bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Board Structure Problem in Aviation Companies: The Relationship of Political Connection and Multiple Directorship on Firm Performance
Authors: Lestari Marsya Chikita , Utama Cynthia Afriani
Published: August 2021

This study analyzes the relationship between the political connection and multiple directorships of aviation companies’ board members and their firm performance. This research will focus on companies in the aviation sector on a broader subsector than previous studies. It will help the shareholder of the aviation companies determine board structure policies and evaluate the implementations conducted so far. This research uses descriptive statistics and regression analysis for the panel data model. Moreover, this study uses a purposive sampling technique secondary data from the aviation company’s annual reports in the Asia continent for the 2016-2020 period. The results show that the multiple directorships negatively affect firm performance in aviation companies while the board’s political connections positively affect firm performance, measured by its Return on Equity (ROE). In contrast, the multiple directorships and political connections do not impact aviation companies' firm performance measured by their Return on Assets (ROA). Overall, this study in the Asia continent asserts the previous study where the political connection positively affects the airline’s firm performance in the US. The result can support the corporate governance practice of deciding board structure in the aviation sectors in Asia in terms of political connection and multiple directorships.DOI: 10.26905/jkdp.v25i3.5892
The Impact of COVID-19 on Informal Caregivers in the US
Authors:   1Research for Aging Populations, OptumLabs, 2UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, 3AARP Services, Inc.
Published: August 2021

Background: Caregiver burden has negative effects on mental and physical health along with quality of life. Meanwhile, social and physical distancing protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic have created additional impacts on informal caregiving in a rapidly changing environment. Early research over the past year suggests that the pandemic has caused increased caregiver burden as well as caregiving intensity among these individuals. Purpose: Our primary purpose in this informational literature review is to describe the impacts of the pandemic on informal caregiver burden and the sudden shift in roles and responsibilities as a result of pandemic-related changes in caregiving. This review will describe emerging effects on various aspects of health among informal caregivers and explore the growing need to support unpaid caregiving during this time. Methods: A streamlined search was conducted to fit the scope of this review, with key terms determined to identify relevant publications. Common research databases and up-to-date mainstream resources were utilized. Notably, we focused on research published or released since March 2020, primarily rapidly reviewed studies, to align with the timing of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. Results: Early research suggests that the pandemic has worsened caregiver burden and increased caregiving intensity and hours of care among unpaid, informal family caregivers. Reported health impacts include higher stress, pain, and depression, along with decreased social connectedness and quality of life. Notably, however, COVID-related research generally does not focus on the positive aspects of caregiving, such as its role as a source of purpose in life, creating an opportunity to explore ways to boost certain valuable personal resources among caregivers. Conclusions: Informal family caregivers face their own negative health outcomes and distress as a result of greater caregiver burden, intensity, and the changing landscape of caregiving during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Immediate policy and support recommendations should be considered to alleviate informal caregiver burden and provide ongoing resources over the longer term. In addition, future work should explore the potential of boosting positive resources such as resilience and purpose to ease caregiver burden.
Characteristics of Children Aged <18 Years Hospitalized in Sidra Medicine with Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 Doha-Qatar, March 1-December 12, 2020
Authors:   1Pediatric neurology department. 2pathology department at Sidra medicine /Doha –Qatar.
Published: August 2021

Most reported cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children aged <18 years appear to be asymptomatic or with mild symptoms, adolescents aged 12-17 were twice that of children aged 5-11 years to be affected and those with underlying conditions were more school-aged children with severe outcomes related to COVID-19. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of children with COVID-19.
Power analysis of the pressing process in a cone-shaped screw press
Authors: Khaveri Khaver Alimkhan
Published: August 2021

The basic principles of energy policy in agriculture include: solution of social problems of the village, stable and reliable fuel–and energy-saving, environmental safety of energy facilities and technologies, intense energy, the use of automated technology and high-quality fuel, increasing use of natural gas, electricity, solar energy and biomass, the development of small power. Based on the force analysis of the conical screw, expressions are obtained that allow us to theoretically determine the possible occurrence of maximum pressure and the performance of such presses.
Spontaneous macromutants "soft wheat" or a complete homolog of Tritcum kiharae Dorof. et Migusch
Authors: Romanov Boris Vasylyevich , Pimonov Konstantin Igorevich , Sorokina Irina Yurievna
Published: August 2021

For the successful development of breeding, a genetically diverse source material is necessary. The decline in genetic diversity is a global problem affecting most cultivated crops, including wheat. In this regard, the creation of a homologous soft wheat form for the second phylogenetic branch is very attractive, since it will be a valuable source material for the selection improvement of Triticum aestivum L.. AuBD. Previously derived from T. kiharae Dorof. et Migusch., AbGD under the influence of N-HMM (nitrosomethyl urea), the complete homologue showed phenomenal both phenotypic and certain genotypic similarity to soft wheat and easily crosses with the varieties of the latter. Later, the homologous form of soft wheat obtained from it under the influence of colchicine, despite its phenotypic proximity to the latter, looked like an intermediate form. Spontaneous macromutants "soft wheat" are shown, isolated, in the first case, from T. kiharae plants that have previously changed color, and, in the second, from the so-called intermediate form. The identified soft wheat macromutants were significantly superior in their production characteristics to the original T. kiharae and can also be used as a starting material to improve the characteristics of T. aestivum.
ADOPTION AND IMPACTS OF NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION IN ARSI ZONE, ETHIOPIA
Authors: Challa Tamrat Gebiso
Published: August 2021

Land degradation in Ethiopia alone accounts for 8% of the global total degradation. The most serious problem concerning country’s land resources, however, is the removal of fertile topsoil by water. Population pressure which results to intensive cultivation, overgrazing deforestation and inappropriate land use practices are the most serious cause of soil erosion in Ethiopia which is more severe in the highlands areas where, 85% of the human and 77% of livestock population are living and agriculture is intensive. To reverse the situation the government of Ethiopia designed policy and programs which are holistic and landscape wide approaches. Based on the strategies, different soil and water management programs have been implemented throughout the country and different practices were introduced to farmers as well for more than ten years. The central questions of this research were, whether farmers adopt these soil and water conservation practices; and if yes, do these soil and water conservation interventions have an impact in improving crop production in value per hectare and gross annual income of participating households? If yes, how much is the impact? Based on above objectives, the research was conducted in Arsi zone and data was collected from 202 respondents in representative districts. Both adopters and counterfactual respondents were included. Educational background of households, farming experiences, size of landholding, slop of plot, degree of vulnerability of the districts and extension contact significantly and positively affect adoption probability while land fragmentation was significant and negatively influencing adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) activity. Though it was not statistically significant, SWC adoption has positive impact on productivity, gross production and income of the household. The average treatment effect on treated (ATT) was 6358.86 ETB of total household income which could be proxy for farm level productivity and 85.35 quintal of total annual farm production.
Resiliencia socio-ecológica: una perspectiva teórico-metodológica para el turismo comunitario
Authors: Chontasi Morales Fernando David , Noguera Benalcázar Jessica Dayana , Ortega Vásconez Daniela Pilar , Chicaiza Guaman Mery Tatiana , Naula Morillo Luis Arturo , Duarte Victorero Diana Carolina
Published: August 2021

La resiliencia es una capacidad de las localidades turísticas por medio de la cual lidian con el cambio y las perturbaciones que ponen en peligro los recursos de vida. Los objetivos de este artículo son analizar los aportes teórico-metodológicos de la resiliencia en el turismo y diseñar un marco analítico, integral y flexible con el propósito de estimar la resiliencia de forma cualitativa en comunidades locales turísticas. Además, intenta servir de guía a investigadores que necesitan dar precisión a sus experiencias empíricas. Metodológicamente, se recurre a la revisión de la literatura especializada, con ello se examina el aporte recíproco de los sistemas socio-ecológicos y la resiliencia en el turismo. Enseguida se utiliza el método de análisis-síntesis, con la intención de identificar la importancia y el alcance de los elementos de un marco teórico-metodológico. Luego, se unifican criterios semejantes, a fin de conectar relaciones y formar un todo como aporte al conocimiento científico. De acuerdo con los resultados, la capacidad de análisis de los marcos teórico-metodológicos se sustenta en las características de los sistemas socio-ecológicos, el uso de factores de resiliencia y el empleo de medidas operacionales de resiliencia.
Evaluation of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Some Botanicals against Rice Weevil Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Stored Maize
Authors:   Department of Agricultural Entomology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai- 625104, N Anandhabhairavi , M Shanthi ,   Department of Agricultural Entomology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai- 625104, C Chinniah ,   Department of Agricultural Entomology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai- 625104, R Geetha ,   Department of Seed Science and Technology, Agricultural College and Research Institute , Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai- 625104, s Vellaikumar ,   Department of Biotechnology, Agricultural College and Research Institute , Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai- 625104
Published: August 2021

In the present study, botanicals (11 nos.) were extracted using ethyl acetate solvent (mid-polar) and evaluated for their fumigant toxicity and repellent activity at 5% concentration against rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L. in comparison with Acorus calamus.The results revealed that all the botanicals were effective against Sitophilus oryzae compared to untreated control. Mentha spicata 5% ethyl acetate extract exhibited 83.33% fumigant toxicity after 72 hours of treatment with maximum repellency rate of 76.11%. Ocimum sanctum displayed 80.00% fumigant toxicity with the repellency rate of 76.11% and grouped under Class IV. Vitex negundo 5% treatment caused 83.33% fumigant toxicity, and it was statistically on par with the M. spicata and the repellency rate was 72.78 against S. oryzae. Curcuma longa caused effective repellency rate of 75.56% and was grouped under Class IV. Hence, it is concluded that 5% ethyl acetate extract of M. spicata, V. negundo and O.sanctum were toxic against S. oryzae in stored maize.
Atypical cutaneous relapse of multiple myeloma
Authors: Jean-Baptiste Rieu , Francois Vergez , Jill Corre , Aurore Perrot , Pierre-Luc Mouchel
Published: August 2021

A 66-year-old patient, diagnosed κ light chains MM with t(11;14), presented before second cycle with bendamustine-dexamethasone.
Relação entre depressão, ansiedade e desempenho acadêmico: um estudo transversal com acadêmicos de medicina
Authors: Bortolini Guilherme Faé , De Oliveira Luiz Augusto Marques de Carvalho , Nunes Rafael Zaneripe de Souza , Pereira Eduarda Valim , Nadas Gabriella Barbosa , Gomes Karin Martins
Published: August 2021

A presente pesquisa visa conhecer a influência dos sintomas ansiosos e depressivos na apropriação do conhecimento nos alunos de medicina de uma universidade brasileira. Conduziu-se dessa forma, um estudo de natureza transversal, descritiva e exploratória com 95 alunos regularmente matriculados em curso de medicina. Foram utilizados 3 instrumentos de avaliação: Escala de Ansiedade de Hamilton, Escala de Depressão do Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) e um questionário para avaliação da apropriação do conhecimento, criado pelos pesquisadores. Os resultaram apontaram para uma maior presença de sintomas ansiosos e depressivos em acadêmicas do sexo feminino. Além disso, a prevalência de ambos os sintomas foram maiores nos adultos jovens (96.8%), entre 19 aos 24 anos, havendo prejuízo autorreferido significativo na apropriação do conhecimento em alunos com sintomas ansiosos e depressivos moderados e graves. Dessa forma, espera-se que a pesquisa forneça subsídios para novas estratégias e ações interdisciplinares na promoção da saúde da população universitária.
Percepción de la flexibilidad laboral en una organización del centro de México
Authors: García Lirios Cruz , Hernández Gracia Tirso , Martínez Muñoz Enrique , Espinoza Morales Francisco
Published: August 2021

El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido explorar las dimensiones la flexibilidad laboral para establecer las relaciones de dependencia entre sus indicadores. Se realizó un estudio transversal y correlacional con una selección muestral de 100 empleados de una organización del centro de México. La flexibilidad está indicada por la rotación de personal, el salario informal y la ausencia de beneficios. Se recomienda líneas de investigación sobre la incidencia de estilos de liderazgo en las variables en cuestión.
COVID-19: depressão e consequências alimentares no distanciamento social
Authors: Alves Silva Daniela , Onofre-Ferriani Lara , Viana Maria Carmen
Published: August 2021

O novo coronavírus (Sars-Cov-2) impôs novos desafios para a adoção e a manutenção de uma alimentação saudável que, na presença de transtornos mentais, como a depressão, poderão desempenhar um papel deletério na interação entre as necessidades impostas pela pandemia e a capacidade de adotar estratégias de enfrentamento adequadas, e na incorporação de medidas protetivas, como hábitos de vida saudáveis. Dentre a sintomatologia para diagnóstico de depressão incluem-se sintomas específicos que podem impactar diretamente hábitos de vida, como alteração de peso, apetite, mudanças no padrão habitual de sono, além de fadiga e redução da energia. Assim, no contexto atual a vigência de depressão impacta negativamente a saúde geral, a capacidade de autocuidado e a manutenção de estilos de vida saudáveis, e pode, ainda, amplificar as dificuldades de adaptação às demandas impostas pelo distanciamento social e pela necessidade de prevenção da disseminação e da infecção pelo Sars-Cov-2.
Positive education in college students: the effects of the “self-knowledge and soul care” workshop on the emotions and character strengths
Authors: Barranca Enríquez Antonia , Romo González Tania , López Mora Gloria , Contreras Miranda Maria de Jesús , Sánchez Silva Diana María , Hernández Pozo María del Rocío
Published: August 2021

Objective: most healthy and unhealthy behaviors are acquired or consolidated during youth, thus a good investment in the future of any nation, should be to promote the development of young people, incorporating them into projects and programs that aspire to increase their subjective wellbeing and personal health. The Psycho-Educational Intervention (PEI) presented here has been shown to have effects on the health and wellbeing of students as well as on their academic performance. However, its effects on strength of character, emotional balance and emotional intelligence are unknown. Materials and methods: in this paper it was shows the effects of this PEI on positive education in a group of 18 students through three questionnaires: VIA-240, PANAS-20 and PIEMO. To estimate the effects of the PEI, a comparison was made between the scores obtained on the three questionnaires before and after the PEI sessions. Results: the results show that not only did character strengths, positive affect and emotional intelligence improve with PEI, but that also the character strengths and the emotional bearings arranged in a network topography changed with intervention. Also, there were some changes in the most connected nodes of the network. Conclusions: these results show that PEI improved the previous reported variables, they also show the way in which the balance of the positive and negative affects, the development of emotional intelligence and the enhancement of character strengths give access to the three pillars of positive psychology.
Social Media in the Eye of Parents
Authors:   Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Turkey, Şahin Münir
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study is to identify the views of parents about social media. In accordance with phenomenological research design, one of qualitative research methods, the data was collected with semi-structured interview questions developed by the researcher under the control of experts. In the determination of the work group of the study the criterion sampling was used. The data was collected by recording the interviews and analysed by using the content analysis. In the findings of the study, the opinions of the parents about the effects of social median on students’ behaviours were grouped as positive and negative behaviours. While parents stated that “gathering information about the lessons” and “positive shares” are important positive behaviours, students’ “wasting time” and “causing violence” were stated as negative behaviours. An important ratio of the parents stated that social media may improve students academically, however, more than half of the parents stated that social media could not improve students school success as students waste their time on social media and do not use it for educational purposes. According to parents, social media supports education by providing easiness to reach information and including so many sources. Causing waste of time and being exposed to undesirable content are accepted as obstacles to education. In order to have a more educative social media, parents suggest that we should raise awareness of using social media healthily. People should share more educational sources on social media and a mechanism to supervise social median must be developed.
DEFICIENCIA INTELECTUAL.
Authors: ESTUMANO GONÇALVES JOELSON
Published: August 2021

Este artigo aborda sobre a deficiência intelectual, de modo particular acerca do diagnóstico, causa e processos de inclusão deste perfil de alunos na escola regular, cujo tema é de interesse não somente dos profissionais da educação, mas de sociedade, que vem sendo despertado interesse principalmente a partir de meados da década de 19901. O procedimento metodológico dominante para a educação de pessoas com deficiência intelectual até a década de 1990 é o diagnóstico e a classificação da inteligência, transcendo os limites da escola para se configurar em um ato político e social. A classificação requer medida, portanto remete à escala de valores, fazendo referência à conduta adaptativa, à sociabilidade, especialmente delimitando atitudes e práticas pedagógicas.
Diastolic function of the right ventricle in workers of coal mining enterprises in the South of Kuzbass
Authors: Korotenko Olga Yu. , Filimonov Egor S. , Panev Nikolay I. , Ulanova Evgeniya V.
Published: August 2021

Introduction. Diastolic function is characterized by the earliest changes in the ventricular myocardium, rather than violations of their contractility, and can be used in the algorithm of prophylactic measures to prevent fatal cardiovascular events, including in people working at industrial enterprises. The objective of the study was to assess the indices of diastolic function of the right ventricle in workers of the coal mining industry in the South of Kuzbass. Materials and methods. Under the conditions of a periodic medical examination, we surveyed 337 people without lung diseases and coronary heart disease, of which 206 workers of coal mines in the South of Kuzbass and 131 workers of open pit mines, aged from 40 to 55 years (the average age of the miners was 46.12±0.36 years old, of the workers at open pit mines was 46.98±0.34 years, p=0.107). On the ultrasound system "Vivid E9" manufactured by General Electric, all examined persons underwent an assessment of the structural and functional state of the heart. Results. Diastolic dysfunction in the form of a decrease in the ratio of transtricuspid flows less than one was revealed in 22.5% of the miners with arterial hypertension and in 2.6% of the subjects without it (p=0.00001), in the workers of open pit mines there was in 12.3% and 8.3%, respectively (p=0.071). A decrease in the ratio of tissue Doppler flows of tricuspid annulus plane movement was detected in 89.9% of the miners with arterial hypertension and in 81.2% of the subjects without it (p=0.083), this parameter also did not differ among the workers of open pit mines (68.4% and 60.3% respectively, p=0.337), but the differences between the miners and the workers of the open pit mines turned out to be reliable (p=0.0012 in those examined with arterial hypertension, p=0.0015 - without it). Based on the conducted correlation analysis, it was revealed that the development of impaired right ventricular diastolic function in coal industry workers was influenced not only by generally accepted factors and concomitant arterial hypertension, but also by long-term work experience in underground conditions in the miners. Conclusion. The development of diastolic dysfunction of the right ventricle in miners was influenced by work experience in underground working conditions, the presence of arterial hypertension, a decrease in the longitudinal deformation of the left ventricle, a decline in the vital capacity of the lungs and impaired diastolic function of the left ventricle. Associations of right ventricular diastolic function indices with the presence of arterial hypertension, increased values of the smoker’s index, Quetelet index, waist circumference, relative wall thickness index of the left ventricle, a decrease in the longitudinal deformation of the left ventricle and forced expiratory volume in 1 second and impaired diastolic function of the left ventricle were revealed in the workers of open pit mines.
Differential expression of dipeptidyl peptidase 3 in human epithelial ovarian cancer.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: August 2021

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecologic cancer (1). We performed discovery of genes associated with epithelial ovarian cancer and of the high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) subtype, using published microarray data (2, 3) to compare global gene expression profiles of normal ovary or fallopian tube with that of primary tumors from women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer or HGSC. We identified the gene encoding dipeptidyl peptidase 3, DPP3, as among the genes whose expression was most different in epithelial ovarian cancer as compared to the normal fallopian tube. DPP3 expression was significantly higher in high-grade serous ovarian tumors relative to normal fallopian tube. DPP3 expression correlated with progression-free survival in patients with ovarian cancer. These data indicate that expression of DPP3 is perturbed in epithelial ovarian cancers broadly and in ovarian cancers of the HGSC subtype. DPP3 may be relevant to pathways underlying ovarian cancer initiation (transformation) or progression.
The COVID States Project #59: What Americans think about people who are not vaccinated
Authors: Lin Jennifer , Lazer David , Baum Matthew , Perlis Roy , Pippert Caroline H , Qu Hong , Green Jon , Druckman James , Huh Kirsten , Kobotis Maryarita , Ognyanova Katherine , Santillana Mauricio , Simonson Matthew D
Published: August 2021

In this report, we evaluate how people feel about those who are vaccinated and those who are not. A common way of measuring these feelings is through feeling thermometers – special survey items aimed at capturing a respondent’s overall level of warmth towards a particular person, group, or idea. Two of the thermometer questions we asked measured feelings towards “People who are vaccinated against COVID-19” and “People who are NOT vaccinated against COVID-19”, with response options ranging from 0 to 100 degrees. These are the two key outcome variables for this report (see the appendix for full question wording). To evaluate the gap between feelings towards those who are vaccinated against COVID-19 and those who are not, we take the difference in scores between the two corresponding thermometer questions. That tells us how much more favorably respondents view one group compared to the other. Our analyses examine how feelings expressed by the respondents are linked to factors such as partisanship, education, gender, age, income, place of residence and personal vaccination status, among others.
Exploring the Grieving Process and Coping Strategies of Meranao Mothers over their Children’s Death
Authors: Magintao Norlaila P. , Guimba Wardah D. , Tamano Roseniya G. , Sequete Fernando R. , Nalla Adelyn S. , Mojica Cherrilyn N.
Published: August 2021

Death of one’s child is an unfathomable painful situation that a mother may feel. While literature reports different coping strategies across cultures, there has no research yet that explored the grieving process that Meranao mothers go through when they lost a child. Hence, this study explored the grieving process of the bereaved Meranao mothers from the Southern Philippines over the loss of their children and the strategies they used to cope with the feelings of grief. The study was conducted at different barangays located in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, Philippines. The participants lost children with age range of 18-30 years old. It was discovered that these bereaved mothers ask several questions to themselves emerging after the death of their children. Nonetheless, it was found that after the mothers had worked through their grief brought by their child’s death, they were able to restore their life and become stronger and resilient individuals. This paper concludes that bereaved mothers go through a tedious journey wherein the existence of pain, longing, sadness, guilt and anger were felt, but these emotions only strengthen them as mothers.
Social Media in the Eye of Parents
Authors: Şahin Münir
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study is to identify the views of parents about social media. In accordance with phenomenological research design, one of qualitative research methods, the data was collected with semi-structured interview questions developed by the researcher under the control of experts. In the determination of the work group of the study the criterion sampling was used. The data was collected by recording the interviews and analysed by using the content analysis. In the findings of the study, the opinions of the parents about the effects of social median on students’ behaviours were grouped as positive and negative behaviours. While parents stated that “gathering information about the lessons” and “positive shares” are important positive behaviours, students’ “wasting time” and “causing violence” were stated as negative behaviours. An important ratio of the parents stated that social media may improve students academically, however, more than half of the parents stated that social media could not improve students school success as students waste their time on social media and do not use it for educational purposes. According to parents, social media supports education by providing easiness to reach information and including so many sources. Causing waste of time and being exposed to undesirable content are accepted as obstacles to education. In order to have a more educative social media, parents suggest that we should raise awareness of using social media healthily. People should share more educational sources on social media and a mechanism to supervise social median must be developed.
Theoretical Framework for Research on the Factors Affecting the Moral Hazard in Banking Operation
Authors: Xuan Ngo Thanh , Linh Hoai , Khuc The Anh  , Anh Nguyen Khoa Duc
Published: August 2021

There are many types of risks related to banking operations such as credit risk, interest risk, operational risk. Problems related to moral hazard have led to considerable setbacks for the economy in general and banking system in particular. Besides, moral hazard is an economic and financial terminology and is used to denote the risk generated from the deterioration in ethical conduct. Hence, authors aim at reviewing theoretical framework for determinants impacting moral hazard in banks.
Language and Education Policies Based on National/Plurilingual Identity in Autonomous Republics: A Case Study of the Gagauzia Autonomous Region
Authors: Eren Ebru
Published: August 2021

Autonomous Republics, although situated within the borders of a state, have the right to govern themselves within their own borders. The most concrete indicator of a state’s autonomy is its flag, its national language, its national culture and its national education. In this context, the language and education policies come into play in the building of a new political union and a national identity. For example, Gagauzia (or Gagauzia Autonomous Region), which was shaped by many historical periods from the Ottoman Empire (from the 16th century until 1812) to the Russian Empire (1721-1917) and to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1922-1991), is nowadays within the borders of the Republic of Moldova. It is an autonomous republic with the right to self-government. This paper aims to analyze the language and education policies determined and applied for the Gagauz Turks in Moldova. It is possible to argue that there is a relationship between the notions of “autonomous republic” and “language and education policy.” In the autonomous republic, this policy will be described as a policy-based not only on the national identity, but also the plurilingualism.
AYUSH-64 as an adjunct to Standard Care in mild to moderate COVID-19: An open-label randomized controlled trial in Chandigarh, India
Authors: Singh Harbans , Shrivastva Sumit , Yadav Babita , Rai Amit Kumar , Jameela Sophia , Muralidharan Sanuj , Mohan Rijin , Chaudhary Shikha , Singhal Richa , Rana Rakesh Kumar , Khanduri Shruti , Sharma Bhagwan S , Chandrasekhararao Bhogavalli , Srikanth N. , Chaturvedi Sarika
Published: August 2021

Background: There is limited evidence on the safety and efficacy of administering Ayurveda interventions as add-on to the standard care for COVID-19. Objective: To explore the therapeutic efficacy and safety of AYUSH-64 as an add-on to standard care in the management of mild to moderate stage COVID-19.Design, setting, participants and interventions: This was an open-label randomized controlled trial with 80 patients of mild to moderate stage COVID-19. Participants in the AYUSH-64 add-on group received two tablets (500 mg each) three times daily for 30 days along with conventional standard care (Paracetamol, Cetirizine, Vitamin C, and Azithromycin). The control group received standard care alone. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome assessed was the proportion of participants with clinical recovery and negative RT-PCR assay for COVID-19 on day 7, 15, 23, and 30. Additionally, change in pro-inflammatory markers, metabolic functions, HRCT chest and incidence of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) / Serious Adverse Event (SAE) were assessed.Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in the proportion of participants with clinical recovery in the AYUSH-64 add-on group (p<0.001) at each of the scheduled follow-up visits. All the participants in the AYUSH-64 add-on group clinically recovered by day 23 compared to 32.4 per cent in the control group. The mean duration for clinical recovery in AYUSH-64 add-on group (5.8 ± 2.67 days) was less as compared to control group (10.0 ± 4.06 days). The proportion of participants who turned RT-PCR negative for COVID-19 on day 7, 15, and 23 were 81.8, 94.5, and 100 per cent in AYUSH-64 add-on group, and 79.4, 94.5, and 97.2 per cent in control group, however, the difference observed was statistically not significant (p=0.314). The proportion of participants with improvement in HRCT chest was statistically significant in AYUSH-64 add-on group (p=0.031) unlike in control group (p=0.210). Similar reductions in most inflammatory markers measured (IL-6, CRP, Serum ferritin, and LDH) on day 30 (p<0.05) were observed in both groups. Conclusion: AYUSH-64 as adjunct to standard conventional care is safe and hastens clinical recovery in adult patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.
‘No-one else wears one’: Exploring farmer attitudes towards All- Terrain Vehicle helmets using the COM-B model.
Authors: Irwin Amy , Mihulkova Jana , Berkeley Stephanie , Tone Ilinca-Ruxandra
Published: August 2021

Introduction: All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) are a popular piece of farming machinery but are sadly linked to many fatalities and injuries every year. Despite evidence that ATV helmets reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury, research suggests that few farmers wear them. The aim of this study was to explore farmer attitudes towards ATV helmets, using the COM-B model as a framework, to identify key barriers and enablers of helmet use and suggest potential interventions to increase helmet use in agriculture. Methods: A mixed-methods online survey featuring quantitative and qualitative questions was used to explore key attitudinal factors relevant to farmer helmet wearing. A total of 211 UK and Irish farmers were recruited, including farm owners, managers, workers and contractors.Results: Personal exemption from risk, emotional benefits, cognitive barriers and guideline prompts were all found to be significant predictors of farmer helmet wearing. Key categories within the qualitative data indicated that helmet properties, risk perception, farming culture and the farming environment could all function as barriers to helmet wearing. Suggested enablers of helmet use included increasing helmet availability and enhancing awareness of the consequences of ATV accidents. Conclusions: The key barriers and enablers presented within this paper highlight the relevance of capability (helmet design, time pressure), opportunity (social norms) and motivation (perceived control of risk) when considering farmer helmet wearing behaviours. In order to encourage farmers to wear helmets it will be necessary to design specific interventions using the behaviour change wheel. Practical applications: Key interventions to prompt helmet use include the inclusion of more cues to prompt helmet wearing (e.g. stickers on the ATV), enhanced training and education, and modelling (e.g. key farming figures shown to wear helmets in the media).
Accepted version: Third-party punishers do not compete to be chosen as partners in an experimental game
Authors: Batistoni Tommaso , Barclay Pat , Raihani Nichola
Published: August 2021

Third-party punishment is thought to act as an honest signal of cooperative intent and such signals might escalate when competing to be chosen as a partner. Here, we investigate whether partner choice competition prompts escalating investment in third-party punishment. We also consider the case of signalling via helpful acts to provide a direct test of the relative strength of the two types of signals. Individuals invested more in third-party helping than third-party punishment and invested more in both signals when observed compared to when investments would be unseen. We found no clear effect of partner choice (over and above mere observation) on investments in either punishment or helping. Third-parties who invested more than a partner were preferentially chosen for a subsequent Trust Game although the preference to interact with the higher investor was more pronounced in the help than in the punishment condition. Third-parties who invested more were entrusted with more money and investments in third-party punishment or helping reliably signalled trustworthiness. Individuals who did not invest in third-party helping were more likely to be untrustworthy than those who did not invest in third-party punishment. This supports the conception of punishment as a more ambiguous signal of cooperative intent compared to help.
Effect of powdered extract of peppermint (Mentha piperita) on adult cowpea bruchid (Callosobruchus maculatus) mortality during storage in Jos - Plateau
Authors:   Department of Pests Management Technology, Federal College of Forestry-Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B. 2019, Bauchi Road, Jos - Nigeria, Amazu O. B. , Nwadike C. ,   Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal College of Forestry-Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B. 2019, Bauchi Road, Jos - Nigeria, Ishaya M. ,   Department of Pests Management Technology, Federal College of Forestry-Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B. 2019, Bauchi Road, Jos - Nigeria, Oladejo O. A. ,   Department of Pests Management Technology, Federal College of Forestry-Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B. 2019, Bauchi Road, Jos - Nigeria, Walter J. C. ,   Department of Pests Management Technology, Federal College of Forestry-Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B. 2019, Bauchi Road, Jos - Nigeria, Mudi Anayip ,   Department of Crop Production, Federal College of Forestry-Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B. 2019, Bauchi Road, Jos - Nigeria, Shakirdeen M. O. ,   Department of Crop Production, Federal College of Forestry-Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B. 2019, Bauchi Road, Jos - Nigeria, Mmadu D. U. ,   Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal College of Forestry-Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B. 2019, Bauchi Road, Jos - Nigeria
Published: August 2021

The over dependence and continues use of synthetic insecticides to control storage pests have been associated with several demerits. This study was conducted to evaluate the insecticidal effect of peppermint (Mentha piperita) leaf powder on Callosobruchus maculatus. The peppermint plant was sourced locally and the C. maculatus were cultured to obtain the adult Bruchids. The peppermint was washed, dried under ambient temperature and pulverized. Complete Randomized Design was adopted for this trial with three replications of six treatment dosages of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5 and 0.0 g respectively of the plant material. The trial lasted for four weeks. High Bruchids mortality was observed after treatment with Mentha piperita leaf powder extract. Phytochemical screening of the test plant revealed presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates and cardiac glycosides. Descriptive statistic and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the data. Means (p≤0.05) were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Dosage rate and mean mortality values at the various doses were statistically significant after 48, 72 and 96 hours. The mortality could be attributed to high presence flavonoid in the Mentha piperita leaf powder. The results suggest that the leaf of peppermint has insecticidal property against adult C. maculatus. However, further trials are required to investigate effective dosage rates for other stored grains and to isolate and characterize the active flavonoids contained in the plant.
Structural, Morphological, and Magnetic Properties of Nickel Substituted Cobalt Zinc Nanoferrites at Different Sintering Temperature
Authors: Parajuli D. , Murali N. , Samatha K.
Published: August 2021

Co-precipitation was used for the preparation of Co0.5-xNixZn0.5Fe2O4 (x = 0 to 0.3) nanoferrites. The inverse spinel structure of the samples was clearly shown by the structural analysis of X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. We have studied the effect of sintering temperature (500oC) on the lattice constant and particle size using XRD. The average lattice parameters for the non-sintered and sintered samples were 8.377 Å and 8.354 Å respectively. For the non-sintered sample, the nickel concentration decreases the lattice parameter from 8.354 Å to 8.310 Å due to its smaller ionic radii than that of cobalt. While for a sintered sample at 500oC, the lattice parameter increases for concentration x=0.3 due to the thermal effect. The particle size calculated by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) agrees well with that of XRD. The morphological and compositional analysis was done with the help of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the attached Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) Analyzer. The increasing percentage of nickel with decreasing percentage of cobalt shows that the cobalt is substituted by Nickel. The magnetic properties were studied by Vibrational Spectrometer (VSM). The value of saturation magnetization is higher for x=0.1 but lower for x=0.2 and 0.3 due to their particle size. The hysteresis loop of the samples their superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature.
Assessment of Environmental Radioactivity in Soil Samples from Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Lamichhane P. , Rijal B. , Shrestha P. , Shah B. R.
Published: August 2021

This study was conducted to determine the amount of naturally occurring radioactivity in the soil of Nepal's Kathmandu valley. The activity of naturally occurring radionuclides was determined in these soil samples using a sodium iodide detector. Activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K were found in the range: 32.00-111.38 Bq kg-1, 33.52-130.04 Bq kg-1, and 342.50-897.71 Bq kg-1, respectively. These values are well within the permissible range as recommended by UNSCEAR. The soil samples with the highest activity concentrations were primarily found in the valley's northern region. The activity concentrations were also used to calculate the radiation hazard indices: the mean value obtained were 96.63 nGy hr-1 for Absorbed Gamma Dose Rate in Air, 200.04 Bq kg-1 for Radium Equivalent Activity, the 0.12 mSv yr-1 for Annual Effective Dose, and 0.55 for External Hazard Index. These calculated hazard indices were used to estimate the potential radiological health risk from the soil, and the dose rates associated with it were significantly less than their permissible limit. The overall findings indicate no radiological threat to the population's health in the study area. Additionally, the findings of this study provide baseline information on potential radionuclides that contribute mostly for radiation exposure from natural sources.
Numerical Modelling on the Influence of Source in the Heat Transformation: An Application in the Metal Heating for Blacksmithing
Authors: Kandel H. P. , Kafle J. , Bagale L. P.
Published: August 2021

Many physical problems, such as heat transfer and wave transfer, are modeled in the real world using partial differential equations (PDEs). When the domain of such modeled problems is irregular in shape, computing analytic solution becomes difficult, if not impossible. In such a case, numerical methods can be used to compute the solution of such PDEs. The Finite difference method (FDM) is one of the numerical methods used to compute the solutions of PDEs by discretizing the domain into a finite number of regions. We used FDMs to compute the numerical solutions of the one dimensional heat equation with different position initial conditions and multiple initial conditions. Blacksmiths fashioned different metals into the desired shape by heating the objects with different temperatures and at different position. The numerical technique applied here can be used to solve heat equations observed in the field of science and engineering.
Geomagnetically Quiet Period Analysis of Relativistic Electrons, Auroral Precipitation, Joule Heating, and Ring Current During the Years of 1999, 2000 and 2004
Authors: Mishra R. K. , Gautam A. , Poudel P. , Parajuli N. , Silwal A. , Adhikari B. , Tiwari B. R. , Gautam S. P.
Published: August 2021

This work presents the study of the quietest time variation in relativistic electrons, auroral precipitation, ring current, and joule heating during 1999, 2000, and 2004. Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) data on relativistic electrons with energies above 0.6 MeV, 2 MeV, and 4 MeV were analyzed. The time-series analysis of the relativistic electrons over a 24-hour averaged interval reveals a precise 24-hour modulation of the relativistic electron population during all seasons for energies above 0.6 MeV and 2 MeV, and during the winter season for higher energies above 4 MeV. In addition, relativistic electron fluxes at energies above 0.6 MeV and above 2 MeV were higher during the descending phase of the solar cycle compared to the ascending and solar-maximum phases. The cross-correlation analysis presented a strong correlation of Joule heating, ring current, and auroral precipitation with the relativistic electron population in three energy bands considered, as indicated by the zero-time lag. Studying the quiet time variation of relativistic electrons will lead to more complete ionospheric models, which were previously limited to the geomagnetically disturbed period.
The graviton Compton mass as Dark Energy
Authors: Matos Tonatiuh , Parrilla L.
Published: August 2021

One of the greatest challenges of science is to understand the current accelerated expansion of the Universe. In this work we show that by considering the quantum nature of the gravitational field, its wavelength can be associated to an effective Compton mass. We propose that this mass can be interpreted as dark energy, with a Compton wavelength given by the size of the observable Universe, implying that the dark energy varies depending on this size. If we do so, we find that: 1.- Even without any free constant for dark energy, the evolution of the Hubble parameter is exactly the same as for the LCDM model, so this model has the same predictions as LCDM. 2.- The density rate of the dark energy is ΩΛ = 0.69 which is a very similar value as the one found by the Planck satellite ΩΛ = 0.684. 3.- The dark energy has this value because it corresponds to the actual size of the radius of the Universe, thus the coincidence problem has a very natural explanation. 4.- It is possible to find also a natural explanation to why observations inferred from the local distance ladder find the value H0 = 73 km/s/Mpc for the Hubble constant, we show that if we take the variability of the dark energy into account they should measure H0 = 67.3 km/s/Mpc as well. 5.- In this model the inflationary period contains a natural successful graceful exit.