bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mi relación con la tecnología no es una relación solemne: Entrevista a Matías Umpierrez
Authors: Muniz Mariana Lima
Published: September 2020

Matías Umpierrez es un artista multidisciplinario nascido em Argentina, en el inicio de los anos 1980, de padres uruguayos, que produce obras que dialogan con el teatro, el cine y las artes visuales. En esta entrevista, discute su trabajo en diversos países en proyectos que integran tecnologías de la información con el cotidiano de las personas de las grandes ciudades.
Diálogos entre Iluminação Cênica e o exercício da docência
Authors: Fregoneis Gabriela Pereira
Published: September 2020

O artigo a seguir estabelece diálogos entre a Iluminação Cênica como linguagem componente da Encenação Teatral, com o exercício da docência e a formação de professores de Teatro nos cursos de nível superior. São discutidas duas perspectivas, a primeira quanto a formação de docentes pelo entendimento do conceito de artista-docente e a outra sobre os processos de formação de iluminadores no Brasil, considerando a teoria e a prática como territórios indissociáveis
A pintura em pânico, a fotomontagem e a pós-modernidade
Authors: Oliveira Lorena Machado Macêdo , Páscoa Luciane Viana Barros
Published: September 2020

Observando as indicações de Erwin Panofsky (1955) sobre o modo pelo qual uma obra de arte pode ser interpretada, este artigo propõe uma aproximação entre o livro de fotomontagens A pintura em pânico (1943), do poeta Jorge de Lima (1893-1953), e o conceito de pós-modernidade desenvolvido por Gianni Vattimo em A sociedade transparente (1989). Para tanto, contextualiza-se a fotomontagem de vanguarda como uma subversão do próprio princípio fotográfico enquanto análogo da realidade, e ainda como uma afronta à pintura enquanto método canônico de composição pictórica. Recorre-se ainda, à aproximação estabelecida por Gianni Vattimo entre os conceitos de shock em Walter Benjamin (1955), e o stoss de Martin Heidegger (1977), para sugerir que a fotomontagem transcendeu o periodo no qual surgiu e funciona como uma espécie de analogia à condição pós-moderna, que é, sobretudo, multiforme.
Influence of contracting conditions on absenteeism
Authors: Torrano Montalvo Fermín , Fernández-Suárez Iván , Botey María
Published: September 2020

El propósito de esta investigación es analizar las relaciones entre las condiciones de contratación y el absentismo laboral en una muestra de 5524 trabajadores, con el fin de identificar qué segmentos (por tipo de contrato y jornada, tiempo contratado, antigüedad en la empresa y bajas por enfermedad ocurridas en los tres últimos años) están más relacionados con la posibilidad de sufrir un proceso de enfermedad en el año 2017. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, la prueba chi-cuadrado para tablas de contingencia con dos muestras independientes y los árboles de decisión, basados en el algoritmo CHAID (Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection), para detectar las variables más importantes en la identificación de perfiles con una mayor probabilidad de sufrir una incapacidad temporal. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto la existencia de diferencias entre las variables estudiadas. Se considera la modalidad de contratación un factor de riesgo importante del absentismo laboral.

The purpose of this research is to analyze the relationship between hiring conditions and work absenteeism in a sample of 5.524 workers in order to identify which segments (by type of contract and workday, time hired, seniority in the company and sick leaves occurred in the last three years) are more related to the possibility of suffering a disease process in 2017. Descriptive analyzes, the chi-square test for contingency tables with two independent samples, and the decision trees based on the CHAID algorithm (Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection) were carried out to detect the most important variables in the identification of profiles with a greater probability of suffering a temporary disability. The results show the existence of differences between the variables studied. The hiring modality is considered an important risk factor for work absenteeism.
Empathy, Gratitude, and Resilience – Does Gender Make a Difference?
Authors: Agnieszka Lasota  , Tomaszek Katarzyna , Bosacki Sandra
Published: September 2020

Investigaciones anteriores muestran que la mayoría de las mujeres reportan niveles más altos de empatía y gratitud que los hombres. Aunque los estudios muestran relaciones entre resiliencia, gratitud y empatía, se sabe poco sobre la influencia del género en los vínculos entre ellos. El presente estudio examinó las diferencias individuales y las relaciones entre los niveles de empatía, gratitud y resiliencia de los adultos, particularmente cómo el género influye en tales relaciones. En segundo lugar, se probó el papel de mediación de la resiliencia en las asociaciones entre empatía y gratitud. Los participantes fueron 214 adultos polacos (104 mujeres) autoidentificados, con edades entre 18 y 55 años (M = 28.29 años, DT = 11.19), que completaron medidas de empatía de autoinforme en línea (escala QCAE), gratitud (escala GRAT) y resiliencia (escala SPP-25). El estudio transversal se utilizó para obtener los datos. Los resultados muestran que las mujeres obtuvieron puntuaciones más altas en empatía y gratitud que los hombres, pero los hombres informaron niveles más altos de resistencia que las mujeres. La apertura a nuevas experiencias de vida (dimensión de resiliencia) surgió como el predictor más fuerte de gratitud en ambos grupos. La resiliencia también sirvió como mediador entre la empatía y la gratitud y esto difería según el género autoidentificado. Se discuten las implicaciones para la investigación del desarrollo de género en psicología positiva.

Past research shows most women report higher levels of empathy and gratitude than men. Although studies show relations among resilience, gratitude, and empathy, little is known on the influence of gender on the links among. The present study examined the individual difference and relations among young adults’ levels of empathy, gratitude, and resilience, particularly how gender influences such relations. Participants were 214 Polish self-identified females and males’ young adults, who completed self-report measures of empathy, gratitude, and resilience. Results showed that females scored higher in empathy and gratitude than males, but males reported higher levels of resilience than females. Resilience also served as a mediator between empathy and gratitude and this differed according to self-identified gender. Implications for gendered developmental research in social cognition are discussed.
Internet Addiction and Social Self-Efficacy: The Mediator Role of Loneliness
Authors: Bakioğlu Fuad
Published: September 2020

El propósito de este estudio fue examinar si la soledad es un mediador entre Internet y la autoeficacia entre lo social. Los participantes involucraron a 325 estudiantes universitarios (mujeres: 57.8%; hombres, 42.2%). La edad de los participantes osciló entre 17 y 30 años (M = 20.54, SD = 1.99). Los datos del estudio se obtuvieron mediante el formulario corto de prueba de adicción a Internet de Young, la escala de eficacia social y expectativas de resultados sociales y la escala de soledad de UCLA. Los datos se analizaron utilizando el método de modelado de ecuaciones estructurales y bootstrapping. El modelo de ecuaciones estructurales mostró que había un efecto indirecto sobre la autoeficacia social, mediado por la soledad. Los resultados del procedimiento de arranque indicaron que el efecto indirecto de la soledad fue significativo. Se discutieron las posibles explicaciones, la implicación de la investigación, las limitaciones y las direcciones futuras.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether loneliness is a mediator between internet addiction and social self-efficacy among undergraduates. The participants involved 325 undergraduates (female: 57.8%; male, 42.2%). The age of participants ranged between 17 and 30 years (M= 20.54, SD = 1.99). The study data was gathered using the Young’s Internet Addiction Test-Short Form, the Social Efficacy and Social Outcome Expectation Scale and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and bootstrapping method. Structural equation modeling showed that internet addiction had an indirect effect on social self-efficacy, mediated by loneliness. The results of bootstrapping procedure indicated that the indirect effect of loneliness on the relationship between internet addiction and social self-efficacy was significant. The possibility explanations, the research implication, limitations, and future directions were discussed.
Psychological dimension in the formation process of the Spanish Olympic wrestler
Authors: Argudo Fuentes Carlos , López Gullón José María , Bazaco Belmonte María Jesús , Vegara Ferri José Miguel , Angosto Sánchez Salvador , Berenguí Rosendo
Published: September 2020

El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer cómo se ha llevado a cabo el trabajo psicológico en el proceso de formación deportiva de los luchadores olímpicos españoles con metodología cualitativa, se aplicó una entrevista semi-estructurada a 21 luchadores. Los resultados muestran que los luchadores olímpicos estiman que no han trabajado adecuadamente los aspectos psicológicos, valorando la mayoría que es fundamental en la etapa de alta competición si quieres alcanzar la excelencia. Entre las principales capacidades destacan autoconfianza, capacidad de sacrificio, constancia, disciplina, perseverancia y motivación personal. Presión-estrés se produce antes de la competición, aumenta la ansiedad motivada por dar el peso; reclaman más encuentros internacionales con el propósito de mejora en su control emocional. De este modo, se consideran la motivación y la autoconfianza, como variables psicológicas condicionales e importantes en el rendimiento deportivo y por lo tanto predictores del éxito en Lucha Olímpica.

The aim of this study was to know how psychological work has been carried out in the process of sports training of Spanish Olympic fighters with qualitative methodology, a semi-structured interview was applied to 21 fighters. The results show that the wrestlers believe that they have not adequately worked on the psychological aspects, but most believe this is fundamental in the stage of high competition if you want to achieve excellence. Among the main capacities we can highlight: Self-confidence, capacity for sacrifice, constancy, discipline, perseverance and personal motivation. Pressure-stress occurs before the competition due to the anxiety motivated by any potential weight increase.  Therefore, the Olympic fighters demand more international meetings with the purpose of improving their emotional state. Accordingly, motivation and self-confidence are considered to be the main conditioning and important psychological variables in sports performance, and therefore they are predictors of success in the Olympic fight.
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Protective Factors of Resilience Scale (PFRS)
Authors: León Eva , Neipp López María del Carmen , Nuñez Rosa María
Published: September 2020

Antecedentes/Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio fue adaptar la escala Protective Factors of Resilience Scale al español y analizar sus propiedades psicométricas. La escala fue traducida y adaptada al español y posteriormente se realizaron dos estudios para analizar sus propiedades psicométricas en dos muestras (personas sanas y con enfermedades crónicas). Método: Los cuestionarios se enviaron por diferentes vías: email, Facebook y Whatsapp, 442 adultos completaron todos los cuestionarios. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 352 personas sanas y 90 con enfermedades crónicas. Resultados: En ambas muestras, los análisis de factores confirmatorios confirmaron la estructura de la escala, mostrando que la versión española estaba compuesta de tres factores. Las puntuaciones totales de la escala y de las subescalas mostraron una fiabilidad adecuada. La validez concurrente también se confirmó; la escala estuvo relacionada positivamente con diferentes medidas. Conclusión: Por tanto, la versión española de la escala es un instrumento fiable y válido para evaluar factores protectores (internos y externos) de la resiliencia tanto para población general como para personas con enfermedades crónicas.

Background/Objective: The purpose of the present study was to adapt the Protective Factors of Resilience Scale (PFRS) to Spanish and to analyze its psychometric properties. Method: The scale was translated and adapted into Spanish, then, two studies were carried out to examine its psychometric properties in two samples (healthy and chronic illness). Questionnaires were sent by email, Facebook, and Whatsapp, and 442 adults completed all the questionnaires. The entire sample included 352 healthy people and 90 with a chronic illness. Results: In both samples, confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the scale’s structure, yielding a Spanish version of PFRS with three factors. The PFRS total and subscales scores showed adequate reliability. Concurrent validity was also confirmed; the PFRS was positively correlated with different measures. Conclusions: Therefore, the Spanish version of this scale is a reliable and valid instrument to assess protective factors (internal and external resources) of resilience both in Spanish general and chronically ill populations.
The Great Debate
Authors: Buccola Nicholas
Published: September 2020

Born in New York City only fifteen months apart, the Harlem-raised James Baldwin
and the privileged William F. Buckley, Jr. could not have been more different,
but they both rose to the height of American intellectual life during the civil
rights movement. By the time they met in February 1965 to debate race and the
American Dream at the Cambridge Union, Buckley—a founding father of the
American conservative movement—was determined to sound the alarm about a
man he considered an “eloquent menace.” For his part, Baldwin
viewed Buckley as a deluded reactionary whose popularity revealed the sickness
of the American soul. The stage was set for an epic confrontation that pitted
Baldwin’s call for a moral revolution in race relations against
Buckley’s unabashed elitism and implicit commitment to white supremacy.
In this article I introduce readers to the story at the heart of my new book
about Baldwin and Buckley, The Fire Is Upon Us.
Chagrin d’amour
Authors: Pearl Monica B.
Published: September 2020

This essay’s close interrogation of James Baldwin’s 1956 novel
Giovanni’s Room allows us to see one aspect of how
sexual shame functions: it shows how shame exposes anxiety not only about the
feminizing force of homosexuality, but about how being the object of the gaze is
feminizing—and therefore shameful. It also shows that the paradigm of the
closet is not the metaphor of privacy and enclosure on one hand and openness and
liberation on the other that it is commonly thought to be, but instead is a site
of illusory control over whether one is available to be seen and therefore
humiliated by being feminized. Further, the essay reveals the paradox of denial,
where one must first know the thing that is at the same time being disavowed or
denied. The narrative requirements of fictions such as Giovanni’s
Room demonstrate this, as it requires that the narrator both know,
in order to narrate, and not know something at the same time.
The Disorder of Life
Authors: Thorsen Karen
Published: September 2020

Filmmaker Karen Thorsen gave us James Baldwin: The Price of the
Ticket, the award-winning documentary that is now considered a
classic. First broadcast on PBS/American Masters in August, 1989—just
days after what would have been Baldwin’s 65th birthday—the film
premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 1990. It was not the film Thorsen
intended to make. Beginning in 1986, she and Baldwin had been collaborating on a
very different film project: a “nonfiction feature” about the
history, research, and writing of Baldwin’s next book, Remember
This House. It was also going to be a film about progress: how far
we had come, how far we still had to go, before we learned to trust our common
humanity. The following memoir explores how and why their collaboration began.
This recollection will be serialized in two parts, with the second installment
appearing in James Baldwin Review’s seventh issue, due
out in the fall of 2021.
Live imaging of hair bundle polarity acquisition demonstrates a critical timeline for transcription factor Emx2
Authors: Tona Yosuke , Wu Doris K
Published: September 2020

Directional sensitivity of hair cells (HCs) is conferred by the aymmetric apical hair bundle, comprised of a kinocilium and stereocilia staircase. The mother centriole (MC) forms the base of the kinocilium and the stereocilia develop adjacent to it. Previously, we showed that transcription factor Emx2 reverses hair bundle orientation and its expression in the mouse vestibular utricle is restricted, resulting in two regions of opposite bundle orientation (Jiang et al., 2017). Here, we investigated establishment of opposite bundle orientation in embryonic utricles by live-imaging GFP-labeled centrioles in HCs. The daughter centriole invariably migrated ahead of the MC from the center to their respective peripheral locations in HCs. Comparing HCs between utricular regions, centriole trajectories were similar but they migrated toward opposite directions, suggesting that Emx2 pre-patterned HCs prior to centriole migration. EctopicEmx2, however, reversed centriole trajectory within hours during a critical time-window when centriole trajectory was responsive to Emx2.
A Dual-Model of Posttraumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Growth in a Community Sample of Female Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Survivors from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Anderson Kimberley , Avdibegović Esmina , Delić Amra , van Ee Elisa , Glaesmer Heide , Komproe Ivan
Published: September 2020

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are known psychological outcomes that can co-occur in the aftermath of a traumatic event. However, it is less clear how these outcomes interact – particularly for female survivors of conflict-related
sexual violence (CRSV) – and to what extent intermediary factors play a role in this relationship.
 Methods: In a sample of 192 war survivors from Bosnia & Herzegovina (n = 104 experienced CRSV, n = 88 did not), a structural equation model (LISREL 8.8) tested CRSV
as a traumatic event, 'positive reinterpretation' (as a strategy of approach coping) and 'behavioural disengagement' (as a strategy of avoidance coping), and PTSD and PTG as psychosocial outcomes. A difference in the mechanisms by which PTG and PTSD interact in the two subgroups was hypothesised,
given the differences in the nature of the trauma they experienced.
 Results: Through multiple indirect relationships, results showed that CRSV survivors respond to their trauma with both PTSD and PTG, suggesting a dual PTSDPTG mechanism. As for coping strategies, positive
reinterpretation predicted greater PTG, and behavioural disengagement predicted greater PTSD. In the sample of nonsexual violence survivors, positive reinterpretation also remained a significant predictor of PTG.
 Conclusions: Positive reinterpretation as a coping strategy
appears to be a stable characteristic that independently predicts PTG, irrespective of trauma type. Mental health professionals should take into account this mechanism when addressing the needs of CRSV survivors, but also war survivors more generally. Reframing traumatic events and post-trauma
sequalae during treatment could lead to PTG and enhance recovery.
Perception and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban community in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ilesanmi Olayinka , Afolabi Aanuoluwapo
Published: September 2020

Background

Various perceptions and practices have been associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we assessed the perception and practices regarding COVID-19 among residents in selected urban communities of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study design using a multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit 360 respondents (Mean age: 33.2 ± 10.6 years; 62.5% females) from households in Ibadan. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire from 3rd to 6th June 2020. Those who demonstrated washing of the palm, back of the hand, spaces between the fingers, fingernails, wrist, and thumbs had six points and were categorized to have had a good practice of handwashing. Descriptive statistics were conducted. Bivariate analyses of sociodemographic characteristics and good handwashing practices were conducted using Chi-square test. Logistic regression was conducted to identify the determinants of good handwashing practices. P-values < 0.05 were statistically significant.

Results

Going to the hospital (95%) and calling the COVID-19 help number (58.3%) were the frequently reported practices among respondents following the development of COVID-19 symptoms. Also, 89 (26%) knew they could contract COVID-19, while 41 (12%) perceived it as an exaggerated event. The effects most frequently reported by respondents were hunger/low income (48.8%) and academic delay (8.8%). Use of face masks by 64.5% and social distancing (48%) were the most frequently reported practices for prevention. Only 71 (20.8%) demonstrated good handwashing practices. The perception of the likelihood to contract COVID-19 and practices to prevent COVID-19 had a weak correlation of 0.239 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Gaps exist in the practices that prevent COVID-19. There is a need to improve handwashing, use of face masks and other practices that prevent COVID-19. Implications across public health communication and policies were stated.
Economics of Turmeric Production in Sri Lanka: An Empirical Analysis in Major Turmeric Growing Districts
Authors: Abeynayaka A. A. S. L. , Bandara A. M. K. R. , Lankapura A. I. Y. , Idamekorala P. R.
Published: September 2020

Aims: Turmeric occupies a prominent position among the commercially grown spices in Sri Lanka. However, due to various constraints the performance of turmeric production is not to the expected level. The present study attempts to determine the economics of turmeric cultivation and the problems perceived by the growers related to production and marketing of turmeric.

Study Design:  Multistage sampling design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the major turmeric growing administrative districts in Sri Lanka namely Kurunegala, Kegalle, and Kandy during the year 2016-2017.

Methodology: Both primary data, mainly from a field survey, and secondary data were utilized in the study. Descriptive statistical methods, seasonal price index, coefficient of variation of price, financial and constraint analysis techniques were used in data analysis.

Results: The average Benefit Cost Ratio of 2.08 and higher net returns indicate that turmeric production was found to be a profitable venture in the study area. The results indicated the existence of higher price variations of turmeric in the study area between the harvest and the lean periods. Moreover, seasonality of turmeric production was identified as a main cause of variation in price of fresh turmeric. The results of the constraint analysis revealed that lack of knowledge on proper agricultural practices, non-availability of labor, price volatility and shortage of quality planting materials were the top four constraints perceived by the farmers.

Conclusion: The results of this investigation show that the turmeric production is profitable in the study area, and suggest to offer frequent training and awareness campaigns for all the turmeric growers to facilitate the use of improved cultivation practices.
Addition of Tenggiri Fish Head Flavour Powder on Favourite Level of Crackers
Authors: Amran Hanifah Nurul , Junianto . , Lili Walim , Rostini Iis
Published: September 2020

This study aims to determine the appropriate level of addition of tenggiri fish head flavor powder so that the most preferred cracker product was produced. The research was carried out at the Padjadjaran University fish processing product laboratory from September 2019 to January 2020. The method used was the experimental method with four treatment of adding powder tenggiri fish head flavor 0%, 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5% with 20 semi-trained panelists as replicates. The parameters observed in this study include tests based on organoleptic characteristics including color, aroma, texture, and taste. Data analysis of the level of cracker favourite used non-parametric statistics with a two-way analysis of the Friedman chi-Square test and continued with Bayes method to determine the treatment of adding the best flavor powder to crackers. The results of this study showed that the addition of tenggiri fish head flavor powder influenced the level of cracker preference. Adding 10% flavor powder produces the most favourite crackers.
Non-equilibrium Binding Energy Determined Using Alpha-amylase Catalysed Amylolysis of Gelatinised Starch as a Probable Generalisable Model and Importance
Authors: Udema Ikechukwu I.
Published: September 2020

Objectives: This research was undertaken to determine the non–equilibrium binding energy by calculation after substituting experimental data into derived equations, present its role distinct from energy associated with activated enzyme–substrate (ES) complex and ultimately elucidate the importance of binding energies.

Background: There are overwhelming pieces of evidence in the literature that binding interaction is essential for the ultimate transformation of a substrate, inhibition of vital enzymes of pathogens, covid-19 in particular. Intrinsic binding energy herein referred to as non–equilibrium binding energy and energy associated with activated ES are seen to be chemical in origin. Much attention seemed not to be given to theoretical approach to the determination of non–equilibrium binding energy.

Methods: Experimental approach (Bernfeld method of enzyme assay) and calculational.

Results and Discussion: The non–equilibrium translational (2.691–2.726 kJ/mol) and total electrostatic energies (2.755-3.154 kJ/mol) were > than the thermal energy at 310.15 k. The interfacial distance between the bullet and target molecule was expectedly very short; the range was between 6.672 and 7.570 exp (- 12) m. This was attributed to the interaction between charged enzyme and weakly polar substrate.

Conclusion: The equations of non–equilibrium and translational energies were derivable. The binding interaction serves to fix the bullet molecule on or into the target (supra) molecule before the commencement of transition state formation. The non–equilibrium binding interactions of the bullet (drugs, substrate, etc) and target (receptors e.g. enzymes, pathogens such as Covid–19, Plasmodium etc) and the ultimate complex are likely to be stabilised against the thermal energy in furtherance of enzymatic and drug action since the electrostatic interaction energy is higher than thermal energy.
Title Analyzing the Effect of Different Doses of Cycocel and Maleic Hydrazide on Growth and Flowering of Tagetes erecta L. cv. Pusa Narangi Gainda (African Marigold)
Authors: Wasiq Kefayatullah , Prakash Satya , Singh Bijendra , Singh Rajat
Published: September 2020

An experiment was carried out to access the effect of different doses of Cycocel and Maleic hydrazide on growth and flowering of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) cv. Pusa narangi gainda at Horticultural Research Center (HRC) of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh during the year 2019-2020. The investigation was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments and three replications. The results indicated that among the treatments, minimum plant height with the application of MH 250 ppm (57.03 cm), plant spread of east to west (45.17 cm), plant spread north to south (46.40 cm), the number  of branches per plant (37.61), Days taken to first flower bud initiation (54.60 days), days has taken to opening of first flower (67.21 days), days have taken to opening of 50% flowering (83.72 days), duration of flowering (78.22 days), The study revealed that the number of branches and flowering duration significant higher than control and other treatment the height of plant also decrease.
Legal and Political Considerations Associated with the Cancellation of the Court Challenges Program of Canada
Authors: Kiedrowski Jonas , Smale William T.
Published: September 2020

Unique in the Western world, the Court Challenges Program was an undertaking funded entirely by the Federal Government of Canada, without regard to jurisdiction, to subsidize legal test cases of national importance regarding the clarification and interpretation of language and equality rights guaranteed under Canada’s Constitution. This paper reviews the literature on the cancellation of the Court Challenges Program of Canada. Except from 1992 to 1994, when Brian Mulroney’s Conservative government withdrew all financial support for the program, it existed in its various institutional forms from 1978 to 2006, until Stephen Harper’s Conservative government cancelled it on September 25, 2006. In June 2008, the program was somewhat resurrected under the name of the Language Rights Support Program. This program, despite its questionable aspects, helped change the landscape of Canadian law in regards to access to services for Aboriginals, differently-abled people, the rights of women and sexual minorities, and access to education, health and the courts for those speaking minority languages. This paper examines the stormy history of the Court Challenges Program, explores criticisms of its administration, and considers the political motivations that led to the program’s demise in 2006 and subsequent resurrection in 2019.
Level of Awareness among Staff and Students of Academic Institutions towards COVID-19 in India
Authors: Karim Shahid , Ahmad Varish
Published: September 2020

Aim: The conducted survey aims to assess the level of COVID-19 awareness among staff and students of medical and non-medical academic institutions in India.

Methods: The survey was conducted online by consenting students and staff from 02 April-2020 to 16 July 2020, participants completed and submitted COVID-19 questionnaire. A total of 300 participants responded by taking the self-administered questionnaire.

Results: Of 300 participants, almost 83.45% had good knowledge that the disease is contagious; 99% observe acceptable practices regarding COVID-19 and (83%) majority seek knowledge from social media. Learning about symptoms of COVID-19 and its spread was marginally higher (p<0.05) among medical participants as compared to non-medical participants. Awareness about the preventive measures was insignificant (p<0.063) between medical and non-medical respondents. The responses collected for treatment options were also negligible though 83% believe that there is a treatment vaccine and medicine available. Mention single percentage from all participants or mention separate for medical and non medical institutions.

Conclusion:  The study concluded that academic institutions had good knowledge and awareness towards COVID-19 symptoms and its prevention though there are gaps in specific aspects of knowledge, prevention practices and treatments that should be addressed in future awareness and educational campaigns. The study recommends the ministry of health and family welfare to promote all precautionary and preventive measures of COVID-19 consisting of a well-organized approach to include students, institutions and society: including under privileged, geriatric and people with limited information, in order to effectively implement these precautionary and awareness measures.
Characterization of Closed‐Cell Aluminum Foam‐Polyurethane Composites under Cyclic Compression
Authors: Bao Haiying , Li Aiqun
Published: September 2020

Herein, the mechanical properties of closed‐cell aluminum foam‐polyurethane composites (AF‐PU composites) under cyclic compression are studied experimentally. The results show that AF‐PU composites with PU coating at the bottom exhibit great deformation recovery ability and excellent reversible energy dissipation capacity, which is mainly associated with the presence of PU coating at the bottom. The high stiffness of AF‐PU composites is also possessed. The reversible energy dissipation of AF‐PU composites with PU coating at the bottom is primarily caused by the recoverable extrusion of PU coating at the bottom. Also, AF‐PU composites with PU coating at the bottom indicate an excellent low cycle fatigue performance, which verifies the reliability of AF‐PU composites with PU coating at the bottom utilized for repetitive energy dissipation applications. The results presented herein are conducive to broadening the scope of the application of closed‐cell AF.
Oxidation of Arsenite by Epoxy Group on Reduced Graphene Oxide/Metal Oxide Composite Materials
Authors: Shi Qiantao , Yan Li , Jing Chuanyong
Published: September 2020

Reduced graphene oxide/metal oxide (rGO/MO) hybrid has been widely used as a catalyst, while dissolved oxygen or radicals are generally recognized as the oxidant. This study finds that the adsorbed arsenite (As(III)) on rGO/MO is oxidized to arsenate (As(V)) in the absence of other oxidants or radicals. The oxidation of As(III) is observed on varying rGO/MOs, including rGO/MOs composited of different types of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and metal oxide. The epoxy group on rGO acts as the oxidant, evidenced by the significant correlation between the consumption of epoxy group and oxidation of As(III). Meanwhile, metal oxide provides adsorption sites for As(III) during the adsorption–oxidation process. Based on a combination of spectroscopic measurements and computational calculation, a possible pathway for As(III) oxidation by rGO/MO is proposed: the oxygen atom in the epoxy group is bonded to the adsorbed AsIIIO3, which is consequently oxidized to AsVO4. Overall, this study proves the role of rGO/MO as an oxidant, which opens a new perspective on future studies using rGO/MO as a catalyst for the oxidation reaction.
Direct Urea Fuel Cells: Recent Progress and Critical Challenges of Urea Oxidation Electrocatalysis
Authors: Gnana kumar Georgepeter , Farithkhan Ameer , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: September 2020

Direct urea fuel cells (DUFCs) are proven as environmentally benign energy generation devices and hold superior potential to meet the booming energy demand with the use of waste‐water containing urea/urine as a fuel. Despite the high theoretical gravimetric energy density, DUFC's experimentally projected value is substantially lower, due to the sluggish electrokinetics of urea oxidation reaction (UOR). The key to realizing high performance, durable DUFCs is reliant upon the advancement of electrode materials encompassing electrochemically active and stable UOR nanocatalysts. Furthermore, an in‐depth electromechanistic understanding of UOR and the use of human urine as a fuel are of great importance to the scale‐up objectives of DUFCs. Herein, the comprehensive portrayal of these salient aspects along with the scientific breakthroughs of UOR catalysts applicable to DUFCs is essential for the practical augmentation of DUFCs. Accordingly, a comprehensive portrayal of background overview, operating principles, UOR mechanism, and recent advances made on UOR catalysts, with the fundamental aspects of electrochemistry and fuel cells, as well as the critical challenges of existing UOR catalysts is presented. Also, the research and scale‐up challenges of UOR catalysts‐equipped DUFCs are outlined with futuristic perspectives to enhance their viability in sustainable energy generation.
Pasture rejuvenation using sainfoin and cicer milkvetch in western Canada
Authors: Khatiwada Bikash , Acharya Surya N. , Larney Francis J. , Lupwayi Newton Z. , Smith Elwin G. , Islam M. Anowarul , Thomas James E. , Poudel Hari P.
Published: September 2020

Sod‐seeding of depleted pastures with non‐bloating legumes can be a low‐cost pasture rejuvenation strategy for ranchers in the North American prairies. A study was conducted to determine if sainfoin (Onobrychis vicifolia subsp. vicifolia) or cicer milkvetch (CMV) (Astragalus cicer L.) populations or cultivars (hereinafter populations) can be used to rejuvenate alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or grass pastures. The study included sainfoin populations with increased fitness to grow with alfalfa and CMV cultivars that were selected for early emergence and rapid seedling growth. These populations were seeded using three seeding methods: traditional re‐seeding, drilling seed with Great Plains drill, or Pan drill, using split‐plot randomization at three locations in Alberta in 2015 or 2016. Lethbridge had pre‐existing alfalfa while Ponoka and Red Deer were predominantly grass pastures. The sod‐seeded rejuvenation, as indicated by percentage dry matter (DM) contributed by newly planted species succeeded at Lethbridge (≥15), failed at Ponoka (∼1), and partially succeeded at Red Deer (≥9). Successful establishment of new plants did not increase the total forage mass of the rejuvenated pasture. Sainfoin populations established better and contributed greater forage mass compared to CMV cultivars when sod‐seeded on alfalfa pasture, but the improvement was not consistent on grass pasture. Forage nutritive values were not different among populations within species, but pasture seeded with CMV cultivars had greater crude protein than unseeded plots. Sod‐seeded grass–legume pasture had greater crude protein than unseeded plots at Red Deer. Sod‐seeding alfalfa pasture with sainfoin populations can be an efficient pasture rejuvenation strategy.
Survey of disorders of sex development in a large cohort of patients with diverse Mendelian phenotypes
Authors: Abualsaud Dalia , Hashem Mais , AlHashem Amal , Alkuraya Fowzan S.
Published: September 2020

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are congenital conditions with atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex. The estimated incidence ranges from 1 in 4,500–5,500 for strictly defined “ambiguous genitalia” to 1 in 300 or higher when a broader definition is implemented. In this study, we aim to define DSD phenotypes encountered in a large heterogeneous cohort of molecularly characterized Mendelian disorders in a single center. Data were retrieved for patients with documented abnormal genitalia based on the 2006 consensus criteria. Out of 149 patients (129 families) with compatible human phenotype ontology, 76 patients (68 families) had an identified genetic cause and were included in our analysis. Potentially causal variants were identified in 42 genes, and two patients had a dual molecular diagnosis. Six genes have no associated phenotype in OMIM (PIANP, CELSR2, USP2, FAM179B, TXNDC15, and CCDC96). Thirteen genes have non‐DSD OMIM phenotypes, thus we are expanding their phenotype to include DSD. We also highlight how certain disorders are under‐recognized despite their established DSD phenotype in OMIM, especially CTU2‐related DREAM‐PL syndrome and TSPYL1‐related sudden infant death with dysgenesis of the testes syndrome. In conclusion, this study of a large heterogeneous Mendelian cohort expands the list of genes and disorders beyond those classically DSD‐linked.
The upper limb skeleton and behavioral lateralization of modern humans from Zhaoguo Cave, southwestern China
Authors: Wei Pianpian , Lu Hongliang , Carlson Kristian J. , Zhang Handong , Hui Jiaming , Zhu Mei , He Kunyu , Jashashvili Tea , Zhang Xinglong , Yuan Haibing , Xing Song
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Aims of the study are to initially describe and comparatively evaluate the morphology of the new Zhaoguo M1 upper limb remains, and contextualize upper limb functional adaptations among those of other worldwide Upper Paleolithic (UP) humans to make inferences about subsistence‐related activity patterns in southwestern China at the Pleistocene–Holocene boundary.

Materials and methods

The preserved Zhaoguo M1 skeletal remains include paired humeri, ulnae, and radii, among others. These specimens were scanned using micro‐computed tomography to evaluate internal structural properties, while external osteometric dimensions of the Zhaoguo M1 upper limb elements also were acquired. Both sets of measurements were compared to published data on Neandertals, and Middle and Upper Paleolithic modern humans.

Results

The upper limb elements of Zhaoguo M1 display a suite of characteristics that generally resemble those of other contemporary Late UP (LUP) modern humans, while robusticity indices generally fall within the upper range of LUP variation. The Zhaoguo M1 upper limb elements display fewer traits resembling those of late archaic humans. The Zhaoguo M1 individual exhibits diaphyseal asymmetry in several upper limb elements suggesting left hand dominance. When evaluating the full range of magnitudes of humeral bilateral asymmetry in the comparative sample, Zhaoguo M1 falls at the lower end overall, but yet is relatively higher than contemporary LUP modern humans specifically from East Eurasia.

Discussion

The Zhaoguo M1 individual suggests typical LUP modern human upper limb morphology persisted in southwest China until the end of the last glacial period. Upper limb bone asymmetry of Zhaoguo M1 also indicates that behavioral activities attributed to a hunter‐gatherer tradition apparently extended through the Pleistocene–Holocene transition in this region.
Serum potassium level as a biomarker for acute caffeine poisoning
Authors: Tsuji Tomoatsu , Morita Seiji , Saito Takeshi , Nakagawa Yoshihide , Inokuchi Sadaki
Published: September 2020

Aim

Acute caffeine poisoning presents with hypokalemia, although a relationship between potassium levels and blood concentrations of caffeine has not been established. A correlation between serum potassium level and blood caffeine concentration could establish serum potassium as a simple marker to assess caffeine toxicity in patients with acute toxicity. We investigated whether serum potassium, a symptom of acute caffeine poisoning, could be a parameter correlated with blood caffeine levels.

Methods

We enrolled 85 patients treated for acute caffeine poisoning between January 2012 and March 2019 with blood caffeine levels measured after an overdose of a caffeine‐containing over‐the‐counter drug and for whom serum potassium levels were available. We examined the correlation between serum potassium and blood caffeine concentration. A receiver operating characteristic curve was created with serum potassium values to stratify participants into two groups by blood caffeine concentrations: <20 or ≥20 mg/L (toxic dose) and <80 or ≥80 mg/L (lethal dose). The lethal cut‐off value was calculated.

Results

The correlation coefficient between serum potassium level and blood caffeine concentration was −0.612 (R2 = 0.374), indicating a negative correlation. The areas under the curve at blood caffeine concentrations of 20 mg/L (toxic dose) and 80 mg/L (lethal dose) and serum potassium levels were 0.716 and 0.888 (sensitivity, 0.829 and 0.919; specificity, 0.568 and 0.818; cut‐off, 3.3 mEq/L and 2.9 mEq/L), respectively.

Conclusion

Serum potassium levels are associated with blood caffeine concentrations; K+ of 3.3 mEq/L and 2.9 mEq/L indicate acute caffeine poisoning in the toxic and lethal dose, respectively.
Non‐Metal Single‐Phosphorus‐Atom Catalysis of Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Fu Weiwei , Wang Yanwei , Tian Wu , Zhang Huijuan , Li Jian , Wang Shuangyin , Wang Yu
Published: September 2020

Non‐metal‐based single‐atom catalysts (SACs) offer low cost, simple synthesis methods, and effective regulation for substrates. Herein, we developed a simplified pressurized gas‐assisted process, and report the first non‐metal single‐atom phosphorus with atomic‐level dispersion on unique single‐crystal Mo2C hexagonal nanosheet arrays with a (001) plane supported by carbon sheet (SAP‐Mo2C‐CS). The SAP‐Mo2C‐CS is structurally stable and shows exceptional electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A so‐called high‐active “window” based on the active sites of P atoms and their adjacent Mo atoms gives a ΔGH*close to zero for hydrogen evolution, which is the most ideal ΔGH*reported so far. Meanwhile, the moderate d‐band center value of SAP‐Mo2C‐CS can be also used as an ideal standard value to evaluate the HER performance in non‐metal‐based SACs.
Study of poly(organic palygorskite‐methyl methacrylate)/poly(ethylene oxide) blended gel polymer electrolyte for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Yuan Ge , Zhang Hairong , Wang Mengkun , Chen Xindong , Guo Haijun , Chen Xinde
Published: September 2020

In this study, the composite polymer was prepared by blending poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and POPM (the copolymer of methyl methacrylate [MMA] and organically modified palygorskite), and then the composite polymer based membrane was obtained by phase‐inversion method. The scanning electron microscopy results showed that the composite polymer membrane has a three‐dimensional network structure. X‐ray diffraction results indicated that the crystalline region of PEO is disappeared when introduction of a certain amount of the PEO. Meanwhile, the elongation of composite polymer membrane increased when increasing PEO concentration, but the value of tensile strength of PEO‐POPM membrane decreased. When the mass fraction of PEO was 24%, the porosity and maximum value of ionic conductivity of the composite polymer membrane were 54% and 2.41 mS/cm, respectively. The electrochemical stability window of Li/gel composite polymer electrolyte/stainless steel batteries was close to 5.3 V (vs. Li+/Li), and the battery of Li/gel composite polymer electrolyte/LiFePO4 showed good cycling performance and the discharge capacity of the battery were between 169.8 and 155 mAh/g. Meanwhile, the Coulombic efficiency of the battery maintained over 95% during the 80 cycles.
Temperature and loading speed sensitivity of glass/carbon inter‐ply hybrid polymer composites on tensile loading
Authors: Dasari Srinivasu , Saurabh Sushant , Prusty Rajesh Kumar
Published: September 2020

This study is focused on the evaluation of the tensile performance of glass/carbon inter‐ply hybrid fiber‐reinforced polymer composites at different combinations of temperatures and loading speeds. With an increase in the number of carbon/epoxy (CE) ply in glass/epoxy (GE) composites, some of the tensile properties as tensile modulus, strain at failure, and difference of strain at failure of different fibers are enhanced. Further, the change in the stacking sequence of the CE ply at a particular hybrid ratio alters the tensile properties as well as the nature of failure. Placing a CE ply in place of GE ply at the center in the GE composite resulted in hybrid composite (G2C1G2) that imparts pseudo‐ductility as well as hybrid effect in the composite. On the other hand, replacing a GE ply with CE at one end (C1G4) and both ends (C1G3C1) imparted improved strain at failure and positive hybrid effect in the composites. The tensile modulus of G2C1G2outstrips the modulus of CE and GE by 12.05% and 65.95% at a loading speed of 0.1 mm/min and a temperature of 110°C. Fractography analysis of neat as well as hybrid composites was done to analyze the fracture mechanism.