bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased Expression and Uncoupling of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Cerebral Cortex of Rats with Thioacetamide-Induced Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Milewski Krzysztof , Czarnecka Anna Maria , Albrecht Jan , Zielińska Magdalena
Published: June 2021

Acute liver failure (ALF) is associated with deregulated nitric oxide (NO) signaling in the brain, which is one of the key molecular abnormalities leading to the neuropsychiatric disorder called hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This study focuses on the effect of ALF on the relatively unexplored endothelial NOS isoform (eNOS). The cerebral prefrontal cortices of rats with thioacetamide (TAA)-induced ALF showed decreased eNOS expression, which resulted in an overall reduction of NOS activity. ALF also decreased the content of the NOS cofactor, tetrahydro-L-biopterin (BH4), and evoked eNOS uncoupling (reduction of the eNOS dimer/monomer ratio). The addition of the NO precursor L-arginine in the absence of BH4 potentiated ROS accumulation, whereas nonspecific NOS inhibitor L-NAME or EDTA attenuated ROS increase. The ALF-induced decrease of eNOS content and its uncoupling concurred with, and was likely causally related to, both increased brain content of reactive oxidative species (ROS) and decreased cerebral cortical blood flow (CBF) in the same model.
Insights Into the Micelle-Induced β-Hairpin-to-α-Helix Transition of a LytA-Derived Peptide by Photo-CIDNP Spectroscopy
Authors: Gomez M. Victoria , Ruiz-Castañeda Margarita , Nitschke Philipp , Gschwind Ruth M. , Jiménez M. Angeles
Published: June 2021

A choline-binding module from pneumococcal LytA autolysin, LytA239–252, was reported to have a highly stable nativelike β-hairpin in aqueous solution, which turns into a stable amphipathic α-helix in the presence of micelles. Here, we aim to obtain insights into this DPC-micelle triggered β-hairpin-to-α-helix conformational transition using photo-CIDNP NMR experiments. Our results illustrate the dependency between photo-CIDNP phenomena and the light intensity in the sample volume, showing that the use of smaller-diameter (2.5 mm) NMR tubes instead of the conventional 5 mm ones enables more efficient illumination for our laser-diode light setup. Photo-CIDNP experiments reveal different solvent accessibility for the two tyrosine residues, Y249 and Y250, the latter being less accessible to the solvent. The cross-polarization effects of these two tyrosine residues of LytA239–252 allow for deeper insights and evidence their different behavior, showing that the Y250 aromatic side chain is involved in a stronger interaction with DPC micelles than Y249 is. These results can be interpreted in terms of the DPC micelle disrupting the aromatic stacking between W241 and Y250 present in the nativelike β-hairpin, hence initiating conversion towards the α-helix structure. Our photo-CIDNP methodology represents a powerful tool for observing residue-level information in switch peptides that is difficult to obtain by other spectroscopic techniques.
Nuclear Export Inhibitor KPT-8602 Synergizes with PARP Inhibitors in Escalating Apoptosis in Castration Resistant Cancer Cells
Authors: Uddin Md. Hafiz , Li Yiwei , Khan Husain Yar , Muqbil Irfana , Aboukameel Amro , Sexton Rachel E. , Reddy Shriya , Landesman Yosef , Kashyap Trinayan , Azmi Asfar S. , Heath Elisabeth I.
Published: June 2021

Aberrant nuclear protein transport, often observed in cancer, causes mislocalization-dependent inactivation of critical cellular proteins. Earlier we showed that overexpression of exportin 1 is linked to higher grade and Gleason score in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). We also showed that a selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) selinexor and second generation eltanexor (KPT-8602) could suppress mCRPC growth, reduce androgen receptor (AR), and re-sensitize to androgen deprivation therapy. Here we evaluated the combination of KPT-8602 with PARP inhibitors (PARPi) olaparib, veliparib and rucaparib in 22rv1 mCRPC cells. KPT-8602 synergized with PARPi (CI < 1) at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. KPT-8602-PARPi showed superior induction of apoptosis compared to single agent treatment and caused up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes BAX, TP53 and CASPASE 9. Mechanistically, KPT-8602-PARPi suppressed AR, ARv7, PSA and AR targets FOXA1 and UBE2C. Western blot analysis revealed significant down-regulation of AR, ARv7, UBE2C, SAM68, FOXA1 and upregulation of cleaved PARP and cleaved CASPASE 3. KPT-8602 with or without olaparib was shown to reduce homologous recombination-regulated DNA damage response targets including BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK1, EXO1, BLM, RAD51, LIG1, XRCC3 and RMI2. Taken together, this study revealed the therapeutic potential of a novel combination of KPT-8602 and PARP inhibitors for the treatment of mCRPC.
Granular Calcite: A New Cultural Practice to Improve the Physicochemistry of the Peat Substrate, Growth and Morphophysiological Quality of White Spruce Seedlings in Forest Nurseries
Authors: Lamhamedi Mohammed S. , Renaud Mario , Auger Isabelle
Published: June 2021

Growing Picea glauca seedlings poses many challenges for forest nursery managers, including reaching the target height at the end of the first growing season (1 + 0) and the homogeneity and uniformity of seedling growth. To increase growth and morphophysiological quality of white spruce seedlings (1 + 0), emphasis was placed on improving the physicochemistry of the acidic peat substrate by replacing silica with granular calcite as a covering material. The objective of our study is to compare the effects of silica and calcite on the physicochemistry of the peat substrate, as well as on growth and mineral nutrition of white spruce seedlings (1 + 0) under forest nursery conditions. Three treatments were used to cover the cavities of large white spruce seedlings produced in containers: silica (29 g/cavity; control treatment), calcite (24 g/cavity) and calcite + (31 g/cavity). At the end of the first growing season, the two calcite treatments significantly increased the total dry mass (28%), roots (27%) and shoot (29%) dry masses and height (24%) compared to silica treatments. Average calcium concentration and content of calcite treatments were significantly higher than that of silica treatment.
Effect of Five Polymorphisms on Percentage of Oleic Acid in Beef and Investigation of Linkage Disequilibrium to Confirm the Locations of Quantitative Trait Loci on BTA19 in Japanese Black Cattle
Authors: Kawaguchi Fuki , Kakiuchi Fuka , Oyama Kenji , Mannen Hideyuki , Sasazaki Shinji
Published: June 2021

Five polymorphisms associated with the percentage of oleic acid (C18:1) in beef fat were previously reported on bovine chromosome 19 in different Japanese Black cattle populations. This study aimed to verify the effects of these five polymorphisms on C18:1 using the same Japanese Black cattle population and conduct linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis in order to determine the locations of the quantitative trait loci (QTLs). We genotyped the five polymorphisms (SREBP1 c.1065 + 83 (84bp indel), STARD3 c.1187 C > T, GH c.379 C > G, FASN g.841 G > C, and FASN g.16024 A > G) in two populations, which were bred in Hyogo and Gifu Prefectures, Japan (n = 441 and 443, respectively) in order to analyze their effects on C18:1 using analysis of variance (ANOVA). In the Hyogo population, SREBP1 c.1065 + 83 and STARD3 c.1187 C > T were significantly associated with C18:1 (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, FASN g.841 G > C, FASN g.16024 A > G, and GH c.379 C > G were significantly associated with C18:1 (p < 0.01) in the Gifu population. LD analysis was subsequently conducted to detect the range of the QTLs, which ranged from 32.2 to 46.4 Mbp and from 47.8 to 52.1 Mbp in the Hyogo and Gifu populations, respectively. In conclusion, this study confirmed the existence of QTLs on BTA19 and divided the candidate region for each QTL based on LD coefficients. These results could contribute to efficient searches for responsible genes and polymorphisms for fatty acid composition.
Leasing as an Alternative Form of Financing within Family Businesses: The Important Advisory Role of the Accountant
Authors: Michiels Anneleen , Schepers Jelle , Vandekerkhof Pieter , Cirillo Alessandro
Published: June 2021

Although leasing can be an interesting financing option from an economic point of view, family businesses are found to be less prone to lease. In this study, we examine the view of the external accountant on leasing as an alternative form of financing within family businesses. After all, as the most trusted advisor, the accountant likely has a significant influence on the financial decisions that are taken within private family businesses. By means of an exploratory qualitative study, we examine what factors influence the advice for a particular financing option and the accountant’s recommendation to lease or not to lease within family businesses. By combining the extant literature with the results of this exploratory qualitative research, we formulate propositions that form fruitful avenues for future research.
Factors contributing to the development of tobacco dependence
Authors: Menzul Elena , Ryazantseva Nataliya , Karaseva Larisa
Published: June 2021

The prevalence of smoking is explained by social norms in society in most countries of
the world, the force of the narcotic action of tobacco poisons, and the realization of interests of large transnational monopolies. A person who starts smoking gradually develops a physical and psychological dependence on nicotine: 80% of people who begin experimenting with cigarettes get "hooked" and quickly become regular smokers. Almost all those who start smoking under the age of 18 experience difficulties aspiring to get rid of this vice till the end of their days. The analysis of the content and orientation of the subculture of tobacco smokers allows speaking about it as an antisystem and an extremely negative phenomenon, since it contributes to the inclusion and fixation
of tobacco smoking. The complexity of the relationship between tobacco smokers and the different levels of their social environment determines the relevance of the study set out in the article.
The impact of animal-assisted therapy on psychoneurological status of children with developmental pathology (6 to 12 years)
Authors: Ryazantseva Nataliya , Menzul Elena , Fomichev Danil
Published: June 2021

Currently, there is an increasingly arising question about new non-medicinal remedies for
children, including animal-assisted therapy, which uses the person’s own reserves. The method of animal-assisted therapy exerts an effective influence on the positive dynamics in changing the psychoneurological status and higher psychological functions of children with developmental pathology. The application of the animal-assisted therapy method in psychocorrection of children with pathology from 6 to 12 years is the most relevant and quite efficient.
HIV infection in nurse practice
Authors: Skvortsov Vsevolod
Published: June 2021

This article focuses on the issues of classification, clinical manifestations, and approaches
to the diagnosis of HIV infection and the possibility of using the domestic drug Licopid in the therapy of secondary immunodeficiency states.
Emotional burnout syndrome in workers of emergency medical services
Authors: Kuritsyn Mikhail , Fomichev Danil
Published: June 2021

Swiftness in carrying out the resuscitation measures, when every second counts, constant
tension and readiness for action, critical patients, and death are an integral part of the work at the emergency station. It comes as no surprise that emotional burnout syndrome (BOS) develops in workers in this sphere much faster and more frequently.
The main directions in the activity of a self-admission medical assistant when performing the labor function “detection of a malignant neoplasm (breast cancer)”
Authors: Burlova Natalia
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the study was to determine the main directions in the activity of a medical assistant for early detection of breast cancer based on the analysis of the organization of the disease diagnosis at the present stage.
Results. It was found that structuring the diagnostic process taking into account risk factors will allow the medical assistant to independently organize early detection of pathology, which will reduce the number of advanced forms of breast cancer and save the lives of patients.
Conclusion. At the stage of training a mid-level specialist in the specialty 31.02.01 Medical Care, it is necessary to form professional competence to detect precancerous diseases and malignant neoplasms, determine visual and palpatory localization and refer patients with suspected malignancy and precancerous diseases to the primary oncological office of a medical organization in accordance with the procedure for providing medical care to the population in the "Oncology" profile.
The role of nursing staff in solving the problems of patients after cardio-surgical intervention
Authors: Inozemtseva Svetlana
Published: June 2021

An important issue in the prevention of postoperative complications, including the prevention of infection in the area of surgical intervention, is the low level of knowledge of our patients. In the article, the authors share their experience in solving priority problems of patients after cardiac surgeries.
Search for active candidates in a range of flavonoids regarding SARS-CoV-2 by the method of molecular docking
Authors: Pechinskii Stanislav V. , Oganesyan Eduard T. , Kuregyan Anna G.
Published: June 2021

Molecular docking is a convenient and cost-effective tool for targeted screening of biologically active structures. This method makes it possible to reveal the relationship between structure and activity, as well as to search for new active compounds. Due to the fact that the antiviral activity of flavonoids and their derivatives has been shown experimentally and clinically, the study of their antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 is a promising study. In an in silico experiment, the possibility of binding 20 flavonoid ligands and the main protease SARS-CoV-2 was studied. The structural features of flavone and flavanone derivatives have been determined, which determine their ability to block the main protease of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Structures of eight new candidates that bind the main protease SARS-CoV-2, which have the prospect of synthesis and further pharmacological research, have been proposed.
Analysis of morphological features and preliminary assessment of arbutin content in food varieties of pears
Authors: Nesterova Nadezhda V. , Dosaeva Albina
Published: June 2021

In this article, the authors conducted a macro-diagnostic study of pear fruits of three varieties. A qualitative analysis of raw materials was carried out using color reactions, thin-layer chromatography in pear fruits most widely cultivated in the territory of the Russian Federation. Arbutin was identified in the raw material, which allows us to consider this type of raw material as a promising alternative to lingonberry and bearberry leaves used in official medicine and actualizes further research aimed at developing modern methods of standardization with subsequent inclusion in the developed regulatory documentation.
İletişim ve Mantık Arasındaki İlişki
Authors: ÇALDAK Hüseyin
Published: June 2021

İnsana bahşedilen en büyük nimet akıldır ve o akıl ile bütün varlıklara üstünlük sağladığı, düşüncelerini kendisiyle ifade ettiği dildir. Sosyal bir varlık olan insanın, hayatını devam ettirebilmsi için iletişime ihtiyaç duyar. İnsanlar arası iletişimin en büyük aracı ise dildir. Dil, düşüncenin ifade etme aracı olduğu için iletişimi sağlamanın da vazgeçilmez unsurudur. Sadece insana ait olan düşünmenin doğru ifade edilmesi için kurallar bütünü olan Mantığın, dil ile sıkı bir ilişkisi vardır. Mantık kısaca doğru düşünmenin sanatıdır. Dil ve mantık doğru kullanıldığında sağlıklı bir iletişim kurulmuş olur. Doğru konuşmanın kurallarını veren dil bilgisi olduğu gibi, doğru düşünmenin kurallarını sağlayan da mantıktır. Dil, insanın hem bireysel hem de toplumsal varoluşu açısından en temel araç iken Mantık, insanın düşünme yetisinin doğru gerçekleşmesi için gerekli bir bilimdir. Kısaca dil, iletişimin en önemli unsuruyken, mantık düşüncenin dolayısıyla doğru ifadenin kurallarını veren bilimdir. Latince “Logic/Logos” kavramının karşılığı olarak kullanılan ve Arapça “Nutk” kökeninden türeyen mantık, dilimize Arapçadan geçmiştir. Logos, hem düşünce/akıl, hem de söz/konuşma anlamlarına gelmektedir. Bu bakımdan, akıl ve düşünce ile söz ve konuşma arasında ayrılmaz bir ilişki mevcuttur. İletişimin temel unsuru olarak dilin, mantıkla olan bu ilişkisi, mantık ve iletişim arasında da bir ilişkinin olduğunu gerekli kılmaktadır.
Şâfiî Mezhebinde Fetvâ Usûlü ve Mezhep İçi Görüşler Hiyerarşisi (Muhammed el-Kürdî'nin el-Fevâidü’l-Medeniyye Adlı Eseri Bağlamında)
Authors: YAŞAR Mehmet Aziz
Published: June 2021

Fıkıh terimi olarak fetvâ, sorulan şer‘î meselenin hükmünün, ehil olan fukahâ tarafından şer‘î deliller ışığında açıklığa kavuşturulma işlemidir. Bu bakımdan fetvâya, büyük önem atfedilmiş ve İslâm tarihi boyunca her dönemde fetvâ faaliyetinin ehil kişilerce yürütülmesine özen gösterilmiştir. Bunun için müftünün bağlı kalması gereken ilke ve prensipler konulup gerekli düzenlemeler yapılmıştır. Bilhassa fıkhî ihtilafların had safhaya ulaşıp sahîh görüşlerin zayıf görüşlerden ayırt edilmesinin güçleştiği müteahhirîn dönemde mezhepte mutemet görüşe göre fetvâ verme işleminin sağlıklı bir şekilde yürütülmesi için sözü edilen düzenlemelere daha fazla ihtiyaç duyulmuştur. Bu nedenle konuya ilişkin birbirlerinden kıymetli çok sayıda çalışma ele alınmıştır. İşte inceleme konumuz olan Muhammed b. Süleyman el-Kürdî'nin el-Fevâidü’l-Medeniyye adlı eseri bu amaçla ele alınmış nadide eserlerden biridir. Çalışmada önce Kürdî’nin kısa biyografisi ve sözü geçen eserle ilgili malumatlar ana hatlarıyla verilmiştir. Ardından eserin muhtevasından hareketle Şâfiî mezhebinde fetvâ usûlü, mezhep içi kaynaklar hiyerarşisi ve mezhepte mutemet görüşün tercihinde takip edilmesi gereken prensipler tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır.
Prospecciones en la confluencia de los cañadones Caracoles-Pinturas. Santa Cruz, Argentina
Authors: Sacchi Mariana Sacchi , Bozzuto Damian Leandro , Ucedo Valeria , Maveroff Nicolás , Daldin María Emilia , Papú Agustina
Published: June 2021

Se presentan los primeros resultados de los relevamientos realizados en la confluencia de los cañadones Caracoles y Pinturas, en el noroeste de la provincia de Santa Cruz. Entre las tareas realizadas se destaca la ubicación de los sitios identificados por Gradin y colaboradores, un primer registro del arte rupestre en uno de ellos y la realización de transectas dirigidas. El análisis preliminar del material lítico recuperado mostró la utilización de rocas silíceas de muy buena calidad y de obsidiana para la confección de raspadores y puntas de proyectil pedunculadas. Uno de los objetivos finales de estos trabajos es identificar la profundidad temporal en el uso de este espacio particular para evaluar el papel que pudo haber tenido en la circulación humana hacia los sectores cordilleranos. Si bien los sondeos realizados no brindaron evidencias que pudieran datarse, la presencia de fragmentos cerámicos los vincula con ocupaciones que se ubicarían en el Holoceno tardío.
Informed Communication in High Context and Low Context Cultures
Authors: Broeder Peter
Published: June 2021

In a variety of cross-cultural studies, comparisons are attached to Hall’s (1976) notion of contexting. A commonly accepted distinction is made between high-context and low-context cultures. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this characterisation affects some facets of culture-specific communication styles, that is, preferences in the use of context and information for constructing meaning in communication. Specifically, data were collected from 774 subjects so that a comparison could be made. Representing three ethnically identified cultural groups—Dutch, Greek, and Japanese—the subjects completed an online survey where they reflected on the way in which they think they communicate. The results reveal some clear differences between the cultural groups in their reported communication style. The Dutch used relatively more non-verbal communication; the Greeks used more hand gestures, and the Japanese were more indirect in their communication. A cultural divergence emerged, in that, the Greeks living in the Netherlands reported higher levels of non-verbal communication, were more indirect, and used more metaphors than did the Greeks living in Greece.
Primer caso de infección por Neisseria meningitidis con susceptibilidad reducida a cefalosporinas de tercera generación reportado en Costa Rica.
Authors: García Quirós Christian , Borbón Juan Diego Salazar , Barillas Lamuño Hilver , Riday Morúa Jessica
Published: June 2021

La meningitis corresponde a la inflamación de la leptomeninges, tejido que rodea el cerebro y la médula espinal definido por conteo anormal de glóbulos blancos en el líquido cefalorraquídeo. Entre los microorganismos principales asociados a dicha patología se encuentran el Streptococcus pneumoniae, estreptococos del grupo B, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, y en adultos mayores o caso de inmunodeficiencia  Listeria monocytogenes. La presentación clínica se caracteriza principalmente por fiebre, rigidez nucal y alteración de la conciencia. En la mayoría de los casos asocian  leucocitosis y elevación de reactantes de fase aguda; sin embargo, el diagnóstico definitivo se basa en el aislamiento del patógeno en cultivo de líquido cefalorraquídeo. El tratamiento se enfoca en  la erradicación del foco infeccioso mediante terapia antibiótica y prevención de secuelas y complicaciones graves. Describimos el caso de un paciente con episodio convulsivo en contexto febril en quien se documenta meningitis causada por meningococo resistente a penicilina y con sensibilidad disminuida para cefalosporinas de tercera generación.
El gran imitador: revisión bibliográfica de la lepra
Authors: Riday Morúa Jessica Brii , Banegas Lamuño Omar , Barillas Lamuño Hilver , Corella Solano Alejandro José , Banegas Peña Norma
Published: June 2021

La lepra es una enfermedad infecciosa crónica causada por el Mycobacterium leprae. Se considera una enfermedad rara en la mayoría de los países desarrollados, pero endémica en muchos países subdesarrollados. Este patógeno afecta principalmente a la piel y al sistema nervioso periférico. El curso de la enfermedad está determinado por la respuesta inmunológica del huésped.
Psoriasis:
Authors: Barboza Hernández Wady Mauricio , Sobrado Esquivel Fabian Leonardo
Published: June 2021

En el contexto de atención primaria en salud, la valoración, diagnóstico y manejo de patologías dermatológicas es de suma frecuencia, siendo la psoriasis una de ellas. La psoriasis es una enfermedad inflamatoria, sistémica, crónica, de base genética, mediada inmunológicamente. Puede ser desencadenada y/o agravada por múltiples factores.

Dada su relativa frecuencia en la consulta médica general, el objetivo de este artículo   es, actualizar y revisar algunos conceptos básicos de la patología, para su adecuado abordaje.
PEDAGOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE FORMATION OF THE LEGAL CULTURE OF STUDENTS OF HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION SYSTEM
Authors: Туркаева Л. В.
Published: June 2021

На сегодняшний день в условиях низкого показателя правовой культуры российского общества проблема правовой социализации молодежи становится настолько актуальной, что затрагивает интересы многих специалистов в различных областях деятельности. Прежде всего такое повышенное внимание объясняется такими факторами, как социальная трансформация личности и модификация образовательной системы, которые в первую очередь способствуют определенным трудностям в процессе правовой адаптации подрастающего поколения к новым реалиям окружающего мира. В данной работе анализируются новейшие тенденции в развитии методики преподавания правовых дисциплин в высших учреждениях профессиональной системы образования. Кроме того, представлено влияние правовой культуры на поведение человека при реализации творческого потенциала в процессе правовой деятельности и социального взаимодействия.

Today, in the conditions of a low indicator of the legal culture of Russian society, the problem of legal socialization of young people is becoming so urgent that it affects the interests of many specialists in various fields of activity. First, such increased attention is explained by certain factors such as the social transformation of the individual and the modification of the educational system, which, first of all, contribute to certain difficulties in the process of legal adaptation of the younger generation to the new realities of the surrounding world. This paper analyzes the latest trends in the development of methods of teaching legal disciplines in higher institutions of the professional education system. In addition, the influence of legal culture on human behavior in the implementation of creative potential in the process of legal activity and social interaction is presented.
ON THE METHODOLOGY OF FORECASTING THE FUTURE OF THE NATIONAL REPUBLICS OF THE NORTH CAUCASUS
Authors: Билалов М. И.
Published: June 2021

На примере публикаций в СМИ критически осмысливаются фактологизм, отсутствие цельной методологии и идеологии прогнозирования будущего республик Северного Кавказа. Автор отвергает скептицизм и пессимизм в оценке перспектив северокавказских народов. Обосновывается неприемлемость либерализма как методологии современного социального развития. Предлагаются основополагающие подходы в виде исторических закономерностей, идеалов и норм евразийства, соответствующие антилиберализму, антиглобализму и альтерглобализму, необходимые как методологические установки для определения перспектив народов постсоветского пространства. Сохранение российской и северокавказской идентичности, единство народов региона в составе России, евразийская цивилизация, гражданское общество с региональными базовыми ценностями и т. п. должны стать альфой и омегой не только общественно-политических и гуманитарных исследований, но и публикаций СМИ, прогнозирующих будущее национальных республик Северного Кавказа.

On the example of publications in the media, factology is critically interpreted, the lack of a coherent methodology and ideology for predicting the future of the North Caucasus republics. The author rejects skepticism and pessimism in assessing the prospects of the North Caucasian peoples. The article substantiates the unacceptability of liberalism as a methodology of modern social development. The fundamental approaches in the form of historical laws, ideals and norms of eurasianism, corresponding to anti-liberalism, anti-globalism and alter-globalism, necessary as methodological guidelines for determining the prospects of the peoples of the post-Soviet space, are proposed. The conservation of the Russian and North Caucasian identity, the unity of the peoples of the region within Russia, the Eurasian civilization, civil society with regional basic values, etc. should become the alpha and omega not only of socio-political and humanitarian studies, but also of media publications that predict the future of the national republics of the North Caucasus.
THE PHANTOM MENACE: FEAR, RUMOURS AND THE ELUSIVE PRESENCE OF AQIM IN SOUTHEASTERN MAURITANIA
Authors: Vium Christian
Published: June 2021

Drawing on extended ethnographic fieldwork in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (between 2001 and 2012), this article investigates how the intensifying regional insecurity is perceived and (re)acted upon by people inhabiting the frontier provinces of south-eastern Mauritania. It is argued that armed insurgencies and the emergence of nebulous assemblages such as the AQIM (Al-Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb), must be analysed as constitutive elements in a complex convergent crisis which is currently undermining local livelihoods in multiple ways. In Mauritania and much of the Saharan and Sahelian regions, crisis has become chronic, and while people exhibit tremendous capacities to anticipate the uncertain and navigate a disequilibrated natural and political environment in general, a new kind of protracted fear is spreading. This article establishes how the AQIM is enacted locally as a phantom menace, which asserts itself through a form of omnipresent fear, nurtured by an inherent opaqueness. As this fundamental fear progressively permeates the nomadic landscape, it engenders a recasting of mobile strategies among the nomadic pastoralist groups who inhabit the interstitial desert spaces.
REGIONAL HEGEMONIC CONTENTION AND THE ASYMMETRY OF SOFT POWER: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOUTH AFRICA AND NIGERIA
Authors: Ogunnubi Olusola , Isike Christopher
Published: June 2021

Since 1994 when South Africa emerged from the doldrums of apartheid isolation, there has been much contention about the hegemonic profile of South Africa as well as its Nigerian counterpart whose continental leadership have reputedly held sway in Africa prior to this time. Clearly, both Nigeria and South Africa have been widely bandied as Africa's hegemonic leaders on the strength of their Afrocentric foreign policy aspirations and material as well as ideational capabilities. Specifically, this article focuses on examining how the soft power attributes of South Africa have helped to advance its hegemonic aspiration on the continent ahead of Nigeria. The article argues that although both Nigeria and South Africa have some degree of soft power attributes, South Africa has nevertheless been able to extract greater benefits from its soft power resources than its Nigerian counterpart. In doing so, it submits that the soft power assets of both countries appear asymmetrically skewed in favour of South Africa and demonstrates why this is responsible for the global preference and increasing regional recognition of South Africa as Africa's hegemonic power.
NON-STATE ACTOR: DEFINING PRIVATE MILITARY COMPANIES
Authors: Fulloon Mark
Published: June 2021

This article outlines several categories of Private Military Companies(PMCs) to distinguish between the different military services these organisations provide. In doing so, the article argues that an appropriate category is needed to understand the military operations these companies undertake. The article suggests that the PMCs can be divided into four categories: the Combat Offensive PMC, the Combat Defensive PMC, the Non-Combat Offensive PMC, and finally the Non-Combat Defensive PMC
REVISITING CHINA'S DEVELOPMENTAL STATE: LESSONS FOR AFRICA
Authors: Mabasa Khwezi , Mqolomba Zukiswa
Published: June 2021

Prominent development institutions and researchers have documented the ascendance of China in the global political economy and mainly explored how the global balance of power is affected by China's growing economic expansion. Political economists have argued that it is part of the generic economic power shift from the global north to south whilst security studies place emphasis on Chinese national geopolitical interests in several regions. This article discusses what lessons can be drawn from China's developmental state experience and how these can inform Sub-Saharan African developmental strategies. We argue that China's rise has been driven by both market and non-market institutions and show how peculiar contextual historical and socio-political factors have been integral to building the Chinese developmental state. This demonstrates the importance of building effective state institutions to support sustainable economic growth and human development. We highlight the principles shaping institutional mechanisms relating to the rapid economic growth and argue that African governments should apply these in their attempts to rebuild state capacity. However, we also point out that negative trends such as authoritarianism and persistent inequality should not be replicated. Rather, Sub-Saharan Africa should build democratic developmental states characterised by pro-poor sustainable inclusive growth.
SOUTH AFRICA 2016 – A COMING OF AGE: THEOLOGICAL AND ETHICAL REFLECTIONS ON THE FUTURE OF SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Pityana N Barney
Published: June 2021

This essay marks the maturing of South Africa's democracy since it was established in 1994. It raises questions as to whether the democratic dispensation has fulfilled what it promised, and it examines the reasons thereof. In essence it reasons that democracy has failed the people of South Africa because it lacks democratic accountability, and a firm foundation on the expressed will of the people. The theological and ethical factors in addressing the failings of a democratic system come into view. The essay concludes with an affirmation of the essential character of the church in promoting and defending justice in the world. One-dimensional thought is systematically promoted by the makers of politics and the purveyors of mass information. Their universe of discourse is populated by self-validating hypotheses which necessarily and mono-politically repeated, become hypnotic definitions and dictations... The products indoctrinate and manipulat; they promote a false consciousness that is immune against falsehood… This emerges a pattern of one-dimensional thought and behavior… Herbert Marcuse: One-Dimensional Man (1964)
COLLECTIVE SECURITY IN AFRICA: THE TENSION BETWEEN THEORY AND PRACTICE
Authors: Jordaan Evert
Published: June 2021

The promotion of peace and security in Africa necessitates security cooperation between states and collective security remains a way to pursue it. This paper explores the changed meaning and application of the concept of collective security within the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) to deal with both interstate and intrastate security concerns within the African Union (AU). Since the AU has made clear commitments to collective security, the aim is to determine to what extent the AU subscribed to collective security and applied it in terms of coercion, which includes interventions. While dealing with genocide, war crimes and extended presidential terms remains problematic, the AU has taken an assertive stand with the use of coercion in cases of unconstitutional changes of government. The article highlights the tension between the theory and practice of collective security in Africa.
THE POVERTY OF THE 'MIDDLE CLASSING' OF DEVELOPMENT: KEY PROBLEMS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
Authors: Southall Roger
Published: June 2021

Recent decades have witnessed a 'middle classing of development' as global institutions hail the expansion of middle classes in the global South. Although the African continent has lagged behind in this regard, expanding middle classes have nonetheless been proclaimed as drivers of development and progress. However, such generalisation smoothes over the rough edges of history, for the emergence, evolution and character of middle classes have been shaped, historically as well as contemporaneously, by the timing and manner of their incorporation into the global system. In this article, it is demonstrated how the character and present prospects of middle classes in key countries in Southern Africa have been differentially shaped, not only by varying experiences under colonial rule, but also by significantly different policies pursued by the party-states of Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
EMPATHETIC COSMOPOLITANISM: SOUTH AFRICA AND THE QUEST FOR GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
Authors: Eze Chielozona
Published: June 2021

One feature of Nelson Mandela's legacy in South Africa is his concept of post-apartheid society as a cosmopolitan space. Sadly, recent developments in the country suggest a return to nativist and bigoted world views and cast a dark shadow over his legacy. There is an urgent necessity to review this aspect of Mandela's vision. In so doing, this paper highlights the ethical advantages of cosmopolitanism, and argues that what sets Mandela's cosmopolitanism apart from others is his emphasis on empathy. I therefore suggest that empathetic cosmopolitanism is a particularly South African worldview. In support of this idea of empathetic cosmopolitanism, I discuss such recent theories as 'incompleteness', 'multiple identity', and 'entanglement', suggested by South African thinkers, as registers of Mandela's global citizenship.
FROM THE EDITOR
Authors: Melber Henning
Published: June 2021

With issue No 1/2013, this journal changed in several respects. Under a new editor-in-chief, the Strategic Review for Southern Africa, then published for 35 years, turned into an open access journal with a redesigned look. But the makeoveraimed at more than merely cosmetic changes. As outlined in the introduction of that issue, the changing context both in South Africa as well as globally, motivated a conceptual re-positioning, that also modified the subject-related thematic framework1).  Since then, thanks to many contributors offering a wide range of topicalanalyses, we hopefully managed to live up to at least some of the expectations created.

After five years, it is now time to hand editorial responsibility to a new generation of scholars groomed in the spirit of democratic South Africa. This, therefore, is the last issue for me as the editor-in-chief. While I welcomed the privilege to lead the journal towards implementing a modified agenda, I now welcome the opportunity to move out of the way and pursue other tasks. I thank all those in the editorial group and the advisory board who accompanied and supported me during the last years. I am especially grateful to Maxi Schoeman, who felt I would be the right choice for this task. Special thanks go also to Wilma Martin, without her assistance none of the last eleven issues would have become a reality.
CONTENTS
Authors: Melber Henning , Ndlovu-Gatsheni Sabelo , Hudson Heidi , Rossouw Johann , Motshabi Khanya , Niwenshut Théogène , Schäfer Rita , Matsimbe Zefanias
Published: June 2021

From the EditorHenning Melber ................................................................................................................. 1Knowledge production and decolonisation — not only African challenges Henning Melber................................................................................................................... 4
THE DYNAMICS OF EPISTEMOLOGICAL DECOLONISATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY: TOWARDS EPISTEMIC FREEDOM
Authors: Ndlovu-Gatsheni Sabelo
Published: June 2021

The problem of the 21st century in the knowledge domain is best rendered as the ‘epistemic line’. It cascades directly from William E B Dubois’s ‘colour line’ which haunted the 20th century and provoked epic struggles for political decolonisation. The connection between the ‘colour line’ and the ‘epistemic line’ is in the racist denial of the humanity of those who became targets of enslavement and colonisation. The denial of humanity automatically disqualified one from epistemic virtue. This conceptual study, therefore explores in an overview format, how Africa in particular and the rest of the Global South in general became victims of genocides, epistemicides, linguicides, and culturecides. It delves deeper into the perennial problems of ontological exiling of the colonised from their languages, cultures, names, and even from themselves while at the same time highlighting how the colonised refused to succumb to the ‘silences’ and fought for epistemic freedom. The article introduces such useful analytical concepts as ‘epistemic freedom’ as opposed to ‘academic freedom’; ‘provincialisation’; ‘deprovincialisation’; ‘epistemological decolonisation’; ‘intellectual extroversion’; and ‘epistemic dependence’. It ends with an outline of five-ways-forward in the African struggles for epistemic freedom predicated on (i) return to the base/locus of enunciation; (ii) shifting the geo-and bio-of knowledge/moving the centre; (iii) decolonising the normative foundation of critical theory; (iv) rethinking thinking itself; and finally (v) learning to unlearn in order to relearn.
The Constitutional Processes in Kenya and Zimbabwe: A Comparative Perspective
Authors: Marumahoko Sylvester
Published: June 2021

In recent years, Kenya and Zimbabwe have been described in comparative terms. The similarities between the two countries include a shared colonial legacy, common experiences in the areas of power sharing, equitable distribution of resources, economic asymmetries, regional disparities, corruption and electoral reforms. The Independence Constitutions of the two countries were negotiated at Lancaster House in London, Britain, and are both referred to as Lancaster House Constitutions. Both countries have grappled with the challenge of creating widely accepted constitutions. Using a comparative case study approach, the article discusses the processes of constitution-making in the two countries. Although the article recognises the importance of content, it largely focuses on the processes leading to the creation of the 2010 and 2013 Constitutions of Kenya and Zimbabwe, respectively.
Political Security in Southern Africa: Historical, Contemporary and Futuristic Perspectives
Authors: Vhumbunu Clayton Hazvinei
Published: June 2021

Political security has been widely argued to be one of the fundamental pillars of development, stability and prosperity, as it in turn lays the ground and conducive environment for the attainment of other forms of human security, namely economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal security and community security. Political security, as stated by the United Nations Human Development Report (994), entails defense against the different forms of political oppression, respect to human rights, and protection from threats of militarization. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to establish the extent towhich the concept of Political Security is applicable in Southern Africa within the context of a fast-globalizing landscape through analyzing historical and contemporary trends as well as forecasting future trends and patterns of political security in Southern Africa. Methodologically, the paper used secondary data sources to examine historical and contemporary trends in political security within Southern African countries whilst the International Futures (IFs) model, a comprehensive integrated modeling system, was used as a forecasting tool to establish the likelihood of political security within the different Southern African countries and future political security dynamics and complexities within Southern African countries whilst at the same timeproviding an outlook of the situation within the next 12 years. The study results show varying levels of political security in the region, with the majority of the Southern African states showing worsening political security situation by 2030, except Mauritius, Botswana, Namibia, Seychelles, and South Africa. Recommendations are suggested in the form of national and regional policy and strategic interventions that are key in strengthening political security within Southern Africa.
Are the Ingredients of a Developmental State Applicable to South Africa?
Authors: Mulaudzi Mbulaheni
Published: June 2021

The effective functioning of institutions is the hallmark of a developmental state globally. This is because institutions have a key role to play in the implementation of policies and the delivery of public goods. One of the fundamental roles played by institutions is the coordination of government interventions. In the absence of such, policy implementation and service delivery will not be rational. For coordination to take place, governments all over the world need to enter into partnership with other societal players such as business, labour and civil society. In essence, the idea developmental states requires that states enter into social contracts on the basis of long-term national developmental goals in partnership with other developmental partners. However, the state should be able to play a guiding role in pursuit of national developmental goals. In order for the state to effectively play this role, it needs to insulate itself from external influence and pressure. It should also be able to appoint its personnel based on merit, so as to enable its bureaucracy to interpret and implement policy accordingly. The government should also establish powerful oversight structures capable of conducting checks and balances on the affairs of the state and its partners.
Impacto de la formación tecnológica en producción ganadera ofertado por el SENA en el desarrollo del sector agropecuario de un departamento de Colombia, 2015-2018
Authors:   , Barrios Sierra José Nicolás
Published: June 2021

Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo principal determinar la pertinencia del programa tecnólogo en producción ganadera ofertado por el Centro Agropecuario y de Biotecnología “El Porvenir” del SENA. La evaluación se realizó en el periodo comprendido entre los años 2015 – 2018, para lo que se consideraron los lineamientos del Ministerio de Educación Nacional de Colombia (MEN) en materia de proceso de acreditación de programas de formación en el país. En el desarrollo de la investigación, se evaluaron aspectos como nivel de ingresos de los egresados, tiempo para la vinculación después de finalizar la formación, relación del programa con el trabajo que realizan, expectativas y grado de satisfacción de los empresarios, entre otros. Para la aplicación de instrumentos de recolección de información, se consideró como población la totalidad de egresados y empresarios asociados al Centro de formación en el periodo objeto de estudio, en el ejercicio se evidenció movilidad de los egresados al identificar la presencia de estos en municipios y ciudades diferentes al departamento de Córdoba. Dentro de las posibles utilidades de los resultados de este proyecto se encuentra la posibilidad de mejorar las condiciones de pertinencia de la formación en el departamento de Córdoba, principalmente lo que al sector Agropecuario se refiere; de tal manera que en un trabajo posterior, se pueda ampliar el alcance de la investigación e incluir en la población objeto otras instituciones de educación superior con una oferta igual o similar a la del Centro Agropecuario y de Biotecnología El Porvenir.
Precios y producto en el corto plazo: Enfoques teóricos alternativos
Authors: Ize Alain
Published: June 2021

Paradigmas para explicar la formación de precios y productos.
SPF ICE: A Novel Approach to Predict the Optimal Amount of Silica to Preserve Glaciers Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Prabu Aadhav
Published: June 2021

Glaciers cover nearly 10 percent of the earth’s surface but are melting at an inexorable rate. According to the Pacific Standard magazine, the Arctic Sea ice has lost 80 percent of its volume since 1979. Antarctica’s ’Doomsday Glacier’ is melting faster and could raise global sea levels by two feet. As three-quarters of the earth’s fresh water is stored in glaciers, its melting depletes freshwater resources for millions of people. Glaciers also play a huge role in the climate crisis. Silica microspheres are promising materials to prevent glacier melting as it reflects most of the sun’s radiation. When spread in layers over the glacier, it can slow the rate of melt and aid in new ice formation. However, it is necessary to determine the ideal amount of silica to achieve the desired result with minimum environmental impact. This paper introduces a novel method SPF ICE to determine the optimal amount of silica based on glacier’s properties using reinforcement learning agents and a custom OpenAI Gym environment. The environment simulates a real-world model of a glacial setting using specific data, such as the glacier’s mass balance, temperature, and average accumulation and ablation. After testing the agents, the proposed solution reduced glacial melting by an average of 60.40% using the optimal amount of silica. The results indicate SPF ICE is a promising and cost-effective solution to curb glacier melting.