bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of voluntary disclosure on financial performance: Empirical study on manufacturing industry in Indonesia
Authors: Meiryani  , Huang Shi Ming , Soepriyanto Gatot , Jessica  , Fahlevi Mochammad , Grabowska Sandra , Aljuaid Mohammed
Published: June 2023

The manufacturing sector’s adherence to managing natural resources from the environment still needs to be improved. This study’s objective is to determine how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) influences the financial performance of manufacturing firms featured in the LQ45 Index, as measured by Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Net Profit Margin (NPM). All manufacturing companies that are included in the LQ45 Index’s population for this study were sampled using the purposive sampling method. This study uses secondary data from the CSRI based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 standard for 2018–2020 and the annual reports of companies in the manufacturing industry sector listed on the LQ45 Index. Moreover, applying a quantitative methodology, descriptive statistical methods, conventional assumption tests, and simple linear regression analysis were applied in this study’s data analysis. The results of the study proved that CSR has a significant effect on ROA but does not affect the ROE and NPM of LQ45 manufacturing companies. In accordance with the signaling theory, CSR disclosure sends a favourable message to outsiders, which stakeholders and shareholders will respond to through changes in business earnings. CSR implementation can establish a positive image for the company, but it can also improve the company’s image in both the commodity and capital markets. Investors will be more attracted to a company with a positive corporate image since a positive corporate image increases consumer loyalty. As consumer loyalty rises, the company’s sales will likewise rise, and its profitability will increase as a result. This paper opens a new research path in corporate social responsibility and financial performance for possible links among variables; a matter that has not been previously explored in Indonesia Manufacturing Public Companies.
Adjuvant use of melatonin for pain management in endometriosis-associated pelvic pain—A randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Söderman Lisa , Böttiger Ylva , Edlund Måns , Järnbert-Pettersson Hans , Marions Lena
Published: June 2023

Considering the pharmacological treatment options for endometriosis-associated pain are confined to hormonal therapy and analgesics, we studied the analgesic effect of 20 mg melatonin as an adjuvant therapy in women with endometriosis-associated pain. This randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the Research Center for Womens’ Health at Södersjukhuset, a university hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Forty women from 18 to 50 years of age with endometriosis and severe dysmenorrhea with or without chronic pelvic pain were given 20 mg Melatonin or placebo orally daily for two consecutive menstrual cycles or months. The level of pain was recorded daily on the 11-point numeric rating scale, a difference of 1.3 units was considered clinically significant. Clincaltrials.gov nr NCT03782740. Sixteen participants completed the study in the placebo group and 18 in the melatonin group. The difference in endometriosis-associated pain between the groups showed to be non-significant statistically as well as clinically, 2.9 (SD 1.9) in the melatonin group and 3.3 (SD 2.0) in the placebo group, p = 0.45. This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial could not show that 20 mg of melatonin given orally at bedtime had better analgesic effect on endometriosis-associated pain compared with placebo. No adverse effects were observed.
Morpho-biometric characterization of indigenous chicken ecotypes in north-western Ethiopia
Authors: Muluneh Bekalu , Taye Mengistie , Dessie Tadelle , Wondim Dessie Salilew , Kebede Damitie , Tenagne Andualem
Published: June 2023

Morphological characterization of Animal Genetic Resources is the first step to documenting diversity and designing breed specific breeding programs. The current study characterized the morpho-biometric variation of indigenous chicken ecotypes prevailing in northwestern Ethiopia. A multi-stage purposive, stratified, and random sampling method was employed to select the study areas and chickens. A total of 1200 adult chickens were sampled and characterized for 12 qualitative and 11 quantitative traits. Univariate and multivariate data analysis methods were employed to analyze the data using SAS and R statistical software. Red plumage colour (33.2%), white and red earlobe colour (73.8%) and yellow shank colour (57.0%) were the most predominant colour trait categories. Sex, agro-ecology, location, and the interaction of sex and location had a highly significant (p<0.001) effect on all body measurements. Shank traits were found to have the highest discriminating power in both sexes. The overall classification rates for the female and male sample populations were 57.47% and 69.97%, respectively. The squared Mahalanobis distances between sites were significant (p<0.001) for both sexes. The longest distance was obtained between North Achefer and Banja (19.25) and between North Achefer and Dembecha (16.80) in female and male chickens, respectively. In female chickens, canonical variates 1 (CAN 1) and 2 (CAN 2) explained 82% of total variation and distinctly separated the sample populations of North Achefer and Jawi from others. In male chickens, 90% of the total variance is explained by CAN1, CAN2, and CAN3, which distinctly separate the sample populations of the North Achefer, Sinan, and Jawi, among others. Using cluster analysis, the indigenous chickens found in the study area could be classified into four ecotypes: ecotype 1 (Banja, Dembecha, and Aneded), ecotype 2 (North Achefer), ecotype 3 (Sinan), and ecotype 4 (Jawi).
Dual-band and high-efficiency metasurface-based circular-to-linear polarization converter
Authors: Lin Baoqin , Huang Wenzhun , Guo Jianxin , Wang Yanwen , Zhu Rui , Ji Xiang
Published: June 2023

In this paper, to achieve circular-to-linear polarization conversion, a novel polarization converter based on an anisotropic metasurface is proposed. Because the polarization converter is an orthotropic anisotropic structure with a pair of mutually perpendicular symmetric axes u and v, theoretical analysis shows that the polarization converter can achieve circular-to-linear polarization conversion if its reflection phase difference Δφuv under u-polarized and v-polarized incidences is close to ±90°. Numerical simulations show that the reflection phase difference Δφuv of the polarization converter is very close to +90° in two separated frequency ranges, so the polarization converter can achieve high-efficiency and dual-band CP-to-LP polarization conversion, it can convert right-handed circular-polarized (RHCP) and left-handed circular-polarized (LHCP) waves into y-polarized and x-polarized waves respectively in the two separated frequency bands of 8.08–9.27 GHz and 13.80–27.11 GHz; moreover, its polarization conversion rate (PCR) is kept larger than 99.7% in the two frequency bands. Finally, to validate the design, a prototype is manufactured and measured, the measured results are in good agreement with the simulated ones.
Implications of tree expansion in shrubland ecosystems for two generalist avian predators
Authors: Young A. C. , Katzner T. E. , Shinneman D. J. , Johnson T. N.
Published: June 2023

Shrublands globally have undergone structural changes due to plant invasions, including the expansion of native trees. Removal of native conifer trees, especially juniper (Juniperus spp.), is occurring across the Great Basin of the western U.S. to support declining sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) habitats and associated wildlife species, such as greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). One justification for conifer removal is that it may improve survival of sagebrush-associated wildlife by reducing the abundance of avian predators. However, the relationship between conifer expansion and predator distributions has not been explicitly evaluated. Further, although structural characteristics of habitat are important for generalist predators, overall prey abundance may also affect habitat use by predators. We examined habitat use of common ravens (Corvus corax) and red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), two generalist predators whose populations are increasing in western North America, to variation in structural characteristics and prey distributions in sagebrush habitat that has experienced conifer expansion. Structural characteristics of habitat were important predictors of habitat use for both ravens and red-tailed hawks, whereas measures of prey abundance were unimportant for both species likely because generalist predators can use a wide variety of food resources. Ravens, but not red-tailed hawks, responded positively to increasing cover of juniper and the probability of habitat use was highest (> 0.95) where juniper cover within 100 m was > 20%. Habitat use by red-tailed hawks, but not ravens, was greater near cliffs but was not associated with juniper cover. Our study suggests that the removal of conifer in similar environments may lower the probability of habitat use for ravens, a common predator with significant impacts on many prey species. Therefore, we suggest conifer removal may improve sage-grouse reproductive success and survival depending on responses to conifer removal from other predators. Our results may be reflective of similar changes in rangeland ecosystems around the world undergoing expansion of conifer and other woody vegetation. Though species identities differ from sagebrush habitats, generalist avian predators in other habitats may have similar relationships with structural resources.
Covid-19 vaccine roll-out in England: A qualitative evaluation
Authors: Mounier-Jack Sandra , Paterson Pauline , Bell Sadie , Letley Louise , Kasstan Ben , Chantler Tracey
Published: June 2023

Background

The UK was the first country to launch a national pandemic COVID-19 vaccination programme, which was implemented swiftly despite significant vaccine supply constraints. The delivery strategy used a combination of mass vaccination sites operated by NHS secondary care providers and local sites led by Primary Care Networks, and local pharmacies. Despite nation-wide rollout, persistent gaps in coverage continued to affect particular populations, including ethnic minority and marginalised social groups.

Aim

The study examined sub-national immunisation commissioners and providers’ perspectives on how the COVID-19 vaccine programme was operationalised, and how delivery strategies impacted inequalities in access to vaccination services and uptake. The study aimed to inform national programme implementation, sustainability and future pandemic preparedness.

Methods

Qualitative research was conducted in eight local NHS areas in 4 regions of England. Semi-structured interviews were performed with 82 sub-national NHS and public health vaccine providers and commissioners.

Results

England’s COVID-19 vaccination programme was described as top down, centralised and highly political. The programme gradually morphed from a predominantly mass vaccination strategy into more locally driven and tailored approaches able to respond more effectively to inequalities in uptake. Over time more flexibility was introduced, as providers adapted services by “working around” the national systems for vaccine supply and appointment booking. The constant change faced by providers and commissioners was mitigated by high staff motivation and resilience, local collaboration and pragmatism. Opportunities for efficient implementation were missed because priority was given to achieving national performance targets at the expense of a more flexible sub-national tailored delivery.

Conclusion

Pandemic vaccination delivery models need to be adapted for underserved and hesitant groups, working in collaboration with local actors. Learnings from the initial COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in England and elsewhere is important to inform future pandemic responses, in tailoring strategies to local communities, and improve large-scale vaccination programmes.
Costs of services and funding gap of the Bangladesh National Tuberculosis Control Programme 2016–2022: An ingredient based approach
Authors: Hasan Md. Zahid , Ahmed Sayem , Islam Zeenat , Dorin Farzana , Rabbani Md. Golam , Mehdi Gazi Golam , Ahmed Mohammad Wahid , Tahsina Tazeen , Mahmood Shehrin Shaila , Islam Ziaul
Published: June 2023

Background

Bangladesh National Tuberculosis (TB) Control Programme (NTP) has deployed improved diagnostic technologies which may drive up the programme costs. We aimed to estimate the supply-side costs associated with the delivery of the NTP and the funding gap between the cost of implementation and available funding for the Bangladesh NTP.

Methods

An ingredient-based costing approach was applied using WHO’s OneHealth Tool software. We considered 2016, as the base year and projected cost estimates up to 2022 using information on NTP planned activities. Data were collected through consultative meetings with experts and officials/managers, review of documents and databases, and visits to five purposively selected TB healthcare facilities. The estimated costs were compared with the funds allocated to the NTP between 2018 and 2022 to estimate the funding gap.

Findings

The estimated total cost of NTP was US$ 49.22 million in 2016, which would increase to US$ 146.93 million in 2022. Human resources (41.1%) and medicines and investigations/ supplies (38.0%) were the major two cost components. Unit costs were highest for treating extensively drug-resistant TB at US$ 7,422.4 in 2016. Between 2018–2022, NTP would incur US$ 536.8 million, which is US$ 235.18 million higher than the current allocation for NTP.

Conclusion

Our results indicated a funding gap associated with the NTP in each of the years between 2018–2022. Policy planners should advocate for additional funding to ensure smooth delivery of TB services in the upcoming years. The cost estimates of TB services can also be used for planning and budgeting for delivering TB services in similar country contexts.
Evaluating pharmaceuticals and other organic contaminants in the Lac du Flambeau Chain of Lakes using risk-based screening techniques
Authors: Pronschinske Matthew A. , Corsi Steven R. , Hockings Celeste
Published: June 2023

In an investigation of pharmaceutical contamination in the Lac du Flambeau Chain of Lakes (hereafter referred to as “the Chain”), few contaminants were detected; only eight pharmaceuticals and one pesticide were identified among the 110 pharmaceuticals and other organic contaminants monitored in surface water samples. This study, conducted in cooperation with the Lac du Flambeau Tribe’s Water Resource Program, investigated these organic contaminants and potential biological effects in channels connecting lakes throughout the Chain, including the Moss Lake Outlet site, adjacent to the wastewater treatment plant lagoon. Of the 6 sites monitored and 24 samples analyzed, sample concentrations and contaminant detection frequencies were greatest at the Moss Lake Outlet site; however, the concentrations and detection frequencies of this study were comparable to other pharmaceutical investigations in basins with similar characteristics. Because established water-quality benchmarks do not exist for the pharmaceuticals detected in this study, alternative screening-level water-quality benchmarks, developed using two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency toxicological resources (ToxCast database and ECOTOX knowledgebase), were used to estimate potential biological effects associated with the observed contaminant concentrations. Two contaminants (caffeine and thiabendazole) exceeded the prioritization threshold according to ToxCast alternative benchmarks, and four contaminants (acetaminophen, atrazine, caffeine, and carbamazepine) exceeded the prioritization threshold according to ECOTOX alternative benchmarks. Atrazine, an herbicide, was the most frequently detected contaminant (79% of samples), and it exhibited the strongest potential for biological effects due to its high estimated potency. Insufficient toxicological information within ToxCast and ECOTOX for gabapentin and methocarbamol (which had the two greatest concentrations in this study) precluded alternative benchmark development. This data gap presents unknown potential environmental impacts. Future research examining the biological effects elicited by these two contaminants as well as the others detected in this study would further elucidate the ecological relevance of the water chemistry results generated though this investigation.
Recreational water exposures and illness outcomes at a freshwater beach in Toronto, Canada: A prospective cohort pilot study
Authors: Young Ian , Sanchez J. Johanna , Desta Binyam Negussie , Heasley Cole , Tustin Jordan
Published: June 2023

Background

Swimming and other recreational water activities in surface waters are popular in Canada during the summer. However, these activities can also increase the risk of recreational water illness. While routine monitoring of beach water quality is conducted by local authorities each summer, little research is available in Canada about beach exposures and illness risks.

Methods

We conducted a pilot of a prospective cohort study at a popular beach in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 2022 to determine characteristics of beachgoers, common water and sand exposures, the incidence of recreational water illness, and the feasibility for a larger, national cohort study. We enrolled beachgoers on-site and surveyed about their exposures at the beach and conducted a follow-up survey 7 days following their beach visit to ascertain acute gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin, ear, and eye illness outcomes. We descriptively tabulated and summarized the collected data.

Results

We enrolled 649 households, consisting of 831 beachgoers. Water contact activities were reported by 56% of beachgoers, with swimming being the most common activity (44% of participants). Similarly, 56% of beachgoers reported digging in the sand or burying themselves in the sand. Children (≤14 years) and teenagers (15–19 years) were most likely to report engaging in water contact activities and swallowing water, while children were most likely to report sand contact activities and getting sand in their mouth. Boys and men were more likely than women and girls to report swallowing water (15.2% vs. 9.4%). Water and sand exposures also differed by household education level and participant ethno-racial identity. E. coli levels in beach water were consistently low (median = 20 CFU/100 mL, range = 10–58). The incidence of illness outcomes was very low (0.3–2.8%) among the 287 participants that completed the follow-up survey.

Conclusions

The identified beach exposure patterns can inform future risk assessments and communication strategies. Excellent water quality was observed at the studied beach, likely contributing to the low incidence of illnesses. A larger, national cohort study is needed in Canada to examine risks of illness at beaches at higher risk of fecal contamination.
Was retrospective change measurement conducted with Covid-19 containment inconsistent? Comparing prospective and retrospective change measures using data from a national survey on substance use and addictive behaviors
Authors: Dupuis Marc , Studer Joseph , Wicki Matthias , Marmet Simon , Gmel Gerhard
Published: June 2023

Single-measurement-point data collection to assess change has increased with studies assessing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and of its containment, despite evidence of its lack of validity. Retrospective change is not equivalent to change in repeated self-reported measures giving raise to questions about the validity of the former. This paper purports to investigate inconsistencies between change measures by confronting retrospective change to information from longitudinally self-reported measures from the C-SURF cohort study. The study sample consists of 2,279 young men who participated in C-SURF between 2020 and 2021, and completed between May and June 2021 a survey covering change in alcohol, cigarette, cannabis and other addictive behaviors related to the pandemic. The aforementioned behaviors were assessed longitudinally at two time points using self-reports, and retrospective change since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis was also assessed at the second measurement time. Information from both prospective and retrospective change measures were confronted to identify inconsistent information for each behavior. Additionally, multiple logistic regressions were performed to assess associations between socioeconomic status, impulsivity, depression, and different indicators of motivation to complete the study and inconsistency between both measures for each behavior of interest. Importantly, inconsistent information in at least one of the investigated behaviors was found in about 90% of the participants. Small associations were found between inconsistency and different factors with a consistent effect of impulsivity. In the absence of evidence of the validity of retrospective change measures, studies relying on retrospective change should be interpreted with caution.
Genome taxonomy of the genus Thalassotalea and proposal of Thalassotalea hakodatensis sp. nov. isolated from sea cucumber larvae
Authors: Yamano Ryota , Yu Juanwen , Haditomo Alfabetian Harjuno Condro , Jiang Chunqi , Mino Sayaka , Romalde Jesús L. , Kang Kyuhee , Sakai Yuichi , Sawabe Tomoo
Published: June 2023

The genus Thalassotalea is ubiquitous in marine environments, and up to 20 species have been described so far. A Gram-staining-negative, aerobic bacterium, designated strain PTE2T was isolated from laboratory-reared larvae of the Japanese sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences revealed that PTE2T was closely related to Thalassotalea sediminis N211T (= KCTC 42588T = MCCC 1H00116T) with 97.9% sequence similarity. ANI and in silico DDH values against Thalassotalea species were 68.5–77.0% and 19.7–24.6%, respectively, indicating the novelty of PTE2T. Based on genome-based taxonomic approaches, strain PTE2T (= JCM 34608T = KCTC 82592T) is proposed as a new species, Thalassotalea hakodatensis sp. nov.
Designing profitable and climate-smart farms using virtual reality
Authors: Lasseur Remy , Laurenson Seth , Ali Mohsin , Loh Ian , Mackay Mike
Published: June 2023

Many pastoral farmers are searching for ways to lower the carbon emission footprint that is generated by livestock. Planting trees on the farm is currently a popular option for farmers to offset their emissions yet requires knowledge of suitable tree species and locations to plant them. This paper describes a decision-support tool aimed at helping farmers to create and visualise different planting designs while balancing the objectives of sequestering carbon and maintaining farm profitability. We take an innovative approach by combining virtual reality technology with biophysical models to create an environment where the user can actively create virtual future farm scenarios. Through the creation process, the user can simultaneously balance multiple objectives including farm aesthetics, economic returns, business and environmental ambitions, and carbon emissions (net) balance. For this proof-of-concept study, we incorporate virtual reality technology in Unreal Engine, environmental and financial data, and high-resolution spatial layers from an operational 400-hectare livestock farm in New Zealand.
Roles of qseC mutation in bacterial resistance against anti-lipopolysaccharide factor isoform 3 (ALFPm3)
Authors: Khunsri Iyacoob , Prombutara Pinidphon , Htoo Htut Htut , Wanvimonsuk Supitcha , Samernate Thanadon , Pornsing Chindanai , Tharntada Sirinit , Jaree Phattarunda , Chaikeeratisak Vorrapon , Somboonwiwat Kunlaya , Nonejuie Poochit
Published: June 2023

Propelled by global climate changes, the shrimp industry has been facing tremendous losses in production due to various disease outbreaks, particularly early mortality syndrome (EMS), a disease caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus AHPND. Not only is the use of antibiotics as EMS control agents not yet been proven successful, but the overuse and misuse of antibiotics could also worsen one of the most challenging global health issues—antimicrobial resistance. To circumvent antibiotic usage, anti-lipopolysaccharide factor isoform 3 (ALFPm3), an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) derived from the shrimp innate immune system, was proposed as an antibiotic alternative for EMS control. However, prolonged use of AMPs could also lead to bacterial cross resistance with life-saving antibiotics used in human diseases. Here, we showed that ALFPm3-resistant strains of E. coli could be induced in vitro. Genome analysis of the resistant mutants revealed multiple mutations, with the most interesting being a qseC(L299R). A study of antibiotic susceptibility profile showed that the resistant strains harboring the qseC(L299R) not only exhibited higher degree of resistance towards polymyxin antibiotics, but also produced higher biofilm under ALFPm3 stress. Lastly, a single cell death analysis revealed that, at early-log phase when biofilm is scarce, the resistant strains were less affected by ALFPm3 treatment, suggesting additional mechanisms by which qseC orchestrates to protect the bacteria from ALFPm3. Altogether, this study uncovers involvement of qseC mutation in mechanism of resistance of the bacteria against ALFPm3 paving a way for future studies on sustainable use of ALFPm3 as an EMS control agent.
Medicina Genómica: Breve Guia Ilustrado
Authors: Regateiro Fernando
Published: June 2023

Medicina Genómica – Breve Guia Ilustrado” é uma obra concebida para promover a literacia e a cultura científica na área da Genómica e, por esta via, apoiar os cidadãos na perceção das bases, aplicações e limites desta área do conhecimento, e na reflexão e tomada de decisões mais esclarecidas e informadas. Foi desenvolvida no âmbito do “Projeto de Capacitação da Região Centro para a Medicina Personalizada de Precisão de base genómica”, apoiado pela CCDRC
Metodología para el análisis de la frecuencia de cuerpos de agua someros en la región pampeana, Argentina
Authors: Vidal Quini Nicolás Emanuel , Geraldi Alejandra Mabel
Published: June 2023

Los cuerpos de agua someros pampeanos en Argentina poseen una estrecha relación ante la variación del régimen de precipitaciones y temperaturas. Estos ecosistemas son fundamentales en destacados procesos ambientales, pero se desconoce su presencia y servicios ambientales. En las últimas décadas se acentuaron las amenazas de los efectos de la variabilidad climática y las actividades agrícolas que intervienen y modifican la hidrografía regional. El objetivo del presente trabajo es monitorear la evolución de cuerpos de agua y su relación con la variabilidad climática durante un período de tiempo de 35 años a partir de imágenes de satélite y datos meteorológicos. Se pretende estudiar su dinámica en función de los cambios en las temperaturas y precipitaciones. Se trabajó con la colección histórica Landsat durante el período 1986-2021 en relación con datos climáticos por medio de un análisis de regresión ANCOVA y un índice climático de evapotranspiración-precipitación. Los resultados obtenidos han permitido identificar la distribución en la cuenca de cuerpos de agua semipermanentes destacando que las temperaturas poseen un efecto de magnitud más fuerte que las precipitaciones que determinaría su presencia o desecación. La metodología propuesta enmarca la necesidad de generar este tipo de información acerca de la respuesta del sistema hidrográfico ante potenciales amenazas e identificación de vulnerabilidades.
Percepción y adaptación de los municipios turísticos al aumento de la temperatura y las olas de calor: entre el desconocimiento y la inacción. El caso del Cap de Creus (Cataluña)
Authors: Lopez Sirvent Ernest , Ribas Palom Anna
Published: June 2023

El cambio climático conlleva un aumento en la frecuencia, duración e intensidad de los riesgos climáticos. El aumento de la temperatura y las olas de calor ya es el riesgo climático que causa más muertes en Europa y elevadas consecuencias económicas y en el medio natural. La administración local debe ser partícipe de una transición socioecológica justa y equitativa en los núcleos urbanos mediante la adaptación a los riesgos climáticos extremos. Las Soluciones basadas en la Naturaleza (SbN) pueden facilitarla y diversas ciudades europeas ya las están aplicando. Sin embargo, los municipios más pequeños se enfrentan a dificultades que les pueden relegar a un segundo plano. La literatura científica identifica diferentes incentivos y barreras durante las fases de elaboración de políticas de adaptación. El objetivo de este artículo es conocer la percepción de responsables técnicos y políticos sobre este riesgo climático, el nivel de adaptación mediante SbN de los municipios y cuáles son los incentivos y barreras que pueden darse en la región de la Costa Brava. Para ello, se han entrevistado a un total de siete personas entre cargos técnicos y electos de diferentes municipios del Cap de Creus (Alt Empordà, Cataluña). Se ha realizado el análisis con una metodología mixta de triangulación. Los principales resultados apuntan que el aumento de la temperatura y las olas de calor no se perciben como un riesgo muy preocupante y que las SbN son medidas de adaptación poco conocidas por la administración local a pesar de que se valoran como soluciones aptas para conseguir una buena adaptación.
CORRUPÇÃO, JUSTIÇA E INTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL
Authors: Martins Tiago do Carmo , Jacobsen Gilson
Published: June 2023

Contextualização do tema: A pandemia de COVID-19 alterou profundamente hábitos humanos. A necessidade de evitar interações sociais e reduzir deslocamentos impulsionou o recurso a mecanismos já conhecidos, mas usados timidamente, como o trabalho remoto, reuniões virtuais, telemedicina, compras online, dentre outros. O emprego de audiências telepresenciais[1] e o atendimento remoto de partes e advogados, possibilitado pelo balcão virtual[2] instituído pelo Conselho Nacional de Justiça, mostraram que o Judiciário poderia seguir funcionando, mesmo com suas portas físicas fechadas. E sem perda de qualidade ou produtividade. Metodologia: O Método utilizado na fase de investigação e na elaboração deste relatório foi o indutivo[3]; já a técnica de investigação foi a da revisão bibliográfica, com pesquisa em livros, revistas científicas, sites e legislações atinentes às temáticas abordadas. Objetivo: Explorar as potencialidades do emprego de inteligência artificial no Judiciário, com enfoque específico no desenvolvimento de aplicações que possam contribuir para incremento de investigações e processos por corrupção, seara em que o Brasil experimenta muitas dificuldades e ineficiência. Resultado: Especialmente na seara anticorrupção, espaço em que o Brasil sofre de grande ineficiência e baixa recuperação de ativos desviados, a IA pode auxiliar na confecção de novos meios para endereçar um antigo problema. São muitas as possibilidades, algumas sequer ainda divisadas pela mente humana.
CRÍTICA DA HERMENÊUTICA DO DIREITO EM STRECK FRENTE AO MULTICULTURALISMO
Authors: Dos Santos Luana Marina
Published: June 2023

Contextualização do tema: A sociedade contemporânea é protagonizada, cada vez mais, pela diversidade étnica, cultural e religiosa, onde a temática do multiculturalismo se afigura como um aspecto de grande relevância, principalmente no que diz respeito ao problema de moralidade e da aplicação da ciência jurídica.
Objetivo: Diante da pluralidade de culturas autônomas presentes em um mesmo território, esta pesquisa procura transcorrer acerca da problemática da hermenêutica jurídica no que tange às inúmeras possibilidades de interpretações realizadas pelo Poder Judiciário. Para isso, parte-se de uma análise da noção de Direito como integridade, proposta por Ronald Dworkin e da crítica hermenêutica do direito, apresentada por Lenio Streck.
Metodologia: O método empregado é o hipotético dedutivo, aliado ao levantamento bibliográfico e documental.
Resultado: Os resultados apontam que a ciência jurídica não é capaz de tecer soluções pré-definidas para o problema que se apresenta, mas que a propositiva destacada por Streck pode conduzir a um ambiente próspero para a coexistência de várias formas de cultura em um mesmo território.
Development of a City-wide Traffic Accident Prediction Model Using Hybrid Machine-based Learning Approaches
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Kim Young Woong , Lee Dong Woo , Hwang Ajin
Published: June 2023

Predicting traffic accidents is a challenging task because taking into account uncertainty in modeling traffic accidents is not trivial. To address these issues, this article develops a hybrid modeling pipeline combining unsupervised and supervised learning to predict the level of hazardous road sites and explore the causality of accidents by controlling unobserved heterogeneity issues effectively. Traffic accident data for Won-ju province, Korea, from 2020 to 2021, and external factors affecting traffic accidents, such as average travel speed and weather information, are combined based on road links. Through the modeling pipeline, a clustering technique is adopted to capture unobserved heterogeneous information among roads. Since traffic accident data contains a wide variety of categorical and hierarchical features, ensemble methods such as boosting techniques were applied to handle heterogeneity issues among these features. To explore the relationship between the accident and determinant factors, are adopted to interpret the results of machine learning models. Model-agnostic methods, however, generally provide results based on images, this study also added a process that extracts texts from images to overcome compatible issues with existing road safety management systems.
Engels and the Second Foundation of Marxism
Authors: Foster John Bellamy
Published: June 2023

Historical materialism, in the dominant twentieth-century narrative in the West, is understood as confined to social sciences and humanities. However, John Bellamy Foster writes, Marx and Engels did not have such a limited conception, instead engaging with the natural sciences, providing insight into the dialectics of nature.
Exploring the piezoelectric porous polymers for energy harvesting: a review
Authors: Najihi Ikrame , Ennawaoui Chouaib , Hajjaji Abdelowahed , Boughaleb Yahia
Published: June 2023

In addition to traditional piezoelectric polymers, mono-crystals and ceramics, piezoelectrets or charged voided polymers have shown an interesting piezoelectric response by converting the mechanical energy into electrical and vice versa, therefore being incorporated in a number of advanced electromechanical transducers. This article is a review on the different phases for the elaboration of pseudo piezoelectric films based on passive polymers. First, several methods for the elaboration of the cellular structure of these materials are explained in the main text, with the morphological representation of the reached porosity. The porosity represents a cell to embed the positive and negative electrical charges created by the most common electrical charging processes, which are subsequently mentioned. Different theoretical models are emphasized as well to predict the piezoelectric behavior of this porous polymers. Finally, some of the latest harvesting energy applications based on porous polymers are collected. All the considerations cited above make Piezoelectric porous polymers open access materials that can be developed and optimized by the control of the porosity then used in energy harvesting applications.
EU Contract Case Law, January–March 2023
Authors: Esposito Fabrizio , de Almeida Lucila Gabriel , Rubio Roger Barat i
Published: June 2023

This article provides an overview of the most relevant cases decided by the Court of Justice of the European Union concerning contract law. The present issue covers the period between the beginning of January 2023 and the end of March 2023. Out of a total of 265 judgments decided in this period, 57 had a contract law dimension.
Paradigms of Business Consulting Agreements
Authors: Denga Michael
Published: June 2023

Business consulting represents one of the most important activities in the service economy, yet its contractual arrangements have rarely been analysed. Various scandals linked to professional consulting in recent times, such as the accounting scandal surrounding the German DAX-company, Wirecard, or the ‘Luanda Leaks’, give reason for a closer look at this activity, as well as the corresponding contractual agreements. Additionally, the regular functioning of consulting agreements is largely undiscussed. The aim of this contribution is (1) to highlight the essential problems of business consultancy contracts, namely the informational advantage of the consultant with regard to the quality of advice and price; structural conflicts of interest, especially in the case of business consultancy by auditors; the possibilities of abusing consultancy contracts for personal gain, as well as the liability of the consultant and the exemption of management from liability through the use of consultants; and (2) to propose solutions to these problems using the existing rules of due diligence and collateral duties, especially by applying general norms in the light of the economic function of management consultants as brokers for knowledge and know-how.
Die sogenannten Krawallnächte als
Conjuncture
: Wie gewaltvolle Ausschreitungen diskursiv ent- und repolitisiert werden
Authors: Kotzur Laura
Published: June 2023

Ausschreitungen und Gewalt im urbanen Raum stellen immer wieder Projektionsflächen für diskursive Eskalationen und politische Deutungshoheiten dar. Sie können mit Stuart Hall als Conjunctures verstanden werden, in denen situative Ereignisse und medial-diskursive Deutungskämpfe in ein größeres Aushandlungsgefüge eingebettet werden. Durch die Analyse von hegemonialen und oppositionellen Lesarten der Ereignisse eröffnet sich dieser umkämpfte Raum. Im Folgenden soll dieser exemplarisch an den sogenannten Krawallnächten in Stuttgart und Frankfurt im Sommer 2020 diskursanalytisch nachgezeichnet werden. Es zeigt sich, dass die oppositionelle Lesart die versicherheitlichenden und rassifizierenden/kulturalisierenden Lesarten des hegemonialen Narrativs herausfordert und repolitisiert. Welcher Strategien sich beide Lesarten bedienen, soll in diesem Artikel dargestellt werden.
Entgrenzung von Gewalt in autoritärer Herrschaft
Authors: Sydiq Tareq
Published: June 2023

Wie gewaltsam sind Staat-Gesellschaftsbeziehungen in repressiven Kontexten? Dieser Beitrag illustriert dies anhand des Irans in Form periodisch wechselnder Beziehungsverhältnisse. Autoritäre Macht ist grundsätzlich charakterisiert durch ihren exklusiven Charakter, der durch Repressionen aufrechterhalten wird. Dennoch ist sie, um Output-Legitimität zu generieren, auf effektive Politikgestaltung angewiesen. Aufgrund dieser pragmatischen Überlegungen greift sie auf begrenzte gesellschaftliche Teilhabe in Form autoritärer Partizipation zurück. Wo aus dieser Responsivität eine signifikante Machtverschiebung zugunsten gesellschaftlicher Konkurrent*innen hervorgeht, sichern Machthabende ihre Position durch den Einsatz massiver Gewalt ab. Dies kann, wie derzeit im Iran, kurzzeitig den Machterhalt sichern, nimmt aber langfristig beschädigte Staat-Gesellschaftsbeziehungen in Kauf. Damit sichert Gewalt zwar den Machterhalt, schwächt aber die Institutionen, auf denen der eigene Machtapparat aufbaut. Dermaßen polarisierte Staat-Gesellschaftsbeziehungen lassen sich schließlich immer schwerer in friedliche Formen des Machterhalts zurückführen, womit eine staatlich beförderte Eskalationsspirale droht.
Why truth is necessarily pragmatic
Authors: Allan Keith
Published: June 2023

This essay presents an array of arguments demonstrating that truth is necessarily pragmatic. Evaluations of truth derive from human experience, from the individual’s weltanschauung which molds their point of view and ideological perspective. Consequently, within any community, there exist alternative truths. Traditional takes on truth are reviewed. The fuzziness of many truths is examined. The existence within the community of alternative, sometimes contradictory, truths is explicated and shown to be fairly common in practice, even though it can occasionally lead to social dissension. The essay expatiates on the alleged incontrovertibility of logical, mathematical, and scientific truths (supposedly true in all possible worlds) showing that they are necessarily subject to specific conditions which render the assessment pragmatic. In sum, Φ is true resolves into Φ functions as true under specific conditions a

1…n
. Certainly, a hegemonic group within the community will often assert a preference for one truth over its alternatives, but that does not eliminate the existence of alternative truths within that community. The only way to manage this state of affairs is to admit that truth does not exist independent of human beings but is necessarily evaluated according to the set of perceptions, conceptions, and beliefs that constitute the individual’s weltanschauung at the time the judgment is made, such that different weltanschauungen often give rise to different judgments about what functions as true.
Investigating microstructural evolution and wear resistance of AISI 316L stainless steel cladding deposited over mild steel using constant current GMAW and pulsed current GMAW processes
Authors: Jayavelu Mani , Kasi Srinivasan , Visvalingam Balasubramanian , Dara Sudhakara , Nagasai Bellamkonda Prasanna
Published: June 2023

The main objective of this study is to investigate the microstructure and wear resistance of AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel (ASS) cladding deposited over mild steel (MS) of grade IS 2062 using constant current (CC-GMAW) and pulsed current gas metal arc welding (PC-GMAW) processes. The PC-GMAW process was employed to overcome the problems of wider heat affected zone (HAZ), coarse grained deposited weld metal microstructure, lower penetration depth, higher dilution and reinforcement height encountered in CC-GMAW used for cladding of AISI 316L steel over mild steel. The microstructural features of cladded region were analyzed using optical microscopy (OM). The wear rate of cladded specimens was studied using pin-on-disc method and the morphology of wear surfaces was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microhardness distribution of cladded region was analyzed and correlated to the wear performance of cladded specimens. The results showed that PC-GMAW cladding exhibit greater hardness and wear resistance compared to CC-GMAW cladding. It is correlated to the grain refinement offered by current pulsing in weld region of PC-GMAW cladding. The PC-GMAW cladding showed 5.22% increases in weld metal deposition compared to CC-GMAW cladding. The, PC-GMAW cladding showed 23.72% reduction in dilution of weld compared to CC-GMAW cladding. The PC-GMAW cladding disclosed 15.83 improvement in weld overlay hardness compared to CC-GAMW cladding. The PC-GMAW showed 20.18% average reduction in wear rate compared to CC-GMAW cladding.
Crystal structure of poly[(μ3-3, 5-dichloro-2-hydroxy-benzoato-κ4
Cl,O:O′:O″) silver(I)], C7H3AgCl2O3
Authors: Jiang Jin-Ke , Niu Chun-Yan
Published: June 2023

C7H3AgCl2O3, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 13.1492(5) Å, b = 3.72760(10) Å, c = 16.5625(6) Å, β = 92.1810(10)°, V = 811.22(5) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0229, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0492, T = 301(2) K.
Strukturelle Armutsprävention mit Hilfe kommunaler Präventionsketten
Authors: Kruse Christina , Humrich Wiebke , Schluck Stephanie , Petras Kerstin , Richter-Kornweitz Antje
Published: June 2023

Armut geht mit hohen gesundheitlichen Belastungen einher; die Folgen sind schon in der Kindheit deutlich. Präventive Angebote und Hilfeleistungen kommen aber nur unzureichend oder gar nicht bei den Kindern und Familien an, die sie am dringendsten brauchen. Kommunen versuchen diesem Dilemma mit Präventionsketten als Ansatz struktureller Armutsprävention zu begegnen. Ziel ist, allen Kindern ein gesundes Aufwachsen in Wohlergehen zu ermöglichen.
Ursachen und Prävention von Kindesvernachlässigung und Kindesmisshandlung
Authors: Windorfer Adolf , Windorfer Katharina
Published: June 2023

Fehlende Eltern-Kind-Bindung führt über neurologische Fehlschaltungen zu einer problematischen sozialen Entwicklung der Kinder. Zur Prävention wurde erfolgreich die aufsuchende Betreuung durch Fachkräfte Frühe Hilfen (Familienhebammen und Familien-Gesundheits-und Kinderkrankenpflegerinnen) eingeführt. Ein Ausbau dieser Hilfen durch Weiterentwicklung ist jedoch unerlässlich, z.B. eine stärkere Konzentration auf die frühkindliche Traumatisierung der Eltern, eine bundeseinheitliche Qualifizierung und Honorierung der Fachkräfte.
Besondere Bedarfe in ländlichen Regionen am Beispiel der Frühen Hilfen
Authors: Schäffer Erik , Krewer Sarah
Published: June 2023

Im Rahmen einer explorativen Studie im Auftrag des Nationalen Zentrums Frühe Hilfen (NZFH) wurde 2021 untersucht, mit welchen Herausforderungen und Entwicklungsbedarfen sich die Frühen Hilfen spezifisch in ländlichen Räumen konfrontiert sehen. Hierbei zeigte sich, dass die größten Hürden für die Nutzung von Frühen Hilfen und anderen Angeboten für Familien mit jungen Kindern in diesen Gebieten nur im Zusammenspiel verschiedener Handlungsansätze abgebaut werden können.
Frühe Hilfen als Innovation für die Fortentwicklung von Public Health
Authors: Fischer Jörg
Published: June 2023

Der Erfolg Früher Hilfen ist maßgeblich von Netzwerken als lokale Basis für die multiprofessionelle und interinstitutionelle Kooperation abhängig. Mittels eines vernetzten Miteinanders kann die Kinder- und Jugendhilfe zusammen mit dem Gesundheitswesen auf der Grundlage sozialraumorientierter und integrierter Bedarfsplanung jungen Eltern beteiligungsorientiert und gezielt attraktive Angebote machen. Der Beitrag zeigt auf, was und wie Public Health von diesem erfolgreichen Ansatz lernen kann.
Die Rolle von Familien-, Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegenden in den Frühen Hilfen
Authors: Holoch Elisabeth
Published: June 2023

FGKiKP unterstützen im Rahmen längerfristiger, aufsuchender Betreuung (insbesondere psychosozial belasteter) Familien mit Säuglingen und Kleinkindern bis zum dritten Lebensjahr im Umgang mit den für diese Lebensphase typischen Entwicklungskrisen. Ihr spezifischer Beitrag in den Frühen Hilfen besteht darüber hinaus in der Begleitung von Familien mit chronisch kranken oder entwicklungsbeeinträchtigten Kindern vor dem Hintergrund ihrer beruflichen Sozialisation im System der pädiatrischen Gesundheitsversorgung. Dies macht sie zu wichtigen Akteurinnen im Netzwerk der Frühen Hilfen.
Frühe Hilfen für geflüchtete Familien – neue Herausforderungen?
Authors: Günther Marga , Kerschgens Anke
Published: June 2023

Viele präventive und unterstützende Angebote der Frühen Hilfen erreichen geflüchtete Familien nicht. Um eine angemessene Förderung dieser Familien zu sichern, thematisiert der Beitrag vier zentrale Herausforderungen: Ansprache und Erreichbarkeit der Adressat:innen, die Reflexion der impliziten Vorannahmen der Fachkräfte, eine Haltung der Transkulturalität einzunehmen und das Etablieren von Sprachmittler:innen.