bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
«Kosovo Battle»: Rear-Guard Actions
Authors: Kandel’ P.
Published: April 2021

The article deals with consequences of the parliamentary and presidential elections in Serbia (May 6–20, 2012), which led to a reversal power shift. Preconditions of the old cabinet reversal as well as domestic and foreign policy problems, the stance on the independence recognition of Kosovo and on accession to the EU are analyzed.
Spain and Crisis: Political Aspects
Authors: Cherkasova E.
Published: April 2021

The article considers the causes and the nature of the economic crisis which was a heavy blow for Spanish economy being in need of structural reforms. The domestic political consequences of the crisis included the change of government, the emergence of new protest movements and strengthening of separatism. Under the Brussels' pressure, Spain was forced to make significant adjustments to its national anti-crisis strategy which had a high social price. Particular attention is given to relations with the EU and the impact of the crisis on the country's foreign policy.
US Priorities in Arctic
Authors: Gudev P.
Published: April 2021

The need for U.S. participation in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea has long been connected with the situation development in the Arctic area. In recent years, the turn of U.S. foreign policy priorities to Asia-Pacific region significantly reduced this dependence. Acceptance of the Convention obligations, with respect to the outer limits of the continental shelf and its resources extraction, is becoming more foreign to national interests. The U.S. policy towards the Arctic is changing step-by-step to maximum regionalization of all the problems and issues related to the use of Arctic space and resources.
Development of State Management Efficiency Assessment Institute
Authors: Bocharova A.
Published: April 2021

The article is concerned with the role and development of governance effectiveness evaluation practices. Key features of the new theoretical and methodological basis for contemporary administrative reforms are carefully examined in this paper, particularly advantages and disadvantages of different evaluation models, and possibilities for its usage in public administration.
Religion, Politics and Civilizational Dynamics in the Modern World
Authors: Rashkovskii E.
Published: April 2021

Received 11.01.2020. The paper attempts to interpret civilizational as well as political dynamics of the modern world in terms of contents and pivotal meanings in the religious sphere as such. According to the author, it is impossible to imagine all the complex of human identities, antagonisms, sympathies, and mutual understanding without taking into account specific features of religious symbolism. Thanks to these kinds of features religious sphere constantly interacting with different fields of law, politics, and international relations. As for the political field, the religious sphere is viewed in intrinsic triple connections: Religious Institutions – Statehood – Civil Society. This kind of approach tends to balance the principles of cultural heritage, secular state as well as of human rights and dignity.
Regulation of Anthropogenic Load of the Habitat
Authors: Fal’tsman V.
Published: April 2021

Received 14.10.2020. The statistical data of 180 countries show a serious lag of GDP per capita in the developing world as a result of high birth rate and population growth of these countries per 1000 habitants. As a result, in accordance with the UN forecasts, the global population may reach 11 billion by 2100 and achieve the permissible level of anthropogenic load. Using the S-curve the article analyzes the pace of approximation of the global population growth limit. Global changes such as climate change and the spread of the pandemic as well as the local events, e. g. unauthorized migration to Europe and the US, depletion of drinking water and mineral resources, continuous military conflicts in Africa, the revival of sea piracy prove that the permissible level of anthropogenic load will soon be achieved. The article proposes a new concept of stabilizing the global population by 2100. It is based on international birth and population growth control through increased external assistance to countries of the developing world. The “ladder” shows the correlation between the increase in population and GDP, using which developing countries can reach zero population growth. The article suggests principles for designing a roadmap to reach zero population growth by the end of the century. Implementing the zero population growth concept will require the transformation of the market economy from its focus on GDP growth and income to the economy of environmental safety.
Latin America in the South-South Cooperation Against the Background of Globalization Controversies
Authors: Kheifets L. , Konovalova K.
Published: April 2021

Received 05.11.2020. The research focuses on the participation of Latin American states in the South-South cooperation (SSC) against the background of the contradictions of the current stage of globalization. Analyzing the official documents, leaders’ speeches, using quantitative data, the authors consider three factors that model such involvement today: (a) a new context in Latin America, i. e. the growing popularity of the right-wing forces, financial and economic difficulties after the end of the commodities boom in the 2000s, (b) the rise of China and its deepening confrontation with the United States, (c) today’s global coronavirus crisis. According to the authors, all the mentioned factors affect the process of Latin America taking part in SSC in the following ways. First, due to internal and international changes, the foreign policy agendas and the way of self-identification of the Latin American countries in the global world are in transformation. While the cooperation with other developing nations, within the region and beyond, seems less relevant for the New Right, the South-South vector is still in demand as a foreign policy diversification tool. Second, the strategic partnership with China remains an indicator of the region’s actors’ commitment to the ideas of multilateralism, openness, and globalization as such, but at the same time, it goes against the principles of SSC as equal and horizontal by its nature and also because of the tensions between China and the US. As for the pandemic, although in discourse it revives the importance of international cooperation, including SSC, in practice it rather catalyzes the disconnecting trends that have developed in recent years in Latin America. Acknowledgements. The reported study was funded by RFBR, project number 19-014-00042 А “Latin America in the new world order: prospects and challenges”.
Reforming the Saudi Economy: Results and Perspectives
Authors: Fedorchenko A.
Published: April 2021

Received 09.10.2020. The era of oil-based prosperity, which began after the discovery of huge reserves of “black gold” in the Kingdom in 1938 and turned Saudi Arabia from a backward country with an agrarian economy into the most financially and economically powerful Arab state, may end in the foreseeable future. The previous model of development has exhausted itself, the signs of political and socio-economic stagnation have clearly appeared. Barriers to dynamic, balanced and long-term socio-economic development created a threat not only to keep the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia lagging behind the group of developed countries, but to reach the point of no return in this lag and, most likely, increase it. This article focuses on defining the main directions of the positive changes that have begun, identifying problems that have arisen with the achievement of the intended goals. Based on the analysis of the original Saudi materials, the author tried to assess the main trends of change, to determine the trajectories of the key macroeconomic indicators, to reveal the attitude of broad strata of Saudi society in relation to social and economic changes. The forecast part assesses the possible consequences for the socio-economic development of the kingdom of accelerating the process of decarbonization of the world economy, strengthening economic isolationism at the country and regional levels. As for the prospects for Russian economic participation in the implementation of “Vision 2030”, domestic businesses will have to conduct an intense search for their trade and technological niches in the Saudi market. At present, it makes sense, based on an in-depth analysis of Russian capabilities and past failures in the formation of modern Russian-Saudi relations, to propose competitive, well-developed projects–initiatives to the leaders of the KSA, taking into account the programs included in the “Vision 2030”.
Comparison of the Morphological Characteristics of Sub-Elite Female Football Players According to Playing Position
Authors: Strauss Anita , Sparks Martinique , Pienaar Cindy
Published: April 2021

The aim of this article was to examine if there are position-specific differences in the morphological characteristics of sub-elite female football players and to establish normative standards for this level of female football players. The morphological features of 101 sub-elite female football players (age: 21.8±2.7 years) were assessed. Twenty anthropometric sites were used in the measurements of body composition and somatotype. The average value of body fat percentage was 20.8±5.7%. The somatotype of the overall group was 4.0–2.4–2.1. Positional significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences were found between goalkeepers and outfield players in morphological characteristics. Goalkeepers were taller, heavier, possessed the highest body fat percentage and showed higher values for all skinfolds, breadth, girth and length measurements. However, there were very few practically worthwhile differences between the outfield positions. Positional groups did not differ (p ≤ 0.05) in somatotype characteristics either. The study suggests that at sub-elite level there are mainly differences between goalkeepers and outfield players, but outfield players are homogeneous when comparing morphological characteristics. These results may serve as normative values for future comparisons regarding the morphological characteristics of female football players.
Effect of Leptin Treatment in a Mouse Model of Tdp-43 Proteinopathy
Authors: Ferrer-Donato Agueda , Contreras Ana , Fernandez Paloma , Fernandez-Martos Carmen M.
Published: April 2021

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. Recent studies suggest a strong metabolic component in ALS pathogenesis and have shown an inverse relationship between leptin levels and ALS progression, although the effects of leptin as a treatment have not yet been studied. Therefore, we aim to examine whether the acute treatment with leptin has beneficial effects on brain pathology and cognitive function in the transgenic TDP43A315T line of ALS. Mice were treated intranasally (IN) with 0.03mg/kg of leptin or vehicle (VH) daily for 7 days. Data showed a progressive decline in body weight and motor coordination in TDP43A315T mice. Moreover, Lep-treated TDP43A315T mice showed an earlier disease onset, along with an improvement in motor performance. Altered levels of some of the adipokines and metabolic proteins studied were found in TDP43A315T mice, which were differently expressed among Lep-treated and VH-treated animals. Furthermore, some correlations were found among the serum levels of this proteins in WT and TDP43A315T mice. As far as we know, this is the first pilot study to provide evidence of the therapeutic effect of leptin treatment in a mice model of ALS, although further studies are needed to expound on the underlying mechanisms.
The Changing Portrayal of Epilepsy in the Theatre
Authors: White Michael , Simpson Dominic
Published: April 2021

The theatre has a tremendous ability to influence public discourse and shape societal opinions. And medical conditions can provide writers with a rich scope for plot development and characters with challenges to overcome. In particular, the neurological condition epilepsy has many possibilities with historical beliefs that people were possessed by gods and devils and the sudden, disabling seizures characteristic of the condition. But used unsympathetically, it can promote misunderstanding within audiences, resulting in discrimination for people with the condition. This review looks back at how epilepsy has been portrayed throughout history. How the Greeks portrayed epilepsy as a punishment from the gods. Then later, how Shakespeare utilised epilepsy to suggest characters as uncontrollable. However, we finish on a message of hope as modern writers look to collaboration to ensure accurate and honest portrayals of epilepsy, improving public understanding and removing many of the stigmas that have dogged the condition.
Isolation and Characterization of anti-Streptococcus Mutans Phage as a Possible Treatment Agent for Caries
Authors: Ben Zaken Hadar , Kraitman Reut , Coppenhagen-Glazer Shunit , Khalifa Leron , Alkalay-Oren Sivan , Ben-Gal Gilad , Beyth Nurit , Hazan Ronen
Published: April 2021

Streptococcus mutans is a key bacterium in dental caries- one of the most prevalent chronic infectious diseases. Conventional treatment both fails to specifically target the pathogenic bacteria and at-tempts to eradicate commensal bacteria as well. Thus, caries remains one of most common and challenging diseases. The use of bacterial viruses as anti-bacterial agents, is gaining interest worldwide. Hardly any phages were described against S. mutans. The objective of this study was to isolate anti-S. mutans phages and to characterize their antimi-crobial properties. Human saliva samples were filtered and screened for potential phages. Standard double-layered agar method was used for isolation. Whole genome sequence analysis and morphology visualization by TEM, were used for anti-S. mutans phage identification. Antibacterial properties were evaluated using clinical strains and ATCC strains of S. mutans in various states. Antibacterial effect was also tested on human cariogenic dentin. One phage against S. mutans was isolated and termed SMHBZ8. This phage showed effective lytic activity in vitro against both planktonic and biofilm S. mutans cultures. Moreover, the phage showed antibacterial effect when used on cariogenic dentin. The isolation and characterization of SMHBZ8 may be the first step in developing a potential phage therapy for dental caries.
In-Situ Flexibility of Both Redox-States of the Chloroplast Regulatory Protein CP12
Authors: Launay Helene , Shao Hui , Bornet Olivier , Cantrelle Francois-Xavier , Lebrun Regine , Receveur-Brechot Veronique , Gontero Brigitte
Published: April 2021

In the chloroplast, Calvin-Benson-Bassham enzymes are active in the reducing environment imposed in the light via the electrons from the photosystems. In the dark these enzymes are inhibited, and this regulation is mainly mediated via oxidation of key regulatory cysteine residues. CP12 is a small protein that plays a role in this regulation with four cysteine residues that undergo a redox transition. Using amide-proton exchange with solvent measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass-spectrometry, we confirmed that reduced CP12 is intrinsically disordered. Using real-time NMR, we showed that the oxidation of the two disulfide bridges are simultaneous. In oxidized CP12, the C23-C31 pair is in a region that undergoes a conformational exchange in the NMR-intermediate timescale. The C66-C75 pair is in the C-terminus that folds into a stable helical turn. We confirmed that these structural states exist in a physiologically relevant environment that is, in cell extract from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Consistent with these structural equilibria, the reduction is slower for the C66-C75 pair compared to the C23-C31 pair. Finally, the redox mid-potentials for the two cysteine pairs differ and are similar to those found for phosphoribulokinase and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, that we relate to the regulatory role of CP12.
Does Ethiopian Competitive in Export of Coffee so far and What Determines it? Evidence from Revealed Comparative Advantage and Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model
Authors: Hordofa Diriba
Published: April 2021

As an export commodity coffee industry contributes to the economies of both exporting and importing countries. The aim of the study involves competitiveness and determinant of coffee export in Ethiopia through the period of 1990–2018 observations. To explain the level of comparative advantage and competitiveness respectively Revealed Comparative Advantage and Syematric Revealed Comparative Advantage were employed. To capture determinans of coffee ARDL model with bound testing to co-integration approach was employed to investigate the long-run association between Ethiopian total coffee export in bags (60kg each) with domestic coffee production, world coffee price, real exchange rate, FDI, world coffee production and price ratio. Even though Ethiopia has the comparative advantage in the export of coffee, however, the share it in the international market low in amount and not inlined with RCA. Bound testing to co-integration approach result confirmed the existence of a long-run relationship between total coffee exports of Ethiopia with its independent variables. The analysis pointed out that in the long run the extent of domestic coffee production, world price, and real exchange rate positively and significantly affects total coffee export. However, FDI, price ratio, world production of coffee have negative & significant effects. In the short-run Ethiopian total coffee export defined as a positive significant function of domestic coffee production and real exchange rate positive but insignificant effect with Level of RCA and world price as well as a negative function of FDI, price ratio, and world production of coffee. Coefﬁcient Error Correction Model (ECM (-1)) was negative and signiﬁcant with a value of 134.4 % of the adjustment would make each year and return to its long-run equilibrium after 1.3 years. The policy implication calls for addressing issues of the combined effect of the policy setting, institutions, and market failures to avoid the evil effect of the sector.
Analysis of Arctic Spring Ozone Anomaly in the Phases of QBO and 11-year Solar Cycle for 1979–2011
Authors: Yamashita Yousuke , Akiyoshi Hideharu , Takahashi Masaaki
Published: April 2021

Arctic ozone amount in winter to spring shows large year-to-year variation. This study investigates Arctic spring ozone in relation to the phase of quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO)/the 11-year solar cycle, using satellite observations, reanalysis data, and outputs of a chemistry climate model (CCM) during the period of 1979–2011. For this duration, we found that the composite mean of the Northern Hemisphere high-latitude total ozone in the QBO-westerly (QBO-W)/solar minimum (Smin) phase is slightly smaller than those averaged for the QBO-W/Smax and QBO-E/Smax years in March. An analysis of a passive ozone tracer in the CCM simulation indicates that this negative anomaly is primarily caused by transport. The negative anomaly is consistent with a weakening of the residual mean downward motion in the polar lower stratosphere. The contribution of chemical processes estimated using the column amount difference between ozone and the passive ozone tracer is between 10–20% of the total anomaly in March. The lower ozone levels in the Arctic spring during the QBO-W/Smin years are associated with a stronger Arctic polar vortex from late winter to early spring, which is linked to the reduced occurrence of sudden stratospheric warming in the winter during the QBO-W/Smin years.
On the Evolution of the Biological Framework for Insight
Authors: Neidhöfer Claudio
Published: April 2021

The details of abiogenesis to date remain a matter of debate and constitute a key mystery in science and philosophy. The prevailing scientific hypothesis implies an evolutionary process of increasing complexity on earth starting from (self-) replicating polymers. Defining the cut-off point where life begins is another moot point beyond the scope of this article. We will instead walk through the known evolutionary steps that lead from these first exceptional polymers to the vast network of living biomatter that spans our world today, focusing in particular on perception, from simple biological feedback mechanisms to the complexity that allows for abstract thought. We then will project from the well-known to the unknown to gain a glimpse on what the universe aims to accomplish with living matter, just to find that if the universe had ever planned to be comprehended, evolution still has a long way to go.
“Next, It Will Be You”: Women's Fear of Victimization and Precautionary Safety Behaviors in Informal Settlement Communities in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Winter Samantha , Obara Lena Moraa , Aguilar Nathan Jason , Johnson Laura
Published: April 2021

Around one billion people live in informal settlements, globally, including over half of Nairobi, Kenya’s three million residents. The purpose of this study was to explore women’s fear of victimization within Mathare, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya and how fear of victimization influences behavior. Fifty-five in-depth interviews were conducted with women in 2016. A modified grounded theory approach guided data collection and analysis. Findings suggest fear of victimization is a serious concern in informal settlements. Women have found ways to adopt their behaviors that allow them to continue to function and protect their children despite fearing victimization, but at a potential cost to their health and well-being. Thus, there is a critical need for more research focused on social, economic, structural, community, infrastructure, technological, and individual strategies to prevent violence, enhance residents’ sense of safety, and, subsequently, minimize women’s fear of victimization in informal settlements.
Flexural Performance of a New Hybrid Basalt-polypropylene Fiber-reinforced Concrete Oriented to Concrete Pipelines
Authors: Deng Zhiyun , Xinrong Liu , Ninghui Liang , de la Fuente Albert , Peng Haoyang
Published: April 2021

The bending performance of a basalt-polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete (HBPFRC) was characterized by testing 24 400×100×100 mm3 prismatic specimens in a four-point bending test JSCE-SF4 configuration. The type and content of both fibers was varied in order to guarantee different target levels of post-cracking flexural performance. The results evidenced that mono-micro basalt fiber reinforced concrete (BFRC) allows the increase of the flexural strength (pre-cracking stage), while macro polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete can effectively improve both bearing capacity and ductility of the composite for a wide crack width range. Compared with the plain concrete specimens, flexural toughness and equivalent flexural strength of macro polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete (PPFRC) and the hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HFRC) increased by 3.7~7.1 times and 10%~42.5%, respectively. From both technical and economic points of view, the optimal mass ratio of basalt fiber to polypropylene fiber resulted to be 1:2, with a total content of 6 kg/m3. This HFRC is seen as a suitable material to be used in sewerage pipes where cracking control (crack formation and crack width control) is of paramount importance to guarantee the durability and functionality of the pipeline as well as the ductility of the system in case of local failures.
Classical and microRNA Regulated Epigenetic Mechanisms as Potential Mediators of the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Ramzan Farha , Vickers Mark Hedley , Mithen Richard Francis
Published: April 2021

Epigenetics refers to the DNA chemistry changes that result in the modification of gene transcription and translation independently of the underlying DNA coding sequence. Epigenetic modifications are reported to involve various molecular mechanisms, including classical epigenetic changes affecting DNA methylation and histone modifications and small RNA-mediated processes, particularly that of microRNAs. Epigenetic changes are reversible and are closely interconnected. They are recognised to play a critical role as mediators of gene regulation, and any alteration in these mechanisms has been identified to mediate various pathophysiological conditions. Moreover, genetic predisposition and environmental factors, including dietary alterations, lifestyle or metabolic status, are identified to interact with the human epigenome, highlighting the importance of epigenetic factors as underlying processes in the etiology of various diseases such as MetS. This review will reflect on how both the classical and microRNA regulated epigenetic changes are associated with the pathophysiology of Metabolic syndrome. We would then focus on the various aspects of epigenetic-based strategies used to modify MetS outcomes, including epigenetic diet, epigenetic drugs, epigenome editing tools, and miRNA-based therapies.
On the Indian Tradition of Mathematical Names: A Scientific Analysis
Authors: Karn Ashish , Rosiejka Brett , Badoni Pankaj , Singh Raman Kumar
Published: April 2021

The current paper explores the tenuous interlink between names of individuals in a society and its collective social consciousness, particularly with reference to the pervasive occurrence of the ‘mathematical names’ in the current Hindu society in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Initially, an attempt is made to put things into mathematical perspective by drawing a quick sketch of the mathematical achievements of the Indian mathematicians. Then, under the six broad categories of geometry, trigonometry, numeration, arithmetic, algebra and mathematics in the Vedic tradition, a concise layman description of these subdivisions are presented, underlining the names of the concepts and terms, sometimes by producing the textual references. Next, upon identification of such mathematical terms, these names are juxtaposed with the names current in the Indian Hindu setting. By employing an extensive dataset of university student names in India and the databases of Facebook and LinkedIn, we produce both qualitative and quantitative evidence of the presence of such names in the Indian subcontinent. Evidently, these names reflect impressions of the rich mathematical heritage left by the Hindu stalwart mathematicians. This hypothesis has also been examined by taking surveys of people bearing these mathematical names, as well as by documenting the ‘conscious procedures’ that go behind the naming of a Hindu Indian child. In trying to investigate if such a phenomenon is unique to the Indian tradition, a stark contrast with the ‘names in mathematics’ as prevalent in the European mathematical traditions is presented, as cultural roots of mathematics are explored. Further, we ascribe the presence of these names as the extant remains of the colossal impact of multifarious mathematical traditions existing in India. In fact, the present research also brings to the fore, certain unseen facets of the Indian Hindu society as regards the education of mathematics to women – through an indirect exploration of their names. We then show that the pervasive occurrence of these names are not merely the result of semantic chance events, but denote the richness of the Indian mathematical legacy. We also present cross-cultural comparisons to show the uniqueness of Indian mathematical and scientific traditions that led to the pervasiveness of ‘mathematical names’ in India. Finally, an attempt is made to clarify some subtle points on the associations between mathematics and religion in India and other cultures of the world. It is a sincere hope that the present study may shed light on the cultural roots of mathematics and may provide a different dimension in the study of mathematics and society, across other civilizations.
The Neurological Asymmetry of Self-Face Recognition
Authors: Janowska Aleksandra , Balugas Brianna , Pardillo Matthew , Mistretta Victoria , Chavarria Katherine , Brenya Janet , Shelansky Taylor , Martinez Vanessa , Pagano Kitty , Ahmad Nathira , Zorns Samantha , Straus Abigail , Sierra Sarah , Keenan Julian Paul
Published: April 2021

While the desire to uncover the neural correlates of consciousness has taken numerous directions, self-face recognition has been a constant in attempts to isolate aspects of self-awareness. The neuroimaging revolution of the 1990’s bought about systematic attempts to isolate the underlying neural basis self-face recognition. These studies, including some of the first fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) studies, revealed a right hemisphere bias for self-face recognition in a diverse set of regions including the insula, the Dorsal Frontal Lobe, the Temporal Parietal Junction and Medial Temporal Cortex. Confirmation of these data (which are correlational) was provided by TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and patients in which direct inhibition or ablation of right hemisphere regions leads to a disruption or absence of self-face recognition. These data are consistent with a number of theories including a right hemisphere dominance for self-awareness and/or a right hemisphere specialization for identifying significant social relationships including to oneself.
Rapid and Sensitive Point of Care Detection of MRSA gDNA by Nanoelectrokinetic Sensors
Authors: Oueslati Rania , Jiang Yu , Chen Jiangang , Wu Jie Jayne
Published: April 2021

Biosensors have shown great potential in realizing rapid, low cost and portable on-site detection for diseases. This work reports the development of a new bioelectronic sensor called AC electrokinetics-based capacitive (ABC) biosensor, for the detection of genomic DNA (gDNA) of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The ABC sensor is based on interdigitated microelectrodes biofunctionalized with oligonucleotide probes. It uses a special AC signal for direct capacitive monitoring of topological change on nanostructured sensor surface, which simultaneously induce dieletrophoretic enrichment of target gDNAs. As a result, rapid and specific detection of gDNA/probe hybridization can be realized with high sensitivity. It requires no signal amplification such as labelling, hybridization chain reaction, or nucleic acid sequence-based amplification. This method involves only simple sample preparation. After optimization of nano-structured sensor surface and signal processing, the ABC sensor demonstrated fast turnaround of results (~10 s detection), excellent sensitivity (a detection limit of 4.7 DNA copies /µL MRSA gDNA) and high specificity, suitable for point of care diagnosis. As a bioelectronic sensor, the developed ABC sensors can be easily adapted for detection of other infectious agents.
Comparison of In vivo [18F]Fluoro-desoxyglucose and [18F]Fluoro-thymidine Positron Emission Tomography for Disease Monitoring in a Mouse Model of Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Sarda-Mantel Laure , Gou Panhong , Hontonnou Fortune , Hosten Benoit , Vignal Nicolas , San Carine , Brumpt Caren , Fenaux Pierre , Chomienne Christine , Giraudier Stephane , Padua Rose-Ann
Published: April 2021

Higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR-MDS) has a poor prognosis in the absence of efficient therapy. The evaluation of new therapies in animal models of HR-MDS is hampered by the absence of accurate in vivo biomarkers of the disease. In this study we compared [18F]Fluoro-desoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) and [18F]Fluoro-thymidine (FLT)-PET imaging for disease follow-up in a triple transgenic MMTVtTA/TetoBCL-2/MRP8NRASD12 mouse model of HR-MDS. Normal control FVB/N mice (G1,n=9) and HR-MDS mice (G2,n=12) underwent both FDG- and FLT-PET procedures at 2-day intervals, on a dedicated small animal device. Blood cell counting, BCL-2 and Mac-1hi/Gr-1lo expression measurements in blood were performed before each PET procedure. Visually, PET images of G2 mice demonstrated homogeneous FDG uptake in the whole skeleton similar to that observed in G1 mice, and abnormal FLT hot spots in bone marrow not observed in G1 mice. The intensity of FLT hot spots in bone marrow was higher in 3-months old G2 mice than in 2-months old G2 mice, concordant with a higher percentage of cells expressing Mac-1hi/Gr-1lo and lower platelets counts. We conclude that FLT-PET/CT imaging is a more valuable surrogate non-invasive quantitative marker of HR-MDS bone marrow involvement than FDG-PET/CT in our mouse model of HR-MDS.
Recent Survey for Delphinids at Tristao Islands, Guinea, Reinforces Concern for Bycatches and Marine Bushmeat Use
Authors: Bamy Idrissa , Djiba Abdoulaye , Van Waerebeek Koen
Published: April 2021

Small-boat and shore-based surveys in 2017 confirm that Atlantic humpback (Sousa teuszii) and common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are resident in shallow neritic waters surrounding the protected MPA Tristao Islands in northern Guinea. Inshore-type T. truncatus were encountered also between Conakry and Kayar. First documented in 2012, dolphin bycatches in local fisheries continue to occur. The frequency of beach-cast remains suggests a significant conservation issue. Both multi- and monofilament gillnets are widely deployed, but it remains unclear which gear is the main cause of mortality. Forensic evidence shows that captured dolphins are often utilized for local consumption. Marine bushmeat of cetaceans is documented in many coastal nations in West and Central Africa. In Tristao Islands their use is synchronous with and thought related to declining fish stocks. Significant anthropogenic mortality relative to their low abundance, besides suspected pressures such as prey competition with fisheries and habitat deterioration from coastal development, raise concern for the future of coastal dolphins, in particular endangered S. teuszii, even in this formally protected MPA. Conservation measures need to be re-evaluated for improved efficiency while surveys to monitor trends should be annual.
Hybrid Multi-Objective-Optimization Algorithm for Energy Efficient Priority-based QoS Routing in IoT networks
Authors: MOZHI THEN
Published: April 2021

The growing requirement for real-time Internet of Things (IoT) applications has ended with Quality of Service (QoS) communication protocols. where heterogeneous IoT data collection and communication processing contains specific requirements in terms of energy, reliability, latency, and priority. Due to energy constraints, a proper estimation model for monitoring and control is accomplished by the objective of sensing and end-to-end communication respectively. moreover, the connectivity requires a QoS routing protocol to finding the route selection for sensor networks. Hence, data routing and prioritization and Satisfying the QoS requirements are the significant challenges in such networks. So for the Multi-objective Optimization for QoS Routing method is used for differentiating the traffics while data communication and gives the requirements to be caring about the network resource. In this paper, the Energy-Efficient Priority-based Multi-Objective QoS routing (PMQoSR) mechanism ensures the energy and Qos in IoT networks. the proposed system regulates the routing performance based on the QoS parameters, using optimization technique for three hybrid algorithms, named as WLFA- Whale Lion Fireworks optimization algorithm with Fitness Function Routing(FFR) mechanisms .the WLFA to prevent congestion and minimizes the localization error using and select the shortest routing path through the network period uses Priority label and time delay patterns when sending data to the destination. We evaluate its performance and existing competing schemes in terms of Energy-Efficient. The results demonstrate that PMQoSR holds out considering network traffic, packets forwarding, error rate, energy, and distance between the nodes and also considers priority-aware routing to improve the traffic load, throughput, end-to-end delay, and packet delivery ratio when compared with the existing systems.
Evaluation of Disaster Nursing Competencies for Undergraduate Nursing Students in China: A Study Using a Modified Delphi Technique
Authors: Wang Yuan , Zhang Chao , Xu Ping , Liu Wei , Song Tianjiao , Wang Taiwei , Nie Wenbo , Zhao Lijing
Published: April 2021

Abstract: This study aims to set up a system to evaluate nursing competencies in disaster preparedness for undergraduates and influencing factors in China. The evaluation system was established by using the modified Delphi. There were 3 phases in this study: 1) an environmental scan; 2) setting framework; 3) adjusting indicators based on the modified Delphi. The questionnaire for these undergraduates lied in their basic information and assessment of nursing competencies in disaster preparedness. Based on the survey, the average score of nursing competencies in disaster preparedness for undergraduate nursing students surveyed was 3.10 (out of 5). In addition, gender, grade, inhabitation, and disaster drills of the students were four factors affecting nursing competencies of undergraduates. This study indicates that the present nursing competencies in disaster preparedness for undergraduates are weak, and it is essential to strengthen nursing education in disaster preparedness for undergraduates.
“Straw Hat University” Initiated by “Farmer's Professor”, the Tried & Tested Approach to Alleviate Poverty in China
Authors: Tan Yong , Amponstira Fuangfa
Published: April 2021

China is out of extreme poverty in 2020 on schedule and one decade in advance to fulfill the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and became the first developing country to alleviate poverty in half century. Therefore, a large numbers of effective approaches are emerging, and the intellectual’s technology-led poverty reduction, which locally known as the “Straw Hat University”initiated by “Farmer's professor”mode, is the most tried and tested approach motivated by the intellectual’s “Serve the people” tradition and supported by the all nation. This research conduct case analysis with three most remarkable organic intellectuals as Agronomist Yuan longping, Mycologist Lin Zhanxi and Plant pathologist Zhu Youyong with their bridging gaps in food security, regional imbalance and ethnic disparity respectively to sort out the sustainable modules and universal experiences. The conclusion indicates that“Farmer's Professor” Initiated “Straw Hat University” is an effective approach to solve human beings’ development problems and benefit the livelihoods, especially in the under development regions; and the authentic down to earth experiments into productivity as well as the Intellectual property transformation is the perfect path to deploy offline and online resources building the effective production and supply chain to integrate industries by intellectual’s critical innovation.
Baterai Lithium
Authors: Perdana Fengky Adie
Published: April 2021

Di era yang semakin canggih ini terdapat beberapa alat-alat elektronik baru yang tidak dapat dipisahkan dalam kegiatan sehari-hari. Beberapa alat elektronik tersebut memerlukan sumber energy yang tersimpan dalam baterai, salah satunya contohnya yaitu baterai lithium-ion. Sebagai salah satu komponen untuk penyimpan sumber energy, belum banyak orang yang tau dan memahami bagaimana konsep tentang baterai lithium-ion. Oleh karena itu, pada tulisan ini akan dibahas hal-hal terkait apa itu baterai lithium-ion, mengapa harus baterai lithium-ion dan bagaimana prinsip kerjanya.
Menyelidiki Energi Pada Fotosintesis Tumbuhan
Authors: Suyatman Suyatman
Published: April 2021

Cahaya matahari memiliki sifat polikromatik bila dibiaskan akan menghasilkan cahaya-cahaya monokromatik. Cahaya-cahaya monokromatik inilah yang ditangkap oleh klorofil dan digunakan dalam proses fotosintesis. Dalam suatu percobaan diketahui bahwa gelombang cahaya biru dan cahaya merah adalah yang paling efektif dalam melakukan proses fotosintesis. Kesimpulan: 1). Gelombang cahaya biru dan cahaya merah adalah yang paling efektif dalam melakukan proses fotosintesis. Cahaya merah mempunyai energi foton 1.65-2.00 eV, sedangkan cahaya biru mempunyai energi foton 2.5-2.75 eV. 2). Pada fotosintesis terdapat dua reaksi yaitu reaksi terang dan reaksi gelap. Reaksi terang terjadi Pemecahan air (H2O) menjadi ion Hidrogen (H+) dan molekul air menggunakan energi cahaya, menghasikan O2, ATP, dan NADP H2. Reaksi gelap terjadi pengikatan karbondioksida (CO2) dan mengkombinasikannya dengan ion hidrogen (H+) sehingga membentuk gula. 3). Dalam fotosintesis berlaku hukum kekekalan energi yaitu Energi radiasi sinar matahari ditangkap oleh klorofil kemudian diubah menjadi energy kimia melalui proses fotosintesis. Dalam hal ini tidak ada energi yang musnah. Energy kimia tersebut digunakan untuk mensintesis CO2 dan H2O menjadi glukosa dan senyawa kompleks lainnya yang tersimpan dalam bentuk senyawa karbohidrat.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Practice: Possibilities for Research Collaboration and Funding
Authors: Zachry Anne
Published: April 2021

Preparing a successful small grant proposal involves research, planning, preparation, and determination, but obtaining funding for a creative project is not unrealistic. Practitioners are in the trenches on a daily basis, and many likely have novel ideas and relevant questions, especially when it comes to interventions. These intervention questions are important, with the American Occupational Therapy Association reporting that more studies are needed to investigate and support occupation-based intervention. By developing partnerships, educators, practitioners, and students can engage in small scale projects to further the knowledge base in the field of occupational therapy.
PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN AMPAS TAHU TERFERMENTASI MENGGUNAKAN MIKROORGANISME MIX TERHADAP KINERJA PERTUMBUHAN JUVENIL UDANG VANAME (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Surianti S , Aslamyah A , Wahyudi W
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTThis study aims to determine the effect of the use of fermented tofu dregs using mix microorganisms on the growth of vaname shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Test animals used in this study were 22-day-old vaname shrimp (PL 22) with an initial weight of ± 0.09 g. This study uses a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and 3 replications to obtain 12 experimental units, namely PA (5% fermented tofu waste) PB (10% fermented tofu waste) PC (15% fermented tofu waste) PD (20% fermented tofu pulp). The results showed that the treatment of various doses of fermented tofu dregs using Microorganism Mix significantly affected the growth rate and survival but did not affect the level of consumption of vaname shrimp feed. 15% fermented tofu pulp dosage is the best treatment for absolute growth, survival and consumption level of vaname shrimp feed Keywords: Tofu waste, mixed microorganisms, vaname shrimp, absolute growth, survival ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penggunaan ampas tahu terfermentasi menggunakan mikroorganisme mix terhadap pertumbuhan udang vaname (Litopenaeus vannamei). Hewan uji yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah udang vaname umur 22 hari (PL 22) dengan bobot awal ± 0,09 g. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) yang terdiri dari 4 perlakuan dan 3 kali ulangan sehingga diperoleh 12 unit percobaan, yakni PA (5 % ampas tahu terfermentasi) PB (10 % ampas tahu terfermentasi) PC (15 % ampas tahu terfermentasi) PD (20 % ampas tahu terfermentasi). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan perlakuan berbagai dosis ampas tahu terfermentasi menggunakan Mikroorganisme Mix berpengaruh nyata terhadap laju pertumbuhan dan sintasan tetapi tidak berpengaruh terhadap tingkat konsumsi pakan udang vaname. Dosis ampas tahu terfermentasi sebanyak 15% merupakan perlakuan terbaik untuk pertumbuhan mutlak, kelangsungan hidup dan tingkat konsumsi pakan udang vanameKata kunci : Ampas tahu, mikroorganisme mix, udang vaname, pertumbuhan mutlak, kelangsungan hidup
Elementos histórico-administrativos para el establecimiento de demarcaciones inframunicipales: aplicación al término de Jerez de la Frontera
Authors: Ventura Fernández Jesús , Copano Ortiz Luis
Published: April 2021

El objetivo principal de este estudio es la elaboración de una propuesta técnica para el establecimiento de entidades territoriales submunicipales de todo el término jerezano, resolviendo así la problemática territorial del Jerez rural, con la existencia de siete Entidades Locales Autónomas sin delimitación oficial de su territorio, además de diversos núcleos de población y entidades en diseminado que actualmente participan de una política de desconcentración de competencias. Para ello, se utilizarán una serie de criterios (históricos y administrativos fundamentalmente) que buscan aportar objetividad a la metodología aplicada, la cual exige analizar los límites de cada entidad de forma individual, pero poniéndolos también en relación con los de las entidades de su entorno, y ajustar así las líneas límite a elementos territoriales que sean de carácter permanente y fácilmente identificables. Como conclusiones cabe indicar que la complejidad del proceso demarcador depende, pues, del número y tipología de entidades poblacionales existentes y de la cercanía entre ellas. Hay que considerar también que la delimitación submunicipal estará marcada, en la práctica, por evidentes factores de decisión política. El resultado final de este estudio es una propuesta de demarcación del municipio de Jerez en 31 entidades territoriales submunicipales.
Modeling of MoS2 Tunnel Field Effect Transistor in Verilog-A for VLSI Circuit Design
Authors: Khan Md Azmot Ullah , Adesina Naheem Olakunle , Srivast Ashok , Xu Jian
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a newly designed physics-based analytical current transport model of both n- and p-type MoS2 tunnel field-effect transistor (TFET) using a high-level hardware language Verilog-Analog (Verilog-A) within Cadence/Spectre. The performance of our model is analysed by extracting different parameters, including transfer characteristics, power dissipation, and consumption, delay, power delay product (PDP) from the designed inverter. Moreover, we design a ring oscillator, and a half adder circuit to assess the compatibility of our model in both the analog and digital circuits. Our observation reveals that the voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) can operate at a frequency of 31.6 GHz with a power consumption of 0.083 mW, and generates a phase noise of -122.5 dBc/Hz at 1MHz offset frequency. The simulated outputs (sum & carry) obtained from the half adder circuit exactly match the truth table of the circuit. Last, we present a comparison, using the performance parameters, of the ring oscillator with existing CMOS and GFET technologies. The results show that our designed VCO oscillates at a higher frequency with low power consumption and improved phase noise performance. With all the output characteristics obtained from the commercial software simulation, we expect our model to be applicable to a real-time low power VLSI circuit.