bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors associated with disturbances of calcium homeostasis after initiation of a phosphate‐restricted diet in cats with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Tang Pak‐Kan , Geddes Rebecca F. , Chang Yu‐Mei , Jepson Rosanne E. , Bijsmans Esther , Elliott Jonathan
Published: December 2020

Background

Dietary phosphate restriction improves survival in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, feeding a phosphate‐restricted diet may disrupt calcium homeostasis leading to hypercalcemia in some cats.

Objectives

To identify risk factors associated with increasing plasma total calcium (tCa) concentration after transition to a phosphate‐restricted diet and to explore its role in CKD‐mineral and bone disorder (CKD‐MBD) in cats.

Animals

Seventy‐one geriatric (≥9 years) euthyroid client‐owned cats with International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 2 to 3 azotemic CKD.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional cohort study. Changes in plasma tCa concentration in the first 200 days of diet transition were assessed using linear regression. Binary logistic regressions were performed to identify risk factors for increasing calcium concentration. Changes in clinicopathological variables associated with CKD‐MBD over time were explored using linear mixed model and generalized linear mixed model analyses.

Results

Lower baseline plasma potassium (odds ratio [OR] = 1.19 per 0.1 mmol/L decrease;P= .003) and phosphate (OR = 1.15 per 0.1 mmol/L decrease;P= .01) concentrations remained independent risk factors for increasing plasma tCa concentration. Plasma creatinine (β= .069 ± .029 mg/dL;P= .02), symmetric dimethylarginine (β= .64 ± .29 μg/dL;P= .03), phosphate (β= .129 ± .062 mg/dL;P= .04), and ln[FGF23] (β= .103 ± .035 pg/mL;P= .004) concentrations had significantly increased rates of change in cats with increasing plasma tCa concentration over time.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Lower plasma potassium or phosphate concentrations or both at the time of transition of cats with CKD to a phosphate‐restricted diet are independently associated with increased risk of an increase in plasma tCa concentration. Increasing plasma tCa concentration is associated with progression of CKD.
Genetically modified plants are an alternative to oily fish for providing n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the human diet: A summary of the findings of a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council funded project
Authors: West A. L. , Miles E. A. , Lillycrop K. A. , Napier J. A. , Calder P. C. , Burdge G. C.
Published: December 2020

The n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) present primarily in oily fish, namely eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are important components of cell membranes and that are needed for normal development and cell function. Humans have very limited capacity for EPA and DHA synthesis from α‐linolenic acid and so they must be obtained pre‐formed from the diet. However, perceived unpalatability of oily fish and fish oil concerns about contamination with environmental pollutants, dietary choices that exclude fish and animal products, and price limit the effectiveness of recommendations for EPA and DHA intakes. Moreover, marine sources of EPA and DHA are diminishing in the face of increasing demands. Therefore, an alternative source of EPA and DHA is needed that is broadly acceptable, can be upscaled and is sustainable. This review discusses these challenges and, using findings from recent nutritional trials, explains how they may be overcome by seed oils from transgenic plants engineered to produce EPA and DHA. Trials in healthy men and women assessed the acute uptake and appearance in blood over 8 hours of EPA and DHA from transgenic Camelina sativa compared to fish oil, and the incorporation of these PUFA into blood lipids after dietary supplementation. The findings showed that postprandial EPA and DHA incorporation into blood lipids and accumulation in plasma lipids after dietary supplementation was as good as that achieved with fish oil. The oil derived from this transgenic plant was well tolerated. This review also discusses the implications for human nutrition, marine ecology and agriculture.
Determinants of concern about falling in adults with age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: White Ursula E , Black Alex A , Delbaere Kim , Wood Joanne M
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To investigate the prevalence and level of concern about falling (CF) among older people with vision impairment due to age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) compared to a visually normal control group, and to identify determinants of CF for the AMD group.

Methods

Participants included 133 older people: 77 with AMD (mean age = 80.5 ± 6.2 years), and 56 controls (mean age = 75.4 ± 5.3 years). Binocular visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and visual fields were measured, and CF was assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale – International (FES‐I). Data were also collected for sensorimotor function (postural sway, sit‐to‐stand, knee extensions, walking speed, proprioception), and neuropsychological function (reaction time, symptoms of anxiety and depression) using validated tests and scales.

Results

Concern about falling scores were higher for AMD participants compared to control participants (mean ± S.D. 24.6 ± 8.0 vs 21.6 ± 5.7,p = 0.02, respectively), although these findings failed to reach significance when adjusted for age (p = 0.16). Among AMD participants, multivariable models showed that greater CF was associated with reduced contrast sensitivity (p = 0.02), slower sit‐to‐stand times (p < 0.001) and higher anxiety scores (p < 0.001); these factors explained 40% of the variance in CF (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Levels of CF in older people with AMD were not found to be elevated by their disease status alone, but rather by the extent of vision loss. Levels of CF in those with AMD were associated with various visual, sensorimotor and neuropsychological factors. These findings will assist clinicians in identifying those at greatest risk of developing high CF and inform the design of future intervention programmes for this population.
Neuropsychological outcome in refractory obsessive–compulsive disorder treated with anterior capsulotomy including repeated surgery
Authors: Krámská Lenka , Urgošík Dušan , Liščák Roman , Hrešková Lucia , Skopová Jaroslava
Published: December 2020

Aim

Anterior capsulotomy (AC) is one of the last therapeutic options for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) refractory to conservative treatments. Several forms of cognitive dysfunction have been identified after assessment of neuropsychological outcomes in OCD patients; however, few studies focused on cognitive changes in OCD patients after surgery. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of AC on cognitive performance and mood status in patients with refractory OCD.

Methods

A total of 12 patients underwent bilateral AC between 2012 and 2019 at our institution. The patients (n = 12, female : male 5:7; mean age 39.7 years; duration ≥5 years) were assessed before and 6 months after intervention. The diagnosis of treatment‐refractory OCD was based on recommended criteria for surgical treatment. Patients were assessed using a neuropsychological battery and questionnaires focused on anxiety–depressive symptomatology. The Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale was administered as a measure of severity of OCD symptoms.

Results

We detected a significant decrease of OCD, and anxiety and depressive symptomatology assessed by Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory (P < 0.05) 6 months after AC in eight patients, and a partial decrease in four patients. Four patients underwent repeated AC with more pronounced improvement achieved after the first procedure. We did not detect decline in cognitive performance in any patients, but did find better visual memory performance (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

AC reduced OCD and anxiety–depressive symptoms, and did not appear to influence cognitive performance, even after repeated surgery.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Networks for Addressing Public Problems: Evidence from a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Siciliano Michael D. , Carr Jered B. , Hugg Victor G.
Published: December 2020

While scholars and practitioners frequently laud the potential of networks to address complex policy problems, empirical evidence of the effectiveness of networks is scarce. This study examines how changes in network structure (centralization and transitivity), network composition (sector diversity and geographic range), and tie properties (stability and strength) influence community‐level outcomes. Relying on a statutory requirement in the state of Iowa requiring local governments to file all instances of intergovernmental and intersectoral collaboration, we measure collaboration networks in 81 counties over 17 years in the areas of crime and economic development. Using fixed effects models, we examine how changes in the structure and composition of these county‐level networks affect substantive policy outcomes. Our findings indicate that network properties matter, but that the specific properties may be context dependent. We find network centralization and stability are stronger predictors of crime while network composition is more strongly associated with economic development.

Evidence for Practice

The performance of intergovernmental collaborations is rarely studied, either in terms of the outcomes of individual agreements or from the networks resulting from multiple agreements.

The properties (structure, composition, stability) of the networks that emerge from the actions of local government officials to address critical public problems are generally not visible to the public, state policy makers, or even the local officials themselves.

Our research suggests that properties of these networks of agreements affect their impact on improving public problems, suggesting opportunities for policy makers to encourage more effective structures.

Our finding suggests that county networks effectively designed to improve economic development would differ in meaningful ways from one effectively designed to reduce crime.

Our findings indicate that network centralization and stability are stronger predictors of crime rates while network composition is more strongly associated with indicators of economic development. Stable networks, as measured by average amount of time the agreements are in place, may reduce violent crime, property crime, and unemployment.
High‐Stakes Administrative Discretion: What Drives Body‐Worn Camera Activations?
Authors: Adams Ian T. , Mourtgos Scott M. , Mastracci Sharon H.
Published: December 2020

Administrative discretion can range from benign to troubling, and law enforcement officers possess the power to use physical violence in the discharge of their duties. Body‐worn cameras (BWCs) are a workplace surveillance technology intended to monitor officer behavior in the field, but officers exercise discretion over whether or not to activate their cameras. So, what drives officers to activate BWCs? Combining unique survey and administrative data, three competing explanations of BWC activation are compared in one department: Officer demographics, job function, and attitudes. Job function covariates offer robust predictive power of BWC activation frequency. Demographics do not predict BWC activations except rank, which negatively correlates with activation. Though the bulk of attitudinal measures do not predict BWC activations, negative relationships are noted with how officers perceive BWCs to impact their professional discretion, and their belief that cameras expose officers to public outrage and disapproval.
Regional real exchange rates and growth: Evidence from resource‐based regional economies
Authors: Tochkov Kiril
Published: December 2020

Regional economies in emerging countries vary greatly in terms of their global integration. External shocks, therefore, require adjustment mechanisms that reflect local conditions. This paper focuses on the role of real exchange rates (RER) in the economic performance of regions. In particular, we use monthly data to construct RER for 77 Russian regions over the period 2000–2016. The results validate the adoption of a regional perspective by showing nontrivial differences across regions. Oil‐producing and resource‐based regional economies experienced much larger RER movements and higher volatility. Overall, RER appreciated steadily until a major drop in 2008, and then, again in 2014. Growth regressions show that RER depreciations have a stimulating effect on regional performance but only in the short run. These results confirm previous findings indicating that RER are a key facilitating factor but not a major determinant of growth and are thus unlikely to produce sustainable development.
Backpropagation Neural Network-Based Machine Learning Model for Prediction of Soil Friction Angle
Authors: Nguyen Thuy-Anh , Ly Hai-Bang , Pham Binh Thai
Published: December 2020

In the design process of foundations, pavements, retaining walls, and other geotechnical matters, estimation of soil strength-related parameters is crucial. In particular, the friction angle is a critical shear strength factor in assessing the stability and deformation of geotechnical structures. Practically, laboratory or field tests have been conducted to determine the friction angle of soil. However, these jobs are often time-consuming and quite expensive. Therefore, the prediction of geo-mechanical properties of soils using machine learning techniques has been widely applied in recent times. In this study, the Bayesian regularization backpropagation algorithm is built to predict the internal friction angle of the soil based on 145 data collected from experiments. The performance of the model is evaluated by three specific statistical criteria, such as the Pearson correlation coefficient (R), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The results show that the proposed algorithm performed well for the prediction of the friction angle of soil (R = 0.8885, RMSE = 0.0442, and MAE = 0.0328). Therefore, it can be concluded that the backpropagation neural network-based machine learning model is a reasonably accurate and useful prediction tool for engineers in the predesign phase.
The Adjustment of Covariates in Cox’s Model under Case-Cohort Design
Authors: Rong Guocai , Tang Luwei , Luo Wenting , Li Qing , Deng Lifeng
Published: December 2020

Case-cohort design is a biased sampling method. Due to its cost-effective and theoretical significance, this design has extensive application value in many large cohort studies. The case-cohort data includes a subcohort sampled randomly from the entire cohort and all the failed subjects outside the subcohort. In this paper, the adjustment for the distorted covariates is considered to case-cohort data in Cox’s model. According to the existing adjustable methods of distorted covariates for linear and nonlinear models, we propose estimating the distorting functions by nonparametrically regressing the distorted covariates on the distorting factors; then, the estimators for the parameters are obtained using the estimated covariates. The proof of consistency and being asymptotically normal is completed. For calculating the maximum likelihood estimates of the regression coefficients subject in Cox’s model, a minorization-maximization (MM) algorithm is developed. Simulation studies are performed to compare the estimations with the covariates undistorted, distorted, and adjusted to illustrate the proposed methods.
Camelina sativa Methanolic and Ethanolic Extract Potential in Alleviating Oxidative Stress, Memory Deficits, and Affective Impairments in Stress Exposure-Based Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mouse Models
Authors: Cojocariu Roxana O. , Balmus Ioana-Miruna , Lefter Radu , Hritcu Luminita , Ababei Daniela C. , Ciobica Alin , Copaci Simona , Mot Silvia E. L. , Copolovici Lucian , Copolovici Dana M. , Jurcoane Stefana
Published: December 2020

Camelina sativa is mainly used as an oilseed crop; its edible oil is being also used as a traditional home remedy for the treatment of ulcers, wounds, and eye inflammations, due to the antioxidant activities. In the present study, the chemically characterized alcoholic extracts of Camelina sativa var. Madalina defatted seeds (5 g/kg body weight p.o., suspended in CMC-Na 0.1%) were administered to stress-induced animal models of irritable bowel syndrome (based on combinations of contention stress and multifactorial stress and maternal stress) and evaluated for the behavioural (short-term memory by the Y maze test, the anxious behaviour using the elevated plus maze test, and the antidepressant effect using the forced swimming test) and brain and bowel tissue oxidative status (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes activities and malondialdehyde and total soluble protein levels) improving effects. According to the chemical characterization, the extracts were rich in sinapine, glucosinolates, and flavonol glycosides. Moreover, this study showed the beneficial effects of Camelina sativa seed methanolic and ethanolic extracts on the behaviour and brain and bowel tissues oxidative stress status of stress exposure-based IBS mouse models. Despite the slight differences in the chemical composition of the methanolic and ethanolic extracts, the results suggested that the Camelina sativa extracts could reverse the short-term memory impairments caused by stress exposure and also could decrease the intensity and frequency of the anxiety and depressive-like behaviours observed in the stress-exposed animal models of IBS. Furthermore, the Camelina sativa extracts showed a significant effect on the oxidative stress markers in the brain and bowel tissues of the studied animal model by decreasing the superoxide dismutase activity and increasing the glutathione peroxidase activity. However, the results suggested that the extracts could also increase lipid peroxidation in bowel tissues. In this way, this study provides additional evidence that the administration of Camelina sativa seed alcoholic extracts could improve cognitive performances and mood and exhibit the antioxidant capacity in both the brain and bowel tissues.
Effects of Verbal Priming With Acute Exercise on Convergent Creativity
Authors: Frith Emily , Miller Stephanie E. , Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: December 2020

The acute effects of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise during anagram problem solving on subsequent creativity performance has yet to be empirically investigated, which was this study’s purpose. A two-visit (counterbalanced order), within-subject experiment was conducted among individuals aged 18–35. For the acute exercise visit, participants engaged in a 15-minute bout of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise while solving anagram problems. For the anagram only visit, participants engaged in 15 minutes of seated rest while solving anagram problems. Average RAT performance was higher for the exercise + anagram problem-solving visit ( M = 10.51, SD = 3.25) compared to anagram-solving + seated rest ( M = 9.29, SD = 4.12). The difference between conditions was statistically significant, t(44) = 2.385, p = .021, Cohen’s d = 0.36. These findings demonstrate that acute exercise coupled with anagram problem-solving, prior to RAT completion, is a potential strategy for enhancing verbal convergent creative thinking.
A non-resolving splenic ‘abscess’ in an elderly male – An unusual manifestation of splenic lymphoma
Authors: Nagarajan Raj K , Gopal Balasubramanian , Tajudeen Muhamed , Sistla Sarath C , Balamourougan K
Published: December 2020

Splenic abscess is a relatively uncommon condition, posing a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the treating physician. It occurs due to haematogenous spread from endocarditis or other septic foci, especially in immune-compromised individuals and diabetics. We describe an elderly male who presented with splenomegaly and low-grade fever with no predisposing factors. Examination revealed a tender splenomegaly. Ultrasonography (US) showed a hypoechoic area within the spleen from which guided aspiration of pus grew Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Percutaneous drainage and culture-based antibiotics failed to resolve the abscess, obligating surgical drainage. Intraoperative biopsy from the abscess wall was reported as splenic marginal lymphoma. This unusual presentation of lymphoma needs to be considered in splenic abscess without known risk factors.
Measuring psychosocial factors in health surveys using fewer items
Authors: Nilsson Evalill , Garvin Peter , Festin Karin , Wenemark Marika , Kristenson Margareta
Published: December 2020

The present study investigated the possibility of reducing length of psychosocial scales, while maintaining validity, using easily manageable techniques. Data were collected 2003–2004 in a Swedish general population; n = 1007, ages 45–69, 50% women. Eight psychosocial scales were reduced from 6–20 to 3–7 items maintaining Cronbach’s alpha >0.7 and correlation coefficients between full and reduced scales > 0.85. Relationships to biomarkers for inflammation, self-rated health and 8-year incidence of coronary heart disease showed no difference between full and reduced scales. It was possible, using these easily manageable methods, to reduce scale length without threatening validity for use in population surveys.
Asymmetric O-to-C Aryloxycarbonyl Migration of Indolyl Carbonates Using Single-Handed Dynamic Helical Polyquinoxalines Bearing 4-Aminopyridyl Groups as Chiral Nucleophilic Catalysts
Authors: Yamamoto Takeshi , Takahashi Takuya , Murakami Ryo , Ariki Naoto , Suginome Michinori
Published: December 2020

Use of single-handed dynamic helical macromolecules as nucleophilic catalysts in asymmetric Steglich-type O-to-C aryloxycarbonyl rearrangement of 3-substituted indol-2-yl aryl carbonates is demonstrated. Among several single-handed poly(quinoxaline-2,3-diyl) copolymers (PQXap) bearing achiral 4-aminopyridin-3-yl groups at the 5-position of the quinoxaline rings, PQXmdpp and PQXapy, containing N-methylpyrrolidine-fused pyridin-3-yl and 4-(1-azetidinyl)pyridin-3-yl groups, respectively, showed higher enantioselectivity and catalytic activity than PQXdmap, bearing 4-dimethylaminopyridine-3-yl groups. Substrates bearing p-(trifluoromethyl)phenyloxycarbonyl groups on both the nitrogen and oxygen atoms showed high reactivity, giving oxindoles with a quaternary stereogenic carbon center at their 3-positions in up to 97:3 enantiomeric ratio in THF. The macromolecular catalysts underwent inversion of their helix sense by solvent effect, allowing the same catalyst to give the opposite enantiomer in a mixture of methyl t-butyl ether and 1,1,2-trichloroethane (3:1). The macromolecular catalysts could be easily recovered by adding acetonitrile to the reaction mixture and were reused four times without reduction in enantioselectivity.
Half Logistic Odd Weibull-Topp-Leone-G Family of Distributions: Model, Properties and Applications
Authors: Chipepa Fastel , Wanduku Divine , Oluyede Broderick Olusegun
Published: December 2020

A new flexible and versatile generalized family of distributions, namely, half logistic odd Weibull-Topp-Leone-G (HLOW-TL-G) distribution is presented. The distribution can be traced back to the exponentiated-G distribution. We derive the statistical properties of the proposed family of distributions. Maximum likelihood estimates of the HLOW-TL-G family of distributions are also presented. Five special cases of the proposed family are presented. A simulation study and real data applications on one of the special cases are also presented
Mental and Behavioral Disorders in the Civilian Population of Regions Affected by Local Warfare
Authors: Zakharova N. , Tsvetkova M.G.
Published: December 2020

Currently an acute and persistent problem for humanity is participation in military activities, including local conflicts which oftentimes involve activities of radical organizations. Shooting, shelling, bombing, taking hostages, forceful retention, which provide imminent threat to the lives and well-being of people, belong to the most significant psychologically traumatic factors of modern life. The article looks into the consequences of the negative impact of the distress which civilians and refugees (including children) have gone through. Not infrequently these negative consequences lead to deterioration in the quality of life, development of pathological personality traits, social maladaptation, emergence of co-morbid mental and somatic diseases. In the number of the studies we analyzed it is emphasized that massive negative impact on the mental health from the multiple traumatizing factors turns out to be more devastating in the long run than it is in the beginning. Therefore, the following becomes critically important: the earliest possible detection of mental and behavioral disorders in the victims, preventive treatment of their post-stress disorders at the remote stages of the traumatic experience as well as their complete and timely rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Territorio mutual: una lectura del proceso de trasformación territorial desde la alteridad de la comunidad LGBTI víctima del desplazamiento forzado en el Quindío
Authors: Castaño-Aguirre Carlos Alberto
Published: December 2020

Thousands of LGBTI people have been victims of the forced displacement caused by the social and armed conflict in Colombia. Those people have arrived at new territories and rebuilt their lives, enhancing their freedom and abilities. At the same time, they transform this territory with their feelings and knowledge. This article aims at understanding the transformation of the territory from the alterity of the LGBTI victims of forced displacement in the department of Quindío, Colombia. We carried out an interpretative research with a hermeneutic approach based on the proxemics categories (intimate, personal, and public spaces), as well as a comprehensive review through social mapping of the body-territory relationship of this invisible and revictimized community because of its sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
10.21743/pjaec/2020.12.35 Soil Contamination Due to Heavy Metal
Authors: Rafeeq Abdul
Published: December 2020

The Shershah market is the oldest and largest scrap market in the Karachi city. The recycling, dismantling and burning of electronic waste (e-waste) in and around the market are causing the significant environmental and human health risk. Furthermore, it is estimated that around 1-2 million people daily pass through the market, since it is situated at the linked road, connecting three towns i.e. Baldia, S.I.T.E and Lyari. The present study was designed to explore the level of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pd and Zn) contamination from the e-waste produced in the market. Therefore, the two dumping sites were selected and the sampling was carried out from the surface and depth of the soil biannually from 2015 to 2018. The assay was carried out by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). A control sample had also been taken from the non-e-waste site. Heavy metal concentration (mg.kg-1 ) in the soil surface samples were found as Cd (0.63-0.26), Cr (2.91-0.78), Cu (332.42-46.51), Fe (6.63-2.97), Ni (5.74-3.42), Pb (111.93-66.45) and Zn (125.41- 74.69), and for the depth samples, the heavy metals were as Cd (0.41-0.12), Cr (1.39-0.18), Cu (86.24-6.98), Fe (4.65-1.11), Ni (2.38-0.88), Pd (71.59-19.24) and Zn (44.19-9.63), respectively. The insignificant concentration of the metals was analyzed at the control site. The data was compared with the international standards i.e. USEPA standards, FAO/WHO guidelines, EU guidelines etc. The level of Pb and Cu was higher than the allowable limits, indicating the risk associated with the soil and to the local public. Therefore, the e-waste dumpsites should be shift away from the city.
Two Approaches to Measure Trace Metals Fluxes at the Sediment–Water Interface: Sediment Porewater Profile and Benthic Incubation
Authors: Harmesa  , Wahyudi A’an Johan
Published: December 2020

The biogeochemical cycle of trace metals is very likely affected by the global change in the ocean, especially due to the increasing of sea surface temperature and acidity. Thus, assessing biogeochemical cycle of trace metals will beneficial in elucidating the potential impact of climate change as well as ocean acidification. The assessment of the biogeochemical cycle of trace metals can be performed by measuring trace metals fluxes crossing the sediment–water interface. The main challenge in this measurement is the difficulty of measuring metal concentrations at trace levels due to either physical factors or biological factors that can affect the total flux. Sediment porewater profile and in situ benthic incubation are the two most commonly used methods for measuring trace metals fluxes from sediment to the overlying water or vice versa. The coefficient of diffusion and gradient of concentration are the two most important values in the sediment porewater profile method, while the constant volume involved in the container during the experiment is an important part of the in situ benthic incubation method. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of both measurement methods deeply and predict the challenges faced in its implementation in Indonesia.
Studying the Effect of Operating Parameters on the Removal of Nickel Ion from an Adsorber by Using COMSOL Multiphysics Simulation
Authors: Hathal Mustafa M , Hasan Basim O
Published: December 2020

The heavy metals are considered dangerous pollutants which harm health and environment. The adsorption process is the cost effective process to get-rid of heavy metal efficiently.  In this study, the adsorption bed of Nickel is simulated by using COMSOL Multiphysics to find the effect of different operating parameters namely; flow rate, temperature and pollutant concentration on adsorption bed efficiency.  The modeling of non-isothermal adsorption bed based on experimental isotherms kinetic of previous work is developed too. The results showed that the optimal conditions to generate maximum removal efficiency of heavy metal were at 50◦C inlet temperature, 0.1 M inlet concentration, and 80 ml/min flow rate to achieve removal values higher than 50 % of long operation period time.
FAKTOR PENENTU KETERLIBATAN GENERASI MUDA DALAM PERTANIAN TANAMAN PANGAN (Kasus: Nagari Desa Baru, Kecamatan Ranah Batahan, Kabupaten Pasaman Barat, Sumatera Barat)
Authors: Faridah Ghina
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTThe phenomenon of aging farmers is a concern of Indonesia and other countries. Indonesia faces the problem of decreasing the number of young agricultural workers. There are many reasons behind the younger generation who do not want to work in the agricultural sector, including the image of the agricultural sector which is less prestigious and unable to provide adequate appreciation and the perspective of young workers that has changed in the postmodern era. On the other hand, there are some young people who are motivated and interested in becoming young farmers. The purpose of this study was to analyze the determinants of young generation involvement in food crop agriculture. The factors analyzed are internal factors and external factors. Internal factors include education, farming experience, gender, marital status, and motivation to become a farmer. Meanwhile, external factors include the main activities of parents, support from parents, parental land parcels, community support, and technology. This research was conducted using quantitative and qualitative methods. The results of this study indicate that there are four factors that have a significant effect on the involvement of the younger generation in food crop agriculture, namely: education, farming experience, motivation to become a farmer, and parental support. Keywords: Young farmers, agrarian structure, food crops ABSTRAKFenomena aging farmer atau penuaan petani sudah menjadi perhatian Indonesia dan negara-negara lainnya. Indonesia menghadapi permasalahan menurunnya jumlah tenaga kerja muda pertanian. Banyak alasan yang mendasari generasi muda tidak mau bekerja disektor pertanian, diantaranya adalah citra sektor pertanian yang kurang bergengsi dan kurang bisa memberikan imbalan memadai dan cara pandang tenaga kerja muda telah berubah di era perkembangan masyarakat post modern. Disisi lain, terdapat generasi muda yang termotivasi dan berminat menjadi petani muda. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk menganalisis faktor penentu keterlibatan generasi muda dalam pertanian tanaman pangan. Faktor yang dianalisis berupa faktor internal dan eksternal. Faktor Internal meliputi pendidikan, pengalaman bertani, jenis kelamin, status pernikahan, dan motivasi menjadi petani. Sedangkan, faktor eksternal meliputi aktivitas utama orangtua, dukungan orangtua, luas pengasaan lahan orang tua, dukungan masyarakat dan teknologi. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan metode kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat empat faktor yang signifikan mempengaruhi keterlibatan generasi muda dalam pertanian tanaman pangan diantaranya adalah: pendidikan, pengalaman bertani, motivasi untuk menjadi petani dan dukungan orang tua. Kata Kunci: Petani muda, struktur agraria, tanaman pangan
Assessment of the dose burden and health status of the uranium processing workers of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Aumalikova M.N. , Ibrayeva D.S. , Ilbekova K. , Kazymbet P.K. , Bakhtin M.M. , Janabaev D.D. , Altaeva N.Z.
Published: December 2020

The main objective of current study is to assess the dose burden and health status of workers at the uranium processing hydrometallurgical plant in order to develop measures aimed at reducing their incidence. This article presents the results of radiation monitoring and data on the health status of workers at the hydrometallurgical plant of the Stepnogorsk Mining and Chemical Combine (SMCC). The data of the accumulated effective dose for the entire length of service, as well as data on the incidence rate for the period 2013-2019, obtained from the base of the Industrial Radiation and Epidemiological Register, have been analyzed. Based on the results of measurements of the uranium content in urine, the expected effective dose of internal irradiation of the enterprise personnel was calculated. The assessment of the health status of workers was carried out based on the materials of outpatient and hospital visits, as well as the results of mandatory periodic medical examinations over the past 5 years. Based on the results, an excess of the expected effective dose of internal irradiation was revealed based on the analysis of a urine sample by 3 times. The most typical for the studied contingent of the main group turned out to be diseases of the eye and its adnexa (23%).
Determination of radon levels in dwellings and social objects and evaluation annual effective dose from inhalation of radon in Stepnogorsk area Northern Kazakhstan
Authors: Ibrayeva D.S. , Aumalikova M.N. , Ilbekova K.B. , Bakhtin M.M. , Kazymbet P.K.
Published: December 2020

Radon is a noble gas that is one of the natural radioactive decay products of radium resulting from the disintegration of uranium. Humans are exposed to sources of natural radiation activity, being radon and its progeny breathing air responsible for more than 50% of the annual dose received from natural radiation. The aim of this study was to determine the radon concentration in the air in settlements’ dwellings and social objects and calculate the annual effective dose of population from radon on the territory mining activities in Stepnogorsk area. The study has shown that activity concentrations of indoor radon in the buildings ranged from 8 to 870 Bq · m−3 in Aqsu, 3-540 Bq · m−3 in Kvartsitka located close to former gold mining sites. The Einh corresponding to the activity concentrations ranged from 1-27 mSv · y−1 received by the settlements’ public. The highest value of Einh in Aqsu School reaches up to 68 mSv · y−1 received by the critical group of public was found at the territory of former mining the Stepnogorsk area. The results of this study show significant radiation hazards in Aqsu School which located at the territory of former mining site, and there is evidence of radon health risk to the members of the public.
YEMEN ARAPÇASINDA TÜRKÇE UNSURLAR
Authors: DÖNER Ertuğrul , ÖZCAN Yusuf
Published: December 2020

Önemli birtakım deniz yolları üzerinde bulunan ve bereketli topraklara sahip olan Yemen farklı kültür ve medeniyetlerin uğrak mekanı olmuş, birçok devlete ev sahipliği yapmış, jeoplolitik konumu itibariyle de her daim önemini korumuştur. Bu bölgeye özellikle 16. yüzyıldan itibaren Osmanlı Devleti dahil olmuş, Osmanlı’nın Yemen hakimiyeti kesintilerle birlikte 20. yüzyılın başlarına kadar devam etmiştir. Osmanlı Devleti zamanında bölgede çıkan birçok isyan ve sıkıntılara rağmen siyasi, idari, dini ve içtimai alanlarda yapılar inşa edilmiş, farklı kültürlerin içiçe yaşadığı Yemen’de Osmanlı kültürü varlık alanı bulmuştur. Bu varlık alanlarından biri de kültürlerin etkileşim aracı olan dildir. Bu çalışmada Yemen-Osmanlı münasebetleri çerçevesinde Yemen Arap lehçesinde kullanılan Türkçe unsurların belirlenmesi ve çeşitli yönleriyle değerlendirilmesi hedeflenmiştir. Aslında Türkçe-Arapça etkileşimi genel olarak Türklerin İslamiyeti kabulü neticesinde ilk olarak dinî lafızların aktarımıyla başlayan ve zamanla gündelik konuşma diline varıncaya kadar hayatın diğer alanlarında da etkisini hissettiren doğal bir süreç olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Türkçe ve Arapça arasındaki dil etkileşimi tek taraflı olmamış her iki dil de birbirinden kelime almış ve kelime vermiştir. Osmanlı’da devlet işlerinde kullanılan resmi dil Osmanlı Türkçesi olsa da Osmanlı hakimiyeti altındaki diğer bölgelerde etki alanı geniş olan Türkçe, Farsça, Arapça, Rumca, Ermenice vb. diller de konuşulmaktaydı. Nitekim Osmanlı Türkçesi, içerisinde Arapça-Farsça sözcük ve dil bilgisi kuralları içermesi sebebiyle adeta imparatorluk dili olmuştur. Bu durum Türkçenin Arap lehçeleri üzerindeki etkisinin boyutunu da şekillendirmiştir. Bu yönüyle Osmanlı Türkçesi, gerek doğrudan Türkçe kelimelerin gerek Farsça ve diğer batı dillerindeki birçok kelimenin Arap lehçelerine aktarımında aracı dil konumunda olmuştur. Hal böyle olunca Türkçenin Yemen bölgesi Arap lehçesinde dahi hem sözcük hem de yapı/ekler bağlamındaki etkisi diğer komşu Arap ülkelerinin lehçelerine (Suriye, Irak, Lübnan vb.) oranla azımsanamaz nitelikte ve nicelikte olmuştur. Türkçenin Yemen lehçesi üzerindeki etkisi günlük konuşma dilinin yanı sıra Yemen bölgesi yerleşim yerleri-kabile adlarında ve kalıp ifadelerinde/atasözlerinde de müşahede edilmiştir.
MECHANISM OF FINANCIAL FLOW MANAGEMENT IN LOGISTICS SYSTEMS
Authors: L. АCHKASOVA  , A. UDODENKO
Published: December 2020

The current state of Ukraine’s economy requires adaptation of Ukrainian enterprises to the rational consumption of financial resources and functioning of market management mechanisms, which have their own specifics. Material flow is the most important component that ensures the functioning of the enterprise and the movement of material and other resources. Despite the active discussion on providing for the effectiveness of financial flow management, little attention is still paid to the mechanism of its management in logistics systems. The purpose of the article is to form a mechanism for managing financial flows taking into account the peculiarities of logistics systems.To form the above mechanism, the following methods were used: analysis and synthesis of information on financial flows management in the logistics systems of the enterprise.  In the course of the research the methods of comparative, economic-statistical, technical-economic analysis, graphoanalytical methods of reflection of the research results were also widely used.The article further develops the mechanism of financial flow management, which, in contrast to the existing ones, takes into account the specifics of financial flow management in logistics systems and is comprehensive in its nature.The received technique allows the enterprises to reach the purpose and solve the problems of separate participants, to provide stable and effective functioning of logistic systems.The results obtained, which consist in the development of a mechanism for managing financial flows in logistics systems, allow for further research on the management of financial flows performed at the enterprise and evaluation of reserves to improve the efficiency of logistics systems.
CONCEPT OF IMPROVING MANAGEMENT OF MOTOR TRANSPORT ENTERPRISES COMPETITIVENESS
Authors: V. SHYNKARENKO
Published: December 2020

This article considers the development of the concept of improving management of motor transport enterprises competitiveness.The main purpose of the study is to determine the problems of managing the competitiveness of motor transport enterprises and to make up the hypotheses for their solution in modern conditions. At the same time, the processes of designing and ensuring the functioning of management, development of new and improvement of existing methods of realizing the functions of management of motor transport enterprises competitiveness and services are accepted as the object of the research. Business owners; senior management, line managers of operational units and heads of functional services of enterprises; state management structures are accepted as the subjects of management.The relevance of the study is primarily related to the role that management plays in the competition to achieve competitive advantage. The changes in the methodology of strategic management of enterprises - the introduction of a resource approach to strategy development on a fundamentally different basis, should be added to this.The article considers the problems associated with the improvement of the market approach to the development of a strategy for the operation of diversified enterprises in a competitive environment, as well as the problems in the implementation of the resource approach. They are primarily related to another source of competitive advantage, the formation of enterprise strategy is not top-down, as in the market approach, it is bottom-up.The listed shortcomings of the market approach in working out the strategy of development of the diversified enterprises, and new approaches in developing the strategy by resource methods will allow to form the list of problems of improving management of motor transport enterprises competitiveness and determine the hypotheses for their solution.
When do Civil Wars Breed Ethnic Cleansing? The Cases of Lebanon and Yugoslavia
Authors: KILAVUZ M. Tahir
Published: December 2020

Civil wars are episodes when ethnic violence is likely to be observed. However,while some civil wars lead to extreme forms of violence such as ethnic cleansing,this is not always the case for every civil war. Then why do some civil wars breedethnic cleansing and not others? What sort of factors that are related to the contextof the civil war and the involved actors shape the likelihood of an ethnic cleansing?Which theories of political conflict explain these diverging outcomes better? Basedon two prominent civil wars of the last century, the Lebanese Civil War and the YugoslavWars, this article tests the hypotheses on political opportunities and grievancesin order to explain why the latter led to an ethnic cleansing while the formerdid not. Based on the systematic tests of these theories in comparative case studies,the study finds that factors related to political opportunities such as regime changeand political and military dominance are more useful in explaining the variationbetween the two cases whereas the factors that correspond with grievances suchas economic dominance and hatred do not explain the outcomes.
The Role of Traffic-Related Air Pollution on Neurodegenerative Diseases in Older People: An Epidemiological Perspective
Authors: Tham Rachel , Schikowski Tamara
Published: December 2020

Traffic-related air pollution is ubiquitous and almost impossible to avoid. It is important to understand the role that traffic-related air pollution may play in neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, particularly among older populations and at-risk groups. There is a growing interest in this area among the environmental epidemiology literature and the body of evidence identifying this role is emerging and strengthening. This review focuses on the principal components of traffic-related air pollutants (particulate matter and nitrogen oxides) and the epidemiological evidence of their contribution to common neurodegenerative diseases. All studies reported are currently observational in nature and there are mixed findings depending on the study design, assessment of traffic-related air pollutant levels, assessment of the neurodegenerative disease outcome, time period of assessment, and the role of confounding environmental factors and at-risk genetic characteristics. All current studies have been conducted in income-rich countries where traffic-related air pollution levels are relatively low. Additional longer-term studies are needed to confirm the levels of risk, consider other contributing environmental factors and to be conducted in settings where air pollution exposures are higher and at-risk populations reside and work. Better understanding of these relationships will help inform the development of preventive measures and reduce chronic cognitive and physical health burdens (cost, quality of life) at personal and societal levels.
Assessing lifetime exposure to traumatic brain injury among an international sample of Spanish speakers
Authors: Lequerica Anthony H. , Arango-Lasprilla Juan Carlos , Krch Denise , Corrigan John D.
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: With structured interviews being an established method for assessing one’s exposure to traumatic brain injury across their lifetime, effective assessment tools are needed to serve the large population of Spanish speakers in the U.S. and abroad. OBJECTIVE: To obtain preliminary evidence of validity for a Spanish version of a web-based, structured interview designed to assess lifetime exposure to TBI. METHODS: A sample of 720 Spanish-speaking individuals between the ages of 18 through 65 from the continental U.S. (34.3%), South America (30.8%), the Caribbean (12.6%), Spain (12.4%), and Mexico and Central America (9.9%) completed an online survey containing the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method (Self-Administered-Brief; OSU TBI-ID SAB), Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory, and PROMIS Cognitive Concerns Scale. RESULTS: Indices of severity of worst TBI, time since most recent TBI, and multiple injuries demonstrated expected relationships with neurobehavioral symptoms such that greater symptom reporting was observed among those who had more severe injuries, more recent injuries, and multiple injuries over a period of time. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide preliminary evidence of validity for three of the indices derived from OSU TBI-ID SAB among Spanish-speaking individuals. Further study is needed to assess other aspects of this instrument to pave the way for further epidemiological studies involving lifetime exposure to TBI among Spanish-speaking individuals across the U.S., Spain, and Latin America.