bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE PRINCIPLES GOVERNING ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Authors:   Z.M. Baglieva Dagestan State University, Baglieva Z.M.
Published: November 2020

The article presents a comparative legal analysis of the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the constitutional legislation of foreign countries for the content of the basic principles of regulating economic activity. The article examines the impact of international law on the formation of economic principles enshrined in the basic laws of States, and also discusses the process of globalization in this area, due to the basic rules and principles reflected in the provisions of international legal acts implemented in domestic law and expressed in the unification of constitutional and legal norms that allow for the most effective legal regulation of the economy in practice. The author concludes that the Constitution of the Russian Federation contains basic principles necessary for constitutional and legal regulation of economic relations, their development and improvement in the context of globalization.
La estrategia de expansionismo hegemónico iraní en Siria y Afganistán
Authors: Melamed-Visbal Janiel David , Peláez-Barceló Dylan Steaven
Published: November 2020

En las últimas décadas, Irán ha puesto en marcha un ambicioso programa de política exterior en el cual uno de sus objetivos fundamentales es promover su expansionismo hegemónico a lo largo de zonas de especial interés regional. Este artículo investiga la agenda desarrollada por Irán en Afganistán y Siria, en medio de dos guerras y contextos territoriales diferentes. A pesar de las diferencias, este trabajo evidencia los elementos comunes de su estrategia expansionista en Asia central y Medio Oriente. Esta estrategia se basa en el rechazo de la intervención de EE. UU. y sus aliados, y la reivindicación de un régimen político-religioso islámico. En los casos analizados, Irán ha mezclado el apoyo político y militar con la ayuda económica y el fortalecimiento de lazos comerciales con estos países.
Visiones de guerra justa en el marco del terrorismo global
Authors: Hodge-Dupré Eduardo Andrés
Published: November 2020

La guerra contra el terrorismo global es un desafío complejo que no parece tener salida actualmente. Este artículo busca demostrar que tanto los yihadistas que atacan y amenazan Occidente, como los Gobiernos occidentales que los combaten y que han sido sus víctimas, tienen una visión de su causa como una causa justa, en contra de enemigos que, según la perspectiva de cada uno, los han atacado primero. Para esto, se hace un análisis de los discursos de algunos yihadistas, y luego de algunos presidentes de países occidentales, para mostrar cómo ambos se vinculan con la tradición de guerra justa. En últimas, esas concepciones absolutas que cada una de las partes tiene podría explicar por qué no se vislumbra aún un posible final para el conflicto.
Da Autonomia Municipal
Authors: Dutra Aderson
Published: November 2020

A autonomia local brasileira, escreve O s c a r T e n ó r i o , nasceu com as capitaniashereditárias. A Constituição Imperial, por seu turno, prossegue o mesmoautor reconheceu a existência do governo municipal, com específicas funçõesmunicipais ( Repertório Enciclopédico do D reito Brasileiro, V ol. 5, pp.190-191) Fórça é convir, todavia, em que se tratava de uma autonomia maisaparente do que real, tantas e tão extensas as faculdades intervencionistas reservadasao Poder Central.
Da Condição Jurídica dos Cônsules
Authors: Eulálio do Nascimento e Silva Geraldo
Published: November 2020

São inúmeras as definições do têrmo “Cônsul” e de um modo geral asmesmas se limitam a uma enumeração de suas atribuições. É de mister lembrarque a expressão varia no tempo e no espaço: o Cônsul de hoje possuiatribuições bem mais complexas do que o de um século atrás, e as funçõesconsulares variam de país para país.
Órgãos normativos e de controle
Authors: RSP Editor
Published: November 2020

A julgar pelos equívocos em que incidem tantas pessoas em geralbem informadas, ou pelas confusões correntes mesmo nos melhoresjornais brasileiros, parece que ainda hoje se continua sem apreendercorretamente a natureza e finalidade de certos órgãos de nossaAdministração Pública, embora estejam êles incorporados há muitosanos à sua estrutura.Inovações algumas vêzes até moderadas, soluções parciaisoutras vêzes, contra êsses órgãos se opuseram, desde o início, os inconformadose a própria inércia administrativa. E dessa resistênciacom que os receberam, ficou o ressaibo de incompreensão que aindaagora os persegue.
Plano de pagamento
Authors: De Magalhães Celso
Published: November 2020

A retribuição pecuniária percebida pelo empregado particular e peloservidor público, como retribuição dos serviços prestados, é fator de sumaimportância em Administração de Pessoal.Essa retribuição deve satisfazer a duas condições fundamentais: terá de ser justa e terá de ser suficiente.Nãc importa que se revista da primeira característica, isto é, pouco se dáque essa remuneração seja justa; se não fôr também suficiente, fugirá à suafinalidade.Com efeito a retribuição pafa ao homem que trabalha deve garantir-lhenormalmente a estabilidade econômica, defendendo-o contra os embates constantesda vida
Criação do Instituto Superior de Administração Pública e Regulamentação do Estatuto do Pessoal Civil na Argentina
Authors: De Administración Pública de Argentina Instituto Superior
Published: November 2020

O chefe do Escritório de Propaganda e Expansão Comercialdo Brasil, na Argentina, órgão do M . T .1 . C e o SenhorDiretor do Serviço de Documentação dêsse mesmo Ministérioenviaram-nos recortes de periódicos que nos dão conta da criaçãonaquele país de um Instituto Superior de Administração Públicae da Regulamentação do Estatuto do Pessoal Civil.Tratando-se de assuntes de interêsse para um estudo comparativo, no campo do direito administrativo, a R . S . P . temo prazer de reproduzir para os seus leitores o texto integral dasnoticias acima referidas, aproveitando para agradecer àquelasautoridades o espírito de colaboração demonstrado.
A neutralidade política do Serviço Público Moderno
Authors: RSP Editor
Published: November 2020

Um dos mais fascinantes temas da ciência política é o processode estatização do serviço público. Êste, que hoje estamos habituadosa ver como uma íunção do Estado, era, outrora, uma das muitasformas de contribuição que os governados prestavam aos governantes.Constituía, por assim dizer, um tributo de trabalho dovassalo ao seu soberano. O funcionário servia mais ao rei do quepropriamente ao Estado.
A matemática no direito de propriedade da União
Authors: Santos Nelson Nascimento
Published: November 2020

Nesta altura, continuando com o estudo da matéria em epígrafe, passamos a abordar os casos de alienação e remissão de terrenos pertencentes à União. Alienação — A alienação, salvo os casos em contrário expressos em lei, é feita em concorrência pública, em obediência a estatutos legais; dá-se para a transferência do direito ao domínio pleno e, excepcionalmente ao de domínio útil se se tratar de terreno de interior, isto é, não de marinhas. Para os terrenos de marinhas o objeto da concorrência pública é a transferência do direito ao domínio útil, ressalvados aqui os antigos aforamentos de terrenos de interior e aqueles que dizem respeito ao Decreto-lei n9 893, de 26 de novembro de 1938, geralmente aplicável à Fazenda Nacional de Santa Cruz.
Решение задачи о форме вертикального жидкого моста между выпуклыми поверхностями с учетом силы тяжести
Authors: Галактионов Е.В. , Галактионова Н.Е. , Тропп Э.А.
Published: November 2020

The solution to the problem on the shape of the lateral surface of a vertical three-dimensional catenoidal liquid bridge of small volume between two arbitrary convex solid surfaces in the axisymmetric case, taking into account the action of gravity, is presented. A variational formulation of the original problem has given. The solution has found by the iteration method under the assumption that the Bond number has been small. The algorithm of iterative process has proposed. The parameters change areas for which there is no uniqueness of the solution to the problem have discovered.
It has been established that the maximum number of different profiles of the liquid bridge lateral surface corresponding the single selected set of parameters has equal to four. As an example, the liquid bridge shape problem between two spheres was solved.
Условия получения высокомодульных нанокомпозитов полимер/углеродные нанотрубки
Authors: Козлов Г.В. , Долбин И.В.
Published: November 2020

The physical basis of realization of high-modulus and high-strength nanocomposites polymer/carbon nanotube, having mechanical characteristics comparable with the same ones for steel, were considered. Two main factors, allowing to create such nanocomposites, were defined – the structure of nanofiller in polymer matrix and large enough content of nanofiller. The indicated structure fractal dimension should be close to dimension of surrounding Euclidean space, i.e. three one. Besides, elastic modulus of nanofiller depends on stiffness of polymer matrix. Therefore additional drawing of nanocomposite gives two positive effects: reduction of waviness of carbon nanotubes and enhancement of elastic modulus of polymer matrix owing to orientation of its macromolecules.
Имитационное моделирование эпилептиформной активности сетью нейроподобных радиотехнических осцилляторов
Authors: Егоров Н.М. , Пономаренко В.И. , Сысоев И.В. , Сысоева М.В.
Published: November 2020

We developed a radioengineering circuit modeling a hierarchically organized thalamo-cortical network of the brain with an external input. We investigated the resulting model and found various regimes of forced and self-oscillations, including regimes with hard excitation. We established at what parameters the circuit demonstrates activity similar to spike-wave discharges at absence epilepsy, implementing the hypothesis that a spike-wave discharge is a long transient process near the bifurcation of the cycle birth from the condensation of phase trajectories.
Accuracy of Monocular Two-Dimensional Pose Estimation Compared With a Reference Standard for Kinematic Multiview Analysis: Validation Study
Authors: Stamm Oskar , Heimann-Steinert Anika
Published: November 2020

Background

Expensive optoelectronic systems, considered the gold standard, require a laboratory environment and the attachment of markers, and they are therefore rarely used in everyday clinical practice. Two-dimensional (2D) human pose estimations for clinical purposes allow kinematic analyses to be carried out via a camera-based smartphone app. Since clinical specialists highly depend on the validity of information, there is a need to evaluate the accuracy of 2D pose estimation apps.

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the accuracy of the 2D pose estimation of a mobility analysis app (Lindera-v2), using the PanopticStudio Toolbox data set as a reference standard. The study aimed to assess the differences in joint angles obtained by 2D video information generated with the Lindera-v2 algorithm and the reference standard. The results can provide an important assessment of the adequacy of the app for clinical use.

Methods

To evaluate the accuracy of the Lindera-v2 algorithm, 10 video sequences were analyzed. Accuracy was evaluated by assessing a total of 30,000 data pairs for each joint (10 joints in total), comparing the angle data obtained from the Lindera-v2 algorithm with those of the reference standard. The mean differences of the angles were calculated for each joint, and a comparison was made between the estimated values and the reference standard values. Furthermore, the mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error, and symmetric mean absolute percentage error of the 2D angles were calculated. Agreement between the 2 measurement methods was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC[A,2]). A cross-correlation was calculated for the time series to verify whether there was a temporal shift in the data.

Results

The mean difference of the Lindera-v2 data in the right hip was the closest to the reference standard, with a mean value difference of –0.05° (SD 6.06°). The greatest difference in comparison with the baseline was found in the neck, with a measurement of –3.07° (SD 6.43°). The MAE of the angle measurement closest to the baseline was observed in the pelvis (1.40°, SD 1.48°). In contrast, the largest MAE was observed in the right shoulder (6.48°, SD 8.43°). The medians of all acquired joints ranged in difference from 0.19° to 3.17° compared with the reference standard. The ICC values ranged from 0.951 (95% CI 0.914-0.969) in the neck to 0.997 (95% CI 0.997-0.997) in the left elbow joint. The cross-correlation showed that the Lindera-v2 algorithm had no temporal lag.

Conclusions

The results of the study indicate that a 2D pose estimation by means of a smartphone app can have excellent agreement compared with a validated reference standard. An assessment of kinematic variables can be performed with the analyzed algorithm, showing only minimal deviations compared with data from a massive multiview system.
Effects of a Personalized Fitness Recommender System Using Gamification and Continuous Player Modeling: System Design and Long-Term Validation Study
Authors: Zhao Zhao , Arya Ali , Orji Rita , Chan Gerry
Published: November 2020

Background

Gamification and persuasive games are effective tools to motivate behavior change, particularly to promote daily physical activities. On the one hand, studies have suggested that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work well for persuasive game design. On the other hand, player modeling and recommender systems are increasingly used for personalizing content. However, there are few existing studies on how to build comprehensive player models for personalizing gamified systems, recommending daily physical activities, or the long-term effectiveness of such gamified exercise-promoting systems.

Objective

This paper aims to introduce a gamified, 24/7 fitness assistant system that provides personalized recommendations and generates gamified content targeted at individual users to bridge the aforementioned gaps. This research aims to investigate how to design gamified physical activity interventions to achieve long-term engagement.

Methods

We proposed a comprehensive model for gamified fitness recommender systems that uses detailed and dynamic player modeling and wearable-based tracking to provide personalized game features and activity recommendations. Data were collected from 40 participants (23 men and 17 women) who participated in a long-term investigation on the effectiveness of our recommender system that gradually establishes and updates an individual player model (for each unique user) over a period of 60 days.

Results

Our results showed the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed system, particularly for generating personalized exercise recommendations using player modeling. There was a statistically significant difference among the 3 groups (full, personalized, and gamified) for overall motivation (F3,36=22.49; P<.001), satisfaction (F3,36=22.12; P<.001), and preference (F3,36=15.0; P<.001), suggesting that both gamification and personalization have positive effects on the levels of motivation, satisfaction, and preference. Furthermore, qualitative results revealed that a customized storyline was the most requested feature, followed by a multiplayer mode, more quality recommendations, a feature for setting and tracking fitness goals, and more location-based features.

Conclusions

On the basis of these results and drawing from the gamer modeling literature, we conclude that personalizing recommendations using player modeling and gamification can improve participants’ engagement and motivation toward fitness activities over time.
Virtual Overdose Response for People Who Use Opioids Alone: Protocol for a Feasibility and Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Bristowe Sean Kristina , Ghosh Sumantra Monty , Trew Michael ,   Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region, Rittenbach Katherine
Published: November 2020

Background

A recent quarterly report released by Alberta Health reports that on average 2.5 Albertans die every day from accidental overdose deaths, and that between April 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020, the province lost a total of 301 people. In Canada, between January 2016 and March 2020, a total of 16,364 people died due to opioid-related overdose. The World Health Organization reports that 70% of the 0.5 million deaths worldwide caused by drugs are related to opioid overdose. Although supervised consumption sites or safe injection sites have been shown to be effective in reducing the harms associated with the use of illicit substances and increasing uptake of addiction treatment and other health services, there is still significant stigma associated with them, and it is unlikely that all of the people who would benefit from supervised consumption service will ever access a site.

Objective

To help prevent deaths in populations that cannot or will not access physical safer consumption services in Alberta, we propose to provide virtual (telephone-based) overdose response services, staffed by people with lived experience.The primary outcome for this study is uptake of the service as measured by the number of calls to the service. Secondary outcomes will include patterns of use of the phone line (days of the week and time of calls) and outcomes from the calls (number of emergency medical services dispatches for overdoses from the service and the results of those dispatches).

Methods

This phase 1 clinical study is set to officially launch in early May 2020. The service will be available to up to 15 participants who self-disclose as using opioids unobserved and have given informed consent for both data collection and interviews. This group will have access to a toll-free telephone number and be invited to call when they plan to use opioids alone.

Results

The analysis will include mixed methods. To improve the design of the service and ensure safety of all involved, quantitative data will be collected on phone calls and participant health care usage, while qualitative data will be collected from both participants and virtual overdose response operators

Conclusions

This clinical trial aims to test the feasibility of a service that provides virtual overdose response in order to help prevent deaths in populations that cannot or will not access physical supervised consumption services in Alberta.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04391192; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04391192

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/20183
Evaluating the Onset, Severity, and Recovery of Changes to Smell and Taste Associated With COVID-19 Infection in a Singaporean Population (the COVOSMIA-19 Trial): Protocol for a Prospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Sheen Florence , Tan Vicki , Haldar Sumanto , Sengupta Sharmila , Allen David , Somani Jyoti , Chen Hui Yee , Tambyah Paul , Forde Ciaran G
Published: November 2020

Background

Sudden loss of smell and/or taste has been suggested to be an early marker of COVID-19 infection, with most findings based on self-reporting of sensory changes at a single time point.

Objective

To understand the onset, severity, and recovery of sensory changes associated with COVID-19 infection, this study will longitudinally track changes in chemosensory acuity among people with suspected COVID-19 infection using standardized test stimuli that are self-administered over 28 days.

Methods

In a prospective, case-controlled observational study, volunteers will be recruited when they present for COVID-19 screening by respiratory tract polymerase chain reaction test (“swab test”). The volunteers will initially complete a series of questionnaires to record their recent changes in smell and taste ability, followed by a brief standardized smell and taste test. Participants will receive a home-use smell and taste test kit to prospectively complete daily self-assessments of their smell and taste acuity at their place of residence for up to 4 weeks, with all data submitted for collection through web-based software.

Results

This study has been approved by the Domain Specific Review Board of the National Healthcare Group, Singapore, and is funded by the Biomedical Research Council Singapore COVID-19 Research Fund. Recruitment began on July 23, 2020, and will continue through to March 31, 2021. As of October 2, 2020, 69 participants had been recruited.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this study will be the first to collect longitudinal data on changes to smell and taste sensitivity related to clinically diagnosed COVID-19 infection, confirmed by PCR swab test, in a population-based cohort. The findings will provide temporal insights on the onset, severity, and recovery of sensory changes with COVID-19 infection, the consistency of symptoms, and the frequency of full smell recovery among patients with COVID-19. This self-administered and cost-effective approach has many advantages over self-report questionnaire–based methods and provides a more objective measure of smell and taste changes associated with COVID-19 infection; this will encourage otherwise asymptomatic individuals who are potential spreaders of the virus to self-isolate and seek formal medical diagnosis if they experience a sudden change in sensory acuity. This broadened case finding can potentially help control the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce the emergence of clusters of infections.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04492904; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04492904.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/24797
The Relationship of Affective, Behavioral and Cognitive Engagements in ESL Higher Learning Classroom
Authors: Nazamud-din Aisyah , Harriz Zaini Muhammad , Mohd Jamil Nor Hilaliyah
Published: November 2020

The 21st Century learning deems various transformative skills learners in order to equip the fresh graduates for the demand of the fast changing industry. One of the ways to ensure an effective learning environment is by establishing strong student engagement in the classrooms. Student engagement can be observed in several dimensions; behavioral, affective and cognitive. The present study uncovered the levels of student engagement in these three dimensions and their relationship with each other in an ESL course in a public university in Malaysia. The population was 180 undergraduates of the second semester and 120 undergraduates were randomly selected by cluster sampling. The researchers adopted a mixed-method approach that focused more on the quantitative approach. A questionnaire with 5-Likert scale items and open-ended questions were utilized. The analysis revealed a moderate level of engagement during instruction and affective engagement as the highest form of engagement among the students in the classroom. Pearson Correlation analysis presented moderate to strong, significant and positive relationships among the three dimensions. This study proves the importance of student engagement in higher education learning as an element that demands to be considered in the teaching instruction, and program administration planning.
Research Methods of Coasting Standing Waves in a Solid Wave Gyroscope
Authors: Mingazov R. I. , Spiridonov F. I. , Shishakov K. V.
Published: November 2020

Системно описаны методики исследования свободного выбега стоячих волн в резонаторах интегрирующих твердотельных гироскопов по сигналам их измерительных устройств. Для этого подробно рассмотрены процессы формирования рабочей и квадратурной стоячих волн через резонансные моды колебаний, а также раскрыта внутренняя структура измеряемых сигналов. Показаны связи стоячих волн с измерительными сигналами, что принято в качестве математической основы для идентификации медленно изменяемых характеристик волновых процессов в резонаторе.Проанализированы четыре варианта алгоритмов измерения временного поведения медленных характеристик рабочей и квадратурной стоячих волн, в которых задача идентификации сводится к аналитическим формулам и однопараметрической оптимизации для уточнения частоты. В первом алгоритме производится обработка результатов измерений без учета квадратурной волны. Он предлагается для формирования начального приближения в задаче уточняющей многопараметрической оптимизации функционала идентификации. Во втором алгоритме обработка результатов измерений выполняется с использованием информации о фазовом сдвиге сигналов измерительного устройства. Он позволяет одновременно контролировать моменты времени прохождения стоячими волнами осей измерительного устройства по критерию увеличения фазового сдвига на p/2. Это может оказаться важным при синтезе контуров активного подавления квадратурной волны через обратную связь по сигналу фазового рассогласования измерительных сигналов. В третьем алгоритме для обработки результатов измерений предложен переход к подвижным осям стоячих волн. Его преимуществом является большая физическая наглядность результатов, а также удобство дополнительного косвенного контроля сохранности масштабирования измерительных сигналов. В четвертом алгоритме идентификации обработка результатов измерений производится с использованием численных процедур цифровой демодуляции.Дополнительно проанализирована методика исследования свободного выбега стоячих волн с использованием стандартных процедур  одновременной многопараметрической численной минимизации функционала ошибки идентификации сразу по всем пяти медленно изменяемым во времени функциям стоячих волн. Выполненные натурные исследования подтвердили ее эффективность.
Maclean’s Magazine University Rankings (1998-2018)
Authors: Cramer Kenneth , DeBlock Denise
Published: November 2020

Following 20 years of publishing rank and reputation scores for Canada’s 49 institutions of higher education, the present analysis tested five hypotheses: (1) rank and reputation should be positively correlated across schools for each year; (2) rank and reputation should be positively correlated across the 20 years for each school; (3) a school’s rank variance should be equivalent to a school’s reputation variance; (4) previous reputation would predict current rank; and (5) previous rank would predict current reputation. Results showed that whereas rank corresponded roughly to reputation for a given school, there are noteworthy exceptions. One in seven schools offered a reliable correlation between rank and reputation, and four school correlations were negative. Rank and reputation variability correlated, though (marginally) better-ranked schools had stable reputation scores over the years. Implications for future ranking exercises are discussed, as are directions for future research.

 

Voilà maintenant 20 ans que l’on publie le classement et la réputation des 49 établissements d’enseignement supérieur canadiens. Dans cet article, nous examinons cinq hypothèses : 1) le classement et la réputation devraient faire l’objet d’une corrélation positive parmi les établissements d’année en année; 2) le classement et la réputation devraient faire l’objet d’une corrélation positive sur toute la période de 20 ans pour chaque établissement; 3) les variations dans le classement d’un établissement devraient se refléter dans les variations de la réputation; 4) l’indice de réputation antérieur permettrait de prévoir le classement actuel d’un établissement; et 5) le classement antérieur permettrait de prévoir l’indice de réputation actuel d’un établissement. Selon les résultats de notre analyse, bien que le classement et la réputation puissent être équivalents dans le cas d’un établissement en particulier, il existe des exceptions notoires. Dans le cas d’un établissement sur sept, il y a une corrélation sûre entre le classement et la réputation. Dans le cas de quatre établissements, la corrélation s’est montrée négative. Il y a une corrélation entre les variations du classement et de la réputation, quoique les établissements un peu mieux classés ont des indices de réputation plus stables au fil du temps. Nous présentons enfin les conséquences de ces résultats pour la conception de futurs palmarès et nous proposons des avenues pour la recherche.
Online Instructor Development: A COOL story
Authors: Baker Nick , John Freer , Nobuko Fujita , Alicia Higgison , Mark Lubrick , Brandon Sabourin , Jane Sylvester , Paula Van Wyk
Published: November 2020

This paper explores the development of a flexible, free, online certificate program built on open educational resources to support instructors transitioning to online and non-traditional teaching modes. The program offers multiple pathways to completion, including recognition of prior learning and immersing participants in the online learning environment. We describe the challenges learners had to overcome to engage in the program and how, in doing so, they were able to embrace constructivist and connectivist approaches. These, in turn, afforded them ongoing connections, broke the mold of preconceptions and myths when preparing to engage future online learners, and shaped their practice through exposure to learning theories and evidence-based practices. In this paper, we explore the initial design of the program through the lens of the program facilitators and learners from the first cohort, and share our collective learning and reflections from this process.

 

Nous nous penchons ici sur l’élaboration d’un programme de certificat gratuit, souple et basé sur des ressources éducationnelles ouvertes. Offert en ligne, ce programme est conçu pour aider les professeurs à faire la transition vers l’enseignement en ligne et vers des méthodes d’enseignement non traditionnelles. Il existe de nombreuses manières de satisfaire aux exigences du programme, y compris la reconnaissance de l’apprentissage et de l’immersion dans un environnement d’apprentissage en ligne. Dans notre article, nous faisons état des difficultés auxquelles les apprenants ont été confrontés lors de leur participation au programme. Nous montrons comment, en surmontant ces obstacles, ils se sont approprié des approches constructivistes et connectées, lesquelles leur ont permis d’établir des connexions et de déconstruire certains mythes et préjugés au bénéfice des futurs apprenants en ligne, tout en les aidant à façonner leur pratique au moyen de théories de l’apprentissage et de pratiques fondées sur des données probantes. Notre étude examine la conception initiale du programme à partir du point de vue des animateurs et des apprenants de la première cohorte. Nous présentons également les réflexions et les leçons que nous avons tirées, collectivement, de cette expérience.
A Cognitive Autopsy Approach towards Understanding Diagnostic Failure
Authors: Croskerry Pat , Campbell Samuel
Published: November 2020

Diagnostic failure has emerged as one of the most significant threats to
patient safety, and it is important to understand the antecedents of
such failures. A consensus has developed in the literature that the
majority are due to individual or system factors or some combination of
the two. A major source of variance in individual clinical performance
is due to cognitive and affective biases, however, their role in
clinical decision making has been difficult to assess partly because
they are difficult to investigate experimentally. A significant drawback
has been that experimental manipulations appear to confound assessment
of the context surrounding the diagnostic process itself. The present
qualitative study uses a detailed narrative account of selected actual
cases of diagnostic error to explore the effect of biases in the ‘real
world’ emergency medicine (EM) context. Thirty anonymized EM cases were
analysed in depth through a process of root cause analysis that included
an assessment of error producing conditions, knowledge-based errors, and
how clinicians were thinking and deciding during each case. A prominent
feature of the study was the identification of specific cognitive and
affective biases – through a process called cognitive autopsy. The
cases covered a broad range of diagnoses across a wide variety of
disciplines. A total of 24 discrete cognitive and affective biases that
contributed to misdiagnosis were identified and their incidence
recorded. 5-6 biases were detected per case, and observed on 168
occasions across the 30 cases. Thirteen error-producing conditions
(EPCs) were identified. Knowledge-based errors were rare, occurring in
only 5 definite instances. The ordinal position in which biases appeared
in the diagnostic process was recorded. This study provides a base-line
for understanding the critical role that biases play in clinical
decision making and sheds light on important aspects of the diagnostic
process.
Establishment of Biological Nitrogen Removal Process for Drinking Water Treatment in Malaysia
Authors: Wong Eng Cheong , Ong Ying Hui , Ng Yee Sern
Published: November 2020

Eutrophication arises from human activities has been recognized globally as an environmental issue. Human activities have greatly increased the input of phosphorus and nitrogen into the water bodies which place a heavy pressure on clean water resources. There are limitations in the conventional water treatment processes, where phosphorus and nitrogen could not be removed efficiently. For nitrogen removal, biological method emerges as a sustainable and economically feasible alternative in recent years. Though the biological nitrogen removal (BNR) method is widely recognized in developed countries with temperate climate, knowledge and expertise on the application of this treatment process is relatively limited in developing countries, so as Malaysia in tropical region. Thus, this research aims to provide a preliminary view on the establishment of the BNR process for drinking water treatment in the local context. A lab scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) seeded with fish pond sludge and activated sludge in the volume ratio of 1:1 was operated for the BNR process. After four weeks of sludge cultivation, the characteristic of simultaneous nitrification-denitrification was observed. The removal of total nitrogen (TN) was found exceeding 60% and little nitrate-nitrogen (NO3̄-N) concentration was observed at the end of the process. Besides, the reduction in orthophosphate (PO43--P) concentration in a BNR system has indicated the process was able to perform nitrogen and phosphorus removal simultaneously. These findings suggest that the establishment of BNR is feasible in Malaysia.
Microeconomic Firm Characteristics and Long Run Returns: The Case of Firms That Issued Equity at Nairobi Securities Exchange
Authors:   Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya, Khoya Odipo Martin , Olweny Tobias ,   Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya, Oluoch Oluoch ,   Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
Published: November 2020

This study looks at micro-economic determinants of long run performance of shares issued in Nairobi Securities Exchange from 1st Jan. 2007 to 31st Dec.2013. Do these selected microeconomic determinants have statistically significant effects on long run return on equity issued in the Nairobi security exchange in Kenya? The study has a total 12 firms that issued shares in the security exchange during this period. In order to achieve the objectives of the study “a calendar study” approach on the issued shares was adopted. Monthly average returns were calculated for a period of 5 years. Nine hypotheses were deduced and executed. Three were based on benchmarks namely: Nairobi Securities Exchange Index (NSEI), Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) and Matching Firms (MF). Along with the 3 mentioned measurement models, other 6 micro-economic variables were incorporated in the study; firm size, offer size, stock turnover, book/ market ratio, age and quality of underwriter. A panel data multi-regression and single regression analysis were run to examine the relationship between average return and micro-economic determinants on firm performance in the long run. The results of the study showed that the study corresponds with some of results of the previous studies with regard to the long run returns of either under or over performance. The level of under of over performance based on the benchmarks used were that NSEI and Matching firms performed better than firms that issued equity. However firms that issued equity performed better than CAPM as bench mark. The study also revealed that two explanatory variables; Age and Quality of underwriter were statistically significant as determinants of long run performance. Finally two independent variables were found to have positive influence on firms that issued equity in the NSE. In conclusion this study confirmed the results of previous studies done either supporting certain variables as determinants of long run return or do not support certain variables as determinants of long run return.
Factors Affecting the Performance of Public Sector Practitioners in the Republic of Congo
Authors: Moukouyou-Kouaka Gildas , Awolusi Olawumi Dele
Published: November 2020

In most of the structures of the public sector in the Republic of Congo, the quality of services provided to the general public has never been of good quality as perceived by the population. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to understand the root cause of inefficiency in the public sector of the Republic of Congo. A descriptive survey was designed for this purpose. Gill et al. (2008) argument on the most preferred use of interviews questionnaires in qualitative research was utilized to gather data from the sampled respondents. The data obtained from the individual's interviews were analysed using SPSS software. The traditional approaches of employee's performance management were analysed and plotted. The results of the study revealed that many employees were not adequately trained to perform their duties; in the meantime, most of these employees have not received any training in the last 10-15 years. Furthermore, it was also revealed that the top management doesn't undertake performance management appraisal and also the latter doesn't promote career development. Therefore, the employees suggested capacity building training. Revision of the salary scale and improvement of working conditions as the things that needs to be changed to improve their performance. Finally, the researcher concluded that among others actions that can be taken there is need to initiate a restructuration of the public sector in the Republic of Congo
A QPSO algorithm based on hierarchical weight and its application in cloud computing task scheduling
Authors: Yu Guolong , Zhao Yong , Cui Zhongwei , Yu Zuo
Published: November 2020

The computing method of the average optimal position is one of the most important factors that affect the optimization performance of the QPSO algorithm. Therefore, a particle position weight computing method based on particle fitness value grading is proposed, which is called HWQPSO (hierarchical weight QPSO). In this method, the higher the fitness value of a particle, the higher the level of the particle, and the greater the weight. Particles at different levels have different weights, while particles at the same level have the same weight. Through this method, the excellent particles have higher average optimal position weight, and at the same time, the absolute weight of a few particles is avoided, so that the algorithm can quickly and stably converge to the optimal solution, and improve the optimization ability and efficiency of the algorithm. In order to verify the effectiveness of the method, five standard test functions are selected to test the performance of HWQPSO, QPSO, DWC-QPSO and LTQPSO algorithm, and the algorithms are applied to the task scheduling of the cloud computing platform. Through the test experiment and application comparison, the results show that the HWQPSO algorithm can converge to the optimal solution of the test function faster than the other three algorithms. It can also find the task scheduling scheme with the shortest time consumption and the most balanced computing resource load in the cloud platform. In the experiment, compared with QPSO, DWC-QPSO and LTQPSO algorithm, HWQPSO execution time of the maximum task scheduling was reduced by 35%, 23% and 21% respectively.
Spatio-temporal summarized visualization of smartX multi-view visibility in cloud-native edge boxes
Authors: Rathore Muhammad , Kim Jongwon
Published: November 2020

The existing data summarization (and archival) techniques are generic and are not designed to leverage the unique characteristics of the spatio-temporal visualization at multi-resource level. In this paper, we propose and explore a family of data summaries that take advantage of the multiple layers i.e. physical/virtual resources with temporal and spatial correlation among distributed edge boxes. Significant challenges in measuring spatio-temporal data, however, contribute to both a tendency towards identifying efficient metrics with summarizing functionalities and effective verification methods. In this paper, we present our idea of maintaining summarized spatio-temporal data and verify through visualization of gathered operational data.
PELAKSANAAN PEBINAAN KREATIVITAS SISWA DALAM KEGIATAN EKSTRAKURIKULER KURSUS KADER DAKWAH (KKD) DI MAN 2 MODEL MEDAN
Authors: Haidir Haidir , Ananda Rizki , Tambunan Qurrota A’yuna , Anju Nasution Yusri Purnama
Published: November 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui (1) Program-program pelaksanaan pembinaan kreativitas dalam kegitan ekstrakurikuler Kursus Kader Dakwah (KKD) di MAN 2 Model Medan dan (2) Mengetahui peluang dan hambatan dalam kegiatan ekstrakurikuler KKD d iMAN 2 Model Medan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptifkualitatif. Subjek penelitian ini adalah kepala Madrasah, guru pembimbing dan siswa. Adapun hasil penelitian bahwa: (1) Program-program ekstrakurikuler KKD dalam bidang keagamaan dan Dakwah melatih retorika dakwah secara Islami, serta mengkaji Alquran, Mentoring (Halaqoh), Tahsin Alquran, Pelatihan Pidato, Pelatihan Jurnalistik, Syarhil dan Fahmil Alquran, Silaturrahmi, Gebyar Kreativitas Muharram, Safari Ramadhan, dan Rihlah. (2) Peluang yang besar terbukti dengan adanya antusias yang besar dari siswa yang mengikutinya dan dukungan yang kuat dari pihak madrasah, sehingga mereka dapat mengembangkan bakat yang mereka miliki terutama bakat retorika dakwah  serta kegiatan KKD dapat terlaksana dengan baik dan hambatan yang tidak terlalu berarti.Kata Kunci : Ektrakurikuler Kursus Kader Dakwah, Pembinaan Kreativitas
Switching across direct oral anticoagulants: a real-life-setting pilot prospective study
Authors: Marchetti Gabriello , Bernardini Francesco , Romoli Michele , Urbinati Stefano
Published: November 2020

Aims

Crossover between direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has been underinvestigated, but happens frequently in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate causes, rates and outcomes of a DOAC-to-DOAC switch.

Methods

Patients receiving their first DOAC prescription at the Anticoagulation Center, Cardiology Dept, Bologna-Bellaria Hospital in 2017–2018 were consecutively included and prospectively followed up. DOAC-to-DOAC switch was the main outcome; causes of switch (cardiovascular events and noncardiovascular drug-related adverse events) had direct biannual assessment before and after the switch.

Results

Among 300 patients enrolled (mean age = 79.3 years, mean follow-up = 1.5 years), with no difference in cardiovascular risk factors depending on index DOAC, 13% underwent DOAC-to-DOAC switch, minor bleeding and noncardiovascular adverse events being the most frequent causes. Dabigatran carried a three-fold increase in risk of switch compared with other DOACs, but the mean age of patients who switched was 83. Factors leading to switch resolved in 87% of cases afterwards. Annual rates of cardiovascular/noncardiovascular V events did not differ before and after the switch.

Conclusion

DOAC-to-DOAC switch happens in 9% of patients using DOAC each year, and seems not to impact rates of cardiovascular events after switch. Dabigatran, in the elderly, might be associated with a higher risk of DOAC-to-DOAC switch. Further studies are needed to confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of switching paradigm.
Sutureless aortic valves in elderly patients with aortic stenosis and intermediate-risk profile
Authors: Di Bacco Lorenzo , Rosati Fabrizio , Folliguet Thierry , Petruccelli Rocco D. , Concistrè Giovanni , Santarpino Giuseppe , Di Bartolomeo Roberto , Bisleri Gianluigi , Fischlein Theodor J. , Muneretto Claudio
Published: November 2020

Aims

Sutureless valves became an alternative to standard bioprostheses, allowing surgeons to significantly reduce cross-clamping and extracorporeal circulation times, with a potential positive impact on major postoperative complications. The aim of this European multicentre study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sutureless valves in patients with an intermediate-risk profile undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Methods

We investigated early and mid-term outcomes of 518 elderly patients with aortic stenosis at intermediate-risk profile (mean STS Score 6.1 ± 2%) undergoing AVR with sutureless aortic valve. Primary endpoints were 30-day mortality and freedom from all-cause death at follow-up. The secondary endpoint was survival freedom from MACCEs [all-cause death, stroke/transitory ischemic attack (TIA), bleeding, myocardial infarction, aortic regurgitation Grade II, endocarditis, reintervention and pacemaker implant; VARC 1--2 criteria].

Results

Sutureless valve implantation was successfully performed in 508 patients, with a procedural success rate of 98.1% (508/518) as per VARC criteria. Concomitant myocardial revascularization [coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)] was performed in 74 out of 518 patients (14.3%). In-hospital mortality was 1.9% (10/518). Postoperative complications included revision for bleeding (23/518; 4.4%), prolonged intubation more than 48h (4/518; 0.7%), acute renal failure (14/518; 2.7%), stroke/TIA (11/518; 2.1%), pacemaker implantation (26/518; 5.1%) and aortic regurgitation more than Grade II (7/518; 1.4%). At 48-month follow-up, Kaplan–Meier overall survival and freedom from MACCEs in patients receiving isolated AVR were 83.7% [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 81.1–86.3] and 78.4% (95% CI: 75.5–81.4), respectively, while in patients with concomitant CABG, Kaplan–Meier overall survival and freedom from MACCEs were 82.3% (95% CI: 73.3–91.3) and 79.1% (95% CI: 69.9–88.3), respectively.

Conclusion

The use of sutureless aortic valves in elderly patients with an intermediate-risk profile provided excellent early and mid-term outcomes, providing a reliable tool in patients undergoing surgical AVR in this specific subset of population. These preliminary data need to be investigated with a TAVI control-group in further studies.