bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New relative sea-level (RSL) indications from the Eastern Mediterranean: Middle Bronze Age to the Roman period (~3800–1800 y BP) archaeological constructions at Dor, the Carmel coast, Israel
Authors: Yasur-Landau Assaf , Shtienberg Gilad , Gambash Gil , Spada Giorgio , Melini Daniele , Arkin-Shalev Ehud , Tamberino Anthony , Reese Jack , Levy Thomas E. , Sivan Dorit
Published: June 2021

This article presents new archaeological observations and multidisciplinary research from Dor, Israel to establish a more reliable relative sea level for the Carmel Coast and Southern Levant between the Middle Bronze Age and the Roman period (ca. 3500–1800 y BP). Our record indicates a period of low relative sea level, around -2.5 m below present, from the Middle Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period (ca. 3500–2200 y BP). This was followed by a rapid rise to present levels, starting in the Hellenistic period and concluding during the Roman period (ca. 2200–1800 y BP). These Roman levels agree with other relative sea-level indications from Israel and other tectonically stable areas in the Mediterranean. Several relative sea-level reconstruction models carried out in the current study provide different predictions due to their parameters and do not model the changes observed from field data which points to a non-isostatic origin for the changes. Long-term low stable Iron Age relative sea level can be seen in Dor, where Iron Age harbor structures remain around the same elevation between ca. 3100–2700 y BP. A similar pattern occurs at Atlit, the Iron Age harbor to the north used continuously from ca. 2900 y BP to the beginning of the Hellenistic period (ca. 2200 y BP). An examination of historical and archaeological sources reveals decline and occasional disappearance of Hellenistic sites along the coast of Israel at ca. 2200 y BP (2ndcentury BCE), as in the case of Yavneh Yam, Ashdod Yam, Straton’s Tower, and tel Taninim. In Akko-Ptolemais, the large harbor installations built in the Hellenistic period were never replaced by a substantial Roman harbor. The conclusions of this research are thus relevant for the sea-level research community and for the historical analyses of the Israeli and South Levantine coastline.
Womb to womb: Maternal litter size and birth weight but not adult characteristics predict early neonatal death of offspring in the common marmoset monkey
Authors: Rutherford Julienne N. , Ross Corinna N. , Ziegler Toni , Burke Larisa A. , Steffen Alana D. , Sills Aubrey , Layne Colon Donna , deMartelly Victoria A. , Narapareddy Laren R. , Tardif Suzette D.
Published: June 2021

A singular focus on maternal health at the time of a pregnancy leaves much about perinatal mortality unexplained, especially when there is growing evidence for maternal early life effects. Further, lumping stillbirth and early neonatal death into a single category of perinatal mortality may obscure different causes and thus different avenues of screening and prevention. The common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus), a litter-bearing nonhuman primate, is an ideal species in which to study the independent effects of a mother’s early life and adult phenotypes on pregnancy outcomes. We tested two hypotheses in 59 marmoset pregnancies at the Southwest National Primate Research Center and the Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies. We explored 1) whether pregnancy outcomes were predicted independently by maternal adult weight versus maternal litter size and birth weight, and 2) whether stillbirth and early neonatal death were differentially predicted by maternal variables. No maternal characteristics predicted stillbirth and no maternal adult characteristics predicted early neonatal death. In univariate Poisson models, triplet-born females had a significantly increased rate of early neonatal death (IRR[se] = 3.00[1.29], p = 0.011), while higher birth weight females had a decreased rate (IRR[se] = 0.89[0.05], p = 0.039). In multivariate Poisson models, maternal litter size remained an independent predictor, explaining 13% of the variance in early neonatal death. We found that the later in the first week those neonates died, the more weight they lost. Together these findings suggest that triplet-born and low birth weight females have distinct developmental trajectories underlying greater rates of infant loss, losses that we suggest may be attributable to developmental disruption of infant feeding and carrying. Our findings of early life contributions to adult pregnancy outcomes in the common marmoset disrupt mother-blaming narratives of pregnancy outcomes in humans. These narratives hold that the pregnant person is solely responsible for pregnancy outcomes and the health of their children, independent of socioecological factors, a moralistic framing that has shaped clinical pregnancy management. It is necessary to differentiate temporal trajectories and causes of perinatal loss and view them as embedded in external processes to develop screening, diagnostic, and treatment tools that consider the full arc of a mother’s lived experience, from womb to womb and beyond.
Associations between hedonic hunger and BMI during a two-year behavioural weight loss trial
Authors: Mead Bethan R. , Boyland Emma J. , Christiansen Paul , Halford Jason C. G. , Jebb Susan A. , Ahern Amy L.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Prospective studies on relationships between hedonic hunger and BMI (Body Mass Index) during weight management are lacking. This study examined if hedonic hunger reduced during a behavioural weight management programme, and if hedonic hunger predicted future BMI.

Methods

Participants were 594 community-dwelling, UK-based adults(396 female; age 56.43 years, s.d. = 12.50, range 20–83 years); 490 participants (82.5%) had obesity. Participants were randomised to a 12- or 52-week behavioural weight management intervention (WW12 or WW52, respectively) or a brief self-help intervention (BI). Relationships between hedonic hunger and BMI over 24 months (baseline, 3, 12, 24 months) were analysed using an autoregressive cross-lagged model.

Results

Hedonic hunger scores decreased from 2.71 (s.d. = .91) at baseline to 2.41 (s.d. = .88) at 3 months (p < .001, CI .22 to .38), remained reduced to 24 months, and were not affected by intervention arm at any time point (p’s>.05). Baseline hedonic hunger scores predicted 3-month scores (B = .76, SE = .03, p < .001, CI .71 to .82), 3-month scores predicted 12-month scores (B = .76, SE = .03, p < .001 CI .72 to .80), and 12-month scores predicted 24-month scores (B = .72, SE = .03, p < .001, CI .64 to .77). Higher hedonic hunger at 3 months predicted higher BMI at 12 months (B = .04, SE = .02, p = .03, CI .01 to .07) but not at 24 months (p>.05). BMI at 12 months was lower in WW52 30.87kg/m2, s.d. = 5.02) than WW12 (32.12 kg/m2, s.d. = 5.58, p = .02, CI .16 to 2.34) and BI (32.74 kg/m2, s.d. = 4.15, p = .01, CI .30 to 3.45). BMI was not affected by intervention at any other time point (p’s>.05).

Conclusion

Hedonic hunger reduced during weight management irrespective of intervention. Early reductions in hedonic hunger appear to be associated with lower BMI in the medium-term. Identifying ways to reduce hedonic hunger during weight loss could aid weight management for some people.
Hierarchical effects facilitate spreading processes on synthetic and empirical multilayer networks
Authors: Doyle Casey , Gunda Thushara , Naugle Asmeret
Published: June 2021

In this paper we consider the effects of corporate hierarchies on innovation spread across multilayer networks, modeled by an elaborated SIR framework. We show that the addition of management layers can significantly improve spreading processes on both random geometric graphs and empirical corporate networks. Additionally, we show that utilizing a more centralized working relationship network rather than a strict administrative network further increases overall innovation reach. In fact, this more centralized structure in conjunction with management layers is essential to both reaching a plurality of nodes and creating a stable adopted community in the long time horizon. Further, we show that the selection of seed nodes affects the final stability of the adopted community, and while the most influential nodes often produce the highest peak adoption, this is not always the case. In some circumstances, seeding nodes near but not in the highest positions in the graph produces larger peak adoption and more stable long-time adoption.
Which factors predict fertility intentions of married men and women? Results from the 2012 Niger Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Budu Eugene , Agbaglo Ebenezer , Adu Collins , Dickson Kwamena Sekyi , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Hagan John Elvis , Schack Thomas
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Niger is the country with the highest total fertility rate in the world. In the present study, we investigated factors associated with the desire for more children among married men and women in Niger.

Materials and methods

We utilised data from the 2012 Niger Demographic and Health Survey. The outcome variable for the study was fertility intentions. The data were analysed with Stata version 14.0. Both descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential (binary logistic regression) analyses were carried out.

Results

Desire for more children was 97.2% and 87.2% among men and women respectively. Women aged 45–49 were less likely to desire more children, compared to those aged 25–39 [aOR = 0.13, CI = 0.11–0.16]. The odds of desire for more children were high in rural areas, compared to urban areas [aOR = 1.61, CI = 1.20–2.17]. Childbearing women with seven or more births were less likely to desire more children, compared to those with 1–3 births [aOR = 0.09, CI = 0.06–0.14]. Men aged 50–59 were less likely to desire more children, compared to those aged 25–39 [aOR = 0.13, CI = 0.05–0.35]. Men with secondary/higher level of education were less likely to desire more children, compared to those with no formal education [aOR = 0.24, CI = 0.11–0.52]. Childbearing men with seven or more births were less likely to desire more children, compared to those with 1–3 births [aOR = 0.06, CI = 0.01–0.30].

Conclusion

This study shows high fertility desire among men and women in Niger. However, the prevalence of fertility desire among men is higher than that of women. A number of socio-economic and demographic factors were found to be associated with desire for more children among men and women in Niger. This calls for a collective effort to educate women and men in Niger on the negative consequences of rapid population growth and large family sizes.
Decreased glucocerebrosidase activity and substrate accumulation of glycosphingolipids in a novel GBA1 D409V knock-in mouse model
Authors: Polinski Nicole K. , Martinez Terina N. , Gorodinsky Alexander , Gareus Ralph , Sasner Michael , Herberth Mark , Switzer Robert , Ahmad Syed O. , Cosden Mali , Kandebo Monika , Drolet Robert E. , Buckett Peter D. , Shan Weisong , Chen Yi , Pellegrino Lee J. , Ellsworth Gregory D. , Dungan Leo B. , Hirst Warren D. , Clark Sean W. , Dave Kuldip D.
Published: June 2021

Multiple mutations have been described in the human GBA1 gene, which encodes the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucocerebrosidase (GCase) that degrades glucosylceramide and is pivotal in glycosphingolipid substrate metabolism. Depletion of GCase, typically by homozygous mutations in GBA1, is linked to the lysosomal storage disorder Gaucher’s disease (GD) and distinct or heterozygous mutations in GBA1 are associated with increased Parkinson’s disease (PD) risk. While numerous genes have been linked to heritable PD, GBA1 mutations in aggregate are the single greatest risk factor for development of idiopathic PD. The importance of GCase in PD necessitates preclinical models in which to study GCase-related mechanisms and novel therapeutic approaches, as well as to elucidate the molecular mechanisms leading to enhanced PD risk in GBA1 mutation carriers. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a novel GBA1 mouse model and to facilitate wide accessibility of the model with phenotypic data. Herein we describe the results of molecular, biochemical, histological, and behavioral phenotyping analyses in a GBA1 D409V knock-in (KI) mouse. This mouse model exhibited significantly decreased GCase activity in liver and brain, with substantial increases in glycosphingolipid substrates in the liver. While no changes in the number of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra were noted, subtle changes in striatal neurotransmitters were observed in GBA1 D409V KI mice. Alpha-synuclein pathology and inflammation were not observed in the nigrostriatal system of this model. In summary, the GBA1 D409V KI mouse model provides an ideal model for studies aimed at pharmacodynamic assessments of potential therapies aiming to restore GCase.
“Adolescents do not only require ARVs and adherence counseling”: A qualitative investigation of health care provider experiences with an HIV youth peer mentoring program in Ndola, Zambia
Authors: Abrams Elizabeth A. , Burke Virginia M. , Merrill Katherine G. , Frimpong Christiana , Miti Sam , Mwansa Jonathan K. , Denison Julie A.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) living with HIV face unique challenges and have poorer health outcomes than adults with HIV. Project YES! was a youth-led initiative to promote HIV self-management and reduce stigma among AYAs in four Ndola, Zambia clinics. Clinic health care providers (HCPs) were involved in multiple intervention aspects, including serving as expert resources during AYA and caregiver group meetings, facilitating resistance test-based AYA antiretroviral drug changes, meeting with participants referred through a safety protocol, and guiding a subset of participants’ physical transition from pediatric to adult clinic settings. This study aimed to understand HCP insights on facilitators and barriers to implementing Project YES! and scaling up a clinic-based, youth-focused program.

Methods

A trained interviewer conducted ten in-depth interviews with participating HCPs from November–December 2018 and analyzed data, identifying key themes. These themes were examined in terms of two implementation science outcomes–acceptability and feasibility–to inform scalability.

Results

HCPs found peer mentoring valuable for AYAs with HIV and the bimonthly caregiver meetings beneficial to AYA caregivers. HCPs voiced a desire for more involvement in specific processes related to patient clinical care, such as drug changes. HCPs’ experiences with the study safety protocol, including referrals for youth experiences of violence, shifted their views of AYAs and informed their understanding of key issues youth face. Considering this, many HCPs requested more resources to support AYAs’ varied needs. HCPs noted limited time and clinic space as implementation barriers but felt the program was valuable overall.

Conclusions

HCPs concluded youth peer mentoring was highly acceptable and feasible, supporting scale-up of youth-led interventions addressing the multi-faceted needs of AYAs living with HIV. Continued provider involvement in resistance test-based antiretroviral drug changes, considered in the context of health system and clinic policy, would enhance long-term success of the program at scale.
Follow the leader? Orange-fronted conures eavesdrop on conspecific vocal performance and utilise it in social decisions
Authors: Thomsen Heidi M. , Balsby Thorsten J. S. , Dabelsteen Torben
Published: June 2021

Animals regularly use social information to make fitness-relevant decisions. Particularly in social interactions, social information can reduce uncertainty about the relative quality of conspecifics, thus optimising decisions on with whom and how to interact. One important resource for individuals living in social environments is the production of information by signalling conspecifics. Recent research has suggested that some species of parrots engage in affiliative contact call matching and that these interactions may be available to conspecific unintended receivers. However, it remains unclear what information third parties may gain from contact call matching and how it can be utilised during flock decisions. Here, using a combined choice and playback experiment, we investigated the flock fusion choices and vocal behaviour of a social parrot species, the orange-fronted conure (Eupsittula canicularis), to a contact call matching interaction between two individuals of different sexes and with different vocal roles. Our results revealed that orange-fronted conures chose to follow vocal leaders more often than vocal followers during fusions. Furthermore, flocks responded with higher call rates and matched the stimulus calls closer when subsequently choosing a vocal leader. Interestingly, orange-fronted conures also showed higher contact call rates and closer matches when choosing males over females. These results suggest that paying attention to conspecific contact call interactions can provide individuals with social information that can be utilised during fission and fusion events, significantly influencing the social dynamics of orange-fronted conures.
Correlation between thoracolumbar disc degeneration and anatomical spinopelvic parameters in supine position on MRI
Authors: Walter Sven S. , Lorbeer Roberto , Hefferman Gerald , Schlett Christopher L. , Peters Anette , Rospleszcz Susanne , Nikolaou Konstantin , Bamberg Fabian , Notohamiprodjo Mike , Maurer Elke
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study aims to investigate the correlation between spinopelvic parameters in supine position (pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), lumbar lordosis (LL)), disc degeneration and herniation of the thoracolumbar spine, as well as cardiovascular risk factors and back pain in a southern German cohort from the general population.

Methods

This study is a cross-sectional, case–control study drawn from a prospective cohort of the “Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg/Kooperative Gesundheitsforschung in der Region Augsburg” study (KORA). In total, 374 participants (mean age 56.4 ± 9.2 years; 57.8% male) from the whole-body MRI cohort (FF4) were included. All participants underwent a standardized whole-body MRI on which disc degeneration of the thoracic and lumbar spine was evaluated using a sequence adapted Pfirrmann score. PI, PT, SS and LL were measured according to the description in the literature, using sagittal imaging. Furthermore, disc bulging and protrusion were assessed. Correlations were estimated by logistic regression models providing odds ratios.

Results

Mean PI was 54.0° ± 11.1°, PT 13.0° ± 5.8°, SS 40.2° ± 8.8° and LL 36.2° ± 9.6°. SS was greater in men (p<0.05) and lumbar lordosis in women (p<0.001). PT increased by 0.09° per age-year with rising age. Age was not associated with PI, SS and LL. Neither BMI, hypertension, cholesterol, lipid levels, nor physical activity were associated with PI, PT, SS or LL. Diabetes mellitus negatively correlated with SS (β = -4.19; 95%CI -7.31–1.06, p<0.01). Smaller spinopelvic parameters (PI, SS and LL) where significantly (p<0.05) correlated with an increased frequency of disc bulging, as well as a local clustering in the lumbar, but not the thoracic spine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, spinopelvic parameters, measured in supine position, are significantly correlated with disc bulging alone; there is no significant correlation between supine spinopelvic parameters and disc degeneration, back pain or cardiovascular risk factors.
Integrating a problem-solving intervention with routine care to improve psychosocial functioning among mothers of children with sickle cell disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Asnani Monika R. , Francis Damian , Knight-Madden Jennifer , Chang-Lopez Susan , King Lesley , Walker Susan
Published: June 2021

Objective

To assess the feasibility of a problem-solving skills training intervention in improving psychological outcomes in mothers of infants with sickle cell disease (SCD).

Design and methods

This parallel randomized controlled trial recruited 64 babies with SCD, 6 to 12 months of age, and their mothers. Baseline measurements assessed mothers’ coping and problem-solving skills, depression, and parental stress before random assignment to intervention or control groups (n = 32 each). Problem-solving skills intervention was delivered through 6 monthly sessions, when babies attended for routine penicillin prophylaxis. All measurements were repeated for both groups at the end of the intervention period. Intention to treat analysis used repeated measures mixed models with the restricted estimation maximum likelihood approach.

Results

The problem-solving intervention had no significant effect on mothers’ problem-solving skills (adjusted treatment effect: -1.69 points (95% CI:-5.62 to 2.25)), coping behaviours (adjusted treatment effect: 0.65 points (95% CI:- -7.13 to 8.41)) or depressive symptoms (adjusted treatment effect: -0.41 (95% CI: -6.00 to 5.19)). It reduced mothers’ level of difficulty in managing stressful events by 9.5 points (95% CI (-16.86 to -2.16); effect size: 0.21 SD). In the subgroup of mothers at risk of depression (n = 31 at baseline), the intervention reduced depression scores with treatment effect of 10.4 points (95%CI: -18.83 to -1.88; effect size: 0.67 SD).

Conclusion

This problem-solving skills intervention study suggests feasibility and possible efficacy in improving some maternal outcomes. Further refinement and culturally appropriate adaptations of the intervention could lead to stronger effects.
Genetically modified food and consumer risk responsibility: The effect of regulatory design and risk type on cognitive information processing
Authors: Pakseresht Ashkan , Edenbrandt Anna Kristina , Lagerkvist Carl Johan
Published: June 2021

The use of agro-biotechnology has raised consumer concerns about environmental, health, socio-economic and ethical risks. This study examines how regulatory policies regarding genetically modified (GM) food production affect consumers’ cognitive information processing, in terms of perceived risk, self-control, and risk responsibility. There is further analysis of whether the effect of policy design is moderated by risk type. Data was generated in a field experiment (n = 547), including four different policy scenario treatments (banned, research and development, import, and full commercialization). The results reveal that policy scenarios where GM food is available on the market are associated with higher levels of perceived risk and lower levels of self-control compared with policies where GM food is banned. There was no evidence of policy scenarios affecting consumer willingness to assign personal risk responsibility. However, among participants who indicated health risks as their main concern, there was an effect from the policy scenario on self-risk responsibility as mediated through perceived risk and self-control. The results suggest that health-conscious consumers tend to attribute less responsibility to themselves in situations where a genetically modified product was commercialized. These findings indicate a need to clarify guideline recommendations for health-related risks associated with foods derived from biotechnology.
Methacrylate peak determination and selection recommendations using ATR-FTIR to investigate polymerisation of dental methacrylate mixtures
Authors: Delgado António H. S. , Young Anne M.
Published: June 2021

Investigation of polymerisation kinetics using ATR-FTIR systems is common in many dental studies. However, peak selection methods to calculate monomer-polymer conversion can vary, consequently affecting final results. Thus, the aim of this study is to experimentally confirm which method is less prone to systematic errors. Three commercial restorative materials were tested–Vertise Flow (VF), Constic and Activa Bioactive Restorative Kids. Firstly, Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infra-Red (ATR-FTIR) (Spectrum One, Perkin-Elmer, UK) spectra of monomers were acquired—10-methacryloyloxy decyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP), bisphenol-A glycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), triethyelene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) to investigate proportionality of methacrylate peak heights versus concentration. Spectral changes upon light exposure of 2 mm discs of the restorative materials (irradiated for 20 s, LED curing unit 1100–1330 mW/cm2) were assessed to study polymerisation kinetics (n = 3), with continuous acquisition of spectra, before, during and after light exposure. Peak differences and degrees of conversion (DC %) were calculated using 1320/1336, 1320/1350 and 1636/1648 cm-1 as reaction/reference peaks. Inferential statistics included a MANOVA and within-subjects repeated measures ANOVA design (5% significance level). Proportionality of methacrylate peak height to concentration was confirmed, with the 1320/1352 cm-1 peak combination showing the lowest coefficient of variation (8%). Difference spectra of the polymerisation reaction showed noise interference around the 1500–1800 cm-1 region. Across the different materials, DC % results are highly dependent upon peak selection (p<0.001), with higher variability associated to the 1636 cm-1. Significant differences in the materials were only detected when the 1320 cm-1 peak was used (p<0.05). Within the same materials, methods were significantly different for Constic and Activa (p<0.05). It is possible to conclude that the 1320 cm-1 peak is more adequate to assess polymerisation of methacrylates and is therefore recommended.
Um olhar sobre o cartório medieval de Elvas
Authors: Sequeira Joana , Ferreira Sérgio
Published: June 2021

Este artigo centra-se no estudo de um inventário de documentação do cartório da vila de Elvas realizado em 1432, que se encontra inserido no único livro de receitas e despesas medieval do concelho que sobreviveu até aos nossos dias. É igualmente apresentada, em Apêndice, a transcrição integral deste livro de contas. No estudo, começa-se por discutir as circunstâncias e os objetivos da elaboração deste rol de documentos, passando-se depois à análise dos descritores documentais e propondo-se uma classificação estatística por tipo de assunto versado. Por fim, confronta-se o inventário quatrocentista com o atual inventário do arquivo, na tentativa de identificar alguns dos documentos referidos no inventário medieval e aferir a percentagem dos documentos sobreviventes.
SOFTWARE FOR THE DESIGN OF GEARING WITH AN ASYMMETRIC PROFILE
Authors: Miláček Ondřej
Published: June 2021

This article is a continuation of previously published articles. This paper briefly describes the positive and negative qualities of asymmetric gearing from the point of view of loading conditions applied at the gearset, and the development and latest update of the software for designing this special involute gearing. The precise profile of the manufacturing tool is also described. All display options, and the option of gear mesh animation using this program, is shown. All equations necessary for the gearing geometry description, and a special approach with respect to x-shift coefficients distribution, are also mentioned in this paper.
Exploring the place of animation and the role of the classroom-based film-maker within a wider field of Scottish moving image education
Authors: Munro Robert , Charles Jonathan
Published: June 2021

This article explores animation as a popular mode of moving image education in the wider field of Scottish film education, through a discussion with film education practitioner Jonathan Charles. It reflects on Jonathan’s pedagogic approach to film education, the way in which it is shaped and aligned with changing institutional and funding imperatives, and the affordances of animation, through a detailed look at a film-making project with a primary school in West Lothian, Scotland. It reflects upon the challenge to maintain in-depth film experiences for young people, with training and working with teachers to allow film experiences to be scalable and multiply to reach a wider range of young people. The article also discusses the drive to give young people agency throughout the film-making process, and how film education practitioners and teachers can best facilitate that.
Limnological Characteristics Reveal Metal Pollution Legacy in Lakes near Canada’s Northernmost Mine, Little Cornwallis Island, Nunavut
Authors: Sivarajah Branaavan , Michelutti Neal , Wang Xiaowa , Grooms Christopher , Smol John P.
Published: June 2021

We compared modern limnological characteristics of three lakes near the world’s northernmost base metal (lead-zinc) mine, Polaris Mine, which operated from 1981 to 2002 on Little Cornwallis Island (Nunavut, Canada), to a suite of sites from Resolute Bay (Qausuittuq), Cornwallis Island. Although both study regions are underlain by broadly similar geology and experience nearly identical climatic conditions, present-day water chemistry variables differed markedly between sites on the two islands. Specifically, the lakes near the Polaris Mine recorded substantially higher concentrations of zinc and lead, as well as several other heavy metals (cadmium, molybdenum, nickel, uranium, vanadium), relative to the sites on Cornwallis Island. Although the Polaris Mine closed in 2002, elevated levels of heavy metals in our 2017 survey are likely a legacy of contamination from prior operations.
Food, Mobility, and Health in a 17th and 18th Century Arctic Mining Population in Silbojokk, Swedish Sápmi
Authors: Fjellström Markus , Lindgren Åsa , López-Costas Olalla , Eriksson Gunilla , Lidén Kerstin
Published: June 2021

Established in 1635, the silver mine of Nasafjäll and the smeltery site in Silbojokk in Swedish Sápmi were used during several phases until the late 19th century. Excavations in Silbojokk, c. 40 km from Nasafjäll, have revealed buildings such as a smeltery, living houses, a bakery, and a church with a churchyard. From the beginning, both local and non-local individuals worked at the mine and the smeltery. Non-locals were recruited to work in the mine and at the smeltery, and the local Sámi population was recruited to transport the silver down to the Swedish coast. Females, males, and children of different ages were represented among the individuals buried at the churchyard in Silbojokk, which was used between c. 1635 and 1770. Here we study diet, mobility, and exposure to lead (Pb) in the smeltery workers, the miners, and the local population. By employing isotopic analysis, δ13C, δ15N, δ34S, 87Sr/86Sr and elemental analysis, we demonstrate that individuals in Silbojokk had a homogenous diet, except for two individuals. In addition, both local and non-local individuals were all exposed to Pb, which in some cases could have been harmful to their health.
China Belt and Road Initiative:
Authors: DZEKASHU WILLIAM
Published: June 2021

Most of Sub-Sahara Africa gained independence from Europe in a wave from 1957 through the late 1980s with the notion that her former colonial masters would be development partners in the newfound era of political, social, and economic freedom. This perception of partnership is evidenced in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, but regrettably, in other countries in the continent, there have been delays in infrastructure development. With Europe’s failure to meet the expectation, Africa has turned to China as a development partner. China has tackled some of the urgent infrastructure needs in return for agricultural products and natural resources. This recent partnership with China continues to expand in Africa, demonstrated by the launching of the Belt and Roads Initiative (BRI). East and Southern Africa represent the highest beneficiaries of the BRI engagements, receiving over half of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China whose foreign investment practices in Africa have come under great criticism from the West. This skepticism is due to the vague nature of the engagements and notes which are not publicly reported. This persistent suspicion by the West calls for close monitoring of the relations between the US and China that could easily escalate to a conflict between both nations. Though under attack, BRI has scored great instances of success through the execution of major infrastructure and commercial projects in partner nations. An issue of focus addressed here is whether the engagements with China represent sustainable relationships for development.
Environmental Effects of Generator Fumes in Kwara State, Nigeria: A Survey- An Empirical Evidence
Authors: Saka Abdulrasaki
Published: June 2021

In March 2019 the Nigeria, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) funded a proposal I submitted to conduct a research project aimed at determining the quantitative magnitude impact of environmental effects of generator fumes in Kwara State, Nigeria. This paper assesses the impact of this energy use and measure on health hazards, environmental damage and social hazards, using households and business owners as the key units of analyses. Our findings indicate that affected users reacted heterogeneously to the effects of fossil-fuels-electric-generator which releases generator fumes from its exhaust pipe. Specifically, data analyzed were sufficiently adequate to reveal its significance that an increase in neighbors’ exposure to hazards by 1 unit reduces generator fumes by about 6 per cent; whereas an increase in health hazards (impaired visibility, deafness, sleeplessness, choking sensation and dizziness), and noise pollution (environmental hazards),  by 1 unit increases generator fumes by about 9%; and an increase by one unit of parent/s who are usually followed by their wards to start fossil-fuels-electric-generator increases generator fumes by about 5% (0.046), holding all other factors constant. As expected, the impacts of the measure on the use of fossil-fuels-electric-generator has been rather serious in health and environmental concerns.
Impact of Market Orientation Components on Organizational Performance of SMEs. The single-industry approach " Food and Beverage Sector"
Authors: Abdulsamad Akram , ALI Noor Azman , Mahomed Anuar Shah Bali , Hashim Haslinda , Jandab Abdulwahab , Hamdan Abdalkrim , Al-Sharif Abdulrahman M.
Published: June 2021

This study examines the direct effect of the three main components of the market orientation on the organizational performance of SMEs in Yemen. Four variables are used in the research, are competitor orientation, customer orientation, and inter-functional coordination, as the exogenous latent variables, whereas organizational performance, as the endogenous latent variable. The quantitative approach is applied in this study with causal and descriptive research. The single-sector method is adopted, is the food and beverage sector, by using random sample sampling, the sample size was 640 managers/owners. only 459 samples were valid to conduct the analysis by using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) in SmartPLS Software version 3.0. The findings of the study reveal that the three main components of the market orientation have a positive and significant impact on SMEs' organizational performance. However, the effect size of customer orientation on organizational performance was more than competitor orientation and inter-functional coordination.
The Impact of Reinvention Reforms and Public Service Motivation on Organizational Performance in Government Agencies
Authors: Liu Hsiang-Te , Chao Ren-Fang , Wu Tsung-Lin , Hsu Li-Yi
Published: June 2021

The pursuit of organisational performance has long been a focus of administrative innovation in government agencies. To understand the impact of reinvention reforms and public service motivation on organisational performance in the public sector, the present study conducted a survey with civil servants in Taiwan as the research subjects. A total of 953 valid questionnaires were collected and analysed using structural equation modelling. The results show that reinvention reforms have a significant positive impact on public service motivation, and that public service motivation has a significant positive effect on both internal organisational performance and external organisational performance. In addition, the present study also confirms that public service motivation plays a mediating role between reinvention reforms and internal organisational performance and external organisational performance.
From apartheid to Post-Apartheid: The Representational Trajectory to a Multiracial Nation in Nadine Gordimer’s None to Accompany Me, Andre Brink’s The Rights of Desire and Zakes Mda’s The Madonna of Excelsior
Authors: LANGMIA FORTI ETIENNE
Published: June 2021

This article, which draws inspiration from the literary works of three South African writers, focuses on the two (amongst many) major historic periods in the life of the present-day nation described as post-apartheid South Africa. The two periods, evident in the works of Andre Brink, Zakes Mda and Nadine Gordimer under review, are the reign of apartheid and the transition to a democratic multiracial society built on the principles of equality and the respect of the rights and freedoms of South Africans.  From both historical and literary standpoints, the transition to multiracialism is the outcome of the struggle of the oppressed black population of South Africa against the oppressive monolithic racist regime which ruled the country on an official governance policy which it called ‘Apartheid’. In order to enforce this inhumane worldview, the said racist regime used means of brutality and savagery with the intention of transforming the country into a ‘white nation’ that would belong to a minority-turned majority known as the Afrikaners. The often callous and gruesome acts of inhumanity perpetrated by the different racist apartheid regimes (that ruled South Africa from 1948-1994) became a major concern to the world at large and South African anti-apartheid writers in particular.  Thus this category of the country’s writers tended to use literature as an instrument of protest against racial discrimination, which brought untold hardship to the black population. Andre Brink, Zakes Mda, and Nadine Gordimer are among the writers whose works vividly trace the South African experience from apartheid to post-apartheid eras. Brink, Mda and Gordimer in their respective works attempt to portray the endeavours and challenges of reconstructing the new nation from the debris of close to four decades of the brutal regime. The main issues discussed in this article are analyzed from New Historicist and Postcolonial perspectives due to the peculiar postcolonial nature of South Africa.
Instytucjonalna Polityka Otwartego Dostępu. Działania związane z wprowadzeniem otwartego mandatu wobec publikacji naukowych na Politechnice Krakowskiej
Authors: Górski Marek M. , Buzdygan Dorota , Lipińska Dorota
Published: June 2021

Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie działań poprzedzających wprowadzenie Polityki Otwartego Dostępu wobec publikacji naukowych na Politechnice Krakowskiej (PK). Działania, których skutkiem było przyjęcie otwartego mandatu na PK, obejmowały m.in.: przygotowanie infrastruktury informatycznej – w tym utworzenie Repozytorium PK, opracowanie dokumentów prawnych, udostępnienie rozpraw doktorskich, wprowadzenie otwartych licencji dla czasopism naukowych wydawanych na PK, działania informacyjne i edukacyjne w zakresie OA. Prace te realizowano zgodnie z wytycznymi zawartymi w dokumentach rządowych oraz na podstawie praktycznych rozwiązań zrealizowanych w instytucjach naukowych. Konsekwencją tych działań było wprowadzenie, na mocy zarządzenia Rektora PK z dnia 22 marca 2019 roku, Polityki Otwartego Dostępu na PK. W podsumowaniu omówiono również dane przedstawione w pierwszym Raporcie z realizacji Polityki Otwartego Dostępu na Politechnice Krakowskiej.
ONDOKUZ MAYIS ÜNİVERSİTESİ KURUPELİT KAMPÜSÜ ÖĞRENCİ HARCAMALARININ ATAKUM İLÇESİNİN EKONOMİSİNE KATKISI
Authors: DEMİRAL Gökhan , KURT Halil
Published: June 2021

Kurulduğu sahalara çeşitli alanlarda fayda sağlayan üniversiteler, eğitim fonksiyonlarının yanı sıra önemli bir yatırım aracı olarak da görülmektedir. Bu çalışmada Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Kurupelit Kampüsü’ndeki fakültelerde eğitim gören öğrencilerin, 2019-2020 eğitim ve öğretim döneminde Atakum ilçesine yapmış oldukları ekonomik katkı araştırılmıştır. Araştırmada ayrıca öğrencilerin harcama gruplarına göre bütçesinden aylık ne kadar harcadığı ve bu harcamaların bütçe içerisindeki oranları belirlenmiştir. Çalışmanın yapılabilmesi için gerekli olan veriler 386 öğrenciye anket uygulanarak temin edilmiş ve elde edilen bu verilerin analizi SPSS 20.0 programı kullanılarak yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda öğrencilerin aylık bütçeleri içerisinde en fazla harcama yaptıkları üç alanın kira/konut, gıda ve haberleşme/ulaşım olduğu saptanmıştır. Öğrencilerin aylık ortalama geliri 923,57 TL, aylık ortalama harcamalarının ise 916,45 TL olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Kampüsteki 11 fakültede bulunan toplam 29.702 öğrencinin Atakum ilçesine yıllık yaklaşık olarak 238.892.800 TL katkı sağladığı belirlenmiştir. Bu miktar ilçe ekonomisi için oldukça önemli bir meblağ olmasına rağmen, Atakum ekonomisi içerisindeki önemini kaybetmektedir. Bunun nedeni ise Atakum’un son yıllarda yaşadığı hızlı gelişmeye bağlı olarak yoğun göç alması ve bu göçlere bağlı olarak ilçenin ekonomik hacminin üniversiteden bağımsız olarak büyümesidir. İlçedeki bu ekonomik büyüme nedeniyle öğrencilerin ilçe ekonomisine olan katkılarının oranı giderek azalmaktadır.
Extending meromorphic connections to coadmissible ̑𝒟-modules
Authors: Bitoun Thomas , Bode Andreas
Published: June 2021

We investigate when a meromorphic connection on a smooth rigid analytic variety 𝑋 gives rise to a coadmissible

D
⏜

X

\overparen{\mathcal{D}}_{X}

-module, and show that this is always the case when the roots of the corresponding 𝑏-functions are all of positive type.
We also use this theory to give an example of an integrable connection on the punctured unit disk whose pushforward is not a coadmissible module.
Electrostatically actuated double walled piezoelectric nanoshell subjected to nonlinear van der Waals effect: nonclassical vibrations and stability analysis
Authors: Hashemi Kachapi Sayyid H.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, nonlinear vibration and frequency response analysis of double walled piezoelectric nanoshell (DWPENS) is investigated using nonclassical approach of the Gurtin–Murdoch surface/interface (GMSIT) theory. The piezoelectric nanoshell is simultaneously subjected to visco-Pasternak medium, the nonlinear van der Waals and electrostatic forces. Hamilton’s principles, the assumed mode method combined with Lagrange–Euler’s are used for the governing equations and boundary conditions. Complex averaging method combined with Arc-length continuation is used to achieve the nonlinear frequency response and stability analysis of the DWPENS. It is found that the electrostatic and piezoelectric voltages, the length to radius ratio, the nanoshell gap width, van der Waals (vdW) coefficients and other parameters can effectively change the flexural rigidity of the system which in turn affects the nonlinear frequency response. And also, increasing or decreasing of some parameters lead to increasing or decreasing the resonance amplitude, resonant frequency, the system’s instability, nonlinear behavior, and bandwidth.
Light fidelity optical network a comparative performance evaluation
Authors: Tripathi Devendra Kr. , Singh Pallavi
Published: June 2021

Light-Fidelity (Li-Fi) is the bidirectional communication technique, tenders almost unlimited bandwidth, exploit unlicensed spectrum of light waves. Accordingly, this manuscript illustrates usage of visible light communication (VLC) applied as Li-Fi, an efficient scheme to broadcast data wirelessly as well safer technique in contrary to the customary Wireless-Fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks. In support numerical simulations have been executed over the proposed Li-Fi model for the parametric variation with the data rate, laser power, modulation format and wavelength, communication length. Investigations have showed good output performance, with hike in data rate BER variation as 10−94–10−23 and testing length. Simulations of network with DPSK and NRZ modulation formats at high data transmission of 10 Gbps have showed good output performance with 10−40 with DPSK format. Li-Fi systems are quality solution for the impending communication systems save cost, provide high spectral efficiency.
Trade and Cooperation Agreement Between the EU and the UK: Conditionality Versus Sovereignty
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Babynina Lyudmila
Published: June 2021

The United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, 2020. On December 31, 2020, the transition period ended, during which all EU rules and regulations applied to Britain. The trade agreement was reached in record time, but it is too early to talk about long-term mutual benefits. The British case in the system of trade and economic agreements of the European Union is unique. On the one hand, at the time of the negotiations, the UK retained EU law, was a member of the EU Single Internal Market and Customs Union, subject to the jurisdiction of the EU Court of Justice. On the other hand, the EU for the first time found itself in a situation when a third country was determined to distance itself as much as possible from EU rules while concluding a trade agreement, despite the obvious economic losses. At the same time, both sides understood that the absence of an agreement threatened all interested actors with serious losses, and that it must be concluded. As a result, the compromise text of the TCA reflects the fundamentally different approaches of the parties to bilateral cooperation, and its provisions suggest a change of its format in the future.
Party-Political System Transformation in Italy
Authors:   MGIMO University, Maslova Elena ,   Institute of Europe RAS, Shebalina Ekaterina ,   MGIMO University
Published: June 2021

Throughout the years of the existence of the Italian Republic, the country's political system has been characterized by both periods of stability and turbulence. The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of the Italian party-political system and political landscape, macrotendencies of Italian politics from the First Republic (1948) to the present. The research highlights the main features of each period. The authors reflect on the possible emergence of the Third Republic in Italy. The study is relevant in view of the growing government crisis in the Italian Republic, aggravated by the epidemiological situation. Among the main trends that characterize the modern political system, the authors underline increasing heterogeneity, the emergence of coalitions that are formed not in accordance with political programs and political values, but with the political situation based on the principle “here and now”; tendency towards personification of parties, and increasing fragmentation of political spectrum. This gives a ground to deliberate on a possible existence in Italy of “liquid politics” (politica liquida) as a state of continuous political system “melting and overflowing” in the absence of a clear ideological delimitation ‒ one of the stages at which a new political reality is being constructed.