bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rabies healthcare-seeking behaviors of urban and peri-urban residents: Results from a rabies knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey, Bangladesh, 2018
Authors: Ross Yasmeen B. , Hoque Mahbubul , Blanton Jesse D. , Kennedy Erin D. , Rana Md Sohel , Tahmina Sanya , Bonaparte Sarah , Head Jennifer R. , Wallace Ryan M.
Published: August 2022

Rabies is one of the most lethal infectious diseases, with those living in Asia and Africa having the highest risk of dying from rabies. We conducted a knowledge, attitudes and practices survey in urban and peri-urban areas of Bangladesh to describe canine bite rates, rabies knowledge, and healthcare seeking behaviors and barriers to human and dog vaccination. A bite risk assessment score (BRAS) and healthcare-seeking behavior score (HSBS) was calculated for each bite victim. Respondents were given two hypothetical situations to assess potential behaviors after a bite and willingness to pay for rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin. In total, 2,447 households participated in the survey and 85 bite victims were identified. The BRAS identified that 31% of bites posed no risk of rabies transmission. Multivariate analyses showed that living in Chittagong (β = 1.4; 95% CI: 0.1, 2.7) was associated with a higher HSBS. Findings presented here provide useful information regarding bite occurrences, healthcare-seeking behaviors, and a need for strategies to increase rabies awareness.
Hesperetin mitigates sorafenib-induced cardiotoxicity in mice through inhibition of the TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway
Authors: Zaafar Dalia , Khalil Heba M. A. , Rasheed Rabab Ahmed , Eltelbany Rania Farag A. , Zaitone Sawsan A.
Published: August 2022

Sorafenib is an oral multi-kinase receptor inhibitor that targets various signaling pathways. It is used as the first line of treatment in advanced hepatocellular and renal cell carcinomas. Sorafenib was reported to induce cardiotoxicity due to myocyte necrosis. Hesperetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. This study investigated the putative protective effect of hesperetin against sorafenib-induced cardiotoxicity in mice through downregulation of NLRP3/TLR4 signaling and inhibition of apoptosis. Twenty-four male Swiss mice were distributed into four groups: untreated control, hesperetin (50 mg/kg/day, orally), sorafenib (100 mg/kg/day, orally), and combination (Hesperetin+Sorafenib). After a three-week treatment period, various biochemical parameters in cardiac tissues were assessed. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were measured. Moreover, TLR4 and NLRP3 expressions were evaluated using Western blot analysis. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical assessment of apoptotic activity were done. Compared with the sorafenib group, the combination group exhibited reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 levels and lower NLRP3/TLR4 expressions. Histologically, the combination group showed improved myocardial histology and a marked decrease in collagen deposition. Immunohistochemical examination showed decreased caspase-3 and increased Bcl-2 expression. Before recommending hesperetin as an adjuvant, clinical studies are warranted for mitigating sorafenib cardiotoxicity.
New insights into the criteria of functional heterozygosity of the Apis mellifera complementary sex determining gene–Discovery of a functional allele pair differing by a single amino acid
Authors: Mroczek Robert , Laszkiewicz Agnieszka , Blazej Pawel , Adamczyk-Weglarzy Kinga , Niedbalska-Tarnowska Joanna , Cebrat Malgorzata
Published: August 2022

The complementary sex determiner (csd) gene is responsible for controlling the sex-determination molecular switch in western honey bees (Apis mellifera): bees that are heterozygous for csd develop into females, whereas bees that are hemizygous or homozygous develop into males. The homozygous diploid males are destroyed at an early stage of their development. It has been proposed that the minimal number of amino acid differences between two csd alleles needed to fully determine femaleness is five and it has also been shown that smaller differences may result in forming an evolutionary intermediate that is not fully capable of female determination, but has increased fitness compared to the homozygous genotype. In this study, we have implemented a terminal restriction length polymorphism-based method of identifying and distinguishing paternal alleles in a given bee colony and assigning them to a particular maternal allele in order to gather information on large number of functional csd pairs and also to identify, to some extent, genotypes that are underrepresented or absent in bee colonies. The main finding of this study is the identification of a fully functional genotype consisting of csd alleles that differed from each other by a one amino acid position. The individuals carrying this genotype expressed only female-specific transcripts of feminizer and double-sex genes. By comparing the sequences differences between the csd pair identified in our study with those described earlier, we conclude that functional heterozygosity of the csd gene is dependent not only on the number of the amino acid differences but also on the sequence context and position of the change. The discovery of a functional allele pair differing by a single amino acid also implies that the generation of a new csd specificity may also occur during a single mutation step with no need for evolutionary intermediates accumulating further mutations.
A comprehensive in silico analysis of the deleterious nonsynonymous SNPs of human FOXP2 protein
Authors: Akter Mahmuda , Khan Sumaiya Farah , Sajib Abu Ashfaqur , Rima Fahmida Sultana
Published: August 2022

FOXP2 encodes the forkhead transcription factor that plays a significant role in language development. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in FOXP2 have been linked to speech- language disorder, autism, cancer and schizophrenia. So, scrutinizing the functional SNPs to better understand their association in disease is an uphill task. The purpose of the current study was to identify the missense SNPs which have detrimental structural and functional effects on the FOXP2 protein. Multiple computational tools were employed to investigate the deleterious role of non-synonymous SNPs. Five variants as Y531H, L558P, R536G and R553C were found to be associated with diseases and located at the forkhead domain of the FOXP2 protein. Molecular docking analysis of FOXP2 DNA binding domain with its most common target sequence 5’-CAAATT-3’ predicted that R553C and L558P mutant variants destabilize protein structure by changing protein-DNA interface interactions and disruption of hydrogen bonds that may reduce the specificity and affinity of the binding. Further experimental investigations may need to verify whether this kind of structural and functional variations dysregulate protein activities and induce formation of disease.
Impact of COVID-19 on the food security and identifying the compromised food security dimension: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Gebeyehu Daniel Teshome , East Leah , Wark Stuart , Islam Md Shahidul
Published: August 2022

Background

Food security is substantially affected directly by COVID-19 and/or indirectly by the measures adopted for the prevention of COVID-19 transmission. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the impact of COVID-19 on food security and identify the most compromised food security dimension to ease the food security regulators and actors’ intervention prioritisation.

Methodology

Primary research focused on the impact of COVID-19 on food security will be searched from three online databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus), manually using a google scholar search engine, and studies’ reference list were also manually searched. The prevalence of food insecurity in each study and the most compromised food security dimension including their associated factors will be identified. The food insecurity before and after COVID-19 emergence and the status of food security dimension before and after COVID-19 will be compared and interpreted.

Discussion

The heterogeneity of the studies and the factors for the variability of outcomes will be discussed. COVID-19 had a negative impact on food security if the food insecurity prevalence before the emergence of COVID-19 is less than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other confounding factors that can contribute to the high food insecurity prevalence like natural disasters, war, and instability will be considered in addition to COVID-19.

Registration

This systematic review protocol is registered in PROSPERO under the registration number: CRD42022325475.
Genevieve Stebbins and the philosophical roots of somatics
Authors: Arnoldy Ashton Kohl
Published: August 2022

Today’s multiplicity of somatic modalities – therapeutic arts of bodily awareness – unite in their practitioners’ shared mission to provide a corrective for the mind–body severance lived out in western culture. Unfortunately, this severance often recapitulates itself in an anti-intellectual stance held by many champions of bodily wisdom. Yet, a look back at the origins of the somatics movement reveals a much more integral conception of the human being in the philosophical system of psycho-physical culture set forth by the performer, author, teacher and philosopher Genevieve Stebbins. A prominent influence in the world of physical culture at the dawn of the twentieth century, Stebbins’ work exemplifies the possibility of retrieving holistic conceptions of the human being from the history of western thought and creatively retranslating them in the light of modern consciousness Through such a view, the human body is revealed as visible spirit, instrument of living art.
The Routledge Companion to Performance Philosophy, Laura Cull Ó Maoilearca and Alice Lagaay (eds) (2020)
Authors: Naccarato Teoma
Published: August 2022

Review of: The Routledge Companion to Performance Philosophy, Laura Cull Ó Maoilearca and Alice Lagaay (eds) (2020)

London and New York: Routledge, 490 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-13849-562-3, h/bk, £190

ISBN 978-1-00303-531-2, e-book, £36
Reflections on dance improvisation in Greece as an embodied practice
Authors: Nikolopoulou Panagiota (Teti) , Koutsouba Maria I.
Published: August 2022

The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of the use of improvisation in relation to choreography in Greece as an embodied practice. Although many dance scholars acknowledge the aesthetic potential and the freedom of spontaneity in the improvisational process, there is not direct theoretical reference to the choreographing methodologies that have been used in the Greek contemporary dance scene from the late 1980s until today. The research is qualitative and draws data from multiple sources, which include interviews with nine choreographers, attendance of live dance performances and/or performative events and references from the related dance literature. The authors’ reflections reveal important epistemological issues for further dance research on the current collaborative performing arts contexts.
The bachelor’s degree in college systems: history, evidence and argument from England
Authors: Allen Jennifer , Parry Gareth
Published: August 2022

Across major anglophone college systems, institutions in various jurisdictions have gained the authority to award the bachelor’s degree. That prospect has come late to further education colleges in England. With its long history of teaching for the bachelor’s degree, the English road to awarding powers has features in common with and different from those in North America and Australia. In the modern-day literature on college higher education in England, little attention has been given to the bachelor’s degree in its own right. Accordingly, a summary history and a digest of quantitative and qualitative evidence are assembled. Domestic debates are reviewed. Issues for policy and research are signalled. In this way, a platform is provided by which to better connect with international debates and comparisons.
POLÍTICAS DE SUBSÍDIOS FISCAIS E DINÂMICA INDUSTRIAL NO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO
Authors: Santos Leandro Bruno
Published: August 2022

Nas últimas décadas do século XX, o termo competitividade se dissemina nos círculos políticos à proporção que avançam as ideias neoliberais favoráveis à globalização. Sob os auspícios da globalização econômica, grassam os ideais que não apenas as empresas, mas também os territórios competem um com o outro. No Brasil, as disputas pela atração de capitais entre estados e municípios assumem maior expressividade a partir dos anos 1990, num contexto de maior abertura econômica, redução do papel do Estado e elevada desigualdade regional. Neste texto, o nosso objetivo é analisar as políticas de subsídios fiscais de fomento industrial no Estado do Rio de Janeiro e suas implicações recentes sobre a dinâmica da indústria. Os procedimentos metodológicos incluíram o levantamento e leitura bibliográficos, o levantamento de dados secundários (IBGE, SEFAZ, LOA, CONFAZ), a sistematização e análise dos dados. Os resultados obtidos indicam um incremento substancial das renúncias fiscais nos últimos anos, a concentração dos subsídios em ramos já consolidados e em regiões mais dinâmicas (Região Metropolitana, Médio Vale Paraíba), além da sua pouca efetividade na manutenção do VAB industrial, na geração de empregos formais na indústria e na arrecadação de ICMS em relação aos demais estados e ao próprio cenário nacional.
PERSPECTIVAS MULTIESCALARES NA RELAÇÃO SOCIEDADE-NATUREZA: UM ENSAIO SOBRE SEUS DESAFIOS TEORICO-METODOLÓGICOS
Authors: Baldassarini Jéssica de Sousa
Published: August 2022

As problematizações sobre a questão escalar na Geografia atreladas, principalmente, com as questões da representação, da sua vinculação com a escala cartográfica e do seu papel na apreensão das dinâmicas do espaço geográfico, nos demonstram a importância do aprofundamento sobre o tema. Neste contexto, o presente artigo buscou abordar considerações acerca das escalas geográficas, incorporando o debate sobre a questão do espaço em movimento, das escalas enquanto construção social e da inter-relação entre escalas. Estas contribuições serviram de base para a elaboração de um esquema-síntese que objetiva trabalhar com a multiescalaridade na apreensão do espaço geográfico, entendido por meio da relação dialética das dinâmicas da natureza e da sociedade. Esta abordagem permitiu articular o processo de (re)produção do espaço geográfico com o movimento da diferenciação espacial, enquanto síntese das configurações espaciais da natureza e da sociedade, considerando a apreensão deste momento e suas contradições por meio de uma perspectiva multiescalar.
PARTICIPAÇÃO SOCIAL NA GOVERNANÇA HÍDRICA DO DISTRITO FEDERAL
Authors: De Araújo Luane Souza , Teixeira Amom Chrystian de Oliveira
Published: August 2022

As políticas nacional e distrital de recursos hídricos possuem como diretriz geral de ação a articulação entre o planejamento dos recursos hídricos e os setores usuários de água, introduzindo novos paradigmas de gestão descentralizada e participativa, com intuito de agregar a sociedade no processo de tomada de decisão. Este estudo objetivou compreender a governança hídrica sob o olhar dos cidadãos do Distrito Federal (DF), a fim de identificar o nível de participação social na gestão distrital. A metodologia consistiu na análise de 200 questionários aplicados aos cidadãos do DF. Os resultados evidenciaram que parte significativa dos respondentes não conhecem os instrumentos, e não se engajam na governança dos recursos hídricos. O grau de escolarização tem efeito positivo, mas não determinante no processo de participação. Os principais motivos que levaram a este quadro são as falhas na divulgação, o formalismo dos espaços e o histórico de pouco envolvimento do coletivo brasileiro.
ÁREAS VERDES PROTEGIDAS LEGALMENTE E APTAS PARA INTERLIGAREM DUAS UNIDADES DE CONSERVAÇÃO
Authors: De Oliveira Renan Angrizani , Andrade Erik de Lima , Pereira Toniolo Bruno , Martins Antonio Cesar Germano , E Silva Darllan Collins da Cunha
Published: August 2022

Os instrumentos legais previstos na legislação brasileira são essenciais para a preservação ambiental. Portanto, propõem-se a identificação das áreas protegidas de acordo com a Lei de Proteção da Vegetação Nativa (LPVN) para a interligação da Floresta Nacional de Ipanema ao Parque Natural Municipal Corredores de Biodiversidade, com auxílio do software ArcGIS 10.6, para comparação dos resultados de uso e ocupação do solo de 2008 antes da alteração do Código Florestal pela LPVN em 2019, a fim de identificar as áreas em que foram concedidas anistias, e estabelecidas as Áreas de Preservação Permanente (APP). Para estabelecimento das áreas em imóveis rurais protegidas legalmente foram utilizados os dados do Cadastro Ambiental Rural (CAR), sendo subtraídas as áreas consolidadas preexistentes a 2008 localizadas nos limites das APPs. Foram verificados que não houve áreas com anistia a serem consideradas dentro das APPs. Observou-se um aumento na expansão urbana de 12 km2 e uma redução da área de pastagem nos anos estudados. Verificou-se ainda que do total da área de estudo de 406 km2, desconsiderando as áreas das Unidades de Conservação somente 47,95 km2 estão protegidos legalmente. Verifica-se ainda que 57% das áreas protegidas devem ser recuperadas por estarem em desacordo com a Lei.
Praktik Transfer Pengetahuan Tacit dalam Pembelajaran E-Learning Sekolah Tinggi Manajemen Logistik Indonesia
Authors: Rahmi Mutia , Laksmi Laksmi , Gani Fuad
Published: August 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi praktik transfer pengetahuan tacit dalam pembelajaran di perguruan tinggi Stimlog Indonesia. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Teknik pengumpulan data yang dilakukan yaitu observasi, wawancara semi terstruktur menggunakan focus grup discussion, dan analisis dokumen. Penelitian dilakukan selama empat bulan. Pemilihan informan dengan purposive sampling. Analisis data dilakukan dengan pengelompokan data, analisis, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa praktik transfer pengetahuan tacit yang didasarkan pada metode SECI yang meliputi sosialisasi, eksternalisasi, kombinasi, internalisasi, menunjukkan bahwa tahap sosialisasi dan tahap internalisasi merupakan tahap yang utama. Kedua tahap memberi pemahaman yang baik pada staff STIMLOG sehingga mereka mampu menjalankan tugasnya dalam mengawasi online menggunakan e-learning dengan lebih baik. Praktik transfer pengetahuan tacit dalam kedua tahap tersebut dilakukan berdasarkan pengalaman psikomotorik. Transfer pengetahuan tacit menggunaan zoom dan wa group dengan memberikan tutorial dan pelatihan dalam menggunakan e-learning untuk mengawas ujian daring.
El consentimiento informado: síntesis de una ponderación entre la libertad de decisión del paciente y la tutela de la salud
Authors: Woolcott-Oyague Olenka
Published: August 2022

El presente capítulo tiene por objeto identificar los alcances de la libertad de decisión del paciente en la estructura de una teoría sobre el consentimiento informado, teniendo en consideración que del otro lado de la balanza se encuentra el derecho a la salud; ambos casos, bienes de rango constitucional. El estudio conduce a determinar el bien jurídico tutelado, las consecuencias de su vulneración con el fin de establecer la licitud o ilicitud de una intervención médica, así como la eventual responsabilidad del médico en este último caso.
Funções de pedotransferência para estimar a retenção e a disponibilidade de água em Planossolo Háplico sob sistemas integrados de produção agropecuária no Agreste da Paraíba
Authors: Costa da Nóbrega Camila , Luan Ferreira da Silva Pedro , Pereira de Oliveira Flávio , César Costa Campos Milton , Targino de Sousa Neto Abraão
Published: August 2022

Objetivou-se com este trabalho a geração de Funções de Pedotransferência (FPT) para predição da umidade retida a potenciais matriciais específicos em um Planossolo Háplico sob sistemas integrados de produção agropecuária no Agreste da Paraíba, após três anos de implantação dos sistemas. A pesquisa foi conduzida na EMPAER, Alagoinha, PB. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados com cinco sistemas de integração e quatro repetições. Os sistemas foram: 1) Gliricídia + Brachiaria decumbens; 2) Sabiá + Brachiaria decumbens; 3) Ipê roxo + Brachiaria decumbens; 4) Milho + Brachiaria decumbens; 5) Brachiaria decumbens. Foi determinada a retenção de água no solo nos potenciais matriciais: Ψm = 0,  -6, -10, -33, -100, -300, -500, -1000 e -1500 kPa. Foram geradas e validadas funções de pedotransferência (FPT) para cada ponto da curva de retenção. As FPT geradas para estimar os pontos da curva de retenção de água no solo estudado foram validadas através da relação 1:1 entre dados observados e os estimados. Também foram aplicados FPT existentes na literatura. Os resultados mostraram um aumento no conteúdo de água disponível em todos os tratamentos em profundidade, estando relacionado a granulometria do solo. Os pontos da curva de retenção de água no solo foram estimados com razoável precisão (R² ≈ 0,88) a partir das FPT geradas, podendo essas funções serem utilizadas em modelos de simulação de retenção de água no solo, considerando o solo em estudo e as características da região. As FPT testadas da literatura, apresentaram baixa eficiência preditiva.
Agregação e coeficiente de vulnerabilidade estrutural de um Latossolo sob plantio direto e adubações nitrogenadas e potássicas
Authors: Tavares Danillo Dutra , Silva Pedro Luan Ferreira da , Oliveira Flávio Pereira de , Martins Adriana Ferreira , Silva Alison José da , Souza Adailson Pereira de , Pereira Walter Esfrain , Campos Milton César Costa
Published: August 2022

Os Latossolos tropicais, geralmente, se apresentam bem agregados, contudo, nos últimos anos têm havido uma intensificação agrícola desses solos devidos à demanda global por fibras e proteínas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a agregação e coeficiente de vulnerabilidade estrutural de um Latossolo Amarelo sob sistema de plantio direto submetido às adubações nitrogenadas e potássicas. O experimento foi instalado seguindo um delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com 11 tratamentos e 5 repetições. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em esquema fatorial conforme a matriz Plan Puebla III, resultado da combinação de cinco doses de Nitrogênio (N), na forma de Uréia (5; 30; 50; 70 e 95 kg ha-1) e cinco doses de Potássio (K), na forma de KCl (4; 24; 40; 56 e 76 kg ha-1), mais a testemunha (sem adubação). As amostras de solo foram coletadas nas camadas de 0-10 e 10-20 cm de profundidade. A agregação do solo foi determinada pela separação e classificação por tamanho do diâmetro médio ponderado de agregados secos e úmidos. As demais variáveis avaliadas foram granulometria, densidade do solo e distribuição do espaço poroso. Os maiores valores de macroagregados secos na camada de 0-10 cm foram 90,8 e 92,5%, para linha e entrelinha, respectivamente. Para a camada de 10-20 cm, o maior valor na linha foi de 92,1% e 92,6% na entrelinha. Conclui-se que o sistema de uso com adoção de plantio direto e a combinação da adubação nitrogenada e potássica, não alterou a estabilidade dos agregados.
Monoamônio fosfato revestido com polímero na cultura do girassol
Authors: Costa Rafael Pereira da , Pereira Carlos Eduardo , Kikuti Ana Lúcia Pereira , Kikuti Hamilton
Published: August 2022

O uso de polímeros para o revestimento de fertilizantes fosfatados possibilita uma liberação mais lenta dos nutrientes e, com isso, reduz sua suscetibilidade aos processos de imobilização no solo. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar quatro variedades de girassol submetidas a adubação com fontes de fósforo com e sem polímeros no cerrado brasileiro. A pesquisa foi realizada em condições de campo em uma área de 887 m², localizada no município de Cassilândia (MS), com predominância de verão chuvoso e inverno seco. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 4x2, envolvendo 4 variedades de girassol (Embrapa 122, IAC Iarama, IAC Uruguai e Catissol 01) e 2 fontes de fósforo (superfosfato triplo sem polímeros e monoamônio fosfato com polímeros), com 4 repetições. A unidade experimental (parcela) foi constituída por 4 fileiras de plantas de 5 m de comprimento, espaçadas de 0,70 m entre fileiras, com uma população de 50 mil plantas por hectare. Foram realizadas as avaliações de número de folhas fotossintéticamente ativas, altura de plantas e diâmetro de caule, o diâmetro e número de capítulos, a massa de 1000 aquênios, e a produtividade de grãos. O uso de polímeros na formulação do fertilizante monoamônio fosfato apresenta potencial para uso na cultura do girassol. A resposta da planta de girassol à adubação com monoamônio fosfato revestido depende da cultivar utilizada.
A Comparative Analysis of Emissions Trading Systems: Cost Efficiency and Environmental Jurisdictional Authority Overlap
Authors: Ji Philip Inyeob , Mulenga Richard , Bhandari Seema Bogati
Published: August 2022

This study conducts a comparative analysis of selected emissions trading systems (ETS) by examining them in terms of cost efficiency and jurisdictional authority overlap. Findings show that, the selected allowances markets generally exhibit cost inefficiency as manifested by price volatility. It is also found that ETS environmental jurisdictional overlaps are largely caused by the overly centralized environmental policy regulation. Literature review indicates that practical approaches to mitigating price volatility and jurisdictional authority problems include, among others, linking of ETS jurisdictions as exemplified by the linked California-Quebec ETS, integration of allowances markets, switching from emission-based taxation to consumption-based taxation, and development of the derivatives markets. Streamlining and delegation of environmental laws and judicial reviews are some of the efforts that could help mitigate jurisdictional overlap disputes.
Numerically flat holomorphic bundles over non-Kähler manifolds
Authors: Li Chao , Nie Yanci , Zhang Xi
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we study numerically flat holomorphic vector bundles over a compact non-Kähler manifold X which admits an Astheno–Kähler metric.
We prove that
numerically flatness is equivalent to
approximate Hermitian flatness and the existence of a filtration by sub-bundles whose quotients are Hermitian flat.
This gives an affirmative answer to the question proposed by Demailly, Peternell and Schneider.
“We are in our country. Why do we have to resort to western ways of doing things?”: an analytic framework for knowledge application in language teachers studying abroad
Authors: Marshall Steve , Spracklin Arlene Kent
Published: August 2022

In this article we suggest a framework for researching the study abroad experiences of English language teachers, and analyze data from a study of higher education English teachers from four Southeast Asian countries who completed graduate studies at a Canadian university. We present data from interviews with 10 participants which took place in their home countries four years after taking the program. Research questions and interview questions relate to the relevance of the program to participants’ professional practice, the challenges they faced when applying knowledge in their local contexts, and the opportunities and benefits that came with completing a Canadian graduate program. In our data analysis, we highlight a combination of local, national, and transnational factors, as well as cultural differences, that affected the application of knowledge learned in Canada. We conclude by considering a number of implications for educators involved in study abroad programs for English language teachers.
The role of language attitudes and ideologies in minority language learning motivation
Authors: Rosiak Karolina
Published: August 2022

The present article examines the importance of language attitudes and ideologies for studying motivation to learn minority languages by adults. In the contemporary globalised world, proficiency not only in English, but also in other languages, is necessary in order to communicate internationally and find employment. These may be other ‘major’ state languages, such as French or Spanish. However, in many linguistically diverse or multilingual regions, the local languages are important for increasing one’s own social and cultural capital, social cohesion and occasionally also for their economic values. Hence, it is important to study what motivates people to learn minority and minoritised languages. The L2 Motivational Self System has been developed and used for explaining the motivation to learn English in homogenous educational settings. However, this is only one context in which languages are learned. Drawing on qualitative data obtained among Polish post-2004 adult migrants in Wales, this article discusses the relevance of Dörnyei’s L2 Motivational Self System and integrativeness (Gardner & Lambert 1972) in learning minority languages and the role of more subtle, social aspects of (minority) language learning such as language ideologies. It is proposed that integrativeness and language ideologies are vital in the motivation to learn minority languages.
Review and comparison of treatment effect estimators using propensity and prognostic scores
Authors: Lee Myoung-Jae , Lee Sanghyeok
Published: August 2022

In finding effects of a binary treatment, practitioners use mostly either propensity score matching (PSM) or inverse probability weighting (IPW). However, many new treatment effect estimators are available now using propensity score and “prognostic score”, and some of these estimators are much better than PSM and IPW in several aspects. In this paper, we review those recent treatment effect estimators to show how they are related to one another, and why they are better than PSM and IPW. We compare 26 estimators in total through extensive simulation and empirical studies. Based on these, we recommend recent treatment effect estimators using “overlap weight”, and “targeted MLE” using statistical/machine learning, as well as a simple regression imputation/adjustment estimator using linear prognostic score models.
Haecceity Mereology
Authors: Zhang Ruoyu
Published: August 2022

Haecceities are non-qualitative properties for individuation but the current theories about haecceities are still to be much more explored. This paper aims to develop a “haecceity mereology” – that is, an ontological system that understands substances as mereological combinations of haecceities and qualitative properties. In this way, the view developed is an alternative to Paul’s (2002. “Logical Parts.”Noûs36 (4): 578–96; 2006. “Coincidence as Overlap.”Noûs40 (4): 623–59) mereological approach. Three rules are proposed: (1) If S is a substance, then there is one and only one haecceity which is S’s qualitative part; (2) For all the fusions with the same haecceity, at most only one of those fusions is a substance; (3) When all the relevant elements are abundant, every element must overlap at least one substance. This is the first ontology of haecceities in the recent literature and would be a model for systematic metaphysics.
Stability criteria for systems of two first-order linear ordinary differential equations
Authors: Grigorian Gevorg A.
Published: August 2022

The Riccati equation method is used to establish stability criteria for systems of two first-order linear ordinary differential equations. Examples are presented in which the obtained result is compared with the results obtained by the Lyapunov and Bogdanov methods, by a method involving estimates of solutions in the Lozinskii logarithmic norms and by the freezing method.
A perturbed eigenvalue problem in exterior domain
Authors: Grecu Andrei
Published: August 2022

Let Ω ⊂ R
N
(N ≥ 2) be a simply connected bounded domain, containing the origin, with C
2 boundary denoted by ∂Ω. Denote by

Ω

e
x
t

:=

R

N

∖

Ω
¯

$\Omega^{\mathrm{ext}}:=\mathbb{R}^{N} \backslash \bar{\Omega}$

the exterior of Ω. We consider the perturbed eigenvalue problem

−

Δ

p

u
−

Δ

q

u
=
μ
K
(
x
)

|

u

|

p
−
2

u

 for 

x
∈

Ω

ext 

u
(
x
)
=
0

 for 

x
∈
∂
Ω

u
(
x
)
→
0
,

 as 

|

x

|

→
∞
,

$$\left\{\begin{array}{lcl}-\Delta_{p} u-\Delta_{q} u=\mu K(x)|u|^{p-2} u & \text { for } & x \in \Omega^{\text {ext }} \\u(x)=0 & \text { for } & x \in \partial \Omega \\u(x) \rightarrow 0, & \text { as } & |x| \rightarrow \infty,\end{array}\right.$$

where p, q ∈ (1,N),

p
≠
q

$p \neq q$

and K is a positive weight function defined on Ωext having the property that K ∈ L∞
(Ωext) ∩ LN/p
(Ωext) . We show that the set of parameters μ for which the above eigenvalue problem possesses nontrivial weak solutions is exactly an unbounded open interval.
On quasi-small loop groups
Authors: Mashayekhy Behrooz , Mirebrahimi Hanieh , Torabi Hamid , Babaee Ameneh
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we study some properties of homotopical closeness for paths. We define the quasi-small loop group as the subgroup of all classes of loops that are homotopically close to null-homotopic loops, denoted by

π
1

q
s

(
X
,
x
)

$\pi_1^{qs} (X, x)$

for a pointed space (X, x). Then we prove that, unlike the small loop group, the quasi-small loop group

π
1

q
s

(
X
,
x
)

$\pi_1^{qs}(X, x)$

does not depend on the base point, and that it is a normal subgroup containing

π
1

s
g

(
X
,
x
)

$\pi_1^{sg}(X, x)$

, the small generated subgroup of the fundamental group. Also, we show that a space X is homotopically path Hausdorff if and only if

π
1

q
s

(
X
,
x
)

$\pi_1^{qs} (X, x)$

is trivial. Finally, as consequences, we give some relationships between the quasi-small loop group and the quasi-topological fundamental group.
Topologies generated by symmetric porosity on normed spaces
Authors: Kowalczyk Stanisław , Turowska Małgorzata
Published: August 2022

In the paper we consider the families of symmetrically porouscontinuous functions. We find maximal additive classes for these families. Furthermore, we define new families of topologies generated by the symmetric porosity, which are useful to studying maximal multiplicative classes for symmetrically porouscontinuous functions. Some relevant properties of defined topologies are considered.
An alternative for Laplace Birnbaum-Saunders distribution
Authors: Bίrbίçer İsmet , Genç Alί İ.
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we first propose a new general method to introduce various lifetime distributions by choosing an appropriate kernel distribution. They have some characteristics in common with the well-known Birnbaum-Saunders distribution. Then, we choose the triangular distribution as a kernel model and construct the new distribution. This distribution has its support on the positive real axis and consists of two-pieces. We show that the newly defined distribution is in fact a generalized Birnbaum-Saunders distribution. It is mathematically tractable for studying its theoretical properties in detail. Different methods of estimation of parameters are proposed. The existence and uniqueness problem of the maximum likelihood estimation method is discussed. The performances of the estimators are evaluated through simulation studies. A real data fitting which compares it with the ordinary Birnbaum-Saunders, Laplace Birnbaum-Saunders and other some generalized Birnbaum-Saunders distributions is also given.
Hysteresis and balance of backaction force on dielectric particles photothermally mediated by photonic nanojet
Authors: Ren Yu-Xuan , Yip Gwinky G. K. , Zhou Lei-Ming , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Shi Jiawei , Zhou Yi , Mao Huade , Tsia Kevin K. , Wong Kenneth K. Y.
Published: August 2022

Reversible control over the microparticle motion using light excites interesting applications in optofluidics, microswimmers, artificial optical matter, and biomedical engineering. The dielectric microspheres swim towards the near infrared pulsed laser in response to the backaction force mediated by photonic nanojet. Hereby, we report that the backaction force exhibits hysteretic behaviour owing to the distinguishable responses of the temperature rise inside the nanojet and the temperature rise of the liquid ensemble. Accordingly, the magnitude of backaction force at the same laser power varies between power increase and decrease stages. In order to develop multidimensional manipulation tool, we studied the possibility of using lasers with different spatiotemporal profiles to mediate the backaction force, and developed the counterpropagating beam scheme for reversible control of the particle motion directions. We further harness the hysteresis to reverse the direction of backaction force on dielectric particles in presence of a constant force from a counter-propagating beam with broadband supercontinuum spectrum. In contrast to the microsphere caught in the single beam gradient trap, the microsphere encounters augmented Brownian motion at higher balanced power level. The microsphere would eventually escape from the common region of the paired beams, enabling high throughput morphology analysis for cancer cell classification, biopsy, and diagnosis.
Meta-analysis of the potential of dietary Bacillus spp. in improving growth performance traits in broiler chickens
Authors: Ogbuewu Ifeanyichukwu Princewill , Mbajiorgu Christain Anayo
Published: August 2022

Bacillus probiotics have been shown to possess several advantages over conventional probiotics, including the capacity to withstand heat during feed manufacturing processes and to be stored for a long time without losing viability, as well as the ability to survive and function in the acidic environment of the chicken gut. However, there are inconsistent results on the effect of Bacillus on growth performance of broiler chickens. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the effect of dietary Bacillus supplementation on feed intake (FI), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), and average daily gain (ADG) in broiler chickens. PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases were searched for studies that fed diets with and without Bacillus to broilers. Pooled estimation revealed that Bacillus supplementation improved FCE (standardised mean difference [SMD] = −0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.39 to −0.28) and increased ADG (SMD = 0.37 g/bird/day, 95% CI 0.28–0.46). In contrast, feed intake (SMD) = 0.03 g/bird/day, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.09) was not significantly different from controls. Subanalysis revealed that broilers fed with Bacillus at 0.1–0.5 × 106 colony-forming unit (cfu)/g had higher ADG than controls. There is evidence of significant heterogeneity (inconsistency index [I
2] = 80–93%) among the studies included in the meta-analysis. Meta-regression showed that studied moderators (i.e., Bacillus spp., duration of supplementation, and broiler strain) explained most of the effect. In conclusion, our results suggest that Bacillus supplementation at 0.1–0.5 × 106 cfu/g improved FCE and ADG in broiler chickens. However, it is recommended that more research be conducted to determine the Bacillus supplementation dose that optimises growth performance indices in broiler chickens.
The expanding universe of bilateral labor agreements
Authors: Chilton Adam , Woda Bartosz
Published: August 2022

In the seventy-five years since the end of World War II, pairs of countries have entered into over a thousand bilateral labor agreements (BLAs) to regulate the cross-border flow of workers. These agreements have received little public or academic attention. This is likely, in part, because there is limited data or easily available information on BLAs. This Article hopes to change that by introducing three new resources: (1) a dataset documenting the formation of over 1,200 BLAs; (2) a corpus including the texts of over 800 BLAs; and (3) a dataset coding whether over 500 BLAs mention twenty topics that the ILO has identified as best practices for these agreements. Using this data, we show that, unlike some other forms of bilateral agreements, the rate of BLAs being signed has remained relatively high during the first two decades of the twenty-first century. Additionally, we also show evidence that, although many BLAs were formed during this period, relatively few agreements include various worker protections advocated for by activists, scholars, and NGOs.
Obscurity and nonbindingness in the regulation of labor migration
Authors: Megiddo Tamar
Published: August 2022

Labor migration is often regulated internationally through bilateral treaties signed between states, determining the conditions under which migrants from one state (or both) may travel to the other state and reside there in order to work. These instruments are sometimes designated as memoranda of understanding and regarded as nonbinding agreements. Many remain unpublished and undisclosed. This Article assesses these design choices critically. It considers the interaction between bilateralism, obscurity and nonbindingness. It evaluates and rejects possible justifications for obscurity and nonbindingness. Finally, it argues that these design choices should be resisted. Since bilateral labor agreements do not regulate strictly the bilateral relationship between two states, but rather create rights and obligations for various third-party individuals, they should be required to meet a rule of law requirement of transparency.
Informalization, obfuscation and bilateral labor agreements
Authors: Lujic Tijana , Peters Margaret E.
Published: August 2022

Researchers who have attempted to collect and compare bilateral labor agreements (BLAs) have encountered varying degrees of accessibility of information on these agreements. Why is it harder to find out information on some bilateral labor agreements than others? In this Article, we argue that it is more difficult to find information and agreements tend to be more informal when governments want to obscure what they are doing. Building on insights from the study of optimal obfuscation in trade policy and research on informal institutions in international politics, we argue that policymakers use more informal agreements and make it more difficult to find information on BLAs when they think they will be politically unpopular and are unlikely to be ratified. In contrast, leaders will be more likely to use formal agreements when they want to lock in a policy. Drawing on original quantitative data on the accessibility of information on bilateral labor agreements and Peters’ 2019 database on BLAs, the Article analyzes the accessibility of information on bilateral labor agreements and finds some support for our argument.
Gasknappheit und Wirtschaftspolitik in Deutschland
Authors: Hellwig Martin
Published: August 2022

The article discusses the German government’s reaction to the perception of an excessive dependence on Russian gas that was caused by the Ukraine war and to the reductions in Russian gas supplies that have taken place. First, the article lists various policy deficits: Naivité of the expectation that Russia would watch German attempts to reduce its dependence without interfering, restricting thinking about gas scarcity to the mobilization of additional supplies, without paying much attention to demand, complete neglect of the allocative role of prices, finally an inability or unwillingness to communication the bad news to the population that we have become poorer. Thereafter, the article addresses some of the difficulties that stand in the way of flexible price adjustments, existing contracts as well as social concerns. Finally the article discusses the concept of supply security, indicating the difference between private and social concerns, and pleading for an assumption of government responsibility for those concerns that cannot be expected to be met by private suppliers.
Design, synthesis and antimicrobial assessments of aminoacetylenic-piperazine nitroimidazole hybrid compounds
Authors: Rasras Anas J. , Al-Qawasmeh Raed A. , El-Naggar Mohamed , Shehadi Ihsan , Elaasser Mahmoud M. , Al-Soud Yaseen A.
Published: August 2022

A new series of aminoacetylenic nitroimidazole piperazine hybrid compounds were prepared via three-component reaction. Mannich-type reaction was utilized to couple the nitroimidazole containing propargylic moiety with secondary amines and formaldehyde in the presence of Cu (I) catalyst. The newly synthesized molecules 10a–10w, were characterized an ambiguously through NMR and mass spectrometry. The prepared compounds were assessed in vitro for their antibacterial activity against selected gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. All of the compounds had shown insignificant activities toward gram-negative bacteria. While compounds 10m, 10q, 10s and 10t had shown moderate activities against the gram–positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and against fungi Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris.
Effects of Rolling and Coiling Temperatures on Transformation Kinetics, Microstructure, and Properties of a Low-Carbon Bainitic Pipeline Steel
Authors: Zou Hang , Liu Man , Fan Lei , Yuan Qinpan , Xu Guang
Published: August 2022

Effects of rolling and coiling temperatures on the microstructure and properties of a low-carbon, high-strength pipeline steel were investigated using a dilatometer, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope as well as tensile experiments. The results show that during the thermal mechanical control processing, coiling temperature played a more important role in tailoring the microstructure and mechanical properties than the rolling temperature. Finer grain size and higher strength at the cost of a slight decrease in elongation were obtained by decreasing the coiling temperature, while the microstructure and mechanical properties varied little at different rolling temperatures when the coiling temperature was the same. The bainite starting temperature decreased with the increase of rolling temperature, while it was not affected by the coiling temperature. Specimens at a low rolling temperature or a low coiling temperature exhibited a larger peak transformation rate, indicating the promoted transformation kinetics.
Australia’s Access to Her Queen’s Correspondence
Authors: Stern Steven
Published: August 2022

A recent High Court decision has established that the secrecy of Royal correspondence is subject to an Act which regulates public access to Commonwealth records. Communications between The Queen and her Australian Governor-General between 1974 and 1977 are now accessible. Other relevant Royal correspondence may continue to be secret where not prohibited by an Act. Based on what has become accessible, The Queen had no direct part in the Governor-General’s dismissal of the Australian Government on 11 November 1975. However, the Royal Household played an important part leading to the Governor-General actions on 11 November 1975. These actions were inconsistent with the constitutional requirements codified at the latest in 1926. Australia’s future republican status inevitably is posed.
Use Now, Regulate Later?
Authors: Rizk Jacob
Published: August 2022

The Buy-Now, Pay-Later (‘BNPL’) sector in Australia provides a stark example of the challenge facing regulators in balancing consumer protection with innovation. This article examines the current regulatory responses and recommends reforms to enhance consumer protection outcomes and better achieve this balance. Firstly, it determines the actions of the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (‘ASIC’) inadequately protect consumers. Concurrently, the industry’s self-regulatory Code of Practice lacks sufficient regulatory oversight to be meaningfully effective. Two recommendations are given: firstly, allowing merchants to surcharge the costs of the BNPL service; and secondly, giving ASIC oversight of the Code of Practice, in conjunction with targeted regulatory action. These recommendations would protect consumers, better enable competition, and facilitate the BNPL sector’s continued growth.