bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in the Nature of the Activities, Interactions, and Behavior Patterns of Visitors of Public Spaces in the City of Amman: The New Abdali and Al-Balad Districts as a Case Study
Authors: Ghodieh Ahmed , Shtaya Durgham A.
Published: January 2020

Public spaces differ from city to another, and in the city itself, in terms of nature, designs, as well as behavior patterns and social integration of visitors. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of the activities, interactions, and behavior patterns in both the New Abdali and Al-Balad districts (the old city center or downtown). To collect data, a field study was conducted on a sample of visitors of these public spaces with the aim of identifying the visitorsâ€™ behavior patterns in their leisure time, types of their activities, their favorite public spaces, the purpose of their visits, and the extent of their social interaction. The study showed that there were diverse activities in the public spaces in the study area. However, the occurrence of these activities varied depending on the visitorsâ€™ economic and social characteristics and place of residence. Besides, these public spaces were dissimilar in terms of availability of amenities and services, social communication, and gender interaction. The study showed that there was a form of social segregation, which means that the New Abdali visitorsâ€™ characteristics and behavior patterns were totally different from those of the old city center with little or no interaction between both groups.
What Explains the Financing Behavior of Commercial Banks Listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange: The Pecking Order Theory or Trading Off Theory
Authors: Shaalan Dr. Tharwah
Published: January 2020

This paper seeks to investigate which theory explains the capital structure of the commercial banks listed in the Kuwait stock markets: the pecking order theory or the tradeoff theory. The study used time series and cross-section panel data to test the hypothesis. The data spanned over a period of nine years from 2010â€“2018, using all commercial banks listed in the Kuwait stock market. The results showed that the trade-off theory is the best theory to conduct the capital structure of the Kuwaiti commercial banks while the pecking order theory presents a weak from. The paper proved that there was no heteroscedasticity in cross-sectional data nor auto correlation over the time series panel model.
Effectiveness of Community-Based Disaster Management in Cabanatuan City
Authors: Santos Kim Edward Santos
Published: January 2020

Disasters in the Philippines serve as great vanguards defying all existing social divisions and stratifications, influencing all, and uniting communities across boundaries in order to prepare and prevent it. This study focused on the Community Based Disaster Management in selected barangays of Cabanatuan City. The main problem of the study is to determine the effectiveness of Community Based Disaster Management. The respondents of the study were 100 residents and was conducted at ten (10) selected barangays of Cabanatuan City namely: Aduas Centro, Aduas Norte, Aduas Sur, Isla, Sumacab Este, Sumacab Norte, Sumacab Sur, Pagas, Kapitan Pepe, and Valdifuente. The researcher used descriptive method of research. The findings of the study were: early delivery of warning that affects the alertness of the residents had been confirmed effective by the most of the respondents; the prevention and minimizing the impact of natural disasters made by the barangay were properly prepared and necessary actions were taken properly. In terms of conducting short term recovery, there is a sufficient supply of relief goods that helped the respondents to recover faster and the rescue team conducts their job without further delay.
Prediksi Asam Kuinat Sebagai Anti-Inflamasi Terhadap COX-2 Secara Virtual
Authors: Bare Yohanes , Kuki Agustina Dua , Rophi Apriani Herni , Krisnamurti Gabriella Candrakirana , Lorenza Margaretha Rika Wahyu Gabrella , Sari Dewi Ratih Tirto
Published: January 2020

Inflamasi merupakan mekanisme pertahanan tubuh terhadap terhadap rangsangan berbahaya, seperti patogen, sel-sel yang rusak, senyawa beracun, atau iradiasi. Selama inflamasi dalam tubuh terdapat COX-2 mediator inflamasi yang peran meningkatkan inflamasi.  Sistem imun anti-inflamasi yang mengalami mutasi menyebabkan inflmasi meningkat. Oleh karena itu untuk menurnkannya menggunakan bioaktif alam. Asam kuinat memiliki toksisitas yang sangat rendah dan tidak memberikan efek negatif terhadap organ tubuh manusia. Asam kuinat memiliki potensi yang besar sebagai kandidat obat tertinggi dalam terapi. Akan tetapi kurangnya kajiannya. Penelitian ini bertujuan unutk memprediksi potensi serta menganalisis asam kuinat sebagai agen inflamasi dengan cara menghambat COX-2. Metode yang digunakan terdiri atas pengunduhan protein COX-2 dari protein data bank (PDB) dan asam kuinat diperoleh dari database PubChem, persiapan protein (COX-2) dan ligan (asam Kuinat) dengan program PyRx, analisis interaksi protein dan ligan menggunakan program Hex 8.0.0 dan Discovery Studio client 4.  Interaksi antara protein dan ligan menunjukan hasil positif dengan ditemukan 2 domain protein yang berikatan dengan asam kuinat. Protein domain A (GLU140, ASN144, SER143, dan TRP139) dan protein domain B (GLU236, THR237, LYS333, GLN241, GLN330, PHE329, dan LEU238). Ikatan yang terbentuk ada ikatan hidrogen dengan energi sebesar -198.95cal/mol. Asam kuinat diprediksi memiliki potensi sebagai terapi anti-inflamasi, hal ini ditunjukan karena ada ikatan yang terbentuk antara ligan dan 11 residu asam amino.
Banks Credit, Macroeconomic Dynamics and the Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria: A Non-Linear ARDL Approach
Authors: Ayunku Peter , Eweke Gamaliel O.
Published: January 2020

This paper examines the impact of banks credit and macroeconomic dynamics on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria using annual data from 1992 – 2016. The long-run and short-run relationship amongst the variables were examined via the non-linear ARDL model. The Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) and Philip Perron’s (PP) test reveals that none of the variables were I(2). The Bounds test to cointegration confirms the existence of a long-run relationship. The non-linear ARDL results suggests that in both long and short-run estimations, that a rise in banks credit, government tax revenue and negative shocks in interest rate, inflation rate and exchange rate will trigger a fall in SMEs performance in Nigeria. Furthermore, it was observed that negative shocks tend to be larger in magnitude than positive ones. This study therefore recommends amongst others, that loans to the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector be monitored properly, so as to ensure that such loans are not channelled to other purposes.
Monitoring and Evaluation Work Plan on Provision of Curative and Preventive Tuberculosis Healthcare Services in Institutions of Public Health in Kisumu County, Kenya
Authors: Oluoch John Odhiambo , Rambo Charles M. , Ganesh Pokhariyal
Published: January 2020

This research was focused on assessing how monitoring and evaluation work plan influence provision of curative and preventive tuberculosis healthcare practices in institutions of public health in Kisumu County, Kenya. The study unit of analysis was public health institutions that practice M&E system on provision of health care services. The target population consisting of doctors, M&E officers, clinical officers, nurses and patients in four public health institutions in Kisumu county, Kenya. The study was guided by pragmatism paradigm. A descriptive survey research design was employed to collect both quantitative and qualitative data and correlational design was used to test the hypothesis. A sample of 221 respondents was selected from a population of 517 using stratified random sampling. A structured questionnaire with both open and close ended with Likert type on 1-5 five point scale and interview schedule was used to collect data. A descriptive survey research design was employed to collect both quantitative and qualitative data and correlational design was used to test the hypothesis. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and data presented in frequency tables using means and standard deviations while qualitative data was presented in in narrative statements. Hypothesis was tested using linear regression at 0.05 level of significance to determine the degree and direction of relationships among variables. The study attained reliability of instruments using Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.735 for all items implying that the instrument was reliable. The results indicated that showed that M&E work plan regression was (r2=0.028, p<0.05). The study results indicated that present results for quantitative data based on composite mean score of 3.90 and 0.447 standard deviation for this variable. M&E system therefore, contributes significantly to the effective provision of curative and preventive tuberculosis health care services in public health institutions.
Improved PSO Algorithms in PV System Optimisation
Authors: Hayder Wafa , Abid Aicha , Hamed Mouna Ben , Sbita Lasaad
Published: January 2020

This paper deals with an analysis and implementation of a control method proposed in the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for photovoltaic systems. The Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (IPSO) algorithm is developed and implemented in Matlab/Simulink environment. Many simulations have been done considering the different system responses as the current, voltage and essentially the power. The efficiency of the proposed MPPT algorithm have been carried out.
Proposed Statistical model for Scoring and Ranking Sport Tournaments
Authors: Jameel Abbood M.
Published: January 2020

A class of modification is proposed for calculating a score for each Player/team in Unbalanced Incomplete paired Comparisons Sports Tournaments. Many papers dealing with Balanced Incomplete Paired Comparison Sports Tournaments with at most one comparison per pair have appeared since 1950. However, little has been written about unbalanced situations in which the player /the team (object) ( j ) plays unequal number of games against the player/the team( m ) in a tournament, and the results of all games can be summarized in a Win-Lose matrix Y = { Yjm } , where Yjm = 1,0,1/2, respectively, according to as the player or the team ( j ) wins, losses or draws against the player or the team (m ). Published papers by Ramanujacharyulu (1964), Cowden, D.J. (1975), and David, H. A.(1988) have concentrated on the problem of converting the results of unbalanced incomplete paired comparison tournaments into rank with little consideration of the main relative ability on each player or team. We suggest (modification) another way of quantifying the outcomes of the games/tournaments, in particular, ratings on a scales, 0 to 5, 1 to 10 .ect. It is important to consider not only the vector Vj(d) or the vectors Sj, in scoring and ranking the k teams in such tournaments, but also the vector Zj, where Zj = Sj + SjRj, to take into account the ratio of the relative ability of each team ( Rj ). The proposed modification helps to introduce these methods for use in comparisons/games (tournaments), where the player/team are quantified on a special scale. e.g. 0-5, 1-10, ..etc. We conclude the following:- The scores stabilized to three decimal places at iteration 2 in Cowden’s method Vj(d) .see table(1.4). The scores stabilized to three decimal places at iteration 2 in David’s method Sj , and it’s modification Zj. The proposed modification (Zj) has the advantage of removing ties from David’s method (Sj), and hence it is the best method.
Reciprocal Leadership Influence on Organizational Change
Authors: Massoudi Aram H. , Hamdi Sameer S.
Published: January 2020

The devastating effect of the crisis of 2011 on Syrian tourism industry was enormous; this led the industry's hoteliers to shift their attention to different strategies and organizational change to regain the business lost from such crisis. This research introduces the concept of reciprocal leadership as an effective tool in implementing organizational change in Dama Rose Hotel post-Syrian crisis of 2011. We presented the research problem in the following question: Do the dimensions of reciprocal leadership have any role in the success of managing the process of organizational change? The research used a qualitative approach; the primary data was composed of a questionnaire distributed to 65employeesworking at Dama Rose Hotel located in Damascus, Syria. The secondary data was composed of scientific journals, website, and textbooks.  The outcome showed a positive relationship between reciprocal leadership dimensions on the process of managing the organizational change in the hotel, and there was a positive relationship between reciprocal leadership and organizational change.
Applying Talent Management Practices by Management Involvement
Authors: Fatah Sahar J.
Published: January 2020

Talent management has become more important because of a growing recognition that it helps to drive corporate performance, even though the exact impact is hard to quantify. This research focuses on the impact of management involvement on the nourishment of talent management in organizations. The research problem explains the role of management if any in improving the talent management concept in the organization. This research used a qualitative approach based on secondary data. The data was collected from previous study literature, textbooks, and scientific journals. The result of this research showed that good talent management consists of comprehensive development programs. Also, CEOs who maintain a focus on effective talent management strategy will find their organizations better prepared for today’s challenges and the inevitable but unknown opportunities for the future. This research contributes to filling the knowledge gap by reviewing the impact of senior management on talent management.
التصنيف والانتقاء بدلالة القدرات البدنية للاعبي كرة السلة بمراكز الشباب في محافظة أربيل
Authors: Qader Goran M. , Darweesh Nawzad H. , Mohammad Bayar A.
Published: January 2020

يهدف هذا البحث إلى تصنيف لاعبي كرة السلة بمراكز  الشباب بمحافظة اربيل بدلالة القدرات البدنية وفق اسلوب التصنيف العنقودي (Classify Cluster) و التعرف على فاعلية متغيرات التصنيف بالأسلوب العنقودي للاعبي كرة السلة بمراكز الشباب من خلالايجاد الفروق بين المجموعات المصنفة.تكونت العينة من (82) لاعباً يمثلون (6) مراكز للشباب في محافظة أربيل وبنسبة(91.11%) من مجتمع البحث، تم تحليل (7) قدرات بدنية في كرة السلة باستخدام التحليل العنقودي،  وقد تم فرز مجموعتين من اللاعبين اخدهما بواقع (71 لاعبا) والاخرة (8 لاعبين)كانت اهم الاستنتاجات التي توصلت اليها البحث هو أفرز التحليل العنقودي لمراكز الشباب الى مجموعتين من اللاعبين من خلال القدرة الانفجارية المتمثلة باختبار القفز العمودي من الثبات والسرعة الانتقالية من خلال اختبار ركض (30 متر) والقوة المميزة بالسرعة والمتمثلة باختبار الثلاث حجلات، ولقد كانت جميع هذه القدرات لصالح المجموعة الصغيرة والبالغة (8 لاعبين).المنتج النهائي للبحث هو التوصل إلى مجموعة من المتغيرات التصنيفية التي هي عبارة عن عناصر القدرات البدنية التي بموجبها يمكن انتقاء لاعبي كرة السلة.
Analysis of machine learning methods for computer systems to ensure safety from fraudulent texts
Authors: Shibaikin Sergei , Nikulin Vladimir , Abbakumov Andrei
Published: January 2020

IT Security is an essential condition for functioning of each company whose work is related to the information storage. Various models for detecting fraudulent texts including a support vector machine, neural networks, logistic regression, and a naive Bayes classifier, have been analyzed. It is proposed to increase the efficiency of detection of fraudulent messages by combining classifiers in ensembles. The metaclassifier allows to consider the accuracy values of all analyzers, involving in the work the construction of the weight matrix and the characteristic that determines the minimum accuracy boundary. Based on the developed method, a software module for the classification of fraudulent text messages written in Java using M1 class of the OPENCV open library was created and tested. The general algorithm of the ensemble method is given. An experiment based on logistic regression, a naive Bayesian classifier, a multilayer perceptron, and an ensemble of these classifiers has revealed the maximum efficiency of the naive Bayesian classification algorithm and the prospect of combining classifiers into ensembles. The combined methods (ensembles) improve the results and increase the efficiency of the analysis, in contrast

to the work of individual analyzers.
Bringing luminance histograms of low-contrast digital images to two-level piecewise uniform distribution
Authors: Raukhvarger Alexey , Poshekhonov Nikita
Published: January 2020

The paper describes the problems of processing digital images for enhancing contrast to increase the distinguishability of details, performed by histogram methods that approximate the reduction of the histogram of image brightness to a given distribution. Using the uniform distribution algorithm does not take much time, but it does not regulate the brightness and contrast of the image processed. It is possible to achieve better distinguishability of details using a normal distribution, as compared to the uniform distribution, but in this case the solution requires numerical methods which take much more time. There has been proposed the algorithm of controlling the contrast of a digital image by bringing the luma histogram to a distribution determined by a piecewise constant differential distribution function with two levels of values. This algorithm helps to control the average brightness and contrast, without resorting to numerical methods, very dark and very light low-contrast images having greater distinguishability of details. The mathematical foundations of the proposed algorithm are presented. There have been studied the possibilities of increasing the detail distinguishability in the processed low-contrast image, as compared to the popular method based on bringing the brightness histogram to a uniform distribution.
Features and Priorities of Development of Modern Education Policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors:   Russian University of Economics, Glazunov Oleg Nikolaevich , Terekhova Margarita Yuryevna ,   Russian University of Economics
Published: January 2020

An important part of the social policy of the King-dom of Saudi Arabia is establishing effective primary and secondary education. By the beginning of the 21st century, the country achieved great success in this direction. In a fairly short historical period, the monarchy made its way from population’s general illiteracy to the modern stage of the developed sys-tem of secondary education. The paper analyzes the state and problems of school education devel-opment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There are described specific features of high school manage-ment, as well as different aspects of correcting defi-ciencies in educational activities. The study consid-ers some ideas presented in the textbooks and which line up with modern education policy of the state. The authors come to the conclusion that the key features of modern secondary education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are the dominant role of the state, the priority of national traditions over out-dated religious dogmas with a noticeable influence of moderate Islamic traditions.
Administrative Prejudice in Criminal Law: Pro et Contra
Authors:   Kuban State University, Prokhorova Marina Leonidovna , Luparev Evgeny Borisovich ,   Kuban State University, Gorenko Maksim Gennadyevich ,   Kuban State University
Published: January 2020

The paper discusses the problems that occurred in the criminal law doctrine and in the law-enforcement practice because of the return of the rules with ad-ministrative prejudice to the domestic criminal law. The concept of administrative prejudice and the issues arising from the application of this institution are analysed. Various approaches (in the context of the pros and cons) to consideration of this phe-nomenon are represented. Since there is no unam-biguous understanding of administrative prejudice as a criminal law category in theory and law en-forcement practice at the moment, and the legislator follows the path of active introduction it into the provisions of the criminal law, it is proposed to more carefully regulate the institution of administrative prejudice in criminal law. In particular, it is advisable to fix the concept of administrative prejudice in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, as well as to observe certain rules of the formulation of preju-dicial rules in order to ensure a unified approach to their construction.
GOVERNING AFRICA’S BLUE ECONOMY: THE PROTECTION AND UTILISATION OF THE CONTINENT’S BLUE SPACES
Authors: PRETORIUS Rentia , HENWOOD Roland
Published: January 2020

In Agenda 2063 the African Union (AU) prioritised the utilisation of the resources in oceans as the new frontier of its blue economy. Africa’s ”inland waterways” were added to the scope of the blue economy in the 2050 AIM Strategy. Most of Africa’s marine ecosystems and large water spaces are shared by different countries which requires the transcendence of national interests, the harmonisation of national and regional policies and multi stakeholder participation in strong institutions guided by a legal framework. The protection, securitisation and sustainable utilisation of blue spaces are key pillars for the governance of the blue economy. The first part focuses on the contribution of Africa’s blue spaces to the development of the continent, the growing challenges to these spaces in the twenty-first century and UNCLOS’ legal zoning of oceans to manage their protection and utilisation. The second part focuses on the governance of Africa’s blue economy and the security challenges to Africa’s oceans. The last part focuses on the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (BCLME) and finds the Benguela Current Commission (BCC) to be legitimate, accountable and its policies adaptive and guided by human needs, ecosystem sustainability, and long-term economic growth.
THE INVISIBLE ‘GIFT’: THE CHIBOK BRAND AND BOKO HARAM
Authors: BOTHA Sven
Published: January 2020

Branding has become an essential activity in international relations as states require ways of distinguishing themselves from one another. A similar trend has emerged with non-state actors such as terrorist groups. Following the Chibok Kidnappings of April 2014, the ‘Chibok Brand’ emerged affording Boko Haram considerable international notoriety as the abduction of 276 schoolgirls by a non-state actor was unprecedented. Despite the success of the ‘Chibok Brand’, little research has been done to explain the dual usage of the ‘Chibok Brand.’ Hence, this paper seeks to explore the emergence and continued relevance of the ‘Chibok Brand’ using a combination of desktop research and Twitter analysis. The ‘Chibok Brand’ is explored from three different angles, namely: Boko Haram, the Nigerian government and the West. This paper finds that while the brand is still of relevance in the present time, it only remains so in relation to Boko Haram and the West. The absence of the reference to this brand by the Nigerian government suggests that it underestimates the value of the ‘Chibok Brand’ in sustaining Boko Haram, which could further impede counter-terrorism efforts.
SUB-SAHARAN SUFISM
Authors: OROS Ciprian Gabriel
Published: January 2020

Sufism is known as the mystic branch of Islam, one of the oldest religious currents in the Muslim world. Over time the followers of Sufism saw their relationship with Allah, Islam and involvement in politics differently. They not only questioned the role of asceticism and materialism, sharia and different interpretations of the Qur'an, but became involved in the political struggle. The most eloquent example is that of the role of Sufi brotherhoods in West Africa in the anti-colonial struggle and the transformation of their speech into a radical one, starting from its nodal point, justice.
DETERMINANTS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY EXPENDITURE AMONG SELECTED FIRMS IN OIL AND BANKING SECTORS IN NIGERIA
Authors: OYERINDE Adewale Atanda
Published: January 2020

Orientation: Findings have shown that some organizations in Nigeria prefer to be less socially responsible due to the financial implications among others. Analysis of factors that determine corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditure can shed more light on the reason why this is happening. Objectives: The study investigates the determinants of corporate social responsibility CSR spending among some selected banking and oil firms in Nigeria. Motivation: The continued emergence of different conclusions on the impact of CSR on performances of firms prompted the investigation of factors that influence a firm decision to be socially responsible. Methods: Secondary data approach is used. Nine and seven leading commercial banks and oil/gas firms respectively were selected for the survey. Data on CSR expenditures, return on asset, total asset, leverage, competition, legal environment and inflation are used. Panel data analysis is applied. Results: The results show that all these variables are important determinants of CSR, but total asset remains the only factor that exhibit the highest influence on CSR expenditure of the firms. In addition, it was found that there is no significant difference in factors that determine CSR in both banking and oil industries. Significance of the study: The study revealed that the size of organizations is an important factor that affects CSR in both oil and banking sectors therefore, while improving on the efforts to make firms more socially responsible, efforts should be more directed to the smaller firms.
Prognostic value of measuring heart rate variability at the time of hospital admission in horses with colic
Authors: Vitale Valentina , Viu Judit , Armengou Lara , Ríos José , Jose-Cunilleras Eduard
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic value of measuring heart rate variability (HRV) in horses with colic at the time of admission to a referral hospital.

ANIMALS

51 horses > 1 year of age with colic (41 that survived [survivors] and 10 that died or were euthanized [nonsurvivors]).

PROCEDURES

HRV was recorded within 1 hour after admission by use of heart rate sensors with horses restrained in stocks. A 5-minute recording period was analyzed to obtain HRV measurements (eg, SD of R-R intervals [SDRR], root mean square of successive differences between R-R intervals [RMSSD], and geometric SDs determined from Poincaré plots [SD1 and SD2]). Variables associated with outcome (survival vs nonsurvival) were identified. Measurements were compared among diagnostic categories for colic (obstructive, inflammatory, or ischemic).

RESULTS

SDRR and RMSSD were significantly higher in survivors (median [25th to 75th percentile], 91.0 milliseconds [78.9 to 114.6 milliseconds] and 64.8 milliseconds [40.9 to 78.4 milliseconds], respectively) than in nonsurvivors (50.7 milliseconds [29.1 to 69.2 milliseconds] and 33.4 milliseconds [12.6 to 47.9 milliseconds], respectively). Similarly, SD1 and SD2 were significantly higher in survivors (48.3 milliseconds [28.9 to 60.9 milliseconds] and 111.3 milliseconds [93.0 to 146.6 milliseconds], respectively) than in nonsurvivors (23.7 milliseconds [8.9 to 33.9 milliseconds] and 65.1 milliseconds [33.7 to 91.9 milliseconds], respectively). The SDRR and SD2 were significantly higher for horses with obstructive colic than for horses with ischemic colic.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Analysis of HRV in horses with colic may provide information on the underlying cause and be helpful in identifying horses less likely to survive.
Effects of imidazoline and nonimidazoline α-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists, including xylazine, medetomidine, dexmedetomidine, yohimbine, and atipamezole, on aggregation of feline platelets
Authors: Matsukawa Takuya , Hikasa Yoshiaki
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of imidazoline and nonimidazoline α-adrenergic agents on aggregation of feline platelets.

SAMPLE

Blood samples from 12 healthy adult cats.

PROCEDURES

In 7 experiments, the effects of 23 imidazoline and nonimidazoline α-adrenoceptor agonists or antagonists on aggregation and antiaggregation of feline platelets were determined via a turbidimetric method. Collagen and ADP were used to initiate aggregation.

RESULTS

Platelet aggregation was not induced by α-adrenoceptor agonists alone. Adrenaline and noradrenaline induced a dose-dependent potentiation of ADP- or collagen-induced aggregation. Oxymetazoline and xylometazoline also induced a small potentiation of ADP-stimulated aggregation, but other α-adrenoceptor agonists did not induce potentiation. The α2-adrenoceptor antagonists and certain imidazoline α-adrenergic agents including phentolamine, yohimbine, atipamezole, clonidine, medetomidine, and dexmedetomidine inhibited adrenaline-potentiated aggregation induced by ADP or collagen in a dose-dependent manner. The imidazoline compound antazoline inhibited adrenaline-potentiated aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, α1-adrenoceptor antagonists and nonimidazoline α-adrenergic agents including xylazine and prazosin were ineffective or less effective for inhibiting adrenaline-potentiated aggregation. Moxonidine also was ineffective for inhibiting adrenaline-potentiated aggregation induced by collagen. Medetomidine and xylazine did not reverse the inhibitory effect of atipamezole and yohimbine on adrenaline-potentiated aggregation.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Adrenaline-potentiated aggregation of feline platelets may be mediated by α2-adrenoceptors, whereas imidazoline agents may inhibit in vitro platelet aggregation via imidazoline receptors. Imidazoline α-adrenergic agents may have clinical use for conditions in which there is platelet reactivity to adrenaline. Xylazine, medetomidine, and dexmedetomidine may be used clinically in cats with minimal concerns for adverse effects on platelet function.
Gajah, Interaksinya dengan Pendukung Tradisi Megalitik di Sumatera Utara
Authors: Hidayati Dyah
Published: January 2020

AbstractSuch wild and powerful beasts,elephants are feared by men. Many of them live in the Sumatra jungle. As more of their habitat are threatened by more intense human activities, elephants impose a similar menace against men’s safety. As beasts, elephants also interract baturally with men. Not only do men interract naturally with elephants but also they use them for various purposes. A descriptive-comparative study, this writing is aimed at exploring explanatiosn on questions of how elephants and megalith men in north Sumatra interracted. Such interractions may have been either positive or negative relationships of power or prestige. The use of elephants was a means of transportation as well as other uses of economic purposes.AbstrakGajah merupakan hewan yang hidup di belantara Sumatra. Sebagai hewan liar yang memiliki kekuatan besar gajah sangat ditakuti oleh manusia. Apalagi setelah habitat hidupnya terganggu oleh aktivitas hidup manusia yang semakin intens, gajah semakin sering mengancam keselamatan manusia. Walaupun merupakan hewan liar, gajah juga berinteraksi dengan manusia. Selain berinteraksi secara alami manusia juga memanfaatkan gajah untuk kepentingan-kepentingan tertentu. Dengan mengkaji secara deskriptif-komparatiff tulisan ini menggali jawaban atas pertanyaan mengenai bentuk-bentuk interaksi antara gajah dengan manusia pendukung tradisi megalitik di Sumatra Utara. Interaksi tersebut dapat bersifat positif ataupun negatif berupa hubungan religi, hubungan yang berkaitan dengan simbolisasi kekuasaan dan kekuatan, serta prestise. Sedangkan pemanfaatan yang dilakukan adalah pemanfaatan sebagai moda transportasi serta pemanfaatan secara ekonomis.
Lesung Batu, Cerminan Pandangan Hidup Masyarakat Batak Toba
Authors: Wiradnyana Ketut
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn Samosir island traditional kampongs, stone mortar are often found. Mortars are ethnoarhaeological stuff considering thier material and technology refelct a sustainability from the past to the present. Stone mortars may have more than one hole and may function as a container to process various life needs. Mortars may also have certain decoration patterns. Such decorated mortars seem to have indicated not only their practical uses but also contained various sociological aspects. In order to reveal them, descriptive method with inductive reasoning is applied. Such method is expected to explain various cultural aspects contained such as religion, technology, environment, and social including Batak Toba life perspective.AbstrakDi perkampungan tradisional Pulau Samosir banyak ditemukan lesung batu. Lesung merupakan benda etnoarkeologi mengingat bahan dan teknologinya mencerminkan kesinambungan dari sejak masa lalu hingga kini. Lesung batu dapat memiliki sebuah atau lebih lubang dan difungsikan sebagai tempat untuk mengolah berbagai keperluan hidup. Lesung ada juga yang dipahat dengan pola hias tertentu. Bentuk lesung seperti itu tampaknya tidak hanya mengisyaratkan akan fungsi praktis semata akan tetapi juga memuat berbagai aspek yang berkaitan dengan masyarakatnya. Untuk mengungkapkannya, maka digunakan metode deskriptif dengan penalaran induktif. Metode dimaksud diharapkan dapat menjelaskan berbagai aspek yang dikandung benda budaya dimaksud diantaranya aspek teknologi, religi, lingkungannya dan sosial termasuk didalamnya penggambaran pandangan hidup masyarakat Batak Toba.
Jejak Teknik Pemahatan Relife di Biara Mangaledang, Kabupaten Padang Lawas Utara, Provinsi Sumatera Utara
Authors: Restiyadi Andri
Published: January 2020

AbstractPadang Lawas is the largest Hindu-Buddha complex site in North Sumatra that includes Padang Lawas and North Padang Lawas districts. Biara Mangaledang, an exciting site in Padang Lawas, indicates the traces of stone relief work. The inductive frame of thought will reveal an answer to the subject matter by comparing it to a similar finding of Karmawibangga relief of Borobudur Temple, Central Java.AbstrakPadang Lawas merupakan kompleks situs bercorak Hindu-Buddha terbesar di Sumatera Utara yang wilayahnya meliputi Kabupaten Padang Lawas dan Padang Lawas Utara. Salah satu situs menarik di Padang Lawas adalah Biara Mangaledang berkaitan dengan adanya indikasi jejak pengerjaan relief pada batu. Melalui kerangka pikir induktif akan diungkapkan jawaban atas permasalahan tersebut dengan membandingkan temuan serupa di relief Karmawibangga di Candi Borobudur, Jawa Tengah.
BRICs Nations Growing Impact on the Global Health Sector
Authors: Jakovljevic M. B. , Ekkert N. V. , Mikerova M. S. , Reshetnikov V. A.
Published: January 2020

The most notable feature of the past five centuries of global economic history dating back from Colonial Age until the present accelerated globalization is the persistence of «North–South» division between the global rich and poor. This ground pattern has been falling apart over the last three decades with the rise of BRICs emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China). The Chinese Belt and Road Initiative fosters further rapid growth and synergy among these large nations. This ambitious and historically unprecedented infrastructural project if successful can lead to a formation by 2049 of a huge common economic zone bringing opportunities for multilateral development to the BRICs. These profound changes have deep implications for the global health care sector. Previous research on health and pharmaceutical spending has clearly documented that low- and middle-income economies (LMICs), led by these emerging markets, have doubled their share in global health spending from roughly 20% up to approximately 40% in purchasing power parity terms. Alongside with these global developments, a decade ago, some of the leading Western academic centers, confirm new era of rising world’s geo-economic and geopolitical multipolarity. The world witnesses this process being accelerated today and seek deeper understanding how it will reflect on long term health and pharmaceutical expenditure trends, particularly in the leading BRICs emerging markets being a front runner of such evolution.

The authors declare absence of conflict of interests.
The effects of large-scale sport events on foreign direct investment inflows: the results of empirical estimation
Authors: Drapkin I. M. , Lukyanov S. A.
Published: January 2020

The expediency of hosting large-scale sport events (LSE), such as the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup and EUFA European Championship, is a matter of public and scientific discussion. The main argument against hosting large-scale sport events is the substantial direct financial losses for an organizing country in most cases. Moreover, local residents often oppose hosting major sport events because of price increase and different inconveniences in their everyday life. At the same time the effects of hosting large-scale events have long-term nature and go beyond direct financial benefits. One of the difficulties in estimating the effects of LSE is that they are hard to measure.

The literature review shows the deficit of research on how large-scale events influence the foreign direct investment inflows in the hosting country. In contrast to numerous papers on LSE influence on economic growth, foreign trade, international tourist flows, the authors found only one article devoted to LSE influence on FDI inflows. The present paper analyzes the influence of major sport events on foreign direct investment flows to the hosting country. The estimated database comprises data for 195 countries for the period of 1970–2018, 24 out of which hosted or will host 48 major sport events. The regression analysis indicates that LSE induce significant influence on foreign direct investment flows in the hosting economy. Comparing several models, we show that the most reliable is the model where hosting LSE positively influence on FDI inflows within the period starting 8 years before and ending 4 years after the event. We explain the result by the following. Firstly, fostering economic growth due to hosting LSE serves as a catalyst of foreign direct investment inflows. Secondly, LSE improves image of the hosting country abroad that positively affects the attractiveness of the country to foreign investors. Thirdly, the growing openness of the economy due to LSE (expressed for example in growth of international trade) positively affects the FDI inflows.

The authors declare the absence of conflict of interests.
Moscow Treaty of the USSR-Germany and «Letter on German Unity». From Conflict to Compromise
Authors: Filitov A. M.
Published: January 2020

The article considers the course and results of the Soviet-West German negotiations that led to the conclusion of the Moscow Treaty of August 12, 1970, which became an important factor in defusing international tensions on the European continent. Special attention is paid to the problem of the genesis of the so-called "Letter on German unity", the adoption of which the Soviet side stubbornly insisted on the representatives of Germany. The article reveals the flexible tactics of the Soviet delegation, which was headed by the Minister of foreign Affairs of the USSR AA. Gromyko: taking into account, in particular, the position of the GDR, the diplomats opposed the inclusion in the text of the Treaty of any provisions relating to the unification of Germany, but left open the prospect of such unification in the future. Some realism and willingness to compromise showed and West German negotiators, among whom special credit belongs to the personal emissary of Chancellor Brandt E. Bahr. On the basis of these compromises, a common position of the parties on the conclusion and subsequent ratification of the Moscow Treaty was worked out. The article pays due attention to the "US factor" in Soviet-West German relations. Formally declaring a positive attitude to the" new Eastern policy " of Germany, in fact the American side tried to compromise it in every possible way and complicate the process of preparing the Moscow Treaty. There is also some inconsistency in the German diplomacy in departing from previous political dogmas, primarily from the claims to the sole representation of all Germans. The main conclusion of the article is that as a result of the complex and sometimes conflicting Soviet-West German negotiation process, its participants managed to overcome the real contradiction between the principle of inviolability of borders and the right to national self-determination. In the current international situation, when this contradiction is artificially aggravated by the supporters of confrontation, the experience gained in the development and coordination of the provisions of the Moscow Treaty is of actual practical importance. The work is written on the basis of previously not entered into scientific circulation of primary sources from the Archive of foreign policy of the Russian Federation, as well as published West German documents.

The author declares absence of conflict of interests.
ADDRESSING DIVERSITY AND GENDER ISSUES IN A CORNERSTONE DESIGN COURSE
Authors: Nicholson Sarah R. , Neumann W. Patrick , Stewart Mary F. (Frankie) , Salustri Filippo A.
Published: January 2020

In the cornerstone engineering design course for Mechanical and Industrial Engineering undergraduates at Ryerson University, students’ design approaches were being negatively affected by gender and other biases. Therefore, the course was modified to encourage students to explore these biases, with an initial emphasis on gender so that they may design with a fuller sense of women’s issues. This novel endeavour aimed to change the course’s culture via awareness, and by connecting equity, diversity, and inclusion to an engineering context. Qualitative analysis of student reports before and after these modifications showed that the intervention led to user groups that more closely matched actual demographics and included a higher number of women, LGBTQ, and elderly Personas than before. Furthermore, the qualitative descriptions showed less of a skewed tendency to attribute positive characteristics to men and negative characteristics to women after the course modifications were implemented. Student surveys indicated that there was a potential cultural shift within the course, and a broadening of student focus to include equity, diversity, and inclusion when undertaking an engineering design project.
Effect of Different Rates of Rice Husk Biochar on the Initial Growth of Moringa oleifera under Greenhouse Conditions in the Savannah Ecological Zone of Ghana
Authors: Abukari Ammal , Iddrisu Nasare Nasare
Published: January 2020

This investigation was conducted to evaluate the outcome of rice husk biochar on growth performance of moringa. The study was carried-out in a greenhouse for 52 days. Different rates of rice husk biochar (150 to 350 g) was mixed with 500 g of soil. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 treatments (each of which was replicated 3 times) was used, giving a total of 12 experimental units. Plant height, stem diameter and number of leaves were assessed for each treatment. Results indicate that rice husk biochar (150 g, 250 g and 350 g) significantly increased the stem diameter of moringa as compared to that of the control 52 days after in the greenhouse. An increase in the number of leaves were observed at 150 g rice husk biochar after 40 days compared to the control. There were significant differences between treatments effects on all the parameters. Different rates of biochar certainly could constitute vital use of fertilizer to improve growth moringa in the nursery.
Türk sofralık yeşil zeytinlerin antioksidan özellikleri üzerine İspanyol yöntemi ile işlemenin etkisi
Authors: SAVAŞ Elif
Published: January 2020

Akhisar Bölgesi Türkiye’den hasat edilen üç Türk zeytin çeşidi (Domat, Edremit, Gemlik) ile gerçekleştirilen bu çalışmanın amacı, İspanyol Yöntemi ile sofralık zeytine işlemenin toplam fenolik madde ve antioksidan kapasiteye etkisini belirlemektir. Zeytin ekstraktlarının toplam fenol içeriği Folin-Ciocalteu yöntemi ile, antioksidan kapasite ise ferric tiyosiyanat indirgeme kapasitesi ve hidrojen peroksit giderme kapasitesi yöntemleri ile belirlenmiştir. Çizilmiş ve çizilmemiş zeytinler salamura değişimi ((6 % (w/v) NaCl) ve kontrol örneği olarak alkali (1% (w/v) NaOH) uygulaması ile acılık giderme işlemine tabi tutulmuştur. Alkali ile acılık giderme işlemi oleuropein miktarlarında % 78 oranında azalmaya neden olmakla birlikte sırasıyla Edremit, Domat ve Gemlik çeşitlerinin toplam fenolik madde içeriklerinde % 70.51, % 70.47 and % 50.44 düzeylerinde azalma görülmüştür.
Balıkesir ilinde semt pazarlarında satışa sunulan yoğurtların fiziko-kimyasal ve mikrobiyolojik kalitesinin araştırılması
Authors: TAVŞANLI Hakan , GÖKMEN Mukadderat , ÖNEN Adem
Published: January 2020

Bu çalışmada, Balıkesir ilinde geleneksel yöntemlerle üretilen ve semt pazarlarında satışa sunulan yoğurt örneklerinin fizikokimyasal ve mikrobiyolojik kalitesinin Türk Gıda Kodeksi’ne uygunluğu araştırıldı. Semt pazarlarından toplanan 50 yoğurt örneğinin yağsız kurumadde, yağ, protein, titrasyon asitliği ve pH değerleri sırasıyla; %12,07, %3,06, %4,11, %1,31 ve %4,11 olarak tespit edildi. Örneklerde Koliform, E. coli ve küf/maya sayıları ise sırasıyla 140 EMS/g, 112 EMS/g ve 3,47 log kob/g olarak tespit edildi. Örneklerde laktokok sayısı 7,89 log kob/g ve laktobasil sayısı ise 7,64 log kob/g olarak saptandı. Diğer yandan örneklerin hiçbirinde önemli gıda patojenleri olan Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes ve Staphylococcus aureus belirlenmemiştir. Çalışmamızda elde edilen bulgulara göre %14’ü yağsız kurumadde, %10’unu Koliform bakteri, %8’i E. coli ve % 52’si de maya/küf sayıları yönünden Türk Gıda Kodeks’i Fermente Süt Ürünleri Tebliği’ne (2001*; 2009) uygun olmadığı görülmüştür. Sonuç olarak yoğurt örneklerinde patojen mikroorganizma tespit edilmemiş olsa da hijyen indikatörü mikroorganizmaların yüksekliği nedeniyle üretimde hijyen problemlerinin olduğu ve potansiyel halk sağlığı riskleri taşıyabilecekleri belirlenmiştir.
Semi-analytical investigation of modified Boussinesq-Burger equations
Authors: DENİZ Sinan
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a new analysis of nonlinear modified Boussinesq-Burger equation is revisited via optimal perturbation iteration technique. We first consider artificial parameters and perturbation theory and combine them to deal with nonlinear partial differential equations. After that, the recommended theory is employed to get new semi-analytical solutions of nonlinear partial differential equations. As will be seen from the results, this technique needs no discretization or linearization and can be directly applied to many nonlinear differential equations.
EN AW-5754 ve EN AW-5083 alüminyum alaşımlarının sürtünme karıştırma kaynağı ile birleştirilmelerinde kullanılan farklı takım geometrilerinin kaynaklı birleştirmeye etkilerinin araştırılması
Authors: TOLUN Fatmagül
Published: January 2020

Sürtünme karıştırma kaynağı 1990’lı yılların başlarında ilk kez keşfedilmiştir. O yıllardan günümüze değin endüstride pek çok alanda kullanılmıştır. Sürtünme karıştırma kaynağı, aynı veya farklı özellikteki malzemelerin, ergitme sıcaklığının altındaki sıcaklıklarda birleştirilmesinde kullanılan, bir katı hal kaynak yöntemidir. Kaynak işlemi sırasında kullanılan takımlar kaynaklı birleştirmenin metalurjik ve mekanik özelliklerini büyük oranda etkilemektedir. Takımların karıştırıcı uç geometrilerinin kaynaklı birleştirmenin dayanımında önemli ölçüde etkisi bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışmada da, EN AW-5754 ve EN AW-5083 alüminyum alaşımları, 450 d/dak devir sayısında, 50 mm/dak ilerleme hızında 0 derecelik omuz açısıyla, vidalı, konik ve silindirik karıştırıcı uçlu takımlarla, sürtünme karıştırma kaynağı ile birleştirilmişlerdir. Kaynak işlemi sonrasında numunelere, çekme testleri ve mikrosertlik testleri yapılarak kaynaklı bağlantıların mekanik özellikleri incelenmiştir. Kaynaklı numunelerin optik mikroskop görüntüleri alınarak metalurjik yapıları incelenmiştir. Kaynaklı numunelere yapılan çekme testi sonuçlarına göre, en iyi kaynak dayanımını; 188,76 MPa lık kaynak mukavemeti ile vidalı karıştırıcı uçla yapılan kaynaklı birleştirmeler göstermiştir. Ayrıca, mikro sertlik ve mikro yapı incelemeleri de bu sonucu desteklemektedir.