bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of exopectinase from Bacillus licheniformis FMB9 isolated from agricultural soil
Authors: Alqahtani Fatimah , Aly Magda , Bokhari Fardos , El-Nogoumy Baher Ali , Alshehri Wafa
Published: November 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to isolate and identify potential pectinase producing bacterium as well as optimization of its various parameters for maximum enzyme production.
Methods: A total of forty-three bacterial isolates were obtained  from agriculture soil in Jeddah city using standard plate count method. Primary screening was done by hydrolysis of pectin on agar plate and measuring the clear zone after adding iodine-potassium iodide solution. Pectinase activity was determined by measuring the increase in reducing sugar formed by the enzymatic hydrolysis of pectin.
Results: Among the bacterial isolates, the isolate FMB9 exhibited higher pectinase activity in broth medium and was selected for further studies. The selected bacterial isolate FMB9 was identified as Bacillus licheniformis FMB9 with similarity level 97% to B. licheniformis AS10. The isolate was found to produce maximum pectinase at 37Â°C with pH 7 upon incubation for 72 hours, while cultured in production medium containing citrus pectin and yeast extract as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The enzyme was purified using column chromatography and was characterized. It showed maximum activity at 45â—¦C. Bacillus licheniformis pictinase was affected by pH values and optimum activity was at pH 5. The molecular weight was also determined and compared with other pectinases.
Conclusion: Pectinase produced from bacteria can be purified and used in many technological applications in food and medicine.
Prospects for formation of an export-oriented model as a way to increase the export potential of the forest complex of the region (on the example of the Khabarovsk territory)
Authors:   The Far-Eastern Institute of Management – branch of RANEPA, Shum N. M.
Published: November 2021

The development and formation of export potential is a priority for development of the economy of many countries. Of particular importance to foreign trade activity is the export of products, goods, which affects the formation and development of socio-economic situation of the state, the region. Export policy becomes the basis for the formation of external and internal economic potential of the country, importance of which lies in the formation of «future» of the economy: establishment of priority areas, building and improvement of the export-economic relations. This article reflects the prospects for formation of the export-oriented model as a direction for increasing the export potential of the Khabarovsk territory forest complex. The main prospects for formation and development of exports of competitive products at the foreign markets are becoming the goal of economic policy of the Khabarovsk territory forest complex. The objectives of formation and development of competitive products’ export in foreign markets are: orientation of the main directions of development of the timber industry complex to support the business community; regulation of customs and tax policy; regulation of public administration in this area; establishment by the state authorities of priority areas in this area; development of programs and projects defining specific conditions and directions of development of the forest complex. The author, in this article, showed the priority directions for development of the Khabarovsk territory forest complex, identified ways to develop the export-oriented industries, showed the actions of the regional program, the level of development of the large-scale projects in the Khabarovsk territory forest complex, developed an export-oriented model as a way to increase the export potential of the region's forest complex. The essence of this model reflects the level of development of the investment climate of the region in the forest complex and the competitiveness of the products of the forest complex, focused on the domestic and foreign markets, in the impact of regional authorities on the level of formation of the export-oriented industries.
Institute of the local self-government: emergence and development in the modern conditions
Authors:   the Pacific National University, Kushnerova O. N.
Published: November 2021

The relevance of the topic is primarily due to the fact that local government is one of the most important institutions of public relations. Its development has been a «cornerstone» in municipal science for many decades, since its inception. The article examines the main conceptual concepts of this phenomenon, developed by foreign and domestic authors, gives a step-by-step description of the formation of the Russian institution of local self-government. The actual development of local self-government at the present stage is shown through the analysis of legal documents. As a result of the study, conclusions were made about the imperfection of the legal framework in the field of governance at the local level. There was an urgent need for significant adjustments to the legislative framework related to the regulation and development of the institution of local government.
The Far-Eastern school of economic research: formation, development, prospects (to the 50th anniversary of the ERI FEB RAS)
Authors:   the economic research Institute of FEB RAS, Prokapalo O. M. , Renzin O. M. ,   the economic research Institute of FEB RAS
Published: November 2021

Formation in the Far East of the USSR in the 1970th of a large new center of the National Academy of Sciences created the preconditions for activating the processes of intellectual support and scientific support for the development of this territory. Of great importance for solving the applied regional problems was organization of a specialized Institute of Economic Research, which adopted as a program of activities, on the one hand, preparation of theoretical and methodological tools for the analysis and forecasting of spatial processes, and, on the other hand, the use of academic developments for solving national economic problems. For 50 years, practically in all strategic projects of regional development, ERI FEB RAS was one of the active participants. At the same time, it became an authoritative participant in international research carried out by scientific and expert organizations in the North-Eastern Asia countries and the Asia Pacific. Reputation of the established scientific school of spatial studies as one of the leading in the country has determined the Institute's key role in consolidating the scientific potential of the Far East and in increasing its effectiveness. At the same time, ERI FEB RAS has taken a leading position in training the highly qualified specialists for the region who works in academic, industrial and university science, state and municipal authorities, and large business structures. Recognition of the task of developing the Far East as a national priority of Russia for the long term gives a new impetus to the development of research in the region, expanding the possibilities for implementing the ideas of scientific school that has developed in the ERI FEB RAS, and improving the processes of modeling, forecasting and strategic management of the economy.
Specific features of social and economic development of the Far-Eastern macro-region
Authors:   the Federal autonomous research institution «The Eastern State Planning Center», Veprikova E. B. , Kubichek V. V. ,   the Federal autonomous research institution «The Eastern State Planning Center»
Published: November 2021

The authors proposed the approach for assessing the state and development potential of the macro-region. The specificity of the Far-Eastern macro-region is revealed in comparison with the other macro-regions of Russia. The assessment includes the natural and resource potential of the macro-region, the availability of infrastructure, the habitability of the territory as well as the indicators of economic and social development. Competitive advantages and limitations in the development of the Far East are presented. Proposals on the directions of implementation of the public policy of spatial development of the Far-Eastern macro-region, including the social and economic potential and the limiting factors, are formulated.
Modeling management decision making in the socially oriented business structures
Authors:   the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation (the Far-Eastern branch), Kulakova L. I. , Polyanin A. V. ,   the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation, the Central Russian Institute of Management - branch of RANEPA, Tarnovskiy V. V. ,   the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation (the Volga institute of management - branch of RANEPA)
Published: November 2021

The article discusses the main economic and mathematical models used in making and implementing management decisions. It has been established that the beginning of making a managerial decision is determined by the nature of solution of managerial problem: creative and standard, implementation of a managerial decision is subordinate to the certainty of the result, that is, its probabilistic or deterministic outcome. The procedure and modeling of the process of making and implementing management decisions will be linear or non-linear. On this basis, the types of mathematical models for solving managerial problems are considered when making and implementing managerial decisions to optimize the chosen option. The author's model is proposed based on a two-phase system from the theory of queues with elements of nonlinear programming for making and implementing managerial decisions in socially oriented business structures. The model includes a combination of linear and non-linear programming. Since when conducting business, socially oriented entrepreneurial structures are aimed at obtaining two types of effects, both commercial and social.
Reform of the contract system in the sphere of public procurement: illusion of solutions and reality of problems
Authors:   The Far-Eastern Institute of Management – branch of RANEPA, Barabash E. B.
Published: November 2021

The article analyzes the main development of the current stage of the reform of the public procurement system in the Russian Federation, which began in 2013. It is shown that since the beginning of the reform, the Russian procurement regulation system has made significant progress in terms of standardization and simplification of contractual relations, organization of processes and facilities. The experience of practical implementation of the contracting system is considered, the problems that have developed in the field of public procurement to date are identified. It is shown that the problems of organizing public procurement are not limited to corruption and the desire to give large contracts to “their” suppliers. An unresolved problem remains the need to maintain a balance of interests between ensuring procurement efficiency for the customer and providing contractors with competitive access to the competition for contracts. Unresolved this dilemma often turns budget savings into an end in itself, which reduces the effectiveness of the Russian contract system as a whole. The price and quality of products are different scales, which in modern reality are increasingly leaning towards economy. Hard-to-reach and sparsely populated municipalities become especially vulnerable in this struggle. It is shown in the work that the named problems cannot be solved by mere «easing» or «toughening» of the provisions of the law. It is important, while maintaining the foundations of the current system, to focus on finding options that stimulate efficient spending of funds or, at least, prevent the growth of inefficiency in procurement. The conclusion is made about the need for a systematic evolution of the contract system, taking into account regional aspects. To do this, it is advisable to transfer the emphasis in the organization of public procurement from the regulation of the procurement procedures themselves to the formation of incentive (restraint) mechanisms for specific officials involved in the organization of procurement.
Corporate governance, institutional investor type and firm performance: Evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Vinjamury Rama Sastry
Published: November 2021

The study analyses the role of institutional investors in improving firm performance. Unlike in developed economies where firm ownership is widely dispersed, firms in emerging economies such as India have substantial promoter shareholdings (often in a majority or close to a majority). Given the promoter control of Indian companies, the role of institutional investors as external monitors is analysed. Following Brickley, Lease, and Smith (1988) and Almazan, Hartzell, and Starks (2005), the study categorises institutional investors as pressure-sensitive and pressure-insensitive institutional investors. Panel data for non-financial firms from India included in National Stock Exchange (NSE) 500 over the period 2008–2017 is studied using fixed-effects models. The study finds that the increased ownership of pressure-insensitive institutional investors is positively associated with firm performance. Also, the increased ownership of pressure-sensitive institutional investors is negatively associated with firm performance. These findings are consistent with the view that pressure-insensitive institutional investors are more effective monitors compared to pressure-sensitive institutional investors. The study offers insights into the role of institutional investors in economies where firms have a substantial promoter shareholding. The study documents that even with a substantial promoter shareholding and control, pressure-insensitive institutional investors aid in enhancing firm value
A Correlational Study on the Gross Domestic Product and Gross Domestic Product Per Capita of a Country and Its COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality Rates
Authors: Lopez Joseph Emmanuel G.
Published: November 2021

Some studies had shown that there is a relationship between the state of
the economy of a country and COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates.
However, these studies are just done on countries that are often on
developed countries. This study aims to find the relationship between
GDP and GDP per capita and COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates in all
countries. In addition, they will also be analyzed based on their
different income levels. The data collected are from databases from
World Bank and WHO and will be analyzed through MS Excel and JASP.
Spearman’s rho is used to analyze the overall data and stratified data.
It has been found that the GDP per capita and incidence
(r = .656, p < .001) and mortality rates
(r = .521, p < .001) have a strong and
moderate correlations respectively. GDP’s relationship with incidence
(r = .295, p < .001) and mortality rates
(r = .346, p < .001) resulted in both weak
correlations. Stratified analysis resulted in no significant
relationships, except for GDP per capita’s relationship with incidence
(r = .362, p = .011) and mortality rates
(r = .348, p = .014) in low-middle countries, which
yielded both weak correlations. These results show that there is indeed
a relationship between the incidence and mortality rates and the
economic status of a country before a pandemic, however, more factors
need to be accounted for in order to help countries improve their
pandemic response in the future.
Ketamine Treatment for Refractory Anxiety: A systematic review
Authors: Tully Jamie , Dahlén Amelia , Haggarty Connor , Schiöth Helgi , Brooks Samantha
Published: November 2021

There is a growing interest in the psychiatric properties of the
dissociative anesthetic ketamine, as single doses have been shown to
have fast-acting mood-enhancing and anxiolytic effects, which persist
for up to a week after the main psychoactive symptoms have diminished.
Therefore, ketamine poses potential beneficial effects in patients with
refractory anxiety disorders, where other conventional anxiolytics have
been ineffective. Ketamine is a non-competitive antagonist of the
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor, which underlies its
induction of pain relief and anaesthesia. However, the role of NMDA
receptors in anxiety reduction is still relatively unknown. To fill this
paucity in the literature, this systematic review assesses the evidence
that ketamine significantly reduces refractory anxiety and discusses to
what extent this may be mediated by NMDA receptor antagonism. We
highlight the temporary nature of the anxiolytic effects and discuss the
high discrepancy among the study designs regarding many fundamental
factors such as administration routes, complementary treatments, and
other treatments.
Epidemiology of Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreaks in Thailand from 2011 to 2018
Authors: Chanchaidechachai Thanicha , Saatkamp Helmut , Jong Mart de , Inchaisri Chaidate , Hogeveen Henk , Borne Bart H. P.
Published: November 2021

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is one of the most important animal
diseases hindering livestock production in Thailand. In this study, a
temporal and spatial analysis at the subdistrict level was performed on
FMD outbreak reports in Thailand from 2011 to 2018. Risk factors
associated with FMD outbreaks were investigated using generalised
estimating equations. The results showed that the incidence of FMD
outbreaks was the highest in 2016 and was affected by season, with a
peak in FMD outbreaks occurring in the rainy-winter season. The
occurrences of FMD were mostly distributed as a number of small clusters
within a few subdistricts. Some high-risk areas with repetitive
outbreaks were detected in the central regions. Risk factors
significantly associated with FMD outbreaks included the size of the
dairy, beef, and pig populations in each subdistrict, the distance to
the nearest subdistrict with an outbreak, the percentage of forest area,
international border contact, the presence of a livestock market, and
the occurrence of an FMD outbreak in a neighbouring subdistrict in the
previous month. This study helped to identify high-risk areas and
periods of FMD outbreaks in Thailand. Together with the identified risk
factors, its results can be used to optimise the FMD control program in
Thailand and in other countries having a similar livestock industry and
FMD situation.
Persuasion using Argumentative Strategies, Presuppositions and Directives in Al-Aswany's Political Op-ed Articles
Authors: AbdelFattah Mona A. S.
Published: November 2021

The study is concerned with Al-Aswany’s political opinion articles that
have been published since 2011 until 2014. The study is concerned with
argumentative persuasion. It aims at examining how the use of
argumentative strategies, presuppositions and directives persuade the
reader into accepting the proposed arguments and analyzing the degree of
persuasion present in the text. Moreover, the study aims at examining
whether there is an attempt to manipulate the reader. The data used, in
this study, are drawn from Al-Aswany’s opinion articles that have been
published in Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper. The researcher has selected two
articles from each year: 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. All in all, eight
selected articles are gathered for a qualitative analysis. The findings
of the study show that his articles are highly persuasive as he,
extensively, uses cognitive directives, establishes a common ground
through the use of topos of reality and presuppositions, evokes empathy
towards the protesters and the revolutions through humanitarianism and
justice while raising a feeling of threat/danger from Mubarak’s old
regime. Furthermore, even though the texts are highly persuasive, to
claim that there is a manipulation from Al-Aswany’s part , using these
linguistic tools and models, can not be strongly suggested. However,
further studies using different linguistic instruments might yield more
accurate results.
DarkCideS 1.0, a global database for bats in karsts and caves
Authors: Tanalgo Krizler C. , Tabora John Aries G. , Oliveira Hernani Fernandes Magalhães , Haelewaters Danny , Beranek Chad T. , Otálora-Ardila Aída , Bernard Enrico , Gonçalves Fernando , Eriksson Alan , Donnelly Melissa , González Joel Monzón , Ramos Humberto Fernandez , Rivas Alberto Clark , Webala Paul W. , Deleva Stanimira , Dalhoumi Ridha , Maula Jaycelle , Lizarro Dennis , Aguirre Luis F. , Bouillard Nils , Quibod Ma. Niña Regina M. , Barros Jennifer , Turcios-Casco Manfredo Alejandro , Martínez Marcio , Ordoñez-Mazier Diego Iván , Orellana José Alejandro Soler , Ordoñez-Trejo Eduardo J. , Ordoñez Danny , Chornelia Ada , Lu Jian Mei , Xing Chen , Baniya Sanjeev , Muylaert Renata L. , Dias-Silva Leonardo Henrique , Ruadreo Nittaya , Hughes Alice
Published: November 2021

Understanding biodiversity patterns as well as drivers of population
declines, and range losses provides crucial baselines for monitoring and
conservation. However, the information needed to evaluate such trends
remains unstandardised and sparsely available for many taxonomic groups
and habitats, including the cave-dwelling bats and cave ecosystems.
Here, we present the DarkCideS 1.0, a global database of bat
caves and bat species based on curated data from the literature,
personal collections, and existing datasets. The database contains
information for geographical distribution, ecological status, species
traits, and parasites and hyperparasites for 679 bat species known to
occur in caves or use caves in their life-histories. The database
contains 6746 georeferenced occurrences for 402 cave-dwelling bat
species from 2002 cave sites in 46 countries and 12 terrestrial biomes.
The database has been developed to be a collaborative, open-access, and
user-friendly platform, allowing continuous data-sharing among the
community of bat researchers and conservation biologists. The database
has a range of potential applications in bat research and enables
comparative monitoring and prioritisation for conservation.
The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Expression of MMP-9 Protein in the Analysis of Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques in Patients Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Sef Davorin , Milosevic Milan , Ostric Marin , Mestrovic Tomislav , Jernej Bojan , Kovacic Slavica , Kovacevic Miljenko , Skrtic Anita , Vidjak Vinko
Published: November 2021

Components of carotid atherosclerotic plaque can be analysed
preoperatively by non-invasive advanced imaging modalities such as
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The expression of matrix
metalloproteinase-9 protein (MMP-9), which has a potential role in
remodelling of atherosclerotic plaques, can be analysed
immunohistochemically. The aim of the present prospective pilot study is
to analyse histological characteristics and expression of MMP-9 in
carotid plaques of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and
to investigate the correlation with preoperative clinical symptoms and
MRI features. Preoperative clinical assessment, MRI imaging,
postoperative histological and immunohistochemical analyses were
performed. Fifteen patients with symptomatic (7/15; 47%) and
asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis undergoing CEA were included. Among
symptomatic patients, 5 (71%) had recent stroke and 2 (29%) had recent
transient ischaemic attack with a median timing of 6 weeks (IQR:1, 18)
before the surgery. Both groups did not significantly differ in respect
to preoperative characteristics. Prevalence of unstable plaque was
higher in symptomatic than asymptomatic patients, although it was not
significant (63% vs. 37%, p=0.077). The expression of MMP-9 in
CD68 cells within the plaque by semiquantitative analysis was found to
be significantly higher in symptomatic as compared to asymptomatic
patients (86% vs. 25% with the highest expression, p=0.014).
The average microvascular density was found to be higher and lipid core
area larger among both symptomatic patients and unstable carotid plaque
specimens, although this did not reach statistical significance
(p=0.064 and p=0.132, p=0.360 and p=0.569,
respectively). Our results demonstrate that MRI is reliable in
classifying carotid lesions and differentiating unstable from stable
plaques. We have also shown that the expression of MMP-9 is
significantly higher among symptomatic patients undergoing CEA.

Trial Registration: This study has been registered at the ISRCTN
registry (ID ISRCTN46536832), isrctn.org Identifier:
https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN46536832

Keywords: atherosclerosis, carotid endarterectomy, unstable plaque,
magnetic resonance imaging, matrix metalloproteinase.
The Metabolic Significance of Intermuscular Adipose Tissue: Is IMAT a Friend or a Foe to Metabolic Health?
Authors: Sparks Lauren M. , Goodpaster Bret H. , Bergman Bryan C.
Published: November 2021

Adipose
tissues are not homogeneous and show site-specific properties. An elusive and
understudied adipose tissue depot – most likely due to its limited
accessibility – is the intermuscular adipose depot (IMAT). Adipose tissue is a
pliable organ with the ability to adapt to its physiological context, yet whether
that adaptation is harmful or beneficial in the IMAT depot remains to be
explored in humans. Potential reasons for IMAT accumulation in humans being
deleterious or beneficial include: 1) sex and related circulating hormone levels,
2) race and ethnicity
and 3) lifestyle factors (e.g. diet and physical
activity level). IMAT quantity per se may not be the
driving factor in the etiology of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes but
rather the quality of the IMAT itself is the true puppeteer. Adipose tissue
quality likely influences its secreted factors which are also likely to
influence metabolism of surrounding tissues. The advent of molecular
assessments such as RNAseq, ATACseq and DNA methylation at the single cell and
single nuclei levels, as well as the potential for ultrasound-guided biopsies
specifically for IMAT, will permit more sophisticated investigations of human
IMAT and dramatically advance our understanding of this enigmatic adipose
tissue.
Frege’s philosophy of mind? The conception of subjectivity in Frege
Authors: A. G. Porta Mario
Published: November 2021

Frege’s decisive and well-known critique of psychologism does not exclude, but rather presupposes, a certain peculiar conception of subjectivity.
Penerapan produksi bersih dan penilaian daur hidup industri kecil menengah pengolahan kopi CV. Gunung Betung
Authors: Adiwinata Febilian , Suprihatin Suprihatin , Rahayuningsih Mulyorini
Published: November 2021

Coffee is one of Indonesia's leading commodity that has the potential to be developed for agro-industry. High coffee production has encouraged the establishment of a small and medium coffee industry. The purpose of this study is to analyze possible strategies for implementing cleaner production and evaluate the impact on the environment using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method with a gate to gate scope. The stages of cleaner production research used quick scan techniques, source identification, cause evaluation and option generation implementation. LCA research stages with the determination of the objectives and scope of research, inventory analysis, environmental impact assessment and implementation of improvements. Greenhouse gases (GHG) emission was assessed as an environmental impact parameter. The results showed the alternative potential for cleaner production that was applied the manufacture of drying domes (Payback Period/PBP) 3.18 months with an investment ofRp. 2,285,000), procurement of generator machines (PBP 1.16 months with an investment of Rp. 5,860,000), making air circulation in roasting room (PBP 0.07 months with an investment of Rp. 1,268,000), making of solid waste composting reactor (PBP 2.18 months with an investment of Rp. 3,440,000) and addition packing equipment (PBP 0.45 month with an investment of Rp. 3.057 .000). The results of the LCA analysis show that 1,000 Kg of dry-processed coffee requires energy of 869.92 MJ and produces GHG emissions of 95.58 Kg CO₂eq / ton coffee fruits or 0.42Kg CO₂eq / Kg coffee powder equal to 2.389Kg CO₂eq/month and 28.674Kg CO₂eq/year.Key words : environmental impact assessment, life cycle assessment, small coffee industries
New Zealand Consumer Lifestyles
Authors: Watkins Leah , Aitken Rob , Robertson Kirsten , Williams John , Thyne Maree
Published: November 2021

This article reports on the results of a consumer lifestyles segmentation study of the adult New Zealand population, which is part of an ongoing research programme conducted by consumer behaviour researchers at the University of Otago since 1979. Six lifestyle segments were identified: the ‘Educated Liberals’, ‘Financial Strugglers’, ‘Contemporary New Zealanders’, ‘Uncertain Young’, ‘Traditional Family Values’, and, the ‘Disengaged’. These segments are based on responses to nearly 200 questions about consumer attitudes, opinions and behaviours from 1,640 respondents. The discussion of the segments provides a number of new and useful insights into the contemporary world of the New Zealand consumer.
PERCEPTIONS OF LOCAL TOURISTS, ATTITUDES AND WILLINGNESS TO VISIT LOCAL DESTINATIONS: A DESTINATION IMAGE CASE
Authors: Maziriri Eugine Tafadzwa , Govender Kammantha , Chuchu Tinashe
Published: November 2021

The paper made use of predictor variables to highlight relationships in tourism, these are: perceptions’ of local residents towards tourists and destination image; in an effort to identify how these predictors are relative to the mediator variable, attitudes’ of local residents towards tourists; which then lead to the outcome variable, tourists willingness to visit a destination. To enable the researcher to conduct this study, prior literature related to destination image, as well as the attitudes and perceptions of local residents were reviewed. Respondents were selected by means of probability sampling. A conceptualised model was developed to measure the variables adapted to the research study. The researcher conducted field research at The University of Witwatersrand, which included 270 respondents, currently registered at the university. The data set was analysed by employing SPSS and Amos 24 through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).  It was confirmed by the results of the research that the attitudes of local residents had a stronger relationship than the perceptions of local residents towards tourists; influencing tourists’ willingness to visit a destination. This implies that tourists will visit a destination based on how they are treated by local residents, instead of how local residents perceive tourists. The study makes contributions to current research on local residents’ attitudes and perceptions towards tourists, and destination image, which influences tourists’ willingness to visit a destination.
Study on synthesis and adsorption property of porous carbon/Ni nanoparticle composites
Authors: Xu Sailu , Du Yuxin , Hui Meiqi , Wang Zichen , Zhao Junfeng , Yang Gang
Published: November 2021

The porous carbon/Ni nanoparticle composite was prepared by a freeze-drying method using NaCl as the template. It was applied in the effect of the concentration, adsorption time, and temperature of adsorption on the adsorption behavior. The kinetic model and the adsorption isothermic fitting results show that the adsorption behavior fits with the pseudo-secondary dynamics and the Langmuir isothermal model, indicating that the adsorption process is monolayer adsorption. Thermodynamic results indicate that the adsorption process is spontaneous physicochemical adsorption. The fitting showed that the porous carbon/Ni nanoparticle composites reach 217.17 mg·g-1, at 313 K indicates good adsorption for Congo red.
Influence of flow rate on the transport of nTiO2 and phosphate and its modeling
Authors: Feng Gang , Feng Gang , Xu Nan , Li Zuling , Li Zuling , Cao Yuhe , Cao Yuhe , Sun Keqing , Sun Keqing
Published: November 2021

We studied Zeta potentials of nanoparticles titanium dioxides （nTiO2） in different concentration of NaNO3 and phosphate (P) solutions. In addition, the effect of flow rate on the transport of nTiO2 in P was investigated at pH＝6.5. Experimental results show that the Zeta potential of nTiO2 is compressed with the increasing ion concentration (IC) of NaNO3 at pH＝6.5. The negative charge increases with the augment of P. Therefore, the high P and low NaNO3 induce the stabilization of nTiO2 aggregates. The transport experiments suggest that the rapid flow rate is favorable for the transportability of nTiO2 and soluble phosphate. The breakthrough transport curves (BTCs) of nTiO2 in sand columns can be fitted well with two-site kinetic attachment model. The modeling results suggest that the values of first-order attachment rate coefficients (k2) and detachment rate coefficients (k2d) on site 2 and first-order attachment rate coefficients (k1) on site 1 are responsible to the attaching efficiency of nTiO2 on sands and their transportability.
Electrospun Li3V2(PO4)3/carbon nanofiber as cathode materials for the high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhao Mengxi , Lu Zhongpei , Chen Lin , Jiang Xuefan , Yin Fan , Yang Gang
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a series of Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite nanofibers is prepared by a facile and environmentally friendly electrospinning method and calcined under different temperatures. The LVP nanofiber calcined under 900 ℃ exhibits the best electrochemical performance. The bicontinuous morphologies of LVP/CNF are the fibers shrunk and the LVP crystals simultaneously grown. At the range of 3.0–4.3 V, LVP/CNF obtained under 900 ℃ delivers the initial capacity of 135 mAh/g, close to the theoretical capacity of LVP. Even at high current density, the sample of LVP/CNF still presents good electrochemical performance.
Review of super-hydrophobic materials research
Authors: Liu Chengbao , Li Minjia , Liu Xiaojie , Chen Zhigang
Published: November 2021

We reviewed the research on super-hydrophobic materials. Firstly, we introduced the basic principles of super-hydrophobic materials, including the Young equation, Wenzel model, and Cassie model. Then, we summarized the main preparation methods and research results of super-hydrophobic materials, such as the template method, soft etching method, electrospinning method, and sol-gel method. Among them, the electrospinning method that has developed in recent years is a new technology for preparing micro/nanofibers. Finally, the applications of super-hydrophobic materials in the field of coatings, fabric and filter material, anti-fogging, and antibacterial were introduced, and the problems existing in the preparation of super-hydrophobic materials were pointed out, such as unavailable industrialized production, high cost, and poor durability of the materials. Therefore, it is necessary to make a further study on the application of the materials in the selection, preparation, and post-treatment.
Spin thermoelectric effects on aluminum or phosphorus doped zigzag silicene nanoribbons
Authors: Song Jiali , Zhang Xue , Wang Xuefeng , Feng Jinfu , Liu Yushen
Published: November 2021

Based on the density-functional theory (DFT) combined with nonequilibrium Green’s function (NGF), this paper investigates the effects of either single aluminum (Al) or single phosphorus (P) atom substitutions at different edge positions of zigzag-edged silicene nanoribbons (ZGNRs) in the ferromagnetic state on the spin-dependent transport properties and spin thermoelectric effects. It has been found that the spin polarization at the Fermi level can reach 100% or –100% in the doped ZSiNRs. Meanwhile, the spin-up Seebeck effect (for -100% case) and spin-down Seebeck effect (for 100% case) are also enhanced. Moreover, the spin Seebeck coefficient is much larger than the corresponding charge Seebeck coefficient at a special doping position and electron energy. Therefore, the study shows that the Al or P doped ZSiNRs can be used to prepare the ideal thermospin devices.
Venice Commission: the role in the process of international and national law interpretation
Authors: KARVATSKA Svitlana , TORONCHUK Ivan , MANYK Alyona
Published: November 2021

The article aims to study the Venice Commission's role as one of the leading international law interpreters. This role has gradually strengthened in the process of scientifically substantiated promotion of legal norms and standards concerning democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Using system-structural, formal-legal, comparative-legal, empirical, and anthropological methods, one has drawn essential conclusions regarding implementing the Venice Commission's interpretive activities. As a result, it has been proved that the nature of the Venice Commission's interpretive activity demonstrates the existence and growing contradiction between the prevailing interpretive practice at the supranational level and the provisions of the classical theory of law interpretation. Ukraine's ongoing dialogue with the Venice Commission is vital to develop and improve legislation, especially laws, implementing new constitutional provisions on justice, the drafts of which have already been designed or are being developed, as well as indubitable compliance with these laws. Venice Commission's general documents should be for the Ukrainian legislator the source to base the preparation of relevant legislation.
PENERAPAN ART THERAPY UNTUK MENGURANGI KECEMASAN MAHASISWA USIA EMERGING ADULTHOOD PADA MASA PANDEMI
Authors: Tjugito Bryan , Satiadarma Monty P. , Subroto Untung
Published: November 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) has made major changes for the country in various sectors, one of which is education. Changes that occur in the education sector are in the form of a face-to-face learning system into an online learning system. This change creates anxiety among students. Some of the effects of this anxiety include sleeping difficulties, stomach disorders, and irregular menstrual cycles. Art therapy has been found to significantly reduce the severity of anxiety. Thus, this study aims to determine whether the application of art therapy can reduce anxiety symptoms in students aged 18-25 years who are doing online learning during a pandemic. The research design used in this study was a quasi-experimental. The sampling technique is non-probability sampling by providing a state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) measurement tool to see the level of anxiety and participants are selected if they are included in the moderate or high category. Six of the twelve participants were selected (4 participants with a moderate level and 2 participants with a high level) and the researcher took individual data by interviewing to help researchers in building rapport with participants. After six intervention sessions, it was found that there was a decrease in anxiety levels, four participants were at low anxiety levels. Coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) memberikan perubahan yang besar bagi negara diberbagai sektor, salah satunya pendidikan. Perubahan yang terjadi pada sektor pendidikan berupa sistem belajar tatap muka menjadi sistem belajar daring. Perubahan ini menimbulkan rasa cemas pada para pelajar, tidak terkecuali mahasiswa. Beberapa dampak dari rasa cemas ini berupa sulit tidur, gangguan lambung, hingga siklus haid tidak teratur. Art therapy ditemukan dapat mengurangi kecemasan secara signifikan. Sehingga, penelitian ini memiliki tujuan untuk mengetahui apakah penerapan art therapy dapat mengurangi simtom kecemasan pada mahasiswa berusia 18-25 tahun yang melakukan pembelajaran daring pada masa pandemi. Desain penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kuasi eksperimen. Teknik pengambilan sampel non-probability sampling dengan memberikan alat ukur state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) untuk melihat tingkat kecemasan dan partisipan diseleksi apabila termasuk dalam golongan moderate atau high. Enam dari dua belas partisipan terpilih (4 partisipan dengan tingkat moderate dan 2 partisipan dengan tingkat high) dan peneliti melakukan pengambilan data individual dengan wawancara untuk membantu peneliti dalam membangun rapport dengan partisipan. Setelah enam sesi intervensi, ditemukan bahwa terdapat penurunan pada tingkat kecemasan, empat partisipan berada pada tingkat kecemasan low.
Retrieving Mobile Phone Information Based on Digital Search Tree
Authors: Ahmed Safa A.
Published: November 2021

The current study primarily aims to develop a dictionary system for tracing mobile phone numbers for call centers of mobile communication companies. This system tries to save the numbers using a digital search tree in order to make the processes of searching and retrieving customers’ information easier and faster. Several shrubs that represent digits of the total phone numbers will be built through following the phone number digits to be added to the dictionary, with the owner name being at the last node in the tree. Thus, by such searching process, every phone number can be tracked digit-by-digit according to a required path inside its tree, until reaching the leaf. Then, the value stored in the node, that represents the name of phone number’s owner, is returned. Consequently, the amount of memory required to store data will be reduced and data retrieval will be faster.
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ RIGHTS OVER NATURAL RESOURCES: AN ANALYSIS OF HOST COMMUNITIES RIGHTS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Ibiam Amah Emmanuel , Faga Hemen Philip
Published: November 2021

Many States are engulfed in crises over natural resources in the form of claims and counterclaims over who should exercise legal authority over the resources located within the state territory. In Nigeria, the agitation over control of natural resources has led to militancy and rebellion against the federal government and multinational oil companies. The debate on who should control and manage natural oil resources in Nigeria exists at the local community level, the federating states level, and the federal government level. This paper x-rayed the varying contentions of these agitations from an international law perspective. It adopted the doctrinal method to explore international human rights instruments and other legal and non-legal sources to realize the result and arrive at persuasive conclusions. The paper concluded that although international law guarantees states’ exercise of sovereign rights over their natural resources, it safeguards the right of indigenous peoples and communities to manage the natural resources found within their ancestral lands to deepen their economic and social development. It also concluded that the Niger Delta indigenous peoples and oil-producing communities are entitled to exercise some measure of control and management of the processes of exploitation of the natural resources found within their lands. The paper calls on the Nigerian government to fast-track legal and policy reforms to resource rights to indigenous host communities of natural resources in Nigeria.
The era of information pollution: new definition of news production in Nigeria
Authors: Mustapha Muhammed Jamiu , Agyei Stephen Obiri
Published: November 2021

This article explores the possibility of redefining professional news production in order to suspend the disseminators of disinformation. For achieving this goal, the author examined the areas of the likely distortion of information: headlines and editors of online news. Headlines play the key role within information ecosystem, since they can deceive the audience. This is acquired by using arresting phrases to draw attention of the audience. It is determined that some editors of online news do not observe certain ethical standards, and thus, post articles without verifying the accuracy of the material. It is noted that politicians have infiltrated the online media space, which affects that the editors choose what to post. It is recommended that headlines should not only be attractive, but also written in a way not to deceive the audience, as well as the extent of influence of the political figures upon media agenda should be established. And ultimately, the people who have no experience in journalism, should be trained by an experienced journalist in order to minimize the information pollution common to the era of Internet and social networks.
Revisiting the question of cutaneous vasculitis classification
Authors: Samtsov Alexey V. , Khairutdinov Vladislav R. , Sokolovskiy Evgeny V. , Kokhan Muza M. , Belousova Irena E. , Olisova Olga Yu. , Grabovskaya Olga V. , Bakulev Andrey L. , Karamova Arfenya E.
Published: November 2021

Currently, there is no generally accepted terminology and classification of vasculitis and vascular cutaneous disorders. In Russia there are various approaches to the classification of cutaneous vasculitis vascular lesions are classified according to clinical signs, etiology and pathogenesis. Significant difficulties are caused by the lack of a unified terminology, clear diagnostic criteria for vasculitis and the existence of a large number of duplicate names, among which there are many eponymous terms. This issue is one of the most complex, confusing and debatable not only in dermatovenereology, but also in other disciplines. Modern principles of diagnosis of cutaneous vasculitis are based on an integrated assessment of the data of the disease history, clinical picture, laboratory and instrumental methods of examination. For standardization of definitions and diagnostic criteria, it is necessary, first of all, to adopt a unified interdisciplinary classification of vasculitis, which will be based on the etiopathogenetic principle. The applied unified classification of cutaneous vasculitis is proposed for discussion.
Yoga nidra practice shows improvement in sleep in patients with chronic insomnia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: DATTA KARUNA , TRIPATHI MANJARI , VERMA MANSI , MASIWAL DEEPIKA , MALLICK HRUDA NANDA
Published: November 2021

Background

Yoga nidra is practised by sages for sleep. The practice is simple to use and has been clearly laid out, but its role in the treatment of chronic insomnia has not been well studied.

Methods

In this randomized parallel-design study conducted during 2012–16, we enrolled 41 patients with chronic insomnia to receive conventional intervention of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (n=20) or yoga nidra (n=21). Outcome measures were both subjective using a sleep diary and objective using polysomnography (PSG). Salivary cortisol levels were also measured. PSG was done before the intervention in all patients and repeated only in those who volunteered for the same.

Results

Both interventions showed an improvement in subjective total sleep time (TST), sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, reduction in total wake duration and enhancement in subjective sleep quality. Objectively, both the interventions improved TST and total wake duration and increased N1% of TST. Yoga nidra showed marked improvement in N2% and N3% in TST. Salivary cortisol reduced statistically significantly after yoga nidra (p=0.041).

Conclusion

Improvement of N3 sleep, total wake duration and subjective sleep quality occurred following yoga nidra practice. Yoga nidra practice can be used for treatment of chronic insomnia after supervised practice sessions.