bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Ziziphus Spina-Christi (L.) on Selected Soil Properties and Sorghum Yield in Habru District, North Wollo, Ethiopia
Authors: Wolle Hailie Shiferaw , Lemma Bekele , Mengistu Tefera
Published: April 2020

Ziziphus spina-christi is a multipurpose tree which grows naturally on the farm lands in Habru district. Since, the effects of this tree on soil and crop have not scientifically quantified; this study has been carried out with the aim of assessing the effect of Ziziphus spina-christi on soil physicochemical properties, grain and biomass yield of sorghum.Five isolated and nearly identical Ziziphus spina-christi tree growing on farm lands with similar site condition were selected and canopy coverage of each tree was divided into four radial transects. Soil samples from three horizontal distances: 1.2m, 2.9m and 15m with two soil depths (0–15cm and 15-30cm) were taken for analysis of soil physico- chemical properties. Three quadrates 1m x1m at each transect and distances were laid for sorghum grain yield and biomass estimation. The result shows that soil pH, EC, CEC and soil texture were not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by Ziziphus spina-christi tree, whereas soil bulk density, soil moisture content, total nitrogen, organic carbon, available phosphorus and exchangeable cation (Mg, Ca and K) were significantly (P<0.05) influenced mainly due to higher organic matter input through litter fall, root biomass, uptake and return of nutrients from deeper soil profiles under the tree canopies. While the grain yield of sorghum and above ground biomass were not statistically significant (p>0.05).Hence, retaining of this tree on crop land improves the soil fertility status.
Status and Decline Causes of Fish Diversity of Bhawal Beel, Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Mst. Armina , Kunda Mrityunjoy , Mazumder Sabuj Kanti
Published: April 2020

Beel is one of the ancient types and obviously a fascinating one due to its biodiversity and ecological importance in local and national perspective of Bangladesh. The Bhawal beel is one of important beels and excellent habitat for small indigenous species (SIS). The present status and decline causes of Bhawal beel was studied from March 2016 to February 2017. Data collection was carried out from four villages of Achim union under Fulbaria upazila. Questionnaire Interview (QI), Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and cross-check Interview were done to obtain data related to status and decline causes of fishes from the fishermen and resource person. A total of 56 species of fish including prawn under 10 orders and 23 families were recorded from thebeel. Cypriniformes (33.93%) was the most dominant order followed by Siluriformes (21.43%), Perciformes (19.65%), Channiformes (7.14%), Synbranchiformes (7.14%), Decapoda (3.58%), Cyprinodontiformes (1.78%), Osteoglossiformes (1.78%), Beloniformes (1.78%) and Tetraodontiformes (1.78%). Among the recorded families Cyprinidae was the most dominant family contributing 17 species. The availability status of observed species were remarked in four categories and obtained as available (44.64%), seasonal (19.64%), rare (16.08%) and very rare (19.64%). Decline causes like overfishing, use of illegal fishing gear, siltation, katha fishing, and abstraction of water for irrigation, catching of fry and brood fishes, lack of connection of beel with Banar river and absence of proper beel management policy were observed as major threats for fish diversity.  About 13species were found threatened (1 critically endangered, 5 endangered and 7 vulnerable) which may extinct in near future due to proper management of the beel fishery. The present study recommends minimizing of all these impediments. Besides Community Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) and beel nurseryis essential to save the valuable fish diversity of Bhawal Beel on which local livelihood depends.
Sobre Ética de Investigación
Authors: Barros Ortegón Arturo
Published: April 2020

La única forma segura como la ciencia avance esa través de la investigación. Y la investigación nace con el espíritu humano de querer encontrar explicación a todo lo que no entiende. Fue en Grecia hace 25 siglos que unos hombres se comenzaron a hacer preguntas sobre el por que de las cosas. En ese mismo momento nació la filosofía y la ciencia, por que aquellos que son llamados filósofos presocráticos son considerados también los primeros científicos occidentales, ambos bajo el horizonte de comprensión del movimiento: como se llega a ser y como se deja de ser. Es lo que se denominara principio de causalidad.
Associated factors with otitis externa in the city of Antsiranana, Madagascar
Authors: Randrianandraina Patrick M. , Razafimahatratra Mamy J. J. , Solo Corinne E. , Valisoa Angelo H. , Razay Nathalie C. , Ramilison Heritsilavo E. , Rakotoarisoa Andriarimanana H. N.
Published: April 2020

Background: Otitis externa is common in medical practice. This study aims to identify the contributing factors of otitis externa in the city of Antsiranana, Madagascar.

Methods: This is an analytical case-control type study, concerning patients with otitis externa, seen from January to July 2019, at the university hospital of place Kabary and at the grand Pavois medical practice, all in Antsiranana. The epidemiological, behavioural and clinical parameters were evaluated.  

Results: We included 153 patients, among which 51were cases and 102 controls. The average age was 32.9 years (±19.41). The occurrence of otitis externa was significantly associated with the existence of a history of otitis externa, as well as ear cleaning 4 to 6 times per week (p=0.00; OR=46.17; CI=5.90-361.02). The diabetes exposure ratio was 18.79 in the ‘cases’ (p=0.00; CI=2.27-154.88), this ratio was 10.71 in the event of repeated swimming in pool (p=0.00; CI=2.22-51.70), 3.94 in case of ear cleaning with the cotton swab (p=00; CI=1.34-11, 60), and 2.23 when using headphones (p=0.02; CI=1.05-4.75).  The treatment of a previous otological pathology was a protective factor against otitis externa (OR=0.1500, p=0.0159, CI=0.0259-0.8689).

Conclusions: The occurrence of otitis externa is related to well define daily behaviours and to other associated clinical factors. Managing these risk factors is the first step in treatment of otitis externa.
Correlation between brainstem evoked response audiometry with other audiological tests in different types of hearing loss
Authors: Shah Hemal , Kharadi Pramod , Patel Krunal , Jha Sushil , Singh Abhishek Kumar
Published: April 2020

Background: Brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) is most specific and sensitive test for brain stem dysfunction. It is most important objective method for evaluating peripheral auditory system in neonates, infants, sedated and comatose patients and other person who doesn’t understand the language. Objective of the study was to evaluate correlation BERA with other audiological tests in different types of hearing loss as well as to study variations of wave forms in different types of hearing loss.

Methods: Patients underwent a complete ENT check up to rule out any actively discharging gears, wax, infection or any middle ear problems. Different audiometric tests: pure tone audiometry (PTA), distortion product otoacoustic emissions, auditory steady-state response (ASSR) and BERA were applied to the patients.  

Results: The majority of the patients (32 cases) belonged to the age group of 0-5 years. Maximum cases were of sensorineural hearing loss (60%). ASSR was highly sensitive (85.1%) for estimation of hearing threshold and specificity was 100% (p<0.001). BERA was also highly significant for estimation of hearing threshold (sensitivity: 83%; specificity: 92.3%; p value <0.001).

Conclusions: BERA has high degree of accuracy in detecting hearing threshold as an objective test but not as much accurate as ASSR. It is more valuable in terms of identification of site and size of the lesion in auditory pathway and identification for the type of the deafness.
Clinicopathological study on aural polyp
Authors: Suraneni Visweswara Rao , Allena Anusha , Gaddipati Vineela
Published: April 2020

Background: The study of the aural polyp was undertaken to emphasize various causes of the aural polyp and to highlight the importance of histopathology in the management of these cases.

Methods: 50 patients who attended the ENT outpatient department with aural polyp were taken for the study. Aural polypectomy was done after clinical, radiological evaluation and examination under the microscope. Tissue was sent for histopathological examination.  

Results: The most common lesion was found to be Inflammatory polyp (50%), followed by cholesteatoma (30%), chronic non-specific inflammation (10%). Others included abscess (6%). One case each of squamous cell carcinoma and glomus were also reported.   

Conclusions: Aural polypectomy, followed by histopathological examination, may uncover serious disease processes and will assist in planning further management in extensive diseases. Though inflammatory polyp is the most common cause, vascular and malignant tumors should also be considered while evaluating the case.
Threshold shift validity by documenting sensorineural acuity level: a useful tool for masking
Authors: Kapoor Punnet , Zangmo Nima , Garg L. N. , Saini Anu , Gupta Manish
Published: April 2020

Background: Masking dilemma is a condition prevalent whenever there is significant hearing loss in non-test ear and conductive hearing loss in test ear resulting into narrow or non-existent plateau width. Three feasible ways are divulged to circumvent this condition namely, Sensorineural acuity level testing, Fusion Inferred at threshold and use of insert type transducers. Different circumstances encountered when using insert type transducers and Fusion Inferred at threshold test has made it peril to use. Thus, administration of sensorineural acuity level test has been preferred. Sensorineural acuity level test involves computation of individual threshold shifts and its comparison with normal threshold shifts when a maximum level of bone conducted noise is presented at the centre of forehead via bone conduction vibrator.  This research study aims to document normal threshold shifts and its validation in individual with bilateral symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods: A prospective study was carried out among 50 normal individuals and 50 patients with bilateral symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss. Pertinent measures were taken to ensure fulfilment of all-inclusive and exclusive criteria. In addition, air conduction and bone conduction threshold were computed using conventional methods followed by administration of sensorineural acuity level test. Necessary comparison was made among the threshold shifts.  

Results: Inferences drawn showed closer correlation between sensorineural acuity level threshold and bone conduction thresholds during puretone audiometry.

Conclusions: Sensorineural acuity level test has shown to be effectual in both rehabilitation and medical interventions. Besides, imperative role of an audiologist can be recognized in its administration and elucidation for better prognostication.
Comparison of tonsillectomy by coblation and tonsillectomy by conventional method
Authors: Karathia Neha Mihir , Kansara Atul H.
Published: April 2020

Background: Operations on tonsils and adenoids are performed since many years. Tonsillectomy produces an open wound that heals by secondary intention. Tonsillectomy is still a very common surgical procedure. There are various modalities to perform surgery (diathermy, laser, harmonic scalpel, radiofrequency cautery, cryosurgery and coblation). Among these, dissection and snare method are commonly done by ENT surgeons.

Methods: We carried out the prospective cross-sectional study to compare intraoperative blood loss, time taken for the surgery, post-operative pain score, degree of slough formation and complications between these two methods.  

Results: Average time for surgery on coblation side was less (15.1 min) than conventional side (36.04 min). For haemostasis on conventional side, all patients required bipolar cauterization while on coblation side only 8 patients (16%) required hemostasis. Average blood loss on coblation side (left) was 3.40ml while on conventional side (right) 25.57 ml. In my study, mean pain score on 1st day, 2nd day, 5th and 10th day of surgery was 6.18, 4.10, 2.30 and 1.64 on conventional side and 4.36, 3.00, 1 and 0 on coblation side. In my study, only one patient had Secondary haemorrhage on conventional side on 7th day.

Conclusions: The use of coblator reduces the time required for surgery, per-operative blood loss is very much less, chances of damage to surrounding structures are less, charring of tissue is less, post-operative severity of pain after 24 hours is very much less than that of dissection method. Slough formation was more on coblation side as compared to conventional side.
Pediatric extramammary myofibroblastoma in the head and neck region: a case report
Authors: K. C. Sunil , Kumar B. Y. Praveen , M. K. Varna Ravindran , Mali Kiran
Published: April 2020

A rare form of mesenchymal neoplasm that typically presents in older men and women is mammary myofibroblastoma. Even so rarely, these benign tumours may occur outside of the breasts in soft tissues; which then are called mammary-type myofibroblastoma. There can be marked variability in the histological composition of these benign spindle cell tumours. Along the milk line is the commonest presentation of these extramammary myofibroblastoma. Here we have an 8 years old female patient presented to the department of otorhinolaryngology with a painless, fusiform swelling over the right lateral aspect of tongue in the past 6 months. Intra oral examination revealed a non-tender, non-ulcerated fusiform shaped mass approximately 3×2 cm firm in consistency arising from the right lateral border of the tongue. FNAC was done which showed spindle cell tumour tongue. The lesion was diagnosed as mammary type myofibroblastoma on immunohistochemistry.
Audit Report Lag and Its Determinants
Authors: Shofiyah Lilik , Wilujeng Suryani Ani
Published: April 2020

Audit report lag is an important issue because it can affect the timeliness of accounting information that is used by internal and external users for their decision making. This study aims to examine the influence of profitability, solvency, company size, and the reputation of public accounting firms on the audit report lag. We collected data from 40 Indonesian mining companies annual reports from 2013 to 2017. The hypotheses were tested by using multiple regression analysis. The results show that profitability and company size have significant negative impacts on audit report lag, but solvency and reputation public accounting firm have no effect. The results of this study can be taken into consideration for companies as well as possible so that they can submit financial reports in a timely manner.
Keywords: profitability, solvency, company size, reputation public accounting firm, audit report lag
The Effect of Fiscal Balance Funding on Regional Economic Growth: Evidence from East Java Province Period 2015-2017
Authors: Widyastuti Dwi , Rahmawati Farida
Published: April 2020

This research aims to determine the effect of Fiscal Balance Funding on regional economic growth in East Java Province period 2015-2017. The data used in this research are Local Own Revenue (Pendapatan Asli Daerah), General Allocation Fund (Dana Alokasi Umum), Specific Allocation Fund (Dana Alokasi Khusus) and Village Fund (Dana Desa), Capital Expenditure (Belanja Modal) and Regional Gross Domestic Bruto (Produk Domestik Regional Bruto) from all district in East Java Province. The data used are obtained from the Directorate General of Fiscal Balance and the Central Bureau of Statistics. The sample in this study was 30 districts/cities in East Java Province and analytical method used is multiple linear regression analysis and path analysis. According to the calculation results based on the magnitude of the direct influence coefficient of the five variables shows that there is an indirect effect of District Own Revenue and General Allocation Fund on Regional Economic Growth through Capital Expenditure. Based on these results, the researchers provide suggestions that it is expected to allocate Special Allocation Fund for expenditures that have high impact on productive activities such as capital expenditure that can support regional economic growth.
Keywords: Fiscal Balance Funding, Capital Expenditurel, Regional Economic Growth
User’s Technology Acceptance of thinkgather.com App-Based Platform: Collaboration and Networking App for Researchers
Authors: Hadi Wira Prabowo Suryo , Murdiono Achmad , Handayati Puji , Eko Soetjipto Budi , Utaberta Nangkula , Gunawan Ari , Krisdiana Nofianti Siska
Published: April 2020

This research is based on the desire to increase the amount of research and the number of publications resulting from the increased ease of finding research groups and accelerating the process of disseminating information in accordance with the field of research. This study was applied to a research group consisting of 50 research lecturers from universities. This research method was conducted by comparing the ease felt by the research lecturer in using the thinkgather.com application. The analysis applied in this study is based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). TAM is a method used to determine the tendency of users to use new technology. The results of the research conducted are lecturers, as users of the thinkgather.com application, who have a high desire in using this application (BI). This was obtained because respondents showed a high Perceived Usefulness (U) of 82,5% and showed a high Perceived Ease of Use (E) of 85%. Based on these results states that the research lecturer, as a user, feels increased ease of collaboration and networking.
Keywords: app-based platform, networking media, thinkgather.com, user’s technology acceptance
Is Libra_Facebook’s New Currency Can Increase Financial Inclusiveness?
Authors: Handayani Sri , Martini Antony , Thomson Eric M.
Published: April 2020

Facebook has announced a digital currency named Libra that will allow billions of users to make financial transactions across the planet. Libra which has the Libra Blockchain component, the Libra currency, and Libra association. This article has question on: 1) How could the Libra Association increase financial inclusiveness via its new payment platform? 2) How should Financial and Legal Authorities think of regulating the new Libra virtual currency?
Keywords: FinTech, Libra, Financial Inclusion
The Study of Service Quality and Relationship Marketing for Engaging Hotels Customer Loyalty
Authors: Shabrina Prameka Adelia
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect between service quality towards customer loyalty through relationship marketing as intervening in four-star hotel services. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is used for analyzing the effect among service quality, relationship marketing and customer loyalty. The result shows there are relations’ effects between service quality on customer loyalty directly and indirectly, how service quality and relationship marketing can engage the customer loyalty hotels. When the guests have a good experience of leisure, they become loyal customer, if hotels provider can engage them using a relationship-marketing program also, not only satisfied with hotel good quality services. Another result shows that service quality is a key direct indicator as measurements of hotels provider to provide the good leisure services and as an experience desired when customer book a hotel for stay.
 
Keywords: Service quality, relationship marketing, customer loyalty, hotel services, loyalty program
MEDIATING ROLE OF EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE
Authors: A. Mahfouz Shatha , Awang Zainudin , Muda Habsah , Suriawaty Bahkia Ayu
Published: April 2020

Purpose: This study intends to highlight the importance of Employee Commitment as a bridge between Transformational Leadership and Employee Performance in the construction companies.

Methodology: The respondents were selected randomly from the list of construction workers registered with the construction firms in Jordan. The selected respondents were given a self-administered questionnaire to attend at their own convenient time. The studies employed Structural Equation Modelling in IBM-SPSS-AMOS 24.0 to model and estimate the inter-relationships among the constructs in the study.

Result: The results showed transformational leadership has a positive and significant influence on both employee commitment and employee performance. The results also indicated that employee commitment has a positive and significant influence on employee performance. More importantly, the study found that employee commitment partially mediates the relationship between transformational leadership style and employee performance.

Applications: The results of his study highlighted the importance of employee commitment in generating their work performance, especially in the construction industry.

Novelty/Originality: At present, the study on the mediating role of employee commitment in the relationship between transformational leadership style and employee performance is limited, especially in the construction industry where the employee commitment is extremely important to ensure the project can be delivered on schedule.
Application of a Fuzzy Model to the Task of Filtering in Nonlinear Dynamic Systems
Authors: Demenkov N.P. , Tran D.M.
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we consider various approaches to the problem of filtering in nonlinear dynamic systems and their algorithms. The Strong Tracking Unscented Kalman Filter, based on the combination of Unscented Kalman Filter and Strong Tracking Kalman Filter, provides stability to the uncertainty of the process model directly using a suboptimal scaling factor (SSF). The softening coefficient is part of the SSF and it improves the smoothness of the system state assessment. The coefficient is determined empirically and is included in the entire filtering process, which leads to a loss of accuracy in the time segments in which the process model is defined. The paper explores the use of Takagi --- Sugeno fuzzy model (T-S model) to adjust in real time the softening coefficient when the object's dynamics changes. As a result of a comparative analysis of the accuracy of the studied filters for the nonlinear model, it was found that the new filter using a fuzzy logical adaptive system possesses good smoothness of assessment and the greatest accuracy
An Intelligent System of Semi-Automatic Design of Cylindrical Gear Reducers with a Choice of Best Solutions
Authors: Eugenev G.B.
Published: April 2020

The complexity and cost of design, as well as the quality of its results, are determined by the volume and depth of engineering knowledge embedded in a computer. The intellectual technology of computerization of engineering activity enables specialists who does not possess deep knowledge of computer science to create specialized workstations for themselves and their colleagues. At the same time, the engineering activity undergoes qualitative changes: the specialist enters technical specifications into a computer and oversees the project generation process, making fundamental creative decisions by selecting one of the options offered by the computer. Such systems with good reason can be attributed to a fundamentally new category of semi-automatic design systems. This paper examines the technology of creating semi-automatic systems for designing cylindrical gear reducers with an option of searching for the best solutions using genetic algorithms. The relevance of this topic is related to the fact that creation of intelligent systems for product design is an important direction in improving the engineering development of machine-building production. Such systems can increase the productivity and quality of designers’ work due to the semi-automatic generation of 3D models of products in typical variant design.
Behavior of the six-legged robot in emergency situation
Authors: Golubev Yu.F. , Koryanov V.V. , Melkumova E.V.
Published: April 2020

The paper proposes a method of rocking the body of a six-legged robot, which provides a flipping of the body and the return of the robot to the operating position. It is shown that the autonomous rescue of the apparatus from an emergency position “upside down” is possible with the help of cyclic movement of the legs, if the body has an upper shell in the form of a truncated cylinder. The legs on the pre-chosen edge of the body through which the flip should occur, are passive, and straightened along the body so that they do not interfere with the flip. The legs on the opposite edge are active; they perform synchronous movement in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body, with a fixed angle in the knee. An analytical study and computer simulation of the full dynamics of the robot were fulfilled which confirmed the effectiveness of the developed technique for restore the functional capability of the robot. Computer simulation was carried out by means of the Universal Mechanism software package. The results of numerical experiments are presented.
Stability of a relay dynamic system with non-linear speed sensor and delay under constant disturbance
Authors: Simonyants R.P. , Khudaybergenov B.R.
Published: April 2020

The paper considers the joint effect of the control delay and speed sensor output signal limiting on the stability of the relay dynamic system under the constant disturbance. It is shown that in this case a new property is detected in the system – the appearance of the unstable limit cycle. Phase trajectories are drawn to a stable limit cycle only from the area of initial conditions where their boundaries are determined by the trajectory of an unstable limit cycle. Using the method of Poincare mappings, the parameters of fixed points defining the unstable limit cycle as the boundary of the stability region are found. A simplified method for approximate determination of simple limit cycles and stability in the “large” is proposed based on the property of dynamic symmetry of the system. The method allows the study of the problem under consideration to be limited to applying shift and symmetry mappings to the switching lines.
Mel Watkins — Some Recollections
Authors: Collier Ken
Published: April 2020

In Memoriam of Mel Watkins
Remembering Mel Watkins: No Narrow Nationalist
Authors: Cohen Marjorie
Published: April 2020

A tribute to Mel Watkins.
Adam Brzechwa-Ajdukiewicz – ostatni dowódca 26 Dywizji Piechoty
Authors: Czernielewski Konrad A.
Published: April 2020

Autor przedstawił postać pułkownika Adama Brzechwy-Ajdukiewicza oraz przebieg jego kariery wojskowej w latach 1914–1939. Adam Ajdukiewicz urodził się w 1894 r. w majątku Komorniki pod Krakowem. Studiował na Politechnice we Lwowie. Był członkiem niepodległościowych organizacji konspiracyjnych. W 1914 r. został żołnierzem Legionów Polskich Józefa Piłsudskiego – był m.in. dowódcą kompanii karabinów maszynowych 4 pułku piechoty Legionów. Po kryzysie przysięgowym wcielony został do armii austro-węgierskiej. W listopadzie 1918 r. wstąpił do Wojska Polskiego – brał udział w obronie Lwowa. Ukończył Szkołę Sztabu Generalnego. W armii polskiej pełnił wiele ważnych stanowisk, a zwieńczeniem jego kariery wojskowej było stanowisko dowódcy 26 Dywizji Piechoty, które objął w marcu 1938 r. Autor opisał także krótko jej dzieje: historię jej sformowania, tradycje bojowe pułków i miejsca dyslokacji. W ostatniej części artykułu omówiono walki dywizji we wrześniu 1939 r., szczególną uwagę poświęcając bitwie nad Bzurą – największej bitwie 1939 r. Autor opisał działania gen. bryg. Adama Brzechwy-Ajdukiewicza oraz jego losy po 1939 r. Generał znalazł się w niewoli, był jeńcem oflagu VIIA w Murnau. Po jego wyzwoleniu przez wojska amerykańskie został oficerem w 7 Dywizji Piechoty, następnie zastępcą dowódcy Jednostek Wojskowych na Środkowym Wschodzie. Od 1947 r. służył w Polskim Korpusie Przysposobienia i Rozmieszczenia. Po demobilizacji zamieszkał w Londynie. Zmarł 6 czerwca 1954 r. Pochowany został na cmentarzu Kensal Green w Londynie.
Fauzi al-Kawukdżi i Abd al-Kadir al-Husajni w walce o niepodległość Palestyny
Authors: Pogońska-Pol Magdalena
Published: April 2020

Artykuł omawia działania podejmowane przez Fauziego al-Kawukdżiego i Abd al-Kadira al-Husajniego w czasie tzw. wojny domowej w brytyjskim Mandacie Palestyny. Pierwszy stał na czele Arabskiej Armii Wyzwolenia, stworzonej przez Ligę Państw Arabskich. Jego siły miały charakter ochotniczy, były nieliczne i słabo uzbrojone. Drugi powołał Armię Świętej Wojny, która składała się z ochotników palestyńskich, stanowiła siły podporządkowane rodzinie Husajnich. Obaj dowódcy mieli za zadanie nie dopuścić do wejścia w życie rezolucji Organizacji Narodów Zjednoczonych dotyczącej podziału Palestyny na dwa państwa oraz chronić arabską ludność cywilną. Prowadzili działania bez współpracy ze sobą i nie udało im się powstrzymać działań osadników i sił żydowskich.
Ludzie wojny w medialnym obrazie świata
Authors: Derlatka Katarzyna
Published: April 2020

Zazwyczaj ograniczamy nasze pojmowanie pojęcia „ludzie wojny” do tych, którzy wojny wywołują, prowadzą, walczą w nich jako dowódcy i żołnierze. Ludzie wojny to przecież jednak nie tylko przywódcy, wodzowie, wielcy i mali oraz ich armie. To także napadnięte, oblężone i uciśnione narody, żyjący w pokoju obywatele innych państw i społeczeństw, niezaangażowanych w konflikt, będący obserwatorami tychże wydarzeń oraz ich ofiarami. To także całe społeczeństwa, narody, cywilizacje, każdy człowiek, który stale jest poddawany manipulacjom, nieświadomie uczestniczy w każdej wojnie, ponosząc mniejsze lub większe konsekwencje. Zagrożeniem dla obywateli jest nie tylko wojna konwencjonalna, lecz także wojna informacyjna prowadzona za pomocą takich narzędzi, jak: propaganda, dezinformacja, inspiracja, manipulacja informacji, sterowanie społeczne. Właśnie w ten sposób „ludzie wojny”, widzowie działań wojennych prezentowanych na żywo w telewizji stają się uczestnikami wojny, popierając ją lub nie, głosując na określone rządy lub nie, wspierając działania humanitarne lub nie. Ich poglądy, wybory i decyzje mogą zależeć od stopnia zniewolenia ich umysłów przez agresora. Wojna informacyjna ma charakter niszczący, jak każda wojna, tylko inaczej, bezkrwawo. Ludzie wojny to w dzisiejszym globalnym systemie informacyjnym niemalże cała ludność świata mająca dostęp do informacji. Podlegają jej autorytety, środowiska opiniotwórcze, grupy społeczne, narody oraz państwa.
“It Had a Lot of Cultural Stuff in It”: HIV-Serodiscordant African American Couples’ Experiences of a Culturall y Congruent Sexual Health Intervention
Authors: Mthembu Jacqueline , Hamilton Alison B. , Milburn Norweeta G. , Sinclair Deborah , Mkabile Siyabulele , Mashego Mmathabo , Manengela Thabile , Wyatt Gail E.
Published: April 2020

Objective: The increased life expectancy of people living with HIV has brought about an increase in serodiscordant couples, in which there is risk of HIV transmission. Therefore, interventions that promote sexual health and reduce risk are critical to develop for these couples. Given the disproportionate burden of HIV among populations of color, it is also critical that these interventions are culturally congruent. The EBAN intervention for African American serodiscordant couples recognizes the centrality of culture in shap­ing sexual behaviors and helps couples develop intimacy and positive prevention behaviors. The analytic objective of our study was to examine the knowledge and awareness gained by participants in the intervention.Participants: Participants (n=17) who com­pleted at least half of the eight intervention sessions.Methods: Brief post-implementation semi-structured interviews were conducted be­tween January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. Team-based, targeted content analysis focused on knowledge and awareness gains.Results: Participants described learning about sexual health, expanded sexual options, and sexual communication. The “EBAN café,” a component that gives couples a menu of options for safer sex behaviors, was particularly popular. Partici­pants also noted the value of learning how to communicate with one another about their sexual health-related concerns and preferences. They appreciated the “cultural stuff” that was infused throughout the ses­sions, including the emphasis on learning from one another as couples.Conclusions: Couples at risk for HIV trans­mission benefit from strengthening skills and knowledge related to healthy sexual­ity. A behavioral intervention that aligns with cultural values and imparts culturally congruent sexual health information appeals to couples who seek ways to enhance their intimacy and sexual options while also re­ducing risk. Ethn Dis. 2020;30(2):269-276; doi:10.18865/ed.30.2.269
PRIDE Peer Mentor Development Program: Lessons Learned in Mentoring Racial/Ethnic Minority Faculty
Authors: Williams Natasha , Ravenell Joseph , Duncan Andrea F. , Butler Mark , Jean-Louis Girardin , Kalet Adina
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Mentorship is crucial for academic success. And yet, there are few mentoring programs that address the needs of underrepresented, racially/ethnically diverse junior faculty conducting health-related research in the United States.Methods: To expand mentoring capacity for these racially/ethnically diverse faculty, we developed a Peer Mentor Develop­ment Program (PMDP) to prepare near-peers, who have similar characteristics and personal experiences, to provide support to participants in an NIH-PRIDE funded Insti­tute. The PMDP program is designed based on the 8-year experience of the Mentor Development Program of the NYU-Health and Hospitals Clinical Translational Science Institute. Annually, up to six alumni are selected into the PMDP, participate in the 12-hour program over 4 days, are paired with 1 to 3 scholar participants to mentor and join monthly PMDP conference calls during the ensuing year.Results: We describe the program, partici­pant experience and lessons learned from our first 18 peer mentors in three PMDP cohorts. Additionally, all 18 peer mentors completed a post-evaluation survey to as­sess the program. Overall, peers agreed that participating in the PMDP enhanced most of the specific skills targeted. Participants rated 53%-86% of skills as “more than be­fore” participating in PMDP, demonstrating the appreciation and impact of the program.Conclusions: The PMDP may be a model for higher education and academic medi­cine programs committed to mentoring and retaining racially/ethnically diverse faculty and ultimately contributing to reducing entrenched health disparities between majority and minority populations.Ethn Dis. 2020;30(2):321-330; doi:10.18865/ ed.30.2.321
A Structural Model of Social Determinants of the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Smith Kevin W. , Krieger Nancy , Kosheleva Anna , Urato Matthew , Waterman Pamela D. , Williams David R. , Carney Dana R. , Chen Jarvis T. , Bennett Gary G. , Freeman Elmer
Published: April 2020

Objectives: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) refers to a cluster of interrelated physiological characteristics that are associ­ated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. While the clinical usefulness of the MetS has been the subject of controversy for years, increasingly sophis­ticated methods are being used to measure the concept.Participants: Study of community health center patients who were not diabetic; study group was evenly divided between Black and White adults.Methods: Structural equation modeling of MetS incorporating the effects of race/eth­nicity, racial discrimination, socioeconomic position (SEP), and selected mediating variables.Main Outcome Measure: Latent MetS score and MetS status based on the five-point scale developed by the National Cholesterol Education Panel (NCEP).Results: The largest influences on latent MetS scores were SEP (negative relationship) and male gender (higher scores for men). Two mediating variables, physical activ­ity and stress-related eating, had smaller impacts. Self-reported racial discrimination was associated with cynical hostility but did not influence the MetS level among non­diabetics. Despite higher NCEP scores and MetS prevalence rates for Blacks compared with Whites, race did not have direct effect on MetS levels when adjusted for the other characteristics in our model.Conclusions: Neither race nor self-reported racial discrimination had direct effects on MetS level in our structural model. The large effects of socioeconomic position and male gender were not mediated by the other variables in the model.Ethn Dis. 2020;30(2):331-338; doi:10.18865/ ed.30.2.331
The publications of Brazilian authors: access, distribution and publishers
Authors: Rodrigues Rosangela Schwarz , Neubert Patricia da Silva , Hermes de Araújo Breno Kricheldorf
Published: April 2020

Science requires its own communication system; advances are made by consulting previously published results in journals, making access to publishing selections crucial. The goal of this report is to describe the publishers and the main journals where the scientific results of Brazilian researchers are published. The objectives are (1) to identify types of publisher and the access to these journals, (2) to examine the research area, origin, and the impact factor of these journals; and (3) to determine the distribution of types of publisher. The method is mainly by use of descriptive statistics with data collected from Clarivate Analytics using articles published in 2016. We found a total of 43.633 articles by Brazilian-based authors published in 2.313 journals, of which 54% published less than ten articles. Of the 20 journals that published the most articles, 13 were Brazilian, and most of these were open access journals, published by universities or associations, which charged authors either zero, or low (under USD 300,00) article-processing fees. The main research area was life sciences & biomedicine, which accounted for more than half of all articles and journals. The impact factor of more than 50% of these journals was between 1.0 and 3.0, and less than 13% of the journals had impact factors of over 4.0. Commercial companies are responsible for 65% of the journals and 50% of the articles published. The diversity of publishers indicates the relevance of alternative publishing institutions.
Desinformação e informação semântica: a Filosofia da Informação e o pensamento de Luciano Floridi na contribuição à confiabilidade informacional
Authors: Ripoll Leonardo , Matos José Claudio Morelli
Published: April 2020

O artigo apresenta, de forma introdutória, a Filosofia da Informação, abordagem teórico-metodológica desenvolvida por Luciano Floridi como uma fundamentação epistemológica adequada à sociedade da informação, termo proposto como representativo do atual cenário socio-histórico. Por meio de um estudo com características exploratórias, discute conceitos cruciais do pensamento de Floridi, como informação semântica e veridicalidade da informação, para demonstrar como esse pensamento trata da questão da desinformação. Relaciona, por fim, as ideias de Floridi com a noção de ‘confiabilidade informacional’, conceito a ser desenvolvido no contexto contemporâneo visando ao combate à desinformação.
O diálogo entre as vertentes clássica, moderna e contemporânea da Arquivologia
Authors: De Oliveira Costa Alex , Roncaglio Cynthia
Published: April 2020

O princípio da proveniência e os conceitos de documento de arquivo e organicidade que norteiam a Arquivologia desde o século XIX parecem, pelo menos parcialmente, não serem mais suficientes para explicar e orientar a produção dos documentos arquivísticos contemporâneos. Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar os argumentos e pressupostos das vertentes clássica, moderna e contemporânea da Arquivologia, que demonstram as particularidades e as contribuições de cada uma. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como qualitativa, de natureza exploratória, analítica e descritiva, na qual o método adotado é o levantamento bibliográfico. O referencial teórico baseou-se na história dos conceitos de Reinhart Koselleck e nos conceitos de ethos científico e discurso.  Constatou-se no embate entre diferentes ideias e distintas abordagens, consideradas às vezes antagônicas, que é possível um diálogo entre elas mediante processos de ressignificação dos princípios e conceitos ao longo da própria dinâmica evolutiva da ciência.
Aplicação da folksonomia assistida na construção de corpus de referência em Ciência da Informação
Authors: Silva Bruno Felipe de Melo , Correa Renato Fernandes
Published: April 2020

O presente trabalho propõe e discute a aplicação da folksonomia assistida na construção de corpus de referência de artigos científicos da área de Ciência da Informação. A hipótese levantada é que tal aplicação pode garantir maior qualidade na indexação de artigos científicos e uma melhor avaliação dos sistemas de indexação automática através do corpus compilado. Para a pesquisa foi delimitado o uso do corpus composto por 60 artigos escritos em língua portuguesa selecionados por Souza (2005). A plataforma colaborativa de indexação social assistida do corpus foi configurada usando o software de gerenciamento de coleção denominado Tainacan. As etapas da pesquisa envolveram a configuração e preparação da coleção no Tainacan, a realização da indexação social assistida por grupos de usuários e análise dos resultados do processo de indexação. A análise da folksonomia assistida ocorreu mediante comparação daquilo que consta disponibilizado nos campos de metadados Assuntos e tags dos artigos. Como indicadores da qualidade da indexação obtiveram-se média de 28% do coeficiente de consistência, 32% de precisão, 68% de revocação, e 41% de medida F. As médias alcançadas representam bons níveis de consistência e revocação, e níveis satisfatórios de precisão e medida F, dando a entender que o uso da folksonomia assistida é útil no aperfeiçoamento da indexação do corpus de referência.
Apontamentos sobre o Campo do Secretariado Executivo no contexto brasileiro: identidade científica e reconhecimento
Authors: Cruz Rúbia Wanessa dos Reis , Correia Anna Elizabeth Galvão Coutinho
Published: April 2020

A fragilidade de uma identidade científica autônoma e o reconhecimento pelos órgãos brasileiros de fomento à pesquisa são desafios para a área de Secretariado Executivo na contemporaneidade. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é identificar características na produção científica atual dos seus pesquisadores que apontem áreas de enquadramento e avaliação pelo CNPq e pela CAPES e um delineamento autônomo na sua identidade. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, tomando-se como objeto de análise os artigos publicados em periódicos no último quadriênio de avaliação (2013-2016) pelos docentes mestres e doutores vinculados aos cursos de Bacharelado em Secretariado Executivo das instituições públicas do Brasil. Nos resultados, apresentam-se a distribuição de mestres e doutores por Instituição, os periódicos de publicação, as áreas de abrangências e temáticas de produção abordadas, e como essas informações apontam o enquadramento do Secretariado Executivo às Ciências Sociais Aplicadas, como Grande Área; à Administração, Ciências Contábeis e Turismo, como Área de avaliação; e à Administração como possíveis Subárea. Conclui-se que a produção do conhecimento atual da área é reflexo de uma identidade pautada em sua práxis. Considera-se discutir tais resultados como um ponto de partida para tratar da institucionalização da área sob um ponto de vista conceitual/cognitivo e levantar questões sobre os aspectos paradigmáticos da área.
Triassic and Jurassic lithostratigraphic units (Belgian Lorraine)
Authors: BOULVAIN Frédéric , BELANGER Isabelle , DELSATE Dominique , GHYSEL Pierre , GODEFROIT Pascal , LALOUX Martin , MONTEYNE Roger , ROCHE Marc
Published: April 2020

A multidisciplinary study of some extensively cored boreholes together with the new 1/25,000 geological mapping of Wallonia led us to propose a new lithostratigraphic canvas for Belgian Lorraine. This area is located on the NE border of the Paris Basin, south of the Ardennes; the studied stratigraphic interval covers the Late Triassic to the Bajocian.
Cretaceous lithostratigraphic units (Belgium)
Authors: ROBASZYNSKI Francis , DHONDT Annie V. , JAGT John W.M.
Published: April 2020

The Cretaceous formations of the Mons Basin, of the Méhaigne-Petite Gette Basin area and of the Liège-Limburg Basin area are described and discussed following recent literature.
Of the 22 Cretaceous formations of the Mons Basin 8 are of Early Cretaceous age and 14 of Late Cretaceous age. In the Méhaigne-Petit Gette Basin area no formations have been named, but the different levels found have been considered as members; their age varies from? Coniacian to Late Maastrichtian. In the Liège-Limburg Basin area four Cretaceous formations have been recognised, divided in very detailed members based on lithostratigraphical characteristics (flints) by Felder; these formations vary in age from? Coniacian to uppermost Maastrichtian.
Think Different with RNA Therapy: Can Antisense Oligonucleotides Be Used to Inhibit Replication and Transcription of SARS-Cov-2?
Authors: Barrey Eric , Burzio Veronica , Dhorne-Pollet Sophie , Eléouët Jean-François , Delmas Bernard
Published: April 2020

The severity of the global COVID-19 pandemic, with a high transmission rate, 2.6-4.7% lethality and a huge economic impact, poses an urgent need for efficient medical treatments and vaccines. Currently, there are only non-specific treatments to assist the patients in acute respiratory distress during the inflammatory step following the preliminary infection by SARS-CoV-2. Clinical trials of drug repurposing were quickly launched at the international level. Specific treatments such as the transfusion of plasma from patients who have recovered into infected patients or the use of specific inhibitors of the viral RNA-polymerase complex are promising strategies to block infection. To complete the therapeutic arsenal, we believe that the opportunity of targeting the SARS-CoV-2 genome by RNA therapy should be deeply investigated. In the present paper, we propose to design specific antisense oligonucleotides targeting transcripts encoding viral proteins associated to replication and transcription of SARS-CoV-2, aiming to block infection. We designed antisense oligonucleotides targeting the genomic 5’ untranslated region (5’-UTR), open reading frames 1a and 1b (ORF1a and ORF1b) governing expression of the replicase/transcriptase complex, and the gene N encoding the nucleoprotein that is genome-associated. To maximize the probability of efficiency, we predicted the antisense oligonucleotides by using two design methods: i) conventional antisense oligonucleotides with 100% phosphorothioate modifications (ASO); ii) antisense locked nucleic acids GapmeR. After binding the viral RNA target, the hetero-duplexes antisense oligonucleotide-RNA are cleaved by RNAse H1. Nine potent ASO candidates were found and we selected five of them targeting ORF1a (3), ORF1b (1) and N (1). Nine GapmeR candidates were predicted with excellent properties and we retained four of them targeting 5’-UTR (1), ORF1a (3), ORF1b (1) and N (1). The most potent GapmeR candidate targets the 5’-UTR, a key genomic domain with multiple functions in the viral cycle. By this open publication, we are pleased to share these in silico results with the scientific community in hopes of stimulating innovation in translational research in order to fight the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. These antisense oligonucleotide candidates should be now experimentally evaluated.