bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strengthening Coordination Among Extension Service Providers for Improved Provision of Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services: A Case Study from Kenya
Authors: La Kevan , Masambuka-Kanchewa Fallys , Lamm Alexa , Davis Kristin , Nahdy Silim
Published: December 2020

Implementation of decentralized and pluralistic policies in provision of extension services has led to increased availability of actors providing extension services to farmers in most developing countries including Kenya. What is unique about extension services providers is that they have a shared goal of improving agricultural productivity. However, in some cases these providers differ in their knowledge regarding the practices or knowledge that is required to improve agricultural productivity. Lack of shared knowledge among providers has contributed to delivery of uncoordinated and duplication of efforts thereby limiting the effectiveness of efforts in extension services delivery. Moreover, in some cases lack of shared knowledge has contributed towards provision of conflicting information which has left farmers confused. Enhancing coordination and collaboration among these representatives is of paramount importance if their efforts to improve agricultural productivity are to be successful. Having structures in place that bring together organizations that have shared goals is an important step in facilitating coordination. This is based on findings of a case study that was conducted in Kenya with the Kenyan Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (KeFAAS). The results of the study provide insights that can be used as a starting point when strengthening coordination in extension services delivery in decentralized and pluralistic environments.

Keywords: coordination, improved productivity, shared goals, pluralism
Identifying Capacities an Extension Network May Need to Effectively Support the Professionalization of Extension Providers
Authors: Lamm Kevan , Lamm Alexa , Davis Kristin , Swaroop Jyothi , Edgar Leslie
Published: December 2020

Professionalization is a critical component of organizational capacity and productivity. Yet, rural advisory service (RAS) providers who are charged with disseminating research-driven techniques and ideas that enhance agricultural production and addressing local stakeholder needs are often overlooked in this area. One of the critical disconnects is the lack of consistent capacities for RAS networks to effectively support the professionalization of RAS providers. Based on a framework analyzing the typical milestones associated with professionalization efforts, capacity building, and social capital the study provides insights into the support mechanism needed for professionalization. Specifically, a Delphi a panel of 31 experts from 24 countries arrived at consensus on 33 specific capacities a RAS network may need to effectively support the professionalization of RAS providers. The results of the research provide a practical framework for RAS networks to consider from a professionalization and capacity building perspective. Keywords: professionalization, delphi, evaluation, capacity assessment, extension, network
Disparities in particulate matter (PM10) origins and oxidative
potential at a city-scale (Grenoble, France) – Part I: Source
apportionment at three neighbouring sites
Authors: Borlaza Lucille Joanna S. , Weber Samuël , Uzu Gaëlle , Jacob Véronique , Cañete Trishalee , Favez Olivier , Micallef Steve , Trébuchon Cécile , Slama Rémy , Jaffrezo Jean-Luc
Published: December 2020

Abstract. A fine-scale source apportionment of PM10 was conducted in three different urban sites (background, hyper-center, and peri-urban) within 15 km of the city in Grenoble, France using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF 5.0) on measured chemical species from collected filters (24-hr) from February 2017 to March 2018. To improve the PMF solution, several new organic tracers (3-MBTCA, pinic acid, phthalic acid, MSA, and cellulose) were additionally used in order to identify sources that are commonly unresolved by classic PMF methodologies. An 11-factor solution was obtained in all sites including commonly identified sources from primary traffic, nitrate-rich, sulfate-rich, industrial, biomass burning, aged sea salt, sea/road salt, and mineral dust, and the newly found sources from primary biogenic, secondary biogenic oxidation, and MSA-rich. Generally, the chemical species exhibiting similar temporal trends and strong correlations showed uniformly distributed emission sources in the Grenoble basin. The improved PMF model was able to obtain and differentiate chemical profiles of specific sources even at high proximity of receptor locations confirming its applicability in a fine-scale resolution. In order to test the similarities between the PMF-resolved sources, the Pearson distance and standardized identity distance (PD-SID) of the factors in each site were compared. The PD-SID metric determined homogeneous sources (biomass burning, primary traffic, nitrate-rich, sulfate-rich, primary biogenic, MSA-rich, aged sea salt, and secondary biogenic oxidation) and heterogeneous sources (industrial, mineral dust, and sea/road salt) across different urban sites, thereby allowing to better discriminate localized characteristics of specific sources. Overall, the addition of the new tracers allowed the identification of substantial sources (especially in the SOA fraction) that would not have been identified or possibly mixed with other factors, resulting in an enhanced resolution and sound source profile of urban air quality at a city scale.
A fully Automated Dobson Sun Spectrophotometer for total column
ozone and Umkehr measurements
Authors: Stübi René , Schill Herbert , Klausen Jörg , Maillard Barras Eliane , Haefele Alexander
Published: December 2020

Abstract. The longest ozone column measurements series are based on the Dobson sun spectrophotometers developed in the 1920s by Prof. G. B. W. Dobson. These ingenious and robustly designed instruments still constitute an important part of the global network presently. However, the Dobson sun spectrophotometer needs manual operation which leads to the discontinuation of its use at many stations. To overcome this problem, MeteoSwiss developed a fully automated version of the Dobson spectrophotometer. The description of the data acquisition and automated control of the instrument is presented here with some technical details. The results of different tests performed regularly to control the instrument good working operation are illustrated and discussed. Compared to manual operation, the automation results in higher frequency measurements with lower random error and additional housekeeping information to characterise the measuring conditions. The automated Dobson instrument allows a continuous observation of the ozone column with a resolution of ~1 DU unit under clear sky conditions.
Technical note: Accelerate coccolith size separation via
repeated centrifugation
Authors: Zhang Hongrui , Liu Chuanlian , Mejia Luz Maria , Stoll Heather
Published: December 2020

Abstract. Coccolithophore play a key role in the marine carbon cycle and ecosystem. The carbonate shells produced by coccolithophore, named as coccolith, could be well preserved in the marine sediment for million years and become an excellent archive for paleoclimate studies. The micro filtering and sinking-decanting method have been successfully designed for coccolith separation and promoted the development of geochemistry studies on coccolith, such as the stable isotopes and Sr / Ca ratio. However, these two methods are still not efficient enough for the sample-consuming methods. In this study, the trajectory of coccoliths movement during a centrifugation process was calculated in theory and carefully tested by separations in practice. We offer a matlab code to estimate the appropriate parameter, angular velocity at a fixed centrifugation duration, for separating certain coccolith size fractions from bulk sediment. This work could improve the efficiency of coccolith separation, especially for the finest size fraction and make it possible to carry the clumped isotope and radio carbon analysis on coccolith in sediment.
A global mean sea surface temperature dataset for the Last Interglacial (129–116 ka) and contribution of thermal expansion to sea level change
Authors: Turney Chris S. M. , Jones Richard T. , McKay Nicholas P. , van Sebille Erik , Thomas Zoë A. , Hillenbrand Claus-Dieter , Fogwill Christopher J.
Published: December 2020

Abstract. A valuable analogue for assessing Earth's sensitivity to warming
is the Last Interglacial (LIG; 129–116 ka), when global temperatures (0 to
+2 ∘C) and mean sea level (+6 to 11 m) were higher than today.
The direct contribution of warmer conditions to global sea level
(thermosteric) is uncertain. We report here a global network of LIG sea
surface temperatures (SST) obtained from various published temperature
proxies (e.g. faunal and floral plankton assemblages, Mg ∕ Ca ratios of calcareous organisms, and alkenone U37K′). We summarize the current
limitations of SST reconstructions for the LIG and the spatial temperature
features of a naturally warmer world. Because of local δ18O
seawater changes, uncertainty in the age models of marine cores, and
differences in sampling resolution and/or sedimentation rates, the
reconstructions are restricted to mean conditions. To avoid bias towards
individual LIG SSTs based on only a single (and potentially erroneous)
measurement or a single interpolated data point, here we report average
values across the entire LIG. Each site reconstruction is given as an
anomaly relative to 1981–2010, corrected for ocean drift, and where
available seasonal estimates are provided (189 annual, 99 December–February,
and 92 June–August records). To investigate the sensitivity of the
reconstruction to high temperatures, we also report maximum values during
the first 5 millennia of the LIG (129–124 ka). We find mean global
annual SST anomalies of 0.2 ± 0.1 ∘C averaged across the LIG
and an early maximum peak of 0.9 ± 0.1 ∘C, respectively. The
global dataset provides a remarkably coherent pattern of higher SST
increases at polar latitudes than in the tropics (demonstrating the polar
amplification of surface temperatures during the LIG), with comparable
estimates between different proxies. Polewards of 45∘ latitude, we
observe annual SST anomalies averaged across the full LIG of > 0.8 ± 0.3 ∘C in both hemispheres with an early maximum peak of > 2.1 ± 0.3 ∘C. Using the reconstructed SSTs
suggests a mean LIG global thermosteric sea level rise of 0.08 ± 0.1 m and a peak contribution of 0.39 ± 0.1 m, respectively (assuming warming
penetrated to 2000 m depth). The data provide an important natural baseline for a warmer world, constraining the contributions of Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets to global sea level during a geographically widespread expression of high sea level, and can be used to test the next
inter-comparison of models for projecting future climate change. The dataset described in this paper, including summary temperature and thermosteric sea level reconstructions, is available at https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.904381 (Turney et al., 2019).
A fast and efficient MATLAB-based MPM solver: fMPMM-solver v1.1
Authors: Wyser Emmanuel , Alkhimenkov Yury , Jaboyedoff Michel , Podladchikov Yury Y.
Published: December 2020

Abstract. We present an efficient MATLAB-based implementation of the material point method (MPM) and its most recent variants. MPM has gained popularity over the last decade, especially for problems in solid mechanics in which large deformations are involved, such as cantilever beam problems, granular collapses and even large-scale snow avalanches. Although its numerical accuracy is lower than that of the widely accepted finite element method (FEM), MPM has proven useful for overcoming some of the limitations of FEM, such as excessive mesh distortions. We demonstrate that MATLAB is an efficient high-level language for MPM implementations that solve elasto-dynamic and elasto-plastic problems. We accelerate the MATLAB-based implementation of the MPM method by using the numerical techniques recently developed for FEM optimization in MATLAB. These techniques include vectorization, the use of native MATLAB functions and the maintenance of optimal RAM-to-cache communication, among others. We validate our in-house code with classical MPM benchmarks including (i) the elastic collapse of a column under its own weight; (ii) the elastic cantilever beam problem; and (iii) existing experimental and numerical results, i.e. granular collapses and slumping mechanics respectively. We report an improvement in performance by a factor of 28 for a vectorized code compared with a classical iterative version. The computational performance of the solver is at least 2.8 times greater than those of previously reported MPM implementations in Julia under a similar computational architecture.
Metafísica y estética de la ceguera en el 'Edipo Rey' de Sófocles
Authors: Papoulias Haris
Published: December 2020

El objetivo de este artículo es doble: por un lado, se trata de refutar un tópico de la literatura filosófica moderna y contemporánea sobre el presunto valor de la ceguera en cuanto visión más profunda respecto a la visión física, una especie de sabiduría directa, intuitiva, espiritual. Dicha idea, en los últimos dos siglos ha alimentado no sólo una mitología estética (lo “espiritual en el arte”, la “visibilidad de lo invisible”, etc.) sino también una metafísica que se podría resumir en el desprecio gnoseológico del Aparecer, pues la verdad estaría siempre detrás de los fenómenos, en la oscuridad de lo indeterminado, donde sólo unos pocos tendrían acceso: esta es la tiranía de la ceguera como paradigma cultural. La distorsión sistemática de la hermenéutica de los textos griegos, se ha introducido así en el lenguaje cotidiano, deformando lentamente toda nuestra concepción del valor teorético de lo visual y a la vez del legado griego. Por esta razón, el segundo objetivo del artículo, en desmontar las razones de este constructo, será el de ofrecer una lectura alternativa de la cultura visual griega, en este caso especialmente a través de la obra de Sófocles “Edipo Rey”, donde la mayoría de estos tópicos pretenden fundamentarse.
A study on electronic payments and economic growth: Global evidences
Authors: Aldaas Abdullah
Published: December 2020

This study focuses on the relationship between economic growth and electronic payment systems based on a sample of countries from across the globe. The study is relevant considering the importance of payment systems in financial transactions and also because, being an evolving area, it is not much studied in literature. The study initially refers to the concept, types and other features of electronic payment systems and later on analyses the macroeconomic data from countries across the globe. No concrete evidence is found supporting or rejecting the relationship between electronic payment systems and economic growth which can be inferred as country specific issue.
Factors affecting job satisfaction of accountant and auditors at Hanoi auditing firms ,
Authors: Nguyen Hien Thu
Published: December 2020

The article analyzes factors affecting job satisfaction of accountant and auditors at Hanoi auditing firms. For quantitative research methods, it is conducted through the collection of questionnaire survey data and processed by SPSS software to analyze data using the following techniques: Descriptive analysis, Cronbach's Alpha test, EFA exploratory analysis, multiple regression analysis. The research results show that the nature of work, relationships with leaders in the working process are the most influencing factors on the satisfaction of accountants and auditors in Auditing firms in Hanoi. From the research results of factors affecting the job satisfaction of accountants and auditors at auditing firms in Ha Noi, the author gives some recommendations to improve the level of job satisfaction, thereby improving the work quality of the accountants and auditors at the Hanoi auditing firms.
A study on the financial soundness of Indian automobile industries using Altman Z-Score
Authors: Swalih M. M. , Adarsh K.B. , Sulphey M.M.
Published: December 2020

Altman Z score is an effective tool for measuring a company's financial strength and the possibility of bankruptcy. In this study, the Z score formula was utilized to measure the Indian automobile industry's financial soundness. The financial data of ten automobile companies listed in the National Stoke Exchange (NSE) was taken to analyze both original and emerging market formulae of the Altman Z score. Results suggest that companies of the industry listed in the NSE are financially sound. The study concluded that the Indian automobile industry is sound and robust, and the automobile companies are not prone to financial distress or bankruptcy in the near future.
Board mechanisms and corporate market value: Panel Data Evidence from Jordan)
Authors: Sawalqa Fawzi A. Al
Published: December 2020

The study examines the effect of board size, frequency of board meetings and frequency of audit committee meetings on the market value of 11 Jordanian commercial banks as measured by Tobin’s Q. Random effect panel data regression is employed to test the study hypotheses. Results reveal that board size has a significant and negative effect on bank market value. Results also show that frequency of board meetings has no effect on bank value, while the frequency of audit committee meetings has a significant and positive effect on bank value. The results suggest that the argument of agency theory and resource independence theory towards the role of board and its committees in supporting firm value should be always combined with the appropriate size. Accordingly, one important implication of the study is that the selection of an appropriate number of board members and the prior effective preparation for their meetings are critical factors to enhance the value of banks in Jordan.
Javanese Women Identity Regarding 3M: Macak-Manak-Masak Values
Authors: Muhmad Pirus Mohd Shahnawi , Nurahmawati Hany
Published: December 2020

In Javanese society that adheres to the patriarchy system, women’s position as a wife is under the husband, it’s like konco wingking (friend in behind), who should obey all the husband’s order Swargo nunut neroko kathut (following husband in heaven or hell). As a wife, Javanese women identity revolves around her territory of 3M: Macak-Manak-Masak (Dress-up, giving offspring, cooking). This certainly limits the Javanese women’s movement and places her under man. This paper is based on the finding in previous research about Javanese women’s identity in society. Emancipation and globalization have gradually driven the changes of Javanese married women’s position to become a garwo – sigaraning nyowo (half of the husband’s life), which has an equal and important role in achieving the concept of dadi wong in the society.
Cultivation of Azospirillum brasilense in Vinasse and Potential Use in Fertigation
Authors: Silva Marcelo Teixeira , Gasparotto Francielli , Lustri Bárbara Maria , Vasques Natalia Caetano , Yamagushi Natália Ueda
Published: December 2020

Vinasse, residue from the sugar-energy sector, has been applied as a fertilizer in sugarcane fields due to its nutritional characteristics, which may reduce nitrogen fertilization, especially if associated with diazotrophic bacteria. The objective was to evaluate the use of vinasse as culture medium for Azospirillum brasilense and the chemical changes caused in the residue after bacterial colonization. The experimental design was completely randomized with 9 treatments: T0-control (nutrient broth DYGs inoculated with A. brasilense); T1- 100% vinasse inoculated with A. brasilense; T2- 75% vinasse inoculated with A. brasilense; T3- 25% vinasse inoculated with A. brasilense; T4- 50% vinasse inoculated with A. brasilense; T5- 100% vinasse; T6- 75% vinasse; T7- 25% vinasse and T8- 50% vinasse. Microbial growth was evaluated in a spectrophotometer, by turbidimetry (700nm). Chemical characterization of vinasse was carried out before bacterial inoculation and on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 after inoculation according to the methodologies of the Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater 22 ND for the elements nitrogen (4500-Norg), phosphorus (4500-P), potassium (3030-A) and calcium (3500 Ca-B). The determination of organic matter was carried out in accordance with the technical standard NBR 13600. The bacteria A. brasilense survived and multiplied in sugarcane vinasse, causing changes such as the increase in the levels of phosphorus and nitrogen and the reduction of the organic load, mainly in pure vinasse (100%), indicating that the viability of this practice for the application of these organisms in the culture of sugar cane via fertigation.
Production and Characterization of Crop Residues Derived Biochars for Soil Amendment and Carbon Sequestration
Authors: Lompo Désiré Jean-Pascal , Yé Lambiénou , Ouédraogo Souleymane , Sori Siélé Ibrahima , Nacro Hassan Bismark
Published: December 2020

This study focused on the production and characterization of biochars from three types of crop residues comprising cotton stems, corn cobs and sorghum stems. The reactor used was a local cone kiln made from a 200-liter drum. The production parameters measured included the duration of pyrolysis, the amount of biochar produced and the production yield. The chemical characteristics of the biochars were determined using the usual analytical methods used for organic amendment analyses. According to the study, pyrolysis time, biochar quantities and production yields depended on the type of crop residues. The three types of biochar obtained showed high C/N values indicating that their use as soil amendment must be combined with mineral fertilizers to ensure good plant development and crop yield. The heavy metal contents of the three biochar types complied with the international standards recommended for biochars by the International Biochar Initiative (IBI) and by the European Biochar Certificate (EBC). The production and the use of Biochar from crop residues is an interesting alternative for sustainable soil fertility management in the Sahelian countries.
Efeito dos Incentivos Fiscais na Geração e Distribuição de Riqueza das Companhias De Capital Aberto Brasileiras.
Authors: Da Silva Bárbara Siqueira , De Carvalho Otávio Araújo , Pinheiro Laura Edith Taboada , Franscisco José Roberto De Souza
Published: December 2020

Os incentivos fiscais surgem para fomentar o desenvolvimento econômico setorial e regional. A Demonstração do Valor Adicionado (DVA) é demonstrativo contábil destinado a divulgar informações referentes à geração e distribuição de riqueza das empresas.  Diante o exposto, o estudo tem como objetivo verificar o efeito dos incentivos fiscais na geração e distribuição de valor das empresas da Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão (B3). A amostra foi composta por 193 companhias da B3, no período de 2010 a 2018, e o método utilizado foi o de dados em painel estimado pelo método de Mínimos Quadrados Generalizados (MQG). Os resultados indicam que as companhias incentivadas geram mais riquezas, possuem maior distribuição de valor para o governo e menor distribuição para o pessoal. Portanto, as políticas de concessão de incentivos fiscais, no Brasil, não estão contribuindo para aumento de emprego e renda. Estes resultados estão em consonância à literatura internacional inerente ao tema, demonstrando que a distribuição de valor não é horizontal, pois não há um aumento de forma igualitária para os todos envolvidos nas companhias incentivadas, e tampouco gera maior distribuição de renda para pessoal, uma das justificativas para concessão destes incentivos. Diante disso, os órgãos reguladores e de arrecadação devem avaliar eficiência da concessão destes incentivos, já que eles podem não proporcionar os benefícios esperados para a sociedade.
Alteração na Contabilização de Operações e Arrendamento Mercantil: Evidenciação do Impacto Previsto pelas Companhias dos Segmentos de Transportes da B3
Authors: Seidler Marcelo Vitor , Fagundes Ernando
Published: December 2020

Em 2016, o International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) emitiu a norma International Financial Reporting Standards 16 (IFRS 16) substituindo a International Accounting Standards 17 (IAS 17), a qual estabelece os princípios para reconhecimento, mensuração, apresentação e divulgação das operações de arrendamento mercantil (Associação Brasileira das Empresas de Leasing - ABEL, 2019). No Brasil, o Comitê de Pronunciamento Contábeis alterou o Pronunciamento Contábil 06 (CPC 06), anteriormente correlato à IAS17, passando a ser correlato à IFRS 16. Segundo o Instituto dos Auditores Independes do Brasil (IBRACON), 74% das companhias do índice IBrX-100 terão impactos relevantes em seus balanços após a adequação aos novos métodos de registro de arredamentos mercantil (Gutierrez, 2019). Nesse contexto, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar como as companhias dos segmentos de transportes da Brasil, Bolsa e Balcão (B3) evidenciaram os possíveis impactos previstos a partir da contabilização do arrendamento mercantil de acordo com o CPC 06. Foram então analisadas as 12 companhias listadas nos segmentos de transportes da B3. Foram consultados as notas explicativas e os pareceres de auditoria independente dessas companhias do ano de 2018. Verificou-se que todas as 12 companhias analisadas informaram em suas notas explicativas estarem cientes da obrigatoriedade da adoção das alterações do Comitê de Pronunciamentos Contábeis CPC 06 a partir de 1º de janeiro de 2019. No entanto, das companhias pesquisadas, duas não informaram os impactos previsto a partir da adoção do CPC 06 correlato à IFRS 16. Ressalta-se que a evidenciação dos impactos previstos é relevante para os investidores avaliarem a situação econômico financeira das companhias.
Avascular Necrosis of the Talus
Authors: Parekh Selene G. , Kadakia Rishin J.
Published: December 2020

Talar osteonecrosis results from trauma to the fragile blood supply to the talus. Many etiologies exist that can cause talar osteonecrosis, with the most common being talar neck fractures. Patients with talar osteonecrosis frequently present with progressive ankle pain and limited range of motion. Treatment strategy depends primarily on the stage of disease. Conservative care in the form of medications and bracing treatment can be beneficial for patients with low functional status and early disease stages. Surgical options also exist for early disease without talar collapse that can potentially preserve the tibiotalar joint. Once talar collapse develops, surgical treatment is move invasive and typically involves an arthrodesis or talus arthroplasty. Although some treatment guidelines exist based on the disease stage, talar osteonecrosis is a complex problem, and treatment strategy should always be determined on a case-by-case basis carefully examining all clinical aspects.
Large Is Riskier: The Case of European Commercial Banks
Authors: Venanzi Daniela
Published: December 2020

Which factors determine the systematic risk of European banks? The issue is very important for regulators and decision-makers in financial markets. This study follows the Beaver, Kettler and Scholes (1970)’s pioneering approach, which estimates true betas of not-financial firms by correcting the observed market betas through the fundamental financial/accounting ratios that better explain the systematic risk. By extending this approach to commercial banks, the fundamental betas of a sample of more than 100 European banks in 2006-2015 period, are empirically estimated. The emerging findings show that size, diversification, derivatives, and TEXAS ratio increase the systematic risk of banks and that the risk weighting of assets, based on Basel framework, does not correctly catch the bank risks (as perceived by the market), since it influences negatively their beta.

This evidence weakens the dominant belief among European supervisory institutions and governments that growing up through M&As is the panacea for European banks.
A Survey of the Mixed Use of He/She for Chinese Freshmen in English Majors
Authors: Liang Yixuan , Guo Fang
Published: December 2020

The mixed use of he/she in oral English is a hot topic in the field of second language acquisition in the past decades and the related study is numerous. However, there are few studies on the misuse of the two pronouns in oral English for English majors in Chinese universities. This study aims to explore the current situation and characteristics of he/she misuse in oral English of Chinese freshmen majoring in English and analyze the factors that cause the misuse, so as to arouse the learners’ awareness of the error. This study focuses on two research questions: (1) What are the characteristics of he/she misuse in spoken English of Chinese freshmen majoring in English? (2) What are the reasons for the misuse? Based on the selected spoken language materials, this study explores the mixing types and error rate of he/she and analyzes the characteristics of the misuse through data. Through the questionnaire, this thesis study investigates the causes of the misuse. It is found that the mixed use of pronoun he/she is serious in the spoken language of English major freshmen, especially the misuse of “she” into “he”. The factors that cause the misuse are complex, involving mother tongue, attention distribution and working memory, pronunciation relationship, transfer of training, and social environment and personal factors, among which the analysis from articulatory phonetics deserves more attention.
A concepção de racionalidade e justiça em Alasdair Macintyre
Authors: Borile Giovani Orso , Calgaro Cleide , Vallejo Gina Chávez
Published: December 2020

O presente trabalho analisa o conceito e campo da racionalidade e da justiça no âmbito da teoria de Alasdair Macintyre, passando por um estudo acerca da ideia de razão e racionalidade e da perspectiva de equidade, para então compreender a proposta de justiça e racionalidade do autor. Busca-se elaborar um diagnóstico sobre o processo de justiça e da expectativa de equidade para, por fim, demonstrar a necessidade de implantação de um estudo acerca do agir justo, juntamente com o desenvolvimento de uma consciência racional por meio do acesso aos recursos referentes ao processo de justiça. O método empregado no presente trabalho é o hermenêutico. Conclui-se que a justiça é constituída por um processo de racionalidade iniciado dentro do indivíduo e finalizado através do bem realizado ou agir justo.
L’impatto del Virus Corona-19 sul diritto della crisi
Authors: Pacchi Stefania
Published: December 2020

A causa dell'esplosione del Covid-19 e del conseguente blocco, terribili problemi hanno colpito le aziende. Il governo italiano, come gli altri, si è adoperato per limitare i danni e scongiurare lo spettro di tanti fallimenti immediati. Quattro decreti legge (denominati Cura Italia, Liquidità, Rilancio, Semplificazione), adottati lungo una linea relativa all'andamento della situazione sanitaria, hanno introdotto misure con impatto diretto sulle aziende e sulle opzioni gestionali del amministratori. Gli obiettivi di questi quattro interventi differiscono: mentre il primo è una misura di contenimento dei danni, il secondo è sostenere la crisi di liquidità, il terzo per la riattivazione del sistema imprenditoriale e il quarto per favorire gli investimenti pubblici e la ripresa delle attività. l'economia. L'articolo illustra i principali interventi per aiutare le aziende colpite dal blocco.
Individualism and collectivism in the foundation of group rights
Authors: Kirste Stephan
Published: December 2020

Examina-se a questão de saber se os direitos de grupo são Direitos Humanos. A questão de saber se os direitos de grupo são Direitos Humanos não é tão inofensiva e formal como parece à primeira vista. Se os Direitos Humanos fossem apenas direitos de seres humanos individuais e os direitos coletivos fossem apenas direitos de grupos, então eles pertenceriam a categorias de direitos substancialmente diferentes. Além disso, os direitos de grupo não poderiam ser baseados na dignidade humana. Neste artigo, pretende-se demonstrar que os direitos de grupo são de fato uma forma de Direitos Humanos. No entanto, nem a abordagem individualista nem a coletivista podem justificar essa afirmação. Há necessidade de encontrar um atributo comum a indivíduos e grupos, que possa ao mesmo tempo ser um elemento dos Direitos Humanos.
Human rights in social work. Validation of instruments for measuring the level of involvement and exposure of social workers to human rights. Adaptation of Human Rights Engagement in Social Work and Human Rights Exposure in Social Work scales in Poland
Authors: Boryczko Marcin
Published: December 2020

The article aims to present the results of research on the use of standardised tools that measure the level of commitment and exposure to human rights of social workers and social work students. The research was based on the adaptation procedure of two separate scales – Human Rights Engagement in Social Work and Human Rights Exposure in Social Work – to Polish cultural background and linguistic environment. The first part discusses issues related to the importance of human rights in social work, up-to-date status human rights-based social work perspective and a literature review in this area. The research part presents the procedure and discusses the results of theoretical validity and reliability tests. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was obtained at the level of .877 and .845, which indicates a high level of internal compatibility. It was not possible to determine the nature of the regularities shaping the relationships between the variables, items of the scale In the case of the Human Rights Engagement in Social Work scale the exploratory factor analysis (Varimax rotation) made it possible to identify five factors explaining 51.9% of the variability. In the case of the Scale of Human Rights Engagement in Social Work, the exploratory factor analysis allowed for the identification of five factors explaining 58% of the variance of variables. In the case of Human Rights Exposure in Social Work, factor analysis made it possible to identify three factors explaining 65% of variances. Then, an attempt was made to interpret the results and the perspective of the potential application of scales over theattitudes of social workers and students of social work was presented. Polish versions of the scales were also described. The results of the analysis of the Polish version of the scales indicate that they are reliable and possess theoretical accuracy, thus allow for measuring the level of engagement and exposure to human rights knowledge in the field of social work.
Are the Key Persons in Companies also their Key Assets? Evidence from a Transition Economy
Authors: Byrka-Kita Katarzyna , Czerwiński Mateusz , Gola Renata
Published: December 2020

This study examines how published information about the death of a key person in a company has affected its market valuation as listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange during the period 2005–2017. We find that investors reacted negatively and statistically significantly to information about the death of a key person. Furthermore, we confirmed a positive reaction to the loss of a so-called “entrenched CEO”. The same pattern of investor reaction is observed in more mature markets. These findings seem to support the upper echelons theory and entrenchment hypothesis. The obtained results not only contribute to the development of the theory, but also have significant practical implications. Primarily, investors should take into account such events when they are implementing investment strategies. Further, these results suggest that Polish firms need to undertake more formal succession planning for their executives.
The Evaluation of Gambling Sector’s Social Costs in Lithuania
Authors: Simberova Iveta , Zitkiene Rima , Macerinskiene Irena , Genelienė Greta
Published: December 2020

This article analyses the social costs of gambling sector in Lithuania. The aim of the research is to evaluate the change of gambling sector’s gambling gross revenue according to the established right to submit a request to self-exclude from gambling since May 1, 2017. The scientific problem of the research is how to define and evaluate gambling sector’s social costs. The analysis is conducted by evaluating dependency connection between gambling sector’s gambling gross revenue and gross domestic product taking into account the changing quantity of requests to self-exclude from gambling and current economic situation in Lithuania. The following methods are used for analysis: graphical analysis, paired correlation analysis and linear regression analysis. First of all, the conception of the social cost of gambling is being analysed in the article. Then using previously specified methods the relationship between gambling sector’s gambling gross revenue and gross domestic product in the country is evaluated. Using a linear regression equation, the model, showing how gambling gross revenue of gambling sector was expected to change in response to changes in the country's gross domestic product is obtained. According to gambling gross revenue for 2017-2019 the model reveals that gambling sector revenue, considering the change in gross domestic product, had a higher growth potential and the right to submit a request to self-exclude from gambling established in 2017 may have had a serious effect on slowing down the growth of gambling revenue.
Auf der Suche nach einer komplexen Friedenslogik –Versuch einer metatheoretischen Verortung undNeuorientierung
Authors: Graf Wilfried
Published: December 2020

The dualistic juxtaposition of the logic of peace and the logic of security is necessary for the political debate but not sufficient to overcome the dominance of the security approach in political theory and practice. This article seeks to broaden and deepen the understanding of the relationship between the logic of peace and the logic of security on different levels of meaning. Firstly, this relationship is explored on the level of meaning of a logic of action and intervention. Secondly, this relationship is discussed on the level of meaning of a logic of research and the meta-theoretical paradigms on which the logic of action is constructed. Thirdly, this relationship is further reflected on the level of meaning of a logic of thought and rationality. Founded in a philosophy of complexity a dialogical “logic of complexity” is proposed as a metaparadigm for a complex logic of peace that is both critical and integrative of the logic of security.
Bleeding
Authors: Omona Kizito
Published: December 2020

Fibroid, also called leiomyomas, is common tumor of the uterus. Usually, women of reproductive age are at risk of getting it. However, majority of these women develop fibroid (s) by the age of 50 years. This condition usually causes painful and unpleasant symptoms such as; heavy bleeding, prolonged periods, inter-menstrual bleeding, abdominal pain and cramps, anemia, pelvic pain and pain during sexual intercourse, among others. Abnormal bleeding, such as bleeding that occurs with fibroids and heavy periods, often lasts more than 10 days per month. This fibroid symptom involves persistent bleeding between cycles, which can severely impact one’s quality of life. Abnormal bleeding, especially in fibroids, can be taken as missing three or more periods in a woman who had been having regular monthly period, or periods that last less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart from each other. Another indication of an abnormal period is bleeding through multiple pads and tampons in a short amount of time.
Chemical Modification of Xylan
Authors: Kerrouche Djamila , Rouba Nabila , Chaleix Vincent
Published: December 2020

Our study is part of the general context of valuing by-products from the wood industry, which consists of the chemical modification of xylan by synthesis of branched copolymers such as xylan-g-PLLA. The used xylan is extracted from chestnut and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) is the catalyst. In fact, the synthesis of xylan-graft-poly (L-lactide) copolymer starting from natural and renewable resource products xylan and L-lactide is performed under different conditions. The results of the grafting reaction are unfavorable due to longer time because of depolymerization reactions. Another result is the solubility and insolubility of the copolymers synthesized in water. This first result indicates that there is a change in the properties of xylan. Moreover, the solubility of the xylan-g-PLLA copolymers is different from one study to another. Grafting of PLLA onto xylan was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and 1HNMR analyzes. The dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the xylan-g-PLLA plastic materials have interesting thermomechanical properties.
Calculation of the Electronic Properties and Reactivity of Nanoribbons
Authors: Navarro-Santos Pedro , Herrera-Bucio Rafael , Aviña-Verduzco Judit , Luis Rivera Jose
Published: December 2020

It has been demonstrated that matter at low dimensionality exhibits novel properties, which could be used in promising applications. An effort to understand their behavior is being through the application of computational methods providing strategies to study structures, which present greater experimental challenges. It is proven that thin and narrow carbon-based nanostructures, such as, nanoribbons show promising tunable electronic properties, particularly when they are substitutionally functionalized. This chapter is proposed as a guidance to help the readers to apply conceptual density functional theory to calculate helpful intrinsic properties, e. g., energetic, electronic and reactivity of one-dimension nanomaterial’s, such as, carbon nanoribbons. As a case of study, it is discussed the effect of boron atoms on the properties of pristine carbon nanoribbons concerning the main aspect and considerations must take into account in their computational calculations.
A Hybrid Control Approach Based on the Combination of PID Control with LQR Optimal Control
Authors: K. Mohammed Ibrahim
Published: December 2020

Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) is the most popular controller that is commonly used in wide industrial applications due to its simplicity to realize and performance characteristics. This technique can be successfully applied to control the behavior of single-input single-output (SISO) systems. Extending the using of PID controller for complex dynamical systems has attracted the attention of control engineers. In the last decade, hybrid control strategies are developed by researchers using conventional PID controllers with other controller techniques such as Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) controllers. The strategy of the hybrid controller is based on the idea that the parameters of the PID controller are calculated using gain elements of LQR optimal controller. This chapter focuses on design and simulation a hybrid LQR-PID controller used to stabilize elevation, pitch and travel axes of helicopter system. An improvement in the performance of the hybrid LQR-PID controller is achieved by using Genetic Algorithm (GA) which, is adopted to obtain best values of gain parameters for LQR-PID controller.
Valorization of Native Nuts from Brazil and Their Coproducts
Authors: Danielski Renan , Polmann Gabriela , Mara Block Jane
Published: December 2020

The consumption of nuts as part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle has long been associated with chronic disease prevention. Nuts and their coproducts such as oil, cake, plant-based milk substitutes, flour, and shell are rich in lipids, proteins, phenolics, and other bioactive compounds. Nut flour also presents interesting physical properties, such as water or oil holding capacity, foam properties, emulsifying activity, and emulsion stability. These biological and physical properties make these products commercially attractive as organic ingredients in several foods such as spreads, bakery products, and cereal bars. In this chapter, the nutritional and bioactive profiles, as well as the evidenced health-promoting effects of nuts originating from Brazil, will be discussed. The focus will be on commercial nuts such as cashews, pecan, and Brazil nuts, along with some underexplored and relatively unknown indigenous species, such as sapucaia, chichá, monguba, and pracaxi. The knowledge of these Brazilian native nuts and their coproducts is important for stimulating their consumption among the population and their large-scale commercialization.
Ethanol Production, Current Facts, Future Scenarios, and Techno-Economic Assessment of Different Biorefinery Configurations
Authors: David Coral Medina Jesús , Irineudo Magalhaes Jr Antonio
Published: December 2020

Currently, the continuous depletion of non-renewable resources of fuels and chemicals has promoted the research and development of different alternatives for the replacement of fossil resources as the feedstock of fuels and chemicals. At present, one of the most important biofuels in the current economy, is bioethanol, contributing to 65% of the total biofuels production. The production of bioethanol is an attractive alternative because it would be produced using indigenous and native raw material, therefore, the socioeconomic impact mainly in developing countries would be measured by the economic incomes and increase the quality of life of small and middle farmers. The first-generation ethanol production from sugarcane, corn, or beet sugar is broadly implemented at an industrial scale. However, the second-generation ethanol (2GE) is currently still in development stages, looking for different alternatives according to each region under study. The 2GE is also subject of diverse opinions about its economic viability and its real impact on the environment, especially due to the CO2 footprint. Consequently, this chapter has presented an overview of 2GE production, the possibilities of co-production of molecules of high value-added, and their economic and environmental assessment, including CO2 release, water consumption, solid residues disposal, and economic analysis to determine the best bioethanol based biorefinery configuration.
In the News
Authors: Free David
Published: December 2020

Welcome to the December 2020 issue of C&RL News. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into fall and winter, libraries continue to adapt their services to the current environment. B. Grantham Aldred starts off this issue with a look at his efforts at “Asynchronizing with the Framework” to provide remote instruction at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
Characteristics of aging of wood-fiberboard from the position of IR spectroscopy
Authors: Grigoryevich Bulgakov , Mamontov Semyon , Mamontov Alexander , Leonidovich Rapatsky
Published: December 2020

Fiber boards, like other wood-polymer composites, are widely used in construction. However, their service life is often less than that declared by the manufacturer, which is due to insufficient knowledge of the processes of degradation of polymer components of resin and wood filler under the influence of aggressive environmental factors. In this regard, the task is to reveal, using reflective IR spectroscopy, structural changes in the molecular structure of polymeric substances included in a wood fiber composite after heat aging, artificial UV radiation and exposure to direct sunlight. The results of the study showed that the IR spectra of all samples are identical, but differ in the intensity of individual absorption bands. This suggests that under the influence of aging factors, a free-radical rupture of hydrogen, hydrocarbon and ether bonds occurs in various functional groups of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and resin. At the same time, heat aging causes structural changes throughout the entire volume of the slab, and artificial UV irradiation destroys the surface layer about one millimeter thick. Sunlight during the summer season destroys the surface layer less than 0.5 mm thick and contributes to additional structuring of the polymer components of the resin and wood of the inner layers as a result of heating the board.