bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of IFIT3 as potential biomarker in Psoriasis based on integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zhang Runtian , Chen Guangshan , Chen Xi , Duan Xingwu , Bai Chunxiao , Gao Yuexuan , Qu Tiange
Published: September 2022

Background: To explore the function and related signal pathway of IFIT3 gene in skin lesions of patients with psoriasis by bioinformatics methods, and to find the potential specific molecular markers of psoriasis.
Methods: The limma R package was used to analyze the three data sets of GSE13355, GSE30999 and GSE106992 from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) and the differential genes were screened. The STRING database was used for GO (Gene ontology) enrichment analysis, KEGG (Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) pathway analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network integration. After that, the IFIT3 subnetwork was extracted and analyzed by GSEA (gene set enrichment analysis) using Metascape database and the effectiveness of gene differentiation and disease tissue identification was verified.
Results: In the study, 426 differential genes were obtained, of which 322 were significantly up-regulated and 104 were significantly down-regulated. GO enrichment analysis showed that differential genes were mainly involved in the process of immunity and metabolism, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis mainly included chemokine signal pathway, PPAR signal pathway, IL-17 signal pathway and so on. According to the analysis of IFIT3 subnetwork, it was found that IFIT3 was mainly involved in the biological processes of viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms. The pathways obtained by GESA were mainly related to immune, metabolic and antiviral pathways. IFIT3 was highly expressed in psoriatic lesions and it may be helpful in the diagnosis of psoriasis.
Conclusion: The differential genes, biological processes and signal pathways of psoriasis, especially the related information and diagnostic efficiency of IFIT3 gene, were obtained by bioinformatics analysis. These results may provide theoretical basis and new direction for exploring the pathogenesis of psoriasis, finding diagnostic markers and developing drug treatment targets.
Colonization and antagonistic activity of endophytic fungi in seagrasses: understanding endophyte interactions
Authors: Kinamot Venus , Monotilla Alvin
Published: September 2022

Endophytic fungal colonization in plants is governed by complex interactions with the defense mechanism of the host and antagonistic effects of other endophytes. In this study, endophytic fungal interaction was assessed by histological examination and co-culture methods. Results showed fungal colonization in the intercellular space of the epidermis and both intercellular and intracellular spaces of the cortical cells suggesting close interaction with their seagrass hosts. Dense colonization, hyphal branching, coiling and formation of networks were observed in the cortical cells. Less competition for space and reliable source of nutrition in the cortex may favor fungal growth. No fungal hyphae were detected in the vascular tissues of seagrasses. All the endophytic fungi isolated from seagrasses showed antagonistic activity. Aspergillus tamarii, A. ochraceopetaliformis, Penicillium citrinum, Beauveria bassiana, Eutypella sp. and Xylaria sp were the most active antagonists. Antagonistic interaction involved deadlock and replacement. Deadlock was associated with physical blocking of the antagonist’s colony by hyphal aggregation and production of inhibitory metabolites. Demarcation line and colony pigmentation in Xylaria sp. during co-culture assay indicated the production of high quantities of inhibitory molecules. Endophytic fungi in seagrasses also produced volatile organic compounds (VOC) which resulted to deadlock at mycelial distance. Thus, endophyte colonization and distribution in seagrass tissues are influenced by their interaction with the hosts and other endophytes. But interestingly, cyclical intransitivity of multispecies interaction manifested by these fungal species suggested possible co-existence in seagrass tissues.
Brain Activity Underlying Visual Search in Depth when Viewing Volumetric Multiplanar Images
Authors: Naderi Mehrdad , Pladere Tatjana , Krumina Gunta , Alksnis Reinis
Published: September 2022

By developing several different methods to present 3-dimensional (3D) images, a demand to investigate the interaction with the human visual system is inevitable. Although current estimates centered on stereoscopic depth perception, still our knowledge is low about the effect of non-stereoscopic displays on the visual cortex, both at the sensory and cognitive brain reactions. In this study, we investigated the cortical activity correlated with a volumetric multiplanar image perception in both 3D and 2D by analyzing the event-related potentials (ERPs) and Power Spectral Density (PSD) analysis. The study was designed based on two conditions. The first condition (3D test) was arranged by presenting four constant angular size rings in which one of them was closer to the subjects. The second condition (2D test) was done by adding trials with the same ring features while all rings were presented on the same plane. A volumetric multiplanar display was employed to present the non-stereoscopic visual targets. Moreover, the brain signal was recorded via an EEG amplifier and then analyzed by the EEGLAB toolbox on MATLAB. Event-related potentials (ERPs) studied in three time windows, (50-100ms), (100-200ms), and (200-450ms), correspond with the N1, P2, and P3 components of ERPs. The analysis showed no significant differences in amplitude between two conditions across five occipital and parietal electrodes, even though there was only a significant difference in latency of the P3 component on the Pz electrode. Furthermore, the Power Spectral Density (PSD) of the alpha and the beta oscillation was analyzed. The analysis does not show significant differences between 3D and 2D tasks; nevertheless, slightly higher alpha and beta activities seemed in 2D visualization. To conclude, 3D image representation on the volumetric multiplanar display has no more sensory or cognitive load on the human brain that responded equally to both visual conditions with a slight difference in latency of the P3 component. Moreover, depth perception on a multiplanar display requires less brain activity.
Decomposition of Changes in Malaria Status among Children under Five years: A case of Uganda and Kenya
Authors: Namawejje Hellen , Kato Richard , Atuhaire Leonard
Published: September 2022

This study decomposed the changes in malaria status among children under five years of Uganda and Kenya. The study used secondary data drawn from the Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey 2014–2015 and Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey 2015. A nonlinear multivariate decomposition logit regression model was used to allow the breakdown of differences in malaria status in children under the age of five years old between Uganda and Kenya into those due to differences in observable characteristics (endowments) and those due to different effects of these characteristics (coefficients). The overall difference in characteristics of children below the age of five years old contributed 31.07% of the differences in malaria status between Uganda and Kenya. In addition, the category of residence of a child under the age of five years old contributed 20% to the overall malaria Status in children under the age of five years old between the two countries. The study recommends that children under the age of five years are among the most vulnerable to malaria infection as they have not yet developed any immunity to the disease. The government of Uganda and Kenya should widely encourage children in this age bracket to sleep under long-lasting insecticidal nets and they should put in place, prompt diagnosis and effective treatment of malaria infections in all health facilities country-wide.
One-Step Combinatorial Strategy for Optimization of Antibiotics With Plant Extract Against Drug Resistant Clinical Bacteria
Authors: Gideon Mathew , Ladan Zakari
Published: September 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most worrying health problems worldwide, antimicrobial research with reference to medicinal plants is a growing domain, likewise the synergism between plant extract and antibiotics.
The present study seeks to propose and develop uses a simple, safe, less time consuming, cost-effective, and eco-friendly strategic synthetic methods to overcome antibiotic resistance in bacteria using ethnopharmacological approach with conventional antibiotics. Concentrated sulphuric acid and 10% sodium hydroxide were used in combinatorial synthesis of Calotropis procera extract with Amoxicillin and Ampicillin.to validate the positive results obtain in stage one,Piliostigma reticulatum extract was combine with 100 µg/mL of azithromycin and again with 100 µg/ml of ampicillin with 0.1 mL, 0.2 mL and 0.3 mL of the acid to validate and a different bacteria strain was also introduced.
Higher inhibitions zone were observed at 16.7 mm for salmonella spp, 16.4 mm shigella spp, 16.8 mm S. aureus, 21.3 mm E.coli and 22.4 mm streptococusat situations where antibiotics inhibitions zones was 0 mm.
The results obtained shows that acid combinatorial synthesis of antibiotic with plant extract successfully overcame the resistance threat poses by the clinical bacteria isolates as compared to earlier versions, thus shows that synergistic effects on resistant bacteria can not only be achieved in situation where the antibiotics have already shown some degree of antibacterial activity on the tested pathogens but also in little concentrations were the antibiotic does not show antimicrobial activities.
Role of “banker plants” as a sustainable integrated Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) and Earias insulana (Boisd.) management
Authors: Mesbah H. A. , Massoud M. A. , El-Kady M. B. , Henady Z. M. , El-Bassouiny H. M.
Published: September 2022

To confront global demand to reduce the use of pesticides and its risk, this study tested the effectiveness of okra and corn as banker plants with Trichogramma evanescens release as a green innovation technology for the sustainable management of cotton bollworms in comparison to conventional chemical pesticides and the release of T. evanescens alone (control). We found that okra and corn with T. evanescens release were more effective in decreasing the incidence of cotton bollworms than the conventional chemical pesticides or T. evanescens alone. We also found that okra and corn encouraged the spread of bollworm natural enemies in the treated cotton fields, which had a large impact on the number of cotton bollworm larvae, thus reducing the need for conventional pesticides. Thus, banker plants combined with T. evanescens release can support agrobiodiversity and help realize the Sustainable integrated management strategies of the cotton bollworm by reducing the use of conventional chemical pesticides, encouraging the natural enemies. Thus, contributing to global warming reduction which caused by the overuse of conventional chemical pesticides.
Seeking for the correlation between the Chemometric Indices of ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Multidetector CT obtained Density on Bones Exposed to Heat
Authors: Leskovar Tamara , Cavalli Fabio , Legan Lea , Innocenti Dario , Ropret Polonca , Črešnar Matija
Published: September 2022

Charred and burned human and animal skeletal remains are frequently found in archaeological records or can be a subject of forensic investigation. As exposure to heat causes specific changes to the physical and chemical characteristics of the remains, it presents a powerful source for a better understanding of the taphonomic history of the remains. FTIR spectroscopy is a commonly used technique when trying to understand these changes and through them the taphonomic history of the remains. Recently, density calculated from CT scans is also incorporated into this type of study. The main objective of here presented research is to establish a correlation between the chemometric indices obtained with ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and density obtained with Multidetector CT. To the best of our knowledge, the correlation between the two was never explored before. For this purpose, the midsection of defleshed bovine femur diaphyses were exposed to different temperatures for various time spans and analysed with ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and Multidetector CT. ATR-FTIR obtained results, namely the changes in the organic and mineral bone components, agree with previous studies and provide a baseline for understanding the changes in the density. The latter decreases and increases depending on the loss of organic matter, crystallization, cyanamides and hydroxyl groups incorporation into the mineral lattice, and ordering of the lattice. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the changes caused due to short- or long-term exposure to heat. With some additional work, even machine learning algorithms could be applied to the samples with an unknown taphonomic history to better understand the time and temperatures of their exposure. Furthermore, this type of research also provides important data for planning non-destructive analyses of ancient remains.
Landslide Hazard and Susceptibility Maps Derived from Satellite and Remote Sensing Data Using Limit Equilibrium Analysis and Machine Learning Model
Authors: Dashbold Batmyagmar , Bryson L. Sebastian , Crawford Matthew M.
Published: September 2022

Landslide susceptibility mapping and landslide hazard mapping are approaches used to assess the potential for landslides and predict the occurrence of landslides, respectively. We evaluated and tested a limit equilibrium approach to produce a local-scale, multi-temporal Geographic Information System (GIS)-based landslide hazard map that utilized satellite soil moisture data, soil strength and hydrologic data, and a high-resolution (1.5 m) LiDAR-derived digital elevation map (DEM). The final multi-temporal landslide hazard map was validated temporally and spatially using four study sites at known landslide locations and failure dates. The resulting product correctly indicated low factor of safety values at the study sites on the dates the landslide occurred. Also, we produced a regional-scale landslide susceptibility map using a logistic regression machine learning model using 15 variables derived from the geomorphology, soil properties, and land cover data. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used for the accuracy of the model, which yielded a success rate of 0.84. We show that using publicly available data, a multi-temporal landslide hazard map can be created that will produce a close-to-real time landslide predictive map. The landslide hazard map provides an understanding into the evolution of landslide development temporally and spatially, whereas the landslide susceptibility map indicates the probability of landslides occurring at specific locations. When used in tandem, the two mapping models are complementary to each other. Specifically, the landslide susceptibility mapping identifies the areas most susceptible to landslides while the landslide hazard mapping predicts when landslide may occur within the identified susceptible area.
Security Enhancements in M-Health Using Distributed Ledger Technology based Digital Locker System
Authors: Ray Soumya , Mishra Kamta Nath , Dutta Sandip
Published: September 2022

Electronic Medical Records (E.M.Rs) comprise sensitive and private information of the patients in m-healthcare, and the passing of data across different medical institutions poses severe challenges. Leakage of information could destroy the privacy of the data, and the availability of the data at runtime may be disrupted by the DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack. Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) helps overcome the challenges of the trusted decentralized database. It is possible to validate all the stakeholders by a single-step authentication process using distributed ledger technology. In this research paper, the authors have proposed a distributed ledger technology architecture (DLTA) using an m-health digital locker (DL) system and presented the interaction of the different m-healthcare entities with the anticipated model. The authors have designed the mathematical model to enhance the security re-assurance of the DLTA-based m-health DL system. The security analysis of the proposed model is highlighted and compared the same with the non-distributed system architecture. The key factors considered for evaluating the proposed model are network congestion, throughput, average turnaround time, average response time, average waiting time, and network consumption.
Early diagnosis by mNGS could improve the prognosis for severe leptospirosis patients
Authors: Jiang# Xuqin , Jiang# Hui , Xiong# Yingying , Fang# Ming , Geng Bei , Wu* Huimei , Mei* Xiaodong
Published: September 2022

PurposesTo evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of metagenomics next generation sequencing (mNGS) assay in severe leptospirosis and its role on prognosis.
Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with confirmed leptospirosis from Jan. 1, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2021 from three hospitals. Detailed data including socio-demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory examination results, CT images etc. were collected and analyzed.
Results Six severe cases were included in this study. All were diagnosed by positive mNGS results. Three of the patients were also polymerase chain reaction examined and presented negative results. Five patients were diagnosed by mNGS assay within two or three days and antibiotics were down-graded to ceftriaxone in them. All of them were cured finally. One case, who was diagnosed by mNGS late on day 5, died.
Conclusions mNGS is highly efficient in diagnosing leptospirosis and could possibly reduce the mortality rate if used at an early stage.
COPRAO: A Rule-Based Capability-Aware Query Optimizer for an FPGA-Based Reconfigurable Near-Data Processor
Authors: B.G. Lekshmi , Meyer-Wegener Klaus
Published: September 2022

Placing the processing power near the data, rather than shipping the data to the processor is inevitable and demanding in the era of Big Data. With a given near-data processor, it is important to use it properly to reduce the massive data transfer between data sources and computing nodes. In database query processing, as many operations as possible should be sent to the near-data processor, because it can process them at line-rate and thus can eliminate massive data transfer across the network. Unfortunately, there is still not enough support for effective utilization of hardware capabilities to solve the issues of data processing in query processors. In this paper, we propose a new approach to the query optimization in a relational DBMS, which considers the specialized computing capabilities of the attached FPGA-based near-data processor. We use extended rules to achieve hardware-conscious optimization and refine the optimization strategies according to changes in the hardware state. Our evaluations demonstrate that the proposed query-optimization approach can improvethe processing of queries.
A realist evaluation of the feasibility of a digital music and movement intervention for older people living in care homes
Authors: Ofosu Esther Frema , De Nys Len , Connelly Jenni , Ryde Gemma. C. , Whittaker Anna. C.
Published: September 2022

Background
Low physical activity in care home residents brings about negative mental health consequences, such as higher levels of depression and loneliness. With advancements in communication technology, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the feasibility and effectiveness of digital Physical Activity (PA) resources in care homes deserve more research attention. A realist evaluation was used to uncover influencing factors of a feasibility study implementation to inform how a digital music and movement programme would work and under what circumstances this would be most effective.
Methods
Participants were 49 older adults (aged 65 years+) recruited across ten care homes in Scotland. Surveys were administered at baseline and post-intervention comprising psychometric questionnaires on multidimensional health markers validated in older adults with possible cognitive impairment. The intervention comprised 12 weeks of four prescribed digitally delivered movement (n = 3) and music-only (n = 1) sessions per week. An activity coordinator delivered these online resources in the care home. Post-intervention focus groups with staff and interviews with a sub-sample of participants were conducted to gain qualitative data on the acceptability of the intervention.
Results
33 care home residents started the intervention, but only 18 residents (84% female) completed both pre- and post-intervention assessments. Activity coordinators (AC) offered 57% of the prescribed sessions, with an average residents’ adherence of 60%. ACs and residents mentioned improved mood, physical health, job satisfaction and social support. Improvements with large effect sizes were found for anxiety, depression, loneliness, perceived stress and sleep satisfaction, but no changes in fear of falling, domains of general health or appetite. Delivery challenges were (1) motivation and engagement, (2) changes in cognitive impairment and disabilities of the participants, (3) death or hospitalisation of the participants and (4) limited staffing and technology resources to deliver the programme as intended.
Conclusion
This realist evaluation suggested that this digitally delivered movement and music intervention is feasible. From the findings, the initial programme theory was refined for future implementation of an RCT in other care homes.
Trial registration:
retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05559203
AWARENESS AND EXPERIENCE OF THE DENTISTS IN SAUDI ARABIA ABOUT AUTISTIC DISORDER
Authors:   Specialist and Head of Pediatric Dentistry, Ministry Of Health, NajranSpecialty Dental Centre, Najran, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia., Abdulrahman Alshareef Abdullah , Saleh Ali Al Mawtah Yousef ,   Ministry Of Health,Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia., Dhaifallah Alsilah Saad ,   Ministry of Health, NajranSpecialty Dental Centre, Najran, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia., Hadi Alqirad Mohammed ,   Ministry of Health, NajranSpecialty Dental Centre, Najran, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia., Hassan Alfaraj Zeynb ,   Ministry Of Health, NajranSpecialty Dental Centre, Najran, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia., Nasser Abdullah Al Gobari Al Yami Ahmed ,   Dental Assistant, Ministry Of Health, NajranSpecialty Dental Centre, Najran, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia.
Published: September 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neuro-developmental disorder in children who require special oral health care. ASD Children with uncontrolled body movements, impaired social interaction and intellectual disabilities are commonly treated in the normal dental clinics. The dental professionals in our region did not cover any previous training about this disorder during their studies and they have different experiences dealing with this disability. In this study, we aim to study dentists awareness and experiences in dealing with the ASD children in the south region of Saudi Arabia.
STRUCTURE AND DIVERSITY OF ZOOPLANKTON COMMUNITY IN TAABO RESERVOIR (COTE DIVOIRE)
Authors:   Laboratory of Environment and Aquatic Biology, Department of Environmental Science and Management, Nangui Abrogoua University, Cote dIvoire, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02., M. Camara , J.E. Niamien-Ebrottie ,   Laboratory of Environment and Aquatic Biology, Department of Environmental Science and Management, Nangui Abrogoua University, Cote dIvoire, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02., A.I. Camara ,   Laboratory of Environment and Aquatic Biology, Department of Environmental Science and Management, Nangui Abrogoua University, Cote dIvoire, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02., L. Doumbia ,   Laboratory of Environment and Aquatic Biology, Department of Environmental Science and Management, Nangui Abrogoua University, Cote dIvoire, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02., M. Pagano ,   Institut National des Sciences et Technologies de la Mer INSTM 28 rue du 2 mars 1934 Carthage Salambo 2025 TunisTunisie.,   Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), IRD, UMR 235 Campus de Luminy Case 901 13288 Marseille Cedex 09 France., A. Ouattara ,   Laboratory of Environment and Aquatic Biology, Department of Environmental Science and Management, Nangui Abrogoua University, Cote dIvoire, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02.
Published: September 2022

Zooplankton play a substantial role in the ecology of aquatic ecosystems and are usually used as bioindicators to assess their health. This study aims to assess the structure and diversity of Zooplankton community in Taabo reservoir. Zooplankton were sampled at five sites along a transect of seven kilometers every 45 days from November 2017 to October 2018 using a net of 20Âµm mesh size. A total of 77 taxa belonging to four groups (59 rotifera, ten cladocera, five copepoda and three otherzooplankton). High diversity of zooplankton (more than 87%)was reported in the littoral areas (S1 and S5).The proportion of very frequent taxa are the most numerous at all the sampling sites, and Sorensen similarity indexes between these sites are higher than 80%. Zooplankton abundance was higher during the dry season at all sites. Zooplankton community of Taabo reservoir was qualitatively (76.6 % of the taxonomic richness) and quantitatively (more than 68.35% of the relative abundance) dominated by rotifers group.Shannon-Weaver diversity and Pielou Evenness indices were lower in long rainy season than the other seasons. The RDA analysis shows that the abundances of zooplankton taxa such as Mesocyclops sp., Thermocyclops sp., Ceriodaphniacornulata and Diaphanosomaexcisumwere positively affected by conductivity, water depth, pH, TP, and TN. However, water transparency and temperature had positively influenced the abundances of zooplankton taxa such as Anuraeopsisfissa, Brachionusangularis, Brachionuscaudatus, Brachionusfalcatus, KeratellaLenzi, Keratellatropica, Hexathraintermediaire, Epiphanesmacrourus, Filiniaopoliensis, Lecaneleontine, and Nauplii.Zooplankton communitywas affected by anthropogenicdisturbances.
AN UNUSUAL CAUSE OF ACUTE ABDOMINAL PAIN IN ONCOLOGY: JEJUNOSTOMY TUBE PLACEMENT COMPLICATION
Authors:   Department of Radiology, Oncology National Institute, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Morocco., Belkouchi Lina , Jerguigue Hounayda ,   Department of Radiology, Oncology National Institute, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Morocco., Latib Rachida ,   Department of Radiology, Oncology National Institute, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Morocco., Omor Youssef ,   Department of Radiology, Oncology National Institute, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Morocco., Belkouchi Omar ,   Department of Surgery, Oncology National Institute, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Morocco., Aourarh Benayad ,   Department of Surgery, Oncology National Institute, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Morocco., Amrani Leila ,   Department of Surgery, Oncology National Institute, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Morocco., Mohsine Raouf ,   Department of Surgery, Oncology National Institute, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Morocco., Amine Benkabbou ,   Department of Surgery, Oncology National Institute, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Morocco.
Published: September 2022

The jejunostomy procedure is an alternative to oral feeding for patients incapable of oral nutrition or ones suffering from severe malnutrition.The most used surgical technique is the Witzel technique, it hasa very low complication rate but can cause severe complications such as perforation or bowel ischemia.We describe the case of an 80 years old female patient admitted to the ER foracute abdominal pain 9 days after a jejunostomy procedure, with an abdominal CT-scan showingperitonitis and pneumoperitoneum secondary to a jejunum perforation and intra-peritoneal displacement of the jejunostomy tube.
Investment in tangible non-current assets and financial performance of food manufacturing firms in Nigeria
Authors: Mukosolu Okobo Marian , Onuoha Ugwoke Robinson , Etim Akpan Ekom
Published: September 2022

Nigeria has a serious food crisis, which can be attributed to poor management of tangible non-current assets by food manufacturing companies, which leads to low productivity, product wastages, and ineffective processing and distribution of products culminating in low return on assets. Therefore, this study examined the effects of changes in tangible non-current assets on return on assets of food manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study employed an ex-post facto research approach with data obtained from top food manufacturing companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange from 2008 to 2020. The finding revealed that tangible non-current assets play a very important role in the return on assets of food manufacturing companies in Nigeria. Specifically, the study revealed that changes in investment in land and buildings, plants and machineries and motor vehicles have a statistically significant influence on return on assets (ROA) of quoted food manufacturing companies (FMCs). It was concluded that an increase in tangible non-current assets enhances the return of assets of food manufacturing companies. In line with the findings of this study, it was recommended that considerable attention should be paid by the management of FMCs to efficient utilization of tangible non-current assets because it is only when non-current assets are efficiently utilized that they would have significant contributions to or implications for the return on assets of the business.
Perceptions of small and medium companies toward employment equity amendments in South Africa
Authors: Utete Reward , Ian Nzimakwe Thokozani
Published: September 2022

Small and medium companies (SMCs) are needed for the successful and meaningful development of the South African economy. These companies bring a significant reduction in unemployment levels. Apart from lowering unemployment levels, SMCs play a pivotal role in transforming the South African economy. However, there is a high failure rate of small and medium companies. Although the labor laws of South Africa are believed to be the major obstacle that is significantly affecting the growth of SMCs, there is no prior empirical study conducted to investigate this subject. The scourge of failure of these companies has gripped the growth of the economy. Hence, the aim of the study is to examine the perceptions of small and medium companies toward employment equity amendments in South Africa. The study uses a qualitative research method and purposive sampling to select the data. An open-ended questionnaire collected usable data from 73 employees of small and medium companies. The findings of the study revealed that the employment equity amendments were viewed as too harsh for small and medium companies. SMCs perceived that these amendments bring more harm than good. Therefore, they should engage the government to enforce amendments to the legislation that stimulate business performance rather than those that hinder it.
El alumnado universitario como evaluador de materiales educativos en formato t-MOOC para el desarrollo de la Competencia Digital Docente según DigCompEdu. Comparación con juicio de expertos
Authors: Cabero Almenara Julio , Serrano Hidalgo Manuel , Palacios Rodríguez Antonio , Llorente Cejudo Carmen
Published: October 2022

Los MOOC se configuran como una de las tecnologías que, en los últimos tiempos, vienen ganando terreno en el campo educativo como nuevos enfoques en la educación a distancia, incrementándose su presencia en las instituciones educativas y el nivel de investigaciones y publicaciones que giran alrededor de estos desarrollos tecnológicos. En concreto, esta investigación se centra en el t-MOOC basado en la tarea. Se presenta la evaluación de un t-MOOC diseñado y producido para el desarrollo de competencias digitales del profesorado a través del juicio de expertos según el Marco DigCompEdu. En su evaluación participan 172 expertos que obtienen un índice de competencia experta igual o superior a 0,9. Las puntuaciones alcanzadas permiten señalar que los expertos valoraron el t-MOOC de manera muy positiva, tanto de forma conjunta como individual. Igualmente, el estudio pone de manifiesto la significación del Coeficiente de Competencia Experta (CCE) a la hora de discriminar de forma más adecuada y justificada la selección de los expertos. Por este motivo, se reflexiona sobre las posibilidades didácticas que este tipo de tecnología añade a los nuevos escenarios educativos.
Ulama dan Politik: Relasi Politik Tuan Guru Bajang pada Pemilu 2019
Authors: Royyani Muh Arif , Takayasa Tika Ifrida
Published: October 2022

Political contestation in the 2019 elections is not only about the contestation of political parties, but the involvement of the Tuan Guru and Ulama regarding ijtihad (political thought) is a concern. The use of Political Identity in the 2019 Elections is damaging to the integration of the nation and state of Indonesia. It began with the 2017 DKI regional election contestation with the start of a demonstration in the name of the defense of religion on December 12, 2016 to try Ahok who was considered blasphemous about religion. TGB is one of the figures who supported the demonstration so that it received sympathy from the alumni brotherhood of 212. PA 212 support was stopped when TGB opposed in supporting Jokowi in the 2019 Election. As Gunernur NTB, TGB had thought according to rational choice considerations in expressing its support for Joko Widodo. Rational choice through consideration of the benefit (goodness) of the people is a priority that encompasses all Indonesian people, including NTB.
Resistensi Masyarakat terhadap Kebijakan Penanganan COVID-19: Studi di Desa Jawisari Kabupaten Kendal
Authors: Wijayanti Tiara Candra , Mahsun Muhammad
Published: October 2022

Pandemi Covid-19 membawa dampak yang signifikan  utamanya pada sektor kesehatan dan ekonomi. Hal ini mendorong pemerintah untuk segera mengambil kebijakan pembatasan kegiatan sosial yang dirumuskan dalam kebijakan PSBB dan PPKM dari level 1-4. Kebijakan tersebut banyak mendapatkan perlawanan hampir di seluruh wilayah di Indonesia, sehingga  banyak  sarjana yang tertarik untuk menemukan penyebab dari resistensi yang dilakukan masyarakat guna optimalisasi kebijakan yang diambil pemerintah terkait penanganan Covid-19. Dengan mengkaji kasus resistensi masyarakat Desa Jawisari terhadap kebijakan penanganan Covid-19. Kajian ini berusaha untuk menjawab dua pertanyaan penelitian. Pertama Bagaimana Bentuk Resistensi Masyarakat Desa Jawisari  Terhadap Himbauan Pemerintah dalam Penanganan Penyebaran Covid-19 ? Kedua Mengapa Masyarakat Desa Jawisari Resisten Terhadap Himbauan Pemerintah dalam Penanganan Penyebaran Covid-19?. Studi ini menggunakan teori resistensi James Scott yang menjelaskan mengenai perlawanan kaum tani akibat dominasi dari kaum proletar. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus untuk memperoleh data mengenai resistensi masyarakat terkait kebijakan penanganan Covid-19 di Desa Jawisari. Data primer diperoleh dari hasil wawancara, observasi dan studi literatur penelitian terdahulu. Kajian ini menemukan bentuk-bentuk resistensi yang dilakukan oleh masyarakat Desa Jawisari terbagi menjadi tiga bentuk yaitu resistensi terbuka, resistensi tertutup dan resistensi defensif . Studi ini juga menemukan ada beberapa faktor yang melatarbelakangi perlawanan tersebut diantaranya  tidak mendapatkan BLT-DD, kepedulian terhadap pendidikan, pemenuhan kehidupan sehari-hari, desakan jama’ah, sosialisasi yang kurang efektif serta tenaga kesehatan yang kurang maksimal dalam menangani pandemi Covid-19.
Simultaneous identification of the number, location and release intensity of groundwater contamination sources based on simulation optimization and ensemble surrogate model
Authors: Li Jiuhui , Wu Zhengfang , Lu Wenxi , He Hongshi
Published: September 2022

In most instances, the number, location and release intensity of groundwater contamination sources (GCSs) are all unknown. The 0-1 mixed integer nonlinear programming optimization model (0-1 MINPOM) used previously could only identify the location and release intensity for GCSs. Thus a 0-1 MINPOM was improved and applied to simultaneously identify the number, location and release history of GCSs. In addition, to reduce the time of calling the simulation model for iterative calculation, the deep belief neural network (DBNN), long short-term memory network (LSTM) and Kriging method were applied to establish an ensemble surrogate model of the simulation model to replace the simulation model for iterative calculation. The results show that compared with the three single surrogate models, the ensemble surrogate model has the highest approximation accuracy to the simulation model, and could save 99% of the calculation time when iterative calculation was performed in place of the simulation model. The improved 0-1 MINPOM could identify the number, location, and release history of GCSs simultaneously. The accuracy of identifying the number of GCSs was 100%, and the accuracies of identifying the locations and release history were above 95.12% and 83.51%, respectively.
Development of seismic vulnerability index for water distribution network (SVI-WDN) in the province of Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia: A conceptual framework
Authors: Marleni Ni Nyoman Nepi , Devi Elsa Febriana , Kamulyan Budi
Published: September 2022

The Special Region of Yogyakarta is one of the areas impacted by the 2006 earthquake which damaged vital infrastructures, including water distribution networks (WDN). The vulnerability of these networks increases because the design process does not consider the mitigation strategy of natural disasters. This region does not have any tools to estimate the infrastructure vulnerability for underground lifeline facilities, including WDN. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a framework to generate a Seismic Vulnerability Index for Water Distribution Network (SVI-WDN) for the Special Region of Yogyakarta which has been known to be exposed to many earthquake incidences. The framework presents a process to develop a SVI-WDN which consist of three steps. First step, to obtain the criteria, sub-criteria, their value range and the corresponding score for each value. Second step, to normalize the sub-criteria score. The third step, to obtain the criteria and sub-criteria weight by using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Lastly, the calculation of a vulnerability index for water distribution. Additional steps for visualizing the index are by generating a geographical information system map representing index value. Thus, this study presents a reproducible framework that can assist water authorities to prioritize the water distribution pipe segment which requires more intensive handling and maintenance.
Pumping schedule assignment using chromatic graphs to reduce groundwater pumping energy consumption
Authors: Nagkoulis Nikolaos , Kontos Yiannis N. , Katsifarakis Konstantinos L.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, groundwater pumping schedules are examined, in terms of pumping energy consumption minimization. Chromatic graphs are used for the first time to assign groundwater pumping schedules. Assuming that a finite number of users pumps from a common aquifer, we examine the following three pumping scenarios: (a) all users pump simultaneously, (b) users pump during one out of two different periods, (c) users pump during one out four different periods. A computational code, based on Theis equation, is constructed to calculate the drawdowns and, subsequently, the energy consumption, for various well locations, numbers of wells, flow rates, pumping period durations and aquifers' characteristics. We use nearest neighbor graphs and chromatic graphs to represent the interactions of the well users. We compare the results obtained when chromatic graphs are used, to the optimum, which is obtained using genetic algorithms (GAs). Our results indicate that: (a) performance of chromatic graphs is good, (b) when two pumping periods are used, it is sufficient for each player to cooperate with their nearest neighbor and pump alternately. In typical cases, the energy consumption reduction can be around 10–40%. The benefit is even higher if four pumping periods are used.
Analysis on competition strategy and regulatory strategy of international river water resources system – with the participation of co-operational agencies
Authors: Xu Hao , Chen Liuxin , Li Qiongfang
Published: September 2022

In order to reasonably allocate water resources, meet the water demand of water users, and solve the frequent conflicts of water resources in international rivers, this paper explores the optimal regulation strategy of water resources with the participation of co-operational agency based on game model. Our results show that: for water users, the regulatory strategy of co-operational agencies affects the competition of water users, and the competition strategies among water users also affect each other. The economic benefits of water resources, water withdrawal costs, fine and honor value all affect the water resources competition strategy of water users. For co-operational agencies, the competition strategy of water users affects the regulatory strategy of co-operational agencies. The intensity of penalization and the regulatory cost have an impact on the regulatory strategy of co-operational agencies, but the amount of operation funds of co-operational agencies does not affect its regulatory strategy. The research shows the water resources game process of international rivers with the participation of co-operational agencies, and provides some insights for the water resources regulation of international rivers.
Desenvolvimento à Escala Humana (DEH). Perspectivas para Pensar a Arte, Atividade Física e Alimentação Enquanto Satisfatores Sinérgicos
Authors: Sampaio Carlos Alberto Cioce , Alcântara Liliane Cristine Schlemer , Silva Iransé Oliveira , Sampaio Mauro Vicenzo Bona Cioce , Alcântara Paula de
Published: September 2022

Desenvolvimento à escala humana é tema intrigante, sobretudo em tempos de Pandemia, enquanto possibilidade para (re)pensar modos de vida que sejam alternativos a sociedade de consumo. Objetiva-se revisitar a teoria do Desenvolvimento à escala humana, para tratar da arte, atividade física e alimentação, enquanto satisfatores sinérgicos das necessidades humanas fundamentais. Trata-se de um ensaio teórico, valendo-se de ilustração empírica, como bem fazia o idealizador do Desenvolvimento à escala humana, Manfred Max-Neef e seus dois colaboradores, Antônio Elizalde e Martin Hopenhayn. Arte pode representar emoções e sentimentos latentes de uma sociedade que resiste a ótica do mercado. Atividade física realizada na natureza e alimentação, ambos representam elementos da saúde integrativa, e que previnem níveis de stress desbalanceados, o que evita patologias decorrentes de um um estilo fast de vida, em decorrência da sociedade de consumo. Desenvolvimento à escala humana pode, então, estabelecer-se como estratégia de promoção de bem viver, no que se refere as suas vertentes do bem estar social e ecologismo.
Industrialization and Urbanization: An Intrinsic Relationship in the Global South
Authors: Azzulin Mayara Bormann , Jazar Manoela Massuchetto , Jedyn Adrian , Fernandes Valdir
Published: September 2022

Considering that the defining element of contemporary society is money, capitalist logic sees industrialization as an essential element. Industrialization transforms various aspects of territoriality, and it is part of the process of converting rural to urban environments. Urbanization is a global phenomenon that occurs spatially in culture, behavior, and lifestyle, but there are sensible distinctions in how it proceeds in the global north and the global south. Industrialization in developing countries took place unevenly and did not translate entirely into improved economic standards. In Brazil's case, the territorial occupation model was based on domination, ignoring environmental aspects, similarly to what happens in metropolises, in which management is often guided by the logic of neoliberal globalization, ignoring local realities. Another characteristic is that the processes of industrialization and urbanization occurred simultaneously. Such a perspective, focused on industrialization to foster urbanization, weakens other actors. The importation of transnational models effectively converts traditional production models into forms appropriate to market capitalism. However, the imposition of a hegemonic logic of domination comes with several social and environmental costs.
Ecologias Espirituais: Relação entre Espiritualidade e Conservação da Sociobiodiversidade
Authors: Amadeo Thomaz de La Rocque , Solórzano Alexandro
Published: September 2022

Cada vez mais o Antropoceno está em voga. O que isso quer dizer em termos políticos e socioambientais? A dicotomia simbólica e material entre sociedade-natureza exerce um papel fundamental na crise ecológica que enfrentamos. O momento nos convida a um olhar mais integrado entre natureza e cultura e faz-se necessário o resgate de narrativas em que o ser humano se perceba natureza. Perspectivas espirituais da natureza podem contribuir para o enaltecimento de narrativas éticas em que a natureza seja concebida como sagrada e, por isso, protegida. Na academia, as humanidades ambientais surgem nos últimos anos como um encontro de diferentes rotas epistemológicas que valorizam uma visão mais integrada de humanos e não humanos. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar o debate da ecologia espiritual no contexto das humanidades ambientais no antropoceno como uma das possíveis formas de superar a dicotomia moderna ser humano x natureza. Resgatamos pontos principais sobre a ecologia espiritual, enaltecemos o animismo como posicionamento capaz de reconfigurar nosso olhar para a natureza, criticamos o modelo atual de conservação e trazemos a proposta dos Sítios Naturais Sagrados como alternativa. Por fim, trazemos a paisagem como unidade de análise que nos permite observar relações espirituais naturezas-culturas conectando dimensões do aqui e do além.
Okulların Uzaktan Yönetimi
Authors: KESKİNKILIÇ KARA Sultan Bilge , ZAFER GÜNEŞ Demet
Published: September 2022

Uzaktan yönetim, yeni teknolojiler olarak dijital örgütlerin yükselişi ve yönü ileyakından ilişkilidir ve okullar da bu kapsamdaki örgütlerdir. Bu değişim sonucunda,okullarda yapılan en temel iş olan öğretimsel ve yönetsel eylemlerde paydaşlarla biraraya gelme ve iletişim kurma şekli gözle görülür şekilde farklılaşmıştır. Uzaktançalışma süresinin artması ve yaygınlaşması ile, bu süreçten birinci derecede etkileneninsan faktörü ve iş yapma biçimlerindeki farklılaşmalar örgütlerin amaçlarınaulaşmalarında dikkatle incelemeleri gereken bir konu haline gelmiştir. Türkiye ve diğerülkeler Covid 19 pandemisi nedeniyle zorunlu olarak uzaktan eğitime geçmiş ve bugeçişle okulların işlevinde ve derslerin kazanımlarında bir değişiklik olmamakla birlikteöğrencilerin, öğretmenlerin, yöneticilerin ayrı ayrı mekanlarda aynı amaç içinbulunmaları iş yapma şekillerinde esas değişimi yaratmıştır. Öğretmenler ve öğrencilersanal okul ortamlarındayken, her iki öğeden de beklenilen yeterlikler değişmiştir. Yeniçalışma ve ders işleme şekilleri beraberinde yönetsel süreçleri farklı şekilde uygulamayızorunlu kılmaktadır. Özelikle sistemin devamı ve eğitsel etkinliklerin niteliği açısındanyönetim, kilit noktada yer almaktadır ve bu süreçte uzaktan yönetimin nasıl olmasıgerektiği, değişen rol ve sorumluluklar ile yönetim ilkelerinin tekrar ele alınmasıgereksinimi doğmuştur. Bu nedenle araştırmanın amacı, eğitimin (okulların) uzaktanyönetiminde dikkate alınması gereken noktaları ayrıntılı bir şekilde ele almak veuzaktan yönetimin nasıl olması gerektiği konusunda önerilerde bulunmaktır.