bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrograde Popliteal Approach for Endovascular Revascularization of Flush Superficial Femoral Artery Chronic Total Occlusion
Authors: Singh Amit , Prakash Neeraj , Kumar Neeraj , Jain Ajitesh Princy , Verma Rakesh , Krishna Vinay 
Published: February 2021

Introduction:
Chronic total occlusions (CTO) of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) are generally managed by an endovascular retrograde contralateral “crossover” or ipsilateral antegrade common femoral artery (CFA) approach. In cases with flush occlusion or a very short SFA stump at common CFA bifurcation, antegrade recanalization frequently fails due to an inability to engage the true ostium of the SFA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of retrograde popliteal approach for endovascular revascularization of flush SFA CTO.

Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively investigated 18 patients (14 males and 4 females, mean age 61 ± 14 years) with flush SFA CTO undergoing retrograde popliteal artery (PA) revascularization at two endovascular centers in North India between January 2017 and December 2018. All the patients had critical limb ischemia (CLI) and flush SFA CTO with ostial involvement. Hemostasis was achieved by the manual compression only. Study endpoints were technical success rate, puncture site complications, and limb salvage.

Results:
CLI with Rutherford category 5 dominated the clinical presentation (56%) with most of the patients presenting late after disease onset. Majority were Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus-C (72%) chronic SFA occlusions (mean lesion length 185 ± 52 mm). Doppler-guided popliteal puncture and sheath placement were successful in 100%. Technical success rate of retrograde revascularization was 83%. Intraluminal recanalization was possible in 56% from the popliteal access, and subintimal recanalization was done in 28%. There was no major access site-related complication or mortality in the follow-up period. The primary patency rates at 6 months and 1 year postintervention were 93% and 80%, respectively.

Conclusions:
Retrograde PA approach under Doppler guidance was effective in terms of technical success rate of popliteal puncture as well as retrograde revascularization of flush SFA CTO. The approach was safe with no major access site complications.
Saving the Foot from “Bliss of Ignorance”
Authors: Dabas Ajay Kumar , Patra Vikram , Dhillan Rishi 
Published: February 2021

Context:
Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is an emergency. The diagnosis of ALI can be missed. However, little is known about predisposing factors.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to determine the factors leading to misdiagnosis of lower limb ALI based on our experience and to suggest steps in overcoming the shortcomings.

Materials and Methods:
It is a single-center prospective observational study done from June 2016 to May 2019. All nontraumatic lower limb ALIs were included. Those with prior arterial interventions and thrombophilia were excluded from the study. Referral notes were scrutinized. Chronology of symptoms, time delay by a patient, category of first-contact health-care provider, initial diagnosis, and time lapse by clinician were noted. Patients were quizzed regarding ALI awareness.

Statistical Analysis:
Not applicable.

Results:
Twenty-six cases of lower limb ALI were included. Most common presentation was sudden onset claudication (n = 11), followed by pain (n = 9) and sudden onset weakness (n = 6). None were aware of ALI. A clinician was the first contact in 19 and local healer in 7. Eighteen presented late with an average delay of 18 days. Clinician misdiagnosed in 19 with an initial diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain (n = 9), arthritis of hip/knee (n = 4), neurological weakness (n = 2), sciatica (n = 2), and backache (n = 2). Lower limb pulse examination was missed in all 19. Thrombectomy with or without additional procedure was successful in 12 and bypass in one. The limb was salvaged in 20. There were six amputations and two deaths.

Conclusion:
Lower limb ALI is missed due to its variable presentation and failure to consider its possibility. Poor awareness among the public leads to late presentation. Better awareness needs be created by the education of both common public and the physicians to salvage the limbs in time.
Impact of HR Practices on Employee Turnover and Job Satisfaction: Evidence from Pakistani Universities
Authors: Khan Shakeel , Khan Muhammad Hashim , Mohmand Ali Muhammad , Misbah Syeda 
Published: February 2021

This research examines the impact of pertinent HR practices/policies upon a person’s job contentment and turnover in higher educational institutes. A special context of universities of KP have been chosen where numerous employees have developed job dissatisfaction and increased turnover because of deteriorating security conditions including but not limited to terrorism attacks, civil unrest, widespread diseases and unconducive working environment. This has ultimately compelled them to leave their jobs and flee to other cities such as Islamabad and Karachi. More specifically, three HR policies i.e. employee participation, training and performance appraisal are analysed to affect job satisfaction and turnover. A quantitative survey was conducted to assess job outcomes of University teachers in multiple cities especially where living conditions have deteriorated in the recent past. Respondents were segregated on the basis of age, income per month, designation and gender basis. Frequency analysis and Mean Average Scores are reported for each construct. The regression results suggest a positive significant relation of employee participation and performance appraisal with that of job satisfaction while a significant negative relation is found with turnover ratio. The study concludes that universities should focus on implementing HR policies and practices effectively in workplace which will help retain employees and keep them motivated. This can be one of the many effective strategies to retain workforce and discourage brain-drain out of the country. The study ends with acknowledging limitations and offering future research directions.
Energy Consumption and Four Growth Hypotheses: an Evidence From Saarc Nations
Authors: Ullah Shafqut , Mahmood Tahir 
Published: February 2021

The contemporaneous study investigates the directional relationship between economic growth and energy consumption for four selected SAARC nations from 1990 to 2018 within a panel-data framework. In the empirical literature, conservation, growth, feedback, and neutral hypotheses exist between energy and economic growth. First, study implies a Granger causality test to find the short-run directional relationship. Secondly, it checks the order of panel unit root that is a prerequisite condition for cointegration particularly when we have a long panel. In the end, based on panel unit root, the study estimates the model with the help of FMOLS to find a long-run relationship. The present study explores the conservation hypothesis in the short run at the regional level for Bangladesh and Pakistan. While the feedback hypothesis and neutral hypothesis exist in case of India and Sri-Lanka respectively. On the other hand, in the long run, there is cointegration between economic growth and energy use, while the direction conforms to the feedback hypothesis in our panel after allowing heterogeneous cross-sectional effect. Thus, energy and economic growth are coupled with each other in the long run at a regional level whereas, energy as a factor of the production process does not contribute significantly in the short run. It is because this region is labour abundant, therefore, the share of energy is significantly low in the final output as compared to developed nations. Consequently, the availability of energy at affordable prices truly matters for developing nations of SAARC.
Perceived Leadership Capacities of Elementary School Head Teachers: Potential Differences of Gender and Experience
Authors: Ali Hakim , Basri Rabia , Hussain Bashir 
Published: February 2021

Successful leadership mainly depends upon the knowledge and understanding about various leadership skills together with leader’s personal capacity to execute these skills efficiently. Elementary school head teachers, therefore, require notable expertise to professionally perform their important administrative responsibilities for achieving the school goals and objectives. In this context, this survey study was mainly conducted to investigate the extent of the leadership capacities of elementary school head teachers’ they possessed and differences in their views when grouped by their gender and administrative experience. To achieve the objective, a questionnaire comprising 24-items with six subscales developed by Ng (2010) was adapted with minor changes. The questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 363 head teachers randomly selected from 1014 elementary schools of Multan division and finally 336 (92.6%) responded. Results of descriptive statistical analyses suggest that the participants believed with high consensus that they were not well equipped with needed leadership skills in four areas specifically in the area of ‘quality assurance and accountability’. Inferential statistical tests revealed no significant differences in participants’ perceptions based on their gender. Significant differences, however, were found in their views based on their administrative experience. The conclusions of this study point to the relevant strategies for planning continuous professional development of elementary school head teachers in Pakistan.
Development of Quality Oriented Model for Restructuring of Pre-service Teacher Education Programs
Authors: Kanwal Wajiha , Basit Iffat , Ain Qurat ul 
Published: February 2021

This study was premeditated to develop quality oriented model for restructuring of existing pre-service teacher education programs. Population of the study was comprised of all teacher educators and prospective teachers of teacher education institutions of Punjab and Islamabad, Pakistan. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select sample of 300 teacher educators and 890 prospective teachers from 30 institutions. Two research questionnaires were used for data collection. Results revealed that prospective teachers enrolled in Bachelor of Education (Honors) were dissatisfied with the institutional environment, practical work, assessment techniques and features of teacher education. Whereas prospective teachers enrolled in Bachelor of Education one year program showed dissatisfaction with program duration. that teacher Educators teaching at Bachelor of Education (Honors) expressed dissatisfaction about physical resources, teachers’ competencies, teaching strategies, assessment techniques, professional skills, appreciative features of programs and institutional efforts to raise quality of the programs. Prospective teachers and teacher educators associated with both programs somewhat expressed similar opinions regarding quality of the programs. It is, therefore, recommended that teacher education institutions may improve the quality of both programs keeping in view quality related concerns of the teacher educators and prospective teachers.
Crowdfunding as a tool for attracting investments in the innovative sector of the economy
Authors: Mikhailyuk M. N. , Chinazirova S. K. , Kostenko R. V. 
Published: February 2021

In the context of digitalization, a special role in increasing the economic potential of the country is played by stimulating innovation and creating favorable conditions for doing business. The May decrees of the President of the Russian Federation determined the national development goals of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2024, which include an increase in the number of organizations implementing technological innovations [1]. At the same time, the priority task is to create conditions for the inflow of long-term financial resources into the economy. The solution to this problem will be facilitated not only by ensuring access for companies in the real sector of the economy to traditional channels of raising capital (bank lending, bonds and shares), but also by developing alternative investment mechanisms such as crowdfunding direct investments. The purpose of this article is to develop a concept for the creation and development of the infrastructure necessary for them by assessing the effectiveness of the current state and problems of the functioning of investment platforms in Russia. At the same time, modern methods of scientific knowledge were used: analysis, synthesis, induction, abstraction. The article substantiates the relevance of using crowdfunding as an important tool for information support of innovative projects (startups) of individuals and legal entities. The state and problems of development of investment platforms in Russia are investigated. At the same time, the factors of low popularity of investment platforms in Russia were identified. In addition, the legislative regulation of investment platforms in Russia was considered. Proposed activities for the development of investment platforms in Russia, such as: developing and conducting a strategic communication campaign, creating and maintaining a Central Repository of Public Sector Case Studies, and creating an underwriting mechanism or bridging fund for PPP projects.
Does IFRS Implementation Improve Qualitative Characteristics of Accounting Information: Evidence from Saudi Commercial Banks
Authors: Ebaid Ibrahim El-Sayed 
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) implementation on the quality of financial reporting of commercial banks in Saudi Arabia. The quality of financial statements was measured using qualitative characteristics of accounting information i.e., relevance, faith representation, understandability, comparability and timeliness.
Approach/Methodology/Design: This study is cross-sectional and a questionnaire was used to collect data regarding the effect of implementing IFRS on five of the qualitative characteristics of the accounting information, including two of fundamental characteristics: relevance, faithful representation and three of the enhancing characteristics: understandability, comparability, and timeliness. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The population of the study includes all the 12 commercial banks listed in the Saudi Stock Exchange.
Findings: The finding of the study reveals that the quality of financial reports which is measured through qualitative characteristics of accounting information (relevance, faith representation understandability, comparability and timeliness) was improved significantly after implementing IFRS compared with the period prior to the implementation of these standards.
Practical Implications: The study has implications for standards makers and users of the financial statements of banks in Saudi Arabia. Results of the study confirm the positive effect of implementing IFRS on the qualitative characteristics of accounting information, which is the basis for decision-making. These results are evidence in support of the transition plan to implement IFRS approved by Saudi Arabia
Originality/value: The benefits of implementing IFRS have undergone many studies in developed countries, especially Europe. Little is known about these benefits in developing countries. The study adds to this limited body of studies by examining the effect of implementing IFRS in Saudi Arabia as one of the developing countries.
Un espacio virtual para vivir la ciencia y la tecnología por medio de streaming
Authors: Lancheros-González Jordan-Andrés , Herrera-Marchena Magnolia , Morantes-Hernández Pilar-Juliana , Buitrago-Bernal Ricardo-Antonio , López-Buitrago Iván-Darío , Reynolds Pombo Jorge 
Published: February 2021

Considerando las graves consecuencias que ha traído la actual pandemia de COVID-19 a toda escala: económica, social, ambiental, que han llevado a la realización de actividades académicas virtuales, y en aras de mitigar este impacto causado en el ámbito educativo en el país, se pretende unir esfuerzos para facilitar la continuidad de la educación a través de formación y estimulación enfocadas en el aprendizaje virtual de calidad.

Es por esto que se hace necesaria la implementación de herramientas virtuales por medio de raspberry pi como dispositivo servidor de video (streaming) y manejo de equipos ópticos, como cámaras, para dar respuestas creativas y originales, a las problemáticas del entorno con impacto educativo y social para el país, basado en la utilización de herramientas tecnológicas de desarrollo como método de enseñanza a distancia en una red de área amplia con una presentación continua de video en vivo, para el enriquecimiento de experiencias educativas en Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (CTeI). Se requiere con urgencia crear e implementar métodos de enseñanza innovadora en sesiones vivenciales virtuales para la apropiación del conocimiento y el aprovechamiento de la tecnología, además de fomentar la creatividad y el pensamiento propositivo enfocados en el fortalecimiento de un ecosistema rico en generación de ideas como motor dinamizador de una industria vanguardista en pro de mejorar la calidad de vida de los estudiantes de básica y media, atendiendo sus necesidades y realidades.

Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior, se ha implementado un modelo, que contempla y abarca una serie de actividades soportadas en recursos y propuestas pedagógicas de aprendizaje virtuales experienciales por medio de streaming para la observación en vivo de los seres de la naturaleza y su observación en vivo, esto permitirá a los docentes del área de ciencias hacer más eficiente la introducción de nuevas tecnologías en sus procesos de enseñanza, generando en los estudiantes compromiso, despertando curiosidad por la investigación y el emprendimiento, como herramientas para la construcción de un proyecto de vida alrededor del sector de la Ciencia, la Tecnología y la Innovación y de esta manera responder a las necesidades del mundo moderno y consolidar las capacidades del sector educativo en el uso de estas tecnologías.
Comparison of chemical lateral boundary conditions for air quality predictions over the contiguous United States during pollutant intrusion events
Authors: Tang Youhua , Bian Huisheng , Tao Zhining , Oman Luke D. , Tong Daniel , Lee Pius , Campbell Patrick C. , Baker Barry , Lu Cheng-Hsuan , Pan Li , Wang Jun , McQueen Jeffery , Stajner Ivanka 
Published: February 2021

Abstract. The National Air Quality Forecast Capability (NAQFC) operated in the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides the
operational forecast guidance for ozone and fine particulate matter with
aerodynamic diameters less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) over the
contiguous 48 US states (CONUS) using the Community Multi-scale Air
Quality (CMAQ) model. The existing NAQFC uses climatological chemical lateral boundary conditions (CLBCs), which cannot capture pollutant intrusion events originating outside of the model domain. In this study, we
developed a model framework to use dynamic CLBCs from the Goddard Earth
Observing System Model, version 5 (GEOS) to drive NAQFC. A mapping of the
GEOS chemical species to CMAQ's CB05–AERO6 (Carbon Bond 5; version 6 of the aerosol module) species was
developed. The utilization of the GEOS dynamic CLBCs in NAQFC showed the best overall performance in simulating the surface observations during the Saharan dust intrusion and Canadian wildfire events in summer 2015. The simulated PM2.5 was improved from 0.18 to 0.37, and the mean bias was reduced from −6.74 to −2.96 µg m−3 over CONUS. Although the effect of CLBCs on the PM2.5 correlation was mainly near the inflow boundary, its impact on the background concentrations reached further inside the domain. The CLBCs could affect background ozone concentrations through the inflows of ozone itself and its precursors, such as CO. It was further found that the aerosol optical thickness (AOT) from satellite retrievals correlated well with the column CO and elemental carbon from GEOS. The satellite-derived AOT CLBCs generally improved the model performance for the wildfire intrusion events during a summer 2018 case study and demonstrated how satellite observations of atmospheric composition could be used as an alternative method to capture the air quality effects of intrusions when the CLBCs of global models, such as GEOS CLBCs, are not available.
Exploratory experiments on pre-activated freezing nucleation on mercuric iodide
Authors: Vali Gabor 
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Pre-activation of freezing nucleation (PFN) with mercuric iodide was first reported by Edwards, Evans, and Zipper (Edwards et al., 1970). They found that freezing, followed by melting just a few degrees Celsius above the melting point, leads to subsequent freezing of the sample more than 10 ∘C above the temperature of the initial nucleation temperature. Results presented in this paper are from laboratory experiments that followed the procedure designed by Edwards, Evans, and Zipper (1970) but employed multiple sample drops and many repetitions of the pre-activation cycle. The results obtained confirm the basic findings of the earlier work and refine them. It is shown that the pre-activation effect is lost gradually as the sample is heated above the melting point and that some effect is still seen with heating above +5 ∘C. Instrumental limitation in these experiments precluded detection of pre-activated freezing above −2 ∘C, but that possibility is not excluded. Some PFN was noted down to at least −6 ∘C. By also drawing on the results of Seeley and Seidler (2001), PFN is analyzed in search of constraints that help define the process responsible for it. No firm conclusions are reached, but the accumulated evidence points quite clearly to the role of surface sites in leading to PFN. Thus, sites are seen to play the same role as they do in heterogeneous freezing nucleation in general. PFN differs from pore condensation and freezing described by Marcolli (2020) and David et al. (2020), in that PFN is observed in liquid water while that process takes place in the vapor phase. Further explorations of the process leading to PFN can help in understanding ice nucleation and its practical manifestations at a basic level. The results call attention to an ice nucleation pathway hitherto barely explored that can be expected to have consequences in how ice nucleation occurs in atmospheric clouds and in other systems. PFN is also a potential tool for deliberate initiation of freezing in clouds and other systems.
Long-term global ground heat flux and continental heat storage from geothermal data
Authors: Cuesta-Valero Francisco José , García-García Almudena , Beltrami Hugo , González-Rouco J. Fidel , García-Bustamante Elena 
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Energy exchanges among climate subsystems are of critical importance to determine the climate sensitivity of the Earth's system to greenhouse gases, to quantify the magnitude and evolution of the Earth's energy imbalance, and to project the evolution of future climate. Thus, ascertaining the magnitude of and change in the Earth's energy partition within climate subsystems has become urgent in recent years. Here, we provide new global estimates of changes in ground surface temperature, ground surface heat flux, and continental heat storage derived from geothermal data using an expanded database and new techniques. Results reveal markedly higher changes in ground heat flux and heat storage within the continental subsurface than previously reported, with land temperature changes of 1 K and continental heat gains of around 12 ZJ during the last part of the 20th century relative to preindustrial times. Half of the heat gain by the continental subsurface since 1960 has occurred in the last 20 years.