bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixed Hegselmann-Krause dynamics
Authors: Li Hsin-Lun
Published: March 2021

The original Hegselmann-Krause (HK) model consists of a set of \begin{document}$ n $\end{document} agents that are characterized by their opinion, a number in \begin{document}$ [0, 1] $\end{document}. Each agent, say agent \begin{document}$ i $\end{document}, updates its opinion \begin{document}$ x_i $\end{document} by taking the average opinion of all its neighbors, the agents whose opinion differs from \begin{document}$ x_i $\end{document} by at most \begin{document}$ \epsilon $\end{document}. There are two types of HK models: the synchronous HK model and the asynchronous HK model. For the synchronous model, all the agents update their opinion simultaneously at each time step, whereas for the asynchronous HK model, only one agent chosen uniformly at random updates its opinion at each time step. This paper is concerned with a variant of the HK opinion dynamics, called the mixed HK model, where each agent can choose its degree of stubbornness and mix its opinion with the average opinion of its neighbors at each update. The degree of the stubbornness of agents can be different and/or vary over time. An agent is not stubborn or absolutely open-minded if its new opinion at each update is the average opinion of its neighbors, and absolutely stubborn if its opinion does not change at the time of the update. The particular case where, at each time step, all the agents are absolutely open-minded is the synchronous HK model. In contrast, the asynchronous model corresponds to the particular case where, at each time step, all the agents are absolutely stubborn except for one agent chosen uniformly at random who is absolutely open-minded. We first show that some of the common properties of the synchronous HK model, such as finite-time convergence, do not hold for the mixed model. We then investigate conditions under which the asymptotic stability holds, or a consensus can be achieved for the mixed model.
Un transfert de sol incertain
Authors: Brunet Lucas
Published: March 2021

L’essor des politiques de compensation écologique présuppose que la science de la restauration écologique puisse compenser les destructions d’un espace naturel en en restaurant un autre. Cependant, lors des opérations de restauration écologique, les écologues sont souvent surpris par les résultats imprévus qu’ils obtiennent. À partir de l’étude de projets conduits dans la plaine de Crau, dernière steppe d’Europe occidentale, cet article analyse les conditions d’émergence et les conséquences de la surprise dans la restauration du sol. Il décrit le rôle que la surprise joue au sein de pratiques variées (transfert de sol, étrépage, tassement) pour souligner son importance dans l’articulation de la science écologique avec les politiques de conservation de la nature. Les surprises traduisent une incertitude au sujet des connaissances utiles à la conservation de la nature qui n’est pas compatible avec le besoin de contrôle et de prédictibilité de ces politiques.
Le dessous des cartes
Authors: King Juliette Kon Kam
Published: March 2021

Alors que les sols font progressivement l’objet d’une mise à l’agenda des politiques environnementales, les sciences du sol sont amenées à se renouveler. La cartographie des sols connaît une transformation importante avec l’émergence de la cartographie numérique, permise par l’essor des systèmes d’information, de la modélisation et de la télédétection. Cet article retrace l’histoire de l’organisme national français de cartographie des sols depuis les années 60 pour analyser les transformations professionnelles et épistémiques associées à cette évolution. Il rend compte de l’émergence de la pédologie en lien avec la cartographie des sols, des changements que le domaine connaît avec l’introduction des technologies de l’information et des tensions que cela suscite entre les cartographes « conventionnels » issus de la pédologie et les cartographes « numériques » tournés vers la modélisation. La transformation des cartes des sols favorise une diversification des communautés engagées dans leur production et leur utilisation mais implique aussi, paradoxalement, une réduction de la diversité des façons de connaître et de se lier aux sols.
Structural Coupling and Whirl-Flutter Stability with Pilot-in-the-Loop
Authors: Muscarello Vincenzo , Quaranta Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates structural coupling problems for tiltrotors, considering not only the interaction of the flight control system with the flexible structure but also the potentially adverse effects on the aeroservoelastic stability that may be caused by the pilot's involuntary,
high-frequency, biodynamic response. The investigation is focused on the analysis of the side effects that could appear at high speed in the airplane flight regime, where the whirl flutter boundaries may be significantly reduced. A detailed tiltrotor model, representative of the Bell XV-15
and of a flight control system has been built and joined with a pilot biodynamic model acting on the power-lever and on the center stick, available in the literature. Additionally, a modified version of the XV-15 using differential collective pitch for yaw control in airplane mode instead
of rudder has been investigated to show the effect of different yaw control designs. The stability analyses presented demonstrate that the structural coupling analysis and the flutter boundaries for tiltrotors must be evaluated not only considering the closed loop created by the flight control
system but also the effect of involuntary pilot response. Sensitivity analyses examine the most critical parameters impacting tiltrotor aeroservoelastic stability. Finally, the employment of notch filters as a means of prevention is discussed.
A qualitative geographical information system interpretation of mobility and COVID-19 pandemic intersection in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Tiwari Alok , Aljoufie Mohammed
Published: March 2021

Mobility of individuals and their physical social networks are the root causes for the spread of current coronavirus pandemic. We propose here a method of visualizing the spatial and chronological aspects of the spread of this virus based on geographical information systems (GIS) and Gephi graphs. For this approach we used qualitative data from newspaper reports and prepared layouts varying from macro to micro scales that show that this approach can enrich traditional GIS approaches, thereby assisting mobility planners and policymakers.
Spatial pattern of dengue cases: An analysis in Bangi District, Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Abd Majid Nuriah , Rainis Ruslan , Sahani Mazrura , Mohamed Ahmad Fariz , Abdul Ghani Aziz Sarah Aziz , Muhamad Nazi Nurafiqah
Published: March 2021

In recent decades, dengue outbreaks have become increasingly common around the developing countries, including Malaysia. Thus, it is essential for rural as well as urbanised livelihood to understand the distribution pattern of this infection. The objective of this study is to determine the trend of dengue cases reported from the year 2014 to 2018 and the spatial pattern for this spread. Spatial statistical analyses conducted found that the distribution pattern and spatial mean centre for dengue cases were clustered in the eastern part of the Bangi region. Directional distribution observed that the elongated polygon of dengue cluster stretched from the Northeast to the Southwest of Bangi District. The standard distance observed for dengue cases was smallest in the year 2014 (0.017 m), and largest in 2016 (0.019 m), whereas in the year 2015, 2017 and 2018, it measured 0.018 m. The average nearest neighbour analysis also displayed clustered patterns for dengue cases in the Bangi District. The three spatial statistical analyses (spatial mean centre, standard distance and directional distribution) findings illustrate that the dengue cases from the year 2014 to 2018 are clustered in the Northeast to the Southwest of the study region.
Isolation, biotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter isolates from raw milk in Erbil city, Iraq
Authors: Almashhadany Dhary Alewy
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial sensitivity of Campylobacter species in raw milk sold at retail vending in Erbil city. Three hundred and fifty (350) samples were aseptically collected from retail raw milk shops between January and June 2019. For isolation of Campylobacter spp., samples were cultured on selective media and tested for biotype and antimicrobials susceptibility by disk diffusion assay. The overall prevalence of Campylobacter spp. was 12.6%. Campylobacter jejuni was significantly prevalent (65.9%) among other Campylobacter species. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed complete sensitivity to tetracycline, rifampicin, and neomycin. On the other hand, total resistance to ampicillin and trimethoprim was observed. Strikingly, as low as 56.8% and 72.7% of isolates are still sensitive to the drugs of choice in campylobacteriosis treatment; ciprofloxacin and erythromycin respectively. This resistance pattern of Campylobacter found in this study is critically alarming owing to the insusceptibility to the aforementioned antibiotics commonly used as the drugs of choice for campylobacteriosis treatment. Increase in Campylobacter prevalence in raw milk was associated with warm season. These levels prevalence and resistance worth further investigations and effective countermeasures owing to potential public health hazards.
Extraction and identification of microplastics from mussels: Method development and preliminary results
Authors: Mercogliano Raffaelina , Santonicola Serena , Raimo Gennaro , Gasperi Maurizio , Colavita Giampaolo
Published: March 2021

Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging threat to marine ecosystems. One of the primary environmental risks is their bioavailability for aquatic organisms. Some fish and bivalves are of particular interest because their feeding strategies expose them to particles present in the water column. The aim of the study was to assess an extraction method in order to isolate and quantify MPs from fish gastrointestinal tract (n.8) and muscle (n.4), and bivalves (n.8) samples. The accuracy of the method was assessed through the calculation of the recovery percentage in samples spiked with a known number of MPs using microscopic observation. Successively, the extraction was preliminarily applied on n.20 mussels collected from mariculture plants of the Tyrrhenian and the Adriatic Sea. The results of the digestion protocol showed an average extraction yield of 80% in fish gastrointestinal tracts, 90% in fish muscle samples, and 95% in mussels. Preliminary analysis carried out on farmed mussels showed an average abundance of 3.8 items/individual, and 0.5 items/g of tissue, among those black, was the most represented color.
Antitumoral activity of curcumin: an adjuvant therapeutic strategy
Authors: Tomasello Giovanni , Giammanco Marco , Mazzola Margherita , Damiani Provvidenza , Ra’ William , Giammanco Paola , Rappa Francesca , Pitruzzella Alessandro , Saguto Dario , Di Trapani Benedetto , Taverna Giovanni , Carini Mike , Ciulla Antonio , Carini Francesco
Published: March 2021

Curcumin, an active substance contained in an Indian spice called turmeric or curcuma, is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In recent times, it was taken into account and studied as an antitumoral molecule, by relying on its interference on several biological mechanisms, such as the inhibition of inflammatory mediators, the enhancement of detoxifying enzymes’ action and processes of cell growth and proliferation. Studies show how the high dosage of curcumin in vitro inhibits colorectal tumor cells, pancreatic tumor cells, lung cancer cells and glioblastoma’s cells, interfering in signaling pathways as Wnt/β-catenin, NF-kB and PI3K/Akt and leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, the association between curcumin and chemotherapeutic agents such as 5-fluorouracil strengthens the drug’s cytotoxicity and cells’ susceptibility towards the chemotherapeutic agent.
Metabolic effects of 3,5-Diiodo-L-Thyronine
Authors: Giammanco Marco , Giammanco Manfredi Marco , Leto Gaetano , Marini Herbert R.
Published: March 2021

Thyroid hormones have been proposed as anti obesity drugs due to their effects on basal metabolism and the ability to increase energy expenditure. However, their clinical use has been strongly curbed by the concomitant onset of thyrotoxicosis. In this setting, several studies have been undertaken to assess the role of 3,5 diiodo- L-thyronine (T2), an endogenous metabolite of thyroid hormone derived from the enzymatic deiodination of triodothyronine T3. The metabolic effects of T2 are similar to those induced by T3. However, these effects appear to involve different and not welldefined mechanisms that make this molecule clinically useful as potential drug in the treatment of pathological conditions such as obesity and hepatic steatosis. The main pharmacological target of T2 appears to be the mitochondria. Therefore, the administration of T2 to obese subjects might improve the mitochondrial performance, which is generally recognized to be reduced in these subjects who must oxidize greater quantities of substrates. In this context, it can be hypothesized that T2, by acting mainly on mitochondrial function and oxidative stress, might be able to prevent and revert the tissue damages and hepatic steatosis induced by a hyperlipidic diet and a concomitant reduction in the circulating levels LDL and triglycerides as well. This review the discuss the mechanisms of action of T2 and the possible, future clinical uses of T2 analogs for the treatment lipid dysmetabolism related to obesity and overweight.
Fluvoxamine-induced galactorrhea
Authors: Kotadia Hiral , Rawat Kavya , Reddy Srikanth
Published: March 2021

Galactorrhea is a very distressing symptom, especially for unmarried females, and medication-induced galactorrhea is a common etiological factor. Among psychotropics, antipsychotic-induced galactorrhea is commonly reported. However, there is dearth of literature regarding antidepressant-induced galactorrhea. There have been few case reports of galactorrhea induced by the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as escitalopram and sertraline. Fluvoxamine is one of the routine first-line medications prescribed for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). However, reports about fluvoxamine-induced galactorrhea have been scant. We report two cases of OCD who developed galactorrhea on treatment with fluvoxamine. One patient had hyperprolactinemia while other had euprolactinemic galactorrhea. In both cases, galactorrhea reversed on stopping of fluvoxamine. The complex interaction of serotonin and dopamine in the pathophysiology of hyperprolactinemia is discussed.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Detect Right Atrial Thrombus in Right Ventricular Endomyocardial Fibrosis
Authors: Joseph Stigi , Varghese Anwar C. , Narayanan Sajan , Rajesh G.
Published: March 2021

Tropical endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is endemic in southern districts of Kerala state in India, and sporadic cases are reported from other parts of Kerala. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is the initial imaging tool and is diagnostic for this condition. The inherent limitation of TTE is its limited sensitivity in the detection of intracardiac thrombus. Transthoracic echocardiography, contrast-enhanced cardiac computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) are the imaging modalities for the detection of intracardiac thrombus. This report describes a 46-year-old male with right ventricular EMF (RVEMF) who presented with right heart failure. The TTE diagnosed RVEMF but failed to demonstrate the right atrial thrombus which was clearly seen on CMR. The merits of different imaging modalities for the detection of intracardiac thrombus are discussed.
Circumferential esophageal perforation resulting in tension hydropneumothorax in a patient with septic shock
Authors: Saffo Saad , Farrell James , Nagar Anil
Published: March 2021

Esophageal perforations occur traumatically or spontaneously and are typically associated with high mortality rates. Early recognition and prompt management are essential. We present the case of a 76-year-old man who was admitted to the medical intensive care unit with fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis, shock, and multi-organ failure. After an initial period of improvement, his condition rapidly deteriorated despite aggressive medical management, and he required mechanical ventilation. Radiography after endotracheal intubation showed interval development of pneumomediastinum and bilateral hydropneumothorax with tension physiology. Chest tube placement resulted in the drainage of multiple liters of dark fluid, and pleural fluid analysis was notable for polymicrobial empyemas. Despite the unusual presentation, esophageal perforation was suspected. Endoscopy ultimately confirmed circumferential separation of the distal esophagus from the stomach, and bedside endoscopic stenting was performed with transient improvement. Two weeks after admission, he developed mediastinitis complicated by recurrent respiratory failure and passed away. This report further characterizes our patient’s unique presentation and briefly highlights the clinical manifestations, management options, and outcomes of esophageal perforations.
Effects of Cola anomala (K. Schum.) water/ethanol pods extract on the inflammation and intestinal secretion in lipopolysaccharide-induced diarrhea
Authors: Wambe Henri , Noubissi Paul Aimé , Nguelefack-Mbuyo Pami Elvine , Mbankou Ngassam Sorelle , Manialeu Pouadjeu Judith , Goumtsa Ariane Falone , Wamba Koho Cédric , Sadie Foguieng Roger Hermann , Kamgang René , Nguelefack Télesphore Benoit
Published: March 2021

Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death among children in low and low-middle income countries and the management of this pathology is still a problem in these regions. The water/ethanol extract of the pods of Cola anomala (KEO) has been shown to possess antimicrobial and antidiarrheal effects in Shigella flexneri-induced diarrhea, but whether KEO is active on the toxemic part of this diarrhea is unknown. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of KEO on the intestinal secretion and inflammation induced by intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). KEO obtained by maceration in water/ethanol (1:1) was administered orally (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg of body weight) against LPS-induced diarrhea in mice. The mass of feces, the intestinal nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin (PGE2) contents as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were assessed. KEO was also tested on LPS-induced enteropooling in rats. In this experiment, the intestinal fluid and its electrolytes (Na+, K+ and Cl-) contents were determined as well as NO, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the small intestine homogenate. Indomethacin (5 mg/kg) was used as reference drug. KEO significantly (p < 0.001) reduced stools excretion, NO content and MPO activity in intestine but did not affect PGE2 in LPS-induced diarrhea. On the enteropooling model, KEO showed no effect on the intestinal fluid and electrolyte excretion, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-1β contents, but significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the NO production. This study suggests that KEO does not have antisecretory effect, but has anti inflammatory activities. It can be concluded that the anti-toxemic effect of KEO contributes less to its antidiarrheal activity in infectious diarrhea.
Phytochemical and proximate analysis of ipomoea cairica tuber
Authors: John Godson N. , Onwugbuta Godpower C. , Chima Daniel
Published: March 2021

The analyses for nutrients of Ipomoea cairica tuber were carried out and the phytochemical and proximate parameters were determined. The phytochemical analyses looked into the alkaloid, flavonoid, cyanogenic glycoside, tannin, phytate and saponin contents of Ipomoea cairica tuber while the proximate composition determination was aimed at the protein, carbohydrate, moisture, lipid, ash and fibre contents. The methods applied for these analytical determinations were mainly those of the Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC, 2005). Each type of analysis (whether proximate or phytochemical) were carried out in triplicate and the mean values determined. The phytochemical analyses showed that Ipomoea cairica tuber had; flavonoid (1.52±0.03 %), Alkaloid (2.10±0.28 %), Tannin (0.05 %), Saponin (1.24±0.04 %), Cyanogenic glycoside (0.05 %), and phytate (0.02 %). The proximate analysis showed that Ipomoea cairica tuber had; Carbohydrate (11.7±0.1 %), protein (4.2±0.2 %), ash (0.6±0.1 %), lipid (0.51±0.07 %), moisture (72.7±0.2 %), and fibre (10.3±0.6 %). These results show that Ipomoea cairica tuber can be used as a substitute for other mostly consumed carbohydrate foods like yam and cocoyam.
Assessment of patients waiting and service times in the ophthalmology clinic of a public tertiary hospital in Nigeria
Authors: B. Olokoba Lateefat , A. Durowade Kabir , G. Adepoju Feyi , B. Olokoba Abdulfatai
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Long waiting time in the out-patient clinic is a major cause of dissatisfaction in Eye care services. This study aimed to assess patients’ waiting and service times in the out-patient Ophthalmology clinic of UITH.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in March and April 2019. A multi-staged sampling technique was used. A timing chart was used to record the time in and out of each service station. An experience based exit survey form was used to assess patients’ experience at the clinic. The frequency and mean of variables were generated. Student t-test and Pearson’s correlation were used to establish the association and relationship between the total clinic, service, waiting, and clinic arrival times. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethical Review Board of the UITH.

Result: Two hundred and twenty-six patients were sampled. The mean total waiting time was 180.3± 84.3 minutes, while the mean total service time was 63.3±52.0 minutes. Patient’s average total clinic time was 243.7±93.6 minutes. Patients’ total clinic time was determined by the patients’ clinic status and clinic arrival time. Majority of the patients (46.5%) described the time spent in the clinic as long but more than half (53.0%) expressed satisfaction at the total time spent at the clinic.

Conclusion: Patients’ clinic and waiting times were long, however, patients expressed satisfaction with the clinic times.
Prevalence of positive mental health and functioning among adults with sickle cell disease in Ghana
Authors: Appiah Richard , O. Tutu Bempah , E. Oman Mavis , Ndaa Peter
Published: March 2021

Objectives: With increasing survival rates of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) reaching adulthood, there has been a growing interest in the quality of life and mental health functioning of affected individuals. Positive mental health is recognised as a significant dimension of human health that plays an important role in advancing well-being. This study explored the prevalence of positive mental health and functioning among a sample of Ghanaian adults with SCD.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was implemented for data-gathering. A random sample of 62 adult SCD patients (21 to 56 years; mean age of 29 years) receiving treatment at the Sickle Cell Clinic of the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital completed the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form (MHC-SF). Descriptive statistics and reliability indices were estimated for the MHC-SF. We implemented Keyes’s criteria for the assessment and categorisation of levels of mental health to determine the prevalence of positive mental health and functioning.

Results: We found a high level of positive mental health (66% flourishing; 26% moderately mentally healthy; 8% languishing) and functioning, with no significant difference between the genders. A total of 34% of the participants were functioning at suboptimal levels and were at risk of psychopathology.

Conclusion: This study gives the first overview of the prevalence of positive mental health and functioning in a clinical population in Ghana. Although the majority of participants were flourishing, contextually appropriate positive psychological interventions are needed to promote the mental health of SCD patients who are functioning at suboptimal levels, which would, inherently, also buffer against psychopathology.
Chest radiography patterns of COVID-19 pneumonia in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Badu-Peprah Augustina , Anyitey-Kokor Ijeoma , Ackon Allswell , K. Otoo Obed , A. K. Asamoah Nana , K. Adu-Bredu Theophilus
Published: March 2021

Objectives: To document the pattern of chest radiographic findings in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with moderate to severe disease.

Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting: The study site was Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) located at Bantama in Kumasi, the capital town of the Ashanti Region. It is the second largest hospital in the country and the major referral site for Ashanti region and the northern part of the country. The hospital hosts a highly infectious isolation unit (HIIU) for COVID19 patients with moderate to severe infections and receives referred cases from the region and within the hospital.

Participants: The study involved 27 patients admitted to the HIIU at KATH with COVID-19 infection who underwent chest X-ray as part of their investigations.

Results: The study enrolled 12 males and 15 females. The common comorbidities were hypertension and diabetes. Chest x-ray findings in most of the patients (81.5%) revealed ground-glass opacities while a few of them (18.5%) had lung consolidations without ground-glass opacities. For those with ground-glass opacities, eight (29.6%) had superimposed consolidation. All the participants had positive chest x-ray findings.

Conclusion: The chest x-ray findings in the 27 COVID-19 positive patients with moderate to severe disease on admission at the KATH HIIU enrolled in this study showed significant pulmonary abnormalities. The predominant pulmonary abnormalities were bilateral peripheral ground-glass opacities with the lower lung zones being mostly affected.
Detailed quantitative sequence stratigraphic interpretation for the characterization of Amangi field using seismic data and well logs
Authors: Inichinbia S. , Hamza Halidu
Published: March 2021

The sequence stratigraphy of Amangi field of the Niger Delta was studied using seismic data and well logs. The field is a structurally  complex one and presents serious challenges to hydrocarbon exploration and production. The main objective of these analyses is to  identify sand intervals using the available data. Well log data were used as additional tools to constrain the seismic correlations in order to solve the correlation problem. The well logs were evaluated for the field’s petrophysical properties by combining the gamma ray and resistivity logs to determine reservoir zones with considerable hydrocarbon saturation. Also, the relationship between some basic rock properties/attributes and litho-types were determined for the study area. Next, well-to-seismic ties were produced and two horizons were picked. Acoustic impedance inversion was also performed which revealed “hard sands” due to mixed lithologies (heterolithics). This made it difficult to discriminate the sands from shales in the P-impedance domain alone. So, progress was made to determine the net-to-gross of the field. The analysis revealed that these reservoirs have shaly sand with shale content of 10%, porosity averaging 21%, and hydrocarbon saturation of 90%. The result established a vertical stack of a series of reservoirs in an anticlinal structure of which the H1000 and H4000 stand out for their huge volumes of rich gas condensate accumulation. This discovery provoked the drive for the first phase of development of this field.

Keywords: stratigraphy, facies, net-to-gross, horizon, lithology, well-to-seismic tie, impedance
A methodology for e-banking risk assessment using fuzzy logic and Bayesian network
Authors: Erhovwo Ako Rita , Ejaita Okpako Abugor , Oghorodi Duke
Published: March 2021

Risk assessment methodology in general has been around for quite a while, its prominence in the E-banking field is a fairly recent phenomenon. We are at the point where risk assessments are critical to the overall function of banks. Banks are required to assess the processes underlying their operations against potential threats, vulnerabilities, and their potential impact, which helps in revealing the risk exposure level, and the residual risks. Identifying clearly a risk assessment methodology is often the first step of assessing and evaluating risk associated with an organization operation. This paper presents a risk assessment methodology for Ebanking Operational Risk. The proposed risk assessment methodology consists of four major steps: a risk model, assessment approach, analysis approach and a risk assessment process. The main tool of the proposed risk assessment methodology is the risk assessment process. The assessment process gives detailed explanation with respect to which models or techniques may be applied and how they are expressed. In this paper the risk assessment technique is built upon fuzzy logic (FL) concept and Bayesian network (BN). In fuzzy logic, an element is included with a degree of membership. Bayesian network is an inference classifier that is capable of representing conditional independencies. The Bayesian and fuzzy logic–based risk assessment process gives good predictions for risk learning and inference in the E-banking systems.

Keywords: Fuzzy logic, Bayesian network, risk assessment methodology, operational risk, Ebanking
COVID-19 and Changing Tourism Demand: Research Review and Policy Implications for South Africa
Authors: Rogerson Christian , Rogerson Jayne
Published: March 2021

The tourism sector in South Africa has experienced the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and in response national government is charting initiatives for a recovery plan. In common with other countries the promotion of domestic tourism is a core focus. Arguably, the magnitude of the pandemic will reshape existing patterns of tourism demand and supply which need to be understood and researched for designing appropriate policy interventions. Against the backcloth of the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for recovery strategies, and the increasing focus on domestic tourism, the aim in this article is to interrogate COVID-19 impacts on the demand-side of tourism looking at changes in consumer demand and of intentions to travel. A desk top review is conducted of research produced by national governments, international organisations and of academic surveys completed in over 20 countries. The research findings are discussed in four themes, namely, (1) risk perceptions and the new tourism psyche; (2) travel intentions and changing mobilities; (3) travel intentions and changing patterns of demand; and, (4) the contactless economy and ‘untact’ tourism. The paper concludes with eight sets of policy recommendations for South Africa.
MENGGALI POTENSI MAHASISWA DALAM MENINGKATKAN SEMANGAT KEWIRAUSAHAAN DI DAERAH PERBATASAN
Authors: Usman Yohanes , Hapsari Veneranda Rini
Published: March 2021

Pendidikan merupakan hal yang paling penting terutama bagi generasi sekarang ini, posisi pendidikan merupakan hal yang utama yang harus dimiliki  dalam pembangunan bangasa Indonesia karena tujuanya adalah untuk meningkatkan kualitas sumber daya manusia. Dengan adanya pendidikan akan menjadi modal utama dalam pembangunan nasional. Apabila semakin banyaknya sumber daya manusia yang memiliki pendidikan, akan menjadi modal dasar dalam pembangunan bangsa dan negara. Hal ini merupakan salah satu upaya untuk menumbuh kembangkan untuk meningkatkan daya saing bangsa Indonesia untuk menghadapi era globalisasi khususnya era revolusi industri 4.0. Dengan menumbuhkan ilmu pengetahuan yakni dengan menyiapkan kewirausahaan dan keterampilan, sebab kewiraushawaan mampu meningkatkan pola pikir dan kreatifitas yang akan meningkatkan inovasi. Pengetahuan wirausaha merupakan salah satu aspek penting dalam berwirausaha. Apabila  ilmu penegetahuan sudah memadai maka dengan sendirinya  seseorang akan menegelola usahanya dengan baik.
ANALISIS LABA KOTOR PADA PT UNILEVER INDONESIA, Tbk
Authors: Yuli Yuliana
Published: March 2021

Abstrak

Laporan keuangan adalah catatan informasi keuangan perusahaan dalam periode akuntansi yang dapat digunakan untuk menggambarkan kinerja perusahaan.Objek penelitian ini adalah PT Unilever Indonesia, Tbk dengan menganalisis laporan keuangan periode 2016-2018. Variabel dalam penelitian ini adalah laba kotor. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui tingkat laba kotor dan faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi laba kotor pada PT Unilever Indonesia, Tbk pada periode 2016-2018. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa laba kotor pada PT Unilever Indonesia, Tbk pada tahun 2016 adalah sebesar Rp 20.459.096 atau 40%, pada tahun 2017 yaitu sebesar Rp 21.219.736 atau 51,5% dan pada tahun 2018 yaitu Rp 21.092.273 atau 50.5 %. Pada tahun 2017 dengan 2018 terjadi penurunan penjualan sebesar (Rp 127.463), hal ini disebabkan oleh kenaikan harga pokok penjualan karena meningkatnya biaya operasi perusahaan atau departemen produksi yang tidak bekerja secara efisien dalam meminimalkan biaya operasi produksi.Kesimpulan dalam penelitian ini bahwa faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi laba kotor PT Unilever Indonesia, Tbk adalah perubahan harga jual, perubahan kuantitas harga produk yang dijual, perubahan harga pokok penjualan per satuan produk dan perubahan kuantitas harga pokok penjualan.

 

Kata kunci: Laba Kotor, Penjualan, Harga Pokok Penjualan, Biaya Operasional
FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PENGELOLAAN KEUANGAN KELUARGA DI DESA UNTANG KALIMANTAN BARAT
Authors: Shanti Shanti Veronica br Siahaan , Tjondro Sugianto Helena Anggraeni
Published: March 2021

Research on the factors that influence family financial management in Untang village, Banyuke Hulu sub-district, Landak Regency, West Kalimantan using qualitative phenomenological research methods. The research data was taken using semi-structured interview techniques and observations. This study involved three housewives’ participants who had been married for more than ten years, have more than two children and lived in the village. The results of this study found that the factors that influence financial management are the appreciation of the Dayak traditions, openness to the advancement of children's education and the limited ability to manage business capital owned today.
UNDERGROUND ECONOMY DALAM SEBUAH PERSPEKTIF
Authors: Kristianto Aloysius  Hari , Dedy  , Fentura Bona
Published: March 2021

This article aims to describe the activities of underground economic actors. This article is a literature review of several empirical studies in Indonesia and the world in examining or resolving the impact of the existence of these economic activities. There are several terms used in each country from the underground economy, such as black economy, shadow economy and unofficial economy. Every country, both developed and developing countries, have experienced underground economic activity that continues to increase so that biased measurement often occurs, which is caused by indicators of underground economy that cannot be measured clearly and this economic activity can harm state revenues. The driving force of the underground economy is an increase in the tax burden (directly or indirectly), combined with labor market regulations and the quality of public goods and services, as well as properly measured economic conditions. The need for systematic oversight to reduce the number of corruption by providing convenience to the community through the E-Government program as a direction for the creation of Good Governance..
STRATEGI DIFERENSIASI PRODUK LINE UNTUK MENARIK MINAT KONSUMEN
Authors: Lenti Marsela , Beni Sabinus , Sadewo Yosua Damas , Usman
Published: March 2021

Perkembangan perekonomian di Indonesia yang cukup pesat saat ini menuntut setiap pelaku usaha untuk mampu bersaing terhadap kompetitor, ditambah lagi dengan banyaknya variasi barang yang menyebabkan persaingan semakin ketat. Tujuan penelitian ini ialah untuk mengetahui bagaimana strategi diferensiasi produk LINE dalam menarik minat konsumen. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian lapangan (field research). Berdasarkan hasil kuesinoner ditemukan bahwa rempeyek LINE menggunakan strategi diferensiasi dalam menarik minat konsumen. Strategi diferensiasi yang digunakan yaitu: keistimewaan (rasa), kualitas kesesuaian (harga), daya tahan (kualitas), dan rancangan/desain (kemasan). Sehingga dari strategi diferensiasi yang digunakan oleh rempeyek LINE dapat manarik minat konsumen dalam membeli produk. Selain itu minat beli dapat diindetifikasi melalui minat transaksional yaitu kecenderungan seseorang untuk membeli produk dan minat referensial yaitu kecenderungan seseorang mereferensikan produk kepada orang lain. Berdasarkan Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa strategi diferensiasi yang digunakan oleh rempeyek LINE dapat menarik minat beli konsumen karena adanya keistimewaan (rasa), kualitas kesesuaian (harga), daya tahan (kualitas), dan rancangan/desain (kemasan).
Brazil and the old faces of the right
Authors: Pizzi M. , Rodríguez Ossés M.
Published: March 2021

Jair Bolsonaro’s leadership in Brazil fits into the general modern trend towards a more conservative outlook in various parts of the world. This article attempts to explore the reasons for this shift and to discover the keys to understanding it. The article focuses on the dynamics of political processes in Brazil leading up to Jair Bolsonaro’s rise to power and unfolding in the country today. The central question to which the authors seek answer is: what actors and trends are behind this “turn to the right”? Political attitudes are largely driven by discourses of national identity and self-determination, which are reflected in the very nature of any human. The authors identify the anchoring categories of such identities (faith, labor, family) and trace, in historical perspective, the development of political actors and social groups that shape this breakdown into identity groups and predetermine the political dialogue in the state. The article notes the significant influence of the religious component, with it being reflected even in the presence of Evangelicals among top officials. The armed forces continue to provide political support and maintain their stability as guarantors of order. The decentralization of information through social media has intensified the public outreach, with a more heated debate or even a certain polarization of public opinion, although not necessarily having any effect on domestic or foreign policy decisions. The socio-economic axes on which national decisions are aligned are associated with a feeling of renewal, but in fact many factors point to a lasting conservative orientation.
Portugal on the eve of presidential elections
Authors: Yakovleva N. M.
Published: March 2021

In 2015, Portugal entered a new political cycle with the main actors being the left-wing parties under the auspices of the Socialist Party and its leader Antonio Costa who took over as prime minister. The author analyzes the results of the socialist government activities carried out with the parliamentary support of the left. The author also studies the electoral process of 2017-2019, the dynamics of strengthening the position of the Socialist Party, and significance of the results of elections to national authorities. The trajectory of the country’s membership in the European Union, the history of the results of the European Parliament elections, including the 2019 elections, and the positions of the main political parties are analyzed. In connection with force majeure circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation in the healthcare system was also studied and a program of the authorities to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection is presented in the article. The author touches upon the economic consequences of the pandemic, especially on those industries that will be most affected – tourism in particular. The article contains a brief forecast of the alignment of political forces on the eve of the presidential elections in 2021. The key is the idea that the pandemic will make possible adjustments in terms of the image and ratings of the country’s leaders and other participants in the election race. While presidential election results are usually a foregone conclusion in the event that a current head of state runs for a second term (as it is shown in the brief historical overview leading up to the article), the prime minister’s growing leadership can make adjustments to the final outcomes.
Reading the Forest: A history and analysis of Forest of Dean literature
Authors:   , Griffiths Jason
Published: March 2021

This research identifies for the first time a distinctive body of literary work that is Forest of Dean literature. It establishes a history of this literature from its first appearances at the beginning of the nineteenth century up until the end of the twentieth century. It begins to identify some of the persistent ideas and stories about the Forest in literature, and demonstrates how these relate to changing cultural and economic circumstances. By tracing the origins of the most persistent ideas and stories about the Forest to their first appearances in early-modern British topographies, travel writing, and early county histories, it demonstrates how these influenced subsequent writing set in or about the Forest of Dean. The research reveals how, emerging in the first half of the nineteenth century, four local writers produced novels and poems that began to describe the Forest as a distinctive place with a distinctive history, landscape and culture, and seeks to explain why this was: these are the first examples of Forest of Dean literature. A significant part of the thesis focuses on the development of Forest of Dean literature in the twentieth century and how this too responded to changing circumstances both locally and further afield. The final chapters of the thesis analyse key aspects of Forest of Dean literature: the myth of the Forest as isolated, the Forest as centre rather than periphery, and proposes the concept of a Forest gaze. This research makes a contribution to the understanding of a literature of place, and in particular to demonstrate that the specificity of the Forest of Dean demands that its literature be considered, in-part, on its own terms. It makes a contribution to literary history in general and opens up this rich seam of Forest literature to wider appreciation and scholarly scrutiny.
Gençlerin Erişkin Başlangıçlı Diyabeti (MODY) Sorumlu HNF4A, GCK ve HNF1 Gen Varyasyonlarının Dünya Genelinde Coğrafik Dağılımı
Authors: KANCA DEMİRCİ Deniz , GÜL Nurdan , SATMAN İlhan , OZTURK Oguz , YILMAZ AYDOĞAN Hülya
Published: March 2021

Gençlerin Erişkin Başlangıçlı Diyabeti (MODY) otozomal dominant kalıtım ile karakterize monogenik bir hastalıktır. Şimdiye kadar 14 farklı gende çok sayıda heterozigot mutasyonlar tanımlanmış olup bu mutasyonların dağılımı her ülkede farklıdır. Çalışmamızda yaygın MODY alt tipleri, MODY1-3, için literatür araştırması yaparak HNF4A, GCK ve HNF1A genlerindeki yanlış anlamlı mutasyonları özetledik. Ancak Asya populasyonlarında bilinen MODY genleri bu diyabetik bireylere tanı koymak için yeterli olmayıp çoğu MODYX olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Dahası, Avrupa ülkeleri ile kıyaslandığında Çin, Japonya, Kore ve Hindistan populasyonlarında MODY prevalansında çelişkiler mevcut olup hastalığın genetik alt yapısının daha iyi anlaşılması için daha fazla genetik çalışmaya ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır.
ROCK MUSIC, SUICIDE AND MEDIA INFLUENCE
Authors: Komlenić Miroslav
Published: March 2021

Suicide risk factors usually include: previous attempts, depression, comorbidity of alcohol consumption and drug abuse, gender (three to four times more suicides in men than in women), family history of psychiatric disorders, environmental and social factors such as periods of major social changes or movements: revolution, industrialization, secularization, migration, wars and the like. In this paper we should try to approach the problem by looking into the hypothesis of some researchers that rock music, or rock and hippie movements from the 60s to the end of the 80s of the 20th century, are included in these social risk factors, directly or indirectly. The arguments that the authors refer to are mainly: numerous suicides among both performers and listeners of rock music, many cases of emulated suicides of rock stars by fans, a large number of songs whose content speaks of suicide, evidence on the spot of suicide related to listening to such songs at the time of committing suicide, many lawsuits and trials against rock composers and performers by grieving relatives, etc. The aim of this paper is to analyze critically these facts as problematic for stating them as causes of suicide. Additionally, the paper aims to explain that for already predisposed, latent suicidal people, this type of music is only a mediator towards more intense socializing with similar listeners, indulging in latent suicide activities such as alcohol consumption and drug abuse and only subsequently to depression and suicide. Since suicide does not have to be associated with depression and the death drive, but on the contrary with the urge to live and the desire to be prominent, loved and remembered, the thesis that suicides of rock artists and supporters belong to this category should not be removed.
CHALLENGES OF MOBILE JOURNALISM IN DIGITAL MEDIA AGE
Authors: Aleksić Dušan
Published: March 2021

Owing to the constant technology improvement and innovation, new ways of reception and creation of media content have developed, leading to the redefining of known communication processes. In this new digital media age, characterized by new features such as convergence, mobility and interactivity, mobile journalism emerged as a new journalistic form-challenging relation between creators and recipients of media content. Even though the idea of user-generated media content that can be instantly shared and broadcasted using small mobile devices sounds like a multi-beneficial concept, this model still faces many challenges. In practice, numerous questions have arisen, such as ethics, reliability and quality of such content as well as acceptance and implementation into professional newsrooms. Therefore, the aim of this article is to review an academic approach to this topic, backed by practical examples, in order to place mobile journalism into a complex modern media system and evaluate its potential in the context of future development.
ETHICS OF ENTERTAINING MEDIA CONTENT
Authors: Dojčinović Milan , Stojanović Prelević Ivana
Published: March 2021

Entertainment media content attracts the attention of younger as well as older audiences. The authors examine the ethical principles that apply to entertainment media content and wonder what is ethically problematic in entertaining content and where to draw the line. The paper also analyzes the codes of ethics of European countries in order to determine whether there are specific provisions for entertaining media content. In the second part of the paper, the results of a survey conducted at the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš are presented with the aim of determining whether young people recognize violations of ethical principles in entertainment media contents. Also, the results reflects the attitudes of students in terms of paying attention to the unethical content of these media - whether ethical violations hurt their dignity and whether they feel deceived.