bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability Analysis of Intersection Sight Distance at Roundabouts
Authors: Easa Said M. , Ma Yang , Liu Shixu , Yang Yanqun , Arkatkar Shriniwas
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a reliability-based method for the design of intersection sight distance (ISD) at traffic roundabouts using the linear and nonlinear deceleration profiles of the entry vehicles. The reliability method is based on the first-order second moment method which is simple and relatively accurate compared with advanced methods. The nonlinear deceleration profile includes a shape parameter that produces the linear profile as a special case. Deterministic and reliability-based formulas for the required ISD for an approaching vehicle are developed for the entry vehicle on the left and the vehicle on the circulating roadway. Then, the design values of the ISD legs, applicable to any type of roundabout, are presented for different probabilities of non-compliance (Pnc) and different coefficients of variations. For the special case of single-lane symmetrical roundabouts, which have a well-defined geometry, the lateral clearance needs are established. The sensitivity analysis shows that ISD is very sensitive to both the mean and variance of the critical headway. The results show that the deterministic method results in ISD values that correspond to a very small Pnc, indicating that the method is very conservative. The proposed method, which provides flexibility in selecting ISD for any given Pnc, should be of interest to highway designers and practitioners to promote roundabout safety.
Comparison of Mandibular Arch Expansion by the Schwartz Appliance Using Two Activation Protocols: A Preliminary Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Quinzi Vincenzo , Mummolo Stefano , Bertolazzi Francesca , Campanella Vincenzo , Marzo Giuseppe , Marchetti Enrico
Published: August 2020

Background and objectives: Dental crowding is more pronounced in the mandible than in the maxilla. When exceeding a significant amount, the creation of new space is required. The mandibular expansion devices prove to be useful even if the increase in the lower arch perimeter seems to be just ascribed to the vestibular inclination of teeth. The aim of the study was to compare two activation protocols of the Schwartz appliance in terms of effectiveness, particularly with regard to how quickly crowding is solved and how smaller is the increasing of vestibular inclination of the mandibular molars. Materials and Methods: We compared two groups of patients treated with different activation’s protocols of the lower Schwartz appliance (Group 1 protocol consisted in turning the expansion screw half a turn twice every two weeks and replacing the device every four months; Group 2 was treated by using the classic activation protocol—1/4 turn every week, never replacing the device). The measurements of parameters such as intercanine distance (IC), interpremolar distance (IPM), intermolar distance (IM), arch perimeter(AP), curve of Wilson (COW), and crowding (CR) were made on dental casts at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. Results: A significant difference between protocol groups was observed in the variation of COWL between time 0 and time 1 with protocol 1 with protocol 1 subjects showing a smaller increase in the parameter than protocol 2 subjects. The same trend was observed also for COWR, but the difference between protocol groups was slightly smaller and the interaction protocol-by-time did not reach the statistical significance. Finally, treatment duration in protocol 1 was significantly lower than in protocol 2. Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that the new activation protocol would seem more effective as it allows to achieve the objective of the therapy more quickly, and likely leading to greater bodily expansion.
Real-Time Laser Tracker Compensation of Robotic Drilling and Machining
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhang Runan , Keogh Patrick
Published: August 2020

Due to their flexibility, low cost and large working volume, 6-axis articulated industrial robots are increasingly being used for drilling, trimming and machining operations, especially in aerospace manufacturing. However, producing high quality components has demonstrated to be difficult, as a result of the inherent problems of robots, including low structural stiffness and low positional accuracy. These limit robotic machining to non-critical components and parts with low accuracy and surface finish requirements. Studies have been carried out to improve robotic machine capability, specifically positioning accuracy and vibration reduction. This study includes the description of the hardware, software and methodologies developed to compensate robot path errors in real time using a single three-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) laser tracker, as well as the experimental results with and without compensation. Performance tests conducted include ballbar dynamic path accuracy test, a series of drilling case studies and a machining test. The results demonstrate major improvements in path accuracy, hole position accuracy and hole quality, as well as increases in accuracy of a machined aluminum part.
Influence of Geometric Imperfections on Buckling Resistance of Reinforcing Bars during Inelastic Deformation
Authors: Korentz Jacek
Published: August 2020

This paper presents the results of numerical simulations on three main factors and their influence on the buckling resistance of reinforcing bars and on their behaviour in the range of postcritical deformations. These three factors are the shape of initial deformation, the amplitude of geometric imperfection and the slenderness of bars. The analysis was made of bars fixed on both sides for three initial shapes of deformation between adjacent stirrups, four amplitudes of geometric imperfections and eight bar slendernesses. The results of the numerical analyses carried out showed that the factors analysed have a very high influence on the inelastic buckling of the bars. The initial deformation shape, the radius of curvature and the slenderness of the bars have a significant influence on the buckling resistance of these bars and their longitudinal and transverse deformations. The research demonstrates that bars which are bent or compressed initially have a smaller resistance to buckling compared to straight bars, as the amplitude of geometric imperfections increases and the slenderness of the members increases. However, for the deformation shape of the bars, which is accompanied by shear forces, the drop in the buckling resistance of the members is small, and resistance to buckling for items with a small slenderness was higher than that of straight bars.
Attributed Relational SIFT-Based Regions Graph: Concepts and Applications
Authors: Manzo Mario
Published: August 2020

In the real world, structured data are increasingly represented by graphs. In general, the applications concern the most varied fields, and the data need to be represented in terms of local and spatial connections. In this scenario, the goal is to provide a structure for the representation of a digital image, called the Attributed Relational SIFT-based Regions Graph (ARSRG), previously introduced. ARSRG has not been described in detail, and for this purpose, it is important to explore unknown aspects. In this regard, the goal is twofold: first, to provide a basic theory, which presents formal definitions, not yet specified above, clarifying its structural configuration; second, experimental, which provides key elements about adaptability and flexibility to different applications. The combination of the theoretical and experimental vision highlights how the ARSRG is adaptable to the representation of the images including various contents.
Effect of Annealing on Strain Rate Sensitivity of Metallic Glass under Nanoindentation
Authors: Li Mingcan
Published: August 2020

The influence of isothermal annealing on the strain rate sensitivity (SRS) of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) was investigated by nanoindentation. A more positive SRS is observed with a decrease in the content of the free volume (FV) of the sample. Furthermore, the SRS becomes nearly constant with increasing annealing time when the FV is annealed out. By taking into consideration the FV-assisted activation and combination of the shear transformation zones (STZs), the underlying mechanism is well understood. The current work may offer useful insights into the correlation between the microstructure and mechanical properties of BMGs.
Derivation of Predicted No Effect Concentrations (PNECs) for Heavy Metals in Freshwater Organisms in Korea Using Species Sensitivity Distributions (SSDs)
Authors: Park Jinhee , Kim Sang Don
Published: August 2020

Natural and artificial heavy metal exposure to the environment requires finding thresholds to protect aquatic ecosystems from the toxicity of heavy metals. The threshold is commonly called a predicted no effect concentration (PNEC) and is thought to protect most organisms in an ecosystem from a chemical. PNEC is derived by applying a large assessment factor (AF) to the toxicity value of the most sensitive organism to a chemical or by developing a species sensitivity distribution (SSD), which is a cumulative distribution function with many toxicity data for a chemical of diverse organisms. This study developed SSDs and derived PNECs using toxicity data of organisms living in Korea for four heavy metals: copper (Cd), cadmium (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Five distribution models were considered with log-transformed toxicity data, and their fitness and uncertainty were investigated. As a result, the normal distribution and Gumbel distribution fit the data well. In contrast, the Weibull distribution poorly accounted for the data at the lower tails for all of the heavy metals. The hazardous concentration for 5% of species (HC5) derived from the most suitable model for each heavy metal was calculated to be the preferred PNEC by AF 2 or AF 3. PNECs, obtained through a suitable SSD model with resident species and reasonable AF, will help protect freshwater organisms in Korea from heavy metals.
Epithermal Mineralization in the Busang Southeast Zone, Indonesia: New Insight into the Au Prospect at the Center of the Bre-X Fraud
Authors: Slater Evan , Hanley Jacob , Mulja Thomas , Zentilli Marcos , Trottier Corwin
Published: August 2020

The Busang mineral prospect in Kalimantan, Indonesia, was reported to host a large Au resource until 1997 when it was revealed that drill core samples had been deliberately and systematically contaminated (“salted”) with extraneous Au to falsify resource estimates. One month before the fraud was uncovered, Dr. G. Milligan, then professor emeritus of geology, visited the site to collect a suite of core samples for academic study that was deemed representative of the host rocks, alteration, and mineralization of the Busang Southeast Zone. These samples were re-examined here by optical microscopy, electron microprobe (EMPA), whole-rock geochemistry, and fluid inclusion microthermometry to characterize the subsurface geology and hydrothermal mineralization, and to assess reasons why the system is of uneconomic character. The host rocks were variably altered calc-alkaline porphyritic subvolcanic diorites, typical of the lithological units along the mineralized trend in the Kalimantan Gold Belt. Early hydrothermal mineralization with quartz-sulfide (pyrite, chalcopyrite, Cu-sulfosalts) stockwork veinlets associated with pervasive phyllic and propylitic alteration was overprinted by crudely banded quartz-carbonate-sulfide/sulfosalt (pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, tennantite-tetrahedrite, bournonite-seligmannite) veins. The stockwork veins were associated with up to 140 ppb bulk rock Au, some of which was hosted by Cu-sulfosalts. Microthermometry on quartz-hosted aqueous fluid inclusion assemblages (FIA; n = 13) and single inclusions (non-FIA; n = 20) in quartz-carbonate-sulfide/sulfosalt veins yielded an overall range in homogenization temperatures (Th) between 179 °C and 366 °C and bulk salinities between 1.1 wt.% to 8.6 wt.% NaCl equivalent, with much smaller data ranges for individual FIA (e.g., FIA 3; 239.1 °C to 240.5 °C and 0.5 wt.% to 1.4 wt.% NaCl equivalent). Primary FIA along growth zones in quartz were identified, providing constraints on fluid characteristics at the time of quartz growth. Carbonate-hosted FIA (n = 3) and single inclusions (non-FIA; n = 3) in the same veins yielded Th between 254 °C and 343 °C and bulk salinities of 1.1 wt.% to 11.6 wt.% NaCl equivalent. Likewise, data ranges for individual FIA were much smaller. Many of the geological characteristics of the Busang Southeast Zone were compatible with a telescoped, intermediate-sulfidation epithermal system, having formed from diluted magmatic fluids that precipitated weak base metal mineralization. However, the system was unproductive with respect to Au and Ag, at least within the studied area. Of note, vein textures and fluid inclusion characteristics indicative of boiling or efficient fluid mixing—processes both considered critical for the formation of economic lode gold deposits—were absent in the samples.
Factoring in the Complexity of the Cystic Fibrosis Lung to Understand Aspergillus fumigatus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Interactions
Authors: Beswick Emily , Amich Jorge , Gago Sara
Published: August 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has long been established as the most prevalent respiratory pathogen in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients, with opportunistic infection causing profound morbidity and mortality. Recently, Aspergillus fumigatus has also been recognised as a key contributor to CF lung deterioration, being consistently associated with decreased lung function and worsened prognosis in these patients. As clinical evidence for the common occurrence of combined infection with these two pathogens increases, research into the mechanism and consequences of their interaction is becoming more relevant. Clinical evidence suggests a synergistic effect of combined infection, which translates into a poorer prognosis for the patients. In vitro results from the laboratory have identified a variety of possible synergistic and antagonistic interactions between A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the complex environment of the CF lung and discuss how it needs to be considered to determine the exact molecular interactions that A. fumigatus and P. aeruginosa undergo during combined infection and their effects on the host.
From Preferential Trade Arrangements to Free Trade Agreements: One of the Downturns of Cooperation in International Relations?
Authors: Baena-Rojas Jose Jaime , Herrero-Olarte Susana
Published: August 2020

Since the signing of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO), preferential trade agreements (PTAs) have been an interesting tool to promote international cooperation through the granting of non-reciprocal and/or unilateral tariff preferences by developed countries to developing countries. These international agreements have tended to generate critical trade dependencies for the receiving countries. Due to the circumstances of world trade and due to the lack of interest of the grantors to maintain this type of tariff preference, these developing countries are forced to renegotiate their PTAs into to free trade agreements (FTAs). To demonstrate this, we conducted a qualitative analysis to characterize the behavior of PTAs and their impact on the configuration of FTAs and to obtain indicators and trends. The results suggested a predominance of FTAs and a decline in PTAs. This was done to maintain access to the markets within those granting countries, which also became the main trading partners of these PTA recipient countries.
PRIMEIROS PENSAMENTOS COM REFERÊNCIA AO IMPACTO DA CORONA VÍRUS (COVID-19) NO CUMPRIMENTO DOS ACORDOS TRABALHISTAS.
Authors: De Melo Demis Roberto Correia
Published: August 2020

Trata-se de um dos mais relevantes temas da atualidade, pois tivemos diversas decisões em fragante desrepeito a coisa julgada, uma vez que os acordos judiciais trabalhista, fazem coisa julgada, conforme previsto em nossa carta constitucional.
A New Species of Agrostis (Poaceae, Pooideae, Poeae, Agrostidinae) from the Andean Páramos of Colombia and Ecuador
Authors: Palacio Patricia Candela , Molina Ana María , Rúgolo de Agrasar Zulma Esther , Vega Andrea Susana
Published: August 2020

Agrostis laegaardii A. M. Molina & Rúgolo (Poaceae), a new species restricted to the high páramos from Colombia and Ecuador, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically most similar to A. breviculmis Hitchc. but differs in spikelet length, pedicel apex, glume texture, relative distance between upper glume and floret, lemma and palea length, and the presence of an awn on the lemma. Micromorphology of the spikelet is discussed, and a Trichodium net is reported on the epidermis of the lemma. A distribution map and a key to the Colombian and Ecuadorean species of Agrostis L. with contracted inflorescences are provided.
Abolishing Child Marriage in Indonesia’s Marriage Law through Feminist Legal Theory and Child’s Rights Approach
Authors: Sigiro Atnike Nova
Published: August 2020

The Law No. 1 year of 1974 on Marriage Law had set the minimum age for marriage of 16 years old for women and 19 years old for men. This minimum age for setting up marriage is not only a form of legalization for conducting child marriage, but also a form of legalized gender-based discrimination, particularly against girls. In 2019, the Law was finally revised thus the discriminating set of minimum

age for marriage was abolished, and the minimum age was set into 19 years old for both women and men. Koalisi 18+ is a civil society network in Indonesia, which work to abolish legalized child marriage through the revision of Marriage Law. They work through judicial review of the Marriage Law at the Constitutional Court, and also through encouraging revision of the Marriage Law at the parliament

(DPR). This article describes and analyze the key discourses appeared during the effort to abolish and revise the Marriage Law No.1 Year 1974 through child’s rights and feminist legal approaches.
MATLAB at the Faculty of Aeronautics
Authors: Szabó Peter , Vajdová Iveta
Published: August 2020

MATLAB is an internationally used platform that provides a friendly interface with widespread use. In this article, we focused on its university use. Also, within the framework of university use MATLAB offers many possibilities, which can work with either in education or research. This article deals with MATLAB as one of the universally applicable systems for the general professional community. The paper contains information about the application of the MATLAB system at the Faculty of Aeronautics in academic year 2018/2019. We investigated the possibilities of using the system in terms of the Faculty of Aviation.
Viejos sonidos subalternos
Authors:   , Eckmeyer Martín Raúl
Published: August 2020

La historiografía musical afirmativa, conformada básicamente por la musicología y el folklore, han producido como inexistente la dimensión histórica de la música popular, mediante la propia aplicación de una epistemología objetual/personalista basada en la concepción occidentalocéntrica de la música como objeto (de cambio). Si bien esta es una historiografía zombie, a todas luces vetusta, sigue habitando la porción mayoritaria de los imaginarios sobre la música, y en especial, está presente en los cursos universitarios de historia de la música. El presente trabajo intentará problematizar esta concepción hegemónica con el fin de contribuir a la (re)integración conceptual, en una historia popular de la música, de las prácticas del mundo popular subalterno presentes en todo el desarrollo histórico de Occidente y en especial, de Latinoamérica. Dado que para ello es necesaria una aproximación conceptual divergente, propondremos una serie de conceptos-otros que puedan dar cuenta de la especificidad musical del mundo popular subalterno: su aspecto localizado y performativo, su condición dinámica de musicar, y su carácter nómada, mestizo, transcultural y transmoderno.
Angielski po daltońsku; czyli plan daltoński na lekcjach języka angielskiego
Authors: Kwella Marta Natalia
Published: August 2020

Mimo że pedagogika planu daltońskiego stworzona została przez Helen Parkhurst sto lat temu; to nadal jest użyteczna i chętnie wykorzystywana w pracy z dziećmi zarówno w wieku przedszkolnym; jak i wczesnoszkolnym. W niniejszym artykule zaprezentowano sposoby wykorzystania elementów planu daltońskiego na lekcjach języka angielskiego. W jego pierwszej części przedstawiony jest zarys historyczny powstania planu daltońskiego; krótkie przybliżenie postaci twórczyni oraz główne założenia koncepcji. Następnie opisano rozwój idei na świecie i w Polsce oraz przybliżono współczesną realizację filarów planu daltońskiego. W drugiej części artykułu podano praktyczne rozwiązania; możliwe do wykorzystania na lekcjach języka angielskiego; zgodne z założeniami koncepcji Helen Parkhurst. Założeniem autorki jest zainspirowanie nauczycieli języków obcych do poszukiwania nowych metod i zachęcenie ich do poszerzenia swojego warsztatu o narzędzia rozwijające u dzieci samodzielność; odpowiedzialność; współpracę oraz refleksję. Praca zgodnie z założeniami tej koncepcji pozwala na indywidualizację pracy ucznia oraz rozwój zarówno językowy; jak i społeczny; co zmierza do realizacji nadrzędnego celu; jakim jest wspieranie wszechstronnego rozwoju dziecka.
Ciencias Sociales y COVID-19: retos, vicisitudes y oportunidades para la investigación
Authors: Luna Nemecio Josemanuel
Published: August 2020

El presente artículo busca abordar la serie de retos, vicisitudes y oportunidades que la actual coyuntura del COVID-19 ha representado para las Ciencias Sociales. La presentación del argumento se hace en dos partes: la primera corresponde a una reflexión crítica sobre los orígenes especificamente capitalistas del COVID-19; la segunda parte expone en términos generales el argumento central de cada uno de los artículos que componen el dossier “La investigación social y educativa en tiempos de pandemia”. El artículo concluye que existe una relación directa entre la subsunción real del mundo por el capital y la transgénesis viral del SARS-CoV-2; además se demuestra la importancia de que las Ciencias Sociales redefinan su agenda de investigación para atender la serie de cambios estructurales que la actual crisis sanitaria ha producido en la reproducción social
El rol del docente en situaciones de bullying: una revisión documental
Authors: Briseño Tania , González Corzo Irma Guadalupe
Published: August 2020

En la actualidad la educación ha promovido el desarrollo de actitudes que permitan resolver los conflictos de una forma pacífica, sin embargo, Olweus (2010) identificó que dentro de las escuelas, existe un fenómeno denominado bullying el cual se refiere a situaciones en las que se ejerce la fuerza, de un alumno a otro con el fin de atemorizar, para obligarlo a realizar una acción (Mendoza y Pedroza, 2015). Por lo que el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar el rol de los docentes en situaciones de bullying, para lo cual se realizó un análisis documental. Los resultados muestran la necesidad de repensar el papel de los docentes concluyendo que la formación de los maestros debe retomar una postura reflexiva, que profundice en desarrollar la asertividad en la resolución de los conflictos.
Smart Agro- Supply Chain Management
Authors:   Computer Science and Engineering National Engineering College Tuticorin, India., S Atchara , M Bhuvaneswari ,   Computer Science and Engineering National Engineering College Tuticorin, India, V Jayavani ,   Computer Science and Engineeringn National Engineering College Tuticorin, India, K Ramalakshmi ,   (AP/CSE) Computer Science and Engineering National Engineering College Tuticorin, India.
Published: August 2020

In this digital era, technological importance has been excellent support for making decisions in agriculture. The development of agriculture has been under development for the past few years due to a lack of technology usage and environmental changes. The aim of this paper is to reach farmers marketing through technology. The study used a statistical survey design technique to collect data from farmers for their awareness of e-Commerce. E-Agriculture is a platform to support the marketing of agricultural products. The main objective of our project is to establish a bridge between a farmer and a customer. The price will be fixed by the farmers, and there is no intermediate between farmers and the customers. So the customers also get their products (vegetables/fruits/grains, etc…) at the actual price, and also, the farmers get the right estimate from a customer.
Bacteriuria asintomática como factor asociado al infarto agudo del miocardio
Authors: Paillier Gonzalez Jaime Enrique , Trespalacios Alies Erik Javier , Calle Ramirez Jaime Andres
Published: August 2020

Introducción: la aterosclerosis es una enfermedad inflamatoria en la cual la estabilidad de la placa coronaria y su ruptura con el desencadenamiento de infarto agudo de miocardio podría estar influenciada por infecciones microbianas a través de la producción de mediadores inflamatorios, estas moléculas también se producen en pacientes con bacteriuria asintomática, condición frecuente después de los 65 años.

Objetivo: se desarrolló un estudio comparativo para determinar si la bacteriuria asintomática está asociada con el infarto agudo de miocardio.

Material y métodos: se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 65 años con enfermedad coronaria aterosclerótica o alto riesgo de padecerla. Como casos se escogieron pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio en dos instituciones hospitalarias de cuarto nivel en Medellín Colombia. El cálculo del Odds ratio ajustado se realizó mediante un modelo de regresión logística.

Resultados: se estudiaron 60 casos y 120 controles. La edad promedio fue 74.94 ± 7.08 años. Se documentaron 37 casos de bacteriuria asintomática entre los 180 pacientes, para una prevalencia igual a 20.6% con predominio en el género femenino (12.4 vs 32%). La proporción de bacteriuria asintomática en los casos fue 15% y en los controles 23.3%, para un OR crudo de 0.58 (IC 95%: 0.25-1.32) y un OR ajustado de 1.31 (IC 95%: 0.53-3.26).

Conclusión: no se encontró una asociación entre bacteriuria asintomática e infarto agudo de miocardio. Se requieren estudios adicionales para determinar si existe esta asociación
Leadership and Patient Satisfaction in a Tertiary Health Care System
Authors: Bernard Owumi E. , Omorogbe E. Christie , Osamor E. Pauline
Published: August 2020

Patient satisfaction is one of the best indicators for measuring the success of the services being provided in a health facility. This study investigates the leadership factors that influenced patient satisfaction in the tertiary health care facility of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. This hospital based cross sectional study was anchored on the social action theory, Talcott Parsons sick role model and concept of bureaucracy. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 420 inpatients were randomly selected from five different units (Medical, Surgical, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynecology and Emergency) of the hospital. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire and five in-depth interviews (IDIs). Quantitative data were analyzed at univariate and bivariate levels, using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test while qualitative data were content analyzed. Findings revealed that there were good knowledge and level of awareness of the services available. Majority of the patients claimed that they were satisfied and rated the satisfaction experiences as moderate satisfaction with the health care services of the professional doctors and nurses in the hospital. Education (p<0.020) and income (p<0.032) were found to be significant socio-economic factors influencing patient’s satisfaction. Answers doctors provided to patients’ questions and prescribed drug administration by nurses to the in-patients were derivable from the leadership factors and thus influenced patient’s satisfaction with the health care services. Results on answers doctors provided to patients’ question (p<0.001) and prescribed drug administration by nurses to the in-patients (p<0.0073) were significant leadership factors. Similarly, from the qualitative data, doctor’s communication and interaction greatly influenced patient’s satisfaction with leadership ethos of health care providers. Management should organize stakeholder’s forum comprising of doctors and nurses’ leaders from among the health care providers and in-patients with common health conditions where subjective needs assessment of patients could be discussed within the hospital.
Factors Influencing Child Fostering Practices in Bayelsa State, Nigeria: Dangling between Necessity and Reciprocity
Authors: Nwokocha Ezebunwa E. , Michael Turnwait O.
Published: August 2020

This study examined child fostering practices in Bayelsa State as a way of understanding the influence of socio-economic and cultural factors on critical family decisions. Functionalism, Social Action and Rational Choice perspectives provided the theoretical anchor upon which the thematic phenomenon was discussed. Quantitative data were collected from 408 questionnaire respondents. Six In-depth Interviews (IDIs) and two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted among biological and foster parents. The mean age of the respondents was 32.5±10.8 years. More than half of the respondents had negative perception about child fosterage; poverty, desire to have children enrolled in school, effective training of fostered children, death of parents, and marital separation are implicated in the decision by families to have their children fostered. Despite the influence of modernism, the practice has remained virile in Bayelsa state due to persistent high fertility, poverty and its traditional and symbolic significance among other reasons.
Socioeconomic Context of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Practices in Delta, Edo and Ekiti States, Nigeria
Authors: Garuba Stanley A. , Nwokocha Ezebunwa E. , Iruaga Ediri , Nyiakaa Simeon S.
Published: August 2020

Understanding issues related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices has become more critical in Nigerian communities in view of the increasing prevalence of diseases due to lack of safe water and poor hygiene behavior in the country. This cross-sectional exploratory survey employed intra-method triangulation to collect data through In-depth Interviews, Focus Group Discussions and Unobtrusive observation from purposively selected communities in Delta, Edo and Ekiti states. Findings reveal that communities are willing to pay for WASH services insofar as the payment will add value to their lives; the rate of community participation and performance in WASH activities is a function of active mobilization of the people and effective monitoring of WASH committee members. In view of the benefits of cleanliness for a healthy population, continuous education and sensitization of the people on WASH should be sustained in relevant communities.
Factors Underlying Utilization of Legal Aid Scheme by Awaiting Trial Inmates in Agodi Prisons Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Okunola Rasidi Akanji , Dinne Chinedu Ernest
Published: August 2020

This exploratory study examined the challenges encountered by a high number of Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATIs) in the context of the low utilisation of the free services of legal aid council in Agodi prison Ibadan, Oyo State. Max Weber’s Life chances theory was used as the theoretical framework. Survey-Questionnaire was administered on 188 sampled ATIs and 144 prison warders. This was complemented with key informant interviews with10 officers of the legal aid council and some structured observation sessions. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS, while the qualitative data was analysed using manual content analysis involving narrative analysis and verbatim quotations. Over 93% of the respondents attributed the high number of awaiting trial inmates in Agodi prison to missing case files, inability of ATIs to pay their bail or provide a surety; Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) delay in advising the police on cases to prosecute and police inability to promptly prosecute and investigate cases. Inability to procure the service of a private counsel, type of offence committed and availability of legal aid counsel are some of the factors underlying utilization of legal aid counsel. It was found that there is a significant relationship between the type of crime committed and by and the time ATIs have spent in the prison. To improve the utilization of legal aid council by ATIs in Agodi prison there is need for massive personnel recruitment of legal aid council, adequate logistics should be provided for the legal aid council, Police in conjunction with the DPP should be prompt in investigation.
Central Fatness among Secondary School Adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Oyom Comfort R. , Omobowale Mofeyisara O. , Orimadegun Adebola E. , Olumide Adesola O. , Amodu Olukemi K.
Published: August 2020

One of the most pressing health problems facing public health in the world today is the astronomically increasing over weight and obesity cases among children and adolescents and Nigeria is not an exception to this problem. The increase in weight and obesity in reality cannot be separated from socio-cultural issues, simply because it cuts across all gender and classes. This study therefore, examined the context (reality in line with existing medical, social and cultural values) of central fatness among secondary school adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria. The data for the study was collected through structured questionnaires and an assessment of anthropometric measurement. The study reveal increasing over weight and obesity cases among secondary students in, Ibadan, and social construction acceptance of obesity as a symbol of good living plays a major role in the prevalence. Hence, it is as a matter of urgency that there should be a strong awareness on the dangers associated with increasing accumulation of excess fat among secondary adolescents in Ibadan.
Special Considerations and Reporting among Crime Victims in Lagos: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ayodele Johnson O. , Aderinto Adeyinka A.
Published: August 2020

It is commonly assumed that victims’ reporting decision making is contingent upon some special normative and contextual considerations. This study examines the effects of these special considerations on crime reporting practices among victims in Lagos, Nigeria, using the qualitative method. The findings indicate that some special considerations anchored on cultural indices of stigmatization, stereotypes, taboos, tenderness of age, and gender are critical to victims’ decision-making choices for reporting in the study area. Consequently, it is suggested that government should use public enlightenment to make rational than normative thoughts steer reporting among victims for public safety in Lagos, Nigeria.
Causes and consequences of deformations of vascular tissues of Crimean pine understory
Authors: Saltykov A. N. , Repetskaya A. I.
Published: August 2020

A characteristic feature of the spatial structure of Crimean pine understory (Pinus pallasicma D. Don) coenopopulations is the uneven density of population fields, which has a fairly strong influence on the plants growth and development. As a rule, on the understory biogroup periphery there are individuals noticeably lagging in growth. With a significant density of plants and a high level of intraspecific competition in the biogroup center, the opposite effect is observed by the researchers. So far, there is no explanation for the mechanism of such differentiation of plants confined to different, sometimes diametrically opposite environmental conditions. Therefore we studied the anatomical and morphological structure of plants confined to diffuse competition zones, as well as non-closed canopy cultures of Crimean pine with low capacity for survival. The results of microscopic studies allowed us to discover deformed vascular tissues of the understory confined to the diffuse competition zones of existing cenopopulations. In each case, the level of vascular tissues deformation will depend on the features of cenopopulations mutual influence, the autoregulation of its structure in accordance with the capacity of the ecological niche.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Pharmacists: Does It Reduce Costs?
Authors: Cardoso Pedro , Santos C. , Rocha-Gonçalves Francisco
Published: August 2020

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) has as its main objective to ensure that the plasma drug concentration remains within the appropriate range. Regarding the economic dimension of TDM, it is known that there are gains in health outcomes; however, there is still little evidence for the benefit of this procedure performed by pharmacists within the hospital context. With this project, we aimed to create a matrix of cost avoidance associated with TDM performed by pharmacists and to quantify the total avoided costs in 1 year, by implementing a TDM process in a tertiary hospital. For the studied period, we collected 362 pharmaceutical interventions related to TDM of antibiotics performed in adults. As a result, considering these data, the total cost avoidance in 1 year was 371,018 ($416,584.58) at one medical center. We conclude that TDM is highly cost-avoidant and that the implementation costs by pharmaceutical services is clearly lower than the benefit achieved.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Supply Chain System: Sudan's National Medical Supplies Fund 2011–2014
Authors: Makkawi Ayat Mohammed Elhassan , Mousnad Mohamed Awad , Mohamed Gamal Khalafalla
Published: August 2020

Introduction

The objective of this study was to evaluate the economic impact of supply chain investment on the performance of the National Supply System of Essential Medicines in Sudan from 2011 to 2014.

Methods

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study designed from National Medical Supplies Fund documents. The cost-effectiveness analysis involved an economic evaluation of the performance of the supply chain system, with the cost calculated by using the activity-based costing method, by examining a supply chain according to its main components or functions including the cost of procurement, central storage, distribution and management, and administrative function. Effectiveness of supply chain investment was measured as an indicator of supply chain performance, which includes availability, coverage, affordability, and building capacity indicators. Statistical analysis was performed by using Microsoft Excel 2010, STATA (version 14) and the level of statistical significance was set at p < .05 for all analyses.

Results

The new system in 2014 (Model B), which reflects the performance of the system after the NMSF started investing more in the supply chain, will probably be more costly than the baseline system of 2011 (Model A) but will produce a much higher level of performance. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of moving from the baseline system of 2011 (Model A) to the new system in 2014 (Model B) were $286,826.02 per percentage of availability of medicines at the central warehouse; $310,728.18 per percentage of medicines procured that have a median price ratio of 1 or less than 1; $149,149.53 per percentage of public health institutions' coverage by National Medical Supplies Fund (NMSF) services; and $12,682.78 per number of NMSF staff trained. A paired t test showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the average cost-effectiveness ratios of the 2 models.

Conclusions

The investment in the supply chain had a significant impact on the performance of the National Supply System of Essential Medicines in Sudan. The new policies and interventions as embedded in the new 2014 model represent a more efficient and cost-effective approach, and a better performing system than the baseline model of 2011.
Neural Stem Cells to Glial Cells an Important Factor for Brain Injury
Authors: K R Kumar Prithiv
Published: August 2020

Stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into any type of cell or organ. Stems cell originate from any part of the body, including the brain. Brain cells or rather neural stem cells have the capacitive advantage of differentiating into the central nervous system leading to the formation of neurons and glial cells. Neural stem cells should have a source by editing DNA, or by mixings chemical enzymes of iPSCs. By this method, a limitless number of neuron stem cells can be obtained. Increase in supply of NSCs help in repairing glial cells which in-turn heal the central nervous system. Generally, brain injuries cause motor and sensory deficits leading to stroke. With all trials from novel therapeutic methods to enhanced rehabilitation time, the economy and quality of life is suppressed. Only PSCs have proven effective for grafting cells into NSCs. Neurons derived from stem cells is the only challenge that limits in-vitro usage in the near future.
ACE-2-Receptors of the Epidermis, Dermal Vascular Walls and Sebaceous Gland Cells: The Way of COVID-19 Entry into the Body?
Authors: Bittmann Stefan
Published: August 2020

Since the outbreak near a fish market in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, researchers have been searching for an effective therapy to control the spreading of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and inhibit COVID-19 infection. Many countries like Italy, Spain, and the USA were ambushed by this viral agent. To date, more than 2.5 million people were infected with SARS-CoV-2. There is no clear answer, why SARS-CoV-2 infects so many people so fast. To date of April 2020, no effective drug has been found to treat this new severe viral infection. There are many therapy options under review and clinical trials were initiated to get clearer information, what kind of drug can help in this devastating and serious situation. The world has no time.
Modelos de Estrutura de Capital VS Modelos Econométricos: evidências sobre as PME’S da Província do Huambo – Angola
Authors: Leonardo Tadeu Fecayamale
Published: August 2020

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo estudar os determinantes da estrutura de capital da PME da província do Huambo, avaliando a relevância e a validade dos principais atributos sugeridos pela literatura como determinantes da estrutura de capital e testar o poder explicativo de cada um dos índices de dívida das empresas. Para atingir este objetivo, foram analisadas empiricamente informações financeiras de 35 empresas sediadas na província do Huambo - Angola. As empresas foram classificadas em quatro setores, de acordo com a NACE Rev1, para o período entre 2012 e 2016. Com base na aplicação de um modelo de regressão linear múltipla de efeito aleatório, nossos resultados indicam que, para as empresas do Huambo, prevalecem os seguintes: (i) crescimento da empresa não influencia a dívida; (ii) em relação ao tamanho da empresa, em geral, quanto maior a empresa, maior será a dívida da empresa; (iii) a estrutura de ativos influencia positivamente os níveis de endividamento, sua baixa significância; (iv) em termos de receita, concluiu-se que não determina dívida firme, uma vez que prefere o autofinanciamento; (v) como variabilidade do lucro, contrariamente ao esperado, determina a dívida de médio e longo prazo e total; (vi) em relação ao setor de negócios, observou-se que ele tem uma influência significativa no nível médio de endividamento das empresas do Huambo.
Axiological Ideas of Moral and Spiritual
development in V. V. Zenkovsky’s
PHILOSOPHICAL and Pedagogical Heritage
Authors: Лебедева О.С.
Published: August 2020

В статье представлены аксиологические идеи духовно-нравственного воспитания личности в философско-педагогическом наследии В. В. Зеньковского. Созданная ученым христианская антропология, в основе которой лежит иерархически-гармоничное развитие и совершенствование чело­веческой личности, способствовала решению важной педагогической проблемы — духовно-нравственного воспитания человека на основе христи­анских, общечеловеческих и культурных ценностей. С этих позиций представлен анализ аксиологического ядра личности, состоящего из таких категорий, как истина, добро, красота и святыня, их соотношение с различными формами духовно-эмпирической конституции человека.

The article presents axiological ideas of moral and spiritual development of a person in V. V. Zenkovsky’s philosophical and pedagogical heritage. Christian anthropology created by the scholar and based on a hierarchical harmony and improvement promoted the solution of an important pedagogical issue, namely moral and spiritual development of a person on the basis of Christian, universal human and cultural values. The article analyzes the axiological core of
a personality which encompasses such categories as truth, kindness, and sanctity; it also analyzes their relation to various facets of human spirituality.
Fates of Ryazan Citizens Participating in the Spanish Civil War
Authors: Каримов О.В. , Пумпянская О.В.
Published: August 2020

Последние несколько лет богаты для нашей страны различными юбилейными датами,
в первую очередь связанными с военной историей Отечества, в частности с оказанием военной
и экономической помощи республиканцам в годы Гражданской войны в Испании (1936–1939), началом и окончанием Великой Отечественной войны (1941–1945).
Цель настоящей статьи — установление личностей и судеб уроженцев Рязанской губернии (в территориальных границах до Октябрьской революции), принимавших участие в обеих войнах. За 2,5 года пребывания в Испании советские военнослужащие и гражданские специалисты способствовали тому, что у республиканцев в кратчайшие сроки появились авиация, полевая
и зенитная артиллерия, танковые части, службы их обеспечения.
В Испании в качестве общевойсковых советников, зенитчиков, танкистов, летчиков, моряков, работников оборонных предприятий, переводчиков, врачей находились 46 уроженцев земли Рязанской. Почти все они были награждены орденами и медалями за мужество и героизм в этой первой схватке с фашизмом, а затем в Великой Отечественной войне. Судьбы добровольцев сложились по-разному, некоторые из них не вернулись с фронта, разным был и вклад их в общую победу, однако каждый из них защищал от фашизма и свое Отечество, и другие страны.
Предлагаемое исследование может быть использовано для патриотического воспитания граждан Российской Федерации как в уважении к Отечеству и его защитникам в целом, так
и в воспитании гордости за свою малую Родину — Рязанскую землю.

Recent years have seen many important dates closely associated with Russian military history, such as military and economic assistance to Spanish republicans during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) and the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945).
The aim of the article is to investigate the fates of Ryazan citizens (we take into consideration the territory of the Ryazan province as it was before the Great October Revolution) who took part in both wars. With the help of Soviet militaries and civilians, who spent 2.5 years in Spain, Spanish republicans managed to acquire aviation, field and anti-aircraft artillery, tank divisions, maintenance teams.
46 Ryazan-born citizens worked in Spain as military advisors, antiaircraft gunners, tankmen, pilots, seamen, employees of defense enterprises, translators and interpreters, doctors. Almost all of them were awarded orders and medals for gallantry and bravery in battle against fascism during the Spanish Civil War and later during the Great Patriotic War. The volunteers had different fates. Some of them never returned from the war, they contributed differently to the victory over fascism, yet every one of them defended their motherland and the world against the fascist threat.
The present research can be used for patriotic education of citizens of the Russian Federation.
It can help teach people to respect their motherland and its defenders and to feel proud of their home region of Ryazan.