bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Implementation of a Chatbot for Kurdish Language Speakers Using Chatfuel Platform
Authors: Ahmed Hemn Karim , Ali Hussein Jamal
Published: January 2021

Chatbot is a software agent that is used to conduct intelligent conversations between machines and humans. Chatbots are mostly depend on Natural Language Processing (NLP). In this paper, the design and implementation of a chatbot are provided to help Kurdish speakers in using online conversations via texts to find answers instead of direct contact with human agents. The NLP-based software agent is implemented using the Chatfuel platform. Chatfuel uses artificial intelligence to communicate with humans by simulating human conversations through voice commands or texts. The proposed chatbot is tested on an electronic tourist guide that helps visitors to the religious places in the mountainous village of Barzanja that is located in Iraqi Kurdistan. The case study is conducted by using three-hundred questions and answers. One hundred volunteers participated in this study. The participant asks a question and the bot provides an answer if it recognizes the question, otherwise it provides a default answer along with a suggestion of how to use the system properly. The data of these experiment is collected, analyzed, and problems regarding Kurdish language are detected. Designing software agents for processing Kurdish texts faces many challenges. Kurdish texts have not yet been processed using natural language processing (NLP). In addition, Kurdish font disorder and the lack of standardized keyboards and writing styles makes processing Kurdish text difficult. Furthermore, Kurdish language consists of variety of different dialects with different typing styles. In this research, we specifically focus on the design of a software agent for the Central Kurdish (Sorani) dialect. We managed to solve some of the problems related to the Kurdish language and suggest solutions to others.
Ameliorated Impact of Fenugreek Seed Extract on Some Blood Cellular and Biochemical Parameters in Female Albino Rats Exposed to Lead Acetate
Authors: Abduljalil Naser Rozhya , Yousif Mameik Rabar , Shareef Mahmood Nazar M. , Bapir Chato Kurdo
Published: January 2021

Lead acetate (LA) is considered as the common hazardous compund present in our habitat. It has a several diverse-organ toxicant effect in various healthy issues included diseases of the hepatic, renal, and other body systems. Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) were used in curing medicine and as food supplement since ancient times. After that, their antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties have been studied. Therefore the presented was based on their biological properties of this plant and conducted to examine the protective impact of fenugreek seed extract upon LA toxicity on some blood cellular and biochemical parameters of female albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). Twenty eight female rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups each one contain seven rats as following; first group received basal diet and tap water ad libitum. Second group received basal diet and LA 80 mg/L with water ad libitum. Third group received basal diet contained 2.5% fenugreek seed extract and LA 80 mg/L with water ad libitum. Fourth group received basal diet contained 2.5% fenugreek seed extract with water ad libitum. Rat’s administration was continued daily for two weeks respectively. The administration of rats with LA produced significant reduction in liver weight, food intake, while it increased triglyceride (TG), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), uric acid (UA) and creatinie (CR). While supplemented diet with 2.5% Fenugreek seed extract improved body weight, organ weight, lipid peroxidation, TG, ALP, and AST. Our results plead for the profiteering of fenugreek seeds as a dietary supplement, because it showed protective effect of their content in polyphenolic flavonoids, antioxidant and membrane-protective effects, against exposure to the LA compound to protect injurious risk.
Novel Polymorphism in a Promoter of MBL2 Gene Result in Lower MBL Expression in Chronic Infection Caused by HCV
Authors: Jamal Jalal Paywast
Published: January 2021

The Pathogen Recognition Receptors (PRRs) is an active protein in the immune system. The PRRs that secreted in the liver and we addressed were L-ficolin, MBL and H-ficolin. Previous studies revealed that both MBL and L-ficolin were hampered the HCV entry and infectivity. However, H-ficolin impact still needs to be addressed more so as determining their role during HCV infection. For these purposes, we aimed to determine the effect of different level in the serum of these proteins on the HCV infection and treatment outcome. Initially, we selected (25) HCV positive patients and (25) HCV negative control patients from the Trent Cohort and Regional Haemophiliac Study and to present the differences in serum concentrations of MBL, H- and L-ficolin. The level of these proteins was measured by ELISA method and compared with each other based on the detected SNPs by PCR and sequencing methods in the responsible genes. Our results showed that the polymorphism at position -221 in the MBL2 promoter significantly reduce the level of MBL protein more than the SNP at position -551. Interestingly, a new deletion of six nucleotides [AGGAAG] detected in the promoter at position -319 to -324 that succeeded by four other mutations at position -328, -336, -349 and -427 in most of the analyzed sequences. The 6bp deletion was statistically decreasing the concentration of MBL below 1µg.mL-1, precisely among non-responder patients. In conclusion, the existence of the new deletion in the promoter region of MBL2 gene and the additional newly detected polymorphisms, reduce the level of MBL protein and as a result impacts on the response to treatment among HCV-infected patients.
Molecular Characterization of Methicillin Resistant and Extended Spectrum ?-Lactamase Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Burn Patients
Authors: Ahmed Aziz Shawnm
Published: January 2021

Antibiotic resistance has become a major world health challenge and has limited the ability of physician's treatment. Staphylococcus aureus the most notorious pathogens causes morbidity and mortality especially in burn patients. However, Staphylococcus aureus rapidly acquired resistance to multiple antibiotics. Vancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic remains a drug of choice for treatment of severe Methicillin Resistance S. aureus infections. This study aimed to detect the emergence of beta-lactam and glycopeptide resistance genes. 50 clinical specimens of S. aureus collected from burn patients in burn and plastic surgery units in Sulaimani-Iraq city. All specimens were confirmed to be positive for S. aureus. All the isolates were assessed for their susceptibility to different antibiotics depending on NCCL standards, followed by Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase detection by double disk diffusion synergy test. The production of ?- lactamases was evaluated in the isolated strains by several routine methods and polymerase chain reaction. Among the isolates 94% were Methicillin resistance and 34.28% were Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase producer. PCR based molecular technique was done for the bla genes related to ?- lactamase enzymes by the specific primers, as well as genes which related to reduced sensitivity to Vancomycin were detected. The results indicated that all isolated showed the PBP1, PBP2, PBP3, PBP4, trfA and trfB, graSR, vraS except the vraR gene and the prolonged therapy of Methicillin resistance infection with teicoplanin have been associated with progress of resistance and the rise of tecoplanin resistance may be a prologue to evolving Vancomycin resistance. In conclusion, beta-lactam over taking can rise Vancomycin- Intermediate S. aureus strains leading to appearance of Vancomycin resistance although the treatment of Vancomycin resistant infections is challenging.
Characterization of Vaginitis Among Women Complaining of Genital Tract Symptoms
Authors: Muheddin Kareem Hemin , Saed Qadir Muhammed , Bakr Karim Safa , Jawhar Ali Solaf
Published: January 2021

Vaginitis is the inflammation of the vagina as a result of a change in the balance of normal flora affecting women of reproductive age. It is one of the most frequent reasons that women visit clinics. The objective of this study was to determine the importance of laboratory diagnosis methods in the treatment of the disease and to study the symptoms and risk factors associated with vaginitis among women with genital tract symptoms. Vaginal swabs were collected from 50 women attending Maternity hospital and Chwarchra dormitory camps in Sulaimani city. Samples were examined microbiologically and causative agents were isolated. All relevant clinical information such as patient demographic profiles, socioeconomic variables, risk factors and symptoms have been collected by questionnaire based study. Different species of microorganisms were isolated from vaginal samples including yeast and bacteria. Culture analysis and gram stain had shown that bacterial vaginosis was 22%, while the rate of yeast infection was 16%. The higher percentage was 62% for the normal flora (Lactobacillus). Microscopic examination of patient’s vaginal swabs revealed that 63.6% of infectious group had high level of epithelial cells (>10), while the most patients with non-infectious vaginitis had (10) or less epithelial cell in the microscopic field. The presence of epithelial cell was significantly associated with infectious vaginitis (p-value 0.04). Most patients were aged between 25-35 years. The result showed a significant association between infectious vaginosis with education level (p-value 0.02). The most common symptom present among patients with infectious vaginitis group was itching (38.5%) and smelly discharge (40%). The majority of women had history of previous infections in both infectious and non-infectious vaginitis groups. Furthermore, there was different types of vaginitis including infectious vaginitis (bacterial and yeast infection) and non-infectious vaginitis. Therefore, it is essential to perform laboratory examination for the patients to detect the causative agents of vaginitis, and ensure the most appropriate treatment can be administered. In addition, the treatment of vaginitis can be done by topical application of Lidocaine 5% ointment (as a local anesthetic) nightly for seven weeks has been shown to decrease the pain of vaginitis in women.
Detection of Antichlamydial Antibody in Patients With Ectopic Pregnancy and Normal Pregnancy
Authors: Jamal Murad Srwa
Published: January 2021

Aim of the current research is to assess the Chlamydia Trachomatis infection role in the development of early pregnancy complication including ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage in Sulaimanyia Maternity Teaching Hospital. It is a comparative study conducted in Gynecology Clinic and Emergency department of Sulaimanyia Maternity Teaching Hospital during the period from 1st of September 2018 to 31st of March 2019. The study groups included of 70 pregnant women; the first group included 35 ectopic pregnant women and the second group included 35 normal pregnant women that both groups had been selected randomly. Pregnant women with history of ectopic pregnancies, women used intrauterine device, in vitro fertilization, assisted reproduction and history of pelvic surgery. Blood sample (2 ml venous blood) collected to test for antibodies level for Chlamydia Trachomatis by Alegria test system for both studied groups and patients with ectopic pregnancy detected by beta human chorionic gonadotropin and ultrasound scanning. The collected data analyzed by SPSS program and for compare between means of two variables independent sample t-test was used while for comparison of categorical variables Chi square test was used with considering ? 0.05 P-value as significant level. The results shows that the mean age of normal pregnancy were (28.3±4.6) group compared with mean age ectopic pregnancy (29.5±4.9) group. The mean IgG (6.3±5.1) of patients with ectopic pregnancy was found to be significantly higher than mean IgG (2.8±1.1) for normal pregnant patients (P-value 0.01) and IgM mean (4.5±2.4) of patients with ectopic pregnancy was significantly higher than mean IgM (1.6±1.2) for normal pregnant patients with P-value 0.01. In conclusion, infection of Chlamydia Trachomatis has a significant relationship with the development of ectopic pregnancy therefor screening and treatment of Chlamydia infection may reduce ectopic pregnancy rate with low cost
Knowledge of Healthcare Professionals Regarding Hepatitis B in Rania Hospitals
Authors: Raouf Ali Zhino , Rasol Ahmed Mohammed , Muhamad Hamad Khalid , Hussen Wsu Zhiar
Published: January 2021

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem worldwide especially for healthcare professionals (HCPs). It is a potentially life-threatening condition because leads to liver infection, and liver cancer. There is a shortage of research on undergraduate students. The main aim of this study was conducted to assess the level of knowledge of health care professionals regarding HBV at Rania hospitals in the Kurdistan region of Iraq during the period of 20th October 2019 to 16th April 2020. Non- probability purposive sample of (303) HCPs; for data collection, the study instrument was constructed and designed through reading literature, books, and articles which included (42) items. Reliability of the instrument was determined through the use of stability reliability (test and retest) approach which was estimated as r = (0.83.)The data were collected through the use of the interview technique then organized and coded into computer files. Statistical approaches were uses for data analysis, which includes: descriptive and inferential statistics and chi-square, data analysis (SPSS version 25). The results indicated that the majority of the study samples were in the age group (? 30)) years and the female participants was more than male, three-quarters of the participants were married, most of them were graduated from institute nursing and less than half of HCPs had 6-10 years of employment, but the majority of the participants were not trained at all, and most of them had not immunized against HBV vaccine. Three-quarters of HCPs had moderate knowledge regarding HBV infection. Also, the current study demonstrated a significant association between the educational level and HCP's knowledge regarding HBV, at a P value less than 0.05. on site other hand, there was no significant association between HCP's age, gender, marital status, years of employment, and training course concerning hepatitis with the level of knowledge regarding HBV. The researchers recommended to the ministry of health and directorate of health in Rania city to complete vaccinate against HBV for all HCPs and participating their staff in healthy scientific issues and symposiums.
Patient’s Information Toward Some Modifiable Risk Factors of Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Omar Sharif Bayan , Hamad Rasul Aras , Ibrahim Mahmud Osman , Nuri Abdulla Farman
Published: January 2021

Ischemic heart disease (IHD), , is the condition of heart problems, caused by narrowed coronary arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle. There is a shortage of study of bachelor students. The goal of this research was directed to assess level of patient’s information toward some modifiable risk factors of IHD at Rania teaching hospital in Kurdistan region of Iraq during the period of (20th October 2019 - 10th February 2020). A non- probability purposive sample of (143) patients; the study instrument was constructed of total (42) items for the purpose of data collection. The content validity of the instrument was determined through a panel of (12) experts. Reliability of the instrument was determined through the use of internal consistency reliability (split half) approach which was estimated as r = (0.83) the data were collected through the use of interview technique (face to face approach), the computer files is used to organizing and coding it. The data analyzed by Statistical approaches which includes: descriptive and inferential statistical and chi- square, data analysis (SPSS version 25). The outcome showed that most of the sample rang from the age (25-40) years and most of them were male from urban, more than half of them were unemployed but nearly half of them were graduated from primary school. 32.2% of them diagnosed by cardiovascular disease. However more than half of them had a high level of information about IHD as a general, and the TV was the first source of their information but more than half of them were overweight, 65% did not do regular exercise, 52.4% were relatively stressful. Also, the study demonstrated that there is no significant association between socio demographic data and level of patient’s information toward some modifiable risk factors of IHD, with age, gender, educational level and occupation with IHD, at p value greater than 0.05. The study recommended to ministry of health and directorate of health in Rania city to develop and supervise the center of dietary regimen and halls of exercise for the people to implement their information and practice it
Международное сотрудничество киберюристов
Authors: Фершт Виктор , Цинь Юйсюань
Published: January 2021

Международная кибер-медиация является самой востребованной в настоящее время услугой на рынке юридических услуг. Рост кибер атак в интернете, большое количество афер с криптовалютой, фальсификация продуктов, товаров и услуг, продаваемых в интернете, а также воровство денег с кредитных карт и с онлайн счетов интернет пользователей - всё это требует помощи кибер-юристов.

Поскольку Азиатско-Тихоокеанский регион является наиболее развитым и самым густонаселённым интернет пространством в мире, рынок услуг интернет медиаторов должен быть наиболее доходным.
Konseptual Pemanfaatan Model Media Web Moodle dalam Pembelajaran PPKn di Sekolah Menengah Atas
Authors: Hanum Fathikah Fauziah
Published: January 2021

This paper aims to describe the form of Moodle web media for Civic Education learning in Senior High School and how it is used in learning. Based on previous research that some students need web-based learning media, it is necessary to determine the concept of the type of media and how the steps. This research is descriptive and this is done by literature review. The results of the study show that the concept of the model of media used in web-based media development is digital-based multimedia because the characteristics of Moodle's web media in it contain a combination of various media and connected with the internet network. Whereas the learning model is blended learning in the form of face-to-face mixed learning and e-learning in time and proportion of the use of mixed learning is flexible and online learning is used as a compliment.--------------Tulisan ini bertujuan menggambarkan bentuk media web Moodle untuk pembelajaran PPKn di Sekolah Menengan Atas serta bagaimana pemanfaatannya dalam pembelajaran. Berdasarkan penelitian sebelumnya bahwa beberapa siswa membutuhkan media pembelajaran berbasis web, maka perlu menentukan konsep jenis model media dan bagaimana langkah-langkahnya. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif dan hal ini dilakukan dengan kajian pustaka. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa konsep model media yang digunakan dalam pengembangan media berbasis web adalah multimedia berbasis digital karena karakteristik dari media web moodle ini di dalamnya berisi kombinasi dari berbagai media dan terhubng dengan jaringan internet. Sedangkan model pembelajarannya adalah blended learning yang berupa pembelajaran campuran tatap muka dan e-learning namu waktu dan porposi penggunaan pembelajaran campuran adalah bersifat fleksibel serta pembelajaran online digunakan sebagai pelengkap.
Perceived Teachers’ Justice and Perceived Teachers’ Authority
Authors: Čopková Radka
Published: January 2021

Introduction:
The presented study discusses the issues of teacher’s authority, its building and maintaining in the context of teacher’s justice. The main question to be answered is how high school students perceive teachers as authorities in relation with their perception of teacher’s justice.

Purpose:
The aim of the present article is the identification of the relationship between perceived teachers’ justice and perceived teachers’ authority among Slovak high school students.

Methods:
159 Slovak high school students (120 males and 39 females) have participated in our study. Their average age was 17.2 years. The students have attended 3 kinds of high school - technical (49.7%), services (31.4%), and general (18.9%). Two questionnaires were administrated - Teacher Justice Scale (Dalbert & Maes, 2002) and Measurement for Omnisicient Authority Beliefs (Zhou, 2007). Data were examined by Pearson correlation, t-test and ANOVA.

Results:
The results have shown the significant positive relationship between perceived teachers’ justice and perceived teachers’ authority. No gender differences were identified. There are significant differences in general perceived teacher’s authority among secondary school students depending on their specialization - technical, services and grammar.

Discussion:
Results of the study support previous findings of Cseri (2013) and Gavora (2007) who point out the importance of teachers’ justice in building positive learning environment that support students’motivation to learn.

Limitations:
The proportion of male and female participants was not equal. Also the proportion of participants divided by school specialization was not equal.

Conclusion:
Accessing students fairly is not an easy task for any teacher, since perception of oneself as righteous may differ greatly from the perception of this apparent righteousness by individual students, who naturally dispose interindividual differences. It is extremely important that teachers pay attention to this fact not only at secondary schools but at all levels of the educational system, which is one of the basic pillars of public administration.
The influence of slope aspect on soil moisture
Authors: Varga Csaba , Csiszér Levente
Published: January 2021

In this research, we investigated the variability of soil moisture on two slopes of opposite aspect (a northern slope and a southern slope) but with the same soil type. To identify the spatial disposal of the soil type on both slopes, we georeferenced the paper-based soil map of Sfântu Gheorghe, using the QGIS platform. In order to use the correct slope aspect, we used a numerical model of the terrain (relief). The research plot was soil sampled at the depth of 10 cm on two different dates: on 7 November 2019 and on 3 March 2020, using a Buerkle soil sampler.

Gravimetric method was used to determine the soil moisture values that proved to be the most accurate for our purpose.

The soil moisture values, obtained in weight percentage, were assigned to the coordinates of the sampling points, and soil moisture maps were generated in QGIS for both slopes and for both sampling dates. These maps gave us the opportunity to evaluate the variability in time of the soil moisture distribution on the sample plots.

The water holding capacity of the soils is mostly influenced by their organic C content. So, the total organic carbon content of the soil from the sampling plots was measured using the Tyurin method.
Foreign Economic Activity Activation of the Region in the Context of Euroregional Cooperation: Theoretical and Methodical Approaches
Authors: Pavlikha Nataliia , Zelinska Оlena , Aliieva Anastasiia
Published: January 2021

Subject and purpose of work: The subject of this paper concerns theoretical and methodological approaches to the analysis of foreign economic activity of the region in the context of Euroregional cooperation, which is an important factor of socio-economic development of the country. The main purpose is to identify such economic categories as “foreign economic activity activation of the region”, “organizational and economic mechanism activation of foreign economic activity of the region in the context of Euroregional cooperation” as well as to develop a methodological scheme for the diagnostics of foreign economic activity of regions in the context of Euroregional cooperation.

Materials and methods: In order to clarify theoretical concepts and identify similarities and differences in their definitions, the method of morphological analysis was adopted. This made it possible to systematize different options in terms of their characteristics and create new, hypothetically possible objects. Hence the research methods, of comparison, theoretical generalization and data systematization, etc. were applied.

Results: Some interpretations of the key definitions of the categories “foreign economic activity activation of the region”, “organizational and economic mechanism activation of foreign economic activity of the region in context of Euroregional cooperation” were worked out and methodical principles of analysis of foreign economic activity of the region were offered. Also, foreign economic activity diagnostics of regions in the context of Euroregional cooperation was carried out and interregional differences were defined. The results of the study can help derive recommendations for the introduction of foreign economic activity activation of the regions.

Conclusions: On the basis of the evaluation of Ukraine’s foreign economic activity in terms of exports, imports and the trade balance in 2010-2019, three periods were identified: 2010-2012 – before the crisis, 2013-2015 – economic crisis and its consequences, and 2016-2019 – the period after the crisis recovery and of unstable developmental trends. Significant interregional differentiation in the levels of the development of foreign economic activity of the regions of Ukraine was revealed. The leading regions in terms of foreign economic activity have proved to be Kyiv city, Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk regions.
Effectiveness of Selected Investment Strategies in the Opinion of Polish Individual Investors Depending on their Personal Preferences
Authors: Daniluk Katarzyna
Published: January 2021

Subject and purpose of work: The work aimed at identifying and characterising the interdependence between Polish investors’ personal preferences in investing and their opinion about the effectiveness of investment strategies. It was examined how the adopted investment horizon, the level of risk aversion and the time spent daily on investing impact the interviewees’ experiences and opinions on the effectiveness of investment strategies.

Materials and methods: As the survey method was employed, a questionnaire was sent to randomly selected Polish individual investors. The research material consisted of 652 questionnaire forms.

Results: The study showed a relevant dependence between Polish investors’ personal preferences and their opinions on the effectiveness of the particular strategies.

Conclusions: The interdependencies revealed in the study may be used by potential investors in the process of matching a strategy to individual needs so as to enhance the effectiveness of the choice. A higher awareness of the problem of matching an investment strategy to personal preferences will lead to improved effectiveness of capital allocation among Polish investors.
Forms of Cooperation of Medium Vocational Schools with the Local Environment, and the Quality of Education Based on the Example of the Ziemia Podlaska School Complex No. 4 in Bielsk Podlaski
Authors: Hryniewicki Bolesław
Published: January 2021

Subject and purpose of work: The subject of the study is the cooperation of secondary vocational schools (technical secondary schools) with institutions of the local environment and its impact on the improvement of the quality of education. The aim of the work is to identify the main results of the school’s cooperation with its immediate environment. An important element of the analysis is to find answers to several problematic questions, such as: What institutions and organizations do vocational schools cooperate with? What activities are undertaken in cooperation with institutions and organizations? What educational benefits do school students get from cooperation?

Materials and methods: The article uses a diagnostic survey method, an observation method, an inductive-deductive method, an interview and a literature review. The survey conducted among students and teachers of a selected secondary school made it possible to obtain information on the forms of cooperation with the local community and its impact on the processes taking place at school, in particular on the didactic and educational process.

Results: The school teaching staff members see the need for active cooperation with the local community because entities from the school’s environment can complement the didactic and educational activities. Therefore, numerous and varied forms of cooperation are undertaken, which, in the opinion of students, bring many benefits related to extending knowledge, improving professional skills and social competences.

Conclusions: The cooperation of the school with the local community leads to the improvement of the quality of education, both in the area of didactics and education, as well as modernization of the didactic base and promotion of the school. It is advisable to consciously shape the cooperation by the school management.
Agriculture Loans in Cooperative Banks of the Podlaskie Voivodeship
Authors: Łukaszuk Krzysztof
Published: January 2021

Subject and purpose of work:Running an agricultural activity requires acquiring funds necessary for its functioning and proper development. The most classic examples of financing agricultural activity include all kinds of bank loans used by farmers for the purchase of agricultural land, construction and modernization of buildings, the purchase of machinery and equipment, as well as the establishment of perennial plantations or the purchase of a herd. The aim of the study is to present the possibilities of financing agricultural activity by cooperative banks in the Podlaskie Voivodeship.

Materials and methods:The study used the method of observation and analysis of banking materials. The source of information was the data of cooperative banks, the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture and the Central Statistical Office.

Results:Over the centuries, cooperative banks have developed techniques, methods and practices in the field of agricultural lending. They have somehow specialized in this area and offer farmers a full range of commercial loans. They have also actively participated in the redistribution of funds under the implementation of the EU Common Agricultural Policy. for many years. Currently operating farms have access to many forms of financing (the most developed and available in banks, however, are loans) depending on their financial needs or planned investments.

Conclusions:Among many forms of foreign capital in agriculture, it is preferential loans that play a significant role as a stimulus to improve farm activities. Granting loans by cooperative banks is one of the basic tasks in their operations. Bank loans play an important role in changes taking place in agriculture. They generally do not violate the principles of market economy and financing rules, provided that the financial and credit policy takes into account the needs and limitations resulting from the current and forecast economic situation of farms.
Specialized Adhesive Pad of a Climbing Pteridosperm from Permian Peat-Forming Forest (Wuda, Inner Mongolia)
Authors: Wang Zhukun
Published: January 2021

Certain pteridosperm tendril adhesive pads are depicted from the Cathaysian flora of the Early Permian Taiyuan Formation of Wuda Coal-field in Inner Mongolia China. Specimens contain elliptical or rounded pads situating at the swollen tip of pinnule lobe tendrils which are highly comparable to those of the extant Parthenocissus tricuspidata in the way that both of them are similar in form and function. Specifically, information we have gained suggested that pteridosperms from the Permian might have performed a similar type of physiological process by producing some chemical substances which assisted them in climbing. The Wuda pteridosperm likely to climbed on Cordaites or Sigillaria trees. Moreover, physical principles such as the pressure difference between inside and outside of the pads also seems to play an important role in assisting climbing. The new finding indicates that some pteridosperms in the Permian Cathaysian flora possessed climbing growth habit as well as those in the Late Carboniferous Euramerica Flora, where climbing/scrambling growth habit is well known in the coal swamp forests. This finding shows one of the several earliest climbing habits in Cathaysia Flora and thus remarkably promotes our understanding of the growth habit of pteridosperm and the change in plant community structure in that area.
Serum Bilirubin Level Predicts Frontal QRS-T Angle Change in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Erdoğan Güney , Yenercağ Mustafa , Durmus Gündüz , Koprulu Diyar , Arslan Uğur
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The predictive role of serum bilirubin levels on the alteration of total ischemic burden expressed via frontal QRS-T angle change has never been studied in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum bilirubin levels and frontal QRS-T angle change after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ACS patients.

Methods: Frontal QRS-T angle change was accepted as positive or negative according to whether the value of the baseline frontal QRS-T angle minus the post PCI frontal QRS-T angle is positive or negative. A total of 314 consecutive patients with ACS who underwent PCI were divided into two groups based on their negative frontal QRS-T angle change (n = 152 patients) and positive frontal QRS-T angle change (n = 162 patients).

Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) (Odds ratio [OR]: 0.519, 95% CI: 0.373–0.724, p <0.001), total bilirubin (OR: 3.687, 95% CI: 1.151–8.095, p = 0.03), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (OR: 0.985, 95% CI: 0.970–1.000, p = 0.04) were independent predictors of positive QRS-T angle change. In receiver operating characteristics curve analysis, a cut-off value of 0.59 total bilirubin had a 69% sensitivity and a 65% specificity (area under curve: 0.739, p <0.001) for the prediction of positive QRS-T angle change.

Conclusion: In ACS patients, serum total bilirubin has been found to be a useful decision-making tool to predict positive frontal QRS-T angle change as a sign of reduced total ischemic burden, to assess early invasive strategy independently from other study parameters.
Critical Neonatal Congenital Heart Disease – a Rare Complication after Successful Surgical Correction
Authors: Şuteu Carmen Corina , Muntean Iolanda , Blesneac Cristina , Pop Marian , Togănel Rodica
Published: January 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but severe complication that should be investigated in patients diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries who have undergone neonatal arterial switch operation. Early diagnosis and aggressive combination therapy for PAH could help to improve survival in these patients. We report a favorable clinical response 6 months after the initiation of vasodilator therapy in a pediatric case with transposition of the great arteries, successfully repaired in the neonatal period, who developed pulmonary arterial hypertension at the age of 5 years.
Illicit Trade and Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
Authors: DiRienzo Cassandra E. , Das Jayoti
Published: January 2021

Research purpose. Growth of illicit trade has markedly increased and caused damage to a multitude of economic, socio-economic and environmental outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of Hofstede’s country cultural dimensions on the attitudes towards illicit trade and the political will to counter the crime across countries.

Design/Methodology/Approach. The 2018 Global Illicit Trade index published by the Economics Intelligence Unit for 62 countries is empirically analysed. Six hypotheses are built and tested across Hofstede’s six cultural dimensions.

Findings. The results indicate that countries that are culturally more individualistic, have greater uncertainty avoidance and have a stronger long-term orientation have a stronger structural capacity to protect against illicit trade on average.

Originality/Value/Practical implications. In reference to originality, the paper adds to the scarce research on the fight against global illicit trade and empirically explores the role that culture plays in driving the attitudes towards illicit trade and the political will to fight the crime. In reference to practical implications, anti-illicit policy initiatives are likely to be more challenging in collectivist countries with lower uncertainty avoidance and a short-term orientation. Policymakers need to tailor their anti-illicit trade efforts in these countries as these societies will not likely place the same value on countering illicit trade as the countries that are culturally more individualistic, have greater uncertainty avoidance and have a strong long-term orientation.
Access to Finance, Indigenous Technology and Food Security in Nigeria: Case Study of Ondo Central Senatorial District
Authors: Sharimakin Akinwumi , Dada James Temitope
Published: January 2021

Research purpose: Food security remains a major component of economic development. Many developing nations are facing challenges of food insecurity, which had contributed to starvation and other societal problems. With adequate food intake, human healthy living is assured. This study investigates the impact of access to formal finance and indigenous technology and knowledge on food security in Ondo central senatorial district in Ondo state, Nigeria.

Methodology: In total, 216 farmers were sampled, and data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire and focus interviews. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and logit estimation technique.

Findings: Descriptive statistics show that there are more male farmers (61.1%) than female counterparts (38.9%), with most of the farmers (42.7%) in their ages 56 years and above and with 51.9% having primary education. Majority of the farmers (65.7%) engage in arable crop farming, while 15.2 and 19.1% engage in cash crop and livestock farming, respectively. The econometric model reveals that age, income, gender, education, marital status, religion, family size, assets owned and distance are major determinants of a farmer’s decision on account ownership, savings and borrowing. Indigenous knowledge of soil fertility, disease-resistant and quickly-growing crops, food storage, local weather, water management, pest and diseases control are significant determinants of food security in Ondo central senatorial district. Likewise, account ownership, savings and borrowing from formal financial institutions are significant determinants of food security.

Practical implications: It is, therefore, important that efforts to ease access to formal financial services and improve indigenous technology to serve as complement to modern farming techniques to achieve food security be made a priority by government and private institutions.
Shevirat Ha-Kelim: Jewish Mysticism and the Catalan Matrix for Dialogue and Conflict
Authors: Macías Mario , Casanovas Pompeu , Zeleznikow John
Published: January 2021

Late Medieval anti-Jewish violence is a well-known phenomenon, but its origins and institutionalization are still blurred and enigmatic. In thirteenth and fourteenth century Catalonia, the denouement of the increasing popular hostility against the Jewry was particularly dramatic. The seeds of violence were the result of a long and complex process of social, theological and political interactions. In this contribution, we will discuss the intellectual matrix of medieval anti-Semitism in Catalonia and its relationship with the rising of scholastics and with the theoretical foundations of Catalan politics. We will also approach its counterpart: the Jewish response to collective suffering.
Alexandre Galí and the History of Institutions and the Cultural Movement in Catalonia
Authors: Monserrat Josep
Published: January 2021

In the historiography of Catalan culture, both the external continuity of the historiographical reflection and the internal discontinuity of such “reflections” are surprising. The History of institutions and the cultural movement in Catalonia (1900-1936) by Alexandre Galí is perhaps a good example of this.
Ex vitro Rooting, Acclimatization and Genetic Stability of Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica
Authors: Wojtania Agnieszka , Markiewicz Monika , Góraj-Koniarska Justyna
Published: January 2021

Ex vitro rooting and acclimatization of two cultivars ‘Wojtek’ and ‘Zojka’ of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica Sevast.) were studied. To the ex vitro conditions were transferred rooted and unrooted shoots. The post-effect of auxin type and concentration as well as microcutting and soil substrate types were tested. The genetic stability of the plantlets in relation to the mother plants by using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers has been also determined. It has been found that in vitro rooted cuttings of both cultivars showed a higher survival rate (max. 88%) and better growth and development when they were rooted on a medium containing a low auxin level (1.0 mg·dm−3). The results of the second experiment showed successful ex vitro rooting of blue honeysuckle shoots without auxin treatment. Higher ex vitro rooting and survival rate in the greenhouse have been observed for ‘Wojtek’ (max. 96%) than ‘Zojka’ (max. 88%). Better growth and development of shoots and roots were observed on peat alone or a mixture of peat and perlite as compared to a mixture of peat and sand. The micropropagated plantlets appeared similar to mother plants. Molecular analysis confirmed a high level of genetic stability of blue honeysuckle after 2 years of in vitro propagation. However, among the cultivars studied, ‘Wojtek’ showed slightly higher genetic stability than ‘Zojka’ (99.5% and 97.7%, respectively). For ‘Zojka’ plants, the degree of variation was comparable for AFLP and ISSR markers. For ‘Wojtek’, no polymorphism was detected using the ISSR analysis in contrast to the AFLP analysis.
Assessing MSMEs Growth Through Rosca Involvement Using Paired t-Test and One Sample Proportion Test
Authors: David Ikwuoche , Adubisi Obinna , Farouk Bilkisu , Adehi Mary
Published: January 2021

In this research work, rotating savings and credit association (ROSCA) effect on the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and identification of a factor supporting the continuity of ROSCAs is studied. A well-designed questionnaire with a reliability value of 0.957 was distributed to 400 entrepreneurs in Wukari through snowball sampling technique. After validity check, 368 valid questionnaires were used for the research. Firstly, a paired t-test was applied to know if entrepreneurs achieve significant positive growth in their business before and after 5 years of joining ROSCAs. At 5% level of significance, entrepreneurs achieved significant positive growth in their businesses 5 years and above of joining ROSCAs. Secondly, a one sample proportion Z-score test was used to identify the major factor responsible for ROSCAs continuity. At 5% significance level, flexibility was identified as the major factor responsible for ROSCAs. It was concluded based on the results obtained that ROSCAs has a significant positive effect on the growth of MSMEs and ROSCAs continuity towards MSMEs growth is due to its flexibility factor in terms of operations, disbursement, seeking loans and interest rate.
Cleavages and Government in Slovenia and Montenegro
Authors: Krašovec Alenka , Batrićević Nemanja
Published: January 2021

In this article we identify the factors that contribute to the formation and especially the durability/stability of governments in both Slovenia and Montenegro after they formally introduced multiparty systems and following their democratic transition, with a focus on the effect of cleavages and party system characteristics generally. Although these two polities share several important similarities (small size, common institutional setting during Yugoslav era, aspirations for membership in international organisations etc.), the nature of governments’ durability/stability in the democratic era entails distinct differences. While Montenegro stands out in post-socialist Europe as the only case where the ruling party has not been overthrown, Slovenia has been led by many governments composed of different political parties. While it seems that in neither country are the ideological characteristics of the governments able to explain their duration/stability to any important extent, it is obvious that the cleavage structure in the two countries has varied, as has the importance of particular cleavages.
Development Processes for Changing the Party System in Slovenia and Montenegro
Authors: Nacevska Elena , Stankov Nemanja
Published: January 2021

This paper explores differences in the party system development of two former Yugoslav republics: Slovenia and Montenegro. Despite sharing a communist institutional system, after that disintegrated Slovenia had a much faster pace of democratic consolidation and economic development than Montenegro. Similarly, the nature of the party competition and party system structure are also quite different. Using a quantitative and descriptive approach applied to the period between 1990 and 2018, we outline patterns of party competition and party system development and explore how they complement the stages of democratisation. We investigate how the comparatively faster democratisation in Slovenia is reflected in the competitive party system with a focus on the ideological divide as the chief source of electoral competition. In contrast, we look at how the prolonged transition in Montenegro is reflected in the closed party system with party competition occurring mainly along ethnic lines.
The organisational development of interest groups in Montenegro and Slovenia: Do they contribute to more inclusive democracy?
Authors: Novak Meta , Komar Olivera
Published: January 2021

Despite the joint history of Montenegro and Slovenia as republics of the former Yugoslavia, the development of the interest groups system has been different in these countries. While in Slovenia, these groups started to develop from the 19th century, in Montenegro the interest groups system was almost non-existent in the pre-socialist period with only a few participative elements, such as the use of tribal assemblies. Socialism did not support associational life, since most of the organizations that were founded at the time were under some form of government control. As a consequence, the interest groups system in Slovenia shrank during socialist rule, while in Montenegro it remained at the same level. During the 1980s and after the collapse of the socialist regime the interest group system in Montenegro finally starts to develop, being heavily influenced by international donor and assistance programmes, while in Slovenia the system had a new opportunity to flourish. In this article we are in particularly interested in how the interest group system contributes to the quality of democracy. Although Montenegrin interest groups have been a tool of influence and democratisation primarily on behalf of the international community, their internal democracy is less sophisticated than is the case in Slovenia. The results show that the origin of the interest groups system and the distinct histories of the specific political cultures seem to be embedded in the functioning of contemporary interest groups. This in turn, determines the strength or weakness of these groups in facing the challenges of de-democratisation.