bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intuitive and mindful eating to improve physiological health parameters: a short narrative review of intervention studies
Authors: Hayashi Lauren C. , Benasi Giada , St-Onge Marie-Pierre , Aggarwal Brooke
Published: December 2021

Objectives

This brief narrative review aims to give an up-to-date overview of intuitive and mindful eating (I/ME) interventions with specific focus on cardiometabolic risk factors, including glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure and inflammatory markers.

Content

I/ME intervention studies in adults which measured at least one physiological parameter other than weight were identified from PubMed. The clinical trial/randomized controlled trial filters and publication dates 2001 through April 2021 with variations of the following keywords were applied: intuitive eating, mindful eating, weight neutral. Ten articles were identified.

Summary and outlook

Of the 10 studies, seven showed I/ME interventions were more effective than control in at least one cardiometabolic outcome, two showed significant I/ME within-group improvements but no between-group differences, and one showed neither within-group nor between-group differences. Specifically, I/ME improved glucose levels among pregnant women with or without gestational diabetes, lipid profile among adults with overweight or obesity, blood pressure among participants with overweight and inflammatory markers among post-menopausal women with obesity. However, the positive impact of I/ME on each of these cardiometabolic parameters was not consistent across studies: of the six studies that examined glucose regulation, two demonstrated positive outcomes for I/ME group, whereas four found no effect compared to control. Three out of five studies had positive lipid effects, one out of five demonstrated systolic blood pressure (SBP) improvements and one of two showed improvements in inflammatory markers. Given these mixed results, more research is needed to understand the possible effectiveness of I/ME to improve cardiometabolic health.
A Review of epigenetics in psychiatry: focus on environmental risk factors
Authors: Keverne Jessica , Binder Elisabeth B.
Published: December 2021

Epigenetic modifications play a key role in development and cell type specificity. These modifications seem to be particularly critical for brain development, where mutations in epigenetic enzymes have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders as well as with the function of post-mitotic neurons. Epigenetic modifications can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors, both known major risk factors for psychiatric disorders. Epigenetic modifications may thus be an important mediator of the effects of genetic and environmental risk factors on cell function.

This review summarizes the different types of epigenetic regulation and then focuses on the mechanisms transducing environmental signals, especially adverse life events that are major risk factors for psychiatric disorders, into lasting epigenetic changes. This is followed by examples of how the environment can induce epigenetic changes that relate to the risk of psychiatric disorders.
Combating the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: How can the field of Human Genetics contribute?
Authors: Ludwig Kerstin U. , Schmidt Axel , Hoffmann Per , Nöthen Markus M.
Published: December 2021

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has triggered several months of global turmoil, and governments across the world are now actively attempting to develop strategies to combat both the virus and its societal impact. Since SARS-CoV-2 is a novel pathogen, basic research is essential, and manifold international efforts are now underway in order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of both the SARS-CoV-2 infection process and the resulting disease, COVID-19. In this article we discuss how the field of Human Genetics can contribute to this endeavor, and summarize available findings from human genetic COVID-19 research. Finally, we briefly outline how through the use of existing national research infrastructure, German scientists can facilitate progress in this novel and fast-moving field.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy and pregnancy: general and specific issues
Authors: Rudnik-Schöneborn Sabine , Elbracht Miriam
Published: December 2021

Background:
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) neuropathies represent an important group of neuromuscular disorders and are mostly autosomal dominantly inherited. The question, if there is a higher complication rate in pregnancy and delivery in CMT neuropathy and if there is a possible influence of pregnancy on muscles and nerves themselves, is important for medical care and prepregnancy counselling of affected women.

Objectives:
In this review we first address general issues of the clinical picture of CMT disease and physiological adaptations in pregnancy. In the second part of this paper we summarise specific results of two comparable studies on the obstetric history of women with CMT neuropathy in order to address the obstetric complication rate, newborn vitality, possible deterioration of CMT in or after pregnancy and personal attitudes. The results are based on two combined cohort studies with 21 and 54 participants.

Results:
We documented 148 pregnancies (129 deliveries), resulting in 131 infants. There were no increased complication rates in the recorded pregnancies. Miscarriage rate was 12.8 % and thus as high as in unaffected women. Deliveries were not associated with specific risks; there were no increased preterm deliveries, vaginal operations or caesarean sections, and no increased postpartum haemorrhages. Newborn vitality was normal and birth measurements were within the normal range. A deterioration of CMT related symptoms was reported in about one-third of the pregnancies and after delivery, however, the functional impact on everyday life was rather low in classical CMT. Most women expressed a positive attitude towards having own children and family life but those with a larger handicap would recommend medical advice and assistance in caring for the family.

Discussion and conclusion:
Pregnancy can be safely undertaken in women with classical CMT, despite the fact that a negative influence on the disease course appears possible. The data of a Norwegian study which found higher rates of presentation anomalies and operative deliveries and a higher risk of postpartum haemorrhage have not been confirmed in our study.
Der Weg in die Einheit: Das Fach Humangenetik 1990–1991. Ein Erfahrungsbericht
Authors: Passarge Eberhard , Sperling Karl , Theile Herbert
Published: December 2021

Die Vereinigung der beiden deutschen Staaten vor dreißig Jahren am 3. Oktober 1990 ermöglichte auch eine Vereinigung der getrennt existierenden Gesellschaft für Humangenetik (GfH) der Bundesrepublik Deutschland und der Gesellschaft für Humangenetik der DDR. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt auf Basis des eigenen Erlebens, wie im Fach Humangenetik die Trennung in Ost und West überwunden wurde. Innerhalb eines Jahres konnte die Einheit herbeigeführt werden. Dabei waren Schwierigkeiten zu überwinden, da eine einfache Fusion aus vereinsrechtlichen Gründen nicht möglich war. Dennoch war im Jahr 1991 die Zusammenführung vollendet.
What can go wrong in the non-coding genome and how to interpret whole genome sequencing data
Authors: Krude Heiko , Mundlos Stefan , Øien Nancy Christine , Opitz Robert , Schuelke Markus
Published: December 2021

Whole exome sequencing discovers causative mutations in less than 50 % of rare disease patients, suggesting the presence of additional mutations in the non-coding genome. So far, non-coding mutations have been identified in less than 0.2 % of individuals with genetic diseases listed in the ClinVar database and exhibit highly diverse molecular mechanisms. In contrast to our capability to sequence the whole genome, our ability to discover and functionally confirm such non-coding mutations is lagging behind severely. We discuss the problems and present examples of confirmed mutations in deep intronic sequences, non-coding triplet repeats, enhancers, and larger structural variants and highlight their proposed disease mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the type of data that would be required to establish non-coding mutation detection in routine diagnostics.
Technologies for profiling the impact of genomic variants on transcription factor binding
Authors: Leiz Janna , Rutkiewicz Maria , Birchmeier Carmen , Heinemann Udo , Schmidt-Ott Kai M.
Published: December 2021

Transcription factors (TFs) bind DNA in a sequence-specific manner and thereby regulate target gene expression. TF binding and its regulatory activity is highly context dependent, and is not only determined by specific cell types or differentiation stages but also relies on other regulatory mechanisms, such as DNA and chromatin modifications. Interactions between TFs and their DNA binding sites are critical mediators of phenotypic variation and play important roles in the onset of disease. A continuously growing number of studies therefore attempts to elucidate TF:DNA interactions to gain knowledge about regulatory mechanisms and disease-causing variants. Here we summarize how TF-binding characteristics and the impact of variants can be investigated, how bioinformatic tools can be used to analyze and predict TF:DNA binding, and what additional information can be obtained from the TF protein structure.
Geschichtsbewusstsein und historische Verantwortung in der deutschen Humangenetik
Authors: Krischel M. , Fangerau H. , Söhner F.
Published: December 2021

Historiker*innen haben immer wieder auf personelle und institutionelle Kontinuitäten zwischen der Eugenik in Deutschland vor 1945 und der sich entwickelnden Humangenetik im Nachkriegsdeutschland hingewiesen. Wie aber wurde diese äußere Wahrnehmung unter deutschen Humangenetiker*innen diskutiert und spielte sie für das Selbstbild der Disziplin eine Rolle? Auf der Basis von gedruckten Quellen und biographischen Interviews wurden das Geschichtsbewusstsein und die Übernahme historischer Verantwortung unter deutschen Humangenetiker*innen untersucht, die in der Zeit zwischen den 1970er und den 2010er Jahren im Feld tätig waren. Ein historisches Bewusstsein spielte in der Erinnerung der Zeitzeug*innen schon vor den 1980er Jahren eine Rolle für ihr Fach und seit der Gründung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Humangenetik im Jahr 1987 wird in der Gesellschaft die Frage der Form einer historischen Verantwortungsübernahme immer wieder diskutiert. Sie findet ihren praktischen Ausdruck z. B. in Diskussionen mit der Öffentlichkeit und in der Umbenennung von Preisen.
Television Series as Critical Theories: From Current Identitarianism to Levinas. American Crime, The Sinner, Sharp Objects, Unorthodox
Authors: Corcuff Philippe
Published: December 2021

Critical theory with emancipatory aims today to find a source of regeneration in ordinary cultures, and in particular, in TV series. Certain series can play a role in reinventing critical theories, drawing on the tradition of the Frankfurt School but shifting some of that School’s formulations through contact with current forms of interpretive sociology and pragmatic sociology. This requires a cross-border dialogue between the “language game” of TV series and the “knowledge game” of political theory, to use concepts inspired by Ludwig Wittgenstein. In this article, I will focus on four series: seasons 1 of American Crime (2015) and The Sinner (2017); Sharp Objects (2018); and Unorthodox (2020). The resources provided by these cultural works can help us formulate a critical decoding of important aspects of the current ideological context, in particular, the intersecting identitarian and ultra-conservative tendencies we find in France, Europe, the United States, and Brazil. These critical resources bear affinities to a political philosophy of the opening of being inspired by the ethical reflections of Emmanuel Levinas.
The effect of second order slip condition on MHD nanofluid flow around a semi-circular cylinder
Authors: Cao Jiahui , Zhu Jing , Si Xinhui , Li Botong
Published: December 2021

Steady forced convection of non-Newtonian nanofluids around a confined semi-circular cylinder subjected to a uniform magnetic field is carried out using ANSYS FLUENT. The numerical solution is obtained using the finite volume method. The user-defined scalar (UDS) is used for the first time to calculate the second order velocity slip boundary condition in semi-circular curved surface and the calculated results are compared with those of the first order velocity slip boundary condition. Besides, the effects of volume fraction, size, type of nanoparticles and magnetic field strength on heat transfer are studied. The present study displays that adding nanoparticles in non-Newtonian fluids significantly enhances heat transfer. In addition, it is observed that the heat transfer rate decreases first and then increases with the increase of Hartmann number. The effects of blocking rate on Nusselt number, wake length and heat transfer effect are shown in the form of graphs or tables.
Multi-Disciplinary Approaches to Learning and Teaching in Kenya: Use of Video Games in Education
Authors: Aseey Anne Achieng
Published: December 2021

Education is one sector that tries to be consistent despite facing several changes. Vari- ous factors and emerging trends have affected the sector both positively and negatively. The scope of the digital divide is more pronounced in the developing countries and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the technological struggles in Africa more than before. Technology is an enabler in education but not in all contexts because it also causes other challenges that increase the vulnerability of learners and educators in diverse circumstances. The proliferation of digital devices, especially mobile and smart devices, has brought in new changes and innovative ideas that have impacted the sectors input, output, and outcome. Leaners have demonstrated various degrees of adoption and absorption of new devices, and simultaneously educators have integrated and adapted to new pedagogies that resonate with the situation. As a continent, Africa has experienced an emerging trend with digital and non-digital devices interconnected for educational purposes on demand whenever needed. In developing countries like Kenya, more innovative ways of learning have been harnessed for learning and teach- ing purposes .With the penetration of the World Wide Web, the internet of things, availability of electronic devices, and improvement in information communication and technology infrastructure. Video games, which can be played on many platforms and electronic devices, can easily be leveraged for teaching and learning purposes. This study was conducted among learners and educators in an urban setting in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study investigated the potential of video games in education as used by leaners and teachers. The findings indicated that most leaners targeted had personal mobile devices. This gave them easy access to video games, which led to the popularity of these games. The findings also indicated that the leaners were not allowed to use digital devices like mobile phones in the classroom at school but had limited access to video games through desktops and laptops available in their institutions. The findings also showed that the majority of teachers were not keen on using video games for teaching and learning purposes, and this scenario presented a disparity in and a barrier to using multi-disciplinary approaches and integrating technology in teaching and learning. The study recommended that, with more electronic devices available for leaners and other education stakeholders, it is necessary to harness video games for learning and teaching purposes to allow for innovation, discovery, critical thinking, and experiential learning among learners.
The State Awaking Or Stealing?
Authors: Nardelli Debač Ivana
Published: December 2021

The 2020 parliamentary elections in Croatia were held in an atmosphere marked by fear and anxiety because of negative consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, and riddled with other unresolved socio-economic and political issues. Therefore, choosing appropriate political slogans that would reflect positive messages of hope, encouragement, and safety to the Croatian people seemed of utmost importance. This paper identifies and discusses political discourse strategies behind the creation of selected billboard slogans used in the pre-election period by different political parties and platforms. Taking into account the results of the elections, the research focuses on the negative reactions
to the content of the slogans in the Croatian public space. For this purpose, a corpus of readers’ online comments was built and subjected to
a computer sentiment analysis. The results show that the majority of citizens in the research sample created negative mental images of political agents and the policies they promote. Further investigation of
the reasons for the negative perception and evaluation revealed that the politico-historical and situational contexts play a significant role
in shaping the public opinion, specifically in times of crises and threats to public health and wellbeing.
Mohamed or Adam?
Authors: Letavajová Silvia
Published: December 2021

A name is one of the essential elements of identity. The choice of a name reflects personal as well as ethnic or religious identity. It is a reflection of individual preferences, cultural traditions and family ties, the social environment. These processes are also evident in a minority environment. The subject of interest of this study are strategies for granting names in Muslim families living in Slovakia. Our
aim is to find out how and why parents choose names for their children.
We will try to identify the role of individual feelings of parents as they are influenced by customary traditions of the countries from which the child’s parents come. We will be interested in the extent to which the fact that the partners live in Slovakia (mostly a Christian country with a minimal proportion of the Muslim population) contributes to the decision on the name, how it is determined by the existing public opinion about foreigners and Muslims. We present findings of a questionnaire survey with Muslims living in Slovakia or their partners. The participants were mainly people living in ethnically or religiously mixed partnerships, partly homogeneous partnerships or people who lived without a partner.
Strategy to Improve The Competitiveness of Cooperatives
Authors: Rusdarti Rusdarti , Sakitri Wijang
Published: December 2021

This research purposes is to analyze cooperativeâ€™s strategy to improve its competitiveness based on information technology utilization. This research employs a quantitative descriptive approach, analysis on cooperative competitiveness with Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) in consideration of input and output. Cooperativeâ€™s business development strategy employs an analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The analysis is conducted on active cooperatives with open data system (ODS) in Central Java Province. 64.82% of all cooperatives have utilized information technology in their business operation and 35.18% of all cooperatives have not utilized information technology in their business operation; Result of the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) using the Domestic Resources Cost Ratio (DRC) = 0.240 This Condition shows that the cooperatives business is efficient and has comparative advatage.Â  Private Cost Ratio (PCR) = 0.229, means the cooperative has been able to use its domestic use the actual price and has competitive advantage. Cooperative has comparative advantage and competitive advantage competitiveness. The results of AHP analysis with five development criteria show that the information technology criterion is the most prioritized criterion with weight value of 0.365; the capital criterionâ€™s weight value is 0.218; the human resource criterionâ€™s weight value is 0.195; the network criterionâ€™s weight value is 0.164, and the marketing criterionâ€™s weight value is 0.058. The cooperative competitiveness standard does not include export variable, thus further research needs to be conducted with different measuring tool from that of this research.
Impact of Military Expenditure on Economic Growth Encouraging or Constraining?
Authors: Nugroho Dirga Ardian , Purwanti Evi Yulia
Published: December 2021

Security is a form of guarantee that needs to be given by the state to its citizens. This fulfillment can be realized through the provision of national defense for all citizens. Nevertheless, military expenditure as a source of providing national defense needs attention. This is caused by its unproductive nature when compared to other sectors such as agriculture, banking, industry, and others. This study aims to analyze the effect of Military Expenditures on the level of Economic Growth. Furthermore, this study also analyzes the effect of interactions between Military Expenditure with other variables such as Population, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Political Stability, and Rule of Law, to see their indirect effects on Economic Growth. This study uses secondary data and covering 27 selected Lower-Middle Income Countries from 2002-2018. Furthermore, this study uses dynamic panel data analysis with the System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) method. The Military Expenditure in this study does not significantly influence Economic Growth. However, it was found that Military Expenditure had a positive and significant influence on Economic Growth when interacting with other variables.
Education Equality and Economic Growth in Indonesia
Authors: Sabur Ambuy , Khusaini Khusaini , Ramdani Heni Cahya
Published: December 2021

Last decade, Indonesia's economic growth experienced a downward trend. The study examines the role of investment, equality in education, poverty, income inequality, and regime to economic growth in Indonesia. We used time-series data between 1970-2017. It was obtained from BPS and World Bank (Indodapur) publications. The model used is the Weighted Least Square Regression (WLS). The results showed the factors that contributed significantly to increasing Indonesia's economic growth were education equality, poverty, and income inequality. While investment/capital, economic transparency, and the regime did not significantly contribute to increasing economic growth. Expanding access to education for high school or equivalent is important by the Government, including the development of school infrastructure in remote areas and teacher distribution. The Government should maintain the poverty trend that continues to decline. The future study dynamic models look at the long-term relationships related to education equality, distribution of income, and poverty on economic growth.
Analysis of the Sustainability of MSMEs in the Covid-19 Pandemic Era
Authors: Hamdan Hamdan
Published: December 2021

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have an important role in the economy of a nation. The aim of research was to know the factors that can increase and effect on increasing of the competitiveness of MSMEs. To achieve this goal, a study was conducted on MSMEs in Regency and Serang City through a population of 26,909. Survey method was used to achieve this goal, while the sampling technique was simple random sampling. Based on this technique, a total sample size of 100 MSMEs was obtained, while the analysis in achieving the objectives used path analysis. The results showed that the innovation variables and the quality of human resources had an effect on the competitiveness of MSMEs. The variable which is significant and affects the competitiveness of MSMEs is the variable of human resources. Theoretically, human resources have a more important role in increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs compared to innovation
Implementation of The Effectiveness of Regional Autonomy in Indonesia
Authors: Aminah Aminah , Gantyowati Evi , Winarna Jaka , Khairudin Khairudin , Redaputri Appin Purisky
Published: December 2021

The drive of this study is to postulate empirical evidence about the evaluation of the enactment of regional autonomy in Indonesia after the enactment of Act Number 22 Year 1999 concerning Regional Government. Exclusively, this analysis aims to evaluate the wellbeing of the community, public services and regional competitiveness in the new autonomous regions. This research was conducted in 71 new autonomous regions in the Sumatra region after the depiction of Act Number 22 of 1999 concerning Regional Government during the 2000-2018 period.Â  This type of research uses quantitative research. While the research method used is descriptive method, which is a research method that describes the population under study and consists of variables. The results of the study found that (1) the success rate of implementing regional autonomy for 20 years in the Sumatra region from the welfare aspect was 64.78%, meaning that the implementation of regional autonomy in the Sumatra region so far (64.78%) "has succeeded in increasing the HDI" according to the mandate of the law; (2) the level of success in implementing regional autonomy for 20 years in the Sumatra region from the aspect of regional competitiveness is 18.30%. The conclusion is that the implementation of regional autonomy in the Sumatra region has not been sufficiently successful in increasing regional competitiveness in terms of GRDP; (3) Riau Province is a region that has been very successful in implementing regional autonomy both in terms of welfare and regional competitiveness.
Factors Affecting the Composite Stock Price Index during Covid-19 Pandemic Crisis
Authors: Hidayat Ariodillah , Liliana Liliana , Andaiyani Sri
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to analyze factors affecting the Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (IDX) during the Pademi Corona Crisis. This study uses the multiple linear regression analysis technique where the variable number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the world, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Indonesia, the Rupiah exchange rate per 1 US dollar,  and the world crude oil price are used as independent variables (X) and the IHSG as the dependent variable (Y), the data used in this study are weekly time series data from the period December 2019 to September 2020. Based on the results of variable regression between the IHSG, Exchange Rates, Oil Prices, cases of COVID-19 in Indonesia and COVID-19 World, It is concluded that collectively the independent variables have a significant effect on the IHSG. Partially, Oil Prices, COVID-19 cases in Indonesia and COVID-19 cases in the world have a significant effect on the IHSG. Meanwhile, the exchange rate has no significant effect on the IHSG.
The Impact of Climate Change on Economic Conditions: Evidence in Indonesia
Authors: Febriandika Nur Rizqi , Rahayu Cahyaningtiyas
Published: December 2021

Climate change has consequences and influences on agricultural productivity, especially in tropical areas such as Indonesia. Agricultural produce contributes to the level of Gross Domestic Product. Climate change is a challenge for the environment that has the most extensive impact on the economic, natural resources, and agricultural sectors, even as a concern for climate change on agricultural production. So it is needed to discuss climate change which has an impact on various sectors, especially the economic sector. This research was carried out during 2016-2018 using all provinces in Indonesia. This study uses panel data regression method, and the chosen model is the Fixed Effect Model (FEM) by displaying the effects of each region. The results of this study show that R-squared value is  0.990095 which means that 99% of independent variables collectively determine the value of GDP. Meanwhile, changes in temperature, increased rainfall, and increased air quality index partially have no effect on GDP. Only the extent of agricultural land area partially has a positive effect on GDP.
Public Behaviour on Cash Waqf: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Haidlir Banu M , Laksmono Bambang S , Kasri Rahmatina A , Azizon Azizon , Hartono Djoni
Published: December 2021

Despite the potential governmental agenda towards cash waqf, this area has been givessn limited attention in academic literature with special regards to the supply side. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors influencing the public intention in endowing cash waqf by utilizing an extended theory of planned behaviors (TPB); in which religiosity, knowledge, and trust variables are added. Primary data from 685 respondents in Indonesia are analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The result showed that the intention to endow cash waqf is positively affected by all of the TPB variables (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) and other extended variables. The findings suggest an optimization in waqf fund collection and waqf fund management.  For waqf collection, it is important to improve public literacy and the quality and quantity of supporting facilities and systems. Meanwhile, institutional management should be strengthened for waqf management.
A survey of machine learning techniques for detecting and diagnosing COVID‐19 from imaging
Authors: Panday Aishwarza , Kabir Muhammad Ashad , Chowdhury Nihad Karim
Published: December 2021

Background

Due to the limited availability and high cost of the reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐ PCR) test, many studies have proposed machine learning techniques for detecting COVID‐19 from medical imaging. The purpose of this study is to systematically review, assess and synthesize research articles that have used different machine learning techniques to detect and diagnose COVID‐19 from chest X‐ray and CT scan images.

Methods

A structured literature search was conducted in the relevant bibliographic databases to ensure that the survey solely centered on reproducible and high‐quality research. We selected papers based on our inclusion criteria.

Results

In this survey, we reviewed 98 articles that fulfilled our inclusion criteria. We have surveyed a complete pipeline of chest imaging analysis techniques related to COVID‐19, including data collection, pre‐processing, feature extraction, classification, and visualization. We have considered CT scans and X‐rays as both are widely used to describe the latest developments in medical imaging to detect COVID‐19.

Conclusions

This survey provides researchers with valuable insights into different machine learning techniques and their performance in the detection and diagnosis of COVID‐19 from chest imaging. At the end, the challenges and limitations in detecting COVID‐19 using machine learning techniques and the future direction of research are discussed.
The Importance of Perceived School Climate and Personal Strengths Use for Psychological Functioning among High School Students
Authors: Rekienė Virginija , Pakrosnis Rytis
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the importance of high school students’ personal strengths use and the perceived school climate on their psychological functioning. The sample of 258 students from a gymnasium filled in measures for adolescent psychological functioning, strengths use and perceived school climate. Contrary to what was expected, the results revealed that personal strengths use did not moderate the relationship between students’ perceived school climate and their psychological functioning. However, both factors – perceived school climate and strengths use – independently of each other, significantly predicted students’ psychological functioning. Therefore, in order to achieve more positive developmental outcomes, it is not enough to create a good climate at school, it is also important to create opportunities for students to use their personal strengths.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of the National Youth Service Programme in Skill Development of Unemployed Graduates in the North West Province of South Africa
Authors: RENA R. , DIALE B. T. T.
Published: December 2021

For the last 3 decades, youth unemployment has been a major challenge in South Africa. Education and training has been considered as a solution to this challenge in the country. The South African Government introduced skills development programs focusing on the youth to reduce unemployment and poverty. However, the youth unemployment among the skilled has been persistent. Given this background, an attempts is made in this study to evaluate the effectiveness of the National Youth Service Program (NYSP) in skill development of unemployed Graduates in the North West Province of South Africa and determine stakeholder involvement in the conceptualization, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the skills development program. The research methodology used in this study was both quantitative approach aimed to fill in the knowledge gap, which is achieved through critical reading and analysis of what other researchers have identified, and qualitative method. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data. Questionnaires were self-administered to obtain primary data from (90) graduates and (10) stakeholders who took part in the NYSP. Th e main finding of the study indicates that 83 % of the NYSP graduates are unemployed since completing the skills development program in the 2017 fiscal year. The study alluded that lack of stakeholder participation and commitment in the NYSP was attributed to the high rate of NYS graduate unemployment. Stakeholder engagement and participation will also play a critical role in ensuring that learners completing the skills development program are linked to employment opportunities and are self-reliant. The study recommends that stakeholder identification should take place before the program is being implemented.
Institute of Philosophy: Traditions and Innovations
Authors: Yermolenko Anatoliy , Yosypenko Serhii
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the historical and philosophical analysis of the unique and paradigmatic role of the H.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in the philosophical life of Ukraine for 75 years since its foundation. The authors outline its role in the process of institutionalizing philosophy in Ukraine from the time of the domination of the dogmas of Soviet Marxism to the introduction of current research traditions in modern Ukrainian philosophy. The continuity and peculiarities of the change of generations of researchers in the field of philosophy and the involvement of Ukrainian philosophical thought in the world intellectual discourse are studied. The article's authors reveal the gradual formation of the Kyiv philosophical tradition, the role of the Institute's leadership in the style and nature of scientific research of certain periods. Particular attention is paid to the institutionalization of new research areas at the Institute, such as political philosophy, philosophy of language and speech, which belong to the leading paradigm of modern philosophy. Attention is paid to the cooperation of the Institute with domestic scientific and educational institutions, its international relations. The status of the leading professional publications, which became significant both in Soviet times and during independence, is highlighted. Finally, the article notes the role and tasks of the Institute in modern social discourse, focuses on the values, the preservation of which is taken care of by representatives of the Institute.
Ni-, Co- and Pt-based nanocatalysts for hydrogen generation via hydrolysis of NaBH4
Authors:   Institute for Energy Technology, Yartys V. , Zavaliy I. ,   Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of the NAS of Ukraine, Kytsya A. ,   Department of Physical Chemistry of Fossil Fuels InPOCC, Berezovets V. ,   Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of the NAS of Ukraine, Pirskyy Yu. ,   Vernadsky Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of NAS of Ukraine, Manilevich F. ,   Vernadsky Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry of NAS of Ukraine, Verbovytskyy Yu. ,   Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of the NAS of Ukraine, Lyutyy P. ,   Karpenko Physico-Mechanical Institute of the NAS of Ukraine
Published: December 2021

Ni-, Co- and Pt-based nanostructures were prepared via different physical-chemical methods and tested as the catalysts of hydrolysis of NaBH4. Ni-Co bimetallic nanoparticles with different Ni-Co ratios were synthesized by the modified polyol method via the reduction of in situ precipitated slurries of Ni and Co hydroxides by hydrazine in ethylene glycol solutions. It was found that a Ni- Co nanoparticles with the equal Ni/Co content and mean size of 130 nm are a more active catalyst as compared to Ni75Co25 and Ni25Co75 nanopowders and provide a constant rate of hydrogen evolution up to the full conversion of NaBH4. Zeolite supported Ni- and Co-based nanostructures (Ni-Z and Co-Z) as a convenient in use alternative to the metallic nanoparticles were synthesized via two-stage procedure consisted of adsorption of Ni2+ or Co2+ ions by zeolite from the aqueous solutions followed by the reduction of the adsorbed cations by NaBH4. Using SEM and EDX it was found that such method of synthesis provide the uniform distribution of 50 – 100 nm metallic nanopaticles both on the surface and in the bulk of the carrier due to the high cation-exchange capacity of the aluminosilicates. It was found that Co-Z catalyst is more active compared to Ni-Z and in studied conditions provides the H2 evolution rate close to 1450 mL/min per 1 g of precipitated metal. Various Pt-based nanocomposites were obtained by polyol synthesis and subsequently deposited on the carriers (carbon cloth or cordierite) as well as via a platinum electrodeposition on the titanium crump. It was found that the most efficient catalyst of the hydrolysis of NaBH4 is a cordierite-supported nanodispersed Pt which is able to maintain operation of a 30 W battery of fuel cells for 9-10 hours when using for the hydrolysis 1.1 L of 10 % NaBH4 solution.
Uranium-Lead Age of Granites of Kirovohrad Massif of the Inhul Megablock of the Ukrainian Shield
Authors: STEPANYUK L.M. , KONOVAL N.M. , DOVBUSH T.I. , KOVTUN O.V. , VYSOTSKY O.B. , SNISAR V.P.
Published: December 2021

The porphyry-like biotite-garnet granites (sample KВ-5-1) of the Sokolivkа quarry were studied. The quarry is located in the Kirovohrad granite massif on the southwest of Kropyvnytsky city. The aim of our geochronology investigation is to determine the age of granites of the Kirovohrad massif by the U-Pb isotope method using monazite. The age of granites from Kirovohrad massif by the U-Pb method using monazite has not been determined yet. According to our data, the porphyry granites of the Kirovohrad massif (Sokolivkа quarry) were formed 2034 million years ago. This U-Pb data of the porphyry-like granites is significantly lower than the U-Pb age of the granites from other parts of this massif. This may be due to the multistage formation of the Kirovohrad massif, for example, the Novoukrainskiy and some granite massifs of the Zhytomyr complex from Volyn’ megablock.
Development and Problematic Issues of Ukraine's Partnership with the Neighbouring EU Member States
Authors:   the Institute of History of Ukraine, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Vidnyanskyj Stepan
Published: December 2021

The paper highlights development and some problematic issues of Ukraine's relations with the neighbouring European Union Member States - the Republic of Poland, Hungary, Romania and the Slovak Republic, that have been escalated and exploited from time to time by the Russian Federation. This situation poses a potential threat to Ukraine and international security in the Carpathian region and needs to be resolved as soon as possible. This also emphasizes the aggravation of Ukrainian-Hungarian relations after a conservative and essentially authoritarian government, headed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, had come into power in 2010. A perceptible increase in tension between the parties is related to Ukraine's 2017 Education Act and the situation of the Hungarian national minority in Transcarpathia. Additionally, the paper focuses on Ukrainian-Polish contradictions in issues of historical memory and problems of Ukrainian migrants in Poland, Ukrainian-Romanian territorial disputes and some problems of Ukrainian-Slovak relations, in particular regarding the "Rusyns question" and so on. The author stresses that Ukraine belongs geographically and politically to Central Europe, therefore the states of this region are its most obvious friends and partners, and the task of governmental, regional and public institutions, international organisations and regional groupings is to overcome existing conflict situations and problems in mutual relations by joint active and consistent efforts. The factor of European integration, economic cooperation and interdependence of neighbouring countries, security challenges in Europe from Russia's aggression and the latest threats in contemporary international relations are strong levers for this, as well as for deepening interstate partnership and neighbourly, mutually beneficial cooperation between peoples of the Carpathian region
Globalization vs Localization: the Dialectics of Interaction in the Modern World
Authors:   the Institute of History of Ukraine, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Vermenych Yaroslava
Published: December 2021

The intensification of interest in the local history and regionalism is happening all over the world as globalization processes undermine the specific development of individual countries and their parts. The weakening of the internal social structures of modern states is manifested in the destruction of old and the search for new sources of identification. In the context of methodological approaches to the "spatial paradigm" the article examines the impact of globalization processes on the dynamics and structure of regionalization and localization of modern societies. By expanding the scope of human contacts, globalization creates additional reserves for the socio-economic development of most countries. But at the same time it creates new risks and dangers, because it involves narrowing the possibility of choosing a special, specific path of development. The duality of the process of globalization is manifested in the fact that it unprecedentedly expands and at the same time narrows the space of human life. While the economy is destroying national borders, people, not wanting to lose the feeling of "home", are looking for local spaces with strong ties. Globalization and localization are becoming parallel processes, which is reflected in the new concept of "glocalization". It is proved that the general tendency of globalization to influence the world-system structure is to increase the potential for interconnectedness and interdependence. The boundaries between the internal and external spaces of states, and hence between domestic and foreign policy, are partially blurred. The counter-flows of innovation and inertia, standardization and cultural differentiation create a unique palette of intercivilizational exchanges and interactions – with a corresponding expansion of the "space of opportunities". In response to cultural unification and the pressure of the standard, more and more people are trying to defend their identity, demonstrating a commitment to traditional norms and values. Therefore, the universal tendency to globalization is opposed by the tendency to diversify, which is manifested in the cultivation of their own space of existence, advocating the priorities of cultural, ethnic, religious and other group identities
The Slovak Question in Foreign Policy Vision of the Second Rzeczpospolita Authorities (1938 – March 1939)
Authors:   Kamianets-Podilskyi National Ivan Ohiienko University, Borovets Ivan
Published: December 2021

The Polish authorities had a negative attitude towards the central government of the Czechoslovak Republic at that time. Therefore, the Polish reprezentatives were in active contact with the opposition Glinka Slovak People’s Party. They had a number of common ideological values such as Slavic reciprocity, Catholicism, Anti-Bolshevism, and positive assessment of authoritarianism. The Polish politics assured that Warsaw supports state-building plans of the Slovak leaders and solemnly welcomed their delegation to Poland in May 1938. Polish-Slovak relations were marked by contradictions during and shortly after the Munich crisis. The Slovaks suggested state association and submitted a declaration on the Polish-Slovak union. But they did not receive an answer, so they agreed with the Prague government about granting Slovakia autonomy. The Polish authorities expected more pronounced separatism from the Slovaks. Warsaw made territorial claims for Slovak lands in the area of Spis and Orava because Poles wanted to push indecisive oppositionists. The ultimate form of the demands and the forceful nature of Polish actions demonstrated the real content of Warsaw’s policy towards Slovakia. These events resulted to the improvement of Czech-Slovak relations within the framework of Post Munich Czechoslovakia and also led to the appeal of Slovak politicians to Germany. Both sides tried to improve the atmosphere of bilateral relations during the winter of 1938-1939. Meetings of delegations were organized for discuss different ways to intensify positive cooperation. An influence of Nazi Germany was increasing in the region at that time. So, the realization of the danger, posed by Germans, was the main factor to Polish-Slovak rapprochement. In early March, Berlin organized a campaign to put pressure on Slovak politicians and persuaded them to secession. They tried in vain to put forward a Polish counterweight. The declaration of independence of Slovakia according to the German scenario marked the strategic failure of Polish foreign policy, because the southern border of the state became a zone of potential danger
Studies on World History, International Relations and Foreign Policy of Ukraine at the Institute of History of Ukraine of the NAS of Ukraine: Traditions and Contemporary Development
Authors:   the Institute of History of Ukraine, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Vidnyanskyj Stepan
Published: December 2021

The article summarises the results of almost 75-year old research activities on world history, international relations and foreign policy of Ukraine by one of the leading departments of the Institute of History of Ukraine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The history of structural reorganizations of the institute and department, its staff composition, research problems and innovative manner of many scholarly works of the department in the Soviet period on the history of foreign countries and international relations of Ukraine, despite the political and ideological engagement of historical science in the USSR, are investigated. The author focuses on changes in methodological and historiographical paradigm, in the department's research issues following the crash of Communist regimes in Europe, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the break-up of the socialist camp, the end of the Cold War, Ukraine’s declaration of independence. The paper emphasises that for thirty years of Ukrainian independence the researchers of the Department of the History of International Relations and Foreign Policy of Ukraine have prepared over 100 original scholarly publications (individual and collective monographs, thematic collections of scientific papers, historical chronicles, collections of documents and materials, etc.). These scholarly works are a significant achievement of the department and a substantial contribution to the development of national historiography at the present time. The department’s participation is also crucial in training of highly qualified professionals in world history, as evidenced by the preparation and successful defence of about 50 pre-doctoral dissertations and doctoral theses, as well as in developing international scholarly relations among historians and coordination of scientific activities in Ukraine focusing on world history and international relations