bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CASE STUDY OF BRITISH PETROLEUM PRIVATIZATION
Authors: Salman Doaa , El-Ahmar Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Market Failure is the exiting of the company or the business from the market. Inefficiency whether in the supply or the demand could lead to market failure. One of the actions that could be resulted because of market failure is privatization. Privatization happens when the government fail to manage the business and cope with the crisis that could happen in the market. This failure will lead to a debt increase, so the government expenditure will increase, and this will force the government to sell the company to private investor or investors (Privatization). British Petroleum Company was one of the firms that were completely privatized by the United Kingdom government in the year 1987 due to many reasons. The purpose of the paper is to present the process of privatization of British Petroleum and clarify the prerequisites for market stabilization.
In addition, this paper will discuss the main recommendation and policies that can be implemented for this company to succeed to regain its market share. Also, the paper will explain the effect the market failure has on the sustainable development goal (SDGs).
Niveles de estrés, depresión y funcionalidad familiar en el personal de salud de un hospital durante la pandemia por COVID-19
Authors: Vanegas Pérez Gabriela Marcela , Moreno-Lopez Sergio , Lozano-Mosos Juan Sebastián , Martínez Carrillo Esmeralda , Prado Delgado Víctor Manuel , Pulido Guerrero Edgar Guillermo
Published: January 2023

Objetivo Describir los niveles de estrés, depresión y funcionabilidad familiar en el equipo de salud del Hospital Militar Central en Colombia y explorar posibles factores asociados a estas condiciones, con fines de poder generar reflexiones sobre abordajes psicoeducativos en el personal de salud. Material y Métodos. Estudio observacional analítico de corte transversal con un diseño no probabilístico, consecutivo, en donde se utilizaron tres instrumentos: el APGAR FAMILIAR, el HADS y un cuestionario para la evalución del estrés, participaron 229 personas, quienes cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad, y se analizaron los datos de forma descriptiva y multivariada. Resultados. En la población de estudio se incluyó un total de 229 individuos, 68% (n=156) fueron mujeres. Los niveles de estrés, según la frecuencia encontrada, fueron altos y muy altos con el 49.78% (n=114). Los participantes reportaron una funcionalidad familiar normal 61.57% (n=141); en cuanto al estado de depresión, sobresale el nivel normal 91.27% (n=209). Conclusiones. Se identifica al personal femenino con mayores índices de estrés, lo que la hace una población de especial atención, y la funcionabilidad familiar como factor protector ante una potencial escalada de síntomas emocionales, como la depresión.
Elementos teóricos sobre la formación docente en ciencias naturales con enfoque STEAMH. Revisión sistemática
Authors: Camacho-Tamayo Edison , Bernal-Ballé Andrés
Published: January 2023

El enfoque STEAM/STEAMH se propone como un método de integración de saberes para alcanzar conocimientos holísticos en la solución de problemas cotidianos así mismo, se presenta como una estrategia significativa para la trasmisión de saberes. A partir de una revisión sistemática a través de la metodología PSALSA y la revisión PRISMA son abordados estudios con el uso del STEM/STEAM/STEAMH y la formación docente en ciencias naturales. Los resultados en referencia a esta formación están en proceso. Tanto su teorización, las estrategias curriculares y la aplicación en el aula son métodos que aún no se definen con claridad. Como consecuencia el uso de STEM en el aula es muy limitada y no se le da la atención que necesita. Está en discusión la importancia de profundizar en la justificación del enfoque, la organización de su aplicación en el aula, el trabajo en equipo entre pares y la organización curricular con sentido holístico. Son pocos los estudios que evidencian por ejemplo la autopercepción del uso STEAMH en las prácticas pedagógicas de aula de los docentes de ciencias naturales. Por otro lado, el cambiar más letras al STEM no denota efectos importantes en cuanto al objetivo de la interdisciplinariedad.
¿Es posible mejorar la calidad de las campañas electorales?
Authors: F. Sánchez Luis
Published: January 2023

El objetivo de este estudio consiste en abordar la calidad de las campañas, la posibilidad de mejorar la discusión o debate de los actores políticos a través de reformas o cambios en la legislación electoral. Con esta finalidad se efectúa un análisis del caso mexicano a partir de una discusión teórica sobre la calidad de las campañas e información documental de las reformas electorales más relevantes.
Políticas sociales para enfrentar el covid-19. Experiencias desde América del Sur
Authors: Silva Jiménez Diego , Arancibia Morales Diego Andrés , Lizondo Valencia Romina Alejandra , Cortés Tello Fernando , Muñoz Marín Daniela Lorena
Published: January 2023

La pandemia del COVID-19,  cobró millones de vidas a nivel mundial, durante los años 2020 a 2022 y el proceso de combatir la pandemia tuvo algunas acciones que no se esperaban tales como, el aumento de la desigualdad, de la vulnerabilidad y de la pobreza, a todo el mundo en general, pero sobre todo en los sectores de escasos recursos. El objetivo de esta investigación fue revisar las distintas acciones realizadas por los Gobiernos de Sur América a través de las políticas sociales que desarrollaron durante el año 2020 para enfrentar los distintos efectos negativos del COVID-19. Para ello se utilizó una metodología cualitativa, con un enfoque fenomenológico - descriptivo a través de un análisis tipo documental de los distintos países de América del Sur que cuenten con más de un millón de habitantes. Como resultado se encuentran políticas públicas sociales muy similares con un fuerte enfoque hacia las transferencias económicas, pero con resultados distintos, debido a las condiciones económico y sociales previas de cada país, lo que dio como resultado que las malas decisiones sanitarias tomadas por los Gobiernos sudamericanos repercutieron en un colapso económico posterior.
AN EXAMINATION OF ENVIRONMENT’S ROLE IN BUILDING STRONGER INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Authors: Saraswati Somanand , Satyan Urmi
Published: January 2023

Environment Protection is crucial and critical for humankind, but Environment Protection could also play an essential role in the larger idea of international politics. This paper argues that the relationship based on environmental cooperation will be more long-lasting and stable as its foundation is mutual-need. If a bilateral relationship is built on keeping future perspectives in mind, the environment could be inextricably connected with it. The paper will explore the role of the environment in building a stronger bilateral relationship. To support the supposition, the paper uses India-Vietnam relations as an example to substantiate the argument and examines various factors of India-Vietnam relations.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards COVID-19, among an elderly population in Sri Lanka: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Monarawila S.U.B. , Piyumali M.P. , Abeyrathne L.J.P. , Silva J.S.D. , Ananda W.P.M. , Nayanathara R.K.A.B. , Gomes P.L.R.
Published: January 2023

Background: Elderly people are at high risk for adverse effects from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, to prevent and lower the fatality rate of COVID-19 among elderly people, determining the knowledge, attitude and practice of the elderly population towards COVID-19 is needed. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards COVID-19, among an elderly population in Western province, Sri Lanka. Results: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 414 elderly persons in the Western province, Sri Lanka. Data were collected using a pre-tested, self-administered/interview-based questionnaire. SPSS version 26 was used for the analysis of the study. Among the total participants (n=414), most respondents (80.68%) had good knowledge regarding COVID-19. Most of the participants (76.81%) were in good attitude category regarding COVID-19. Regarding practices towards COVID-19, the majority of participants (87.19%) had a good practice level. Total knowledge level was significantly associated with attitude level p<0.001 and practice level p<0.001 towards COVID-19. Conclusion: Imparting knowledge, increasing good behavioral change, and strengthening preventive practices towards COVID-19 prevention is the best solution for pandemic control.
TN - 8 - Dinte - Research for investment cooperation between Brazil and China
Authors: Baumann Renato , Libanio Gilberto , Joplin Mário , Iasco Hugo , Queen Scarlet , Nonnenberg Marcelo , Mi Zhou , Man Xu , Jie Tang , Chunhe Kou , Wei Li
Published: January 2023

This report draws a general picture of the investment between China and Brazil. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been an important platform for the bilateral investment cooperation between the two countries, including in the policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bond. After its proposal in 2013, quite a lot of achievements show us the good effects of cooperation, which in turn attracts more interests of cooperation from other countries.
TN - 4 - Dinte - Brazil and Russia : how to improve the economic relationship beyond resource-based insdustries
Authors: Pineli André , Ribeiro Fernando J. , Carneiro Flavio Lyrio , Araújo Mateus de Azevedo
Published: January 2023

Esta Nota Técnica sumariza as relações econômicas entre Brasil e Rússia nas duas primeiras décadas do século XXI. Após um rápido panorama das duas economias, apresentam-se alguns indicadores-chave de comércio e discute-se a evolução das políticas comerciais dos dois países. Seguem-se um exame do investimento direto bilateral e uma rápida avaliação da cooperação tecnológica entre os países. A Nota termina com algumas sugestões de políticas que podem contribuir para aproximar as duas economias.
The Church and Cultural Reconstruction for Development in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Hiagbe Komi Ahiatroga
Published: January 2023

Increasingly, Christianity is becoming the majority religion in many Sub-Saharan African countries. The impressive number of adherents of the faith however, in most cases, is at odds with the cultural beliefs and practices of the peoples of these nations. From a critical historical perspective, the paper examines the influence of Christianity on selected cultures and argues that organized religion, particularly Christianity, holds the key to the development of Sub-Saharan Africa through cultural reconstruction, starting from the church’s sub-culture. Consequently, the paper concludes that African theological reflections, directed towards the challenges of cultural deconstruction and reconstruction within the Church and the larger society, will be able to deepen the roots of the average African Christian and make room for enhanced socio-economic development of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Church, Culture, Reconstruction, Development
A Reading of 1 Corinthians 7: 1-16: Implications for the Unmarried and Married in Ghana
Authors: Deffor Godwin Cool Kofi
Published: January 2023

This paper studies Paul’s view on marriage as the way forward for dealing with sexual immorality in 1 Corinthians 7:1-16. In Ghana, it is generally observed that sexual immorality at times leads to separation in marriage or divorce. Some schools of thought posit that any polygynous man who converts to the Christian faith, should maintain his first wife and separate or divorce the other wives as keeping them would constitute sexual immorality. The paper employed a literary reading of the text and it proposed that marriage is not an order from God to curb sexual immorality rather Paul proposed it to the Corinthians who could not avoid sexual immorality. Again, the text shows sexual intercourse as a specific marital role for each spouse without an excuse. Implications are drawn from the reading for Ghanaians. The paper concludes that marriage is not a panacea for sexual immorality.

Keywords: Sexual Immorality, Marriage, Separation and Divorce
The Behavior of HgMn Stars in the Far-UV—Paper 26: HD 207857
Authors: Monier Richard
Published: January 2023

The analysis of two spectra of the Mn P Ga spectroscopic binary HD 207857 recorded by the SWP camera on board the International Ultraviolet Explorer reveals one instance of variation of the far-ultraviolet flux of this star over a time interval of about 10 months. The orbital period of this spectroscopic binary being 338.2 days, the observed increases of flux below 1800 Å could be due to the presence of a hot companion.
Photometric Observations of Nine High Mass X-Ray Binaries and Analysis of Potential Periodicities and Variations
Authors: Hinzel David H.
Published: January 2023

Beginning with American Association of Variable Star Observers Alert Notice 348 (2007 April 6) and being continually extended and updated through 2020 April 17 with Alert Notice 377, Dr. Gordon Sarty requested continuing assistance with his ongoing radial velocity observations of High Mass X-Ray Binaries. As of Alert Notice 377, nine targets were identified. These are: 1H 1936+541, RX J2030.5+4751, V2175 Cyg, V1008 Cep, V831 Cas, RX J0440.9+4431/LS V+44 17, V420 Aur, HD 249179, and SAX J0635+0533. While these Alert Notices prioritized radial velocity observations with the objective of determining orbital periods of these binary systems, optical photometry can also reveal other periods and variations due to mass transfer, pulsations, rotations, spin rates, and other effects. This Research Note will address in more detail the observation and analysis of one of these nine High Mass X-Ray Binaries, specifically 1H 1936+541.
Important underground roosts for bats in Bulgaria: current state and priorities for conservation
Authors: Deleva Stanimira , Toshkova Nia , Kolev Maksim , Tanalgo Krizler
Published: January 2023

Bulgaria has a very rich bat fauna and large colonies of bats can be found in caves, mines and other underground roosts. Respectively, there are more than 107 underground roosts that are listed as important bat sites, most of which are protected by statutory laws and are of national or international importance. Despite the existence of formal protection, many roosts face anthropogenic disturbances due to the popularity of outdoor activities, such as caving and the lack of actual regulation. Currently, the evaluation was only based on the size of the colony and the presence of protected species. However, this approach is limited to roosts that contain high diversity and neglects the ones that contain high biotic importance that are highly threatened by various threats. Here, we evaluated conservation priorities and identified the most vulnerable underground bat roosts in Bulgaria, using the Bat Cave Vulnerability Index and proposed measures to adequately protect sites. We found that 32% of the Bulgarian bat roosts assessed are at a "high priority" level for conservation and protection, while 39% are at a "medium priority" that may require constant monitoring. This novel and integrative approach applied to bat roost prioritisation in the country enabled the detection of sites that need urgent conservation attention and is the first step in establishing better strategies for the bat monitoring network in Bulgaria.
A consolidated phylogeny of snail-eating snakes (Serpentes, Dipsadini), with the description of five new species from Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama
Authors: Arteaga Alejandro , Batista Abel
Published: January 2023

A molecular phylogeny of the Neotropical snail-eating snakes (tribe Dipsadini Bonaparte, 1838) is presented that includes 60 of the 133 species currently recognized. There is morphological and phylogenetic support for four new species of Sibon Fitzinger, 1826 and one of Dipsas Laurenti, 1768, which are described here based on their unique combination of molecular, meristic, and color pattern characteristics. PlesiodipsasHarvey et al., 2008 is designated as a junior synonym of Dipsas and additional evidence is presented to support the transfer of the genus Geophis Wagler, 1830 to the tribe Dipsadini. Two of the subspecies of S. nebulatus (Linnaeus, 1758) are elevated to full species status. Insight into additional undescribed cryptic diversity within the S. nebulatus species complex is provided. Evidence that supports the existence of an undescribed species previously confused with D. temporalis is provided, as well as the first country record of S. ayerbeorum Vera-Pérez, 2019 in Ecuador with a comment on the ontogenetic variation of the latter. Finally, photographs of Colombian, Ecuadorian, and Panamanian snail-eating snakes are provided.
Digital Didactical Design: The Role of Learning Obstacles in Designing Combinatorics Digital Module for Vocational Students
Authors: Nopriana Tri , Herman Tatang , Martadiputra Bambang Avip Priatna
Published: January 2023

Many changes occur in the world of education as a result of technological advancement, including the compilation of a module. Digital modules that students can easily access and that have been compiled based on an analysis of student learning obstacles are required. Therefore, this research aims to develop a digital module based on student learning obstacles and it employs the theory of Digital Didactical Design (DDD). DDD contains components of learning objectives, learning activities, process-based assessment, social relations, and integrated technology. This is an on-going study relying on ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Development, Implement, Evaluation) model and it reveals the results from Analyze, Design, and Development stages. In the analysis stage, several instruments, such as test, interviews, and documentation, were used to encounter some learning obstacles in solving the combination problems faced by the vocational high school students. The next stage is designing the digital module based on the students' learning obstacles using DDD components. And in the development stage, the validity and practicality of the module are being tested and the results are very valid and practical. Thus, this digital module was feasible and can be used in teaching combination for vocational high school students to minimize learning obstacles.
Mechanical Properties, Microstructural, and Deep Drawing Formability Analysis on the Annealed CuZn35 Brass Alloy for Cartridge Application
Authors: Widyastuti  , Rochiem Rochman , Fellicia Dian Mughni , Adrinanda Contardo Ferrini Noval , Wibowo Adhy Prihatmiko
Published: January 2023

Deep drawing has become the most general method in cartridge manufacturing process which use brass alloy as the main component. To perform deep drawing on this type of alloy, there are several physical and mechanical properties re-quired, especially the ductility and hardness. In this paper, the CuZn35 brass alloy, which still does not fulfill the requirements, had been annealed in the several annealing parameters (holding time and annealing temperature) to achieve the re-quired properties. It also discussed the microstructure evolution in every annealing parameter and the affiliation to its mechanical properties. The temperature annealing process of CuZn35 brass alloy was conducted in 300, 400, 500, and 600°C for 60 minutes. Then, the heat-treated product will be observed to get the composition, microstructure, hardness, strength, and also deep drawing formability. The-ꞵ precipitation was successfully eliminated by annealing process which significantly decrease its hardness and tensile strength whereas the increased grain size affect the ductility.
The Portevin-Le Chatelier Type for 316L(N) SS at Low Deformation Rate
Authors: Ekaputra I Made Wicaksana , Haryadi Gunawan Dwi , Dewa Rando Tungga , Setyahandana Budi , Tuan Hoang Sy Minh
Published: January 2023

This study determined the serrated yielding type for 316L(N) SS due to the Portevin-Le Chatelier effect under particular temperature conditions with the range of 24 to 655 °C at 10-5/s of plastic deformation rate. The 316L(N) SS was loaded by tensile test apparatus equipped with a three-zone furnace. The cylindrical specimen was put at the centre of the furnace. Since the test was conducted at various temperatures, a thermocouple was attached to the surface of the specimen. After the test, the engineering stress-strain curve was plotted, and the serrated yielding was observed. The results showed that the type A, B, D, and E were identified for a particular temperature. Type B was identified at the low-temperature region, and type A was identified at the high-temperature region. In addition, the work hardening rate curve was plotted to describe the plastic deformation characteristic.
Natural Hydraulic Lime Mortars for Hot-Humid Climates: Effects of Oyster Shells as Seeding Compound
Authors: Razali Nadia , Forster Alan M. , Razali Nadlene , Jumadi Nurriswin
Published: January 2023

This study explored the effects of formulation modifications of natural hydraulic lime (NHL) mortars exposed to hot temperature and high humidity conditions. The modified mortars were seeded by oyster shell powder, partially replacing the sand. The mortar samples underwent a curing period of 56 days with five observation days. The pH, carbonation depth, flexural strength, compressive strength, sorptivity, and morphology were studied. The results indicated that seeded mortars were more successful at setting and hardening high humidity settings. In addition, curing the mortars at higher temperatures hastened the hydration reaction significantly. The data indicate that seeded mortars can improve performance in several areas, notably carbonation rate (25%-45%), flexural strength (16%-60%), compressive strength (20%-55%), and sorptivity (18%-25%). The experimental protocol shows that the hardened mortar pore system is affected by the water-binder ratio, hydration level, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration. The hydration of mortar greatly influences its strength. Using oyster shell powder as an aggregate substitute increased the performance of the mortars by microstructure and capillarity development. This circumstance is significant in our comprehension of modified lime mortars and seeding compounds, especially in hot-humid environments.
Toughness Recovery of Welded Pipe API 5L Grade B through Quenching and Tempering Treatment
Authors: Hadi Viki Sofyan , Mubarok Fahmi , Fitrullah Muhammad
Published: January 2023

API 5L Grade B steel pipe used for the oil and gas industries must meet toughness requirement of higher than 27 Joule and hardness value of lower than 248 HV. The welding process during piping installation sometimes generates lower toughness. Thus additional heat treatment was necessary to recover their superior toughness. Quenching from 900 °C into water or oil medium followed by tempering at 550 °C, 600 °C and 650 °C for 1 hour was selected in this study. Charpy impact test was used to access their toughness data, while the hardness was measured using micro Vickers hardness. It was found that the highest toughness of 168 Joule with a hardness of 166 HV1.0 was generated in the welding zone after water quenching followed by tempering at 600 °C treatment. The metallographic investigation reveals fully martensite tempered microstructures. These acquired toughness and hardness values were in accordance with API 5L pipe standard requirements.
Investigation of the Dwelling Time and Compaction Pressure Effect on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of the Cu-Sn Composite
Authors: Widyastuti  , Fajarin Rindang , Ali Faizah , Wijaya Sugiarto Putra , Falah Eka Nurul , Aditiyawan Iyando
Published: January 2023

Powder metallurgy has become a compatible alternative method in term of manufacturing complex component, such as frangible bullet. A bullet with frangible properties can be manufactured by using copper-based metal matrix composite with tin as the reinforce. During compaction process, the applied load and dwelling time are considered as substantial factor which affect the final product. Therefore, the aim of the present work study is to observe the pressure and the holding time during the compacting process (dwelling time) which has an impact on the mechanical properties of the Cu-Sn composite product. The green component or pressed product is tested with various compaction pressure variables, namely 500, 600, and 700 MPa with 0, 5, 15, 30, 45 minutes dwelling time, respectively. The sintering process is performed at 260°C for 30 minutes in the horizontal furnace. The result shows that the surface contact area was increased along with the compaction load upsurge which led to low porosity green compact. The 700 MPa compaction pressure with 15 minutes dwelling time has the optimum density, hardness, and compressive strength, which had 8,454 gr/cm3, 87 HRF and 349.74 MPa in value. The compacting product has been tested on Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and showed that 700 MPa compaction pressure had the best powder densification process.
Comparative Study and Performance Evaluation of Chemical and Biosurfactants in Water-in-Oil Emulsification Process
Authors: Som Ayub Md , Balang Evelyn Munga , Hamid Hairul Amani Abdul
Published: January 2023

Surfactants are used to lower the interfacial tension by adsorption process at the interface between oil and water. Chemical surfactants pose detrimental effects to equipment used and the environment as it consists of toxic compound. Environmentally friendly surfactant such as biosurfactant nowadays is the most sought after as perceived to be biodegradable, less toxic, high selectivity and biocompatible over chemical surfactant. In this study, stability of water-in-oil emulsion was observed using A-MeG (chemical surfactant) and Hylocereusundatus foliage (biosurfactant) at varying concentrations (samples A, B, C) via several measurement methods namely; droplet size, surface tension, rheology and creaming index. Results revealed that sample A with A-MeG and sample C with Hylocereusundatus foliage had smaller droplet sizes at 7.844 μm and 8.032 μm, respectively; lower average interfacial tension at 29.0 mN/m and 29.2 mN/m, respectively; higher average viscosity at 0.004061 mPa.s and 0.004171 mPa.s, respectively; which indicated that both were the most stable emulsion samples. Sample A with A-MeG had high creaming index, however, no water separation was recorded. While, sample C with Hylocereusundatus foliage recorded lower creaming index which indicated high stability. In conclusion, it is proven that there is a possibility of using Hylocereusundatus foliage in stabilising the water-in-oil emulsion.
Association between Participation in a Rehabilitation Program and 1-Year Survival in Patients Requiring Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Yoo Wanho , Jang Myung Hun , Kim Sang Hun , Kim Soohan , Jo Eun-Jung , Eom Jung Seop , Mok Jeongha , Kim Mi-Hyun , Lee Kwangha
Published: January 2023

Background: The present study evaluated the association between participation in a rehabilitation program during a hospital stay and 1-year survival of patients requiring at least 21 days of mechanical ventilation (prolonged mechanical ventilation [PMV]) with various respiratory diseases as their main diagnoses that led to mechanical ventilation.Methods: Retrospective data of 105 patients (71.4% male, mean age 70.1±11.3 years) who received PMV in the past 5 years were analyzed. Rehabilitation included physiotherapy, physical rehabilitation, and dysphagia treatment program that was individually provided by physiatrists.Results: The main diagnosis leading to mechanical ventilation was pneumonia (n=101, 96.2%) and the 1-year survival rate was 33.3% (n=35). One-year survivors had lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (20.2±5.8 vs. 24.2±7.5, p=0.006) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (6.7±5.6 vs. 8.5±2.7, p=0.001) on the day of intubation than non-survivors. More survivors participated in a rehabilitation program during their hospital stays (88.6% vs. 57.1%, p=0.001). The rehabilitation program was an independent factor for 1-year survival based on the Cox proportional hazard model (hazard ratio, 3.513; 95% confidence interval, 1.785 to 6.930; p<0.001) in patients with APACHE II scores ≤23 (a cutoff value based on Youden’s index).Conclusion: Our study showed that participation in a rehabilitation program during hospital stay was associated with an improvement of 1-year survival of PMV patients who had less severe illness on the day of intubation.
Dispensable Role of Aire in CD11c+ Conventional Dendritic Cells for Antigen Presentation and Shaping the Transcriptome
Authors: Miyazawa Ryuichiro , Nagao Jun-ichi , Arita-Morioka Ken-ichi , Matsumoto Minoru , Morimoto Junko , Yoshida Masaki , Oya Takeshi , Tsuneyama Koichi , Yoshida Hideyuki , Tanaka Yoshihiko , Matsumoto Mitsuru
Published: January 2023

Aire, the defect of which is responsible for the development of autoimmunity, is predominantly expressed in medullary thymic epithelial cells, and it controls a wide variety of genes, including those of tissue-restricted Ags, for establishing thymic tolerance. Aire is also expressed from APCs in the periphery, called extrathymic Aire-expressing cells (eTACs), and their complementing role to thymic tolerance has been suggested. eTACs are composed of two distinct classes of APCs, conventional dendritic cell (cDC)–type and group 3 innate lymphoid cell (ILC3)-like–type expressing retinoic acid receptor–related orphan receptor γt (RORγt). Although the essential role of Aire in the latter in the Th17-mediated immune response against Candida albicans has been reported, the role of Aire in the cDC-type eTACs for this action has not been examined. Furthermore, the significance of Aire in the production of the transcriptome of the cDC-type eTACs remains unknown. We have approached these issues using a high-fidelity Aire-reporter mouse strain. We found that although the cDC-type eTACs dominated ILC3-like–type eTACs in number and they served as efficient APCs for the immune response against an exogenous Ag as well as for the C. albicans–specific Th17 immune response, loss of Aire in cDC-type eTACs showed no clear effect on these functions. Furthermore, loss of Aire showed no major impact on the transcriptome from cDC-type eTACs. These results suggested that Aire in cDC-type eTACs may not have a cell-intrinsic role in the immune response in contrast to the role of Aire in ILC3-like–type eTACs.
Raba jezikovnih virov in Kolokacijskega slovarja sodobne slovenščine med študenti prevajalstva
Authors: Hirci Nataša , Grad Martin Anton
Published: January 2023

V prispevku se posvečamo študiji, ki predstavlja uporabniško izkušnjo in odnos študentov prevajalstva na Univerzi v Ljubljani do jezikovnih virov in prevajal­skih pripomočkov, saj se v času informacijske družbe od bodočih prevajalcev pričakuje, da so v kar največji meri digitalno osveščeni, predvsem pa seznanje­ni z relevantnimi viri informacij. Študija se v prvem delu osredotoča na odnos študentov do angleških in slovenskih jezikovnih virov in na strategije reševanja prevajalskih zagat pri prevajanju kolokacij ter rabo različnih relevantnih jezi­kovnih virov. Raziskava je v drugem delu osredinjena na opazovanje prevajal­skega procesa in rabo Kolokacijskega slovarja sodobne slovenščine (KSSS) pri prevajanju izbranih kolokacij iz angleščine v slovenščino. Rezultati študije so pokazali, da se študenti zavedajo prednosti reševanja prevodnih težav s po­močjo relevantnih jezikovnih virov, saj se je strategija vključevanja kolokacij­skega slovarja v prevajalski proces izkazala za relativno uspešno. Vendar pa je obenem pokazala, da je že v času študija nujno dodatno osveščati študente o naprednih funkcijah tega jezikovnega vira, predvsem pa spodbujati iskanje po relevantnih virih in kritično ovrednotenje najdenih informacij z zavedanjem, da je v prevajalskem procesu nujno poiskati takšne prevodne rešitve, ki so v danem kontekstu najustreznejše.
From verbal to adjectival
Authors: Paulsen Geda , Tuulik Maria , Lohk Ahti , Vainik Ene
Published: January 2023

This study addresses categorization issues related to adjective candidates in Estonian, focusing on the category of participles. The aim of the analysis was to assess the ranges of the prototypical adjective and to determine its degree of deviation on the prototypicality scale. The investigation was based on a group of validated adjectives – selected adjectives included in the Basic Estonian Dic­tionary – and two control groups of more and less lexicalized participles. We tested seven morphosyntactic corpus patterns characteristic of adjectives. The test patterns were based on the prototypical features of the adjective, as well as on observations made in the actual lexicographic analysis. To assess the sam­ple words and determine the significance of the test patterns from the point of view of defining adjectivity, we used deviation analysis. The results of this study can be applied to establish a measure of adjectivity for lexicographic judgments when distinguishing, for instance, lexicalized participles from regular ones.
Golden bulb covered with a dark cloth: memories of undocumented athletes in South Africa
Authors: Matshotshwane Joseph , Ngoepe Mpho
Published: January 2023

Sports in South Africa have evolved into an arena for self-discovery, a place of self-revelation. Through sports, particularly athletics, heroes emerged who not only achieved for themselves and their communities, but also served as golden bulbs, flickering lights of hope, inspiration, and motivation to the community. Despite the heroic roles played by athletes, sporting memories of unique and gallant characters remain self-stored, exposed to all natural disasters such as loss, rapid deterioration, inaccessibility, thus turning into golden bulbs covered in a black cloth. This qualitative study adopted oral testimony triangulated with content analysis to explore the memories of undocumented athletics heroes in South Africa. Snowball sampling was adopted to help locate historically excluded athletics heroes and sheroes. The study revealed that athletes' houses have been transformed into museums encompassing all of their running memories, displayed all over their living rooms, with only a few athletes overseeing forgotten historical memories of most legendary runners and, in some cases, without specialised handling, compounded by the fact that these archival memories are only accessible to those fortunate enough to be close to these legendary runners. The study recommends that these memories be included in the national archival system so that they can be accessed by the public, as a large portion of athletes' historical memories are unaccounted for and thus inaccessible.
Records management system at the eNews Channel Africa
Authors: Sithole Nduduzo Simphiwe , Schellnack-Kelly Isabel
Published: January 2023

In this article, the researchers investigated the records management system used by the eNews Channel Africa archivists in South Africa to manage their records. The main purpose of this article was to ascertain whether eNCA archivists find their records management system user-friendly and if there was a need to improve it. This article focused on eNCA archivists in South Africa who are based in Johannesburg and Cape Town because they are the only ones who use the records management system at the eNCA. This article was guided by two theories: the records life cycle and the records continuum theories. This article adopted the positivism paradigm and the quantitative approach. The data were collected using questionnaires from all eNCA archivists. Purposive sampling was employed in sampling the targeted population for this article and the survey research method in research design was adopted. Quantitative content analysis was done using Microsoft Excel. This article revealed that the eNCA archives used records management systems to manage their records, since it was found that 2 (22%) respondents used Dalet Galaxy as their records management system and 7 (78%) used Dalet Plus Client. Furthermore, this article found that all 9 (100%) respondents mentioned audio-visual records as the type of records that were managed by the eNCA archive. Lastly, it was ascertained that only 1 (11%) respondent found their records management system to be not user-friendly, while 8 (89%) respondents found it user-friendly. This article recommends that institutions and organisations managing records should have records management systems to manage their records. It is also recommended by this article that the records management system suppliers should design systems that are user-friendly and provide refresher training to its clients.
Covid-19, a catalyst or disruptor? comprehending access to records and archives under the new normal
Authors: Manyika Simbarashe , Dewah Peterson
Published: January 2023

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant intervention measures disrupted and affected the normal operations of business and access to records and archives as information sources. The study sought to explore the impact of Covid-19 on the access to records and archives in the public sector during the pandemic, bearing in mind the disruptive and catalytic effects of the pandemic. Using a qualitative methodology, data were gathered through document studies, and interviews were conducted with records managers from 18 purposively selected organisations. The findings showed that organisations had not moved much towards e-records but depended heavily on paper records. The lockdown period witnessed misdirection and loss of records. Staff taking turns to report for duty also impacted negatively on records. This posed serious threats to proper records and archives management, making room for occurrences such as destruction or alterations by unscrupulous individuals. The study concluded that the pandemic triggered a sense of urgency in the formulation of policies and procedures that promoted remote access. The study recommended that business should always be prepared to deal with disruptive tendencies of pandemics and any other eventuality giving records and archives management great consideration in business continuity plans. Access to records and archives should not be disrupted, as has been the case throughout the pandemic. Organisations should digitise their records and archives to avoid disruptions of service delivery and decision-making during lockdowns.
Records management in an ISO certified environment: a case study of Botho University in Botswana
Authors: Pitsonyane Koketsego Sini , Mnjama Nathan
Published: January 2023

Records are information assets of great value to organisations as they document decisions and activities of business. Organisations, therefore, have a duty to make sure that they put in place a systematic administrative programme for managing these records. The information contained in records has been seen as a key business resource for universities and their competitiveness; therefore, it is vital that university records should be managed. This study evaluated records management at Botho University, an ISO-certified university. The main objective of the study was to find out which records management practices were in place at Botho University as an ISO 9001-2008 certified institution. The population of the study comprised 23 respondents including deans, heads or managers of departments and departmental representatives who interact with records on a daily basis. The study was guided by ISO 9001-2008, section 4.2.4. Data for the study were collected through the use of semi-structured interviews, open-ended questionnaires and personal observations. The key findings of the study were that Botho University is not fully compliant with all the provisions of ISO 9001-2008 under which it was certified. The findings further showed that the university had an inadequate records management policy that did not cover all records issues, lacked adequate facilities for the storage and protection of records, lacked a records retention and disposition schedule and lacked dedicated staff to manage records. The findings also revealed that Botho University operated a hybrid system where some records were created electronically while some were physical copies. Based on these findings, the study recommends that in order for Botho University to be fully compliant with the provisions of ISO 9001-2008, it must revise its records management policy to enhance it to make it adequate, improve its records storage facilities and develop a records retention and disposition schedule.
Application of Bio-Treatment Agent for Waste Water Remediation using Moringa Olifera Seed powder
Authors: Mejeh K. I. , Okpala A. N.
Published: January 2023

This study is aimed at determining the efficacy of using Moringa oleifera seed powder (MOSP) in wastewater treatment process (domestic and industrial). The effectiveness of MOSP was evaluated on the microbial and physiochemical characteristics of water. The experimental results of the properties of the treated and untreated water samples from industrial and domestic water sources revealed significant improvement after treatment with MOSP. The findings observed that generally, Moringa oleifera seeds treated both industrial and domestic waste water well as an alternative to commercial coagulating agents.  The study, therefore recommended that Moringa oleifera seed powder be utilized in industries and homes for the treatment of waste water and re-use. In addition, these processes are environmentally friendly and offer a wide variety of other benefits, such as reducing costs, reducing the generation of by-products, and providing greater biodegradability.
Influence of Geographical Location on Key Nutritional Properties of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Pulp
Authors: Akporido U. E. , Okoro I. O.
Published: January 2023

Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) which was only cultivated in Northern Nigeria in the past, is now cultivated in other parts of Nigeria. However, there is no data to show the nutritional quality of C. lanatus as it relates to the location of cultivation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional properties of the pulp of Citrullus lanatus cultivated in four states, representing four geopolitical regions of Nigeria. C. lanatus samples were collected from the northeast, southwest, southeast and south-south geopolitical zones of Nigeria. They were thoroughly washed, then the pulp was separated, homogenized and freeze-dried.  The amino acid profile, vitamins, proximate and mineral analyses of the freeze-dried samples were done by standard protocols. The amino acid profile results showed the presence of varied amino acids in the different zones, with the southwest giving the highest concentrations of the amino acids and the least concentration obtained from the south-south zone. The presence of vitamin C and A, and the minerals: Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Pb, and Mn were detected in the pulp of C. lanatus at diverse concentrations in the various zones, with samples from the southwest zone also giving the highest composition of both vita by mins and mineral contents.  The proximate composition analysis results revealed a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of moisture, protein and fiber from the southwest sample when compared with other zones, and higher (p < 0.05) percentage composition of carbohydrate, ash and fat contents from the northeast samples relative to other zones. Thus, the nutritional value of the C. lanatus samples was in the order: Southwest > northeast > southeast > south-south. Conclusively, the results showed that the location of cultivation affects the nutritional value of Citrullus lanatus fruit.
Molecular Characterization of Successive Yeasts Strains and their Optimal Invertase Producing Conditions in Fresh Palm Wine (Raphiahookeri) Obtained from Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Obidi O. F. , Awe O. O. , Shogbade A. O. , Akanji A. F.
Published: January 2023

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is known to produce invertase. However, molecular characterization of successive yeast strains and their optimal invertase producing conditions in Nigerian Raphiahookeri has not been documented. In this study, molecular characterization of successive yeast strains and their optimal invertase producing conditions in fresh palm wine (Raphiahookeri) obtained from Lagos, Nigeria was evaluated. To achieve this, sequencing of 18S rDNA was carried out following DNA extraction from the yeast isolates. Invertase production within 5-day period was also monitored at different conditions for the yeast strains. The physicochemical parameters investigated include pH, optical density, titratable acidity, sugar concentration and alcohol content. Out of the 21isolates obtained, 18 were identified by 18S rDNA to beS. cerevisiae, while 3 were Penicillium chrysogenum, Blumeriagraminissp. Tritici and Fusarium culmorum. Thefungal population density decreased from 1.01 x 107 to 0.9 x 105CFU/ml. The pH and sugar concentration decreased with increase in age of the wine ranging from 6.05-3.33 and 3.70-1.10mg/100ml respectively. The optical density, titratable acidity and alcohol content increased with time and ranged from 0.454-0.904, 0.266-0.412 % and 0.920-5.640 % respectively. All isolates produced invertase optimally at pH 6, 30°C after 48 h incubation with S. cerevisiae CP006433.1 having the highest production (1.745U/ml).The results highlight the effect of fermentation conditions on the survival and invertase production of yeast strains in Nigerian palm wine.
Concentration and Human Health Risk Assessment of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane in Two Species of Fish Muscle from River Gongola Basin and its Dam, Dadinkowa, Gombe State, Nigeria
Authors: Santuraki A. H. , Abdu Z. , Babayo A. U. , Abdulkadira A. G.
Published: January 2023

The concentration of DDT and its metabolites in the two fish species (Clarias gariepinus and Bagrus docmak) from River Gongola basin and its dam, Dadinkowa in Gombe State Nigeria was determined and human health risk association from the consumption of contaminated fish was evaluated. Fish samples were collected for period of six months and the pesticide residues analysis was carried out by using QuEChERS method along with conventional method (Hand shaken technique) and gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). (DDTs) and its metabolites were observed with DDD were the predominant contaminants, followed by DDT. The predominance of DDE may be attributed to their current use in vector control and contamination from past usage. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of DDT and its metabolites from all ﬁsh species were much lower than the acceptable daily intakes (ADIs), indicating that consumption of ﬁsh is at little risk to human health at present. However, the cancer risk estimates in the area of concern and the hazard ratios (HRs) of DDTs below the threshold value of one, indicating daily exposure to these compounds is a potential concern.
Exponentiated Complementary Kumaraswamy-G Power Series Family of Distributions with Application to Lifetime Data
Authors: Ewere F. , Eraikhuemen I. B , Mbegbu J. I.
Published: January 2023

This paper proposed the Exponentiated Complementary Kumaraswamy - G Power (ECK-GP) Series family of distributions which is an extension of the Complementary Kumaraswamy-G Power Series family of distributions. The expressions for its densities, basic statistical properties and parameters estimation using the method of Maximum Likelihood were derived and established. An application of the Exponentiated Complementary Kumaraswamy Exponential Poisson (ECKEP) distribution to a real lifetime dataset clearly reveals its suitability and flexibility in fitting real life dataset.