bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Provocation of a crime in the legal positions of the European Court of Human Rights and in the national judicial system
Authors: M. V. Zubrytska
Published: August 2020

The legal positions of the European Court of Human Rights contain clear criteria for distinguishing provocation of a crime that violates the requirements of paragraph 1 of Art. 6 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 1950, from lawful conduct in the use of secret methods in criminal proceedings: 1) verification of the validity of the provocation (material criterion of provocation); 2) the procedure for reviewing the complaint on provocation (procedural criterion of provocation); 3) methodology of assessment of the European Court of Human Rights. When considering a defendant's complaint about the presence of signs of provocation in the actions of law enforcement agencies, national courts must establish the following procedural criteria: 1) whether there were grounds for monitoring the commission of the crime; 2) what is the measure of interference of law enforcement officers in the commission of a crime; 3) the nature of the actions to which the accused was subjected. In the legal positions of the European Court of Human Rights, examples of provocation to commit a crime are, in particular, the following: law enforcement on its own initiative contact with the applicant in the absence of objective suspicion of his involvement in criminal activity or propensity to commit a criminal offense; 2) renewal of the proposal by law enforcement officers, despite the previous refusal, to insist, exerting pressure. Based on the analysis of the legal positions of the European Court of Human Rights, it was concluded that a new presumption has actually appeared in the criminal law of Ukraine - provocation of a crime. The basis for it is Art. 6 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of 1950, as well as the decision of the European Court of Human Rights in cases of provocation. The presumption of provocation of a crime is that an accused who has stated that he committed a crime under the influence of provocative actions of law enforcement officers cannot be prosecuted unless the investigation and the court establish otherwise. In national jurisprudence, courts most often considered the following situations as provocation of a crime: detection of a crime in the absence of objective information about the preparation for the commission of a crime or the beginning of its commission; inciting (pushing) a person to commit a crime through active and persistent actions; violation of the procedural order of conducting procedural actions.
Keywords: provocation of a crime, provocation of bribery, incitement, initiative, exposing a crime.
Rule of law, legal awareness and human rights
Authors: A. A. Shelykh
Published: August 2020

Shelykh A. A. Rule of law, legal awareness and human rights

As the title implies the article describes such categories as legal consciousness, constitutional state and providing of human rights and freedoms. These categories are very important for Ukraine, which stays on the way of forming of constitutional state. In the article peculiarities of constitutional state and legal consciousness were described. Also psychic nature of legal consciousness was disclosed based on works of I. Kant and L. Petrozhitsky and own definition of legal consciousness was given. Main ways of providing of human rights were considered.

The main purpose of this publication is

to explore the role of legal consciousness in providing of human rights and freedoms. It should be stressed that legal consciousness is multidimensional phenomenon, because it has very complicated psychic nature and despite on a big variety of works on such topic it needs detailed research.

‌In this research was found that legal consciousness plays fundamental role in providing human rights and freedoms. First of all, it produces different mechanisms of providing human rights. Everything starts in our mind especially our legal or illegal acts. Legal consciousness is one of the elements of the mind, which is an engine to all changes in society so logically follows that legal consciousness is an engine to all changes which has legal nature. In the article was suggested as a key to forming a constitutional state a legal consciousness, particularly high level of it both in public and officials. In the publication as an argument suggested that if both public and officials have high level of legal consciousness , authorities will make effective and necessary laws and people will perform them at own discretion, because they will understand it's necessarity

In this publication empirical method especially method of observation was used. Thanks to this method it was found very low level of public legal consciousness both among the population and the authorities. Also comparative method was used. In the publication legal consciousness was compared with filter that leaks legal information and forms positive or negative attitude to the law as phenomenon. Method of analysis was used in particular was analyzed psychic nature of legal consciousness. And formally logical method was used during the analysis of works of I. Kant and L. Petrozhitsky.

In conclusion it should be emphasized that to provide rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of human and citizens necessary to raise the level of public legal consciousness. It can be done thanks to special programs of legal education both for the population and the authorities.

Keywords: law, legal consciousness, constitutional state, human rights, freedoms, legitimate interests.
Conservation Gaps in Traditional Vegetables Native to Europe and Fennoscandia
Authors: de Sousa Kauê , Solberg Svein Øivind
Published: August 2020

Vegetables are rich in vitamins and other micronutrients and are important crops for healthy diets and diversification of the food system, and many traditional (also termed underutilized or indigenous) species may play a role. The current study analyzed 35 vegetables with a European region of diversity with the effort to map the conservation status in Fennoscandia and beyond. We mapped georeferenced occurrences and current genebank holdings based on global databases and conducted conservation gaps analysis based on representativeness scores in situ and ex situ. Out of the 35 target species, 19 got at a high priority score for further conservation initiatives, while another 14 species got a medium priority score. We identified a pattern where traditional vegetables are poorly represented in genebank holdings. This corresponds well to a lack of attention in the scientific community measured in number of published papers. Considering the grand challenges ahead in terms of climate change, population growth and demand for sustainability, traditional vegetables deserve greater attention. Our contribution is to provide a basis for conservation priorities among the identified vegetables species native to Fennoscandia.
Substitution of Mineral Fertilizer with Organic Fertilizer in Maize Systems: A Meta-Analysis of Reduced Nitrogen and Carbon Emissions
Authors: Wei Zhibiao , Ying Hao , Guo Xiaowei , Zhuang Minghao , Cui Zhenling , Zhang Fusuo
Published: August 2020

Organic fertilizer is an effective substitute for mineral fertilizer that improves crop yield and is environmentally friendly. However, the effects of substitution often vary due to complicated interactions among the organic fertilizer substitution rate (Rs), total nutrient supply, and type of cropping system used. We performed a meta-analysis of 133 maize studies, conducted worldwide, to assess maize yield and environmental performance with substitution of mineral fertilizer with organic fertilizer. At an equivalent nitrogen (N) rate, substituting mineral fertilizer with organic fertilizer increased maize yield by 4.22%, reduced NH3 volatilization by 64.8%, reduced N leaching and runoff by 26.9%, and increased CO2 emissions by 26.8%; however, it had no significant effect on N2O or CH4 emissions. Moreover, substitution with organic fertilizer increased the soil organic carbon sequestration rate by 925 kg C ha−1 yr−1 and decreased the global warming potential by 116 kg CO2 eq ha−1 compared with mineral fertilizer treatment. The net global warming potential after organic fertilizer substitution was −3507 kg CO2 eq ha−1, indicating a net carbon sink. Furthermore, the effect of organic fertilizer substitution varied with the fertilization rate, Rs, and treatment duration. Maize yield and nitrogen use efficiency tended to increase with increasing N application rate following substitution of mineral fertilizer with organic fertilizer. Full substitution reduced N losses more than partial substitution. Further analysis revealed that the yield-optimal Rs for organic N in maize production was 40–60%. Moreover, maize yield and nitrogen use efficiency were further increased after long-term (≥ 3 years) combined use of organic and mineral fertilizers. These findings suggest that rational use of organic and mineral fertilizers improves maize productivity, increases soil organic carbon sequestration, and reduces N and C losses.
Sustainable Valorisation of Biowaste for Soilless Cultivation of Salvia Officinalis in a Circular Bioeconomy
Authors: Greco Carlo , Comparetti Antonio , Febo Pierluigi , La Placa Giulia , Mammano Michele Massimo , Orlando Santo
Published: August 2020

The aim of this work is to assess the usefulness of biowaste deriving from Circular Bioeconomy (CBE) processes (i.e., vermicompost, compost and digestate), as growing substrates for the partial or total replacement of peat, by measuring the vegetation biometric parameters of sage (Salvia officinalis L.)—leaf area; Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) value (index of chlorophyll concentration); fresh and dry weight of leaves; stem weight; root length. The results showed that vermicompost positively influenced most of above parameters (+16.7% for leaf area, +7.3% for fresh leaf weight, +6.4% for dry leaf weight, +8.5% for fresh stem weight, +0.9% for dry stem weight, +16% for root length) and, therefore, can be used as a sustainable growing substrate, alternative to peat, for the sage soilless cultivation. Yet, the results of some biometric parameters are better with peat rather than with compost (−7.2% for SPAD value, −47.3% for fresh leaf weight, −46.8% for dry leaf weight, −32.9% for fresh stem weight, −39.1% for dry stem weight, −52.4% for fresh root weight, −56.6% for dry root weight) and digestate (−30.2% for fresh leaf weight, −33.6% for dry leaf weight, −23.9% for fresh stem weight, −27% for dry stem weight, −51.8% for fresh root weight, −34.4% for dry root weight, −16% for root length). Therefore, these results are interesting for potted plants in nursery activity, while the above differences must be verified also after the transplanting of the tested plants in open field. However, the use of all the above growing substrates alternative to peat allows the sustainable valorization of food industry by-products, plant biomass, animal manure and the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW).
Effect of Tillage, Previous Crop, and N Fertilization on Agronomic and Economic Performances of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) under Rainfed Semi-Arid Environment
Authors: Souissi Amir , Bahri Haithem , Cheikh M’hamed Hatem , Chakroun Mohamed , Benyoussef Salah , Frija Ayman , Annabi Mohamed
Published: August 2020

The implementation of conservation agriculture (CA) remains crucial for facing interannual variability in climatic conditions that impact durum wheat production and food security. The current work was conducted to assess the effects of the tillage practice, previous crop, and nitrogen (N) fertilization rate on the agronomic and economic performances of rainfed durum wheat in a semi-arid environment in Tunisia. Tillage practices included no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT). Preceding crops were either a common vetch or a bread wheat. The N rates applied were: 0, 75, 100, 120, and 140 kg N ha−1. Our results show that, based on a 2-year experiment, tillage practices are not affecting grain yield, grain N, and gross margins. However, the N-use efficiency of durum wheat was significantly higher when wheat was grown using NT. Grain yield and N content in grain were 340 kg ha−1 and 0.34%; much higher after vetch than after bread wheat. For both tillage practices, the merit of 75 kg N ha−1 is paramount to maximize yield through a more efficient use of available N. Our results highlight the importance of no-tillage-based CA combined with rotation, including vetch, on enhanced yields, N-use efficiency, and gross margins. These findings provide the evidence of the positive impact of CA for rainfed durum wheat under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions.
Biomass-Based Cellulose Functionalized by Phosphonic Acid with High Selectivity and Capacity for Capturing U(VI) in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Huo Zhipeng , Zhao Sheng , Yi Jinxin , Zhang Hong , Li Jiaxing
Published: August 2020

Uranium could be released into the aquatic ecological environment through various sorts of nuclear-related procedures, which has high toxicity and carcinogenicity even with a trace amount. A novel phosphonic acid functionalized cellulose adsorbent (PVKAP) with a simple synthesis strategy is developed based on pumpkin vine cellulose (PVK) as the substrate material for efficient and selective capturing U(VI). Because of the strong coordination between phosphonic acid groups and U(VI), the adsorption efficiency and adsorption selectivity of modified cellulose to U(VI) are greatly improved. The adsorption behavior follows the Langmuir adsorption model and pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The maximum adsorption capacities (pH = 5, T = 293 K) of PVK and PVKAP obtained from Langmuir isotherm are 57.2 and 714.3 mg∙g−1, and the adsorption equilibrium are reached in 240 and 35 min, respectively. Additionally, PVKAP has a high adsorption selectivity which reached 70.36% for U(VI) in multi-ion condition, and recycling studies have shown that PVKAP has good recyclability. Furthermore, batch adsorption experiments and spectral analysis reveal that the efficient enrichment of U(VI) on PVKAP could mainly attribute to the inner layer complexation. Therefore, this environmentally friendly and simple route prepared PVKAP has good a potential application value for U(VI) enrichment in aqueous media related to nuclear waste.
Design Methodology for Rehabilitation Robots: Application in an Exoskeleton for Upper Limb Rehabilitation
Authors: Cruz Martínez Giorgio Mackenzie , Z.-Avilés L. A.
Published: August 2020

This article presents a methodology for the design of rehabilitation devices that considers factors involved in a clinical environment. This methodology integrates different disciplines that work together. The methodology is composed by three phases and 13 stages with specific tasks, the first phase includes the clinical context considering the requirements of the patient and therapist during the rehabilitation, the second phase is focused in engineering based on the philosophy of digital twin, and in the third phase is evaluated the device. This article explains the characteristics of the methodology and how it was applied in the design of an exoskeleton for passive rehabilitation of upper limb.
Feasibility of Low-Cost Thermal Imaging for Monitoring Water Stress in Young and Mature Sweet Cherry Trees
Authors: Blaya-Ros Pedro José , Blanco Víctor , Domingo Rafael , Soto-Valles Fulgencio , Torres-Sánchez Roque
Published: August 2020

Infrared thermography has been introduced as an affordable tool for plant water status monitoring, especially in regions where water availability is the main limiting factor in agricultural production. This paper outlines the potential applications of low-cost thermal imaging devices to evaluate the water status of young and mature sweet cherry trees (Prunus avium L.) submitted to water stress. Two treatments per plot were assayed: (i) a control treatment irrigated to ensure non-limiting soil water conditions; and (ii) a water-stress treatment. The seasonal evolution of the temperature of the canopy (Tc) and the difference between Tc and air temperature (ΔT) were compared and three thermal indices were calculated: crop water stress index (CWSI), degrees above control treatment (DAC) and degrees above non-water-stressed baseline (DANS). Midday stem water potential (Ψstem) was used as the reference indicator of water stress and linear relationships of Tc, ΔT, CWSI, DAC and DANS with Ψstem were discussed in order to assess their sensitivity to quantify water stress. CWSI and DANS exhibited strong relationships with Ψstem and two regression lines to young and mature trees were found. The promising results obtained highlight that using low-cost infrared thermal devices can be used to determine the plant water status in sweet cherry trees.
The Role of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-2 on the Cellular Viability and Differentiation to the Osteogenic Lineage and Mineralization of Stem Cells Cultured on Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral
Authors: Lee Hyunjin , Min Sae Kyung , Park Yoon-Hee , Park Jun-Beom
Published: August 2020

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) plays various roles, including differentiation and mitogenesis, and IGFs are reported to regulate the bone growth and maintenance. This study was performed to analyze the enhancing effects of IGF-2 on osteogenic differentiation and the mineralization of stem cells cultured on deproteinized bovine bone mineral. Stem cell loaded bone graft material was cultured in the presence of the IGF-2 at final concentrations of 10 and 100 ng/mL and the morphology of the cells was observed on Days 1, 3, and 7. The commercially available, two-color assay based on plasma membrane integrity and esterase activity was also used for qualitative analyses on Days 1, 3, and 7. The level of alkaline phosphatase activity and anthraquinone dye assay were used to evaluate osteogenic differentiation on Days 7 and 14. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied in order to identify the mRNA expression of BGLAP, Runx2, and β-catenin. The stem cells were well-attached with fibroblast morphology and most of the stem cells produced a high intensity of green fluorescence, indicating that there were live cells on Day 1. The relative cellular viability assay values for IGF-2 groups at 0, 10, and 100 ng/mL on Day 1 were 0.419 ± 0.015, 0.427 ± 0.013, and 0.500 ± 0.030, respectively (p < 0.05). The absorbance values at 405 nm for alkaline phosphatase activity on Day 7 for IGF-2 at 0, 10, and 100 ng/mL were 2.112 ± 0.152, 1.897 ± 0.144, and 2.067 ± 0.128, respectively (p > 0.05). The mineralization assay results at Day 7 showed significantly higher values for IGF-2 groups at 10 and 100 ng/mL concentration when compared to the control (p < 0.05). The application of IGF-2 groups of 10 and 100 ng/mL produced a significant increase of BGLAP. Conclusively, this study indicates that the use of IGF-2 on stem cell loaded bone graft increased cellular viability, Alizarin red staining, and BGLAP expression of stem cells. This report suggests the combined approach of stem cells and IGF-2 with scaffold may have synergistic effects on osteogenesis.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals That Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai Extract Inhibits RANKL-Mediated Osteoclastogenensis Mainly through Suppressing Nfatc1 Expression
Authors: Lee Kyubin , Jang You-Jee , Lee Hyerim , Kim Eunbin , Kim Yeojin , Yoo Tong-Kewn , Hyun Tae Kyung , Park Jae-Il , Yi Sun-Ju , Kim Kyunghwan
Published: August 2020

Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai is known as a monotypic genus endemic to South Korea. Currently, several pharmacological studies have revealed that A. distichum extract exhibits diverse biological functions, including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we present the anti-osteoporotic activity of A. distichum extract by inhibiting osteoclast formation. First, we show that the methanolic extract of the leaves of A. distichum, but not extracts of the branches or fruits, significantly inhibits receptor activator of the NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation. Second, our transcriptome analysis revealed that the leaf extract (LE) blocks sets of RANKL-mediated osteoclast-related genes. Third, the LE attenuates the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase. Finally, treatment with the LE effectively prevents postmenopausal bone loss in ovariectomized mice and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in zebrafish. Our findings show that the extract of A. distichum efficiently suppressed osteoclastogenesis by regulating osteoclast-related genes, thus offering a novel therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis.
Glancing Angle Deposition and Growth Mechanism of Inclined AlN Nanostructures Using Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Bairagi Samiran , Järrendahl Kenneth , Eriksson Fredrik , Hultman Lars , Birch Jens , Hsiao Ching-Lien
Published: August 2020

Glancing angle deposition (GLAD) of AlN nanostructures was performed at room temperature by reactive magnetron sputtering in a mixed gas atmosphere of Ar and N2. The growth behavior of nanostructures shows strong dependence on the total working pressure and angle of incoming flux. In GLAD configuration, the morphology changed from coalesced, vertical nanocolumns with faceted terminations to highly inclined, fan-like, layered nanostructures (up to 38°); while column lengths decreased from around 1743 to 1068 nm with decreasing pressure from 10 to 1.5 mTorr, respectively. This indicates a change in the dominant growth mechanism from ambient flux dependent deposition to directional ballistic shadowing deposition with decreasing working pressures, which is associated with the change of energy and incident angle of incoming reactive species. These results were corroborated using simulation of metal transport (SiMTra) simulations performed at similar working pressures using Ar and N separately, which showed the average particle energy and average angle of incidence decreased while the total average scattering angle of the metal flux arriving at substrate increased with increasing working pressures. Observing the crystalline orientation of GLAD deposited wurtzite AlN nanocolumns using X-ray diffraction (XRD), pole-figure measurements revealed c-axis <0001> growth towards the direction of incoming flux and a transition from fiber-like to biaxial texture took place with increasing working pressures. Under normal deposition conditions, AlN layer morphology changed from {0001} to {101¯1} with increasing working pressure because of kinetic energy-driven growth.
Investigation on High Temperature Rheological Behaviors and Fatigue Performance of Trans-Polyoctenamer-Activated Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt Binder
Authors: Mu Yan , Ma Feng , Dai Jiasheng , Li Chen , Fu Zhen , Yang Tiantian , Jia Meng
Published: August 2020

Asphalt binders have been modified with Crumb rubber (CR) as an effort to fulfil the demand for the development of eco-friendly and sustainable pavements. The objective of this study was to investigate the high temperature rheological behaviors and fatigue performance of crumb rubber modified asphalt (CRMA) binder activated using trans-polyoctenamer (TOR). Long-term and short-term aging tests were performed on samples by thin film oven test (TFOT) and pressure aging vessel (PAV). Rotational viscosity (RV), softening point, and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests were conducted to characterize the rheological and physical performance. A linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test was employed to evaluate the fatigue performance. The results show that TOR-activated CRMA is more capable of hardening the matrix bitumen and improving its high-temperature viscoelastic properties after TFOT. The high temperature viscoelasticity is significantly better than styrene-butadiene-styrene block (SBS) modified asphalt (SBSMA) and CRMA. TOR-activated CRMA exhibits strong rutting resistance, but it is more likely to generate fatigue cracks under the violent advancement of complex modulus. Therefore, TOR active agent has a negative impact on the fatigue performance of CRMA. SBSMA exhibited superior fatigue resistance. The viscosity temperature index (VTS) of TOR-activated CRMA and CRMA was basically identical; the TOR did not significantly improve the temperature sensitivity of CRMA.
Multimodal Brain Tumor Classification Using Deep Learning and Robust Feature Selection: A Machine Learning Application for Radiologists
Authors: Khan Muhammad Attique , Ashraf Imran , Alhaisoni Majed , Damaševičius Robertas , Scherer Rafal , Rehman Amjad , Bukhari Syed Ahmad Chan
Published: August 2020

Manual identification of brain tumors is an error-prone and tedious process for radiologists; therefore, it is crucial to adopt an automated system. The binary classification process, such as malignant or benign is relatively trivial; whereas, the multimodal brain tumors classification (T1, T2, T1CE, and Flair) is a challenging task for radiologists. Here, we present an automated multimodal classification method using deep learning for brain tumor type classification. The proposed method consists of five core steps. In the first step, the linear contrast stretching is employed using edge-based histogram equalization and discrete cosine transform (DCT). In the second step, deep learning feature extraction is performed. By utilizing transfer learning, two pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) models, namely VGG16 and VGG19, were used for feature extraction. In the third step, a correntropy-based joint learning approach was implemented along with the extreme learning machine (ELM) for the selection of best features. In the fourth step, the partial least square (PLS)-based robust covariant features were fused in one matrix. The combined matrix was fed to ELM for final classification. The proposed method was validated on the BraTS datasets and an accuracy of 97.8%, 96.9%, 92.5% for BraTs2015, BraTs2017, and BraTs2018, respectively, was achieved.
The Acquisition of Computational Thinking through Mentoring: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Cervera Núria , Diago Pascual D. , Orcos Lara , Yáñez Dionisio F.
Published: August 2020

Educational robotics are commonly present in kindergarten and primary school classrooms, particularly Bee-bot. Its ease of use allows the introduction of computer programming to young children in educational contexts from a science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) perspective. Despite this rise, there are still few investigations that collect evidence on the effectiveness of robotic interventions. Although mentoring experiences with robotics had been carried out in educational contexts, this work explores their effect on the acquisition of computational thinking skills through mentoring. Participants from the second grade, aged seven through eight years, were exposed to two sessions of robotics with Bee-bot in order to promote hands-on experimentation. The sessions were conducted by nine students of the fourth grade (the mentors), aged 10 to 11 years. A descriptive case-study methodology was employed for the analysis of the mentoring intervention. The effect of the mentoring experience was assessed in terms of motivation and computational thinking skills. Mixed quantitative and qualitative results show two important findings: (i) Mentoring is a powerful tool to be considered for improvement of the motivation and cooperation of students in their teaching–learning process, and (ii) computational thinking skills can be acquired by second-grade students through a mentoring process.
Forecasting the Reliability of Components Subjected to Harmonics Generated by Power Electronic Converters
Authors: Mazzanti Giovanni , Diban Bassel , Chiodo Elio , De Falco Pasquale , Noia Luigi Pio Di
Published: August 2020

This paper aims at refining an experimentally based reliability model for the insulation of power components subjected to the randomly varying harmonics generated by power electronic converters. Compared to previous papers of the same authors and to the existing literature, here the model is re-formulated from the theoretical viewpoint focusing on the foremost role played by low percentiles of time to failure—in particular by the 1st percentile—selected as the rated life in the framework of modern probabilistic design of components. This is not only more correct from the viewpoint of component design, but also on the safe side as for the reliability of devices. Moreover, the application of the model is broadened to treat the whole sequence of odd voltage harmonics from the 5th to the 25th, i.e., those taken as the most significant in power systems according to international standards. The limits to voltage distortion set in Standard EN50160 are the reference for establishing parametrically a series of typical distorted voltage waveshape analyzed in the applicative part, which account for the possible phase-shift angles between voltage harmonics. The effect of current harmonics is also considered, from both the theoretical and applicative viewpoint. As a last, but not least novelty, the reliability model is used here for life and reliability estimates not only of Medium Voltage (MV)/Low Voltage (LV) capacitors and cables—already studied in the previous stages of this investigation—but also of induction motors and transformers in the presence of harmonics from power converters.
Evaluation of GammaH2AX in Buccal Cells as a Molecular Biomarker of DNA Damage in Alzheimer’s Disease in the AIBL Study of Ageing
Authors: Siddiqui Mohammad , Francois Maxime , Rainey-Smith Stephanie , Martins Ralph , Masters Colin , Ames David , Rowe Christopher , Macaulay Lance , Fenech Michael , Leifert Wayne
Published: August 2020

In response to double-stranded breaks (DSBs) in chromosomal DNA, H2AX (a member of histone H2A family) becomes phosphorylated to form γH2AX. Although increased levels of γH2AX have been reported in the neuronal nuclei of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients, the understanding of γH2AX responses in buccal nuclei of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD remain unexplored. In the current study, endogenous γH2AX was measured in buccal cell nuclei from MCI (n = 18) or AD (n = 16) patients and in healthy controls (n = 17) using laser scanning cytometry (LSC). The γH2AX level was significantly elevated in nuclei of the AD group compared to the MCI and control group, and there was a concomitant increase in P-trend for γH2AX from the control group through MCI to the AD group. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were carried out for different γH2AX parameters; γH2AX in nuclei resulted in the greatest area under the curve value of 0.7794 (p = 0.0062) with 75% sensitivity and 70% specificity for the identification of AD patients from control. In addition, nuclear circularity (a measure of irregular nuclear shape) was significantly higher in the buccal cell nuclei from the AD group compared with the MCI and control groups. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between the nuclear circularity and γH2AX signals. The results indicated that increased DNA damage is associated with AD.
Effect of Fabrication Parameters on the Performance of 0.5 wt.% Graphene Nanoplates-Reinforced Aluminum Composites
Authors: Lou Shu Mei , Qu Chuan Dong , Guo Guang Xin , Ran Ling Wei , Liu Yong Qiang , Zhang Ping Ping , Su Chun Jian , Wang Qing Biao
Published: August 2020

Aluminum composites reinforced by graphene nanoplates(GNP) with a mass fraction of 0.5% (0.5 wt.% GNP/Al) were fabricated using cold pressing and hot pressing. An orthogonal test was used to optimize the fabrication parameters. Ball milling time, ball milling speed, and ultrasonic time have the largest influence on the uniformity of the graphene in the composites. Afterwards, the microstructure, interfacial properties, and fracture morphology of the composites obtained with different parameters were further analyzed. The results show that ball milling time and ball milling speed have obvious influences on the mechanical properties of the composite. In this paper, when the ball milling speed is 300 r/min and the ball milling time is 6 h, the dispersion uniformity of graphene in the 0.5 wt.% GNP/Al composite is the best, the agglomeration is the lowest, and the mechanical properties of the composites are the best, among which the tensile strength is 156.8 MPa, 56.6% higher than that of pure aluminum fabricated by the same process (100.1 MPa), and the elongation is 19.9%, 39.8% lower than that of pure aluminum (33.1%).
Composition and Technological Properties of Clays for Structural Ceramics in Limpopo (South Africa)
Authors: Diko-Makia Lawrence , Ligege Rofhiwa
Published: August 2020

This study evaluated the potential of raw clays from the Mukondeni region for structural ceramics and pottery based on traditional firing techniques. Physical properties were identified by particle size distribution, consistency limits, and clay activity. Mineralogical and chemical properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Extruded clay bodies were fired at 900 °C. Technological characteristics were measured by weight loss (WL), bulk density (BD), dry linear shrinkage (DLS), fired linear shrinkage (FLS), water absorption (WA), and flexural strength (FS). The clays were low in <2 µm fractions (≤19%) and of medium to high plasticity with a clayey silt texture. Smectite was the dominant clay mineral while quartz and feldspar were major non clay minerals. The most abundant oxides were SiO2 (63.57–68.73%), Al2O3 (13.9–15.61%), and Fe2O3 (4.86–6.18%), whereas K2O, CaO, MgO, Na2O, TiO2, and P2O5 were depleted. Characterization based on the clay workability chart, Winkler’s diagram, and compositional ternary diagrams revealed acceptable extrusion properties and suitability for structural ceramics and earthenware. The clays showed acceptable WL, BD, LS, and WA, but unsatisfactory FS (≤1.08 MPa). Low mechanical strength was attributed to presence of smectites and inert nature of feldspar at 900 °C. Beneficiation through mixing with carbonate-rich raw materials is recommended.
Effect of commercial plant growth regulator on the growth of dragon fruit (Hyolocereus sp) cuttings under greenhouse condition
Authors: Rallos Lynn Esther , Dano Arkheanne , Tupas Renaldy
Published: August 2020

Information is limited on the effects of commercial plant growth regulators (PGRs) on dragon fruit. Most studies on rooting effects on dragon fruit cuttings employed very high doses of plant growth regulators (PGRs), which are not deemed practical for greenhouse and field applications. This study was initiated to evaluate the responses of four genotypes of dragon fruit (‘Royal Red’, ‘Moroccan Red’, ‘Mexican White’, and ‘Hawaiian White’) during greenhouse acclimatization to diluted concentrations of commercial PGRs that are readily available in the market. A single factorial experiment on genotype effects on root and shoot responses, without PGR, was conducted. A second experiment with a 4x3x2 completely randomized design, with four genotypes, three diluted commercial PGR formulations and two exposure times as factors was also done. Root length, number of roots, number of days to first shoot emergence and number of new shoots were measured after 50 days of acclimatization in the greenhouse. In the single factorial experiment, only ‘genotype’ had an effect on number of new shoots (P<0.05). In the multifactorial experiment, all factors tested did not have significant interaction effects. However, the main effect of ‘genotype’ on number of new shoots and number of days to first shoot emergence was also significant (P<0.05). The lack of significant effect of other factors and their interactions on most growth responses suggest that it is difficult to resolve differences among the four genotypes using highly diluted commercial PGR formulations after a 50-day observation period. However, our data still suggest that the ‘Red’ genotypes are more superior than the ‘White’ genotypes in terms of shoot growth.
From the Ashes of a Pandemic: Leveraging Omics for R&D
Authors: Murao Lyre Espada
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic caught the world unprepared for a global catastrophe. With the uncertainty of a vaccine in the near future, the pandemic marks the start of a new world that has to co-exist with the virus. COVID-19 has been a wake-up call to the lingering but neglected issues on environmental health and global food security but is also a timely opportunity to rise from the ashes, reboot our framework, and act with resolve for sustainable and resilient ecosystems and communities. The emerging tools and disciplines in the field of omics can be leveraged for a systems-level understanding of biological processes to accelerate advancements on knowledge, innovations, and policies towards a more sustainable utilization and management of resources in this post-pandemic age. In developing regions, omics research centers can serve as a gateway to this technology by providing access, building capacities, and facilitating collaborative and harmonized research engagements.
Understanding the Importance of Community Practice for Christian Social Workers
Authors: Brown Kevin J. , Yancey Gaynor
Published: August 2020

The start of the early Christian church is recounted in the book of Acts.  In Acts 2 (NKJV) shares that after the outpouring of the Spirit of God, over 3,000 believers gather themselves together, where they “held everything in common, shared their resources, and that each person’s needs were met (Acts 2:42, The Message).

The following article takes a bird’s eye view that assists us, as social workers, in understanding the importance of community practice. Community calls us to a sense of belonging and inclusion with a group of people.  Community also calls us to consider again our shared values and resources.  This article grounds us in the Biblical narrative, moves to our social work skills and knowledge base, and then concludes with thoughts that encourage us to address the “wicked problems” by being disruptive forces in the planned change process which is at the heart of community practice.
Influence of Variables to Reduce the Intention and Behaviour Purchase Gaps in Eco-Label Food Products
Authors: Herrera González Daniel
Published: August 2020

Academic researchers have sought to examine the variables that affect purchasing behaviour and the development of models for ethical consumer behaviour due to the fact that consumers are increasingly aware of the impact that daily food products can have on the environment. As a result, the demand for environmentally friendly food has increased rapidly and the companies have created different eco-labels to encourage consumers to buy their products. However, there is still a large gap between the intent to purchase eco-labeled products and the actual purchasing behaviour. Thus, this paper explains and assesses the extrinsic and intrinsic variables that could reduce the gap between eco-label purchase intention and the actual purchase behaviour for eco-labelled food products based on the TRA theory. The qualitative findings show that product benefits consumer environmental knowledge, consumer environmental awareness and demographic aspects, all which influence or affect the purchase intention for ecolabelled food, while the eco-label type I has no relationship with the intention of purchase for food with eco-label attributes. This paper is very useful for Latin American food companies given that most of the current research has been focused on European countries.
Clubes Sociais
Authors: Silva Carolina Fernandes da , Pereira Ester Liberato , Mazo Janice Zarpellon
Published: August 2020

O objetivo deste estudo é identificar como as práticas esportivas oferecidas pelos primeiros clubes sociais foram reutilizadas na produção de identidades culturais em Porto Alegre na transição do século XIX para o século XX. A análise documental das fontes impressas revelou que tanto os clubes que congregavam os teuto-brasileiros quanto os que reuniam o grupo social luso-brasileiro eram mantenedores de tradições. A ginástica alemã era a prática mais representativa dos clubes de alemães, além do remo, até o princípio do século XX. Neste período, contudo, os luso-brasileiros organizaram seus primeiros clubes de remo, reutilizando esta prática esportiva para a produção de representação de outra identidade cultural na cidade. Assim, os luso-brasileiros foram rompendo com sua identificação restrita ao turfe e produzindo identidades no associativismo esportivo assim como os imigrantes alemães.
MANAJEMEN FUNGSI LEGISLASI DPRD KOTA SUKABUMI PERIODE 2014-2019 DALAM PEMBENTUKAN RANCANGAN PERATURAN DAERAH INISIATIF
Authors: Azmizar Meisy , Purwanti Dian , Fajar Basori Yana
Published: August 2020

This study aims to study the management of the Sukabumi City DPRD legislative function for the 2014-2019 period in drafting regional regulations. This study uses descriptive qualitative research methods which in determining the informants using snowball sampling techniques with the number of informants as many as 5 people. The data collection methods in this study were obtained through the results of observations, interviews and documentation studies with data analysis using data collection, data reduction, data presentation and verification and confirmation of conclusions. This study uses the management theory proposed by Terry and rue which includes planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling. The results of this study can be concluded about the management of the legislative function of the Sukabumi City DPRD for the 2014-2019 period in a well-run regional regulation draft that was distributed from planning, organizing and actuating. But if seen from the controlling it is already running but not running optimally. It should be noted that this needs special attention from the Sukabumi City DPRD in the future so that the legislative function can be implemented in the drafting of the involvement of the regional regulation.
KAJIAN HUKUM KEWENANGAN PENYELIDIKAN ANTARA KEPOLISIAN, KPK DALAM PEMBERANTASAN PIDANA KORUPSI DARI KELEMBAGAAN NEGARA
Authors: Hutabarat Sumiaty Adelina
Published: August 2020

There are two law enforcement agencies combating corruption, namely the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Police, having the same authority, but in implementing authority there are differences, for example in the application of laws that govern the two institutions.The problem that becomes the study of this research is how the problem of the existence of the KPK as an institution to eradicate corruption has the authority regulated in RI Law No. 30 of 2002 concerning the Corruption Eradication Commission, whose authority lies with the Police regulated in RI Law No. 2 of 2002 concerning the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia which refers to the Criminal Code The results of the study showed that the resolution of the dispute between the Police and the Corruption Eradication Commission in the investigation of corruption was carried out by coordinating the Corruption Eradication Commission and the Police in Corruption Criminal Investigations. Law number 30 of 2002 concerning the Corruption Eradication Commission regulates the relationship between the performance of the KPK and the Police regarding investigations, investigations and prosecutions.Settlement of authority disputes between the Police and the KPK should be the authority of the Supreme Court, due to judicial review under the Supreme Court Law. The right to test the law is the application of a balanced and balanced government. The Corruption Eradication Commission was formed by the Law 30/2002 whereas the Indonesian Police was formed by the 1945 Constitution, article 30 paragraph 4.

Keywords : Authority, investigation, KPK

 
EYE DIALECT IN SUSAN HINTON’S NOVEL «THE OUTSIDERS»
Authors: Kryven O.
Published: August 2020

The article is devoted to the analysis of eye dialect in Hinton’s novel «The Outsiders». The main situational groups in which the eye dialect is most often used in the novel are singled out. The theoretical basis of studying the problem of eye dialect is outlined and the features of its reproduction in the translation of the novel «The Outsiders» are researched.
“ПОЛИТЕЙНМЕНТ” — ЗАМОНАВИЙ ТЕЛЕВИЗИОН ЖУРНАЛИСТИКАДА ИЖТИМОИЙ-СИЁСИЙ МАВЗУЛАРНИ ТАҚДИМ ЭТИШНИНГ ОММАБОП УСУЛИ СИФАТИДА
Authors: KARIMOV Amrullo
Published: August 2020

Ўтган асрнинг 90-йиллар бошида Иттифоқнинг парчаланиши, мустақил давлатларнинг юзага келиши айрим иқтисодий, ижтимоий-сиёсий, мафкуравий муаммоларни келтириб чиқарган бўлса-да, ахборотга бўлган талабнинг сусайишига олиб келгани йўқ. Телевидение орқали берилаётган ахборотга аксарият томошабинларнинг ишончи жуда баланд эди. Яшаш тарзидаги тезликнинг ошгани, иқтисодий муаммолар гирдобида айрим стресс ҳолатларга дуч келинган, психологик босим кучайган бир пайтда руҳий хотиржамлик, ҳаловатга бўлган эҳтиёж ошиб борди. Ахборотнинг кўпайиши оқибатида дам олишга бўлган мойиллик кучайди. Матбуотда рекреативликнинг пайдо бўлиши, вақт ўтиши билан бошқа медиаларда, жумладан телевидениеда ҳам кўрина бошлади. Қисқа муддатда телевидениеда кўнгилочар йўналишдаги дастурлар “интертейнмент” (“entertainment”) оммалашди. Янгиликлар йўналишидаги телеканаллар ҳам ахборот тайёрлаш ва оммага йўналтиришнинг энг таъсирчан усулларини амалиётга жорий қилди. “Инфотейнмент (infotainment)” атамасининг амалда пайдо бўлиши ва қўлланилиши информацион дастурларда кўнгилочар элементларнинг кириб келиши асносида бошланди. Мақолада замонавий телевизион журналистикада ижтимоий-сиёсий мавзуларни тақдим этишнинг оммабоп усули — политейнментдан фойдаланишдаги халқаро тажриба ва миллий телеканалларда қўлланилишига доир қарашлар ҳақида сўз борган ҳамда давлат ва нодавлат телеканаллардаги баъзи лойиҳалар таҳлил этилган. Шунингдек, “политейнмент” замонавий телевизион журналистикада сиёсий қараш ва ёндашувларни илгари суришнинг самарали усули эканлиги ҳам ўрганилди. Мақолада қиёсий-тарихий, аналитик, таркибий ва функционал таҳлил, назарий ва эмпирик методлардан фойдаланилди.
ШАРҚОНА ПОЭТИК ИФОДА ИМКОНИЯТЛАРИ
Authors: MATYAKUBOVA Tozagul
Published: August 2020

Ушбу мақолада Ғафур Ғулом шеъриятига Шарқ адабиётининг таъсири масаласи ўрганилган. Унда истеъдодли ўзбек шоири Ғафур Ғуломнинг Шарқ адабиётига муносабати, ижоди такомили ва ўзига хослигида бу адабиётнинг муҳим манба ролини бажаргани таҳлил этилади. Шоир шеъриятининг Бедил ва Умар Хайём ижодига муштарак жиҳатларини ўрганиш орқали Ғафур Ғулом ижодининг ўзига хос қирралари ҳақида мулоҳаза юритилади. Шунингдек, мақолада Ғафур Ғуломнинг адабий анъанага бўлган муносабати, ижодининг поэтик сержилолиги, асарларининг бадиий-фалсафий ўзига хослиги ҳақида хулосалар чиқарилади.
Ғафур Ғулом нафақат Шарқ шоирлари ижодини теран англайдиган, уларнинг кўплаб шеърларини ёд биладиган етук билимдон ва хотира қуввати кучли инсон, балки сўз санъати нафосатини чин дилдан ҳис қиладиган, қалбида бу адабиётга нисбатан чексиз муҳаббат мужассам қомусий билим соҳиби бўлган. Шунинг учун ҳам унинг асарларида шарқона ифода усули ва фалсафийлик мужассамдир. Муаллиф ушбу мақолада Ғафур Ғулом шеъриятидаги Шарқ адабиётига муштаракликни Бедил ва Умар Хайём ижодига боғлаб ўрганган
INTERACTIVE INTERVENTIONS TO ENHANCE ATTENTION OF 1ST YEAR MBBS STUDENTS DURING PHYSIOLOGY LECTURE SESSIONS
Authors: Bhattacharjya Jolly , Goswami Bobyjeet
Published: August 2020

Background: Physiology is the core component of medical curriculum. It is usually taught using didactic lectures. But didactic lectures are usually monotonus. Interactive lecturing can be an effective strategy towards active learning by the students. AIM:To introduce interactive teaching in Physiology to make learning more interesting. Methodology: Few sessions of interactive teaching were conducted during lecture classes on a particular topic of Physiology. Responses of students and faculties were recorded on prevalidated feedback questionnaires on 5 point Likert scale Results: Students showed positive response towards interactive teaching learning method. Faculty members were in agreement that interactive teaching increases active learning, condence of students and help them in better learning of the subject. Conclusions:It can be concluded from present study that interactive teaching is well accepted by both faculties and students.