bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
US Privacy Laws Go Against Public Preferences and Impede Public Health and Research: Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Schmit Cason , Giannouchos Theodoros , Ramezani Mahin , Zheng Qi , Morrisey Michael A , Kum Hye-Chung
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Reaping the benefits from massive volumes of data collected in all sectors to improve population health, inform personalized medicine, and transform biomedical research requires the delicate balance between the benefits and risks of using individual-level data. There is a patchwork of US data protection laws that vary depending on the type of data, who is using it, and their intended purpose. Differences in these laws challenge big data projects using data from different sources. The decisions to permit or restrict data uses are determined by elected officials; therefore, constituent input is critical to finding the right balance between individual privacy and public benefits.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the US public’s preferences for using identifiable data for different purposes without their consent.

METHODS

We measured data use preferences of a nationally representative sample of 504 US adults by conducting a web-based survey in February 2020. The survey used a choice-based conjoint analysis. We selected choice-based conjoint attributes and levels based on 5 US data protection laws (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Privacy Act of 1974, Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Common Rule). There were 72 different combinations of attribute levels, representing different data use scenarios. Participants were given 12 pairs of data use scenarios and were asked to choose the scenario they were the most comfortable with. We then simulated the population preferences by using the hierarchical Bayes regression model using the ChoiceModelR package in R.

RESULTS

Participants strongly preferred data reuse for public health and research than for profit-driven, marketing, or crime-detection activities. Participants also strongly preferred data use by universities or nonprofit organizations over data use by businesses and governments. Participants were fairly indifferent about the different types of data used (health, education, government, or economic data).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show a notable incongruence between public preferences and current US data protection laws. Our findings appear to show that the US public favors data uses promoting social benefits over those promoting individual or organizational interests. This study provides strong support for continued efforts to provide safe access to useful data sets for research and public health. Policy makers should consider more robust public health and research data use exceptions to align laws with public preferences. In addition, policy makers who revise laws to enable data use for research and public health should consider more comprehensive protection mechanisms, including transparent use of data and accountability.
The need for a digital vital sign (Preprint)
Authors: Ramsetty Anita
Published: October 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

This perspective article discusses the need for an accessible reliable measure of digital readiness for the population, both as a means of measurement but as a way to address the digital divide that persists despite growing use of telemedicine. A tool that encompasses accessibility, trust, access and knowledge is necessary for this to occur.Current tools are not inclusive, or are far too long.Without an adequate tool we will fail to make advances that are needed to close the digital divide, the new super determinant of health.
Racial Apartheid Education: The Politics of Online Learning, Traditional Education, Self Learning, and Independent Study in the United States
Authors: Bracey, Ph.D., DPA Earnest N.
Published: October 2020

Unfortunately, there has been vehement debates throughout the United States about how we should educate our students—that is, whether we should use a hybrid mix of educational tools, to impart knowledge to all Americans. For example, will virtual learning be embraced by all educational institutions? Not surprisingly, online education is a frequent topic of conversation with teachers, professors, administrators, and other educators. Still, there is uncertainty about what some of our venerable education institutions should do. Suffice it to say, colleges and universities must underscore the importance of providing a first-class education for all its people. For example, African American students shouldn’t be denied educational opportunities. At stake: Minority students might be left behind. Indeed, education diversity will become a self-perpetuating problem if blacks and other students are left behind, particularly because of a lack of technology access. Furthermore, a long-overdue, educational reckoning with systemic racism in all systems and levels of education is in order. It is important to be on-point about these controversial matters.Meanwhile, education groups in the United States are struggling with ideas of incorporating distance education programs, Independent Study, and virtual learning in respective curriculums; but are such notions really about educating all our children? Needless to say, the increasing importance of online education has become the so-called new thing. But the jury is still out on whether such education technology can be effectively put in place for all students. In this regard, some colleges and universities haven’t entirely lived up to certain educational principles. No doubt, the internal struggles for providing a good learning experience for students is on-going at colleges and universities, especially when it comes to admission standards. In the final analysis, students must shrewdly learn how to navigate the various education systems, and find strength in their abilities to learn traditionally or online, without resignation.
Impact of Employee Welfare Facilities on the Job Satisfaction
Authors: Kumari Neeraj
Published: October 2020

Employee welfare entails everything from services, facilities and benefits that are provided or done by an employer for the advantage or comfort of an employee. It is undertaken in order to motivate employees and raise the productivity levels. The study aims to find out how job satisfaction depends on employee welfare at Hema Engineering Limited. The descriptive research design has been used to find out whether the employees are aware about the welfare policies of the organization and their opinion on various welfare policies, which they like the most and which they want to get changed for their better future. A survey was conducted with the help of a structured questionnaire at HEL. Data analysis has been done on SPSS. The sample size was 57. Non-Probability Sampling technique has been used. HEL management understands the importance of welfare in the life of the employees and therefore provides them with lots of allowances, high pay scale and other employee benefits. This in return helps HEL to get best out of their employees. HEL has integrated processes which are followed for availing the welfare benefits by the employees. HEL provides a lot of benefits to the employees even after they get separated from the organization. Thus the employees and their families feel secure and motivated. Most of the employees are satisfied and happy with most of the policies at the workplace, especially medical benefits and child allowance. HEL is capable of attracting the best pool of talent and is also able to retain them through their attractive welfare policies.
Situación actual de las bibliotecas públicas municipales de Lima (Perú). Un análisis basado en aplicación de estándares de calidad
Authors: Quispe-Farfán Gabriela A.
Published: October 2020

Este artículo analiza las bibliotecas públicas municipales de Lima con base en la aplicación de estándares de calidad elaborados por la Biblioteca Nacional del Perú (BNP) para tener una visión global de la situación actual de estas instituciones. Se exponen datos obtenidos del Registro Nacional de Municipalidades (RENAMU) del Instituto Nacional de Estadística e Informática (INEI), entre 2013 y 2018, de las principales características como cobertura, área, equipos tecnológicos, colección, servicios, usuarios y personal, los cuales son usados para la aplicación de los estándares. De los resultados se concluye que la cobertura es amplia en la ciudad de Lima, pero se demuestra un déficit en colecciones, servicios, sucursales, equipos tecnológicos, personal y cada vez se atiende a un número reducido de usuarios.
Evaluación de la calidad física y fisiológica de semilla de maíz nativo
Authors: Magdaleno Hernández Edgar , Magdaleno Hernández Adalberto , Mejía Contreras Apolinar , Martínez Saldaña Tomás , Jiménez Velázquez Mercedes A. , Sánchez Escudero Julio , García Cué José Luis
Published: October 2020

La calidad de las semillas es un elemento de importancia para que los productores y empresas semilleras tomen decisiones, como el tipo de semilla y superficie a sembrar, por esta razón las pruebas de calidad física y fisiológica son necesarias para estimar su eficacia. Adicionalmente el deterioro de la semilla de maíz (Zea mays L.) es causa de baja calidad física, fisiológica y sanitaria. En este estudio, realizado en el Laboratorio de Análisis de Semillas del Colegio de Postgraduados, Montecillo Estado de México en el año 2016, se evaluó el daño causado por impacto, envejecimiento acelerado y estrés de frio sobre la calidad física y fisiológica de semillas de maíz. Tomando en cuenta las variables; longitud de plántula, longitud de coleoptilo, longitud de raíz y peso de materia seca. Las diferentes pruebas mostraron que el genotipo tres correspondiente al ciclo 2015 fue de mejor vigor y calidad de semilla, en particular la prueba de frío indicó que la variedad nativa de la región es apta para zonas frías.
Fronteras fijas, valor de cambio y cultivos ilícitos en el Pacífico caucano de Colombia
Authors: Rodríguez Stella
Published: October 2020

Este artículo se centra en los cambios en las relaciones entre los indígenas eperara-siapidara y las comunidades negras del río Saija en el área rural del municipio de Timbiquí (departamento del Cauca, Colombia), a partir de la acentuación de las diferencias étnicas en el proceso de titulación colectiva. Se arguye que la titulación llevó a algunos desencuentros y al endurecimiento de las fronteras étnicas pero no constituyó por sí misma un conflicto, por lo cual se analizan otros factores asociados con el arribo de los cultivos ilícitos.
Face and Authority: Cultural Challenges of Teaching in China
Authors:   Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, PRC, Zygadło Paweł
Published: October 2020

This article is meant as a reflection on the applicability of modern educational theories in a society in which embracing modernity does not necessarily imply the denial of traditional values. The theoretical divagations based on a comparison of arguments currently relevant in the western world regarding education and the historically dominant socio-ethical values in China will be followed by a short analysis of specific instances demonstrating the persistent nature of the latter. As there are undeniable advantages of the modern approach to education, the rift between western and Chinese views on the educational model is still quite apparent. The text will demonstrate the main points of divergence and will try to outline another possible approach towards modern education in a Chinese context.
On complete monotonicity of three parameter Mittag-Leffler function
Authors: Górska Katarzyna , Horzela Andrzej , Lattanzi Ambra , Pogány Tibor
Published: October 2020

Using the Bernstein theorem we prove the complete monotonicity of the three
parameter Mittag?Leffler function E??,? (?w) for w ? 0 and suitably constrained parameters ?, ? and ?.
Counting pattern avoiding permutations by number of movable letters
Authors: Mansour Toufik , Shattuck Mark
Published: October 2020

By a movable letter within a pattern avoiding permutation, we mean one that may be transposed with its predecessor while still avoiding the pattern. In this paper, we enumerate permutations avoiding a single pattern of length three according to the number of movable letters, thereby obtaining new q-analogues of the Catalan number sequence. Indeed, we consider the joint distribution with the statistics recording the number of descents and occurrences of certain vincular patterns. To establish several of our results, we make use of the kernel method to solve the functional equations that arise.
Structure design and thermal-hydraulic performances study on tube-on-sheet heat exchanger
Authors: Wang Fei , Gao Guifeng , Lu Zhilong , Zhou Gaoyun , Chen Linghui , Cui Yongzhang
Published: October 2020

A numerical investigation is performed to study the thermal-hydraulic performances of tube-on-sheet heat exchanger. Especially, this paper is focused on the effects of the structure parameters (fin angles, fin lengths, fin pitches, fin widths, and tube arc radius) on the thermal-hydraulic characteristics of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger optimized structural parameters are obtained. The results reveal that main structure parameters on thermal-hydraulic performance are fin angle, fin length, fin pitch, and fin width. Furthermore, decreasing the fin angle, fin pitch, and fin width or increasing the fin length cause thermal hydraulic performance to increase. In addition, main structure parameters on low temperature corrosion are tube arc radius and fin length. Decreasing the tube arc radius and fin length can mitigate low temperature corrosion. Furth, stainless steel is choosing as the material for the heat exchanger to reduce corrosion.
Effect of eccentricity on radial force and cavitation characteristics in the reactor coolant pump
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Wang Xiuli , Zhu Rongsheng
Published: October 2020

Nuclear reactor coolant pump as one of the most critical equipment is the only one rotating equipment in first loop system of nuclear power plant. Due to the asymmetric structure of the pump body, especially the existence of outlet segment lead to a certain of radial force, the magnitude of radial force directly affects the work stability of the reactor coolant pump. The nuclear reactor coolant pump could stability work under those transient complex conditions is an important index of its performance. To study the cavitation characteristics and radial force of reactor coolant pump on transient cavitation, a prototype pump and those exhibiting different gravity center offsets are analyzed numerically with CFD software ANSYS CFX by employing RNG k-? model and two-fluid two-phase flow model. Through the experiment-combined simulation, the variations of cavitation characteristics and radial force of the reactor coolant pump under different eccentricities are characterized. As revealed from the results, the flow characteristics of the internal flow field of the nuclear main pump change after the axis is offset by different distance. The influence of eccentricity on the cavitation of the nuclear main pump is mainly manifested at the impeller inlet from cavitation inception severe cavitation. When the eccentricity is 5 mm, the cavitation performance is improved. The effect of eccentricity on the radial force of impeller is reflected in the variation of force direction. Compared with other plans, the radial force is superior in transient cavitation under the eccentricity of 5 mm.
Novel Lipid Species for Detecting and Predicting Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tham Yow Keat , Jayawardana Kaushala S. , Alshehry Zahir H. , Giles Corey , Huynh Kevin , Smith Adam Alexander T. , Ooi Jenny Y.Y. , Zoungas Sophia , Hillis Graham S. , Chalmers John , Meikle Peter J. , McMullen Julie R.
Published: October 2020

The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is higher in patients with diabetes. The goal of this study was to assess if the addition of plasma lipids to traditional risk factors could improve the ability to detect and predict future AF in patients with type 2 diabetes. Logistic regression models were used to identify lipids associated with AF or future AF from plasma lipids (n = 316) measured from participants in the ADVANCE trial (n = 3,772). To gain mechanistic insight, follow-up lipid analysis was undertaken in a mouse model that has an insulin-resistant heart and is susceptible to AF. Sphingolipids, cholesteryl esters, and phospholipids were associated with AF prevalence, whereas two monosialodihexosylganglioside (GM3) ganglioside species were associated with future AF. For AF detection and prediction, addition of six and three lipids, respectively, to a base model (n = 12 conventional risk factors) increased the C-statistics (detection: from 0.661 to 0.725; prediction: from 0.674 to 0.715) and categorical net reclassification indices. The GM3(d18:1/24:1) level was lower in patients in whom AF developed, improved the C-statistic for the prediction of future AF, and was lower in the plasma of the mouse model susceptible to AF. This study demonstrates that plasma lipids have the potential to improve the detection and prediction of AF in patients with diabetes.
Dapagliflozin Suppresses ER Stress and Improves Subclinical Myocardial Function in Diabetes: From Bedside to Bench
Authors: Shih Jhih-Yuan , Lin Yu-Wen , Fisch Sudeshna , Cheng Juei-Tang , Kang Nai-Wen , Hong Chon-Seng , Chen Zhih-Cherng , Chang Wei-Ting
Published: October 2020

Dapagliflozin (DAPA), a sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, is approved for treatments of patients with diabetes. The DAPA-HF (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure) trial disclosed DAPA’s benefits in symptomatic heart failure, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In this longitudinal and prospective study, we investigated changes of left ventricular functions including speckle tracking in patients with diabetes who were free from symptomatic heart failure post–DAPA treatment. Using a rat model with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, we measured the effects of DAPA on myocardial function. In patients with diabetes, following 6 months of DAPA treatment, despite no significant changes in left ventricular ejection fraction, the diastolic function and longitudinal strain improved. Likewise, compared with control, the diabetic rat heart developed pronounced fibrosis and a decline in strain and overall hemodynamics, all of which were mitigated by DAPA treatment. In contrast, despite insulin exerting a glucose-lowering effect, it failed to improve myocardial function and fibrosis. In our in vitro study, under high glucose cardiomyocytes showed significant activations of apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress–associated proteins, which were attenuated by the coincubation of DAPA. Mechanistically, DAPA suppressed ER stress, reduced myocardial fibrosis, and improved overall function. The results can lead to further improvement in management of left ventricular function in patients with diabetes.
Estudio de la satisfacción de un objeto de aprendizaje para la enseñanza del temaequilibrio ácido-base en la licenciatura de Medicina
Authors: Zepeda Cortés Claudia , Cervantes Márquez Ana Patricia , Castillo Zacatelco Hilda , Carballido Carranza José Luis , Martínez Montaño María del Lurdez Consuelo , López Moreno Patricia , Mendieta Carmona Victoriano , Medina Nieto María Auxilio
Published: October 2020

El pH en el cuerpo humano es de vital importancia para su buen funcionamiento, ya que un desequilibrio en él puede causar graves problemas de salud e incluso la muerte. Este tema se aborda en el curso de Bioquímica I de la licenciatura de Medicina en todas las universidades y siempre ha mostrado un alto grado de dificultad, de ahí queel índice de reprobación seaalto. Para apoyar en la atención de esta problemática, en trabajos previosse describe el diseño y desarrollo de un objeto de aprendizaje para este tema haciendo énfasis en su importancia.En este trabajo, en cambio,se describe la metodología que se siguió para llevar a cabo un estudio de la satisfacción de eseobjeto de aprendizaje, cuyos contenidos se presentaron en tres videos. En la investigación participaron estudiantes de nueve cursos de Bioquímica I del primer semestre de la Facultad de Medicina de la Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla,durante el semestre de otoño de 2019. Los resultados documentan un grado de satisfacción alto y señalan áreas de oportunidad para producir objetos de aprendizaje similares.
Modeling of Electronic Amplification Processes in Channels of Multipliers on Porous Structures of Aluminum Oxide
Authors:   North Caucasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (State  Technological University), Vladikavkaz, Russia, Goncharov I.N. ,   Khetagurov North Ossetian State University, Vladikavkaz, Russia, Kozyrev E.N. ,   North Caucasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (State  Technological University), Vladikavkaz, Russia, Tvauri I.V. ,   Khetagurov North Ossetian State University, Vladikavkaz, Russia
Published: October 2020

The secondary-emission multiplier of spatial-distributed flows of electrons – microchannel membrane – determines along with the photocathode, luminescent screen, electron-optical system determines the amplifying characteristics of the electron-optical transformers, photoelectronic multipliers. This, in its turn, determines the application areas and the operating range of the items. The actual task is an improvement of the microchannel membrane parameters and the search for new approaches to manufacture on alternative materials of the secondary-emission multipliers. In the paper the use of self-organizing high-ordered porous anode structures of aluminum oxide as the secondary-electronic emitters have been considered. The theoretical and practical approaches to development and the implementation of the computer models of processes of multiplying electrons in the channel of the based on aluminum oxide, have been offered. Based on the results of the calculations, performed using this model, the amplifying ability of such channels has been determined, their optimal caliber is 25, and the supply voltage is 300 V. A comparative analysis of these characteristics of secondary electron multipliers with corresponding parameters of microchannel plates based on lead silicate glass has been performed. It has been determined that that porous anodized alumina may be suitable for the manufacture of secondary electron multipliers. Its secondary emission ability is comparable to lead silicate glass.
Molecular Docking of Active Compounds Piper crocatum on the A-Glucosidase Enzyme as Antidiabetic
Authors: Weni Mustika , Safithri Mega , Seno Djarot Sasongko Hami
Published: October 2020

Ethanol extract of Piper crocatum leaves has inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase enzyme. Ethyl acetate fraction from Piper crocatum leaves has the highest antioxidant activity. Previous research has provided information that the ethyl acetate fraction of Piper crocatum leaves has an inhibition of α-glucosidase containing 6XO32ZSP1D, Ethyl L-serinate hydrochloride compound, Schisandrin B compound, Columbin compound, 4- (4-methoxy-phenylamino) -2 compound, 3-dihydro-1H-4a, 9-diazacyclopenta (b) fluorine-10-carbonitrile, compound 6-Amino-4- [3- (benzyloxy) phenyl] -3-tert-butyl-2,4-dihydropyrano [2, 3-c] pyrazole-5-carbonitrile, compound 4 - {{4.6-Bis [(3R, 5S) -3,5-diamino-1-piperydinyl] -1,3,5-triazine-2-yl} amino) benzenesulfonamide and compound 1.1 '- (1,4-butanediyl) bis {2,6-dimethyl-4 - [(3-methyl-1,3-benzothiazol-2 (3H) ylidene) methyl] pyridinium. This study aims to study the interaction between bioactive compounds contained in ethyl acetate fraction of Piper crocatum leaves with α-glucosidase enzyme in In Silico using AutoDock Vina, Columbin shows the lowest binding energy with binding sites with amino acids Ser240, Asp242, His280, Arg315, Glu411, Phe159, Arg442, Tyr158 and Phe303. Columbin has the stability and inhibits the α-glucosidase enzyme from S. cerevisiae better than the seven other compounds, because it has OH and CH3 groups which play a role in the interaction with around the active side of the α-glucosidase enzyme.Keywords: Columbin, In Silico, α-Glucosidase
Study of Physicochemical Characteristics of Kaolin from Belitung Regency
Authors: Pasi Nurul Izzah , Bratadireja Marline Abdassah , Chaerunnisa Anis Yohana
Published: October 2020

Kaolin is one of the abundant clay minerals on earth which has been widely used in various industries. kaolin as a raw material in drugs manufacturing must comply several requirements in Pharmacopoeia such as not exceeding the heavy metal content limits. In this study the analysis of heavy metal content (Pb, Sn, and As) was carried out on natural kaolin obtained from 3 different locations in Belitung regency. Testing of the brightness and particle size is also carried out to increase the value of kaolin as a pharmaceutical excipient. The highest recovery from kaolin was obtained in sample 3 which was 67.78%, while kaolin 1 and 2 which was 66.54, and 64.20%. Based on the results of heavy metal testing it is known that kaolin 1, 2, and 3 have a Pb content of 55.2, 0.0458 and 44.0 ppm, and As content of 1.05, 78.3, and 0.761 ppm. Whereas the Sn mean metal is only found in kaolin 2 which is 0.0034. White degree test results show that kaolin 1, 2 and 3 have a high brightness, namely 92.94%, 93.00%, 91.16%. From the results of particle size testing shows that all kaolin samples have size <2 μm.Keywords: Characterization of Minerals, Heavy Metals, Kaolin
The Effect of Residues of Plant Rotation Patterns with Cover Crop Legums on Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics and Corn Products During Two Seasons of Planting
Authors: Rupa Matheus , Kantur Donatus , Masria
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to estimate wherewith the residual effect of the crop rotation pattern with the cover crop lagoon on the dynamics of soil organic carbon and maize yield during the two growing seasons in the Kupang region of Indonesia. The treatments evaluated were: maize rotation pattern with several types of seasonal legume cover crops and how to return the legume biomass. The results showed a very significant increase in soil organic carbon and maize yield. The rotation pattern with legumes P. lunatus, M. pririens and C. juncea had a statistically significant effect on increasing soil organic carbon storage and maize yield during the two growing seasons. These three types of legumes still have a positive effect until the second planting season where there is an increase in soil organic carbon storage (at a depth of 0-30 cm) of 0.75-1.19 % C-organic (82.08 to 84.38 t.ha-1 soil carbon storage) compared to C.chayan and control treatment which decreased soil organic carbon storage was greater. About maize yields, up to PS- 2 still showed relatively stable results, namely only a decrease in maize yield (kg.ha-1) of 3.14% -4.19% compared to C. chayan which decreased yields of 15% and without control rotation ) with a reduction in yield of up to 30% . The method of restoring the cover crop legume biomass with the mulching technique was able to increase soil organic carbon storage by 0.71%, and the yield of dry shelled maize (kg.ha-1) on PS-2 only decreased yield by 2.48% compared to the immersion method which reduced the yield up to 11, 02%. This study found that the rotation pattern does not need to be done every planting season. Still, it is sufficient to do it in intervals of two to three growing seasons. The residual effect can significantly guarantee the maintenance of organic carbon stocks in the soil. With the assurance of soil organic carbon stores coupled with proper management, soil productivity is maintained and sustainable. When soil organic carbon increases, it can benefit maize and other food crops.
Vehicle Washing (Doorsmeer) Wastewater Treatment using Flotation Electroagulation Combination
Authors: Suprawihadi Riyanto , Indarsita Dina , Khamaruddin Salbiah
Published: October 2020

Vehicle washing business services in the current era are growing in numbers, both simple and those that have used technology. As a consequence, the production of wastewater more and more, which if not controlled will have an impact on environmental pollution. Conventional wastewater treatment technology is sometimes less effective because it requires chemicals in the process and requires relatively longer, so the need for land to build a treatment unit is relatively wider. To provide an alternative treatment process that is simpler and has good results and does not require large tracts of land, it is necessary to develop electro-coagulation technology combined with flotation. Electrocoagulation is the process of clumping and precipitation of fine particles contained in water by using electrical energy. This study was to determine the ability of electrocoagulation-flotation technology in decreasing the parameters of COD, detergents, and oil in motor vehicle washing wastewater based on the type of electrodes used at 12 and 24-volt electric voltages with contact times of 30 and 60 minutes. This study is an experimental study with a "pre and post-test group design" design. The results showed that the combination of electrocoagulation-flotation at 24-volt voltage and 60 minutes contact time with aluminum electrodes could reduce COD 82.7%, oil 46.5%, and detergent 68.9%. Whereas with iron electrodes the COD decreased by 81.1%, oil by 43.7% and detergents by 65.1%. With an average reduction, aluminum electrodes are better than iron electrodes. Although aluminum and iron electrodes are better, statistically the two are not different (p <0.05), this shows that there is no difference in the ability to decrease test parameters. Other than that, the longer the contact time, the greater the decrease in test parameters. The conclusion is that the electrocoagulation-flotation combination method can be used to reduce the COD, oil/fat and detergent parameters in motor vehicle washing wastewater. The results of this study are expected to be applied to motor vehicle washing activities by utilizing iron waste as an electrode.
A New Approach for Finding the Initial Solution of the Unbalanced Transportation Problem
Authors: Ahmad Qazi Shoeb
Published: October 2020

A transportation problem deals with two different problems balanced transportation problem or unbalanced transportation problem. This paper points out how Goyal’s modification of Vogel’s approximation method for the unbalanced transportation problem can be improved by subtracting or adding suitable constants to the cost matrix, rows and columns of the cost matrix. In this paper, a new method is proposed for solving unbalanced transportation problem which gives optimal or very near to optimal solution.
Experimental Framework to Simulate Rescue Operations after a Natural Disaster
Authors: Veas Castillo Luis , Ovando-Leon Gabriel , Astudillo Gabriel , Gil-Costa Veronica , Marín Mauricio
Published: October 2020

Computational simulation is a powerful tool for performance evaluation of computational systems. It is useful to make capacity planning of data center clusters, to obtain profiling reports of software applications and to detect bottlenecks. It has been used in different research areas like large scale Web search engines, natural disaster evacuations, computational biology, human behavior and tendency, among many others. However, properly tuning the parameters of the simulators, defining the scenarios to be simulated and collecting the data traces is not an easy task. It is an incremental process which requires constantly comparing the estimated metrics and the flow of simulated actions against real data. In this work, we present an experimental framework designed for the development of large scale simulations of two applications used upon the occurrence of a natural disaster strikes. The first one is a social application aimed to register volunteers and manage emergency campaigns and tasks. The second one is a benchmark application a data repository named MongoDB. The applications are deployed in a distributed platform which combines different technologies like a Proxy, a Containers Orchestrator, Containers and a NoSQL Database. We simulate both applications and the architecture platform. We validate our simulators using real traces collected during simulacrums of emergency situations.
Comunicação de risco de inundação
Authors: Fonseca Murilo Noli da , Garcias Carlos Mello
Published: October 2020

Comunicar o risco de inundação para as partes interessadas, sobretudo os vulneráveis, é um dos principais desafios que a gestão pública e demais atores possuem na busca pela construção de cidades e sociedades resilientes, e pelo desenvolvimento regional. Baseado nisso, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar o status quo e as tendências e padrões na pesquisa de comunicação de risco de inundação ao longo do tempo. Para tanto, empregou-se a análise bibliométrica como técnica de pesquisa, visando ampliar e atualizar o arcabouço de referências que compõem a temática. Como principais resultados, tem-se a identificação de 59 artigos em 31 periódicos distintos, os quais foram publicados principalmente a partir de 2007. A maior parcela dos 189 autores identificados é oriunda de países europeus e norte-americanos, influenciando no estabelecimento de redes de colaboração. Há uma baixíssima ou até mesmo ausência de autores dos demais continentes, sobretudo os países em vias de desenvolvimento na África e na América Latina, onde o risco de desastres tem causado grandes impactos, sobretudo nos grupos mais vulneráveis. Embora seja um tema emergente e ainda pouco explorado, os trabalhos realizados até o momento têm apresentado resultados extraordinariamente elucidativos no que diz respeito à gestão e aos efeitos da comunicação de risco na sociedade.
Palavras-chave: Informação de risco. Desenvolvimento Regional. Inundação. Análise bibliométrica. Redes de Colaboração.
Los tarayales de la depresión del Ebro
Authors: Fernandez-Gonzalez Federico , Molin Andrés , Loidi Javier
Published: October 2020

La revisión de las comunidades de Tamarix en la depresión del Ebro permite reconocer tres asociaciones: Tamaricetum gallicae Br.-Bl. & O. Bolós 1957 (Tamaricion africanae Br.-Bl. & O. BoIós 1957), riparia y subhalófila; Agrostio-Tamaricetum canariensis Cirujano 1981 (Tamaricion boveano-canuriensis Izco, F. Fernández-González & A. Molina 1984), mesohalófila (subass. tamaricetosum canariensis) o hiperhalófila (subass. inuletosum crithmoidis nova); y Suaedo braun-blanquetii-Tamaricetum boveanae (Izco & al. 1984) ass. nova (Tamaricion boveano-canariensis), hiperhalófila y restringida a la parte más baja y oriental de la depresión.
Un híbrido nuevo en el género Andryala (Asteraceae)
Authors: García Ada Ramón
Published: October 2020

.
Contribución a la flora pteridofítica de Marruecos
Authors: Salvo A. Enrique , Márquez Ana L. , Pérez Latorre Andrés , Nieto Caldera José M. , Cabezudo Baltasar
Published: October 2020

.
La biodiversidad vegetacional del Santuario de La Naturaleza del "Río Cruces" (Valdivia, Chile)
Authors: San Martín Padovani Cristina , Medina Jaramillo Ricardo , Ojeda Nempu Pedro , Ramírez García Carlos
Published: October 2020

Se ha realizado un estudio fitosociológico de la vegetación acuática y palustre del Santuario de la Naturaleza del río Cruces en Valdivia, Chile. Se determinaron tres asociaciones sumergidas (Potametum lucentis, Egerietum densum y Myriophylletum aquaticum), tres natantes (Polygono-Ludwigietum peploidis, Myriophyllo-Potametum linguatii y Utriculario-Nymphaetum albae) y tres emergentes (Scirpetum caltforniae, Alismo-Sagittarietum montevidensis y Loto-Cyperetum eragrostidae). Además, se describen dos asociaciones pratenses (Juncetum microcephalii y Juncetum procerii) y una boscosa (Blepharocalyo- Myrceugenietum exsuccae) y se constató la presencia de una arbustiva (Rubo-Blechnetum chilensis). Se analiza la posición sintaxonómica y espacio-temporal en la zonación y sucesión litoral.
Producción de néctar en matorrales del Sur de España. (Andalucía)
Authors: Hidalgo M. Isabel , Cabezudo Baltasar
Published: October 2020

Con el fin de evaluar los recursos alimenticios de Apis mellifera, se ha realizado un estudio de la producción de néctar de las especies más representativas de un matorral desarrollado en la Sierra de Mijas (Málaga, S de España). La producción de azúcar por flor/especie se ha calculado en función del volumen de néctar y su concentración en azúcares. La producción de azúcar por m 2/especie se ha calculado en función de la producción de flores por m 2/año. En 66 de las 115 especies estudiadas se ha detectado la presencia de néctar, cuantificándose la cantidad de azúcar en 49 de ellas.
Análisis pteridogeográfico de las Sierras Tejeda y Almijara (Málaga-Granada, España)
Authors: Nieto J. M. , Cabezudo B. , Salvo A. E.
Published: October 2020

En base al conocimiento de la pteridoflora del territorio comprendido por las Sierras Tejeda y Almijara (S de España) y a la aplicación de diferentes índices, se pretende estimar las coordenadas que determinan su actual composición.
Series de vegetación climatófilas de las Sierras Tejeda y Almijara (Málaga-Granada; España)
Authors: Nieto Jose M. , Cabezudo Baltasar
Published: October 2020

Se ha realizado un estudio de las comunidades climatófilas existentes en las Sierras Tejeda y Almijara (Granada y Málaga, España). Dichas comunidades han sido agrupadas, en función de sus características florísticas y dinámicas, en ocho series de vegetación.
Contribuciones al conocimiento de la flora del NW de Murcia. II
Authors: Selma Caridad , Socorro Oswaldo
Published: October 2020

Se incluye en este trabajo las citas de 26 taxones del NW de la provincia de Murcia, de las que 24 de ellas resultan ser nuevas para la provincia.
Contribución al estudio de hongos que viven sobre materias fecales.
Authors: Moreno G. , Barrasa J. M.
Published: October 2020

Se estudian especies de hongos recolectadas sobre materias fecales, Myxomycetes, Ascomycetes y Basidiomycetes, comparándolas con otras especies que denominamos "subcoprofilas". Se describen macro y microscópicamente los taxones más interesantes. Resultan nuevas citas para el Catálogo micológico español 6 especies: Coprinus heterosetulosus Locquin, Coprinus patouillardii Qua., Coprinus poliomallus Romagnesi, Panaeolus cyanescens Berk. et Br., Psathyrella coprophila Watling y Psathyrella stercoraria (Kiihn. et Romag.) Moser.
Impacts of Advertising and Sales Promotion on Brand Equity of Soft Drinks
Authors: LÊ ĐĂNG LĂNG
Published: October 2020

The paper aims to illuminate the relationship between advertising, promotions and brand equity. First of all, a preliminary research is conducted by means of group discussions and in-depth interviews to formulate a measurement scale. Then, to conduct the official research, 339 questionnaires are disseminated to respondents to collate data. The EFA, Cronbach?s Alpha, and CFA are utilized to test the scale. Hypotheses are tested by the SEM. Analytical results indicate that the determinants of brand equity in the soft drinks industry comprise: brand awareness, perceived quality, brand associations and brand loyalty. Advertising positively affects components of the brand equity; promotions can enhance the perceived quality; the brand awareness boosts brand associations; and the perceived quality promotes the brand loyalty.
Promotion of Cultural Tourism in Sri Lanka with Special Reference to the North Central Province
Authors: WIMALARATANA WIJITAPURE
Published: October 2020

Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean located to the south of India and separated from Indian subcontinent by a small straight. The island has been one of the major tourist attractions since antiquity. End of the protracted civil war is a blessing for the recent surge of tourist arrival and the rapid expansion of tourism facilities on the island. Although small, the island is rich in religious and cultural diversity with an immense attraction to the tourist. Buddhism is the main religion of the overwhelming majority of people even though Hinduism, Christianity and Islam are practiced side by side by several followers. The rich cultural heritage rotating around the religious practices, tolerance and beliefs ranges from historical monuments and ancient cities through meditation, yoga, folk music and dances, festivities, ceremonies and rituals. Special sites with multi-religious attractions reflect the diversity and uniqueness of a rich culture. North Central province is rich in religious and cultural resources than any other province in Sri Lanka. Only a small fraction of these vast resources has been utilized by the tourism industry so far. The promotion of the religious and cultural tourism products in the province will open new avenues for tourists as well as many people of the province.
Building Brand Commitment Through Brand Passion
Authors: NGUYỄN THỊ MAI TRANG
Published: October 2020

This study examines the effect of brand commitment on brand passion. It also investigates the role of some selected promotion-mix elements (i.e., advertising and public relations) in brand passion. A model depicting these relationships was tested with a sample of 386 consumers in HCMC, Vietnam. The results show that attitudes toward advertising and public relations have positive impacts on brand passion, and subsequently brand passion is a key factor influencing brand commitment. These findings imply that a firm is able to enhance brand passion through advertising and public relations. In so doing, the firm will enjoy the benefit created by committed consumers of its brands.
The Business Performance of Vietnam’s Commercial Banks
Authors: NGUYỄN THỊ LOAN , TRẦN THỊ NGỌC HẠNH
Published: October 2020

Analyzing the business performance or efficiency of commercial banks plays an important role in enabling bank executives to make organizational decision and policies that may facilitate the profitability and enhance the bank?s performance. In this paper, the authors employ multiple methods to evaluate the business performance of Vietnam?s commercial banks and extend some suggestions for applying analyzing methods and improving their performance.
Electronic Ticketing System and Traveler Purchasing Intention
Authors: HOÀNG THỊ PHƯƠNG THẢO
Published: October 2020

This research aims to identify the importance of factors that influence customer intention of purchasing electronic air ticket (e-ticket). The research compares the difference in purchasing intentions based on e-ticketing between demographic groups of age, income, educational level, and online shopping experience. With the sample size of 295 travelers, the regression models and ANOVA tests are used to process and explain data. The research detects four components, namely, perceived system usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived behavioral control, and security of transaction that influence the consumer intention to buy e-ticket. The paper then recommends managerial solutions to the development of an electronic ticketing system in particular and e-commerce in general.
Factors Impacting the Effectiveness of the ISO 9000 Quality Management System of HCMC-Based Enterprises
Authors: NGUYỄN QUANG THU , NGÔ THỊ ÁNH
Published: October 2020

This aims to investigate factors influencing the effectiveness of the ISO 9000 quality management system of HCMC-based enterprises. There are 210 respondents who are workers and managers of HCMC-based companies using ISO 9000. Measurement scales are established upon seven factors: (1) managers? commitments, (2) roles of middle managers, (3) participation of employees, (4) internal information system, (5) collaboration of customers and providers, (6) professional consultants, and (7) quality management documents. Research findings indicate that the variable ?roles of middle managers? should be left out and the remainders, save for ?quality management documents?, have impacts on the effectiveness of the ISO 9000 quality management system. Additionally, some suggestions are also extended to enterprises which have employed or plan to employ ISO 9000 to boost the efficiency of their quality management system.
Fund Raising from Hồ Chí Minh City Municipal Bonds: An Analysis and Policy Implications
Authors: DƯƠNG THỊ BÌNH MINH , VŨ THỊ MINH HẰNG , Diệp Gia Luật , Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Linh , Phùng Thị Cẩm Tú , Đào Thị Minh Huyền
Published: October 2020

Sources of capital held by the public and economic sectors offered great potential. Municipal bonds issued by HCMC government help mobilize these sources of funds for socioeconomic and infrastructure development. The determination of demands for funds and ability to efficiently raise them greatly dependant on technique of raising funds through issues of bonds, and this was always considered a topical and important issue. This paper performed an analysis, carried out evaluation on methods and effects concerning the issue of the HCMC municipal bonds, and proposed solutions to technical mechanisms with a view to beefing the process of raising this source of capital for infrastructure development based on HCMC specific conditions.
Effects of Bank Characteristics on Transmission of Monetary Policy Through Bank Lending Channel in Vietnam
Authors: NGUYỄN PHÚC CẢNH , NGUYỄN QUỐC ANH , NGUYỄN HỒNG QUÂN
Published: October 2020

Credits from commercial banks influence various economic components, such as investment and consumption of durables and changes in monetary policy and therefore, affect the economy through supply of credits by commercial banks. This paper explores transmission of monetary policy through commercial bank lending channel in Vietnam in 2003-2012 by examining reaction of each bank to changes in monetary policy. Authors use the GMM (generalized method of moments) for panel data gathered from financial statements of commercial banks in 2003-2012. Results show that GMM helps detect the existence of bank lending channel in the transmission mechanism in Vietnam, and bank characteristics relating to equity capital, liquidity assets and risk degrees affect their flexibility when responding to changes in monetary policy in the surveyed period.
An Analysis of Factors Affecting Decisions on Investment in HCMC Municipal Bonds
Authors: DƯƠNG THỊ BÌNH MINH , VŨ THỊ MINH HẰNG , Diệp Gia Luật , Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Linh , Phùng Thị Cẩm Tú , Đào Thị Minh Huyền
Published: October 2020

The paper analyzes factors affecting decisions on investment in HCMC municipal bonds for infrastructure projects. Results of EFA and regression analysis show that decisions on investment in HCMC municipal bonds depend on five factors with adjusted R2 equaling 72,1%: (1) government’s policies; (2) bonds and issuers; (3) infrastructure projects and socioeconomic conditions; (4) economicfactors; and (5) impacts of relevant markets. This serves as a basis for policy recommendations that aim at enhancing the mobilizing power of municipal bonds for infrastructure project in particular and socioeconomic development in HCMC in general.
Policy on Rice Storage of Vietnam in International Economic Integration: Arising Problems
Authors: Vũ Văn Hùng
Published: October 2020

The article is written while Vietnam’s export of rice is facing various difficulties and falls in the rice price, producing a strong impact on the lives of the millions of Vietnamese farmers. Since 2006 , in order to maintain a stable living for Vietnamese rice producers when the rice price falls sharply after harvest, the Government has implemented the policy on purchasing rice for storage twice a year to ensure rice producers get 30% profit at least. The article analyzes the policy on storage of rice, concentrating on the implementation process. Qualitative analysis method is used to assess the implementation of this policy in various aspects such as appropriateness, effectiveness, fairness and compatibility. The results allow authors to offer some recommendations that can serve as a basis for improvements in the implementation of this policy.