bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Boards of Directors Really Matter in the Cooperation Behavior of Firms? An Exploratory Analysis in Spain
Authors: Medina-Salgado Maria Sonia , Sacristán-Navarro María , Guerras-Martín Luis Ángel
Published: December 2020

This paper explores the relationship between one of the major aspects of the internal mechanism of corporate governance, i.e., the board of directors, and the corporate strategy of cooperation. The study was designed to investigate whether certain board of director characteristics have an influence on the propensity to cooperate in Spanish listed non-financial firms. Our findings reveal that the propensity to cooperate in Spanish firms is driven more by a tight “management effect” whereby the highest probability of occurrence is related to firms with duality on their boards and a lower proportion of nominee directors representing controlling shareholders. This paper adds evidence to the corporate governance-corporate strategy (alliance propensity) discussion in a continental country such as Spain.
Design and Optimization of the Dual-Channel Closed Loop Supply Chain with E-Commerce
Authors: Kaoud Essam , Abdel-Aal Mohammad A. M. , Sakaguchi Tatsuhiko , Uchiyama Naoki
Published: December 2020

The depletion of natural resources and the degradation of the ecosystem have led many countries to adopt closed-loop supply activities in both their industrial and service sectors. With the widespread use of Internet technology, these aspects motivate the incorporation of e-commerce with the classical closed-loop supply chain. This study suggests a novel mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model that addresses the integration of e-commerce with a multi-echelon closed-loop supply chain with a multi-period planning time horizon by considering dual channels in manufacturing, and recovery facilities. To validate the model, we obtain optimal decision variables and examine the robustness and applicability of the model, and comprehensive computational experiments are performed. Moreover, sensitivity analysis is carried out to illustrate the efficacy of e-commerce integration by considering the two channels in the closed-loop supply chain. Accordingly, the total cost of the dual-channel CLSC decreases with an increase in customer demand via online retailers, the returned end of life (EOL) products, recycling ratio, and recovery ratio. Some useful managerial implications are provided based on the conducted analysis.
Measuring the Efficiency of Economic Growth towards Sustainable Growth with Grey System Theory
Authors: Kokocińska Małgorzata , Nowak Marcin , Łopatka Paweł
Published: December 2020

In the paper, a new indicator exemplifying the conversion efficiency of expenditures towards economic growth into results pertaining to sustainable development, dubbed the “Synthetic Efficiency Indicator for Economic Growth” (hereinafter: “SEI-EG”) has been proposed. The inspiration for proposing such an indicator was the identification of the lack of connections between research on economic convergence and the research area connected with sustainable growth category. It was assumed that, in the first place, outcomes of the proposed convergence will be visible in developed economies, represented by EU15 member states. The set goal was to provide an answer to the question of difference between EU15 member states with respect to efficiency of converging expenditures exemplifying economic growth into results pertaining to sustainable growth. The research was conducted for 2016–2018 using Grey System Theory. With the use of the elaborated indicator, the authors created a ranking list of countries based on the efficiency of economic growth towards sustainable growth criterion. The conducted research proved that, in general, the smaller EU member states are characterized by significantly higher efficiency of converging expenditures exemplifying economic growth into results pertaining to sustainable development in the researched area. Among the countries with large economies, only Germany showed efficiency comparable to smaller ones.
Modeling and Prefeasibility Management, and Conservation Strategies for Fuentetoba Springs, (Spain)
Authors: Sanz Eugenio , Rosas Pablo , Menéndez-Pidal Ignacio , de Ojeda Joaquin Sanz
Published: December 2020

The efficacy of various catchment and management schemes in the regulation of the Fuentetoba karst spring (Spain) was evaluated by using its groundwater reserves. This regulation of the spring would simultaneously serve to increase the reliability of the drinking-water supply to Soria (Spain), develop the ecological flow of the river that has its source in that spring, and improve the environmental needs and requirements by managing the flow of a remarkable natural waterfall at its source. Speleological explorations have been essential in designing a pumping system in the drainage conduit of the spring located 400 m upstream of it and 45 m below the level of the aquifer drainage. For the evaluation of the viability of the interannual regulation, the hydraulic dynamics of the spring were analyzed by calculating the inputs and outputs of water to the system with the application of a precipitation–runoff model that was used to simulate the pumping effects in the spring hydrograph. The results indicated that the aquifer presented a high guarantee of having a flow for the supply for the environment. This study can be applied to other springs, and may be useful in sustainably managing any aquifer.
Assessment for the Social Sustainability and Equity under the Perspective of Accessibility to Jobs
Authors: Guimarães Gabriella Vitorino , Santos Tálita Floriano , Fernandes Vicente Aprigliano , Maquilón Jorge Eliécer Córdoba , da Silva Marcelino Aurélio Vieira
Published: December 2020

Social sustainability is a dimension of the concept of sustainability that has gained importance only in the last few decades and can be identified as the pursuit and measure of social equity. Equity can be analyzed under two approaches: horizontal and vertical. The horizontal approach considers the distribution of benefits equally, while the vertical equity considers these same benefits, but between specific groups, which is an adequate approach when dealing with policy-related topics, such as tariff subsidy. Accessibility is a factor that contributes to urban social sustainability and it may be a representation of physical and/or social barriers in the urban environment. Thus, this paper aims to assess social sustainability under a vertical equity approach, based on accessibility to jobs, for different population groups, comparing public with individual motorized transport. The case study was carried out in Medellín-Colombia, using data from the 2017 Home Destination Survey. It was found that users of individual transport have access to a greater number of jobs than users of public transport. In addition, those with higher income have better accessibility than those with lower income, even though they are not beneficiaries of tariff subsidy policies. Another highlight is that areas closer to the central region are also more accessible. In some specific communes, it would be indicated to seek to improve access through public transport, or the implementation of some public policy at the municipal level that could have an impact on access to opportunities.
Stay Home, Stay Active with SuperJump®: A Home-Based Activity to Prevent Sedentary Lifestyle during COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Iannaccone Alice , Fusco Andrea , Jaime Salvador J. , Baldassano Sara , Cooper Jill , Proia Patrizia , Cortis Cristina
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the intensity of SuperJump® workout as a home-based activity for fulfilling physical activity recommendations during COVID-19 home-confinement. Seventeen (males: n = 10; females: n = 7) college students (age: 25.8 ± 2.7 years; height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m; weight: 66.2 ± 12.1 kg) participated in the study. To assess the intensity of the activity (30-min), heart rate (HR), expressed as percentages of age-predicted maximal HR (%HRmax), and session ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE), collected on a CR10 scale, were used. %HRmax data were categorically separated in five classes of intensity according to the American College of Sport Science’s guidelines. Enjoyment was evaluated using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate differences (p < 0.05) in relation to gender and exercise intensity. No gender difference emerged for %HRmax and sRPE. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) %HRmax were found for the moderate intensity (47.1 ± 34.4%) with respect to very light (3.6 ± 6.9%), light (14.5 ± 23.3%) and vigorous (34.6 ± 39.6%) and for the vigorous intensity with respect to very light; no near maximal to maximal values were observed. Subjects perceived SuperJump® as moderate (sRPE = 3.1 ± 1.2) while showing high levels of enjoyability (PACES = 86.6 ± 16.2%). SuperJump® can be classified as moderate-to-vigorous activity, representing an effective alternative and enjoyable home-based activity for preventing the effects of a sedentary lifestyle during home-confinement.
How Eco is Eco-Tourism? A Systematic Assessment of Resorts on the Red Sea, Egypt
Authors: Gohar Amir , Kondolf G. Mathias
Published: December 2020

Eco-tourism is a growing part of the tourism industry. However, there are no agreed-upon criteria of what constitutes eco-tourism, so the industry is currently self-identified, with eco-lodges simply declaring themselves so. Here we present the first systematic comparison of eco-tourism versus conventional (or mass) tourism, using as our study area a set of 37 resorts along the southern Red Sea coast of Egypt, all constructed on similarly oriented parcels between the sea and the Red Sea Mountain Range. We compared resorts based on their water, energy, and waste management (all virtually equivalent), and based on mappable environmental parameters such as swimming pool surface area, distance from mangrove patches, conflict with flood plains, extent of lawn area, and means of access to deep water. We found that the self-identified eco-tourism establishments were not significantly different from the conventional tourism resorts in terms of their stress on environmental resources. We recommend that future eco-tourism operations be modified in two key ways. First, on the planning level, by modifying the regional master plan created by the central government tourism authorities. Second, on the site design level, by introducing significant improvements to the design approval processes for the developments to ensure compliance with environmental requirements.
Heuristic-Based Journey Planner for Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
Authors: Georgakis Panagiotis , Almohammad Adel , Bothos Efthimios , Magoutas Babis , Arnaoutaki Kostantina , Mentzas Gregoris
Published: December 2020

The continuing growth of urbanisation poses a real threat to the operation of transportation services in large metropolitan areas around the world. As a response, several initiatives that promote public transport and active travelling have emerged in the last few years. Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is one such initiative with the main goal being the provision of a holistic urban mobility solution through a single interface, the MaaS operator. The successful implementation of MaaS requires the support of a technology platform for travellers to fully benefit from the offered transport services. A central component of such a platform is a journey planner with the ability to provide trip options that efficiently integrate the different modes included in a MaaS scheme. This paper presents a heuristic that implements a scenario-based journey planner for users of MaaS. The proposed heuristic provides routes composed of different modes including private cars, public transport, bike-sharing, car-sharing and ride-hailing. The methodological approach for the generation of journeys is explained and its implementation using a microservices architecture is presented. The implemented system was trialled in two European cities and the analysis of user satisfaction results reveal good overall performance.
Impact of Employed Labor Force, Investment, and Remittances on Economic Growth in EU Countries
Authors: Soava Georgeta , Mehedintu Anca , Sterpu Mihaela , Raduteanu Mircea
Published: December 2020

This paper analyzes the evolution and influence of gross domestic product per capita, labor force participation rate, gross fixed capital formation, and personal remittances on economic growth for European Union (EU) countries, using data from the World Bank (1996–2019) and from Eurostat (the first two quarters 2019–2020). The study has three components: statistical analysis, analysis of the evolution for each country and EU, and estimation of the impact on economic growth rate by using a linear multifactorial regression model for 1996–2019, 1996–2008, and 2009–2019. The model was validated by econometric techniques. The long-term causal relationship between exogenous and endogenous variables was validated by the Granger test. The results of the study show a differentiated evolution of the indicators, and that all indicators are severely affected by the 2008 financial crisis and the debut of the COVID-19 crisis in early 2020. The model used shows the significant positive influence of labor and investment, and the minor effect of remittances on economic growth. In the context of the COVID-19 epidemic, the results of the study could be arguments to be considered for the redesign of economic policies at European Union level.
Toward a Green, Closed-Loop, Circular Bioeconomy: Boosting the Performance Efficiency of Circular Business Models
Authors: Achillas Charisios , Bochtis Dionysis
Published: December 2020

In recent years, bioeconomy strategies have been successfully implemented and widely adopted internationally [...]
The Impact of 4IR Digital Technologies and Circular Thinking on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Hoosain Mohamed Sameer , Paul Babu Sena , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: December 2020

As we stand at the cusp of the fourth industrial revolution, digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things, Big Data, Blockchain, Robotics, 3D technologies, and many more have become the means and solutions to many of the world’s problems. Most recently, these technologies have assisted in the global fight of the COVID-19 pandemic and other societal problems. Together with these innovative techniques, the concept of circular economy and its relevant tools such as life cycle costing, life cycle impact assessment, materials passports, and circularity measurements have been implemented in a number of sectors in different countries for the transition from a linear “take, make, and dispose” model towards a more circular model, which has shown positive results for the environment and economy. In this article, with the help of implementation, prototyping, and case studies, we explore how these technological advancements and innovative techniques are used in different sectors such as information and communications technology, the built environment, mining and manufacturing, education, healthcare, the public sectors, and others to provide an opportunity to understand and resolve the agreed upon framework in 2015 by 193 countries, that is, the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Donor Reaction to Non-Financial Information Covering Social Projects in Nonprofits: A Spanish Case
Authors: Tirado-Beltrán José Miguel , Fuertes-Fuertes Iluminada , Cabedo J. David
Published: December 2020

The notion of accountability in nonprofits suggests that these organisations should disclose financial and non-financial practices following a holistic model. In practice, the interest of both managers and researchers has focused primarily on donors and financial disclosures, for funding and methodological reasons respectively. From the perspective of impact investment, all of them, government, beneficiaries, private donors, managers and volunteers are expected to make their decisions based on non-financial information as investors expecting social returns. However, to what extent does project information that demonstrates that the non-profit organisation has achieved its social mission actually matter? The main objective of this paper is to analyse whether the donations received by non-governmental organisations NGOs are related to the information disclosed on the projects undertaken. We perform our analysis separately for individual, private and public donors. Our results show that public donors are more interested in financial disclosures, private donors find information about outcomes and impacts to be most useful and individual donors do not tend to use non-financial information when it comes to making decisions about whether to donate or not.
On ξ-Process for DVCS-Amplitude
Authors: Anikin Igor V.
Published: December 2020

In this note, we demonstrate in detail the ξ-process implementation applied to the deeply virtual Compton scattering amplitude to ensure both the QCD and QED gauge invariance. The presented details are also important for the understanding of the contour gauge used in different processes.
Fusarium Cyclodepsipeptide Mycotoxins: Chemistry, Biosynthesis, and Occurrence
Authors: Urbaniak Monika , Waśkiewicz Agnieszka , Stępień Łukasz
Published: December 2020

Most of the fungi from the Fusarium genus are pathogenic to cereals, vegetables, and fruits and the products of their secondary metabolism mycotoxins may accumulate in foods and feeds. Non-ribosomal cyclodepsipeptides are one of the main mycotoxin groups and include beauvericins (BEAs), enniatins (ENNs), and beauvenniatins (BEAEs). When ingested, even small amounts of these metabolites significantly affect human and animal health. On the other hand, in view of their antimicrobial activities and cytotoxicity, they may be used as components in drug discovery and processing and are considered as suitable candidates for anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, it is crucial to expand the existing knowledge about cyclodepsipeptides and to search for new analogues of these compounds. The present manuscript aimed to highlight the extensive variability of cyclodepsipeptides by describing chemistry, biosynthesis, and occurrence of BEAs, ENNs, and BEAEs in foods and feeds. Moreover, the co-occurrence of Fusarium species was compared to the amounts of toxins in crops, vegetables, and fruits from different regions of the world.
Maize AKINβγ Proteins Interact with P8 of Rice Black Streaked Dwarf Virus and Inhibit Viral Infection
Authors: Li Mingjun , Sun Xi , Di Dianping , Zhang Aihong , Qing Ling , Zhou Tao , Miao Hongqin , Fan Zaifeng
Published: December 2020

Rice black streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) is an important agent causing maize rough dwarf disease, whereas the host factors responding to RBSDV infection are poorly understood. To uncover the molecular interactions between RBSDV and maize, a yeast two-hybrid screen of a maize cDNA library was carried out using the viral P8 protein as a bait. ZmAKINβγ-1 and ZmAKINβγ-2 (βγ subunit of Arabidopsis SNF1 kinase homolog in maize) possessing high sequence similarities (encoded by two gene copies) were identified as interaction partners. Their interactions with P8 were confirmed in both Nicotiana benthamiana cells and maize protoplasts by bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay. The accumulation levels of ZmAKINβγ mRNAs were upregulated at the stage of the viral symptoms beginning to appear and then downregulated. ZmAKINβγs are putative regulatory subunits of the SnRK1 complex, a core regulator for energy homeostasis. Knockdown of ZmAKINβγs in maize regulated the expression levels of the genes involved in sugar synthesis or degradation, and also the contents of both glucose and sucrose. Importantly, downregulation of ZmAKINβγs expressions facilitated the accumulation of RBSDV in maize. These results implicate a role of ZmAKINβγs in the regulation of primary carbohydrate metabolism, and in the defense against RBSDV infection.
Testing Different Membrane Filters for 16S rRNA Gene-Based Metabarcoding in Karstic Springs
Authors: Moldovan Oana Teodora , Baricz Andreea , Szekeres Edina , Kenesz Marius , Hoaghia Marial Alexandra , Levei Erika Andrea , Mirea Ionuț Cornel , Năstase-Bucur Ruxandra , Brad Traian , Chiciudean Iulia , Banciu Horia Leonard
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Karstic springs are used worldwide by rural communities as sources of fresh water for humans and livestock. In Romania, one-third of the population has no direct access to a public water supply. The present study is part of a country-wide project to develop simple, quick and cheap methods for seasonal environmental and microbiological monitoring of karstic springs used as drinking water by rural populations. Critical steps for monitoring workflow consist of evaluating water quality and selecting suitable membrane filters to efficiently capture environmental DNA for further microbial diversity estimation using 16S rRNA gene-based metabarcoding. Methods: Several commercial membrane filters of different compositions and pore sizes were tested on the water sampled from three karstic springs in Romania, followed by water chemistry and whole community 16S rRNA gene-based metabarcoding analysis. Results: We found that different types of applied membrane filters provide varying recovery in diversity and abundance of both overall and pathogenic bacteria. Conclusions: The result of the experiment with different filters shows that mixed cellulose ester, cellulose acetate, and nitrate membranes of 0.20 and 0.22 µm are the best for amplicon-based metabarcoding monitoring of karst springs.
A Numerical Simulation of Membrane Distillation Treatment of Mine Drainage by Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Qi Ji , Lv Jiafeng , Li Zhen , Bian Wei , Li Jingfeng , Liu Shuqin
Published: December 2020

Membrane distillation (MD) is a promising technology to treat mine water. This work aims to investigate the change in mass and heat transfer in reverse osmosis mine water treatment by vacuum membrane distillation (VMD). A 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was carried out using COMSOL Multiphysics and verified by the experimental results. Then, response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to explore the effects of various parameters on the permeate flux and heat transfer efficiency. In terms of the influence degree on the permeation flux, the vacuum pressure > feed temperature > membrane length > feed temperature membrane length, and the membrane length has a negative correlation with the membrane flux. Increasing the feed temperature can also increase the convective heat transfer at the feed side, which will affect the heat transfer efficiency. Furthermore, the feed temperature also has a critical effect on the temperature polarization phenomenon. The temperature polarization becomes more notable at high temperatures.
New Approach to Remove Heavy Metals from Wastewater by the Coagulation of Alginate-Rhamnolipid Solution with Aluminum Sulfate
Authors: Lee Aleum , Kim Kyoungrean
Published: December 2020

This study was conducted using alginate-rhamnolipid (Alg-Rh) solutions on copper ions (Cu2+) as an application of coagulation with aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3). The results show that solid phases were rapidly formed as an output of the reaction between Alg-Rh and Al2(SO4)3. It could be considered that the Al2(SO4)3 concentration and the existence of Cu2+ have an impact on forming hard coagulation, in that the total volume has been increased with increasing Al2(SO4)3 and the existence of Cu2+. The number of ions of aluminum (Al3+) and sulfate (SO42−) were also increased with Al2(SO4)3. The efficiency of Cu2+ removal was constant above 75.0%, hence the average value was 76.8%.
Spatio-Temporal Variations of Hydrochemical and Microbial Characteristics in Karst Water in Samcheok, South Korea
Authors: Ryu Han-Sun , Kim Heejung , Lee Jin-Yong , Jang Jiwook , Park Sangwook
Published: December 2020

This study analyzed the hydrochemical characteristics and microbial communities of karst water in Samcheok, Korea, and compared water quality results to identify the seasonal characteristics and hydrogeological connectivity of the study areas of Hamaengbang-ri, Gyogok-ri, Yeosam-ri, and the downtown area of Samcheok. Field survey and water quality analysis were performed in July 2019, February 2020, and April 2020. Hydrochemical analysis of karst water (groundwater and surface water) showed that most samples were comprised of Ca-HCO3 and that water–rock interactions were a dominant factor compared to precipitation and evaporation (crystallization). For seasonal characteristics, water–rock interactions appeared more active in the dry season than in the rainy season. Calcite weathering was dominant in the dry season, whereas dolomite weathering dominated the rainy season. Moreover, the saturation indexes for the dry and rainy seasons were less than and greater than 0, respectively, corresponding to an unsaturation (oversaturation) state; thus, white precipitate distributed in the study areas was deposited in the rainy season. Finally, as a result of analyzing the hydraulic characteristics between regions, hydrogeological similarities were identified between Hamaengbang-ri and Yeosam-ri, and between Gyogok-ri and downtown Samcheok, which suggested hydrogeological connectivity between each of the pairs.
The “reverse air leak test”: a new technique for the assessment of low colorectal anastomosis
Authors: Crafa Francesco , Striano Augusto , Esposito Francesco , Rossetti Amalia Rosaria Rita , Baiamonte Mario , Gianfreda Valeria , Longo Antonio
Published: December 2020

Purpose: Anastomotic leakage is a fearsome complication in rectal surgery. Surgeons perform the classic air leak test, although its real effectiveness is still debated. The aim of this study was to describe a personal technique of reverse air leak test in which low colorectal anastomosis was assessed transanally through the intrarectal irrigation of a few mL of saline solution.Methods: From October 2014 to November 2019, 11 patients with low rectal cancer (type 1 in Roullier classification) were included in this study. At the beginning of the procedure, a circular anal dilator was inserted into the anus. A side-to-end colorectal anastomosis was performed. A few mL of saline solution were injected into the rectum and the entire anastomotic line was directly explored. The appearance of bubbles was considered as an anastomotic defect and repaired with an interrupted suture. A fluorescence angiography after intravenous injection of indocyanine green was performed in order to evaluate the perfusion of the anastomosis.Results: The reverse air leak test was positive in 4 cases (36.4%). The defect was repaired and a confirmation test was performed. In all patients, near-infrared evaluation showed no perfusion defect (grade 0) in low colorectal anastomosis. No postoperative fistula was detected in cohort study. A protective stoma was performed in 10 patients. On day 90, there were no complications and stoma closure was performed as planned.Conclusion: The reverse air leak test is a simple, feasible, and effective procedure to identify anastomotic leaks in low colorectal anastomoses.
Changing media depictions of remote consulting in COVID-19: analysis of UK newspapers
Authors: Mroz Gilly , Papoutsi Chrysanthi , Rushforth Alex , Greenhalgh Trisha
Published: December 2020

Background

Remote consulting was introduced quickly into UK general practice in March 2020 as an emergency response to COVID-19. In July 2020, ‘remote-first’ became long-term government policy.

Aim

To explore how this change was portrayed in national newspapers and how depictions changed over time.

Design and setting

Thematic analysis of newspaper articles referring to remote GP consultations from two time periods: 2 March–31 May 2020 (period 1) and 30 July–12 August 2020 (period 2).

Method

Articles were identified through, and extracted from, LexisNexis Academic UK. A coding system of themes and narrative devices was developed and applied to the data. The analysis was developed iteratively, amending the coding structure as new data were added.

Results

Remote consulting was widely covered in newspapers. Articles in period 1 depicted it positively, equating digital change with progress and linking novel technological solutions with improved efficiency and safety (for example, infection control) in a service that was overdue for modernisation. Articles in period 2 questioned the persistence of a remote-first service now that the pandemic was waning, emphasising, for example, missed diagnoses, challenges to the therapeutic relationship, and digital inequalities.

Conclusion

As the first wave of the pandemic came and went, media depictions of remote consulting evolved from an ‘efficiency and safety’ narrative to a ‘risks, inequalities, and lack of choice’ narrative. To restore public trust in general practice, public communication should emphasise the wide menu of consulting options now available to patients and measures being taken to assure safety and avoid inequity.
Primary care consultation length by deprivation and multimorbidity in England: an observational study using electronic patient records
Authors: Gopfert Anya , Deeny Sarah R , Fisher Rebecca , Stafford Mai
Published: December 2020

Background

Longer GP consultations are recommended as one way of improving care for people with multimorbidity. In Scotland, patients who are multimorbid and living in deprived areas do not have longer consultations, although their counterparts in the least deprived areas do. This example of the inverse care law has not been examined in England.

Aim

To assess GP consultation length by socioeconomic deprivation and multimorbidity.

Design and setting

Random sample of 1.2 million consultations from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2016 for 190 036 adults in England drawn from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

Method

Consultation duration was derived from time of opening and closing the patient’s electronic record. Mean duration was estimated by multimorbidity level and type, adjusted for number of consultations and other patient and staff characteristics and patient and practice random effects.

Results

Consultations lasted 10.9 minutes on average and mean duration increased with number of conditions. Patients with ≥6 conditions had 0.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.8 to 1.0) minutes longer than those with none. Patients who are multimorbid and with a mental health condition had 0.5 (CI = 0.4 to 0.5) minutes longer than patients who were not multimorbid. However, consultations were 0.5 (CI = 0.4 to 0.5) minutes shorter in the most compared with the least deprived fifth of areas at all levels of multimorbidity.

Conclusion

GPs in England spend longer with patients who have more conditions, but, at all multimorbidity levels, those in deprived areas have less time per GP consultation. Further research is needed to assess the impact of consultation length on patient and system outcomes for those with multimorbidity.
Time from presentation to pre-diagnostic chest X-ray in patients with symptomatic lung cancer: a cohort study using electronic patient records from English primary care
Authors: Arendse Kirsten D , Walter Fiona M , Pilling Mark , Zhou Yin , Hamilton Willie , Funston Garth
Published: December 2020

Background

National guidelines in England recommend prompt chest X-ray (within 14 days) in patients presenting in general practice with unexplained symptoms of possible lung cancer, including persistent cough, shortness of breath, or weight loss.

Aim

To examine time to chest X-ray in symptomatic patients in English general practice before lung cancer diagnosis, and explore demographical variation.

Design and setting

Retrospective cohort study using routinely collected general practice, cancer registry, and imaging data from England.

Method

Patients with lung cancer who presented symptomatically in general practice in the year pre-diagnosis and who had a pre-diagnostic chest X-ray were included. Time from presentation to chest X-ray (presentation–test interval) was determined and intervals classified based on national guideline recommendations as concordant (≤14 days) or non-concordant (>14 days). Variation in intervals was examined by age, sex, smoking status, and deprivation.

Results

In a cohort of 2102 patients with lung cancer, the median presentation–test interval was 49 (interquartile range [IQR] 5–172) days. Of these, 727 (35%) patients had presentation–test intervals of ≤14 days (median 1 [IQR 0–6] day) and 1375 (65%) had presentation–test intervals of >14 days (median 128 [IQR 52–231] days). Intervals were longer among patients who smoke (equivalent to 63% longer than non-smokers; P<0.001), older patients (equivalent to 7% longer for every 10 years from age 27; P = 0.013), and females (equivalent to 12% longer than males; P = 0.016).

Conclusion

In symptomatic primary care patients who underwent chest X-ray before lung cancer diagnosis, only 35% were tested within the timeframe recommended by national guidelines. Patients who smoke, older patients, and females experienced longer intervals. These findings could help guide initiatives aimed at improving timely lung cancer diagnosis.
EVALUATION OF THE ZONATION SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW STUDENT ACCEPTANCE
Authors: Abu Bakar Kosasih Ali , Supriyati Yetti , Hanafi Ivan
Published: December 2020

The policy for admitting new students with this zoning system is based on the proximity of the student's residence to the school, so that indicators of student capacity and the quantity of students in the zoning area are the most important. This study aims to determine the extent of the success of the implementation of the new student admission policy by analyzing the factors that influence the success of this policy. This research uses mixed methods, this research is a qualitative research supported by quantitative research. The research stage begins with the identification of issues / problems and mapping the problems from the mass / online media, the results of existing studies and the results of monitoring and evaluation and studies conducted by the Ministry of Education and Culture, after which it is continued with a survey. The researcher then conducted a discussion which resulted in policy options and recommendations and standard operating procedures in policy implementation for the socialization stage by taking into account the communication factor, the policy formulation stage by taking into account the commitment factor, and the policy implementation stage with due regard to resource factors and organizational structure factors. In addition, this study also identifies current policy implementation models and proposes recommendations that should be implemented.
THE VALIDITY OF LEARNING DEVICES WITH A CONTEXTUAL APPROACH TO IMPROVE CONCEPT UNDERSTANDING ABILITIES
Authors: Siregar Eva Yanti , Holila Anni , Ahmad Marzuki
Published: December 2020

The low ability to understand concepts is something that is still often found in mathematics learning, especially in secondary schools. One of the reasons is the lack of learning device  that encourage students to be active in learning. Therefore, it is necessary to develop contextual learning tools in an effort to improve students' the ability understand mathematical concepts (AUMC) students. The type of research is descriptive quantitative. The research instrument was in the form of a learning device validation sheet. The research subjects were learning device which included lesson plans, student activity sheets (SAS), and students' AUMC tests. The object of research is the level of validity of the learning device. The results showed that the lesson plan with an index V of 0.72 was categorized as valid. SAS with an index V of 0.78 is categorized as valid, The AUMC-1 test and the AUMC-2 test with an index of V 0.76 and 0.74 were included in the valid category. It can be concluded that the contextual approach in improving student AUMC from the aspects of format, language and content is valid.
Jogo Animacards Caatingueiros: conhecendo os animais vertebrados da Caatinga e entendendo sua importância
Authors: Lira Jéssica Gouveia , Ribeiro Elâine Maria Santos , Lima Regina Lúcia Félix de Aguiar
Published: December 2020

A fauna da Caatinga possui animais que estão ameaçados por ações antrópicas como a caça e desmatamento. O emprego de estratégias de Educação Ambiental na escola pode contribuir para valorização e conservação da fauna. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um jogo didático para abordagem da fauna de vertebrados da Caatinga.  O jogo Animacards Caatingueiros inclui o perfil de 20 espécies de animais vertebrados terrestres da Caatinga, levando em consideração a vulnerabilidade e atratividade dessas espécies. Animacards Caatingueiros é um recurso didático para uso em sala de aula que contribui para a construção da consciência ambiental sobre a importância de conservação desses animais.
Jogo de tabuleiro Flora da Caatinga: conhecer para conservar
Authors: Bezerra Mariana Nogueira , Nascimento Glaucia Suêrda Gomes do , Silva Nélia Rodrigues da , Lima Regina Lúcia Félix de Aguiar , Ribeiro Elâine Maria Santos
Published: December 2020

O jogo didático é uma ferramenta de aprendizagem que desperta o conhecimento de forma prazerosa e divertida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um jogo didático para ampliar os conhecimentos sobre a flora da Caatinga e promover reflexões sobre sua conservação. Para desenvolvimento do jogo “Flora da Caatinga: conhecer para conservar”, utilizou-se como modelo o Jogo da Vida® que é um jogo de tabuleiro da empresa Brinquedos Estrela S.A®. O jogo desenvolvido apresenta abordagem contextualizada e atual das plantas da Caatinga, apresenta algumas relações das espécies com os seres humanos e aspectos relacionados à sustentabilidade, contribuindo para a aprendizagem, valorização e conservação sobre a biodiversidade da Caatinga.
TRAVESSIAS E TRAVESSURAS FOTOGRÁFICAS, EXPERIMENTOS IMAGÉTICOS POR SÃO JOÃO DEL-REI
Authors: Tzortzato Ana , Barcelos Anna Carolina , Resende Cassia , Omelczuk Fernanda , Scareli Giovana , Lopes Heloísa , Barros Luciano de , Wunder Marli , Rodrigues Pablo Quaglia , Fernandes Priscila , Abreu Tainah
Published: December 2020

TRAVESSIAS E TRAVESSURAS FOTOGRÁFICAS, EXPERIMENTOS IMAGÉTICOS POR SÃO JOÃO DEL-REI
From Geneticist to the Garden to Senior Botanist: Edgar Anderson and the Study of Plants in the 20th Century
Authors: Kleinman Kim
Published: December 2020

This examination of Edgar Anderson’s career from his undergraduate studies at Michigan Agricultural College beginning in 1914 to his death at the Missouri Botanical Garden in 1969 is an opportunity to trace the study of plants in the middle half of the 20th century. He came to the Missouri Botanical Garden in 1922 as geneticist, but he took Senior Botanist as his last title. His perspective was always generalist and synthetic, applying insights from specialization for their broadest implications. This approach led to his recognition of the role of repeated backcrosses, introgressive hybridization, as a major evolutionary mechanism, a view being tested and explored increasingly by today’s workers. Analogously, his disciplinary approach similarly reflected introgression as he helped incorporate genetics, cytology, ecology, and developmental biology—in a word, biosystematics—into the botany that he studied as a young man.
Performance of SMEs: A Special Focus on Small Size Businesses (SSBs) Determinants of Growth at the Tangail Using Logistic Regression
Authors: Joynab Joynab , Akhter Roksana
Published: December 2020

Small scale enterprises (SMEs) take possession of dominant position in any developing countries like Bangladesh. Small scale enterprises (SMEs) specially focused on the study of Small scale business (SSBs) at tangail which is significant contribution of countries economy where density of population is very high because it offers large number of employment generation opportunities and income generation at low cost which is reduction poverty. Considering the importance this study has strived to identify those were collecting primary data which is statistically significant. First using educational level of entrepreneur’s, loan facilities,’ sector of loan collecting, employment generation and poverty reduction analyze frequency of statistics and later using logistic regression determinant of gross profits, asset growth at tangail district. The study shows that entrepreneurs of SSBs 82% influences of profit rising by educational levels and ownership of business is 58% and 72% profits rising when loan facilities of SSBs.
Family and Conjugality: Perception of Happiness of Domestic Abusers
Authors: Gedrat Dóris Cristina , Da Silveira Eliane Fraga , Almeida Neto Honor De , Alves Gehysa Guimarães , Pereira Da Silva Ângela Maria
Published: December 2020

This research aimed to learn about the happiness perception of men with violent behavior, attended by a nucleus of assistance to victims of violence in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. For this, 16 men with restraining orders for assaulting their partners (Lei Maria da Penha - 11.340/2006) were interviewed. This study involved descriptive research (qualitative approach), and data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. For the discussion, three subcategories related to Subjective Well-Being were organized into: conception of happiness, challenges in being happy, and attitudes required in being happy. The word "family" was referenced by abusers in all subcategories. When it comes to involving violence between intimate partners, this new approach intends to make men a part of the solution rather than just the problem.
Second Stage of Reconnaissances in California (1580-1636)
Authors: Gutiérrez Jesús M Porro
Published: December 2020

This paper deals with the second stage of Spanish explorations in the Californian area and the Northern Pacific coast, focusing on their cartographical results. The stategic attention to protect the way to the Philippines and the Spice Islands caused new reconnaissances North of California, which triggered several fantasies about the alleged Anian Strait, which supposedly connected both sides of the ocean in the polar latitudes. After illusion of the supposed voyages led by Fuca and Ferrer was over, interest focused on the exploration along the outer coast of the California peninsula, in order to discover some bases for the Manila gelleon's return. Interest in that area was proven by Vizcaino's expeditions, but the search for pearls carried out by Cardona and others was a failure.
The Impact of Environmental Factors on Organizational Adoption of Human Resource Analytics in Sri Lankan Large-Scale Apparel Companies
Authors: Hettiarachchi K. M. , Bandara H. M. S. D. , Amarasinghe M. C. G. , Sirigampola U. S. , Kuruppu C. L.
Published: December 2020

This study focuses on investigating the impact of environmental factors on organizational level of adoption to Human Resource Analytics in Sri Lankan apparel companies. Four variables were considered to develop the conceptual model under environmental factors impacting the adoption of Human Resource Analytics performed in prior studies. The sample consists with 210 Human Resource professionals which were taken based on nine out of thirteen key apparel companies in Sri Lanka. The findings revealed that the environmental factors and the organizational level of adoption have a positive relationship. The results indicated that the environmental factors lead to a strong positive impact on the organizational level of adoption.
Professora de estudantes com deficiência, e agora? Relato de experiência antes e após formação continuada
Authors: Picolini Beatriz Ribeiro Aleluia , Lago Dan´´usia Cardoso , Tartuci Dulcéria
Published: December 2020

Entre as demandas da inclusão escolar está a formação continuada dos professores que atuam com estudantes com deficiência. Na prática, o que vem ocorrendo é que professores sem formação na área da educação especial atuam empiricamente com esses estudantes tanto no contexto da sala de aula comum quanto em salas de recursos multifuncionais. Pesquisas apontam que os professores buscam cursos, por conta própria, nessa área visando auxílio em sua prática docente, pois os cursos sobre educação especial e inclusiva oferecidos pelos Estados e Municípios, além de não suprirem as necessidades de formação, são escassos e não atendem à demanda. Diante do exposto, a presente pesquisa teve por objetivo analisar, por meio de um relato de experiência, a trajetória profissional de uma professora do ensino fundamental que atuou/atua com estudantes com deficiência antes e após sua participação em cursos de formação continuada, em nível de especialização, na área da educação especial. Trata-se de um estudo de caso com abordagem qualitativa cujos instrumentos de coleta de dados foram os diários de registros da experiência dessa professora, além das suas narrativas orais contendo toda sua trajetória profissional. As análises dos relatos da experiência, descritas neste artigo, apontaram a necessidade de ampliação dos cursos de formação continuada para professores na área da educação especial. Para a professora, objeto deste estudo, esses cursos fomentaram ampliação do conhecimento nessa área, conhecimentos que se refletiram criticamente em sua atuação pedagógica junto aos estudantes com deficiência.

Palavras-chave: Educação Especial. Relato de experiência. Formação continuada.
A Educação entre o caos pandêmico, tecnologia e política
Authors: De Almeida Maia Mirtes Damares Santos , Da Silva Danilo Garcia , Casagrande Ana Lara
Published: December 2020

Este artigo objetiva refletir sobre a relação entre Educação e Tecnologias, tendo em vista a relevância deste binômio em contextos do isolamento social, decorrente da pandemia COVID-19. Levando em conta uma pluralidade terminológica que denota enviesamentos conceituais, no escopo da política educacional, a partir do método de análise de conteúdo, analisaremos alguns documentos normativos que tratam da temática e das medidas emergências tomadas pelo Ministério da Educação, as quais autorizam a retomada das atividades escolares por meio de tecnologias. Os resultados evidenciam a emergência de questões caras à educação, que se vê inserida em um cenário de caos face ao contexto atípico que se impõe e que ressalta desigualdades sociais e históricas, agora evidenciadas pela dimensão da inclusão digital.
Educação do campo: o que pensam as educadoras de uma escola do campo no interior do Amazonas?
Authors: Cardozo Aguiar Rose Belite , Soares Fernandes Leal Fabiana , Elias Franco Zilda Gláucia
Published: December 2020

Esse estudo faz parte da dissertação de mestrado da primeira autora, intitulado “A formação dos educadores do campo no município de Humaitá- AM”, cujo o objeto de pesquisa foi a formação dos educadores do campo. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar qual é o olhar/conceito que as educadoras que atuam em uma das escolas do campo do município de Humaitá-AM têm acerca da educação do campo. A metodologia partiu de um levantamento bibliográfico sobre a temática da educação do campo, seguida por entrevistas semiestruturadas com quatro (04) educadoras de uma escola localizada em espaços rurais. Neste estudo, as discussões e reflexões obtidas através das falas das entrevistadas, nos permitiu avaliar que elas têm o conhecimento sobre o que seja a educação do campo e que ainda existem muitos desafios e possibilidades para implementação das políticas educacionais nas escolas que estão presentes em contexto rurais, para que elas sejam de fato escolas do campo.