bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are citizen juries and assemblies on climate change driving democratic climate policymaking? An exploration of two case studies in the United Kingdom
Authors: Wells Rebecca , Howarth Candice , Brand-Correa Lina I.
Published: March 2021

In light of increasing pressure to deliver climate action targets, and the growing role of citizens in raising the importance of the issue, deliberative democratic processes (e.g. Citizen Juries and Citizen Assemblies) on climate change are increasingly being used to provide a voice to citizens in climate change decision-making. Through a comparative case study of two processes that ran in the UK in 2019 (the Leeds Climate Change Citizens’ Jury and the Oxford Citizens’ Assembly on Climate Change), this paper investigates how far Citizen Assemblies and Juries on climate change are increasing citizen engagement on climate change and creating more citizen-centred climate policy-making. Interviews were conducted with policy-makers, councillors, professional facilitators and others involved in running these processes to assess motivations for conducting these, their structure and the impact and influence they had. The findings suggest the impact of these processes is not uniform: they have an indirect impact on policymaking by creating momentum around climate action and supporting the introduction of pre-planned or pre-existing policies rather than a direct impact by being truly being citizen-centred policymaking processes or conducive to new climate policy. We conclude with reflections on how these processes give elected representatives a public mandate on climate change, that they help to identify more nuanced and in-depth public opinions in a fair and informed way, yet it can be challenging to embed citizen juries and assemblies in wider democratic processes.
Are there Picky Preschool Eaters in Japan?
Authors: Wojcicki Janet , Kawanami Akiko
Published: March 2021

Background: Picky eating or refusing certain foods (or food groups) and/or having strong likes and dislikes around food is common among preschool children in the United States. Japanese children under 5 years of age may have minimal amounts of picky eating due to the Japanese preschool programs that emphasize shared eating.Methods: In this study, we visited 8 hoikuen and yochiens (kindergardens) in Tokyo and Chiba prefectures. Interviews were conducted with managers, teachers and dietitians and observations were made of meal and snack times. Results: Japanese preschool/nursery meal times are structured and follow a specific format of thanks, group seating and multiple plates/bowls of food, none of which are finger foods. Conclusion: We conclude that the frequency of picky eating in the United States may be a culture bound syndrome, or a behavior/syndrome specific to American and Western cultural norms.
Rhamnocitrin ameliorates ovarian fibrosis via PPARγ/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway to repair ovarian function in polycystic ovary syndrome rats
Authors: Zhou Yanyuan , Lan Huan , Dong Zhewen , Wu Yaqi , Chong Chaojie , Song Jiale
Published: March 2021

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the major endocrine disorders in women, characterized by androgen excess, chronic anovulation and ovarian fibrosis. Rhamnocitrin is an herbal bioactive flavonoid that has anti-inflammation and antioxidant effects. We intended to investigate the impacts of Rhamnocitrin on PCOS-induced ovarian fibrosis and its underlying mechanisms.Methods:Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) induced-PCOS rats were treated with Rhamnocitrin. HE staining was performed to detect ovarian histological features. Ovarian fibrosis was evaluated by Sirius Red and Masson staining. Vaginal smear was examined to exhibit estrus cycle stage and vaginal cornification. The serum hormone levels of FSH, LH, E2 and T were measured with ELISA. The related mRNAs and proteins of fibrosis factors and PPARγ/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot. The weights of rat bodies and ovaries were recorded. PPARγ inhibitor T0070907 and its agonist GW1929 were employed for the mechanistic investigation.Results:The corpus luteum and follicles were increased and irregular estrous cycle was restored after Rhamnocitrin treatment in PCOS rats. Rhamnocitrin inhibited ovarian fibrosis and down-regulated the expressions of fibrotic factors. Rhamnocitrin reduced the increased levels of LH, E2, and T, and elevated the decreased FSH level in PCOS rats. Besides, Rhamnocitrin elevated the down-regulated PPARγ, and suppressed the up-regulated TGF-β1 and p-Smad2/3 expressions induced by PCOS. These effects of Rhamnocitrin on PCOS rats could be antagonized by T0070907, whereas GW1929 markedly mimics the functions of Rhamnocitrin.Conclusions:Rhamnocitrin ameliorates ovarian fibrosis in PCOS rats through regulation PPARγ/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway, suggesting it can be a potentially effective therapeutic candidate for PCOS treatment.
SSD Analyze for the Assessment of Long Term Thermal Effect of Urbanization on the Izmir City’s Local Climate Change
Authors: CORUMLUOGLU OZSEN
Published: March 2021

Background: Urbanization provides several opportunities to human being to live better and comfortable life. On the other hand, it also comes with some costs and side effects like worsen climate conditions. In local concept, pre-climate conditions in rural area can be called as natural when they are compared against post-climate conditions after urbanization expands over and swallows these natural areas. So, these natural conditions are changed to worsen conditions by some civic activities in cities through urbanization. One of the urbanization side effects is thermal pollution caused by specific urban activities and patterns on land surfaces in cities. Thus, thermal pollution changes city’s local climate and negatively affects the city’s comfort level at least locally. There are several researches focusing on that issue in cities. Each one made its contribution to the area to build up a strong knowledge. One great contribution comes from the researches focusing on analyzing time serious thermal data with continuous distribution over cities.Method: Here in this research is introduced and suggested a Simulated Single Data (SSD) statistical analyze method for the studies based on time serious data. Therefore the method was applied to Remote Sensing (RS) LANDSAT satellites’ bands especially to time series’ thermal bands of Izmir city to reveal where generally Urban Hot Spots (UHS) appear and Urban Heat Islands (UHI) develop in the city w.r.t. this SSD image from long period of time. Stereo representation of the study region is also used to visually examine the topographical effect on UHI distribution.Conclusions: The study clearly demonstrated that industrial regions and roads with large surfaces, somehow bare lands even with spare bushes or grassy lands and more significantly the slope urban land parts within special aspects are the main contributors of UHSs and UHI developments in the city even w.r.t. long term data. Thus those contributors affect the city pre-natural climate conditions negatively and then let UHSs to appear and UHIs to develop at and around where these urban land cover structures are located or seen in the city. Those city parts are the most risky zones that city authorities take serious actions for caring their city chronical climate (thermal) conditions and to focus on for returning these zones back to their pre-natural climate environmental conditions. There are also some nature based solutions that are given and suggested in the conclusion section of the paper for compensation of the effects caused by those contributors in the city.
Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Mixed Acinetobacter Baumannii Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Qian Zhenhua , Zhang Shufang , Li Na , Ma Weixing , Zhang Kai , Song Feizhen , Zheng Cheng , Zhong Li , Wang Yesong , Cai Jiachang , Zhou Hongwei , Cui Wei , Zhang Gensheng
Published: March 2021

Background: Although the clinical features of Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infection are well described, the specific clinical characteristics of mixed Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infection are rarely reported. The objective of this study was to examine the risk factors and clinical outcomes of mixed Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infection. Methods: A retrospectively observational study was performed from January 2013 to December 2018 in a tertiary hospital. All patients with Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infection were enrolled,the data were collected from electronic medical records. Results: A total of 594 episodes were enrolled, 21% (126/594) of which were mixed Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infection.The most common co-pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.81%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.78%) and Enterococcus faecium (12.08%). Compared with monomicrobial Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infection, the main source of mixed Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infection was from skin and soft tissue(28.6% vs.10.5%, P<0.001). A multivariate analysis revealed burn injury was independently associated with mixed Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infection(adjusted odds ratio,3.569; 95% confidence interval, 1.954-6.516). Patients with mixed Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infection were more likely to have longer hospitalization length of stay [40(21,68) vs. 27(16,45), P<0.001]and hospitalization days after BSI [22(8,50) vs. 13(4,28), P<0.001]. However, no significant difference in mortality was observed between the two groups. Conclusions: Mixed Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infection is not a rare event, which accounts for one fifth of all Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infection. The main source is from skin and soft tissue, and burn injury is an independent risk factor. Although the mortality is not different, patients with mixed Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infection might have poor outcomes, which merits more attention by physicians in the future.
Efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes using FexZn1-xO nanoparticles
Authors: kumar senthil , Arunagiri C.
Published: March 2021

FexZn1-xO (x = 0, 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1 M) nanoparticles based photocatalysts are successfully synthesized by co-precipitation method. The synthesized nanoparticles are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and UV–visible double beam spectroscopy (UV–Vis) techniques. The prepared catalysts and its photocatalytic activity was evaluated by methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dye under visible light irradiation. The effect of various photocatalyst parameters such as pH, catalyst dosage, and initial dye concentration on the photodegradation was examined in detail.
Inflammatory Resolution and Vascular Barrier Restoration after Retinal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Abcouwer Steven F , Shanmugam Sumathi , Muthusamy Arivalagan , Lin Cheng-mao , Kong Dejuan , Hager Heather , Liu Xuwen , Antonetti David A.
Published: March 2021

Several retinal pathologies exhibit both inflammation and breakdown of the inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB) resulting in vascular permeability, suggesting that treatments that trigger resolution of inflammation may also promote iBRB restoration. Using the mouse retinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury model we followed the time course of neurodegeneration, inflammation and iBRB disruption and repair to examine the relationship between resolution of inflammation and iBRB restoration and to determine if minocycline, a tetracycline derivative shown to reverse microglial activation, can hasten these processes. A 90 min ischemic insult followed by reperfusion in the retina induced cell apoptosis and inner retina thinning that progressed for approximately 2 weeks. IR increased vascular permeability within hours, which lasted for at least 2 weeks and resolved between 3 and 4 weeks after injury. Increased vascular permeability coincided with alteration and loss of endothelial cell tight junction (TJ) protein content and disorganization of TJ protein complexes. Whereas repletion of TJ protein content occurred within days, restoration of the iBRB coincided with eventual re-organization of TJ complexes at the cell border. A robust inflammatory response was evident a 1 day after IR and progressed to resolution over the 4-week time course. The inflammatory response included a rapid and transient infiltration of granulocytes and Ly6C + classical inflammatory monocytes, a slow accumulation of Ly6C neg monocyte/macrophages, and activation, proliferation and mobilization of resident microglia. The presence of monocyte/macrophages and increased numbers of microglia were sustained until the iBRB was eventually restored. Intervention with minocycline to reverse microglial activation promoted early restoration of the iBRB. These results suggest that resolution of inflammation and restoration of the iBRB following retinal IR injury are functionally linked.
Formal Scheduling Method for Zero-Defect Manufacturing
Authors: Grobler-Dębska Katarzyna , Kucharska Edyta , Baranowski Jerzy
Published: March 2021

Zero-defect manufacturing (ZDM) is a concept of quality management that recently exhibits a renewal of interest. It aims to improve the process efficiency and the product quality while eliminating defects and minimizing process errors. Most of ZDM applications focus on using the technological achievements of Industry 4.0 to detect and predict defects, forgetting to optimize the schedule on the production line.
This paper proposes a formal approach for solving scheduling problems with unexpected events as extension of general frameworks for ZDM strategy. We propose formal method to create predictive-reactive schedule for problems with defect detection and repair. Our formal model combines defect detection, heuristics construction and decision support. We illustrate our results with examples.
A computational study on the complexation of Bisbenzimidazolyl derivatives with cucurbituril and cyclohexylcucurbituril
Authors: Sathiyamoorthy Venkataramanan Natarajan , A Suvitha , R. Sahara , Y Kawazoe
Published: March 2021

The binding properties of 1,w- bisbenzimidazolyl derivatives with cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) and cyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril (CCB6) host, for 1:1 stoichiometry, have been studied using density functional theory. The distance between the two benimidazole acidic hydrogen’s along with the flexible butyl spacer group play a vital role in the complexation with host. The energetic analysis exhibits strong complexation ability of guests with CB6 than CCB6 host. The computed enthalpy and free energy change were negative indicating the encapsulation process to be spontaneous and thermodynamically favorable and enthalpy driven. The global reactivity descriptors based charge transfer calculations show that charge transfer occurs from the guest to host molecule which was supported by the electron density difference map. The main factors for the higher stability of stable complex was the presence of C-H····O = C hydrogen bonding interactions in addition to the weak C···O, C···N, N···O, C···H, H···N type of interactions. AIM topological parameters and NCI analysis reveals the existence of weak interaction, mainly of electrostatic in nature and more number of hydrogen bonds are present in stable complexes. EDA analysis demonstrates the presence of noncovalent and electrostatic interaction with partial covalent character in the encapsulated complexes. The lower stability of CCB6 complexes compare to CB6 are due to the presence of positive Vs,max values of cyclohexanone methylene hydrogen’s on CCB6 host.
Psychosocial Quality of Life After Traumatic Brain Injury Among Children in Uganda 
Authors: Merabu Kadondi , Lekuya Herve Monka , Henry Kiyemba , Magala John Paul , Kiryabwire Joel
Published: March 2021

Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a leading cause of sudden death and disability amongst young people. About 28% of children managed for TBI in Uganda report some degree of physical disability one-year post-injury, but little is known about their psychosocial outcomes. We aimed to elucidate the psychosocial outcomes of children with TBI, and associated factors.Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out in the Neurosurgical Unit of Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH), Uganda. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 parent-proxy was administered to parents/guardians of children aged 6 to 17 years who were previously managed for TBI in MNRH more than a year post-injury; their medical records were also retrieved. Linear regression was used to determine factors associated with psychosocial outcomes.Results: A total of 116 children were recruited. The overall mean psychosocial functioning was 82 ± 22.74. Using a standard deviation below the mean score as a cut-off standard,85.7% of those children had good psychosocial functioning versus 14.3% with poor functioning. A long time of more than 2 years post-TBI (adjusted β = 1.36, p=0.012) and absence of associated injuries (adjusted β= 0.30, p=0.025) were associated with good psychosocial functioning, while TBI severity was negatively associated with poor psychosocial functioning (adjusted β= -0.36, p=0.041).Conclusion: Children managed for TBI continue to have psychosocial dysfunctioning after one year following injury, although continued improvement is observed even after 2 years. The severity of TBI and the presence of associated injuries are important determinants of the psychosocial quality of life of children. Multi-disciplinary supportive care should be very effective during the first 2 years following the injury to improve the quality of life of children with TBI.
WRELM based CO-OFDM system with improved performance, spectral efficiency and computational complexity
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Kaur Gurmeet
Published: March 2021

Coherent Optical Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (CO-OFDM) system with Pilot-free phase noise compensator was introduced in order to accomplish the need of high spectral efficiency in the optical communication. In CO-OFDM system Discrete wavelet packet transforms (DWPTs) in place of Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs) had attracted more attention since it has removed the need of cyclic prefix used to compensate fiber dispersion. In this paper, a DWPT based CO-OFDM system with Wilcoxon Robust Extreme Learning Machine based pilot-free phase noise compensator using multi-level QPSK partitioning of 16-QAM has been proposed. From the results of this work it has been seen that the percentage improvement in performance (in terms of Q-Factor) and spectral efficiency over traditional pilot-aided techniques is approximately 6 and 21 respectively. Moreover, this proposed work will comparatively reduce the overall system complexity.
Targeting Cbx3/HP1γ Induces LEF-1 and IL-21R to Promote Tumor-Infiltrating CD8 T-Cell Persistence
Authors: Thai To-Ha , Le Phuong , Ha Ngoc , Tran Ngan , Newman Andrew , Esselen Katharine , Dalrymple John , Schmelz Eva , Bhandoola Avinash , Xue Hai-Hui , Singh Prim
Published: March 2021

Checkpoint blockade can reverse CD8+ T-cell functional exhaustion, and TCF-1 is essential for this process. However, identifying mechanisms that can prevent functional senescence and potentiate CD8+ T-cell persistence in checkpoint blockade non-responsive tumors remains a challenge. We demonstrate that targeting Cbx3/HP1γ causes augmented transcription initiation, chromatin remodeling at Lef1 and Il21r leading to increased transcriptional activity at these loci. Mechanistic studies show LEF-1 and IL-21R are required for Cbx3/HP1γ-deficient CD8+ effector T cells to persist resulting in improved control of ovarian cancer, melanoma and neuroblastoma in pre-clinical models. Cbx3/HP1γ-deficient CD8+ T cells enhanced persistence in the TME facilitates remodeling of the chemokine/receptor landscape that ensures their optimal tumor invasion at the expense of CD4+ Tregs. Thus, CD8+ T cells heightened effector function consequent to Cbx3/HP1γ deficiency may be distinct from functional reactivation by checkpoint blockade, implicating Cbx3/HP1γ as a viable cancer T-cell-based therapy target for resistant, non-responsive solid tumors.
Monitoring and Stability Evaluation of the Damaged Landslide Based on Multiple Monitoring Technologies
Authors: Huang Wei , Zhou Chang , Xu Hong , Chen Lichuan , Liao Yunping , Liu Pengfei , Gao Yaohui
Published: March 2021

The stability evaluation of the damaged landslide is important for rescue work and emergency operation. This paper investigated a predisposing geological emergence, inducing the factors and deformation processes of the Zhongbao landslide, which happened on 25 July 2020. The stability of the damaged landslide was evaluated by an integrated monitoring system consisting of ground-based radar, unmanned aerial vehicles, airborne Lidar, thermal infrared temperature monitoring, GNSS displacement monitoring, deep displacement monitoring and rainfall monitoring. The strata and weak layer controlled the landslide failure, and topography defined the boundary of the failed rock mass. A continually intensive rainfall caused the deformation and accelerated failure of the landslide. The shallow and steep deposit (Part I) firstly slid at a high velocity, and then pushed the rear part of the landslide (Part II) to deform, forming numerous cracks, and the rainfall infiltrated into the rock mass. Finally, the rock and soil mass sliding along the weak layer, a barrier dam and a barrier lake were formed. The monitoring results showed that after the landslide failure, there were still local collapse and deformation occurrence which threatened rescue work and barrier lake excavation. Therefore, the barrier dam wasn’t excavated until the accumulation rate gradually stabilized on July 28. Moreover, most of the reactivated deposits still accumulated in the transportation and source areas. Thus, in August, the displacement of the damaged landslide gradually accelerated in a stepwise manner, and responded strongly to rainfall, especially in the accumulation area, so that it was inferred that the damaged landslide could slide again and caused a more threatening and severe failure. The analysis results of the study area can provide references for the failure mechanism of a rainfall-induced landslide and the stability evaluation of a damaged landslide.
AHP and GIS-based Delineation of Groundwater Potential of Papumpare District of Arunachal Pradesh (India)
Authors: Mahato Ranji , Bushi Dhoni , Nimasow Gibji , Nimasow Oyi Dai , Joshi Ramesh Chandra
Published: March 2021

Water is crucial to human survival. Studies on surface water are well documented but precise knowledge of groundwater resources is difficult. Thus, accurate knowledge of groundwater resources could meet the necessities of water at present and in the long run. The application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographical Information System (GIS) together with multi-criteria parameters has emerged as an efficient technique for delineation of groundwater potential in recent decades. However, no efforts to delineate the groundwater potential have been attempted in the study area to date. Hence, in this study, the groundwater potential of Papumpare district of Arunachal Pradesh was delineated by combining AHP, GIS, and ten thematic layers (geomorphology, geology, slope, lineament density, drainage density, rainfall, distance from the major river, topographic wetness index, soil texture, and land use/land cover). The results show about 64% of the area under poor groundwater potential. Moderate and good groundwater potential is found in 31% and 5% of the area, respectively. Map-removal and single-parameter sensitivity analyses revealed that the groundwater potential map is most sensitive to the annual average rainfall with a mean variation index of 1.05% and a weight of 19.07%. The flood/alluvial plains, Siwalik formations with sediments, and level to gentle slopes receiving high rainfall show good potential, and the dissected hills/valleys, metamorphic rock assemblages, steep slopes with low rainfall reveals poor groundwater potential. The overall accuracy of 81.25% with a Kappa coefficient of 0.72 explains good agreement between the reference data and the map. The estimated area under good groundwater potential appears too little concerning the increasing population and urbanization. Therefore, the state government in general and the water resources and planning department in particular need to formulate suitable strategies to combat the water scarcity scenario waiting ahead. The study suggests raising the use of surface water from nearby rivers to lessen the pressure on groundwater resources.
A scoping review of registry captured indicators for evaluating quality of critical care in ICU.
Authors: Jawad Issrah , Rashan Sumayyah , Sigera Chathurani , Salluh Jorge , Dondorp Arjen M , Haniffa Rashan , Beane Abi
Published: March 2021

Background Excess morbidity and mortality following critical illness is increasingly attributed to potentially avoidable complications occurring as a result of complex ICU management [1–3]. Routine measurement of quality indicators through an EHR or registries are increasingly used to benchmark care and evaluate improvement interventions. However, existing Indicators of quality for intensive care are derived almost exclusively from relatively narrow subsets of ICU patients from high-income healthcare systems. The aim of this scoping review is to systematically review the literature on quality indicators (QIs) for evaluating critical care, identify QIs, map their definitions, evidence base, and describe the variances in measurement, and the reported challenges of implementation.Method We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane libraries from the earliest available date through to January 2019. To increase sensitivity of the search, grey literature and reference lists were reviewed. Minimum inclusion criteria were a description of one or more QIs designed to evaluate care for patients in ICU captured through a registry platform- or Electronic Health Record (EHR) adapted for quality of care surveillance.Results The search identified 4780 citations. Review of abstracts led to retrieval of 276 full-text articles, of which 123 articles were accepted. 51 unique QIs in ICU were classified using the three components of health care quality proposed by the High Quality Health Systems (HQSS) framework. Adverse events including hospital acquired infections (13.7%) hospital processes (54.9%) and outcomes (31.4%) were the most common QIs identified. Patient reported outcome QIs accounted for less than 6%. Barriers to the implementation of QIs were described in 35.7% of articles and divided into operational barriers (51%) and acceptability barriers (49%).Conclusions Despite the complexity and risk associated with ICU care, there are only a small number of operational indicators used. Future selection of QIs would benefit from a stakeholder driven approach, whereby the values of patients and communities and the priorities for actionable improvement as perceived by healthcare providers are prioritised and include greater focus on measuring discriminable processes of care.
Molecular profiling of Neprilysin expression and its interactions with SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins to develop evidence base pharmacological approaches for therapeutic intervention
Authors: Kumar Arun
Published: March 2021

Neprilysin due to its peptidase activity is involved in several physiological and pathological processes. Recently our group has reported the association of neprilysin with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) network proteins which facilitate the entry of SARS-COV2 virus. The potential role of neprilysin beyond its peptidase activity is not known. Using the established sequence analysis and molecular docking tools, this study evaluated the molecular profile of neprilysin interaction with SARS-COV2 virus proteins. Human neprilysin protein showed a significant sequence similarity with SARS-COV2 spike protein, which was further confirmed by observation of considerable interaction in the molecular docking. Human neprilysin protein was also found to additionally interact with SARS-COV2 proteins facilitating virus replication. The potential of neprilysin inhibitors (Sacubitril and Sacubitrilat) to interfere with neprilysin and SARS-COV2 proteins interactions was assessed. The neprilysin inhibitors showed binding efficacy within therapeutically feasible concentration range (1 to 150 uM). This study while reporting a novel role of neprilysin as potential receptor for SARS-COV2 virus, highlights the merit in assessing clinical efficacy of neprilysin inhibitors for the management of SARS-COV2 infection.
Strategic marketing innovation and bank performance in Nigeria
Authors: Tajudeen Kolapo Funsho , Oluseye Mokuolu Joseph , Obafemi Dada Samuel , Oluwakemi Adejayan Adeola
Published: March 2021

To survive in the ever-increasing competition in the financial market, commercial banks need successful innovative strategies. However, there is insufficient information on appropriate innovative strategies required by banks. Primary data were obtained through a structured questionnaire. It was distributed among 1,200 bank employees and 300 bank customers of all eight systematically important banks (Access, Diamond, Eco, First, GTB, Polaris, UBA and Zenith) out of 21 deposit money banks in Nigeria as of December 31, 2016 by random sampling and stratified sampling techniques. The data were fitted to the regression-based model. The identified marketing innovation adopted by banks include innovative service provision (4.02), generation of new product with quality (3.65), entrance into new markets (3.60) and adoption of technological tools (3.57). Performance indicators considered are customer satisfaction and customer retention. Results showed that marketing innovation strategies of the banks significantly (p < 0.05) improve customer satisfaction. Improved service and product quality, introduction of new products and entrance to new market exert a positive and significant effect on outcomes of the banks. The estimated regression on customer retention showed that in a competitive environment, improved service exerts positive and significant (p < 0.05) influence. Furthermore, the impact of reduction in service cost is also positive and significant (p < 0.05), which is similar to the effect development of new banking products. The findings suggest that the pathway to raising performance of financial institutions in a competitive environment is diverse. There is a need for deployment of a modern banking technology, innovations around banking products and associated services.
Cognitive & Pragmatic Approach to the Phraseological Intensifiers of Political Discourse
Authors:   Comparative Linguistics Department, National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek., Zubareva Nadejda , Siddikova Iroda
Published: March 2021

The present paper reports on a study that aims to explore the cognitive and pragmatic potential of leveraging phraseological intensifiers in English political discourse. The authors argue that the phraseological intensifiers of political discourse could not be discussed without any contribution to the extra-linguistic context. Therefore, the present study works with a cognitive linguistic explanation of the phraseological intensifiers used by English politicians and journalists as well as performed pragmatic impact that aimed to foster the relevant conceptualization process. The suggestion of phraseological intensifiers depends on context linguistic meaning in the employed by the authors cognitive-pragmatic paradigm. This paper also denotes a wide range of relative to intensity categories, which should be distinguished from it. Such an analysis allows the authors to account for the wide distribution of intensifiers and their co-occurrence with categories that do not encode degree variables. The results of the study show that phraseological intensifiers significantly outperformed in the degree of pragmatic suggestion in political discourse and made use of them in a more appropriate way.
Carmen and Salome: the theme of “femme fatale” in the ballets of Mukaram Avakhri
Authors:   Kazakh National Academy of Choreography, 9 Uly dala avenue, Nur-Sultan, 010000, Kazakhstan., Shomayeva Dilara
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the image of the so-called femme fatale in Kazakh choreographic art in the case study of two ballets by Mukaram Avakhri: “Carmen” and “Salome”. The author analyzes the artist’s interpretation of the images of the two title characters as canonical cultural texts in the discourse on the history of female representation. At present, the choreographic theory is at the junction of feminist thought and choreographic interdisciplinary practice that strives to view the dancing female body through alternative means of cognition. The stereotype of femininity in dominant conceptions of the Western culture can be deconstructed through the new experience of female authors that influences the performer and the viewer in a new way. The directing and plastique-based approaches that help the young female Kazakh choreographer to achieve this are of interest to the authors.
The Image of the Goddess Umay in the Contemporary Fine Art Culture of Kazakhstan
Authors:   Department of Fine Arts, T.K. Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, Mukanov Malik F. , Meldesh Gulfiya T. , Hurbekova Ayaulym M.
Published: March 2021

The article examines the ethnographic and art-history aspects of the reflection of the artistic image of the ancient Turkic goddess Umay in the modern visual culture of Kazakhstan. The image of this goddess is one of the most widespread in the work of modern Kazakhstani artists, who refer to the symbolism of Tengrian culture in their works. Each of the masters, due to their individual worldview and creative style, interprets it in their own way, thereby enriching the modern visual culture of independent Kazakhstan. It is also necessary to mention that the embodiment of symbols and artistic images of the ancient Turkic Tengrian culture by contemporary artists of Kazakhstan in the visual arts reflects the desire to preserve and rethink the national identity in the context of globalisation processes. The study is an attempt at art criticism analysis based on the application of the hermeneutic methodology of numerous author’s interpretations of the artistic image of the goddess in the fine arts of modern Kazakhstan. The study of the problem of finding and embodying artistic images of the Goddess Umay, reflecting the sacred and mythological aspects of the Tengrian worldview, traditional for the nomadic peoples of the Great Steppe, in the visual culture of modern Kazakhstan, has an important theoretical and educational and methodological value. The conclusions of this study can be used and continued not only in the historical and theoretical works of art historians, cultural experts but also in research and educational-methodical works, when creating courses on the history and theory of fine and applied arts, scientific projects of the teaching staff, students, undergraduates and doctoral students, as well as in the artistic practice and creative activity of contemporary artists.
The Concept of Neuro- Linguistic Programming in Improving the Receptive Skills in English
Authors:   Department of Educaiton, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, India, Sunitha S. , Jayanthy A .Catherin , Kalaiyarasan G. , Annalakshmi N.
Published: March 2021

From the long years ago, education have been trying a proper way to improving the skills of English. Educators tried several methodologies in English to choose the better one. This paper brings out the effect of teaching Receptive skills by implementing NLP (Neuro- Linguistic Programming) in second language as English. Neuro- Linguistic Programming is one of the methods to catch up the English by giving focus on the brain anatomy. Brain anatomy can motive the creativity as well as the skills of using language. It also exist the role of Neuro Linguistic Programming in teaching the Receptive skills of English, which could make the students to improve the Receptive skills such as listening and reading. The study, in short, affirms that NLP strategies could be quite efficacious in making the students procure the skills that are indispensable in workplaces effortlessly. As it involves teaching a reading comprehension course by NLP concepts and techniques, the approach used in this study is experimental. In addition, the experimental method involves pre-and post-tests conducted before and after the course by the control group (40 students) and the experimental group (40 students). The students of the experimental community are chosen from the secondary school students. After the NLP experimentation, it was revealed from the study that there was a significant difference in the level of the experimental group in pre and post-test.
Investigating opportunities for use of alternative coagulants for drinking water treatment at Morton Jaffray Water Treatment works, Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Hoko Zvikomborero , Manganye Lawrence , Chipfunde Lisben
Published: March 2021

Drinking water treatment at Harare's main water works, Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Works (MJWTW), has been a challenge due to source (Lake Chivero) pollution, and the efficacy of some of the processes and chemicals including aluminium sulphate (alum) has been questioned. This study investigated the use of an alternative coagulant to the traditional use of alum at MJWTW. The effectiveness of five coagulants, namely Anhydrous Poly Aluminium Chloride (APAC), Poly Aluminium Chloride (PAC), Primco 100, Zetafloc 4030 and alum (control) was investigated by flocculation tests in a laboratory using Lake Chivero water. Parameters analysed included pH, turbidity, Electrical Conductivity (EC) and chlorophyll-a for raw water and treated water. Raw water mean pH was 7 ± 0.4, turbidity (3.3 ± 0.2 NTU), EC (337 ± 5.0 μS/cm) and chlorophyll-a concentration (2.28 μg/L). Primco 100 had the best performance with the lowest optimum dosage of 25 mg/L while alum had the highest dosage of 55 mg/L. APAC, PAC, Primco 100 and Zetafloc 4030 did not change the pH of water significantly but alum did. The study concluded that Primco 100 was the most suitable coagulant and could be an alternative to alum.
Nanofiltration membranes for salt and dye filtration: effect of membrane properties on performances
Authors: Ağtaş Meltem , Ormancı-Acar Türkan , Keskin Başak , Türken Türker , Koyuncu İsmail
Published: March 2021

In this study, commercial nanofiltration membranes (Toray, NF 270, Desal 5 L) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, optical profilometry, contact angle, mechanical strength and zeta potential measurements. Filtration performance tests were conducted with distilled water, MgSO4 solution and synthetic dye solutions, respectively. Among three commercial membranes, the Toray membrane was thought to be better choice. Additional experiments were carried out for a more detailed characterization of the selected membrane. Therefore, firstly, flux and removal efficiency was monitored by using dye solutions at different pH values, and then experiments were carried out to observe the effect of different temperatures. Also, another filtration test with NaCl solution was performed for the Toray membrane. As the main purpose of this study, we aimed to establish a significant correlation between the structural properties of membranes and their performances. In light of the results obtained, it was observed that the contact angle, mechanical strength and surface roughness values of the membrane significantly affected the membrane performance. It was concluded that the most important parameter in dye removal was the zeta potential. As a result of this work, a data set of commercial membranes was created and is available to all membrane users.
Społeczno-kulturowe i ekologiczno-zdrowotne funkcje lasu
Authors: Ciszek Mariusz
Published: March 2021

W artykule zagadnienie lasu zostanie przedstawione w perspektywie społecznej (społeczno-kulturowej). Zazwyczaj las badany jest jako istotny składnik środowiska przyrodniczego. Podejście takie jest słuszne, aczkolwiek w przypadku człowieka taka perspektywa postrzegania środowiska jest niepełna. Człowiek bowiem jest nie tylko organizmem, lecz także osobą i istotą społeczną. Dlatego ludzkim środowiskiem jest środowisko społeczno-przyrodnicze. Taka perspektywa postrzegania ludzkiego środowiska uwzględnia fakt, że człowiek bezpośrednio nie występuje w przyrodzie, lecz w środowisku społecznym (w tym i kulturowym), które z kolei powstało na fundamencie przekształconego i dostosowanego do potrzeb ludzi środowiska przyrodniczego. Człowiek jako (osoba) twórca kultury stworzył środowisko społeczne zawierające bardzo dużo sztucznych elementów. To wyróżnia go spośród innych gatunków żywych, ponieważ ludzkie środowisko naturalne, to nie tylko środowisko przyrodnicze, lecz także sztuczne, kształtowane w ramach społeczeństwa (środowiska społeczno-kulturowego). Wychodząc z tego założenia, w pracy autor postara się ukazać las jako istotny element tak postrzeganego ludzkiego środowiska. Pełni on bowiem w życiu ludzi istotne funkcje społeczne (społeczno-kulturowe), kształtujące również bezpieczeństwo środowiskowe (ekologiczno-zdrowotne). Omówienie tych szczegółowych funkcji i ich podział stanowi cel artykułu.
A Study of Irrigation Performance Index and Real Cost Value of Irrigation Operations and Maintenance in Surak Irrigation Area
Authors: Prayogo Tri , Wahyuni Sri , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Irrigation Asset Management is required to maintain the value of irrigation asset function and condition. Surak Irrigation Area is located in Lawang Sub-District, Malang Regency. After resurveying in 2020, 21 points of damage were found in Surak Irrigation Area. Irrigation performance index was found to be 77.56% (moderate condition) for which the physical infrastructure aspect is 39.1%, the water availability aspect is 5.4%, the planting index aspect is 4.4%, the supporting facilities for operation and management aspect is 7.8%, the organizational and personnel aspect is 10.8%, the documentation aspect is 3.8%, and the Water User Association aspect is 6.3%. Priority calculation utilized the ranking method, which ranks asset values from the lowest to the highest. The result was that 24 assets are in moderate condition, 43 assets are in good condition, and 146 are in very good condition. The real cost value of irrigation operations and maintenance was calculated to be IDR 1,561,741,648, with IDR 208,506,890 for operating costs and IDR 1,353,234,758 for maintenance costs. For rehabilitation, it was found that 24 assets need regular maintenance and repair, 24 assets need regular maintenance, and 146 assets need routine maintenance
Analysis of Runoff Curve Number Distribution into Surface Runoff of Lesti Watershed
Authors: Priambodo Didit , Suhartanto Ery , Sumiadi Sumiadi
Published: March 2021

Lesti watershed is a sub basin of Brantas River located in Malang Regency, which is the main source of inflow and sediment loads for the Sengguruh Dam. Human activities change the type of land cover by deforestation for the expansion of agricultural and residential areas. It makes a rapid increasing of runoff and discharges that were potentially carrying sediment into Lesti River. To measure surface runoff in a watershed can be held by modeling rather than directly in the field, it is cheaper and more effective with accurate results. This study is based on Soil Conservation Service (SCS) formula to illustrate surface runoff level by knowing curve number distribution. Using models based on land use changes in 2010, 2012 and 2017, generated by AV SWAT software, shows that increasing CN value each year affects the surface runoff, so there is a relationship between land use and runoff. The average CN value in 2010 is 63.644, 2012 is 63.942, 2017 is 65.49, while the average surface runoff in 2010 is 800.28, 2012 is 823.26, 2017 is 828.009. Conservation treatment on the area with a high CN value can reduce the surface runoff. It shows that watershed performance is getting better
Pengembangan multimedia interaktif tema binatang untuk pembelajaran di taman kanak-kanak
Authors: Kartini Kartini , Degeng I Nyoman Sudana , Sitompul Nurmida Catherine
Published: March 2021

Tujuan dari penelitian ini yakni untuk menghasilkan produk media pembelajaran interaktif yang layak digunakan untuk mengenalkan berbagai macam binatang pada materi tema binatang pada anak taman kanak-kanak kelompok A. Untuk melihat kelayakan dari penelitian ini ditinjau dari tiga aspek antara lain: aspek edukatif, estetika, dan teknis. Model  pengembangan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini mengadaptasi dan  memodifikasi langkah-langkah penelitian dan pengembangan Brog & Gall. Dalam penelitian ini pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi, wawancara, angket atau kuesioner, dan dokumentasi. Analisis data diolah menggunakan deskriptif kuantitatif. Hasil validasi dari ahli materi memperoleh penilaian rata-rata skor 4,25 dengan kriteria sangat baik, adapun penilaian dari ahli media memperoleh rata-rata skor 4,42 dengan kriteria sangat baik. Penilaian dari guru kelompok A memperoleh nilai 100%, sedangkan uji coba lapangan awal dengan kelompok kecil memperoleh penilaian sebesar 97,22% dengan kriteria layak, hasil uji coba lapangan dengan kelompok besar memperoleh penilaian sebesar  92,15% dengan kriteria layak. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa secara keseluruhan media pembelajaran interaktif “Dunia Binatang” layak digunakan sebagai media pembelajaran interaktif untuk mengenalkan berbagai macam binatang pada anak taman kanak-kanak.AbstractThis study aims to produce interactive learning media products that are feasible to use to introduce various animals in animal theme material in group A kindergarten children. To see this research's feasibility in three aspects, including educational, aesthetic, and technical aspects. The development model used in this study adapted and modified the steps of the research and development of Brog and Gall. In this study, data collection using observation, interviews, questionnaires or questionnaires, and documentation. Data analysis was processed using quantitative descriptive. The material experts' validation obtained an average rating of 4.25 with perfect criteria, while the assessment of the media experts obtained an average score of 4.42 with excellent standards. The evaluation of the group A teacher scored 100%. In comparison, the initial field trials with the small group received an estimate of 97.22% with the eligibility criteria. The field trials results with the large group received an assessment of 92.15% with the eligibility criteria. So it can be concluded that overall the interactive learning media "Animal World" is suitable to be used as an interactive learning media to introduce various animals to kindergartens.