bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender Gaps in Total Factor Productivity: The Case of Manufacturing SMEs in Ghana
Authors: Ackah Charles Godfred , Asuming Patrick Opoku , Agyire-Tettey Frank , Asuman Derek
Published: October 2021

This paper provides evidence on the relative productivity differences between female-owned and male-owned firms in a developing country. We rely on data from a survey of small and medium manufacturing firms in the main industrial hubs of Ghana. We apply quantile regression and decomposition techniques to estimate the productivity gap and identify the mechanism behind the gap at the mean and selected percentiles. Our preferred estimation shows that female-owned firms are more productive at the lower tail of productivity distribution, but less productive at the mean and upper tails. Compositional effects explain the productivity gaps at the lower end of the distribution whilst structural effects are the primary sources of gaps at the upper tail of firm productivity. Finally, we do not find evidence of productivity gaps in female-dominated sectors, though these sectors tend to have lower average productivity.
Effects Of Spent Engine Oil On Soil Characteristics And Selected Phytochemicals In Amaranthus Hybridus
Authors: Swapna Arathy Arunan , Vijayammal Rajani , Radha Dhanya Surendran
Published: October 2021

Spent engine oil is hazardous to the environment. Indiscriminate disposal of spent engine oil drain from engines after servicing has been found to affect the environment. An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of spent engine oil pollution on soil characteristics and the ability of Amaranthushybridusto thrive in the soil supplemented with varying concentrations of spent engine oil ranging from 50- 300 mL. Soil pH was slightly increased due to spent engine oil pollution. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were reduced in the polluted soils and the soil organic carbon was increased. Soil samples polluted with spent engine oil showed increased bulk and particle densities and also decreased water holding capacity and porosity. The spent engine oil pollution affected the phytochemicals and resulted in the increased concentration of anti- nutrient tannin and decreased concentrations of nutrients like alkaloids, flavonoids, etc. The results of this study suggest that spent engine oil at any concentration seriously affects the soil properties and phytochemical analysis showed the inhibitory effects of spent engine oil on Amaranthushybridus.
Study of the quality and antibacterial activity of some honeys
Authors: Mezaini abdelkader , benziane abdelhamid Belhadj , Smaili Naima
Published: October 2021

Honey is a sweet substance that bees make from the nectar of flowers or honeydew, having varying chemical composition and properties. The aim of this research is screening the antimicrobial effects of eight different honey samples from Algeria . Samples of honey were collected from different areas of Tizi-Ouzou. Samples of honey have been studied for their physicochemical and pollen parameters and their antimicrobial effect on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Staphylococs epidermitidis, Listeria inocua Enteococcus fecalis Bacillus cerius .The analyzes carried out on the 8 samples of honey reveal a water content of 16.80 to 22%, an acidic pH of 3.70 to 4.04, an electrical conductivity of 0.26 to 0.85 × 10-4 S / cm and a hydroxymethylfurfural level between 16 to 38.03 mg / kg. These results show that these samples are of good quality compared to international standards. The pollen analysis allowed the identification of different botanical families. According to our results all the honey samples have effectively high antibacterial activity against studded strains.
Early humans in South America: the first direct radiocarbon dating and morphometric study of the Toca dos Coqueiros’ skull (Serra da Capivara, Brazil)
Authors: Menéndez Lumila Paula , López-Sosa María Clara , Silva Sergio Francisco Serafim Monteiro da , Martin Gabriela , Pessis Anne-Marie , Guidon Niède , Solari Ana
Published: October 2021

The biological variation of the earliest skeletons of South America has been intensely debated for the last two centuries. One of the major research constraints has been the limited number of available samples dating to the early Holocene. We here present the first direct radiocarbon-date for the early Holocene human skeleton from Toca dos Coqueiros (Serra da Capivara, Brazil), also known as “Zuzu” (8,640+30 BP; 9,526-9,681 cal years BP). We performed craniometric analyses using exclusively samples from Brazil, in order to revisit the sex of the skeleton, and to discuss the evolutionary processes involved in the occupation of the continent. The sex of the individual was estimated as a female when compared to late and early Holocene individuals, but as a male when compared only to the early Holocene series. We also found that Zuzu presents the strongest differences with the late Holocene Guajajara individuals, located nearby, and the strongest similarities with the early Holocene series from Lagoa Santa, attesting for solid biological affinities among early Holocene individuals from Brazil, as well as a moderate level of morphological variation among them. This suggests that the early individuals were part of the same heterogeneous lineage, possibly a different one from which late Holocene populations diverged.
Wnt5a Protects Motor Neuron in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by Regulating Wnt/Ca2+ Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Jinmeng , Zhou Fenghua , Guan Yingjun , Zhao Zhenhan , Meng Fandi , Wang Xuemei , Jiang Xin , Zhang Haoyun , Zhang Lingyun , Wang Qing , Chen Yanchun
Published: October 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that lead to the degeneration and death of motor neurons (MNs). Wnt signaling participates in multiple neurodegenerative processes. Wnt5a is a critical signaling molecule in Wnt signaling pathway. Intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis is disrupted in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, and Ca2+/Calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) involved in various diseases associated with Ca2+ signaling abnormalities. Here, we found that Wnt5a modulated MNs degeneration during ALS. CaMKII is a key effector of signals derived from Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway. Its main subtypes CaMKII-α and CaMKII-β were down-regulated in the spinal cord of SOD1G93A transgenic mice (ALS mice) and SOD1 mutant motor neuron like hybrid (NSC-34) cells. In addition, results showed that CaMKII-α and CaMKII-β were positively regulated by Wnt5a in vitro. Using specific CaMKII inhibitor and activator, we found that Wnt5a promoted NSC-34 cells viability and proliferation, inhibited cells apoptosis and promoted cells neurite outgrowth via the Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway. These results indicate that Wnt5a confers neuroprotection by promoting neuronal proliferation, inhibiting cell apoptosis and promoting neurite growth through Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway. Therefore, targeting Wnt5a can be an effective strategy to treat ALS.
Combination of G-CSF Improves Radiation Response and Generate Abscopal Effects in Patients With NSCLC
Authors: Yin Tianwen , Wang Duoying , Wang Peiliang , Yu Jinming , Teng Feifei
Published: October 2021

Backgrounds:

Local radiation could enhance immune response that mediates tumor regression. Recent studies focus on adding immunotherapy to RT to improve treatment response and induce abscopal response. As a stimulator for granulocytes, the clinical anticancer effects of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) are still controversial. In this study, we evaluated the synergistic effect of radiotherapy with G-CSF in patients with NSCLC, using a propensity-score (PS) matching method.
Results

After matching, 333 patients in the G-CSF group and 333 patients in the observation group were included. With a median follow-up of 18.4 months, combination with G-CSF significantly improved PFS (median, 12.1ms vs. 7.3ms, p<.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that N stage, M stage, BED and administration of G-CSF were independent factors for PFS. Combination with G-CSF significantly improves abscopal response of radiotherapy (26.8% vs. 14.8% p=.001). Synchronous chemotherapy showed a tendency toward a favorable indicator for abscopal response, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p=.089).
Methods

From 2000 to 2018, 1312 patients with NSCLC received definite or palliative radiotherapy were included, of whom 468 (35.7%) patients received G-CSF during radiotherapy. Patients in the G-CSF group were matched in a 1:1 ratio according to their PS to the observation group with a caliper of 0.01.
Conclusion

Concurrent administration of G-CSF improved radiation response significantly and generated abscopal effects in NSCLC. It indicated that the combination of radiotherapy and G-CSF is potential a new strategy and should be further evaluated in prospective clinical trials.
Crystallographic Principal Modulation and Metal Core – Crystal Structure Exchangeable: Computational And Molecular Docking Simulation
Authors: Sayed Doaa S. El
Published: October 2021

Keeping in mind, the structural analysis can be modified and regulated with computational background then advances in complex structural analysis thereof. Crystallographic data of metal complexes can be modulated to form a huge number of other metal complexes that can be synthesized and applied in recent further fields. The crystal structure of Pd complex was studied as previously reported and identified to be exchanged with other metals such Zn and Ni. DFT methodology was applied to investigate the difference in electronic properties of these complexes-exchangeable metals. Spectroscopic studies were performed to compare the difference in results. Hirschfeld surface analysis deeply illustrated the intermolecular contacts of the reported Pd crystal structure. Molecular docking simulation was applied on the previously synthesized complex and the investigated ones using E-coli protein target with comparison in details.
The Economic Impact of Hop Stunt Viroid and Certified Clean Planting Materials
Authors: Davis Trent J. , Gómez Miguel I. , Harper Scott J. , Twomey Megan
Published: October 2021

Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) is one of the most important pathogens impacting hop production worldwide. It reduces yields, stunts growth, and is easily transmissible. HSVd can cause significant yield losses upward of 62% depending on the hop variety. This study uses a net present value (NPV) approach over a 6-year production cycle of one acre of hops to examine the potential economic impact of HSVd on aroma and alpha hop varieties. The estimated economic impact of HSVd ranges from about $432 (for a 1% yield reduction) to $26,795 (for a 62% yield reduction) per acre. Using the NPV approach the study then analyzes potential economic benefits of using certified disease-free planting stock as a strategy to mitigate the risk of HSVd infection. If expected yield losses of aroma and alpha hops exceed 6% and 7%, respectively, then the NPV of investing in certified clean planting stock is greater than that of the infected hops over the 6-year production cycle. Complete removal and replanting of an entire acre of aroma and alpha hops with certified clean planting stock is economically beneficial once expected yield losses exceed 35% and 36%, respectively. These findings are valuable for giving hop producers information to devise profit-maximizing planting strategies and to create incentives for extended usage of certified clean planting materials.
Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Berbasis Flash pada Materi Bilangan untuk Anak Tunarungu Kelas V
Authors: Arniansyah Nur Alfa , Nasution Syaiful Hamzah
Published: October 2021

This study aims to develop flash-based learning media for whole numbers and fractions for deaf children of class V that are valid, practical, and effective in training students to be skilled in solving whole number and fraction problems. The learning media is equipped with a video using SIBI (Indonesian Sign Language System) to make it easier for deaf students to understand the content of the media. This research using 6 stages referring to the Luther-Sutopo development model, namely: concept, design, material, collection, assembly, testing, and distribution. The instruments in this development research were the media validation sheet and the student response questionnaire sheet. The results of the development research are: (1) there are no misconceptions and all media functions can run well and the media validation score is 4.63 so that the media developed is valid, (2) the student response questionnaire is declared valid with a score of 4.73 so that it can be used in the study, (3) the media practicality score after being tested was 4.74 so that the media was declared practical, (4) 75% of students obtained a KKM score, this shows that students are skilled in solving whole number and fraction problems, so the media is said to be effective.
Using explainable deep learning in da Vinci Xi robot for tumor detection
Authors: Azad Rohan Ibn , Mukhopadhyay Subhas , Asadnia Mohsen
Published: October 2021

Deep learning has proved successful in computer-aided detection in interpreting ultrasound images, COVID infections, identifying tumors from computed tomography (CT) scans for humans and animals. This paper proposes applications of deep learning in detecting cancerous cells inside patients via laparoscopic camera on da Vinci Xi surgical robots. The paper presents method for detecting tumor via object detection and classification/localizing using GRAD-CAM. Localization means heat map is drawn on the image highlighting the classified class. Analyzing images collected from publicly available partial robotic nephrectomy videos, for object detection, the final mAP was 0.974 and for classification the accuracy was 0.84.
Wounded Soldier Fighting on two Fronts
Authors: Vllasaj Kushtrim
Published: October 2021

Given the fact that the covid-19 pandemic virus has had a pervasive impact on almost every sphere of life globally, it is noteworthy to highlight the role and position of the civil society sector, and this paper intends to do so by striking at two matters. Initially, outlining the impact on the functioning and activities of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), to then proceed with their response to the crisis, through new multifarious initiatives/activities. The analysis was developed by using, essentially, unobtrusive data and direct non-participatory observations of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Kosovo that have had initiatives against covid-19. Although CSOs were badly affected by the pandemic as such, and the consequences it brought, whether, through measures and/or neglect from the central level, they still found the resources and willingness to launch initiatives to combat the pandemic in the form or different. All over the country, appeared organizations which among their activities found a place for awareness campaigns, material and financial assistance to citizens in need, production of masks, face shields, and other protective equipment for citizens or health institutions, and providing voluntary assistance as health staff. To link practice with theory, there are presented cases of NGOs that well reflect scholarship ideas such as the need to have a classification of CSOs based on activities, the importance of their IT repertoires, coproduction, and especially the response to the crisis. The importance of this study grounds on the benefit it brings to understanding the role and contribution of CSOs in exceptional times of crisis, especially for a society that underestimates and neglects this sector.
Comparative Effectiveness of Enhanced Patient Instructions for Bowel Preparation Before Colonoscopy: Network Meta-analysis of 23 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Tian Xu , Yi Li-Juan , Han Yang , Chen Hui , Liu Xiao-Ling , Chen Wei-Qing , Jiménez-Herrera Maria F
Published: October 2021

Background

Various enhanced patient instructions (EPIs) have been used for bowel preparation (BP) and our previous meta-analysis also demonstrated the efficacy of EPIs in increasing the colonic polyp and adenoma detection rates; however, the optimal method for adequate BP has not yet been developed.

Objective

We performed a network meta-analysis to determine the optimal instructions.

Methods

We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effectiveness of EPIs with each other or standard patient instructions (SPIs) for BP. We performed direct and Bayesian network meta-analyses for all instructions and used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) criteria to appraise the quality of evidence.

Results

We included 23 RCTs (7969 patients) comparing 10 different instructions. In direct meta-analyses, most of the EPIs, except visual aids and mobile apps, increased the adequate preparation rate (APR). Network meta-analyses showed that additional explanations were superior to visual aids (odds ratio [OR] 0.35, 95% CI 0.19-0.59), telephone calls (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.37-0.99), educational videos (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.5-0.77), and mobile apps (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.68) with low-to-high-quality evidence; newly designed booklets (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.59-6.16), SMS text messaging (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.28-3.91), telephone calls (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.03-1.78), educational videos (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.40-3.65), and social media applications (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.4-3.93) were superior to visual aids and mobile apps with low-to-high-quality evidence. SMS text messaging, telephone calls, and social media applications increase adherence to and satisfaction with the BP regime. Social media applications reduce the risk of adverse events (AEs). Telephone calls and social media applications increase the polyp detection rate (PDR).

Conclusions

Newly designed booklets, telephone calls, educational videos, and social media applications can improve the quality of BP. Telephone calls and social media applications improve adherence to and satisfaction with the BP regime, reduce the risk of AEs, and increase the PDR.

Trial Registration

INPLASY (International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols) INPLASY2020120103; https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2020-12-0103/
Reconocimiento y reporte de otras medidas efectivas de conservación basadas en áreas
Authors:   IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), Task Force on Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures
Published: October 2021

En noviembre del 2018, en la 14ª Convención de los Miembros del CDB, los participantes adoptaron una definición de “otras medidas efectivas de conservación basadas en áreas” (OMEC), y determinaron sus principios rectores, características comunes y criterios para su identificación (CDB/COP/ DEC/14/8). Estas pueden ser gestionadas con objetivos diferentes, pero deben obtener resultados efectivos de conservación. En ellas, la conservación a largo plazo es un objetivo primario, secundario o, incluso, simplemente un resultado subisidiario de la gestión del área. Las OMEC contribuyen a tener sistemas de conservación ecológicamente representativos y bien conectados, integrados en paisajes terrestres y marinos más amplios y, al hacerlo, generan una serie de resultados positivos para la conservación. Este informe técnico fue elaborado por el Grupo de Trabajo de la CMAP encargado de las OMEC, con el fin de ayudar a los Miembros a interpretar y poner en práctica la Decisión 14/8, así como de empezar a desarrollar un conjunto de buenas prácticas en relación con el reconocimiento y reporte de las OMEC. Está diseñado para ser aplicado en diversas escalas, que van desde entender si un área individual es una OMEC hasta reportar estadísticas a nivel nacional y mundial, como un medio para evaluar el progreso en alcanzar las metas de conservación.
Treatment of Digital Ulcers and Reflux Oesophagitis in a Patient with Systemic Sclerosis: Increased Risk of Hepatotoxicity due to a Potential Drug-drug Interaction Between Bosentan and Vonoprazan
Authors: Kimura Ryoko , Sugita Kazunari , Sugihara Takaaki , Isomoto Hajime , Yamamoto Osamu
Published: October 2021

Abstract is missing (Short communication)
RYNOK (MARKET) AS A REFLECTION OF VALUE ORIENTATIONS IN THE POETIC DISCOURSE
Authors: PARYSHEVA EKATERINA V.
Published: October 2021

The article considers the features of the word “rynok” (market) used in poetic texts. The textual data are taken from the Russian National Corpus. The work particularly focuses on axiological aspect of the word functioning since poetic texts are supposed to represent the key cultural concepts from the viewpoint of the elite language personality who is able to perceive social values exceptionally vividly. Semantics of “rynok” in poetic texts is ambiguous and reflects the features disapproved by the poet (eagerness to get profit) as well as positive sides (colorfulness of life).
Evaluasi Pemanfaatan Laboratorium Biologi SMAN/MAN se-kecamatan Godean
Authors: Romadhoni Tri Erna , Saifuddin Much. Fuad
Published: October 2021

The laboratory has an important role in the implementation of learning, especially in the form of practicum. The use of school laboratories needs to be evaluated as a form of running school management. This study aims to determine: 1) the Principal's carrying capacity (contexts); 2) Resources support (input); 3) Laboratory utilization and constraints (process); 4) The percentage of students' interest in studying in the laboratory (product). This evaluation research uses the context, input, process, and product (CIPP) model. The research subjects were school principals, laboratory heads in SMA/MA Negeri in Godean sub-district, laboratory assistants at SMA N 1 Godean, two biology teachers from each school, and students SMA N 1 Godean 89 people and MAN 1 Sleman 80 people using proportionate stratified random sampling. The research object is the use of biological laboratories. Data collection techniques used are observation, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation. The data analysis technique used is in the form of qualitative and quantitative descriptive analysis. The evaluation results by CIPP obtained: 1) Context, the support capacity provided by the Principal by facilitating laboratory utilization activities; 2) Input, the availability of infrastructure suggestions is used to support learning through practicum and demonstrations. Management is carried out by laboratory personnel. Management includes planning, arrangement, arrangement, monitoring, and evaluation; 3) Process, the laboratory is used based on its function. The obstacles faced are infrastructure, limited time, and human resources; 4) Product, the percentage of student interest in learning in the laboratory of SMA N 1 Godean is 94.01% and MAN 1 Sleman is 91.39%.
Loss of a chance doctrine in american case-law
Authors: Karnaukh B.P.
Published: October 2021

Loss of a chance doctrine is an innovative approach in tort law that allows to circumvent the unprovability of causation by recognizing a new category of compensable harm. According to the doctrine, even when the plaintiff cannot prove the existence of a causal link on the balance of probabilities, he/she nevertheless should be able to claim compensation for the chance of a favorable outcome which he was deprived of (notwithstanding the chance was less than 50 percent). Almost half of the US states have adopted some variation of the doctrine. The adoption of the doctrine was furthered significantly by the arguments presented by Joseph King Jr. First, the doctrine has a clear advantage over the established ‘all-or-nothing’ approach, since it avoids a ‘leap’ from full satisfaction of the claim to complete rejection thereof in cases where the difference between the probability of causation is negligible (51 and 49 percent). Second, without being legally liable for depriving a patient of a less than 50 percent chance, a physician has no legal incentive to take all reasonable care in treating a patient whose chances are lower from the outset. Third, the rigidness of the established approach may lead to manipulation of the basic postulates of tort law, in particular the requirement to prove causation. Fourth, the evidential impasse faced by a patient can be blamed on a negligent physician, since but for the physician’s negligence, there would be no uncertainty as to what caused the harmful out-come. However, even in the states that have adopted the doctrine, the scope of its application remains quite limited and covers primarily cases of medical negligence and cases of discrimination in employment or promotion. There is an ongoing debate among lawyers as to what should be the deciding factor for the applicability of the doctrine: the availability of a wide range of statistics, which is necessary to accurately assess the victim’s chances, or the special nature of the victim-tortfeasor relationship, the very essence of which is to preserve and increase the chances of the victim to get the most favorable result.
The concept and legal nature of abuse of special status opportunities in the criminal law of Ukraine
Authors: Marin О.
Published: October 2021

The article deals with the determining of the legal nature and definition of the concept of abuse of special status opportunities in the criminal law of Ukraine. Regarding given problem author notes following issues as deliberative: the legal nature of abuse of special status opportunities in criminal law; the scope - what can be misused; the matter of the relevant prohibition under criminal law and the adequacy of its legal enshrinement; the correlation between abuse and excess as forms of illegal behavior of a special subject; proposals for improving the law regulation of criminal liability for abuse of special status opportunities.Author makes an attempt to formulate rationale for general abstract prohibition of abuse of special status opportunities as a type of breach of trust in a broad sense. Currently there are three adjacent corpus delicti which are provided for in Articles 364, 364-1 and 365-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Own considerations on the discussed issues are also given. Prohibition of the abuse of special status opportunities, which now exists in the criminal law of Ukraine, should be seen as a general norm of criminal offense and it can be defined as “the use by an official or a person, who provides public services (special subject), of special status opportunities contrary to the interests of the state, a legal entity, or the provision of public services in order to gain an undue advantage either for themself or for any other person, where such action caused significant damage to a person, legal entity, interests of the state or public interests”.Author rejects the proposal to exclude general norm(s) of prohibition of abuse of special status opportunities from the Criminal Code of Ukraine. There were given some arguments concerning necessity of the preserving of the abstract norm.
Reasonability of terms as a principle of criminal proceedings in Ukraine: the state of legal security through prism practices of the european court of human rights
Authors: Tymoshenko О.А.
Published: October 2021

The scientific work is devoted to the research of law phenomenon such as princilple of reasonable time in criminal procedure. Author reserched legal reglamentation and realization of fundemental of reasonable time in Ukrainian criminal procedure through the judicial practice of the European court of human rights. The actuality of scientific research’s topic due to: 1) this princilple is a certain novel in national criminal procedure, that was introduced firstly in 2012 by Criminal procedure Codex; 2) in Ukraine there is a high level unrealization or direct violation of right to a fair trial within a reasonable time, that guaranteed by Article 6 of European Convention on Human Rights; 3) against the backdropof european integration processes in Ukraine there is exacerbated need to improve and reform the criminal procedure laws in order to supply legality, justice and anthropocentrism in judicial and investigative activity.The goal of this scientific research is analisis of national law reglamentation of princilple of reasonable time in criminal procedure laws, the level of its realization in national legal practice, main disadvantages its law supplement and ways to solve these problems. In addition, author paid attention to some theoretic aspects of the topic: the concept of princilple of reasonable time, definition of term and its differences between adjacent legal concepts, determination the begining and end of reasonable time and etc. Also author emphasized acute problems of violation the right to a fair trial, reserched the most important judgements of ECHR. Among such problems are failure to keep a reasonable time at the stage of court proceedings because of lack of its defined terms; incidents of perennial detention in intolerable conditions; crowd load in local general courts as a reason of protracted court proceedings. In addition author proposed alternative ways of solution of these problems: from estedlishment the officials’ disciplinary responsibility and the country’s duty to compensate an innocent person damage, done by detention to makind changes to criminal procedure laws.
The doctrine on the principles of social security law: the contribution of the kharkiv school of law
Authors: Yakovlenko M.S.
Published: October 2021

In Ukraine, as a social and legal state, a person, his life and health, honor and dignity, inviolability and security are recognized as the highest social value. Human rights and freedoms and their guarantees determine the content and direction of the state and its bodies. The right to social security is one of the fundamental rights and freedoms. This right is one of the natural human rights, which is due to the course of human development in society.The principles of social security play an important role in the formation and development of social security. They serve as a basis for combining individual legal norms into a single logical system, make it possible to distinguish specific features of the relevant industry, provide an opportunity to carefully and meaningfully understand the meaning of a particular rule relating to social security, and determine the general direction and main trends. Such principles help to properly understand the essence of social security legislation and its relationship with the economy, social policy, legal awareness of citizens, are the basis for the interpretation of legal norms, especially in cases where regulations contain contradictions.The article analyzes the scientific principles on the development of doctrine on the principles of the right to social security as a social and legal basis embodied in social security law. The concepts, classification and meaning of the principles of social security law are clarified. The essence of such an important category as the principle of social security law is defined. The opinions of scientists who have studied this issue in their scientific works are analyzed.The principle of social security law answers the question: how, on what basis is the legal regulation of social security, which scientific ideas underlie it. They express, on the one hand, the laws of law, and on the other - act as guidelines for the rule-making body in the development and adoption of regulations. Principles are the link between the basic laws of development and functioning of society and the legal system.
Why Much of the Liberal Left Can Now be Termed ‘Regressive’: Discourses on Trump, Immigration, and Islam
Authors: Lataster Raphael , Hasan Rumy
Published: October 2021

We find much of the discourse from the soi disant progressive politicians, media and academy to be misinformed, hypocritical, and even regressive. This applies to discussions about politicians such as President Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, and especially concerns the issues of Islam and immigration. We argue that much of the contemporary liberal left appears to be more intolerant, more Orwellian, than its traditional rivals on the right [while recognising that there are differences between those who describe themselves as ‘liberals’ or ‘leftists’, including moderate left, centre left, far left etc., we have decided to use the portmanteau ‘liberal left’ as this equates to the more generally agreed upon signifier ‘progressive’].
Popper’s Paradox of Tolerance: An Examination of Segregated Muslim Neighbourhoods in Modern Britain
Authors: Hasan Rumy
Published: October 2021

The twenty first century has witnessed a heightened interest in Muslim settlers in western democracies. In Britain, following the suicide bombings of 9/11 and particularly in the aftermath of the 7th July 2005 bombings in London, much of this focus has been on the threat of terror attacks emanating from radicalised Muslims. It is clearly the case that the same focus also applies to other west European countries which have witnessed similar attacks. The question arises as to the kind of milieu in which domestic jihadist perpetrators have been raised and live. In most cases—though not all—an upbringing in segregated Muslim neighbourhoods is a recurring theme. These can be deemed ‘closed communities’, yet they are situated in open societies underpinned by a secular, liberal democratic polity. This paper provides reasons and evidence for the epithet of closed communities with respect to Muslims in Britain and explores how these—in many significant respects—differ from mainstream, liberal, secular society. The tensions that inevitably arise are considered together with their implications. The inspiration for this paper stems from Karl Popper’s The Open Society and its Enemies.
The Game of Poker Chips, Dominoes and Survival
Authors: Goldstein Larry
Published: October 2021

The Game of Poker Chips, Dominoes and Survival fosters team building and high level cooperation in large groups, and is a tool applied in management training exercises. Each player, initially given two colored poker chips, is allowed to make exchanges with the game coordinator according to two rules, and must secure a domino before time is called in order to ‘survive’. Though the rules are simple, it is not evident by their form that the survival of the entire group requires that they cooperate at a high level. From the point of view of the game coordinator, the di culty of the game for the group can be controlled not only by the time limit, but also by the initial distribution of chips, in a way we make precise by a time complexity type argument. That analysis also provides insight into good strategies for group survival, those taking the least amount of time. In addition, coordinators may also want to be aware of when the game is ‘solvable’, that is, when their initial distribution of chips permits the survival of all group members if given su cient time to make exchanges. It turns out that the game is solvable if and only if the initial distribution contains seven chips that have one of two particular color distributions. In addition to being a lively game to play in management training or classroom settings, the analysis of the game after play can make for an engaging exercise in any discrete mathematics course to give a basic introduction to elements of game theory, logical reasoning, number theory and the computation of algorithmic complexities.
Inherited Traumatic Threads: Postmemory and the Dis/function of Hand-Me-Downs in Bernice Eisenstein’s I Was a Child of Holocaust Survivors
Authors: Wilson Lucas F.W.
Published: October 2021

Bernice Eisenstein’s I Was a Child of Holocaust Survivors demonstrates how hand-me-downs function as physical links that Eisenstein uses when attempting to bridge the gaps between herself, her late father, and his Holocaust past in order to address her postmemory; however, as much as these hand-me-downs allow her to address her postmemories, they reinscribe inherited traumas that stem from her father’s Holocaust past. Eisenstein’s work serves as a generative example of how the second generation’s relationships to such clothing often reflect how they inherit and are “dressed in” their postmemories.L’ouvrage de Bernice Eisenstein, I Was a Child of Holocaust Survivors, montre comment les vêtements usés fonctionnent comme des liens physiques qu’Eisenstein utilise pour tenter de combler le fossé entre elle-même, son défunt père et le passé de l’Holocauste de ce dernier, afin d’aborder sa post-mémoire ; cependant, autant ces vêtements lui permettent d’aborder sa post-mémoire, autant ils réinscrivent les traumatismes hérités du passé de l’Holocauste de son père. Le travail d’Eisenstein sert d’exemple génératif de la façon dont les relations de la deuxième génération avec ces vêtements reflètent souvent la façon dont ils héritent et sont « habillés » de leurs post-mémoires.
The effect of radiation therapy and chemotherapy on malignant craniopharyngioma: A review
Authors: Elarjani Turki , Alhuthayl Meshari Rashed , Alhindi Hindi , Kanaan Imad N
Published: October 2021

Background:

Malignant craniopharyngioma is a rare tumor with few published case reports. It can form de novo or transform from a benign variant and is associated with a dismal survival rate. We reviewed the literature for all published cases and studied the effect of radiation on the rate of malignant transformation. We analyzed the effect of chemotherapy on survival.

Methods:

We used various search engines to locate literature from 1980 onward and identified 31 case reports, one of which was excluded. Statistical analysis using the SAS software was conducted, and a significant value was identified if P < 0.05.

Results:

There was equal distribution among male and female patients. The average age at malignant diagnosis is 31.11 years (±15.16) and 12.19 years (±8.41) for the average interval of benign tumor progression to malignancy. The most common clinical presentation was visual loss and/or field deficits in 26/30 patients (86%). Almost 11/30 patients (37%) had endocrinological deficits, with panhypopituitarism as the most common in 8/11 patients (73%). Fifteen patients received radiation before malignant transformation (47%) and demonstrated no effect on malignant transformation (P = 0.379). Gross total resection was achieved in 2/30 patients. The average time to mortality postoperatively is 5.3 months ± 4.3. Ten patients received chemotherapy, and five were alive at last follow-up (P = 0.115).

Conclusion:

Malignant craniopharyngioma carries a dismal prognosis with no apparent benefits of radiation therapy and chemotherapy on survival.
Satellite Observations Show Reductions in Light Emissions at International Dark Sky Places During 2012-2020
Authors: Kyba Christopher C. M. , Coesfeld Jacqueline
Published: October 2021

Hyde et al. previously examined the trends in light emission measured by satellite for 98 communities located in or near areas certified as “International Dark Sky Places” (IDSP), and did not find evidence of a difference in trends in comparison to 98 communities of similar size located further away. Here we re-examine the satellite dataset, making use of a newly available correction for the radiance of atmospheric airglow, and extending the analysis period by an additional two years. The new dataset is consistent with the hypothesis that light emissions tend to decrease in communities in or near certified IDSP (median value of -1.6% per year), and is in tension with the hypothesis that there is no difference between these communities and others located further away (median increase of +0.1% per year). While the null hypothesis of no difference in the certified regions still cannot be entirely ruled out (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test probability of 2.5%), it appears likely that IDSP certification is associated with changes in light emissions.
Roman Mosaics of Antequera. An Overview
Authors: VARGAS-VÁZQUEZ Sebastián , ROMERO PÉREZ Manuel
Published: October 2021

The present-day city of Antequera, in the province of Malaga, Spain, dominates an extensive territory encompassing numerous archaeological sites from different eras. The urban centres of Singilia Barba, Anticaria and Aratispi, belong to the Roman period, now only offering us two mosaics, and a good number of rural properties, from which most of the set of Antequera mosaics come.

Within the Antequeran mosaic repertoire, the geometric mosaic occupies a special place, with specimens of great beauty and excellent design, for example those in the majestic Roman villa of La Estación. From a figurative point of view, Antequera has beautiful specimens, such as the Oceanus mosaic of the baths of Santa María and that of the Erotes and Priapus figures of the Roman villae of La Estación and Bobadilla, respectively. Particularly, the Roman villa of Caserío Silverio has a heritage consisting of a large number of figurative representations, highlighting the imposing, although poorly preserved, pavement of the triclinium. This mosaic must have contained a scene related to the mythology of water, of which singular fragments are preserved, such as the representation of the Tiber River and some epigraphic verses extracted from book IV of Vergil’s Georgics.
Bio-inspired Fabrication of Ultrafiltration Membranes incorporating Polydopamine Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Alkhouzaam Abedalkader Ibraheem , Qiblawey Hazim , Khraisheh Majeda
Published: October 2021

Novel PSF composite UF membranes incorporating low loadings of polydopamine-functionalized graphene oxide particles (rGO-PDA) were fabricated and investigated. The functionalization was confirmed using FTIR-UATR, Raman spectra, XPS, and SEM. Pristine PSF, PSF/GO, and PSF/rGO-PDA MMMs were then prepared using the phase inversion technique and analyzed using FTIR, SEM, AFM, and contact angle (CA). The cross-section SEM images showed better distribution of rGO-PDA particles in the pores and polymer wall whereas the pristine GO particles aggregate and partially block the pores. Thus, the pure water flux increased with the addition of rGO-PDA without affecting the rejection properties, while the flux decreased with the embedding of pristine GO particles. The highest pure water permeability (PWP) was obtained with PSF/rGO-PDA-0.1 to be approximately twice that of the pristine PSF and PSF/GO-0.1. All membranes exhibited complete rejection of BSA and HA, and showed almost similar performance against different dyes. The FRRs of the pristine PSF after three fouling cycles (FRR3) against BSA and HA were recorded to be 57.8% and 70.7% respectively. FRR3 was enhanced by around 30% with PSF/rGO-PDA composites. The MMMs prepared in this work are expected to have great potential on ultrafiltration and similar studies on other membrane processes.
Military Fuel Cell-Based Vehicles: Modular Power DC-DC Converter System
Authors: Aboueata Walid Mahmoud , Massoud Ahmed , Al-Obaidi Sinan
Published: October 2021

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have attracted researchers’ attention to further develop and enhance this strategic area. Compared to fuel-based vehicles, EVs are more in demand nowadays due to their high performance and modern features. Integrating renewable energy sources such as PV and fuel cells to EVs expands this technology’s research area to increase system reliability. Fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) introduce more challenges to the researchers to integrate this type of renewable energy source to charge the EV battery while driving. In this paper, design and control of a modular DC-DC converter for fuel-cell based EVs has been studied. A maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique is used to extract the FC’s maximum power. Since the FC produces a relatively low voltage, a high gain DC-DC converter is required to step up the voltage to the battery’s rated voltage. This can be achieved through an input-parallel output-series Cuk-based DC-DC converter. The system small-signal model and control are presented to ensure equal current sharing at the input side while maintaining equal output voltage sharing even with a mismatch in the system module. The presented concept has been elucidated through simulation using Matlab/Simulink platform.
Ni-P-ZrC Nanocomposite Coating with Enhanced Corrosion Resistance and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Fayyaz Osama , Shakoor R. A. , Hasan Anwarul , Montemor M. F. , Gao Wei , Rasul Shahid , Khan Kashif , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal
Published: October 2021

Corrosion is considered to be greatest challenge for many industries. Nickel-based metallic coatings are emerging as one of the most suitable solution considering various aspects of operating conditions. The current investigation reports the enhancement in mechanical, wear, erosion and corrosion resistance properties of the as-electrodeposited Ni-P-ZrC nanocomposite coatings. For a reasonable examination, Ni-P and Ni-P-ZrC nanocomposite coatings containing 0.75 g/L zirconium carbide nanoparticle (ZCNPs) were synthesized through the modified Watts bath. The integrated coatings were completely explored utilizing different methods specifically field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XDR), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), microhardness, nanoindentation, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Effective co-electrodeposition of ZCNPs in the Ni-P matrix was accomplished with no detectable imperfections. It was observed that embedment of ZCNPs extensively affects mechanical, and anti-corrosive nature of the Ni-P matrix. Improvement in the mechanical properties can be assimilated to dispersion hardening of ZCNPs within the Ni-P matrix. The wear and erosion results also revealed the improvement in coatings due to the formation of composite structure with Ni-P as matrix and ZCNPs as reinforcement. Moreover, the corrosion protection efficiency (PE%) of the Ni-P coating was improved by the incorporation of ZCNPs from 71 to 85.4%. The Ni-P-ZrC nanocomposite coatings provides a competitive choice for their application in the automobile, electronic, aviation, oil, and gas industry.
Germanium Oxide/germanium/ reduced Graphene (GeO2/Ge/r-GO) Hybrid Composite Anodes for Lithium-ion Batteries: Effect of Ge loading on Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Arro Christian , Mohamed Assem , Bensalah Nasr
Published: October 2021

Hybrid composites between Germanium (Ge) and carbonaceous materials are promising anode materials for Li-ion batteries (LIBs). The mitigation of reduced cycling ability and rate capability allows for the unhindered benefit of higher capacities in Ge-based anodes. Here, the effect of Ge mass loading on the electrochemical performance of GeO2/Ge/r-GO composites was evaluated as LIBs anode. GeO2/Ge/r-GO composites were synthesized by controlled microwave radiation of ball-milled Ge and sonicated dispersion of graphene oxide (GO). The composite anode at Ge 25% showed greatest cycling retention with 91% after 100 cycles and an average specific capacity of 300 mAh/g (1600 mAh/g Ge). At 75% Ge mass loading the anode suffered with limited cycling retention of 57.5% at the cost of greater specific capacities. The composite at 50% Ge attained advantageous characteristics of both composites with a stable cycling performance of 71.4% after 50 cycles and an average specific capacity of 400 mAh/g (1067 mAh/g Ge). These findings can be used to shape high-energy Ge-based anodes and guide future development in energy storage.