bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The United States Intelligence Community
Authors: de Silva Eugenie
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this work is to examine interagency cooperation within the United States (US) Intelligence Community (IC). To elucidate the importance of interagency interoperability, two cases wherein IC agencies failed to appropriately collaborate are presented: 1) the September 11th attacks of 2001 and 2) the failed bombing by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, also referred to as the underwear bomber. This work begins with a brief review of how interagency issues have quite deep roots in the IC. Then, readers are presented with a review of the two cases that is followed by an in-depth analysis of the factors that were common to both failures. Ultimately, the variations in modus operandi (MO), a lack of clear guidelines, and bureaucracy were identified as the three primary factors of failure in both of the cases. Therefore, the work concludes by recommending improved training and educational opportunities for those in the IC in addition to the establishment of an independent entity that would be responsible for overseeing and guiding interagency activities.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Business Performance and Financial Position in Hotel Industry
Authors: Mališ Sanja Sever , Sačer Ivana Mamic
Published: July 2021

The hotel industry, among others, has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The effect of the pandemic can be noticed through financial statements. The aim of the chapter is to analyse how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the financial position and business performance of the hotels in a tourism-oriented country such is Croatia. The chapter covers the basic information of tourism and the features of the hotel industry in Croatia. The authors represent the sets of national recommendations for dealing with the pandemic in the tourism sector that are enriched with available macroeconomic statistical data. Further, the analysis of financial statements of the five selected hotels is presented. The analysis was done in order to provide comparative analysis of financial results in the pandemic environment (2020) and the previous year (2019). Based on the calculated liquidity, solvency, activity, economy, and profitability ratios, the authors conclude that all the mentioned ratios worsened in 2020 for all the observed hotels.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Volatility of Tourism Stocks
Authors: Yaşar Burze
Published: July 2021

This chapter analyzes the economic impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector in Turkey. Stock markets are a barometer for the economy and reflect the pandemic's direct financial impact on tourism companies. The BIST Tourism Index return volatility during 2020 is modelled considering the effects of global economic policy uncertainty, economic sentiment, daily new cases, and Turkey's containment and health index. The index return volatility is high during the pandemic. The results show a statistically significant interrelation between economic sentiment, new cases, and containment and health index, and the BIST Tourism index return volatility. Policies that slow down the virus spread and fiscal support may improve consumer and investor sentiment. The revival of confidence would strengthen the financial markets and decrease volatility.
The Effect of COVID-19 on the Tourism Sector in Turkey
Authors: Şengül Çelikay Duygu , Çelikay Ferdi
Published: July 2021

This study aims to reveal the effect of COVID-19 on the financial performance and position of the tourism sector. The financial statement data of the firms traded in the restaurants and hotels sub-sector in Borsa Istanbul were analyzed by using financial statement analysis techniques. According to the comparative income statements, the firms' total profit turned into a loss by declining 181%. The first 9-month analyses are essential in revealing the significant decrease in the firms' revenues and the fact that the expenses could not be reduced; the firms sold fixed assets and realized capital increases to continue their activities. The policymakers should develop a comprehensive cash support policy and develop short-term measures such as cost-free financing opportunities and expanding loan opportunities to reduce the damage.
The Effects of COVID-19 on Turkey's Tourism Economy
Authors: Dibo Mete
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the measures taken to combat the effects of the coronavirus pandemic in the tourism sector. Therefore, the study evaluates the employment rates in the tourism-related sectors and the course of the tourism sector revenues during the pandemic period in Turkey. According to the results of the study conducted based on the observation of statistical data, the arts, entertainment, and recreation sector experienced the highest employment loss with 38.9%. As a result of the restrictions on tourist mobility, the decrease in tourism revenues has reached 65% compared to the pre-pandemic period. While the research reveals the importance of the tourism sector for national economies, it also emphasizes the sensitivity of the sector against unexpected developments. The study is expected to contribute to the literature as it is an example and source for future applied and theoretical studies on the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Holiday Preferences at the Example of Z Generation Within the Youth Tourism
Authors: Matušíková Daniela , Šambronská Kristína , Košíková Martina
Published: July 2021

Youth travel is an important segment of the tourism market. The motives of travel as we knew them until 2020 were more or less constant, but the pandemic situation had a huge impact on the interest in travel. For this reason, it is important to test the reaction of young people to current pandemics in the tourism market and their current attitudes and views on travel. This chapter deals with changes in consumer behavior on the example of Slovak youth, based on the implemented qualitative research on a sample of more than 300 Slovak youths who participate in tourism activities. The aim was to identify changes in consumer behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, their motivations, and barriers to travel. The results of the empirical part bring clear conclusions that the pandemic significantly affected the interest, purchase, and overall behavior of youth in the context of travel.
Travel Risk and Intention to Visit a Destination During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aytaş Gonca , Aliyeva Aysel , Aytekin Engin
Published: July 2021

The primary purpose of this chapter is to look into the risk perceptions of people traveling during the COVID-19 and their intention to visit destinations. Another aim of this chapter is to provide the readers with conceptual information about the concept of perceived risk, risk factors encountered in the tourism sector, and the intention to visit a destination. In this context, a literature review was performed, and the concept of perceived risk, perceived risk factors in tourism, and the process of intention to visit a destination in connection with the previous studies were explained. Later on, the risk perceptions and destination visit intentions of the individuals regarding the destination visit during the COVID-19 were studied. Finally, suggestions have been offered relating to the tourism sector by making inferences from the information obtained from secondary data.
The Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tourism
Authors: Güvenç Gülden , Til Öğüt Damla
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an extensive deterioration of many industries including the global tourism industry. There has been a strong need for psychology-informed research on tourism that investigates the impact and implications of the pandemic. This chapter is based on a qualitative study that included 60 individuals, recruited through snowball sampling method, 10 females and 10 males from three age groups. Participants were sent an online survey, querying their feelings and thoughts regarding tourism during and after the pandemic, to investigate the psychosocial impact of the pandemic on the population's tourism-related representations, decisions, and emotions. The data was subjected to thematic analysis that would reflect the social representations of the participants and the effects of the pandemic on these representations. Findings were discussed from social and clinical psychology perspectives, particularly via Maslow's and Fiske's theories and the discursive psychology perspective that aim to unfold decision-making processes and motivation underlying human actions.
Socio-Cultural Impacts of the Pandemic on Tourism
Authors: Çalışkan Caner , Yeşilyurt Hülya , Michalík Boris
Published: July 2021

During the pandemic, global life has been adversely affected. These negativities have been observed in different dimensions, especially in health, economy, and education. The pandemic has also deeply affected many industries such as tourism. With the pandemic, damages have increased gradually in terms of both supply and demand. In this process, the view of the local people, one of the most important stakeholders of the tourism, towards tourism and tourists is very important. As a matter of fact, while there are health problems and social distance obligations that dominate the whole world on the one hand, economic concerns are dominant on the other hand. In this dilemma, the question that arises is whether COVID-`9 is a new barrier to local community interaction. In this study, based on this question, pandemic-induced social changes are evaluated in the context of local people tourism and tourist.
(Re)acting to the COVID-19 Crisis in Hotels
Authors: Melo António , Vasconcelos Sandra Vieira , Melo Carla , Silva Miguel
Published: July 2021

Aiming to provide an overview of the hospitality sector in Portugal amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in this chapter, the authors call on hotel managers and their perceptions to identify key dimensions and relevant crisis management practices within this unique setting. Supported by eight semi-structured interviews, it focuses on operations, human resources, and marketing, putting forward practical examples of the measures and changes introduced to create a safe environment for hotel guests and staff. Additionally, drawing from content analysis and the ensuing emerging categories, the chapter also provides relevant insights as to the most valued skills at this particular time. Standing out as key skills, adaptability, leadership, teamwork, and motivation are considered to be instrumental for businesses' sustainability and recovery, being the most valued by managers.
The Effects of COVID-19 on Tourism and Hospitality Employment
Authors: Karsavuran Zeynep
Published: July 2021

This chapter attempts to draw attention to the effects of COVID-19 on tourism and hospitality employment. Specifically, two major impacts on the workforce are detected and discussed within this scope: job losses and deterioration of the working conditions. Job loss causes financial strain, deterioration of physical and psychological health, and social consequences for the dismissed individuals. In addition, employees who remain in the organizations also face negative impacts of the COVID-19 crisis such as health risks, increasing precariousness, and changing working methods. These labour issues are further discussed for their consequences on the tourism and hospitality industry, and solution and recommendations are provided to overcome the negative effects.
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and Food Safety
Authors: Vaithinathan Asokan Govindaraj , Anwar Naeem , Sulieman Abdelmoneim , AlAlawi Fadheela , Mohammed Mohammed Yousif , Ahmed Sharique
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to impact our daily chores of work, education, travel, and food. In this chapter, historical anecdote of SARS pandemic of 2003 is compared with the current COVID-19 with the timeline. The emergence and the primary mode of airborne transmission of the SARS CoV2 that has been incriminated in the outbreaks of meat processing plants is discussed. Considering the WHO report on the likelihood of four possible pathways in the introduction of SARS CoV2 that included the introduction through cold food chain products, advisories for owners, employees, and guests in the hospitality, food, and beverage industry are provided that emphasize on food safety through HACCP food management systems. The approaches of pretravel consultation, vaccination, and adhering to good behaviors of physical distancing, hand hygiene, and face masking are detailed to anticipate early bounce back of the tourism, hospitality, food, and beverage industries.
Rediscovering the Rural as a Tourist Destination in Pandemic Times
Authors: Silva Susana , Carvalho Paulo
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the global tourism sector in an unprecedented manner. After the relaxation of lockdown measures, there was an expectation about the chosen tourist environments and how rural tourism would be positioned. This chapter starts from a theoretical framework on rural tourism in Portugal and analyses how this segment has been impacted by COVID-19 from a quantitative perspective and the choices of summer season environments by Portuguese tourists through a questionnaire survey applied to almost 700 Portuguese tourists. The results show that demand increased and that rural environments strengthened their position relative to pre-COVID-19 planning. This was mainly motivated by the notion of safety conveyed thanks to low population density which leads to the perception that rural areas offer a lower risk of transmission. This information provides a relevant support tool for rural territories, since they now have an opportunity to be creative, to re-invent themselves, and to promote a more sustainable tourism.
The Rise of Digitalization in the Tourism Industry During COVID-19
Authors: Akgiş İlhan Öznur
Published: July 2021

Undoubtedly, tourism is one of the sectors most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this sense, it is one of the most important issues in tourism research. The strategies implemented in combating the pandemic caused a significant increase in the use of digital technologies in tourism. In this context, in this chapter, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism on digitalization are examined in the context of transportation, accommodation, food and beverage, and tourist experience. Research findings indicate that the traditional concept of space in tourism geography is in a transformation towards cyberspace. The pandemic has proven our need for digital strategies and planning tools in tourism. The future will be a time when smart and cyber tourism is increasingly discussed.
Smart Healthcare Monitoring System for War-End Soldiers Using CNN
Authors: S. Preethi , V. Prasannadevi , B. Arunadevi
Published: July 2021

Health monitoring plays a vital role to overcome the health issues of the patients. According to research, approximately 2000 people die due to carelessness of monitoring their health. Wearable monitoring systems record the activities of daily life. A 24-hour wearable monitoring system was developed and changes were identified. This project is designed for helping the soldiers to maintain their health conditions and to identify their health issues at war's end. Different health parameters are monitored using sensors, and the data are transmitted through GSM to the receiver, and the received data are analyzed using convolutional neural networks, which is performed in cloud IoT. If any abnormalities are found during the analyzing process, the message is sent to military personnel and the doctor at the camp so that they could take necessary actions to recover the ill soldier from the war field and provide emergency assistance on time. The location of the soldier is also shared using the input from GPS modem in the smart jacket.
From the Risk Society to Thana Capitalism
Authors: Korstanje Maximiliano Emanuel
Published: July 2021

The current paper focused on the spectatularization of disasters as the main commodity thana capitalism exchanges. The discussion around the crimes against mankind perpetrated by Nazis in the clandestine concentration camps opened the doors towards new insights respecting the roots of thana capitalism. Nazis violated human rights secreting their crimes in a moment of the world where millions certainly died. Today´s philosophers are shocked to see how Auschwitz-Birkenau, which was the sanctuary of the horrors of the Second World War, sets the pace to a new allegory, intended to entertain thousands of tourists, many of them unfamiliar with these events. As a highly-demanded tourist destination, Auschwitz evinces the change of new postmodern ethics that commoditizes the other´s loss as a criterion of entertainment. The example of terrorism shows one of the paradoxes of thana capitalism simply because media covers and disseminates the cruelties of attacks to gain further subscribers and investors while terrorism finds a fertile ground to penetrate the homes of a wider audience.
Property Valuation Using Linear Regression and Random Forest Algorithm
Authors: Goundar Sam , Maharaj Kunal , Kumar Anirudh , Bhardwaj Akashdeep
Published: July 2021

The economic boom over the recent past and the quest to further develop has made several nation states the business hubs in their regions. Along with the investments, there has been growth in the number of property sales. Social media has become convenient platform of choice for advertising property sales after the introduction of Web 2.0. This article utilizes social media platforms like Facebook to scrape data from user groups advertising properties and then using data mining techniques and approaches to determine true valuation of properties. This methodology is based on set attributes in the urban areas by looking at the property sales of the recent past within the same area. This enables investors interested in these properties and provides a fair idea of price of properties based on the key attributes associated with the respective property.
Examining the Role of Social Media Analytics in Providing Competitive Intelligence
Authors: Ram Jiwat , Zhang Changyu
Published: July 2021

This study examines the role of social media analytics (SMA) in providing competitive intelligence (CI). Building on CI theory, the data from qualitative semi-structured interviews with respondents belonging to social media, manufacturing, telecommunication, IT and service industries were analyzed using Nvivo coding and matrix queries. The results show that SMA provides an expanded CI beyond the previous limits of customers/markets and competitors, including insights on supply chains, costs and information-flow. Moreover, SMA-driven CI can provide visibility to supply chain uncertainties enabling improvements in demand planning and inventory management. SMA can provide CI about competitors’ strengths and weaknesses and customers’ dynamics; however, the bi-directional nature of CI could be determinantal if SM-linked customers are not educated/kept informed. Matrix query results illuminate the differences/similarities in respondents’ views. Academically, the study shows that SMA provides expanded CI to businesses beyond previously known scope of competitor analysis.
The Effect of Dual-Level Transformational Leadership on New Firm Performance
Authors: Zhang Ao , Bao Mingxu , Xu Xiaobo , Zhang Lan , Cui Yuehui
Published: July 2021

In recent years, entrepreneurial bricolage acts as an effective way to solve the problem of resource constraint in new firms, and then gradually attracted attention from related scholars in entrepreneurship field. However, the existing literatures have an obviously insufficient of the implementation and driving factor of entrepreneurial bricolage behavior. Therefore, in this paper, we integrate entrepreneurial bricolage theory with transformational leadership theory to construct a theory model among dual-level (i.e., individual-focused and group-focused) transformational leadership, entrepreneurial bricolage and new firm performance by means of 194 questionnaires to empirical analysis. The results show that the entrepreneurial bricolage has the mediated role in the relationship between dual-level transformational leadership and new firm performance.
MyD88-Dependent Signaling Is Required for HOIP Deficiency–Induced Autoinflammation
Authors: Wu Xin , Tang Yong , Zhang Silin , Zhao Xueqiang , Lin Xin
Published: July 2021

The linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) plays pivotal roles in regulating lymphocyte activation, inflammation, and cell death. This is highlighted by the fact that patients with mutations in LUBAC catalytic subunit HOIP suffer from autoinflammation combined with immunodeficiency. Although defective development of T and B cells resulting from HOIP deficiency in adaptive immunity can explain immunodeficiency, the pathogenesis of autoinflammation is not clear. In this study, we found that dendritic cell (DC)–specific deletion of HOIP resulted in spontaneous inflammation, indicating the essential role of HOIP in maintaining DC homeostasis. Although HOIP deficiency in DCs did not affect TNF-α–induced NF-κB activation, it enhanced TNF-α–induced apoptosis and necroptosis. However, crossing HoipDC KO mice with TNFR1-knockout mice surprisingly could not rescue the systematic inflammation, suggesting that the autoinflammation is not due to the effect of HOIP on TNF-α signaling. In contrast, treatment of HoipDC KO mice with antibiotics reduced the inflammation, implying that TLR signaling may contribute to the inflammatory phenotype found in HoipDC KO mice. Consistently, we found that LPS induced more cell death and significantly higher levels of IL-1α and IL-1β in HoipDC KO cells. Importantly, MyD88 deficiency rescued the inflammatory phenotype in HoipDC KO mice. Together, these findings reveal the indispensable function of HOIP in maintaining DC homeostasis, and MyD88-dependent proinflammatory signal plays a substantial role in the pathogenesis of human autoinflammation associated with HOIP mutations.
Learning style and achievement in English of secondary school students: the relationship with demographic variables
Authors: Bosman Anne , Schulze Salomé
Published: July 2021

proficiency is crucial. In South African schools, many students who study through medium of English have underdeveloped linguistic skills.  Their English proficiency may improve if they are taught in consideration of their learning styles. Therefore, the main research problem of this study was: How can the teaching of English at school be enhanced in consideration of student learning style and classroom diversity?  To address this question, the study investigated academic achievement in English and learning style, and their relationship with demographic variables; the differences in the learning styles of the top and the low achievers in English; and how the top-achieving  students learned English in different contexts. The sample comprised 240 students enrolled at an independent school in the North-West  Province of South Africa. The study implemented a mixed method research design by means of a structured questionnaire, followed by interviews with ten of the top-achieving students selected to ensure maximum diversity. The results indicated significant differences in the achievements in English and the learning styles of different student groups. The qualitative phase of the research shed light on the  learning styles of the top performers in English in different contexts and sub-fields of English. Recommendations were made on how the teachers can take students’ learning styles and classroom diversity into consideration in their classroom teaching in the quest to improve academic achievement in English.
Abnormal biochemical parameters among term neonates with perinatal asphyxia and their non-asphyxiated controls in Osogbo
Authors: Kayode O.V. , Adebami O.J. , Oyedeji O.A. , Oninla S.O. , Oseni S.B.A. , Odeyemi A.O.
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal biochemical parameters among neonates with perinatal asphyxia in comparison to their non-asphyxiated controls.Methodology: This is a prospective case - control study involving 54 asphyxiated term neonates and 54 non-asphyxiated term babies at LAUTECH teaching hospital, Osogbo. Serum levels of Sodium, Bicarbonate, Chloride, Calcium and Potassium were determined daily for 72 hours in both groups using standard methods. The results were compared.Results: The overall prevalence of abnormal biochemical parameters namely hyponatraemia, hypocalcaemia, metabolic acidosis, hypochloraemia and hypokalaemia among the asphyxiated versus non-asphyxiated babies in the first 72 hours of life were 30.9% vs 19.8% (p < 0.020); 28.4% vs 4.9% (p < 0.000); 30.9% vs 3.1% (p < 0.0001); 27.2% vs 25.9% (p < 0.200) and 24.7% vs 3.1% (p < 0.070) respectively.Conclusion: Babies with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy stage III significantly showed the worst biochemical parameters; early estimation of serum electrolytes in neonates with perinatal asphyxia may be appropriate for timely intervention.
Analgesic use for carbon monoxide poisoning induced headache: A randomized, controlled, double-blind, clinical trial
Authors: Kocak Abdullah Osman , Akbas İlker
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of three analgesics versus placebo in the relief of carbon monoxide (CO)-induced headache in patients with CO intoxication.

Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. Patients diagnosed with CO intoxication and who had headaches were included in the study. They were divided into four groups. Patients in group 1 received 50 mg dexketoprofen i.v. in 100 mL of saline, while those in group 2 received 800 mg ibuprofen i.v. Patients in group 3 were given I g paracetamol i.v. Group 4 patients received placebo (100 mL of physiological saline. Visual analogue scale (VAS) values were recorded at onset of treatment, and subsequently at 30th, 60th, 90th and 240th min. Patients who scored 3 and below in VAS 240 were considered to have responded to treatment.

Results: A total of 168 patients completed the study. Two analgesics and placebo significantly reduced VAS 240 score (p < 0.05). However, VAS 30, VAS 60 and VAS 240 values decreased significantly in the ibuprofen group, when compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Evaluation of response to treatment revealed no significant differences amongst the groups (p = 0.313).

Conclusion: These results suggest that analgesics are not superior to oxygen therapy in the treatment of headaches caused by CO poisoning. However, ibuprofen + oxygen treatment may be applied in people who cannot tolerate headaches for a long time.
Phytochemistry and medicinal values of Mahonia bealei: A review
Authors: Kakar Mohib Ullah , Saeed Muhammad , Luo Ke , Suheryani Imran , Shuang Wu , Deng Yulin , Dai Rongji
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To review the medicinal uses of Mahonia bealei, an important member of the genus Mahonia, with a focus on its various applications in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as published scientific evidence on its effectiveness.

Methods: Information in all available literature was retrieved using different search engines including NCBI, ISI Web of Knowledge and Google.

Results: Several compounds have been extracted from M. bealei. These include alkaloids, triterpenes, flavonoids, phytosterols and lignans. Traditionally, the plant is used to treat dysentery, diarrhea and inflammation. Globally, scientists have used in vitro and in vivo techniques to evaluate the usefulness of compounds extracted from M. bealei with respect to their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant as well as anti-gastrin properties.

Conclusion: Different parts of this plant still remain underexplored. Moreover, comparison of the properties of the isolated compounds has not been carried out, nor are there reports on the synergistic effects of extracts of the plant. Therefore, future research to address these areas may be useful in the discovery of new therapeutic agents.
Wound-healing effect of Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) extract in rats
Authors: Wang Liang , Yang Li , Yuan Gang , Hu Long-Jiao
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the healing effect of Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.). extract (PGE) on experimental burn wounds in rats.

Methods: Rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight rats each: control group, silver sulfadiazine (SSD)-treated group, moist exposed burn ointment (MEBO)-treated group and PGE-treated group. PGE, SSD and MEBO were applied topically twice daily for 7 days. SSD and MEBO were used as reference control. External observation of wound area contraction and histological analysis of wound tissues was performed respectively. The effect of PGE on matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Type-III Collagen proteins of wound tissue in rats were analysed by Western blot.

Results: After 10 days of topical treatment with PGE, PGE-treated group showed faster reduction in wound area when compared with control groups (p < 0.01). Matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9), VEGF and type-III collagen expressions in the wound tissue increased significantly (p < 0.05) when compared with the control burn wounds. Histological results showed an overall early recovery and regeneration in PGE-treated group when compared with control group.

Conclusion: PGE possesses a significant wound-healing activity in full-thickness burn wounds in rats. Therefore, it can potentially be developed for the management of burns.
Forsythia suspensa extract has inhibitory effect on proliferation and apoptosis of A549 lung cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Wei-guo , Liu Qin , Lei Cai-peng
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Forsythia suspensa extract (FSE) on apoptosis and proliferation in A549 human lung cancer cells.

Methods: Inverted microscope was employed to observe morphological changes in A549 cells after exposure to FSE. Trypan blue staining of living cells was used to construct the cell growth curve after treatment with varying concentrations of FSE. The influence of FSE on cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while protein expressions of key apoptosis-related enzymes were evaluated by immunocytochemical method.

Results: FSE inhibited the growth of A549 lung cancer cells at a concentration range of 10 - 150 μg/mL. Flow cytometry results showed that FSE induced apoptosis in A549 cells. The proportion of cells in G0/G1-phase increased significantly (p < 0.01), while the proportion of cells in S- and G2/M-phase decreased correspondingly, indicating that the cells were in G0/G1-phase arrest. Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis-inducing effect gradually rose with increase in FSE concentration. With increasing concentrations of FSE, there was also significant increase in the expressions of caspase-3 (p < 0.05), caspase-8 (p < 0.01) and caspase-9 (p < 0.05), but significant decrease in Ki-67 (p < 0.01) and p21 ras protein (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: FSE exerts significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells. Therefore, the plant can potentially be developed for the treatment of lung cancer.
Ginkgetin aglycone exerts anti-osteoporotic effect via regulation of NOX4/Akt/PI3K pathway
Authors: Wu Hongliang , Dai Min , Dai Minghua , Huang Weijie
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of Ginkgetin aglycone (GA) on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats, as well as the mechanism of action involved.

Methods: Adult female Wistar rats (n = 40) were separated into four group: normal control, ovariectomy (OVR), 100 mg GA/kg dose, and 200 mg GA/kg dose. The rats were ovariectomized using standard procedures, except for those in normal control group. Rats in the two treatment groups received 100 or 200 mg GA/kg orally for a period of 12 weeks. Biochemical assays were performed on the urine and blood. Markers of bone formation and mediators of inflammation were assessed. Bone microarchitectural changes were examined using micro-CT scanner, while Western blotting was used to determine the expressions of NOX4, NF-κB p65, PI3K, Akt and JNK proteins in rat femurs.

Results: Phosphorus and calcium levels in the serum varied among different groups. Levels of calcium, phosphorus and creatinine decreased (p < 0.01) significantly to a greater extent in the urine of GA group than in that of OVR group (p < 0.05). Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and osteocalcin (OC) levels and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased more in GA group than in OVR group. In GA-treated group, bone mineral density (BMD) was enhanced in a dose dependent manner than OVR group (p < 0.05). Treatment with GA ameliorated altered bone microarchitecture in OVR rats. Treatment of osteoporotic rats with GA led to significant and dosedependent decrease in the expressions of JNK, NOX4, NF-κB p65 and PI3K, and (p < 0.05) increase in the expression of Akt in femur tissue.

Conclusion: In conclusion, result of study proves the anti-osteoporotic activity of GA is exerted via regulation of NOX4/PI3K/Akt pathway.
Analysis and comparison of optical performance and collectible solar energy between multi-sectioned compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) and restricted exit angle CPC
Authors: Paul Damasen Ikwaba
Published: July 2021

This study was conducted to analyse and compare the optical performance and collectible solar radiation energy of two different Compound Parabolic Concentrators (CPCs): multi-sectioned CPC (hereafter called M-CPC) and restricted exit angle CPC (hereafter called R-CPC) so as to ascertain the best CPC for photovoltaics applications. For easy comparison between M-CPC and R-CPC, a standard CPC (hereafter called S-CPC) was also designed. A detailed ray trace simulation analysis was undertaken to compare ray trace diagrams, angular acceptance, optical efficiency and energy flux distribution of the three CPCs. Results indicated that the angular acceptance and optical efficiency of the three CPCs were the same (100%) between 0º and 15º incidence angles, but significantly varied above 15º. On the other hand, solar radiation distribution on the solar cell was more uniform for the M-CPC than that of S-CPC and R-CPC. In terms of annual solar radiation collection, results indicated that both S-CPC and M-CPC collected approximately the same amount of energy (49,500 W/m2). Furthermore, the energy collected by S-CPC or M-CPC was higher than that collected by R-CPC by about 23%. Therefore, based on the energy flux distribution and collectible solar radiation energy, M-CPC is the best concentrator for photovoltaics applications.

Keywords: Multi-sectioned CPC, restricted exit angle CPC, optical performance, collectible solar radiation energy
A GATE-based Monte Carlo simulation of a dual-layer pixelized gadolinium oxyorthosilicate (GSO) detector performance and response for micro PET scanner
Authors: Nkuba Leonid L , Lugendo Innocent J , Amour Idrissa S
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to simulate the GSO detector of a micro PET using GATE simulation platform. The performance and responses of the simulated GSO detector assembly were evaluated by comparing the simulated data to the experimental and XCOM data to validate the simulation platform and procedure. Based on NEMA NU-4 2008 protocols, the performance of GSO detector in terms of sensitivity was simulated and compared to the experimental data. Similarly, the GSO detector response to photons interaction was simulated and compared against the XCOM data for absorbed intensity ratio in the GSO detector and survived intensity ratio in Pb blocks. Results showed that simulated and experimental sensitivities agreed well with R2 of 0.995 and two overlapping bands at 95% confidence. An agreement with R2 of 0.972 and 0.973 as well as with overlapping bands at 95% confidence was obtained in simulated and XCOM data for absorbed and survived intensity ratio in the GSO detector and Pb blocks, respectively. The observed agreements demonstrate the accuracy of the simulation method to mimic the behaviour of the GSO detector. The validated GATE algorithm for micro PET scanner is therefore recommended for simulation and optimisation of collimator design in further studies.

Keywords: GATE simulation, Experimental data, XCOM data, GSO detector, micro PET.
A Rationalist Critique of Sally Gadow’s Relational Nursing Ethics
Authors: Odozor Uche S. , Obilor Helen N. , Thompson Olasupo O. , Odozor Ngozi S.
Published: July 2021

The ethic of care proposed by Carol Gilligan in late twentieth century instantly elicited a wide range of adaptations and elaborations in numerous disciplines, under the banner of ‘relational ethics’. Sally Gadow’s ‘relational narrative’ is one of these adaptations. Like Gilligan, Gadow aims to dismantle ethical rationalism or universalism, wherein the foregoing mainstream nursing practice had purportedly focused on applying existing philosophical theories of ethics to all conceivable clinical situations. For Gadow, every moral engagement, such as that between a nursing professional and a patient, comes with inherent unique features that render impotent any attempt at universalisation. Each clinical encounter is rather defined by the ability of the professional to engage the client in an intimate, caring relationship that enables healing to take place. Against this backdrop, this paper argues that the theory of Relational Narrative, particularly as  conceptualised and articulated by Sally Gadow, cannot be carried through without making some rationalist assumptions, because professionalism in nursing practice is by definition, a deeply embedded ingredient of rational reflection. Furthermore, nursing professionals can make progress or impact only by having recourse to the code of ethics; also, direct application of Gadow’s theory puts the nurse in a dilemma when it comes to dealing with patients suffering from chronic contagious diseases, such as the Ebola or the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Finally, juxtaposing Gadow’s work with the ideas of the earlier scholars she criticises unsparingly, the paper found that traces of universalist, rationalist assumptions abound in her thought precisely because of the wealth of influence she has garnered from philosophers and psychologists; influences going as far back as Descartes and Kant, down to Rawls and Kohlberg. The data used for this study came from library and archival materials, as well as from internet resources.
Black Box Music by Simon Steen-Andersen: The Visual Layer as a Sound-Determining Factor. An Exploration of Prospects for Development
Authors: Batog Iga
Published: July 2021

The article attempts to summarise the work of Simon Steen-Andersen and describe his composition titled Black Box Music in the context of fusing visual and musical experiences. I have examined how modern technology influences the composer’s creative process. His achievements and understanding of audiovisuality and the music object have also been compared with Pierre Schaeffer’s concept of acousmatic listening.
Grupy zamknięte na portalach społecznościowych inspiracją dla nauczycieli edukacji plastycznej. Świat plastyki w wirtualnej rzeczywistości
Authors: Al-Douri Jasmina
Published: July 2021

Closed Groups in the Social Network — an Inspiration for Teachers in Art Education: The world of visual arts in virtual reality

The article is a report on research that was carried out on closed groups on a social media with art education. It shows the exact structure of the group. It paints a picture of the netiquette that reigns in closed communities. It determines the area and creates a list of places where you can receive specific tips on teaching tools and materials as well as lesson plans in art education, along with the effects of creative and artistic activities. Groups that inspire creative activities with children in the school space are described. The presented areas create an ideal and safe place to exchange experiences for teachers dealing with art education from the first stage of education. Virtual space inspire and bring practical knowledge about the principles of designing didactic tasks and the language of art at the elementary level.
God, Doctrine Immutability, unchangeableness, simplicity, Orthodox, evangelical, open theism
Authors: Harold Prof. Dr Godfrey
Published: July 2021

In recent years the doctrine of the immutability of God has come under attack within Evangelicalism from the adherents of process theology and open theism, who claim that the doctrine of immutability is based on an Aristotelian philosophy concerning God. This article engages a literary investigation to prove that the doctrine of God's immutability as understood within Evangelicalism finds its tradition within Christian orthodoxy. In an endeavour to take the attribute of God's immutability seriously, an investigation from early Church Fathers to later Reformers is undertaken to argue that the Evangelical understanding of the doctrine of immutability is orthodox, namely that God is both independent and self-sufficient and hence immutable in respect of his supreme existence. Therefore, the doctrine of immutability brings hope and comfort to Christians as it did in the past.
THE EFFECT OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING MODEL ON THE SOCIOLINGUISTICS LEARNING OUTCOMES OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN ACEH
Authors: Budi Rizka  , Lismalinda
Published: July 2021

This study aims to analyze the effect of the application of the problem based learning model in sociolinguistic learning on student learning outcomes of English Education at private universities in Aceh. This study used an experimental method with a research form that is pre-experimental design and one-group pretest-postest design experimental design. The population in this study were 40 students from private universities in Aceh. The sample in this study was the entire population of 40 students who were divided into two experimental groups, where Experiment Group A 20 people and Experiment Group B 20 people. The research instrument used was the learning outcome in the form of a multiple choice test of 20 questions. The data collection technique in this study is a measurement technique. Hypothesis test results using t-stat which is obtained in Experiment group A tstat (-18.6) < t Critical two-tail (2.093) with an average value of pre-test 59.75 and posttest 78 and Experiment group B tstat (-27 , 5) < t Critical two-tail (2,093) with an average score of 58 pre-test and 78 post-test. From the results of these calculations it can be concluded that there is an effect of using problem based learning models on learning outcomes in sociolinguistic learning of private university students in Aceh.
THE USE OF VOCABULARY SELF-COLLECTION (VSS) STRATEGY IN INCREASING STUDENT READING COMPREHENSION
Authors: Damanik Emeliya Sukma Dara , Daulay Sholihatul Hamidah , Wandini Rora Rizky , Siagian Isnaini
Published: July 2021

Lack of vocabulary became a problem on student reading comprehension. This condition brings the writers to solve student’s problem by applying of vocabulary self-collection strategy. Several researchers conducted the effect of vocabulary self-collection in teaching language learning. The results showed that this strategy is effective to help students in language learning. Therefore, writers intrigued to apply this strategy. Vocabulary self-collection strategy is an interactive-learning instructional strategy that shows the word consciousness To implement this strategy, the writers used Classroom Action Research. It took four steps proposed by Kemmis and Taggart, Planning, action, observation and reflection. This research took 36 students in Mas Al Ulum Medan. Based on the two cycles, it can be proved that the mean score is higher in the second cycle. The mean score of first cycle was 65,7 %. Furthermore, it was categorized as the criteria of not success in test reading. If we compare to the diagnose test before, it seem the significant differences among of them. Moreover, the use of vocabulary self-collection strategy is not only increase student reading comprehension but also student’s curiosity and interesting in reading of English text. It can be seen from the observation had been done by the researcher and collaborator during the application of this strategy. They looked more active than before. The student enjoyed this strategy because it can help them in reading and memorizing of the word. Therefore, the application of this vocabulary self-collection can be recommended to improve students in reading skill. Furthermore, the result also suggest to teachers, lecturers or other educators to attempt this strategy in supporting of language learning. Because of this strategy is usable to improve student ability in English skill and student’s interest in learning English.
KEYWORD MNEMONIC IN BOOSTING THE STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY MEMORIZATION FOR YOUNG LEARNERS LEVEL
Authors: Sofeny Daniar , Muamanah Siti
Published: July 2021

The young learners are mostly easy in memorizing the vocabulary of English as a foreign language, but they also very quickly forget them. They need an effective technique to overcome this problem. This study aims to explain the effectiveness of the Keyword Mnemonic Technique in boosting their English vocabulary memorization. The quasi non-equivalent experimental is used as the research method. The subjects of this study are the thirty students of elementary school class five from Lampung Tahalo. The result shows that the significant value of the independent t-test was 0,000>0,05. It means that there is a difference between the experimental class and the control class. The sample t-test shows a significant number of 0,000>0,05. It means that the student's achievement is good after receiving the mnemonic method. It could be concluded that the keyword mnemonic technique can improve or assist the students in memorizing the English vocabulary. The teacher at the beginner level can use this technique as the strategy to boost the students in memorizing the English vocabularies as a foreign language.
PARENTAL PARTICIPATION TO MOTIVATE STUDENTS IN LEARNING ENGLISH DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: THE CASE OF INDONESIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Kheryadi  , Hilmiyati Fitri , Hotimah Husnul
Published: July 2021

This research seeks to investigate the role of parents in the success of children's education. It is intended to evaluate parents' role and evaluate the participation of parents in the success of elementary school students in learning English. The qualitative approach was used in this study to derive the findings by using a questionnaire and documentation from the research subject. In this report, there are 28 students and parents involved. Furthermore, the data processing method is used to accumulate the data, reduce the data, show the data, and make a conclusion. The outcome of this research is a perfect reflection of the standards of English learning success by parents. In learning vocabulary, parents understand the limitations and challenges of their children. Parents' role is also excellent; 91 percent of parents help children learn English provides benefits, and positively affect children. Then, 23 percent of parents are only interested in getting support at home with children's education; therefore, the family or siblings can help unless the child has problems.