bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principal’s Leadership Behaviours Influence on Teacher’s Job Satisfaction in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya
Authors: James Asena Muganda , David Asena Muganda
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between principal’s leadership behaviours and teacher’s job satisfaction in public secondary schools in Bungoma North Sub County, Bungoma County, Kenya. More specifically, the study sought to establish the relationship among four principal leadership behaviours: directive, participative, supportive and achievement oriented in relation to teacher job satisfaction. Path Goal model effectiveness formed the theoretical framework. Principal’s leadership behaviours formed the independent variable for the study while teacher’s job satisfaction, the dependent variable. The study adopted descriptive survey research approach. The unit sample of the study was all the 51 secondary schools in Bungoma North Sub County.  The target population comprised of all the 51 principals and 761 teachers in all the 51 secondary schools in Bungoma North Sub County. All the 51 Principals were purposively selected from the sampled schools as they were leaders in those schools. The actual sample size of 263 teachers was selected purposively, making the actual sample size of the study to be 314 respondents.  Data was collected using two sets of self-administered questionnaires. Spearman rho was used to determine the degree of relationship between principal’s leadership behaviours and teacher’s job satisfaction. The study concluded that directive, supportive, participative and achievement oriented leadership behaviours had a significant influence on teacher’s job satisfaction. Teachers also preferred directive leadership behaviours as opposed to principal’s achievement oriented leadership behaviours. The study recommended policy reforms on the action plans that influence job satisfaction of teachers
Water Resources Management Policy in Algeria: Strategies and Means
Authors: Ahmed Bousmaha , Aissa Boulkaibet
Published: July 2020

In Algeria, the issue of water management is of great importance and represent a major contest in the context of a chronic shortage of rainfall from global warming. The catastrophic situation of water resources in Algeria during the years 2000 and 2001 was mainly due to drought that has prompted the government to give priority to this vital field. After a diagnosis of the situation of water resources, Algeria has adopted effective institutional, legal and technical arrangements for the sound management of water resources in order to overcome the inconsistencies that have profoundly influenced during antecedent decades. However, the expected results are not yet satisfactory and the state water resources remains negative. In this context, it is necessary to adopt new practices and efficient ways of management "sustainable" our water heritage in the context of a policy of good governance of water resources must go through a dialogue between the different actors and integrated management of all economic and all planning activities.
Salmonella enterica Subsp. Enterica Serovar Reading Infection in Dairy Cattle and Buffaloes Suffering from Chronic Diarrhea
Authors: Hassan Nuzhat , Randhawa Charanjit S. , Kumar Ashwani , Chandra Mudit , Sood Naresh Kumar , Gupta Kuldeep
Published: July 2020

The study was aimed at dairy cattle and buffaloes presented with the history of chronic diarrhea to isolate and detect Salmonella spp. Fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of diarrheic cattle. Isolation and identification of the microorganisms was performed and confirmed on the basis of their morphology, staining, cultural, biochemical tests and sero-typing. Salmonella positive animals presented variable degree and frequency of diarrhea. Salmonellosis was confirmed in seven per cent of cattle and buffaloes suffering from chronic diarrhea. The serotype detected in the 7 Salmonella strains was Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Reading. Salmonella isolates recovered from dairy cattle had relatively variable resistance to various antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolates showed isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, tetracycline, ampicillin, ceftriaxone. Whereas 87.5 percent, 75.0 per cent and 62.5 percent susceptible to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and co-trimoxazole respectively. This study provides updated information on the bio-incidence and susceptibility patterns of Salmonella in dairy animals suffering chronic diarrhea. Isolation and serotyping of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Reading is new to the study and contribute to our understanding that there is shift in increases in susceptibility of dairy herds to acquire new strains.
Isolation and Phylogenetic Analysis of Avian Mycoplasmas from Poultry Affected with Respiratory Infections in India
Authors: Singh Y. , Tomar P. , Mahajan N. K. , Jindal N.
Published: July 2020

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are the two most pathogenic avian mycoplasmas. In the present study, examination of 92 pooled tissue samples from broiler chicken of 92 different poultry flocks of Haryana (India) exhibiting respiratory infections resulted in isolation of 13 (14%) Mollicutes. Based on biochemical reactions, growth inhibition test, PCR and/or sequencing, 8 (8.6%) isolates could be characterized as MG, 1 (1.08%) as MS, 3 (3.24%) as M. gallinarum and 1 (1.08%) as Acholeplasma laidlawii. The phylogenetic analysis using Intergenic spacer region (IGSR) of these MG isolates revealed that they clustered with USA strain whereas the vaccine strains were in different clade. Single locus sequence typing (SLST) revealed considerable nucleotides variation between 8 MG isolates and vaccine strains. Conclusively, Sequencing of IGSR region of MG can be used as a valuable epidemiological investigation tool for the differentiation of wild-type MG strains from vaccine strains.
Kepemimpinan dalam Pembelajaran Integratif Pada Madrasah Berbasis Pesantren di Kabupaten Jember
Authors: Fauzi Imron
Published: July 2020

Keberhasilan madrasah tidak dapat dilepaskan dari peran kepala madrasah sebagai pemimpin pembelajaran, karena kepala madrasah memiliki pengaruh terhadap peningkatan kualitas pembelajaran di madrasah. Keunikan yang ditemukan pada pemimpin di pesantren Nurul Islam 1 Jember dan pesantren Al-Qodiri 1 Jember yang telah berinisiatif untuk mengembangkan sistem pembelajaran integratif pada lembaga madrasah formal yang dinaunginya secara lebih kreatif, inovatif, dan kompetitif. Penelitian ini dirancang dengan metode kualitatif. Penentuan informan yang dipilih dengan teknik purposive. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik wawancara mendalam, observasi, dan studi dokumenter. Prosedur analisis data melalui tahapan data condensation, data display, dan conclusion drawing. Sedangkan keabsahan data penelitian ini menggunakan triangulasi sumber dan triangulasi metode. Hasil penelitian ini yakni pemimpin madrasah di pesantren Nurul Islam 1 Jember dan Al-Qodiri 1 Jember telah mengembangkan pembelajaran integratif yang memadukan antara kurikulum nasional dan kurikulum lokal pesantren; antara kegiatan pembelajaran di madrasah dan di pesantren; antara pembelajaran Kitab Kuning dan mata pelajaran umum, serta antara proses perencanaan, pelaksanaan, dan evaluasi pembelajaran. Temuan penelitian ini menunjukkan model pembelajaran di madrasah bersifat integratif delegatif berbasis pesantren.(Madrasah's success cannot be separated from the role of headmaster as a learning leader, because of the headmaster influences on improving the quality of learning in the madrasah. The uniqueness of leaders in Pesantren Nurul Islam 1 Jember and Pesantren Al-Qodiri 1 Jember who have developed an integrative learning system at formal educational institutions in a creative, innovative, and competitive manner. This research used a qualitative method. The determination of informants used by the purposive technique. Data collection techniques used in this study used interview, observation, and documentary method. Several activities in data analysis were: data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing or verifications. Data validation uses source triangulation and method triangulation. This study shows leaders at Pesantren Nurul Islam 1 Jember and Pesantren Al-Qodiri 1 Jember have developed integrative learning that combines the national curriculum and local curriculum of pesantren; between learning in madrasah and pesantren; between learning the Kitab Kuning and general subjects, and between planning, implementing, and evaluating learning. The novelty of this research is the integrative learning based on pesantren in madrasah).
The impact of understanding learners and techno-pedagogical competency on effective learning environments by designing the instructional process
Authors: TERZİ Ragıp
Published: July 2020

This study aims to understand prospective teachers’ (PTs) preparedness to teach before they actually start working in the profession. In particular, the causal effects of “understanding the learner” and “techno-pedagogical competency” on “forming effective learning environments” by “designing the instructional process” were investigated. Structural equation modeling was carried out to estimate the effects of these variables on effective learning environments. A cross-sectional survey design was used with 314 PTs who were studying in a state university in Turkey in the 2019-2020 spring semester. For the purpose of this study, Preparedness to Teach scale was used to obtain the data after investigating the scale for validity and reliability properties. The results suggested that understanding the learner had both direct and indirect effects on forming effective learning environments. That is, the better PTs could understand the learner, the more appropriately they could design the instructional process and, ultimately, form an effective learning environment. However, techno-pedagogical competency had only indirect impacts on forming an effective learning environment. This finding suggests that the higher-competency PTs had in techno-pedagogy, the more effectively they could establish a learning environment by properly designing the instructional process.
The significance of grit from social support and health determinants
Authors: Key Whitney , Park Jang Ho , Hong Philip Young P
Published: July 2020

Non-cognitive skills are known to be influenced by the environment, especially regarding health and social support. One emerging non-cognitive skill is grit that can be defined as a success measure among low-income adults. It has been studied mostly among school-age children as it relates to academic success however little attention has paid to grit in workforce development. This is important to recognize as two identifiers for workforce success are social support and health. This paper aims to investigate the effects of health and social support on grit. Regression analysis was completed on 520 low-income, job seeking adults. A series of multiple regression results indicate that social support and health—physical, emotional, and general—have statistically significant independently and combined effects on grit. This finding is important for workforce development practitioners to understand when working with job seeking clients who are having difficulty in demonstrating the necessary tenacity to continue the path to achieve employment goals.
Is Family Group Conferencing a Culturally Adequate Method outside the Origin of New Zealand? A Systematic Review
Authors: Nygård Reidunn Håøy , Saus Merete
Published: July 2020

It is generally assumed that Family Group Conference (FGC) is a culturally adequate method for social work in indigenous communities.  In this meta-synthesis, we question this assumption.  Through systematic and strategic searches, we explored the existing trends of FGC research in indigenous contexts.  We have included 26 articles are included in the literature review.  Our analyses reveal that there is a tendency towards taking the cultural adequacy of FGC for granted.  A few researchers question these assumptions, and debate tokenism and colonialism in social work.  We argue that implementing FGC in new communities requires foundation in local, cultural context.
Controversies in preparing for end-of-life in Nsukka town of Nigeria and suggestions for Nigerian based social work practice
Authors: Agbawodikeizu Uju Patricia , Agbawodikeizu Uju Patricia , Agwu Prince Chiemeka , Okoye Uzoma , Okoye Uzoma , Igwe Ijeoma , Igwe Ijeoma
Published: July 2020

Death is regarded as a natural phenomenon of life, but its consequences for the bereaved are often times very bitter. One way to circumvent this bitter experience is through making plans before dying. However, not everyone seems to appreciate this, which has generated lots of controversies. Thus, end-of-life planning attitude among adult residents in one of Nigeria’s Igbo area was examined using cross-sectional survey. Data was collected from 587 adults and also analyzed using a combination of quantitative and qualitative tools. Age, level of education, marital status and sex were shown to have statistically significant relationships with attitude toward end-of-life planning, while cultural beliefs were discovered to also exercise overbearing influence. The study further discovered some cultural practices that deter people from planning for end-of-life and therefore advocates for social protection and reorientation which should principally involve social workers. Suggestions were made for introduction of end-of-life planning education in the curriculum of institutions of secondary and tertiary learning in Nigeria, as a measure to help reform attitudes of persons toward preparing for end-of-life in future.
Transitioning out of the asylum system in Ireland: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Foreman Maeve , Ní Raghallaigh Muireann
Published: July 2020

Abstract: Asylum seekers are often considered by researchers to be ‘hidden’ or ‘hard to reach’. Yet, issues that impact on them are relevant to social work and its social justice remit. This paper presents research conducted with former asylum seekers to explore their experience of transitioning from ‘Direct Provision’ accommodation into the wider community following the granting of international protection. Ireland’s strategy for integration effectively excludes asylum seekers. They have limited access to work or education and are deprived of supports provided to programme refugees. Using a community-based participatory research methodology, the study illuminates challenges encountered transitioning out of the asylum system and charts the benefits of utilising a collaborative approach to access participants, to facilitate their engagement and to ensure that the research had an impact. It suggests that a partnership approach to research with hidden populations can raise awareness and influence positive social change.
Reflections on research with self-harm self-help groups
Authors: Boyce Melanie , Munn-Giddings Carol
Published: July 2020

Self-harm remains an area where misconceptions and assumptions continue to prevail, with many people who self-harm reporting feelings of shame, guilt and stigma. Frustration with the behaviourist models that tend to dominate the management of self-harm in statutory services has contributed to the development of self-harm self-help groups, by those with direct experience, as a viable alternative form of support. However, due to concerns some professionals have raised about the safety and value of self-harm self-help groups they largely occupy a marginal position, as a viable source of informal support. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to reflect upon some of the challenges we faced when undertaking research with self-harm self-help groups. Our reflections question the uncritically positioning of certain groups as marginal and suggest that a more nuanced interpretation is required, to avoid simply continuing to position groups of people as being on the margins.Keywords: self-harm; self-help groups; stigma; hard to reach; marginal; reflections
Regressive and precarious: analysing the UK social security system in the light of the findings of the UN Special Rapporteur on poverty and human rights
Authors: Machin Richard James
Published: July 2020

In November 2018 the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights visited the UK.  The report that followed his visit delivered a damning verdict on the UK welfare benefits system and the government’s record on poverty alleviation. This article analyses three important themes from the UN Rapporteur’s statement. First the ways in which the economic and social well-being of welfare benefit claimants is negatively impacted by the values-base that underpins current social security policy, second the disproportionately negative impact that welfare reform has on key vulnerable groups, and third the multiple design and implementation problems that are evident as the government moves towards a digital welfare state. The article concludes that the UK social security system is in a precarious position and considers changes which could be implemented to produce a more equitable system including the adoption of a rights-based approach such as the one established by the Scottish Parliament.Keywords: welfare reform, social security, universal credit, poverty, human rights
Translation, Adaptation and Validation of the European Portuguese Version of the NMS-Quest for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Silva Alexandra , Pedro Tiago , Moreira Fradique
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Non-motor symptoms are underrecognized features of Parkinson’s disease that impair quality of life and increase mortality. In this study, we aim to translate, adapt and validate the European Portuguese version of the “Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire”, which has proven to be a valid and reliable measurement tool of non-motor symptoms in other languages.Material and Methods: Acceptability was evaluated regarding the range of values, ceiling and floor effects. Reliability was measured in terms of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and reproducibility (intra-class correlation coefficient). For criterion validity analysis, Movement Disorders Society – Unified Parkinson’s Disease Part I domains’ scores were compared to those of the “Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire”. For convergent validity, correlations between the “Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire” and the Movement Disorders Society – Unified Parkinson’s Disease Part III, Mini-Mental State Examination score, disease duration, and severity were obtained.Results: Seventy nine Parkinson’s disease patients were recruited, with a mean age of 67.2 ± 10.7 years and a disease duration of 10.8 ± 8.8 years. The European Portuguese version of the “Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire” total score was free of significant ceiling and floor effects. With the exception of the cardiovascular domain, adequate overall internal consistency was achieved. The questionnaire domains and the corresponding Movement Disorders Society – Unified Parkinson’s Disease Part I dimensions were significantly correlated, although the total questionnaire score was modestly correlated with disease duration and severity, motor and non-motor symptoms severity and cognitive dysfunction.Discussion: This is the first study to translate, adapt and validate a widely used screening instrument of non-motor symptoms of European Portuguese speaking Parkinson’s disease patients.Conclusion: The European Portuguese version of “Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire” is a valid and reliable tool for screening nonmotor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Trajetória de mobilidade e representações sociais do Timor-Leste pelas memórias de Inu Bere
Authors: Jesus Sinorino Bere de , Maciel Lidiane Maria
Published: July 2020

Este “ensaio-entrevista” é uma peça experimental coproduzida pelos autores que aqui assinalam o mesmo. A proponente da atividade, a socióloga Lidiane Maria Maciel, convida o jovem artista visual Inu Bere a reconstruir sua trajetória de mobilidade desde o Timor Leste até o Brasil. Nesta ocasião, o artista foi estimulado pelas questões da socióloga a reconstruir o passado de luta por independência de seupaís por meio de sua história familiar e sua trajetória de mobilidade internacional. Ao leitor/a é cedido um espaço para atuação na busca da interpretação dos sentidos do que é exposto pelo depoente/autor. A participação da socióloga se realiza na elaboração das questões direcionadas ao entrevistado/autor e dos detalhamentos, quando necessários, para o preenchimento de certas lacunas, a fim de que o/a leitor/apossa expandir sua interpretação da trajetória.
Peningkatan eksistensi pendidikan di MTs. Babul Mujahidin melalui pelatihan outdoor class
Authors: Rahmat Heri
Published: July 2020

[Bahasa]: Kurikulum 2013 mengamanatkan esensi pendekatan ilmiah dalam pembelajaran. Metode ilmiah merujuk pada teknik-teknik investigasi atas fenomena atau gejala, memperoleh pengetahuan baru, atau mengoreksi dan memadukan pengetahuan sebelumnya Outdoor learning memberikan dorongan perasaan kebebasan bagi siswa. Sebagai hasil dari tidak dibatasinya ruang berpikir siswa oleh dinding-dinding kelas. Berdasarkan uraian di atas maka Kegiatan Pengabdian kepada Masyarat ini ditujukan  sebagai menjembati akademisi kampus IAIN Mataram dengan lembaga pendidikan islam sebagai basis utamanya. Sedangkan fokus utama dari Kegiatan Pengabdian kepada Masyarat ini adalah sebagai langkah inisiasi untuk meningkatkan eksistensi pendidikan yang berlangsung di MTs. Babul Mujahidin agar masyarakat sekitar, khususnya di Desa Bayan, lebih mengenal keberadaan MTs. Babul Mujahidin. Selanjutnya berdasarkan analisis kondisi madrasah tersebut. Hasil kegiatan ini adalah peserta pelatihan dapat memahami bagaimana penerapan pendekatan pembelajaran di luar kelas serta dapat menerapkan pendekatan pembelajaran di luar kelas, hal ini tercermin dari perangkat pembelajaran yang sudah dikembangkan oleh guru.

Kata Kunci: pelatihan, pengembangan, website
Penguatan ekonomi masyarakat melalui pengelolaan sampah dengan pendekatan keagamaan di Kelurahan Prapen
Authors: Sobry M , Naamy Nazar
Published: July 2020

[Bahasa]: Tugas manusia di dunia ini tidak lain adalah sebagai khalifah yang membentuk keseimbangan antara dunia dan akhirat. Pengejawantahan tugas tersebut tertuang dalam aktivitas sosial, ekonomi dan budaya yang sangat kompleks, sehingga status dan strata sosial manusia beragam. Peningkatan ekonomi masyarakat merupakan tuntutan utama pembangunan dalam meratakan kesejahteraan masyarakat. Kegiatan pengabdian yang berjudul penguatan ekonomi masyarakat melalui pengelolaan sampah di Kelurahan Prapen bertujuan untuk mengimplementasikan budaya bersih masyarakat. Kegiatan pengabdian ini berjalan lancar. H ini terlihat dari beberapa kali melaksanakan FGD yang dihadiri oleh keseluruhan peserta yang diundang. Masyarakat sangat antusias dengan program yang sudah direncanakan , demikian pula rasa ingin tahu masyarakat tentang usaha sampah sangat besar. Dalam kegiatan pendampingan, dilakukan setiap seminggu sekali yang disinergikan dengan mendatangkan pembeli sampah. Semua warga terlibat aktif dalam mensukseskan program yang telah direncanakan sebelumnya. Setiap warga turut serta mengumpulkan sampah dan secara bersamaan menjualnya pada pengepul sampah yang ada. Kegiatan ini menciptakan masyarakat yang bersih dan sadar akan nilai-nilai yang terkandung pada ajaran agama Islam khususnya tentang kebersihan.

Kata Kunci: ekonomi masyarakat, pengelolaan sampah, pendekatan keagamaan
Brief Overview. Role of Computation Biology & Bioinformatics in Drug Design
Authors: Ali Ghafran , Ashfaq kanza
Published: July 2020

Drug design is used for different applications of bioinformatics tools analyze DNA, genome, and sequence target region of a small organic molecule in order to understand the molecules of disease. Bioinformatics tools are identified a newly wide research field and minimize future risks through web servers and data mining. Clinical sample test performed with the bioinformatics tools as the biomedical detective. A particular structure and configuration of protein obliging in Drug design concluded Bioinformatics. This review bioinformatics tools and webserver will discuss functions of small organic molecules according to clinical pharmacology.
Bio-organic, Bio-chemical Fertilizers and N-Fixer (N-Bio Booster) Improve Paddy Yields in the Field Trials at Langkat in Medan, Indonesia
Authors: Tony Peng Shih Hao , Yap Chee Kong , Arshad Roslan , Chai Ee Wen
Published: July 2020

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of All Cosmos Industries (ACI) bio-organic and bio-chemical fertilizers and ACI N-Fixer (N-Bio Booster) on the paddy yields based on the field trial plots at Langkat, Medan, Indonesia. This application of ACI bio-organic fertilizer (NPK 5/5/5) and ACI bio-chemical (NPK 15/15/15) fertilizer and ACI N-Fixer tests were conducted at the paddy farm at Langkat from May-October 2018. This study employed a factorial randomized complete block design which consisted of two factors, namely: Factor I with four types of fertilizers while Factor II consisted of two paddy varieties (Inpari 30 and Inpari 32). Overall, the filled grains in the ACI treatments are significantly (P< 0.05) higher than those in the control treatments that used Normal Chemical Compound NPK. Overall, total weight per meter² (368-617g) in ACI treatments are also significantly (P< 0.05) higher than those (319-371g) in the control treatments. At harvesting time at 105 days after transplanting, significantly higher (P< 0.05) colony counts (13-15 x 106 CFU/mL) (for ACI treatments), than those (8 x 106 CFU/mL) in the controls positively indicated higher total yields of paddy grains per hectare. It was found that the application of ACI bio-organic and bio-chemical fertilizers and ACI N-Fixer can improve paddy yields of the two rice varieties, between 16.4-38.2% (up to 5.75 MT/ha), in the field trial plots at Langkat. These commercial fertilizers play an imperative role in refining the soil fertility and thereby can increase the yield of rice production. Therefore, it is highly recommended that ACI bio-organic and ACI bio-chemical fertilizers and ACI N-Fixer (N-Bio Booster) can be employed to increase the paddy yield in this region.
SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 and SARS-CoV ORF8ab: Genomic Divergence and Functional Convergence
Authors: Mohammad Sameer , Bouchama Abderrezak , Mohammad Alharbi Bothina , Rashid Mamoon , Saleem Khatlani Tanveer , S Gaber Nusaibah , Malik Shuja Shafi
Published: July 2020

COVID-19 pandemic in first seven months has led to more than 15 million confirmed infected cases and 600,000 deaths. SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent for COVID-19 has proved a great challenge for its ability to spread in asymptomatic stages and a diverse disease spectrum it has generated. This has created a challenge of unimaginable magnitude not only affecting human health and life but also potentially generating a long-lasting socioeconomic impact. Both medical sciences and biomedical research have also been challenged consequently leading to a large number of clinical trials and vaccine initiatives. While known proteins of pathobiological importance are targets for these therapeutic approaches, it is imperative to explore other factors of viral significance. Accessory proteins are one such trait that have diverse roles in coronavirus pathobiology. Here we analyze certain genomic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 accessory protein ORF8, predict upon its protein features and review current available literature regarding its function. We have also undertaken review of ORF8 homolog ORF8ab from SARS-CoV with a purpose of developing holistic understanding of these proteins for reason that coronaviruses have been infecting humans repeatedly and might continue to do so. Despite low nucleotide and protein identity and differentiating genome level characteristics, there appears to be significant structural integrity and functional proximity between these proteins pointing towards their high significance. There is further need for comprehensive genomics and structural-functional studies to lead towards definitive conclusions regarding their criticality and that can eventually define their relevance to therapeutics development.
The Invention of Sacred Places and Rituals: A Comparative Study of Pilgrimage
Authors: Eade John
Published: July 2020

During the last twenty years around the world there has been a rapid increase in the number of people visiting long established religious shrines as well as the creation of new sites by those operating outside the boundaries of institutional religion. This increase is intimately associated with the revival of traditional routes, the creation of new ones and the invention of new rituals (religious, spiritual and secular). To examine this process I will focus on the European region and two contrasting destinations in particular – the Catholic shrine of Lourdes, France, and the pre-Christian shrine of Avebury, England – drawing on my personal involvement in travelling to both destinations and being involved in ritual activities along the route and at the two destinations. In the discussion section of the paper I will explore the relevance of these two case studies to the analysis of power, agency and performance and the ways in which they expose (a) the role of institutions and entrepreneurs in creating rituals and sacred places and (b) the relationship between people and the domesticated landscape.
Social Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Prenger Magaret T. M. , Madray Racheal , Van Hedger Kathryne , Anello Mimma , MacDonald Penny A.
Published: July 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is typically well-recognized by its characteristic motor symptoms (e.g., bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor). The cognitive symptoms of PD are increasingly being acknowledged by clinicians and researchers alike. However, PD also involves a host of emotional and communicative changes which can cause major disruptions to social functioning. These include problems producing emotional facial expressions (i.e., facial masking) and emotional speech (i.e., dysarthria), as well as difficulties recognizing the verbal and non-verbal emotional cues of others. These social symptoms of PD can result in severe negative social consequences, including stigma, dehumanization, and loneliness, which might affect quality of life to an even greater extent than more well-recognized motor or cognitive symptoms. It is therefore imperative that researchers and clinicians become aware of these potential social symptoms and their negative effects, in order to properly investigate and manage the socioemotional aspects of PD. The present review provides an examination of the current research surrounding some of the most common social symptoms of PD and their related social consequences, and argues that proactively and adequately addressing these issues might improve disease outcomes.
PyAtomDB: Extending the AtomDB Atomic Database to Model New Plasma Processes and Uncertainties
Authors: Foster Adam R. , Heuer Keri
Published: July 2020

The AtomDB project provides models of X-ray and EUV emitting astrophysical spectra for optically thin, hot plasma. We present the new software package, PyAtomDB, which now underpins the entire project, providing access to the underlying database, collisional radiative model calculations, and spectrum generation for a range of models. PyAtomDB is easily extensible allowing users to build new tools and models for use in analysis packages such as XSPEC. We present two of these, the kappa and ACX models for non-Maxwellian and Charge-Exchange plasmas respectively. In addition, PyAtomDB allows full open access to the apec code which underlies all of the AtomDB spectra and has enabled development of a module for estimating the sensitivity of emission lines and diagnostic line ratios to uncertainties in the underlying atomic data. We present these publicly available tools and results for several X-ray diagnostics of Fe L-shell ions and He-like ions as examples.
Structural, Magnetic, and Mechanical Properties of Nd16(Fe76-xCox)B8 0 ≤ x ≤ 25 Alloys
Authors: Trujillo Hernández Juan Sebastián , Talaat Ahmed , Tabares Jesus A. , Oyola Lozano Dagoberto , Bustos Rodriguez Humberto , Martinez Sanchez Hugo , Pérez Alcázar German A.
Published: July 2020

In this work, the structural, magnetic, and mechanical properties of Nd16Fe76-xCoxB8 alloys varying the Co content at x = 0, 10, 20 and 25, were experimentally investigated by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer Spectrometry (MS), Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) at room temperature (RT), and microhardness test were performed too. The system presents the hard Nd2Fe14B and the Nd1.1Fe4B4 phases for samples with x = 0 and 10. When concentration increases to x= 20 and 25, the CoO phase appears. All MS show the ferromagnetic behavior (eight sextets: sites 16k1, 16k2, 8j1, 8j2, 4c, 4e, sb) associated to the hard and soft magnetic phases, and one paramagnetic component (doublet: site d) associated to the minority Nd1.1Fe4B4 phase, which was not identified by XRD. All samples are magnetically hard present a hard magnetic behavior. The increase of Co content in these samples did not improve the hard magnetic behavior, but increased the critical temperature of the system and decrease the crystallite size of the hard phase. The hysteresis loop showed that predominates the Nd2Fe14B hard magnetic phase. There is a general tendency to increase microhardness with cobalt content, attributable to cobalt doping reduces the lattice parameters and porosities in the sample improving it hardness.
An Alternative Technique for Ultra-high Resolution Bathymetry and Seabed Inspection for Marine Renewables
Authors: Francisco Francisco Gemo Albino , Sundberg Jan
Published: July 2020

Marine renewable energy technologies have a great potential in supplying clean electricity to millions of people across the globe, if technical and economic conditions are in right. So far, ocean energy projects are commonly started by SMEs or educational institutions with limited budgets. Therefore, any effort to reduce expenses is of great value. One of the areas involving substantial expenses are the inevitable seabed inspection prior to deployment of marine renewable energy device. Detailed seabed inspections can also reduce the risk of associated with deployment of structures on uneven seabed, especially marine renewable energy devices with gravity foundations. By reducing the costs and risks of such surveys prior and during the installation phases, the feasibility of marine renewable energy projects can be more favoured and competitive. In this perspective, this study proposes a cost and time effective technique for seabed surveys. The proposed technique involves the use of high precision and inexpensive sonar systems and underwater optical cameras integrated into a versatile and compact subsea monitoring platform. It also involves simple and practical data acquisition and processing protocols that do not requires hi expertise for operation. The results obtained showed that high resolution bathymetric maps and detailed seabed inspections imagery can be acquired. This study concludes that a simple and inexpensive subsea monitoring platform comprising a multibeam, dual beam and video cameras can be effective for high resolution seabed inspection and bathymetric measurements for marine energy applications.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of the General Population, Students, and Health Care Workers: A Review
Authors: Sankhi Sabina , Marasine Nirmal Raj
Published: July 2020

Background: The COVID-19 among humans is spreading heavily and is largely impacting the mental health of the general population, students, and health care workers worldwide. Hence, this review aims to summarize the literatures addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the general population, students, and health care workers. Methods: Published articles concerning mental health of the general population, students, and health care workers related to the COVID-19 outbreak have been considered and reviewed. Results and Discussion: Mental health symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression are common psychological reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population, students, and health care workers. This collectively influences daily behavior, economy, prevention strategies and decision making from policy makers and health organizations, weakening the strategies of COVID-19 control leading to more morbidity and mental health needs at the global level. Conclusion: There is a need for more evidence-based research from other affected countries, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents, people of lower socioeconomic status, and those residing in rural areas, so that valid strategies can be developed and COVID-19 and outbreaks of similar types in the near future can be prevented.
Training of Primary Chicken Monocytes Results in Enhanced Pro-inflammatory Responses
Authors: Verwoolde Michel B. , van den Biggelaar Robin H.G.A. , van Baal Jürgen , Jansen Christine A. , Lammers Aart
Published: July 2020

Beta-glucan-stimulated mammalian macrophages show an increased responsiveness to secondary stimulation in a nonspecific manner. This phenomenon is known as trained innate immunity. Our study aimed to explore training of primary chicken monocytes. We hypothesized that primary chicken monocytes, similar to their mammalian counterparts, can be trained with β-glucan resulting in increased responses of these cells to a secondary stimulus. Primary blood monocytes of white leghorn chickens were primary stimulated with β-glucan microparticulates (M-βG), LPS, recombinant chicken interleukin-4 (IL-4) or combinations of these components for 48 h. On day 6, the primary stimulated cells were secondary stimulated with LPS. Nitric oxide (NO) production levels were measured as an indicator of pro-inflammatory activity. In addition, the cells were analysed by flow cytometry to characterize the population of trained cells and to investigate the expression of surface markers associated with activation. After the secondary LPS stimulation, surface expression of CSF1R and the activation markers CD40 and MHC-II was higher on macrophages that were trained with a combination of M-βG and IL-4 compared to unstimulated cells. This increased expression was paralleled by enhanced NO production. In conclusion, this study showed that trained innate immunity can be induced in primary chicken monocytes with β-glucan, which is in line with previous experiments in mammalian species. Innate immune training may have potential to improve health and vaccination strategies within the poultry sector.
Ostracod Fauna: Eyewitness to Fifty Years of Anthropic Impact in the Gulf of Trieste. A Potential Key to the Future Evolution of Urban Ecosystems
Authors: Salvi Gianguido , Acquavita Alessandro , Celio Massimo , Ciriaco Saul , Cirilli Stefano , Fernetti Michele , Pugliese Nevio
Published: July 2020

For the first time the distribution and modifications of living ostracod associations present in the Gulf of Trieste (GoT) in relation to the alterations caused by human activity in the last 20 years were investigated. The results were compared with the main chemico-physical parameters (especially nitrogen and phosphorus) measured over the same period, which can lead to a general decrease in environmental quality. For a more in-depth analysis of the changes recorded by ostracods in the last 50 years, a period in which eutrophication and anoxia increased, we revisited the study carried out by Masoli in the GoT in 1967. The results obtained made it possible to verify how over the last 20 years, ostracod assemblages have suffered a decrease both qualitatively and quantitatively. Most of the species recovered show characteristics of opportunism and tolerance to environmentally stressful conditions, high organic matter concentrations and oxygen deficiency. The ostracods analyzed in 1967 showed similar results with few dominant opportunistic species. We verified how ostracods recorded in GoT, similar to Mollusks and Foraminifera, the possible environmental crisis linked to the recurrence of mucilage and hypoxic events documented for the Gulf of Trieste in the last 50 years. Finally, a comparison with the best environmental conditions found in the Marine Nature Reserve of Miramare (MPA) allowed us to emphasize the important role of protected areas to avoid the loss of biodiversity due to urbanization.
Influence of Substrate, Process Conditions, and Post-Annealing Temperature on the Properties of ZnO Thin Films Grown by SILAR Method
Authors: Ghos Bijoy Chandra , Hossain Md. Alauddin , Tanvir Nazmul Islam , Majumder Shanta , Rahman Mohammad Atiqur , Patwary Md Abdul Majed , Farhad Syed Farid Uddin
Published: July 2020

Here we report the effect of substrate, sonication process, and post-annealing on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of ZnO thin films grown in presence of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) at temperature 30 – 65 ℃ by SILAR method on both soda lime glass (SLG) and Cu foil. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the preferential growth of ZnO thin films along (002) and (101) plane while grown on SLG and Cu foil substrate respectively. Both XRD and Raman spectra confirmed the ZnO and Cu-oxide phases of the deposited films. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the deposited films shows compact and uniformly distributed grains for samples grown without sonication while using IPA at temperature 50 and 65 ℃. The post-annealing treatment improves the crystallinity of the films, further evident by XRD and UV-VIS-NIR results. The estimated optical bandgaps are in the range of 3.37-3.48 eV for as-made samples. Results revealed that high-quality ZnO thin films could be grown without sonication using IPA dispersant at 50 ℃, which is much lower than the reported results using the SILAR method. This study suggests that in the presence of IPA, the SLG substrate results in better c-axis oriented ZnO thin films than that of DI water, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol at the optimum temperature of 50 ℃. Air-annealing of the samples grown on Cu foils induced the formation of CuxO/ZnO junctions which is evident from the characteristic I-V curve including the structural and optical data.
Red Blood Cell Exchange in children with Sickle Cell Disease in French Guiana
Authors: Elenga Narcisse , Vantilcke Vincent , Martin Elise , Cuadro Emma , Parisot Mickael , Maire Françoise , Selles Pierre , Basset Thierry
Published: July 2020

The aim of our study was to describe our experience using a Spectra Optia® automated apheresis system in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). We used automated red blood cell exchange (RCE) to treat acute and chronic complications in 75 children with SCD who had a median age of 10 years [7-13]. We analysed 649 exchange sessions. Peripheral venous access was limited in a number of the children, thus requiring a femoral central double‐lumen venous catheter (CVC). We recommend the use of heparin locking, with 500 units in each lumen of a CVC. This method was well tolerated, with few complications during the procedures. For preoperative prevention, all of the patients had achieved a post-RCE HbS level of <30% since this is a mandatory condition imposed by the anaesthesiologist. With a post-RCE Hb level of approximately 10-11 g/dL, a blood exchange volume of ≥32 mL/kg, and an interval between each RCE procedure of ≤30 days, it was able to maintain the residual HbS level below 30%. Despite a target pre‐exchange HbS level of 47%, we did not encounter a single stroke recurrence. Erythrocytapheresis is useful and safe for children with SCD.
On Fundamental Solution for Autonomous Linear Retarded Functional Differential Equations
Authors: McCalla Clement
Published: July 2020

This document focuses attention on the fundamental solution of an autonomous linear retarded functional differential equation (RFDE) along with its supporting cast of actors: kernel matrix, characteristic matrix, resolvent matrix, and the Laplace transform. The fundamental solution is presented in a form of the convolutional powers of the kernel matrix in the manner of a convolutional exponential matrix function. The fundamental solution combined with a solution representation gives an exact expression in explicit form for the solution of a RFDE. Algebraic graph theory is applied to the RFDE in the form of a weighted loop-digraph to illuminate the system structure and system dynamics and to identify the strong and weak components. Examples are provided in the document to elucidate the behavior of the fundamental solution. The paper introduces fundamental solutions of other functional differential equations.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties during COVID-19 Pandemic in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Nonweiler Jacqueline , Rattray Fiona , Baulcomb Jennifer , Happe Francesca , Absoud Michael
Published: July 2020

Children and young people (CYP) with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) may be particularly vulnerable to adverse mental health effects due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional U.K parent-reported study from 2nd April-2nd June 2020, using the Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire. CYP with NDDs (n=371) compared to neurotypical controls, had a higher prevalence of emotional symptoms (42% vs 15%), conduct problems (28% vs 9%), and lower prosocial behaviours (54% vs 22%). Those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder showed inflated conduct, and those with autism spectrum disorder exhibited decreased prosocial behaviours. Females with ASD had higher emotional symptoms compared to males.
Asymmetric Conservation within Pairs of Co-occurred Motifs Mediates Weak Direct Transcription Factor Binding in ChIP-seq Data
Authors: Levitsky Victor , Oshchepkov Dmitry , Zemlyanskaya Elena , Merkulova Tatyana
Published: July 2020

Background: Transcription factors (TFs) are main regulators of eukaryotic gene expression. The cooperative binding to genomic DNA of at least two TFs is the widespread mechanism of transcription regulation. Cooperating TFs can be revealed through the analysis of co-occurrence of their motifs. Methods: We applied Motifs Co-Occurrence Tool (MCOT) that predicted pairs of spaced or overlapped motifs (composite elements, CEs) for a single ChIP-seq dataset. We improved MCOT capability for prediction of asymmetric CEs with one of participating motifs possessing higher conservation than another does. Results: Analysis of 119 ChIP-seq datasets for 45 human TFs revealed that almost for all families of TFs the co-occurrence with an overlap between motifs of target TFs and more conserved partner motifs was significantly higher than that for less conserved partner motifs. The asymmetry toward partner TFs was the most clear for partner motifs of TFs from ETS family. Conclusion: Co-occurrence with an overlap of less conserved motif of a target TF and more conserved motifs of partner TFs explained a substantial portion of ChIP-seq data lacking conserved motifs of target TFs. Among other TF families, conservative motifs of TFs from ETS family were the most prone to mediate interaction of target TFs with its weak motifs in ChIP-seq.
An Analysis of Great Britain’s Long-Term Stores of Energy
Authors: Wilson Grant , Godfrey Noah , Sciacovelli Adriano , Radcliffe Jonathan , Li Yongliang , Ding Yulong
Published: July 2020

Great Britain’s stocks of coal, natural gas, and petroleum have seen major changes to the levels of stored energy over the years 2005 to 2019, a reduction of 200 TWh (35%) from 570 TWh to 370 TWh. The transformation of its electrical system over this timeframe saw a reduction in coal generation, leading to a corresponding reduction of the levels of stockpiled coal of 85 TWh (68%), partially offset by an increase in the stocks of biomass for electrical generation. The reduction in natural gas storage of 24 TWh (44%) was primarily due to the closure of Britain’s only long-term seasonal natural gas storage facility in January 2018. This was partially offset by the construction of medium-term natural gas storage facilities and the use of LNG storage in the years preceding its closure. For stocks of crude oil and oil products the reduction was 35 TWh (21%), linked to the overall reduction in demand.