bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of mixed methods in road landscape perception studies: an example from Latvia
Authors: Vugule Kristine , Stokmane Ilze , Bell Simon
Published: April 2020

We see, use and interact with different type of landscape every day. One of the important types is the road landscape we encounter during travel, whether a business trip, vacation or just on the way to and from home. Such landscapes can often help to introduce us to new regions or invite us to explore the surrounding areas because we partly experience the world around us from the road. Road landscapes combine important aspects of road and transport infrastructure as well as the quality of life of local people, traffic safety and tourism development. Road landscape development concerns both landowners and road users, each of whom might have different interests and understanding about possible landscape development and its consequences. Therefore, it is important to plan, discuss, present, and evaluate the future developments of any road landscape. The subject of road landscape has been little studied in Latvia. There are no recommendations on road landscape evaluation. Here we present a methodology for assessing perceptions of road landscapes. We aim to introduce several methods in combination that can be used in road landscape assessment, in order to show possible future developments of the road corridor and its surroundings and to test how potential changes might be perceived by road users. A combination of a case study approach, a scenario method, the use of 3D animations and of a web-based questionnaire survey are presented and discussed in the paper.
Modeling photovoltaic grid inter-shading
Authors: Chitkusheva-Dimitrovska Biljana , Cepin Marko , Golubovski Roman , Spasevska Hristina
Published: April 2020

Photovoltaic energy conversion is an efficient renewable source affordable as a technology even on the household level. Several technological aspects are subject to continuous improvement. This paper tackles the possibilities for denser panel population of a photovoltaic plant thus more efficient space utilization. The objective is to develop a mathematical model of inter-shading among the photovoltaic panels. The model calculates the electrical energy obtained from panels and considers the shading among the panels. The geographical location of the plant location, the distances between the solar panels and their angle of inclination, the dimensions of the panels and the time interval under evaluation are the parameters which are important for placing the power plant. The results show how much electric energy can be obtained from a certain set of photovoltaic panels. The results indicate, what are the distances between the panels for better allocation of resources when deciding on the number of solar panels and their arrangement.
La sexta ola o era del Estado constitucional democrático, social y ambiental –ECDSA– en Iberoamérica: reconstitucionalización y pluralismo tridimensional
Authors: Marquardt Bernd
Published: April 2020

El presente artículo analiza las transformaciones constitucionales de Iberoamérica en los últimos tres decenios y medio con un enfoque en la reconstitucionalización pluralista después del interludio de las autocracias republicanas. Iniciará con una introducción al constitucionalismo comparado según el modelo de las seis olas, para continuar con la conceptuación de la época, preguntando por las ventajas y desventajas de los constructos del neoconstitucionalismo y del ECDSA. En tercer lugar, examinará las dinámicas de transformación y las nuevas normas supremas. El cuarto apartado sondeará las tendencias en el equilibrio horizontal y vertical de poderes. Quinto, se revisará el perfil pluralista y el enfoque en el triángulo de valores liberales, sociales y ambientales. El sexto subcapítulo echará un vistazo a la integración continental y la protección supranacional de valores constitucionales. Para terminar, se formulan algunas observaciones conclusivas sobre constituciones extensas, idealistas, transformadoras y parcialmente normativas.
Irony As “Ferment Of Philosophical And Aesthetic Speculation” (By Friedrich Schlegel And Thomas Mann)
Authors: ETARYAN Yelena
Published: April 2020

The focus of our scientific contribution is German Romanticism with its early romantic concept of self-referentiality or romantic irony. In the article, according to Safransky (Safranski, 2007, p. 12), romanticism is considered not only as a literary era, but also as a ”mental attitude“ that can be imprinted in any era. Using the work of Thomas Mann as an example, we illustrate it by looking at the epoch of modernity. In the Romantic period irony became a philosophy of life and art. It is also a central concept for Thomas Mann. The goal of this scientific article is to demonstrate the consequent realization of the concept of (early) romantic irony of a self-reflective narrative in the work by Thomas Mann. In the article, as a conclusion, the thesis is put forward that Thomas Mann seeks to synthesize the spheres of knowledge and aesthetics, but this “synthesis” has a slightly different meaning than that of the early romantics. . The common ground of their concept of irony is mediating between opposites, but at the same time, these opposite sides are to be preserved in their specificity and can only be unified selectively. Another similarity that needs to be identified is the functionalization of art as criticism, in other words, of “literary criticism”.
Freedom Of Thought Endangered In The 21st Century? Legal Protection From Manipulation
Authors: YEREMYAN Lilit , HARUTYUNYAN Davit
Published: April 2020

Abstract

The freedom of thought is stipulated as a fundamental human right in main international human rights instruments at universal and regional levels. Freedom of thought is also guaranteed at national level in constitutions of many states. It might seem that the legal regulation of freedom of thought is more declarative by its very nature: prima facie, it cannot be limited or violated in practice. Thus, one might assume that it does not need any legal protection. In this paper we argue that the rapid scientific and technological evolution urge the necessity of rethinking the legal content of the freedom of thought and elaborating mechanisms at national and international levels for its effective protection. In particular we discuss the lawfulness of manipulation as means of influencing the freedom of thought in the age of high technologies and argue that the large-scale intensive manipulation by using special big data processing tools (including artificial intelligence) with the aim to shape the information receivers’ decision-making process in order to reach a certain outcome motivated by self-interest should be viewed as unlawful interference into the freedom of thought under International Human Rights Law, consequently creating positive obligations for states.
The National Value System Impact On The Economy Of Armenia
Authors: SARGSYAN Hrachya , KHACHATRYAN Nonna
Published: April 2020

The process of accumulation and economic growth of national wealth has traditionally been linked in theory and in practice to the geographical position of the country, mineral wealth, high-quality human capital, historical events. The article attempts to break this stereotype by linking the country's economic progress with the national value system. To this end, philosophical interpretations of the peculiarities of the Armenian people's national value system are made, analyzing the nation-wide advantages and disadvantages that directly affect the economic progress of the country. In particular, the manifestations of national values ​​that impede Armenia's economic progress are revealed. In this respect, philosophical solutions are given to the question of why Armenians, as a rule, more effectively implement their entrepreneurial skills abroad, rather than in their homeland.
Reducing Illegal Logging through a Chainsaw Buyback and Entrepreneurship Program at Gunung Palung National Park
Authors: Fawzi Nurul Ihsan , Helms Jackson , Novianto Agus , Supianto Agus , Indrayani Angela Meike , Febriani Nur
Published: April 2020

Gunung Palung National Park in Indonesian Borneo, home to 2,500 Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus ssp. wurmbii), suffers from severe deforestation that is caused by illegal logging. This article aims to analyze the success of an innovative entrepreneurship program in reducing illegal logging in Gunung Palung National Park. This program combines voluntary chainsaw buybacks with capital investment for former loggers to launch a business of their choice.  To analyze the success of this entrepreneurship program, we measured two parameters: (1) transitions of former loggers to sustainable alternative livelihoods and (2) reductions in the number of loggers who log actively inside the park. The average monthly income for participating business partners was 2,923,333 rupiah or $209 USD for new partners who had participated for less than one year and 3,357,778 rupiah or $240 for established partners who had participated for more than one year. This income is about the minimum wage for the local area. The failure rate of the program—defined as the partners that returned to logging—was only 6%, or 3 out of 50 partners. Successful forest conservation, however, requires addressing additional factors beyond reducing the access to logging equipment.
The role of tropical abandoned land relative to ecological and economic aspects
Authors: Karyati Karyati , Karmini Karmini , Widiati Kusno Yuli
Published: April 2020

The floristic structure and composition of abandoned lands in the tropic have been observed to be changing dynamically during the succession process. This is mostly because they are not utilized maximally, therefore, there is a need to assess the economic and ecological impacts of this land abandonment in tropical areas. This study was conducted to determine the ecological aspects of standstructure, floristic composition, and species diversity and analyze the economic aspects of standing trees in tropical abandoned land. The vegetation containing woody trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of > 5 cm were surveyed at six subplots sized 20 m × 20 m. The economic parameters were evaluated using data of log price, logging cost, profit margin, and stumpage value of standing trees in the study plot and a total of 126 trees including 26 species of 25 genera of 18 families were recorded. The most common species found were Macaranga tanarius with 50.60%, Bridelia glauca with 49.13%, and Pterospermum javanicum with 29.05% based on Importance Value Index (IVi). Moreover, the diversity, dominance, evenness, and richness indices were 1.23, 0.09, 0.87, and 5.17 respectively while the total log price at the abandoned land was 1,462.02 USD m-3 with an average value of 56.23USD m-3. The total and mean values of logging costs were 1,212.24USD ha-1 and 46.62USD ha-1, respectively while the total profit margin of log selling was USD337.39m-3 at maximum with an average of 12.98 USD m-3. Furthermore, the average stumpage value was 83.05 USD ha-1 while the total was calculated to be 2,159.36 USD ha-1.These findings showed the utilization of abandoned lands with respect to ecology and economic aspects has the ability to increase community welfare and support the implementation of developmental programs in the country.
Farmer fertilization practices of mature rubber plantations in Northeast Thailand during a period of low rubber prices
Authors: Kullawong Supattra , Aditto Satit , Chambon Bénédicte , Promkhambut Arunee
Published: April 2020

Since 2000, farmers in Northeast Thailand have planted more than 5,000 sq km of rubber on land previously devoted to agriculture. The expansion of rubber led to a significant increase in tree cover in Northeast Thailand. Rubber prices peaked in 2011 and since then farmers have had to adjust to lower prices. Little research has documented how farmers responded to low rubber prices. This paper seeks to describe how small-scale rubber farmers use fertilizer in a region that did not historically grow rubber during a period of low rubber prices. We collected data from structured interviews with 29 farmers in Subsomboon village in Khon Kaen province, Northeast Thailand. Most farmers reported that they reduced fertilizer costs by reducing the number of times they applied fertilizer, as well as changing to cheaper brands and/or using organic fertilizer. The majority of farmers still used large amounts of chemical fertilizers, either alone or in combination with commercial organic fertilizers with unknown nutrient contents. The N and P2O5 contents of the chemical fertilizer alone were consistent with national recommendations (82.0–137.6 kg N/ha/y and 33.3–97.7 kg P2O5/ha/y). Thai national recommendations for rubber, however, were developed for rubber plantations in traditional planting areas where rubber has been grown for over a century, and are considered by many experts to be high. The study’s findings indicated that small scale rubber farmers would benefit from recommendations for fertilizer applications that respond to variations in rubber prices, while taking into account the diversity of individual household characteristics and goals. To optimize recommendations that sustain the growth and yield of rubber, limit the effects of environmental externalities, and maintain rubber’s profitability, policymakers require detailed information on the diverse situations in which rubber is grown. This requires experimental research that tests a variety of fertilization practices under different biological and physical conditions.
Community and conservation in Wallacea: Making the case for the region, a methodological framework, and research trends
Authors: Fisher Micah R. , Verheijen Bart , Sahide Muhammad Alif K.
Published: April 2020

This introduction provides a review of articles published in the special section on community conservation in the Wallacea region. As editors to the special section, we worked with contributors over a series of workshops to reflexively identify challenges to conducting research on community and conservation in this important and often overlooked region. The challenges are attributable to the dynamism and remoteness of the region, as well as its peripheral position relative to the center of government in Indonesia. We begin this article by making the case for a concerted field of study for the Wallacea region. Next, we draw on empirical research and continued engagement from across Wallacea to propose a framework that helps make better sense of the often perplexing trends involving communities and conservation in the region. We call the framework ASLi, which addresses the key institutions that negotiate conservation and development, including Adat and adaptive local institutions and the State. We situate these institutions within the dimensions of Livelihoods and their relations with natural resources. In testing out the framework with research groups and practitioners from across the region, we found that each of the aspects of the framework are fundamental for better understanding and facilitating policy discussions involving communities and conservation. In the second part of the article we shift our attention to assessing the empirical contributions from the special section. The empirical examples include eight articles from across the provinces of Sulawesi, East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and North Maluku. The issues range from topics that include: illegal species trade; human environment relations around charismatic species (e.g. komodo-community relations); watersheds, lakes, and landscapes; ecotourism; policy analysis; conservation management and planning; and, community participation and collaborative governance. There is much that remains misunderstood and misinterpreted about the Wallacea region. This initial set of consolidated and rich empirical material, combined with
Germination et dispersion des graines chez Glaucium flavum Crantz (Papaveraceae)
Authors: Martin Arnaud
Published: April 2020

De nombreuses especes de plantes pionnieres produisent deux types de graines, les unes sont migrantes et les autres ne sont pas migrantes. Généralement, les graines migrantes ne sont pas dormantes tandis que les graines non migrantes sont dormantes. Dans la presente etude, cette hypothese est testées avec les graines de Glaucium flavum, á l'aide d'un processus experimental faisant intervenir ces deux type des graines mais aussi la variation inter- et intra-indivduelle. Les résultats ne vérifient pas les predictions de depart. Les graines migrantes présentent plus de dormance que les graines non migrantes. Chez cette espéce la dormance des graines migrantes est á considérer avec la synaptospermie. La dormance peut étre une adaptation a la competition interindividuelle au moment de la levee des plantules.
Revisión del género Stipa L. y Nassella Desv. (Poaceae) en la Península Ibérica e Islas Baleares
Authors: Vázquez Francisco M. , Devesa Juan Antonio
Published: April 2020

Se ha efectuado un estudio taxonómico de los géneros Stipa L. y Nassella Desv. en la Península Ibérica e Islas Baleares. Para el primero se reconocen en el territorio 27 taxones: 18 especies y el resto taxones infraespecíficos, mientras que el segundo está representado sólo por N. mucronata. Se aportan claves para la identificacion de los taxones, que se acompañan además de descripción, principales sinonimias comprobadas e información sobre su número cromosómico y distribución en el territorio. Se efectúan ocho combinaciones: Supo sect. Inaequiglumes, Stipa sect. Jarava, Stipa sect. Macrochloa, Stipa sect. Giganteae, S. iberica var. pseudodasypkylla, S. iberica var. austro-iberica, S. parvtflora var. pilosa y S. pauneroana, y se describen ademas los siguientes taxones S. apernfolia var. nevadensis, S. juncea var. cabanasii y S. gigantea subsp. donyanae.
Dos impresos de Antonio José Cavanilles (1745-1804) poco conocidos
Authors: González Bueno Antonio , Rodríguez Nozal Raúl
Published: April 2020

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José Vázquez Estévez (1867-1926) corresponsal de Baltasar Merino (1845-1917)
Authors: Izco Jesús
Published: April 2020

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Más datos sobre Leucojum valentinum Pau (Amaryllidaceae)
Authors: Lledó Mª Dolores , Crespo Manuel B.
Published: April 2020

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Hubungan Rugositas Terumbu Karang terhadap Struktur Komunitas Ikan Corallivor dan Herbivor di Perairan Pemuteran, Bali
Authors: Rafly Nidzar Muhammad , Gede Astawa Karang I Wayan , Widiastuti Widiastuti
Published: April 2020

Reef fishes are the highest number of organisms that can be found in coral reefs in which the abundance depends on the healthy of this ecosystem. Reef fishes are mainly consisted of corallivorous and herbivorous fish. Corralivorous fish feeds on coral polyps while herbivorous fish feeds on algae. Therefore these fishes are an important indicators in the resilience of coral reefs. Studies showed that its abundance is strongly correlated with reef’s conture (rugosity). Pemuteran waters is one of developing tourists attraction in the north Bali island. However, the data of reef fishes and coral reefs in Pemuteran waters remain limited. Therefore, this research aimed to study the reef` condition and rugosity in Pemuteran waters, also to examine the correlation between reefs fishes and reefs rugosity in this area. There were four stations according to purposive sampling method. Data of corallivorous and herbivorous fishes were collected by using the underwater visual census with a 40 m2 transect. Reef rugosity index were determined by using chain transect method. Results showed that reef rugosity in Pemuteran waters was in the medium to high category. Reef rugosity has strong correlation with the total abundance and diversity of corallivorous fishes. However, reef rugosity was only strong correlated with the total abundance but not with the diversity of herbivorous fishes.
Optimal macroprudential regulation tools
Authors: Ipatyev I.R.
Published: April 2020

Subject. This article examines the hypothesis that microprudential and monetary policies are not able to provide measures to prevent excessive lending and guarantee the ability of financial institutions to cope with the growing credit bubble.
Objectives. The article examines approaches to identifying viable macroprudential policy options and an optimal set of regulation instruments.
Methods. For the study, I used a content analysis and generalization.
Results. The article presents some results of the assessment of certain macroprudential requirement instruments.
Conclusions. The study shows that some macroprudential policy tools can reduce systemic risks associated with credit cycles. Monetary policy alone is not able to effectively withstand the credit bubble risk. All financial policy instruments must be taken and considered together, as they work closely together.
Potential for consolidation and coordination of government-sponsored enterprises' financial transactions by the Russian Federal Treasury
Authors: Anureev S.V.
Published: April 2020

Subject. This article explores the opportunities of a single cash pool and coordination of financial assets and liabilities of the enlarged government sector, which includes State-owned enterprises (SOEs) and government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs).
Objectives. The article aims to justify the need to consolidate and coordinate financial assets and liabilities of the enlarged government sector to reduce net interest expenses and quasi-sovereign debt.
Methods. The article analyzes and compares the powers of the HM Treasury, U.S. Treasury, and the Russian Federal Treasury within their relations with SOEs in compiling consolidated financial statements.
Results. The article justifies the necessity to empower the Russian Federal Treasury additionally to consolidate and coordinate short-term financial assets and liabilities of SOEs and GSEs using the running corporate governance mechanisms.
Conclusions. Significant reductions in interest costs and quasi-sovereign debt will improve the resilience of the enlarged government sector to potential shocks and free up financial resources for the development of the Russian economy.
Soteriologiczny paradygmat wadżrajany
Authors: Szymański Marek
Published: April 2020

The soteriological paradigm of Vajrayāna: The purpose of the paper is to determine the distinctive soteriological paradigm of Tantric Buddhism. The view of Shinichi Tsuda is critically analyzed. The belief that symbols of Buddhahood are essential to achieve Buddhahood appears specific for Vajrayāna. Relevant manipulation of the symbols can be ritual or/and imaginary. Followers are convinced that the manipulation enables them to achieve the final religious goal, not only the intermediate steps. They also believe they can activate and control the processes that are not dependent on enlightened beings’ good will. However, such a position need not exclude the appreciation of moral and cognitive virtues. Some aspects and variants of the Vajrayāna soteriological paradigm are discussed to avoid any misinterpretation.
Lamprophyres and mineralization of the Koytash ore field (Southern Tien Shan)
Authors: Ishbaev Kh. D. , Shukurov A. Kh. , Kosbergenov K. M.
Published: April 2020

Research subject. The Koytash ore field is located in the potentially productive Au, Ag, W, Mo, Ti, Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn and REE North Nuratau mineralisation zone of Tien Shan. The authors undertook a study of the composition of dikes breaking through the Paleozoic ore-bearing formations, as well as their petro- and ore-generating role in the formation of the Koytash-Ugat sulphide-rare-metal (W, Mo, Fe) specialised mineralisation. Materials and methods. A study of rock and mineral composition was performed at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics named after Kh.M. Abdullaev. The content of petrogenic and rare elements in rocks and sulphides was determined by ICP-MS using an ICPE-9000 mass-spec trometer in the Central Laboratory of the State Committee for Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The chemical analysis of minerals was performed using a Jeol-8800Rh electronic microanalyser at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics named after Kh.M. Abdullaev. The micrographs of transparent sections were obtained using Nikon Optiphot 2 Pol and Polam R-311 microscopes. Results and conclusions. The conducted study showed that, in terms of their structure, the Koytash ore field dike formations can be regarded as lamprophyres. In terms of their chemical composition, these formations are mafic and intermediate rocks of the subalkaline series. It was found that the composition of lamprophyre dikes correlates with the size of the erosion section. Their melanocratic varieties are confined to the southern part of the intrusion (absolute elevations are 1000–1200 m), and leucocratic – to the northern (about 1900 m). This is assumed to be the result of crystallization differentiation of a single initial melt. The dikes of the Koytash ore field lamprophyres break through not only sulphide-rare-metal bodies of the Koytash-Ugat strip, but also skarn and carbonate rocks and, in turn, are broken through by quartz-polymetallic ore-bearing veins, which testifies to their inter-ore character.
Government revenue and economic growth of Pakistan (1979 – 2017)
Authors: Rehman Wajahat , Khan Raza Ali , Kousar Shazia
Published: April 2020

The study is conducted to identify the relationship between economic growth of Pakistan and government revenue sources – i.e. Tax Revenue, Non-tax Revenue and Additional Receipts, while measuring the change in economic development occurs due to change in government revenue sources in short-run as well as in long-run. Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) is performed on time series secondary data for the period from 1979 to 2017 and a forecasting model is developed to anticipate change in economic growth due to change in government revenue sources. Results concluded that Tax Revenue has positive significant relationship and Additional Receipts have negative significant relationship, however, Non-tax Revenue has positive insignificant relationship with economic growth of Pakistan in long-run, whereas no short-run relationship is identified among dependent and independent variables. The analysis indicated that 1% change in Tax Revenue results in 1.24% change in economic growth in the same direction, whereas 1% change in Additional Receipts results in 0.18% change in opposite direction in economic growth of Pakistan in long-run. However, evidences showed that in recent years, government has increased its dependency on the Additional Receipts as compared to Tax Revenue and Non-tax Revenue. For prosper and accelerated economic growth, it is suggested that policy makers should focus on increasing the revenue collection from Tax Revenue sources since economic growth of Pakistan is positively influenced by Tax Revenue and minimize dependency on the Additional Receipts as it hinders the economic growth. Proposed forecasting model provides promising results and projected the gross domestic product (GDP) for year 2018 with mare 0.32% and 4.44% deviation in logarithm value and rupee values, respectively.
Virtual Screening of Curcumin and Its Analogs Against the Spike Surface Glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV
Authors: Patel Ashish , Rajendran Malathi , Pakala Suresh B , Shah Ashish , Patel Harnisha , Karyala Prashanthi
Published: April 2020

COVID-19, a new pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, was first identified in 2019 in Wuhan, China. The novel corona virus SARS-CoV-2 and the 2002 SARS-CoV have 74 % identity and use similar mechanisms to gain entry into the cell. Both the viruses enter the host cell by binding of the viral spike glycoprotein to the host receptor, angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Targeting entry of the virus has a better advantage than inhibiting the later stages of the viral life cycle. The crystal structure of the SARS-CoV (6CRV: full length S protein) and SARS-CoV-2 Spike proteins (6M0J: Receptor binding domain, RBD) was used to determine potential small molecule inhibitors. Curcumin, a naturally occurring phytochemical in Curcuma longa, is known to have broad pharmacological properties. In the present study, curcumin and its derivatives were docked, using Autodock 4.2, onto the 6CRV and 6M0J to study their capability to act as inhibitors of the spike protein and thereby, viral entry. The curcumin and its derivatives displayed binding energies, ΔG, ranging from -10.98 to -5.12 kcal/mol (6CRV) and -10.01 to -5.33 kcal/mol (6M0J). The least binding energy was seen in bis-demethoxycurcumin with: ΔG = -10.98 kcal/mol (6CRV) and -10.01 kcal/mol (6M0J). A good binding energy, drug likeness and efficient pharmacokinetic parameters suggest the potential of curcumin and few of its derivatives as SARS-CoV-2 spike protein inhibitors. However, further research is necessary to investigate the ability of these compounds as viral entry inhibitors.
Ground-State Destabilization Controls the Selectivity of a Cofactor-Free Decarboxylase
Authors: Biler Michal , Schweiger Anna K. , Kourist Robert , Kamerlin Shina Caroline Lynn
Published: April 2020

Bacterial arylmalonate decarboxylase (AMDase) and evolved variants have become a valuable tool with which to access both enantiomers of a broad range of chiral arylaliphatic acids with high optical purity. Yet, the molecular principles responsible for the substrate scope, activity and selectivity of this enzyme are only poorly understood to this day, greatly hampering the predictability and design of improved enzyme variants for specific applications. In this work, empirical valence bond simulations were performed on wild-type AMDase and variants thereof, to obtain a better understanding of the underlying molecular processes determining reaction outcome. Our results clearly reproduce the experimentally observed substrate scope, and support a mechanism driven by ground-state destabilization of the carboxylate group being cleaved by the enzyme. In addition, our results indicate that, in the case of the non-converted or poorly-converted substrates studied in this work, increased solvent exposure of the active site upon binding of these substrates can disturb the vulnerable network of interactions responsible for facilitating the AMDase-catalyzed cleavage of CO2. Our results thus allow insight into the tight interaction network determining AMDase selectivity, which in turn provides guidance for the identification of target residues for future enzyme engineering.
Synthetically Accessible Virtual Inventory (SAVI)
Authors: Patel Hitesh , Ihlenfeldt Wolf , Judson Philip , Moroz Yurii S. , Pevzner Yuri , Peach Megan , Tarasova Nadya , Nicklaus Marc
Published: April 2020

We have made available a database of over 1 billion compounds predicted to be easily synthesizable. They have been created by a set of transforms based on an adaptation and extension of the CHMTRN/PATRAN programming languages describing chemical synthesis expert knowledge, which originally stem from the LHASA project. The chemoinformatics toolkit CACTVS was used to apply a total of 53 transforms to about 150,000 readily available building blocks (enamine.net). Only single-step, two-reactant syntheses were calculated for this database even though the technology can execute multi-step reactions. The possibility to incorporate scoring systems in CHMTRN allowed us to subdivide the database of 1.75 billion compounds in sets according to their predicted synthesizability, with the most-synthesizable class comprising 1.09 billion synthetic products. Properties calculated for all SAVI products show that the database should be well-suited for drug discovery. It is being made publicly available for free download from https://cactus.nci.nih.gov/download/savi_download/.
Compaction of RNA Duplexes in the Cell
Authors: Collauto Alberto , von Bülow Sören , Gophane Dnyaneshwar B. , Saha Subham , Stelzl Lukas S. , Hummer Gerhard , Sigurdsson Snorri Th. , Prisner Thomas F.
Published: April 2020

The structure and flexibility of RNA depend sensitively on the microenvironment. Using pulsed electron-electron double-resonance (PELDOR) spectroscopy combined with advanced labeling techniques, we show that the structure of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) changes upon internalization into Xenopus lævis oocytes. Compared to dilute solution, the dsRNA A-helix is more compact in cells. We recapitulate this compaction in a densely crowded protein solution. Atomic-resolution molecular dynamics simulations of dsRNA capture semi-quantitatively the compaction, and identify non-specific electrostatic interactions between proteins and dsRNA as a possible driver of this effect.
Design and Synthesis of Amino Acid Derivatives of Substituted Benzimidazoles and Pyrazoles as Selective Sirt1 Inhibitors
Authors: Purushotham Nikil , Singh Mrityunjay , Paramesha Bugga , Kumar Vasantha , Wakode Sharad , Banerjee Sanjay K , Poojary Boja , Asthana Shailendra
Published: April 2020

Owing to its presence in several biological processes Sirt1 served as a potential therapeutic target for many diseases. Here we report the synthesis of two distinct series of novel Sirt1 selective inhibitors, benzimidazole monopeptides and 5-pyrazolyl methylidene rhodanine carboxylic acid derived amino acids, constructed using structure-guided computational approaches. Furthermore, compounds were evaluated, against human Sirt1-3 for in-vitro inhibitory activity compared to Ex527 (reported Sirt1-selective inhibitor), in liver and breast cancer cell lines for cytotoxicity. The tryptophan conjugates 13h (IC50 = 0.66 µM) and 7d (IC50 = 0.77 µM) demonstrated maximum efficacy to inhibit Sirt1. Molecular dynamics simulations unveil the interaction map and electrostatic complementarity at substrate binding site, could be a cause of selective Sirt1 inhibition. Furthermore, the Sirt1 inhibition was monitored via increased p53 acetylation status checked in HepG2 cells. These findings will pave the pathway for developing novel selective Sirt1-inhibitors in cancer therapeutics.
Structure Features of Peptide-Type SARS-CoV Main Protease Inhibitors: Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship Study
Authors: Masand Vijay , Gandhi Ajaykumar , Rastija Vesna , Patil Meghshyam K.
Published: April 2020

In the present work, an extensive QSAR (Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships) analysis of a series of peptide-type SARS-CoV main protease (MPro) inhibitors following the OECD guidelines has been accomplished. The analysis was aimed to identify salient and concealed structural features that govern the MPro inhibitory activity of peptide-type compounds. The QSAR analysis is based on a dataset of sixty-two peptide-type compounds which resulted in the generation of statistically robust and highly predictive multiple models. All the developed models were validated extensively and satisfy the threshold values for many statistical parameters (for e.g. R2 = 0.80–0.82, Q2loo = 0.74–0.77). The developed models identified interrelations of atom pairs as important molecular descriptors. Therefore, the present QSAR models have a good balance of Qualitative and Quantitative approaches, thereby, useful for future modifications of peptide-type compounds for anti- SARS-CoV activity.
A Chiral Van Der Waals Material Self-Assembled from the High Symmetry Molecules C60 and SnI4
Authors: Straus Daniel B. , Cava Robert J.
Published: April 2020

The design of new chiral materials usually requires stereoselective organic synthesis to create molecules with chiral centers. Less commonly, achiral molecules can self-assemble into chiral materials, despite the absence of intrinsic molecular chirality. Here, we demonstrate the assembly of high-symmetry molecules into a chiral van der Waals structure by synthesizing crystals of C60(SnI4)2 from icosahedral buckminsterfullerene (C60) and tetrahedral SnI4 molecules through spontaneous self-assembly. Our results represent the remarkable emergence of chirality from the self-assembly of two of the most highly symmetric molecules, demonstrating that almost any molecular precursor can be considered when designing chiral assemblies.
Reduced Density Matrix Cumulants: The Combinatorics of Size-Consistency and Generalized Normal Ordering
Authors: Misiewicz Jonathon , Turney Justin , Schaefer Henry
Published: April 2020

Reduced density matrix cumulants play key roles in the theory of both reduced density matrices and multiconfigurational normal ordering, but the underlying formalism has remained mysterious. We present a new, simpler generating function for reduced density matrix cumulants that is formally identical to equating the coupled cluster and configuration interaction ansätze. This is shown to be a general mechanism to convert between a multiplicatively separable quantity and an additively separable quantity, as defined by a set of axioms. It is shown that both the cumulants of probability theory and reduced density matrices are entirely combinatorial constructions, where the differences can be associated to changes in the notion of "multiplicative separability'' for expectation values of random variables compared to reduced density matrices. We compare our generating function to that of previous works and criticize previous claims of probabilistic significance of the reduced density matrix cumulants. Finally, we present the simplest proof to date of the Generalized Normal Ordering formalism to explore the role of reduced density matrix cumulants therein.
The Off-Label Use of Hydroxychloroquine in Prophylaxis and Treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Ashish Paul
Published: April 2020

Coronavirus pandemic has covered the entire globe only in a few months and has been declared as a public health emergency due to a very high morbidity as well as mortality rate.  Till date no curative measure is available for this fatal disease and only social distancing has been of some help in prevention. However, anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine is being tried for prophylaxis and treatment at early stages of the disease although it is not an approved indication for this drug which has given some hope to health care professionals and the affected population.
Media role in the formation of public opinion towards the right of self-determination for Kurds in Iraq
Authors: Hasan Hemin Majeed , Hussein Baqir Dawd , Sleman Kamil Omar
Published: April 2020

This research deals with the subject of the Kurdish media in relation to the right of self-determination, which the Kurds prepare for its central cause and struggle for it. The importance of this research comes from the importance of its basic components represented by the Kurdish media and the right to self-determination, where they combine the equation of influence and influence, which is the operator of the formative relations of things and designed in all human groups, including the community of the region, in addition to being one of the few Kurdish studies in this field, To cast its positive on the operators of the terms of reference.The aim of this research is to realize the levels of interest of the Kurdish media in the concept of the right to self-determination and its role in conveying its meanings and implications to the Kurdish individual, as well as to identify the mechanisms used by this media to convince the individual mentioned this right and activate his tendencies toward him.The research depends on the university teachers, in addition to their field dimension, because they are the most appropriate and the right to express opinions about such strategic issues and their details and implications, because of their knowledge, scientific, specialized and other structural participants, as well as their structural representation of various social components in the Kurdistan Region.
Silver nanoparticle Bacteriostatic activity Assessment against Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Uropathogenic Klebsiella pneumonia
Authors: Hamasaeed Payman Akram , Hyder Shayma Jabar
Published: April 2020

The aims: Screen for the Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumonia from urinary tract infection UTI patients phenotypically and molecularly, also testing different sizes of silver nanoparticles as antibacterial for the resistance isolates. Methodology: Vitek Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase test , molecular confirmed ESBL-producing isolates were checked by PCR for the presence of AmpC and blaCTX-M genes. Flat well microtiter plates were used for packing of antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles . This study included 85 urine samples were collected from patients that admitted to the "Rizgary Hospital" in Erbil province from 15 June to 15 December 2018. Antibiotic sensitivity test of all isolates to (Ampicillin, Ampicillin/sulbactam Cefazolin, Ceftazidime Ceftriaxone, Cefepime, Imipenem, Nafcillin and Nitrofurantoin )antibiotics were tested by the disc-agar method as standardized by the National Committee for Clinical laboratory Standards (2006).Results: Out of 51 tested isolates of Klebsiella pneumonia, 11 (21.6%) were Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producers. Their antibiotic resistance profile showed the rate of resistance isolates was (100%) to Ampicillin, Cefazolin, Ceftazidime and Ceftriaxone and ( 90%) to Cefepime .In addition the susceptibility to Imipenem was (72.7%) of isolates. The bands of the AmpC and bla CTX-M genes was noted in (42.9%) samples and the remain samples (57.1 %)were negative for both genes. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration during incubation of Non ESBL producer - ESBL producer isolates in series concentrations of silver nanoparticles size (20 nm) was between (625 -2500) µg/ml and for size (90 nm), it was (1250) µg/ml for non ESBL producer and not affected ESBL producer isolates .The increased percentage rates of β-lactamase producing Klebsiella species were seen which was considered as an alarm, due to limitation in treatment options for UTI. It was appeared that Imipenem currently is the main available antibiotic for UTI treatment as a drug of choice. It was noticed that different sizes of silver nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity for ESBL producing isolates.
No society. El fin de la clase media occidental.
Authors: Frutos Mejías Luisa María
Published: April 2020

Reseña bibliográfica del libro titulado "No society. El fin de la clase media occidental" del que es autor Christophe Guilluy. Editado por Taurus.
Reseña: Huertas, Rafael. (coord..). (2017). Políticas de Salud Mental y Cambio Social en América Latina.
Authors: Osorio Valdivieso Andrés
Published: April 2020

El libro publicado en 2017 y escrito de manera colectiva: Políticas de Salud Mental y cambio social en América Latina aporta a un campo de investigación poco explorado y, lamentablemente, opacado por otras áreas de estudio crítico acerca de la realidad de América Latina. La historia de la salud pública y las directrices políticas con las que se han ido construyendo los Estados nacionales latinoamericanos es un campo poco explorado y de limitada resonancia en las discusiones académicas. Es poco el valor que se atribuye a la función de la medicina y de sus vertientes ideológicas “salud” y “salud mental” para la construcción de la realidad latinoamericana, y, si es que se reconoce algún valor a las investigaciones realizadas en esta materia, el eco que producen es restringido. Por ello el libro coordinado por Rafael Huertas y cuyo proyecto se inserta en el marco institucional y de intereses de la Red Iberoamericana de Historia de la Psiquiatría, aporta con variopintas lecturas al quehacer del campo “psi” en un momento convulso de la historia de América Latina y determinado por el surgimiento de perspectivas “críticas” en las décadas de los 60’, 70’ y 80’, frente a los años de tensiones políticas y económicas que enfrentaron a ciertas visiones sobre la función del Estado frente al mercado, la sociedad y el ejercicio de derechos civiles. Y en ese contexto, la organización de la “salud mental” como política pública recibió encargos de tipo cultural y perfiló el quehacer profesional al tenor de la maroma política.
Learning Ex Nihilo
Authors: Bringsjord Selmer , Govindarajulu Naveen Sundar , Licato John , Giancola Michael
Published: April 2020

This paper introduces, philosophically and to a degree formally, the novel concept of learn- ing ex nihilo, intended (obviously) to be analogous to the concept of creation ex nihilo. Learning ex nihilo is an agent’s learning “from nothing”, by the suitable employment of inference schemata for deductive and inductive reasoning. This reasoning must be in machine-verifiable accord with a formal proof/argument theory in a cognitive calculus (i.e., here, roughly, an intensional higher-order multi-operator quantified logic), and this reasoning is applied to percepts received by the agent, in the context of both some prior knowledge, and some prior and current interests. Learning ex nihilo is a challenge to con- temporary forms of ML, indeed a severe one, but the challenge is here offered in the spirit of seeking to stimulate attempts, on the part of non-logicist ML researchers and engineers, to collaborate with those in possession of learning-ex nihilo frameworks, and eventually attempts to integrate directly with such frameworks at the implementation level. Such integration will require, among other things, the symbiotic interoperation of state-of-the- art automated reasoners and high-expressivity planners, with statistical/connectionist ML technology.
الفضائل الأخلاقية في الشعر العربي الجاهلي
Authors: FAKHOURY Tamim
Published: April 2020

عكس الشعر العربي القديم صور الحياة وأحوال الناس، ونقلَ طباعهم وأخلاقهم وعاداتهم، وقد سعيتُ في هذا البحث لرصد الفضائل والقيم الأخلاقية العليا في ذلك الشعر وتبويبها، وهو بحث لم يتجاوز دواوين أصحاب المعلقات، وذلك بهدف تحديد مساحة البحث، فظهر لنا أنها أربعة عشر خلُقاً، كانت تُعتبر مُثلاً عليا في ذلك المجتمع، وهي الكرم والشجاعة وإغاثة الملهوف وإجارة المستجير وصلة الرحم ورعاية الجار والوفاء والعفّة والإباء والحِلم والصدق والرحمة والعدل والصبر والحكمة (التعقّل) ، وهي أخلاق في الإمكان أن تندرج تحتها تقسيمات لأخلاق فرعية أخرى لو شاء باحث الاستقصاء. ومشيتُ على طريقة التعريف بكل خلُق أو سلوك، والإحاطة الموجزة بمعناه ومقصوده، مستعيناً بمعاجم اللغة وبما يفي بالحاجة من المعاجم الاصطلاحية المتعلقة بالفلسفة والأدب والنقد العربي، واستعنت ببيتين أو ثلاثة من أبيات الشعر في كل فقرة ليكتمل رسم صورة عامة عن الخلق أو السلوك وتطبيقه في حياة العرب من خلال الشعر. يُعدّ هذا البحث غاية في ذاته كما أنه من زاوية أخرى خطوة لإجراء دراسة أخلاقية مقارنة من خلال شعر العصر الجاهلي مع غيره من عصور الشعر العربي.
ÜNİVERSİTE PERSONELİ PERSPEKTİFİNDEN YÖNETİŞİMİN UYGULANABİLİRLİĞİNİN ÖLÇÜMÜ: BİNGÖL ÜNİVERSİTESİ
Authors: PARLAK Bekir , ARI Ferhat
Published: April 2020

Yönetim sürecinin paydaşlarla birlikte gerçekleştirmelerini esas alan “yönetişim”, son yıllarda popülaritesi artmakta olan bir yaklaşımdır. Yönetişimin uygulamada ne gibi sonuçlar doğurduğunu ölçmek amacıyla yapılan bu çalışmada, Bingöl Üniversitesi akademik ve idari personelinin yönetişime ilişkin tutumlarının belirlenmesi hedeflenmiştir. Bu amaçla, nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden olan tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Veriler 336 Bingöl Üniversitesi personelinden elde edilmiştir. Veri toplama aracı olarak “Çalışanların Algılarına Göre Kurumların Yönetişim Kültürü” ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen verilerin analizinde betimsel istatistikler ile normallik dağılımı dikkate alınarak uygun testler kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada, çalışanların yönetişime ilişkin olumlu yönde tutuma sahip olduğu görülmüştür. Ayrıca unvana göre çalışanların yönetişim tutumlarının çok aktörlülük boyutunda akademik personel lehine anlamlı bir şekilde farklılaştığına, diğer değişkenlere göre ise farklılaşmadığı gibi sonuçlara ulaşılmıştır.