bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 gene polymorphisms in Egyptian sickle cell disease patients
Authors: Elammary Yasmine , Sewelam Nadia , Al-Wakeel Hanan , El-Ghamrawy Mona , Zayed Shahira
Published: May 2020

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a disorder characterized by a heterogeneous clinical outcome. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are important mediators of inflammatory response. Genetic modifiers that alter cytokine levels may contribute to the clinical variability of SCD. The present study investigated the associations of IL-1β + 3954 C>T and IL-6 (− 174G>C and − 597 G>A) gene polymorphisms with clinical and laboratory data in SCD patients. The study was conducted on 100 SCD patients (59 sickle cell anemia patients “SS” and 41 sickle beta thalassemia patients “Sβ”). Fifty age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included as a control group. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was used for the detection of IL-1β and IL-6 gene polymorphisms.

Results

The homomutant genotypes of IL-1β (+ 3954 C>T), IL-6 (− 174G>C), and IL-6 (− 597 G>A) were infrequently presented among SCD patients and control group. No significant differences were detected between SS, Sβ patients, and control group as regards the genotypic frequencies and allele distributions of the studied polymorphisms. As regards the clinical complications, the mutant genotypes of IL-1β (+ 3954 C>T) had a significantly higher frequency among Sβ patients with splenomegaly. Hemoglobin is significantly lower in SS patients with mutant allele (AA and GA) for IL-6 (− 597 G>A) (P= 0.005), while Sβ patients with mutant genotype for IL-6 (− 597 G>A) had significantly higher total leucocytic count (P= 0.031).

Conclusion

IL-1β (+ 3954 C>T), IL-6 (− 174G>C), and IL-6 (− 597G>A) polymorphisms are not associated with disease phenotype. However, IL6 polymorphism (− 597 G>A) might predispose to underlying inflammatory process.
Regulation of kinesin-1 activity by the Salmonella enterica effectors PipB2 and SifA
Authors: Alberdi Lucrecia , Vergnes Alexandra , Manneville Jean-Baptiste , Tembo Dumizulu L. , Fang Ziyan , Zhao Yaya , Schroeder Nina , Dumont Audrey , Lagier Margaux , Bassereau Patricia , Redondo-Morata Lorena , Gorvel Jean-Pierre , Méresse Stéphane
Published: May 2020

Salmonella enterica is an intracellular bacterial pathogen. The formation of its replication niche, which is composed of a vacuole associated with a network of membrane tubules, depends on the secretion of a set of bacterial effector proteins whose activities deeply modify the functions of the eukaryotic host cell. By recruiting and regulating the activity of the kinesin-1 molecular motor, Salmonella effectors PipB2 and SifA play an essential role in the formation of the bacterial compartments. In particular, they allow the formation of tubules from the vacuole and their extension along the microtubule cytoskeleton, and thus promote membrane exchanges and nutrient supply. We have developed in vitro and in cellulo assays to better understand the specific role played by these two effectors in the recruitment and regulation of kinesin-1. Our results reveal a specific interaction between the two effectors and indicate that, contrary to what studies on infected cells suggested, interaction with PipB2 is sufficient to relieve the autoinhibition of kinesin-1. Finally, they suggest the involvement of other Salmonella effectors in the control of the activity of this molecular motor.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Role of pharmacogenetics and clinical parameters on nevirapine plasma concertation among HIV-1 patients receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Kenya
Authors: Juster Mungiria , Gitonga Lucy , Muraya Moses , Mwaniki John , Ngayo Musa
Published: May 2020

Background:Patients’ clinical outcomes and pharmacogenetic factors are important predictors of nevirapine (NVP) plasma concentration. This study evaluated the association of socio-demographic factors and Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) polymorphisms with NVP plasma concentrations among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment in western and coastal Kenya.

Methods:Blood samples were collected from 377 consenting HIV adult patients receiving an NVP-based first-line ART regimen. A detailed sociodemographic questionnaire was administered. NVP plasma concentration was measured by liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). CYP2B6 c.516 G>T rs3745274 and c.983T>C genotypes were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. HIV drug resistance mutations were detected using an in-house genotypic assay.

Results:The patients’ mean age was 41.6 (SD ± 11.5) years and the majority (59.2%) were female. The mean duration of ART was 5.1 (SD ± 4.8) years. Overall NVP plasma levels ranged from 4-44207 ng/mL (median 6213 ng/mL, IQR 3097–8606.5 ng/mL). There were 105 (25.5%) participants with NVP levels of <3100 ng/mL, associated with poor viral suppression. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed CYP2B6 516 G>T polymorphism (β 0.71, 95% CI 0.4–0.98; p<0.0001), male gender (β 0.45, 95% CI 0.01–0.9; p=0.047) and presence of HIV drug-resistant virus (β 1.98, 95% CI 1.24–2.72; p<0.001) were the independent factors influencing NVP plasma concentration.

Conclusions:The majority of patients receiving an NVP-based ART regimen had plasma concentrations within the therapeutic range. CYP2B6 516 G>T polymorphism, gender and presence of a HIV drug-resistant mutation significantly influences NVP plasma concentration. Routine pharmacogenetic testing and measurement of NVP plasma concentrations, considering gender and presence of HIV drug-resistant mutations are key to ensuring optimal ART treatment outcomes in Kenya.
Prediction of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine candidates
Authors: Veljkovic Veljko , Perovic Vladimir , Paessler Slobodan
Published: May 2020

A safe and effective vaccine is urgently needed to bring the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic under control. The spike protein (SP) of SARS-CoV-2 represents the principal target for most vaccines currently under development. This protein is highly conserved indicating that vaccine based on this antigen will be efficient against all currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. The present analysis of SP suggests that mutation D614G could significantly decrease the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine through modulation of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and its principal receptor ACE2.
The significance of physical activity in the prevention of depressive disorders
Authors: Saran Tomasz , Mazur Anna , Łukasiewicz Jacek
Published: May 2020

Z uwagi na złożoną etiologię zaburzeń depresyjnych, uwzględniającą w ich powstawaniu i przebiegu interakcję czynników biologicznych i psychospołecznych, istotne jest kompleksowe oraz zintegrowane podejście do tego problemu zdrowotnego, uwzględniające poza tradycyjnymi metodami leczenia również dodatkowe formy oddziaływań, które mogą być pomocne w terapii. Jedną z nich jest zwiększenie aktywności fizycznej. Celem pracy jest przedstawienie znaczenia aktywności fizycznej w zapobieganiu i leczeniu zaburzeń depresyjnych w oparciu o wyniki badań przeprowadzonych w latach 2014 - 2019. Przeprowadzony przegląd badań wskazuje, iż dostosowana do potrzeb i stanu zdrowia aktywność fizyczna może pełnić rolę w zapobieganiu i uzupełniającą w terapii zaburzeń depresyjnych, w tym również tych, które występują w przebiegu schorzeń somatycznych. Rekomendując trening fizyczny w tej grupie osób, należy jednak mieć na uwadze, iż pochopne motywowanie pacjentów z ciężką postacią zaburzenia do tego typu aktywności, może uaktywniać ich poczucie winy z powodu trudności w sprostaniu wyzwaniu, prowokujące myśli i zachowania samobójcze.
Herdeiros de um modo de vida: midiativismo contra a ameaça de mineração no rio Camaquã
Authors: Herte de Moraes Claudia , Maria Fante Eliege
Published: May 2020

Este artigo faz um mapeamento das publicações, na rede social Facebook, de moradores midiativistas ambientais sobre o projeto de mineração no Rio Camaquã (RS). O objetivo é refletir sobre as postagens de resistência do midiativismo ambiental na sua interconexão com a luta pelo direito ao ambiente saudável. Na revisão teórica, a partir de um histórico do lugar, verifica-se que as populações atingidas por projetos do desenvolvimentismo buscam formas de resistência ao longo dos anos, com isso fortalecendo ações coletivas. Na análise, apresenta a resistência das comunidades como única forma de sobreviverem diante das agressões da mineração. Entra em cena o midiativismo ambiental, a partir da sua potencialização com a rede social Facebook. Nas considerações finais, indica que a comunicação para a cidadania é certamente objeto da comunicação pela cidadania, na medida em que a análise de um jornal de referência e da agência de notícias do governo do Estado, nos últimos cinco anos, evidencia a limitada atenção ao conflito e é condicionada à justificativa econômica do empreendimento.
Through the Looking Glass: Lesson Study in a Center School
Authors: Abu-Alghayth Khalid , Jones Phyllis , Pace-Phillips Daphne , Meyers Robin
Published: May 2020

This article examined the role of Lesson Study in a center school located in the southeastern United States through an analysis of a narrative by the school principal. This methodology allowed a level of reflexivity across the research team, who appreciated hearing about the powerful first-hand enactment of the initiative. The paper begins with an analysis of Lesson Study, particularly in special education, and the key tenets of Lesson Study followed by a narrative account of the principal. Subsequent to her story, we explored lessons learned in relation to implementing a system change in a school, namely Lesson Study. We learned that a deeper understanding of school culture, sustaining professional development, and collaborative practice, were significant factors enabling the principal and teachers at the center school to embrace, plan, and implement a successful Lesson Study for learners with significant disabilities. In addition, we learned that Lesson Study plays an important role in teacher and student engagement in teaching and learning at the center school and supports teachers to design lessons that are efficacious in meeting the individual needs and higher expectations of students.
Thai Students’ Perceived Teacher Support on Their Reading Ability: Mediating Effects of Self-Efficacy and Sense of School Belonging
Authors: Chang Yuan-Cheng , Bangsri Anongkarat
Published: May 2020

This study aimed to investigate whether Thai high school students’ perceived teacher support could enhance their reading ability through self-efficacy and sense of school belonging. The theoretical foundation of this study included the theory of social-motivational processes and social cognitive theory. Structural equation modeling was used for analysis and validation. The student questionnaire from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018 survey questions regarding teacher support, sense of school belonging, self-efficacy, and reading ability. The sample consisted of the data collected from the Thai students in the PISA2018 survey, with an effective sample size totaling 7968. The research results of the overall model showed that the perceived teacher support of Thai high school students’ had no direct effect on their reading ability, but their perceived teacher support had an indirect effect on reading ability through their self-efficacy and sense of school belonging. From the results can be seen that high school teachers in Thailand, in supporting and encouraging their students in learning, must simultaneously develop their perceived self-efficacy and sense of school belonging. Only thus can there be obvious help to their students’ reading ability.
Trust Perception from the Eyes of Children
Authors: Mertol Huseyin , Gunduz Mevlut
Published: May 2020

One adds meaning into his/her own life thanks to several values (reliance, respect, tolerance, benevolence, responsibility, justice, etc.). While the foundation of these values is laid at early ages, they might undergo several changes thanks to life experiences. Thus, the perceptions of the interviewee regarding that value are to be taken into consideration while teaching values. This study is assumed to raise awareness and to lead similar other studies. This study is in the form of a research article. The purpose of this qualitative research is to find out the views and opinions of students on trust values, taught in social sciences courses. In the research, the case study method was applied. The research was conducted in Zubeyde Hanim Primary School in Isparta, in the 2017-2018 academic year towards the end of the second semester on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd graders. Students differ in parents' education level, gender and age. In the study, data were collected by a semi-structured interview form. Four experts’ opinions were consulted to ensure the reliability of the study. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and content analysis methods. According to the findings obtained, it is observed that students differ in trust values, desired to be acquired in social sciences courses, depending on grade level and gender. We may state the fact that the interaction of the child with his/her environment has been affecting the value of reliance since very early ages and that the meaning added into reliance might differ as the child gets older.
Tracking the invasion of breast cancer cells in paper-based 3D cultures by OCT motility analysis
Authors: McIntosh Julie C. , Yang Lin , Wang Ting , Zhou Haibo , Lockett Matthew R. , Oldenburg Amy L.
Published: May 2020

3D paper-based cultures (PBCs) are easy-to-use and provide a biologically representative microenvironment. By stacking a sheet of cell-laden paper below sheets containing cell-free hydrogel, we form an assay capable of segmenting cells by the distance they invaded from the original cell-seeded layer. These invasion assays are limited to end-point analyses with fluorescence-based readouts due to the highly scattering nature of the paper scaffolds. Here we demonstrate that optical coherence tomography (OCT) can distinguish living cells from the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) or paper fibers based upon their intracellular motility amplitude (M). M is computed from fluctuation statistics of the sample, rejects shot noise, and is invariant to OCT signal attenuation. Using OCT motility analysis, we tracked the invasion of breast cancer cells over a 3-day period in 4-layer PBCs (160–300 µm thick) in situ. The cell population distributions determined with OCT are highly correlated with those obtained by fluorescence imaging, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.903. The ability of OCT motility analysis to visualize live cells and quantify cell distributions in PBC assays in situ and longitudinally provides a novel means for understanding how chemical gradients within the tumor microenvironment affect cellular invasion.
Dual wavelength spread-spectrum time-resolved diffuse optical instrument for the measurement of human brain functional responses
Authors: Papadimitriou Konstantinos I. , Vidal Rosas Ernesto E. , Zhang Edward , Cooper Robert J. , Hebden Jeremy C. , Arridge Simon R. , Powell Samuel
Published: May 2020

Near-infrared spectroscopy has proven to be a valuable method to monitor tissue oxygenation and haemodynamics non-invasively and in real-time. Quantification of such parameters requires measurements of the time-of-flight of light through tissue, typically achieved using picosecond pulsed lasers, with their associated cost, complexity, and size. In this work, we present an alternative approach that employs spread-spectrum excitation to enable the development of a small, low-cost, dual-wavelength system using vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers. Since the optimal wavelengths and drive parameters for optical spectroscopy are not served by commercially available modules as used in our previous single-wavelength demonstration platform, we detail the design of a custom instrument and demonstrate its performance in resolving haemodynamic changes in human subjects during apnoea and cognitive task experiments.
Introduction to the JOCN Special Issue on Open Optical Networks
Authors: Napoli Antonio , Curri Vittorio
Published: May 2020

We provide an introduction to the paradigm of open optical networks (OON), including its evolution and benefits, followed by a brief summary of the papers in the OON special issue.
Anisotropic localized surface plasmons in borophene
Authors: Dereshgi Sina Abedini , Liu Zizhuo , Aydin Koray
Published: May 2020

We present a theoretical study on the plasmonic response of borophene, a monolayer 2D material that is predicted to exhibit metallic response and anisotropic plasmonic behavior in visible wavelengths. We investigate plasmonic properties of borophene thin films as well as borophene nanoribbons and nanopatches where polarization-sensitive absorption values in the order of 50% is obtained with monolayer borophene. It is demonstrated that by adding a metal layer, this absorption can be enhanced to 100%. We also examine giant dichroism in monolayer borophene which can be tuned passively (patterning) and actively (electrostatic gating) and our simulations yield 20% reflected light with significant polarization rotation. These findings reveal the potential of borophene in the manipulation of phase, amplitude and polarization of light at the extreme subwavelength scales.
Electrically tunable directional light scattering from soft thin membranes
Authors: Chen Leihao , Busfield James J. C. , Carpi Federico
Published: May 2020

The possibility of electrically tuning the scattering of light from surfaces by dynamically varying their properties is desirable for controllable transparency devices and diffusion filters. As a difference from state-of-the-art approaches where scattering is changed isotropically, this paper presents the first smart-material-based technology enabling electrical modulations in a single or multiple directions, which can be selected dynamically. The effect is achieved from thin soft membranes with transparent PEDOT:PSS coatings, which are electrically deformed along a single or multiple axes, using dielectric elastomer actuation. Anisotropic scattering is induced by electrically tuning the formation of directional surface wrinkles. As a proof of concept, a bi-directional device is obtained by overlapping two 90°-shifted mono-directional layers that can be controlled independently. According to the activation of the layers, light can be scattered along either direction, as well as both of them. Prototypes made of an acrylic elastomer were demonstrated with mono- and bi-directional operations. Devices with a window-to-total area ratio of 1:4 also showed a maximum electrical reduction of optical transmittance from 75% to 4%. This functionality and possible extensions to more than two controllable directions suggest applicability as electrically controllable anisotropic light diffusers for dynamic light shaping, as well as tunable transparency surfaces.
Effect of adapting field size on chromatic adaptation
Authors: Ma Shining , Hanselaer Peter , Teunissen Kees , Smet Kevin A. G.
Published: May 2020

The human visual system adapts to changes in white tone of the illumination to maintain approximately the same object color appearance. Chromatic adaptation transforms (CAT) were developed to predict corresponding colors, which are colors that look the same under a wide range of illuminants. However, existing CATs fail to accurately predict corresponding colors, particularly under colored illumination, because of an inaccurate estimation of the degree of adaptation. In this study, the impact of the adapting field size on the degree of adaptation was investigated. A memory color matching experiment was conducted, in a real scene, with the background adapting field varying in the field of view, luminance and chromaticity to provide data for the development of a more comprehensive CAT. Results show that a larger field of view leads to a more complete adaptation, despite a much lower background luminance.
Optical detection of nano-particle characteristics using coupling to a nano-waveguide
Authors: Sugawara Masakazu , Mitsumori Yasuyoshi , Edamatsu Keiichi , Sadgrove Mark
Published: May 2020

Recently, much research concerning the combination of nano-scale waveguides with nano-crystals and other nano-particles has been reported because of possible applications in the field of quantum information and communication. The most useful and convenient method to verify the nature of such systems is optical detection. However, due to the diffraction limit, optical identification of characteristics such as particle type, particle position, etc., is difficult or impossible. However, if such particles are placed on a waveguide, the coupling of scattered light to the waveguide-guided modes can reveal the information about the particles. Here we consider how illumination with light of arbitrary polarization can reveal the difference between isotropic and non-isotropic nano-particles placed on the surface of an optical nanofiber. Specifically, we measure the polarization response function of gold nano-rods (GNRs) on an optical nanofiber surface and show that it is qualitatively different to that for gold nano-spheres (GNSs). This experimental technique provides a simple new tool for the optical characterization of hybrid nano-optical devices.
Relative oxidation state of the target as guideline for depositing optical quality RF reactive magnetron sputtered Al2O3 layers
Authors: van Emmerik Carlijn I. , Hendriks Ward A. P. M. , Stok Martijn M. , de Goede Michiel , Chang Lantian , Dijkstra Meindert , Segerink Frans , Post Dominic , Keim Enrico G. , Dikkers Mike J. , García-Blanco Sonia M.
Published: May 2020

Amorphous Al2O3 is an attractive material for integrated photonics. Its low losses from the UV till the mid-IR together with the possibility of doping with different rare-earth ions permits the realization of active and passive functionalities in the same chip at the wafer level. In this work, the influence of reactive gas flow during deposition on the optical (i.e., refractive index and propagation losses) and material (i.e., structure of the layer) characteristics of the RF reactive sputtered Al2O3 layers is investigated and a method based on the oxidation state of the sputtering target is proposed to reproducibly achieve low loss optical guiding layers despite the continuous variation of the condition of the target along its lifetime.
How users tweet about a cyber attack: An explorative study using machine learning and social network analysis
Authors: Vogler Daniel , Meissner Florian
Published: May 2020

Cybercrime is a growing threat for firms and customers that emerged with the digitization of business. However, research shows that even though people claim that they are concerned about their privacy online, they do not act correspondingly. This study investigates how prevalent security issues are during a cyber attack among Twitter users. The case under examination is the security breach at the US ticket sales company, Ticketfly, that compromised the information of 26 million users. Tweets related to cybersecurity are detected through the application of automated text classification based on supervised machine learning with support vector machines. Subsequently, the users that wrote security-related tweets are grouped into communities through a social network analysis. The results of this multi-method study show that users concerned about security issues are mostly part of expert communities with already superior knowledge about cybersecurity.
Brasil – África: a formação docente para o ensino de história e cultura afro-brasileira e africana como estratégia de uma educação antirracista
Authors: Felipe Delton Aparecido
Published: May 2020

O presente artigo tem como objetivo problematizar estratégias para efetivar uma educação antirracista, em sala de aula, em conformidade com os pressupostos da Lei 10.639/2003. Para isso relatamos os resultados do curso de extensão “Brasil – África: Diálogos Possíveis na Educação Básica”, realizado na Universidade do Estado do Paraná – Campus de Campo Mourão. O curso foi organizado em dois momentos, o primeiro que intitulamos de Dez anos da Lei 10.639/2003 - histórias para contar; o segundo de Brasil-África: relações possíveis. Tivemos sessenta e quatro participantes inscritos, em sua maioria professores e professoras da disciplina de história. No decorrer do evento de extensão buscamos elaborar estratégias antirracistas para o Ensino de História e Cultura Afro-Brasileira e Africana, foi possível construir uma argumentação para que os docentes reconhecessem a existência do racismo e seu funcionamento na sociedade brasileira, problematizando o impacto da aprovação da referida lei nas escolas e a importância de trabalharmos a história da África para desconstruir as concepções estereotipadas sobre a população negra africana e seus descendentes no Brasil. Concluímos que esse curso possibilitou a ampliação dos conhecimentos sobre história da população negra, além de oferecer subsídios para a efetivação de uma educação que combata as práticas racistas presente na sociedade atual.
Brief Analysis of the Dispute Resolution Methods through Mediation in Romania
Authors: IGNAT Claudiu
Published: May 2020

Mediation is an alternative way of resolving conflicts and in particular disputes that may otherwise reach a judiciary settlement. This procedure is a voluntary choice for the warring parties, but may be a compulsory procedure, when mediation is the only way to resolve disputes stipulated through a compromissory clause in the contract bet of the parties they are in dispute.

Even though mediation is a non-contentious procedure, it has a set of rules and principles that govern this procedure, guaranteeing the respect of the rights of all parties in the dispute over mediation.
Criminal Protection of the Environment in Jordanian Legislation
Authors: ALKSEILAT Abdullah , ABU ISSA Hamzeh , AL-REFOU Ayman
Published: May 2020

Having a clean and pollution-free environment is one of the most important rights of humans. Such a right has been recognized by national and international covenants, so laws have been devoted to protecting them and preventing infringement of their components and elements, because of the importance they constitute at the level of human life.

As a result of the increasing assault on the environment and the gravity of the infringement of its elements, the legislator intervened in all countries (including the Jordanian legislator), to lay down the rules regulating the protection thereof and punishing the perpetrators of environmental crimes through deterrent measures and appropriate penalties.

Therefore, this research will shed light on the criminal provisions decided by the Jordanian legislator in the Environmental Protection Law No. 6 of 2017, especially in terms of the penalties decided by the legislator on the perpetrators of environmental crimes, with the aim of embodying the criminal and legal protection of the environment.

As the aim of this article is to clarify and clarify the position of the Jordanian legislator regarding the penal protection of the environment, we have used the descriptive and analytical approach to reach the results.

The article concluded that the Environmental Protection Law stipulated several crimes to protect the environment in its various forms, but the legislator did not put in place precautionary measures prior to the occurrence of the crime, and on the other hand, the provisions laid down by the legislator are still scattered and need a general rooting for all environmental crimes.
Mechanism of International Legal Implementation for Human Security at the National Level
Authors: AVDEEV Vadim Avdeevich , AVDEEVA Olga Anatolievna , BYKOV Anton Vitalyevich , ZNAMEROVSKIY Evgeny Vasilyevich , AKSENOV Alexey Nikolaevich , ZHIGALOV Stanislav Valerievich
Published: May 2020

The research analyzes current trends in ensuring personal security taking into account International Law. The priority position of the individual declared by the norms of international law is assessed differently by national legal systems. The interest of States in preserving the inviolability of fundamental human rights and freedoms implies the use of various mechanisms to achieve these goals.

New trends in socio-economic development in the context of globalization predetermine the need to improve the national system for ensuring personal security taking into account international legal principles. Attention is focused on the state of human security and fundamental rights and freedoms declared by international and national law and guaranteed by the State. International normative and legal acts aimed at strategic directions of ensuring personal security are subject to analysis.

The article notes the relationship between the transformation of socio-economic character and the state, structure, dynamics of crimes against the individual. Bringing the norms of national law into conformity with the norms, principles and provisions of international normative-legal acts of universal and regional character is recognized as one of the directions of ensuring personal security.

The research is focused on the key areas of counteracting attacks on the person taking into account the novelization of modern criminal legislation and law enforcement activities. Close attention is paid to the development and implementation of organizational and practical measures to counteract crimes against the individual at federal and regional levels. The strategic directions developed and implemented at the national level to improve the effectiveness of activities related to ensuring human criminological safety are of applied importance.

The conceptual directions of realization of the state policy on prevention, suppression and counteraction of violent crime against the person proposed in the article have practical and oriented value.
Conciliatory Justice in Modern Russia
Authors: DREMOVA Katerina
Published: May 2020

The research studies conciliatory justice in modern Russia. Its formation and peculiarities in the institution of alternative ways of resolving legal conflict on the example of mediation are considered. Various views regarding the mediation definition are analyzed, and the author's vision of this category concept is given. The origins of mediation history abroad and in Russia are studied. The essence and peculiarities of mediation application as an alternative method of economic disputes settlement are characterized. The benefits of using conciliatory procedures in a business environment are revealed. The main aspects of the procedural legislation reform initiated by the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation concerning the change in the legal regulation of conciliatory procedures application in the settlement of legal conflicts are outlined. It is noted that the beginning of procedural reform in Russia with regard to dispute settlement through conciliatory procedures was triggered by the resolution of the plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation ‘On submission to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of Russian Federation a federal law draft ‘On amendments to a number of legislative acts of the Russian Federation in connection with conciliatory procedure improvements’ adopted on 18 January 2018 and the resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation. Statistics on the ratio of dismissals agreed, dispute settlement through the mediation procedure, as well as plaintiff-triggered dismissals are provided. Methodology: the study is carried out on the basis of the universal method on scientific study of the social development principles –dialectical materialism provisions, as well as general and specific scientific methods: dogmatic, regulatory legal, legal comparative, fragmented historical and legal, case studies (statistical data and judicial statistics analysis), logical (hypotheses, analogy, modeling, analysis and synthesis methods), philosophic (axiological, derivation methods on the basis of priori and axiomatic provisions), generalization and abstraction methods. Conclusions: To date, entrepreneurs are increasingly using conciliatory procedures when settling disputes. This way of dispute settlement becomes very convenient, businessmen are not in the need to spend their time on litigation, often protracted, but can settle issues more quickly and effectively. Today, conciliatory justice in the Russian Federation is going through the stage of formation and development and in the future is to become a demanded institution of judicial law.
A Concise History of United States Resale Price Maintenance Arrangements and its Current Status under State and Federal Laws
Authors: GRECO Anthony J.
Published: May 2020

Resale price maintenance (RPM), a form of vertical price fixing is the practice whereby manufacturers of brand-name or trademark goods stipulate and attempt to enforce minimum, maximum, or actual wholesale and retail prices of such goods as they progress through the distribution chain to the final consumers of said products.
The Constitutional Court Interpretation of ‘Indigenous Belief’: An Islamic and 1945 Constitution Perspectives
Authors: ICHSAN Muchammad , PRASETYONINGSIH Nanik
Published: May 2020

This study aims to review the Republic of Indonesia's Constitutional Court Decision No. 97/PUU-XIV/2016. The Decision states that the provisions of Law No. 23 of 2006, Article 61(1) and (2) and Article 64(1) and (5) relating to the clearing of the column of religion in the family card and electronic identity card, are contrary to the Constitution. This study was designed to be qualitative for this purpose and uses normative methods of legal research. This study found that the decision of the Constitutional Court was not in line with Islamic Sharia and the Constitution of 1945 because it had an impact on the recognition of indigenous beliefs and their followers in order to have the same position in Indonesia as religions and their followers. This condition is damaging to society. According to the Islamic principle of sadd adz-dzarai, if it leads to something that is prohibited, something that is permitted must be closed or stopped. As respect to the Constitution of 1945, the provisions of Article 28E paragraph (1) and paragraph (2) of the Constitution of 1945, where religions and indigenous beliefs are classified as two separate and distinct entities, are more relevant constitutional norms to be referred to.
Role of Harmonization and Unification in Perspective of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor Physical Infrastructure and Applicable Laws
Authors: IDREES Rao Qasim , CHEEMA Zaheer Iqbal , RIAZ Jawad
Published: May 2020

This research paper centers on logistics investment policies both in legal and social manners for current and future China Pakistan trade with reference to CPEC. With further improvement, many other regional economic players in prospective time may join the CPEC projects, where Afghanistan, Central Asian and SAARC states are prominent to enter for the said purpose. There are different practices around the world to achieve socio economic progress. Hence a unified and harmonized system of applicable rules and regulation is required forthwith in order to get benefits from CPEC. This research paper primarily deals with the history of China Pakistan relations in the context of CPEC and Belt and Road Initiative and their benefits to Pakistan. Furthermore, the role of harmonization and unification among legal rules and physical infrastructure is discussed to find benefits and better solutions.  This study applies legal research process where historical method is conducted to observe the history of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which further includes China Pakistan trade relations and their situation regarding logistics investment in CPEC. Furthermore, comparative legal research is applied to find out the differences among Pakistan legal system and international laws to make foreign investment more beneficial. This research concludes that domestic legislation in Pakistan in the areas of logistics and transportation is very limited in scope. Furthermore, such legislation does not cover the broad area of international trade. In current situation it is pertinent for Pakistan to introduce and revise such legislations and codes and not doing so China may again ask Pakistan to enact law as per his own benefits which he did while Pakistan amend Competition and special economic zone laws. Furthermore, CPEC in future will invite many other trade partners for their investment contribution in the region. This necessitates Pakistan to build strong physical infrastructure and negotiate further trade agreements and relevant legislation with other partners in the region and not only rely upon bilateral agreements with China.
Conceptual and Categorical Framework in the Sphere of Prevention of Child Neglect and Juvenile Delinquency: Comparative Analysis
Authors: ILGOVA Ekaterina , DORODONOVA Natalia , GORBACHEV Mikhail , EVSTIFEEVA Ekaterina , SMAGINA Tamara
Published: May 2020

In the legislative practice of foreign countries, the normative definitions regulating an activity in the field of prevention of child neglect and juvenile delinquency are set forth in both regulatory and conservatory legislation. International legislation in this field imposes an obligation on states to bring domestic regulations into line with international standards. However, a large number of legal categories in the sphere of prevention of child neglect and juvenile delinquency have contributed to their consolidation in various branches of law that could not affect an emergence of problems in the effective regulation and protection of social relations arising in this area.

The aim of this research is to prepare a theoretical basis of the legal grounds and to reveal the effectiveness of implementation of conceptual and categorical framework in the field of prevention of child neglect and juvenile delinquency. The analysis of legislation is used with dialectical method as a universal cognition method in combination with general scientific and private scientific methods as dogmatic (formal and logical) and comparative legal, formal legal methods.

It is concluded that the definitions used in regulations of the former Soviet republics are the most similar. In English-speaking countries some legal concepts in the field of prevention of child neglect and juvenile delinquency are not clearly similar. The result of the research has shown that regulations are characterized by their own content or by their own terminology used in a particular country. Despite the differences in definitions states generally follow a policy of ensuring minors’ rights and freedoms.

The article specifies a general conception of interrelation between international and domestic legislation in the field of prevention of child neglect and juvenile delinquency.
Features of Legal Regulation of the Procedure for the Consideration of Labor Disputes in Kazakhstan
Authors: ISSAYEVA Ainur Zhenisovna , AITIMOV Bolat Zholdasbekovich , ISSAYEVA Zhanat Amandykovna , ZHUSSUPBEKOVA Madina Koishibayevna , TINISTANOVA Saltanat Saidakhmetovna , MADALIYEVA Akzada Alaidarkyzy
Published: May 2020

This study examined the experience of Kazakhstan, which created its own system of laws and regulations in the field of labor dispute problems, designed to protect the interests of workers and help ensure a minimum level for residents. The article identifies problems requiring study of issues on the application of labor legislation, development of recommendations for improving and taking measures to inform judicial practice in this category of cases. We have studied the activities of the International Labor Organization (hereinafter referred to as the MOT), which is the world agency of the United Labor Organization. Kazakhstan reports on labor issues, labor disputes, trade unions of workers, workers and others. Case studies show labor disputes, strikes by workers in the regions of Kazakhstan, as well as their solutions. The study makes recommendations of the following nature, when considering disputes regarding the recognition of  legal relations as labor, courts should distinguish between civil law relations and labor relations.

The relevance of the research topic due to the need to develop and introduce new modern mechanism for resolving individual labor disputes, including pre-trial and non-judicial methods of conflict resolutions.
The Impact of Environmental Law on the Development of the City of Manado, Indonesia
Authors: KALALO Flora Pricilla
Published: May 2020

The environmental laws provide protection, good management, and conservation for the nature. The enforcement of said law does not mean stopping or negating development activities in the area. Progress must go on in accordance to agreed-upon development programs. Such developments, which in this case take place in Manado, need to take into account the impact towards the environment, in accordance to Environmental Protection and Management Act No. 32 of 2009 so as to not contaminate or compromise the life-supporting nature, both short-term and long term. For that purpose, developments in Manado must be executed with respect to sustainable, environmentally friendly development concepts, so development and natural conservation efforts can progress alongside each other.
Monitoring as a Tool for Improvement of Modern Regional Anti-Corruption Policy in Russia
Authors: KAZACHKOVA Zemfira M. , KOZLOVA Elena B.
Published: May 2020

Despite an extensive collection of specialized literature on anti-corruption field, including in the Russian segment of the study of these phenomena, issues of anti-corruption monitoring are not the dominant branch of modern special issues. However, it is this aspect that allows us to discover the real effect of managerial decisions of different anti-corruption agencies. Russia is the largest federal state in which the influence of regional anti-corruption strategies and programs is heterogeneous. Regions are rapidly gaining experience, identifying critical zones, corruption traps. In this sense, the generalization of this experience, the extrapolation of the results is a scientific task with a serious future perspective.
Artificial Intelligence as a New Category of Civil Law
Authors: KIRILLOVA Elena Anatol'yevna , BLINKOV Oleg Evgenyevich , OGNEVA Natalija Ivanovna , VRAZHNOV Aleksey Sergeevich , SERGEEVA Natal'ja Vladimirovna
Published: May 2020

This research gives consideration to the legal status of artificial intelligence technology. Artificial intelligence as a future technology is actively expanding its capabilities at the present stage of development of society. In this regard, the concept of ‘artificial intelligence’ and the application of the rule of right in resolving issues of legal responsibility for the operation of artificial intelligence technologies require definition. The main purpose of this study is to define the concept of ‘artificial intelligence’ and determine whether artificial intelligence technologies are the object or subject of right. The article provides the analysis of possible approaches to the disclosure of the concept of ‘artificial intelligence’ as a legal category and its relationship with the concepts of ‘robot’ and ‘cyberphysical system’. The issues of legal responsibility for the operation of artificial intelligence are revealed. For the purposes hereof, the methods of collecting and studying the singularities; generalizations; the methods of scientific abstraction; the methods of cognition of consistent patterns, as well as the method of objectivity, concreteness, pluralism and a whole range of other methods were used. The study has concluded that the artificial intelligence technology is an autonomous self-organizing computer-software or cyberphysical system with the ability and capability to think, learn, make decisions independently, perceive and model surrounding images and symbols, relationships, processes and implement its own decisions. The following general properties of artificial intelligence technologies have been defined: autonomy; the ability to perceive the conditions (situation), make and implement own decisions; the ability to adapt own behavior, to learn, to communicate with other artificial intelligence, to consider, accumulate and reproduce experience (including human experience). Within the present historical period, artificial intelligence technology should be considered as the object of right. The legal responsibility for the operation of artificial intelligence lies with the operator or another person who sets the parameters of its operation and controls its behavior. The creator (manufacturer) of artificial intelligence is also recognized as a responsible person. This conclusion makes it possible to enter the category of artificial intelligence in the legal field and determine the persons responsible for its poor-quality operation.
International Practice of Provision of Guarantees for Implementation of Investment Projects
Authors: KOSOV Mikhail Evgenievich , SIGAREV Aleksandr Victorovich , POPKOV Sergey Yuryevich , EKIMOVA Ksenia Valerievna , FEDOTOV Alexander Mikhailovich
Published: May 2020

Subject. State support for the country's economy, especially the support for its high-tech sector, is of great importance during a crisis.

State guarantees are also one of the key instruments of state support for investment activity in Russia. Significant successful practice of using this instrument has been accumulated in Canada, Spain, the Netherlands, the USA, Turkey, Sweden, and Chile. The world experience indicates that the implementation of projects as public-private partnerships (PPP) leads to the completion of the project on time and in accordance with its budget more often than when implementing the project based on public funding only.

Goals. The study is aimed at analysis of the mechanism of state guarantees in foreign countries, the conditions and consequences of their provision.

Methods. The research methods include a review of the scientific literature in this area, synthesis and analysis of the information obtained, as well as comparison, formalization, and specification.

Results. The practical implementation of state guarantees in foreign countries has been analyzed in the study. The specifics and the possibility of applying the best practices in Russia have been revealed.

Conclusion. The fiscal legislation of Russia includes a developed system for regulating the provision of guarantees and establishes the requirements for the application and accounting of state guarantees that are very conservative in accordance with international standards. The application of the world practice in the creation of guarantee agencies in order to support small and medium-sized enterprises can have a positive effect on business activities. The need to diversify directions for the provision of state guarantees with a view to balanced economic development must also be noted.