Search

Copyright of Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua is the property of Instituto Mexicano de Tecnologia del Agua (IMTA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Zentralblatt fuer Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Sociales (13159518) is the property of Revista de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad del Zulia Venezuela and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Venezolana de Gerencia (RVG) is the property of Revista de Filosofia-Universidad del Zulia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To improve adolescent health measurement, the Global Action for the Measurement of Adolescent health (GAMA) Advisory Group was formed in 2018 and published a draft list of 52 indicators across six adolescent health domains in 2022. We describe the process and results of selecting the adolescent health indicators recommended by GAMA (hereafter, "GAMA-recommended indicators"). Each indicator in the draft list was assessed using the following inputs: (1) availability of data and stakeholders' perceptions on their relevance, acceptability, and feasibility across selected countries; (2) alignment with current measurement recommendations and practices; and (3) data in global databases. Topic-specific working groups comprised of GAMA experts and representatives of United Nations partner agencies reviewed results and provided preliminary recommendations, which were appraised by all GAMA members and finalized. There are 47 GAMA-recommended indicators (36 core and 11 additional) for adolescent health measurement across six domains: policies, programs, and laws (4 indicators); systems performance and interventions (4); health determinants (7); health behaviors and risks (20); subjective well-being (2); and health outcomes and conditions (10). These indicators are the result of a robust and structured five-year process to identify a priority set of indicators with relevance to adolescent health globally. This inclusive and participatory approach incorporated inputs from a broad range of stakeholders, including adolescents and young people themselves. The GAMA-recommended indicators are now ready to be used to measure adolescent health at the country, regional, and global levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identified alignment of indicators across different initiatives and data collection instruments as a foundation for future harmonization of adolescent health measurement. Using the Global Action for Measurement of Adolescent health (GAMA) recommended indicators as the basis for comparison, we conducted a desk review of 14 global-level initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health, and five multicountry survey programs, such as the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys and the Global school-based Student Health Survey. We identified initiative and survey indicators similar to a GAMA indicator, deconstructed indicators into standard elements to facilitate comparison, and assessed alignment to the corresponding GAMA indicator across each of the elements. A total of 144 initiative indicators and 90 survey indicators were identified. Twenty-four initiative indicators (17%) and 14 survey indicators (16%) matched the corresponding GAMA indicators across all elements. Population of interest was the most commonly discrepant element; whereas GAMA indicators mostly refer to ages 10–19, many survey and initiative indicators encompass only part of this age range, for example, 15–19-year-olds as a subset of adults ages 15–49 years. An additional 53 initiative indicators (39%) and 44 survey indicators (49%) matched on all elements except the population of interest. The current adolescent measurement landscape is inconsistent, with differing recommendations on what and how to measure. Findings from this study support efforts to promote indicator alignment and harmonization across adolescent health measurement stakeholders at the global, regional, and country levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore data availability, perceived relevance, acceptability and feasibility of implementing 52 draft indicators for adolescent health measurement in different countries globally. A mixed-methods, sequential explanatory study was conducted in 12 countries. An online spreadsheet was used to assess data availability and a stakeholder survey to assess perceived relevance, acceptability, and feasibility of implementing each draft indicator proposed by the Global Action for Measurement of Adolescent health (GAMA). The assessments were discussed in virtual meetings with all countries and in deep dives with three countries. Findings were synthesized using descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Data availability varied across the 52 draft GAMA indicators and across countries. Nine countries reported measuring over half of the indicators. Most indicators were rated relevant by stakeholders, while some were considered less acceptable and feasible. The ten lowest-ranking indicators were related to mental health, sexual health and substance use; the highest-ranking indicators centered on broader adolescent health issues, like use of health services. Indicators with higher data availability and alignment with national priorities were generally considered most relevant, acceptable and feasible. Barriers to measurement included legal, ethical and sensitivity issues, challenges with multi-sectoral coordination and data systems flexibility. Most of the draft GAMA indicators were deemed relevant and feasible, but contextual priorities and perceived acceptability influenced their implementation in countries. To increase their use for a more comprehensive understanding of adolescent health, better multi-sectoral coordination and tailored capacity building to accommodate the diverse data systems in countries will be required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess alignment of the Global Action for Measurement of Adolescent health (GAMA) draft adolescent health indicators with national policies and explore challenges and opportunities for collecting data on adolescent sexual, reproductive, and mental health in Armenia. We reviewed Armenia's national laws, decrees, policies, strategies, and programs for content related to the draft indicators. We conducted three focus group discussions with government and nongovernmental stakeholders and youth representatives on the feasibility of collecting the draft indicators, and analyzed the discussion segments related to sexual, reproductive, and mental health indicators. The policy review included 22 documents. Armenia's national laws, policies, strategies, orders, and decrees mention a range of tracking and monitoring activities in adolescent health, and many draft GAMA indicators are already incorporated into national statistics and are collected in ongoing surveys. However, policies and strategies often lack specificity around how to measure and report indicators. Sexual, reproductive, and mental health indicators were particularly sensitive to collect due to Armenian cultural norms and expectations, especially for younger adolescents under the age of 15 years. Guidance should be developed to facilitate the formulation of relevant policies with well-defined indicators and complete tracking and reporting information. Data collection should be further harmonized within the overall health information flow to avoid data overlap. While sensitization work and interviewer training can help address some issues around collecting data on sexual, reproductive, and mental health, it may be necessary to adapt certain indicators to be culturally acceptable in Armenia, such as by limiting the age range to above 15 years for highly sensitive indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process with the Gaussian (AHP) factor to prioritize health indicators in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The Gaussian AHP method considers the relative importance of each criterion, using the criteria standard deviation to order the weights with the most influence to do the prioritization scale of the alternatives. Nineteen health indicators were analyzed, considering as criteria the variation of improvement and deterioration in two periods: from 2018 to 2022 and from 2021 to 2022. It was also considered a criterion for the goal achievement percentage established for the 2022 year and the health region numbers that achieved results above the goal. After analysis, the following indicators were considered priorities due to their poor performance: Infant Mortality Rate , Index of premises infestation by Aedes aegypti and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing in newly reported tuberculosis cases. The indicator with the best result was five sample collections per week with RT-PCR performed in Influenza Syndrome cases treated in each sentinel unit. This highlights the importance of the Gaussian AHP for a robust analysis of the prioritization of health indicators in the context of public management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantification of states, corporations, nature or self has become pervasive in the past 40 years. The water world’s struggles are rife with, and shaped by, numbers, indicators, metrics and models. This review explores how the production, promotion and use of 'water numbers' conceals deeply political processes, hypotheses, worldviews, intents, old habits and new fashions. Whether embodied in scientific or expert practices, or in indicators, thresholds, water accounts or cost–benefit analyses, water numbers promote specific values and interests; they also obfuscate complexity, heterogeneities and uncertainties, they manufacture legitimacy and authority, and they act as control devices to shape behaviour. We offer a more detailed analysis of water indicators that describe water scarcity, ecological status, progress towards SDG 6, and embody New Public Management principles. We end with a call for critical water studies to more forcefully engage with these debates, in line with the centrality of quantification in water management and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At a rhetorical level, the SDGs provide a unified global agenda, and their targets and indicators are believed to drive action for social and environmental transformation. However, what if the SDGs (and their specific goals and indicators) are more of a problem than a solution? What if they create the illusion of action through a depoliticised and technical approach that fails to address fundamental dilemmas of politics and power? What if this illusion continues to reproduce poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation? This paper addresses these questions through a focus on SDG 6.5.1 – the implementation of integrated water resources management (IWRM), measured on a 0-100 scale through a composite indicator. The paper presents an empirical analysis of SDG 6.5.1 reporting in Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Malaysia, and the UK, drawing on research from the Water Security and Sustainable Development Hub. An evidence review and series of expert interviews are used to interrogate the local politics of IWRM measurement, specifically three dilemmas of global composite indicator construction: (1) reductive quantification of normative and contested processes; (2) weak analysis of actually existing institutional capability, politics, and power; and (3) distracting performativity dynamics in reporting. The paper concludes that SDG 6.5.1 is an example of a 'fantasy artefact', and that in all countries in this study, IWRM institutions are failing to address fundamental and 'wicked' problems in water resources management. We find little evidence that these numbers, or the survey that gives rise to them, drive meaningful reflection on the aims or outcomes of IWRM. Instead, they tend to hide the actually-existing political and institutional dynamics that sit behind the complexity of the global water crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of MESO is the property of Zadruzna Stampa D.D. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Key and core components of effective infection prevention and control programmes (IPCPs) issued by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have been described. WHO core component 1 relates to the structure, organization and management of IPCPs. The objective of this study was to assess the status and the time trends of some indicators of core component 1 of IPCPs in acute hospitals in Spain throughout the period 2012–2022. Hospital-level data from the Spanish point prevalence survey for years 2012–2022 were analysed. Core component 1 indicators were calculated and tested for association to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). In addition, trends were also examined. Overall, 67.0% and 57.2% of Spanish hospitals reported having an annual infection prevention and control (IPC) plan and an annual IPC report that was approved by the hospital managing director, respectively. The global median number of full-time equivalent (FTE) IPC nurses per 250 beds for the period was 0.87 and the global median number of FTE IPC doctors was 0.70. The rates of blood cultures and stool tests for Clostridioides difficile were 39.9 and 6.1 per 1000 patient-days, respectively. No significant correlation was found between core component 1 indicators and HAI prevalence. Spain is currently at a basic level on the structure, organization and management of IPCPs. Profound differences were found between hospitals depending on size and type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Information -- Wissenschaft und Praxis is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A critical shift is required to meet the challenges reflected in the sustainable development goals. Policymakers in the EU are betting on a transition from a linear to a circular economy to make this happen. Public procurement is vital in this context, e.g., accounting for 20% of Swedish GDP, with circular public procurement being critical to the transition. Until now, the research focus in this area has been narrower, concentrating on, e.g., IT equipment or furniture. However, plastic medical products have not been addressed despite generating substantial environmental impact and offering a tremendous upside. To enable the application of circular economy strategies in this context, changes are required on two ends: the design of the products and the criteria under which the products are procured. Indicators are the central basis of decision-making in any purchasing decision and are considered powerful enablers and drivers of the transition to a circular economy. This paper reviews circular indicators as a starting point toward guidelines for the circular design and procurement of plastic products in the healthcare sector. Based on this, critical factors for developing a comprehensive indicator for the design and procurement of circular plastic medical products are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• No study has documented biomarkers for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) pressure. • This study aimed to explore such biomarkers. • Eight of 12 patients with a CSDH pressure ≥25 cmH2O had bilateral CSDHs. • Headache, patients' age and hematoma thickness were correlated with CSDH pressure. • Bilateral CSDHs, not older adult, and headache may indicate an increased pressure. Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical disorders. However, no study has yet documented biomarkers indicating increased CSDH pressure. This study aimed to explore such indicators. A total of 50 patients underwent measurement for CSDH pressure during burr-hole irrigation. The mean hematoma pressure was 16.8 ± 7.6 cmH2O with no significant difference between new-onset and recurrent CSDHs. In 12 patients with a CSDH pressure ≥25 cmH2O, further analyses were carried out. Eight of them had bilateral CSDHs. All six patients with a CSDH pressure ≥28 cmH2O suffered headaches before surgery. Two out of three patients with a CSDH pressure ≥29 cmH2O felt nauseous. In statistical analyses, headache was positively correlated with a high CSDH pressure, whereas age and hematoma thickness were negatively correlated with it. Patients' sex, initial Glasgow coma scale score, motor weakness, midline shift on computed tomography scans, and administration of anticoagulants/antiplatelet agents, showed no significant correlation. When patients with bilateral CSDHs are not older adults and suffering headaches, an increased CSDH pressure should be assumed. For such patients, a prompt hematoma evacuation is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Water Resources / Recursos Hídricos is the property of Associacao Portuguesa dos Recursos Hidricos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Scholarship on doctoral success highlights differences in timely degree attainment between disciplines. However, research on doctoral education in South Africa is limited to identifying general factors that affect the successful completion of a doctoral degree with very little reference to differences across disciplines. This study's objective is to compare time-to-degree, as the number of years between a doctoral student's commencement year and graduation year, across selected disciplines as well as to identify factors, above and beyond that of disciplinary field, which are explanatory of shorter time-to-degree. The study investigates the role of selected student demographics (such as commencement age, gender, race, and nationality), institutional (type of higher education institution), and situational factors (such as part-time or full-time enrolment) in predicting doctoral time-to-degree. Results of multiple linear regression models indicate that mode of enrolment is the strongest predictor of completion time with part-time students recording a statistically significantly longer time-to-degree when compared to full-time students. A student's discipline, nationality, and institution are also identified as statistically significant predictors of time-to-degree while gender, race, and age are not. However, the interaction between commencement age and enrolment mode is indicated to be a strong predictor of doctoral completion time. Although shorter completion times can be considered an indicator of efficiency at doctoral level, it is imperative to consider wider contextual factors in thinking about this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical and microbiological characteristics of the soil are indicators considered in the assessment of the conditions of anthropized areas and are tools to identify levels of degradation, define the best crops, and thus, propose actions that help the producer to choose the appropriate soil management. In this regard, the aim of this work was to analyze the physical and microbiological properties of the soil in different agricultural production systems and in a preserved area. The research was carried out at a property located in the municipality of Campo Novo do Parecis - MT, Cerrado's Biome. For the physical analysis, samples at depths of 0-0.10 m, 0.10-0.20 m and 0.20-0.30 m in five locations were collected randomly, within each production system and in the forest fragment. To evaluate the microbial activity of the soil, soil samples were collected at the 0-0.10 m layer also in five locations. All uses showed changes in physical characteristics, when compared to natural conditions. In the microbiological analysis, the integrated systems did not present significant differences in relation to the organic matter and the basal respiration of the soil when compared with the conventional systems and the forest fragment. The carbon of the microbial biomass of the soil and the metabolic quotient showed a difference between the systems of use and the preserved area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin resistance (IR) is a multifactorial metabolic disorder associated with the development of cardiometabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. Factors such as inflammation, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglucagonemia, mitochondrial dysfunction, glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity contribute to the development of IR. Despite being extensively studied for over 60 years, assessing the incidence of IR, developing effective prevention strategies, and implementing appropriate therapeutic approaches remain challenging. This review explores the multifaceted nature of IR, including its association with various conditions such as obesity, primary hypertension, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, Alzheimer's disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, chronic kidney disease and cancer. Additionally, we discuss the complexity of diagnosing and quantifying IR, emphasizing the lack of absolute, common criteria for classification. We delve into the use of mathematical models in clinical and epidemiological studies, focusing on the choice between insulin, triglycerides, or waist-to-hip ratio as IR determinants. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of reliable input data and caution in interpreting results when utilizing mathematical models for IR assessment. This narrative review aims to provide insights into the challenges and considerations involved in conducting IR diagnostics, with implications for clinical practice, epidemiological research, and future advancements in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the next few years, the EU economy must go through a big change that will lead to a greener and more sustainable Europe. The goal is to use natural resources less, which will help protect biodiversity and cut down on waste, both of which are important parts of being sustainable. The EU Commission has been publishing reports, decisions and plans for the transition to a circular economy since 2015, with the primary aim of helping European countries to make the transition and accelerate progress. In 2020 the European Commission adopted a new Circular Economy Action Plan, and measuring the transition to a circular economy is part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under SDG 12, Sustainable Production and Consumption. All EU Member States now aim to monitor their progress towards the SDG targets. After 2017, the problem of measuring the circular economy has also seen a surge in the literature, with an increasing number of experts exploring the issue. The circular economy concept covers many sectors, so it is clear that it cannot be captured by a single indicator. However, each country measures this using different national indicators, depending on the country's weaknesses and what it considers important to measure. Today, the issue of the transition to a circular economy (CE) in the EU has gained momentum. In recent years, the shift towards a circular economy has become increasingly visible in EU Member States. In their statistical records, they try to provide indicators to show the extent of this change. In other words, EU countries are increasingly focusing on measuring their progress at a macro level. At the same time, Member States are using different approaches to measuring sustainable consumption and production, and thus different indicators to measure the circular economy, and the shift towards the circular economy has become more pronounced in both less developed and developed EU Member States. The difference between Member States in this respect lies in their different levels of development and the fact that they have their own strategies and indicators. All the indicators under SDG 12 on achieving sustainable consumption and production measure the achievement of this objective. The difference between countries is that the indicators against which the SDGs are measured are not uniform. The indicators and their corresponding values can be found in the statistical systems of the Member States. The following study brings together the relevant information and aims to provide a general picture of the similarities and differences in this area, and to divide the EU countries into two distinct clusters using the indicators of the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Public Health Forum is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Avances is the property of Instituto de Informacion Cientifica y Tecnologica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Assessment of aerobic exercise (AE) and lipid profiles among individuals with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) is critical for cardiometabolic disease (CMD) risk estimation. To utilize an artificial intelligence (AI) tool for extracting indicator data and education tools to enable routine CMD indicator data collection in inpatient/outpatient settings, and to describe and evaluate the recall of AE levels and lipid profile assessment completion rates across care settings among adults with subacute and chronic SCI/D. A cross-sectional convenience sample of patients affiliated with University Health Network's SCI/D rehabilitation program and outpatients affiliated with SCI Ontario participated. The SCI-HIGH CMD intermediary outcome (IO) and final outcome (FO) indicator surveys were administered, using an AI tool to extract responses. Practice gaps were prospectively identified, and implementation tools were created to address gaps. Univariate and bivariate descriptive analyses were used. The AI tool had < 2% error rate for data extraction. Adults with SCI/D (n = 251; 124 IO, mean age 61; 127 FO, mean age 55; p =.004) completed the surveys. Fourteen percent of inpatients versus 48% of outpatients reported being taught AE. Fifteen percent of inpatients and 51% of outpatients recalled a lipid assessment (p <.01). Algorithms and education tools were developed to address identified knowledge gaps in patient AE and lipid assessments. Compelling CMD health service gaps warrant immediate attention to achieve AE and lipid assessment guideline adherence. AI indicator extraction paired with implementation tools may facilitate indicator deployment and modify CMD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Croatian Journal of Education / Hrvatski Časopis za Odgoj i Obrazovanje is the property of Uciteljski Fakultet u Zagrebu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

By integrated management system (IMS) based on integrated main indicators (IMI), the quality of health, safety and environmental management specifically for chemical industries was well increased. This study aimed to evaluate and compare integrated and efficient indicators in two chemical industries in Iran by health, safety, and environment (HSE) management system (MS). The integrated indicators were divided into HSE domains in the form of a questionnaire by proposed method and the weight of each of them was calculated from 101 features in the field. A list of criteria, sub-criteria, and integrated indicators was first prepared for assessing the performance of the HSE-MS system, and Delphi was finalised with the help of experts, and then the results were weighed by ANP and DEMATEL methods for two companies. Finally, 101 integrated and efficient indicators were extracted for performance evaluation to demonstrate the application of the DEMATEL, ANP method to select effective indicators in measuring HSE-MS performance in two chemical industries. In this study, the mean scores per weight of HSE indicators for chemical industries A and B increased from 2.38 to 2.79 and 1.84 to 2.056 in the beginning of 2017 up to the end of 2018. The mean score of HSE indicators for companies A and B were archived (2.65 and 2.93) and (1.95 and 2.16), respectively, in the spring/winter of 2017 and 2018. So, HSE-MS and IMS help chemical industries to improve HSE and management systems to achieve high-quality industry in different options, especially in human sources. Although in this study all trends of HSE indicator had a moderate phase with positive rate from spring 2017 up to winter 2018 for two companies A and B but company B moved slowly as compared to company A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bitácora Urbano/Territorial is the property of Bitacora Urbano/Territorial and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper presents the analysis of the main characteristics of wastewater from some important branches of the food industry (meat and fish processing undertakings), in order to ensure food security and to certify its hygienic quality, by falling within the limits allowed according to the rules in force. The aim of the paper is to analyze the quality of wastewater, before and after treatment in treatment plants, by determining quality indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater from the milk processing industry consists of washing water. The paper presents the analysis of these waters before and after pre-drying and treatment, by determining the CBO5 quality indicators, total suspensions, pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and chlorides for the three water samples. Determinations and graphical interpretations have shown that the effluent has not met the discharge conditions in natural basins for drinking water supply (category I), or in water supply basins of the food industry (category II) and may be discharged only into pools for the (category III). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Venezolana de Gerencia (RVG) is the property of Revista de Filosofia-Universidad del Zulia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Venezolana de Gerencia (RVG) is the property of Revista de Filosofia-Universidad del Zulia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The role of cost, time and labor intensity in the construction process is very important, but there is a problem of poor optimization effect. The standard genetic algorithm cannot solve the problem of index optimization in the construction process, and the optimization rationality is low. Therefore, this paper proposes an improved genetic algorithm to study the objectives of construction projects. Firstly, the k-value clustering theory is used to analyze the characteristic values of the index and divide them according to the changing trend to reduce the disturbance factors in optimization. Then, the k-value clustering theory is used to search for the child-parent node of the indicator to form the final optimization result and complete the multi-objective optimization. MATLAB simulation shows that under certain optimization criteria, improving the genetic algorithm can improve the rationality of multi-objective optimization, and the optimization time is shorter than that standard improves genetic algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The circular economy is becoming increasingly important in mining operations as the industry faces pressure to become more sustainable and responsible. This article proposes a circularity indicator to solve the problem of comparing mining operations over time. This indicator considers total production, CO 2 emissions, water consumption, and total energy used in production. The model responds to the industry's need to find indicators that are more adjusted to the data and less dependent on opinions. Results indicate that this indicator is relatively easy to implement and is demonstrated by comparing three mining plants over three years, evidencing the possibility of direct comparisons, and establishing the temporal progression of each mining plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Investigación Bibliotecológica is the property of UNAM, Centro Universitario de Investigaciones Bibliotecologicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The 231 indicators of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are crucial for measuring progress on 169 targets. But the seemingly large number of indicators and the associated cost of monitoring have led to calls for streamlining. Here I present an alternative perspective on the SDG indicators by paying due regard to their performativity, or ability to shape outcomes. By drawing on the literature on conditions under which indicators have unintended consequences, I argue that there are rather limited, chiefly quantitative indicators to adequately address the multifaceted aspects of diverse targets they serve. The SDG indicators in their current form run the risk of 'the tail wagging the dog' by powering over their targets. Further streamlining the indicator framework would likely exacerbate the risk, and undermine the ambition, integrity, and legitimacy of the SDGs. The analysis recommends augmenting the indicator framework and integrate indicator development into future negotiations of global goals and targets. • Indicators have distorting effects on the SDGs and targets. • Overreliance on limited, primarily quantitative indicators exacerbates negative outcomes. • SDG indicators risk damaging the goals' ambition, integrity, and legitimacy. • Streamlining the indicator framework would increase this risk. • A more diverse, systematic, and innovative approach to indicators is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiential education is a key area in the pharmacy curriculum that professional identity formation (PIF) occurs. However, little is known about PIF influences and supports for pharmacy students during early experiential placements. The study aimed to explore pharmacy student PIF in an early experiential rotation in community pharmacy using reflective writing. First-year pharmacy students completed written reflections describing their professional identity and influencing experiences, before and after a four-week community introductory pharmacy practice experience. Qualitative content analysis of the written reflections was performed using three analytical approaches: (1) deductive coding based on professional identity indicators; (2) inductive coding to identify influences; and (3) inductive coding of field notes to identify changes between pre- and post-written reflections. Twelve students participated. All participants described discrete professional attributes and behaviors and valuing a patient-centered approach as part of their professional identity. Participants reported observation of pharmacists, the curriculum, and previous work experience influenced PIF prior to the experiential rotation. A strong influencer of PIF during the rotation was observation of pharmacist preceptors, whereas participants' own experiences were described less often. Changes in professional identity among participants were subtle and categorized as affirmation, acquisition, and growth. Pharmacy students' markers and influencers of PIF should be considered when developing curricular experiences and preceptor development that support PIF. The use of professional identity indicators and analysis of written reflections as a method to uncover PIF, shows promise and warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Operation Acolhida lingers due to the need for logistical and humanitarian aid to Venezuelan immigrants and refugees, providing dignity to vulnerable people who face deep economic and financial crisis in their homeland. After more than five years of operation, several indicators were consolidated, comprising a list of important information for decision making. The demand for prompt intervention with quick and effective responses requires the use of reliable indicators. This article integrates the AHP-Gaussian method with SMART criteria to evaluate the operation's indicators so to put them in order, handing over effective and reliable data for decision making. In the final evaluation, it was possible to verify that the integration of the AHP-Gaussian method with the SMART criteria produced satisfactory results for ordering the indicators and suppressed the decision maker's evaluation, resulting in long-lasting outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most decisions in social and economic terms, at the micro, meso and macro level, are taken without having accurate (perfect) information and, therefore, the decision-making problem becomes an extremely complex one. A measurement, an assessment in time and space of the risk in the economic environment thus becomes a necessity that must be assumed as an expression of reality. In this context, making decisions in international affairs, under conditions of uncertainty, requires the most accurate knowledge of the economic, political and social realities of the partner countries, knowledge possible through the assessment of country risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to electricity in a sustainable, affordable, and reliable manner is still a challenge, especially for rural communities in developing regions. In this study, we applied the HOMER Pro software for scaling up electricity and finding the optimum system that can satisfy the future electricity demand cost-effectively. Additionally, we analyzed the aspects that could influence the sustainability of the project, based on selected indicators, to address the best strategies for future improvements in the system performance. The main source of information for this research was the data collection in the study area through interviews with 35 individuals, including the owners of households, revenue collectors, and local governance selected based on their level of involvement and also their knowledge about the project. We focused on the solar PV mini-grid system installed in Mavumira village in Mozambique. Our results showed that among various configurations analyzed, hybrid solar PV/diesel/battery is the most appropriate system, as it presents the lowest cost of electricity (LCOE) of 0.47 $/kWh compared to other solutions, such as diesel-only with 0.63 $/kWh. Moreover, we found that in the future, the system will require less government subsidy than today's case, as the optimized future system is 1.3 times more expensive than the expected future tariff (0.37 $/kWh). By investigating the sustainability of the project, we found that, on a scale from 1 to 5, the economic and social indicators like economic activities and safety scored high (5 and 4, respectively), meaning that they are likely to ensure the project's performance over its lifetime, compared to the technical and institutional indicators like the reliability of power supply and effectiveness of local governance, which were attributed low-performance scores (1 and 2, respectively). These last aspects need to be adequately addressed, through local skills for operation and maintenance, to avoid failure in the system. • Social, economic, technical, and institutional sustainability of the Mavumira mini-grid was investigated using 13 relevant indicators; • Techno-economic assessment was performed; • Social and economic indicators are likely to ensure the project's performance, compared to institutional and technical; • The optimized future tariff of 0.37$/kWh is 1.3 times less expensive than the optimized today's tariff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: For physical education majors, a high level of physical fitness is the basis of professional and personal formation and development. Relevant information is necessary for further improvement of physical training programs. Objective: This study aimed at investigating the features of physical development and physical fitness of physical education majors, depending on their gender. Methods: In total, 161 students (107 males and 54 females) participated in this study, which was conducted in the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Babeş-Bolyai University. The following methods were used: anthropometry, a method of testing physical fitness indicators, and statistical analysis. Results. According to the results of clustering, based on the studied indicators, participants were divided into two clusters: Cluster 1 - 53 female and 2 male students, and the remaining in Cluster 2 - 105 male and 1 female student. Representatives of different clusters that were statistically significant (p<0.05) differed in all indicators, except in the modified sit-and-reach test, wall squat test right leg and wall squat test left leg. Cluster 1 received the conditional name "Students with reduced indicators" and Cluster 2 included "Students with increased indicators". Representatives of Cluster 2 had higher indicators of physical fitness compared to students of higher education institutions, but lower indicators than students of higher education institutions in physical education and sport departments. On the other hand, the physical development of the Cluster 2 participants was similar to the physical development of martial arts and boxing athletes. Conclusion. Depending on the test, indicators of physical fitness of students in Cluster 1 were rated as average and less than the average level of physical fitness for female students, and Cluster 2 showed average or above average levels for male students. The findings of this study could assist in improving the quality of education in physical education programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archivos Venezolanos de Puericultura y Pediatría is the property of Sociedad Venezolana de Puericultura y Pediatria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Climatología is the property of Revista de Climatologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rooted in the perspective of role theory, the use of human resource indicators to improve performance is a hugely important area in the HRM field, but most of our understanding on this comes from prior research on large firms. Importantly, our study looks at under-researched area of HR indicators to examine the size of company and ownership structure on HR indicators and decision making comprehensively on small, medium-sized and large firms specifically in the context of Central European region such as Czech Republic. To address recent calls in the literature for an investigation of this nature, this research examined the role of size of company, ownership structure on HR indicators for organizational performance at micro level (employee perspective). Data were collected by using survey-based questionnaire from 896 managers working in the Czech companies at various sector level. Chi-square test and Z-score of P-value were used. The results demonstrate that size of company and ownership structure are the key drivers of HR indicators at the workplace. More importantly, our research also suggests that ownership structure positively influences decision making by using HR indicators. To date, there is fairly limited has been done on HR indicators with respect to size of company and ownership structure in the Central European region specially in Czech Companies. Importantly, this research contributes to the nascent literature that positions HR indicators as an effect mechanism at the organizational setting at different sectoral level. Our research also suggest measures of HR indicators and present implications for both research and managerial practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development and circular economy (CE) policy perspectives are growing in importance. However, there is little empirical research about the implementation of a CE or a critical review of its indicators at the country level. Using an institutional approach, this paper explores CE implementation strategies in advanced small open economies (SOEs) in the European Union (EU). We used a principal components analysis (PCA) and a clustering analysis based on data from the EU monitoring framework for the CE, specifically 13 small open economies from 2010-2017. The main findings reveal three CE implementation strategies correlated with CE development stages: integrated to value chain, focused on institutional compliance and fragmented profiles. Surprisingly, we found no evidence for the expansion of CE-related sectors based upon persons employed, value added or gross investments. This topic deserves further investigation, with important implications for future research and policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Universitaria is the property of Universidad de Guanajuato/Acta Universitaria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Informacao & Sociedade: Estudos is the property of Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Centro de Humanidades and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)