bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Driving Factors of Green Supply Chain Management in Building Materials Enterprises
Authors: Zhu Jiaqi , Xu Jie
Published: July 2019

With the deterioration of the ecological environment and the improvement of consumers’ green consciousness, the government and society put forward higher requirements for the green supply chain management of building materials enterprises. Some enterprises have already begun to implement green supply chain management, which brings pressure to other enterprises. Through the investigation of 245 building materials enterprises, this article establishes a model of the influence of external stakeholders on green supply chain management through the environmental awareness of internal executive and uses factor analysis and regression analysis to verify the research hypotheses. Empirical analysis results show that government regulation, consumer pressure and supplier and distributor pressure have significant positive effects on green supply chain management, and there exists intermediary effect of executives’ environmental awareness between external stakeholders and enterprise green supply chain management. Thus, this article puts forward some suggestions on how to effectively improve the green supply chain management level of building materials enterprises from the perspective of executives, government and consumers.
Exploration of Standardized Greening Applied in Improving Air Environment in subway Cars
Authors: Linfeng Wu
Published: July 2019

The main contradiction in our society has been transformed into a contradiction between the people’s growing need for a better life and the lack of development imbalance. Nowadays, with the development of high quality and encouraging green travel, People’s pursuit of travel comfort and high quality of travel environment is getting higher and higher. This paper analyses the problems existing in the current high-speed development of subway transport industry and its air improvement mode, puts forward a new greening product scheme designed with standardization concept, and preliminarily analyses its application value. It has certain value to enhance the passenger experience, reduce the damage to the staff around the subway, promote high-quality life, and alleviate traffic congestion.
Effects of pepper tissue extracts on allelopathic effects of different vegetables and soil enzyme activities
Authors: Luxi Yang , Yongdong Xie , Wenyi Yan , Zhong-qun He
Published: July 2019

Cucumber, cabbage(Brassica oleracea L.), and cowpea as acceptor materials, the effects of four concentrations of (0.01 g/ml, 0.02g/ml, 0.03 g/ml and 0.04g/ml) root, stem and leaf aqueous extracts of pepper on the allelopathy of recipient vegetable and the enzyme activity in rhizosphere soil were studied. The results showed that the allelopathic effect of different tissue extracts of pepper was leaf > root > stem, and the greater the concentration of treatment solution, the stronger the inhibitory effect on the recipient vegetables. According to the value of the comprehensive membership function, the order of the allelopathic effect of different tissue extracts of capsicum on the recipient vegetables is cucumber > cabbage > cowpea. The concentration of the pepper extract, the extraction site, and the difference of the acceptor materials can affect the soil enzyme activity. The urease activity increases with the increase of the concentration, and the catalase and sucrase activities increase first and then decrease.
Implementing Alternate Polymer flooding to Improve Dry Powder Utilization
Authors: Yuan Yuan
Published: July 2019

After more than ten years of industrialized production, polymer flooding in Daqing Oilfield has formed a relatively mature matching development technology, and the tertiary oil recovery production mainly by polymer flooding has accounted for about one third of the total oil field. However, in recent years, the problem of increasing the amount of polymer dry powder and worsening the development effect and benefit has become increasingly prominent. In order to improve the development effect of tertiary oil recovery, reduce the cost of tertiary oil recovery and improve the utilization ratio of dry powder, the alternating polymer injection technology for second class reservoir is explored and implemented. By optimizing the parameters of alternating polymer injection, the optimum injection period, viscosity and strength are given quantitatively on the basis of laboratory research and numerical simulation. After application, good results have been achieved. This technology provides technical reserve and practical experience for efficient development of polymer flooding in second class reservoir.
Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete under Multi-factor Destruction
Authors: Xin’e Yan
Published: July 2019

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation regarding the carbonation, chloride ions penetration and freeze-thaw durability test of Reactive Powder Concretes (RPCs). Experimental results demonstrate that the depth of carbonization deepens in RPCs with the extension of carbonization time, but the internal carbonization reaction gradually weakens. The wetting-drying cycles accelerates chloride ion migration in concrete. Freeze-thaw cycles reduce the mechanical properties of concrete.
Research on AGV Transportation Vehicle Based on PLC
Authors: Li Chao , Yin Xuehao , Yang HongBin
Published: July 2019

To improve the workshop production efficiency and degree of automation, a PLC based magnetic guided AGV (automated guided vehicle) transport trolley was designed. Taking PLC as the control core and the inductance as the path detection sensor, hardware and software are developed. The inductance signal is amplified by the operational amplifier LM358, and the design of the AGV transport vehicle is completed according to the control and process requirements of the AGV system. Use Solidworks modeling the AGV, and simulate the actual path of motion simulation. Use CodeSys of the PLC programming and Realization of motion control, and on the scene of the input and output panel monitoring and simulation test. The test results show that the system has characteristics of simple operation, stable operation, reliable operation, etc., and can meet the design requirements.
The Application Research of Precursor Analysis Methodology in Nuclear Safety Surveillance
Authors: Xu Zhixin , Song Binyan
Published: July 2019

Chinese government has put forward the strategy of developing nuclear power (NP), and now China has own the largest NP units that is under construction. The safety is foundation and premise of our country’s nuclear sustainable development, we must strengthen the national surveillance on nuclear safety. Since every nuclear power plants has their own probabilistic safety analysis (PSA) model, and the precursor analysis methodology is a PSA-based methodology, this method can help to analyse how important the events will affect the nuclear safety, and identify those events which have larger safety importance. Therefore, the precursor analysis methodology can act as a valid method to nuclear safety surveillance to improve the surveillance level and efficiency. In this paper, the introduction of this methodology is given, and a detailed case study about one incident and the application result at one NPP is given.
Research on Multi-source Cooperative optimal dispatching of Active Distribution Network
Authors: An Yuan , Meng Xuechen , Chen Haodong
Published: July 2019

Combined with the operation characteristics of active distribution network, the overall architecture of multi-source cooperative optimal dispatching is proposed, The key technologies, such as multi-aspect data association, fast simulation of active distribution network, multi-source cooperative optimal scheduling strategy and evaluation of multi-source cooperative optimal scheduling policy, are studied. The dynamic optimal scheduling target of each unit running state is proposed, and a time dimension optimization scheduling strategy for pre-day and intra-day is proposed, The evaluation method of optimal scheduling strategy is studied. Finally, the proposed multi-source cooperative scheduling scheme of active distribution network is verified by MATLAB simulation in a typical node network.
Diagenesis of the Heidimiao reservoir in Xinli area
Authors: Wei Xiaolong , Li Tao , Yuan Yaofeng
Published: July 2019

The study of reservoir diagenesis is to reveal the type and characteristics of diagenesis. The general process of reservoir diagenesis research: Firstly, the study of diagenesis products, including systematic observation and analysis of reservoir cores, pays special attention to the changes of reservoir pores in time and space. We can obtain more accurate lithological data, various diagenetic phenomena and pore variation characteristics, and speculate on the diagenesis process that may be experienced. Secondly, according to the diagenetic parameters such as pore fluid temperature and pressure, the diagenesis reaction mechanism is discussed from the perspectives of physical chemistry and thermochemistry. Finally, combined with the stratigraphic, tectonic and sedimentary data of the basin, the reservoir diagenesis model is established to find out the evolution law of the pores.
The application of radar in detecting underground pipeline, tunnels: a case studes in Xining City
Authors: Wang Jianguo , Wang Xinhong , Zhang Wen , Sun Qiingyin , Duan Yunying , Zhang Shizhen
Published: July 2019

With the development and progress of the city, underground pipelines play an increasingly important role in urban planning. So it’s particularly important to find out the number, direction and depth of underground pipelines. In order to accurately find out the distribution of underground pipelines in Xining and reduce the risk and loss of buildings construction, this paper uses ground penetrating radar to detect underground pipelines and tunnels. By analysing the intensity, waveform characteristics and arrival time of each reflected wave in radar reflection profile, we can deduce the complex geological environment and the distribution of underground pipelines, so that we can summarize the characteristics of complex geological medium, typical media and radar data param of underground pipeline project in Xining, and establishing the fitting param model, which can provide a reference basis for urban construction
Double layer load cell test of self-balanced method for bearing capacity of super-long bored piles
Authors: Cheng Yuzhu
Published: July 2019

The large diameter super-long bored pile’s bearing capacity is generally very high. The self-balanced method is a new type of static load test method, and it is suitable for the test. At Yueqing Bay No. 1 Bridge, a pile with diameter of 2500 mm and length of 112.0 m was discussed in detail. The post grouting technology at pile bottom was used. The self-balanced method was carried out before and after post grouting. The double layer load cell test method was introduced. The ultimate bearing capacity of the upper, the middle, and the lower part piles were obtained. The test results were converted to the traditional top-down method. The ultimate bearing capacity before grouting was 46932 kN, and it was 70680 kN after grouting. The increment percentage was 50.6%.
Application of Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm in Parameter Identification of Pitch Wind Turbine System
Authors: Zhou Huanhui , Zhang Hao
Published: July 2019

The application of particle swarm optimization algorithm in parameter identification has a good performance, but there are still some problems such as partial localization and slow convergence. In this paper, the complex multi-parameter problem of the pitch wind turbine system is presented. The improved particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to identify the parameters and reconstruct the model. In the parameter identification, the parameter identification strategy of the descending dimension and the contraction boundary is proposed, and the accurate identification effect is obtained. In model reconstruction, adaptability is verified.
Selection of Municipal Wastewater Treatment Process Based on Improved Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Tian Yujia
Published: July 2019

The improved AHP (analytic hierarchy process) method adopts three scale method. Compared with traditional AHP, it is more scientific and operational. This paper uses improved AHP to establish an evaluation system with 4 layers, 8 indexes and 5 schemes for analysing the technical performance, the economic benefit and the environmental impact of 5 municipal wastewater treatment process. The results show that the total results of oxidation ditch process, improved AAO process, multi-mode AAO process, MBR process and SBR process are 0.7718, 0.3145, 0.1628, 0.3243 and 0.3678. Considering the technical performance, the economic benefit and the environmental impact, multi-mode AAO process is the most suitable process and oxidation ditch process is the least recommended process.
Research on Investment decision-making scheme of Power Grid Enterprises Considering the Expansion of Incremental Power Distribution Service
Authors: Dong Zhang , Xiaoyan Song , Yu Xu , Qiong Liu
Published: July 2019

After the thorough implementation of the power system reform, the business of incremental power distribution grid (IPDG) investment has gained great attention from the public as a key point that needs to be promoted. The power grid enterprises (PGE), therefore, urgently need to come up with new development strategies to enhance their core competitiveness and to increase the revenue of IPDG investment. According to the current development status of the IPDG and the business objectives of the PGE under the new business format, an investment decision-making scheme for IPDG, including the demand analysis forecasting, investment ability estimation and projects’ scientific assessment, was proposed, and the investment decision management mechanism for IPDG projects was also developed at the meantime, which will provide technical support for the development of PGE’s IPDG business.
The major source of PHC as Oil spills in Jiaozhou Bay 1991
Authors: Yang Dongfang , Huang Chengling , Yang Xiuqin , Wang Zhikang , Zhu Sixi
Published: July 2019

In this paper described the horizontal distributions of Petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) in Jiaozhou Bay using investigation data on PHC in May, August and October 1991, and defined the major sources. Results showed that PHC contents in May, August and October 1991 were 0.014-0.157 mg L−1, 0.010-0.058 mg L−1 and 0.007-0.064 mg L−1, respectively. The pollution level of PHC could be considered as slight. The major sources of PHC were oil spills, wharf and river runoff, whose source strengths were 0.157 mg L−1, 0.038 mg L−1 and 0.058-0.072 mg L−1, respectively. The source inputs of PHC were showing spatial-temporal variations, and resulting in the spatial-temporal changes of PHC contents in Jiaozhou Bay.
Analysis of “Shenzhen Model” for New Energy Vehicle Promotion in Public Transportation
Authors: Zhang Qihang
Published: July 2019

As one of the pilot cities promoting new energy vehicles in China, Shenzhen has achieved the rapid development of new energy vehicles, especially in the field of public transportation. At present, buses and taxis have basically achieved full electrification, offering successful promotion model and experiences for other cities. This paper studies the “Shenzhen model”, which successfully promoted new energy vehicles in Shenzhen. This paper analyses the measures taken by Shenzhen in the field of public transportation, and summarizes the experience in forming the model. In addition, given that there are still some obstacles in promoting new energy vehicles and the subsidy is prone to be reduced, suggestions on policy implements are also made in this paper to make Shenzhen’s new energy vehicles industry achieve sustainable development.
Exogenous or Endogenous? An Integrated Spatial Perspective on Energy Corporates’ Environmental Performance: The Efficiency Mechanisms of Knowledge from Major Cities
Authors: Wang Teng
Published: July 2019

As one of the most concerned topics in environmental protection, the environmental performance of energy firms is extensively studied while little notices the influence of firms’ geo-location and major cities. To bridge this gap, we analyse the efficiency mechanism that links major cities and corporate environmental performance by integrating exogenous and endogenous spatial perspective. We find that through knowledge transfer and conversion, firms close to major cities centers could acquire more CEP knowledge from local stakeholders, and thereby improving environmental performance. The results are discussed along with managerial implications.
Records of Culturable Endophytic Fungi Inhabiting Rhizome of Elettaria in Hutan Sibayak, North Sumatera
Authors: Munir E , Lutfia A , Yurnaliza
Published: July 2019

Endophytic microorganisms are microbial associates living in various part of host, yet expressing benefits to healthy plants. Existence of species-specific endophytes, endophytic fungi is still poorly studied especially in Zingiberaceae. In this study, we reported several endophytic fungal species isolated from rhizome of Elettaria through isolative efforts and molecular evidence. Host plant, Elettaria sp. was sampled from representative natural area, i.e. Hutan Sibayak which is known as biodiversity spot for Zingiberaceae in North Sumatera. Molecular identification revealed the identity of five isolated fungal strains collected from rhizomes of Elettaria, namely Trichoderma atroviride, Curvularia lunata, Schizophyllum commune, Trichoderma harzianum and Pholiota multicingulata. Phylogenetic tree is constructed based on Neighbor-joining method in a bootstrap test (1000x replication) with outgroup and database retrieved from NCBI GenBank. From our perspective, this is the first report on finding fungal endophytes from rhizomes of Elettaria sp. yet further investigation is needed to evaluate their future bioprospectives.
The diversity of tree and open green space (OGS) of hospitals in Banda Aceh
Authors: Djufri  , Hasanuddin  , Rusdi M , Puspa V P
Published: July 2019

This study has been conducted using the quadratic method to find out the species diversity index (H’). Five quadratic plots, with size of 10 m x 10 m (tree strata) were made for each area of samples. The percentage of open green space for each unit samples was measured by the calculation of ratio of the hospital area and the area of open green space for each sample unit. The result of the study was there were 51 species of trees which belongs to 28 families. The importance of each species in all stations was small or relatively homogeneous, but there were eight species of relatively high importance plants. The results of the diversity index analysis (H’) showed that the value of H’ ranged from 1.484 to 3.082, which placed two hospitals into high H’ values including Zainal Abidin Hospital (H’ = 3.082) and Kesdam Hospital (H’ = 3.015). The other stations had H’ medium and low values. Therefore, the OGS data analysis found that 10 out of 12 observation stations had the OGS value more than 50% or the OGS ratio of 11 hospitals in Banda Aceh was > 30% and fulfil the requirements of the law on OGS.
Evaluation of lysozyme concentration and S.mutans colonies on children with early childhood caries and caries free after using 0.1% lysozyme toothpaste
Authors: Octiara E , Sutadi H , Siregar Y , Primasari A
Published: July 2019

The prevalence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) in various countries is quite high, even at the age of 2 years the incidence is quite apprehensive. One simple and effective ECC alternative prevention is tooth brushing by using lysozyme toothpaste. Lysozyme can kill S.mutans bacteria by hydrolizing bacterial cell walls. This study aims to compare the salivary lysozyme concentration and the number of S.mutans colonies between pre-treatment and after 1 month tooth brushing by using 0.1% lysozyme toothpaste. This research is single masked clinical trial. The sample size of this study is 73 under 3 years old children, consisting of 31 caries-free children and 42 ECC children. The research subjects are obtained from Posyandu in Medan Selayang and Medan Johor District by using purposive sampling. Criteria for ECC is based on the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Data analysis use Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests because the data are not normally distributed, p < 0.05. The result shows that after tooth brushing by using lysozyme toothpaste, reduction of lysozyme concentration was detected on both groups of caries-free and ECC children compared to the state before tooth brushing, but it is not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Similiarly, reduction in number of S.mutans was detected after tooth brushing by using lysozyme toothpaste, although it is not statistically significant (p > 0.05). As conclusion, lysozyme toothpaste can reduce the growth of S.mutans bacteria, but is only inhibitory or bacteriostatic. Therefore, lysozyme toothpaste can be used as an alternative of caries prevention for early childhood.
Cyathus montagnei of North Sumatera (Basidiomycota: Nidulariaceae)
Authors: Hastuti Liana Dwi Sri , Hartanto Adrian , Wirandi Diki
Published: July 2019

Three specimens of Cyathus spp. were collected during a field survey conducted in Tongkoh village and Taman Hutan Raya forest, North Sumatera. The three specimens were preliminary identified leading to one species, namely Cyathus montagnei. A description of North Sumatran C.striatus is given. From our knowing, this is the first report of Cyathus montagnei collected in North Sumatera with locality of Karo regency. Hence, further exploration upon identified species and remaining unexplored species is needed to reveal their assemblages or species richness in North Sumatera.
Relationship between community knowledge by the existence of mosquitoes as a vector of disease in the Bagan Deli village, Medan Belawan District, Medan City
Authors: Panggabean M , Siahaan L , Panggabean Y C
Published: July 2019

Mosquitoes are vectors that can transmit of diseases, such as malaria, Chikungunya, filariasis. Knowledge of the mosquito’s life cycle is very important for the community to prevent mosquito breeding. The objective is to know the relationship between people’s knowledge and the existence of mosquito larvae. This research was conducted from August to September 2018 by interviewing the community and taking mosquito larvae in 100 houses visited in Bagan Deli Village, Medan Belawan District, Medan City. The results of this study showed that 38% of the houses found were only Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae, public knowledge was generally poor (as much as 50% of houses), the largest breeding place for mosquito larvae was 31.58% at bath, followed by dispenser shelter 23.68%, buckets and drums as much as 21.05% and jars of 2.63%. Based on multiple linear regression analysis of variables, s significant relationship between community knowledge and the presence of mosquito larvae was found in this study where p value was 0.001 (p <0.05).
The Egg Hatchability and The Development of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes in Ethanol Extracts of The Leaves of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.) and Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)
Authors: Nursal  , Yeanny Mayang Sari
Published: July 2019

The botanical insecticides acquired from the ethanol extracts of the leaves of Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia L.) and Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) has been conducted on dengue fever mosquitoes’ vector of Aedes aegypti by observing the parameters; hatchability of eggs-larvae, the development of larvae-pupae, and pupae-adult using a complete randomized design (CRD) factorial, 5 iterations, with 6 concentration treatments (0, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 ppm) on 25 eggs of A. aegypti, and parameters of secondary metabolite contents with quantitative screening methods. The results showed that the hatchability of eggs-larvae and the development of A. aegypti larvae were compared with control level of 0% in all concentration treatments of the ethanol extracts of bitter melon and basil are decreasing, namely; hatchability rate of eggs-larva decreases to 24% - 64% and 32% - 68% in the ethanol extracts of Bitter Melon and Basil respectively; the development of larvae-pupae declines to 32% - 80% in Bitter Melon and to 40% - 84% in Basil’s ethanol extract. However, there is no downturn in the development of pupae-adult (100%) with effective concentration at 800 ppm. The results of phytochemical screening showed that there were 5 secondary metabolites (alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, tannins, saponins) in the ethanol extract of Bitter Melon, and two metabolites (Flavonoids, Tanin) in Basil.
Large contribution of fine carbonaceous aerosols from municipal waste burning inferred from distributions of diacids and fatty acids
Authors: Li X , Pavuluri C M , Yang Z , He N , Tachibana E , Kawamura K , Fu P Q
Published: July 2019

To investigate the origins, other than fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning, of urban carbonaceosus aerosols, we studied the fine (PM2.5) aerosols collected in Guiyang, Southwest China in winter (December 10–23) 2012 for organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC) and water-soluble diacids, oxoacids, α-dicarbonyls and fatty acids as well as inorganic ions. Oxalic acid (C2) found to be the most abundant diacid species followed by succinic (C4) and terephthalic (t-Ph) acids, respectively. Even-carbon numbered fatty acids showed high abundances with a peak at C16. OC, EC and most of diacids and related compounds, but not inorganic ions, showed a similar temporal pattern with a drastic rise in December 15 day- and night-time samples during the campaign. Based on molecular distributions of diacids and fatty acids, and linear relations of OC and EC with selected marker ions and diacid species, we found that the organics and EC in PM2.5 are mainly derived from higher plant/cooking and municipal waste burning emissions in Guiyang. This study implies that municipal waste burning largely contributes to carbonaceous aerosols and warrants a need of further research on its role in aerosol loading and air quality in the urban atmosphere.
Appropriation
Authors: Sanders Julie
Published: July 2019

Literary texts have long been understood as generative of other texts and of artistic responses that stretch across time and culture. Adaptation studies seeks to explore the cultural contexts for these afterlives and the contributions they make to the literary canon. Writers such as William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens were being adapted almost as soon as their work emerged on stage or in print and there can be no doubt that this accretive aspect to their writing ensures their literary survival. Adaptation is, then, both a response to, a reinforcer of, and a potential shaper of canon and has had particular impact as a process through the multimedia and global affordances of the 20th century onwards, from novels to theatre, from poetry to music, and from film to digital content. The aesthetic pleasure of recognizing an “original” referenced in a secondary version can be considered central to the cultural power of literature and the arts.

Appropriation as a concept though moves far beyond intertextuality and introduces ideas of active critical commentary, of creative re-interpretation and of “writing back” to the original. Often defined in terms of a hostile takeover or possession, both the theory and practice of appropriation have been informed by the activist scholarship of postcolonialism, poststructuralism, feminism, and queer theory. Artistic responses can be understood as products of specific cultural politics and moments and as informed responses to perceived injustices and asymmetries of power. The empowering aspects of re-visionary writing, that has seen, for example, fairytales reclaimed for female protagonists, or voices returned to silenced or marginalized individuals and communities, through reconceived plots and the provision of alternative points of view, provide a predominantly positive history. There are, however, aspects of borrowing and appropriation that are more problematic, raising ethical questions about who has the right to speak for or on behalf of others or indeed to access, and potentially rewrite, cultural heritage.

There has been debate in the arena of intercultural performance about the “right” of Western theatre directors to embed aspects of Asian culture into their work and in a number of highly controversial examples, the “right” of White artists to access the cultural references of First Nation or Black Asian and Minority Ethnic communities has been contested, leading in extreme cases to the agreed destruction of artworks. The concept of “cultural appropriation” poses important questions about the availability of artforms across cultural boundaries and about issues of access and inclusion but in turn demands approaches that perform cultural sensitivity and respect the question of provenance as well as intergenerational and cross-cultural justice.
Walter Benjamin and Jewish Radical Culture
Authors: Löwy Michael
Published: July 2019

Walter Benjamin (1892–1940) was situated among a constellation of early-20th-century radical Jewish thinkers delving into questions of German culture and philosophy in Mitteleuropa. Within this Jewish Central European radical culture, a complex network of links, of “elective affinities,” as Johann Wolfgang Goethe called them, brought together romanticism, Jewish messianism, anti-bourgeois cultural rebellion, and revolutionary (socialist and anarchist) utopias. This messianism is not the one of Jewish orthodoxy but a new, highly political version, seen through the lens of German romanticism. Benjamin should thus be viewed as a religious atheist with anarchist leanings, who only discovers Marxism in the mid-1920s, following the lectures of Georg Lukacs’s that were published as History and Class Consciousness in 1923. He became the first Marxist to break radically with the ideology of progress. Benjamin’s thinking has a distinct critical quality that sets his apart from the dominant and official forms of historical materialism and gives him a formidable political and intellectual superiority as a Marxist critic. This philosophical peculiarity comes from his ability to incorporate into the body of Marxist revolutionary theory insights from Jewish messianism and from the German Romantic critique of modern civilization.
Narratology
Authors: Prince Gerald
Published: July 2019

Narratology studies what all and only possible narratives have in common as well as what allows them to differ from one another qua narratives, and it attempts to characterize the narratively pertinent set of rules and norms governing narrative production and processing. This structuralist-inspired endeavor began to assume the characteristics of a discipline in 1966 with the publication of the eighth issue of Communications, which was devoted to the structural analysis of narrative and included contributions by the French or francophone founders of narratology. In its first decades, or what has come to be viewed as its classical period, narratology dedicated much of its attention to characterizing the constituents of the narrated (the “what” that is represented), those of the narrating (the way in which the “what” is represented), and the principles regulating their modes of combination. Though classical narratology had ambitions to be an autonomous branch of poetics rather than a foundation for critical commentary and a handmaid to interpretation, the narrative features that it described made up a toolkit for the study of particular texts and fostered a considerable body of narratological criticism. Besides, by encouraging the exploration of the theme of narrative as well as the frame that narrative constitutes, it contributed to the so-called narrative turn, which is the reliance on the notion “narrative” to discuss not only representations but any number of activities, practices, and domains. In part because of the influence of narratological criticism and that of other disciplines; in part because of its biases and insufficiencies; and in part because of its very concerns, goals, and achievements, classical narratology went through important changes and evolved into postclassical narratology. The latter, which rethinks, refines, expands, and diversifies its predecessor, comes in many varieties, including feminist narratology, which exposes the way sex, gender, and sexuality affect the shape of narrative; cognitive narratology, which examines those aspects of mind pertaining to narrative production and processing; natural narratology, in which experientiality, the evocation of experience, is the determining element of narrativity; and unnatural narratology, which concentrates on nonmimetic or anti-mimetic narratives and tests the precision or applicability of narratological categories, distinctions, and arguments. Other topics—for example the links between geography and narrative or the narratological differences between fictional and nonfictional narrative representations—have lately evoked a good deal of interest. Ultimately, whatever the specific narratological variety or approach involved, narratologists continue to try and develop an explicit, complete, and empirically or experimentally grounded model of their singularly human object.
The Western European Union (WEU)
Authors: Larivé Maxime H. A.
Published: July 2019

This empirical and historical analysis of the Western European Union (WEU), an intergovernmental defense organization, contributes to the broader understanding of the construction and integration of European security and defense policy. The WEU was established in 1954 by the Modified Brussels Treaty after the failure of the European Defense Community and at the time of the construction of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Over its lifetime, the WEU was confronted by two major trends: the centrality of collective defense agreement providing security on the European continent enforced by NATO and the construction of a European security and defense policy within the broad integration process of the European Union (EU). The WEU provided a platform for Western European powers, particularly France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, to engage in the construction of a European defense. Historically, these countries had diverging visions ranging from an autonomous force to one that should remain under the NATO auspice.

The end of the Cold War accelerated the transfer of the WEU mission to the EU, but the crises in the Gulf region and in the Balkans in 1990s led to a period of activity for the WEU. The institutionalization of the EU, beginning with the 1992 Treaty of Maastricht, accelerated the construction of a European defense and security policy within EU structures. The transfer from the WEU to the EU began in the late 1990s and the WEU was dissolved in 2011.
Ecuador’s Social Movements, Electoral Politics, and Military Coups
Authors: Becker Marc
Published: July 2019

In the 200 years since Ecuador gained independence from Spain in 1822, it has experienced many of the social problems that have plagued other Latin American countries. Ecuador experienced a high degree of political instability during the 19th century, and a series of extra-constitutional and military governments marked much of the 20th century. At the dawn of the 21st century, Ecuador followed the rest of Latin America’s “pink tide,” which introduced progressive governments that sought to address long-standing problems of poverty and inequality. The country has endured numerous coups, caudillo and populist leaders, and forms of government ranging through conservative, liberal, populist, military, and civilian “democracy.” The diversity in political institutions led the political scientist John Martz to observe that Ecuador, although little studied among scholars of Latin American issues, “serves as a microcosm for a wide variety of problems, questions, and issues relevant to various of the other Latin American countries.” Despite a high degree of political instability, the country is also home to very strong popular movements that opened up space for the election of the left-wing government of Rafael Correa in 2006. His administration resulted in a remarkable shift from a period of extreme instability to political stability, with notable gains in economic growth and corresponding drops in poverty and inequality.

Scholarly research on Ecuador has often reflected the country’s current political environment. In the 1950s, in the midst of the emergence of populist politics, researchers defined the country’s landscape in terms of its personalist leadership, particularly as represented by the perennial leader José María Velasco Ibarra. In 1972, General Guillermo Rodríguez Lara led a military coup that removed Velasco Ibarra from office. In the midst of a petroleum boom, he established a nationalist regime similar to that of Juan Velasco Alvarado in neighboring Peru. A massive Indigenous uprising two decades later introduced a generation of studies that examined ethnonationalist-based social movements. Those movements led to Correa’s election in the midst of a broader turn to the left in Latin America, which once again influenced the direction of investigations.
Peru’s Cleavages, Conflict, and Precarious Democracy
Authors: McClintock Cynthia
Published: July 2019

Since Peru’s independence in 1824, politics in the country have been turbulent. Repeatedly, democracy was attempted but not sustained. Between 1919 and 2000, no Peruvian political regime—either democratic or authoritarian—endured more than 12 years. Scholars agree that the primary reason for Peru’s history of political turbulence was the severity of its overlapping ethnic, class, and geographical cleavages. Peru’s renowned novelist Mario Vargas Llosa wrote that the country was “an artificial gathering of men from different languages, customs, and traditions whose only common denominator was having been condemned by history to live together without knowing or loving one another.”

However, in the 21st century, with greater democracy, cleavages attenuated and the possibility of a cohesive nation emerged. With one-person, one-vote elections, political violence has been rare and economic growth rapid. However, Peru’s economic growth has been based heavily on mining and other extractive industries, and it is not clear that cleavages have attenuated sufficiently for democracy to be consolidated. In addition, democracy is challenged by bitter legacies from the 1980s–1990s conflict with the Shining Path guerrillas and the 1990–2000 authoritarian government of Alberto Fujimori. Furthermore, after 2016, it was all too apparent that Peru’s political and economic elites remained complicit in corrupt global financial networks; as criminal investigations began, and as the coronavirus pandemic took a very heavy toll in Peru, political conflict escalated.
Intergovernmental Relations in Latin America: Determinants and Dynamics
Authors: Suarez-Cao Julieta
Published: July 2019

Intergovernmental relations in Latin America present a varied sample of both institutional determinants and actual dynamics. Constitutional structures regulate whether countries have a federal or a unitary system of territorial distribution of power and stipulate the territorial levels of government. Thus, constitutions structure the number of vertical and horizontal intergovernmental relations. Actual dynamics, however, depend on policy prerogatives that establish subnational authority vis-à-vis the national administration. These prerogatives, usually understood in terms of power, responsibilities, and resources, shape the territorial balance of power within a country. Power, responsibilities, and resources can be combined to apprehend the degree of authority in the hands of regional governments. Such authority is analytically organized into two dimensions: the regional power of self-rule and the power to share rule with national decision makers. This distinction helps to explain that the trend toward increasing regional authority is mostly a product of decentralization and devolution politics that have enhanced self-rule, rather than reforms that advance the shared rule dimension. Nevertheless, neither constitutional structures nor new regional policy prerogatives are the only determinants of the dynamics of intergovernmental relations. Informal institutions, such as subnational coalitions and local political clientelism, are particularly relevant to understanding the actual balance of power between national and subnational governments and among subnational arenas.
Federalism and Regional Politics in Africa
Authors: Kefale Asnake
Published: July 2019

During the anticolonial struggle and immediately after independence, African political leaders were preoccupied with the creation of a “nation-state.” As a result, many of postcolonial African leaders not only promoted national unity but also instituted centralized governance. Unity and centralization were considered important antidotes to the challenges of consolidating postcolonial states, which by and large were created by the partitioning of the continent by colonial powers. As a result, many of the postcolonial leaders were hostile to federalism in general and power-sharing in particular. This explains why many of the federal arrangements, which were created by departing colonial powers, were dismantled within the first few years after independence. In contrast to the earlier periods, the 1990s could be regarded as a turning point for federalism and devolution of power in the continent. Among African states, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and South Africa could be considered fully fledged federations, which have constitutionally devolved power to different tiers of governments. There is also an ongoing attempt to establish a federal system in war-torn Somalia. Some argue that, although federalism does not have a stellar record in postcolonial Africa, it is possible to contend that in the foreseeable future the importance of federalism will grow in the continent given the challenges that many African countries face in the management of their ethnolinguistic diversity. This is evidenced by the increasing application of the federalist principles of decentralization by several African countries.
Change and Continuity in African Electoral Politics Since Multipartyism
Authors: Bleck Jaimie , van de Walle Nicolas
Published: July 2019

Between 1990 and 2015, 184 multicandidate presidential elections and 207 multiparty legislative elections were held in some 46 countries of sub-Saharan Africa. What does the routinization of multiparty electoral politics mean for political life in Africa? Much that is unexceptional and recognizable about African elections is well worth documenting, since most international accounts of African elections focus on their more exotic side. In fact, candidates engage in standard political rhetoric in mass rallies and undertake campaign stops around the country. Many make use of social media to communicate with citizens. Voters reward office holders who have delivered good economic performance; they pay attention to the professional backgrounds and personal qualities of candidates and their policy promises. Opposition parties win legislative seats and subnational offices, as well as the presidency, albeit more rarely.

While the routinization of high-quality elections has deepened democracy in some countries, there is tremendous cross-national variation in election quality across the continent. The relationship between elections and democratic deepening is mediated by national political circumstances that vary across the region. Even in cases where incumbents do not resort to oppressive tactics during campaigns, the patterns of presidential dominance typically create tremendous incumbency advantage at the executive level.

Elections neither necessarily advance nor prevent further democratization. Instead, they should be conceptualized as “political moments,” which temporarily create greater uncertainty and heightened attention to politics, which can either lead to democratic gains or bring about regression. However, citizens across the continent are resolute in their commitment to elections. As opposition parties gain greater experience in office, as an older political elite transition out of politics, and as voters continue to access unprecedented information, the continent is likely to experience a democratic deepening in the longer term.
Affective Intelligence and Emotional Dynamics in Voters’ Decision-Making Processes
Authors: Vasilopoulos Pavlos
Published: July 2019

Affective intelligence theory offers a novel and systematic treatment on the impact of affective reactions on citizens’ information processes and political decisions based on neuroscience. Individuals have two distinct emotional systems that lead to two separate decision-making strategies. On the one hand, the disposition system, governed by enthusiasm and aversion, leads people to rely on habit or their sets of previously learned behaviors. On the other, the surveillance system is activated in novel or threating circumstances and is governed by anxiety. Once activated, anxiety leads individuals to seek for political information, break away from habitual political identifications, and consequently renders them more open to persuasion.
Gut Dysbiosis and Recovery of Function After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Kigerl Kristina A. , Popovich Phillip G.
Published: July 2019

Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and impairs communication with organ systems throughout the body, resulting in chronic multi-organ pathology and dysfunction. This dysautonomia contributes to the pronounced immunosuppression and gastrointestinal dysfunction seen after SCI. All of these factors likely contribute to the development of gut dysbiosis after SCI—an imbalance in the composition of the gut microbiota that can impact the development and progression of numerous pathological conditions, including SCI. The gut microbiota are the community of microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi) that live in the GI tract and are critical for nutrient absorption, digestion, and immune system development. These microbes also communicate with the CNS through modulation of the immune system, production of neuroactive metabolites and neurotransmitters, and activation of the vagus nerve.

After SCI, gut dysbiosis develops and persists for more than one year from the time of injury. In experimental models of SCI, gut dysbiosis is correlated with changes in inflammation and functional recovery. Moreover, probiotic treatment can improve locomotor recovery and immune function in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Since different types of bacteria produce different metabolites with unique physiological and pathological effects throughout the body, it may be possible to predict the prevalence or severity of post-injury immune dysfunction and other related comorbidities (e.g., metabolic disease, fatigue, anxiety) using microbiome sequencing data. As research identifies microbial-derived small molecules and the genes responsible for their production, it is likely that it will become feasible to manipulate these molecules to affect human biology and disease.