Structural–Functional Relationship of the Ribonucleolytic Activity of aIF5A from Sulfolobus solfataricus

The translation factor IF5A is a highly conserved protein playing a well-recognized and well-characterized role in protein synthesis; nevertheless, some of its features as well as its abundance in the cell suggest that it may perform additional functions related to RNA metabolism. Here, we have undertaken a structural and functional characterization of aIF5A from the crenarchaeal Sulfolobus solfataricus model organism. We confirm the association of aIF5A with several RNA molecules in vivo and demonstrate that the protein is endowed with a ribonuclease activity which is specific for long and structured RNA. By means of biochemical and structural approaches we show that aIF5A can exist in both monomeric and dimeric conformations and the monomer formation is favored by the association with RNA. Finally, modelling of the three-dimensional structure of S. solfataricus aIF5A shows an extended positively charged surface which may explain its strong tendency to associate to RNA in vivo

Building trust in agribusiness supply chains: A conceptual model of buyer-seller relationships in the seed potato industry in Asia

In the absence of a certified seed system, potato farmers in Asia must purchase replacement seed tubers from an informal seed system. With no third party assurance that the seed tubers purchased are of good quality, the farmer's decision to purchase seeds may be influenced by the long-standing relationships that have been established between buyers and sellers. Trust is the critical determinant of a good buyer-seller relationship. Through maintaining communication and the making of various relationship specific investments, a conceptual model is proposed which suggests that seed suppliers may engage in trust building behavior which should result in the preferred seed supplier enjoying a greater share of the farmer's patronage

Factors for Shaping the Organizational Views and Leadership Practices of Ibrahim Rugova

Analyzing the unique figure of the scholar, writer, politician and diplomat, as well as the key views of the former President of Kosovo Dr. Ibrahim Rugova expressed during the leadership of the political process of state-building in Kosovo. Through this paper I aimed to present the role of political communication as well as leadership in the defining leadership of the masses. Studying the leadership, charisma and political and public communication of Dr. Rugova, we encounter an essential difference in political and public communication between President Rugova and prominent world leaders throughout history. A great deal of space is occupied by the communication of his political and programmatic vision through political doctrine and active peaceful resistance. From the multidimensional treatment of the Rugova leadership elaborated through political-public communication, unique leadership and pragmatism in leading the unfolding of his program vision, he managed to convince the local and International public to be sensitized with his mission. The strategy of political leadership, treated through the prism of public and political communication, highlights a unique doctrine for the realization of the right to self-determination, and the creation of political and state identity. This political doctrine can be defined as "fighting the negative will of the enemy", which is a long-term intellectual war that requires intellectual patience, restrained and coordinated action, and constructive knowledge

Shear Velocity (VS) Estimation with HVSR (Horizontal to Vertical Spectrum Ratio) Curve Inversion Method of Microtremor Measurement in Bandung Basin

Abstract From the geological aspect, Bandung is a basin surrounded by mountain area. The stratigraphical setting of Bandung is also dominated by thick and soft sediment which makes Bandung needs a mitigation plans needed to reduce the risk of ground motion. Horizontal to Vertical Spectrum Ratio (HVSR) is a popular method developed by (Nakamura, 1989) in microtremor study to use for seismic characterization which is used in this research. This method is used to determine the seismic characteristic in Bandung Basin. The seismic characterization estimated in this research are amplification and dominant frequency. Those values are obtained from HVSR curves which then used to determine the shear wave velocity and depth of Bandung Basin with inversion method. Amplification value in Bandung Basin and its surrounding area is between 2-11.5 with its highest value is in the south-eastern part of observation area. The segmented amplification values based on natural period of building are varies in values based on the range of period and location points. The other seismic characteristic in this research is dominant frequency which value is between 0,1-8 Hz with the highest values are in the north and south part of observation area, while the middle part has the lowest value. Bandung Basin has low shear wave velocity underneath it which less than 800 m/s within depth more than 200 m of depth. There is also a high velocity structure which divide Bandung Basing into two major parts: west part and east part. Those seismic characteristics can be used as a guide to carry-on mitigation procedures to minimize the risk if any disasters happen.</jats:p

The Challenges of Distance Learning in Countries Undergoing Transition During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Case Study

Virtual learning, also known as online learning or distance learning has transformed the face of the education system for quite some time. Now, it is rapidly becoming an integral aspect and a common tool, in the broader aspect of higher education, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to providing an alternative method of learning in the digital age, online learning offers students the opportunity to learn new skills or improve existing ones. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Following the speed with which COVID-19 spread to all parts of the world and to curb the spread of the disease, most governments around the world, including the Republic of Kosovo, authorized unprecedented social control measures to stop this disease unknown. These measures, among others, required social distancing and temporary physical closure of educational institutions. The first case of COVID 19 in Kosovo was identified on March 13, 2020, social distancing - full closure came into force on March 15, while UBT Higher Education Institution started online learning on March 16, 2020, the first in Kosovo and possibly in the Western Balkans. This teaching-learning process was a novelty for Kosovo and was applied for the first time. Objective: The main objective of the current survey was to study the impact of E-learning on students' academic performance and their evaluations of this form of teaching in general. The purpose of this paper is to reflect as professionally as possible the organization of distance learning, the effects on the teaching and learning process as well as the form and level of communication and teacher-student relations in this process which was a novelty for Kosovo and UBT as one of the largest Private Colleges in the region