bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of prediabetes mellitus among hill tribe adults in Thailand
Authors: Apidechkul Tawatchai , Chomchiei Chalitar , Upala Panupong , Tamornpark Ratipark
Published: July 2022

Background

Prediabetes is a major silent health problem that leads to the development of diabetes within a few years, particularly among those who have a low socioeconomic status. Hill tribe people are vulnerable to prediabetes due to their unique cultural cooking methods and their hard work on farms, as well as their low economic status and educational levels. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of prediabetes among hill tribe people in Thailand and identify the related factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included participants who belong to one of the six main hill tribes: Akah, Lahu, Hmong, Yao, Karen, and Lisu. The study was conducted in 30 hill tribe villages in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. A validated questionnaire was administered, and 5-mL blood specimens were collected. Data were collected between November 2019 and March 2020. Logistic regression was used to determine the associations between independent variables and prediabetes.

Results

A total of 1,406 participants were recruited for the study; 67.8% were women, 77.2% were between 40 and 59 years old, and 82.9% were married. The majority worked in the agricultural sector (57.2%), had an annual income ≤ 50,000 baht (67.5%), and had never attended school (69.3%). The prevalence of prediabetes was 11.2%. After controlling for age and sex, five factors were found to be associated with prediabetes. Members of the Akha and Lisu tribes had 2.03 (95% CI = 1.03–3.99) and 2.20 (95% CI = 1.10–4.42) times higher odds of having prediabetes than Karen tribe members, respectively. Those with hypertension (HT) had 1.47 (95% CI = 1.03–2.08) times higher odds of having prediabetes than those with normal blood pressure. Those with a normal total cholesterol level had 2.43 (95% CI = 1.65–3.58) times higher odds of having prediabetes than those with a high total cholesterol level. Those with a high triglyceride level had 1.64 (95% CI = 1.16–2.32) times higher odds of having prediabetes than those with a normal triglyceride level. Those with a high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level had 1.96 (95% CI = 1.30–2.96) times higher odds of having prediabetes than those with a normal LDL-C level.

Conclusion

Appropriate dietary guidelines and exercise should be promoted among hill tribe people between 30 and 59 years old to reduce the probability of developing prediabetes.
Post-vaccination antibody evaluation for nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 delta variant breakthrough infection
Authors: Goto Takeyuki , Tani Naoki , Ikematsu Hideyuki , Gondo Kei , Oishi Ryo , Minami Junya , Onozawa Kyoko , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Akashi Koichi , Shimono Nobuyuki , Chong Yong
Published: July 2022

Waning humoral immunity after mRNA vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a significant problem for public health. Breakthrough infection in hospitals over several months after vaccination has not been fully characterized, especially against the delta (B.1.617.2) variant. Here, we describe an outbreak in our hospital in September of 2021, mainly through serological evaluation of the breakthrough infection. This retrospective observational study was done at an emergency and acute care hospital with 204 beds and 486 staff members where most staff members (92.6%) had had their second BNT162b2 vaccination by May of 2021. The peri-infection anti-spike RBD protein IgG (anti-S IgG) titers (lowest values between 11 days before and 7 days after onset or diagnosis) of serum samples from the breakthrough-infected persons were quantified. We also logarithmically estimated the anti-S IgG titers during the exposure period in September of uninfected staff members from their samples collected in May and December 2021. Whole-genome sequencing was done on obtained samples. In this outbreak, twelve persons (ten inpatients and two staff members) were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) or RT-PCR, eight of whom had been vaccinated twice. Peri-infection anti-S IgG titers could be determined in seven of the eight breakthrough cases, with a geometric mean titer (GMT) of 1,034 AU/ml (95% confidence interval [CI], 398 to 2,686). Among 289 uninfected staff members with data from the two sampling points, the GMT of the estimated anti-S IgG titers during the exposure period in 51 staff members, who were working at the outbreak ward and potentially exposed but uninfected, and 238 other unexposed staff members were 1,458 AU/ml (95% CI, 1,196 to 1,777) and 1,628 AU/ml (95% CI, 1,500 to 1,766), respectively. All viruses from the eight samples for which whole-genome sequencing was available were identified as delta variants. Of the infected persons, one remained asymptomatic throughout the course of treatment, and eleven had an illness of mild to moderate severity, including ten who received monoclonal antibody cocktail (Casirivimab/imdevimab) therapy. Measurement and estimation of anti-spike antibody levels after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination would be helpful for evaluating the risk of breakthrough infection and for determining the necessity of booster vaccination.
A simple method for the preparation of positive samples to preliminarily determine the quality of phosphorylation-specific antibody
Authors: Han Yang , Zhong Lin , Ren Fuli
Published: July 2022

Protein phosphorylation is one of the most common and important post-translational modifications and is involved in many biological processes, including DNA damage repair, transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, and apoptosis regulation. The use of antibodies targeting phosphorylated protein is a convenient method to detect protein phosphorylation. Therefore, high-quality antibodies are essential, and uniform and effective standards are urgently needed to evaluate the quality of these phosphorylation-specific antibodies. In this study, we established a simple, broad-spectrum system for the preparation of phosphorylation-positive samples. The positive samples for evaluation of phosphorylation-specific antibodies were then validated in cells from different species and tissues, and also been proven effectively in western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, LC-MS/MS and immunofluorescence analysis. Overall, our findings established a novel approach for evaluation of the quality of phosphorylation-specific antibodies and may have applications in various biomedical fields.
Human papillomaviruses sensitize cells to DNA damage induced apoptosis by targeting the innate immune sensor cGAS
Authors: Gusho Elona , Laimins Laimonis A.
Published: July 2022

The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is a critical regulator of the innate immune response acting as a sensor of double-strand DNAs from pathogens or damaged host DNA. Upon activation, cGAS signals through the STING/TBK1/IRF3 pathway to induce interferon expression. Double stranded DNA viruses target the cGAS pathway to facilitate infection. In HPV positive cells that stably maintain viral episomes, the levels of cGAS were found to be significantly increased over those seen in normal human keratinocytes. Furthermore the downstream effectors of the cGAS pathway, STING and IRF3, were fully active in response to signaling from the secondary messenger cGAMP or poly (dA:dT). In HPV positive cells cGAS was detected in both cytoplasmic puncta as well as in DNA damage induced micronuclei. E6 was responsible for increased levels of cGAS that was dependent on inhibition of p53. CRISPR-Cas9 mediated knockout of cGAS prevented activation of STING and IRF3 but had a minimal effect on viral replication. A primary function of cGAS in HPV positive cells was in response to treatment with etoposide or cisplatin which lead to increased levels of H2AX phosphorylation and activation of caspase 3/7 cleavage while having only a minimal effect on activation of homologous recombination repair factors ATM, ATR or CHK2. In HPV positive cells cGAS was found to regulate the levels of the phosphorylated non-homologous end-joining kinase, DNA-PK, which may contribute to H2AX phosphorylation along with other factors. Importantly cGAS was also responsible for increased levels of DNA breaks along with enhanced apoptosis in HPV positive cells but not in HFKs. This study identifies an important and novel role for cGAS in mediating the response of HPV positive cells to chemotherapeutic drugs.
A systematic map of within-plantation oil palm management practices reveals a rapidly growing but patchy evidence base
Authors: Popkin Megan , Reiss-Woolever Valentine J. , Turner Edgar C. , Luke Sarah H.
Published: July 2022

Although oil palm expansion has had severe environmental impacts, oil palm also has the highest yield per hectare of any vegetable oil crop. Compared to many other crops, it has the potential to support high complexity habitats, with minimal chemical input, and relatively high levels of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. However, there has been little synthesis of available research on oil palm management strategies to support delivery of more sustainable cultivation. In this paper, we provide a systematic map compiling all available evidence assessing within-plantation oil palm management practices at the cultivation stage, with a focus on practices that affect biodiversity and environmental processes. Using approaches adapted from systematic review protocols, we catalogued oil palm management publications to provide details of geographic location, year, interventions tested (i.e. agricultural practices), targeted outcomes of interventions, co-occurrences between different interventions and outcomes (including multiple outcomes), and study design. Most studies were conducted in Southeast Asia, with fewer studies conducted in South America or Africa. Twenty-six interventions were observed in the literature, across six categories: soil, understory, within-crop, landscape-level, replanting, and mixed/multiple interventions. The most common interventions tested were landscape-scale interventions, such as maintaining forest fragments/buffer zones, whereas interventions involved in replanting were the least researched. Eight outcomes were considered: soil fertility, soil erosion, water quality and availability, pest control, replanting, maintenance of biodiversity and areas of high conservation value, and reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Studies researching biodiversity were the most common, whereas comparatively few studies considered replanting and reducing emissions. Most primary studies were observational, with experimental studies being rarer, especially in biodiversity research. We match our findings to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil’s environmental sustainability criteria to illustrate how policy-makers and producers may use our map to access evidence supporting cultivation-stage oil palm sustainability management. This study provides valuable information to inform best management practices and direction for necessary future research.
Factors Affecting the Men’s Health Literacy in Malaysia
Authors: Idham Adi
Published: July 2022

Men's average life expectancy in Malaysia is about 5 years less than women's. There are certain health hurdles that men encounter more than women. Men often have health issues that go undiagnosed or are ignored. Men in general feel that exhibiting emotion and grief makes them look vulnerable. This socially ingrained worldview has misled males and unconsciously educated them to believe that seeking medical attention demonstrates weakness. This may be an indication of the lack of health knowledge and inadequate use of health care services among male Malaysians. This research is an effort to investigate the factors affecting health literacy among men in Malaysia. Using HLS-M-Q18 and primary data of 251 men, this research applied a multiple regression model to examine the influence of various social and health-related factors. The findings show that education level, income, poor health condition, and regular medical consultancy increase the men’s health literacy in Malaysia. The findings of this study also indicate that BMI and religion, on the other hand, have no impact on health literacy levels in Malaysia. While men are given equal healthcare opportunities, addressing the perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs associated with men's health typically needs more careful consideration. The findings of this study hope to assist the policy formulation regarding
men's health awareness in Malaysia.
Association of polymorphisms of genes SLC30A8 and MC4R with the prognosis of the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mel’nikova E. S. , Mustafina S. V. , Rymar O. D. , Ivanova A. A. , Shcherbakova L. V. , Bobak M. , Maljutina S. K. , Voevoda M. I. , Maksimov V. N.
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has reached epidemic proportions and it is estimated to affect over 400 million people worldwide. Moreover, the incidence of diabetes is expected to continue to rise and it is projected to affect nearly one of the three individuals by the year 2050. These alarming projections suggest that there is an urgent need for the development and implementation of novel prevention and treatment strategies to combat the rise in T2DM.

AIM: To study the possibility of using polymorphisms of genes SLC30A8 and MC4R as markers for predicting the development of T2D in the population of Novosibirsk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: On the basis of prospective follow-up of a representative population sample of residents of Novosibirsk (The HAPIEE Project), 2 groups were formed according to the “case-control” principle (case — people who had diabetes mellitus 2 over 10 years of follow-up, and control — people who did not developed disorders of carbohydrate metabolism). T2D group (n = 443, mean age 56.2 ± 6.7 years, men — 29.6%, women — 70.4%), control group (n = 532, mean age 56.1 ± 7.1 years, men — 32.7%, women — 67.3%). DNA was isolated by phenol-chloroform extraction. Genotyping was performed by the method of polymerase chain reaction with subsequent analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism, polymerase chain reaction in real time. Statistical processing was carried out using the SPSS 16.0 software package.

RESULTS: Genotype TT rs13266634 of the SLC30A8 gene was associated with the risk of developing T2D (relative risk — RR 1.51, 95% confidence interval — CI 1.11–2.05, p =0.008). The CC genotype rs13266634 of the SLC30A8 gene was associated with a protective effect against T2D (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35–0.92, p=0.026). No significant effect of rs17782313 of the MC4R gene on the risk of developing T2D was found.

CONCLUSION: The rs13266634 polymorphism of the SLC30A8 gene confirmed its association with the prognosis of the development of T2D, which indicates the possibility of considering it as a candidate for inclusion in a diabetes risk score. The association between polymorphisms rs17782313 of the MC4R gene and the prognosis of the development of T2D was not found.
Scholars and Literati at the University of Turin (1404 – 1800)
Authors: Zanardello Chiara
Published: July 2022

This note is a summary description of the set of scholars and literati who were members or associates of the University of Turin from its inception in 1404 to the eve of the Industrial Revolution (1800).
LINC00839 promotes colorectal cancer progression by recruiting RUVBL1/Tip60 complexes to activate NRF1
Authors: Liu Xiaoting , Chen Jianxiong , Zhang Sijing , Liu Xunhua , Long Xiaoli , Lan Jiawen , Zhou Miao , Zheng Lin , Zhou Jun
Published: July 2022

The long noncoding RNA LINC00839 has been shown to be involved in the progression of some cancer types, such as bladder cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and neuroblastoma. However, if LINC00839 has roles in colorectal cancer (CRC), it has not been elucidated so far. Here, we focus on the biological role and involved mechanisms of LINC00839 in CRC. We show that LINC00839 is selectively upregulated in CRC and locates to the nucleus. High expression of LINC00839 is associated with poor outcomes in CRC patients. Functional experiments show that LINC00839 promotes CRC proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC00839 recruits Ruvb1 to the Tip60 complex and increases its acetylase activity. LINC00839 guides the complex to the NRF1 promoter and promotes acetylation of lysines 5 and 8 of histones H4, thereby upregulating the expression of NRF1. Subsequently, NRF1 activates mitochondrial metabolism and biogenesis, thereby promoting CRC progression. In summary, our study reports on a mechanism by which LINC00839 positively regulates NRF1, thus promoting mitochondrial metabolism and biogenesis, as well as CRC progression.
A review of curricular approaches and quality of life indicators in the united states for individuals displaying profound multiple disabilities
Authors: Bobzien Jonna L.
Published: July 2022

During the last two decades in the United States, there has been an increase in research studies on two salient areas of interests impacting individuals with profound multiple disabilities (PMD): providing access to appropriate educational curriculums and enhancing overall quality of life. Despite this interest, attempts to link positive quality of life indicators and appropriate educational curriculum for students with PMD have not been explored. The purpose of this literature review is to identify articles related to curriculum issues, as well as those addressing the importance of skill acquisition activities that lead to an improved quality of life. Implications for establishing a potential link between quality of life assessment practices and current educational practices in the United States are addressed.
Reflective activities of pupils with special educational needs and teachers in the self-educational process
Authors: Geležinienė Renata
Published: July 2022

The article considers reflective activities of pupils with special educational needs and teachers, analyzing experiences and meaningfulness of reflective activities. Data of the analysis of special educational needs pupils’ and teachers’ diaries are presented, emphasizing qualitative changes in teachers’ and pupils’ reflective activities.
Evaluation of work capacity of vocational school students of decorator’s speciality with Ergos II
Authors: Mockevičienė Daiva , Dobrovolskytė Ilona
Published: July 2022

The aim of the research – to evaluate the change in work capacity in students of the speciality of decorator applying vocational rehabilitation programmes. The students of the vocational training study programme of the decorator in the vocational training centre (N=10) participated in the research. In performing the present research the method of linear experiment has been chosen. The respondents were evaluated with ERGOSII Work Simulator. Individual rehabilitation programme for training work capacity was created for every respondent and performed for three month time period. After three months the re-evaluation was performed.
Self-actualization of individuals with intellectual disability: role of the environment
Authors: Shcherbakova Anna M.
Published: July 2022

The article focuses on the issue of self-actualization in children and adolescents with intellectual disability. It demonstrates the importance of fostering a positive personality potential to enhance self-actualization capacity. The article discusses the role of the close and broad social environment in supporting successful activities of mentally challenged children and adolescents. It stresses the need to design custom activity-based environments to ensure self-actualization of the mentally handicapped. It provides data from several empirical studies covered by the same approach.
Assessment of own life prospects as a factor of student’s academic motivation
Authors: Serdiuk Liudmyla
Published: July 2022

The paper analyzes life perspective indexes and life purpose orientations of sample students enrolled into an integrated learning environment. A comparative analysis of the data on students with disabilities and healthy students was performed. Characteristics of interrelation between value and life purpose orientation indexes and students’ academic motivation were researched. Dual determination of human behavior by temporal factors was stated: the frst type defnes behavior regulation within a short period of time, in specifc situations, activities, and the second one determines behavior regulation for a long time and is associated with planning of well-aimed self-development.
Ability to generalize in foreign language of the first years students in the higher educational institutions
Authors: Mylnikova Nataliia
Published: July 2022

The article presents an overview of works of the foreign and national psychologists that carry out search of opportunities to optimize the system of specialists training in foreign language, clarify specifc character of generalization processes infuence within learning of a foreign language in traditional and modern psychological science, provide empirical studies of qualitative indicators of this phenomenon.
Empowering families : the early intervention in natural environments professional development community of practice project in Ohio
Authors: Harjusola-Webb Sanna , Gatmaitan Michelle , Lyons Ashley
Published: July 2022

This paper describes a model of professional development for Early Intervention based on an ongoing project taking place in a Midwestern state in the United States of America. The Project framework is presented as a model for high-quality professional development in Early Intervention by combining a) content including evidencebased practices and recommended practices from national professional organizations; b) university-community-family partnerships, an invaluable component without which the Project would not be possible; and c) tools for effective communication, collaboration, and coaching to support adult learning. As the Project is ongoing, research and program evaluation data are not reported in this paper. However, implications for young children and families, early intervention practitioners and stakeholders, and professional development in both the authors’ local context and the wider global context are discussed.
Speed of psychomotor reactions of pupils of the vocational rehabilitation training centre
Authors: Mockevičienė Daiva , Dobrovolskytė Ilona , Žukauskaitė Renata
Published: July 2022

The aim of the research is to assess the change of psychomotor reactions of persons having intellectual disorders by applying individual programmes for development of physical abilities. 12 individuals with mild intellectual disorders and 13 individuals with moderate intellectual disorders who attend the vocational rehabilitation training centre participated in the research. The research was carried out on the ground of linear experiment methods. Assessment of the psychomotor reactions speed was carried out using hardware and software Ergos II Work Simulator. After the fi rst assessment, individual programmes for development of physical abilities have been designed and applied; the main aim of the programmes was to develop psychomotor reactions of people with intellectual disorders by applying physical exercises.
Occupational motivation of music teachers as significant factor of social wellbeing
Authors: Gabnytė Giedrė , Strakšienė Diana
Published: July 2022

The article deals with the peculiarities of manifestations of music school teachers’ occupational motivation as a significant factor of social wellbeing. It presents the results of questionnaire survey of teachers: professional satisfaction estimates are given, peculiarities of collaboration of participants in the process of education are revealed, and evaluations of health, work conditions, and material interest of teachers are provided.
A community of practice pilot project for delivering early intervention professional development
Authors: Harjusola-Webb Sanna , Lyons Ashley , Gatmaitan Michelle
Published: July 2022

To ensure the fidelity of implementation of early intervention (EI) services in natural environments (NE), new types of partnerships are needed to systematically address this challenge. This paper describes one approach for effective professional development (PD) in EI to address the lack of systematic supports and PD for EI providers working with families in EI. The Early Intervention in Natural Environments Community of Practice (CoP) project was a six month study that endeavored to support previously trained EI providers in refining the use of their everyday practices. Given the potential of this approach for improving practices and child/family outcomes in the USA as well as in Europe through the development, implementation, and sustainability of a comprehensive system of ongoing PD, the NE CoP program evaluation plan and preliminary results are shared in their entirety.
Analysis of social educators’ and parents’ cooperation possibilities: promoting and hindering factors
Authors: Alifanovienė Daiva , Vaitkevičienė Asta , Musvicienė Žydra
Published: July 2022

The article deals with the peculiarities of social educators’ and parents’ cooperation possibilities in schools. The article presents the analysis of a qualitative semi-structured interview with parents (N=15) and a quantitative study with school educators (N=176). Employing targeted content analysis of parents’ and teachers’ opinion and written quantitative questionnaire, the peculiarities and possibilities of the cooperation between the participants of the educational process have manifested themselves. These include possible cooperation areas, factors promoting and hindering this process.
Assistant teachers for pupils with special educational needs in the Czech Republic – presentation of selected particular research results
Authors: Michalík Jan , Chrastina Jan , Maštalíř Jaromír , Baslerová Pavlína
Published: July 2022

The profession of an assistant teacher (AT) deserves due attention in terms of methodological, personnel, legislative and professional discourse. The position of AT was established in the Czech Republic already in 2005; however, research and scientific findings providing relevant practical data (in the form of general research studies) are still missing. The paper presentsa concept of a national research study performed in February – March 2015 and particular results focusing on the description of sociodemographic distributions and selected aspects of labour-law relationships (and their attributes) in terms of the function of AT. The paper also includes an interpretative view of the results by means of suggested practical measures in the area of operation, competences and especially legislation.

The research study used a quantity-based approach to investigate the research phenomena. The data collection method was a questionnaire of an own design, which was – regarding the number of ATs in the Czech Republic – administered in an electronic form. The data were then classified, analysed and statistically tested. This is the first communication of an extensive research report. It describes the initial domain of sociodemographic characteristics and the first research – labour-law aspects: employment contract, type of employment, length of employment, amount of remuneration and related aspects.
Socio-educational support opportunities for young job emigrants in the context of another cultural environment
Authors: Radzevičienė Liuda , Baranauskienė Ingrida
Published: July 2022

One of the main reasons of emigration of young people is a lack of opportunities to realize their own potential, to state themselves as full valued individuals. In this aspect, problems of emigration appear in the areas of social work and socio-educational support. Problems of social or socio-educational support are discussed and presented not enough, concerning young job immigrants in theoretical and practical levels, as well. In the most cases the respondents have mentioned friendly and positive relationships with people of the same nationality and with people of different nationalities as well: together organized leisure activities, celebrations, holidays. Research data analysis shows that mostly job centres help immigrants to deal with job search and with consultations as well. On the other hand, it is obvious that young job immigrants are coming to other country to their relatives or friends who have emigrated earlier and have organized their living conditions quite well. Generalizing the research results the activities of a social worker or social pedagogue that are needed for young job emigrants during integration process in changed socio-cultural environment could be defined: it is support during adaptation period, support in the process of job search, legal, educational and health support, as well as organization of cultural activities for immigrants.
Ukraine administrative and legal regulation of education for persons with disability
Authors: Talanchuk Iryna
Published: July 2022

Education of people with disabilities as the object of administrative and legal regulation of public policy in Ukraine is analyzed in the article. It is stated that the society has passed a difficult path in its attitude to the people with disabilities - from aggressive rejection to realization of the need for their integration into the community. In the present conditions, the urgency of developing and implementing measures for professional training of all able-bodied and disabled people who want to work with the aim of integration them into society is proved.
ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ПРОДОВОЛЬЧОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ УКРАЇНИ: ПОВОЄННИЙ КОНТЕКСТ
Authors: ШУБРАВСЬКА Олена , ПРОКОПЕНКО Катерина
Published: July 2022

Забезпечення продовольчої безпеки на національному і глобальному рівнях на засадах сталості є одним з пріоритетів аграрної політики України. У довоєнний період вітчизняний агарний сектор гарантував високий рівень продовольчої безпеки нашої держави і суттєво впливав на насиченість глобального продовольчого ринку. Однак триваюча в Україні війна спричинила руйнування у сфері виробництва і збуту агропродовольчої продукції, що негативно позначилося на стані продовольчого ринку. В період воєнних дій значущість проблеми забезпечення національної продовольчої безпеки зростає багаторазово, хоча Україна і має достатньо резервів продовольчої продукції. Війна в Україні суттєво скоротила масштаби сільгоспвиробництва і змінила його структуру, що в найближчому майбутньому позначиться на динаміці агровиробництва і стані національної продовольчої безпеки. Крім того, вона негативно впливає на доходи населення, тому частка витрат на продовольство в сукупних витратах, яка є одним з ключових індикаторів продовольчої безпеки, зростатиме. Це свідчить про необхідність вжиття заходів для підвищення цінової доступності продовольства і внутрішнього продовольчого попиту. Відновлення й подальше зростання в повоєнний період рівня продовольчого забезпечення населення України, як і розвиток агропродовольчого експорту, вимагатимуть переходу до реалізації довгострокових цілей забезпечення національної продовольчої безпеки шляхом нарощування обсягів і асортименту агропродовольчого виробництва як результату його інноваційної модернізації та структурної трансформації. В основу стратегічного напряму модернізації аграрного сектору необхідно покласти концепцію екологічного ресурсозберігаючого сільського господарства, що забезпечить: збереження і відтворення родючості сільськогосподарських угідь як вирішального чинника продовольчої безпеки в довгостроковій перспективі; покращення якості продуктів харчування для населення; розширення експортного потенціалу агропродовольчої продукції за рахунок високоякісних товарів з вищою доданою вартістю.
A Model for Application of Flipped Classroom with Integrated Podcast and Vidcast in it in English Language Classes
Authors: Hristov Rumen
Published: July 2022

The article about the application of Flippedclassroom with integrated Web 2.0 technologies – podcast and vidcastinit for the formation and development of listening comprehension skills in English Language Classes. The relevance of the problem due to the growing interest in blended learning, as well as the great potential it has to overcome pedagogical difficulties arising for various reasons.Teachers and students cannot rely any longer on face-to-face meetings but also on the power of flexible virtual teaching methods.
Online webcam mediation
Authors: Anderson Stephen G.
Published: July 2022

This article examines an online–in-person hybrid mediation involving a 52-year-old senior police officer and her 72-year-old semi-retired artist husband, who were separating after a 30-year marriage. The meetings took place in 2014 and 2015, around 3 years after I had conducted my first online mediation. The details have been anonymised.
Mediation and the police
Authors: Williams Cynthia-Lee
Published: July 2022

Currently, few studies have examined mediation programmes within independent police oversight agencies. Moreover, analyses of these programmes primarily focus on the degree of citizen satisfaction. This study adds to the existing research by examining possible characteristics linked to mediation selection within independent police oversight agencies. Specifically, this study considers the long-standing tension experienced between the police and certain groups (e.g. minorities, youths and residents of disadvantaged communities) and attempts to determined which groups are more or less likely to meet with officers to resolve police complaints. The data (obtained from the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board and United States Census of 2010) allow for an analysis of complainant demographic characteristics and neighbourhood characteristics linked to the complainants. Bivariate and multivariate analyses uncovered group differences in mediation selection. Particularly, the results of this study demonstrate that minorities are more likely to select mediation.
A new improved Liu-type estimator for Poisson regression models
Authors: AKAY Kadri Ulaş , ERTAN Esra
Published: July 2022

The Poisson Regression Model (PRM) is commonly used in applied sciences such as economics and the social sciences when analyzing the count data. The maximum likelihood method is the well-known estimation technique to estimate the parameters in PRM. However, when the explanatory variables are highly intercorrelated, unstable parameter estimates can be obtained. Therefore, biased estimators are widely used to alleviate the undesirable effects of these problems. In this study, a new improved Liu-type estimator is proposed as an alternative to the other proposed biased estimators. The superiority of the new proposed estimator over the existing biased estimators is given under the asymptotic matrix mean square error criterion. Furthermore, Monte Carlo simulation studies are executed to compare the performances of the proposed biased estimators. Finally, the obtained results are illustrated in real data. Based on the set of experimental conditions which are investigated, the proposed biased estimator outperforms the other biased estimators.
Some discrete neutrosophic distributions with neutrosophic parameters based on neutrosophic random variables
Authors: GRANADOS Carlos
Published: July 2022

The study of random variables and their distributions have been a great area of interest for many researchers. Recently the study of neutrosophic random variables have been introduced, that is why, in this paper, we apply discrete random distribution such as the uniform discrete distribution, Bernoulli distribution, binomial distribution, geometric distribution, negative binomial distribution, hypergeometric distribution and Poisson distribution by using neutrosophic random variables. This study opens a new way for dealing with issues that follow the classical distributions which appear in classical random variables and at the same time contain data not specified accurately.
Impact of external and internal factors on China’s economic growth
Authors:   Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Kheyfets Boris A. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, Chernova Veronika Yu. ,   People’s Friendships University of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: July 2022

Relevance. China is the dominant trading partner for many countries of the world. The new plan for the Chinese economic development in 2021–2035, based on the “double circulation” model, has become the subject of vigorous debate. Research objective. The study aims to identify China’s economic growth drivers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluate the impact of external and internal factors on China’s economic growth, taking into account future strategic changes. Data and methods. To identify the growth factors of GDP, we used a factor model based on GDP components by spending and the data provided by the State Bureau of Statistics of the PRC for 2007–2020. Results. Over the past decade, the contribution of GDP components that shape domestic demand has been steadily reduced. The decline in the share of net exports in GDP growth was replaced by the fluctuations in the external and domestic demand shares in the subsequent periods. The evaluations show that in 2020, 1% of 3.56% of China’s economic growth in GDP (in national currency) was provided by net exports and 2% of 3.56% was provided by an increase in gross capital formation. Conclusions. The increase in the contribution of net exports to GDP growth was caused not only by the growth of exports with a slowdown in the growth of imports but also by the redistribution of the shares of all factors and primarily by the sharp reduction in the share of the contribution of household expenditures to consumption. To promote domestic circulation through personal consumption, it is necessary for China to lower the savings rate, solve the problem of income inequality, and increase disposable income per capita.
Correlative neutron and X-ray tomography imaging of pile installation in chalk
Authors: Alvarez-Borges Fernando , Burca Genoveva , Atwood Robert , James Andrew , Wolstenholme Mark , Ahmed Sharif
Published: July 2022

Neutron and X-ray computed tomography (NCT and XCT, respectively) are imaging techniques that are increasingly applied in geomechanics research. They are used to non-destructively reveal different microstructural aspects of geomaterials: XCT is often used to observe/quantify differences in density or porosity, while NCT reveals the presence and distribution of hydrogenous materials such as water. The correlated use of NCT and XCT for geomechanics and geotechnics research is in its infancy. To this date, very few experiments have been carried out that combine both techniques, and none has been used to investigate geomaterial–structure interaction. This paper presents the first correlative NCT–XCT imaging study of pile installation. A scaled model pile was installed in an unsaturated intact chalk cylinder and in situ NCT and ex-situ XCT synchrotron-based imaging was applied consecutively. Chalk was used because the behaviour of displacement piles installed in this material is still subject to considerable uncertainty. Results reveal for the first time the interaction between installation-induced changes in chalk density and water distribution variations, with evidence of water displacement into the densified material in the vicinity of the installed pile. A straightforward method for correlative bulk density–moisture content determination from NCT–XCT images of geomaterials is presented and their limitations are discussed.
Nitrogen isotopes of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) confirm sewage as leading source of pollution in Hartbeespoort Reservoir, South Africa
Authors: Germishuys Ryno , Diamond Roger
Published: July 2022

Nitrogen (N) isotopes of aquatic organisms offer a way of differentiating sources of dissolved nitrate species in water. Water quality in the Hartbeespoort Reservoir has been a problem for many decades, causing excessive growth of algae and water hyacinth, both of which further cause human health issues, degradation of environmental water quality, and recreational hazards. Six boreholes and four surface water locations were sampled and analysed for certain water quality parameters and stable water isotopes (H and O). Electrical conductivity and pH were acceptable, but faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli were high in the Crocodile River. δD and δ18O showed that there is little groundwater input to the reservoir and the surface water experiences significant evaporation. Six samples of water hyacinth were analysed for C and N stable isotopes. The δ15N values ranged from 20‰ to 33‰, indicating sewage or manure as the primary source of dissolved N in Hartbeespoort Reservoir. As high dissolved N concentrations cause water hyacinth growth to outstrip any manual, chemical or biological control measures, it is suggested that efforts to control the water hyacinth infestation on Hartbeespoort Reservoir focus on informal settlement sanitation and upgrades to sewage treatment works in the Crocodile River catchment.
Significance:
This work is possibly the first report on nitrogen isotopes in plant material to trace water pollution in South Africa. It presents a new line of evidence regarding eutrophication in the Hartbeespoort Reservoir. It indicates the optimal management method for controlling water hyacinth on this and other waterbodies. The study has relevance for agriculture, urban wastewater management, informal settlement sanitation, invasive alien plant control, recreation and tourism.
CO2 storage potential of basaltic rocks, Mpumalanga: Implications for the Just Transition
Authors: Dhansay Taufeeq , Maupa Thulani , Twala Mthokozisi , Sibewu Zamampondo , Nengovhela Vhuhwavhohau , Mudau Pertunia , Schalenkamp Marietjie , Mashale Nthabiseng , Muedi Thomas , Ndou Clement , Zilibokwe Nosibulelo , Mothupi Themba , Safi Musarrat , Hicks Nigel
Published: July 2022

South Africa is the largest CO2 emitter on the African continent. These emissions stem from a heavy reliance on coal as the primary energy fuel and contributor toward socio-economic development. The South African government has targeted reducing CO2 emissions by more than half in the next 10 years. To meet climate change mitigation scenarios, while alleviating continued emissions, South Africa will look to technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage. Initial assessments of South Africa’s potential for CO2 storage have focused on deep saline aquifers within volcano-sedimentary sequences along the near and offshore regions. Sustaining the Just Transition will, however, require additional storage capacity. In this study, we make an initial assessment of possible CO2 storage in basaltic sequences of the Ventersdorp Supergroup. Geological and mineralogical information was ascertained from borehole data. The geological information suggests that the subsurface extent of the Ventersdorp Supergroup is at least 80 000 km2 larger than previously mapped, extending beneath major point-source CO2 emitters and active coalfields. Furthermore, petrographic analyses suggest pore space of up to ca 15% with minimal alteration, and preservation of mafic silicate minerals that would enable reactive carbonation of injected CO2. Notable metasomatic and hydrothermal alteration is confined to significant contact horizons, such as the lowermost Ventersdorp Contact Reef. These results suggest that basaltic sequences may exponentially increase South Africa’s CO2 sequestration storage capacity and may have a significant impact on the country’s Just Transition.
Significance:
This study shows that basaltic sequences may support the permanent storage of anthropogenic CO2 in South Africa, in particular, proximal to significant point-source CO2 emitters. South Africa has voluminous and widespread basaltic sequences, which, in combination, increase South Africa’s geological CO2 storage potential by several orders of magnitude. These storage reservoirs can have a direct impact in South Africa by enabling a sustainable Just Transition toward a low-carbon economy while meeting intended climate change mitigation scenarios.
Viability of whole-culm bamboo construction in South Africa – a preliminary assessment
Authors: Ross Sheila , Alexander Mark
Published: July 2022

We describe literature-based research on the viability of whole-culm bamboo as a construction technology for South Africa. South Africa has one bamboo species considered suitable for construction, namely Bambusa balcooa, found in various parts of the country. Quantitative production figures are not currently available; however, local reports indicate that South Africa can expand its bamboo growth industry to meet any possible expected demand. Although the South African bamboo plant has not yet been evaluated in terms of its material properties, engineering design approaches and material properties from the literature indicate that this species is a viable construction material. The limitations for bamboo design and construction are not unique to South Africa but are common to countries involved in bamboo construction. Their experience in overcoming these limitations can be transferred to the use of bamboo in South Africa, making bamboo construction a potentially viable construction technology in South Africa. Significance: Whole-culm bamboo can be used as a structural material in buildings and other specialised structures such as bridges, assembly halls, and the like. South Africa has a bamboo species that should potentially be suitable for the construction of structures that lend themselves to this type of construction. The information given here should allow designers, engineers and technologists to assess the viability of bamboo construction in South African situations.
Statistical modelling to predict silicosis risk in deceased Southern African gold miners without medical evaluation
Authors: Myers Jonathan E. , Thompson Mary Lou
Published: July 2022

The Qhubeka Trust was established in 2016 in a legal settlement on behalf of former gold miners seeking compensation for silicosis contracted on the South African mines. Settlements resulting from lawsuits on behalf of gold miners aim to provide fair compensation. However, occupational exposure and medical records kept by South African mining companies for their employees have been very limited. Some claimants to the Qhubeka Trust died before medical evaluation was possible, thus potentially disadvantaging their dependants from receiving any compensation. With medical evaluation no longer possible, a statistical approach to this problem was developed. The records for claimants with medical evaluation were used to develop a logistic regression prediction model for the likelihood of silicosis, based on the potential predictors: cumulative exposure to respirable dust, age, years since first exposure, years of life lost prematurely, vital status at 31 December 2019, and a history of tuberculosis diagnosis. The prediction model allowed estimation of the likelihood of silicosis for each miner who had died without medical evaluation and is a novel approach in this setting. In addition, we were able to quantitatively evaluate the trade-offs of different silicosis risk classification thresholds in terms of true and false positives and negatives.
Significance:

A statistical approach can be used for risk estimation in settings where the outcome of interest is unknown for some members of a class.
The likelihood of silicosis in deceased miners without medical evaluation in the Qhubeka Trust can be accurately estimated, using information from finalised claims.
Strategies for classifying the silicosis status of deceased miners without medical evaluation in the Qhubeka Trust can be assessed in a rigorous, quantitative framework.