bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroStone: Exploring the capabilities of the Artec Micro in scanning stone tools v1
Authors: Falcucci Armando
Published: March 2022

In this protocol, I describe how to scan small-sized lithics with the high-precision desktop 3D scanner Artec Micro. This scanner is particularly efficient when it comes to scan small objects with a 3D resolution of up to 0.029 mm and a 3D accuracy of 0.01 mm. However, a few slight modifications to the common workflow are needed to obtain accurate 3D meshes of small stone tools such as bladelets, microblades, microflakes. Overall, this scanner represents an efficient and reliable alternative to scan artifacts that cannot be successfully captured by other laser or structured light scanners, such as the Artec Space Spider. If several hundreds of artifacts need to be scanned, a less time-consuming alternative is represented by Micro-CT scanners, using a protocol specifically adapted to this task (i.e., the StyroStone Protocol).
Chemiluminescence analysis of free radical processes in seminal plasma of men with pathospermia who have undergone COVID-19 infection
Authors: Kurashova N. A. , Dashiev B. G. , Grebenkina L. A. , Kolesnikov S. I. , Kolesnikova L. I.
Published: March 2022

Introduction. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems relevant to study the clinical features and the effect of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on the reproductive system and male fertility.The study objective was to assess the intensity of oxidative processes in the seminal plasma of men with pathozoospermia after suffering a COVID-19 infection.Materials and methods. Spermogram parameters were assessed in accordance with the criteria of the 2010 WHO Guidelines, 5th edition, for the study and processing of human ejaculate two to three months after the patient received a negative polymerase chain reaction result of a nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 DNA. The intensity of free radical processes in seminal plasma was investigated by the method of chemiluminescence induced by ions of bivalent iron. Results. A decrease in sperm motility and an increase in the number of leukocytes were found in men with pathozoospermia who had undergone COVID-19 infection. There are lower levels of indicators such as ejaculate volume, total sperm concentration and the number of morphologically normal sperm forms. An increased ability to generate reactive oxygen species in seminal plasma was revealed in pathozoospermia and COVID-19.Conclusions. The results obtained indicate that SARS-CoV-2 affects the male reproductive system directly or indirectly and has a negative effect on male reproductive health, causing the activation of lipid peroxidation processes and spermatogenic insufficiency.
De Castro phalloplasty in a child with partial amputation of the penis after electrical burn of the external sex organs
Authors: Rybchenok V. V. , Kovarsky S. L. , Struyansky K. A. , Blokh S. P. , Idris L. Ya.
Published: March 2022

The article describes a method of surgical formation of a neophallus in a child with burned penis and presents a literature review on treatment techniques and patient management tactics for this pathology. De Castro phalloplasty is actively used in children with aphallia and male karyotype 46,ХY, micropenis, and exstrophy–epispadias complex. Uniqueness of the presented clinical demonstration lies in the fact that it is the first time in Russia De Castro phalloplasty was performed in a child with partial amputation of the penis.
Giant spermatic cord lipoma: case report
Authors: Muradian A. A. , Gamidov S. I. , Shatylko T. V. , Ahmedov O. R.
Published: March 2022

Benign extratestinal lesions, including spermatic cord lipomas, are often incidental findings on palpation of the scrotum. There are frequent cases of detection of lipomas both when performing hernioplasty of inguinal hernias, and during other surgical interventions in the inguinal canal or in the scrotum. Lipomas of the spermatic cord can accompany the hernia of the inguinal canal, and in some cases, and proceed independently.Some authors have described cases of erroneous diagnosis of huge extratesticular lipomas as inguinal hernias, while suggesting that the lipoma of the spermatic cord be recognized as an important clinical unit necessary in conducting a thorough urological differential diagnosis in order to avoid unnecessary hernioplasty. It is not always easy to determine the correct tactical and technical techniques, their sequence, adequacy for each specific case. This is due to the limited time for decision-making and the high emotional burden that the doctor bears when examining and deciding treatment tactics at the time of surgery. This fact prompted us to share our clinical observations and suggest step-by-step surgical tactics that we use.
EFFECTS OF A PILLARLESS, CENTER-OUT STOPING PATTERN ON HAULAGE DRIFT PERFORMANCE AND ORE TONNAGE AT RISK
Authors: Abdellah Wael
Published: March 2022

With respect to mining sequence, this article intends to investigate the impact of pillarless centre-out stoping patterns (e.g. pyramidal sequences) on the performance of mine haulage drifts (e.g. ore access units), the tonnage of unmined ore at risk, and the required quantity of fill material. Using RS2D software, a two-dimensional, elasto-plastic finite-element model for a haulage drift located at 1200m below the surface in the orebody’s footwall has been built. The spread of yielding zones into the rock mass around an access drift and unmined stopes is used to assess mine haulage drift stability and estimate the amount of unmined ore at risk owing to local mining activity. The findings are presented and discussed in terms of the size of failure zones, the number of tonnes of unmined blocks at risk, and the amount of backfill materials required, all in relation to the mining stage. The findings show that haulage drift stability is rapidly diminishing. The drift roof begins to deteriorate at an early stage (after mining step 3). In the drift roof, left wall, floor, and right wall, failure zones measured 1.55m (step 3), 2.28m (step 4), 2.57m (step 5) and 1.88m (step 5) accordingly. After mining step 4, there was a total of 905 m3 of unmined ore at risk (4100 tons), and after mining step 5, a total of 1500 m3 (30 tons) of back fill material was required to strengthen stopes.
Associated parallels of the initial potential mineralization value of oral fluid and intensity of dental caries in children with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Ashurov Gayur G. , Ismoilov Abdurakhim A.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: Cleft upper lip and palate is the most common malformation of the maxillofacial region. Despite the huge successes that have been achieved by dental surgeons in eliminating such defects, the issues of studying the initial indicators of the cariesological status in children with congenital cleft lip and palate are still not fully resolved. The study of the above issues will allow us to correct the plan of therapeutic and preventive action, which will lead to effective rehabilitation of children with cleft lip and palate.

AIM: This study aimed to conduct a clinical assessment of the initial mineralizing ability of oral fluids in children with congenital cleft lip and palate depending on the cariology status.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study presented the results of the clinical assessment of the initial value of the mineralizing ability of oral fluid depending on the intensity of dental caries in children with congenital cleft lip and palate. To determine the mineralizing ability of mixed saliva, 76 teeth of pediatric volunteers with congenital cleft lip and palate with a high level of mineralization potential of oral fluid, with medium, low, and very low levels of the studied indicator, were examined. The level of the mineralizing ability of mixed saliva was determined by visualization depending on the involvement of functionally oriented groups of teeth with caries.

RESULTS: The general characteristics of the mineralization potential of oral fluids, depending on the intensity of dental caries, help determine that with mild caries, the average value of the studied indicator was 21.9%, at an average intensity level of 31.0%, at a high intensity level of 47.1%.

CONCLUSIONS: An inverse-diameter dependence was found in the intensity level of caries on the mineralizing ability of oral fluids.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal complex of the temporomandibular joint: the frequency of occurrence, clinical features, etiopathogenic factors
Authors: Redinova Tatyana L. , Redinov Ivan S. , Chikurova Natalia V.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: The frequency of diseases of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is quite high, which requires the development of special arthrological care in various regions of Russia with the involvement of specialists in various fields.
AIM: Study the occurrence of diseases of the musculoskeletal complex among patients of dental admission who applied for oral cavity sanitation without acute pain, and to determine the significance of various etiological factors.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was examined by interviewing and dental examination of 100 patients of therapeutic reception aged from 20 to 60 years old. Based on dental complaints, three conditional groups were formed from the number of examined patients. The 1st group included 47 patients who had no complaints of discomfort and pain in the temporomandibular joint dysfunction area. The second group included 24 patients who complained of clicks in the temporomandibular joint dysfunction, sometimes difficulties and restrictions when opening the mouth. The third group consisted of 29 people who complained of pain in the TMJ, tinnitus, a sense of tension and pain in the muscles of the maxillofacial region.
RESULTS: The study showed that the number of people with signs of temporomandibular joint dysfunction diseases among dental patients is 53.0%. Moreover, the number of people with temporomandibular joint dysfunction pathology was statistically the same among the examined people of different ages. In individuals with signs of temporomandibular joint dysfunction diseases (2nd and 3d groups) and without them (first group), there were no differences in the number of individuals with occlusion disorders (abnormal bite, disocclusion, supercontacts, loss of occlusal contacts or restored by restoration with filling materials), however, in groups with signs of temporomandibular joint dysfunction diseases, a statistically significantly higher number of patients with musculoskeletal disorders was found, while every second of the examined patients experienced emotional tension and stress.
CONCLUSION: Due to the fact that patients with intra-articular disorders and pain syndrome of TMJ dysfunction are significantly more often identified diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the treatment of this category of patients requires consultation, and, if its necessary, treatment by an osteopath.
On the classification and terminology of cadaveric phenomena
Authors: Tkhakakhov Almir A.
Published: March 2022

The classification of cadaveric phenomena (post-mortal changes) generally accepted in scientific forensic medicine is outdated, is based on uncertain and incorrect principles (time and sequence of development), but throughout the long historical period in special literature is subject to practically unchanged and additions, contains contradictory and ambiguously interpreted definitions and terms, and therefore needs to be revision and revised.
The purpose of the review is to critically analyze and reveal the shortcomings and imperfections of the canonical classification and terminology of cadaveric phenomena, to develop a modern scientifically based classification of cadaveric phenomena, to clarify the terminology of some of them to reveal the shortcomings and imperfections of the canonical classification and terminology of cadaveric phenomena, to develop a modern scientifically based systematization of posthumous changes based on clear classification principles, to clarify and concretize the names of some of them.
The basic domestic textbooks for higher education institutions and manuals for forensic medical experts and doctors in forensic medicine from 1950 to the present have been studied. The methods of critical analysis and formal logic were used.
A new forensic medical classification of cadaveric changes depending on their origin (cause of occurrence) has been developed, classification groups are supplemented by previously unaccounted representatives and their terminology with latin names has been optimized. It is emphasized that between these groups there is no regularity and strict sequence in the timing of the onset of development and macroscopic manifestations.
In the presented new classification, posthumous changes without contradictions and double interpretation are arranged strictly in accordance with the principle of systematization. The proposed improved terms and definitions of some cadaveric changes (processes) are more concrete and expedient.
Foreign Policy of the Union of South Africa and Its Relationship with the USSR in 1950-1960th
Authors: Arkhangelskaya Alexandra A. , Kochetov Dmitriy V.
Published: March 2022

This article discusses Union of South Africa (UAS) in the 1950s-1960s, in perspective of the double diplomacy that was formed in connection with the establishment of apartheid. On one hand, the diplomacy of the official foreign Ministry of the UAS, which was adapting to the international isolation that began to develop around it (in many ways controversial), primarily from the independent countries of Africa and the USSR. On the other hand, it was the diplomacy of the national liberation movements that fought against this regime, namely the ANC. On the basis of archival documents, it can be seen that in 1959, even before the world-wide shooting in Sharpeville (1960), in the USSR, a high-level proposal was made to support the ANC and oppose the government of the UAS in all diplomatic directions.
Semi Global Pairwise Sequence Alignment Using New Chromosome Structure Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Pujari Jeevana Jyothi , Kanadam Karteeka Pavan
Published: March 2022

Biological sequence alignment is a prominent and eminent task in the analysis of biological data. This paper proposes a pair wise semi global sequence alignment technique using New Chromosome Structure based Genetic algorithm (NCSGA) for aligning sequences by automatically detecting optimal number of gaps and their positions to explore the optimal score for DNA or protein sequences. The experimental results are conducted using simulated real datasets from NCBI. The proposed method can be tested on real data sets of nucleotide sequence pairs. The computational results show that NCSGA produces the near optimal solutions for semi global alignment compared to other existing approaches.
Transmission Control Protocol Analysis Using NS3
Authors: Abdulkareem Ahmed B.
Published: March 2022

The NS-3 Test Framework provides a focus on multidisciplinary development and high-level design, and is now being used by various experts around the world. Surprisingly, its Data Collection Protocol (DCP) implementation is late and is not planned to be used as a reference point for Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), focused research, where the Herald has provided NS-3 to accept NS-2 submissions. The latest-best configuration consists of a number of PCs connected to each other by two sweets and switches. As a result of the overlapping character, being a significant number of PCs, channels can create a complex problem. If a case of sensitivity is sent to the TCP bundles, each word flow should be taken with the appropriate treatment when there is a deadline. Drop-tail is a common scheme for using the power of measurement, and with this provision, the feeling cannot be limited to the illumination of long lines, which increases the delay in these methods. As a result, the flow efficiency decreases. The Board Active Queue Management (AQM) is largely oblivious to the fact that conspiracy and sensitivity are not the basic mechanisms that must be considered in solving this major problem. Another area to look for is depression, and the range of serious problems. In this work, a framework was developed based on drop- tail and different active queue management schemes such as DLP, Drop-Tail delivers, Packet First in First Out (PFIFO), Random Early Detection (RED) and Code Exploration Introduction. The evaluation is performed using an open-framework framework (NS-3) assessment framework. In the end, the results of the review suggest that Code and RED, a unique line of management figures, have shown much needed performance.
Indigenous Healing Practices, Policies and Perceptions of Young and Elderly Gaâ€™dang People in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines
Authors: Villanueva Joey M.
Published: March 2022

Indigenous healing practice is a very essential part of healthcare systems in rural areas in the world. Very few studies have addressed an inclusive scenario of indigenous healing practices to boost the spirit of ailing people. This study explored typical forms of indigenous healing practices, policies and perceptions of young and elderly Gaâ€™dang (Indigenous Filipino peoples) in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. This research utilized the descriptive-qualitative method and data gathered through community immersion, observation, focused group discussion (FGD) and face-to-face interview with the informants. Gaâ€™dang elderly in Nueva Vizcaya apply materials and resources for indigenous healing modalities like relaxation techniques, massage (hilot), use of medicinal herbs, psychocultural education, cleansing ceremonies and rituals. They are forms of immediate remediation before bringing the patient to a clinic or hospital. They have been adept and continually practicing indigenous healing to help patients improve their health condition but with little value within their existing culture, especially the younger generation. Related ethnographic and qualitative researches offering wider understanding of the cultural value of indigenous healing and have impact to the lives of the people may be instigated.
Common Medicinal Plants and their Role against COVID-19 for Protection and Treatment
Authors: Babu Achsha , Indiraleka M. , Mohan Maruga Raja M. K. , Premnath D.
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 is a deadly serious infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, spreading widely with a rise in number of deaths every day. Because of the rapid transmission, various research domains have much responsibility to find a suitable drug or vaccine as soon as possible within a short time to save lives. Plant based chemical constituents serve as potential therapeutics against COVID-19, which is evident by current reports of screening phytochemicals against potential targets by computational techniques. Medicinal plants are used since ancient times and are known highly for their effective treatment of several infectious diseases. This review summarizes the use of medicinal plants to treat COVID-19 infection and aims to draw more attention towards investigating potent chemical constituents from medicinal plants.
In Vitro Antioxidant and Anticancer Potency of Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) Flowers
Authors: Kalaimagal C.
Published: March 2022

A study was performed to identify an antioxidant and anticancer property of the flower of Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.). In vitro antioxidant activity was identified through the execution of various free radical scavenging assays like DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical, superoxide anion radical, nitric oxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide radicals in ethanolic flower extract of T. divaricata (L.). As a result of these scavenging methods, DPPH radicals were repressed at the percentage of 38.9% in 1000 ?g/ml. Likewise in the same concentration of extract, repression of superoxide anion radicals, nitric oxide radicals, and hydrogen peroxide radicals occurred at 49.3%, 56.4% and, 31.2% respectively. In vitro antiproliferative activity of the ethanolic flower extract was evaluated using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to find the percentage of cell inhibition as well cell viability of HepG2 (Hepatocellular carcinoma), HeLa (Cervical adenocarcinoma) and A549 (Lung adenocarcinoma) cancer cell lines. Growth of all these cell lines was inhibited at 89.7%, 91.2% and 90.4% in 500 ?g/ml. MTT assay exhibited IC50 value at 15.6 ?g/ml of extract concentration. The effect of plant extract concentration was identified through decreasing the percent of viable cancer cells when compared to control cells. The results showed that dose dependent cytotoxic activity of T. divaricata (L.) against all cancer cell lines. The present work concluded that flower of T. divaricata (L.) can act on various cancer cells under in vitro condition via neutralizing effect of free radicals.
Changing the Landscape of the City Outskirts. Bon Pastor (Barcelona)
Authors: Remesar Antoni , Vergel Javier , Barreiro Augusta , Chávez Tatiana , Chaves Laura
Published: March 2022

The paper presents the territorial and axiological context and the peculiarities of the participatory project developed by the Polis Research Centre and the Bon Pastor Neighbourhood Association, as well as the first steps in the design of two interventions. The first intervention, the Wall and Party Walls in Rodriguez de la Fuente Square, is proposed within the framework of the sustainable development strategies of Barcelona City Council. Its main objective is to achieve thermal insula­tion of the affected dwellings, thus contributing to the well being of the residents and to the reduc­tion of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Besides, it is aimed to solve landscape discontinuity. In the lower part of the party walls, there is a wall, a kind of plinth that the residents have chosen as a site for the expansion of the work on the civic remembrance of the neighbourhood. There, the “Living Memory” space will be set up, reserved for interventions by children from the quarter’s schools through a work programme run in cooperation with them. The second intervention is the case of the centennial Mulberry Tree classified as a tree of local interest. In 2018, the mulberry tree suffered some damage from thugs who threw firecrackers inside. Therefore, the need was pointed out to reorganise the space around the tree in order to create dissuasive effects and preserve its integrity. These are preliminary studies to be discussed by the agents involved in the project: the Sant Andreu District, the IMPUQV (Institut Municipal del Paisatge Urbài la Qualitat de Vida), and the Bon Pastor Neighbourhood Association.
Pop feminizm, seks i bunt. Kobiecy protest w realiach Europy Wschodniej
Authors: Szymańska Justyna
Published: March 2022

In this paper I would like to present an example of Ukrainian women’s movement Femen, famous for presenting the nude protest as its brand and ideological base as well as a source of their strategy, called sextremism. In the article I try to present a context of movement’s birth in the Eastern European reality of first decade of XXI century and I attempt to retrace the paths of its past and recent development. The subject of my analysis is also the process of deconstruction and further re-construction of the idea of feminism in its classical, Western terms conducted by Femen activists. Finally, I would like to show the Femen’s way of sending the message about women’s rights that connects pop culture and feminism – so called pop feminism, which become their brandmark.
Ewolucja przepisów dotyczących uczestnictwa osób o nietypowej płciowości w zawodach sportowych kobiet
Authors: Potrzuski Kamil
Published: March 2022

Sport is a domain of social life, which, due to its specificity, is characterized by strongly marked, impenetrable borders of categories such as: “nation”, “ethnicity”, but also gender”. In case of gender, this rigid division is accepted by both women, wishing to compete and gain sport success in a fair way, and men, enabled to maintain their privileged position in sport by preserving gender segregation. Meanwhile, many people with atypical gender or rare genetic disorders do not fit into dichotomous categorization of “woman- man”. Particular controversy arouse over the issue of releasing them into the women’s competition. The provisions in this matter have evolved over the decades. The article aims to recapitulate this process and deliberate on the current state of the regulations.
Polityka, filozofia i Hannah Arendt. O koncepcji polityczności opartej na wielości
Authors: Pietrzak Edyta
Published: March 2022

Although Hannah Arendt noticed problem of the emancipation of women, she also openly admitted that it does not concern herself. She was and still remains one of the few women involved in political thought, forming theories and defining new directions of thought and action in the public sphere. She refused to call her a philosopher; she preferred to describe herself as a political theorist. Where this resistance comes from and what is the difference between philosophy and political theory? Answer for these questions can be found in Arendt’s concept of politics based on plurality, from which is not so far to feminism as it might initially seem.
Kobieta – aktywistka życia codziennego
Authors: Orszulak-Dudkowska Katarzyna
Published: March 2022

The objective of the article is a deliberation on the activity of women in the role of everyday life organizers, who run their own households. The author analyzes in detail the practice undertaken by women in the Polish People’s Republic era (mainly in the 1970s and 1980s), and her research materials include fragments of notes that come from the collection of household bills which were collected by a clerk from Lodz between 1954 and 2004, and detailed ethnographical interviews with women running households in Lodz in the 1970s and 1980s. The author notices that the respondents treated their work in their households in the period of the Polish People’s Republic as an important element of their own life experience and the source of satisfaction. They had an important role which was worth recognition, they derived pleasure from the fact that they were able to create good conditions of life (as much as it was possible then) for themselves and their closest ones. In the situation of the overall social crisis they would demonstrate bigger determination than men and the will to fight for a better fate. In the author’s opinion, reconstructing women’s experiences of that kind constitutes a great way to have a deep understanding of a local cultural tradition and helps to show the impact of “ordinary” women on the creation of cultural daily life.
O arabskich kobietach okiem Nadine Labaki
Authors: Kijewska Aleksandra
Published: March 2022

Nadine Labaki is one of the best-known female filmmakers and actor in the Arab world. Labaki’s fame has reached Poland as well as other European countries. Her film “Carmel” released in 2007 has many fans – especially female – while her second movie – “Where do we go now?” (2011) was broadcasted in Polish Arthouse Cinemas Network where it has received very enthusiastic reviews. Labaki, born in Beirut, graduated from Saint Joseph University in Beirut, where she studied in the Audiovisual Art Department. Her graduation film ’11 Rout Pasteur’ won the Best Short Film Award at the Biennale of Arab Cinema at the Arab World Institute in Paris in 1997. Labaki’s films tell the story of women – heroines in the male world. This warm and humorous works show the great strength hidden in Lebanese women who are fighting relentlessly against the patriarchal reality in small villages in Lebanon. Labaki is careful observer, but on the other hand, she manages to keep the distance that allows her to describe her homeland with suitable objectivity. In this paper, author presents Labaki’s films in context of stereotypes and taboos that are still noticeable in patriarchal culture in modern Lebanon.
ENSAIANDO VIDAS COM VIRGINIA WOOLF
Authors: Farias Mentor Pedro
Published: March 2022

O seguinte ensaio tem como objetivo estimular minimamente uma reflexão da obra de Virginia Woolf enquanto uma produção possível de leitura filosófica a partir da forma escrita ‘ensaio’ e a forma como a autora liga experimentalismo com a temática da vida. O percurso escolhido foi: (I) apresentar a forma “ensaio” como a privilegiada para se aproximar criação e reflexão, (II) a relevância da escrita de biografias como acesso ao passado e liberdade imaginativa e (III) a escrita experimental como forma de dar conta de formas e experiências de vidas diversas.
Ghana’s Cocoa Farmers Need to Change Gear: What Policymakers Need to Know, and What They Might Do
Authors: Amanor Kojo , Yaro Joseph , Teye Joseph , Wiggin Steve
Published: March 2022

Cocoa farmers in Ghana face increasing challenges. In the past, many of them could make a living from cocoa thanks to the advantages – ‘forest rents’ – that initially apply when forest is cleared to create cocoa farms: fertile soils, few pests and diseases. With time, however, weeds invade, pests and diseases build up, and trees age. To maintain production requires more labour, more inputs and more skill. In the past, farmers would often abandon older groves and seek new forest to clear. As they did so, the frontier for cocoa farming moved westwards across Ghana to the remaining high forest. But by 2000 or so, no new forest was available. Farmers now have to manage aging stands of trees, clear weeds and parasites, and combat pests, fungi and diseases. In Suhum District in the east and in Juaboso District in the far west of Ghana, we talked to farmers. They understood the challenges they faced, and knew how to deal with some of them. But many were not farming their cocoa as well as they could, losing yields and income as a result. This brief provides a basis for policymakers to move forward in responding to the current challenges facing cocoa farmers.
Tax and Governance in the Context of Scarce Revenues: Inefficient Tax Collection and its Implications in Rural West Africa
Authors: Beach Rachel , van den Boogaard Vanessa
Published: March 2022

In recent years, domestic and international policy attention has often focused on broadening the tax base in order to include a greater share of the population in the ‘tax net’. This is based, in part, on the hope that the expansion of taxation will result in positive ‘governance dividends’ for taxpayers. However, the implications of extending the tax base in rural areas in low-income countries has been insufficiently considered. Through the case studies of Togo, Benin, and Sierra Leone, we demonstrate that extending taxation to rural areas is often highly inefficient, leading to few, if any, revenue gains when factoring in the costs of collection. Where revenues exceed the costs of collection, they often only cover local government salaries with little remaining for the provision of public goods and services. The implications of rural tax collection inefficiency are thus significant for revenue mobilisation, governance and public service delivery, accountability relationships with citizens, and taxpayer expectations of the state. Accordingly, we question the rationale for extending taxation to rural citizens in low-income countries. Instead, we argue for a reconceptualisation of the nature of the fiscal social contract, disentangling the concept of the social contract from the individual. Rather, a collective social contract places greater emphasis on the taxation of wealth and redistribution and recognises that basic rights of citizenship are not, or should not, be contingent on paying direct taxes to the government. Rather than expanding taxation, we argue for the expansion of political voice and rights to rural citizens, through a ‘services-first’ approach.
‘Because of COVID, Everything is a Mess’ How Have People with Disabilities Experienced the Pandemic in Nepal and Bangladesh?
Authors: Rohwerder, Brigitte Rohwerder, Brigitte , Thompson Stephen , Shaw Jackie , Wickenden Mary , Kayastha Shubha , Sigdel Anita , Akter Fatema , Bosri Rabia
Published: March 2022

COVID-19 is deepening pre-existing inequalities. Emerging research suggests that people with disabilities across the world have experienced various rights violations and been disproportionality affected by the health, economic and social impacts of the pandemic and responses to it. The aim of this research was to better understand how people with disabilities who are often excluded from research have experienced the evolving COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh and Nepal. In order to better understand how it has affected some of the most marginalised groups of people with disabilities, this study used in-depth qualitative research to focus on people with intellectual, psychosocial, deafblindness and other multiple impairments.
Emerging Trends Within the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda
Authors: Kelly Luke
Published: March 2022

This report has identified emerging issues within the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda. Climate change has long been identified as a key cross-cutting issue and several potential avenues for WPS policy are identified. Other issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) have been highlighted as potentially relevant, but relatively little discussed with respect to WPS. The WPS agenda focuses on addressing the gendered impact of conflict and seeking to prevent conflict through increased women’s participation. In this report, WPS is understood as a body of UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) and state national action plans (NAPs) labelled as WPS; as well as other UN and state policies using the language and ideas of WPS; and actions and ideas produced by civil society and academics inspired by the United Nations (UN) agenda or sharing ideas with it. The report focuses on new and emerging issues identified by academics and policymakers as relevant to the WPS agenda. Emerging trends and issues are broadly understood as: • Parts of the WPS agenda that are increasingly part of policies formulated by the UN, member states or civil society actors. • Parts of the WPS agenda that scholars or policymakers think have been neglected or not implemented sufficiently. • Re-interpretations of the framing of the WPS agenda. • New areas to which it is argued WPS should be applied. • Parallel international policy agendas with conceptual or legislative overlap with WPS. Emerging trends and issues are discussed with reference to their status in policy and implementation; normative debates about their place in the WPS agenda; and evidence on their implications for and applicability to certain contexts. The report does not seek to predict or assess the future trends or their relative importance, beyond highlighted existing interpretations of their status, implementation and potential implications. The report discusses a variety of emerging issues. These include issues where the WPS agenda has already been applied, but where its implementation –or lack thereof – has been criticised, such as in counterterrorism and arms control, or the conceptualisation of gender. The ability of WPS instruments to address changing forms of conflict has also been criticised. Issues to which it is argued that WPS should, and could, be applied more thoroughly, such as gang violence and trafficking, are discussed. The report includes new fields such as cybersecurity and AI, about which there is relatively little literature linked to WPS, but agreement that it may be relevant.
Study ff Interaction Between ADT-C2 Cyclic Peptide (Ac-CADTPPC-NH2) and E-Kadherin Protein Using Docking Molecular Method
Authors: Panduwati Digna Renny
Published: March 2022

Research has been conducted on the study of the interaction between cyclic peptide ADTC2(Ac-CADTPPC-NH2) and E-cadherin protein using the molecular docking method. The aim of this study is to determine the position of the binding site and the energy of interaction between the ADTC2 peptide and the EC1-EC2 domain of E-kadherin. This research was divided into two parts, (1) Preliminary test using molecular dynamics (DM) method with Gromacs v4.5.4 software, (2) interaction of the peptide ADTC2 with EC1-EC2 using the molecular docking method (MD) with Autodock 4.2 software. Docking was performed with the blind dock method on EC1 and EC2 position. In the second step, the gridbox position was reduced based on the binding activity between E-cadherin and peptides. The strongest interaction and Van der Walls bonds were obtained in boxes B, C and D. The results showed that the ADTC2 peptide had a biological activity to inhibit the interaction of E-cadherin...E-cadherin by forming a complex with the EC1-EC2 domain. This inhibition occured by forming two binding sites in the EC1 domain (interaction energies are -23.309 kJ / mol and -26.234 kJ / mol, respectively) and one binding site in the EC2 domain (interaction energies are -22.677 kJ / mol). Based on preliminary tests, it can be proven that the native structure of ADTC2 is cyclic with optimization energy of -52504.78 kJ/mol and very stable from the beginning to the end of DM with an RMSD was <2 Å.
Synthesis of Fe3O4 Nanocatalyst Capped Citric Acid (Fe3O4-CA) from Sargassum filipendula
Authors: Pratiwi Dian
Published: March 2022

The nanocatalyst Fe3O4 capped citric acid (Fe3O4-CA) was successfully synthesized using brown seaweed Sargassum filipendula. Sulfated polysaccharides contained in Sargassum filipendula extract contain sulfate, hydroxy, and aldehyde groups which cause Fe3+ reduction and nanoparticle stabilization. The FT-IR results of Sargassum filipendula extract showed the presence of CO-SO3 stretching vibrations at 1040 cm-1, sulfate groups at 1241 cm-1, aromatic CC at 1413 cm-1, carbonyl at 1604 cm-1, CH stretching vibrations at 2932 cm-1. 1, and the hydroxy group at 3316 cm-1\. Meanwhile, citric acid was used as capping to prevent agglomeration of the synthesized nanocatalyst. Fe3O4-CA nanocatalysts were characterized using XRD, PSA, and SEM-EDX. The XRD results were processed using the Debye-Scherrer equation and the crystal size of Fe3O4-CA was 8.5 nm. PSA results show that Fe3O4-CA particles have a radius of 45.09 nm or diameter of 90.18 nm. This nanocatalyst was also tested for the synthesis of pyrimidine-derived compounds at optimum conditions using 7.5% mol of catalyst, 50 °C for 6 hours, in order to obtain a yield of 83.2%.
Perilaku Politik Masyarakat dalam Pilkades Gunung Tiga OKU
Authors: Aginda Runa
Published: March 2022

Perilaku Politik Masyarakat Dalam Pemilihan Kades Desa Gunung Tiga Kecamatan Ulu Ogan Kabupaten OKU Periode 2020-2026.

ABSTRAK

This study describes the political behavior of the community in the election of the village head of Gunung Tiga Village, Ulu Ogan District, OKU Regency for the 2020-2026 Period. The formulation of the problem in this research are: 1. political behavior of the people of Gunung Tiga Village, in the 2020 village head election, 2. What factors influence political behavior in village elections, the people of Gunung Tiga Village, Ulu Ogan District, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency.

The method used in this study is a quantitative method to determine voter behavior by distributing questionnaires to the people of Gunung Tiga Village using a voter behavior approach. This approach aims to determine the results of voting behavior in the people of Gunung Tiga Village.

This research can be concluded that the political behavior of the people of Gunung Tiga Village can be broadly classified into three sociological, psychological, and rational choice aspects. Sociological approaches based on the community conduct elections by looking at the regional background of the candidate for the village head and there are also ethnic background factors that influence people's choices.

Keywords: Political Behavior, Election of Gunung Tiga Village Head
Prediction of Outstanding Claims Liability in Non-Life Insurance: An Application of Adaptive Grey Model
Authors: Kartikasari Mujiati Dwi , Maghfuroh Hani’atul
Published: March 2022

In order to assess the solvency of non-life insurance companies, the prediction of outstanding claims liability is very important. Prediction of outstanding claims liability is usually done by using a run-off triangle data scheme. However, if data are not available to form the scheme, the prediction of outstanding claims liability cannot be made. Another alternative for predicting of outstanding claims liability is to use time series analysis. This research uses an adaptive grey model that has the advantage of being free of assumptions of data patterns and a minimum amount of data used to predict is small (at least 4 data). To determine the accuracy of the adaptive grey model, we compare the prediction of outstanding claims liability using a grey model classic. Based on the analysis results, the adaptive grey model is better than the classic gray model in predicting outstanding claims liability.
Multi-Omics Integrative Approach of Extracellular Vesicles: A Future Challenging Milestone
Authors: Shaba Enxhi , Vantaggiato Lorenza , Governini Laura , Haxhiu Alesandro , Sebastiani Guido , Fignani Daniela , Grieco Giuseppina Emanuela , Bergantini Laura , Bini Luca , Landi Claudia
Published: March 2022

In the era of multi-omic sciences, dogma on singular cause-effect in physio-pathological processes is overcome and system biology approaches have been providing new perspectives to see through. In this context, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are offering a new level of complexity, given their role in cellular communication and their activity as mediators of specific signals to target cells or tissues. Indeed, their heterogeneity in terms of content, function, origin and potentiality contribute to the cross-interaction of almost every molecular process occurring in a complex system. Such features make EVs proper biological systems being, therefore, optimal targets of omic sciences. Currently, most studies focus on dissecting EVs content in order to either characterize it or to explore its role in various pathogenic processes at transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, lipidomic and genomic levels. Despite valuable results are being provided by individual omic studies, the categorization of EVs biological data might represent a limit to be overcome. For this reason, a multi-omic integrative approach might contribute to explore EVs function, their tissue-specific origin and their potentiality. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art of EVs omic studies, addressing recent research on the integration of EVs multi-level biological data and challenging developments in EVs origin.
Cautionary Observations Concerning the Introduction of Psychophysiological Biomarkers into Neuropsychiatric Practice
Authors: Rapp Paul E. , Cellucci Christopher , Darmon David , Keyser David
Published: March 2022

The combination of statistical learning technologies with large databases of psychophysiological data has appropriately generated enthusiastic interest in future clinical applicability. It is argued here that this enthusiasm should be tempered with the understanding that significant obstacles must be overcome before the systematic introduction of psychophysiological measures into neuropsychiatric practice becomes possible. The nonspecificity of psychophysiological measures complicates their use in diagnosis. Low test-retest reliability complicates use in longitudinal assessment, and quantitative psychophysiological measures can normalize in response to placebo intervention. Ten cautionary observations are introduced and, in some instances, possible directions for remediation are suggested.
Genetic Insights Into Primary Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Brodehl Andreas , Gerull Brenda
Published: March 2022

Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a rare cardiac disease causing severe diastolic dysfunction, ventricular stiffness and dilated atria. In consequence, it induces heart failure often with preserved ejection fraction and is associated with a high mortality. Since a poor clinical prognosis, patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy require frequently heart transplantation. Genetic as well as non-genetic factors contribute to restrictive cardiomyopathy and a significant portion of cases remains of unknown etiology. However, the genetic forms of restrictive cardiomyopathy and the involved molecular pathomechanisms are only partially understood. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about primary genetic restrictive cardiomyopathy and describe its genetic landscape, which might be of interest for geneticists as well as for cardiologists.
RT-qPCR PROFILING OF PATHOGENESIS RELATED GENES IN MUSA ACUMINATA CV. ‘BERANGAN’ SEEDLINGS CHALLENGED WITH Fusarium oxysporum F. SP. Cubense TROPICAL RACE 4
Authors: Munusamy Umaiyal
Published: March 2022

The expression profile of pathogenesis related genes are signatures of an infection response in plant cells. Pathogenic infections can increase or reduce gene expression in a plant system in a relatively specific pattern. These expression patterns can be used as standards in pathogenicity studies and, where phenotypic expression is normally used to gauge a plants response to infection, it could additionally present a more rapid and early screening reference tool. Three genes: catalase (CAT), pathogen related protein (PR10), and phenylalanine ammonia (PAL) all implicitly implicated in the plant disease response pathway were targeted for analysis during the infection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (FOCR4) in banana Musa acuminata cv. Berangan seedlings after a standard challenge under growth room conditions. Distinct patterns of gene expression were observed at three infection time points by real time expression analysis. There was a sequential 10-fold reduction in expression for the PR gene while, the PAL and CAT genes were both upregulated. These results present a set of reference genes that could be used for screening of a plant’s response to Fusarium before the onset of symptoms
RURAL EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME DIVERSIFICATION IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Batool Saeeda
Published: March 2022

Rural households have different asset endowments and they either specialize in single activity or choose to earn both from farm and nonfarm activities. The study constructs Hirchman-Herfindahl Index to evaluate the household income diversification by employing survey data for rural household from Pakistan for the periods 2001-02 and 2010-11. The study estimated the determinants of household diversification by employing logit, linear and censored regression models. Our results showed that agricultural assets including landholding and livestock ownership negatively affect the income diversification. On the other hand, human capital development through education and female participation increased the household employment diversification. The households having access to transport and formal credit choose to diversify while the impact of access to road and information was found insignificant. The results also suggests the development of nonfarm sector by investing in commuting infrastructure and human capital to ensure sustainable incomes of rural households