bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proceso de dirección estratégico y responsabilidad social empresarial para potenciar el turismo en tiempos emergentes
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador Sede Ambato, Pérez Barral Osmany , Alarcón Quinapanta Mónica del Rocío ,   Universidad Regional Autónoma de Los Andes, Núñez Grijalva Jorge Vladimir ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador Sede Ambato, Hernández Junco Varna ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador Sede Ambato
Published: March 2021

El turismo es uno de los sectores de la economía que ha sido más golpeado en tiempos de pandemia, su repercusión ha sido de un impacto muy hostil y directo desde el punto de vista económico y de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial para con los trabajadores del sector y los clientes. En este sentido, la investigación tuvo como objetivo el diseño de un Proceso de Dirección Estratégico para el desarrollo y reactivación del sector del turismo en tiempos emergentes con responsabilidad social, con la finalidad, de que las organizaciones estén preparadas con tiempo para responder a las necesidades de los clientes y la sociedad en función de sus economías, finanzas y responsabilidad social, pues en muy improbable que los gerentes y directivos puedan estimar la duración de este tipo de fenómeno social. Para lo cual, la investigación realizada es de tipo descriptivaexplicativa con un enfoque mixto, lo cual permitió, transformar datos en información oportuna para tomar decisiones. Asimismo, se emplearon los métodos análisis y síntesis para el desarrollo del fundamento teórico y metodológico del estudio, dejándose explícito a partir de ello, la propuesta estratégica para el desarrollo del turismo en un contexto específico de emergencia, a partir de una proyección que está enfocada en la gestión y servicio al cliente interno y externo.
Propuesta de evaluación docente en una institución de educación superior con base en el modelo Skandia
Authors: Román Juárez Socorro , Ramírez Rosas José Gonzalo , Ortíz Carranco Araceli
Published: March 2021

El capital intelectual de una Institución de Educación Superior (IES) es de considerable importancia dado que trabaja con la transferencia de conocimientos a alumnos que se preparan para insertarse en el mercado laboral, donde las IES juegan un papel fundamental, siendo el personal docente el elemento principal en esta labor, quien conforma el capital humano, partiendo del modelo de Skandia, donde se manejan capital humano y capital estructural como principales elementos, por lo que es importante resaltar lo valioso que es evaluar a este capital para observar si éste es competitivo frente a los nuevos retos de un mundo más complejo y globalizado como el que vivimos hoy. Por ello, es muy valioso poder establecer indicadores de evaluación docente a partir del modelo de Skandia, con el fin de poder, estratégicamente, hacer más competitiva una IES. Para lo cual se llevó a cabo un estudio exploratorio de corte transversal de campo al personal docente de una Institución, cuyo objetivo fue proponer los indicadores de desempeño docente a partir del modelo Skandia, con la aplicación de un cuestionario que dio como producto una base de datos que sirvió para realizar un análisis estadístico de dos conglomerados, lo cual llevó a concluir que existe una relación directa entre el grado de preparación académica del docente para tener mejor evaluación en aspectos institucionales, no así, cuando el alumno evalúa a su profesor dado que se observó un resultado contrario.
La formación científica disciplinar de estudiantes sordos en educación superior, mediante el uso de la tecnología digital
Authors:   Corporación Universitaria Iberoamericana, Proenza José Rafael , Enríquez Lozano Carlos ,   Corporación Universitaria Iberoamericana, Serrano Galindo Sergio ,   Corporación Universitaria Iberoamericana
Published: March 2021

El proyecto permitió superar determinadas barreras comunicativas y de acceso a la información para estudiantes Sordos en el nivel de educación superior, que impiden el desarrollo y apropiación de competencias en el quehacer científico. Por lo tanto, el objetivo general del proyecto está dirigido a desarrollar competencias en el campo de la investigación, para estudiantes Sordos universitarios, a partir del apoyo de una herramienta tecnológica digital, en Lengua de Señas Colombiana, en adelante LSC. Para tal fin, se partió de un diagnóstico hecho en la comunidad Sorda que estudia en la Corporación Universitaria Iberoamericana, que permitió establecer una relación de los resultados obtenidos por estos estudiantes en todas las asignaturas que se articulan con la investigación científica, desde las perspectivas del conocimiento, el saber utilizar esos conocimientos y los intereses y motivaciones, en torno a esta disciplina. Los objetivos específicos que se cumplieron se refieren a: determinar en los estudiantes Sordos el nivel de conocimientos, su aplicación y resultados alcanzados, en el área de la Metodología de la Investigación Científica, y elaborar una herramienta tecnológica, desde una perspectiva constructivista, que soportara la apropiación de dichos conocimientos y generara motivación positiva, en los estudiantes, en torno a los contenidos de la investigación científica, en su primera lengua. La investigación siguió un enfoque cualitativo con un tipo de estudio descriptivo y los métodos y técnicas, para materializar el cómo de la investigación desarrollada, fueron; la observación no participante, los grupos focales, la entrevista, y el uso de las tecnologías, en este caso una página web 2.0. Los resultados obtenidos; fueron muy positivos en el desarrollo de competencias científicas en los estudiantes y de una herramienta tecnológica digital, que fomenta las mismas, mediante el uso de su lengua materna.
Estrategia de aprendizaje para el módulo de mercado de capitales en renta variable en la Institución Universitaria Politécnico Grancolombiano
Authors:   Institución Universitaria Politécnico Grancolombiano, Espitia López Hernando , Rojas Paredes Juan Carlos ,   Institución Universitaria Politécnico Grancolombiano, Vargas Leguizamon Yolanda Rocio ,   Institución Universitaria Politécnico Grancolombiano
Published: March 2021

Esta investigación presenta el proceso de análisis y diseño de una herramienta de aprendizaje para el módulo virtual de Mercado de capitales de la Institución Universitaria Politécnico Grancolombiano (IUPG), con el objetivo de mejorar la comprensión y funcionamiento del mercado de renta variable colombiano o de cualquier país, el estudio se realizó a través de un enfoque mixto bajo un diseño no experimental de alcance descriptivo; usando la observación y la técnica de encuesta, el instrumento tuvo un total de 9 preguntas, de las cuales 3 preguntas se realizan bajo escala tipo Likert, 4 preguntas de selección múltiple, dos de ellas con una alternativa abierta. Se pone de manifiesto que el curso de mercado de capitales presenta alguna complejidad en su proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje y que las herramientas de acceso al público disponibles resultan complejas de comprender para los estudiantes de la IUPG, además de no adaptarse a la metodología de enseñanza de la Institución, siendo una necesidad el diseño de una herramienta que incluya los componentes y estrategias pedagógicas que faciliten el aprendizaje significativo de los estudiantes.
El paisaje como factor importante en el turismo de naturaleza para el Municipio de Huauchinango, Puebla, México
Authors: Socci Tokunaga Midori , Oliva Aguilar Víctor Ramón ,   Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Escuela Superior de Turismo, García Vázquez Josué Emmanuel
Published: March 2021

El turismo se discurre como un fenómeno territorial con aspectos económicos o sociales; pero va más allá, ya que reproduce y recrea imágenes que trasladan al turista a los servicios del destino. Por lo que, la actividad turística y el paisaje son dos factores íntimamente relacionados. Deben generarse estudios que permitan describir su importancia para el desarrollo de las actividades turísticas, principalmente los de naturaleza; estos estudios son especialmente importantes ya que determina la relación del paisaje con el territorio y la comunidad receptora. El objetivo de esta investigación es el estudio y análisis de los recursos paisajísticos que otorgan identidad a las áreas en el municipio de Huauchinango, Puebla, y sus zonas aledañas para el turismo de naturaleza. Se basa en una investigación de tipo cualitativa en la que se utilizó el Método Directo de Subjetividad representativa (MDS): lo que permitió valorar la calidad estética mediante el uso de fotografías. Fue así que se generaron estrategias para el fortalecimiento de las actividades de turismo de naturaleza, teniendo principalmente el arraigo del territorio por parte de los habitantes y el beneficio que ellos obtienen a través de las actividades turísticas y el paisaje; estableciendo mecanismos de conservación para las estructuras antropogénicas, así como la involucración de los tomadores de decisiones para la conservación y recuperación de algunas zonas de paisaje.
Responsabilidad social empresarial en el parque ecoturístico “Bosque de las Truchas”, en Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo, México
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Bautista Martinez Oscar , Hernández Calzada Martín Aubert ,   Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Mendoza Moheno Jessica ,   Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo
Published: March 2021

Las empresas en México y el mundo cada día se enfrentan a más problemáticas, que van más allá de la búsqueda por generar utilidades, sino que además, deben enfocarse en cuidar en mayor medida los derechos, el trato y el bienestar de sus colaboradores, proveedores y en general todos los grupos de interés, asimismo el cuidado y protección al medio ambiente. El objetivo del presente documento tiene como finalidad mostrar las pautas o líneas estrategicas pertinentes para que una organización nacida mediante una innovación social como lo es el parque ecoturístico “Bosque de las truchas”, en Huasca de Ocampo, Hidalgo-México sea considerada una Empresa Socialmente Responsable (ESR), mediante el análisis y revisión de sus actividades y procesos; además de adentrarse en las dimensiones de la responsabilidad social, que guiarán los puntos clave de la relación organizacional empresarial, asimismo identificar distintas motivaciones que dirigen a la empresa a consolidarse como una ESR y cuáles son las acciones que le permitirán integrarse a este selecto grupo. El estudio de caso iniciara siendo exploratorio, ya que el tema ha sido poco abordado en lo general y prácticamente nunca para las empresas de índole local, y luego evoluciona a descriptivo, con enfoque Mixto. Finalmente, se concluyó con algunos puntos a fortalecer en el trabajo organizacional como la búsqueda de igualdad en los mandos más altos y crear relaciones más fuertes con proveedores.
Educación y financiación como factores estratégicos de fomento al emprendimiento en el ecosistema emprendedor de la ciudad de Ibagué
Authors:   Universidad del Tolima, Reinoso Lastra Juan Fernando , Rodríguez Barrero Mario Samuel ,   Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Vera Calderón José Alejandro ,   Universidad del Tolima
Published: March 2021

Este manuscrito se deriva de los proyectos de investigación “Análisis del ecosistema empresarial del Tolima” y “Análisis del ecosistema empresarial de la región del Alto Magdalena” avalados por la Universidad del Tolima. Como resultado de los proyectos, se ha demostrado que la formación, representada por el sistema educativo, es un factor clave para la formación de capital humano emprendedor. Asimismo, se ha demostrado que el financiamiento es un factor de inhibición o estimulación del desarrollo empresarial. La educación y el financiamiento son de especial importancia para mejorar la eficiencia del ecosistema emprendedor, bajo esta premisa, el objetivo es determinar la situación actual de la educación y el financiamiento del emprendimiento, como factores estratégicos en el ecosistema emprendedor colombiano. A partir de los elementos teóricos, basados en las metodologías para la medición del emprendimiento y la evaluación de ecosistemas de emprendimiento, se presenta un fundamento teórico sobre dos factores de análisis y sus principales resultados a nivel nacional y regional. El estudio es correlacional con un enfoque mixto, dados sus componentes cualitativos y cuantitativos. La investigación comprende tres etapas, durante la primera se recopiló información en 208 instituciones educativas, en la segunda se recopiló en 13 instituciones financieras, y en la tercera se consultó a 32 instituciones que forman parte del ecosistema emprendedor. Los resultados muestran una alta capacidad de recursos y esfuerzos institucionales individuales que pueden ser reorientados hacia fines colectivos, para mejorar la efectividad del ecosistema a través de su articulación en los aspectos referenciados, enfocados en la formación para el emprendimiento y su financiamiento.
La imagen en el comercio minorista de bienes. Tiendas de la sucursal comercial caracol Ciego de Ávila
Authors:   Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas, González Morales Dunia , Díaz Negrín Leanet , Duffus Miranda Dayana ,   Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas
Published: March 2021

La presente investigación se desarrolla con el objetivo de diagnosticar la imagen de las tiendas pertenecientes a la Sucursal Comercial Caracol Ciego de Ávila. El estudio permite profundizar en la categoría imagen desde la óptica del comercio minorista de bienes en una de las cadenas de tiendas más prestigiosas en el ámbito nacional. Para el despliegue investigativo se emplea la alternativa metodológica mixta y el Diseño Secuencial Exploratorio (DEXPLOS) en el que se trabaja en un primer momento con datos cualitativos y posteriormente se propone el uso de las técnicas cuantitativas. Se concluye que la imagen de las tiendas de la cadena Caracol de la provincia de Ciego de Ávila es muy buena. El principal resultado investigativo es el diagnóstico de imagen; el que se recomienda emplear como apoyo a los estudios propios de la Sucursal Comercial Caracol Ciego de Ávila, asimismo se sugiere aplicar el cuestionario a los consumidores para obtener resultados de mayor rigor científico.
Inteligencia emocional, un influenciador estratégico para expandir mercados
Authors:   Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Calle Piedrahita Juan Santiago , Isaza Zapata Gloria María ,   Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Portilla-Rosero Byron
Published: March 2021

Las empresas ofrecen productos (tangibles) o servicios (intangibles) al combinar estrategias de mercadeo para aumentar las ventas, lo que produce el generar un desempeño ampliado. Sin embargo, un factor poco estudiado en el mercadeo ha sido la influencia de la inteligencia emocional para cautivar a los prospectos y clientes a adquirir los beneficios ofrecidos por las empresas. Es decir, no es solo el estudio del comportamiento del consumidor, sino, entrar en analizar las emociones del cliente para ofrecer condiciones que cumplan esas necesidades. A su vez, estas emociones trascienden el mercadeo experiencial, ya que este se estudia después de realizar la compra. Por ende, el objetivo se centra en analizar los factores de la inteligencia emocional que aportan a elaborar estrategias para expandir el mercado. Con relación a lo anterior, se pregunta ¿cómo la inteligencia emocional contribuye a establecer estrategias que apalanquen la expansión de mercados? La metodología empleada es desde el paradigma cuantitativo con la técnica de encuesta estructurada con escala Likert y definida en dos bloques: inteligencia emocional (IE) y estrategia de mercadeo (ESM). Se aplica la encuesta durante el 2017 y 2018 a gerentes de PYME’s de tipo comercializadoras de la ciudad de Medellín. Se establece como hipótesis que: a mayor inteligencia emocional se apalanca positivamente las estrategias de mercadeo. El hallazgo detecta que, hay correlación positiva baja entre la inteligencia emocional y la formulación de estrategias para expandir el mercado. En conclusión, la inteligencia emocional es difícil de analizar en el comportamiento de los consumidores, lo cual afecta las estrategias para expandir mercados.
Análisis de la energía eólica como sustituto para la energía convencional en casas del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Ayala Ricardo , Freire Juan , López Juan , Salazar Javier
Published: March 2021

En este trabajo se plantea el análisis de la energía producida por turbinas de viento, que son dispositivos diseñados para el aprovechamiento de la velocidad del viento, y la energía cinética que esta causa cuando impacta en unos álabes dispuesto para este fin. El movimiento provocado es aprovechado para la obtención de energía. Este tipo de sistemas es altamente utilizado, ya que una turbina puede generar entre 5kW hasta 10KW. En este trabajo se analiza el diseño, construcción, y aplicaciones más significativas en la vida doméstica, para el aprovechamiento de energía limpia y la reducción de energías convencionales. Setoman en cuenta trabajos científicos relevantes que brindan un aporte significativo a esta temática de estudio.

Palabras Clave: Turbinas eólicas, energía, electricidad.

Referencias

[1]I. Montalvo y J. Cabezas, «Diseño de Prototipo de Aerogenerador con almacenamiento de energía, monitoreado por un sistema SCADA,» Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, 2011.

[2]E. B, «¿Qué países son los mayores productores de energía eólica?,» elBoletin, p. 1, 12 octubre 2017.

[3]Departamento de Energía de EE.UU, «Sistemas Eólicos Pequeños para Generación de Electricidad,» 2007.

[4]K. Molina, D. Ortega, M. Martinez, W. Pinto-Hernández y O. A. E. González, «Modelado de la interacción fluido estructura (FSI) para el diseño de una turbina eólica HAWT,» 2018.

[5]H. Rudnick Van de Wyngard, «Evolución de Costos ERNC,» Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, 2012.

[6]D. A. Maldonado Rivera y D. X. De Jerónimo Toromoreno, «Ubicación de un Parque de Energía Eólica en la Costa Ecuatoriana,» Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, 2008.

[7]B. Miranda, «Coca Codo Sinclair: los problemas de la multimillonaria represa que China construyó en Ecuador, » BBC NEWS, 25 febrero 2019.

[8]L. G. Carrasco Sanzana y M. A. Mardones Sepúlveda, «Estudio de instalación de un Aerogenerador en el Colegio Concepción Pedro de Valdivia,» Universidad del Bío-Bío, Concepción, 2015.

[9]A. F. Ugalde Vázquez, «Prohibido Olvidar,» El Mercurio, Cuenca, 2021.

[10]Instituto nacional de estadística y censos, «Información ambiental en hogares,» Ecuador, 2012.

[11]SectorElectricidad, «¿Cómo funcionan las turbinas eólicas?,» Sector Electricidad, 2017.

[12]Popular Mechanics, «¿Cómo funcionan los aerogeneradores?,» World Energy Trade, 2019.
Malnutrition Management in adults in times of Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fuentes Yodali Jiménez , A.Padilla Janice
Published: March 2021

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Establishment of CD4 and CD8 Lymphocyte subsets in a healthy HIV and Toxoplasma seronegative pregnant women in Libya
Authors: Amro Ahmad
Published: March 2021

Most of the diagnostic laboratories in Libya often depend on western textbooks for CD4+- and CD8+ T-lymphocyte reference values. In this paper, we established reference ranges for the Libyan Toxoplasma, HIV, HBV, and HCV seronegative healthy pregnant women in all trimesters of pregnancy, and compared them with a control group of non-pregnant women. Wholeblood samples were collected to provide normal ranges for CD4+ and CD8+ Lymphocyte subsets expressed as mean ± standard division. A total of 110 Libyan women who came from Tripoli and Zwara districts were investigated; 70 pregnant women

(aged 27.8 ± 2.99, range 18-40 years old) and 40 non-pregnant women (aged 22.7±3.01, range 18-40 years old) were included as controls. All cases/controls were seronegative for toxoplasmosis, HIV, HBV and HCV. The CD4+ cell counts were 685±256 cell/#l at the first trimester (T1), 740±202 at T2, and 923±203 cell/#l at T3. While the CD8+ cell counts were 451±171 cell/#l at T1, 541±168 at T2, and 753±190 cell/#l at T3. The CD4:CD8 ratios were 1.5±0.64 at T1, 1.4±0.51 at T2, and 1.2±0.36 at T3. Moreover, the mean absolute CD4+ and CD8+ counts for the control group were 1001±232 cell/#l and 717±159 cell/#l respectively. Absolute counts of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in pregnant women were significantly lower as compared to controls (P<0.05). Statistically significant decrease in the CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts was reported during T1 (P<0.05). These values increased significantly during the T2, and was comparable to the controls during T3 (P>0.05). The absolute CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts

decreased with age for both groups. Geographical variation was reported for the cell counts between Tripoli and Zwara district at T3. We established reference ranges of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes for the Libyan healthy pregnant women and discussed their use as prognostic markers. Further cohorts with greater sample size may be required to define the stage of the disease in relation to the normal CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte count subsets in the Libyan population.
The long Non-coding RNA Orchestrator of Cancer Axis of Evil Insights into the Multiple Modes of Action of the H19 Gene
Authors: Matouk Imad
Published: March 2021

Increasing evidence has indicated that the non-coding RNA molecules play central roles in almost all biological processes and many pathological conditions including carcinogenesis. This review focuses on the pathological tumorigenic role of the first discovered long non-coding RNA gene called H19 and its pivotal contribution to the cancer axis of evil. H19 RNA utilizes a variety of mechanisms to perform its pathological function. Some key unanswered questions are presented by the end. Understanding the H19 RNA mechanisms of action will shed light into the class of long non-coding RNA which contains thousands of members mostly with unknown function and will help in delineating the pathological role played by at least some of them.
Prevalence of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients reporting to the West Bank governmental hospitals in the period between January 2015 and December 2018
Authors: Bitar Dina
Published: March 2021

Vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies are major public health problems; they may result from inappropriate low exposure to sunlight, autoimmune diseases or diminished intake. These two deficiencies have been extensively studied globally: causes, e"ects, treatment, as well as epidemiology. In Palestine the epidemiology of vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies has not been addressed. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies in patients reporting to the West Bank (WB) governmental hospitals in the period between January 2015 and December 2018. It is a retrospective cross-sectional study for the data collected from medical records of patients tested for these deficiencies in 12 WB governmental hospitals for the three years period. Out of 30890 patients tested for vitamin D levels, 88% had insu!cient vitamin D levels (< 30 ng/ml), whereas out of 43532 patients tested for vitamin B12, 19% had insu!cient vitamin B12 levels (< 203 pg/ml). The percentage of patients with insu!cient vitamin D levels is alarming. The percentage of patients with insu!cient vitamin B12 levels falls within ranges reported by other studies in various countries. In conclusion, this study revealed an alarmingly high percentage (88%) of vitamin D deficiency below the reference su!ciency level among patients suspected to have such a deficiency. Around one fifth of the patients tested for vitamin B12 had insu!cient levels. Because testing for vitamin D is costly, we suggest, that medical suspicion of vitamin D deficiency would be adequate to initiate treatment to alleviate the expense, especially in high-risk groups such as elderly women. Future studies have to address major risk factors contributing to these deficiencies that are specific to our community.
Assessment of job satisfaction and job related stress among pharmacists in the West Bank, Palestine
Authors: Khdour Maher
Published: March 2021

Job satisfaction is considered one of the essential factors contributing to a person’s motivation, productivity and overall well-being, the present study aimes to assess job satisfaction and job-related stress levels among pharmacists that are currently registered and practicing in Palestine. we report a cross-sectional survey, including measures of satisfaction and stress (Health Professions Stress Inventory) questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests and one way ANOVAs. The significance level was set at P<0.05. Out of 694 questionnaires distributed, 576 were returned; 14 were not completed and excluded from analysis giving a net of 554 (79.8%) participants. Most of the respondents in the analysis sample were female (58.3%) working in community pharmacies (73.6%). The level of job satisfaction was 58.5%, the variables that contributed to the statistically significant, di"erences in the degree of job satisfaction were the region (p<0.001) and the monthly income (p<0.001). The t-tests and ANOVA analyses revealed that hospital pharmacists were the least likely to respond that job conflicts with family responsibility as a source of stress compared with community pharmacists (3.11 vs 2.14; p<0.001) and least likely scores in the professional recognition domain (3.21 vs. 2.79; p =0.04), respectively. Other job stressors like excessive work load, lack of promotion opportunities and poor physician pharmacists’ relationship have also been reported. Work life of pharmacists should be enhanced in order to improve their motivation and ability, because failure to reduce stress among workers puts both pharmacists and patients at risk
Links between nutrition, life style habits and academic acheivment in Palestinian schoolchildren: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Qasrawi Radwan
Published: March 2021

Objective: To examine the association between nutrition, physical activity, lifestyle, the combined behavior e"ect, and the schoolchildren's academic achievement. Design: Observational and cross-sectional study. Setting: West Bank, Palestine. Participants: A group of schoolchildren (n=1945) in grades 5-9 (11-16 years). Measurements: Students were surveyed about the their ’dietary, physical activity (PA), leisure time activity, and academic achievement. Academic achievement was measured using students' marks in Arabic, English, math, science courses, and the total average score. The linear regression model was conducted to analyze the relationship between dietary, PA, combined behavior, and academic achievement, while adjusted for demographic confounders; body mass index (BMI), and parental education. Results: Findings indicated that healthy nutrition and adequate levels of PA significantly predict achievement scores. In both boys and girls, high academic achievement was associated with a high intake of fruits and vegetables (AOR: 1.1 (0.72-1.68); 1.18(0.81-1.7), and (AOR: 1.21(0.8-1.82); 1.33(0.93-1.91), respectively. In both girls and boys, high academic achievement was associated with low intake of soft drink, beverages (juice with sugar) and energy drink (AOR: (0.75(0.47-1.19), 0.85(0.58-1.27)); (0.99(0.63-1.57), 0.76(0.52-1.12)); (0.66(0.38-1.15), 0.49(0.27-0.89)), respectively. The active and healthy nutrition group scored higher on Arabic, English, math, science, and total average score. Conclusions: There is a strong relationship between healthy nutrition, acceptable PA, and the average academic achievement within schoolchildren. Findings emphasize the importance of linking nutrition, school PA, and health policies for improving cognitive functions and academic performance of Palestinian schoolchildren. Thus, school-based healthy lifestyle educational, health behaviors policy, and recommendation programs may have a greater e"ect on students’ academic achievement.
Characterization of Leishmania Ulcers Microbiota Using Next Generation Sequencing: Leishmania Ulcers Microbiota
Authors: Ereqat Suheir
Published: March 2021

The human skin microbiome is a major source of bacteria in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) ulcers following the fall of the crust and the subsequent formation of a shallow depression in the epidermis and dermis of the skin. As a result, secondary bacterial infections are frequently observed which impair the healing process. Our study aimed at studying the bacterial communities in CL lesions using next-generation sequencing. A total of 298 patients (178 males and 120 females; median age of 17) presenting ulcerated skin lesions suspected with CL were included in this study. CL was confirmed in 153 (51%) cases by ITS1-PCR and/ or microscopy. Based on bacterial 16S rRNA-PCR, 92 samples were positive for the presence of bacteria, while 206 samples were negative and excluded from the microbiome study. A total of 925 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were identified and assigned to 215 genera. Despite insignificant difference in the microbiome composition between CL and non-CL lesions, the phylum level analysis revealed that Actinobacteria was significantly higher in CL ulcers while Protoeobacteria was significantly higher in non-CL ulcers (X2, P=0.039).

The relative abundance of the most commonly encountered skin pathogens i. e E coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter, Enterococcus and Acinetobacter species were significantly higher in non-CL ulcers (X2, P<0.05) compared to Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis which were higher in CL ulcers (P<0.05). Our data showed that bacterial communities did not cluster according to the Leishmania infection. Nonetheless, bacterial diversity was lower in CL compared to non-CL lesions. Presence of pathogenic bacteria in CL lesions such as S. aureus might exacerbate lesions, hinder diagnosis, and delay healing.
Rapids
Authors: Knaack Ulrich , Klein Tillmann , Strauß Holger
Published: March 2021

Processes of construction are related to available technologies of production and assembly. IT has made a deep impact on design possibilities and the control of production logistics, enabling feats such as freeform architecture and increasingly precise elaboration. Alternately, the idea of Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Manufacturing Technology provides the chance to create one-off components and elements for architecture. We now have the opportunity to design and construct without the disadvantages of production resistance and assembly needs - to realise genuine IT-driven architecture.
Energy
Authors: Knaack Ulrich , Auer Thomas , Bilow Marcel , Hildebrand Linda
Published: March 2021

Climate design and climate engineering are nowadays standard in the design process. The more successful we are in this, the less energy we need to run the building during its useful life and we can focus instead on an additional aspect: the embodied energy – the energy we need for the material production and construction process. Interestingly, the reduction in energy used in a climate-efficient building during its lifetime is equal to the energy consumption necessary to produce and install the building. This aspect triggers us to reconsider the design potentials of focusing on less energy in the construction. Which materials make sense energy-wise? Do we need to build with simple materials for 500 years or should we go high-tech and design the complete life cycle for a perfect reuse with maximum recyclable materials? Or should we build out of materials that can be used as energy after being a building? This publication focuses on the embodied energy aspects of building materials, their life cycle and their potentials for reuse as energy or in construction, and presents some far-reaching design ideas.
REIMAGINING HOUSING
Authors: Knaack Ulrich , Hildebrand Linda , Konstantinou Thaleia
Published: March 2021

This volume of the imagine book series is called reimagine housing because our intent is to identify new approaches for the refurbishment of existing buildings with a focus on residential housing. It’s that simple – and that complex! The topic can be divided into several aspects which are reflected in the individual chapters of this book. Firstly, the technical background of a building and its energetic performance (this goes without saying!). A following chapter discusses the energetic value of existing constructions by evaluating the embodied energy of the overall construction, as well as the potential of building materials with lower embodied energy due to more sustainable production methods (an interesting new topic!). Then we have to study the potential and beauty of reuse – exemplified by some well executed cases which are divided into the following five categories: “restore,” “keep the spirit,” “refresh,” “spice it up” and “all new.” If we succeed in restoring a building’s spirit in one or other way and create a building that is appreciated and requires less operating energy and hence less carbon emission und low operational costs, we have addressed all relevant aspects. What is the best way to go about this? We will not succeed if newly developed methods are only made accessible via formal descriptions or regulations. Knowledge needs to be spread in an accessible manner to entice people to do good: because it will provide better solutions, possibly even at no extra cost! This is the goal of the imagine book series in general – it is made for designers and users, manufactures and decision makers – expressing ways in which things can work in an aesthetic, technical, imaginative and resourceful manner. The books are intended to convince us to think differently and follow new paths.
CONCRETABLE
Authors: Knaack Ulrich , Hickert Sascha , Hildebrand Linda
Published: March 2021

This volume of Imagine demonstrates in an impressive manner the many facets of the material concrete, and introduces unusual approaches for sustainable buildings. It becomes clear how, with concrete, we can expand the architectural design vocabulary and align it with today’s technical requirements. The authors document how creative collaboration and unconventional thought experiments between architects thinking outside the box and imaginative engineers can produce entirely new and surprising ideas for the use of the building material concrete. Herewith, concrete proves its transformation ability and great potential for innovation.
Factores motivacionales del cumplimiento tributario en los contribuyentes que residen en zonas rurales del Ecuador
Authors:   Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral. Ecuador, MARQUEZ C. , TELLO G. ,   Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral. Ecuador, LEGARDA C. ,   Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral. Ecuador, HENRIQUEZ V. ,   Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral. Ecuador, BURGOS J. ,   Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral. Ecuador
Published: March 2021

Esta investigación propone analizar los factores explicativos del comportamiento del contribuyente en el cumplimiento fiscal. Se encuestó a 71 líderes/lideresas de cada recinto perteneciente al Cantón Valencia-Ecuador, por su cercanía con las autoridades públicas. Se decidió analizar desde la Teoría de la acción humana e Institucional. Se obtuvo resultados como una relación positiva entre la moral tributaria y los pilares institucionales sobre cumplimiento tributario a excepción de la percepción del servicio público.
Dissecting Economic Growth in Uruguay
Authors: Che Natasha
Published: March 2021

Uruguay experienced one of its biggest economic booms in history during 2004-2014.
Since then, growth has come down significantly. The paper investigates the various causes
of the boom and discusses the sustainability of these causes. It then compares Uruguay
against high-growth countries that were once at a similar income level, across a broad set
of structural indicators, to identify priority reform areas that could improve long-term
growth prospect.
The Transmission of External Shocks in Asia
Authors: Deb Pragyan , Nadeem Sanaa , Peiris Shanaka
Published: March 2021

Asian economies are increasingly integrated to the global economy through trade and financial linkages, exposing them to the international financial cycle. This paper explores how external shocks are transmitted to Asian economies and whether the use of policies, such as the monetary policy interest rate, foreign exchange intervention (FXI) and macroprudential measures (MPMs), can mitigate the impact of these external shocks. It uses panel quantile regressions on a sample of 14 Asian advanced and emerging economies (AEs and EMs) to assess the impact of financial and real shocks on investment and GDP growth at the median and 5th percentile tail. It finds that external financial shocks tend to have a larger effect on Asian economies than real shocks, and that the main transmission channels through which shocks are propagated are capital flows (particularly via corporate and bank balance sheets) for EMs, and credit for AEs. It also finds evidence that for Asian EMs, FXI may help dampen the capital flows and real exchange rate channels and mitigate financial shocks in the short run, and monetary policy transmission tends to be relatively weak; meanwhile MPMs can help mitigate the credit channel for both AEs and EMs.
Revisiting the Stabilization Role of Public Banks
Authors: Ture H. Elif
Published: March 2021

This paper revisits the stabilization role of public banks and analyzes whether weak public finances may hinder this role. During the global financial crisis (GFC), public banks were widely used to counter the private credit crunch and prop up the economy. Using cross-country bank-level data for 125 advanced and developing economies for 1999–2018, the paper finds public bank lending to be less procyclical than private bank lending on average, particularly during busts. A key result, however, is that in developing economies with high public debt levels, public bank lending has been more procyclical, particularly outside of the GFC period. This finding suggests high public debt can limit the stabilization role of public banks during domestic busts, likely reflecting higher financing costs public banks face and lower subsidies they receive in economies with tighter budget constraints.
Is There Money on the Table? Evidence on the Magnitude of Profit Shifting in the Extractive Industries
Authors: Beer Sebastian , Devlin Dan
Published: March 2021

Profit shifting remains a key concern in international tax system debate, but discussions are largely based on aggregate estimates, with less attention paid to individual sectors. Drawing on a novel dataset, we quantify tax avoidance risks in the extractive industries, a sector which is revenue critical for many developing economies. We find that a one percentage point increase in the domestic corporate tax rate has historically reduced sectoral profits by slightly over 3 percent; and the response tends to be more pronounced among mining than among hydrocarbon firms. There is only weak evidence transfer pricing rules contain tax minimization efforts of MNEs in our sample, but interest limitation rules (e.g., thin capitalization or earnings based rules) do reduce the observable extent of profit shifting. Our findings highlight the challenge of taxing income in the natural resource sector and suggest how fiscal regime design might be strengthened.
Bank Balance Sheets and External Shocks in Asia
Authors: Chen Zefeng , Nadeem Sanaa , Peiris Shanaka
Published: March 2021

In emerging Asia, banks constitute the dominant source of financing consumption and investment, and bank balance sheets comprise large gross FX assets and liabilities. This paper extends the DSGE model of Gertler and Karadi (2011) to incorporate these key features and estimates a panel vector autoregression on ten Asian economies to understand the role of the banking sector in transmitting spillovers from the global financial cycle to small open economies. It also evaluates the effectiveness of foreign exchange intervention
(FXI) and other macroeconomic policies in responding to external financing shocks. External financial shocks affect net external liabilities of banks and the exchange rate, leading to changes in credit supply by banks and investment. For example, a capital outflow shock leads to a deprecation that reduces the net worth and intermediation capacity of banks exposed to foreign currency liabilities. In such cases, the exchange rate acts as shock amplifier and sterilized FXI, often deployed by Asian economies, can help cushion the economy. By contrast, with real shocks, the exchange rate serves as a shock absorber, and any FXI that weakens that function can be costly. We also explore the effectiveness of the monetary policy interest rate, macroprudential policies (MPMs) and capital flow management measures (CFMs).
Macro-Fiscal Management Practices in Eastern and Southern Africa
Authors: Battersby Bryn , Lienert Ian
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the institutional arrangements of the macro-fiscal function in 16 African countries. Most ministries of finance (MoFs) have established a macro-fiscal department or unit, but their functions, size, structure and outputs vary considerably. Based on a survey, we present data on staff size, functional scope and the forecasting performance of macro-fiscal departments and identify common challenges in the countries reviewed. Some MoFs perform many macro-fiscal functions, but actions of various kinds are needed to strengthen their macro-fiscal departments. This paper provides some guidance for policy-makers in the region for enhancing the quality and scope of macro-fiscal outputs.
Central African Republic
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. African Dept.
Published: March 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on C.A.R.’s economy but appears now somewhat contained. The number of positive cases and related deaths has been very limited over the last few months, even though most containment measures have been progressively loosened. Despite some progress since the February 2019 peace agreement, the security situation remains precarious. Despite some delays in voter registration, the first round of the presidential and general elections is still scheduled on December 27.
Japan’s Foreign Assets and Liabilities
Authors: Colacelli Mariana , Gautam Deepali , Rebillard Cyril
Published: March 2021

The composition of Japan’s current account balance has changed over time, with an increasing income balance primarily reflecting a growing net foreign asset position and higher corporate saving. A comparison of Japan’s income balance with peer countries highlights: (i) relatively high yields on FDI assets, and (ii) very low FDI liabilities in Japan. Panel estimation is used to derive separate exchange rate elasticities for income credit and debit, with novel accounting that disentangles the mechanical from the economic response to exchange rate fluctuations. Despite the changing composition of Japan’s current account balance, its response to exchange rate movements still operates mostly through the traditional trade channel, with a small but reinforcing contribution from the income balance.
Review of The Debt Sustainability Framework For Market Access Countries
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Strategy, Policy, &,   Review Department
Published: March 2021

A careful review has revealed significant scope to modernize and better align the MAC DSA with its objectives and the IMF’s lending framework. This note proposes replacing the current framework with a new methodology based on risk assessments at three different horizons.
Extensive testing has shown that the proposed framework has much better predictive accuracy than the current one. In addition to predicting sovereign stress, the framework can be used to derive statements about debt stabilization under current policies and about debt sustainability.
Iraq
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. Fiscal Affairs Dept.
Published: March 2021

Iraq is substantially exposed to fiscal risks related to guarantees issued by the State, with a stock of guarantees related to foreign currency service payments and debt of USD 21.7 billion at end-June 2017 and a stock of domestic guarantees that remains to be fully assessed. In 2017, the Council of Ministers approved a set of procedures to tighten controls on the approval of State guarantees. Nevertheless, misreporting cases highlight the need to further strengthen capacities and institutional arrangements to effectively identify and monitor the fiscal implications of guarantees, including in the context of EBFs’ operations.
Electricity Consumption and Temperature
Authors: Yao Jiaxiong
Published: March 2021

Past studies on the relationship between electricity consumption and temperature
have primarily focused on individual countries. Many regions are understudied as a result of data constraint. This paper studies the relationship on a global scale, overcoming the data constraint by using grid-level night light and temperature data. Mostly generated by electricity and recorded by satellites, night light has a strong linear relationship with electricity consumption and is correlated with both its extensive and intensive margins. Using night light as a proxy for electricity consumption at the grid level, we find: (1) there is a
U-shaped relationship between electricity consumption and temperature; (2) the critical point of temperature for minimum electricity consumption is around 14.6°C for the world and it is higher in urban and more industrial areas; and (3) the impact of temperature on electricity consumption is persistent. Sub-Saharan African countries, while facing a large electricity deficit already, are particularly vulnerable to climate change: a 1°C increase in temperature is estimated to increase their electricity demand by 6.7% on average.
At A Cost
Authors: Mooij Ruud A. , Liu Li
Published: March 2021

Thin capitalization rules (TCRs) aim to mitigate profit shifting by multinational corporations
(MNCs) but, by raising the cost of capital for affected affiliates, can also negatively affect real investment. Exploiting unique panel data on multinational companies in 34 countries during 2006-2014, we estimate that the size of this adverse investment effect can be large, and dependent on the statutory corporate tax rate and the tightness of the safe-haven ratio. Negative investment effects are more pronounced for highly-levered firms for which TCRs are more likely to be binding.
Recognizing Reality—Unification of Official and Parallel Market Exchange Rates
Authors: Gray Simon
Published: March 2021

Some central banks have maintained overvalued official exchange rates, while unable to ensure that supply of foreign exchange meets legitimate demand for current account transactions at that price. A parallel exchange rate market develops, in such circumstances; and when the spread between the official and parallel rates is both substantial and sustained, price levels in the economy typically reflect the parallel market exchange rate. “Recognizing reality” by allowing economic agents to use a market clearing rate benefits economic activity without necessarily leading to more inflation. But a unified, market-clearing exchange rate will not stabilize without a supportive fiscal and monetary context. A number of country case studies are included; my thanks to Jie Ren for pulling together all the data for the country case studies, and the production of the charts.
The Impact of Political Uncertainty on Asset Prices
Authors: Hanna Joseph , Hansen Niels-Jakob , MacDonald Margaux
Published: March 2021

How did expectations of the outcome of the United Kingdom's (UK) referendum on European Union (EU) membership in 2016 affect prices in financial markets? We study this using high frequency data from betting and financial markets. We find that a one percentage point increase in the probability of "Leave" result caused British stocks (FTSE All-Share) to decline by 0.004 percent, and the Pound to depreciate by 0.006 percent against the euro. We find negative and significant effects for most sub-sectors, and negative spill-overs to other EU member countries. We show that the differential impact across sectors and countries can be explained by differences in the trade exposures.