bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decisiones políticas y entramados jurídicos en un régimen de despojo
Authors: Salazar Clara
Published: May 2019

El objetivo de este artículo es debatir los límites de la dimensión política del despojo de tierras en su doble expresión: las decisiones que guían la acción y su implementación en el ejercicio de gobierno. Para ello, se referencian los dispositivos implementados por el estado mexicano para apoyar la inversión extranjera directa y para que el libre mercado disponga de tierras ejidales. Tomando como caso de estudio el ejido “Caleras de Ameche”, Guanajuato (México), se analiza el manejo maniqueo de instrumentos jurídicos y de otros mecanismos de coacción para que la industria automotriz Toyota se apropie de la tierra de los ejidatarios y para que actores locales se beneficien de forma inmerecida de la valorización de su tierra. La dinámica observada apunta a que el régimen político se caracteriza por una relación social de “redistribución coercitiva” de tierra: los actores gubernamentales ejecutan expropiaciones con criterios distintos a ejidatarios y particulares; los promotores inmobiliarios utilizan mecanismos de coacción para acceder a la tierra; el gobierno realiza avalúos de tierra con criterios diferenciados y paga por ella según la ubicación de los actores en la estructura social y la empresa extranjera condiciona su inversión al gobierno estatal. Se observan actos de resistencia por parte de los ejidatarios, pero también una gran ambivalencia ante la presión institucional formal, de modo que terminan transigiendo con la mercantilización de la tierra.
Accès aux ressources naturelles et foncières en Amazonie péruvienne
Authors: Delmotte Céline
Published: May 2019

Se fondant sur l’analyse d’une zone tampon située dans le département amazonien de Madre de Dios (Pérou), qui connaît un phénomène de ruée vers l’or depuis la moitié des années 2000, cet article explore les rapports de pouvoir entre agriculteurs et orpailleurs, en éclairant les processus de territorialisation minière au sein d’espaces agricoles, les dynamiques d’acteurs ainsi que les mécanismes d’accès et d’usage du foncier et de ses ressources. Prenant le contre-pied des analyses déjà produites sur la nature conflictuelle de leurs relations, nous tenterons dans cette contribution de mettre en lumière un phénomène distinct mais tout aussi prégnant : le caractère négocié de l’orpaillage et les arrangements mutuels entre acteurs autour de l’accès à et l’usage des ressources naturelles.
Quand l’effort environnemental renforce la dépossession foncière
Authors: Candau Jacqueline , Gassiat Anne
Published: May 2019

La dépossession peut être le stade ultime de la précarisation d’accès à la terre. En effet, des agriculteurs installés dans le cadre de réformes foncières se voulant égalitaires voient les terres qu’ils ont mises en valeur convoitées pour d’autres usages. Dans cet article, nous analysons les pressions auxquelles ils sont alors soumis, dont l’effort environnemental, à partir d’une approche par les capabilités d’Amartya Sen. Nous montrons ainsi que des modèles institutionnels hérités du colonialisme perdurent dans les départements d’outre-mer français (notamment à La Réunion) et se traduisent par une mise en incapacité des agriculteurs – planteurs de canne à sucre – qui amène certains d’entre eux à abandonner leurs parcelles.
On the Brink of Modernism: Lucijan Marija Škerjanc’s (First) Violin Concerto
Authors: Pompe Gregor
Published: May 2019

With his (First) Violin Concerto, written in the time of his studies in Paris between 1924 and 1927, Lucijan Marija Škerjanc arrived at the brink of European Modernism, although he later quickly abandoned this path. An analysis of the concerto reveals that it is written not in a free improvisatory vein, but rather in the form of variations on a folk theme of South Slavonic origin. The analysis reveals various stylistic strands (the opulent orchestral sound of Stravinsky, Bartók-like folklorism, machine music, Neo-Baroque). Rather than being understood in an eclectic sense, these strands should be viewed as an active search for the new by this composer.
Aus vergangenen Tagen: The Forgotten Piano Compositions of Josef Zöhrer
Authors: Cigoj Krstulović Nataša
Published: May 2019

Josef Zöhrer (1841–1916) is remembered in Slovenia as a pianist, teacher, conductor and musical director of Ljubljana’s Philharmonische Gesellschaft (Philharmonic Society), but his compositional oeuvre has for various reasons remained overlooked. The article sheds light on his piano miniatures, which were issued between 1898 and 1904 by the Leipzig-based publishing houses C. F. Kahnt Nachfolger and Fr. Kistner, and were noticed and well received on their release. Closer examination reveals that these compositions, though today forgotten, serve their purpose well and deserve to be rescued from oblivion.
A Little-Known Double-Choir Hymn Cycle from c. 1600
Authors: Grabnar Klemen
Published: May 2019

An early-seventeenth-century choirbook originating from Graz surviving in Ljubljana (SI-Lnr, MS 343) contains alongside other compositions thirty-one hymns by Francesco Stivori uniquely known from this source. Stivori’s hymns form a cycle for the entire liturgical year. They follow a long tradition of polyphonic settings based on plainsong melodies, although they are set for a larger performing group than usual – eight voices distributed in two choirs. Polyphonic hymn settings in use earlier at the Graz court were not liturgically obsolete. It seems, therefore, that Stivori composed his own cycle to cater for the personal aesthetic needs of Archduke Ferdinand, who greatly favoured polychoral music.
Rites for the Sick and Dying in Sources from Klosterneuburg
Authors: Stratton Hild Elaine
Published: May 2019

This article investigates extant documents from the Augustinian canonry of Klosterneuburg (Codices Claustroneoburgenses 628, 629, 1022A, and 1022B) to gain insight into the community’s rites for the sick and dying. The sources largely agree in the material prescribed for the rites. Scribal annotations and signs of use within the manuscripts indicate that the same rites were used for both the men and women of the double house; the manuscripts’ rubrics also leave open the possibility that men and women participated in the rites together.
Paolo Britti, il cieco di Venezia: Street music in seventeenth-century Venice
Authors: Bosi Kathryn
Published: May 2019

The blind Venetian street singer Paolo Britti (fl. 1619–ca. 1660) composed poems of a popular nature, some two hundred of which survive. Britti occasionally indicates the ‘arias’ to which the poems should be sung: unexpectedly, they include monodies and arias by such composers as Milanuzzi, Monteverdi, Merula and Cavalli.
„Le piano, ce grand vulgarisateur de la musique“: Klavierunterricht für bürgerliche Pariser Kinder im 19. Jahrhundert zwischen Idealvorstellung und Realität
Authors: Paech Katharina Larissa
Published: May 2019

In addition to musical education at the Paris Conservatoire, private piano lessons aimed at the children of wealthy citizens of the city established themselves in the course of the nineteenth century. Renowned piano professors such as Antoine-François Marmontel and Félix Le Couppey published quite idealistic pedagogical guides for piano teachers. Apart from this, there are texts that comment on the reality of teaching.
Slovenian Twelve-Tone Music
Authors: Pompe Gregor
Published: May 2019

Slavko Osterc’s studies with Alois Hába and subsequent attendance at ISCM festivals triggered his interest in twelve-tone technique. In his first attempts before the Second World War (around 1936) and at the beginning of the 1960s the technique was employed very cautiously, not following the strict logic and system of the method. The f irst fully developed t welve-tone compositions were written by Primož Ramovš and Alojz Srebotnjak in 1961, but these two very distinctive exponents of twelve-tone technique later abandoned the method: the 1970s were the time of post-serialism and postmodernism.
User frequency and microbial contaminants of traditional oral powdered herbal formulations in Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Authors: Ideh Jennifer E. , Ogunkunle Adepoju T.J.
Published: May 2019

Background: Being natural, herbal products are often perceived as safe but studies have shown that they may not be free of pathogenic microorganisms. The extent of microbial contaminants of traditional oral powdered herbal formulations (TOPHFs) in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, is not known, while the frequency of users of these drugs in the study area has not been reported.Aim: To evaluate the microbial contaminants of TOPHFs marketed in Ogbomoso Nigeria, identify the risk factors associated with their production and handling, and determine the frequency of users of the drugs.Setting: Ogbomoso, Nigeria.Methods: Fifteen manufacturers of TOPHFs listed the health conditions that are indicated for their drugs, while 125 residents provided information on their preference for those drugs. The questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages). Packaging and/or handling and level of personal and environmental hygiene of the manufacturers were examined and analysed for significance of their influence on contamination of drugs using chi-square test. Using pour plate method and following standard procedures, 12 samples of TOPHFs were analysed to quantify their bacterial and fungal contaminants.Results: The TOPHFs were indicated for 17 different types of health conditions with 60% of the sampled population being prolonged and regular users. The personal and environmental hygiene levels of the manufacturers fell short of acceptable standard. Ten out of the 12 samples analysed were heavily contaminated (i.e. above WHO limits) with yeasts/moulds and faecal coliforms such as Enterobacteria, 9 with Streptococcus and 6 with pathogenic bacterial species such as Staphylococcus and Salmonella. There was a significant association of TOPHFs contamination with manufacturers’ level of formal education (p = 0.001), solid waste management (p = 0.015) and methods of updating knowledge and expertise (p = 0.004), thus making these 3 the risk factors associated with contamination of the drugs.Conclusion: Use of TOPHFs is popular among the residents of Ogbomoso, but there is a high rate of contamination of these drugs with some potentially pathogenic organisms because of insufficient quality control in their production and handling.
Prevalence and correlates of depression among Nigerian stroke survivors
Authors: Olibamoyo Olushola , Adewuya Abiodun , Ola Bolanle , Coker Olurotimi , Atilola Olayinka
Published: May 2019

Background: There is mixed evidence for the hypothesis that the risk of depression after stroke is influenced by the location of lesions in the hemispheres, demographic and clinical factors, and disability of stroke survivors.Aim: The current study determined the prevalence of depression and its socio-demographic and clinico-pathological correlates among stroke survivors in a tertiary hospital in Lagos, Nigeria.Method: The cross-sectional study was carried out among 112 adult patients with a clinical history of stroke confirmed by neuroimaging. Depression was diagnosed using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. The socio-demographic profile was obtained, and cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Stroke severity was assessed retrospectively using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and current disability was measured using the Modified Rankin Scale.Results: There were 48 (42.9%) stroke survivors with a clinical diagnosis of depression. Using binary logistic regression, the independent determinants of depression were younger age, unemployment, perceived poor social support, increasing number of previous admissions because of stroke, cognitive impairment, severity of stroke and current disability status. However, there was no significant association between depression and lesion location.Conclusion: Depression is a common associate of stroke, and there is a need for sustained focus on young stroke survivors with severe stroke, especially those who do not have social support and have low socio-economic status, who may have a higher risk of developing depression following stroke.
The Dutch Jewish Circumcision Debates of the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Post Paulien
Published: May 2019

Abstract Over the course of the nineteenth century, the rite of circumcision became a hotly debated issue in several Jewish communities across Europe. All European countries followed their own path in the circumcision debates, depending on the country’s political and
social environment. The Dutch circumcision debates concentrated exclusively on the medical and hygienic improvement of the rite. Between 1820 and 1890, the quickly expanding medical knowledge had far reaching effects on the rite of circumcision in the Netherlands: the rite was centralized,
circumcisers were examined on surgical skills, strict surgical protocols applied to the circumcision procedure, and ultimately, the traditional rite of circumcision was altered to meet the latest medical standards. The growing influence of medicine on the religiously important circumcision
led to a heated discussion within the Dutch Jewish community; the circumcision debates offered an arena in which different factions within the Dutch Jewish community fought over the balance between the religious and medical aspects of circumcision. This article discusses the course of the
Dutch circumcision debates of the nineteenth century, the influence of international circumcision debates and the changing perception of circumcision within the Dutch Jewish community.
Alfons Loogman (1897‐1964)
Authors: de Jong Albert
Published: May 2019

Abstract In 1925 Alfons Loogman, a Holy Ghost Father, established the Catholic Swahili monthly paper Rafiki Yetu (‘Our Friend’) in Kenya. In the literature little is known about this journal, although it developed into the most important Catholic Swahili
journal of East Africa. Loogman did not get much support of the apostolic vicar and his confreres for his initiative, so the publication of the journal became a personal enterprise. Rafiki Yetu was targeting a broad public, not only Catholics but all African inhabitants of East Africa,
no matter their faith. The content of the journal was a mixture of religious and secular topics. The journal had a wide circulation in Kenia, Tanganyika, Zanzibar and Uganda. In contrast to two other Catholic papers, Rafiki Yetu was published in Swahili, the lingua franca of East Africa.
Loogman developed the Rafiki Yetu enterprise into a small printing press. However, Loogman could not realise his dreams of publishing a weekly or even a daily journal because he was transferred to another vicariate and other missionaries continued publishing Rafiki Yetu until
1964.
Cultureel en religieus erfgoed van moslims
Authors: Ettourki Karim
Published: May 2019

Abstract In recent years, Islamic religious and cultural heritage has enjoyed growing interest in the heritage sector and academia. The attention to this specific heritage can be related to a broader attention to religious heritage and to the theme of migration, both at national
and international level. It has often been argued that this heritage has the potential of increasing the social participation of migrants or can serve as an acknowledgment of their presence in society. In our neighboring countries, various heritage projects were initiated in the past, highlighting
the migration history of various population groups. In this article, a number of heritage projects concerning the cultural and religious heritage of Muslims in Flanders are discussed against the background of demographic developments and heritage policy, and are framed within a broader international
context.
Board Characteristics and Foreign Direct Investment in Public Listed Property Companies: A Malaysian Evidence
Authors: Ghani Erlane K , Mohamed Ham Xairyani , Muhammad Kamaruzzaman
Published: May 2019

The Malaysian government has encouraged the corporate sector to be seriously committed in supporting sustainable development. One of the elements in sustainable development is the inclusiveness of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the corporate sector. FDI plays an important role in the economy as it generates an economic growth by increasing the domestic capital formation and hence, promoting sustainability. This study examines the relationship of corporate governance characteristics on foreign direct investment among property public listed companies in Malaysia. Specifically, this study examines the effect of board of directors’ characteristic namely board size, board meeting, board independence and CEO-Chairman duality role on foreign direct investment of the property public listed companies. This study relies on content analysis on the annual reports of 50 public listed property companies in in Malaysia for year 2007-2016. The results show that board meetings and board independency have a significant positive relationship on foreign direct investment of the public listed property companies. However, the results show that board size and CEO-Chairman duality do not have a significant relationship on foreign direct investment of the public listed property companies. The findings in this study implicate the importance of the board of directors’ involvement in ensuring effective and efficient decisions related to foreign direct investment.
Examining Enterprise Resource Planning Post Implementation and Employees’ Performance in Small and Medium Enterprises Using DeLone and McLean’s Information System Success Model
Authors: Ghani Erlane K , Yasin Siti Aimi Mohamad , Ali Mazurina Mohd
Published: May 2019

This study examines the effect of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) post implementation on employees’ performance in Small Medium Enterprises (SME) in Malaysia. Specifically, this study relies on the DeLone and McLean’s information system success model that proposes three quality dimensions namely, system quality, information quality and service quality in examining the effect of ERP post implementation on employees’ performance in SMEs. Using a questionnaire survey on 117 respondents that have experience in ERP, this study shows that out of the three qualities of ERP, system quality and service quality have a significant positive effect on employees’ performance in the SMEs. This study shows that information quality does not have a significant effect on employees’ performance in Malaysia. This study contributes to the information system literature and provides information regarding the quality dimensions which could help managers or ERP providers to assess the success of their ERP implementation.
Factors Influencing Knowledge and Persuasion of Financial Regulators in the XBRL Adoption Process: The Technological Perspective
Authors: Ilias Azleen , Ghani Erlane K , Azhar Zubir
Published: May 2019

This study examined the factors influencing XBRL adoption process among the Malaysian regulators in the financial reporting environment. Specifically, this study aims to examine the drivers and challenges in the knowledge and persuasion phase faced by the Malasyain regulators in their adoption process of XBRL. This study relied on two frameworks namely, the adoption process framework with specific focus on knowledge and persuasion, and the TOE framework focusing on technological context. Using a qualitative approach, this study found that within the technological context, relative advantage and trialability were the drivers in the knowledge and persuasion phase. This study also found that the regulators were aware of XBRL and had made efforts to understand the XBRL taxonomy. However, the regulators were needed to develop the internal capability of their organisations since different regulators have shown different factors during the knowledge and acquisition phase that is necessary for XBRL adoption. The findings in this study serve as guidelines to other regulators in Malaysia and other countries that have plans to adopt XBRL.
Relative Comprehensiveness of Performance Measurement System: Organisational Ownership Structure and Size
Authors: Rasit Zarinah Abdul , Isa Che Ruhana
Published: May 2019

Change in the business environment has resulted in significant implication in the use of Management Control System (MCS) particularly Performance Measurement System (PMS). Strategic Performance Measurement System (SPMS) has been widely used by organisation to monitor the implementation, achievement and improvement of its plan objectives. Considerable prior research identified inconsistent findings in the relationship between PMS and organisational performance. In view of the fact that organisational culture would significantly being influenced by ownership structure, this research will further explore the comprehensiveness of PMS, the extent to which the systems provide information and integration with strategy and value chain, with different ownership structure. Data were gathered in two (2) phases; firstly, using the survey data administered to the 120 strategic business unit (SBU) managers of the manufacturing companies, members of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM). The second phase involves conducting semi-structured interviews with SBU managers of the 10 companies with foreign and local ownership structure. Findings from the research identified that more comprehensive PMS is being implemented by foreign owned companies rather than local own companies. The size of the companies may also influence the PMS comprehensiveness. The PMS implementation was also found to be influenced by the parent companies. Adequate information technology (IT) plays an important role for effective use of the PMS, provide added supports for performance assessment, communication and exchange of information within the organisation and inter-organisations worldwide. Findings provide significant insights into the organisational factors influence the PMS design.
Edge dominating graph of a graph
Authors: Basavanagoud B. , Hosamani Sunilkumar M.
Published: May 2019

The edge dominating graph $E_{D}(G)$ of a graph $G=(V,E)$ is a graph with $V(E_{D}(G))=E(G)\cup S(G)$, where $S(G)$ is the set of all minimal edge dominating sets of $G$ with two vertices $u,v\in V(E_{D}(G))$ adjacent if $u\in E$ and $v$ is a minimal edge dominating set of $G$ containing $u$. In this paper, we establish the bounds on order and size, diameter and vertex(edge)connectivity.
Three species of heterodermia recorded in Mongolia
Authors: O Enkhtuya , S Javkhlan
Published: May 2019

Heterodermia hypoleuca (Ach.) Treis.,H. japonica (M. Sato) Swinscow & Krogand H. subascendens (Asahina) Trass. have been recorded for the first time in Mongolia. Data on substrates, habitats, distribution are listed for every species. Taxonomic comments and distinctive characters are provided for these species. The habitats are briefly described and the frequently associated species are listed. It is interesting to note that as a result of processing hundreds of herbarium collections of lichens, numerous new species were found in Mongolia. This means that there is still a substantial gap in the knowledge, especially about the lichen flora of remote corners of the country, which are numerous.
Yüksek Mertebeden Euler-Lagrange Denklemlerinin İndirgemeleri ve Hamilton Analizleri
Authors: ÇAĞATAY UCGUN Filiz
Published: May 2019

İkinci mertebeden türevlere bağımlı Lagrange fonksiyonları’nı yeni koordinat tanımlayarak ve/veya Lagrange çarpımı kullanarak birinci mertebeden türevlere bağımlı hale getirmek mümkündür. İndirgeme olarak tanımlayacağımız bu süreç için literatürde verilen 3 yöntem karşılaştırılmıştır. Bu yöntemler ışığında, yozlaşmama şartını sağlayan ikinci derece Lagrange fonksiyonlarının Hamilton analizi, Dirac-Bergmann metodu kullanılarak başarılmıştır. Tüm bu teorik inşalara örnek olarak Chern-Simon teorisi bünyesindeki yozlaşmama şartını sağlayan Chiral salınacı örneği detaylı olarak incelenmiştir.
Genome-wide investigation of malate dehydrogenase gene family in poplar (Populus trichocarpa) and their expression analysis under salt stress
Authors: Chen Xinghao , Zhang Jun , Zhang Chao , Wang Shijie , Yang Minsheng
Published: May 2019

Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) is widely distributed in plants and animals, and plays an important role in many metabolic processes. However, there have been few studies on MDH genes in poplar. In this study, 16 MDH gene sequences were identified from the Populus trichocarpa genome and renamed according to their chromosomal locations. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the PtMDH genes were divided into five groups, and genes that grouped together all shared the same subcellular location and had similar sequence lengths, gene structures, and conserved motifs. Two pairs of tandem duplication events and three segmental duplication events involving five genes were identified from the 15 PtMDH genes located on the chromosomes. Each pair of genes had a Ka/Ks ratios <1, indicating that the MDH gene family of P. trichocarpa was purified during evolution. Based on the transcriptome data of P. trichocarpa under salt stress and qRT-PCR verification, the expression patterns of PtMDH genes under salt stress were analyzed. The results showed that most of the genes were upregulated under salt stress, indicating that they play a role in the response of poplar to salt stress. The PtmMDH1 gene can be used as an important salt-tolerant candidate gene for further investigations of molecular mechanisms. This study lays the foundation for functional analysis of MDH genes and genetic improvement in poplar.
The Conversion of Excitation Energy into Generated Energy at the Resonant Frequencies of a Transparent Nonlinear Layer
Authors: Angermann L. , Yatsyk V. V. , Yatsyk M. V.
Published: May 2019

An iterative algorithm is presented for analyzing the optimal resonant radiation properties of electromagnetic waves by cubically polarized nonlinear layers. The analysis is based on mathematical models for the rigorous treatment of the following problems: Self-consistent solution of both the system of boundary value problems of electrodynamics at resonant frequencies of excitation and generation, as well as the corresponding linearized eigenvalue problems with induced dielectric coefficients. The choice of the resonant excitation frequency of a nonlinear object in dependence on the real parts of the eigen frequencies of the spectral problems is discussed.
Effect of Zinc and Boron Application on Yield of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) in Bharuch District of Gujarat
Authors: Modi D. J. , Patil L. M. , Vasava H. M. , Patel M. M.
Published: May 2019

The field demonstrations were carried out during 2016-17 in Rabi season to know effect of zinc and boron on yield of brinjal at total 10 farmers from Bharuch district. The production of brinjal is quite low in some part of the district due poor soil fertility status and imbalance fertilizer application by farmer. There was complete absence of micronutrients application to the crop. The initial soil analysis data showed deficiency of zinc and boron in experimental soil. Thus, to compare effect and method of use of zinc and boron; soil application and foliar spray were made along with improved practices against farmer practices. The highest plant height, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield of brinjal was recorded with the soil application of zinc and boron which was superior over the foliar spray and farmer’s practices. The gross return, net return and benefit cost ratio recorded was also maximum in improved practices consisting soil application of zinc and boron as compared farmer’s practices.
Growing Media Quality and Plug Cell Volume would be Interactive Abiotic Stresses for Impatiens walleriana Pot Yield
Authors: Lojo J. De , Gandolfo E. , Giardina E. , Boschi C. , Benedetto A. Di
Published: May 2019

Higher bedding plant yields per unit greenhouse area was reaching through two grower´s currently decision-making: plug cell volume during nursery and growing media quality for both nursery and pot cycle. With the goal of maximizing bedding plant yield to identify the main limiting factor at the pot stage, we evaluated Impatiens walleriana yield to the end of the pot growth stage when four different pre-transplant cell volume and four pre or post-transplant growing media with different physical properties were used. The hypothesis tested was that only one of the potentially negative stress source (pre-transplant cell volume or growing medium quality) is the main responsible for decreasing biomass accumulation at the post-transplant pot growing cycle. The experimental design was a randomised factorial with three blocks of five single-pot replications of each treatment combination (plug cell volume × growing medium × pre- and post-transplant).The main result was that, in I. walleriana seedlings, the combining abiotic stresses imposed by both the growing medium quality and nursery plug cell volume defined biomass accumulation (on a fresh and dry base), leaf area expanded and photo assimilates partitioned as opposed to a previous report, which indicate that that growing media quality would be a more limited factor than plug cell volume for I. walleriana seedlings during nursery.
Factors Influencing Classroom Participation: A Case Study of Bhutanese Higher Secondary Student
Authors: Ghalley Lekh Raj , Rai Budhi Man
Published: May 2019

Students are encouraged to actively participate in classroom. Nevertheless, many of them were still reluctant to speak up. This paper discussed the factors which influenced classroom participation in Bhutanese context. Both interviews and observation were used to collect data from the field. Interview was conducted with 20 students from class XI comprising 10 males and 10 females. The goal was to identify the forms and level of participation, and subsequently to select the students in terms of active or passive participation in the classroom. Observation was done for a period of 5 weeks of teaching in three classes in class XI. Their forms of participation were recorded throughout the teaching hours.  The findings showed that majority of Bhutanese students were involved in passive participation: Sitting quietly, writing notes, listening and paying attention. Interestingly, a good number of students was also actively involved in asking questions, giving opinion, responding opinion, discussion, making comment and seeking help. The interview data showed that the factors influencing classroom participation were teachers, friends, classroom size, advance preparation and language. Classroom participation also entailed positive benefits in teaching-learning process. However, the findings would serve as guide or insight for teachers and learners regarding the factors affecting students’ participation among school students. This also assist teachers and learners to take into the accounts the way to overcome students’ problems such as a fear of participation in the classroom and thus increase motivation.
In vitro Antioxidant Activity and Inhibition of Fe2+ and SNP Lipid Peroxidation of African Mistletoes (Tapinanthus globiferus) from Three Selected Host Plants in Jos Plateau State Nigeria
Authors: Oche Jane-Rose I. , Johnson Titilayo O. , Akinsanmi Augustina O. , Jaryum Kiri H. , Francis Timothy
Published: May 2019

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the antioxidative properties of the mistletoe plant obtained from three different host species namely Psidium guajava, Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa olifera lam.

Study Design: Experimental Design

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria.

Methodology: Crude methanolic leaf extracts were studied for their antioxidative properties; Iron reducing and Iron-chelating activities, Nitric oxide (NO) radical and 2,2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities and the lipid peroxidation and thiobarbituric acid reaction (TBAR) methods. One way ANOVA was used for the result analysis with P<.05 for significant difference.

Results: Mistletoes from Psidum guajava (MSPG) had significantly higher reducing property (0.16 – 0.20mg/mL); the chelating property of Mistletoes from Moringa olifera (MSMO) was significantly lower (45.7 – 58.9%); DPPH radical scavenging activity had no significant difference; and Nitric oxide scavenging activity was significantly higher in MSPG (72.1% in 75mg/mL) than the extracts from other hosts. MSPG had significantly higher TBAR inhibition using both FeSO4 (77.8% at 125µg/mL) and Sodium nitroprusside (61.6+1.0% at 125µg/mL) with an IC50 of 30.27µg/mL . Extract of Tapinanthus globiferus leaves from Psidium guajava had more antioxidative activities in the TBARs followed by Tapinanthus globiferus leaf extract from Vernonia amygdalina (MSVA).

Conclusion: From the study, mistletoes from Psidium guajava had higher antioxidant activity compared to other hosts, which probably justifies its use for treatment of cancer in traditional medicinal practice.
Utilization of Brachiarias in the Improvement of Physical and Chemical Attributes of a Yellow Oxisol
Authors: Gonçalves da Costa Cássio Ricardo , Prazeres Stella Silva , Silva Patricia Venâncio da , Soares Kilmer Oliveira , Marques Ailson de Lima , Moura Debora Coelho
Published: May 2019

The study evaluated the effect of the cultivation of five species of grasses of the genus Brachiaria (B. decumbens, B. ruziziensis, B. brizantha, B. humidicola and B. brizantha CV MG-5) in physical and chemical properties and in the formation and stabilization of aggregates of a Yellow Oxisol. The test with the grasses in the absence and presence of fertilization was conducted in the Chã de Jardim area, belonging to the Centro de Ciências Agrárias-UFPB, located in the county Areia-PB. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with subdivided parcels, in factorial scheme 5 × 2 × 4, with four repetitions, being: five species of Grass (Braquiarias), two conditions of mineral fertilization with NPK (absence or presence) and four depths of soil samples collection (0-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-30 cm), totaling 40 subplots of 5.0 × 5.0 m, with 3 repetitions, totaling 120 sampling points. The grasses favored the formation of aggregates and contributed to their stability. Brachiaria brizantha is the most suitable grass to raise the organic matter content of an Oxisol without mineral fertilization.
Fluorescence‐based CRISPR interference system for controlled genetic repression and live single‐cell imaging in mycobacteria
Authors: Laudouze Janïs , Point Vanessa , Achache Wafaa , Crauste Céline , Canaan Stéphane , Santucci Pierre
Published: December 2024

In this research letter, we report the development and validation of a new subset of fluorescence‐based CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) tools for our scientific community. The pJL series is directly derived from the original pIRL CRISPRi vectors and conserves all the elements to perform inducible targeted gene repression. These vectors carry two distinct fluorescent markers under the constitutive promoter psmyc to simplify the selection of recombinant clones. We demonstrate the functionality of these vectors by targeting the expression of the glycopeptidolipid translocase mmpL4b and the essential genes rpoB and mmpL3. Finally, we describe an efficient single‐step procedure to co‐transform mycobacterial species with this integrative genetic tool alongside episomal vectors. Such tools and approaches should be useful to foster discovery in mycobacterial research.
14K prolactin derived 14‐mer antiangiogenic peptide targets bradykinin‐/nitric oxide‐cGMP‐dependent angiogenesis
Authors: Lee Jaeok , Kumar Pavitra , Natarajan Suganya , Park So Hyeon , Majumder Syamantak , Sundaresan Lakshmikirupa , Muralidhar Kambadur , Choi Jong‐Soon , Lee Hwa Jeong , Chatterjee Suvro
Published: December 2024

Over the past few decades, VEGF‐targeted antiangiogenic therapy for cancers has gained increasing attention. Nevertheless, there are still several limitations such as the potential resistance mechanisms arising in cancer cells against these therapies and their potential adverse effects. These limitations highlight the need for novel anti‐angiogenesis molecules and better understanding of the mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the antiangiogenic properties of a novel 14‐mer antiangiogenic peptide (14‐MAP) derived from N‐terminal 14 kDa buffalo prolactin and characterized its mode of action. 14‐MAP at the picomolar concentration inhibited VEGF‐ and bradykinin (an autacoid peptide expressed in vascular tissues in pathophysiology, BK)‐stimulated endothelial nitric oxide (eNO) production, cell migration, and proliferation in endothelial cells and vessel development in the chick embryo. Although this peptide inhibited both VEGF‐ and BK‐dependent angiogenic processes, its action was more pronounced in the latter. Moreover, the interference of 14‐MAP with the eNO synthase (eNOS)‐cyclic GMP pathway was also identified. A combination of a low dose of Avastin, a widely used drug targeting VEGF‐dependent angiogenesis, and 14‐MAP significantly reduced tumor size in an in vivo model of human colon cancer. Taken together, our results suggest that 14‐MAP, a BK‐ and eNOS‐dependent antiangiogenic peptide, might be useful for overcoming the limitation of VEGF‐targeted antiangiogenic therapy in cancer patients. However, further studies will be required to further characterize its mode of action and therapeutic potential.
Report on the 23rd FEBS Young Scientists' Forum 2024
Authors: Miggiano Riccardo , Ippolito Luigi , Paganini Chiara , Paone Alessio , Tonelli Francesca , Trojan Sonia , Díaz‐Moreno Irene
Published: December 2024

The 23rd FEBS YSF was held from 26th to 29th June 2024 in Pavia, Italy. Over 100 PhD students and early postdoctoral researchers from around 30 different countries came together at the inspiring rooms of the University of Pavia for a four‐day event. This year's topic was ‘Biochemistry for bridging the gap’, meaning the opportunity to have a comprehensive perspective on all biochemistry applications. Four renowned keynote speakers presented their latest research, accompanied by four career‐focused speakers, as well as additional sessions on academic career opportunities, including fellowships, women in science, and laboratory sustainability. Additionally, 10 selected YSF participants gave short talks to a large audience, while the remaining attendees shared their research findings through flash talks and two dedicated poster sessions. Scientific exchange and networking were encouraged during the poster sessions, breaks, and the social events. The meeting was a prelude before attending the 48th FEBS congress, celebrated in Milan. The success of the series will be continued during the 24th YSF edition: ‘Inspired by nature, driven by science’, which will take place from 2nd to 5th July 2025 in Sapanca, Türkiye.
PHASE‐LOCKED LOOPS
Authors: Kolumbán Géza
Published: December 2024

Phase‐locked loops (PLLs) are used everywhere in information and communication technology (ICT) and measurement engineering to implement various applications such as modulators and demodulators, frequency synthesizers, and clock recovery circuits, just to mention a few examples. Depending on the operation principle of their building blocks, analog, digital, and hybrid‐type PLLs are distinguished. This article starts with the analog PLL theory in order to introduce the PLL terminology and analysis, and then it discusses the theory and implementation of more complex PLL configurations such as zero‐crossing digital, sampling, and charge‐pump PLLs. Because the key PLL building block is the phase detector, its variants are also analyzed. Finally, the various PLL applications are surveyed.
OSCILLATORS
Authors: Rohde Ulrich L. , Poddar Ajay K. , Apte Anisha M.
Published: December 2024

In the past a large number of oscillator papers presented were cookbook type summaries with insufficient support data. Here we have a rigorous scientific presentation with all the necessary information to successfully design various oscillators. This team of experts has a proven record to trust the approach.
ELECTROMAGNETIC ANALYSIS OF PLANAR MULTILAYERS
Authors: Michalski Krzysztof A.
Published: December 2024

The computation of electromagnetic fields in planar, multilayered, uniaxial media is discussed. In particular, a complete set of electric and magnetic dyadic Green functions (DGFs) is derived for such media in a computationally efficient and convenient to use form, based on a spectral domain transmission line equivalent network along the axis normal to the stratification. Efficient methods for the computation of the Sommerfeld integrals that arise in the DGFs are also presented.
FINITE‐DIFFERENCE TIME‐DOMAIN ANALYSIS ADVANCES
Authors: Yu Wenhua , Zhang Xin
Published: December 2024

The finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method is one of key numerical techniques to solve Maxwell's equations, which has the broad applications for a variety of electromagnetic problems such as electromagnetic propagation, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and electromagnetic interference (EMI). This article first reviews the basic FDTD techniques such as update equations, numerical dispersion, stability properties, boundary conditions and conformal techniques, and then focuses on some enhanced FDTD techniques such as parallelization techniques and hardware acceleration techniques that can be greatly used to extend applications of the regular FDTD methods.
INTERMODULATION MEASUREMENT
Authors: Abuelma'atti Muhammad T.
Published: December 2024

Whenever a number of signals of differing frequencies pass through a nonlinear device, energy is transferred to frequencies that are sums and differences of the original frequencies, that is, intermodulation products. This article presents a simple intermodulation theory and discusses its limitations and extensions. Methods of characterizing and measuring the intermodulation performance of nonlinear devices are presented, and their merits and demerits are discussed.
VOLTAGE‐TO‐FREQUENCY CONVERTERS
Authors: Vidal‐Verdú Fernando , Navas‐González Rafael , Delgado‐Restituto Manuel , Rodríguez‐Vázquez Angel
Published: December 2024

Voltage‐to‐frequency converters (VFCs) typically employ relaxation oscillators to generate an output signal whose frequency depends linearly on an input voltage. VFCs are data converters; that is, they are designed to codify the input voltage by means of the output frequency. Hence, they have strong requirements regarding linearity, dynamic range, and stability. On the other hand, compared to other converters, they have the advantage of low cost, particularly for large resolutions; 13‐bit resolution is typical, and more than 20 bits are feasible. However, in such a case, several milliseconds may be necessary to complete the conversion—the smaller the resolution, the shorter the conversion time.

The serial frequency modulated output provided by VFCs is particularly well suited for telemetry, to send the outcome of a measurement by wire, radio, or fiber optic links. After the frequency‐modulated signal is received, it can be easily codified into a digital word, or converted back into a voltage by a frequency‐to‐voltage converter (FVC). This type of output simplifies galvanic isolation through the use of either an optocoupler or a magnetic coupler.

This chapter deals first with the concepts behind voltage‐to‐frequency conversion and then describes the main types of VFCs on the market, their limitations, and main applications. FVCs are also briefly described in the chapter.
SAFETY OF RF ENERGY TO HUMANS
Authors: Foster Kenneth R.
Published: December 2024

This article reviews considerations related to exposure assessment and biological effects of radiofrequency energy with emphasis on health and safety. The rationale for two major exposure limits is described. Major areas of controversy about health effects of low‐level radiofrequency energy are described, both as related to uncertainties in the scientific data and in large variations in exposure limits around the world.
MULTIPHYSICS MODELING WITH COMPUTATIONAL ELECTROMAGNETICS
Authors: Jin Jian‐Ming , Yan Su
Published: December 2024

As computational methods for solving Maxwell's equations become rather mature, the time has come to tackle much more challenging multiphysics problems, which have a great range of applications in science and technology. In this chapter, we use four examples to illustrate the challenges and resolutions of multiphysics modeling. The first example is related to electromagnetic hyperthermia for cancer treatment, which requires solving electromagnetic and bioheat transfer equation for the planning and optimization of the treatment process. The second example concerns the heat problem in integrated circuits due to electromagnetic dissipated power and its effects and a potential cooling solution, which requires an electrical–thermal–fluid–mechanical co‐simulation. The third example considers modeling of monolithic microwave integrated circuits, which consist of both distributive and lumped circuit components. The fourth example simulates the air and dielectric breakdown in high‐power microwave devices by coupling electromagnetic modeling with various plasma models. With these examples, we discuss in detail some of the technical challenges typically encountered in multiphysics modeling and their potential solutions.
HIGH‐POWER MICROWAVE SOURCES
Authors: Prasad Sarita
Published: December 2024

High‐power microwave (HPM) sources are at the heart of an HPM‐directed energy weapons (DEWs) system. Based on recent defense news articles seen in online magazines such asThe Warzone, it is becoming more and more apparent that in the future the survival of a nation may depend on its DEW capability.

This chapter provides a brief synopsis of a wide range of microwave tubes which are used for the generation of HPM signals. The chapter starts with a brief introduction on DEWs and their applications followed by a discussion on the basic building blocks of an HPM system. The sections that follow contain generalized physics of operation, frequency range, and output power capability of the following HPM tubes: magnetrons, backward wave oscillators (BWOs), klystrons, traveling wave tubes (TWTs), gyrotrons, virtual cathode oscillators (VCOs), magnetically insulated line oscillators (MILOs), transit time oscillators (TTOs), split cavity oscillators (SCOs), and reltrons. Of all the microwave tubes, the magnetron has been discussed in a little more detail because of its rich history. References have been provided for readers who wish to gain further knowledge in each area.
Tuning Hydrophilic Segments to Achieve Acid‐Free Proton Conduction in COF
Authors: Zhang Kun , Wu Lei , Zhang Yanting , Zhang Hong , Wu Dongshuang
Published: December 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Rapid dynamics and remarkable proton conduction induced by confined water in nanospaces have attracted much attentions from researchers, which is crucial for advancing the development of innovative proton conductors and deepening comprehension of proton and water transport mechanisms within biological systems. In this aspect, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are frequently employed as a research platform. However, they possess certain limitations, such as their inherent electronic conductivity and extreme hydrophobicity, which can impede the accurate assessment and precise regulation of proton conduction. We herein prepared two 2D COFs with different hydrophilic fragment, and obtained maximum acid‐free proton conductivity of 3.04 × 10–4 S·cm–1 at 70 °C and 100% RH with Grotthuss type activation energy of 0.14 eV. This is mainly due to that the water molecules in the center of channel form strong hydrogen bonds, enhancing proton dissociation and guiding fast directional diffusion.