green and golden bell frog Litoria aurea. Below-average rainfall was experienced that summer and the wetlands did not fully refill until early autumn. Surprisingly, immature stages of the estuarine mosquito, Aedes vigilax, were observed in the freshwater wetlands in exceptional abundances during this period. Adjacent to these freshwater wetlands there are extensive saltmarsh and mangrove habitats where highly abundant populations of Ae. vigilax are common. Observations of use of freshwater habitats by this estuarine mosquito have implications for urban freshwater wetland management and rehabilitation strategies, which currently do not consider the potential pest and public health issues associated with estuarine mosquitoes.
Assessing the Impact of Monitoring, Information and Communication on Banks Performance in Ghana
Authors: Mbilla Simon Akumbo Eugene , Nyeadi Joseph Dery , Gbegble Michael Kwame , Ayimpoya Redruth Nyaaba
Published: April 2020

The global financial sector is undergoing structural reforms and system improvement in their internal operations and activities. These global reforms in the financial sectors have been occasioned by globalization and technology revolution around the world. In view of the rapid changes, institutions both public and private institutions have experienced various limitations in their quest to reach their objectives. This study therefore formulates three objectives to investigate the effects of internal control systems on financial performance of listed banks in Ghana. In this quantitative study, 300 representatives from twelve listed banks were engaged. Descriptive and regression analysis was performed on the field Data. The study result shows that Information and communication have a weak significant effect on financial performance. There was no significant effect between Monitoring and financial performance. The study therefore recommends that managers of listed Banks must invest more on information and communication in order to improve performance.
Safe Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention among Adolescents with Deafness in Uganda: Awareness, Prevalence and Implications for Policy and Programming
Authors: Seruwagi Gloria K. , Achibu Julius Paul
Published: April 2020

Background: Safe Male Circumcision (SMC)[1] has been widely recommended by WHO as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy. However, literature pertaining to SMC amongst adolescents with a disability, and the deaf community in particular, is almost non-existent. This study sought to establish SMC prevalence, knowledge, attitude and post circumcision behaviour among adolescents with deafness in Uganda.

Methods: The study was cross-sectional, used a mixed-methods approach and recruited 447 participants. 363 questionnaires were administered to adolescents of age 15 - 24 years (192 males and 171 females) from three study sites. We assessed socio-demographic variables, circumcision status, post circumcision behaviour, attitude and knowledge levels towards SMC. Qualitative data was also collected from 84 participants (m=46, f=38) using focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using Stata software while qualitative was thematically analysed.

Results: A total of 60.9% male adolescents with deafness self-reported to be circumcised. Both male and female participants reported SMC information to be highly inaccessible (84%). Only 27.8% study participants knew about the partial protective effect of SMC against HIV, 51.8% were uncertain, while 26% thought that SMC provided full protection. Both male and female respondents had a positive attitude towards SMC (68.3%) and females were more knowledgeable (50.3%) about the partial preventive effect of SMC against HIV transmission and timeframe for the resumption of sexual activity compared to males (30.2%). Linkages were noted between SMC, social networks and key sociodemographic characteristics like ethnicity, religion and education level.

Conclusion: Despite a 60.9% prevalence and general positive attitude towards SMC, study findings showed limited service access and substantial knowledge gaps in SMC efficacy, also related to high-risk behaviour after circumcision. This can largely be explained by limited targeting by HIV prevention programmes among this (deaf) category of adolescents, related barriers associated with vulnerability arising from their disability (deafness) and developmental stage (adolescence). Key actors in HIV prevention efforts should demonstrate cognizance of heightened risk among vulnerable adolescent categories through more inclusive interventions to address prevailing knowledge and service gaps.

 

[1] This study was conducted between 2015-2016 when the commonly used term was Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) and not Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) as its popularly being packaged now. This manuscript has stuck to the originally used SMC acronym.
Effect of Cutoff Grade and Stripping Ratio on the Net Present Value for Hamama Gold Project, Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors: Hamd_Allh Helal H. , Moharram M. R. , Yssin Mohamed A. , Gouda M. A. , Embaby A. Kh.
Published: April 2020

This paper represents an attempt to examine the effects of Cutoff Grade (COG) and Stripping Ratio (SR) on the Net Present Value (NPV) for the proposed gold mine in  Hamama area, hence to attain best operating condition corresponding to the optimum COG and SR in the proposed gold mine. Discount Cash Flow (DCF) model has been established to calculate NPV by taking the change in the COG and SR into account.  This detects the effects of COG and SR on the NPV of this project. The actual production and cost data of Sukari Gold Mine (SGM) of Egypt have been taken as an indicator in creating DCF for the proposed gold mine where maximum NPV results proved the optimum COG and SR.
Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Clark Simon , Borchers Niklas , Jusys Zenonas , Behm R. Jürgen , Horstmann Birger
Published: April 2020

Zinc batteries were invented in the eighteenth century, but are still in widespread use as primary commercial batteries known as aqueous alkaline batteries. In this article, we discuss the state of the art of rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries. On the one side of the battery cell, porous zinc metal electrodes offer high energy and power densities. On the other side, zinc‐air batteries perform oxygen electrocatalysis in air electrodes, while zinc‐ion batteries use intercalation electrodes. These electrodes are connected by aqueous alkaline or aqueous neutral electrolytes. We introduce the basic history, concepts, and challenges of each technology. Our overview is spiced with some details of current research.
Advanced Strategies for Modulation of the Material–Macrophage Interface
Authors: Davenport Huyer Locke , Pascual‐Gil Simon , Wang Yufeng , Mandla Serena , Yee Bess , Radisic Milica
Published: April 2020

Biomaterials are becoming increasingly crucial for healthcare solutions, with extensive use in the field of tissue engineering and drug delivery. After implantation, biomaterials trigger an immune response characterized by the recruitment of bone‐marrow‐derived proinflammatory macrophages that develop as the most abundant cell type surrounding the biomaterial. Chronic activation of this recruited macrophage population induces a foreign body reaction response and consequent biomaterial rejection. However, transition toward a proreparative phenotype is associated with biomaterial integration and tissue homeostasis restoration. In this review, the most relevant strategies that modulate biomaterial immune response are discussed, including mechanical properties, surface coatings, release of anti‐inflammatory molecules and cytokines, antibacterial features, origin and inner moieties of biomaterials, and cell crosstalk. Moreover, the role of tissue resident macrophages, an embryo‐derived macrophage population with a strong reparative potential, in promoting biomaterial tolerance will be reviewed. This provides new insights to better tune the reaction of the host immune system to implanted biomaterials in order to favor integration and increase the knowledge of macrophages as key players in tissue homeostasis.
Heterostructured Catalysts for Electrocatalytic and Photocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Prabhu P. , Jose Vishal , Lee Jong‐Min
Published: April 2020

Heterostructured catalysts are hybrid materials that contain interfaces between their constituents formed through combinations of multiple solid‐state materials. The presence of multiple constituents institutes a synergistic effect that endows the catalyst with superior performance and appreciable potential in a diverse range of catalytic applications, including electrocatalytic and photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide. These promising catalysts can support a feasible method for large‐scale processing of valuable carbonaceous feedstock or fuel generation and alleviation of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Such technologies will serve as the much‐needed remedy for the global energy and environmental crisis. A broad spectrum of recently developed heterostructured catalysts pertaining to electrocatalytic and photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction is evaluated. The insights included are of relevance to refresh fundamentals pertaining to the electron transfer processes leading to carbon dioxide reduction and the mechanistic reduction pathways yielding a possible multitude of carbonaceous products. Detailed discussions provide a rational understanding of how the hybrid and resultant properties from various combinations are useful in enhancing catalytic function. Lastly, the performance profiles of various catalyst structures together with modification strategies employed are of interest to highlight the current challenges to and directions for future catalyst development.
Recent Progress in Simple and Cost‐Effective Top‐Down Lithography for ≈10 nm Scale Nanopatterns: From Edge Lithography to Secondary Sputtering Lithography
Authors: Jung Woo‐Bin , Jang Sungwoo , Cho Soo‐Yeon , Jeon Hwan‐Jin , Jung Hee‐Tae
Published: April 2020

The development of a simple and cost‐effective method for fabricating ≈10 nm scale nanopatterns over large areas is an important issue, owing to the performance enhancement such patterning brings to various applications including sensors, semiconductors, and flexible transparent electrodes. Although nanoimprinting, extreme ultraviolet, electron beams, and scanning probe litho‐graphy are candidates for developing such nanopatterns, they are limited to complicated procedures with low throughput and high startup cost, which are difficult to use in various academic and industry fields. Recently, several easy and cost‐effective lithographic approaches have been reported to produce ≈10 nm scale patterns without defects over large areas. This includes a method of reducing the size using the narrow edge of a pattern, which has been attracting attention for the past several decades. More recently, secondary sputtering lithography using an ion‐bombardment technique was reported as a new method to create high‐resolution and high‐aspect‐ratio structures. Recent progress in simple and cost‐effective top‐down lithography for ≈10 nm scale nanopatterns via edge and secondary sputtering techniques is reviewed. The principles, technical advances, and applications are demonstrated. Finally, the future direction of edge and secondary sputtering lithography research toward issues to be resolved to broaden applications is discussed.
Recent Advances in the Electrochemical Reduction of Substrates Involving N−O Bonds
Authors: Wirtanen Tom , Rodrigo Eduardo , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: April 2020

In this review, the versatile and rich chemistry for the electrochemical reduction of substrates involving N−O bonds is surveyed. By the cathodic treatment of nitro, nitroso and other oxygenated organic nitrogen substrates, versatile and reactive intermediates are formed which can be subsequently converted to high value‐added products. In many examples, nitrogen heterocycles are selectively formed, but, also depending on the electrolytic conditions, free oximes, nitrones, amines and other entities can be obtained as well. The recent decades have witnessed two major advances – (i) going directly to more complex target molecules and (ii) conducting the electrolyses in much simpler set‐ups. Both improvements make the cathodic access of the target compounds much more practical and scalable.

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The benefits of iron supplementation following blood donation vary with baseline iron status
Authors: Mast Alan E. , Szabo Aniko , Stone Mars , Cable Ritchard G. , Spencer Bryan R. , Kiss Joseph E. ,   for the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology Donor Evaluation Study (REDS)‐III
Published: April 2020

Whole blood donation rapidly removes approximately 10% of a donor's blood volume and stimulates substantial changes in iron metabolism and erythropoiesis. We sought to identify donors who benefit from iron supplementation, describe the nature of the benefit, and define the time course for recovery from donation. Blood samples were collected over 24 weeks following whole blood donation from 193 participants, with 96 participants randomized to 37.5 mg daily oral iron. Changes in total body, red blood cell (RBC), and storage iron, hepcidin, erythropoietin, and reticulocyte count were modeled using semiparametric curves in a mixed model. and the changes were compared among six groups defined by baseline ferritin (<12; 12‐50; ≥50 ng/mL) and iron supplementation. The effect of oral iron on storage and RBC iron recovery was minimal in donors with baseline ferritin ≥50 ng/mL, but sizeable when ferritin was <50 ng/mL. Iron initially absorbed went to RBC and storage iron pools when ferritin was <12 ng/mL but went mostly to RBCs when ferritin was ≥12 ng/mL. Donors with ferritin ≥12 ng/mL had a “ripple” increase in reticulocytes ~100 days after donation indicating physiological responses occur months following donation. Thus, iron supplements markedly enhance recovery from whole blood donation in donors with ferritin <50 ng/mL. However, full recovery from donation requires over 100 days when taking iron. The findings also highlight the value of the study of blood donors for understanding human hemoglobin and iron metabolism and their usefulness for future studies as additional biomarkers are discovered.
A phase II trial evaluating the efficacy of high‐dose Radioiodinated Tositumomab (Anti‐CD20) antibody, etoposide and cyclophosphamide followed by autologous transplantation, for high‐risk relapsed or refractory non‐hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Chow Victor A. , Rajendran Joseph G. , Fisher Darrell R. , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Cassaday Ryan D. , Martin Paul S. , Holmberg Leona A. , Gooley Theodore A. , Stevenson Philip A. , Pagel John M. , Green Damian J. , Press Oliver W. , Gopal Ajay K.
Published: April 2020

Radiation is the most effective treatment for localized lymphoma, but treatment of multifocal disease is limited by toxicity. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) delivers tumoricidal radiation to multifocal sites, further augmenting response by dose‐escalation. This phase II trial evaluated high‐dose RIT and chemotherapy prior to autologous stem‐cell transplant (ASCT) for high‐risk, relapsed or refractory (R/R) B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The primary endpoint was progression free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), toxicity, and tolerability. Patients age < 60 years with R/R NHL expressing CD20 were eligible. Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients could proceed to transplant in first remission. Patients received I‐131‐tositumomab delivered at ≤25Gy to critical normal organs, followed by etoposide, cyclophosphamide and ASCT. A group of 107 patients were treated including aggressive lymphoma (N = 29), indolent lymphoma (N = 45), and MCL (N = 33). After a median follow‐up of 10.1 years, the 10‐year PFS for the aggressive, indolent, and MCL groups were 62%, 64%, 43% respectively. The 10‐year OS for the aggressive, indolent, and MCL groups were 61%, 71%, 48% respectively. Toxicities were similar to standard conditioning regimens and non‐relapse mortality at 100 days was 2.8%. Late myeloid malignancies were seen in 6% of patients. High‐dose I‐131‐tositumomab, etoposide and cyclophosphamide followed by ASCT appeared feasible, safe, and effective in treating NHL, with estimated PFS at 10‐years of 43%‐64%. In light of novel cellular therapies for R/R NHL, high‐dose RIT‐containing regimens yield comparable efficacy and safety and could be prospectively compared.
Enantioselektive Pallada‐elektrokatalysierte C‐H‐Aktivierung durch transiente dirigierende Gruppen: Ein nützlicher Zugang zu Helicenen
Authors: Dhawa Uttam , Tian Cong , Wdowik Tomasz , Oliveira João C. A. , Hao Jiping , Ackermann Lutz
Published: April 2020

Asymmetrische Pallada‐elektrokatalysierte C‐H‐Olefinierungen wurden durch das Zusammenspiel mit transienten dirigierenden Gruppen erreicht. Die elektrochemischen, atroposelektiven C‐H‐Aktivierungen wurden mit hoher Positions‐, Diastereo‐ und Enantiokontrolle unter milden Reaktionsbedingungen realisiert, um hoch enantiomerenangereicherte Bisaryle und fluorierte axial‐chirale N‐C‐Gerüste zu erhalten. Unsere Strategie ermöglichte einen zweckmäßigen Zugang unter anderem zu neuartigen chiralen BINOLen, Dicarbonsäuren und Helicenen, die für die asymmetrische Katalyse von Wert sind. Experimentelle mechanistische Studien und Berechnungen lieferten wichtige Erkenntnisse über die Wirkungsweise des Katalysators.
Guidelines in Practice: Surgical Attire
Authors: Link Terri
Published: April 2020

Surgical attire provides a barrier to microorganisms shed from health care workers’ skin and hair to help protect patients and promote a clean environment. The AORN “Guideline for surgical attire” includes recommendations for selecting, wearing, and cleaning surgical attire that are based on the highest‐quality evidence available. Recommendations are rated as Regulatory Requirement, Recommendation, Conditional Recommendation, or No Recommendation according to the level of evidence, an assessment of the benefits versus harms of implementing specific interventions, and consideration of resources required to implement the interventions. This article discusses guideline recommendations related to laundering surgical attire, wearing long‐sleeved attire, and wearing head coverings. A scenario provides an example in which an interdisciplinary facility team uses a gap analysis and a risk assessment to prioritize process changes for implementing the guideline. Perioperative personnel should review the entire guideline for additional information and for guidance when creating and updating policies and procedures.
Fibrocartilaginous metaplasia and neovascularization of the anterior cruciate ligament in patients with osteoarthritis
Authors: Komro Jack , Gonzales Joshua , Marberry Kevin , Main Donet C. , Cramberg Michael , Kondrashov Peter
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) prevents the anterior translocation and medial rotation of the tibia against the femur. It is typically composed of dense regular connective tissue (DRCT), small amount of loose connective tissue, little vasculature, and few nerve endings. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the details of histological changes in ACLs of patients with clinically diagnosed osteoarthritis (OA).

Materials and Methods

The ACLs of six patients undergoing total knee replacement because of OA (OA group) were compared with 16 normal ACLs from cadavers (control). The ACLs were analyzed for tissue composition and number of blood vessels across the full length and thickness of the ligament. Percentages for areas of DRCT, fibrocartilage, degenerative tissue, and vasculature were calculated. Tissue composition and relative number of blood vessels were compared between groups.

Results

The proportion of DRCT to non‐DRCT was significantly smaller in the OA group than the control group (p < .001); non‐DRCT included degenerative connective tissue and fibrocartilage. The number of blood vessels to area was greater in the OA group than the control group (p = .002). Six of control (37.5%) and five of OA ACLs (83%) showed areas of calcification.

Conclusions

These results indicate that inflammatory processes contributing to OA in the knee cause changes in the composition of the ACL that lead to destruction of collagen bundles, increased vascularization, calcification, and formation of fibrocartilage‐like tissue inside the ligament. These changes make ligament‐retaining total knee arthroplasty a less beneficial option for knee repair.