bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El destino de la participación ciudadana legislativa: estudio de caso en las iniciativas de ley en Nuevo León y las peticiones e iniciativas legislativas populares en Catalunya
Authors: Aguirre Sala Jorge Francisco
Published: February 2021

Conocer sobre la admisión y eventual éxito de aprobación, de las peticiones e iniciativas ciudadanas de ley en Nuevo León y en Catalunya es el objetivo. La muestra neolonesa abarca desde la Legislatura LXX hasta la LXXIV, la catalana desde la Legislatura IX hasta la XII. Como aportación metodológica se elaboran fórmulas para dos indicadores: el de destino y el de éxito. Las hipótesis son: (1) el indicador de destino resultará más alto en el caso catalán, (2) el indicador de éxito resultará más alto para el caso neoleonés, (3) en Catalunya ambos indicadores serán superiores en las peticiones en contraste con las ILP, (4) la superioridad de ambos indicadores en las peticiones electrónicas. Los resultados validan dos hipótesis (1 y 3), invalidan la (2) y muestran matices en la última. Las discusiones recaban razones de no comparabilidad entre ambas entidades
Violencia estructural, crímenes contra la humanidad, y garantías de no repetición en el contexto colombiano
Authors: Martínez Jiménez Karina Johana
Published: February 2021

El Acuerdo de paz firmado en 2016 entre el gobierno de Juan Manuel Santos y las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) contiene un enfoque integral en cuanto a la no repetición de la violencia en el marco del conflicto. Donde uno de los puntos consignados es la Reforma Rural Integral (punto 1). El objetivo general del presente trabajo es realizar una aproximación a la proyección de esta última como una de las garantías de no repetición, mediante un estudio de la violencia estructural y los crímenes contra la humanidad en el país. Lo anterior se desarrolla mediante una metodología descriptiva y crítica del fenómeno de la violencia, pero también desde un enfoque sociológico, en cuanto este último persigue la comprensión de las relaciones sociales objetivas e históricas del fenómeno. De la lectura realizada se puede concluir que el punto 1 aporta una contribución significativa para la no repetición de los crímenes contra la humanidad, ya que plantea mecanismos para la disminución de la violencia estructural, en materia de derechos humanos y derechos socioeconómicos.
Indicators of Resiliency Among Urban Elementary School Students At-Risk
Authors: Rausch John , Lovett Cheryl , Walker Christopher
Published: February 2021

This study was designed to investigate the phenomenon of resiliency among urban elementary school students in an at-risk environment. In contrast with previous studies narrowly focused upon the identification of risk factors, this study utilized a phenomenological qualitative approach to investigate indicators of resiliency from both individual and contextual perspectives. The narrative descriptions of 25 elementary school students in an at-risk environment were analyzed. The results indicated that the participants had strong individual and contextual resiliency indicators through the fifth grade despite being educated in a school district with almost a 60% drop-out rate before high school graduation.
Sipping Coffee with a Serial Killer: On Conducting Life History Interviews with a Criminal Genius
Authors: Olsen J.
Published: February 2021

As part of my Ph.D. research on criminal genius, I conducted 44 semi-structured interviews. One of the 44 subjects, in particular, stood out. This noteworthy individual claimed that he had killed 15 people. His story was particularly interesting because unlike most social research involving serial killers he claimed that he had never been arrested or convicted for his homicides. Compelled by his account, I met with this subject on five additional occasions, and gradually compiled his criminal life history. Ethical and legal considerations limited inquiry into several dimensions of this subjects life history, but over time, an interesting and richly textured narrative emerged. This article first describes the life experiences of this offender and then describes the methodological choices that shaped the research. Because criminologists almost never establish research access with offenders of this kind, his story articulated here in the form of a criminal life history is a valuable contribution to social science literature.
Relating the Categories in Grounded Theory Analysis: Using a Conditional Relationship Guide and Reflective Coding Matrix
Authors: Scott Karen
Published: February 2021

This paper describes the process for employing two principal instruments for relating the categories identifying the central phenomenon in grounded theory analysis. The Conditional Relationship Guide contextualizes the central phenomenon and relates structure with process. The second tool, the Reflective Coding Matrix, captures the higher level of abstraction necessary to bridge to the final phase of grounded theory analysis, selective coding and interpretation and ultimately to the theory generation. Examples of each instrument are provided and discussed.
Faster, Richer, Better: Rapid Appraisal Techniques for the Study of IS Implementation in Virtual Communities
Authors: Wilkins Linda , Swatman Paula , Castleman Tanya
Published: February 2021

A major issue in Information Systems (IS) research is how to combine relevance and rigor (Benbasat & Zmud, 1999) and reduce the widening gap between research results and adoption (Dunn, 1994). Qualitative researchers make use of interpretivist methods to add richness and depth to their understanding of user problems. Interpretivist methods applied to IS implementations can thus result in research which communicates those findings more effectively. However standard interpretivist data-collection and analysis methods can be time-consuming and expensive. Findings based on these methods may be irrelevant to practitioners by the time they reach publication stage. A potential solution to this problem lies in Rapid Appraisal or RA, a qualitative appraisal methodology derived from rural development-related research. It offers IS researchers an additional technique for learning and acquiring relevant information in a limited period of time that supplements current data collection and analysis techniques. RA adds value to the traditional approach for studying diffusion of innovation, supporting and extending the IS researchers qualitative tool-kit. In this paper we review an electronic gateway designed to facilitate the diffusion of an Australian government to business [G2B] export documentation system, EXDOC, which was first implemented with meat producers. RA techniques were used to collect and analyse data regarding the implementation of the first regional Electronic Trade Facilitation Center [ETFC] successfully established for Australian exporters in the horticulture sector. The findings from the original EXDOC implementation in the meat sector were confirmed and extended through this study. These include the importance of developing a governance structure that ensures all community members share the benefits of an implementation and the fact that virtual trading communities are attractive to users only if they add value to their business and extend standard ways of operating. Interactive interviews, part of the RA approach; also enabled us to expand our understanding of the way in which procedures developed in the course of implementing an electronic market represent value-adding opportunities for virtual trading communities. The paper has special relevance for researchers investigating adoption and diffusion issues experienced by small-scale producers with low exposure to technology in remote and rural settings.
Performance of Microfinance Providers in Sindh, Pakistan: A Study of Formal and Informal Microfinance Institutes
Authors:   University of Sindh, Tunio Ghazala
Published: February 2021

This research aims to analyze the performance of microfinance providers of the Sindh province of Pakistan. For this purpose, the formal and informal microfinance institutes were selected. Data was gathered from a sample of 150 managers of microfinance banks and institutions. In this research, the random sampling technique is used to collect the data through questionnaires. The OLS regression model is employed to analyze the data. The results of this study show that the number of branches, and less number of defaulters significantly affect the performance of microfinance institutes in Sindh, Pakistan. Moreover, the total cost also has an important relationship with the performance of microfinance organizations in Sindh. However, the study finds the interest rate, and more diversified financial services to have no significant impact on the performance of microfinance organizations. Due to the lack of financial information of the microfinance institutions in Sindh, there is dearth of the research on the performance of microfinance institutions. Rather than using only the published financial information this study relies on the information provided by the managers of the microfinance providers for the analysis. The results of this study have implications for the well-functioning of microfinance institutes, and for the government to achieve the poverty alleviation objectives in Pakistan
Sexual Harassment on Campus: A Study in a Nigeria University
Authors: Erinosho S. Y. , Femi-Oyewo M. N. , Oduwole E. O.
Published: February 2021

Sexual harassment (SH) is increasingly reported as an issue of major concern among both students and staff on campuses across the globe, and has been confirmed to have social and psychological consequences on the victim. However, the scale of the menace is underplayed because of under-reporting of cases. As a way to containing and/or regulating the behaviour, it is therefore imperative to obtain credible evidence on the veracity, the different forms, and how they play out to affect student victims with a view to foster an equitable campus climate. Thus, against the magnitude of the anecdotal reports on SH and the absence of empirical evidence on its extent, this study is concerned with obtaining baseline data on the forms and prevalence of campus-based sexual harassment, as well as ascertaining the awareness and knowledge of SH among undergraduates in a Nigeria University (OOU). An exploratory study involving cross-sectional survey of 1420 males and females was undertaken cutting across the faculties and levels in the University. The findings confirmed the existence of sexual harassment in OOU campus, though reported not to be on a rampant scale. Also, the behavior elements that indicate features of a hostile-environment harassment were reported with most likely occurrence on the campus. The policy implications of the findings were highlighted and recommendations made towards the prevention of SH victimization on the University campus.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Organisational Image of Selected Asian-owned Firms in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Kalejaiye Oluwadare Peter , ADEWUSI Adedeji Oluwaseun
Published: February 2021

This article examined Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) and Organizational Image of selected Asianowned manufacturing firms in Lagos state, Nigeria. Specifically, the CSR benefits enjoyed by local communities within which Asian firms operate were documented; the social determinants of CSR beneficiary were investigated and the perceived influence of these CSR programmes on the organizational image was examined. The Symbolic Interactionist theory was adopted to theoretically engage issues of interest. A total of 211 copies of questionnaire and 12 in-depth interviews were used to gather quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The responses from the questionnaire administration were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, while that of the qualitative responses were thematically analyzed. Findings revealed that majority of the residents claimed to have enjoyed all four CSR programmes of interest, aside from that of the scholarship. Those who never benefitted from these programmes were either unaware that such programmes were available or that those who benefitted from the programmes accessed them through the insider factor. Also, the study revealed that the highest educational qualification, duration of being a resident and sex were preconditions for benefitting in certain CSR programmes. Lastly, results revealed that the provision of scholarship and employment programmes enhanced the organizational image. Therefore, the article concluded that certain investment made by Asian-owned firms towards giving back to the society is a critical ingredient for organizational image building. It was, therefore, suggested that Asian-owned firms could give scholarships and create employment opportunities for residents of host communities, as this could promote their reputation, which is a prerequisite for business performance.
Revisionism and the Historical Interpretation of the Sokoto Caliphate: The Writings of Murray Last
Authors: Boumo Ezonbi , Nadir Nasidi A.
Published: February 2021

The Sokoto Caliphate which was founded as a result of the 1804 Jihad spear-headed by Sheikh Uthman bin Fudi has attracted the attention of so many writers most of whom were Europeans. To properly legalise colonialism, most colonial writers view the Caliphate as an attempt made by the Fulbe to establish their hegemony over Hausa-land, while to others, it was no more than a Fulbe onslaught on the inferior ethnic groups of the then Central Sudan. In the post-colonial period, Murray Last came up with a more balanced argument on the history of the Caliphate and after him, came other researchers among which are Europeans and Africans. However, in this twenty first century, writers like Last took a revisionist stand towards the history of Sokoto Caliphate. Therefore, this paper though centres heavily on written sources, looks into the major reasons aiding his abrupt revisionist interpretation of the history of the Sokoto Caliphate by juxtaposing his earlier works with the present ones. The paper equally finds out that this recent revisionist interpretation of the history of the Sokoto Caliphate is projected mainly to create confusion by negating the established historical facts imbued in the realm of the Caliphate’s history especially for socio-political reasons.
Surface Features of Code-switching in ‘The Nigerian Online Community’ Page on Facebook
Authors: Olaluwoye Layo
Published: February 2021

Existing studies on code-switching have mainly been carried out among English/Chinese bilinguals. Studies on English/Yoruba/Pidgin English bilinguals with emphasis on code-mixing and code-switching on the Internet have been grossly insufficient. Therefore, this study reveals the surface features of code-switching among Yoruba/English/Pidgin English bilinguals in the Nigerian Online Community on Facebook. For theoretical framework, we relied on insights from Halliday’s (1994) functional theory of language.  Five types of surface features were identified: simplified lexicon and sentences, non-adherence to the use of tones/diacritics, inconsistencies of spellings and words, unnecessary lengthening of letters, and tolerance of surface errors. The study has revealed the distinctive features of code-switching in the Nigerian Online Community page on Facebook. These linguistic features have thrown more light on the characteristics of the language use on the Facebook forum and how the posters use the codes in their speech repertoire to achieve this
A Logistic Regression model of Road Traffic Fatalities in Benue State: Implication to Public Health
Authors: Apeagee BB , Haaor SA
Published: February 2021

Road accident fatalities remain one of the major causes of deaths in Nigeria. These accidents sometimes appear to occur at some flashpoints where there are sharp bends or curves, Potholes due to bad roads, and bad sections of the highways. The study aimed to model road traffic fatalities in Benue State with implications for public health. The data used for the study was sourced from the department of the rescue unit, Federal Road Safety Corps, Benue State Command from July 2011-December 2019. To better comprehend the impact of sex on successfully having a non-fatal accident, we employed a logistic regression analysis. The results indicated that for the 3,545 RTAs used in the model, the model correctly predicted whether or not someone will have a fatal accident 81.7% of the time. The results further showed that females have .970 times the odds of not having a fatal accident compared to males with statistically significant value (P =.015, 95% C.I .652, .956). The results also stated that males demonstrated a greater likelihood to be involved in a fatal accident than the female with statistically significant difference (P =.015, 95% C.I .652, .956). The study, therefore concluded that sex or gender is an influential predictor and as such, has a significant effect on the status of an accident. The implication of the results to public health is that people are likely to spend more money on hospital bills with an increased number of disabilities caused as a result of these accidents which may result to a reduction in physical activity in the next decade if the rate of accidents is not controlled.
Analysis of Land use and Land cover Characteristics of Kanke, Pankshin, and Langtang Local Government Areas, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Andesikuteb YA , Musa WW , Ezra LV , Obasi MT , Rogers RG , Mohammed YT
Published: February 2021

This study assessed landuse and landcover changes and how they affect the agrarian production in Kanke, Pankshin and Langtang North Local Government Areas of plateau state, Nigeria. The study adopted the survey design. The primary data was obtained through field observations, interview of stakeholders, satellite (landsat8 and shuttle radar terrain mission) and questionnaire administration which asked questions on socioeconomic status of respondents, constraints to farmers and the respondents’ perception on the existing adaptation strategies in place. ArcGIS10.6version software was employed for the classification of land cover types while supervised classification method was adopted using maximum likelihood algorithm for the classification of feature types. Data generated by Landsat8 and ArcGIS10.6 version software were subjected to Pan-Sharpening processing for clarity of terrain features. The study findings revealed that 66.13% of the earth’s surface in the study area is covered by rock outcrops while water body; one of man’s most precious resources occupied less than 1% (0.15%). The distribution of farmers based on constraints to farming indicated that poor soils and small farm land sizes constituted the most severe challenges to farming activities in the study area. As an adaptation strategy to inadequate farm lands, terrace farming practice and dry season farming, large scale quarrying activities is recommended to serve as a source of employment and income to authorities and a means of surface leveling to convert the dominant rock outcrops to productive land and prioritizing farming in the limited plains.
Assessment of Aflatoxin B1 Content of some Local Rice Cultivars in Kaduna State-Nigeria
Authors: Feka DP , Anhwange BA , Adie PA
Published: February 2021

Thirty-nine samples of rice were collected from thirteen Local Government Areas in Kaduna State and analysed for Aflatoxin B1 using the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Concentrations of aflatoxin B1 was highest (177.2 µg/kg), in sample obtained at Sanga Local Government Area. These values were above the permissible limits described by some regulatory bodies like National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), European Union (EU) and European African Community (EAC). The concentrations (0.3µg/kg) of samples obtained from Kauru Local Government Area were observed to be the lowest. Generally, the rice samples investigated were found to contain varying concentrations of aflatoxin B1. This implies that direct consumption of the rice without pretreatment to reduce the aflatoxin content could be detrimental to health.
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Water Contaminated with Petroleum Products in Keffi Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Authors: Makpo JK , Ameh SM , Asarya A , Gambo YP
Published: February 2021

This work assessed the presence of heavy metals in water contaminated with petroleum products in Keffi Local Government Area. Two water sampling station were selected based on the stratified method of sampling of Antau River. Station A is located along Federal Government College Keffi popularly known as Antau Bridge where Agricultural and mechanical activities, with sales of petroleum product take place. Station B was located at Dadin Kowa known as Gada Manu where human activities such as bathing and washing takes place which served as control. The distance between stations is 1km. The procedural plan of this study was monthly sampling of water from both Stations. Materials such as funnel, sampling container, distilled water, conical flask, filter paper, 50ml polypropylene centrifuge tube, cooler were used. Heavy metal concentration was determined using X – ray Fluorescent Spectroscopy (XRF) at the Center for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. The water parameters of the four samples were determined using the Extech instrument. The result on Physico – chemical parameters revealed the values obtained from contaminated water samples to be pH (7.31), Dissolved Oxygen (1.14), Electrical Conductivity (8.22), Total Dissolved Solid (4.13), Temperature (27.45) and Salinity (0.091) while the controlled Station at point B were pH (7.43), DO (7.35), EC (3.14), TDS (1.54), Temperature (26.75), Salinity (0.o94) respectively. From the result obtained, the heavy metal contaminated samples had the following values: Mg (29.31±), Al (218.69±), Si (230.12±), S (1153.65±), Cl (54.25±), Ca (106.56±), Ti (23.66±), Cr (3.15±), Fe (15.92±), Cd (7.54±). For the control sample at point B, the following values were obtained: Mg (27.49±), Al (223.71±), Si (243.21±), S (94.84±), Cl (23.52±), Ca (28.44±), Ti (32.99±), Fe (16.63±), Cd (7.67±) respectively. The P-value was 0.8105 (p>0.05) for the water quality parameters while for the concentration of heavy metal P-value was 0.2054 (p>0.05). This implies that there was no significant difference between the concentrations of elements. However, the concentration values of heavy metals in the contaminated water at Station A and control water samples at Station B were higher than the World Health Organization values (Standard) for drinking water
Regional Assessment of Groundwater Potential Zone Using Remote Sensing, GIS and Multi Criteria Decision Analysis Techniques
Authors: Ejepu JS
Published: February 2021

The growing demand for freshwater for domestic and industrial purposes is a current challenge in the Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority area. Consequently, there is heavy demand for groundwater resources to meet this need. This challenge has worsened due to the non-incorporation of integrated methods in groundwater exploration campaigns. Innovative scientific principles and quantitative assessment of groundwater resources are required for sustainable and proper management of the resources. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to exploit the potential application of remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques in mapping groundwater potential zones. To achieve this, seven factors deemed to have significant control over the occurrence and movement of groundwater viz. geology, lineament density, slope, drainage density, rainfall, land-use/land cover, and soil class were produced. These factors were assigned weights and normalized with respect to their relative contributions to groundwater occurrence using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). This resulted in groundwater potential zones that have been classified into four: Very good, Good, Moderate and Poor representing 7%, 27%, 43%, and 23% respectively. This result represents groundwater potential in the area and should be used as a preliminary reference in selecting prospective sites for detailed groundwater resource exploitation
Supplemental Effects of AAMC, an Anionic Alkali Mineral Complex, in Diets for Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Bui H.T.D. , Khosravi S. , Lee C. , Kim M-G. , Lim S-J. , Shin C-H. , Yoo B-W. , Soo I.C. , Lee K-J.
Published: February 2021

A 6-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Anionic Alkali Mineral Complex (AAMC) on growth performance, feed utilization, innate immunity, and disease resistance of L. vannamei. Graded levels of AAMC solution were included in a basal diet; 0% (Control), 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4%. Shrimp fed diets supplemented with 0.2% and 0.4% AAMC had the highest growth performance, and compared to the control treatment, final body weight and specific growth rates were significantly higher (P<0.05). Feed utilization also improved significantly with AAMC supplementation. Non-specific immune responses of shrimp were significantly affected by dietary supplementation of AAMC; total hemocyte count of shrimp fed 0.1% and 0.2% diets was significantly higher the control diet shrimp group. Phenoloxidase and lysozyme activity was significantly higher in shrimp fed 0.2% diet compared to the control diet group. Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly enhanced with dietary supplementation of 0.1%–0.2% AAMC. In a challenge test with Vibrio harveyi, shrimp fed 0.2% AAMC disease resistance was significantly higher than in shrimp fed the control diet. Overall, the results indicate that dietary supplement of AAMC improved growth, diet utilization, innate immunity, and disease resistance of Pacific white shrimp and approximately 0.2% in diets appeared to be the optimum supplemental level.
Molecular cloning of Indian hedgehog gene and its expression in golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus (Linnaeus 1758) larvae at different water temperatures
Authors: Ma Zhenhua , Fu Mingjun , Hu Jing , Yang Rui , Wei Chengyu , Qi Jian G. , Yu Gang
Published: February 2021

The Indian hedgehog (Ihh) gene in golden pompano larvae was cloned and analyzed. The expression of Ihh during larval fish ontogeny in the first 18 days was examined, and then the expression of Ihh in fish tissues was evaluated on 18 days post hatching (DPH). Subsequently, the response of Ihh to water temperatures of 23, 26, and 290 C was compared on 12 DPH and 18 DPH. The cDNA sequence length of the golden pompano Ihh gene is 1,484 bp with an open reading frame of 1,314 bp. The Ihh gene encodes 437 amino acids and has a calculated molecular weight of 48.175 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 6.22. After hatching, the expression of Ihh increased with fish age and peaked at 3 DPH. After fluctuations between 4 and 12 DPH, the expression of Ihh reached the second peak at 18 DPH. The highest expression of Ihh in tissues occurred in the fish intestine, followed in the stomach on 18 DPH. Water temperature significantly affected Ihh expression. On 12 DPH, the expression of Ihh at 23oC was significantly higher than that at 26 and 29 oC. In contrast, the expression of Ihh at 26 and 290 C was significantly higher than that at 23 oC on 18 DPH. This study detected the gene expression of Ihh at the early stage of golden pompano development and the time-dependent expression of Ihh in fish larvae is important to understand the ontogeny of bone formation in fish larvae.
Providencia rettgeri: an Emerging Pathogen for Freshwater Cultured Whiteleg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)
Authors: Gai Chunlei , Ou Renjian , Lu Liqun , Yang Xianle , Cao Haipeng
Published: February 2021

Bacteriosis is a major economic problem affecting the farming industry of whiteleg shrimp Penaeus vannamei. Little information is available on Providencia rettgeri as a possible pathogen for P. vannamei. In this study, a virulent strain, here named S6, was isolated from diseased P. vannamei, identified phenotypically, and molecularly, as P. rettgeri. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to examine the taxonomic position and relatedness of isolate S6 to other P. rettgeri isolates. When screened against a range of common veterinary antibiotics, isolate S6 exhibited resistance to aminoglycosides and sulfonamides antibiotics in aquaculture. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of P. rettgeri as a causal agent of bacteriosis in freshwater farmed P. vannamei.
In Vitro Activation of Epinephelus Malabaricus Head-Kidney Leukocytes by Angelica Sinensis Polysaccharide
Authors: Wang Q. , Yu H. , Sun X. , Xing K. , Chen C. , Guo Y.
Published: February 2021

Phagocytic, respiratory burst, bactericidal, and proliferative activity stimulation of Epinephelus malabaricus head-kidney leukocytes by Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) were evaluated in vitro. Leukocytes were incubated for 2, 6, 12 and 24 h in the presence of 0, 10, 100 and 1000 μg/mlASP or 100 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS) before phagocytic and respiratory burst activity assay, and for 24 h with 0, 100, 1000, 10000 μg ASP/ml before bactericidal activity detection. Meanwhile, leukocytes were incubated for 24 and 48 h followed by proliferative activity evaluation. The results showed that ASP boosted leukocytes phagocytic, respiratory burst, bactericidal, and proliferative activity significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Leukocytes incubated with 100 μg/ml ASP exhibited the highest phagocytic and respiratory burst activity. Leukocytes incubated with 1000 μg/ml ASP showed the highest bactericidal activity, which was followed by leukocytes incubated with 100μg/ml ASP. Leukocyte proliferation was significantly enhanced with increasing concentration of ASP, and reached the highest value with 10000 μg/ml ASP. Compared with LPS in the same concentration (100 μg/ml), ASP exerted a stronger stimulating effect on respiratory burst but was weaker on proliferation in E. malabaricus leukocytes. These findings indicate that ASP prototype enhanced cellular immunity of E. malabaricus, and potentially contributed to the pursuit of environmentally friendly prophylactic measures to enhance the immunity of E. malabaricus
Molecular Cloning, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of HSP60 in Mandarin Fish Siniperca chuatsi
Authors: Pengfei W. , Xu P. , Zhou Lei , Zeng Shuang , Li G.
Published: February 2021

HSP60 protein plays an important role in stress response, protein folding, and cell signaling. In this study, mitochondrial HSP60 from Siniperca chuatsi was identified, and its cDNA and gDNA structures, amino acid sequence features, and phylogenetic analysis, were described. Expression profiles during embryonic development, in different tissues and under stressful conditions were analyzed using RT-PCR. During embryogenesis, low levels of transcripts of ScHSP60 were detected during early developmental stages and were upregulated at blastopore closure stages to 1 dpf. ScHSP60 showed tissue-specific variation, highly expressed in ovaries under non-stressed conditions. Acute heat shock at 340C resulted in strong upregulation of ScHSP60 in heart, liver, and head kidney in a time-dependent manner. However rapid and gradual elevated heat shock did not affect ScHSP60 expression when temperature reached 340C, although it was dramatically induced when temperature reached 38.80C. ScHSP60 was also markedly induced in the liver in a stage-dependent manner under hypoxia. Additionally, Aeromonas hydrophila infection augmented ScHSP60 in head kidney and spleen. Results showed that ScHSP60 expression is significantly modified under different environmental conditions including high temperatures, hypoxia, and bacterial infection. This study will further clarify the role of fish HSP60 in embryogenesis and under stressful conditions, and contribute to further investigation to understand stress tolerance and disease resistance of mandarin fish.
Numerical Model of Current Speed in Bojong Salawe Beach, Pangandaran West Java Province
Authors: Subiyanto Subiyanto , Nirwa Nira na , Yuniarti Yuniarti , Ihsan Yudi Nurul , Afrianto Eddy , Supian Sudradjat
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the hydrodynamic conditions at Bojong Salawe beach. The method used in this research is a quantitative method, where numerical data is collected to support the formation of numerical models such as wind, bathymetry, and tide data. The hydrodynamic model will be made using Mike 21 with the Flow Model FM module to determine the current movement pattern based on the data used. In the west monsoon with a maximum instantaneous speed of 0.04 - 0.08 m/s, while in the east monsoon it moves with a maximum instantaneous speed of 0,4 â€“ 0,44 m/s. The dominant direction of current movement tends to the northeast. The results indicate the current speed during the east monsoon is higher than the west monsoon. The difference in the current speed is also influenced by the tide conditions; higher during high tide and lower during low tide. Monsoons also have a role in the current movements, though the effect is not very significant.
Natur Antropologi: Memahami Keragaman Potensi Humanitas Dalam Konteks Komparatif Dengan Perspektif Kristen
Authors: Paparang Stenly R.
Published: February 2021

Abstract: This article looks at the anthropology of how humans understand and assess the ins and outs of life, and draws conclusions to be used as a guide for life in shaping moral, spiritual, comfort, peace, relationships, credibility, and legacy. Anthropology talks about a series of events in human (social) groups and the changes that occur which can be inherited or substantially revised, reinterpreted, and taken as an "academic sample" as a legacy for generations in which anthropology is re-studied. With its various types, observing anthropology requires using various methodologies and approaches. At the end of this article, I discuss biblical anthropology that looks at the totality of humanity in the light of the Scriptures.

Abstrak: Artikel ini memandang antropologi tentang bagaimana manusia memahami dan menilai seluk-beluk kehidupan, dan mengambil kesimpulan untuk dijadikan pegangan hidup dalam membentuk moral, spiritual, kenyamanan, kedamaian, relasi, kredibilitas, dan legasi. Antropologi berbicara tentang rentetan peristiwa dalam kelompok manusia (sosial) dan perubahan-perubahan yang terjadi yang dapat dijadikan warisan atau revisi secara substansial, reinterpretasi, dan pengambilan “sampel akademis” sebagai warisan bagi generasi di mana antropologi itu dipelajari kembali. Dengan beragam jenisnya, mengamati antropologi perlu menggunakan berbagai metodologi dan pendekatan. Di akhir artikel ini, saya membahas antropologi biblika yang melihat totalitas manusia dalam terang Kitab Suci.
Hubungan Pemberitaan Injil Dengan Tanggung Jawab Manusia Dalam Kehidupan Sosial Dan Lingkungan Hidup
Authors: B. Anas
Published: February 2021

Abstract: This article will specifically discuss the relationship between the preaching of the Gospel which is the main task of humans in fulfilling His call to carry out God's Great Commission as evangelists in relation to other human responsibilities in integrating the gospel through human relationships with other humans and their environment as a single vessel to carry out this noble calling.

Abstrak: Artikel ini akan mengulas secara khusus mengenai hubungan pemberitaan Injil yang menjadi tugas utama manusia dalam memenuhi panggilan-Nya untuk mengemban Amanat Agung Allah sebagai pemberita Injil dalam kaitannya dengan tanggungjawab lain manusia dalam mengintegrasikan Injil itu melalui hubungan manusia kepada manusia lainnya serta lingkungan hidupnya sebagai suatu wadah satu-satunya untuk melaksanakan panggilan mulia tersebut.
Peranan Pemimpin Kristen Dalam Meningkatkan Kualitas Kerukunan Antar Umat Beragama Yang Pluralis
Authors: Sahari Gunar
Published: February 2021

Abstract: This study discusses the role of Christian leaders in improving the quality of harmony between pluralist religious communities. Researchers use qualitative methods or literature review to examine this topic. In conclusion, the researcher found that there are two factors that cause difficulty in creating religious harmony, namely: fanaticism and the spread of religion. 

Abstrak: Penelitian ini membahas tentang peranan pemimpin Kristen dalam meningkatkan kualitas kerukunan antar umat beragama yang pluralis. Peneliti menggunakan metode kualitatif atau kajian pustaka untuk meneliti topik ini. Pada kesimpulan peneliti menemukan bahwa ada dua faktor yang menyebabkan sulitnya terciptanya kerukunan beragama, yakni: fanatisme dan penyebarluasan agama.
Betapa Indahnya Kedatangan Mereka Yang Membawa Berita Damai (Yesaya 52:1-12)
Authors: Bilo Dyulius Thomas
Published: February 2021

Abstract: It is interesting to study the phrase “how beautiful it is to come with them who bring messages of peace” in the context of the book of Isaiah. This sentence is appropriate to state how God is the savior and liberator for the Israelites who have been punished through exile and slavery to other nations. But in reality not everyone is able to understand the meaning of this expression. In its exploration, this paper aims to explain how the news of Israel's liberation from exile and slavery, how the state of the Israelites in exile and slavery, how God freed them, how beautiful the deliverance or salvation that God did for the Israelites, and how the correlation of Isaiah's message with Micah's message , Nahum, and the Apostle Paul, and how to interpret the expression "how beautiful the arrival of those who bring messages of peace" in the world of Christian education. It was preceded by an introduction covering the division of Isaiah, the meaning of Isaiah's name, and the ministry of the prophet Isaiah.

Abstrak: Sangat menarik untuk mengkaji ungkapan “betapa indahnya kedatangan mereka yang membawa berita damai” dalam konteks kitab Yesaya. Kalimat ini tepat untuk menyatakan bagaimana Allah sebagai penyelamat dan pembebas bagi bangsa Israel yang telah dihukum melalui pembuangan dan perbudakan bangsa lain. Namun kenyataannya belum semua orang mampu memahami maksud dari ungkapan tersebut. Dalam eksplorasinya tulisan ini bertujuan menjelaskan bagaimana berita pembebasan Bangsa Israel dari pembuangan dan perbudakan, bagaimana keadaan Bangsa Israel di tempat pembuangan dan perbudakan, bagaimana Allah membebaskannya, bagaimana keindahan pembebasan atau penyelamatan yang Allah kerjakan bagi Bangsa Israel, dan bagaimana korelasi berita Yesaya dengan berita Mikha, Nahum, dan Rasul Paulus, dan bagaimana memaknai ungkapan “betapa indahnya kedatangan mereka yang membawa berita damai” dalam dunia pendidikan Kristen. Sebelumnya didahului pengantar yang mencakup pembagian kitab Yesaya, arti nama Yesaya, dan pelayanan Nabi Yesaya.
Studi Tentang Pembenaran Dalam Kristus Menurut Roma 5:1-11
Authors: Hetmina Widarty
Published: February 2021

Abstract: In the discussion of this article the author concentrates on justification in Christ according to Romans 5: 1-11. Since the doctrine of justification means God's act of taking away the sinner's sin and counting him to be righteous, it is a free act on His part by His grace, through faith in Christ Jesus, not based on the person's virtue, but because Jesus shed His blood on behalf of people that, which was done for the fulfillment of the law to represent and to save him.

Abstrak: Pembahasan artikel ini penulis konsen membahas tentang Pembenaran Dalam Kristus Menurut Roma 5:1-11. Karena doktrin pembenaran berarti tindakan Allah untuk menghapus dosa orang berdosa dan memperhitungkan dia benar, ini tindakan bebas dari pihak-Nya oleh kasih karunia-Nya, melalui iman dalam Kristus Yesus, bukan berdasarkan kebajikan orang itu, tetapi karena Yesus menumpahkan darah-Nya demi orang itu, yang dilakukan demi penggenapan hukum Taurat untuk mewakili dan untuk menyelamatkan dia.
Hubungan Peranan Guru Pendidikan Agama Kristen Dengan Pertumbuhan Iman Peserta Didik
Authors: Tefbana Abraham
Published: February 2021

Abstract: In this article the author is concerned about the relationship between the role of Christian Religious Education teachers and the growth of the faith of students, because Christian Religious Education teachers have special competencies that can be emulated by students.

Abstrak: Dalam artikel ini penulis konsen membahas tentang hubungan peranan guru Pendidikan Agama Kristen dengan Pertumbuhan iman peserta didik, karena guru Pendidikan Agama Kristen memiliki kompetensi khusus yang dapat diteladani oleh para peserta didik.
Too much of a good thing: When transitional justice prescriptions may not work
Authors: Ojo VO , Filbert N
Published: February 2021

Transitional justice developed as a pragmatic concept prescribing a set of mechanisms to be used by societies or countries experiencing systematic periods of armed conflicts or emerging from authoritarian regimes characterised by egregious violations of human rights or humanitarian law. While relative success stories of its utilisation have been recorded, questions have been raised regarding the recent tendency to prescribe transitional justice for societies which have not or are yet to undergo any transition. Through its lack of success in Nigeria and debatable effectiveness in Uganda, the article shows that transitional justice mechanisms are not a cure-all. While it does not contend that there is a perfect notion of transitional justice, the article proposes that transitional justice mechanisms must be designed from the ground up, with the victims at the centre of the process. While transitional justice is a global project, this article argues that its success can be achieved when its applicability and administration take into account the contextual and indigenous focus with a move towards localising its mechanisms.
The profile of recidivists in Kenya: The case of prisoners at Nairobi county prison institutions
Authors: Omboto John Onyango , Wairire Gidraph G , Chepkong’a Mike
Published: February 2021

Recidivists are chronic, multiple or prolific offenders. They continue to commit crimes regardless of punishment. Recidivism is a worldwide problem which has persisted over the years. A University of Nairobi study conducted in Nairobi County, Kenya on the linkage between punishment and recidivism which involved recidivist prisoners at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison and Langata Prison; male and female institutions respectively, sought to, among others, analyse the broad characteristics of recidivists in the two institutions. The study purposively selected a sample of 167 participants, and collected data by use of questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were utilised in data analysis. The study established that the majority of the recidivists are males, and young adults or individuals in middle age who are either illiterate or semiliterate. They are also not in marital relationships, and are members of the lower social classes among other characteristics. This paper presents a literature review on challenges facing prison institutions in Kenya, causes and control strategies of recidivism among prisoners, general socio-demographic and personality characteristics of recidivists, and the study findings on the profile of the recidivists in Kenya.
Transitional justice and constitutionalism: The case of Ghana
Authors: Yankson-Mensah Marian
Published: February 2021

The delicate process of constitution-making during transition covers a range of issues, but usually features questions on how to address past human rights violations, change repressive laws, recognise basic rights and reform state institutions. Hence, the constitution-making process can have significant implications on the transitional justice mechanisms that are adopted and how they are implemented. In the case of Ghana, the 1992 Constitution came into force after decades of political instability. On 28 April 1992, a draft constitution for Ghana’s fourth republic was approved in a referendum. As part of the transitional provisions in the 1992 Constitution, amnesty provisions were enshrined to protect members of all previous military regimes from prosecution. However, the 1992 Constitution did not contain express provisions for initiation of other transitional justice mechanisms. In a bid to reflect on the rarely examined relationship between transitional justice mechanisms and constitutionalism, this paper shall examine Ghana’s amnesty laws, truth commission and reparative measures in relation to the constitution-making process and constitutional norms. The paper opines that as separate processes towards a common end, proper synchronisation of Ghana’s transitional justice processes and constitution-making could have shaped the country’s transitional justice mechanisms in the right direction towards achieving their perceived goals.
Victimisation and challenges to integration: Transitional justice response to children born of war in northern Uganda
Authors: Nanyunja B
Published: February 2021

Uganda witnessed one of its worst conflicts between 1986 and 2007. The conflict in northern Uganda was between the government troops and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Serious crimes were committed against the civilian population. Women and girls were abducted by the rebels to serve as sex slaves and children were born as a result. After the conflict, these children’s integration has not been well received by their communities. It has not been properly addressed by the state operatives either. The children are dismissed as perpetrators of the conflict. Their return has been marred with stigmatisation and ostracism, forcing them to live on the margins of society. After the conflict, a National Transitional Justice Policy was passed. The overarching framework aims at addressing justice and reconciliation through inter alia social reintegration. However, it leaves an accountability gap. The framework largely departs from the needs of this particular community: acknowledging their existence and integration. The purpose of this article is to identify transitional justice opportunities and how these accommodate and advance accountability, integration and reconciliation in addressing victimisation concerns of the war children. Ultimately, it argues that addressing the abuses of the affected communities will ease social [re]integration.
Revising spousal testimonial privilege and marital communications privilege in South African criminal procedure: Is abolition or extension the answer? Part 2
Authors: Goosen Samantha , Whitear-Nel Nicci
Published: February 2021

Although South Africa has not directly grappled with whether to extend the protection of the marital privileges to cohabitant life partners, Canada has. The ‘marital privileges’ refer to spousal testimonial privilege and marital communications privilege, collectively, in this article. In 2015, the Canadian legislature abolished spousal testimonial privilege. The marital communications privilege has been retained, and the Canadian courts have considered whether to extend it to cohabitant life partners or abolish it. To gain perspective on whether the marital privileges in South Africa should be retained but reformed, the authors discuss the position in Canada, a constitutionally comparable democracy. The authors consider the scope and applicability of the marital privileges before and after the 2015 Canadian amendments,1 which abrogated spousal testimonial privilege. The authors discuss the abrogation of spousal testimonial privilege in Canada and consider its relevance in the South African context. Also considered is why the marital communications privilege has been retained. This research suggests that while the central rationale for retaining the marital communications privilege is to foster marital relationships and protect the right to privacy, the rationale of dignity also plays a key role. The authors also consider the decision of the European Court of Human Rights dealing with marital communications privilege in The Netherlands. Finally, it will be submitted that whichever view one takes, the marital privileges in South Africa should not be retained in their current form.