bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE IMPACT OF STUDENT BLOGS ON THEIR PROFESSIONAL AND SOCIAL COMPETENCIES
Authors: Khoroshilova Svetlana , Kostina Ekaterina
Published: November 2020

In digital era technology is constantly reshaping our future and creates new demands for educators to bridge the gap between old school methodology and digitally-oriented professional landscape. Digital natives, who are flooding our universities at the moment, can’t imagine their lives without mobile phones and social networks. The question that naturally arises is why not to use these ICT advances in and out of the classroom in order to enhance learners’ outcomes in both hard and soft skills? The paper presents the study which evaluates the impact of tertiary-level student blogs in English on the development of their professional and social competences from the students’ perspective. The research questions were: 1) to investigate the students’ experience with running an educational blog; 2) to evaluate the impact of a student educational blog in Public Speaking Course on students’ foreign language proficiency level perceived by language learners themselves; 3) to assess the students’ beliefs and evaluations of the development of their soft skills due to the blogging technology interwoven into the academic process in Public Speaking Course at the university. The method employed in the current research was a questionnaire study to find out learners’ opinions about the impact of students’ blogs on their professional and social competences. The experiment was conducted at Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University (Russia) in which two study groups participated with the total of 32 students. The participants as part of their Public Speaking course had to run a multi-media educational blog in the English language as a portfolio of their progress in this discipline. The questionnaire included demographic questions and research questions. Research questions addressed the respondents’ experience with blogs, their attitudes to blogging, and the perceived impact of blogging technology on their foreign language proficiency level and soft skills. The results of the study showed that most participants were interested in having more experience with both professional and personal blogs in the future and gave high ranking to the impact of such blogs on their foreign language acquisition. The research confirmed our hypothesis that students’ multimedia blogs in the target language would have a positive impact on students’ professional as well as social competences and would enhance their motivation and participation rates.
STUDY ON THE EVALUATION OF ORAL REHABILITATION USING DENTAL IMPLANT BY QANTIFYING OSTEOPROTEGERIN AND INTERLEUKIN
Authors: Badea Florin Ciprian , Sachir Erdogan Elvis , Raftu Gheorghe , Badea Victoria , Grigorian Mircea
Published: November 2020

Partial and total edentation has been a real problem worldwide and at all times. The realization of an individualized treatment plan for each form of edentation takes into account the particularities of the edentulous prosthetic field and the materials used as well as the conventional or modern techniques applied. The study group consisted of 220 patients in whom dental implants were inserted; the control group was randomized from 10 patients with a favorable evolution out of the 210 (94.55%). At 7 and 60 days after the insertion of the dental implants and 6 months after their prosthetic loading, crevicular fluid and peri-implant fluid was harvested, for the quantitative determination of Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Interleukin 1β (IL1-β). Of the 220 patients studied, 10 developed peri implantitis (5.45%) as follows: 4 patients with mucositis and 6 patients with severe form. The results obtained show that there are differences with statistical significance between the OPG values obtained in crevicular fluid in healthy compared to patients with mucositis after 7 days (p <0.001). Regarding IL1-β, there are differences with high statistical significance between the levels in healthy patients and those with peri-implantitis after 7 days (p <0.001). Our results show the existence of a high correlation between the clinical status and these two parameters, especially after the determinations performed at 7 and 60 days. In conclusions, the present study shows that the OPG and IL1-β can be considered useful markers in the evaluation of the patient after the insertion of the dental implant and after its prosthetic loading.
ASSESSMENT OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT PERCEPTION UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF COVID-19: THE CASE OF LATVIA
Authors: Zvirbule Andra , Grinberga-Zalite Gunta , Muska Aina
Published: November 2020

Not only macroeconomic growth scenarios and forecasts but also business environment assessments and development forecasts have changed as a result of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the forecasts are based on objective data on the performance of economic sectors; however, some of them are based on business perceptions or business sentiment assessments. There is no doubt that these perceptions and business sentiment assessments differ within business sectors and according to size of the company, regional location and type of business. The aim of the research is to identify and provide an assessment of the business environment development perceptions in the COVID-19 situation in Latvia and compare them with business sentiment assessments from other countries. Specific tasks of the research: to collect information on business environment changes in Latvia in the COVID-19 situation; to compile business perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on the business environment in the world and in Latvia; to identify the perceptions of the business environment in the most important business sectors in Latvia. Methods: monographic, data grouping, logical construction and mathematical and statistical analysis. The research identified business environment changes in business sectors in Latvia under COVID-19’s influence and business perceptions of the impact of COVID-19 on the business environment for the next 6 months. Based on the research, the authors have drawn conclusions about the future development of the business environment and have identified the sectors that will be negatively affected by the COVID-19 crisis in the coming months.
FOSTERING RESILIENCE IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE 2015 EUROPEAN NEIGHBORHOOD POLICY REVIEW׃ EVIDENCE FROM JORDAN
Authors: Lina Al Eassa
Published: November 2020

Resilience has become a priority for the EU in its 2015 European Neighborhood Policy review (ENP), It refers to building state and societal resilience of the Union as a whole, its members and the EU׳s neighbors including Jordan, a strategic southern partner of the EU. In this regard, the EU Building resilience in Jordan in response for crises as the Syrian refugee crisis seems workable but the EU needs to foster it. Thus, this paper’s question is How can the EU foster resilience after it has become a priority in its 2015 (ENP) review in case of Jordan? While many scholars like David Chandler argues that the EU could foster resilience in its neighboring countries by making it a local self-governing project and not an external imposed project where the EU has the mission of monitoring and assessment, in this paper, based on document analysis from official websites for the EU and Jordan including their official bilateral and multilateral agreements and textual analysis of the current literature on building resilience I argue that fostering resilience requires both presenting resilience as a self-governing project with a greater engagement of the Jordanian government, local community and its civil society, at the same time , it needs a better mechanism for the EU in monitoring and assessment, and more importantly helping Jordan to establish the best institutional design that could foster state and societal resilience in Jordan.
Effect Of Corn Straw Fermentation Time (Zea mays L) Using Aspergillus niger On Nutritional Concept
Authors: Kurniawan Dicky , Sukaryani Sri , Yakin Engkus Ainul
Published: November 2020

This study aims to determine the optimal time of fermentation using Aspergillus niger on the pH value, dissolved protein and levels of ash content corn straw. The design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) of unidirectional pattern consisting of 4 treatments repeated 3 times namely P0 : corn straw fermented with Aspergillus niger for 0 days, P1 : corn straw fermented with Aspergillus niger for 4 days, P2 : fermented corn straw with Aspergillus niger for 8 days, P3 : corn straw fermented with Aspergillus niger for 12 days. The parameters observed were pH value, dissolved protein and ash content. The results showed that corn straw fermented with Aspergillus niger had a very significant effect (P <0.01) on the pH value, dissolved protein content and ash content. Corn straw fermentation using Aspergillus niger for 0 - 12 days has a very significant effect on the pH value, dissolved protein content and ash content (P <0.01). The average pH value of the treatment  P0: 5,00, P1: 6,13, P2: 6,51, P3: 6,84 The average value of dissolved protein content in the treatment P0: 27,09%, P1: 33,31%, P2: 24,14%, P3: 25,51%. The average value of ash content in the P0: 8,91%, P1: 11,34%, P2: 10,06%, P3: 9,22%,  As well as the optimal time achieved in fermentation for 4 days for dissolved protein content and ash content.  Keywords: Corn straw, Aspergillus niger, Fermentation, pH value, Dissolved protein content, Ash content
A Study on the Validity of the Grammar Fill-in-the-blank Questions of the National English Paper for College Entrance Examination in 2020
Authors: Li Shasha
Published: November 2020

Grammar fill-in-the-blank is different from previous single-choice questions. It uses text as a carrier to test students’ English ability, instead of traditional multiple-choice questions. However, is it better than the single-choice test? Is it effective? Taking the grammar filling-in-the-blank questions of the 2020 National College Entrance Examination Papers 1, 2 and 3 as the research object, starting from the grammar filling-in-the-blank, combined with the students’ expected answers, this article conducts an analysis and investigation. The results show that grammar fill-in-the-blank questions are highly effective, which can examine students’ grammatical ability.. However, some test points are still limited to the level of words or phrases, so the discourse function is not fully utilized. In this regard, the author puts forward specific suggestions for improvement.
Цивільно-військові відносини та деякі особливості демократичного цивільного контролю над силами оборони України
Authors: Бринцев В. В. , Гулак Ю. С.
Published: November 2020

У статті на основі аналізу системи цивільно-військових відносин в Україні та демократичного цивільного контролю над силами оборони, передусім над Збройними Силами України, розглядаються особливості цивільного контролю в умовах правового режиму воєнного стану та напрями подальшого вдосконалення цивільного контролю над силами оборони в Україні.
The sci-tech library as an element of the institutional knowledge management system
Authors:   N. L. Dukhov All-Russia Research Institute of Automatics, Zhmailo Svetlana , Ulyanin Oleg ,   N. L. Dukhov All-Russia Research Institute of Automatics
Published: November 2020

The possibility for integrating the sci-tech library into the institutional knowledge management system is examined. The structure, functions and prospects for the sci-tech library within such system are discussed.
Bibliolaboratory to educate librarians of the future
Authors:   Central Library of the M. Lermontov Interdistrict Centralized Library System, Kakhidze Irma
Published: November 2020

Bibliolaboratory is a learning conference for efficient librarians all over Russia and the near abroad countries. Its mission is to unite the young professionals for them to exchange new ideas, experience and inspiration. Every year, for three days, the Bibliolaboratory provides the site to discuss acute problems, get participants acquainted with the latest library projects, and to find inspiring ideas and partners for further development.
Working with digital publications: Problems and solutions
Authors:   Institute of Computational Modeling of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kovyazina Elena
Published: November 2020

The full-text archive of employee publications at a research center enables to keep record of the publications and to promote them, as well as to ensure openness of research results for the global community. However, digital documents have a number of specific qualities as compared to traditional printed documents. An attempt is made to define the problems of linking and content integrity of digital documents and to find possible solutions.
Library and information services for visually impaired people in the national region
Authors:   Bashkir Republican Special Library for the Blind, Kucherbaeva Irina
Published: November 2020

The library services for the visually impaired people in the national region are discussed. Bashkir Republican Special Library for the Blind contributes to the dialog of different cultures in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The focus is made on building the unique collection in the native Republican languages that is available for the visually impaired users. The recent practical project experience of the Library is generalized.
Databases of stock-keeping units: Automation of hosting and maintenance processes
Authors:   ISTA-Tekhnika, Slobodskoy Daniil
Published: November 2020

The productivity software solutions for remote managing movable electrical racks from tablets, laptop or PC and maintaining the unit database are discussed.
The libraries: The transformation formula
Authors:   Moscow State Institute of Culture, Stepanov Vadim
Published: November 2020

Methods and approaches to transforming traditional libraries focused on the collections, to the new type of libraries to be focused on comprehensive facilitation of user intellectual and creative activities and, correspondingly, on advancement of the society being served, are discussed. The author argues that the key principle for the regenerated libraries would be users’ intensive participation in their content development, with the projects as the key method, number of users participating in intellectual and creative activities as the main criteria; and the libraries’ transforming into the community development center as the principal result of this transformation.
Animation studio at the Children’s Library stimulates reading and love for books
Authors:   Central Children’s Library of the Municipal Libraries Group, Khorosheva Nina
Published: November 2020

The animation studio BiarmFilm of Perm Central Children’s Library is described. The main creative achievements based on interpretation of literary works are demonstrated; the role of reading in building teenagers’ media and information competences is emphasized.
GOSTs (national standards) to support innovative activities: Application in libraries
Authors:   Russian State Library, Guseva Evgenia
Published: November 2020

Implementation of several national standards (GOSTs) to regulate innovative activities is discussed. These standards will have a positive impact on the innovative development of libraries and other organizations in the socio-cultural sphere.
Towards Remediation of Indonesian New Fine Arts
Authors: Iswahyudi
Published: November 2020

Modern Indonesian painting mainly developed from the situation of the Dutch East Indies and Mooi-Indie art that was dominant at that time. The independence of the Republic of Indonesia became a very important milestone in the development of modern Indonesian painting. This is inseparable from the occurrence of a high dynamics and change through various political regimes in power starting from the leadership of Sukarno, Suharto and subsequent presidents. Each of these political regimes also played an important role in the development of modern art that occurred so as to bring out its own characteristics. Until the early 1990s, talking about art was something that seemed synonymous with painting. Although works of art with a combination of mediums have been included in exhibitions since the 1970s, but works in the form of paintings are still very dominant, even in some writings on art the imaginary boundary between painting and other art is discussed explicitly, but the term "Painting" is usually interchangeable with the term "fine art". The development of art that has become increasingly hybrid has helped to shape the climate and new audience, affirming real ideas that are at odds with painting that has already been established. Being different from established art knowledge, hybrid art agents become newcomers who find a place in the struggle in the realm of Indonesian art. Western characters which are an important consideration for painters become subject to change in the fourth phase. This change is caused by a variety of things, including the emphasis on the use of traditional forms, symbolic and decorative, because as a reaction to the political situation. Since 1942-1965, Indonesians have produced more figurative art. The pioneers in this field are artists who when abroad are like in the United States, Europe, and Japan already acquainted with traditional non-Western art in the arena of modern and international circuits.
Preferences toward Oral Corrective Feedback in EFL classrooms at ESPOCH
Authors: Aguilera Leyva Maikel
Published: November 2020

La Retroalimentación Correctiva Oral (ROC) se considera una herramienta clave para mejorar las habilidades de los estudiantes en las aulas de inglés como lengua extranjera en todo el mundo. Por lo tanto, es importante identificar de qué manera los estudiantes prefieren ser corregidos, así como la forma en que los profesores prefieren corregir los errores de los estudiantes. En este contexto, se pueden aplicar técnicas más precisas en el aula para mejorar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar las preferencias hacia la Retroalimentación Oral Correctiva en las aulas de inglés como lengua extranjera en la ESPOCH. Los métodos cualitativos-cuantitativos se emplean en este estudio, considerando también los aspectos descriptivos, analíticos y correlativos de la investigación. Los resultados revelan que tanto los estudiantes como los profesores creen que la Retroalimentación Oral Correctiva es necesaria y efectiva. Asimismo, estudiantes y profesores coinciden en que la ROC debe darse después de que el estudiante haya terminado su participación. Además, los errores de contenido y forma deben ser corregidos de acuerdo con los puntos de vista de los estudiantes y profesores. Además, la reformulación y repetición del error fueron elegidos por los alumnos y los profesores como los tipos favoritos de ROC. En consecuencia, se recomienda seguir utilizando la ROC como herramienta para mejorar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje del inglés. Además, los profesores deberían ofrecer la ROC con una actitud positiva y respetuosa hacia los estudiantes. Además, es aconsejable favorecer la reformulación y repetición del error sobre otros tipos de ROC.
EVALUASI PROGRAM PENGENDALIAN TUBERCULOSIS DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS (Studi di Kota Ambon)
Authors: Parera Lodri , Hadisaputro Suharyo , Lukmono Djoko Tri Hadi
Published: November 2020

The TB control program has been carried out at each publich health centers in Ambon city. But the decrease in the number of new and old cases is not sufficiently accelerated according to the target, there are still high TB cases and there are also differences or disparities in the number of case detection rates between puskesmas and case detection The highest rate is among the puskesmas with the lowest CDR. This study aims to control tuberculosis in the working area of the health center. The type of research used in this research is descriptive analytic research using an observational approach supported by qualitative research. The sample is the program and also the TB laboratory staff at the Ambon City publich health centers, the holder of 44 respondents. Descriptive data analysis with the results described in narrative form then compared the level of case data. The results showed that the case finding program and treatment of TB patients as well as health promotion were carried out by 100% of the respondents. The TB sputum examination program was well implemented by 18 (81.8%) TB laboratory staff respondents. This is related to suspects that do not return the sputum pot. Program TB officers or laboratory workers have multiple jobs, as well as demographic conditions that are far away and difficult to reach by vehicle. Selection of places for TB promotion activities and health centers that are far from where the community lives. Laboratory conditions that should be separate and small for TB. Laboratory staff receive poor quality sputum provided by program holders. The TB control program is carried out and has been running well, but there are several conveniences that the sputum pot cannot return, demographics, treatment at other health facilities, inadequate space and not good enough sputum quality.
EFEK PEMBERIAN BUAH PISANG PADA PENURUNAN KELELAHAN KERJA BAGI PEKERJA DI BAGIAN PELINTINGAN ROKOK
Authors: Mashuri Yusuf Ari , Sweetry Zara Offia , Sjarifah Ipop
Published: November 2020

Manual rolling work can cause work fatigue due to high job targets. Banana (Musa sapientum) contains natural sugars such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose as a source of energy. Work fatigue can be overcome with energy supplementation such as banana. This study aimed to determine the effect of banana supplementation on the level of work fatigue of cigarette manual rolling workers in X factory Karanganyar. This research was a quasi-experimental, with a one-shot case study design. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling, A total of 54 workers was randomly recruited as the sample. The independent variable of this study was banana (Musa sapientum), while the dependent variable was work fatigue. The Wilcoxon test was used to analyze the data. The Wilcoxon test showed that there was a significant difference between work fatigue before and after the banana supplementation to the cigarette manual rolling worker of X factory Karanganyar (p-value = 0.000). Thus, Banana (Musa sapientum) can be given as a food supplement to overcome the work fatigue problems in manual rolling workers.
GAMBARAN TANDA INFEKSI LOKAL LUKA POST SIRKUMSISI PADA USIA DEWASA DI KLINIK RATANCA MALANG
Authors: Ardiyani Vita Maryah , Sutriningsih Ani , Supriyadi Supriyadi
Published: November 2020

Khitan or sirkumsisi is the act of cutting or completely wash out most cover foreskin of the penis based health reasons, culture or religious belief . The act of sirkumsisi going to leave scar tissue that need attention the handling and so does not carry infection. The Research aimed to identify marks infection of local injuries post sirkumsisi among those persons sirkumsisi in adult at ratanca malang clinic .The research uses observational descriptive design .The population all participants who register as many as 20 sirkumsisi operation of a person taken in total the sampling method .Variable free consisting of pain , reddish , heat , swollen , and the existence of the pus to wounds post sirkumsisi 3rd day .Data analyzed a sort of descriptive set .The results of the study or the sign of a local infection consisting of a reddish (95%) , pain (95%) , heat (85%), swollen (85%), and the absence of pus (80%) in about wound post sirkumsisi . Further Research said must be implemented to observe sirkumsisi wound among respondents adults in a longer period of time and measuring factors influencing the healing of injured sirkumsi.
EFEKTIVITAS PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE PAIR AND CHECK DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA
Authors: Novianti Desy , Sulistiani Ika Ratih
Published: November 2020

This article is to obtain results from the application of the Pair and Check type of cooperative learning model in Mathematics subject matter number factorization material in class IV MIN 1 Pasuruan. Researchers use quantitative methods with quasi-type experiment using Pretest and Posttest. The sample used in the study was class IV C students as the experiment class and IV D as the control class which was also a superior class with a total of 25 students and 23 students so that the total sample was 48. Data collection was conducted by holding Pretest and Posttest. The data analysis technique that the research uses is the z test. In the z test results there are significant differences between the control class and the experiment class. At the pretest the average learning outcomes of students in the control class were 47.65 and in the experiment class the average student learning outcomes were 40.8. while the posttest obtained an average of 70.36 in the control class and 81.83 in the experiment class. So that it can be concluded based on the results of these studies that there is influence when applied the type of cooperative learning model Pair and Check in the content of Mathematics study material number factorization in class IV MIN 1 Pasuruan.
Spatiotemporal Cellular Networks Maintain Immune Homeostasis in the Lung
Authors: Borger Jessica
Published: November 2020

A dynamic and intricately connected tissue-resident immune cell network continuously monitors the lungs, which are incessantly subjected to external environmental insults. The lungs are protected by the respiratory epithelium, which not only serves as a physical barrier through mucociliary mechanisms, but also a reactive one that can release cytokines, chemokines, and other defence proteins in response to danger signals. In the maintenance of pulmonary homeostasis in health, the lung-resident immune cell network instructs tolerance to innocuous particulates and can rapidly and efficiently drive immunity and memory to pathogenic antigens. This review examines the spatiotemporal dynamics that underlie the exquisite network of highly specialised immune cells and their mediators in the support of pulmonary tissue homeostasis and effective lung immunity in health. In particular, this review examines the specialised immune cells that reside in distinct populations within the diverse compartments of the lung, and the molecular signals that retain and recruit lung-resident immune cells, to further our understanding of how these can be targeted therapeutically to return inflamed or diseased lungs to homeostasis.
The Impact of the Third Wave of COVID 19 in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Carvalho-Louro Daniela Mariano
Published: November 2020

In the practical clinical of Hepatology, the focus of daily life has been the treatment of patients with severe liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Of all the liver diseases responsible for cirrhosis development, hepatitis C had made the most treatment progress. In a few years, it evolved from drugs with low efficacy and many side effects to highly safe medications with high cure rates.
Core gene identification using gene expression
Authors:   , Claringbould Annique
Published: November 2020

While humans share most of their genetic code with one another, small differences in the DNA can have an impact on an individual’s risk of disease. Common genetic variants exert individually small effects on the development of a disease, but their combined impact is substantial. Although recent research has identified thousands of variants that are associated to complex traits, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that eventually lead to disease is limited. One way to dive into the molecular changes that result from genetic variation, is to look at changes in gene activity (‘gene expression’). Each cell contains the same genetic code, but genes are only expressed when and where they are required. Research has shown that many disease-associated genetic variants also affect gene expression. Such a change in the expression of a gene can lead to an altered level of the protein it encodes, which in turn can be the start of a dysregulation in the system that can eventually develop into a disease. This thesis describes how gene expression patterns can be used to prioritise and describe the function of trait-relevant genes. The first chapters evaluate methodological considerations for doing gene expression research. Another study covers the systematic linking of genetic variation to gene expression in blood and the last research chapter describes a method for gene prioritisation that leverages the idea that multiple genetic variants converge onto disease-causing genes. These insights can be used to better understand disease and to identify potential drug targets.
The Judicial Power of Africa's Supranational Courts: Introduction
Authors: Fahner Johannes Hendrik
Published: November 2020

Africa is home to a high number of international courts exercising supranational jurisdiction in diverse fields of law, including human rights and economic integration. This Special Issue discusses the judicial power of these institutions, analysing whether and how they are able to exercise effective review. The Special Issue also inquires into how the courts envisage their own role and whether they adopt approaches of activism or restraint. It is concluded that activist approaches have bolstered the authority of some of Africa's supranational courts, but resulted in backlashes in others, and that the involvement of civil society organisations is a crucial factor in this regard.
The Makings of Remedies: The (R)evolution of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights' Remedies Regime in Fair Trial Cases
Authors: Plagis Misha Ariana
Published: November 2020

Human rights systems are often assessed on the substantive rights they provide rather than the remedies available when those rights are violated. This article traces the developments of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ remedies regime in fair trial cases between 2015 and 2018. Three typologies are identified and further analysed in light of the remedies regimes of other regional human rights systems. Although the African Court initially relied on the Inter-American system, adapting its approach over time, it remains to be seen in which direction the (r)evolution of the African Court's remedies will go next.
The Puzzling Paradox Presented within the African Supranational Judicial Institutions: The ECOWAS Court of Justice
Authors: Ibrahim Kehinde
Published: November 2020

The judgments of the ECOWAS Court, which are final and immediately binding, are vital for the realisation of ECOWAS aims and objectives. The enforcement of its judgments is particularly important in the case of individuals whose enjoyment of fundamental human rights, as guaranteed under the ECOWAS Community laws, is dependent on effective enforcement. Yet, an existential puzzling paradox emanates through a poor record in the implementation of the ECOWAS Court's judgments. This problem, which is not limited to the West African region deserves scrutiny and concrete proposals. Legal and political considerations surface in assessing the existence of this paradox, and despite the lack of a consistent political will, to implement the decisions of ECOWAS Court relevant judicial actors have roles to play. National courts could take a bolder approach in complementing the work of the ECOWAS Court. The ECOWAS Court itself could put in place concrete mechanisms and adopt certain practices to address this poor record of non-implementation. It is yet to be seen how substantive mechanisms would work in practice.
Problem of interpreting results of determination of IgG to measles virus by enzyme immunoassay
Authors: Ereshchenko A. A. , Gusyakova O. A. , Murskiy S. I. , Khaliulin A. V. , Gabrilchak A. I. , Nikitina T. R.
Published: November 2020

Laboratory information is an important tool for determining indications for preventive measures and evaluating their effectiveness in healthy individuals. In the instructions for some test-systems for IgG to measles virus, the results of the study are interpreted on the basis of analytical characteristics of the reagents and have no connection with the determination of this indicator in the reference group. At the moment, there is no document setting the protective level of anti-measles Ig G. The aim of the study is to establish reference values of IgG to measles virus by immunoenzyme analysis for health care professionals. The reference group was formed of 299 people and divided into two subgroups: older and under 44 years of age. Reference intervals were calculated according to the CLSI C 28-A3 protocol. The set reference intervals were different from the manufacturer’s stated values. The question arises as to whether the values established by the manufacturer, based on the analytical characteristics of a particular test system, should be used when identifying risk groups of persons with a low level of immunity.
The business implications of climate change – taking a risk management approach to manage the unknown
Authors: Morris James
Published: November 2020

The largest wildfires recorded in the Western US, record high temperatures in Siberia, melting ice-sheets - climate change is the most complex risks facing society presently and a risk we can no longer avoid. We must learn to live with the impacts that are already here, while simultaneously reducing GHG emissions to avoid further deterioration. For businesses, the impacts of climate change mean a need to implement risk management responses to properly manage the physical, transition and legal impacts, but also to identify the potential business opportunities that early adaption may present.
Insight at Rockbottom
Authors: Schaefer Barbara
Published: November 2020

Based on autoethnographic research, presented after peer-review (Prof Mark Morelli, one of the world experts on this philosopher's work, at the Bernard Lonergan Symposium at Loyola Marymount University in 2003. The author explores expansion or deepening of consciousness through crisis - its understanding aided by the conceptualisation through existential psychiatrists Jacob Levy Moreno and his student Grete Leutz.
Process Optimization for Extraction of Polyphenols from Avocado Seeds (Persea americana Mill.) Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Hau Tan Vo , Tha Thi Nguyen , Vinh -Nghi Kim Ho
Published: November 2020

At the present time, polyphenolic compounds have attracted great interest due to their roles in the prevention of degenerative diseases and have used as the input material for manufacturing functional foods, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. Previous researches have revealed the avocado seed is rich source of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities; which they could be used as a source of potent natural ingredients and additives. In this study, extraction factors of polyphenols were optimized for recovery yield by using response surface methodology and the obtained polyphenol rich solution was encapsulated with different coating agents (Maltodextrin-MD and Gum Arabic-GA) as well as their mixtures. A Box-behnken design was used to investigate the effects of three independent variables including ethanol concentration (X1:35-65%, v/v), solvent to solid ratio (X2:8-12, v/w) and extraction time (X3:1.0-3.0 h). The result shown that the optimized extraction conditions were using ethanol concentration of 40% (v/v), ratio of solvent to solid at 12:1 and extraction time of 1.5 h. Under the conditions, the experimental recovery yield of polyphenols is 83.1% which is well matched with the predicted yield of 82.5%. Micro particle prepared by 20:80 of MD:GA ratio as coating agent can be selected for encapsulation of the polyphenolic compounds.
Occurrence and Dietary Exposure of Adult Population to Phthalates in Hong Kong
Authors: Stephen WC Chung , Jason SY Lau
Published: November 2020

This study aimed (1) to determine the levels of seven phthalates including Di-Ethyl Phthalate (DEP), Di-n-Butyl Phthalate (DnBP), Butyl Benzyl Phthalate (BBzP), Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP), Di-n-Octyl Phthalate (DnOP), Di-isononyl Phthalate (DiNP) and Di-isodecyl Phthalate (DiDP) in selected foods that are commonly consumed in Hong Kong as well as foods those are reported to be adulterated with phthalates; (2) to estimate the dietary exposure to phthalates of the Hong Kong adult populations at territory-wide scale; and (3) to assess the health risk associated with the exposure. Total Diet Study (TDS) approach was used to assess the associated health risk to the local people. Among the seven phthalates examined, DEHP was the most commonly detected phthalate, followed by DiNP, DnBP, BBzP, DiDP, DEP and DnOP. The maximum detected levels were found to be 23, 43, 93, 560, 3,500, 3,800 and 7,900 µg kg-1 for DnOP, DEP, BBzP, DnBP, DEHP, DiDP and DiNP respectively. It is believed that elevated levels of phthalates detected in isolated samples were more related to chemical nature of the food substrates. Food contact materials used in food manufacturing and packaging may also explain the situation. This study estimated that the dietary exposures to seven phthalates analyzed in the average adult consumer population ranged from a low of 0.098 μgkg-bw-1 day-1 for DnOP (upper bound) to a high of 4.8 μgkg-bw-1 day-1 in the case of DiNP. The exposure to both average and high consumers (95th percentile, or P95) of the adult populations were well within the corresponding Health-Based Guidance Values (HBGVs) for individual phthalate (maximum 13% of HBGVs). Furthermore, no age-sex population sub-group exceeded their respective HBGVs. The findings indicate that dietary exposures to seven phthalates analyzed in this study were unlikely to pose an unacceptable health risk to the Hong Kong population. The food group cereal and its products was the major contributor for DnBP, BBzP, DEHP, DnOP and DiNP dietary exposure, while non-alcoholic drinks and poultry were the major contributors for DEPs and DiDPs, respectively.
NiFeRu Layered Double Hydroxide and Its Derivatives Supported on Graphite Foam as Binder-Free Cathode for Nonaqueous Li-O2 Batteries
Authors: Song Ming , Tan Hua , Tian Lin , Li Jing , Xu Yan , Shi Liluo , Sun Limei , Zhuang Wenchang , Du Xihua
Published: November 2020

Li-O2 batteries (LOBs) generally referred as Li-air batteries (LABs) potentially have a high specific capacity among all kinds of metal-ion batteries. However, it suffers severely from sluggish discharge/charge kinetics. A binder-free integrated cathode is fabricated which contains NiFeRu layered double hydroxide (NiFeRu LDH) nanosheets grown on a 3D conductive graphite foam (NiFeRu LDH@GF) in this work. This integrated 3D cathode exhibits a specific capacity of 3,085 mAh g−1 and a cycle life of 46. The electrochemical performances of NiFeRu LDH derived metal oxides (DMO@GF) by calcining NiFeRu LDH@GF at 350°C, 450°C, and 550°C are also been investigated. The 450°C obtained DMO@GF (450-DMO@GF) exhibits the highest catalytic activity for oxygen reduction/evolution reaction. The unique floccule-like and cross-connected structure of the 450-DMO@GF and its low charge transfer resistance are responsible for the outstanding electrochemical performance.
Gamma Tocotrienol Protects Mice From Targeted Thoracic Radiation Injury
Authors: Kumar Vidya P. , Stone Sasha , Biswas Shukla , Sharma Neel , Ghosh Sanchita P.
Published: November 2020

Radiation injury will result in multiorgan dysfuntion leading to multiorgan failure. In addition to many factors such as radiation dose, dose rate, the severity of the injury will also depend on organ systems which are exposed. Here, we report the protective property of gamma tocotrienol (GT3) in total as well as partial body irradiation (PBI) model in C3H/HeN male mice. We have carried out PBI by targeting thoracic region (lung-PBI) using Small Animal Radiation Research Platform, an X-ray irradiator with capabilities of an image guided irradiation with a variable collimator with minimized exposure to non-targeted tissues and organs. Precise and accurate irradiation of lungs was carried out at either 14 or 16 Gy at an approximate dose rate of 2.6 Gy/min. Though a low throughput model, it is amenable to change the field size on the spot. No damage to other non-targeted organs was observed in histopathological evaluation. There was no significant change in peripheral blood counts of irradiated mice in comparison to naïve mice. Femoral bone marrow cells had no damage in irradiated mice. As expected, damage to the targeted tissue was observed in the histopathological evaluation and non-targeted tissue was found normal. Regeneration and increase of cellularity and megakaryocytes on GT3 treatment was compared to significant loss of cellularity in saline group. Peak alveolitis was observed on day 14 post-PBI and protection from alveolitis by GT3 was noted. In irradiated lung tissue, thirty proteins were found to be differentially expressed but modulated by GT3 to reverse the effects of irradiation. We propose that possible mode of action of GT3 could be Angiopoietin 2-Tie2 pathway leading to AKT/ERK pathways resulting in disruption in cell survival/angiogenesis.
Getting Through COVID-19: The Pandemic’s Impact on the Psychology of Sustainability, Quality of Life, and the Global Economy – A Systematic Review
Authors: El Keshky Mogeda El Sayed , Basyouni Sawzan Sadaqa , Al Sabban Abeer Mohammad
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic may affect the world severely in terms of quality of life, political, environmental, and economic sustainable development, and the global economy. Its impact is attested to by the number of research studies on it. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the psychology of sustainability (quality of life), on sustainable development, and on the global economy. A computerized literature search was performed, and journal articles from authentic sources were extracted, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Emerald Insight. The references in selected articles were screened to identify any relevant studies. The following inclusion criteria were followed: research articles based on the COVID-19 pandemic, and articles, research papers, journals, and news articles published 2010 to 2020. The exclusion criteria were as follow: psychology research, articles, and journals published before 2010 and research articles having no link with the current pandemic’s impact on the psychology of sustainability, quality of life, and the global economy. Of the initial 350 articles identified, only 61 studies were found to be relevant and meet the inclusion criteria. Based on these articles, the review highlights that compared to developed countries, the developing nations and poor nations such as African countries with compromised health structures have been greatly affected. There are close associations between health, economic, environmental, and political issues globally. The pandemic can be managed if we follow new policies that implement economic and public health changes worldwide. A planned, coordinated approach between the public-private sector is required, designed according to each country’s health system and economy. We can come out of this crisis if we work together and support both developed and developing nations.
A Deep Gaussian Process-Based Flight Trajectory Prediction Approach and Its Application on Conflict Detection
Authors: Chen Zhengmao , Guo Dongyue , Lin Yi
Published: November 2020

In this work, a deep Gaussian process (DGP) based framework is proposed to improve the accuracy of predicting flight trajectory in air traffic research, which is further applied to implement a probabilistic conflict detection algorithm. The Gaussian distribution is applied to serve as the probabilistic representation for illustrating the transition patterns of the flight trajectory, based on which a stochastic process is generated to build the temporal correlations among flight positions, i.e., Gaussian process (GP). Furthermore, to deal with the flight maneuverability of performing controller’s instructions, a hierarchical neural network architecture is proposed to improve the modeling representation for nonlinear features. Thanks to the intrinsic mechanism of the GP regression, the DGP model has the ability of predicting both the deterministic nominal flight trajectory (NFT) and its confidence interval (CI), denoting by the mean and standard deviation of the prediction sequence, respectively. The CI subjects to a Gaussian distribution, which lays the data foundation of the probabilistic conflict detection. Experimental results on real data show that the proposed trajectory prediction approach achieves higher prediction accuracy compared to other baselines. Moreover, the conflict detection approach is also validated by a obtaining lower false alarm and more prewarning time.
Efficiency of Mineral Nitrogen Fertilization in Winter Wheat under Pannonian Climate Conditions
Authors: Moitzi Gerhard , Neugschwandtner Reinhard W. , Kaul Hans-Peter , Wagentristl Helmut
Published: November 2020

Improvements in nitrogen (N) use efficiency in crop production are important for addressing the triple challenges of food security, environmental degradation and climate change. The three fertilizers, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), urea (Urea) and stabilized urea (Ureastab), were applied at a rate of 160 kg N ha−1 with two or three splits to winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Pannonian climate region of eastern Austria. On average, over all fertilization treatments, the grain yield (GY) increased by about a quarter and the grain N concentration (GNC) doubled compared to the control without fertilization. Consequently, the grain N yield (NYGRAIN) was increased with N fertilization by 154%. The GY increased due to a higher grain density with no differences between N fertilizers but with a tendency of a higher grain yield with three compared to two splits. Three splits also slightly increased the GNC and consequently the NYGRAIN of CAN and Ureastab in one year. The removal of N fertilizer with the NYGRAIN (N surplus) was higher than the amount of applied fertilizer. Fertilization decreased the N use efficiency (NUE), the N uptake efficiency (NUpE) and the N utilization efficiency (NUtE) but increased the soil mineral nitrate (NO3-N) at harvest and the apparent N loss (ANL). Three compared to two applications resulted in a higher NO3-N at harvest but also a lower N surplus due to partly higher NYGRAIN. Consequently, the ANL was lower with three compared to two splits. Also, the NUpE and the apparent N recovery efficiency (ANRE) were higher with three splits. The best N treatment regarding highest above-ground biomass yield with lowest N surplus, N balance and ANL was the three-split treatment (50 CAN, 50 CAN, 60 liquid urea ammonium nitrate). Three splits can, under semi-arid conditions, be beneficial when aiming high-quality wheat for bread-making and also for reducing the N loss. Whereas, two splits are recommended when aiming only at high GY, e.g., for ethanol-wheat production.
Case Study on Recording Pigs’ Daily Activity Patterns with a UHF-RFID System
Authors: Kapun Anita , Adrion Felix , Gallmann Eva
Published: November 2020

The main objective of this paper is the monitoring of daily activity patterns of fattening pigs at different locations in the housing environment using UHF-RFID. Four hundred fattening pigs were equipped with UHF-RFID ear tags and monitored during the fattening period for about four months. The RFID antennas were installed at the feeding troughs, playing devices and drinkers. A validation phase for each of these locations was carried out prior to the first data collection. The sensitivity (true positive rate) of the UHF-RFID system was about 80% at the feeding trough and the playing device and about 60% at the drinkers. The mean of the daily visiting time of all pigs at the trough was about 55 min. The mean visiting duration at the playing device was about 38 min and at the drinkers about 9 min. The visiting times of the pigs showed a high intra- and inter-variability. It was observed that the average visit duration at the feeding trough decreases over the course of a fattening period but increases at the playing device. A documentation of visiting times of animals is possible utilizing RFID systems, allowing a higher data density than video or direct observations.