bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the impacts of land use/cover changes on water balance of Bilate watershed, Rift valley basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Sulamo Mulatu Abayicho , Kassa Asfaw Kebede , Roba Negash Tessema
Published: July 2021

Land use/cover change is one of the factors responsible for changing the water balance of the watershed by altering the magnitude of surface runoff, interflow, base flow, and evapotranspiration. This study was aimed at evaluating the impacts of land use/cover change on the water balance of Bilate watershed between 1989, 2002, and 2015. The water balance simulation model (WaSiM) was used to access the impacts of land use/cover change on water balance. The model was calibrated (1989–2003) and validated (2007–2015) using the streamflow of at Bilate Tena gauging station. The result of land-use dynamics showed land use/cover change has a significant impact on the water balance of the watershed: on runoff production, base flow, interflow, evapotranspiration, and total simulation flow. In the study watershed, the change in total simulated flow increased by 77.83%; surface runoff, interflow, and base flow increased by 80.23%, 75.69%, and 87.79% respectively; and evapotranspiration decreased by 6% throughout the study period (1989–2015). The results obtained from this study revealed that the watershed is under land/cover change that shows its impacts on hydrological processes and water balance. Thus, effective information regarding the environmental response of land use/cover change is important to hydrologists, land-use planners, watershed management, and decision-makers for sustainable water resource projects and ecosystem services. Therefore, the policy-makers, planners, and stakeholders should design strategies to ensure the sustainability of the watershed hydrology for the sake of protecting agricultural activities, and urban planning and management systems within the watershed area.
Photo-catalytic dye degradation of methylene blue by using ZrO2/MWCNT nanocomposites
Authors: Gangadhar Akshatha , Ramesh Abhilash Mavinakere , Krishnegowda Jagadish , Shivanna Srikantaswamy
Published: July 2021

Photocatalytic degradation of the dyes was deliberated by altering the catalyst and dye concentrations. The Zirconium oxide/multiwall carbon nanotube (ZrO2/MWCNT) catalyst was facilely synthesized by a hydrothermal synthesis method. The nanocomposite ZrO2/MWCNT was formed in hydrothermal condition 95 °C of low growth temperature. The physico-chemical properties were successfully characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The presence of Orbicular shaped ZrO2 nanocrystallines and multiwall carbon nanotubes was characterized by XRD pattern, and shows the presence of ZrO2 and MWCNT with the 2θ peaks at 19.62, 22.5 & 30.2. The thermal behavior of the ZrO2/MWCNT partials was also investigated by differential thermal analysis, and their vibrational bands were identified by infrared spectroscopy. The photo catalytic degradation of methylene blue in industrial wastewater was observed under UV light irradiation using the synthesized ZrO2/MWCNT as catalyst. The results revealed that the ZrO2/MWCNT nanoparticles exhibited high degeneration with COD and TOC reducing from 241 mg/L and 148.00 mg/L to 2.34 mg/L and 1.26 mg/L respectively with an efficiency of 90–94% over 25–60 min duration of UV irradiation. In comparison with the pristine Zirconium oxide and MWCNT, the composite ZrO2/MWCNT nanoparticles exhibited more efficient, durable and stable photo-catalytic activity during experiments.
Peculiarities of coach's leadership qualities through the eyes of basketball players
Authors: Malinauskas Ramualdas Kazemirovich , Aiauskas Sharunas
Published: July 2021

The aim of the research is to study the peculiarities of a coach's leadership qualities through the eyes of young and adult basketball players. To achieve this goal, Leadership scale in sports developed by Chelladurai was used as a methodological instrument. It turned out that juniors evaluated the coach's behaviour more positive than adult basketball players did. For junior basketball players a more positive assessment of such coach's leadership qualities is characteristic: training and instruction, social support and positive feedback.
Florística e fitossociologia do componente arbóreo de um fragmento de floresta ombrófila densa do estado de São Paulo
Authors: Juliana Guedes  , Rogério Antonio Krupek
Published: July 2021

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a estrutura horizontal e vertical e a diversidade florística de um fragmento de floresta ombrófila densa por meio de levantamento fitossociológico e florístico. O estudo foi realizado em uma área localizada dentro dos municípios de Alumínio e Mairinque, região sudeste do estado de São Paulo. Os trabalhos de campo foram desenvolvidos durante o ano de 2014, e foi disposto, na área de estudos, um total de vinte parcelas medindo 10 x 50 metros (0,05 ha.), totalizando 1 hectare de área total. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: frequência absoluta, frequência relativa, densidade média, densidade total, densidade absoluta, densidade relativa, área basal, dominância absoluta, dominância relativa, valor de importância e valor de cobertura. Calcularam-se índices de dominância, diversidade e equitabilidade, além da estrutura horizontal e vertical da comunidade. Na área de estudo foram encontradas 81 espécies identificadas em 31 famílias botânicas. As famílias com maior abundância foram Myrtaceae (93 indivíduos) e Euphorbiaceae (64), e a família com maior riqueza de espécies foi Fabaceae (7 espécies). Em relação aos dados fitossociológicos, o táxon Eucalyptus sp. foi o que apresentou maior densidade e dominância, sendo considerado o de maior valor de importância da área. A espécie Croton floribundus ficou em segundo lugar em valor de importância. As famílias às quais pertencem as espécies mencionadas são características de floresta ombrófila densa. A maioria das espécies apresentou média de DAP 19,7 cm e altura média de 14,7 m. Foram encontradas 16 espécies raras.
lncRNAs as Hallmarks for Individualized Treatment of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zeng Tiebing , Ling Hui , Wu Jing , Xu Shan , Li Wei , Lu Yuru , Zhou Yu , Xie Ming , Luo Yichen , Cao Yijing , He Yan
Published: July 2021

:

Gastric cancer is a global cancer with a high mortality rate. A growing number of studies have found the
abnormal expression of lncRNA (long noncoding RNA) in many tumors, which plays a role in promoting or inhibiting
cancer. Similarly, lncRNA abnormal expression plays an essential biological function in gastric cancer. This article
focuses on lncRNA involvement in the development of gastric cancer in terms of cell cycle disorder, apoptosis inhibition,
metabolic remodeling, promotion of tumor inflammation, immune escape, induction of angiogenesis, and Epithelial
Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). The involvement of lncRNA in the development of gastric cancer is related to
drug resistance, such as cisplatin and multi-drug resistance. It can also be used as a potential marker for the diagnosis
and prognosis of gastric cancer and a target for the treatment. With an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of
lncRNA in gastric cancer, new ideas for personalized treatment of gastric cancer are expected.
Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer with Lurbinectedin: A Review
Authors: Chawla Pooja A. , Rajput Prince Singh , Khan Sharib Raza , Singh Preeti
Published: July 2021

Background:

Lurbinectedin was approved on June 15, 2020 by the Food and Drug Administration with the
brand name ZEPZELCA as the first systematic approved therapy for patients having Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC).

Objectives:

In this review, an attempt is made to summarize different aspects of Lurbinectedin, including the pathophysiology,
chemistry, chemical synthesis, mechanism of action, adverse reactions, and pharmacokinetics. Special
attention is given to various reported clinical trials of lurbinectedin.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the relevant databases like ScienceDirect, PubMed,
ResearchGate and Google Scholar to identify studies. After a thorough study of these reports, significant findings/data
were collected and compiled under suitable headings. Important findings related to clinical trials have been tabulated.

Conclusion:

Lurbinectedin is known to act by inhibiting the active transcription of encoding genes, thereby suppressing
tumor-related macrophages with an impact on tumour atmosphere. Lurbinectedin has emerged as a potential drug
candidate for the treatment of Small-Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC).
Improvement of Flexural and Compressive Strength of Cement Mortar by Graphene Nanoplatelets
Authors: Chen Yu , Li Xingchen , Li Chuangchuang , Zhang Nana , Liu Ronggui , Lu Chunhua
Published: July 2021

Background:

In order to provide space for improving the durability of engineering structures by enhancing strength, the addition of nanomaterials has become a research trend in recent years. Graphene and its derivatives have unique properties and have been used in certain fields, which has also stimulated continuous and in-depth research on whether it can improve structural strength.

Objective:

This paper investigates the mechanical properties and mechanism of cement-based materials reinforced by Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs).

Methods:

Macroscopically, the flexural strength and compressive strengths of cement mortar were tested. Microscopically, the structure and composition were characterized and analyzed by SEM, EDS, and XRD.

Results:

The results show that the mechanical properties of modified cement mortar are directly related to the GNPs content. When the GNPs content is 0.04wt%, the flexural and compressive strength can still be increased by 12.8% and 33.9% after 28 d. Furthermore, the appropriate content of GNPs dispersed in the cement matrix played a role in promoting cement hydration. The interconnection with hydration products further reduces cracks and pores so that the cement composites form a denser microstructure.

Conclusion:

The results obtained above would provide references for understanding the reinforcement mechanism of GNPs.
Pediatric Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in a Private Clinic of Abidjan, Ivory Coast: A Case Report
Authors: David AKA N’da Angbeletchi , Zika Kalou Dibert , Pacôme Dou Gonat Serge , Coulibaly Fatoumata , Ehouman Mocket Adolphe , Kone Ibrahima , Adoubryn Koffi Daho
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is a zoonotic disease with global distribution, especially in underdeveloped countries. This parasitic disease is caused by the bite of an infected sandfly.

Case Report:

We report here the first case of cutaneous leishmaniasis discovered incidentally in an 11-year-old child in a private clinic. He is a primarian boy who had a wound located on his left leg. On questioning, we ascertained that the wound was not the first one and had been present for about 2 months. The cutaneous lesion was painless but itchy. The location, the crateriform appearance, and the chronic nature of the wound led us to suspect a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Methods:

Microscopic examination of cutaneous exsudation’s smears of lesions revealed amastigote forms of leishmania, confirming our diagnostic hypothesis. The child was placed under Imidazole-based treatment associate cloxacilline. The child also received local gentamycin-based dressings.

Results:

The child was cured after one month. The diagnostic issues of cutaneous leishmaniasis constitute a great challenge for practitioners in endemic zone. Also, a systematic differential diagnostic should be required in the face of chronic wounds.

Conclusion:

The integration of the screening and management of cutaneous leishmaniasis against Buruli ulcer are eagerly waited as a future work.
Plant-based Remedies with Reference to Respiratory Diseases – A Review
Authors: Popova Aneta , Mihaylova Dasha , Spasov Alexander
Published: July 2021

In the era of air pollutants, respiratory diseases are a very common diagnosis in children, adolescents, and adults. Disorders of the respiratory system can affect both upper and lower respiratory system, and cause an immense worldwide health, economical and psychological burden.

Considerable attention is drawn to the use of plant-based products for the prevention and cure of health challenges, with respect of their eco-friendliness and very few side effects. Exposure to nature and active plant interaction is considered beneficial to physical and mental health. Plant-based drugs primarily target the immune and cardiovascular systems. Biologically active substances with different value can be identified from both terrestrial or marine botanicals, whose therapeutic abilities are an efficient control of an array of diseases.

In view of the potential of plant agents to positively influence respiratory diseases, this review will provide the reader with recent objective findings in the field of plant therapy and pharmaceutical agents and their ability to alter the physical and psychological complications of airborne diseases.
Genres of Cultural Journalism: Theatre Review
Authors: Neamțu Carmen
Published: July 2021

This paper focuses on cultural journalism and its main species. After a brief review of the main genres of the cultural writing press, I will dwell on the theater chronicle, trying to see what style of writing is circumscribed and what are the main steps in writing a theatre review. Based on my 23 years of experience as a journalist in the daily generalist and specialized cultural press (Cultural Magazine of the Romanian Writers' Union, ARCA), I dare to say that the secret of any theater review lies in the balance between the information transmitted and the journalist's comment, between the statement and the argument displayed. Being a personal judgement, therefor subjective, the article can rise dissatisfaction among directors, actors, set designers etc. who do not always resonate with the journalist's verdict. My paper will provide several personal examples of approaching the theater show, situations that I have faced over time, all to shed some light on writing the theater review. From a stylistic point of view, I will try to see how theatre review differs in the overall press coverage. The editorial style of the theater review could be circumscribed to the journalistic style, having at the same time an accentuated aesthetic dimension. This brings it closer to the language of literature.
A Reporter Without Borders: Tennessee Williams’s Literary ‘War’ Journalism, 1928
Authors: Bak John S.
Published: July 2021

Drawing on the discipline of border studies, the article examines the epistemological dilemmas with travelogues per literary journalism studies, given that they involve the simultaneous crossing of both physical (geopolitical frontiers) and conceptual (textual/genetic) borders. The article uses as its case study a travelogue written by American playwright Tennessee Williams during his Grand Tour through Europe in 1928 when he was just seventeen. A rare example of the playwright’s flirtation with the genre of literary journalism at a time when objective journalism was establishing itself as the newsprint norm, the travelogue – published in ten installments in his high school newspaper in the months following the trip – offers a first glimpse in Williams scholarship not only into the playwright’s artistic future but also his struggle with distancing factual from fictional representation. Read against his early letters and late memoirs that describe essentially the same content as the travel pieces, the article makes use of border studies methodologies to help negotiate the delicate divide that separates verifiable fact from allowable fiction in literary journalism.
Approach to forming of assessment of probability of making a landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle of helicopter type on the runway platform of the ship taking into account different operational modes
Authors: Bykov V. A. , Velikovskiy S. M. , Parnenkov A. E. , Shulgin S. M.
Published: July 2021

Problem statement. Now taking-off and landings of human powered helicopters to runway site of the ship, provides the Palubnik-1 complex interacting with other systems of the ship. At the same time creation of system of take off and landing of unmanned aerial vehicles of helicopter type should be made about use of regular aerotechnical means of the ship. In article proposed options of use of the automatic and automated landing system as for piloted, and unmanned aerial vehicles of helicopter type in different operational modes.Objective. To offer approach to forming of technique of assessment of probability of making a landing of the unmanned aerial vehicle of helicopter type depending on its technical appearance that will allow to lower development costs and carrying out natural tests.Results. On the basis of proposed options of ensuring landing the analysis of several appearances of unmanned aerial vehicles of helicopter type is carried out, some of their parameters are provided and also landing probability depending on the angle of rolling motion is evaluated.Practical implications. The offered approach allows to evaluate making a landing probability depending on the made technical solutions and also at set of enough statistical data to make adaptation of these decisions on other flight vehicles.
Le système des partis en Belgique
Authors: Frognier A.P. , Delfosse P.
Published: July 2021

This article gives an account of the belgian party system in 1974.  It concludes at the existence of a «multipartist» system. It also examines the ideological character of the party system. For this purpose, it studies the electoral platforms of all the parties. From a semiotics viewpoint, it isolates a number of semantic axes. After a binary coding, it factor-analyses the results. Two main factors are extracted «ideological mixing» and conservative - progressist position.
Front commun syndical et nouveau pacte social
Authors: Troclet Léon-Eli
Published: July 2021

I . Confronted with the acuteness of the socio-economic problems the two major labour organizations (i.e. : the socialist and the christiandemocratic trade union confederation) have in 1976 strengthened their «Common Trade Unions' Front» (with about two million members on a total of 2,300,000 wage- and salary earners in Belgium) in view of their negotiations with employers and with the government, to which the trade unions have submitted a common platform.The common front, that has its antecedents on the local, regional and professional level has never been and never will be of a permanent nature, some sort of organic unit. Each confederation maintains its own identity and the front is meant to be re-animated according to the circumstances.II. From the employers' side (and to some extent completely independent from the trade unions' common front) representatives of employers' organizations have «as a personal point of view» and, no doubt, as a preliminary approach, launched the idea that a new and very comprehensive «social pact» should be negotiated.  The socialist trade unions clearly tend to reject this idea, since it maywell lead to a further integration in the capitalist system, whereas the christiandemocratic union seems to be rather in favour of such a pact.In the present state of affairs (end of June, 1977) the probability that it be realized is rather low indeed.
Bureaukratisch patronage en etno-linguisme
Authors: Elchardus Mark
Published: July 2021

The present investigation looks at the recent success of ethnolinguistic politics as, largerly, the outcome of friction betweèn the existing -pattern of political integration and a set of relatively new · socio-economic conditions. The development of the latter is part of what may be implied in the phrase «post-industrial society». The Belgian pattern of political integration is characterized by very low levels of differentiation between the parties, the administration and the voluntary organizations. It implies a mode of political participation in which the recent developments in the organization of labor, expansion of the tertiary sector, geographical mobility and urbanization lead to political marginality for the groupsconcerned. This marginality expresses itself in support for ethnolinguism which serves as an alternative route to political integration.This theory is evaluated and substantiated on the basis of an ecological analysis of the success of an ethnolinguistic party (the Front Démocratique des Francophones) in the 1970 and 1976 communal elections.
Noodzaak en overwicht van de politieke partij in de polyarchie : Analyse van de structurele en actionele determinanten van de particratie in België
Authors: Dewachter Wilfried
Published: July 2021

The Belgian polyarchy has developed into a «particracy» in which the political parties have a preponderant impact on the political decisionmaking.As in every polyarchy, the political parties fulfill a set of vital functions in the Belgian system. But that does not explain its «particratie» particularity. The particracy arises as a consequence of four factors. The parties are fixed by the «zuilen» (pillars) into an «internal-imperialistic» role. The power of the parties increased considerably, an increase of which the politization of the instruments for, and the agencies of, policy is one of the most important, together with the capability of making and unmaking issues. The impact and power of the opponents of the parties in the decision-making process have been diminished to a considerable extent. This weakening involves the king, the parliament, theadministration, the electorate, and, ultimately, the cabinet because of the growing impact of the parties on policy design and policy output as well as on the appointment of ministers. Finally, the choice of the consociational pattern of politics of accomodation by the elite indicates the instrumental function of particracy in Belgian politics.
Het effect van de samenvoeging van gemeenten op de gemeenteraadsverkiezingen
Authors: Dewachter Wilfried
Published: July 2021

The amalgamation of the municipalities has had profound effects on the municipal character in Belgium : the village has disappeared as a political entity. The «municipality» since 1976 is at least the political and administrative amalgamation of a number of villages.The effect of this amalgamation on the municipal council elections is expressed first of all in the shift in the election form. Uncontested elections disappeared in 1976. The exclusively local election form occurred rarely in 1976, even though this form was still the most common in 1970. However, the mixed election form increased very considerably. Parallel with the amalgamation of the municipalities, the national party pattern penetrated increasingly into the municipal polities : there occurred a gradual «nationalisation» of the municipal polities. The «urban citizens» became more «state citizens», also in municipal matters. Regarding direct municipal executive appointment, the amalgamation led to a less far-reaching and less decisive character of the input, which are characteristics that also tend to follw the national pattern more strongly. The number of municipalities in which no coalition executive needed to be formed clearly declined in 1976.The amalgamation has reduced the uniqueness of the municipal council elections and the decisionmaking capacity of the urban citizens and introduced more national political content.
Verschuivingen bij de besluitvormers na de fusies van gemeenten
Authors: Anthoon Georges
Published: July 2021

On the level of the administrative power of the municipalities, the amalgamations did not lead to an increase of their authority.In addition, the distance between the citizen and the administration has increased in three ways : the increased distances between the centres and the outlying residential zones raised the problem of intramunicipal service provision ; the social distance also increased because of the increase of the influence of and the importance attached to the municipal executive body; the expansion of the tasks of the administrators led to an organisational distance. The political policy structures have also been profoundly changed after the amalgamations : the national parties have gained in influence; political instability has increased; the structures were adapted to the new situation; the operation of the local policy organs has changed ; the municipal councils acquired a more intellectually oriented professional composition.
Het sociaal beleid en het OCMW in de gefusioneerde gemeenten
Authors: Lambrecht Anne-Marie , Lambrecht Anne-Marie
Published: July 2021

The sealing up of the municipalities was intended to make it possible to deal with some existing problems more adequately. This required more dedication, deeper understanding, a readiness to listen, and preliminary research on the part of the managers. In addition, the sealing up could also lead to centralisation of facilities. The resulting hierarchy and bureaucracy could prevent flexible management, however as the citizens do not want to be overlooked. they have reacted to the possible negative aspects of the consolidation. The global impression is that the consolidation has been good for the small municipalities. The large municipalities, certainly those of more than 50,000 inhabitants, did not have to be involved, although they were, and the result has been that the understanding of the problems and the decision-making processes have been more complicated.
Verschillen in stemgedrag bij gemeenteraadsverkiezingen en socio-economische kenmerken van gemeenten
Authors: Torfs Koen
Published: July 2021

Results of Belgian municipal elections of 1988 and socio-economic characteristics of municipalities are used to estimate quantitatively (by multivariate regression analysis) the relationship between municipal election outcomes and these socio-economic  characteristics. A higher average income bas a negative effect on election results for the Christian-democratic party and for the socialist party and a positive effect for the liberal party. A higher proportion of citizens who depend on public assistance has a negative effect for the Christian-democrats and a positive effect for the socialist party. A higher proportion of citizens with a university degree has a negative effect on election results for the socialist party and a positive effect for the green party. A higher proportion of younger citizens has a positive effect for the Christian-democrats and the green party and a negative effect for the socialist, the liberal and the extreme right wing Flemishparty. A higher degree of urbanisation has a negative effect for the Christiandemocratsand a positive effect for the socialist, the green and the extreme rightwing Flemish party. A higher proportion of Northern-African immigrants in the population has a positive effect for the socialist and the extreme Flemish party and a negative effect for the green party.The explanatory values of the estimated equations are moderate and results have to be interpreted with caution. Closer examination of the data show that the participation at the elections by the extreme right wing Flemish party leads to a proportional decline in votes for the socialist party.
"België erkent geen regeringen, enkel staten" : Het geval Cambodja 1979-1991
Authors: Maes Marc
Published: July 2021

Since 1965 Belgian has stopped recognizing governments confining itself to the recognition of states only and maintaining diplomatie relations with the recognized states through wathever government able of exercising effective controle of those states' territory. Nota single exception to this doctrine was made untill 1979.In 1979 however Belgium refused to recognize the government installed in Phnom Penh following the Vietnamese intervention. One year later it also stopped recognizing the Khmer Rouge. In the UN however Belgium went on to accept the Khmer Rouge delegation as the representatives of Cambodia, a state thus being represented by a delegation accredited by an entity that Belgium did not consider to be a government. This contradiction was maintained untill present since neither the coalition between the Khmer Rouge, Sihanouk and Son Sann (created in 1982) nor the Supreme National Council (created in 1990) were regarded by Belgium as governments.The article reconstructs the Belgium position out of the many statements and arguments the government bas put forward in the UN and the Belgian Parliament.  The Belgian position is than examined in the light of international law, its own recognition doctrine and the international and domestic political context.This led to the conclusion that the legal grounds for the Belgian policy were rather weak and that its position almost completly differred from its traditional doctrine. In the Cambodian case however political considerations appeared to have prevailed Belgium chose to join the US, China and Asean and manoeuvred as to follow them in their condemnation of the Vietnamese intervention. Acting even as one of the most faithfull followers of the Asean policy towards Cambodia, Belgium enjoyed the improvement of its own relations with Asean, also in the commercial field.The continuous domestic opposition in and out of the Parliament was not able to change this policy. Even the present Minister of Foreign Alf airs who declared to be inclined to adjust the Belgian position had to hold back in order not to affect the esthablised relations.
De leidinggevende ambtenaren : bureaucraten of ideologen ?
Authors: Dierickx Guido , Majersdorf Philippe
Published: July 2021

The Belgian senior civil servants do have a political ideology which, with respect to coherence and constraint, is not inferior to that of the members of Parliament and, therefore, far superior to that of the common man. The first characteristic of this ideology is its centrism: senior civil servants tend to shun the extremes, especially the socio-economic (leftist and rightist) extremes. A second characteristic is its bias toward the center-right. But the latter may be an effect of recruitment and promotion practices under the recent Belgian governing coalitions, rather than of the bureaucratic experience under all kinds of governments.That the bureaucratie experience leaves its mark on the ideological constructs of the bureaucratie elite can also be inferred from other data. They are inclined to centralism because the recent federalisation process imposes a heavy burden on their routines. They do not have a distinctive ideological profile with respect to religious and philosophical issues because these rarely appear on the agenda of most of the civil servants.The consequences of these characteristic ideological options are not to be underestimated.  There is a clear affinity between a leftist ideology and a less technocratic and less alienated political attitude. At the same time leftist civil servantsare more inclined to commit themselves to active partisan politics. Their colleagues of the right tend more to up hold the traditional distance between bureaucracy and partisan politics. The optimal prescription for administrative reform would, perhaps, consist in furthering a more political, less technocratic style of administrative policy making, and in maintaining the traditional wariness of partisan politics.
Het effect van in- en uittrede bij stemverschuivingen : Een statistische analyse toegepast op gegevens uit Limburg
Authors: Billiet Jaak
Published: July 2021

This study evaluates the impact of new voters and deceased voters in the statistical analysis of shifts in voting behaviour from one election to another.  Conclusions about the shifts between the political parties from one election to another are ajfected by the fact that at the time of the analyzed election, the population of the former election bas substantial by changed. In order to fix the marginal distributions of the turnover table, estimations should be made about the distribution of the new voters and the deceased voters over the political parties.  Information about the new voters can be extracted from the sample in use.  Estimations of the last voting behaviour of the deceased are based on prior surveys.  The conclusions about the mutual shifts between parties are affected to the degree that the parties differ according to the age distributions.The method has been applied to exit poll datafrom the 1991 general elections in Limburg.
De provincieraadsverkiezingen van 24 november 1991
Authors: Brans Marleen
Published: July 2021

On the 24th of november 1991 the Belgian voters elected the 716 members of the nine provincial councils.The socialists are the biggest losers of this election, with the Volksunie as a close second. Also the Christian Democrats suffered a serious decline, mainly caused by the loss of the CVP in Flanders. The electoral gain of the Flemish Liberals is neutralized by the decline of the Liberal party in Wallonia. The Greens gain 32 seats, the Far Right 35. These national aggregates hide striking regional differences. The national success of the Green is mainly due to the spectacular growth of Ecolo in the Walloons. The success of the Far Right is the sole result of a multiplication of votes for Vlaams Blok in Flanders.  These results show that both the Flemish and the Walloon voters have sanctioned the traditional parties in a similar way. They opted, however, for totally different alternatives: the Flemish for the Far Right, the Walloons for the ecologists.The outcome of the provincial elections in the bilingual province of Brabant neatly mirrors these tendencies.In 1991 the outcome of the provincial elections showed a profile quite different from that of the national elections which were held on the same day. This is explained by the fact that the Flemish party Rossem, which won 3.2% of the votes, only ran for the national elections and not for the provincial elections. Hence, a considerable difference in voting behaviour on the national versus the local level. The comparison of the results of the national elections with those of the provincial confirms the claim that smaller parties generally score better at a lower level. In 1991 it can, however, not be said that the bigger parties did better on the national level.
De Europese Gemeenschap in 1991 : Wachten op de Europese Unie
Authors: Hooghe Liesbet
Published: July 2021

The Twelve Member States agreed in December 1991 in Maastricht on an EconomicMonetary Union, including a single currency and an autonomous European central bank by the turn of the century, and on "an ever closer union among the peoples of Europe". The structure of the European Political Union resembles a temple with three pillars : more powers for the European Parliament on a wider ranger of policy issues (European Communities), a separate framework for a common foreign and security policy, and intergovernmental cooperation on justice and internal aff airs. The new Treaty wilt replace the Treaty of Rome only after ratification in all twelve member states. White EMU and EPU dominated the public agenda, the internal market programme was drawing to a close with nearly all White paper measures adopted. Emphasis shifted to implementation problems. The prolonged conflict between Commission, Parliament and Council on the 1992 budget gave a taste of increasing tensions on budgetary issues, especially between "northern" and "southern" interests. That divide wilt deepen with or without ratification of the Maastricht Treaty. The budgetary battle of 1991 was partly on external relations. The external activities of the EC were all but successful in 1991: disparate conduct in the Gulf War, failure to contain conflict in Yugoslavia, near-collapse of negotiations with the EFTA countries, deadlock in Gatt-talks and the threat of a trade war between the three trade blocks. Ibe European Common Agricultural Policy remained a major stumblingblock in the Gatt-talks. The Commission proposed a radical reform package for CAP, fiercely opposed by France until the end of the year.
Les relations Belgo-Africaines en 1991: A la recherche d'une diplomatie des droits de l'homme ?
Authors: Willame Jean-Claude
Published: July 2021

The implementation of a diplomacy that could put more emphasis on democracy and human rights was not an easy process in Belgium. Treatment of these matters have taken a different perspective in Zaïre, Rwanda and Burundi, Belgium 's three most important African partners.  Reasons for that are twofold. Fore one thing, the Belgian foreign affairs service has always been overloaded by mercantile preoccupations. Secondly, knowledge on Africa has been limited to short circle diplomatic contacts while no instruments were ever implemented that could have ensured some following up of the African civil society at large.In the future, the continuation for a slow process of disengagement might be foreseable. New "partners" might come to the forefront such as South Africa while the U.S. and international financial organisations will definitely try to impose "good governance" together with a reasonable dose of human rights.
Findings from the EMPEROR-Reduced study are a tool to improve care for patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.Resolution of the Regional Scientific Meeting of Experts of the Southern Federal District
Authors: Batyushin M. M. , Vachugova A. A. , Gilyarevskiy S. R. , Dzherieva I. S. , Zakaryaeva N. A. , Zykov M. V. , Ivanenko V. V. , Isaeva U. S. , Kanorskiy S. G. , Kiseleva M. A. , Kurbanova I. M. , Lopatin Yu. M. , Nedogoda S. V. , Saneeva G. A. , Slavickaya E. S. , Khadartceva E. L.
Published: July 2021

At online scientific expert meeting of the South region held on October 3, 2020, the results of the international multicenter study EMPEROR-Reduced were discussed. Number of proposals and recommendations were adopted for the further study of the cardiovascular and renal effects of empagliflozin, its use in clinical practice in patients with chronic heart failure.
Endothelial dysfunction at refractory arterial hypertension
Authors: Safronenko A. V. , Gantsgorn E. V.
Published: July 2021

Objective:to assess endothelial dysfunction and its genetic and immunological mechanisms in patients with refractory arterial hypertension. Materials and Methods: at this study 42 patients (30 men (71.4%) and 12 women (28.6%)) with refractory arterial hypertension of III severity were examined. The patient's average age was 59.4 ± 1.12 years. The metabolic stability of the endothelium was assessed by a pharmacological test for endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Immunological analysis was carried out by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Genetic testing was performed on genomic DNA taken from whole venous blood samples. Results: in 33.3% of cases, a loss of metabolic resistance of endothelial cells to oxidative stress products was recorded. An imbalance was revealed between cytokines of a pro-inflammatory nature (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6)) and anti-inflammatory substrates (interleukin-4, interferon-γ) in favor of the former. In patients with refractory arterial hypertension, a decrease in metabolic endothelial resistance is associated with the presence of «-174 G/C» polymorphism in the IL-6 gene and «308 G/A» in the TNF-α gene. Conclusions:in 1/3 of the examined patients with refractory arterial hypertension, there was a loss of endothelial cell resistance to the action of cytotoxic products, associated with hyperproduction of TNF-α, IL-6, as well as the presence of polymorphism «-174 G/C» in the IL-6 gene and «308 G/A» in the TNF-α gene.
Utilization of a Directly Supervised Telehealth-Based Exercise Training Program in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Feasibility Study
Authors: Motz Victoria , Faust Alison , Dahmus Jessica , Stern Benjamin , Soriano Christopher , Stine Jonathan G
Published: July 2021

Background

Most patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are physically inactive despite the well-known benefits of physical activity. Telehealth offers promise as a novel way to deliver an exercise training program and increase physical activity. However, the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of telehealth-based exercise programs is unknown in patients with NAFLD.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a directly supervised exercise training program delivered exclusively with telehealth to patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the progressive form of NAFLD.

Methods

In response to COVID-19 research restrictions, we adapted an existing clinical trial and delivered 20 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic training 5 days a week under real-time direct supervision using an audio–visual telehealth platform. Aerobic training was completed by walking outdoors or using a home treadmill. Fitness activity trackers with heart rate monitors ensured exercise was completed at the prescribed intensity with real-time feedback from an exercise physiologist.

Results

Three female patients with biopsy-proven NASH were enrolled with a mean age of 52 (SD 14) years. The mean body mass index was 31.9 (SD 5.1) kg/m2. All patients had metabolic syndrome. All patients completed over 80% of exercise sessions (mean 84% [SD 3%]) and no adverse events occurred. Body weight (mean –5.1% [SD 3.7%]), body fat (mean –4.4% [SD 2.3%]), and waist circumference (mean –1.3 in. [SD 1.6 in.]) all improved with exercise. The mean relative reduction in magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) was 35.1% (SD 8.8%). Mean reductions in hemoglobin A1c and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance were also observed (–0.5% [SD 0.2%] and –4.0 [SD 1.2], respectively). The mean peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) improved by 9.9 (SD 6.6) mL/kg/min.

Conclusions

This proof-of-concept study found that supervised exercise training delivered via telehealth is feasible and safe in patients with NASH. Telehealth-based exercise training also appears to be highly efficacious in patients with NASH, but this will need to be confirmed by future large-scale trials.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03518294; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03518294
Benefits of Virtual Reality Balance Training for Patients With Parkinson Disease: Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-Regression of a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Wu Jinlong , Zhang Hui , Chen Ziyan , Fu Ruijia , Yang Hao , Zeng Hongfa , Ren Zhanbing
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Virtual reality (VR) balance training is increasingly being pursued in biomedical research, specifically with respect to investigating balance ability with VR. However, existing systematic reviews have found inconsistent conclusions about the efficacy of VR in improving balance in Parkinson disease (PD) patients.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of the research was to evaluate the impact of VR balance training on the balance ability of patients with PD.

METHODS

All major databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang, were searched to identify all relevant studies published in English or Chinese since September 15, 2010. Two researchers independently conducted document retrieval, study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality evaluation.

RESULTS

A total of 16 randomized controlled trials were analyzed (n=583 patients with PD), with the methodological quality evaluation score ranging from 5 to 8 points. A random effects model was selected to combine effect sizes. Meta-analysis showed that the balance ability of PD was significantly improved after VR training compared with the control group (standardized mean difference [SMD] 2.127, 95% CI 1.202 to 3.052, P<.001, I2=95.1, df=15). It is worth noting that the intervention platform may be the main reason for heterogeneity. Meta regression analysis showed that no training program could predict the impact of VR training (P=.57 to .94) on PD balance ability. Subgroup result showed that a single training time of 0 to 20 minutes (SMD 6.446), 4 to 6 times per week (SMD 4.067), training for 3 to 5 weeks (SMD 62.478), training course reached more than 30 times (SMD 4.405), and 201 to 300 minutes per week (SMD 4.059) maybe have more benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

A systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed that VR balance training is a highly effective means to improve balance performance with large effects in PD. In addition, we preliminarily extracted dose-effect relationships for training volume, informing clinicians and practitioners to design effective VR balance training for balance ability. Further research is needed to reveal optimal dose-response relationships following VR balance training.
Student, Staff, and Faculty Perspectives on Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence on 3 Public University Campuses: Protocol for the UC Speaks Up Study and Preliminary Results (Preprint)
Authors: Wagman Jennifer A , Amabile Claire , Sumstine Stephanie , Park Eunhee , Boyce Sabrina , Silverman Jay , Fielding-Miller Rebecca , Oaks Laury , Swendeman Dallas
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner and sexual violence are pervasive public health issues on college and university campuses in the United States. Research is recommended for creating and maintaining effective, relevant, and acceptable prevention programs and response services for student survivors.

OBJECTIVE

The University of California (UC) Speaks Up study aims to examine factors contributing to intimate partner and sexual violence on 3 UC campuses and use the findings to develop and test interventions and policies to prevent violence, promote health, and lay the groundwork for subsequent large-scale quantitative research.

METHODS

A mixed methods study was conducted at UC Los Angeles, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Barbara. Phase I (2017-2020) involved a resource audit; cultural consensus modeling of students’ perceptions of sexual consent; in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions with students to understand perceptions of campus environment related to experiences as well as prevention of and responses to violence; and IDIs with faculty, staff, and community stakeholders to investigate institutional and community arrangements influencing students’ lives and experiences. Phase II (2020-ongoing) involves IDIs with student survivors to assess the use and perceptions of campus and community services. Qualitative content analysis is used to generate substantive codes and subthemes that emerge, using a thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS

In January 2019, we conducted 149 free-listing interviews and 214 web-based surveys with undergraduate and graduate and professional students for the cultural consensus modeling. Between February 2019 and June 2019, 179 IDIs were conducted with 86 (48%) undergraduate students, 21 (11.7%) graduate and professional students, 34 (19%) staff members, 27 (15.1%) faculty members, and 11 (6.1%) community stakeholders, and 35 focus group discussions (27/35, 77% with undergraduate students and 8/35, 23% with graduate and professional students) were conducted with 201 participants. Since September 2020, 50% (15/30) of the planned student survivor interviews have been conducted. This segment of data collection was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recruitment is ongoing.

CONCLUSIONS

Data analysis and phase II data collection are ongoing. The findings will be used to develop and test interventions for preventing violence, promoting health and well-being, and ensuring that survivor services are relevant and acceptable to and meet the needs of all individuals in the campus community, including those who are typically understudied. The findings will also be used to prepare for rigorous, UC–system-wide public health prevention research.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/31189