bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Mobility: Mithraism and Cosmography in the 2nd-5th Centuries CE
Authors: Blakely Sandra
Published: February 2020

Pragmatic cognitive science, rooted in Dewey's epistemology and models of distributed cognition, offers new hypotheses for the emergence and decline of the Mithraic rites. These models foreground the responsiveness of the rites to their economic and social environment, generating new form-meaning pairs through multimodal engagements inside the Mithraic caves. These moments of cognitive blending answered the needs of the early social catchment of the rites, which was predominantly freedmen and soldiers benefitting from the upward mobility of the thriving second century CE. Within the caves, multimodal engagements with the triumph of light over dark physical movement, imagery, gesture, role playing, and interaction with cult equipment - aligned the experience of the initiate with Mithras' cosmological triumph. The caves are also a confluence of mechanisms for social mobility that were broadly familiar in the imperial period, including patronage, symposia, engagement with exotic cultural forms and philosophical speculation. The decline of the rites was coincident with the dissolution of the economic opportunities that enabled the rise of the Roman middle class and of the social currency of these practices. The language of euergetism yielded to the language of service to the poor, and the cosmological imagery that characterized the caves shifted into the restricted spheres of exchange among competing princes. This model of the rites suggests dynamics with Christianity focused less on theology than on responsiveness to the economic and social transformations.
On cover:Monks singing the Office and decorated initial A[sperges me.]. Gradual Olivetan Master (Use of the Olivetan Benedictines), illuminated manuscript on parchment ca. 1430-1439. Italy, Monastero di Santa Maria di Baggio near Milan, Ca 1400-1775.Beinecke Ms1184: The olivetan Gradual. Gradual. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.
Baptizing the Romans
Authors: Romano John F.
Published: February 2020

This article focuses on Ordo Romanus XI, a liturgical script that describes the process for performing baptism. Including its preparatory meetings. First, the essay discusses the context in which the source was created, and second draws on its evidence to understand elements of the society of its origin. It is argued that the source was composed in the city of Rome in the second half of the seventh century, and it was intended to introduce innovations into the celebration and conception of baptism there. While previous research has characterized the source as one milestone in the history of baptism, a close reading of it provides valuable hints as to the behavior, attitudes, and identity of seventh-century Romans, both on individual and collective levels. Baptism inducted people into Christian society, cleansed them from sin, and made salvation possible. It mediated both human and supernatural relationships. Further, it strengthened Christian belief, gender roles, and the conception that Romans were the new Israelites.
On cover:Monks singing the Office and decorated initial A[sperges me.]. Gradual Olivetan Master (Use of the Olivetan Benedictines), illuminated manuscript on parchment ca. 1430-1439. Italy, Monastero di Santa Maria di Baggio near Milan, Ca 1400-1775.Beinecke Ms1184: The olivetan Gradual. Gradual. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.
Resurrecting Rome. Liturgy and Rome's Second Revival
Authors: Verbaal Wim
Published: February 2020

Liturgy is one of the more underestimated entries of the Gregorian reform. Surely, this is due to the difficulty of getting a clear view of concrete and detailed liturgical evolutions and renewals. It seems, however, to have been one of the more important elements at stake during the short period of the bitter and hard confrontations between the leading layers of the Church around 1100. Besides, between about 1050 and 1150, Rome saw an intense building activity of new churches according to new plans that seem to have been partly dictated by liturgical renovations. Notably, Pope Innocent II seems to have realized the importance of liturgy as a weapon to be used against his ecclesiastical and secular opponents. Thanks to the remarkable Liber politicus by Benedict the Canon (around 1140), we can have some ideas of the way innocent II used liturgy as a means to install his own imperial papacy. My contribution will have a closer look at Benedict's Liber politicus in its literary context as a means to reimagine Rome. The Liber will prove to be much more than a liturgical manual or a strange collection of disparate writings. Behind it lies a strong view of the political role of the papacy and of liturgy as a means to achieve and express papal supremacy.
On cover:Monks singing the Office and decorated initial A[sperges me.]. Gradual Olivetan Master (Use of the Olivetan Benedictines), illuminated manuscript on parchment ca. 1430-1439. Italy, Monastero di Santa Maria di Baggio near Milan, Ca 1400-1775.Beinecke Ms1184: The olivetan Gradual. Gradual. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.
Constructing Papal Identity during the Great Western Schism (1378-1417): Pierre Ameil and Papal Funerals
Authors: Rollo-Koster Joëlle
Published: February 2020

This essay argues that liturgists responded to the Great Western Schism (1378-1417), with liturgical rubrics. During this period, authors were essentially motivated with the recovery of ecclesiastical unity. I will analyze how Pierre Ameil, a contemporary of the Schism and the author of a ceremonial book or ordo attempted to reconstruct unity by developing a new rubric centered on the rituals surrounding the pope's death. By keeping the papal body one, both natural and institutional, Ameil responded to the College of Cardinals whom he knew was responsible for the initiation of the crisis. Contrary to current historiography that sees liturgists building institutional continuity during the Vacant See on the college of Cardinals, the essay proposes that Ameil built continuity on the embalmed papal corpse presenting it as both natural and institutional, at once finite and eternal.
On cover:Monks singing the Office and decorated initial A[sperges me.]. Gradual Olivetan Master (Use of the Olivetan Benedictines), illuminated manuscript on parchment ca. 1430-1439. Italy, Monastero di Santa Maria di Baggio near Milan, Ca 1400-1775.Beinecke Ms1184: The olivetan Gradual. Gradual. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.
Imaginative immersion in the Cistercian Cloister
Authors: Engh Line Cecilie
Published: February 2020

This article uses analytical concepts from cognitive science to explore and deepen our understanding of how medieval monastics imagined themselves as characters within biblical narratives. It argues that Cistercian monks - and in particular Bernard of Clairvaux - used techniques of imaginative immersion to enter and blend themselves into biblical viewpoints and events, thereby engaging the monks in epistemically and personally transformative experiences. The article concludes that this served to build community and to enculture monks and converts. Specifically, the article offers a close reading of two of Bernard's liturgical sermons, Sermon Two for Palm Sunday and Sermon Two on the Resurrection, to show how his sermons 1) traverse time and space and 2) blend viewpoints. Examples are also taken from texts by John Cassian, Augustine, Gregory the Great, and William of St. Thierry.
On cover:Monks singing the Office and decorated initial A[sperges me.]. Gradual Olivetan Master (Use of the Olivetan Benedictines), illuminated manuscript on parchment ca. 1430-1439. Italy, Monastero di Santa Maria di Baggio near Milan, Ca 1400-1775.Beinecke Ms1184: The olivetan Gradual. Gradual. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.
Praying for the Liberation of the Holy Sepulchre: Franciscan Liturgy in Fifteenth Century Jerusalem
Authors: Covaci Valentina
Published: February 2020

The fall of Jerusalem to Saladin in 1187 and the loss of the Frankish Levant in 1291 triggered new calls or crusade and the literature dedicated to "the recovery of the Holy Land" (pro recuperatione Terre Sancte). The exhortation to war and the urgency of Jerusalem's deliverance were also expressed through liturgy. This article examines two liturgical texts, a "Votive mass for the recovery of the Holy Land" (Missa devota ad recurandam Terram Sanctam) and an "Introit to the Holy Sepulchre of the Lord" (Ad Sanctum Sepulcrum Donin introitus), transmitted in manuscripts from the Franciscan library in Jerusalem, the Biblioteca Generale della Custodia di Terra Santa. This article explores the two liturgical texts in the historical context of fifteenth-century Jerusalem, when the Franciscan friars where the only Latin clergy allowed to serve at the Holy Places. Historical accounts produced in this milieu evince the friars' efforts to memorialize the deeds of the crusader kings, celebrated as liberators of the Holy Land. The liturgical texts analysed here complement this militant memorialization.
On cover:Monks singing the Office and decorated initial A[sperges me.]. Gradual Olivetan Master (Use of the Olivetan Benedictines), illuminated manuscript on parchment ca. 1430-1439. Italy, Monastero di Santa Maria di Baggio near Milan, Ca 1400-1775.Beinecke Ms1184: The olivetan Gradual. Gradual. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.
Memling's Portraits of Christ. A Cognitive Approach.
Authors: Hodne Lasse
Published: February 2020

Previous research conducted by the author revealed a clear preference for profile and half profile view in paintings of secular persons. Frontal view (full-face or en face) was usually restricted to representations of Christ. In this paper, the results will be applied to the study of the paintings of one particular artist: the German-born fifteenth-century painter Hans Memling. Adopting methods from traditional art history as well as cognitive psychology, the aim is to show how Memeling's systematic distinction between sacred and profane, using the frontal view only for representations of Christ, can be explained by reference to psychological studies on the effects and values usually associated with the frontal view of a face.
On cover:Monks singing the Office and decorated initial A[sperges me.]. Gradual Olivetan Master (Use of the Olivetan Benedictines), illuminated manuscript on parchment ca. 1430-1439. Italy, Monastero di Santa Maria di Baggio near Milan, Ca 1400-1775.Beinecke Ms1184: The olivetan Gradual. Gradual. General Collection, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University.
Educação ambiental: concepções de alunos de uma escola pública cidade de Barreiras no oeste da Bahia
Authors: Souza Ranieldo Barreiras Barbosa , Silva Filho Antonio José da , Souza Raniele Barbosa
Published: February 2020

Essa pesquisa foi feita em uma escola de ensino fundamental pública para buscar entender e classificar a percepção dos alunos sobre o meio ambiente. O ensino em educação ambiental, preconizado pela PCN’s é uma política pública que busca melhorar o entendimento dos jovens estudantes sobre o meio ambiente. Esse entendimento deve ir além dos conceitos formais contidos em livros e interagir diretamente com a realidade vivenciada por cada aluno. Foi utilizado como metodologia, questionário de cinco perguntas abertas e confecção de ilustração sobre o que é o meio ambiente. Isso permitiu classificar a percepção dos alunos na sua maioria, 65% como uma romantizada, 9% reducionista, 10% abrangente e 16% sócio ambiental. O resultado deixa claro a falta de interdisciplinaridade do tema 'Meio Ambiente' nas escolas públicas e a necessidade urgente dessa inclusão para construção de indivíduos capazes de contribuir para um meio ambiente melhor e saudável.
Ocorrência de plantas tóxicas em escolas do município de Timbiras/MA, Brasil
Authors: Barroso Ednilson Barros , Silva Eduardo Oliveira , Olanda Rayane Frazão
Published: February 2020

As plantas são fundamentais para a manutenção da vida, pois nos fornecem oxigênio, alimentos e contribuem para a produção de fármacos. Algumas plantas são consideradas tóxicas e podem causar envenenamentos em seres humanos e animais. Essas plantas possuem substâncias químicas que podem causar intoxicações quando ingeridas ou em contato com partes do animal. A maioria dos casos de intoxicação são acidentais e outros acontecem quando o indivíduo ingere continuada e propositalmente certas espécies vegetais. Tendo em vista que as crianças são as principais vítimas de acidentes por plantas tóxicas e que essas plantas podem ser encontradas em ambientes públicos como praças e ambientes escolares, esta pesquisa objetivou inventariar a ocorrência de plantas tóxicas em 17 escolas do município de Timbiras, MA, Brasil e investigar o conhecimento da comunidade escolar. A pesquisa se deu por meio da coleta de informações sobre as espécies e da aplicação de questionários. Foi constatado a presença de plantas tóxicas em 70% das escolas, apresentando, portanto, riscos de acidente por plantas. Foram levantadas 16 espécies de plantas tóxicas distribuídas em nove famílias. As espécies mais ocorrentes foram Jatropha gossypiifolia L. (pinhão-roxo), Caladium bicolor (Aiton) Vent. (tinhorão), Catharanthus roseus (L.) (vinca), Dieffenbachia seguine (Jacq) Schott. (comigo-ninguém-pode), e Ricinus communis (L.) (mamona) e as famílias botânicas mais frequentes foram Euphorbiaceae, Apocynaceae e Araceae. Esses resultados reforçam a necessidade de difundir o conhecimento sobre plantas tóxicas dentro dos espaços escolares, afim de evitar possíveis acidentes envolvendo crianças e esses vegetais.
Homosocial positionings and ambivalent participation
Authors: Hansen Mandau Morten Birk
Published: February 2020

Although quantitative studies have found gender differences in the non-consensual sharing of privately produced sexual images, few studies have explored how these sharing practices are shaped by the gendered social interactions in which they take place. Drawing on qualitative data from seven same-sex focus group interviews, this study examines the non-consensual sharing and viewing of sexual images among young adults. The investigation shows how the non-consensual sharing and view- ing of sexting images is shaped by homosocial interactions and functions in gen- dered patterns of positioning, characterized by status enhancement among boys and visual gossiping among girls. However, the study also finds that young adults’ participation in these sharing practices is ambivalent, as they experience being both drawn to sexual images due to their private and authentic character, and repelled by them owing to the wrongfulness and illegality of sharing them. These findings are discussed in relation to research on youth sexting.
Learning and loving of nature in the Anthropocene
Authors: Bostad Inga , Hessen Dag O.
Published: February 2020

What does “belonging to nature” mean today and how can children and young people be inspired to experience this? What basic dilemmas and challenges arise between the requirement for critical thinking on the one side, and the experience of belonging and coexisting in nature on the other? In this article we will scrutinize the ideal of rational arguments and norms as stated in current policy documents and discuss how this best can promote curiosity and wonder, as well as a sense of relatedness and responsibility with nature that can inspire normative actions, We claim that critical thinking informed by a value-based ecology is needed to reveal the hidden curriculum of sustainable education; that is, a loss of “holistic” view in the footsteps of scientific diversification, a lack of curiosity and training of critical thinking, and a “denial of nature” characterized by a missed opportunity to raise the urgent attention towards environmental risks, that today should be a main mission in natural science education .
Qualité du travail et de l’emploi et nature de la mobilité professionnelle : quels liens en France entre 2006 et 2010 à partir de l’enquête Santé et itinéraire professionnel ?
Authors: Signoretto Camille
Published: February 2020

À partir de l’enquête Santé et itinéraire professionnel (SIP) retraçant la trajectoire de salariés français entre 2006 et 2010, cet article étudie les liens entre la qualité des conditions de travail et d’emploi, et la forme prise par la mobilité professionnelle : volontaire, subie ou négociée. D’un côté, les enquêtes sur les conditions de travail en France montrent que l’intensité du travail demeure à un niveau élevé, le travail répétitif augmente et l’autonomie des salariés diminue; et, de l’autre, les succès de la rupture conventionnelle — modalité de rupture négociée du contrat à durée indéterminée, introduite en 2008 —, et des plans de départs volontaires dans des entreprises en difficultés économiques, interrogent dans un contexte économique peu favorable ces dernières années. L’un des facteurs pouvant conduire un salarié à décider ou accepter de quitter son emploi peut alors renvoyer à la manière dont s’est déroulée cette relation d’emploi, et, en premier lieu, au niveau de qualité de ses conditions de travail.

Pour tester cette hypothèse, l’article propose, à l’aide de modélisations logistiques multinomiales, d’estimer les corrélations statistiques entre plusieurs indicateurs de conditions de travail et caractéristiques de l’emploi, et cinq types de mobilité (fin de contrat, licenciement, démission, rupture conventionnelle, autres).

Les résultats montrent une corrélation positive entre des conditions de travail difficiles et des départs négociés via la rupture conventionnelle, ainsi que subis via des licenciements et fins de contrat. Par ailleurs, de faibles salaires ou un temps partiel sont des caractéristiques de l’emploi reliées positivement avec les mobilités volontaires. Cela mène à trois conclusions : 1- la rupture conventionnelle constituerait une voie supplémentaire de sortie pour des salariés mécontents de leurs conditions de travail; 2- des conditions d’emplois peu favorables inciteraient les salariés à démissionner; et enfin, 3- certaines entreprises pratiqueraient des modes de gestion de la main-d’oeuvre peu soucieuses de la fidélisation des salariés, associant précarité du travail et précarité de l’emploi via les mobilités et non seulement le type d’emploi.
Des obstacles à la construction de l’identité professionnelle des sexologues
Authors: Després Lyanna , Bergeron Manon
Published: February 2020

Le contexte de la sexologie est unique au Québec, notamment en raison de la formation, du contexte de pratique, de même que de la récente réglementation. La création de l’Ordre professionnel des sexologues du Québec en 2013 marque un moment décisif pour la reconnaissance de la profession de sexologue. Bien que certains chercheurs se soient intéressés à cette profession au Québec et ailleurs, aucune étude ne semble avoir exploré de manière précise la question de l’identité professionnelle des sexologues. Pourtant, certaines études indiquent que la construction de leur identité professionnelle poserait certaines difficultés.

Cette recherche exploratoire vise à répondre à la question suivante : Quels sont les obstacles à la construction de l’identité professionnelle des sexologues? Cette recherche se base principalement sur le modèle de la socialisation professionnelle de Dubar (2010) et a été effectuée par l’entremise de 25 entrevues individuelles auprès de diplômés du baccalauréat en sexologie, détenant ou non d’autres diplômes.

Les résultats indiquent que le principal obstacle à la construction de l’identité professionnelle réside dans le fait que l’identité collective demeure toujours en cours de définition en raison du caractère récent de la profession et de la réglementation, de même qu’à cause de la diversité du champ de pratique. Les résultats de l’étude procurent une meilleure compréhension des processus contribuant à la construction de l’identité professionnelle des sexologues : ils peuvent fournir des éléments de réflexion tant au milieu académique qu’à ceux de la pratique.
Politiques publiques et intimité face à la maladie grave
Authors: Papadaniel Yannis , Berthod Marc-Antoine
Published: February 2020

Ce texte traite de l’emprise que peuvent avoir — ou non — les politiques publiques sur l’engagement des proches auprès de membres de la famille gravement malades, tout particulièrement les conjoints. Lors d’une enquête anthropologique menée en Suisse romande (francophone) entre 2012 et 2016, nous avons cherché à comprendre comment ces derniers parvenaient à articuler travail, famille et accompagnement et, par conséquent, à endosser le rôle de proche aidant promu par les services de santé publique. Sur la base des trente-neuf situations d’aide informelle en fin de vie que nous avons documentées, nous montrons — en nous appuyant concrètement, ici, sur cinq d’entre elles — que les individus situés en première ligne se retrouvent affectés à un espace intime où le partage est parfois difficile, voire impossible. Ce repli dans l’intimité ne participe pas nécessairement à une quelconque construction de soi ni à un renforcement positif des liens affectifs. Il amplifie au contraire les doutes et incertitudes sur l’évolution de la maladie et l’avenir des relations ; ce repli confine les proches aidants dans un espace où les questionnements ne trouvent pas de réponse. Dans cette perspective, les différences de trajectoire et de destin entre le malade et les proches se révèlent dans ce qui peut être partagé et ce qui doit être tu. La sphère intime peut dès lors s’apparenter à une zone d’inconfort susceptible de mettre ces proches en porte-à-faux avec les programmes de politiques publiques qui cherchent à mieux les soutenir et, simultanément, à les mobiliser pour répondre aux défis du vieillissement de la population et à la chronicisation des maladies.
Platelet-Rich Plasma and Epidural Platelet Lysate: Novel Treatment for Lumbar Disk Herniation
Authors: Rawson Benjamin
Published: February 2020

Lumbar herniated disks present a common cause of significant axial low back and radiating leg pain. This situation poses a risk for potentially permanent neurologic compromise, including numbness, weakness, and bowel and bladder dysfunction. Traditional treatment strategies such as medications, epidural steroids, and surgery all carry potential risk for iatrogenic sequelae. Platelet-rich plasma can be processed to isolate and concentrate the growth factors contained in platelet α granules. This solution is then referred to as platelet lysate. Lumbar injection of platelet-rich plasma along with epidural injection of platelet lysate is a novel therapeutic option that can initiate or expedite the resorption of herniated lumbar disk material, which can facilitate the decompression of the affected spinal structures. This process is thought to occur through a complex interplay of cytokines and growth factors that facilitate neovascularization along with macrophage-induced phagocytosis of the disk material. In the present report, we describe 2 patients with symptomatic herniated disks who were successfully treated with epidural injection of growth factors derived from concentrated platelet lysate.
Third Space Creative Pedagogies: Developing a Model of Shared CPDL for Teachers and Artists to Support Reading and Writing in the Primary Curricula of England and Wales
Authors: Southern Alex , Elliott Jenny , Morley Colin
Published: February 2020

Zip Zap is a Creative Social Enterprise, which offers an author/illustrator- led Continuing Professional Development and Learning (CPDL) programme to develop teacher knowledge, confidence and skills in delivering creative writing and illustration activities, and a Festival of artist-led activities for school pupils. It is one of a number of initiatives that UK schools can buy into. This paper draws on an evaluation of Zip Zap’s CPDL programme and Festival across two UK sites, with two quite different creative learning contexts – Wales and England, to explore issues affecting the pedagogies at work in the space where teachers and creative practitioners elide. An analysis of findings from teacher/pupil/parent/creative practitioner interviews and observations of classroom teaching and CPDL sessions highlighted a number of key issues in relation to pedagogies of creative writing. These are: the teachers’ lack of confidence in creative writing pedagogies, a lack of shared approaches to teaching creative writing, and the potential for shared creative pedagogies. We propose a theoretical framework based on Homi K. Bhabha’s theory of the third space that offers a framework for professional learning that enables collaboration between teachers and creative practitioners, and the emergence of shared, creative pedagogies that would nurture pupils’ creative writing.
The Hiring Process of Principals in Public Schools in the United Arab Emirates: Practices and Policies
Authors: AlShehhi Fatima , Alzouebi Khadeegha
Published: February 2020

This study aims to explore the current selection practices of school principals in the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates. The study covers three main objectives: to investigate the current practices and policies regarding the recruitment of school principals in public schools in the UAE; to explore how the Ministry of Education equips school principals for leadership positions; and to survey school principals’ views on recruitment and training and their on-going professional development needs. Currently there are three main stages in the recruitment process: the first stage is to submit an online application, the second stage is the interview, and the third stage is undergoing a probation period as a school principal. A significant finding was that school principals at present are not satisfied with the current recruitment process and see it in need of change. Thus some recommendations made in this study are presented based on the research findings and school principals’ reflections and experiences. School principals felt they would benefit from more specialized training in leadership and management skills, as well as, visits to successful schools both in the United Arab Emirates and overseas. One important recommendation was to develop a new academic diploma focusing on management and leadership skills for school principals, a ‘Principalship Diploma’ which covers the fundamental core content, training and requirements for educational leadership and effective performance. School principals play an imperative role in supporting the school, staff, and student performance, and therefore it is extremely important to create a clear, transparent and effective hiring policies in order to hire the most competent, effective and best performing school principals to lead the educational reform process in the United Arab Emirates.
Teachers and Students’ Evaluation of Listening Texts in Turkish Textbooks
Authors: Kaya Mustafa , Çiftçi Ömer
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study is to evaluate the listening texts in terms of the suitability for student level. In order to achieve this goal, the opinions of Turkish teachers and the secondary school students who have been taught by these teachers were studied. The research was carried out in January 2018 with 5 Turkish teachers and 20 secondary school students at different schools in Van city center. Four Turkish textbooks (5th to 8th grade) were used as the data source in this study, which aims to reveal the quality of listening texts, having multiple units required us to use the nested case study model, a qualitative research model. Semi-structured and structured interview forms developed by the researchers for teachers and students were used for data collection. Expert opinions were taken during the development of the interview protocols. After interviews with teachers and students, inductive thematic analysis method was used to analyze the interviews. The opinions of both students and teachers about listening texts can be summarized as follows; there are many unknown words, texts are not appropriate to students' level, texts are long, text types should be based on events, there is much description in texts, texts are out of date, texts are not at the desired level in terms of language and expression, and activities in the texts are quantitatively too many but qualitatively not on a desired level.
Considering Creative Activity in Institutional Repositories: An Exploration of Faculty Perceptions
Authors: Lambaria Kate
Published: February 2020

INTRODUCTION Institutional repositories capture the intellectual output of a specific institution, but this often does not include the creative works done by those in the fine arts. METHODS In-depth interviews with faculty in fine arts disciplines were used to explore their perceptions of institutional repositories and to uncover any benefits or barriers they identify when they consider their creative work within an institutional repository. Fourteen faculty from architecture, art, dance, film, music, and theater were interviewed, with an emphasis on the performing arts. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Benefits included the accessibility of works within the institutional repository (IR) to the wider public, the ability to use deposited content for promotional purposes, and the connection the repository has to the institution. Barriers included financial concerns, uncertainty about what would happen with the ownership of their work, copyright, how to share their contributions in collaborative works, and the added time it might take to deposit materials. Faculty also had several expectations. By understanding fine arts faculty perceptions, libraries can improve outreach to these disciplines regarding repository services and be prepared to include the types of works being created in the arts, if appropriate.
Mass Concentration and Elemental Constituent of Particulate Matter in Ambient Air of Two Cement Industries and Its Health Risk Analysis
Authors: Onwuka M. , Avwiri G. O. , Ononugbo C. P.
Published: February 2020

Particulate matter concentration was measured over two cement production sites in Nigeria using a gravimetric high volume air sampler and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) for elemental analysis. The mass concentration of SPM ranged from 7.50 µg/m3 to 303.1 µg/m3 with mean value of 157.9 µg/m3 /day in Okpella Bua cement production site and 4.4 to 283.3 µg/m³ with mean value of 103.2 µg/m³/day for Unicem cement production site, Calabar. The elemental analysis shows the presence of Zn, Pb, Ni, Mn, Cr and Cd. The heavy metals in the order of decreasing concentration are Zn> Pb> Ni > Mn> Cr> Cd: 7.84> 2.60> 2.00> 0.80> 0.76 > 0.11 (µg/m3) respectively. All the values were higher than NESREA limit except Mn in Okpella Bua site. In UNICEM Calabar site, heavy metal distribution showed Zn> Pb> Ni> Mn> Cr> Cd: 12.50> 3.00> 1.26> 0.66> 0.41> 0.14 (µg/m3), respectively. The carcinogenic risks estimated exceeded the acceptable limit for adult, workers and children. The result showed that about 106 adults and 227 children will be affected by cancer related health problem. The mean value of the hazard quotient (HQ) was 1.46 and 2.46 from Unicem and 1.76 and 2.95 from Bua cement area for chromium and lead exposure of adult and children respectively, which shows the occurrence of the non-carcinogenic health effect on both adult and children. The result of this work revealed that children have higher risk than adult due to exposure to this inhalable particulate matter.
Strategic Thinking in Resource Diversification: Assessing the Value of Nuclear Energy in Turkey
Authors: Altundeğer Nurettin
Published: February 2020

Turkey is an energy dependent country with more than 75 percent of its energy being imported from foreign countries. The level of dependency is increasing every year because of the rising energy needs and the lack of national production. Among all forms of energy, increase in demand for electricity is the highest. At a time that some countries are announcing their decision to phase out nuclear power plants (NPPs) in favor of renewable energy sources, Turkey appears to be determined to proceed with its decision to acquire nuclear technology despite safety concerns. A country that has seen domestic opposition towards nuclear energy has already made significant progress towards acquiring one. This article uses a policy analysis framework to assess the value of nuclear energy in Turkey from an energy security perspective. It argues that energy security for Turkey can be dealt with thoroughly when the problem of resource diversification is addressed from a comprehensive perspective. Pros and cons of having NPPs in Turkey will be analyzed through energy security parameters vis-a-vis the urgent need for resource diversification.
Real Earnings Management and Dividend Payout among Non-financial Institutions in Nigeria
Authors: Ayunku Peter E. , Timipere Ekokeme, Tamaroukro
Published: February 2020

Aims: This study seeks to evaluate the consequences of real earnings management and dividend payout among non-financial institutions in Nigeria.

Study Design: The study adopted Descriptive and ex-post facto research design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Banking and Finance, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study was carried out between October 2019 and January 2020.

Methodology: To this end, we made use of Descriptive and ex-post research design, secondary data set, collected from thirty five quoted non-financial institutions for the period 2015 and 2018 financial period. The data were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics, Correlation Matrix.

Results: Our findings align with the agency theory which suggests that despite the fact that corporate contracting is primarily designed to align incentives between principals and agents, agency concerns are still created as a result of incompleteness and rigidities in binding of contracts, which lead to manipulation of the reporting process consequently altering shareholders returns in form of dividend payout.

Conclusion: Specifically, we find that real earnings management is been modulated through expenses. The variables of abnormal production and cash flow from operations show no significant effect on dividend payout with respect to the institutions and period under review.
Comparative Assessment of the Efficiency of Rice Husk Biochar and Conventional Water Treatment Method to Remove Chlorpyrifos from Pesticide Polluted Water
Authors: Okoya Aderonke A. , Adegbaju Oyeyemi S. , Akinola Oyindamola E. , Akinyele Abimbola B. , Amuda Omotayo S.
Published: February 2020

Nigeria is currently the largest rice producing country in Africa. High volumes of waste such as rice husk are inevitable with high production. Also pesticides used to rid of pests, diseases and improve crop yield find their ways into available surface water that serves domestic purpose. This study therefore determined the efficiency of conventional water treatment procedure for pesticide/pesticide residue removal and evaluated the performance of rice husk-based biochar as adsorbent to remove chlorpyrifos from domestic water supply with a view to manage  solid waste (rice husk) for treating pesticide polluted water. Batch adsorption studies were carried out to assess the adsorption efficiency of rice husk biochar (RHB) for chlorpyrifos pesticide removal from surface water. Adsorbent dosage, initial concentration, contact time and dosage were optimized during simulation experiment. RHB and commercial activated carbon (CAC) were used for the removal of chlorpyrifos from surface water sample using the optimum condition from the simulation experiment after which the concentrations were determined using Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry detector. Both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were investigated. RHB gave percentage moisture (5.27±0.94), carbon yield (39.44±0.47), ash (41.96±0.96), fixed carbon (35.24±0.55), volatile matter (35.67±1.01 mg/g), Iodine number (85.57±0.81), surface area (97.20 m2/g), pH (7.90±0.14) and Electrical conductivity (298.8±1.14). Of the elements present in the char, Carbon has the highest percentage of 59.14%. Best adsorption conditions for RHB in this study were 2.8 mg/L initial concentration; 0.8 g of adsorbent dosage; pH of 5 and contact time of 30 min. The data fitted Freundlich than Langmuir model (R2 0.996 and 0.8315 respectively). Percentage removal of chlorpyrifos for CAC and RHB was 93.7±3.96 and 94.5±5.23 respectively for the surface water sample. Results concluded that RHB was efficient for removal of chlorpyrifos present in water and could be used as alternative for CAC in water treatments.
Antioxidant and Anti-arthritic Potential of Casuarina equisetifolia Fruit Methanolic Extract
Authors: Vaidya Santosh Kumar , Golwala Dharmesh K. , Shrimanker Mitali V. , Patel Darpini S. , Sahoo Satyajit
Published: February 2020

Aims: Antioxidant and anti-arthritic potential of Casuarina equisetifolia fruit methanolic extract.

Place: C.U. Shah College of Pharmacy and Research, Wadhwan, Surendranagar, Gujarat, India.

Methodology: Extract was subjected to qualitative and quantitative investigation then antioxidant properties of extract was determine by two method namely Nitric Oxide free radical scavenging activity and Reducing power by FeCl3 method. Based on Phytochemical and antioxidant result anti-arthritic activity was performed on wistar rats using Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) and evaluated different parameter like paw volume, arthritic index, biochemical parameter and hematological parameter.

Results: In this study found that the methanolic extract of Casuarina equisetifolia fruit (MLCEF) contain significant percentage of secondary metabolite like poly phenol that properties was proved antioxidant activity. Antioxidant properties was determined by two methods the MLCEF IC50 Value 30.27±2.43 and 158.45±7.15 was found IC50 value reveled that MLCEF is a potent free radical scavenge capacity. Casuarina equisetifolia fruit (MLCEF) of 400 mg/kg, p.o. showed significant increasement in body wt from day 12th to 21st and significantly reduction in rat paw edema was observed from day 6th to 21st and it could be significantly normalize the haematological (like Hb, WBC and ESR) and biochemical abnormalities (like urea, ALT, AST and ALP) adjuvant induced arthritic rats in both developing and developed phases of CFA induced arthritis.         

Conclusion: The study outcome reveled that MLCEF is contain significant amount of polyphenol and that properties exhibit good antioxidant properties and significant antiarthritic properties. The actual mechanism of action of extracts on adjuvant induced arthritis is not clear with these studies. The action of extracts on proinflammatory mediators like TNF-α, Interleukins and other relevant mediators will be carried out in future to study its mechanism.
Influence of Humic Substances on Cucumber Seeds Storability and Root Rot Diseases Incidence under Salinity Conditions
Authors: Awad Ahmed Abd El-Aziz Mahmoud , Ahmed Hoda Mohamed Hussein
Published: February 2020

Seed germination is a complex process, which is regulated by many factors including storage. The present study aims at assessing the validity of stored cucumber seeds under stressed-soil. In-vitro experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of soaking of stored cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seeds produced during three consequent years (2015, 2016 & 2017) in five concentrations of humic substances (HS'c) solution (0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2 & 1.5%) for five different intervals (30, 90, 150, 210 & 270 min), on germination percentage (G%), germination velocity (GV) and vigor index (VI). Another In vitro experiment was conducted to assess the direct effect of HS'c on two nutritional media for Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani mycelial growth, sclerotial productivity & viability, conidia viability. Greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the effect of soaking cucumber seeds in HS'c and spraying with salicylic acid (SA) (100 and 200mg L-1) twice on growth parameters of cucumber seedlings, and controlling the root rot disease caused by R. solani and F. solani under saline conditions (2.36, 4, 5 & 6 dS m-1). The results indicate that T5 (0.3% for 210 min.) for 2015 and 2017 and T4 (0.3% for 150 min.) recorded the highest values for all studied parameters. No morphological changes were observed for the highest pathogenic two fungal isolate's mycelial growth on both fungal strains. R. solani was affected less than F. solani for the presence of different HS'c into nutrient media. 1.5% HS concentration had a reduction effect on the radical growth of fungal isolates, R. solani sclerotial production (30%) and viability (53%) and F. solani conidial viability (58%). Root rot disease was affected differently by seedling treatments of HS'c and/or SA under the four salinity conditions. The combined treatment; soaking seeds in 0.3% HS (for different period/year) and spraying seedlings with 200 SA had significantly reduced the disease incidence (DI) and disease index of both R. solani and F. solani specially in the lowest and highest salinity conditions.
Epidemiological Characteristic of Malaria Coinfected with Dengue Fever in Hodeidah, Yemen
Authors: Al-Areeqi Asma’a , Alghalibi Saeed , Yusuf Qais , Al-Masrafi Isra'a , Al-Kamarany Mohammed Amood
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Malaria and dengue fever are the most prevalent vector-borne diseases in tropical areas and represent major public health problems. They are transmitted by mosquito namely Anopheles and Aedes aegypti, respectively. Hodeidah is a high density with these vectors. Also, co-infection of these diseases has (malaria and dengue) become undetected due to lack of suspicious clinical suspicion and overlapping symptoms.

Aim of the Study: The study aimed to detect the prevalence of co-infection with malaria and dengue fever, determine the clinical presentation within febrile patients in Hodeidah city and determine some potential risk factors associated with co-infection.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted (from January to December 2017) in febrile patients. All patients were designed into three groups: Group A (co-infected with malaria and dengue); Group B (malaria as mono-infection) and Group C (dengue as mono-infection). The diagnosis of malaria was by microscopic and rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and the dengue virus was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The diagnosis was performed in Center of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases (CTMID), Authority of AL-Thawra Public Hospital-Hodeidah, in collaboration with the Tihama Foundation for Medical-Pharmaceutical Studies and Research (TFMPSR), Hodeidah, Yemen.

Results: Out of 270 febrile patients, 82 cases (30.4%) patients were malaria – dengue coinfection, 100 cases (37.0%) of malaria, 21 cases (7.7%) of dengue and 67 cases (24.8%) were non-malaria and non-dengue. The most common symptoms were fever, headache, arthralgia, myalgia and retro-orbital pain, where the clinical symptoms of co-infected patients were more like dengue than malaria. One death was reported in malaria – dengue coinfection, with a case fatality rate (CFR%)  of 1.2% (1/82).

Conclusion: Our results show a high prevalence of malaria – dengue coinfecion in Hodeidah, Yemen as the first time. These due to a high density of vectors in this region and endemic areas for malaria and dengue. Furthermore, surveillance strategies, preventive measures and healthcare worker's education are critical for curtailing this problem and lifesaving.
Development of High Oxygen Barrier Multi-layered Packaging Film for Shelf Life Extension of Ready-to-Cook (RTC) Idli Batter
Authors: Gaikwad P. S. , Yadav B. K. , Anandakumar S. , Loganathan M. , Shanmugasundaram S.
Published: February 2020

Aim: The current study focuses on development of high oxygen barrier multi-layered packaging film for shelf life extension of Ready-to-Cook (RTC) idli batter.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Packaging and System Development at Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India, between Aug 2018 and Dec 2019.

Methodology: The developed multi-layered film composed with polypropylene (PP) nanocomposite by depositing silicon dioxide (SiO2) on PP (0.010 mm) film and attached with different thickness of barrier layers were PP (0.010–0.053 mm) and ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH 32%) film (0.066 mm) using layer-by-layer (LbL) process. The physical and chemical characteristics of commercial (A) and all developed multi-layered (B, C, D, E and F) films were tested for barrier and mechanical properties.

Results and Discussion: The SEM analysis confirmed that the developed PP nanocomposite multi-layered films have a presence of SiO2 with quasi-spherical structure with diameter ranging from 200 to 500 nm. FTIR analysis also identified the presence of Si-O-Si group on all the developed PP nanocomposite films at wavenumber ranges from 1100-900 cm-1 and 467 cm-1. The film composed with PP++SiO2+EVOH (sample F) showed lower in oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of 452.46±33.94 cc/m2/24h and water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) of 1.07±0.16 g/m2 day. The batter stored in sample F film help to extend the shelf life upto 33 h at ambient temperature and commercially stored batter spoiled quickly (24 h) at ambient temperature.
EFVb-HAART Increases Mortality, Locomotor Deficits and Reduces Reproductive Capacity in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Iorjiim Walter Mdekera , Omale Simeon , Etuh Monday Alexander , Bagu Great David , Ogwu Sunshine Ochala , Gyang Steven Samuel
Published: February 2020

Aims: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Efavirenz-based highly active antiretroviral therapy (EFVb-HAART, Efavirenz/Lamivudine/Tenofovir) with emphasis on survival, longevity, climbing ability, and reproductive capacity in D. melanogaster.

Methods: The experiments were carried out at the Africa Center of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD), University of Jos, Nigeria between January 2017 and August 2018. D. melanogaster (both sexes) 1-4 days old were exposed to different concentrations of EFVb-HAART (range 10-1200 mg) in the fly food for initial 7 days to determine the LD50, then 5 day fly exposure to 93.11 mg, 46.56 mg, 23.28 mg or 11.64 mg for negative geotaxis assay, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Furthermore, 28-day fly survival and longevity were determined. Statistical significance was presumed at P< 0.05.

Results: The LD50 of EFVb-HAART in D. melanogaster was 93.11 mg. The HAART exposed flies showed significantly (P<0.001) increased mortality, significant (P<0.001) decreased fly eclosion, acetylcholinesterse (AChE) activity and climbing ability compared to unexposed group at all experimental concentrations.

Conclusion: The decreased 28-day survival, longevity, climbing ability and reproductive capacity at all experimental concentrations may be attributable to the deleterious effects of EFVb-HAART in D. melanogaster. Our findings suggest that long term use of EFVb-HAART by HIV patients may be associated with accelerated aging, decreased life expectancy, quality of life (due to possible neurotoxicity) and reproductive competence, as evidenced by increased mortality, reduced longevity, AChE activity, and 100% emergence failure respectively in D. melanogaster, and may require further study in humans. We recommend further research to expound the biochemical and molecular toxicodynamics of EFVb- HAART in D. melanogaster with the view of ameliorating same.