bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ecocritical reading of Victor Yankah‟s The Pretty Trees of Gakwana and Sikaman
Authors: Nyatuame Promise Nyatepeh
Published: August 2022

The increasing environmental concerns of the 20th and 21st centuries have given rise to the term ecocriticism, a field of literary theory and criticism. In this paper, we examined two plays of Victor Yankah using some concepts from ecocriticism as an analytical framework. The paper is premised on the basis that the playwright shares a symbiotic relationship which has become a significant feature of the selected plays. Drawing from the eco-critical theory of ecocriticism and using two of his nature plays: The Pretty Trees of Gakwana and Sikaman, we intend to demonstrate Yankah‟s view and preoccupations about the mutual relationship between the human other and nature (the nonhuman other)-the natural world of environment with the view to prove the playwright‟s concern about the interference of human beings into the world of nature. This situation adversely results in the disruption of the symbiotic (human-nature) relationship. Yankah has presented both the epistemic and retributive forces of nature as well as raised concerns about the environment, ecological consciousness in advocating for ecological sustainability in modern African theatre and dramatic literature scholarship. Thus, the reading of Victor Yanka‟s selected plays adds to the relatively new and developing interest in environmental discourses on the African continent. To the extent that intrinsic features of nature are exhibited in his selected plays, we argue that Yankah provokes environmental debate and a rethinking in African playwrights concerning environmental issues to raise awareness and inspire environmental consciousness and ecological sustainability among people in Africa, and Ghana in particular.
Elements of Working Conditions and Retention of Course Tutors in Distance Education in Ghana
Authors: Segbenya Moses , Oppong Nana Yaw , Nyieku Isaac Eliot
Published: August 2022

This study examined the relationship between elements of working conditions and retention of course tutors facilitating distance academic programmes in Ghana. The descriptive cross-sectional survey design from the quantitative approach was adopted for the study. A sample of 612 tutors was drawn with the help of simple random and stratified sampling techniques from a study population of 2,700 from two public universities in Ghana—the University of Cape Coast and the University of Education, Winneba. The study adopted the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling technique for the analysis of the results. It was found that elements of working conditions, such as compensation, workload and welfare, had a statistically and significant relationship with retention of course tutors. In conclusion, compensation, workload and welfare influence retention of part-time academic staff in distance education programmes in Ghana. Therefore, it was recommended that the management of the two universities should introduce attractive compensation and welfare packages for their course tutors facilitating their distance education programmes. It was also suggested that tutors assist in the enrolment drive for students, since more students lead to better working conditions through the workload as an element of working conditions.
Determinants of Capital Flight In Ghana
Authors: Forson Richmond , Obeng Camara Kwesi , Brafu-Insaidoo William Gabriel
Published: August 2022

The study investigated the short-run and long-run determinants of capital flight in Ghana using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) estimation technique. The long-run and short-run results show that real GDP growth rate, higher domestic real interest rate over foreign interest rate, financial development, good governance and strong property rights reduce capital flight, while external debt to GDP leads to increase in capital flight in Ghana. However, lagged external debt to GDP and lagged financial development had negative and positive effect respectively in the short-run. The study recommends that government should adopt more pro-growth policies and resort to domestic borrowing to reduce external debt. The Central Bank of Ghana should improve on the development of the financial sector and ensure competitive domestic interest rates. It is also recommended that Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Ghana should continue to ensure accountability and transparency to strengthen the interest of domestic investors.
Human Resource Factors and Organisational Commitment at the College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast
Authors: Segbenya Moses , Aggrey Ebenezer , Peniana Fred
Published: August 2022

The study examined human resource factors and organisational commitment at the College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The research approach was quantitative, specifically using a descriptive study design. Out of 242 staff of the College, a sample of 148 respondents (comprising 18 senior members, 80 senior staff and 50 junior staff) were drawn across the three spectrums of staff using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample determination formula. The main instrument for data collection was a self- administered questionnaire. Data of the study was analysed with means, standard deviations, independent t-test, two-way analysis of variance and Spearman rank-order correlations matrix. The study found that commitment level among staff at the college (CoDE) was high and affective commitment was perceived higher than normative and continuance dimensions of organisational commitment. Work relations were perceived as higher than extrinsic rewards and training and development. It was also found that training and orientation significantly relate to organisational commitment. Sex and age of respondents did not affect organisational commitment and other variables of the study. It was recommended that management of the college should continue to pay more attention to work relations at the college by engaging staff of the college in inter-unit or interdepartmental assignments to enable staff to build more work relations and used both on-the-job and off-the-job training techniques to maintain or increase commitment level among staff of the college.
Influence of Human Resource Management Practices on Organisational Performance at Atwima Mponua Rural Bank Limited
Authors: Segbenya Moses , Ansah Joyce
Published: August 2022

This study examined the effect of human management practices on organisational performance at Atwima Mponua Rural Bank Limited in Ghana. The study adopted a descriptive survey design from the quantitative approached. A census technique was deployed to sample all the 120 staf from all branches of the bank. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and data were analysed with mean and standard deviation, Peason correlation matrix and multiple standard regression. The study found that the three most important variables/factors under human resource practices that strongly influenced the organisational performance of banks were recruitment and selection, performance appraisal and employee participation. Therefore, it is recommended that the management of Atwima Mponua Rural Bank Limited in Ghana should establish a dedicated human resource management department to formulate, implement and monitor a proper recruitment and selection methods, modern appraisal system and involve employees in decisions that affect workers to enhance organisational performance of the bank.
Licensed to kill? Contextualising medical misconduct, malpractice and the law in Ghana
Authors: Zutah Joel Tetteh , Yin Elijah Tukwariba , Atupare Peter Atudiwe , Korankye-Sakyi Francis Kofi
Published: August 2022

Now, more than ever, the Ghanaian patient is better informed, more discerning and increasingly aware of his/her healthcare rights and options. Despite the rate of awareness, scholars have paid less attention to some medicolegal issues in the country. This paper examines the prevailing regime of healthcare delivery and regulation, and attempts to construct the context of medical misconduct and malpractice in Ghana. Using a desktop approach, the study made use of secondary data such as news articles, journal publications, and statutes, among others. The analysed data indicate that what determines professional-patient relationship outcomes are contextual issues of regulatory, institutional, political, socio-cultural, and legal. It is proposed that any prosecution or adjudication of malpractice claims, or considerations for medical law reforms, must be done with due regard to the prevailing context, if just and suitable ends are envisaged.
Vaccine hesitancy, mandatory covid-19 vaccination and the right to personal autonomy in Nigeria: A constitutional analysis
Authors: Adegbite Olusola Babatunde
Published: August 2022

Since countries began vaccine rollout against the COVID-19 virus, all hands have been on deck to vaccinate as many people as possible, in order to achieve a high vaccine uptake towards herd immunity. Though slow, Nigeria just like other countries, has been vaccinating its citizens. However, the vaccination effort, like similar programmes has continued to encounter the familiar foe of vaccine hesitancy. Where vaccine hesitancy becomes an issue, a likely response is for the government to explore the option of mandatory vaccination, either directly or indirectly, with the goal of compelling citizens to be vaccinated, or suffer some jeopardy. Such a move is bound to touch on core human rights, especially the right to personal autonomy. This article examines the extent to which a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination programme in Nigeria, conflicts with the citizen’s right to determine what should be done to his/her body. It concludes that rather than forcing vaccines on people, a better option is for government to gain the trust of the people, through multi-layered social engagements.
comparative study of the control of exclusion clauses in consumer contracts: Lessons for Ghana
Authors: Oninku Eugene Ablade
Published: August 2022

A lot of concerns have been raised over the use of exclusion clauses, especially in respect of transactions involving parties with unequal bargaining power since they are usually not voluntarily subscribed to by the weaker party, but rather imposed on him/her. The problem is compounded by the fact that everyone is a consumer one way or the other, and therefore at risk of the exploitative effects of exclusion clauses. The paper adopts a comparative research methodology in an attempt to evaluate both the judicial and legislative controls of exclusion clauses in consumer contracts under Ghanaian law, as well as those of the United Kingdom (UK) and the Republic of South Africa. The paper reveals that the legislative and judicial controls of exclusion clauses under Ghanaian law are not robust, thereby creating the need for certain reforms to be introduced under Ghanaian law to effectively protect the consumer. The paper concludes by proffering recommendations for legislative interventions which can be introduced to better protect the Ghanaian consumer.
Appraising the vexed question of absolute immunity on state executives under Nigerian law
Authors: Mrabure Kingsley Omote
Published: August 2022

Absolute immunity conferred on State Executives is covered by section 308 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which provides immunity from trials in civil and criminal matters, except in electoral matters on the President and his Vice, the Governors of the States and their Deputies. The sole justification for this is that these State Executives should enjoy absolute immunity to enable them to perform official duties without distractions. However, recent conducts of some State Executives have rekindled the need to amend section 308 by depriving them immunity from criminal prosecution as practiced in the United States while still in office. In the long run, the author concludes by supporting this view absolutely.
A INFLUÊNCIA DOS INVESTIMENTOS ESTATAIS NO DESENVOLVIMENTO ECONÔMICO DOS MUNICÍPIOS PARANAENSES
Authors: Raiher Augusta Pelinski , Ferrera de Lima Jandir
Published: August 2022

Este artigo analisa a influência dos investimentos estatais no desenvolvimento econômico dos municípios paranaenses. Utilizaram-se dados referentes aos investimentos realizados pelo Estado (União e Estado) no período de 1986 a 2004 e dados sobre o grau de desenvolvimento dos municípios para o ano de 2004. A associação entre desenvolvimento e inversões estatais foi delineada através de um modelo de regressão quadrática, na qual verificou-se que o aumento nos investimentos do Estado eleva o grau de desenvolvimento dos seus municípios, a taxas decrescentes. Desta forma, a ação do Estado no desenvolvimento dos municípios paranaenses é relevante, com uma eficiência maior das suas inversões no início do processo; na medida em que o Estado intensifica seus investimentos, cria-se um dinamismo interno que conduz por si só o desenvolvimento econômico.
DETERMINANTES DAS OFERTAS DE AÇÚCAR E DE ÁLCOOL PARANAENSES (1981-2006): UMA ANÁLISE DE CO-INTEGRAÇÃO
Authors: Dias Luiz Carlos , Alves Lucílio Rogério Aparecido , Shikida Pery Francisco Assis
Published: August 2022

Este trabalho analisa, via co-integração, os determinantes das ofertas de açúcar e de álcool paranaenses. Conclui-se que a variável rendimento agrícola apresentou a maior elasticidade, sendo que um aumento de 1% nesta variável eleva a oferta de açúcar em 1,24%. A menor elasticidade ocorreu para o preço médio do açúcar internacional porquanto seu aumento de 1% provoca um crescimento de 0,37% na oferta açucareira. Para a oferta do álcool, um aumento em seu preço médio eleva esta oferta em 0,77%; e aumentando-se o preço médio do açúcar internacional em 1% gera-se uma queda na oferta do álcool de 0,42%.
Multi-Objective MPSO/GA Optimization of an Autonomous PV-Wind Hybrid Energy System
Authors: Rahmani N. , Mostefai M.
Published: August 2022

This article presents a study of the energy efficiency and the optimal sizing of an autonomous hybrid energy system (PV-wind-battery) as a power source for a typical household in an isolated village in Adrar, Algeria using the multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) algorithm and Genetic Algorithm (GA). This study presents a new approach to obtain an optimal configuration and sizing of the main components integrated into the autonomous hybrid system (PV/wind) which meets the requirements of the desired system. In the first phase, the reliability criterion (LPSP) is met with the lowest Energy Cost (EC) value (min Total Net Present Cost (TNPC)). The required storage bank must have a low rate of aging in order to extend the battery life, which contributes to the reduction of the overall cost of the system. Due to the inability to meet the needs demanded by random load profiles, we have incorporated a complementary approach to home insulation to significantly improve energy efficiency. In order to improve the thermal comfort of the house and reduce the energy consumed by air conditioning and heating, a thermal and energy study on this house has been evaluated using TRNSYS 18 simulation software for the overall thermal and energy behavior of a habitat and its environment in dynamic regime. The simulation results show that the thermal insulation of the walls reduces energy consumption by 13.39% in the case of heating and by 10% in the case of air conditioning. Assuming a 10% decrease in energy needs for heating and air conditioning, we observe its positive effect on optimizing the battery lifetime.
An Enhanced Z-Source Switched MLI Capacitor for Integrated Micro-Grid with Advanced Switching Pattern Scheme
Authors: Manjunatha B. M. , Nagaraja Rao S. , Suresh Kumar A. , Lakshmi Devi V. , Rama Mohan P. , Bramhanandam K.
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the Enhanced Z-Source Switched Capacitor Multi-Level Inverter (EZSC-MLI) is presented, which can generate a greater number of levels and magnitude in output. The proposed MLI has greater recognition due to its low harmonic profile, fewer switching components, compact size, low switch stress, isolated DC supply, high efficiency, and low cost. A high voltage boost factor is achieved by using the Z-Source. The Switched Capacitor module is used for charging all the capacitors to equal voltage magnitude based on a self-balanced scheme. The proposed topology for grid integration requires dual control loops, a primary voltage control loop, and a secondary current control loop. The performance of the proposed 7-level topology for grid integrated systems is verified with multi-carrier advanced modulation schemes and by simulations carried out in Matlab/Simulink.
Transmitting Side Power Control for Dynamic Wireless Charging System of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Diep N. T. , Trung N. K.
Published: August 2022

This paper proposes a new power control method in dynamic wireless charging systems for electric vehicles. A dual-loop controller is proposed to control charging power while the electric vehicle is moving without communication between the transmitting and receiving sides. The output power is estimated through the coupling coefficient estimation. However, the coupling coefficient varies with the position of the vehicle. Therefore, this paper also presents an easy-to-do practical estimation method from the transmitting side, in which the coupling coefficient value is continuously updated according to the vehicle's position. As a result, the output power is controlled according to the required level with an error of less than 5%.
An Experimental Study on the Control of Slotless Self-Bearing Motor Using Nonlinear Control
Authors: Nhan V. D. , Bien N. X. , Dich N. Q. , Ha V. T.
Published: August 2022

This article presents a Slotless Self-Bearing Motor (SSBM) with a six-phase coil stator instead of an iron core. The rotor consists of a permanent magnet and an encased iron yoke. The magnetic forces caused by the interplay between the stator currents and the magnetic field govern the rotational speed and radial position of the rotor. An SSBM mathematical model and its control method are also included in this study. This motor is controlled by field-oriented control. Theoretical analysis of magnetic force and moment characteristics is performed, and a control approach is provided. Sliding-mode control is a control technique that is simple, and effective and is used to assist the control system in approaching the reference value. It is also widely utilized to control the position and speed of the motor. The findings were constructed and validated using experiment-confirmed analytical data to prove the proposed control strategy.
Improved Optimization of the Charge Simulation Method for the Calculation of the Electric Field Around Overhead Transmission Lines Using Statistical Methods
Authors: Allal A. , Boubakeur A. , Mujezinović A.
Published: August 2022

In order to decide the appropriate arrangements of fictitious charges in the charge simulation method, the use of the Monte Carlo method is proposed for the estimation of the probability density function of two variables, the radius ratio, and the angle ratio. Τhe scale and shape parameters of the Weibull's distribution are determined by the maximum likelihood estimator. The obtained results are used to calculate the electric field at arbitrary points in the neighborhood of high voltage transmission lines. The comparisons between the results computed by this method, the results calculated by the genetic algorithm, and those measured, confirm the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method.
An Investigation of Magnetic Field Influence in Underground High Voltage Cable Shields
Authors: Duc H. B. , Minh T. P. , Minh D. B. , Hoai N. P. , Quoc V. D.
Published: August 2022

Magnetic fields and the shielding efficiency of the shields of underground high voltage cables are studied in this paper regarding several shielding configurations and materials. Shielding efficiency and magnetic fields are computed for shields with the same mesh but from different shielding materials, such as aluminum, ferrite, metal, and steel. In order to get the best shield configuration depending on the source characteristics and the material, a conducting ferromagnetic region with various thickness values is considered as shielding. A finite element model is introduced to investigate the influence of the parameters of magnetic fields and the shielding efficiency of underground high voltage cables. Furthermore, the reduction of the magnetic fields with or without shieldings is also presented. The developed method is performed with the magnetic vector potential formulations and validated on a practical problem.
A Real-Time Application of Singular Spectrum Analysis to Object Tracking with SIFT
Authors: Ozturk A. , Cayiroglu I.
Published: August 2022

This study combined SIFT and SSA to propose a novel algorithm for real-time object tracking. The proposed algorithm utilizes an intermediate fixed-size buffer and a modified SSA algorithm. Since the complete reconstruction step of the SSA algorithm was unnecessary, it was considerably simplified. In addition, the execution time of a Matlab implementation of the SSA algorithm was compared with a respective C++ implementation. Moreover, the performance of the two different matching algorithms in the detection, the FlannBasedMatcher and Brute-Force matcher algorithms of the OpenCV library, was compared.
Energy Management of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Khadhraoui A. , Selmi T. , Cherif A.
Published: August 2022

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular and gaining attention due to a combination of factors such as falling prices and increasing environmental awareness. EVs fall into several categories related to energy production and storage. Standard developed, tested, and commercialized EV technologies include Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), All Electric Vehicles (AEVs), also known as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), and Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). Still, the advantages of FCEVs are relatively small compared to other autonomous and refueling technologies. Considering the above aspects, this work presents a Matlab/Simulink model of an FCEV’s behavior and opportunities.
Regression Modeling and Process Analysis of Resistance Spot Welding on Dissimilar Steel Sheets
Authors: Ternane F. , Benachour M. , Sebaa F. , Benachour N.
Published: August 2022

The resistance spot welding process is used to weld dissimilar materials. Dissimilar joining is formed by two 2mm thick sheet metals of 304L austenitic stainless steel and galvanized steel. This study investigates the effects of welding parameters such as welding current, welding time, and welding force. The welding time and the welding force were, respectively, in the range of 10-13 cycles and 7-8bar, while the welding current was in the range of 10–16kA. Tensile tests were applied to determine the resistance parameters of dissimilar joining. The experimental results showed that increasing the welding current increased the tensile shear stress of the weld coupon. Regression analysis was carried out to determine the significance of the process parameters by using the coupled of the full factorial experimental design with statistical and graphical analysis of the results. Furthermore, analysis of variance was used to determine the optimal parameters and combinations to achieve the highest strength level.
Human Emotion Detection with Electroencephalography Signals and Accuracy Analysis Using Feature Fusion Techniques and a Multimodal Approach for Multiclass Classification
Authors: Kimmatkar N. V. , Vijaya Babu B.
Published: August 2022

Biological brain signals may be used to identify emotions in a variety of ways, with accuracy depended on the methods used for signal processing, feature extraction, feature selection, and classification. The major goal of the current work was to use an adaptive channel selection and classification strategy to improve the effectiveness of emotion detection utilizing brain signals. Using different features picked by feature fusion approaches, the accuracy of existing classification models' emotion detection is assessed. Statistical modeling is used to determine time-domain and frequency-domain properties. Multiclass classification accuracy is examined using Neural Networks (NNs), Lasso regression, k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF). After performing hyperparameter tuning, a remarkable increase in accuracy is achieved using Lasso regression, while RF performed well for all the feature sets. 78.02% and 76.77% accuracy were achieved for a small and noisy 24 feature dataset by Lasso regression and RF respectively whereas 76.54% accuracy is achieved by Lasso regression with the backward elimination wrapper method.
Comparison of Accident Databases and Analysis of Past Industrial Accidents in the Chemical Process Industry
Authors: Arun P. A. , Tauseef S. M. , Uniyal U.
Published: August 2022

Despite India being home to some of the worst chemical industry disasters, there is no proper accident reporting and analysis mechanism. The National Informatics Centre of the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) presented an online accident database called CAIRS to assist Past Accident Analysis (PAA). This paper compares CAIRS with major accident databases widely used by safety professionals. The parameters considered for compassion are scope, accessibility, method of data collection, quality, and the frequency of reporting. Past accident analysis showed that the total number of reported events is more or less steady and the number of major accidents is decreasing marginally in European countries, whereas in India only a few states report accidents using the CAIRS platform. The analysis raised serious concerns about the monitoring of reported information in the Indian database. At present, the information available in this database is not reliable and any conclusion based on this information can be misleading. Suggestions are offered to enhance the efficacy of the Indian accident database.
A Comparative Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Annealed PLA
Authors: Zisopol D. G. , Portoaca A. I. , Nae I. , Ramadan I.
Published: August 2022

In order to obtain better performance, 3D printed parts can be the subject of post-processing operations like sanding, gap filling, polishing, annealing, epoxy coating, and metal plating. This paper takes into consideration the most commonly used material filament for FFF technology PLA and studies the mechanical characteristics through tensile and 3-point bending tests. The obtained results reveal significantly higher values of the mechanical properties after applying a 3-hour heat treatment at 75°C, for the following combinations of parameters: layer thickness of 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20mm and infill percentage of 50%, 75%, and 100%.
Assessing the Effect of Underground Void on Strip Footing Sitting on a Reinforced Sand Slope with Numerical Modeling
Authors: Mazouz B. , Mansouri T. , Baazouzi M. , Abbeche K.
Published: August 2022

This paper presents the results of the numerical analysis undertaken to investigate the effect of the underground void on the load-bearing capacity of a strip footing placed on an unreinforced and geogrid-reinforced sand slope with a void inside. The failure mechanism of the soil was also investigated. The numerical model was obtained using 2D plane-strain FEM analysis (in Plaxis software), in which the nonlinear Mohr-Coulomb model was utilized. The effects of various parameters such as the number of geogrid layers (N), the vertical distance ratio between the top of the cavity from the base of footing (H/B), the horizontal distance of void centerline to the footing center (X/B), on the behavior of footing are studied in this research. The results indicate that there is a critical zone under the footing in which the existence of void has no influence on the bearing capacity and stability of the footing. In addition, the use of geogrid reinforcement reduces the settlement and enhances bearing capacity. Finally, the bearing capacity factor and failure mechanism increase with increasing horizontal and vertical void distances ratios (X/B and H/B) and reinforcement layers.
Pressure Drop in Horizontal Two-Phase Flow
Authors: Ibrahim S. S. , Abdulkareem L. A.
Published: August 2022

In an artificial environment, the most important key in the process equipment design is determining gas-liquid two-phase flow frictional pressure drop of pipes. To achieve this, an experimental investigation was carried out in this study to analyze the pressure drops of air-water two-phase flow in a 30mm internal diameter horizontal pipe with a length of 6m at different flow conditions. The study was carried out at 20Co using tap water and air. To cover the slug flow pattern, the volumetric flow rate of water varied from 30 to 80 LPM, and the volumetric flow rate of air from 40 to 200 LPM. Pressure transmitters were used to measure pressure at four different points along the test section, each 2m apart. The results of the experiments were compared to 8 models using 3 distinct methods: Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Relative Performance Factor (RPF), and the percentage of data included in the range of the 30% error band. All methods produced similar results, with the Sun-Mishima model being the most accurate.
Informação e o acesso ao ensino superior público por cidadãos excluídos
Authors: Arantes Ribeiro Marcela , Lígia Pomim Valentim Marta , Francisco de Almeida Júnior Oswaldo
Published: August 2022

Objetivo: Aborda a importância da informação para o acesso ao ensino superior em instituições públicas federais de cidadãos historicamente excluídos, como ação humana essencial que visa amenizar as desigualdades sociais e ressignificar o papel social dessas instituições.
Método: A pesquisa é natureza qualitativa, do tipo bibliográfica e documental, mais especificamente no que se refere a abordagem da Lei 12.711, de 29 de agosto de 2012, que dispõe sobre o ingresso nas universidades federais e nas instituições federais de ensino técnico de nível médio e dá outras providências.
Resultado: Os resultados revelam que a informação é um elemento absolutamente fundamental para o acesso desses cidadãos excluídos, bem como para despertar a compreensão sobre a importância da formação no âmbito do ensino superior para todos.
Conclusões: Identificou-se múltiplas maneiras de se discutir a informação, nessa pesquisa destacou-se a perspectiva de ação, que possibilita a apropriação, por parte do usuário de uma determinada informação, levando-o a compreender o processo seletivo discente e a escolha por qualquer curso de graduação, em instituições federais de ensino, que lhe possibilitará sua ascensão social e atuação profissional.
Gestão sistêmica de bibliotecas universitárias e o repertório científico sobre indicadores de gestão na ciência da informação
Authors: Dornelles Dayane , Prado Jorge Moíses Kroll do
Published: August 2022

Objetivo: Trazer o panorama da literatura científica internacional na Ciência da Informação sobre indicadores de gestão em bibliotecas universitárias com vistas à gestão sistêmica. Método: Utilizou-se da pesquisa bibliográfica, exploratória e descritiva. Foram adotados procedimentos para a seleção de literatura a ser analisada: definição do escopo da pesquisa, critérios de inclusão e exclusão, definição das estratégias de buscas conforme cada base de dados, exportação dos metadados para compor o banco de resultados, filtragem dos resultados quanto ao alinhamento do título, palavras-chave, resumo, disponibilidade, texto integral e exclusão dos duplicados. Resultado: O banco de resultados foi formado por 70 publicações (artigos, trabalhos de eventos, dissertações e teses), sendo o foco da pesquisa a análise bibliográfica. Foram analisadas 1939 referências com o auxílio da ferramenta de planilhas do Google. O periódico com maior relevância foi o Performance Measurement and Metrics com 14,28%. Há um crescimento mais constante nas publicações sobre a temática a partir de 2013. A fonte de informação mais representativa é o periódico com 70% da amostra, sendo o inglês o idioma mais presente. O principal subtema observado foi o indicador de desenvolvimento, seguido da ISO 11620 e de indicadores de qualidade. Os autores que mais publicaram foram a Organização Internacional para Padronização (ISO), Town, S., Poll, R. e Lancaster, F. W. Conclusões: A literatura demonstrou um elenco de indicadores dedicados à gestão da qualidade e avaliação de desempenho do que propriamente à gestão sistêmica da biblioteca universitária, o que demonstra a necessidade de evoluir com esta temática em específico.
A lógica da decisão nas universidades públicas a partir da perspectiva sociológica
Authors: Castello Rebecca do Nascimento , Vidal Josep Pont
Published: August 2022

Este artigo busca identificar como a conceituação sociológica da decisão, trazida por Niklas Luhmann, é aplicada nas decisões administrativas das Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) públicas. Para isso, comparou-se três universidades com níveis de atuação e reconhecimento diferenciados[1]. Os dados coletados por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e pesquisa documental foram analisados através da análise do conteúdo, numa abordagem qualitativa. Identificou-se que as universidades brasileiras ainda se utilizam de códigos secundários quando se trata de nomeação para cargos da alta administração, que podem impactar diretamente na utilização dos sobrecódigos. Em relação à decisão, em todas as IES evidenciou-se a necessidade de argumentação da escolha selecionada, gerando assim diferenças no sistema. Esses dados evidenciam que as IES conseguem ser inovadoras em momentos desafiadores, mas os regimentos internos das IES brasileiras, quanto aos requisitos para ocupar cargos da alta administração, precisam ser revisados de forma que os gestores se utilizem de códigos primários em suas decisões.

 

[1] Este artigo é o resultado parcial da tese de doutorado da autora intitulado: ENTRAVES E DESAFIOS PARA A EFETIVAÇÃO DA GOVERNANÇA ADMINISTRATIVA NAS IES: um estudo comparativo entre a Universidade de Melbourne, a Universidade de Campinas e a Universidade Federal do Pará (Brasil – Austrália)
Código de vaga discente e o sistema de ensino superior: Definição, especificação e operacionalização de um modelo informacional
Authors: Moura Júnior Pedro Jácome de , Costa Francisco José da
Published: August 2022

O controle sobre vagas discentes continua sendo um assunto não teorizado nas instituições de ensino superior (IES). Tal situação tem dificultado o desenvolvimento de mecanismos para descrição e gerenciamento adequados da disponibilidade e ocupação de vagas em cursos de graduação. Este artigo adota abordagem design science research para caracterizar esta classe específica de problemas e se concentra na proposição, descrição e validação de um artefato denominado código de vaga discente (CVDi). O artigo fornece a definição conceitual de CVDi, sua operacionalização na rotina organizacional das IES, a especificação genérica de uma implementação computacional do conceito e a discussão sobre a possível aplicação na tomada de decisão e gestão da graduação.
Alcohol and health. Does regular drinking of small dose of alcohol really good for your health?
Authors: Surma Stanisław , Więcek Andrzej
Published: August 2022

Alcohol has been drunk for centuries and in the past also used as a medicine. Alcohol consumption in Poland and in the entire world has gradually increased, which is also nowadays accelerated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the amount of alcohol consumed in Poland was 11.7 l per capita, which was a the highest level since 1961. It is estimated that global alcohol consumption will increase by 17% by the year 2030. There is also increasing alcohol consumption by children and adolescents, as well as pregnant women. Alcohol consumption as a health damaging factor is not always recognized in the general population. Additionally, numerous scientific societies in their guidelines/recommendations indicate that moderate doses of alcohol are beneficial or at least neutral for health. The question remains whether so-called “moderate doses of alcohol” really are not harmful to health. We analyze this issue in this article.
Evaluation of infrared thermography with a portable camera as a diagnostic tool for peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs compared with color Doppler ultrasonography
Authors: Passos Mauro , Rocha Adson
Published: August 2022

Introduction

We aimed to evaluate whether infrared thermography (IRT) with a portable camera is a useful tool for diagnosing or screening peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs (PAD-LL) when compared with the traditional method of color Doppler ultrasonography.

Material and methods

The study enrolled 90 volunteers: 45 who were diagnosed with PAD-LL (PAD-LL group) and 45 who did not have a diagnosis of PAD-LL (control group). The diagnosis was made using color Doppler ultrasonography, and the results were compared with those of IRT.

Results

The IRT-based procedure evaluated in this study had a sensitivity of 97.62% and a specificity of 91.67% for PAD-LL diagnosis compared to color Doppler ultrasonography. The method was limited for diagnosing PAD-LL manifesting above the knees (suprapopliteal PAD-LL). Our results also suggest that the ankle-brachial index is an important predictor of PAD-LL, with a sensitivity of 91.17% and a specificity of 75% at a value of ≤ 0.9. Current or previous smoking habits, higher body mass index, and the presence of diabetes mellitus were significantly elevated in the PAD-LL group.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that IRT is an efficient and low-cost method for screening and diagnosing PAD-LL, particularly infrapopliteal PAD-LL manifesting below the knees. However, further studies are required to establish the validity of this technique.
Role of atrial natriuretic peptide receptor in inhibition of laterally spreading tumors via Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Wang Qiang , Jia Chengyou , Li Dan , Lv Zhongwei , Yang Jianshe
Published: August 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent malignancy worldwide. Laterally spreading tumors (LSTs), as special manifestations of digestive tract tumors, are often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed due to their unique morphological and pathological features. LST has no protruding lesions and progresses rapidly, and prognoses are consequently poor. LST progression to CRC is complicated. Clinical data indicate that the heart is rarely the site of primary tumorigenesis, and a class of atrial natriuretic peptides (ANPs) secreted by heart tissue play an important role in this phenomenon, which is closely related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. However, previous studies focused solely on correlations between the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, downstream gene expression and LST. Thus, correlational studies of ANP/ANP receptor, LST and CRC may be of great help in understanding the occurrence, development and treatment of LST, as well as in establishing specific and sensitive methods for detecting LST.
Impact of bariatric surgery on circulating PCSK9 levels as marker of cardiovascular disease risk: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Banach Maciej , Almahmeed Wael , Kesharwani Prashant , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: August 2022

Introduction

This systematic review and meta-analysis focuses on PCSK9 changes in obese patients following bariatric surgery.

Material and methods

A systematic literature search in four databases was performed.

Results

The results of meta-analysis on 4 trials including 260 individuals demonstrated a remarkable decline of PCSK9 after bariatric surgery (WMD: -57.34 ng/ml, 95% CI: -87.97, -26.71, p<0.001; I2:96.25%). Consistently, a significant decrease of LDL-C after bariatric surgery (WMD: -22.57 mg/dl, 95% CI: -27.5, -17.574, p<0.001; I2: 86.35%) was observed.

Conclusions

PCSK9 is reduced significantly after bariatric surgery. The decrease of PCSK9 might be utilized as an independent surrogate marker of improvement of ASCVD risk after bariatric surgery.
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning Berbasis Hypnoteaching Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa Pada Materi Cahaya
Authors: Surbakti Mariana , Laia Indah Septa. A.
Published: August 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of Hypnoteaching-based or Problem Based Learning? (PBL) learning methods on student learning outcomes on the subject of light. This type of research is a pre-experimental study with the population of this study being all students of class X MIA I. The sample in this study consisted of one class that was selected directly with the purposive technique. The research instrument used was an observation sheet on student learning activities and an objective test in the form of multiple choice which had been tested for validity. Based on the results of observations of student learning outcomes, the average pretest score was 34.86 with a standard deviation of 1.33 and the post-test average value was 84.86 with a standard deviation of 1.17. From the results through the t-test of the two samples correlated for pretest and posttest data for = 0.05 and dk = 70, it is obtained that tcount = 24.72 and ttable = 1.67, which shows tcount > ttable, then Ha is accepted and Ho is rejected. Based on the results of this study, we can conclude that there is a significant effect of the Hypnoteaching-based PBL learning model on the learning outcomes of class X MIA I students. The relationship of each variable is indicated to have a significant effect through regression test analysis with the results obtained Y = 42.6 + 0.52 X Based on the results of the correlation test with the acquisition of the value of the correlation coefficient r = 0.73 which indicates that the relationship between the two variables is strong.
Evaluation of aerosol optical depths and clear-sky radiative fluxes of the CERES Edition 4.1 SYN1deg data product
Authors: Fillmore David W. , Rutan David A. , Kato Seiji , Rose Fred G. , Caldwell Thomas E.
Published: August 2022

Abstract. Aerosol optical depths (AODs) used for the Edition 4.1 Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) Synoptic 1∘ (SYN1deg) product are evaluated. AODs are derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations and assimilated by an aerosol transport model (the Model for Atmospheric Transport and Chemistry – MATCH). As a consequence, clear-sky AODs closely match with those derived from MODIS instruments. AODs under all-sky conditions are larger than AODs under clear-sky conditions, which is supported by ground-based AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) observations. When all-sky MATCH AODs are compared with Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications (Version 2; MERRA-2) AODs, MATCH AODs are generally larger than MERRA-2 AODs, especially over convective regions (e.g., the Amazon, central Africa, and eastern Asia). This variation is largely due to the differing methods of assimilating the MODIS AOD data product and the use of quality flags in our assimilation. Including AODs with larger retrieval uncertainty makes AODs over the convective regions larger. When AODs are used for clear-sky irradiance computations and computed downward shortwave irradiances are compared with ground-based
observations, the computed instantaneous irradiances are 1 %–2 % larger than observed irradiances. The comparison of top-of-atmosphere clear-sky irradiances with those derived from CERES observations suggests
that AODs used for surface radiation observation sites are 0.01–0.03 larger, which is within the uncertainty of instantaneous MODIS AODs. However, the comparison with AERONET AODs suggests that AODs used for computations over desert sites are 0.08 larger. The cause of positive biases in downward shortwave irradiance and in AOD for the desert sites is possibly due to the dust particle size and distribution, as defined by the MATCH transport model, and the transfer of that information into the radiative transfer model.
The effect of strong nonlinearity on wave-induced vertical mixing
Authors: Paprota Maciej , Sulisz Wojciech
Published: August 2022

Abstract. A semi-analytical solution to advection-diffusion equation is coupled with a pseudo-spectral approach to nonlinear wavemaker model to investigate the effect of strong nonlinearity on wave-induced mixing. The comparisons with weakly-nonlinear model predictions reveal that in the case of waves of higher steepness, enhanced mixing affects subsurface layer of the water column. Including higher-order terms into free-surface boundary conditions of the wavemaker problem secures reliable estimation of the time-mean velocity field. The corrected wave-induced mass-transport velocity leads to improved estimates of subsurface mixing intensity and ocean surface temperature.
Autonomous vehicle trajectory tracking lateral control based on the terminal sliding mode control with radial basis function neural network and fuzzy logic algorithm
Authors: Wang Binyu , Lei Yulong , Fu Yao , Geng Xiaohu
Published: August 2022

Abstract. This paper will study a trajectory tracking control algorithm for electric vehicles based on a terminal sliding mode controller. First, a 3 degrees of freedom nonlinear vehicle model and a controller-oriented 2 degrees of freedom vehicle model are established. The preview time is adaptively adjusted based on the preview model. Then, the vehicle trajectory tracking controller, which uses the terminal sliding mode algorithm, is designed. The radial basis function (RBF) neural network algorithm is used to approximate the system variable parameters in the control model online. At the same time, fuzzy logic is used to control the gain parameters of the controller to reduce the chattering of the control system. Finally, the designed controller is verified by simulation. The maximum deviation of path tracking under different speeds is 0.6 m, and the target path can also be well followed under different road friction coefficients. The simulation results show that the controller designed in this paper can effectively carry out the vehicle trajectory tracking and lateral control and reduce the chattering to a certain extent.
Ongoing grounding line retreat and fracturing initiated at the Petermann Glacier ice shelf, Greenland, after 2016
Authors: Millan Romain , Mouginot Jeremie , Derkacheva Anna , Rignot Eric , Milillo Pietro , Ciraci Enrico , Dini Luigi , Bjørk Anders
Published: August 2022

Abstract. The Petermann ice shelf is one of the largest in Greenland,
buttressing 4 % of the total ice sheet discharge, and is considered
dynamically stable. In this study, we use differential synthetic aperture
radar interferometry to reconstruct the grounding line migration between
1992 and 2021. Over the last 30 years, we find that the grounding line
of Petermann retreated 4 km in the western and eastern sectors and 7 km in
the central part. The majority of the retreat in the central sector took
place between 2017 and 2021, where the glacier receded more than 5 km along
a retrograde bed grounded 500 m below sea level. While the central sector
stabilized on a sill, the eastern flank is sitting on top of a down-sloping
bed, which might enhance the glacier retreat in the coming years. This
grounding line retreat followed a speedup of the glacier by 15 % in the
period 2015–2018. Along with the glacier acceleration, two large fractures
formed along flow in 2015, splitting the ice shelf in three sections, with
a partially decoupled flow regime. While these series of events followed the
warming of the ocean waters by 0.3 ∘C in Nares Strait, the use of a
simple grounding line model suggests that enhanced submarine melting may
have been responsible for the recent grounding line migration of Petermann
Glacier.