bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Different Cropping and Land Management Practices on the Quality of Irrigated Soils of the Upper Awash Basin, Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Authors: Deche Almaz , Assen Mohammed , Damene Shimeles , Legass Asmamaw 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Irrigation is one way of utilizing the land resources to enhance agricultural production. Irrigation crop production is crucial in the present study area due to its arid and semi-arid climatic characteristics. However, little is known about the influence of different cropping and land management practices on soil quality (SQ). This study aimed to determine the effects of different cropping systems and land management practices on variability of SQ indicators in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia (CRVE). To this end, 45 disturbed surface (0‒20 cm) and 24 undisturbed (upper 7 cm) soil samples were collected from four adjacent farms: large-scale perennial farms (LSPF), large-scale annual farms (LSAF), smallholder subsistence annual farms (SHAF), and non-cultivated lands (NCL). Soil analyses were made for selected SQ indicators – particle size analysis, bulk density, soil water content, organic matter, pH, total nitrogen, available potassium and phosphorus, exchangeable bases, and cation exchange capacity. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) were computed. Key informants’ interview was conducted to substantiate the data obtained from soil laboratory analyses. As the results confirmed, different cropping and land management practices had significant effects on some SQ indicators. Soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available P, and available K declined significantly (P < 0.05) in the soils of LSAF and SHAF. This is attributed to land management-induced problems such as frequent tillage practice of mono-cropping, high level of mechanization, removal of crop residues/above-ground biomass in LSAF, and use of low external inputs and overcultivation without appropriate land management practices in SHAF. However, LSPF practice resulted in the improvement of key SQ indicators, next to NCL. Therefore, LSPF can be an alternative cropping and land management practice to achieve sustainable agricultural production and land management in semi-arid irrigated lands of CRVE and in places with similar environments.
Influence of Plants on the Spatial Variability of Soil Penetration Resistance
Authors: Kunakh Olga , Zhukova Yulia , Yakovenko Volodymyr , Daniuk Olga 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Soil penetration resistance is an informative indicator to monitor soil compaction, which affects a range of ecological processes in floodplain ecosystems. The aim of the investigation was to reveal the influence of vegetation cover on the spatial variability of penetration resistance of floodplain soils. The study was carried out in the elm oak forest in the floodplain of the Dnipro River (Dniprovsko-Orilsky Nature Reserve, Ukraine). The study of the soil profile morphology was performed in accordance with the guidelines of the field description of soils FAO. The soil penetration resistance was measured in the field using the Eijkelkamp manual penetrometer to a depth of 100 cm at 5-cm intervals within the polygon consisted of 105 sampling points. Vegetation descriptions were made in a 3×3-meter surrounding from each sampling point. The soil penetration resistance was found to regularly increase with increasing depth. The changes in resistance values were insignificant until 25–30 cm depth. After that, there was a sharp increase in penetration resistance up to the depth of 70–75 cm, after which the indicators plateaued. In the three-dimensional aspect, the spatial variation of soil penetration resistance can be fractionated into broad-scale, medium-scale, and fine-scale components. Tree vegetation induces a broad-scale component of soil penetration resistance variations, which embraces the whole soil profile. The herbaceous vegetation induces a medium-scale component, which embraces the upper and middle parts of the soil profile. The fine-scale component is influenced by pedogenic factors.
Methodology of Wildlife Underpasses Attractiveness Assessment
Authors: Nevřelová Marta , Lehotská Blanka , Ružičková Jana 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The permeability of line barriers in the landscape is often a prerequisite for the survival of the wide spectrum of native species. The aim of this study is to create a methodology for assessing the attractiveness of wildlife underpasses used by animals during migrations, translocations or as a habitat. Understanding the relationship between the parameters of underpasses in the broader landscape-ecological context and their attractiveness for animals is a key aspect in spatial planning and the construction of new linear transport structures, which will significantly help mitigate the barrier effect and isolation of animal populations. The attractiveness assessment is based on the evaluation of the underpass individual parameters and its surroundings through the 8 sub-indexes (openness, substrate, anthropogenic, vegetation, landscape structure elements, ecological networks, potential and real migration/habitat).
Prognostic value of serum ammonia in critical patients with non-hepatic disease: A prospective, observational, multicenter study
Authors: Li Yue , Yao Zhipeng , Li Yunlong , Yang Zhenyu , Li Ming , Chen Zhendong , Liu Shujie , Gong Jianguo , Huang Libin , Xu Ping , Li Yan , Li Haihong , Liu Xuan , Zhang Li , Zhang Guixia , Wang Hongliang 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Non-hepatic hyperammonemia can damage the central nervous system (CNS), and possible prognostic factors are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic and risk factors for patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Materials and Methods
This prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted between November and December 2019 at 11 ICUs in the Chinese Heilongjiang province. Changes in blood ammonia level during and after ICU admission were continuously monitored and expressed as the high level (H-), mean level (M-), and initial level (I-) of ammonia. The risk factors of poor prognosis were investigated by conducting univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to compare the predictive ability of Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) score, lactic acid, total bilirubin (TBil), and M-ammonia.

Results
A total of 1060 patients were included in this study, of which 707 (67%) had a favorable prognosis and 353 (33%) had a poor prognosis. As shown by univariate models, a poor prognosis was associated with elevated serum levels of lactic acid, TBil, and ammonia (P < 0.05) and pathologic scores from three assessments: APACHE-II, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA). Multivariate analysis revealed that circulating mean ammonia levels in ICU patients were independently associated with a poor prognosis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–2.80, P = 0.02). However, the APACHE-II score (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.714, sensitivity: 0.86, specificity: 0.68, P < 0.001) remained the most predictive factor for patient prognosis by ROC analysis.

Conclusion
Elevated serum levels of ammonia in the blood were independently prognostic for ICU patients without liver disease.
Electrochemotherapy for solid tumors: literature review and presentation of a novel endoscopic approach
Authors: Schipilliti Francesca Matilde , Onorato Maurizio , Arrivi Giulia , Panebianco Martina , Lerinò Debora , Milano Annalisa , Roberto Michela , Capalbo Carlo , Mazzuca Federica 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Background
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a minimally invasive and safe treatment gaining positive and long-lasting antitumoral results that are receiving the attention of the scientific community. It is a local treatment that combines the use of electroporation and the administration of cytotoxic drugs to induce cell death in the target tissue. ECT is largely used for the treatment of cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions, and good results have been reported for the treatment of deep visceral tumors. The latest literature review is provided. Moreover, in line with its development for the treatment of visceral tumors in this article, we describe a novel approach of ECT: endoscopic treatment of colorectal cancer. Endoscopic ECT application was combined with systemic chemotherapy in the treatment of obstructing rectal cancer without prospective surgery. A good response after ECT was described: concentric involvement of the rectum was reduced, and no stenosing lesions were detected.

Conclusions
Clinical studies have demonstrated that ECT is a very effective treatment for tumors of different histologic types and localizations. Endoscopic treatment for gastrointestinal cancer is an innovative application of ECT. The combination of systemic treatment and ECT was safe and highly effective in the treatment of colorectal cancer, especially when obstructive, giving the patient a significant gain in quality of life.
Sampling Techniques (Probability) for Quantitative Social Science Researchers: A Conceptual Guidelines with Examples
Authors: Rahman Md. Mizanur , Tabash Mosab I. , Salamzadeh Aidin , Abduli Selajdin , Rahaman Md. Saidur 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Collecting data using an appropriate sampling technique is a challenging task for a researcher to do. The researchers will be unable to collect data from all possible situations, which will preclude them from answering the study’s research questions in their current form. In light of the enormous number and variety of sampling techniques/methods available, the researcher must be knowledgeable about the differences to select the most appropriate sampling technique/method for the specific study under consideration. In this context, this study also looks into the basic concepts in probability sampling, kinds of probability sampling techniques with their advantages and disadvantages. Social science researchers will benefit from this study since it will assist them in choosing the most suitable probability sampling technique(s) for completing their research smoothly and successfully.
Efforts Towards Creating a National Brand in Kosovo (2008-2021)
Authors: Imeri Dorajet 
Published: July 2022

AbstractStates in the context of foreign policy apply specific strategies that relate with strengthening their international position, especially in relation to the promotion of attributes and values that make changing the perceptions of citizens of other states, and consequently of decision makers. Small states find it difficult to impose on the large international system knowing that their power and potential is little measurable.Kosovo since its proclamation as a state, is facing this dilemma, as crises, political instability and the inability to conclude the problem of recognition have cost it in external perception as a country with unsolvable political problems, while from within as the place where opportunities for work and well-being are seen as difficult to achieve, while interethnic cooperation remains dependent on the fate of the Brussels Talks or reconciliation and forgiveness, which are also linked to political talks. The need to affirm the truth of Kosovo, found it without concrete strategies, while the application of some marketing on foreign television, was not followed by any concrete plan.Kosovo had launched a campaign entitled “Young Europeans”, while only a few years later, 200,000 young people left the country, producing paradigmatic upheavals, in “young European immigrants”. Applying a series of methods, such as content analysis, statistics and interviews, the paper concludes that Kosovo has not had a national strategy for creating a national brand, while there are some sporadic efforts, which are not accompanied by concrete strategies, while political instability did not allow the functioning of foreign policy and consequently increased impatience of the citizens towards the institutions which was reflected in the efforts for their mass departure from the country.
ANTECEDENTES DO ENGAJAMENTO DO CONSUMIDOR E O CONSUMIDOR ENGAJADO COMO GERADOR DE VALOR PARA A EMPRESA
Authors: Tartarotti Lucas , Dias Deise Taiana de Ávila , Toni Deonir De , Fachinelli Ana Cristina 
Published: July 2022

É fundamental garantir que os consumidores estejam engajados. Assim, o tema desta pesquisa é o engajamento do consumidor como fator de geração de valor para a empresa. O problema de pesquisa que orienta o estudo define-se por quais as relações do engajamento do consumidor como gerador de valor para a organização? Portanto, o objetivo da pesquisa foi relacionar os construtos: engajamento do consumidor, envolvimento do consumidor, participação do consumidor, intenção de compra, indicações do consumidor, influência do consumidor e conhecimento do consumidor; em um modelo teórico proposto. Para o alcance deste objetivo, optou-se pelo desenvolvimento de uma pesquisa teórica. Como resultado, apresenta-se o modelo teórico proposto do engajamento do consumidor como gerador de valor para as empresas, sendo a principal contribuição teórica do artigo. Como contribuição gerencial, destaca-se que identificação dos antecedentes do engajamento do consumidor as organizações podem gerenciar este engajamento nos seus próprios consumidores, buscando um desempenho organizacional superior. Palavras-chave: Engajamento. Intenção de compra. Indicações do consumidor. Influência do consumidor. Conhecimento do consumidor.
ANÁLISE DAS ESTRATÉGIAS COMPETITIVAS DO SETOR DE GASTRONOMIA DE CAXIAS DO SUL
Authors: Billig Osvaldo Alencar de Oliveira , Borelli Verena Alice , Dias Deise Taiana de Ávila , Rech Jane 
Published: July 2022

As estratégias competitivas de Porter (1980) são evidenciadas com frequência na literatura, com maior número de estudos realizados, desenvolvidas e analisadas em diferentes setores em termos da sua aplicabilidade. O objetivo deste estudo é identificar as forças e as fraquezas que afetam as estratégias competitivas e suas causas básicas. De natureza qualitativa exploratório e como método central de pesquisa a análise de conteúdo. Como procedimento técnico utilizou-se o estudo de caso em cinco empresas do setor gastronômico na cidade de Caxias do Sul RS, o instrumento de coleta de dados deu-se por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Os entrevistados foram os gestores. Os resultados apontaram que apesar de todos os esforços e resultados obtidos pelas empresas, entende-se que o foco da competitividade está na qualidade de atendimento ao cliente.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES PARA A FIDELIZAÇÃO DE CLIENTES PELA IMPLANTAÇÃO DO TURISMO ESPORTIVO EM UMA PEQUENA ORGANIZAÇÃO DE ENSINO DO SURFE
Authors: Cruz Ana Carolina Costa 
Published: July 2022

As pequenas organizações de ensino do surfe se apresentam como negócios rentáveis desde a década de 1990, na Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, atraindo novas organizações no setor. Nesse sentido, existe cada vez mais reconhecimento da importância de administrar relacionamentos com clientes, pois a variedade no comportamento dos consumidores, associada à sofisticação da concorrência está fazendo da fidelização e da retenção de clientes aspectos essenciais para a vida de qualquer organização (ROZZETT e DEMO, 2010; ALMEIDA e RAMOS, 2012). Daí a necessidade de reavaliar estratégias de marketing nesses pequenos empreendimentos. Este relato pretende investigar se a implantação do turismo de surfe em uma pequena organização de aprendizado da modalidade impactou sobre a fidelização dos seus clientes. Através da análise documental do arquivo da referida organização, realizamos também o levantamento da frequência dos alunos antes e depois da implantação das viagens, além de relatórios e de documentos de contabilidade das viagens do período de 2002 a 2012. Os resultados indicam o aumento da fidelização de alunos nas viagens programadas pela organização de ensino do surfe e também o aumento quantitativo das viagens oferecidas. No entanto, não se observou necessariamente maior participação nas aulas regulares a longo prazo, embora os alunos que participaram das viagens permanecessem mais tempo na organização. Constatou-se um número significativo de clientes que incorporou o serviço a sua vida, se tornando fiéis as viagens programadas pela organização de ensino do surfe, demonstrando um perfil específico de consumidor. Palavras-chave: fidelização, pequenas organizações esportivas e turismo esportivo
Luxury Brand Perception, Social Influence, and Brand Personality to Predict Purchase Intention
Authors: Keni Keni , Teoh Ai Ping , Vincent Vincent , Sari Wulan Purnama 
Published: July 2022

The key purpose of this study is to investigate the relationships between luxury brand perception, social influence, and brand personality towards purchase intention. It has been increasingly important for every company to improve its customers’ purchase intention in order to maintain the existence of the company, especially in an increasingly competitive business environment. Hence, this study was conducted to examine whether luxury brand perception, social influence, and brand personality have a positive and significant impact on purchase intention. This study was descriptive research and was conducted by using the cross-sectional method. The population of this research was all Indonesian smartphone users, and the sampling frame was limited to smartphone users who live in Jakarta, whereas purposive sampling was conducted for the data collection from respondents. The data collection was conducted by distributing questionnaires to 100 respondents through the internet and this study used SmartPLS software version 3.2.7. for the data analysis. The result of this study showed that luxury brand perception, social influence and brand personality have a significant and positive impact towards purchase intention. Therefore, it is essential for smartphone companies to maintain their image as a luxury brand, observe and improve customers’ influence to the others about the brand, and also associate the brand’s personalities with customers in order to increase the customers’ purchase intention. Niat pembelian memiliki peran yang semakin penting untuk setiap perusahaan karena pada saat ini, menghasilkan penjualan bukan hanya bertujuan untuk memperoleh keuntungan, tetapi juga untuk mempertahankan keberadaan perusahaan, khususnya dari kondisi persaingan yang semakin meningkat. Tujuan utama penelitian ini adalah untuk meneliti hubungan yang terjadi diantara persepsi terhadap luxury brand, pengaruh sosial dan brand personality terhadap niat pembelian. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif dan dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode cross-sectional. Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah seluruh pengguna smartphone di Indonesia dan sample pada penelitian ini dibatasi pada pengguna smartphone yang berdomisili di Jakarta, dimana purposive sampling digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data dari responden. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan mendistribusikan kuesioner kepada 100 oorang responden melalui internet dan penelitian ini menggunakan perangkat lunak SmartPLS versi 3.2.7. untuk melakukan analisis data. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa persepsi terhadap luxury brand, pengaruh sosial dan brand personality memiliki pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan terhadap niat pembelian. Oleh sebab itu, merupakan sebuah hal yang penting bagi perusahaan smartphone untuk mengembangkan persepsi terhadap luxury brand, pengaruh sosial dan brand personality pelanggan untuk meningkatkan niat pembelian pelanggan.
Representações sociais sobre agricultura familiar para alunos de licenciatura em educação do campo residentes da zona rural
Authors: Do Valle Paula , Querido de Oliveira Chamon Edna Maria , Suave Angela Michele , Rodrigues Alexandra Magna 
Published: July 2022

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar representações sociais de moradores do campo licenciandos em Educação do Campo sobre agricultura familiar. Estudo transversal, exploratório, descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa e embasamento teórico na Teoria das Representações Sociais. Aplicou-se questionário para caracterização sociodemográfica e prática da agricultura familiar. Foram coletados dados cartográficos e textuais. Participaram do estudo 20 estudantes com idade média de 27 anos (10,28). Dos 20 estudantes, 80% (16) cultivavam hortas em casa e 85% (17) cultivavam pomares, cuja principal finalidade era autoconsumo. A agricultura familiar é representada como prática sustentável, cultural, praticada pelo núcleo familiar, produtora de alimentos saudáveis, sem agrotóxicos e promotora de qualidade de vida, geradora de renda e voltada para autoconsumo. As concepções sobre agricultura familiar estão relacionadas ao tipo de agricultura praticada pelo grupo, às informações recebidas da comunidade, meios midiáticos e familiares, não ao conceito técnico sobre esse tema.
Implications of work motivation, employee discipline, and compensation on employee performance while working from home at a digital marketing company
Authors: Azmy Ahmad , Risza Handi , Adhykusuma Arief 
Published: July 2022

Many organizations apply WFH policy during the pandemic. In this study, we focused on the employee performance quality when engaged in this working pattern. The result of the study is expected to provide positive recommendations to organizations in implementing the WFH policy. This approach allows researchers to see the significance of the construct and its effect on employee performance. 104 out of 140 employees were recruited as participants using a purposive sampling technique based on several criteria. The obtained data are considered representative of the population. This study examined the effect of workmotivation, work discipline, and compensation on employee performance. These variables were analyzed the Work from Home (WFH) setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. The result of the study may provide a positive recommendation to improve employee performance when working from home. This study found that work motivation and discipline positively affected employees’ job performance. Compensation did not affect but had a positive relationship with employees’ job performance. Work discipline was found to be the most dominant variable affecting the increase in employee performance during WFH. The organization needs to evaluate the compensation program to improve the work outcome quality and rewards for employees during the WFH program.
PENGARUH METODE PEMBELAJARAN SNOWBALL THROWING TERHADAP MOTIVASI BELAJAR SISWA PADA MATA PELAJARAN SEJARAH DI KELAS X IPS-1 MA AL ISTIQOMAH RAJADESA
Authors: Setiawati Nina , Wijayanti Yeni , Kusmayadi Yadi 
Published: July 2022

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui: 1) Penggunaan Metode Pembelajaran Snowball Throwing Pada Mata Pelajaran Sejarah di Kelas X IPS-1 MA Al Istiqomah Rajadesa. 2) Pengaruh Metode Pembelajaran Snowball Throwing Terhadap Motivasi Belajar Siswa Pada Mata Pelajaran Sejarah di Kelas X IPS-1 MA Al Istiqomah Rajadesa. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas X MA Al Istiqomah Rajadesa. Sampel kelas eksperimen adalah 30 orang dan pada kelas kontrol adalah 30 orang. Metode penelitian ini adalah metode quasi experimental. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan penggunaan metode pembelajaran snowball throwing di kelas X IPS-1 MA Al Istiqomah Rajadesa yaitu a) guru membentuk kelompok belajar, b) memanggil ketua kelompok untuk menyampaikan materi pembelajaran, c) ketua kelompok kembali ke kelompoknya untuk menyampaikan materi, d)setiap anggota kelompok membuat pertanyaan di selembar kertas kemudian digulung, e) dilempar ke kelompok lain untuk dijawab, f) guru melakukan evaluasi, g) menutup pembelajaran. Untuk mengetahui pengaruh metode pembelajaran snowball throwing terhadap motivasi belajar siswa yaitu dengan menggunakan uji t. Hasil yang diperoleh t hitung sebesar 34,567 > t tabel sebesar 2,048. Dari penelitian tersebut disimpulkan terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan antara metode pembelajaran snowball throwing terhadap motivasi belajar siswa pada mata pelajaran sejarah di kelas X IPS-1 MA Al Istiqomah Rajadesa.