bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Steel Slag for Stabilizing Clayey Soil in Sulaimani City-Iraq
Authors: Abdalqadir Zozk Kawa , Salih Nihad Bahaaldeen , Salih Soran Jabbar Hama
Published: July 2020

The clayey soils have the capability to swell and shrink with the variation in moisture content. Soil stabilization is a well-known technique, which is implemented to improve the geotechnical properties of soils. The massive quantities of waste materials are resulting from modern industry methods create disposal hazards in addition to environmental problems. The steel industry has a waste that can be used with low strength and weak engineering properties soils. This study is carried out to evaluate the effect of steel slag (SS) as a by-product of the geotechnical properties of clayey soil. A series of laboratory tests were conducted on natural and stabilized soils. SS was added by 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20% to the soil. The conducted tests are consistency limits, specific gravity, hydrometer analysis, modified Proctor compaction, swelling pressure, swelling percent, unconfined compressive strength, and California Bearing Ratio (Soaked CBR). The results showed that the values of liquid limit, plasticity index, optimum moisture content, swelling pressure, and swelling percent were decreased when stabilized the soil. However, the values of maximum dry density, unconfined compressive strength, and California bearing ratio were increased with the addition of steel slag with various percentages to the clayey soil samples. The steel slag was found to be successfully improving the geotechnical properties of clayey soils.
An Analytical Solution for the Maximum Tensile Stress and Stress Concentration Factor Investigations for Standard, Asymmetric fillets, Asymmetric Pressure Angle and Profile Shifted Helical and Spur Gears
Authors: Toman Ahmed Ali , Abdullah Mohammad Qasim
Published: July 2020

This research introduces a developed analytical method to determine the nominal and maximum tensile stress and investigate the stress concentration factor. The required tooth fillets parametric equations and gears dimensions have been reformulated to take into account the asymmetric fillets radiuses, asymmetric pressure angle, and profile shifting non-standard modifications. An analytical technique has been developed for the determination of tooth weakest section location for standard, asymmetric fillet radiuses, asymmetric pressure angle and profile shifted involute helical and spur gears. Moreover, an analytical equation to evaluate gear tooth-loading angle at any radial distance on the involute profile of spur and helical gears, (taking into account the effect of profile shift factor) has been derived. In addition, numerical solution for the evaluation of the maximum fillet tensile stress and the combined tensile stress concentration factor for the verification of the analytical method using computer-aided engineering software (ANSYS Version 18.1). The analytical and FE result have been compared and found to be very close. The most effective method for reducing the stress concentration factor have been found by applying negative profile shifting on asymmetric tooth with lower unloaded pressure angle and high loaded pressure angle and fillet radius, which can lead to an enhancement percentage of (20%) when using a (35o/20o) asymmetric spur gear of a (24) teeth number with a shift factor of (-0.3mo) compared with standard (20o) one.
The silent information regulator 1 pathway attenuates ROS-induced oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhu Rongyan , Qi Xiuyan , Liu Cuiping , Wang Dongxin , Li Li , Liu Xiaofeng , Hou Yongge , Su Xiaohui , Lin Huiqian
Published: July 2020

We show that down-regulation of circular ribonucleic acid 0001588 with small interfering-circular ribonucleic acid 0001588 mimics promoted caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity levels, increased lactate dehydrogenase activity levels, and reduced cell growth of in vitro model. Circular ribonucleic acid 0001588 plasmids increased circular ribonucleic acid 0001588 expressions and promoted cell growth and reduced activity levels of lactate dehydrogenase, caspase-3, and caspase-9 activity levels in vitro model of Alzheimer’s disease. Then, circular ribonucleic acid 0001588 down-regulation also promoted reactive oxygen species production and oxidative stress (malonaldehyde), and reduced superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase levels by suppressing of silent information regulator 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 in vitro. However, over-expression of circular ribonucleic acid 0001588 reduced reactive oxygen species production and malonaldehyde levels and increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and levels via activation signal pathway of silent information regulator 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway by miR-211-5p up-regulation in vitro. Over-expression of miR-211-5p attenuated the role of circular ribonucleic acid 0001588 on Alzheimer’s disease-induced oxidative stress. Also, activation of the silent information regulator 1 pathway attenuated the antioxidative effects of circular ribonucleic acid 0001588 down-regulation on oxidative stress by activating silent information regulator 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 in vitro. In conclusion, our findings indicated that circular ribonucleic acid 0001588 induced the silent information regulator 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-dependent heme oxygenase-1 pathway to prevent oxidative stress by miR-211-5p in the rat model or in vitro model of a sporadic type of Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, the expression of the circular ribonucleic acid 0001588 gene was inhibited in rodent Alzheimer’s disease model.
Is there a silver lining for US health care from COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Naqvi Tasneem Z
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on economy and health care system of every nation. United States has been the hardest hit country both with incidence and absolute mortality from COVID-19. In some of its states the health care system have been stretched to their limits. This has led to a rapid change in the health care practice due to newly approved emergency legislative bills, new state government laws, measures taken by institutions and practices as well as the changing consumer behavior. Some of these adaptations - in particular, the transition of patient care to virtual visits are revolutionary. Increased vigilance by health care organization and workers to minimize the spread of infection to others as well for personal protection may result in lasting behavioral change that will prevent hospital acquired or transmitted infections and may lead to reduced morbidity and mortality from the regular “flu”. The recycling of personal protective equipment and the emerging research showing it a safe practice will reduce health care expenditure. It is quite possible that this pandemic may be the silver lining that will save the US health care from its unsustainable consumption of US gross domestic product.
High thrombus burden despite thrombolytic therapy in ST-elevation myocardial infarction in a patient with COVID-19
Authors: Setia Gayatri , Tyler Jeffrey , Kwan Alan , Faguet Josh , Sharma Shilpa , Singh Siddharth , Azarbal Babak , Tompkins Rose , Chinchilla Dinora , Ghandehari Sara
Published: July 2020

Consideration of thrombolysis as first-line reperfusion therapy in patients with COVID-19 and STEMI is recommended by ACC/SCAI guidelines. We describe a patient with COVID-19, who presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and was treated with thrombolysis and anticoagulation. He was later found to have a significant persistent thrombus burden requiring thrombectomy and stent placement. Invasive hemodynamics on multiple high-dose pressers revealed a high cardiac output state with low systemic vascular resistance, consistent with distributive rather than cardiogenic shock. Our case illustrates that thrombolytic therapy alone may not be adequate in patients with STEMI and COVID-19, as well as the importance of early invasive hemodynamics in management of shock in patient with STEMI and COVID-19 infection.
A meta-analytic approach to evaluating the explanatory adequacy of theories
Authors: Cristia Alejandrina , Tsuji Sho , Bergmann Christina
Published: July 2020

Theories are a key part of the scientific process. How should we evaluate theories against evidence? The two traditional and most widespread approaches use single studies and qualitative reviews to evaluate theories; more recently, large-scale replications entered the picture. We argue here that none of these approaches fits in with cumulative science tenets. We propose instead Community-Augmented Meta-Analyses (CAMAs) which are cumulative and open, built using all available data, with mechanisms in place to prevent data overfitting and to statistically model methodological "noise". When using CAMAs as the basis for theory evaluation, it becomes a transparent, replicable endeavor. We provide step-by-step recommendations for how to implement this approach -- and what it means when one cannot. This leads us to conclude that CAMAs highlight areas of uncertainty better than the alternative theory evaluation approaches, and can trigger a much needed shift towards a cumulative mindset both with respect to theory and data, leading us to do experiments and qualitative reviews differently.
Obiski Rosalind Franklin v Sloveniji - Visits of Rosalind Franklin to Slovenia
Authors: Dolinar Marko
Published: July 2020

The world-renowned structural chemist and biochemist Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958) maintained contacts with Slovenian and Croatian chemists and visited both countries on several occasions. On the basis of biographies and archived correspondence, this article summarises her visits to Slovenia and other parts of the former Yugoslavia. Interestingly, I discovered that the most famous mountaineering photograph of Rosalind Franklin was not taken on her family vacation in Norway in the late 1930s as generally believed, but on the Vršič Pass in Julian Alps, as the vegetation and rock structure, especially the so-called Heathen Maiden in the northwest face of Mount Prisojnik, show. It is likely that the photo was taken by her Slovenian colleague Dušan Hadži, probably in May 1952, so the photo was obviously wrongly labelled in the Franklin family archives. In addition, her mountaineering trip to Mt. Triglav and her stay at Lake Bled could not have happened in 1952 as mentioned in her biography, but rather in 1954 or 1955.
Realitas, Fungsi dan Eksistensi Media Sebagai Aktor Politik
Authors: HERIANTO H.
Published: July 2020

Artikel ini berupaya menjelaskan realitas, fungsi dan eksistensi media dalam politik. Selain sebagai penyebar informasi atau berita, media juga dapat mempengaruhi dan mengintervensi proses politik di sebuah wilayah atau negara. Selain itu, artikel ini juga menguraikan berbagai produk media sebagai aktor politik seperti jurnalisme politik, proses editorialising dan akses pemrograman, penyiaran dan sebagainya. Produk media tersebut menegaskan bahwa posisi media dalam politik liberal sangat penting
Exploring the Science of Marma - An Ancient Healing Technique - Part 4: Marma Therapy
Authors: Mishra Alka , Shrivastava Vandana
Published: July 2020

Marma Science, an extraordinary gem in the vast treasure of Ayurvedic knowledge, represents the science of specific vital places in the body (Marmas), that are the ‘seats of life’ (Prana - the vital life force). As any injury to these parts may lead to severe pain, disability, loss of function, loss of sensation, or death, therefore, they hold an important place in the science of surgery. The ancient scriptures have strictly prohibited causing any injury to the Marmas. However, recent researches have used Marma stimulation for theraputic benefits, with encouraging outcomes. Looking at these mutually conflicting, important applications of Marma Science, the present study was undertaken for its in-depth analysis. Part-1 of this study explored different aspects of Marma Science in ancient / classical Indian scriptures. Part-2 gave detailed description of the number of Marmas, their location, structures involved, classification, effect of trauma, etc., as per classical texts, as well as correlation with modern science. Part-3 explored its use in Yoga and other ancient Indian traditions, both as a therapeutic technique, as well as for self defense and inflicting injury on the opponents.The present article explored its application as a therapeutic procedure (Marma Therapy). Different methods of Marma stimulation have been compiled. Theraputic classification and applications of Marmas have been listed, and several research studies on Marma Therapy have been presented. Several mechanisms for the mode of action of Marma Therapy have been discussed. It is concluded that Marma Science holds significant promise as an effective therapeutic procedure.
Macrolides for the treatment of COVID-19: A living systematic review protocol
Authors: Verdejo Catalina , Vergara-Merino Laura , Carvajal-Juliá Natalia , Meza Nicolás , Madrid Eva , Rada Gabriel , Reyes María Ximena Rojas
Published: July 2020

ObjectiveThis living systematic review aims to provide a timely, rigorous and continuously updated summary of the evidence available on the role of macrolides for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.Data sources We will conduct searches in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), grey literature and in a centralised repository in L·OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence). L·OVE is a platform that maps PICO questions to evidence from Epistemonikos database. In response to the COVID-19 emergency, L·OVE was adapted to expand the range of evidence it covers and customised to group all COVID-19 evidence in one place. The search will cover the period until the day before submission to a journal.Eligibility criteria for selecting studies and methods We adapted an already published common protocol for multiple parallel systematic reviews to the specificities of this question. We will include randomised trials evaluating the effect of macrolides — as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs — versus placebo or no treatment in patients with COVID-19. Randomised trials evaluating macrolides in infections caused by other coronaviruses, such as MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, and non-randomised studies in COVID-19 will be searched in case we find no direct evidence from randomised trials, or if the direct evidence provides low- or very low-certainty for critical outcomes.Two reviewers will independently screen each study for eligibility, extract data, and assess the risk of bias. We will pool the results using meta-analysis and will apply the GRADE system to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome. A living, web-based version of this review will be openly available during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will resubmit it every time the conclusions change or whenever there are substantial updates.Ethics and dissemination No ethics approval is considered necessary. The results of this review will be widely disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, social networks and traditional media.PROSPERO Registration number CRD42020181032
MANFAAT SISTEM INFORMASI SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA DALAM MENGELOLA DEPARTEMEN SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA
Authors: simatupang Intan khadijah
Published: July 2020

Adanya perkembangan teknologi informasi yang terjadi saat ini, memaksa semua pihak yang terlibat dalam proses produksi baik barang maupun jasa, untuk menghadapinya selain itu harus belajar lebih banyak tentang perangkat lunak maupun perangkat keras yang digunakan untuk mengelola informasi yang dibutuhkan oleh perusahaan. Khususnya tentang sistem informasi Sumber Daya Manusia, tidak kalah pentingnya dengan sistem informai yang lainnya misalnya Information Marketing System, Production Information System dan Financial Information System. Untuk itulah pengelolaan SISDM harus dilaksanakan secara profesional artinya dilaksanakan secara totalitas sehingga informai yang didapatkan cukup akurat, relevan, aktual dan cepat didapat apabila dibutuhkan oleh pihak-pihak yang berkepentingan. Berbagai aspek informasi sumber daya manusia mulai dari perencanaan sampai pemisahan tenaga kerja membutuhkan pengelolaan yang tepat. Keberadaan Sistem Informasi Sumber Daya Manusia di dalam perusahaan, sangat berperan mendukung kegiatan operasional Departemen Sumber Daya Manusia yang lebih efektif dan efisien.
HUKUM KETENAGAKERJAAN: ANALISIS PUTUSAN MA TENTANG MOGOK KERJA YANG MENGAKIBATKAN PHK
Authors: Hadi Abdul
Published: July 2020

Buku ini merupakan hasil penelitian penulis terkait persoalan mogok kerja yang mengakibatkan PHK yang akhir-akhir ini marak terjadi dalam hubungan industrial. Buku ini disajikan untuk melengkapi literatur baik untuk kebutuhan akademik maupun referensi praktisi dalam bidang hukum ketenagakerjaan. Penyajian ini menjadi penting, karena pada dasarnya mogok kerja adalah merupakan hak bagi pekerja namun tidak jarang berakhir pada pemutusan hubungan kerja. Dengan hadirnya buku ini diharapkan para pelaku hubungan industrial baik pekerja, pengusaha dan pemerintah dapat memahami hakikat dari mogok kerja. Oleh karena itu, buku ini perlu dimiliki dan dibaca, terutama bagi mahasiswa yang sedang belajar hukum ketenagakerjaan termasuk masyarakat secara keseluruhan
Time-Lagged Prediction of Food Craving with Elastic Net Regression and BISCWIT: Prediction Performance of Qualitative Distinct Predictor Types
Authors: Kaiser Tim , Butter Björn
Published: July 2020

Food craving (FC) peaks are highly context-dependent and variable. Accurate prediction of FC might help preventing disadvantageous eating behavior. Here, we examine whether data from two weeks of Ecological Momentary Assessment questionnaires on stress and emotions alongside smartphone sensor data would be able to predict food cravings approximately 2.5 hours into the future in N = 46 individuals. We compared two prediction approaches (logistic BISCWIT and Elastic Net Regression (ENR). While overall prediction accuracy was low, passive sensing data alone was superior to predictions based on psychometric data and BISCWIT was superior to ENR for binary classification of FC peaks.
Does early child language predict internalizing symptoms in adolescence? An investigation in two birth cohorts born 30 years apart
Authors: Thornton Emma , Bannard Colin , Matthews Danielle , Patalay Praveetha
Published: July 2020

Language is vital for social interaction leading some to suggest early language ability paves the way for good adolescent mental health (MH) in the general population. The relationship between age 5 language and adolescent internalizing symptoms was examined using the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS; N=11,640) and the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS; N=14,754). In the BCS, no relationship between early receptive vocabulary and adolescent self-reported symptoms was observed. In the MCS, higher expressive vocabulary scores were associated with more self-reported symptoms. The direction of this effect reversed when parent-reported symptoms were considered. The relationship between early language and adolescent MH varies with generation and reporter. Early language ability does not straightforwardly protect adolescents from internalizing symptoms in the current generation.
A Critical Evaluation of the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire
Authors: Müller Sascha , Wendt Leon Patrick , Spitzer Carsten , Masuhr Oliver , Back Sarah N. , Zimmermann Johannes
Published: July 2020

The Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ) is an 8-item self-report measure of reflective functioning that is presumed to capture individual differences in hypo- and hypermentalizing. Despite its broad acceptance by the field, we argue that the validity of the measure is not well-established. The current research elaborates on problems of the RFQ related to its item content, scoring procedure, dimensionality, and associations with psychopathology. We tested these considerations across three large clinical and non-clinical samples from Germany and the US (total N = 2289). In a first study, we found that the RFQ may assess a single latent dimension related to hypomentalizing but is rather unlikely to capture maladaptive forms of hypermentalizing. Moreover, the RFQ exhibited very strong associations with measures of personality pathology, while associations with measures of symptom distress were less strong. In a second preregistered study focused on convergent and discriminant validity, however, a commonality analysis indicated that associations with indicators of personality pathology are inflated because some of the RFQ items tap into emotional lability and impulsivity rather than mentalizing. Our findings demonstrate limitations of the RFQ. We discuss key challenges in assessing mentalizing via self-report.
'When they Struggle, I Cannot Sleep Well Either': Perceptions and Interactions Surrounding University Student and Teacher Well-being
Authors: Kiltz Lisa , Rinas Raven , Daumiller Martin , Fokkens-Bruinsma Marjon , Jansen E.P.W.A.
Published: July 2020

A wealth of evidence has indicated that both students and teachers experience high levels of stress, burnout, and ultimately compromised well-being in the university context. However, although numerous studies have investigated well-being among university students, and some studies have addressed well-being among university teachers, these lines of research are often conducted in isolation from one another. This is surprising, as the importance of considering reciprocal links between students and teachers has been suggested in numerous empirical studies. Additionally, when researching well-being in academia, conceptualizations of well-being differ from study-to-study. The present research therefore investigated how students and teachers conceptualize well-being at the university based on their personal experiences, as well as how student and teacher well-being interact. To examine this, six university students (50% female), and ten teachers (50% female) from Germany and the Netherlands participated in semi-structured interviews. Qualitative analysis using a multistage coding process revealed detailed insights concerning students’ and teachers’ perceptions of well-being that coincided with positive psychology, resilience, multifaceted, and basic psychological need fulfillment approaches. Moreover, an interaction between students’ and teachers’ well-being became apparent, including several factors such as the student-teacher relationship, that contributed to both population’s well-being. The present findings lend evidence towards a more coherent conceptualization of well-being for further research and are discussed in terms of suggestions for initiatives that simultaneously support both populations, for example, through the student-teacher relationship.
Experimental Control of Conflict in a Predictive Visual Probe Task: Highly Reliable Bias Scores Related to Anxiety
Authors: Gladwin Thomas Edward , Halls Monika , Vink Matthijs
Published: July 2020

Concerns have been raised about the low reliability of measurements of spatial attentional bias via RT differences in dot-probe tasks. The anticipatory form of the bias, directed towards predicted future stimuli, appears to have relatively good reliability, reaching around .70. However, studies thus far have not attempted to experimentally control task-related influence on bias, which could further improve reliability. Evoking top-down versus bottom-up conflict may furthermore reveal associations with individual differences related to mental health. In the current study, a sample of 143 participants performed a predictive Visual Probe Task (predVPT) with angry and neutral face stimuli online. In this task, an automatic bias is induced via visually neutral cues that predict the location of an upcoming angry face. A task-relevant bias was induced via blockwise shifts in the likely location of target stimuli. The bias score resulting from these factors was calculated as RTs to target stimuli at locations of predicted but not actually presented angry versus neutral faces. Correlations were tested with anxiety, depression, self-esteem and aggression scales. An overall bias towards threat was found with a split-half reliability of.90, and .89 after outlier removal. Avoidance of threat in blocks with a task-relevant bias away from threat was correlated with anxiety, with correction for multiple testing. The same relationship was nominally significant for depression and low self-esteem. In conclusion, we showed high reliability of spatial attentional bias that was related to anxiety.
Planning for success: Trait self-control predicts goal attainment through the use of implementation intentions
Authors: Werner Kaitlyn M. , Sjåstad Hallgeir , Milyavskaya Marina , Hofmann Wilhelm
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this research was to examine the relation between trait self-control, implementation intentions, the subjective experience of obstacles, and goal attainment. Across three studies (Ntotal=3,152), participants completed the brief self-control scale, set goals for the next week (Studies 2-3) or next year (Study 1), and then rated whether they had implementation intentions for each goal. In a follow-up survey, participants rated the amount of progress they made on each goal (Studies 2-3). Self-control was positively associated with having implementation intentions (Studies 1-3), which in turn was associated with better goal attainment (Studies 2-3). We also found that both self-control and implementation intentions was negatively associated with the experience of obstacles during goal pursuit (Study 2), but this pattern was not replicated (Study 3). These findings suggest that people with higher levels of self-control are more likely to attain their goals because they use more adaptive strategies, such as implementation intentions.
Icy road ahead - rapid adjustments of gaze-gait interactions during perturbed naturalistic walking
Authors: Kopiske Karl K. , Koska Daniel , Baumann Thomas , Maiwald Christian , Einhäuser Wolfgang
Published: July 2020

Most humans can walk effortlessly across uniform terrain even without paying much attention to it. However, most natural terrain is far from uniform, and we need visual information to maintain stable gait. In a controlled yet naturalistic environment, we simulated terrain difficulty through slip-like perturbations that were either unpredictable (experiment 1) or sometimes followed visual cues (experiment 2) while recording eye and body movements using mobile eye tracking and full-body motion tracking. We quantified the distinct roles of eye and head movements for adjusting gaze on different time scales. While motor perturbations mainly influenced head movements, eye movements were primarily affected by visual cues, both immediately following slips, and – to a lesser extent – over 5-minute blocks. We find adapted gaze parameters already after the first perturbation in each block, with little transfer between blocks. In conclusion, gaze-gait interactions in experimentally perturbed naturalistic walking are adaptive, flexible, and effector-specific.
Whither the “White Control Group“? On the Benefits of a Comparative Ethnic Minority Psychology
Authors: Syed Moin
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this paper is to discuss ethnic comparative research and the role of the “White control group” in such designs. Accordingly, there are two primary goals. First, to describe the rationale for ethnic comparative research, highlighting how research with White youth is based on different assumptions than research with ethnic minority youth. Second, to offer suggestions for how to conduct comparative research, ensuring that studies that include White samples are not conceptualized within a deficit framework. To this end, three recommendations are offered: 1) having a theoretical foundation for comparative studies, 2) including dynamic mediators to explain group differences, and 3) using mixed methods to reveal heterogeneity within groups. This paper is meant to serve as an explication of best practices that researchers could reference when designing their studies, providing rationale for their design, and responding to reviewer comments.
Bearded Dragons at Play
Authors: Plothe Theo
Published: July 2020

Animals have long appeared as the subjects and characters in digital games, but game studies scholars have rarely considered animals as players of digital games. This paper examines the mobile digital game Ant Smasher and YouTube videos of bearded dragons playing the game. This article advocates for the inclusion of these bearded dragons in gamerspace as not only a personification of the gamer within the space but as a conduit for play, a channel for gamers to breach the boundaries of gamerspace – the cultural and discursive space surrounding digital games that negotiates the relationship between the digital game and its impact on the world at large. Through an analysis of 50 YouTube videos representing these play experiences, this article considers the place of these videos within gamerspace. The implications of this work serve to better understand the relationships between digital gaming, play, and human and non-human actors in interaction with haptic media. This example also expands upon our understandings of play as a whole.
Playful Presenting
Authors: Hondsmerk Amy
Published: July 2020

The Present and Future of History and Games symposium took place at the University of Warwick on the 28th February 2020. This article provides some critical reflections on the symposium and its open theme of the study of history and games, which invited papers from a broad selection of scholars and professionals working in an interdisciplinary fashion at the intersection of these two fields. Papers brought into focus questions around particularly important or difficult topics encountered at this meeting of sectors, such as authenticity, accuracy, ownership, context, barriers, ethics and audience/player perceptions. The symposium explored how current research across various disciplines is intertwined and connected with other projects and subsequently encouraged speakers and attendees alike to consider how their work might develop and shape the future of study at the convergence of history, heritage, and gaming.
A Tale of Two Developments
Authors: Johnson Gareth J
Published: July 2020

This is an introductory editorial for the fifteenth volume of Exchanges. In this piece, the journal’s Editor-in-Chief explores some of the difficulties faced by authors, reviewers and editors alike working on academic publishing in a time of Covid-19 crisis. It briefly considers some of the hard decisions needed, but also examines how the lockdown period has permitted a re-visitation and embrace of the journal’s overarching ethos by the Editorial Board. The article reveals some of the drivers which have led to the launch of the journal’s new podcast series, alongside providing insights into some of the future planned episode. Crucially, the editorial provides an overview of each piece of work appearing in this journal issue as a guide for readers. The article closes by highlighting Exchanges open call for publication submissions, along with announcing a new themed call on the theme of ‘Challenge and Opportunity’.
Technology Innovation Support in Development of Local Superior Shallot in North Sulawesi
Authors: Tandi Olvie Grietjie , Faisal F.
Published: July 2020

The need for Shallot at the community level continues to increase every year in line with the increase in population. Shallots are used as cooking spices and used in the herbal medicine industry. Minahasa Regency is one of the centers of shallot development in North Sulawesi, where production at the farm level is still below the average of 7-8 t/ha. For this reason, a breakthrough in cultivation technology innovation is needed to increase yields. This writing aims to provide information on technological innovation support in the effort to develop local superior shallots in North Sulawesi and to see the results of farming from the application of the technology. The data obtained from the results of interviews and research results both conducted by the North Sulawesi AIAT Assessment Team and other research results. The support of technological innovation in efforts to develop shallots is the application of onion PTT Innovations: land management, preparation of plant spacing, use of certified seeds, planting and fertilizing, watering and controlling weeds, controlling plant pests, harvesting and post-harvesting. The conclusions obtained by the application of PTT shallots, which were examined by BPTP North Sulawesi using local varieties Lansuna. The B / C ratio is 4.23 by giving an income of Rp. 273,058,000 compared to the way of farmers where B / C ratio = 2.23 with income of Rp. 138,233,000 / hectare
Using Oil Palm Segregation Genetics to Decipher Illegitimate Seed Distribution Channels to Smallholder Farmers in Cameroon
Authors: Nchu Walter Ajambang , Koona Paul
Published: July 2020

Planting material or seed is the most determinant factor for oil palm productivity alongside agro climatological and management considerations. A study was conducted to determine the different varieties of oil palm planted in smallholders’ plantations, the distribution channels for oil palm seeds and all the actors involved in the seed trade sector in Cameroon. This is a bid to secure the supply of only improved planting materials to smallholder farmers. 230 oil palm smallholder plantations were surveyed and individual palms were subjected to varietal determination. The Chi-Square Test (c2) for Fixed Ratio Hypothesis (= 0.05) was used to determine whether the observed ratio deviates significantly from the Mendelian hypothesized genetic segregation ratio. Up to 65% of smallholder farms were found to be planted with poor planting material distributed in the different Mendelian ratios; 100% Dura, 50% Tenera and 50% Dura (1:1), 25% Dura, 50% Tenera and 25% Pisifera (1:2:1). The source of this poor quality planting material for these farms was deduced to come from private nursery entrepreneurs and workers of industrial plantations such as the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), Cameroon Palm Oil Company (SOCAPALM), Common Initiative Groups (CIG’s) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s). Farmers supplied by government services especially the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and some of its specialized development projects all received good quality material. Thus, this is the only means now available which can assure the distribution of seeds good quality seeds
Growth and Production of Pakchoy Under Various Type of Organic Fertilizer
Authors: Rahmawati R.
Published: July 2020

This study was conducted in Wiringpalenna village, Tempe sub-district of Wajo district, with the aim to determine the effect of the type of organic matter on the growth and production of pakchoy plants. The study was arranged based on a Randomized Block Design with five treatments namely: without organic matter, chicken manure, Blotong (Filter press mud), bokashi common water hyacinth, bokashi rice straw. The results showed that from variables tested; plant height, the number of leaves, the width of leaves, fresh weight of plants, fresh weight of plants per plot, and fresh weight per hectare, treatment with bokashi common water hyacinth obtained the best result
Wyzwania natury gospodarczej w świetle krytycznych studiów nad bezpieczeństwem
Authors: Kułaga Aleksandra
Published: July 2020

This article presents the theories of critical security studies of the Copenhagen, Welsh and Paris schools approach. An important concept presented by researchers form the Copenhagen School is securitisation. It involves the transfer of security challenges to the category of threats. Classical realism is criticised for privileging military aspects, and the assumption that the state is the only referent object of security. The author claims that classical theory does not respond to the challenges of the XXI century. Today, economic factors are gaining importance, and they consist of the issues related to security of the energy sector, trade cooperation and technological advancement. The subject of this article is describing the objectives, methods and measures to ensure security of the political community, in the light of critical security studies. The author shows that the conduct of such research is necessary. Critical studies complement traditional theories with important safety features that cannot be ignored in the era of a changing reality in the international arena.
Ocena antykryzysowej polityki gospodarczej Stanów Zjednoczonych i wybranych państw członkowskich Unii Europejskiej w latach 2005–2014
Authors: Flotyński Marcin Jan
Published: July 2020

The global financial crisis in 2007–2009 began a period of high volatility on the financial markets. Specifically, it caused an increased amplitude of fluctuations of the level of gross domestic products, the level of investment and consumption and exchange rates in particular countries. To address the adverse market circumstances, governments and central banks took actions in order to bolster the weakening global economy. The aim of this article is to present the anti-crisis actions in the United States and selected member states of the European Union, including Poland, and an assessment of their efficiency. The analysis conducted indicates that generally the actions taken in the United States in response to the crisis were faster and more adequate to the existing circumstances than in the European Union.
Nowe podejście do harmonizacji technicznej w Unii Europejskiej a swoboda przepływu towarów
Authors: Miedzińska Iwona
Published: July 2020

This article is about the new approach directives and their impact on ensuring the free movement of goods in the single market. The author analysed the relevant legislation of the European Union adopted in the field of technical harmonisation: regulations and directives. The primary method of research used in this article is the legal and institutional analysis. Neofunctionalism and rational choice theory were also helpful to explain the processes of integration in this area. The analysis shows that the new approach directives affect the streamlining of procedures for the movement of goods in the single market. However, despite the simplification of procedures for the movement of goods, an adequate level of safety and consumer protection is ensured. The member states and the European Commission have effective response mechanisms when a product endangers life, health or safety of consumers.
Konstruktywizm jako perspektywa badawcza w wyjaśnianiu zachowań eurosceptyków w Parlamencie Europejskim w obszarze działań zewnętrznych Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Tereszkiewicz Filip
Published: July 2020

This paper presents possibilities offered by the constructivist approach to analysing behaviours and attitudes of Eurosceptical MEPs towards the EU’s external actions. The analysis conducted in this paper shows that constructivism is very useful in explaining why Eurosceptics’ behaviour is often unusual in the field of European foreign policy. It also shows the evolution of Eurosceptic attitudes and identity. The inner organisation of the European Parliament is the main reason of this situation. The behaviour of small EP political groups is limited by the EP statute. It pushes Eurosceptical politicians to take part in debates within the EP framework, which has a significant influence on their identity. The final part of the paper shows the consequences of this process. The first of these are the “discursive nodal points” present in the Eurosceptical debates. The second is a “diplomatic republic of Europe” built between Eurosceptics in the EP. The third and final consequence is a “European public sphere” which emerges because Eurosceptics take part in EP debates.
Fundusze Unii Europejskiej w Polsce: dekada doświadczeń
Authors: Świstak Marek
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this article is to summarise more than a decade of Polish participation in the use of European Union Funds. During this period, we have seen an acceleration of economic growth, increasing Polish exports (mainly to EU countries) and a significant inflow of foreign investments. The development, however, have proved to be uneven in nature. The more developed regions gained the most from participation in EU funding, which does not reflect the regional policy objectives. So far, the regional policy in Poland is largely (though not exclusively) focused on investment that could only modernise the Polish economy in a superficial way. Examples are infrastructure investments that only raise living conditions. The ability to use EU funds in strengthening the competitiveness and innovativeness of Polish economy is utilised to a small extent.
Global strategy for the EU – the end of the EU as a normative power?
Authors: Czaputowicz Jacek
Published: July 2020

The article studies the consistency of the global strategy for the EU with the concept of the Union as a normative power. There are concerns, that putting interests above values could compromise the EU’s moral attractiveness. Introduction of “principled pragmatism” as a way of enhancing the resilience of states could question the promotion of democracy as an aim of foreign policy. The comparison of EU global strategy with the NATO Warsaw summit communiqué suggest the latter organisation acquires the features of normative power hitherto associated with the European Union.
Between failure and success of the integration process: explaining the policy impact (the case of the fiscal and energy unions)
Authors: Petrakov Iaroslav , Kucheryavaya Elena
Published: July 2020

The aim of the article is to explain why the EU integration efforts have different outcomes in times of crisis with regards to impact on key stakeholders. Besides traditional political theories of European integration, authors suggest to take into account the importance of behavioural intentions and stimuli to adhere to the reforms agenda. The research results presented in this article explain two recent deep EU crises: energy crisis and fiscal crisis, which evolved simultaneously, but resulted in different integration projects within the same political and institutional background. Authors analysed Eurobarometer public opinion surveys together with empirical data on the impact on stakeholders, based on available indicators in Eurostat. Authors found that the key for a policy to succeed in targeting agents’ and groups’ behaviour is its direct ties with stakeholders’ motivation which can be done only at market level. Thus, policy shift in integration areas should be reinforced by direct and clear market solutions and corrective mechanisms avoiding politically-relevant targets.
Analysis of Text Collections for the Purposes of Keyword Extraction Task
Authors: Vanyushkin Alexander , Graschenko Leonid
Published: July 2020

The article discusses the evaluation of automatic keyword extraction algorithms (AKEA) and points out AKEA’s dependence on the properties of the test collection for effectiveness. As a result, it is difficult to compare different algorithms who’s tests were based on various test datasets. It is also difficult to predict the effectiveness of different systems for solving real-world problems of natural language processing (NLP). We take in to consideration a number of characteristics, such as the text length distribution in words and the method of keyword assignment. Our analysis of publicly available analytical exposition text which is typical for the keywords extraction domain revealed that their length distributions are very regular and described by the lognormal form. Moreover, most of the article lengths range between 400 and 2500 words. Additionally, the paper presents a brief review of eleven corpora that have been used to evaluate AKEA’s.
Dynamics of neutrino wave packet in the Tachyon-like Dirac equation
Authors: Nanni L.
Published: July 2020

In this study the tachyon-like Dirac equation, formulated by Chodos to describe superluminal neutrino, is solved. The analytical solutions are Gaussian wave packets obtained using the envelope method. It is shown that the superluminal neutrino behaves like a pseudo-tachyon, namely a particle with subluminal velocity and pure imaginary mass that fulfils the energy-momentum relation typical of classical tachyons. The obtained results are used to prove that the trembling motion of the particle position around the median, known as Zitterbewegung, also takes place for the superluminal neutrino, even if the oscillation velocity is always lower than the speed of light. Finally, the pseudo-tachyon wave packet is used to calculate the probability of oscillation between mass states, obtaining a formula analogous to the one obtained for the ordinary neutrino. This suggest that in the experiments concerning neutrino oscillation is not possible to distinguish tachyonic neutrinos from ordinary ones.
Thermal properties and degradation kinetics of epoxy-γ-alumina and epoxy-zinc oxide light weight composites
Authors: Camacho N. , May-Crespo J.F. , Rojas-Trigos J.B. , Martinez K. , Marin E. , Mondragon-Rodriguez G.C.
Published: July 2020

Lightweight composite materials are the gold standard in aeronautical and aerospace applications due to their strength and low mass. To carry higher payloads and decrease launching costs, nanosatellites lightweight. Additionally, nanosatellites must also resist high thermal radiation loads while working in orbit. Polymer-based composite materials maintain low mass and added reinforcing ceramic fillers contributes to increasing radiation resistance, thus producing composites that meet both requirements. In this work, the effects of γ-alumina (Al2O3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) micro- and nanoparticles on the thermal properties and degradation kinetics of epoxy-based composites were investigated. The effective thermal conductivity improved up to 17.8 % for epoxy/γ-Al2O3 and 27.4 % for epoxy/ZnO. The effective thermal diffusivity values show a monotonic decreasing behavior as a function of the particle concentration for the epoxy/γ-Al2O3 composites; for the epoxy/ZnO composites, no correlation on the effective thermal diffusivity values with the ZnO-content was observed. Both oxide-based ceramic fillers increase the thermal stability of epoxy up to 250 °C; however, γ-Al2O3 decreased the maxima decomposition temperature of the epoxy matrix by 6°C. Zinc oxide did not affect the maxima decomposition temperature but decreased the activation energy of epoxy by ~ 45 %. These results provide a feasible manufacturing method for epoxy-based composite materials (i.e. nanosatellites) where efficient heat transfer, heat resistance, and low mass are required.