bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O DIREITO SANCIONATÓRIO E O ESTADO REGULADOR NO PLANO ECONÓMICO-FINANCEIRO
Authors: Vilela Alexandra
Published: March 2022

Depois da crise económica‑financeira de 2007‑2008, com repercussões altamente negativas um pouco por todos os cantos do mundo, um grande número de Estados reagiu de forma musculada, visando sobretudo a atividade dos bancos e das seguradoras, e a das empresas. Essa reação traduziu‑se, entre outros, na criação de um vasto leque de deveres a serem cumpridos no exercício de cada uma daquelas atividades profissionais, sob pena de incorrerem na prática de uma conduta ilícita (e logo sancionada) e na elevação do valor económico das sanções para patamares altíssimos e, muitas das vezes, difíceis de determinar. Paralelamente, o Estado Regulador consolidou‑se onde já se encontrava e fixou‑se em pontos onde ainda era desconhecido. Assim, com este pano de fundo, neste momento, alguns anos volvidos sobre a suprarreferida crise, julgamos pertinente tentar perceber a eficácia de tais medidas no plano económico‑financeiro, bem como a das opções efetuadas por alguns Estados, como seja o português. No fundo, a questão que se nos coloca, e sobre a qual pretendemos refletir, prende‑se com a eficácia do fortalecimento dos diferentes direitos sancionatórios e com a adoção de medidas como sejam os programas de compliance. A questão, a nosso ver, merece reflexão, porquanto, em Portugal, não só continuamos a discussão sobre qual a sanção que deve merecer a não implementação de programas daquele tipo, como também vemos engrossar, cada vez mais, a lista das infrações que podem ser praticadas pelos diferentes operadores económico‑financeiros, sendo certo que, por vezes, é difícil identificar a sua natureza, mas são punidas com sanções de carácter económico elevadas. Um exemplo paradigmático do que vimos de referir encontramo‑lo na Lei da Concorrência atualmente em vigor em Portugal que consagra crimes, contraordenações e infrações administrativas.
DIVERSIFICAÇÃO ECONÔMICA PARA O DESENVOLVIMENTO
Authors: Ricardo Luena Abigail Pimenta
Published: March 2022

O tema da pesquisa não versa sobre o Direito Brasileiro, mas convida para aimersão no Direito Angolano. Ainda que o Brasil e Angola tenham clarassimilaridades históricas, seus regramentos não são, entretanto, familiares aosnossos conhecimentos. Intentou-se clarear certos cuidados que o EstadoAngolano deve ter na implementação de políticas que prezam pela DiplomaciaComercial e o impacto do Covid-19 no plano de desenvolvimento nacional. Apesquisa teve como objetivo geral aferir como os investimentos privados podemcontribuir para enfrentar os efeitos da pandemia. O objetivo específico consistiuem compreender como os investimentos privados e estrangeiros podemcontribuir com o desenvolvimento do país e sua diversificação econômica. Ahipótese é de que os mesmos são essenciais, visto que comprovada o quãonecessária é a variação de fontes econômicas para redução dos efeitos lesivosdas crises na saúde e financeira durante a pandemia. Por fim, entende-se queas políticas de fortalecimento Angolanas devem ser pautadas em políticas desoft power, com eficiência internacional.
Besonderheiten des Arbeitsrechts?
Authors: Fischer Lorenz Lloyd , Schmidt Alexander J.
Published: March 2022

Zu ihrem zehnjährigen Jubiläum fand die diesjährige AssistentInnentagung im Arbeitsrecht vom 29. September bis 01. Oktober 2021 an der Universität zu Köln statt. Die ursprünglich für 2020 angesetzte Veranstaltung wurde pandemiebedingt um ein Jahr verschoben, was immerhin den Vorteil mit sich brachte, dass sie unter Einhaltung eines Hygienekonzepts - zur Freude aller TeilnehmerInnen - im gewohnten Präsenzformat stattfinden konnte. Das Veranstalterteam, bestehend aus Dr. Stephan Seiwerth, LL.M. (Leuven), Akad. Rat a. Z. am Kölner Institut für Deutsches und Europäisches Arbeits- und Sozialrecht und Dr. Stefan Witschen, MJur (Oxon), Akad. Rat a. Z. am dortigen Institut für Versicherungsrecht und derzeit Inhaber einer Gastprofessur für Arbeitsrecht am Institut für Wirtschaftsrecht der Universität Kassel, hatte für die Tagung ein denkbar grundlegendes Oberthema ausgewählt: Sie sollte ganz im Zeichen der Frage nach den vielfältigen „Besonderheiten des Arbeitsrechts“ stehen.
In Vitro Cultures for the Production of Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Maria Scarpa Grazia , Prota Vanda , Schianchi Nicola , Manunta Federica
Published: March 2022

Plants’ secondary metabolism is an important source of medicinal and industrial products. Even though natural ecosystems are still the most important font of this kind of substance, excessive harvesting of spontaneous flora can act as a direct cause of biodiversity loss. Different technologies are used for in vitro production which, in addition to being useful for safeguarding biodiversity, make available to industry substances that are difficult to produce in vivo. Moreover, the growing demand for secondary metabolites encourages the use of new biotechnology tools to create new, more productive in vitro transgenic plant cultures.
The LCD Interfacing and Programming
Authors: Sitompul Dahlan , Sihombing Poltak
Published: March 2022

This chapter will discuss 10 subchapters that will make it more detailed and easier for the reader to master and implement them in their project. Before discussing the subchapters in detail the author discusses the wide use of LCD in various equipment that needs display and the superiority of it compared to the conventional existing displays especially in the low energy consumption of it compare to the rest of the displays, then the author ended this general discussion by mentioning the type of LCD known in the market right now (passive matrix and active matrix). After discussing the LCD in general, the author starts discussing the detailed 10 subchapters. The 10 subchapters are 1. 2 × 16 LCD; 2. LCD controller; 3. LCD instructions; 4. LCD initialization; 5. More instructions; 6. LCD initialization subroutine; 7. Displaying a character on the LCD; 8. Displaying more than 1 character on the LCD; 9. A 4-bit mode 2 × 16 LCD module. To give the readers with a succinct overview of important details or interesting information, the author provides the summary of this chapter in subchapter 10. The author also provided the glossary to enable the readers to quickly study the general terms used in this chapter. Finally, the author provides some questions to enable the reader to test their own knowledge of this chapter. The references is also provided to enable the readers to refer to some articles as the sources of this subchapter and to enable them to enrich their knowledge of this chapter.
The Effects of Mill Conditions on Breakage Parameters of Quartz Sand in the District of Şile on the Black Sea Coast of İstanbul
Authors: Haner Serhan
Published: March 2022

Casting, glass, ceramic, construction, plastic, dyeing, and abrasive industries are the main consumption areas of quartz sand, which are formed as a result of the weathering of igneous metamorphic rocks. In such industries, it is very important to select the correct ball size in order to grind the raw material to the desired particle size in optimum time. In this study, the changes in the specific rate of breakage of the quartz sand sample were investigated by using alloy steel balls of five different sizes. For this purpose, three different mono-size samples were prepared according to 4√2 series in the range of 0.090–0.053 mm. The quartz sand prepared in these three intervals was ground with 6.35, 7.94, 9.52, 12.70, and 19.05 mm alloy steel balls for different durations. The specific rate of breakage values was obtained from the particle size distributions acquired after various grinding periods. As a result of grinding tests, an increase in the rate of breakage is observed due to the increase in ball diameter.
Cervical Cancer Induced by Human Papillomaviruses in the Context of Africa: Contribution of Genomics
Authors: Wendkuuni Djigma Florencia , Tiendrebeogo Fidèle , Traore Lassina , Mahoukèdè Zohoncon Théodora , Tozoula Bambara Augustin , Abel Sorgho Pegdwendé , Aboubacar Bambara Hierrhum , Azaque Zoure Abdou , Obiri-Yeboah Dorcas , Bayala Bagora , Clarisse Ouedraogo Teega-Wendé , Bado Prosper , Alice Ouedraogo Rogomenoma , Marie Angèle Traore Ina , Alima Esther Traore Mah , Touwendpoulimdé Kiendrebeogo Isabelle , Théophane Yonli Albert , Marie Ragnag-Néwendé Ouedraogo Charlemagne , Simpore Jacques
Published: March 2022

In recent years, Africa has been increasingly involved in biotechnology and genomics. However, this interest is much more accentuated in the field of agriculture. From published studies, we know that biotechnology and genomics can be of great interest in the health field. Africa would, therefore, benefit from investing in these disciplines, especially since the continent is facing several pandemics and epidemics. The objective of this chapter is to make a review of the applications in genomics already existing in Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, to show the interest of genomics in the field of health by taking into account the context of developing countries and to specify the possible applications of genomics in the fight against papillomaviridae and their associated cancer.
Beyond Bread and Beer: Value-Added Products from Wheat
Authors: J. Tse Timothy , Chicilo Farley , J. Wiens Daniel , J.T. Reaney Martin
Published: March 2022

Although wheat (Triticum aestivum) and related cereals [Barley (Hordeum vulgare), Rye (Secale cereale) are primarily used for producing baked goods and beverages, cereal crops can be used to create many value-added goods beyond these traditional products. Fractionation of cereal grains and extraction of valuable phytochemicals allows greater access to materials for use in food additives and nutritional supplements. Fermentation for beverage and fuel bioethanol production results in not only renewable fuel, but also a range of other coproducts, including nootropics. In addition to traditional grain fermentation, straw fermentation is also discussed, which further utilizes the whole plant. The main by-product of cereal grain fermentation, wheat stillage, can undergo a range of processes to enhance its value as a animal feeds, as well as extraction of useful compounds. These methods provide a glimpse of the many sequential and divergent processes that may bring us closer to realizing the full potential of wheat and related cereal grains.
Technical Cooperation for Enhancing Infectious Healthcare Waste Management
Authors: Yoshida Mitsuo
Published: March 2022

Appropriate healthcare waste (HCW) management is crucial for preventing the spread of infectious diseases and ensuring public health. However, in many economically developing countries, HCW is often insufficiently segregated at sources and the hazardous infectious components are mixed with municipal solid waste, and directly disposed without any treatment, which poses great risk factors for healthcare institutes, waste management service providers, and the public. According to statistical cross-country analysis, the amount of HCW generation is expected to increase sharply in near future in developing countries. What can we do to improve the status of HCW management in developing countries and prevent the spread of infection? It is necessary to establish an effective HCW management system and strengthen its implementation capacity, especially in developing countries. When conducting international technical assistance for them to support the establishment of the HCW management system and capacity development, it is required to set the targets for technical assistance through conducting an assessment survey, analyzing problems, evaluating risks, supporting to formulate management plans, and provision of equipment. A diagnosis method for existing capacity and challenges is proposed for planning technical assistance. Experiences of technical assistance on HCW management in Palestine are presented as a case study.
Neurotropic Virus-Induced Meningoencephalomyelitis
Authors: Saadi Fareeha , Chakravarty Debanjana , Kasle Grishma , Das Sarma Jayasri
Published: March 2022

Meningoencephalomyelitis emanates under the umbrella relating inflammatory changes of the Central Nervous System (CNS). Meningitis denotes inflammation in the meningeal layers, encephalitis is an acute diffuse inflammation of the brain, and inflammation in the spinal cord is denoted as myelitis. These can be interrelated or independent of each other depending on the etiology. The entire mechanism of meningoencephalomyelitis is governed by an acute innate inflammatory branch followed by a chronic progressive, adaptive branch of immunity with clinical signs like hyperthermia, weight loss, hypoxia, leukocytosis. This book chapter will focus on viral-induced meningitis, encephalitis, and myelitis. Thirty years of experience working with a murine-β-coronavirus (m-CoV); Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV)-A59 induced experimental model system provided us a thorough understanding of neuroglial cell-mediated acute neuroinflammation, denoted by the accumulation of leukocyte-common-antigen (LCA) positive or CD45+ leukocytes in perivascular infiltrates referred to as perivascular cuff formation and microglial nodules in the brain parenchyma, which mimics specific pathology of human neurological disease multiple sclerosis (MS). Additionally, in this chapter, we summarized the role of CNS resident microglial activation and its interaction with peripheral migratory T cells in mounting neuropathogenesis and host immunity in different families of neurotrophic encephalomyelitis viruses that cause CNS inflammation.
An Efficient Region Merging Algorithm in Raster Space
Authors: Žalik Borut , Podgorelec David , Lukač Niko , Rizman Žalik Krista , Mongus Domen
Published: March 2022

This work introduces a new region merging algorithm operating in raster space represented by a 4-connected graph. Necessary definitions are introduced first to derive a new merging function formally. An implementation is described after that, which consists of two steps: a determination of the shared trails of the input cycles, and construction of the resulting merged region. The cycles defining the regions are represented by the Freeman crack chain code in four directions. The algorithm works in linear time On, where n is the number of total graph vertices, i.e. pixels. However, the expected time complexity for one merging operation performed by the algorithm is O1.
N-Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs): An Introduction
Authors: Bharti Ruchi , Verma Monika , Thakur Ajay , Sharma Renu
Published: March 2022

In 1991, the isolation and characterization of nitrogen heterocyclic carbene (NHCs) prompted the discovery of a new class of chemical compounds. NHCs have developed academic curiosity as one of the most potent tools in organic chemistry, exhibiting its utility in commercially relevant protocols. NHCs are cyclic compounds with a divalent carbon atom bonded to at least one nitrogen atom. The size of the carbene ring, the substituent moieties on the nitrogen atoms, and the extra atoms within the heterocycle can be changed to produce a variety of distinct NHCs with various electrical properties. They make excellent ligands in coordination chemistry because of their ability to act as donors and the consequent stable bonds with most transition metals. Free NHCs have also been used as organocatalysts in chemical reactions that require no metals. This chapter provides an outline of the N-Heterocyclic Carbenes in Contemporary Chemistry, including their general properties and highlighting the essential structural and electronic features of different NHCs along with their synthetic procedure.
The Aryan Race of Animals
Authors: Buscemi Francesco ,   Semiotic Society of America
Published: March 2022

This article analyses the role of colour in the representation of animals in Nazi propaganda. It demonstrates that colour, as applied to animals, was a communicational strategy of paramount relevance in setting boundaries and creating differences between the Nazis and their enemies. Drawing on propaganda studies, colour studies, and representational zoosemiotics, it semiotically investigates visual items published from 1923 to 1945. The results show that Nazi propaganda created an Aryan race of animals via colours. In fact, white animals always supported the regime’s ideologies; dark animals, conversely, very often symbolised the enemy (the Soviet Union, the Jews, and others). Semiotically, Nazi propaganda represented these animals as symbols, even though the links between signifier and signified were not shared within a community but only within the racist ideology of the Nazis..
Pushed to the Absolute Limits: Transhumanism and Dragon Ball
Authors: Palmieri Di Pietro Federico ,   Academic Publishing
Published: March 2022

The article investigates the relationship between religion and technology, referring to relevant topics in the concept of “human beings,” such as body and spirit. It particularly taking into consideration the transhumanist and posthumanist tenets, which are often regarded as conflicting with a spiritual/religious thought. The Dragon Ball franchise as a case of study provides insight into how elements of spirituality and technology can be well structured in a very popular medial product with a unique reference universe of significances using an history of ideas and historical-religious framework.
Teaching Students Some Cognitive Science to Evaluate Weird Perceptual Experiences
Authors: Schroer Robert ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2022

How can we use what cognitive science has taught us about perception to improve the critical thinking skills of our students? What, for instance, does it tell us about subjects who think they’ve seen Bigfoot, ghosts, and other “weird things”? I explore two approaches for giving students some empirically based tools for examining cases like these. The first, which I call the “we see what we want to see” approach, focuses the idea that beliefs and desires can shape our visual experiences. This approach, however, encourages students to view subjects who report weird experiences as being cognitively irresponsible and worthy of derision. The second approach, which I call the “we see what our evolutionary ancestors needed to see” approach, asserts these experiences are the result of evolutionarily designed perceptual mechanisms that specialize in representing human-like qualities. Fortunately, the second approach does not create the same problematic attitude in students as the first.
Mean body size estimation in large mammals and the computation of biomass in past ecosystems: An application to the Pleistocene sites of Orce and Sierra de Atapuerca (Spain)
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ-GÓMEZ Guillermo , Paul PALMQVIST undefined , Bienvenido MARTÍNEZ-NAVARRO undefined , MARTÍN-GONZÁLEZ Jesús A. , CASTRO José María BERMÚDEZ DE
Published: March 2022

Estimates of adult body mass are usually considered as equivalent of mean population body size in most studies of ancient mammals. However, given that any population is composed in part of subadult individuals, this approach overestimates the mean population body mass and biomass. For this reason, more realistic estimates of mean population body mass should be used. In this paper, we: 1) test five different proxies of population mean mass; and 2) estimate the total prey biomass in the paleoecosystems from the Orce and Atapuerca sites as an approach for estimating their carrying capacity. Our results for past ecosystems support the use of survival profiles derived from the Weibull model (SPW), as they show values in better agreement with those of extant populations. They also estimate higher carrying capacities for the faunal assemblages of Orce than for those of Atapuerca. We suggest that the environmental conditions of Orce could have played an important role in the first peopling of Europe.
The potential and limits of Thin-Plate Spline retrodeformation on asymmetrical objects:simulation of taphonomic deformations andapplication on a fossil sample of limb long bones
Authors: PINTORE Romain , DELAPRÉ Arnaud , LEFEBVRE Rémi , BOTTON-DIVET Léo , HOUSSAYE Alexandra , CORNETTE Raphaël
Published: March 2022

In this study, we suggest a method adapted to the retrodeformation of asymmetrical objects – such as limb bones – by quantitatively estimating the effectiveness of the Thin-Plate Splines (TPS) interpolation function as a retrodeformation tool. To do so, taphonomic deformations were first simulated on a single horse femur. The original bone was then used as a reference in order to drive the retrodeformation using anatomical landmarks. This approach, based on a single bone, enabled us to evaluate the performance of the retrodeformation procedure. Then, the same approach was performed on a sample of rhino femora but using a different specimen (from the same species) as the reference in order to account for morphological variation. We also added sliding semi-landmarks on anatomical curves. Finally, retrodeformation was applied on a sample of sauropodomorph dinosaur femora by building a mean shape based on several well-preserved fossil specimens. Results show that entirely flattened and stretched bones are more efficiently retrodeformed than bent and twisted bones. Introduction of morphological variation increased the efficiency of retrodeformation for bent and locally stretched bones. The application to the sample of fossils produced similar results but also highlighted the difficulty of retrodeforming bones with a combination of different deformations. TPS interpolation is an efficient tool of retrodeformation for asymmetrical objects, especially for bones with only one affine deformation such as flattening or stretching. Finding a threshold of landmark number to use for this process would be the next step because it would allow us to ensure the quality of retrodeformation while keeping available a reasonable number of landmarks in order to perform shape analysis on retrodeformed bones. Twisted and bent fossils are frequently discovered and we suggest that these kinds of deformations should be studied with caution, especially when combined with other types of taphonomic distortions.
Sulfur and lead isotope geochemical characteristics of Pb-Zn deposits in the Khau Loc zone, northeastern Vietnam, and their significance
Authors: Khuong Hung The , Tung Ta Dinh , Binh Do Quoc , Sang Pham Nhu , Cuc Nguyen Thi , Linh Nguyen Thi Hoang , Tin Quach Duc
Published: March 2022

In northeastern Vietnam, the Khau Loc zone is considered to have high potential for lead-zinc mineralization. The lead isotope data for 18 galena samples and 18 ones of δ34S isotope data (including galena and pyrite samples) were collected from lead-zinc ore deposits in some areas in the Khau Loc zone, including Phia Dam, Khuoi Man, Ban Lin, Lung Dam, and Ta Pan. These were employed to investigate the sulfur and lead isotope geochemical characteristics of Pb-Zn deposits and their significance in this study. The samples were analyzed using the LA-ICP-MS to show that the Pb isotopic ratios of 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb in the galena samples range from 17.8908 to 18.6012, 15.5794 to 16.1025, 38.4420 to 39.2118, with the average values of 18.296, 15.749, and 38.812, respectively. The pyrite and galena samples had the δ34S isotope, ranging from 9.0 to 15.106. The sulfur isotope systematics implies that most of the lead-zinc ore formations originated from marine sedimentary evaporation deposits and magmatic intrusion-volcanic eruption sources rich in silica. The distribution of lead isotopic ratios had a well-defined cluster for each deposit, indicating the formation of lead-zinc deposits and lower crust and orogen trends. In addition, these findings of lead isotopic ratios and δ 34S isotopes proved that the Khau Loc zone is an activated structure with continuous growth in continental crust thickness during the early Proterozoic and Cenozoic periods. Furthermore, the study results also presented the evolution of material sources involved in the formation of lead-zinc ores in the Khau Loc zone.
On the Liberation of Space in Computer Games
Authors: Babic Edvin
Published: March 2022

This article describes the evolution of space in computer games from self-contained spaces to more processual concepts. While in the early age of computer games the design of space primarily caused specific interpretations and acts (invasion or defence of space – as a matter of opinion), the latter concepts become more and more indefinite: Former hard-fought dungeons and space stations resolve into landscapes open for relational perspectives. Insofar as the design of space loses its impact on the perceptions and actions of the players, acts of social communication and not warfare reduce uncertainty. The thesis is that this process gives rise to the formation of communities and the unpredictable configuration of space.
'I am Trying to Believe': Dystopia as Utopia in the Year Zero Alternate Reality Game
Authors: Hall Alexander Charles Oliver
Published: March 2022

A major symptom of postmodernity is the loss of utopian energy, of which the popularity of dystopian cultural production is evident.  The dystopian genre, however, is cautionary, and thus utopian.  Associated is the influence of technology on post-utopian culture—although it has been viewed pessimistically, technology allows for new ways of telling dystopian stories.  One such mode of telling dystopian stories is the Alternate Reality Game (ARG), a narrative, multi-media game, using several different technologies that puts the player in a fictional reality.  One ARG that exemplifies the idea of dystopia as having utopian energy is Nine Inch Nails’ Year Zero, which shows that technology can have utopian energy, offering new ways of telling dystopian stories such as via the ARG, thus locating some utopian energy in postmodern culture through the form’s culturally critical structure and interactive nature, which equals a call to action against the dystopian nature of contemporary society.
Playing the Second World War: Call of Duty and the Telling of History
Authors: Gish Harrison
Published: March 2022

Through its interactive representation of the Second World War, the Call of Duty series is emblematic of a contemporary form of historical remembrance. This article analyzes the ways in which the series' cut scenes and game play interrelate and represent history, warfare, and traumatic violence. Using Marita Sturken’s discussion of screen memories as sites of negotiation between differing conceptions of the past, the essay positions Call of Duty as a digital screen memory that actively produces multiple, competing understandings of historical warfare.
Designing and Implementing an Assessment Plan for a Virtual Engineering Lab
Authors: Bresciani Marilee J. , Morsi Khaled , Tucker Mark , Siprut Mark , Stewart Kris , Duncan Allison
Published: March 2022

This article describes the process of creating, implementing, and assessing an innovative learning tool. The game based laboratory simulation, “Gaming for Applied Materials Engineering” (GAME), incorporated into the Engineering curriculum at a large public university, is intended to facilitate the same learning previously taught in a traditional hands-on laboratory. Through this technological tool, researchers hope to extend an integral learning opportunity to students currently unable to access physical labs, as well as, to augment and reinforce the material taught to those currently enrolled in physical lab courses. Throughout the article, the research team discusses the assessment methodology, describes several challenges overcome, and offers recommendations for others interested in utilizing game-based technology in educational settings.
Online Gaming and the Social Construction of Virtual Victimization
Authors: Downing Steven
Published: March 2022

Online computer gaming is becoming an increasingly popular leisure activity as well as a growing context for social networking and social interaction in general. Drawing from a cyber-ethnography conducted in one such online game, I analyze the process by which the notion of victimization is socially constructed within the online gaming community. I contextualize this analysis within the framework of social construction theories, specifically addressing how internal and external norms, beliefs and values influence the assessment of the severity of virtual harm and the subsequent validity of victim claims. The reported findings suggest a distinction between virtual violence and theft within the context of the game; the latter being assessed as more harmful to the cohesiveness of the online community as well as the individual victim. Reasons for this distinction as well as a broader analysis of the interaction between online and offline culture is discussed.
Book Review: The Ethics of Computer Games by Miguel Sicart
Authors: Kaplan Matthew Geyer
Published: March 2022

This review describes The Ethics of Computer Games, a recent academic release by Miguel Sicart.  Sicart uses a philosophical framework of various ethical and ontological theories to analyze how different games and game designs invoke or ignore the moral virtues of the culture in which they exist.  According to Sicart, the most ethical games are those which take into account the complex subjective role of the player and the game community, and inscribe in the gameplay a kind of ethical system that either cultivates "virtuous" exploration or challenges the player to come to a specific ethical conclusion based on careful reflection.
On the Brink of Virtual Extinction: Hunting and Killing Animals in Open World Video Games
Authors: Van Ooijen Erik
Published: March 2022

The article focuses on the underlying structures evaluating acts of violence against different bodies in games. Taking the hunting mechanics of open-world games as its point of discussion, it looks at how game design manifests procedural arguments on the ideological aspects of animal violence. Whereas there are instances of explicit violence in these games, the article argues that the explicitness of such depictions serves to emphasize the “messiness” of producing animal goods, thus impeding the “carnist” ideological view of meat as pure commodity. By considering how games distinguish humans from animals, it looks at what violent acts are rendered acceptable or unacceptable, and notes distinctions between what bodies are protected by, or exempt from, moral and legal rights.Finally, the article considers how the algorithmic nature of spawning makes digital animals immune to extinction. Interestingly enough, the article nevertheless notices how a game may intentionally diverge from this logic in order to defamiliarize its established logic.Among the games discussed are Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption (2010), and Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed III (2012) and Far Cry 3 (2012).
Comparison of the composition and function of gut microbes between adult and juvenile Cipangopaludina chinensis in the rice snail system
Authors: Zhou Kangqi , Qin Junqi , Pang Haifeng , Chen Zhong , Huang Yin , Li Wenhong , Du Xuesong , Wen Luting , Pan Xianhui , Lin Yong
Published: March 2022

Cipangopaludina chinensis is an important economic value snail species with high medicinal value. The gut microbes of aquatic animals plays a vital role in food digestion and nutrient absorption. Herein, we aimed at high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA to further investigate whether there were differences in the composition and function of gut microbes of adult and juvenile C. chinensis snails, as well as sediments. This study found that the microbial diversity of the sediment was significantly higher than that of the snails gut (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the gut flora of adult and juvenile snails (P > 0.05). A total of 47 phyla and 644 genera were identified from all samples. Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia were the two dominant phyla in all samples, and overall relative abundances was 48.2% and 14.2%, respectively. Moreover, the relative abundances of Aeromonas and Luteolibacter in the gut of juvenile snails (30.8%, 11.8%) were higher than those of adults (27.7%, 10.6%) at the genus level (P > 0.05). Then, four indicator genera were found, namely Flavobacterium, Silanimonas, Geobacter and Zavarzinella, and they abundance in the gut of juvenile snails was significantly higher than that of adults (P < 0.05). This results imply the potential development of Silanimonas as a bait for juvenile snail openings. We observed that Aeromonas was the primary biomarker of the snail gut and sediments (P < 0.001), and it may be a cellulose-degrading bacteria. Function prediction revealed significantly better biochemical function in the snail gut than sediments (P < 0.001), but no significant differences in adult and juvenile snail (P > 0.05). In conclusion, studies show that the snail gut and sediment microbial composition differ, but the two were very similar. The microbial composition of the snail gut was relatively stable and has similar biological functions. These findings provide valuable information for in-depth understanding of the relationship between snails and environmental microorganisms.
Factors Influencing the Adoption of Sujala III Watershed Interventions and Constraints Faced by Farmers
Authors: Bindu N. , Dolli S. S. , Manjula N.
Published: March 2022

The study aims to identify factors associated with the adoption of Sujala III watershed interventions and document the constraints faced by the farmers in adoption watershed interventions. An ex post facto research design was employed in the study. The study was conducted in Dindur sub watershed which belongs to Gadag and Bedwatti sub watershed of Koppal district of Karnataka. A sample of 90 farmers representing each two sub watersheds was selected by simple random procedure making a total sample size of 180. The respondents were interviewed personally using pre tested interview schedule and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. The study observed that, there was a strong positive and significant relationship between independent variables like land holding, resource base, cropping intensity, scientific orientation, risk orientation and the adoption of Sujala III watershed interventions at one per cent. Therefore the extension agencies and policy makers should formulate programmes and extension activities by focussing on these factors which accelerate the adoption process. With respect to constraints in adoption, the highly ranked problem during planning stage was farmers consent was not taken (254). Lack of transparency (288) was the top most problem followed by favorability towards big farmers (231) with second rank faced at implementation stage. The major constraint faced in maintenance was the waste weir damage (174). As of technical issues were concerned, lack of guidance during post project (293) was the major problem followed by lack of knowledge about the management of common properties resources (256). Among the compatibility problems, top ranked problem was the fragmentation of land into unconventional shape (221) and low maintenance by committee (317) was the top ranked community related problem. It is of utmost importance to follow participatory approach in planning and implementation and post project maintenance.
Hepatic and Renal Biochemical Profile of Wistar Rats Exposed to Toluene
Authors: Obinna Victoria C. , Gbarakoro Tambeke N.
Published: March 2022

Toluene is an organic solvent that is widely used in many industrial processes and commerce. It is one of the environmental pollutants frequently associated with occupational hazards. In recent times, young people are becoming more interested in toluene addiction as a result of intentional inhalation of toluene-containing compounds, which can result in high levels of toluene exposure that can be damaging to their health. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of subacute oral exposure of toluene on hepatic and renal biochemical profile (an aspect of health indices) of wistar rats. Fifteen wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 5 rats each. Group A (Control) received 0.5 ml of olive oil (vehicle) while groups B and C received 63.6 and 127.2 mg/kg respectively of toluene for 21 days by oral gavage. At the end of the treatments, blood samples were taken and the sera were used for analyses of serum biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase - ALT, alkaline phosphatase – ALP, aspartate aminotransferase – AST, total protein, albumin, bilirubin, urea, creatinine and blood electrolytes (potassium, sodium, bicarbonate and chloride ions). Sections of liver and kidney samples were taken for histopathological examination. There was no significant (p >0.05) change in the hepatic and renal biochemical parameters of toluene-treated rats relative to the control. The liver and kidney histomorphology of the exposed rats were not different from those of the control. Oral administration of toluene, at the doses and duration used in this study, did not show any toxicity in the liver and kidney of exposed animals.
The Effect of Age on Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among African American Undergraduate Students
Authors: Andrew Prince Onyekachi , Andrew Rita Nneka
Published: March 2022

Objective: This study assessed the effect of age on HIV knowledge level among African American undergraduates at Jackson State University (JSU).

Methods: A total of 400 respondents were randomly selected from undergraduate students at JSU. A cross-sectional study design was utilized. Self-administered questionnaires regarding HIV knowledge level were used.

Results: Some respondents of this study had HIV knowledge gaps and misconceptions about the disease. This research results showed that majority of the students had good HIV knowledge level and there was no significant difference between students aged 18-24 and students aged 25 and above regarding HIV knowledge (P = 0.65).

Conclusions:  Some knowledge gaps and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS were identified in this study. This research study suggests the use of drama and other social media messaging platforms that are more appealing to this vulnerable age group in the elimination of HIV knowledge gaps and misconceptions identified in this study.
Investigating Level of Inbreeding and Its Effects on Productive Traits of Napri X Broiler Chickens
Authors: Elizabeth Ojoma Adejoh-Ubani , Okeke Rufina Obioma , Dung Edward Christopher , Lisa Bodamisi Biola , Ibrahim Onotu Suleiman , David Oziegbe Stanley , Reuben Tom Danjuma
Published: March 2022

Inbreeding refers to the mating together of individuals that are more closely related than would be the case if mating was at random. In this study, we investigate inbreeding and its effect on productive traits in NAPRI X broiler chickens. Traits measured were bodyweight and morphometric traits (Neck length, back length, keel length, breast length, thigh length and shank length). Pedigree information which consists of the base generation, 1060 (sire line) and 341 (dam line) birds; in generation 1, there were 565 (sire line selection), 859 (dam line selection), 433 (sire line control), and 592 (dam line control); and in generation 2, there were 595 (sire line selection), 764 (dam line selection), 457 (sire line control), and 654 (dam line control) were used to calculate inbreeding using J.M.P genomics software. Inbreeding significantly (p<0.05) influenced bodyweight and morphometrics in a positive direction (0.020 -1.052) though some of the traits are tending to zero. The trend in inbreeding coefficient was quadratic from the base generation to the second generation with a range of 0.38-0.81 in SLS, 0.41-0.96 in DLS, 0.51-0.80 in SCL and 0.30-1.03 in DCL. It is therefore concluded that there is a gradual build-up of inbreeding in NAPRI X population thus, the use of mate allocation programs is hereby recommended to put a limit or constraint on the level of inbreeding for the future progeny of NAPRI X broiler chickens.
Study on the Corrosive Nature of Soil Physico-Chemical Characteristics Toward Pipelines in Oil Producing Communities in Niger Delta of Nigeria
Authors: Odesiri-Eruteyan Eunice Asiboroko , Beatrice Okorhi Folawe , Ene Ogwuche Christiana
Published: March 2022

Aim: This research was carried out to investigate physicochemical characteristics of soils in oil producing areas of Delta State, Western Niger Delta region of Nigeria as they influence corrosion of buried pipelines in the region.

Study Design: Soil samples were collected along oil pipelines and at 500m away in three oil producing communities (Kokori, Otu-Jeremi and Okpai) in Delta State. Duration of Study: The study lasted for eighteen months.

Methodology: Standard methods were adopted in the collection of samples and the determinationof the physicochemical properties of the samples.

Results: The soil characteristics could influence soil corrosiveness towards buried pipelines. Soil characteristics determined were texture, soil pH, moisture content, temperature, nitrogen content, redox potential, electrical conductivity, phosphorus, sulphate, sulphide and chloride content and total organic carbon. The pH of all the soil samples was acidic (pH=5.54±0.16-6.32±0.29), soil from Okpai pipeline area had the highest electrical conductivity, chloride content and silt content of 148.00±3.02 µS/CM, 23.32±2.67 mg/g and 39.96±4.26 % respectively. Sulphate content of the soil samples was lower than 200ppm. The values were lower in soils along pipeline than soils in the farmland.

Conclusion: The soil samples have the potentials of being corrosive towards buried metal pipes. There is need for safe practices in the region.
Nutritional Evaluation of Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia quineesis Fishes from River Doma in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Aremu Matthew Olaleke , Ibrahim Hashim , Gwadabe Al–Qasim Suleiman , Audu Saratu Stephen , Mohammed Mohammed Alhaji , Omosebi Mary Omolola , Aremu Esther Damilola
Published: March 2022

Aims: This work evaluates the nutritional quality of Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia guineensis fishes from River Doma in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

Study Design: African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and tilapia (Tilapia guineensis) contribute enormously to the developing nation's nutritional, growth, and development needs, especially in terms of high protein retention in the human body.  

Methodology: Oven-dried Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia guineensis were analyzed using standard analytical techniques for proximate, mineral and amino acids compositions.

Results: The respective proximate values (g/100 g sample dry weight) of Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia guineensis were high in crude protein (48.33 and 67.82) and crude fat (26.11 and 14.83) but low in crude fibre (3.22 and 3.91) and moisture (0.23 and 0.33). The calculated fatty acids and metabolizable energy for the two fish samples were (20.89 and 11.86 %) and (2004.98 and 1799.48 KJ/100 g), respectively. The most abundant minerals in the samples were potassium (321.72 and 364.23 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (210.54 and 213.74 mg/100 g), whereas manganese, iron, and copper were of low concentration (< 0.5 mg/100 g). Leucine, phenylalanine, and lysine were the most abundant essential amino acids in both samples. At the same time, glutamic and aspartic acids together with arginine account for more than 35 % of total amino acids in each of the investigated samples. Total essential amino acids (TEAA) with histidine and total sulphur amino acids (TSAA) were (33.10 and 2.54 g/100 g cp) for Clarias gariepinus and (36.18 and 2.92 g/100 g cp) for Tilapia quineensis, respectively. Meanwhile, valine and lysine were the first and second limiting amino acids in this study's samples, respectively.

Conclusion: The fish samples were found to be good sources of quality proteins and both have the functional and essential amino acids.
Identification of Efficient Cropping Zone for Major Vegetable Crops in Different Districts of Chhattisgarh
Authors: Das Kalp , Nag G. P. , Yadu Avinash , Gayen Rajshree
Published: March 2022

A study was carried out in the Department of Vegetable Science, IGKV Raipur to identify the efficient cropping zones for major vegetable crops grown in different districts of Chhattisgarh. Production and productivity of the Major Vegetable crops (Tomato, Potato, Chilli, Brinjal, Onion, Cauliflower, Cabbage and Okra) for 6 years (2004-05 to 2010-11) and 8 years (2011-12 to 2018-19) were collected from the Directorate of Horticulture and Farm Forestry (Department of Agriculture, Government of Chhattisgarh) and Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Chhattisgarh. Two indices i.e. Relative Spread Index (RSI) and Relative Yield Index (RYI) were computed and the potential cropping districts for the study crops were identified. The outcome of study conducted from 2004-05 to 2010-11, revealed that out of 18 districts, three, one, four, three, four, two, four and two districts were found most efficient cropping zones (MECZ) for Tomato, Potato, Chilli, Brinjal, Onion, Cauliflower, Cabbage and Okra, respectively. Out of 18 districts, four, six, four, five, five, three, seven and six districts were fall under efficient cropping zones (ECZ) for Tomato, Potato, Chilli, Brinjal, Onion, Cauliflower, Cabbage and Okra, respectively. In Chhattisgarh, among 18 districts, six, five, four, three, three, four, two and five districts were considered as a less efficient cropping zones (LECZ) for Tomato, Potato, Chilli, Brinjal, Onion, Cauliflower, Cabbage and Okra, respectively. Similarly, out of 18 districts of the state, five, six, six, seven, six, nine, five and five districts were categorized under not efficient cropping zones (NECZ) for Tomato, Potato, Chilli, Brinjal, Onion, Cauliflower, Cabbage and Okra, respectively.

Results obtained during 2011-12 to 2018-19 revealed that out of 27 districts, four, three, three, one, six, four, six and two districts were considered as most efficient cropping zones (MECZ) for Tomato, Potato, Chilli, Brinjal, Onion, Cauliflower, Cabbage and Okra, respectively. Similarly, seven, ten, eight, seven, five, five, five and six were  under efficient cropping zones (ECZ) for Tomato, Potato, Chilli, Brinjal, Onion, Cauliflower, Cabbage and Okra, respectively. While, five, seven, six, six, six, six, five and eight districts were considered as a less efficient cropping zones (LECZ) for Tomato, Potato, Chilli, Brinjal, Onion, Cauliflower, Cabbage and Okra, respectively. Among 27 districts of the state, eleven, seven, ten, thirteen, ten, eleven, eleven and eleven districts are considered under not efficient cropping zones (NECZ) for Tomato, Potato, Chilli, Brinjal, Onion, Cauliflower, Cabbage and Okra, respectively.

The outcome of analysis of long term data of area and production of vegetable crops grown in different districts of Chhattisgarh indicated that the area and production of various vegetable crops have been shifted from old districts two new districts during the period of 2004-2010 and 2011-2018.