bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sodium rare earth metal amides Na3
RE(NH2)6 (RE = La–Nd, Er, Yb) from ammonothermal synthesis
Authors: Kunkel Sebastian , Grill Jonas , Niewa Rainer
Published: October 2021

The amides Na3
RE(NH2)6 have been obtained from the metals in supercritical ammonia under ammonobasic conditions at 573 K and 70 MPa for RE = La–Nd, and at 473 K and 40 MPa for RE = Er, Yb. All compounds are formed in the hot zone within a temperature gradient, indicating a retrograde solubility under the applied process conditions. These amides represent soluble intermediates in ammonothermal binary rare earth metal nitride synthesis. All compounds were obtained as microcrystalline powders, while single crystals of those amides containing the heavier rare earth metals could be isolated. The crystal structures were solved and refined from single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction intensity data. The results of vibrational spectroscopy are reported. Thermal analysis measurements under inert gas atmosphere demonstrated a decomposition to the respective black binary rare earth metal nitrides REN1−δ
.
Поліморфізм довжини інтронів генів тубуліну як ефективний інструмент генетичної диференціації рослин
Authors: Рабоконь Анастасія Миколаївна
Published: October 2021

Проведено дослідження можливості та ефективності застосування маркерної системи оцінки поліморфізму довжини інтронів генів β-тубуліну (Tubulin Base Polymorphism — ТВР) для молекулярно-генетичного диференціювання рослин на рівні генотипів (сортів), популяцій та видів, зокрема сортів пшениці м’якої, ячменю звичайного, рижію посівного та льону-довгунцю, острівних популяцій щучника антарктичного, кримських популяцій егілопсу, а також видів льону, елевсини та підвидів омели білої. Отримані результати дозволяють рекомендувати ТВР-метод для використання в молекулярній генетиці рослин для аналізу на всіх таксономічних рівнях, а також для цілеспрямованого застосування в молекулярній селекції.
Інститут загальної та неорганічної хімії ім. В.І. Вернадського НАН України: на межі тисячоліть
Authors: Пехньо Василь Іванович , Коваль Лариса Борисівна
Published: October 2021

12 вересня 2021 р. виповнилося 90 років від фактичного дня створення Інституту загальної та неорганічної хімії ім. В.І. Вернадського НАН України — одного з найстаріших центрів академічної хімічної науки. У статті висвітлено історію створення Інституту, становлення і розвиток основних наукових напрямів та вагомі здобутки його співробітників.
HLH-Like Syndrome and Rhabdomyolysis in an Adolescent Patient
Authors: Maloney Lauren T. , Baz Bronwyn , Hazra Dia
Published: October 2021

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by immune overactivation. It can occur because of primary genetic mutations or secondary to almost any inflammatory or infectious process. The clinical manifestations of this syndrome are varied and life-threatening and resemble those of many malignancies, infections, sepsis, and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Laboratory abnormalities often are not diagnostic for HLH until late in the disease course, and the laboratory studies are send-out tests at most institutions. Thus, quickly and accurately diagnosing pediatric patients with HLH presents significant challenges to the clinician. Furthermore, there has been recent discussion in the literature regarding the use of diagnostic criteria for HLH. In this case report, we detail an adolescent male individual who developed persistent unexplained fever, rhabdomyolysis, and regional ischemic immune myopathy. To our knowledge, there is no previous report of a pediatric patient with this rare myopathy or HLH presenting with persistent rhabdomyolysis in the literature. The patient was hospitalized for a total of 61 days, with multiple treatments attempted throughout during his course of illness. In this report, we highlight the importance of using diagnostic flexibility when HLH is suspected in pediatric patients and provide insight into the unique challenges of identifying this condition.
Análise estatística de correlação e de variância do monitoramento da água bruta da Estação de Tratamento de Água Terras Baixas – Pelotas/RS
Authors: Kunst Valentini Marlon Heitor , Borges dos Santos Gabriel , Sanches Franz Henrique , Loebens Larissa , Soares Guedes Hugo Alexandre , Muller Vieira Bruno , Gonçalves da Silva Manetti Adriana , Flores Romani Rúbia
Published: October 2021

A qualidade das águas de um corpo hídrico influencia diretamente em seu uso, assim como no tipo de tratamento ao qual uma determinada Estação de Tratamento de Água (ETA) utilizará para tornar as águas potáveis. Este trabalho tem por objetivo a utilização de métodos estatísticos de correlação, de análise de variância e gráficos de dispersão de médias para avaliar a qualidade da água bruta do manancial de captação da ETA Terras Baixas, no período de 2013 a 2018, através das análises de ferro, manganês, Coliformes totais, Coliformes termotolerantes e Escherichia coli. De posse dos resultados das análises estatísticas de cada um dos métodos pode-se concluir que há variabilidade significativa, mensal, sazonal e anual, no que concerne as variáveis ferro e manganês. Além disso, para esse estudo, contatou-se que através da realização dos métodos estatísticos não paramétricos de correlação, foi possível determinar que as variáveis químicas, ferro e manganês, apresentam forte correlação entre si, mostrando a existência de um fator de origem em comum entre elas. Já com relação às variáveis microbiológicas foi possível demonstrar que há significância estatística em suas correlações.
Palavras-chave: Água; monitoramento; métodos estatísticos.
Achieving strong and stable nanocrystalline Al alloys through compositional design
Authors: Li Qiang , Wang Jian , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Xinghang
Published: October 2021

Al alloys often suffer from low mechanical strength and lack high-temperature microstructural and mechanical robustness. A series of binary and ternary nanocrystalline (NC) Al transition metal alloys with supersaturated solid solution and columnar nanograins have been recently developed by using magnetron sputtering, manifesting a new realm of mechanical properties and thermal stability. Distinct solutes cause evident differences in the phase transformations and efficiencies for grain refinement and crystalline-to-amorphous transition. Certain sputtered Al-TM alloys have shown room-temperature mechanical strengths greater than 2 GPa and outstanding thermal stability up to 400 °C. In addition, the NC Al alloys show mechanical anisotropy and tension–compression asymmetry, revealed by micromechanical tests. Through the process encapsulating various compositionally distinct systems, we attempt to illuminate the solute effects on grain refinement and properties and more importantly, tentatively unravel the design criteria for high-strength and yet thermally stable NC Al alloys.

Graphic Abstract
Blue-emission tuning of perovskite light-emitting diodes with a simple TPBi surface treatment
Authors: Huang Xiaokun , Bäuerle Rainer , Tisserant Jean-Nicolas , Kowalsky Wolfgang , Lovrinčić Robert , Hernandez-Sosa Gerardo
Published: October 2021

We demonstrate a simple approach for blue-emission tuning of quasi-2D perovskite light-emitting diodes through a surface treatment of 2,2′,2″-(1,3,5-benzinetriyl)tris(1-phenyl-1H-benzimidazole) (TPBi). By increasing the TPBi concentration, we achieved tunable electroluminescence of the perovskite layer with wavelength shifted from the blue-green (506 nm) to blue (481 nm) regions of the visible spectrum. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy were conducted to study the morphological and optoelectronic properties of the films. Our results suggest that the TPBi molecules accumulated on the surface and grain boundaries of the perovskite layer changed the perovskite electronic structure causing the observed blue shifts.

Graphic abstract
Krista Dalton of Ancient Jew Review
Authors: Newton Richard
Published: October 2021

Krista Dalton, assistant professor of religious studies at Kenyon College, joins Bulletin editor Richard Newton to discuss her academic origins and the current trends within religious studies. From her early interests in biblical studies, rabbinics, and Jewish studies to her work as a co-founder of Ancient Jew Review, Dalton answers the questions many scholars—early career and senior faculty alike—find themselves asking. Breaking down academic hierarchy to promote learning at any level is key for Dalton and her pedagogical theory is apparent in all her scholarly efforts.
Evaluating Digital Projects
Authors: Wieringa Jeri
Published: October 2021

Digital humanities takes public scholarship to the next level. Whether looking for the best tools or learning about new developments within the field, “The Download” can help you refine your work in digital religious studies. Professor Jeri Wieringa (University of Alabama) provides insight into this new mode of scholarship by highlighting the challenges and nuances of online platforms.
Underdogs and Englishmen—Diana and the Secular Worship of the Nation
Authors: Heathorn Stephen
Published: October 2021

In “The Archive” we republish articles that, in hindsight, may have been ahead of their time in its prescience. Our pull for this issue is a 1997 piece from Stephen Heathorn originally written in the wake of the death of Princess Diana. Drawing on the outpouring of emotion displayed worldwide following Diana’s death, Heathorn discusses the role royal mythmaking plays in the maintenance of British nationalism and policing of British identity during a time of declining British imperialism. Through an engaging and exciting piece of scholarship that discusses one of the world’s most beloved public figures, Heathorn encourages a critical, sociopolitical interrogation of the myths we may not even realize we subscribe to.
Desarrollo histórico de la antropología y teorías de género. Una antropología cultural en vez de filosófica
Authors: Miró-López Susana
Published: October 2021

Este artículo analiza el recorrido histórico de la antropología del género desde su nacimiento hasta nuestros días. Se pone de manifiesto que esta antropología no puede dar una respuesta integral sobre la pregunta de quién es la persona porque fundamentan sus estudios en la categoría exclusiva de la sexualidad. No puede plantearse como una antropología fi losófi ca al olvidar el resto de facultades y dimensiones propias del ser humano.
DETERMINATION OF BREAKING CHARACTERISTICS IN THE PRE-COMBUSTION CHAMBER OF A COMBINED RAMJET ENGINE ON A POWDERED ALUMINUM FUEL TAKING INTO ACCOUNT AIR BRAKING IN AIR INTAKE DEVICE
Authors:   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Bogomolov Iaroslav , Malinin Vladimir ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University
Published: October 2021

The paper considers a combined ramjet engine powered by powdered aluminum fuel . The prototype was a combined solid-fuel ramjet engine. The advantages of the engine under consideration are given. An example of the combustion of finely dispersed aluminum powder is considered, from which it follows that the initial temperature of the aluminum powder will affect the stall characteristics in the pre-chamber. The following characteristics of the PAF ramjet were determined: the temperature of air stagnation in the air intake device, the temperature of the mixture of aluminum powder and the stalled air flow, the excess air ratio, and the stall characteristics in the pre-chamber taking into account the air stagnation temperatures. All parameters are de-termined for engine operating altitudes equal to 0.5, 10 and 18 km. A comparison is made of the limiting flame propagation ve-locities under standard conditions and with an incident air flow. Based on the obtained values of the characteristics, the interval of values of the coefficient of air sampling from the inlet to the pre-chamber of the ramjet engine on the PAF was determined, corresponding to the maximum possible areas of the engine operating parameters. Using the obtained values of characteristics, the combustion process of powdered aluminum in the pre-chamber of a ramjet engine takes place without flame blowout, which excludes unstable operation of the propulsion system as a whole. The use of powdered aluminum makes it possible to regulate the thrust in a wide range of values, and a high initial temperature of the air entering the pre-chamber for repeated switching on and off of the engine. Based on the available data, the type of engines under consideration is suitable for combat missiles of various classes, but the most suitable for aircraft-based missiles.
The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act Of 2006: Does It Rehabilitate?
Authors: Oppus Anne Mariquit D. , Trabajo Frances Mae C.
Published: October 2021

This study was conducted to record the perception of the Children-in-conflict with the Law (CICL). The services assessed the following: Physical, Moral, Spiritual, Intellectual, and Social Well-being; it further assesses the effectiveness delivered by the RRCY and whether RA 9344 rehabilitates. The methods used are qualitative through interview methods on implementing the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (RA 9344), as amended by RA 10630, at the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth (RRCY) in Argao, Cebu. The study participants were then identified as Children-in-conflict with the law (CICL) who come from the Province of Bohol. A researcher-made semi-structured questionnaire was used to guide the face-to-face interviews conducted and supported by a focused group discussion. It was, however, a short-term interview with the participants, limited to the perception of the CICL, their parents, and the staff while the CICL were undergoing rehabilitation thereat. The study revealed the effectiveness of the services delivered by the RRCY and the narrative of the respondents, RA 9344 rehabilitates. Thus, continuity in the services rendered by the rehabilitation center and that of the community shall be reintegrated. Therefore, a Barangay-based Reintegration Program is recommended.
The economic and organizational model of the international admission campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic (the case of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology)
Authors:   Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russian Federation, Oykher Anna D.
Published: October 2021

Relevance. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities all over the world had to deal with a major challenge – transition from face-to-face to online learning. It was necessary to make this transition without damaging the quality of education and the transparency of examinations, especially entrance examinations taken by international students. The number of the latter fell significantly because of the pandemic and the competition for overseas students became especially fierce. One of the optimal solutions to the problem of conducting entrance exams during the pandemic was the online proctoring system. Research objective. This research aims to assess the economic efficiency of the online proctoring system by looking at the case of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT). Data and methods. The article compares the most popular online proctoring systems on the market and used by universities in Russia and other country. Furthermore, it analyzes the results of the international admission campaign in 2020 and the economic effect of the in-house proctoring system in comparison with other readymade solutions. Results. The research results showed that the MIPT’s in-house proctoring system is no less efficient than the most popular readymade systems used by the majority of universities in Russia and worldwide, yet the costs of developing and operating the university’s own system are significantly lower. Conclusion. The development of an in-house online proctoring system can increase the economic efficiency of universities in terms of international admission in the forthcoming years.
Russian oil and gas regions during the COVID-19 crisis and their digital transformation
Authors:   Ufa Federal Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russian Federation, Akhunov Rustem R. , Akhunova Liaisan. R. ,   Bashkir State University, Ufa, Russian Federation, Marichev Sergey G. ,   Ufa Federal Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russian Federation, Nizamutdinov Rishat I. ,   Ufa Federal Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russian Federation
Published: October 2021

Relevance. One of the key long-term strategic goals of Russia's economic development is to increase the share of the digital and green economy in the gross product of the country and its regions. The recession caused by the pandemic has brought to the forefront the challenges of digitalization in the country's oil and gas sector, which was among the hardest hit sectors, and thus required significant effort on the part of regional governments. Research objective. This research aims to demonstrate the key role played by digitalization and environmentalization in the recovery of the Russian oil and gas regions from the pandemic. Data and methods. The study provides an overview of the Russian and international research literature on the ways to foster economic recovery and growth after the COVID-19 pandemic, including the publications of the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. Methodologically, the study relies on the empirical, general scientific methods and methods of economic statistics. We used in our calculations the data from the open-access statistical yearbook 'Russian Regions' published by Rosstat. Results The study analyzed the challenges of digitalization faced by Russian oil and gas regions to show the need for institutional transformations on the national level. We also formulated some recommendations for the improvement of the evaluation of regional governments' digitalization efforts in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the more general evaluation of the digital transformation of regional economies. Conclusions To stimulate economic growth of Russian oil and gas regions recovering from the pandemic, a viable strategy would be to place a greater emphasis on their sustainable and digital development. In the international rankings such as the EDGI Ranking presented annually by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Russia occupies a high position in terms of e-government services and digitalization in other spheres. Nevertheless, as far as the Russian oil and gas regions are concerned, there are considerable disparities in terms of digitalization. To accelerate digital transformation, we would highly recommend to improve the methods of evaluation of the digital progress in regional government, especially to include a set of indicators characterising regional governments' responses to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gestão Social: Epistemologia para Além de Paradigmas
Authors: Oliveira Daniel José Silva
Published: October 2021

Abstract The objective of this theoretical essay is to propose a new path for the epistemological debate in the field of social management that goes beyond the paradigmatic boundaries. Based on studies that deal with social management from different perspectives, a comparison was made between models based on the thesis of incommensurability by Thomas Kuhn – such as the Gibson Burrell and Gareth Morgan diagram of sociological paradigms – and an alternative to break away from the paradigmatic mentality: the circle of epistemic matrices. The study demonstrated that the logic of incommensurable paradigms is not adequate to guide social management studies due to its complexity and plurality. This was proven by the identification of multiple sociological approaches adopted in field studies, including hybrid approaches. In this sense, the circle of epistemic matrices proved to be more appropriate, because instead of impenetrable boundaries, it allows transit between the matrices and enables a dialogue between different sociological approaches.
Contribuições dos Repertórios de Ações Coletivas na Organização das Populações Atingidas por Barragens: um Estudo da Usina Hidrelétrica de Itapebi
Authors: Alves Venícios Oliveira , Teixeira Maria Gracinda Carvalho
Published: October 2021

Abstract This research seeks to analyze the contributions of repertoires of collective actions in the organization of those affected by dams based on a study of the Itapebi Hydroelectric Power Plant. The repertoires of collective actions in this article are inspired by the author Charles Tilly and originate from the field of the theory of political sociology of social movements, defined as a set of forms of action in which there is political motivation. The initial assumption of the research is that the repertoires of collective actions created at the local level play a crucial role in the organization of those affected by the hydroelectric plant under study and help sustain the national demands of the Movement of Those Affected by Dams. The results of the research indicate that, through local experience, lived over the years by those involved, these repertoires have performed not only a central function in the organization of those affected in relation to compensatory issues proposals by the company responsible for the Itapebi enterprise, but also in the creation and strengthening public policies that will absorb local demands and their articulation with the national movement of the those by dams.
Comprehensive geotechnical and geochemical characterisation of two diamond ore tailings
Authors: Abdulnabi Ahlam , Beier Nicholas A , Smith Lianna , Smith Hilary L , Macdonald Gord
Published: October 2021

The physical and chemical stability of tailing deposits sometimes have conflicting priorities, yet they are rarely examined congruently comprehensively. This paper presents an investigation of the combined geotechnical and geochemical behaviours of two samples of diamond ore tailings. Detailed basic and advanced geotechnical laboratory characterisation tests were conducted to evaluate the particle size distribution, hindered sedimentation, compressibility, hydraulic conductivity and undrained shear strength of both tailings. Furthermore, duplicate specimens to evaluate the drainage effluent’s geochemical compositions were conducted to evaluate the compliance with regulatory concentration criteria. The cation and anion concentrations of the expelled water were analysed at different consolidation stages, along with other basic geochemical index properties such as pH, redox potential and electrical conductivity. Both the geotechnical large strain consolidation testing and geochemical pore fluid collection were performed in a controlled-temperature environment to represent the cold climatic regime at the mine site. Tests were performed in a walk-in freezer with a nominal ambient temperature of 4–5°C. Moreover, the drainage effluent from the large-strain consolidation geochemical duplicates was collected using an innovative sampling system that ensured that the sample was not exposed to the atmosphere. The geotechnical and geochemical implications of both tailing treatments are discussed.
Temporal lobe epilepsy with a contralateral parietal seizure‐onset zone
Authors: AlGaeed Mohanad , Javan Ramin , Shields Donald C. , Gholipour Taha , Koubeissi Mohamad Z.
Published: October 2021

Achieving sustained seizure freedom following epilepsy surgery remains a challenge in some patients. Lesional temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), for example, in patients with mesial temporal sclerosis or other MRI abnormalities, carries a good prognosis for seizure freedom compared to significantly lower chances of seizure freedom in patients with non‐lesional epilepsy. However, even in some lesional TLE cases, persistent post‐operative seizures suggest seizure onset from a brain region that is clinically and electrographically silent but manifests only after propagation to the temporal lobe. A notable example of such a brain region is the parietal lobe, which has extensive connectivity to various brain regions. While certain seizure semiologies, for example, sensory seizures, suggest parietal lobe onset, some medial parietal seizures may be semiologically indistinguishable from temporal lobe seizures. Here, we report a patient with focal impaired awareness seizures that manifested semiologically and electrographically as left TLE but proved to originate from the contralateral medial parietal lobe. We discuss putative seizure propagation pathways.
Modeling the relationship between temperature and mortality : a case study in SENEGAL
Authors: Faye Mbaye , Dème Abdoulaye , Diongue Abdou Kâ
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we have used the Generalized Additive Model (GAM) to investigate the relationships between high temperature and daily number of deaths in Niakhar, a Sehalian-Sudanese climate in central Senegal. Daily data on number of deaths and meteorological variables over the period of 1983-2013 were considered. Descriptive statistics show that, over the study period, the total of non-accidental deaths were 12,798, among which we notice that 490 persons (3.83%) died of cardiovascular disease, 1,015 persons (7.93%) died of respiratory disease, 3,970 persons (31.02%) died of certain infectious and parasitic diseases, and 224 persons (1.75%) died of nervous system disease From the GAM model, we observe that high temperature significantly increased the relative risk (RR)Indeed, relative risk of deaths due to cardiovascular disease is 1.034 with a 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.025 to 1.044, while it is 1.030 with a 95% CI 1.026 to 1.033 for certain infectious and parasitic disease. For respiratory disease, the RR is 1.012 with a 95% CI 1.007 to 1.017, and for nervous system disease, the relative risk is 1.034 with 95% CI 1.026 to 1.043.
A case study of Stroke patients in Senegal: application of Generalized extreme value regression model
Authors: Diop Aba , Dème El Hadji , Sy Idrissa , Diop Aliou
Published: October 2021

Logistic regression model is widely used in many studies to investigate the relationship between a binary response variable Y and a set of potential predictors X. The binary response may represent, for example, the occurrence of some outcome of interest (Y=1 if the outcome occurred and Y=0 otherwise). When the dependent variable Y represents a rare event, the logistic regression model shows relevant drawbacks. In order to overcome these drawbacks we propose the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) regression model. In particularly, we suggest the quantile function of the GEV distribution as link function. Strokes are a serious pathology and a neurological emergency involving the vital prognosis and the functional prognosis. In Senegal, strokes account for more than 30% of hospitalizations and are responsible for nearly two thirds of mortality. In this work, we use the GVE regression model for binary data to determine the risk factors leading to stroke and to develop a predictive model of life-threatening outcomes in central Sénégal.
Modeling the Rwanda Exchange Rates by GARCH Models
Authors: Mudahogora Edmond Kazungu , Ndanguza Denis
Published: October 2021

Volatility modeling and forecasts are essential tools to all financial sectors. This paper focuses on weekly exchange rate returns of the FRW versus USD from 2012 until 2018 obtained from the National Bank of Rwanda. The aim of this paper is to formulate an appropriate GARCH model which fits the data. The GARCH(1,1) model has been selected after using required techniques of model selection.Parameters have been estimated using Least Squares method first and then validated using MCMC method. Once the chain of parameters are found, both visual inspection and basic statistics are computed and in this study, they have illustrated a good compatibility between simulation and observations. Diagnostic of convergence of the chains of parameters has been checked and ensured the model to beaccurate. The results obtained from the LSQ and MCMC methods have been compared and found to be almost similar. An agreement between the model solution and actual data is obtained and a forecast is done by concluding that the estimated values are almost similar to the real data. Hence, the identified model is accepted for forecasting and recommended for further applications.
Self-tuning fuzzy logic control of quarter car and bridge interaction model
Authors: EROĞLU Mustafa , KOÇ Mehmet Akif , KOZAN Recep , ESEN İsmail
Published: October 2021

In this study, active suspension control of the interaction between the bridge can be modeled according to the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, and the quarter car model with three degrees of freedom is studied. The active suspension system consists of a spring, damper, and linear actuator. The active suspension control is designed using classical PID and self-tuning fuzzy PID (STFPID) to reduce the vehicle body's disruptive effects. To determine the performance of the designed controllers, two different road profiles with the bridge oscillations caused by the bridge flexibility were considered as the disruptive effect of the vehicle. When the simulation results were examined in terms of passenger seat displacement and acceleration, the proposed STFPID method significantly increased road holding and ride comfort.
Development of a Fluorescent Protein Based FRET Biosensor for Determination of Protease Activity
Authors: İNCİR İbrahim , KAPLAN Özlem , BİLGİN Sema , GÖKÇE İsa
Published: October 2021

Proteases are closely associated with many pathological conditions. Efficient detection of protease activity may be useful for diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of new therapeutic biomolecules. Fluorescent Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) is defined as the non-radioactive energy transfer that occurs between two fluorophores. Fluorescent proteins are widely used in FRET biosensors because they can be genetically encoded and compatible with cells. Fluorescent Protein based FRET (FP-FRET) biosensors are used to monitor biological processes such as enzyme activity, intracellular ion concentration, conformational changes, protein-protein interactions. In this study, it was aimed to detect protease activity using an FP-FRET biosensor and TEV protease was chosen as a model enzyme. The plasmid encoding the mNeonGreen-mRuby3 fluorescent protein-based FRET biosensor was constructed. The gene of the designed FP-FRET biosensor was expressed in Escherichia coli DH5α cells using recombinant DNA techniques and purified using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. As a result, the activity of the TEV protease enzyme was determined by emission measurements performed in the spectrofluorometer using the produced FP-FRET biosensor. The usability of the designed FP-FRET biosensor in the determination of protease enzyme activity was demonstrated.
Towards a complete Logical Phonology model of intrasegmental changes
Authors: Reiss Charles
Published: October 2021

All changes to the internal structure of phonological segments arise from combinations of rules based on two set-theoretic operations: feature deletion by set subtraction and feature insertion by unification. Apparent cases of rules targeting underspecified segments reflect two kinds of vacuous rule application, one due to unification failure and the other due to vacuous unification. Despite this reduction of all segment-internal changes to two basic mechanisms we can account for a wide variety of patterns, including the reciprocal neutralization and apparent exceptional behavior seen in Hungarian voicing assimilation.
Spontaneous vegetation succession and recovery of ecosystem structure and function in a 40-year abandoned stone quarry in a Mexican tropical dryland
Authors: Mendoza-García Marian , Godínez-Alvarez Héctor
Published: October 2021

Background: The restoration of sites degraded by stone quarrying in drylands requires expensive interventions. However, these interventions cannot be used in tropical drylands because rural communities lack financial resources. Spontaneous vegetation succession may help restore degraded sites. However, spontaneous succession is evaluated by only comparing species composition between degraded and reference sites, without considering the structure and function of degraded sites.
Question: Can spontaneous succession restore the structure and function of sites degraded by stone quarrying?
Study sites and dates:  San Rafael Coxcatlán, Puebla, 2013.
Methods: We evaluated nine indicators of ecosystem structure and function in 4 degraded sites abandoned for 40 years and 1 reference site.
Results: Spontaneous succession partially restored the structure and function of degraded sites. In all degraded sites, herb cover (20-49 %) and biocrust cover (21-51 %) were similar to those in reference site (19 %, 56 %). Three degraded sites also had canopy covers (57-76 %), shrub covers (51-52 %), and bare ground covers (2-3 %) similar to those in reference site (80 %, 42 %, 2 %). However, one degraded site displayed the opposite pattern (32 %, 8 %, 14 %). All degraded sites had lower tree cover (0-2 %), visual obstruction (6-25 %), and litter cover (3-30 %) than the reference site (21 %, 66 %, 77 %).
Conclusions: Spontaneous succession helped restore the structure and function in some degraded sites.
WHY THE NEED FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION LEGISLATION? A LOOK AT SOME OF THE REASONS BEHIND THE PROMULGATION OF THE NATIONAL CREDIT ACT AND THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT
Authors: Tanya Woker
Published: October 2021

Two statutes focusing on consumer protection have been introduced recently: the Consumer Protection Act due to come into effect in October 2010 and the National Credit Act. There are many who criticize this legislation, arguing that this will overburden the economy and will lead to significant costs for business. In this article I examine some of the reasons why the Department of Trade and Industry deemed it necessary to introduce consumer protection legislation. I conclude by arguing that despite the increased costs for business, the legislation is necessary in order to prevent the exploitation of consumers by business that presently exists in South Africa. I do not, however, seek to answer the question whether this legislation will achieve its lofty aims. This, only time will tell. However, many acknowledge that the introduction of the National Credit Act shielded South Africa from some of the worst excesses of the global recession of 2008/2009. It is hoped that the Consumer Protection Act will likewise change the way many in South Africa do business.
MAINSTREAMING ISLAMIC JURISTIC THOUGHT IN THE TEACHING OF HUMAN RIGHTS LAW: A CASE FOR INTEGRATIVE CURRICULUM AND PEDAGOGY IN AFRICAN LAW SCHOOLS
Authors: Dejo Olowu
Published: October 2021

Against the backdrop of the marked marginalization of Islamic juristic thought in human rights discourses and the consequential obscurity of possible synergy, this article proceeds from the premise that purposeful human rights education within a law degree programme leading to vocational careers must be all encompassing, able to respond to the demands of critical reasoning, and suitable for the analysis and understanding of global, regional and national challenges by local legal actors. In the African context, experience evokes an appeal for innovative approaches that not only prioritize integrative curricula but which also facilitate qualitative teaching methods that could guarantee the transfer of helpful skills and broad-based knowledge to boost the confidence of the learner in visualizing active future roles in human rights promotion and protection in whichever milieu he/she establishes a career. Highlighting the peculiar importance of Islamic Law in twenty-first century Africa, this article canvasses an approach that helps the law student to understand the practical realities that make Islamic Law a sine qua non for sound grasp of human rights law in his or her society while fully recognizing latent cultural, religious and other philosophical dilemmas and limitations to human rights as legal norms.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE DEFENCE ACT TO THE FIGHT AGAINST PIRACY
Authors: PHG Vrancken  , SV Hoctor
Published: October 2021

The recent events off the Horn of Africa have drawn attention again to the problem of piracy. Less publicized is an increase in pirate activities in West Africa. Despite centuries of repression, this criminal behaviour continues to present a serious challenge to the safety of shipping on which international trade depends. And the phenomenon is spreading worryingly close to a South African coast which witnessed it in the past. Indeed, pirates operated off the coast of Southern Africa as early as 1508, with pirate activity peaking at the end of the 17th century. Piracy may be generally defined as “unlawful depredation at sea involving the use or threat of violence possibly, but not necessarily, involving robbery”. The purpose of this paper is to examine the contribution of the Defence Act 42 of 2002 (hereinafter “the Act”) to the fight against piracy. South Africa has a duty to co-operate to the fullest possible extent in the repression of piracy on the high seas in terms of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (hereinafter “LOSC”) (art 100. South Africa ratified LOSC in 1997 after it had come into effect in 1994). In order to do so, South Africa is expected to exercise its legislative, executive and judicial jurisdictions.
PRIVATE DEFENCE IN CONTEXT OF THE BATTERED WIFE WHO KILLS HER ABUSIVE HUSBAND/PARTNER Ann Elizabeth Steyn v The State (reported as S v Steyn 2010 1 SACR 411 (SCA))
Authors: Pieter Carstens
Published: October 2021

In South Africa where there is a high incidence of domestic violence, it is not surprising to find our reported criminal case law abound with many examples where battered spouses have killed their abusive partners. It is to be noted that all these accused were charged with, and more often than not, convicted of murder. In all these cases extreme provocation and emotional distress ultimately led to the homicide and caused the accused to invoke either non-pathological automatism (sane automatism) and/or nonpathologicalcriminal incapacity as defences. Consequently, it was argued on behalf of the accused that they either acted involuntarily or withoutcriminal capacity, or at the most with diminished criminal capacity at the time of the homicide due to provocation or emotional distress. In some instances, where a voluntary act and criminal capacity were proved, the provocation/emotional distress even had the effect that the state could not prove intention beyond reasonable doubt for a conviction on murder, but had to concede that only a conviction on culpable homicide was justified, as the accused acted negligently under the circumstances. The notion that a battered (provoked) wife/husband/partner who kills her/his abusive husband/wife/partner may or can invoke private defence (self-defence) has rarely been considered by our courts. Provocation or emotional distress, in principle, influences the voluntary act committed by the accused and/or the criminal capacity of the accused and may affect the element of intention, but seldom has any bearing on the element of unlawfulness. After all, private defence requires an unlawful, immediate or imminent human attack perpetrated upon the accused or another person. Since the disappointing decision in S v Eadie (2002 1 SACR 633 (SCA)), in which the defence of non-pathological criminal incapacity due to provocation was effectively abolished (battered wives now have to rely on sane automatism, which is difficult to prove), battered wives who now kill their abusive husbands/partners are “left in the lurch” as it were, specifically in view of systematic assaults/attacks perpetrated upon them by their abusive partners. From a legal point of view it seems as though a “reconfiguration” of the principles of criminal law in these instances is called for. The “reconfiguration” of the defence essentially relates to the material requirements for the unlawful human attack, as well as the requirements for the lawful fending off the attack, specifically in context of domestic violence. It is for this reason that the judgment under discussion is particularly instructive and to be noted.
THE TRANSACTION OR ACTIVITY MONITORING PROCESS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE CUSTOMER DUE DILIGENCE SYSTEMS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Mzukisi Niven Njotini
Published: October 2021

South Africa has made rigorous attempts to narrow the fissure between its antimoney laundering regulatory approach and the approaches that are found internationally. A study of the FATF Recommendations and the UK Regulations evidences the aforementioned attempts. FICA is particularly considered a landmark attempt by South Africa into controlling the scourge of money laundering. For example, FICA encourages the undertaking of the internationally accepted antimoney laundering measures. These measures are referred to as the Customer Due Diligence (CDD) or Know Your Customer (KYC) principles. The performing of themeasures is expressly enunciated in FICA. However, South Africa seems to be lagging behind on issues related to the technical application or performing of the measures. Such insulation is made apparent by the omission of the express and lucid provisions that regulate the ongoing monitoring of customer transactions or activities. This omission therefore leads financial institutions (that is, banks) to broadly examine FICA in order to carry out simulated ongoing transaction or activity monitoring processes.
THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD – HAS THE BRIDGE BEEN CROSSED BETWEEN THEORY AND PRACTICE: MAURITIUS AND SOUTH AFRICA?
Authors: Glynis van der Walt
Published: October 2021

On 20 November 1989 the United Nations adopted a treaty, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (hereinafter “the Convention”), which specifically focuses on a particularly vulnerable group in society at large – children (1577 UNTS 3 (1989) 28 ILM 1456). That the international community ratified this treaty so soon after its proposal is indicative of the fact that it considered this treaty as one of major importance. In accordance with Article 49 the Convention took effect and became international law on 2 September 1990. The Republic of Mauritius was quick to respond to the appeal and became a signatory in 1990. South Africa followed suit and became asignatory on 16 June 1995. The response from both these Republics is admirable, but one has to investigate how these two nations have succeeded in giving effect to their obligations as signatories. The actual provisions in the respective countries’ national law will indicate the measure of true compliance with the Convention. In this note I shall confine my discussion to article 3 and article 4 of theConvention and more specifically to the consideration of the best interests of a child where his or her parents are divorcing or separating.
A SHORT DISCUSSION ON THE EFFECTS OF THE IN DUPLUM RULE UPON COMMENCEMENT OF LITIGATION AND AFTER JUDGMENT: A VIEW BOTH “INSIDE” AND “OUTSIDE” THE NATIONAL CREDIT ACT
Authors: ML Vessio
Published: October 2021

It has repeatedly been confirmed by the courts that the in duplum rule forms part of South African law, and more recently section 103(5) of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 (hereinafter “the Act”) has concretized the rule into statutory form. This note examines the effects of the in duplum rule once the litigation process has been initiated by the creditor and the implications of the rule after judgment is granted against the debtor. Preceding such discussion, however, one needs first to consider whether South Africa still has a common-law in duplum rule, or whether the statutory in duplum rule has ousted the “old” rule in toto (for ease of reference andpracticality the rule as developed by the courts shall be referred to as the “common law rule” and the rule as set out in s 103(5) of the Act shall be referred to as the “statutory rule”). It is submitted that while the statutory rule has superseded the common law rule in terms of all credit agreements that fall within the jurisdiction or ambit of the Act there are those credit agreements that are not regulated by the Act and it is those credit agreements where the (“old”) common-law rule shall apply and regulate the interest component collectable by the creditor vis-a-vis the debtor. Thus the two rules must now operate together; both rules applying to different sectors of society; at least society whilst it wears its consumer cap. The codified in duplum rule as will be seen below – affects only natural persons and the juristic entity, as defined by the Act, remains to be protected by the common-law rule. Furthermore, the common-law rule will be applicable to those credit agreements which fall outside the auspices of the Act.
WINNING AT ALL COSTS TOO COSTLY S v Rozani; Rozani v Director of Public Prosecutions, Western Cape 2009 1 SACR 540 (C)
Authors: Suhayfa Bhamjee
Published: October 2021

The role of the public prosecutor is one to be respected. Members of society expect to enjoy lives free of violence, theft and other criminal violation; in return, they surrender the exercise of “vengeance” and vigilantism to the state. The public prosecutor (inter alia) is entrusted with the duty of ensuring that justice is served in bringing transgressors to book. The public prosecutor thus has the onerous task of ensuring that the rights of victims are served and given a voice, but at the same time doing so in a manner which upholds the basic tenets of a free, fair and just society. The duty and role of the defence attorney (state appointed or otherwise) ismuch the same. He or she is expected also to serve justice by giving his or her client (paying or pro bono) the best service and defence he or she is capable of. Obviously, this does not mean conjuring up or “manifesting” a defence. But he or she must, at the very least, prevent his or her client from pleading guilty to an offence where one was not committed. The recent decision in Rozani (2009 1 SACR 540 (C)) makes it evident that the fulfilment of such goals and ideals is not easy. The legal profession has gained a rather dubious reputation, attracting epithets such as “con-artist”, “shyster”, “opportunist” and “shark”, amongst others. The perception that individuals join the profession only to make a “quick buck” has stuck and the case at hand certainly seems to show this, reflecting not only a callous disregard for justice, but also what is blatant incompetence on the part of both the prosecutor and the defence attorney. Reading the facts of the matter, one wonders about the general standard of lawyers entering the profession – one cannot but marvel at the farcical aspect of the facts in Rozani. The main objective of practitioners within a criminal justice system should not be to win at all costs, but rather to ensure that justice is served. The facts leading up to the review in Rozani reflect the prosecutor’s need to chalk up wins and the defence attorney’s need to meet fee targets at whatever cost. The decision and remarks from the bench form a sobering commentary on the state of the criminal courts and the pursuit of justice in South Africa. While the level of crime in this country bolsters the need to convict criminals, this provides no excuse for disregarding the basic tenets of justice.