bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRESENCE OF UKRAINE IN THE INFORMATION SPACE OF BORDER STATES AFTER 2014
Authors: Nagornyak Tetyana , Osmolovska Anna
Published: May 2021

The main objective of the study is to determine the specifics of Ukraine’s presence in the external information space on the example of border countries — Hungary and Poland. The research methodology is a synthesis of semiotics, communication theory and methodology of discourse analysis. The results of the study were obtained by applying such modern methods and techniques of applied political analysis as monitoring, content analysis and event analysis of national media, namely English-language online resources, of the certain country groups for the determination of the principles of information space formation and Ukraine’s image in it. Online media were selected on the principle of audience coverage and territory coverage. The methodology of media audit allowed finding out the world trends of the media discourse formation around Ukraine. Discourse analysis, in turn, allowed to identify and to compare the main discursive practices of the iconic events chain in Ukraine after 2014. The results of the research confirm the thesis, that there is a direct influence of the geopolitical factor in the formation of the country’s image in the external information space. Images of Ukraine, which are formed in the English-language information space of the two border countries, are contradictory and incomplete. External actors spontaneously or purposefully construct components of Ukraine’s image in the conditions of a system crisis in Ukraine. It can be concluded that a balanced information policy of the state will be able to strengthen the legitimacy of the government, improve the investment climate and act as a unifying factor for society.
Mesoporous Silica With Covalently Immobilized Anthracene As Adsorbent For SPE Recovery Of PAHs Pollutants From Highly Lipidic Solutions
Authors: Mikhraliieva Albina , Gonзalves Rodrigo A. , Zaitsev Vladimir
Published: May 2021

Two samples of functionalized mesoporous silica containing anchored anthrylmethylamine groups (SiO2-Ant) have been prepared by surface assembling (1) and one step silane immobilization (2). Both adsorbents can be attributed to bimodal balanced hydrophobic-hydrophilic adsorbents with loading of anthracene groups about 15-33 %. The adsorbents have been used for solid-phase extraction (SPE) of anthracene from organic solvents (acetonitrile, acetone and heptane) and model solutions of lipids (myristic acid and vegetable oil). The obtained results were compared with commercial C18 SPE cartridge. While C18 cartridge recovers anthracene from water-containing media (acetonitrile/water, 1/1), SiO2-Ant cartridges much more efficient in extraction of anthracene from non-polar solvent (heptane). Lipids macrocomponents such as myristic acid and vegetable oil do not decrease the dynamic adsorption capacity and recovery of the model polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) on SiO2-Ant. It was demonstrated that π-π stacking interaction with the analyte determine the selectivity of SiO2-Ant towards of anthracene. This makes SiO2-Ant attractive for selective preconcentration of PAHs from high lipid content objects, such as vegetable oils.
Evaluation of User Experience on Digital Learning Platform Website Using System Usability Scale (Case Study: Pijar Mahir)
Authors: Emil R. Kaburuan Joshua Laurence,
Published: May 2021

User experience is one of the most important factors of an application. Pijar Mahir is a digital learning platform to increase job seekers skill. This research evaluates usability of pijarmahir’s website using system usability scale (SUS). SUS consists of ten statements as an evaluation instrument. Based on the results of SUS evaluation of the 101 respondents, Pijar Mahir’s website has an average SUS score of 72,67. Based on the result, 72,67 is in an “acceptable” category.
Developing Islamic Suggestopedia-Based Classroom Management At Islamic Boarding Schools In Lampung Province
Authors: Et al. Muhamad Dini Handoko
Published: May 2021

This research was conducted at a boarding school in Lampung. The research object consisted of three Islamic boarding schools: Al-Ismailiyun Islamic Boarding School, South Lampung, Darul 'Ulya Kota Metro Islamic Boarding School, and Riyadlatul ‘Ulum Islamic Boarding School,  East Lampung. In general, this research aimed to analyze, validate, and test the effectiveness of class management in Islamic boarding schools in Lampung province. The approach applied in this research was development research using the ADDIE model. This research was a classroom management development research based on Islamic suggestopedia. The results revealed several important findings regarding classroom management in Islamic boarding schools in Lampung province. First is the condition of Class Management which has been applied in Islamic boarding schools. The second is the finding of a form of Islamic Suggestopedia-based Class Management which can increase the learning  effectiveness at Islamic boarding schools in Lampung Province. The third is the result of implementing Islamic Suggestopedia-based Class Management which can increase the learning effectiveness at Islamic boarding schools in Lampung Province.
A Cryptographic based Approach for Data Hiding in Advanced Video Sequences
Authors: Dr. Anand Babu J Vinay D R,
Published: May 2021

Data hiding in video streams became more popular in the present world, since there is a high frequency of data communication over the internet. Hiding the data in video streams provides more security as well as increases embedding capacity than hiding inside the images. The quantity of information to be embedded into the video increases, it can badly influence the video excellence make it inappropriate for certain appliances. The main concerns in data hiding in videos are its high visual excellence, increased hiding capacity, video stream size etc. In this paper, a new data hiding technique is proposed in compressed H.264 Video Streams. At first, the information to be embedded is encrypted using Cryptography approach. The Cryptographic approach helps to encrypt the plain information based on the elliptic points produced by choosing the large prime number. The encrypted data is embedded into the transformed DCT coefficients of I, B and P video frames. The experiment is conducted for different set of video sequences. The results shows that the proposed method yields better performance in terms of Peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), Structural similarity index (SSIM) and Video quality measure (VQM) when compare to existing methods.
Huffman Coding and Multi-Generation Mixing Assisted Network Coding Based MAC for QoS-Centric Secure Data Communication over MANETs
Authors: Mallikarjuna Shastry P.M Prasanthi Konduru,
Published: May 2021

The exponential rise in wireless transmission has gained widespread attention to meet major mobile communication purposes including, Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) has emerged as one of the most viable solution to meet aforesaid mobile communication purposes; however, being decentralized and infrastructure-less network it undergoes adversaries including dynamic topology and security breaches due to malicious node attachment during routing. On the contrary, data security and allied Quality-of-Service (QoS) provision are inevitable in NextGen communication systems. Unlike routing-based security measures, Medium Access Control (MAC) based approaches are found more effective for MANETs. However, most of the classical MAC designs either address QoS or security as standalone objective. Unlike existing MAC solutions, in this paper a state-of-art novel Huffman Coding and Multi-Generation Mixing (MGM) assisted random linear network model-based MAC design (HM2-MAC) is proposed for MANET. Realizing the robustness of the network coding algorithms towards reliable, secure and error-free multicast transmission, we designed HM2-MAC in such manner that Huffman coding helps securing the source data packets, while MGM concept enables reduction in redundant packets to make overall communication resource efficient and secure. Unlike redundant packet-per-generation, MGM concept helps in reducing redundant transmission and hence achieves resource efficiency. Since, in HM2-MAC model the coefficient matrix used to encode the data is known only to the sink, no intermediate node can decode it or can pollute it. It makes multicast transmission more secure over MANET. Additionally, the use of iterative buffer flush technique preserves resources or buffer to accommodate more data for transmission and hence higher throughput. Noticeably, error sensitive packetization and MGM control strengthens our proposed model to retain optimal performance. HM2-MAC has been applied as a sub-layer of native IEEE 802.11 MAC and hence retains backward compatibility towards real-world implementation. MATLAB based simulation revealed that our proposed HM2-MAC protocol achieved almost 99.6% throughput even under varying link-loss patterns, which reveals its robustness to ensure QoS delivery with secure data transmission in MANET.
Co relating NIFTY 50 Index Trend’s impact on NSE’s Sector based Indices Growth Momentum in Post COVID-19 led Indian Economy with Special reference to NIFTY Bank, NIFTY Consumer Durables, NIFTY IT and NIFTY Pharma Indices using Arithmetic Modelling
Authors: Amuthan R.
Published: May 2021

The NIFTY 50 is the flagship index on the National Stock Exchange of India Ltd. (NSE). The Index tracks the behavior of a portfolio of blue chip companies, the largest and most liquid Indian securities. It includes 50 of the approximately 1600 companies traded (listed & traded and not listed but permitted to trade) on NSE, captures approximately 65% of its float-adjusted market capitalization and is a true reflection of the Indian stock market. This study probed in to the correlation between NIFTY 50 and NIFTY Bank, NIFTY 50 and NIFTY Consumer Durables, NIFTY 50 and NIFTY IT and NIFTY 50 and NIFTY Pharma Indice.
Instrument Test Development Of Mathematics Skill On Elementary School
Authors: Et al. Sarson W.  Dj.  Pomalato
Published: May 2021

The aims of this research are producing the test instrument of mathematics skill on elementary school which is valid and reliable. The instrument test development in this research use the development model of Wilson, Oriondo and Antonio which is modified. The number of testing sample in this research is 160 of students in each class. This research result: 1) the validity index of aiken v is 0.979 in grade IV and 0.988 in grade V. The coefficient of instrument skill in class IV and V are 0.883 and 0.954. The case indicates that the overall item is accepted and reliable to be used for measuring the development of mathematics skill of elementary school students.
The Root Tile Design for Level 1 Cache for Non Uniform Architecture
Authors: Dr. Manjudevi Suma Sannamani,
Published: May 2021

NUCA has become solution for wire delay problems, where wire delay problems increases on chip latency in multiprocessor system. Non uniform architecture is used for cache memory. Here cache is divided into tiles ,each tiled cache is accessed with different latency. Hence it is called non uniform. Access data defines search algorithm across architecture. This paper involves design of root tiles which accepts request from processor and forward request to child cache tiles. Here we have used Xilinx simulation tool to analyze the performance.
Educational Technology Research Trends: A Bibliometrics Analysis And Visualization
Authors: Et al. Nerru Pranuta Murnaka
Published: May 2021

Educational Technology has been developing in recent years. The implementation of educational technology has collaborated in several fields such as social scienc-es, computer science, engineering, and medicine. In this study, the researcher has conducted a bibliometric analysis of educational technology research during the period 1971 to 2019. A total of 8,134 bibliographic data have collected from the Scopus database. VOSviewer software are used for analysis. In the bibliometric analysis, various extracted metadata include journals and affiliations, citations, keyword distribution, many cited papers, and the most influential authors and journals. This study shows the development status and trends in educational technology. On the other hand, this study can be used as a reference for research and application of bibliometric analysis.
A Comparative Analysis of Variant Deep Learning Models for COVID-19 Protective Face Mask Detection
Authors: Et al. Rohan Katari
Published: May 2021

The world is in the midst of a paramount pandemic owing to the rapid dissemination of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) brought about by the spread of the virus ‘SARS-CoV-2’. It is mainly transmitted among persons through airborne diffusion of droplets containing the virus produced by an infected person sneezing or coughing without covering their face. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued numerous guidelines which state that the spread of this disease can be limited by people shielding their faces with protective face masks when in public or in crowded areas. As a precautionary measure, many nations have implemented obligations for face mask usage in public spaces. But manual monitoring of huge crowds in public spaces for face masks is laborious. Hence, this requires the development of an automated face mask detection system using deep learning models and related technologies. The detection system should be viable and deployable in real-time, predicting the result accurately so as to be used by monitoring bodies to ensure that the face mask guidelines are followed by the public thereby preventing the disease transmission. In this paper we aim to perform a comparative analysis of various sophisticated image classifiers based on deep learning, in terms of vital metrics of performance to identify the effective deep learning based model for face mask detection.
Online Multi-Object Tracking in Videos Based on Features Detected by YOLO
Authors: Prof.Dr. Khalil I. Alsaif Younis A. Al-Arbo,
Published: May 2021

With the rapid development of different applications that rely on multi-object detection and tracking, significant attention has been brought toward improving the performance of these methods. Recently, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have shown outstanding performance in different applications, where objects detection and tracking are no exception. In this paper, we proposed a new object tracking method based on descriptors extracted using the convolutional filters of the YOLOv3 neural network. As these features are detected and processed during the detection phase, the proposed method has exploited these features to produce efficient and robust descriptors. The proposed method has shown better performance, compared to state-of-the-art methods, by producing better predictions using less computations. The evaluation results show that the proposed method has been able to process an average of 207.6 frames per second to track objects with 67.6% Multi-Object Tracking Accuracy (MOTA) and 89.1% Multi-Object Tracking Precision (MOTP).
Students’ Understanding and Learning: Mediation Effects of Cognitive Engagement in Online Classes
Authors: Et al. Dr. C.Nagadeepa
Published: May 2021

Beneath the perils of pandemic, this trend has moved very fast and in a professional manner to fill in the space produced as a result of suspended classroom learning. During this pandemic the educational institutions have been forced to adopt online learning without practicing it. As a consequence, there are several challenges to be encountered by the facilitator as well as learners to benefit from it. This paper is a descriptive study of e learning scenario among the learners of    higher education in commerce deanery. This paper aims at finding out the factors which lead to student’s active engagement in the online classes. 1065 students from various colleges who had attended online classes in the last six months responded through a structured questionnaire and the data was analyzed to find out the students’ understanding and learning.
Inmunización feto materna contra antígenos de HLA en mujeres de una población paraguaya
Authors: Prieto-Casal Fernanda , Cabañas-Gadea Claudia , Figueredo-López Sonia , Villagra-Carrón Verónica
Published: May 2021

El embarazo es la única causa natural de inmunización contra el sistema de Antígenos Leucocitarios Humano (HLA). Durante la gestación hay paso de leucocitos fetales a través de la placenta, lo que puede desencadenar en la madre una respuesta inmunológica contra los antígenos HLA fetales de origen paterno, con la consecuente producción de anticuerpos. El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la prevalencia de sensibilización a antígenos HLA inducida por embarazos en mujeres paraguayas y estudiar las características y especificidades de los anticuerpos encontrados. Realizamos un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, de corte transversal de 319 mujeres paraguayas, que acudieron al Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública entre abril de 2017 y abril de 2018 utilizando la tecnología LUMINEX para la detección de anticuerpos anti- HLA. Se encontraron anticuerpos anti-HLA en 46% de las mujeres multíparas. Se detectaron anticuerpos contra todos los antígenos testados. La gran mayoría de los sueros resultaron ser poliespecíficos. Concluimos que al aumentar el número de gestas no solo aumenta la probabilidad de una mujer de desarrollar anticuerpos anti- HLA, sino que también parece aumentar la cantidad de especificidades desarrolladas y el título de los anticuerpos.
Síndrome de Cotard en una paciente con lupus eritematoso sistémico y meningioma petroclival izquierdo
Authors: Pitta Giovanni , O’Higgins Marcelo , Ruiz-Díaz Noelia , Silvero Johana , Almirón-Santacruz José , Báez Santiago , Vera Miguel , Torales Julio
Published: May 2021

El síndrome de Cotard es una entidad rara en la cual el paciente manifiesta ideas delirantes acerca de que se encuentra sin vida o que sus órganos internos se encuentran en estado de descomposición, entre otras alteraciones psicopatológicas. Existen diferentes reportes sobre el síndrome en diversas culturas y poblaciones. Usualmente tiene presentaciones neuropsiquiátricas y se lo identifica acompañando entidades neurológicas, metabólicas, infecciosas, entre otras. A través de este reporte de caso, se presenta una paciente con lupus eritematoso sistémico, que desarrolló este tipo de ideas delirantes y durante su hospitalización se detectó un meningioma petroclival izquierdo. Finalmente, se llegó a la conclusión de que no se encontraba en actividad lúpica y que la ubicación del tumor no sería la causante de la alteración conductual. El Síndrome de Cotard es un trastorno neuropsiquiátrico poco común, que debe ser considerado ante la existencia de ideas delirantes de tipo nihilistas.
Perfil epidemiológico de niños 2 - 5 años con quemaduras atendidos en el Centro Nacional del Quemado y Cirugías Reconstructivas Dr. Arnaldo Bendlin en el periodo 2019-2020
Authors: Amarilla Elsa , Fernández Álvaro , Aveiro-Róbalo Telmo Raúl , Samudio Margarita
Published: May 2021

Las quemaduras son lesiones producidas en un tejido vivo por la acción de diversos agentes físicos: térmicos, eléctricos, radiantes, químicos, cáusticos, agentes biológicos, entre otros. El objetivo del estudio fue describir el perfil epidemiológico de niños entre 2 - 5 años de ambos sexos que ingresaron al Centro Nacional del Quemado y Cirugías Reconstructivas Dr. Arnaldo Bendlin de la ciudad de Asunción-Paraguay en el periodo 2019-2020. Estudio observacional, descriptivo en el que se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de los niños de entre 2 a 5 años que sufrieron quemaduras y consultaron en el Centro Nacional del Quemado y Cirugías Reconstructivas Dr. Arnaldo Bendlin entre el 2019 y 2020. Se estudiaron 338 pacientes, de los cuales 299 (54,4%) eran del sexo masculino, 131 (38,8%) de 2 años de edad y 215 (63,6%) del departamento Central. En 255 (75,4%) pacientes, la fuente de la quemadura fue líquido caliente, en 118 (34,9%) la lesión fue en miembros inferiores, y en 276 (81,7%) la quemadura fue de segundo grado. En 323 (95,6%) la quemadura ocurrió en su propio hogar, 337 (99,7%) recibieron tratamiento médico y 8 (2,4%) recibieron balneoterapia. La mayoría de las quemaduras fueron de segundo grado y causadas por líquidos calientes. La localización más frecuente fue en los miembros inferiores. Es urgente implementar programas educacionales en las escuelas, centros comunitarios y medios de comunicación ya que gran parte de los accidentes ocurrieron en el ambiente doméstico pudiendo ser evitados.
Policy Recommendations to Integrate Environmentally Sound Technologies in National Innovation Systems
Authors: Salazar Juan Carlos
Published: May 2021

As part of the Poznan Strategic Programme on Technology Transfer, which the Global Environmental Facility funded a regional project, implemented by the IDB. One of the components of this project was executed by Mexicos National Climate Change and Ecology Institute. It carried out two very relevant studies, one on recommendations to integrate climate change technologies into the national innovation systems, and the other on planning tools for climate change. The topics addressed on this document are i) The role of Environmentally Sound Technologies & National Innovation Systems (NIS) in the fight against Climate Change. ii) Greening NIS in LAC: Challenges and Opportunities. iii) Recommendations for the integration of ESTs into NIS.
Climate Change and Environmentally Sound Technologies: Analytical Framework and Planning Guidelines: Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Transport: Executive Summary
Authors: Silva Paredes Mariana , Araujo Gutiérrez María Fernanda Zuelclady , Ramírez García José , Aliaga Lordemann Javier , Noriega Navarrete Diana Verónica , Hernández Carreto Manuel Alejandro
Published: May 2021

This Guideline is a tool to address issues on EST in national and sectorial policies and plans to relieve the negative effects of climate change in LAC. Its main objectives are: i) To be a practical tool for LAC countries to adopt policies and plans with regards to the identification, assessment, and adoption of EST to achieve climate change policy objectives. ii) Raise the number of countries using models and tools to assess technologies. iii) Facilitate the scenario analysis of technology inclusion as a climate change planning tool, using models that help decision makers to answer questions, nationally and internationally, and to understand the environmental, economic, and social impact of adopting these policies in their own countries, the region, and the rest of the world.
A crise anglófona na República dos Camarões e a inação dos mecanismos africanos de resolução de conflitos
Authors: Ziebell de Oliveira Guilherme , Fernandes Cardoso Nilton César
Published: May 2021

Neste trabalho, pretende-se discutir a atuação dos organismos regionais e sub-regionais africanos na busca por uma solução da crise vivida na República dos Camarões desde 2016. Além de apresentar os elementos que levaram à transformação da Organização da Unidade Africana em União Africana, bem como as principais diferenças entre essas organizações, neste artigo, discutem-se os processos de criação e evolução da Comunidade Econômica dos Estados da África Central e da Comunidade Econômica e Monetária dos Estados da África Central, dando especial atenção para a sua atuação em tentativas de garantir a estabilidade da África Central, além de analisar a crise camaronesa, identificando os principais elementos que levaram ao seu surgimento e discutindo a sua evolução. Evidencia-se, a partir dessa análise, que a despeito da existência de estruturas institucionais, regionais e sub-regionais, voltadas ao tratamento de casos dessa natureza, elas não têm exercido suas prerrogativas e cumprido com suas responsabilidades, o que representa uma ameaça significativa de retrocesso em termos do panorama securitário africano.
El narcotráfico como crimen organizado
Authors: Luna Galván Mauricio , Luong Hai Thanh , Astolfi Elisa
Published: May 2021

El narcotráfico se considera una actividad ilegal y una preocupación de seguridad nacional para muchos Estados. Sin embargo, se vuelve más complejo y difícil de combatir a medida que se adapta y se expande en el mundo. Este artículo desarrolla un estado del arte sobre el narcotráfico desde diferentes perspectivas con el fin de profundizar en la comprensión de este fenómeno que opera más allá de las fronteras nacionales. El primer aspecto para demostrar es que el narcotráfico funciona en un marco global; por ello, analiza y revisa la literatura para identificar los factores que impulsan el narcotráfico en un contexto global con dinámicas entrelazadas. En segundo lugar, hace un gran esfuerzo al profundizar la noción trasnacional de cómo opera el narcotráfico y plantea la necesidad de una descripción integral y amplia de la perspectiva multidimensional, en la que se establecen siete dimensiones de un contexto de globalización.
ETHICAL CLIMATE AND BEHAVIORAL INTEGRITY: A STUDY OF THE DETERMINANTS OF ETHICAL LEADERSHIP UNDER POLITICAL MENTORING
Authors: Baig Waqas , Danish Rizwan Qaiser , Rehman Muqqadas , Hasnain Muhammad , Ali Hafiz Fawad
Published: May 2021

Purpose of the study: Unethical behavior has been a source of incremental cost in corporations worldwide, and its consequences are detrimental to organizational health. In today’s turbulent environment, the role of leadership becomes even more vital under uncertainties. This study investigates the impact of ethical climate and behavioral integrity on ethical leadership through political mentoring. Methodology: The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed to the employees of various service sectors of health, education, banks, insurance companies, telecommunication, hotels, and transportation. The overall useable response rate was 85% (450 in total). The data were analyzed through SPSS version 22 and ADANCO version 2.2. Main Findings: The findings of the study are evidence of a strong association among behavioral integrity, ethical climate, political mentoring, and ethical leadership. We also found the mediating role of political mentoring between behavioral integrity and ethical leadership and between ethical climate and leadership. Applications of the study: This study is significant for the managers of the service sector in developing the ethical climate. It gives an insight to the leaders that they should guide their subordinates about the environment appropriately. It means that the leader’s role matters in building the organizational employees’ character and success. Novelty/Originality of the study: In this study, the role of political mentoring in ethical climate has been recognized, which contributes to business ethics. Furthermore, it bridges the literature gap related to the mediating role of political mentoring in an organizational climate.
PARADOXES OF “THE COFFIN-MAKER”: EXPLICIT AND HIDDEN ELEMENTS
Authors: Zaslavskii Oleg B.
Published: May 2021

One of obscure places in “The Coffin-maker” is the inscription on the sign advertising his services, since it contains elements that contradict common sense. The article provides a brief critical review of the existing interpretations of this inscription. It is shown that this absurd inscription has a narrative potential, predicting subsequent events that “occurred” in the character’s dream. In this aspect, it is an example of the so-called inverse metaphor. It also has an iconic character, as it advertises non-existent services to send to the world of nonexistence. The article reveals a number of other narrative aspects of the story that are present in an implicit form, which is an example of a hidden plot.As a result of the reconstruction of the omitted plot links, a number of circumstances of the undertaker’s personal history, related to his family and the history of moving, are restored, which allows us to understand the nature of his experiences, with the description of which the story begins. The logic of the plot leads to the assumption: soon after the coffin-maker joyfully realizes that the nightmarish events were a dream, the news of the real death of Tryukhina should follow.
“EVERYONE CAN BE REPLACED” IS A VERY GERMAN IDEA. RUSSIANS DON'T LIKE IT, AND NEITHER DO I
Authors: Kemper Dirk , Kotelevskaya Vera
Published: May 2021

Dirk Kemper is an official representative of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in Russia, vice-president of the Russian Union of Germanists, head of Thomas Mann Chair of German Philology at the Russian State University for the Humanities. He is the author of monographs on German literature and culture, including “Goethe and the Problem of Individuality in modern age culture” (2009, trans. A.I. Zherebin). In the issue devoted to the Year of Germany in Russia, Dirk Kemper tells P&I about the development of German studies, his obsession with writing, and journey through Russia. He also comments on why the German proverb “Everyone can be replaced” should not put into practice. Interview by Vera Kotelevskaya.
The added value of knowledge management systems to the organization’s performance and efficiency over the existing information systems
Authors: Al-qudah Fadi , AL-hakeem Sohair , Bani-Hani Walid
Published: May 2021

Information systems are widely used in organizations and play a very important role in improving an organization’s performance. In recent years knowledge management has become an important issue for managers, consultants and researchers. This paper describes definition and attribution of management information system and knowledge management. It clarifies points like data, information, process, information systems, management information systems and knowledge management system. The approach of this research is to analyze both systems in order to identify their role in an organization, the relationship between them, discover common and uncommon features between the two systems, determine the added value of knowledge management system to the organization’s performance and efficiency over the existing information system and to find out when an information system becomes a knowledge management system and when it is useful to implement the latter.
The Expansion Dance of Alpha Centauri
Authors: Gimsa Andreas
Published: May 2021

Using Alpha Centauri as an example, it will be investigated how two-mass systems rotating around their barycenter evolve with the age of the universe. It is calculated how change the masses, the periods, the distance and the gravitational value. As the universe ages, both mases fall, the gravitational value increases quadratically, all system periods increase, and the distance between the two objects increases with the periods. The eccentric dance of the two stars expands accordingly.
A method for determining the content of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil
Authors: Qin Haitian , Huang He
Published: May 2021

In this paper, ultrasonic - centrifugal extraction - infrared oil meter is used to determine petroleum hydrocarbons in soil.The optimal conditions of ultrasonic centrifugal extraction of petroleum hydrocarbons from soil were investigated by using simulated soil from the extraction agent, ultrasonic temperature, ultrasonic time, ultrasonic power, centrifugal speed, centrifugal time and other factors.The results showed that using tetrachloroethylene as extraction agent, the extraction efficiency of three times reached 88.34% with ultrasonic temperature of 30℃, ultrasonic time of 10min, ultrasonic power of 180W, centrifugal speed of 4000rpm and centrifugation time of 20min in 1% oil-contaminated soil.Under these conditions, the recoveries were 78.97%~96.58% and the relative standard deviations (n=5) of the measured values were 3.82%~12.53%.
Non-financial reporting in selected European countries
Authors: Dečman Nikolina , Petera Petr , Remlein Marzena , Rep Ana
Published: May 2021

Directive 2014/95/EU gave the EU Member States a certain flexibility when transposing it into national law. Each Member State could, therefore, decide to introduce regulations of varying degrees of stringency. According to Directive 2014/95/EU, large companies have to publish reports on the policies they implement in relation to environmental protection, social responsibility and treatment of employees, respect for human rights, anti-corruption and bribery, diversity on company boards (in terms of age, gender, educational and professional background).In order to satisfy the EU rules, the Republic of Croatia has implemented into its legislation the provisions of the Directive 2014/95/EU regarding the disclosure of certain non-financial reporting, by amending the Accounting Act. Some companies registered in Croatia have been disclosing some of the required non-financial information in their reports even before the effective date of the Direc-tive, but conducted studies conclude that there is still a room for improvements.This chapter provides a short overview of regulation of non-financial reporting in the Czech Republic as well as overview of previous research on non-financial reporting in this country. The results of the research present that few Czech companies publish standalone corporate responsi-bility report. More popular is the disclosure of non-financial information within annual financial reports but even this approach is pursued by less than half of respondents. The amount of disclosed information in annual reports is mostly up to 5 pages. 11 companies (10.38%) provide more than 5 pages of environmental information and only 7 companies (6.60%) provide more than 5 pages of social information.In Poland, the requirement to present non-financial information relating to CSR was introduced by the Accounting Act. Public trust entities are required to present in the report on the activities a separate part called “Statement on non-financial information”. In 2017, the Polish Standard of Non-Financial Information (SIN, 2017) was published to help enterprises fulfil their obligations under the EU Directive.
Forest tenure and rights: a constraint to community forest management in Cameroon and the REDD+ initiative
Authors: Enow E. A. , Egute T. O. , Albrecht E.
Published: May 2021

The link between Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, with the enhancement of forest carbon stock (REDD+) and Community Forest Management (CFM) as a necessary local action on the forest, is continuously being challenged. CFM has been a suitable option in achieving sustainable forest practices in the tropics. The factors that contribute to its success will likely contribute to the success of REDD+ programs in Cameroon. Nevertheless, the opportunity and challenges in integrating the two concepts to achieve the objectives require careful analysis, considering the challenges facing the country’s tenure system. This article makes use of an in-depth content analysis of several documents concerning the subject matter and tries to examine the extent to which forest tenure and rights are a constraint to CFM in Cameroon and the REDD+ Initiative and assess how these concepts can work together to achieve sustainable forest management and a reduction in deforestation and forest degradation. The assessment shows several bottlenecks and discrepancies concerning tenure rights in the community forest and carbon rights when it concerns incentive-based benefit-sharing mechanisms under the REDD+ process. It reveals that the state may likely maintain centralization of forest tenure if the issues are not clarified. The article concludes with a proposal of an urgent need for domestic legal reforms to secure forest protection achieve the objectives of international forest policy initiatives like REDD+.
Undergrowth phytodiversity index in exotic and indigenous tree plots in Hoteya forest range of Sakhipur upazila under Tangail forest division, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Khan S. A. , Hossain G. M. , Rahim M. A.​
Published: May 2021

This study was undertaken to know the species diversity of the monoculture plantations of exotic species Acacia auriculiformis and Eucalyptus camadulensis compared to indigenous species Shorea robusta and Mangifera indica. There are 12 sample plots (size 36x36 m) were selected from the study area following the purposive random sampling. A total of 720 quadrats (12 plots x 10 quadrats x 6 seasons) were placed in the sample plots to collect the undergrowth vegetation data over two years of 2010-11 following summer, monsoon and winter season. The average value of Shannon-Wiener diversity index was 2.65±0.16 and 3.28±0.13 that of Simpson’s diversity index was 0.87±0.02 and 0.93±0.01 and that of Margalef’s diversity index was 7.34±0.77 and 10.43±0.52 collectively in all exotic and indigenous plots, respectively. This scenario depicts that the extent of species diversity was higher in indigenous tree species plots than in exotic tree plots and the flora of the study area was highly diversified. The Shorea plots were richer in species diversity out of the four species categories of sampling plots. The index values of three diversity indices were significantly different for the exotic and indigenous tree plots, excluding Eucalyptus and Mangifera species plots, which mean the undergrowth species diversity of Eucalyptus and Mangifera species plots, were not significantly different. Adequate awareness building programs need to conduct among the local community and Bangladesh Forest Department to understand environmental degradation, the importance of conservation management of indigenous ‘Sal’ forest and significance of plant diversity in the village forest for future generations.
Why Are Arabic Adult Learners in Kuwait Afraid of Making Mistakes in Their English Classroom?
Authors: Dashti Farah , Aysha Al Mutawa , Adey Al Bader
Published: May 2021

The English language is a second language in Kuwait, and English has been added to the school curriculum with the aim that when students graduate, they will be bilingual in Arabic and English. However, although Arabic adult learners graduate to be fluent in their first language, they struggle in English. This paradox led us to consider specific factors that may inhibit Arabic adult learners from becoming proficient in English when they graduate from high school. One such factor is an unwillingness to speak English in the classroom. The focus of this study, therefore, is to investigate fear of making mistakes as one of factors underlying this unwillingness. Since the study was created during the pandemic, classes in Kuwait, at the time, were taught online only. A questionnaire was given to 210 female Arabic native speakers taking the English foundation course at the College of Basic Education at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training. The questionnaire focused on factors that might induce a fear of making mistakes when speaking English in the classroom. The results of the study indicated that the most significant factor in this regard was studentsâ€™ previous experience with English teachers who ridiculed them when they made mistakes in their classes. The findings suggest that when teachers do not take the appropriate approach to motivate students when they make mistakes, this can negatively affect the studentâ€™s language learning process.
The Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Kuwaiti Kindergarten Staff to Adopt E-Learning System
Authors: Ashkanani Alia , Tamtam Abdalmonem
Published: May 2021

E-learning has been implemented on a mass scale during the COVID-19 crisis although many schools faced huge problems during the system implementation and roll-out.
This paper has used the technology acceptance model (TAM) to investigate the teachers and administrative staffâ€™s prospective on the use of e-learning in the education process. The study has implemented a quantitative method to collect data through a questionnaire. The study had 204 participants which included teachers and administrative staff in kindergartens under the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education (MOE).
The study showed that the majority of the participants were not in favor of e-learning as the system was neither clear nor it was understandable or flexible, which hindered teachers work. The Ministry of educations strategy to bring e-learning to the mass users was undermined due to unclear strategic objective and lack of proper training and support that stood as a barrier to usersâ€™ acceptance of e-learning.
Farmersâ€™ perceptions of the impacts of Adansonia digitata L. leaves exploitation on its conservation and on livelihoods of local communities in Mali, West Africa
Authors: Sogodogo Hadidjatou Nana , Sanogo Kapoury , Sylvestre DA Sie , TraorÃ© Souleymane S. , Ipou Joseph
Published: May 2021

Baobab tree species plays a significant role in the livelihoods of rural dwellers in the Sahel regions. This study was carried out to analyze farmerâ€™s perceptions on the impacts of Adansonia digitata L. leaves exploitation on its conservation and on livelihoods of local communities. Data were collected by interviewing 120 farmers to elucidate the impacts of leaves exploitation as well as the contribution of the species on their livelihoods. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data to identify the annual contribution and to determine the socio-demographic characteristics influencing farmerâ€™s perception of baobab leaves harvesting techniques. The results show that non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are the second pillar to support the respondents after agriculture. Their contribution rate ranged between 4 and 7% in the study sites. The findings revealed that the annual income obtained per person from the exploitation of baobab leaves ranged from 33,714 FCFA (56.00 USD) to 52,857 FCFA (87.80 USD). Its contribution to annual household income varies between 2.51 and 5.4%. Two (used of machete and stick) out of the three (manual collection, used of machete and stick) methods used by farmers to harvest the baobab leaves, have negative impacts on baobab species conservation. Age, educational level, and gender are key factors influencing farmerâ€™s perception of baobab leaves harvesting. In view of the importance of the baobab tree, it is imperative that the domestication and propagation of baobab trees should be supported through the adoption of improved agroforestry technologies. In addition, sustainable harvesting practices of baobab leaves is also recommended for the conservation of this species.
Trends in Poisoning and Bites among Patients Referred to the Limbe Regional Hospital, South-West Cameroon
Authors: Nkontcheu Kenko Daniel Brice , Mekone Anna Ewang , Ekaineck Jacob Mugri
Published: May 2021

Poisoning is a common public health issue as it affects millions of people in all social levels worldwide. This retrospective cohort study assessed trends in poisoning and bites among patients referred to the Limbe Regional Hospital from the 1st January 2009 to the 31st December 2018 (10 years). After clearance from public health authorities, data was collected from April to July 2019 at the Emergency Ward of the Limbe Regional Hospital from records. The Limbe Regional Hospital received 244 patients from 2009 to 2018 because of poisoning and animal bites. Twelve types of poisons and eight types of bites were recorded. Dog bite (33.20%), snake bite (15.16%) and ingestion of bleaching agent (11.48%) were significantly (p<0.001) more frequent. Based on gender, males (55%) significantly (p<0.01) suffered from more than females (45%). The age of the patient significantly (p<0.001) influenced the frequency of poisons and bites as patients under 30 years old were the most affected group. The occupation of the patient significantly (p<0.001) influenced the frequency of poisoning and bites with a high percentage occurring in unemployed patients (67.21%). The number of cases significantly changed according to seasonality. While a few cases (7%) occurred under unknown circumstances, accidental cases (80%) were significantly (p<0.001) higher than suicide attempts (13%). This study raises awareness of poisoning and bites, and stresses on the importance of the safekeeping of toxic compounds, respecting prescribed drugs doses, being careful when dealing with animals and the need to create psychological and poison management centers in Cameroon.
A CASE REPORT: HYPOCHROMIC MICROCYTIC ANEMIA IN GENERALIZED SARCOPTIC MANGE INFECTED DOG
Authors: Rumpaisum Natalia Irene , Widyastuti Sri Kayati
Published: May 2021

Skabies merupakan penyakit kulit yang disebabkan oleh infeksi tungau Sarcoptes sp. Tujuan penulisan artikel ini untuk memberikan informasi mengenai dampak dari infeksi skabies pada anjing yang menyebabkan anemia mikrositik hipokromik serta pengobatan dan penanganan yang tepat diberikan kepada anjing kasus skabies. Seekor anjing kasus berjenis kelamin jantan, dan berumur empat tahun, dengan bobot badan 9,4 kg dan memiliki masalah kulit berupa eritema pada bagian telinga, hiperkeratosis pada bagian kepala, kaki depan, abdomen, hiperpigmentasi, squama, skar, krusta dan alopesia. Masalah kulit pada anjing telah berlangsung selama delapan bulan sebelum dilakukan pemeriksaan. Dari hasil pemeriksaan kerokan kulit dengan metode superficial skin scraping ditemukan adanya larva tungau Sarcoptes sp dan hasil pemeriksaan laboratorium menunjukkan anjing mengalami anemia mikrositik hipokromik, neutofilia dan limfositopenia. Berdasarkan serangkaian pemeriksaan yang telah dilakukan, hewan didiagnosis menderita infeksi skabiosis. Pengobatan dilakukan dengan pemberian ivermectin 0,2 mL dan sabun belerang/sulfur sebagai terapi kausatif. Chlorpheniramine maleate (CTM) satu tablet dan hematodin 1,8 mL sebagai terapi simptomatik, minyak ikan/fish oil satu kapsul sebagai terapi suportif memberikan hasil yang baik dengan ditandai perubahan pada area lesi yang menunjukkan kesembuhan. Pengobatan yang telah dilakukan selama 42 hari menunjukan kondisi anjing mengalami kesembuhan ditandai dengan hilangnya squama, crusta, eritema, hiperkeratosis pada daerah punggung, wajah, telinga, leher, kaki depan, kaki belakang, pelvis dan rambut anjing tumbuh kembali normal.
VULNUS LACERATUM DUE TO WIRE ENTANGLEMENT IN LOCAL DOG NECK: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Sanjaya Gede Putra , Pemayun I Gusti Agung Gde Putra
Published: May 2021

Vulnus laceratum is a torn wound accompanied by minimal tissue loss caused by a collision object. A local female dog aged 1 year with a weight of 12.7 kg suffered a wound in the neck area that had been infected by wire meshes, decreased appetite, and thinness. Based on the owner's history and visible clinical signs, dog was diagnosed with a vulnus laceratum that was coiled around the neck with a faustal prognosis. Vulnus laceratum is treated surgically by first cleansing the wound with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) 3%, then removing dead or damaged tissue (debridement) to create new wound so that it can be fused, and continued closure of the wound with sutures (suturing). Postoperatively, dog was treated with antibiotic cefotaxime with dose 30 mg/kg body weight intravenously for three consecutive days followed by administering of cefixime caps 100 mg (twice a day) for five consecutive days along with of bacitracin. On the eighth day postoperatively, the wound looks fused and begins to dry up accompanied with an increase in appetite.
COVID-19 Health Evidence Summary No.112
Authors: Millington Kerry , Reddin Samantha
Published: May 2021

This weekly COVID-19 health evidence summary (HES) is based on 3.5 hours of desk-based research. The summary is not intended to be a comprehensive summary of available evidence on COVID-19 but aims to make original documents easily accessible to decision-makers which, if relevant to them, they should go to before making decisions. This summary covers publications on Epidemiology and modelling; Therapeutics; Vaccines; Indirect impact of COVID-19; Comments, Editorials, Opinions, Blogs, News; Guidelines, Statements & Tools; Dashboards & Trackers; C19 Resource Hubs; and Online learning & events