bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Printed Paper Waste as an Alternative Growing Medium Component to Produce Brassica Seedlings under Nursery Conditions
Authors: Chrysargyris Antonios , Xylia Panayiota , Akinci Gorkem , Moustakas Konstantinos , Tzortzakis Nikolaos
Published: July 2020

Significant quantities of paper waste (PW) have been accumulated in recent years and the reuse/recycling of PW is required due to environmental concerns. In the present study, printed PW was used as a peat (P) substitute in growing medium for the Brassica seedlings production, considering recycling, sustainable agriculture, and partly peat replacement. Seeds of cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage were seeded in growing media made of 0–10–30–50% PW. The addition of PW improved the growing media pH and mineral content, reduced the media aeration, and affected seed emergence. The PW decreased plant growth and the effects were more pronounced at 50% PW. The PW ≥ 30% decreased stomatal conductance, while chlorophyll fluorescence and content of chlorophylls decreased with high PW ratio, negatively affecting the plant physiology. The PW decreased plant sodium and iron and increased potassium, calcium, magnesium, and copper content. The PW increased antioxidant activity to a certain degree for cauliflower and cabbage and resulted in no change for broccoli, while polyphenols increased in cabbage seedlings. The addition of PW did not cause cellular damage as both lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide production remained at low levels, maintaining low levels on the antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase) metabolism. The present study shows that low PW content can partially replace peat for Brassica seedling production under a sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly scheme.
Closing the Loop Between Energy Production and Waste Management: A Conceptual Approach Towards Sustainable Development
Authors: Vlachokostas Christos
Published: July 2020

Interactions between technological solutions for managing waste and energy supply chains are multilateral and can vary significantly, depending on multiple criteria and different characteristics. This concept paper puts forward a conceptual framework for sustainable development based on the notion of “intelligence” for Waste-to-Energy (WtE) strategies. The pillars of intelligence are defined and the quadruple helix model for energy transitions based on waste management is established. The “smart” nodes of a WtE supply chain management are analytically presented and discussed. Nevertheless, the intelligent notion for a supply chain cannot stand on its own. Systematical support of a participatory process is needed via Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and e-techniques to be promoted for collective facilitation and sustainable management. This process encompasses intelligent residents and professionals as producers of waste and smart managers to supervise the supply chain towards sustainable management of energy and waste resources. It is argued that the ICT participatory interface has a multiplying effect, especially when adopting the middle pathway approach in local and/or decentralized level towards smart energy production from waste. Innovative solutions to maximize waste efficiency through the collaborative power of ICT networks is critical to be deployed within local communities. These can be based on internet of things, big data, operational modeling, complex systems science, games and narratives, and social networks. The conceptual framework presented herein provides a basis for decision support towards sustainable development and interaction through a creative pathway of collaboration applicable to all the levels of potential synergies. Main conclusions and future challenges indicate that more research effort is required by the scientific community to leverage on the collaborative power of social networks and to efficiently apply ICT methods for adopting the “socially-oriented” middle pathway approach within communities’ empowerment. Only on this basis may the tale of two challenges have a happy end, both for energy transition and waste management.
High School Adolescents’ Physical Activity and Physical Fitness: A 3 × 2 Achievement Goal Approach
Authors: Shen Liang , Lee Joonyoung , Chen Changzhou , Zhang Tao
Published: July 2020

Previous research evidence showed deficient physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) performance levels among high school students. Personal goal orientations motivate their behavior; therefore, it is essential to discover high school students’ goal orientations in PA and PF. Guided by the latest 3 × 2 achievement goal model, we examined the influence of six goal orientations on PA and PF in high school students. A total of 792 high school students in China (54.5% girls; Mage = 16.93 ± 0.82) completed validated measurements assessing 3 × 2 goal orientations for PA and PF. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were used to analyze whether 3 × 2 achievement goal orientations significantly influenced the study variables. Other-approach, self-approach, and task-avoidance goals significantly predicted PA, and the 50-meter dash was predicted by other-approach and self-avoidance goals. The self-approach goal was the only significant predictor of the standing long jump. In conclusion, fostering self- and other-approach-oriented environments with developmentally appropriate content in physical education may have implications for enhancing high school students’ PA and PF.
Using Disaster Outcomes to Validate Components of Social Vulnerability to Floods: Flood Deaths and Property Damage across the USA
Authors: Tellman Beth , Schank Cody , Schwarz Bessie , Howe Peter D. , de Sherbinin Alex
Published: July 2020

Social vulnerability indicators seek to identify populations susceptible to hazards based on aggregated sociodemographic data. Vulnerability indices are rarely validated with disaster outcome data at broad spatial scales, making it difficult to develop effective national scale strategies to mitigate loss for vulnerable populations. This paper validates social vulnerability indicators using two flood outcomes: death and damage. Regression models identify sociodemographic factors associated with variation in outcomes from 11,629 non-coastal flood events in the USA (2008–2012), controlling for flood intensity using stream gauge data. We compare models with (i) socioeconomic variables, (ii) the composite social vulnerability index (SoVI), and (iii) flood intensity variables only. The SoVI explains a larger portion of the variance in death (AIC = 2829) and damage (R2 = 0.125) than flood intensity alone (death—AIC = 2894; damage—R2 = 0.089), and models with individual sociodemographic factors perform best (death—AIC = 2696; damage—R2 = 0.229). Socioeconomic variables correlated with death (rural counties with a high proportion of elderly and young) differ from those related to property damage (rural counties with high percentage of Black, Hispanic and Native American populations below the poverty line). Results confirm that social vulnerability influences death and damage from floods in the USA. Model results indicate that social vulnerability models related to specific hazards and outcomes perform better than generic social vulnerability indices (e.g., SoVI) in predicting non-coastal flood death and damage. Hazard- and outcome-specific indices could be used to better direct efforts to ameliorate flood death and damage towards the people and places that need it most. Future validation studies should examine other flood outcomes, such as evacuation, migration and health, across scales.
When Sustainability Becomes an Order Winner: Linking Supply Uncertainty and Sustainable Supply Chain Strategies
Authors: Ciccullo Federica , Pero Margherita , Gosling Jonathan , Caridi Maria , Purvis Laura
Published: July 2020

This study investigates how to implement a sustainable supply chain strategy by choosing a set of sustainable practices while considering the strategic priority assigned to sustainability within a company’s competitive strategy (i.e., an order winner (OW), market qualifier (MQ) or desirable attribute (DA)). Therefore, two research questions arise: RQ1. What are the sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices adopted by companies under the different levels of priority assigned to sustainability (i.e., OW, MQ and DA)? and RQ2. How does supply uncertainty influence the choices regarding the SSCM practices to adopt or vice versa? We addressed these questions through a two-step methodology that includes 10 exploratory case studies in different industries and four explanatory cases in the furniture industry. Six research propositions are developed, and we show how some sustainable practices are common to all companies in the sample, while others are only applicable when sustainability is an MQ or an OW. Moreover, in contrast to the suggestion in the literature, we observed that companies with sustainability as an OW implement sustainability practices despite increasing exposure to supply uncertainty. However, when sustainability is a DA or an MQ, companies might implement sustainable practices with the aim of reducing supply uncertainty rather than for sustainability goals. The cases show that investment in these practices can trigger a transition towards a situation in which sustainability is an OW.
A Volunteered Geographic Information-Based Environmental Decision Support System for Waste Management and Decision Making
Authors: Sadeghi-Niaraki Abolghasem , Jelokhani-Niaraki Mohammadreza , Choi Soo-Mi
Published: July 2020

The need for in-depth and fast observation of waste pollutions, increase in public concerns on environmental pollution and the effect of polluted environment on the physical and mental health of people have led to participatory environmental monitoring and protection. Citizens can act as volunteer, interactive, group, logical, smart, responsible, mobile, and dispersed observers/sensors to constantly monitor their surroundings and provide real-time data of waste pollutions that are not easily remotely sensed. The concept of volunteered geographic information (VGI) can be adopted as an effective phenomenon for participatory collection of environmental pollution data. However, the research problem is how to effectively use these citizen-contributed or volunteered information for waste management analyses and decision-making processes. Consequently, the objective of the present study is to develop a VGI-based environmental decision support tool that facilitates direct involvement of the public in generating waste pollution data and provides appropriate GIS-MCDA (multicriteria decision analysis) analytical tools for waste management and decision making using the citizen-contributed data. A web-based prototype of the decision support system was developed to demonstrate the practical feasibility, applicability and some functionalities of the system for pollution-related decision analyses.
Competences for Solving Complex Problems: A Cross-Sectional Survey on Higher Education for Sustainability Learning and Transdisciplinarity
Authors: Risopoulos-Pichler Filippina , Daghofer Fedor , Steiner Gerald
Published: July 2020

Successfully coping with complex, real-world challenges, such as those related to sustainable development and the resilience of coupled human–environment systems, calls increasingly for adapted forms of education and extended competences. Hence, we argue that, beyond knowledge and expertise in professional domains, additionally, personal, systemic, creative, and sociocultural competences are required to meet such challenges. Herefor, institutions of higher and continuing education play a crucial role. In this paper, universities as institutions of higher education are critically considered in relation to delivering education for sustainable development by raising awareness and providing the necessary competences to cope with complex problems such as sustainable development through effective forms of higher and continuing education as well as training. Research on attitudes and perceptions regarding sustainable development and the perceived need for comprehensive competences required to deal with such complex problems is still lacking. Our study provides a first attempt to elucidate core aspects of these attitudes, perceptions, and competences aiming to contribute to future, more tailored education approaches. We discuss the outcomes of a survey on sustainability in teaching and learning conducted at four Austrian universities. The analyzed sample comprised 3200 students as the recipients of, and 498 lecturers as the providers of, sustainability education in various academic disciplines at four distinct Austrian universities. Applying a questionnaire-based investigation of self-reported sustainability-related perceptions, attitudes, and competences and conducting factor analysis and cluster analysis, five sustainability types were identified that revealed a type of specific core awareness of sustainability and the perception of required competences related to sustainable development. The results presented are positioned to build a basis for further investigation that goes beyond the self-reported assessments to enable a comparison with sustainability-related, real-world problem-solving performance.
Urease and Nitrification Inhibitors—As Mitigation Tools for Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Sustainable Dairy Systems: A Review
Authors: Byrne Maria P. , Tobin John T. , Forrestal Patrick J. , Danaher Martin , Nkwonta Chikere G. , Richards Karl , Cummins Enda , Hogan Sean A. , O’Callaghan Tom F.
Published: July 2020

Currently, nitrogen fertilizers are utilized to meet 48% of the total global food demand. The demand for nitrogen fertilizers is expected to grow as global populations continue to rise. The use of nitrogen fertilizers is associated with many negative environmental impacts and is a key source of greenhouse and harmful gas emissions. In recent years, urease and nitrification inhibitors have emerged as mitigation tools that are presently utilized in agriculture to prevent nitrogen losses and reduce greenhouse and harmful gas emissions that are associated with the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers. Both classes of inhibitor work by different mechanisms and have different physiochemical properties. Consequently, each class must be evaluated on its own merits. Although there are many benefits associated with the use of these inhibitors, little is known about their potential to enter the food chain, an event that may pose challenges to food safety. This phenomenon was highlighted when the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide was found as a residual contaminant in milk products in 2013. This comprehensive review aims to discuss the uses of inhibitor technologies in agriculture and their possible impacts on dairy product safety and quality, highlighting areas of concern with regards to the introduction of these inhibitor technologies into the dairy supply chain. Furthermore, this review discusses the benefits and challenges of inhibitor usage with a focus on EU regulations, as well as associated health concerns, chemical behavior, and analytical detection methods for these compounds within milk and environmental matrices.
Color Image Quantization Based on the Artificial Bee Colony and Accelerated K-means Algorithms
Authors: Huang Shu-Chien
Published: July 2020

Color image quantization techniques have been widely used as an important approach in color image processing and data compression. The key to color image quantization is a good color palette. A new method for color image quantization is proposed in this study. The method consists of three stages. The first stage is to generate N colors based on 3D histogram computation, the second is to obtain the initial palette by selecting K colors from the N colors based on an artificial bee colony algorithm, and the third is to obtain the quantized images using the accelerated K-means algorithm. In order to reduce the computation time, the sampling process is employed. The closest color in the palette for each sampled color pixel in the color image is efficiently determined by the mean-distance-ordered partial codebook search algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed method can generate high-quality quantized images with less time consumption.
Perceived Usefulness, Satisfaction, Ease of Use and Potential of a Virtual Companion to Support the Care Provision for Older Adults
Authors: Jegundo Ana Luísa , Dantas Carina , Quintas João , Dutra João , Almeida Ana Leonor , Caravau Hilma , Rosa Ana Filipa , Martins Ana Isabel , Pacheco Rocha Nelson
Published: July 2020

This article reports a study aiming to determine the perceptions of older adults needing formal care about the usefulness, satisfaction, and ease of use of CaMeLi, a virtual companion based on an embodied conversational agent, and the perceptions of formal caregivers about the potential of virtual companions to support care provision. An observational study involving older adults needing formal care was conducted to assess CaMeLi using a multi-method approach (i.e., an auto-reported questionnaire—the Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of use questionnaire; a scale for the usability assessment based on the opinion of observers—the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health-based Usability Scale; and critical incident registration). Moreover, a focus group was conducted to collect data regarding the perceived utility of virtual companions to support care provision. The observational study was conducted with 46 participants with an average age of 63.6 years, and the results were associated with a high level of usefulness, satisfaction, and ease of use of CaMeLi. Furthermore, the focus group composed of four care providers considered virtual companions a promising solution to support care provision and to prevent loneliness and social isolation. The results of both the observational study and the focus group revealed good perceptions regarding the role of virtual companions to support the care provision for older adults.
Determining the Suitability of MinION’s Direct RNA and DNA Amplicon Sequencing for Viral Subtype Identification
Authors: Leigh Deborah M. , Schefer Christopher , Cornejo Carolina
Published: July 2020

The MinION sequencer is increasingly being used for the detection and outbreak surveillance of pathogens due to its rapid throughput. For RNA viruses, MinION’s new direct RNA sequencing is the next significant development. Direct RNA sequencing studies are currently limited and comparisons of its diagnostic performance relative to different DNA sequencing approaches are lacking as a result. We sought to address this gap and sequenced six subtypes from the mycovirus CHV-1 using MinION’s direct RNA sequencing and DNA sequencing based on a targeted viral amplicon. Reads from both techniques could correctly identify viral presence and species using BLAST, though direct RNA reads were more frequently misassigned to closely related CHV species. De novo consensus sequences were error prone but suitable for viral species identification. However, subtype identification was less accurate from both reads and consensus sequences. This is due to the high sequencing error rate and the limited sequence divergence between some CHV-1 subtypes. Importantly, neither RNA nor amplicon sequencing reads could be used to obtain reliable intra-host variants. Overall, both sequencing techniques were suitable for virus detection, though limitations are present due to the error rate of MinION reads.
Vpr Is a VIP: HIV Vpr and Infected Macrophages Promote Viral Pathogenesis
Authors: Lubow Jay , Collins Kathleen L.
Published: July 2020

HIV infects several cell types in the body, including CD4+ T cells and macrophages. Here we review the role of macrophages in HIV infection and describe complex interactions between viral proteins and host defenses in these cells. Macrophages exist in many forms throughout the body, where they play numerous roles in healthy and diseased states. They express pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) that bind viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens, making them both a key player in innate immunity and a potential target of infection by pathogens, including HIV. Among these PRRs is mannose receptor, a macrophage-specific protein that binds oligosaccharides, restricts HIV replication, and is downregulated by the HIV accessory protein Vpr. Vpr significantly enhances infection in vivo, but the mechanism by which this occurs is controversial. It is well established that Vpr alters the expression of numerous host proteins by using its co-factor DCAF1, a component of the DCAF1–DDB1–CUL4 ubiquitin ligase complex. The host proteins targeted by Vpr and their role in viral replication are described in detail. We also discuss the structure and function of the viral protein Env, which is stabilized by Vpr in macrophages. Overall, this literature review provides an updated understanding of the contributions of macrophages and Vpr to HIV pathogenesis.
Seasonal Climate Forecast Skill Assessment for the Management of Water Resources in a Run of River Hydropower System in the Poqueira River (Southern Spain)
Authors: Contreras Eva , Herrero Javier , Crochemore Louise , Aguilar Cristina , Polo María José
Published: July 2020

Run of river (RoR) hydropower systems, despite being one of the most cost-effective and environmentally benign energy technologies, have the disadvantage that production is not constant because it is subject to a high variability in precipitation and snow cover. In addition, the management of RoR plants has to comply with some particular operating conditions, but also with some environmental flow requirements. This work presents the assessment of the main inputs included in a climate service, historical local data and the seasonal forecast of water inflow to RoR plants, which are used to predict the operability and the expected energy production. The analysis is presented through the application in a pilot RoR system located in the south of Spain, in a semi-arid Mediterranean area impacted by snow, where seasonal forecasting is especially challenging. The results show the high interannual variability of the operation in this kind of facilities. The outcomes indicate that seasonal climate forecast information would improve the prediction of observed river streamflow by 7.4% in reliability and 3.2% in sharpness compared to the current operational forecast based on historical data. The climate forecasts thus provide valuable information for the exploitation of available water resources, which generates a significant value for the operation of the plant and the energy production market.
Removal of 17β-Estradiol by Activated Charcoal Supported Titanate Nanotubes (TNTs@AC) through Initial Adsorption and Subsequent Photo-Degradation: Intermediates, DFT calculation, and Mechanisms
Authors: Huang Taobo , Pan Baozhu , Ji Haodong , Liu Wen
Published: July 2020

A low-cost composite of activated charcoal supported titanate nanotubes (TNTs@AC) was developed via the facile hydrothermal method to remove the 17β-estradiol (E2, a model of pharmaceutical and personal care products) in water matrix by initial adsorption and subsequent photo-degradation. Characterizations indicated that the modification occurred, i.e., the titanate nanotubes would be grafted onto the activated charcoal (AC) surface, and the micro-carbon could modify the tubular structure of TNTs. E2 was rapidly adsorbed onto TNTs@AC, and the uptake reached 1.87 mg/g from the dual-mode model fitting. Subsequently, the adsorbed E2 could be degraded 99.8% within 2 h under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. TNTs@AC was attributed with a unique hybrid structure, providing the hydrophobic effect, π−π interaction, and capillary condensation for E2 adsorption, and facilitating the electron transfer and then enhancing photocatalytic ability for E2-degradation. In addition, the removal mechanism of E2 was elucidated through the density functional theory calculation. Our study is expected to provide a promising material for environmental application.
Prospects of using EMDEX® in chewable tablet technology
Authors: Bueva V. , Blynskaya E. , Tishkov S. , Alekseev V. , Miranyan K. , Omarova D. , Rodionova E. , Alekseev K.
Published: July 2020

A study of the technological properties of the auxiliary substance EMDEX® (JRS Pharma, Germany) has been made. On its basis the authors have drawn a conclusion about the prospect of its use in the chewable tablet technology.
Settlements with other debtors: features of accounting in institutions
Authors: Gerasimova Larisa
Published: July 2020

The article discusses some types of settlements with other debtors, and which accounts in the accounting of a budget institution reflect other settlements with debtors. The article analyzes the legislative acts in terms of operations for calculating budget and Autonomous institutions with suppliers on the amounts of VAT presented by them, the specifics of accounting for input VAT, VAT from the received advance on the account 210 10. Cash transactions that are received at the cash Desk from the personal account and their accounting on the account 210 03 “Settlements with the financial authority on cash” are considered. An example of accounting for receiving funds to the institution’s cash register is given. Settlements with other debtors under the account 210 06 “Settlements with the founder” are considered. The article considers the reflection of the indicator of the book value of particularly valuable property and the rules for its adjustment when changing.
The specifics of accounting for insurance fees
Authors: Kalacheva Olga , Nemchinova Anastasiia
Published: July 2020

The article discusses the main provisions of the 34th Chapter of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation “Insurance Contributions” active from January 1, 2017, which replaced the Law on Insurance Contributions No. 212-FZ. The fundamental moments in the field of taxation of insurance fees with payments to employees, the tariffs of insurance premiums and the basis for their calculation, the revised list of preferential categories and reduced rates of insurance fees in 2020 are analyzed. The features of accounting in budgetary organizations are described.
Composition and characteristics of the financial statements elements in accordance with IFRS
Authors: Jassim Mohammad Tariq
Published: July 2020

In a market economy, the role of International Financial Reporting Standards is increasing. In order to understand their significance in modern conditions it seems necessary to consider the peculiarities of evolution of IFRS formation. The article reflects actual issues concerning the role and significance of International Accounting and Reporting Standards in modern conditions. The author has defined the necessity of applying International Accounting and Reporting Standards by Russian companies. The article highlights the main elements and users of financial statements prepared on the basis of IFRS, and analyzes the similarities and differences that exist in the formation of financial statements, based on the requirements of IFRS and RAS. The main qualitative characteristics of financial statements are considered in detail. Based on the results of the research, the author has identified current trends in the transition to international financial reporting standards.
Features of medical workers work: state of legislation and its development
Authors: Lebedev Viktor , Lebedeva Elena
Published: July 2020

The article deals with topical issues of medical organizations: a comparative analysis of the legal status of heads of budgetary organizations, including their deputies, heads of branches, the rules governing the “status” of such employees in universities, scientific and medical budget organizations; reduced working hours of medical workers in organizations; practical situations related to the implementation of the rights of medical workers to annual paid leave; the analysis of legislation and law enforcement practice on strengthening the employer’s liability for violations related to employee payments, including vacation pay amounts, was conducted.
Employment or civil contract: no time to take risks
Authors: Lebedev Viktor , Lebedeva Elena
Published: July 2020

The issues of law enforcement in the practice of higher education institutions, including the issues of qualification of actually developing relations as civil or labor relations, are considered. The analysis of the Federal law of 05.04.2013 N 44-FZ “on the contract system in the field of procurement of goods, works, services for state and municipal needs” and amendments made by the Federal law of 01.04.2020 N 98-FZ and related to the prevention and liquidation of emergency situations. The “limits” of concluding a civil contract with a single performer are considered; the article deals with judicial practice on the recognition of labor relations that have arisen on the basis of a civil contract; examples of judicial practice on irrevocable doubts that the court has the right to qualify in favor of labor relations are given.
Paid medical services: legal aspects
Authors: Aleynikova Marina
Published: July 2020

One of the sources of financial support for state and municipal healthcare organizations in the Russian Federation is income from the provision of paid medical services. The article deals with the main issues of legal regulation related to the provision of paid medical services, legal guarantees of citizens to receive high-quality medical care, as well as the level of responsibility, including administrative, for violations of the legislation of the Russian Federation in the field of healthcare. This article is the beginning of a series of articles on the organization of paid medical services.
On the issue of assessing the adequacy of the reserves of insurance companies with various methods for determining the loss of business
Authors: Naslednikova Margarita , Zamalov Alexandr
Published: July 2020

The article discusses methods for calculating the loss ratio of insurance companies, including compulsory medical insurance, which is the basis for building a health system; suciency of formed reserves, which are created in connection with the possibility of losses. Variants of interpretation of calculated indicators into a qualitative characteristic of the insurance company. A comparative analysis of the calculation of indicators of loss-making of insurance companies and the adequacy of the formation of reserves of insurance companies according to Russian accounting standards and in accordance with the requirements of international financial reporting standards.
Fit testing of KN95 masks
Authors: Caoili Janice Campos , Vega Arvee , Santos Sigrid , Bigalbal Jomar , Cabujat Rosemarie
Published: July 2020

Twenty-six healthcare workers (HCWs) underwent qualitative fit testing for donated KN95 masks. For each fit test episode, the result was either passed or failed. Results for a total of 42 fit test episodes were observed. A result of failed was recorded for 39 of 42 fit test episodes. Various adjustments such as tightening the ear loops to produce a better fit, placing a surgical mask either under or over the KN95 mask, and wearing the K95 mask with a coverall, were done but the result of testing was failed. As fit testing all HCWs in the hospital would be excessively time-consuming, the findings of this fit-testing study served as the basis for a hospital memorandum stating that KN95 masks are not generally recommended for use by HCWs while performing aerosol-generating procedures in the COVID-19 units. HCWs who might use KN95 masks while performing aerosol-generating procedures should first undergo fit-testing to ensure that a good seal is achieved for protection against infectious aerosols.
Monitoring dengue outbreaks during COVID-19 crisis in dengue endemic countries
Authors: Miah Asaduzzaman
Published: July 2020

During the COVID-19 crisis, dengue cases have been increased especially in dengue endemic countries. Currently we are fighting against COVID-19, the situation may be more difficult to manage if dengue outbreak is further added. During COVID-19 crisis, there is a possibility to occur co-infection of corona and dengue virus in these dengue endemic countries as both the viruses are co-existing. Altogether, further outbreak of dengue, viral co-infection and concurrent outbreak may pose new challenges in the dengue endemic countries specially for the health professionals.
Özel Eğitim Öğretmen Adaylarının Üstün Zekâ Kavramına Yönelik Algısı
Authors: BAYAR Saadet , ARSLAN Deniz , AVCI Gülşah
Published: July 2020

Bu çalışmada özel eğitim öğretmen adaylarının üstün zekâ kavramına yönelik algıları incelenmiştir. Bulgular, üstün zekâ ile ilgili topluma, kültüre, zaman göre değişiklik gösterebilen kuramlar olarak sınıflandırılan örtük kuramlar temelinde değerlendirilmiştir. Çalışma nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden fenomenolojik desen ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Katılımcı grubunu 2017-2018 öğretim yılında Özel Eğitim Öğretmenliği birinci sınıf öğrencisi olan 9 kişi oluşturmaktadır. Öğrencilerin görüşleri yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme sorularıyla alınmıştır. Veriler tümevarımsal yaklaşım ile analiz edilmiştir. Verilerin analizi sonucunda beş bulguya ulaşılmıştır. Bulguların dördü araştırma sorusuna yönelik iken bir diğer bulgu ise analiz sürecinde ortaya çıkan bulgudur. Katılımcıların tamamının üstün zekâya etki eden temel faktör olarak genetiği gösterdikleri ve birçoğunun da üstün zekâyı ileri düzey bilişsel özelliklerle ilişkilendirdikleri belirlenmiştir. Katılımcıların güncel eğitim programlarının üstün zekâlılar için yeterli olmadığını düşündükleri ancak eğitimin nasıl olması gerektiği hakkında herhangi bir bilgiye sahip olmadıkları görülmüştür. Katılımcılar üstün zekâlıların sosyal özelliklerine ilişkin çoğunlukla olumsuz özellikler bildirmişlerdir. Çalışmanın ortaya çıkan bulgusu ise katılımcıların özel eğitim öğretmenliği bölümünü tercih etme nedenleri üzerinedir.
Ses Hakkında Öğrenci Zihinsel Modellerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: YÜZBAŞIOĞLU Mustafa Kemal , KURNAZ Mehmet Altan
Published: July 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı, ilköğretim sekizinci sınıf öğrencilerinin sesin oluşumu, iletimi, işitilmesi ve yansıması konularıyla ilgili öğrenci zihinsel modellerini belirlemek ve belirlenen zihinsel modellerden hareketle öğrencilerin ses konusundaki genel zihinsel modellerini ortaya çıkarmaktır. Araştırma özel durum çalışması şeklinde yürütülmüştür. Veri toplama aracı, sesin oluşumundan dört, iletiminden altı, işitilmesinden beş ve yansımasından on soru olmak üzere toplam 25 sorudan oluşmaktadır. Veri toplama aracı, Kastamonu il merkezinde yer alan okullar arasından rastgele seçilen beş farklı okuldaki toplam 416 sekizinci sınıf öğrencisine uygulanmıştır. Katılımcı öğrencilerin sorulara vermiş olduğu cevaplar, sözel ve görsel olmak üzere iki ayrı gruba ayrılarak analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular incelendiğinde, öğrencilerin ses konusunda sahip oldukları zihinsel modellerin ağırlıklı olarak 'Bilimsel Model' olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Çalışma sonunda, öğrencilerin genel zihinsel modellerinin yeterli seviyede olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır. Ulaşılan sonuçlardan hareketle, yetersiz zihinsel modellere sahip öğrencilerin eksik algılamaları tamamlamada öğretmenlere ve kitap yazarlarına önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Ortaokul Öğrencilerinin Matematiğe Yönelik Tutumlarının İncelenmesi
Authors: DENİZ Levent , CITDIR Neslihan
Published: July 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı, ortaokul öğrencilerinin matematiğe yönelik tutumlarının incelenmesidir. Araştırma örneklemini 2018-2019 eğitim-öğretim yılında İstanbul ilinin altı farklı ilçesindeki birer ortaokul, özel ortaokul ve imam hatip ortaokulunda öğrenim gören toplam 1080 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Veri toplama aracı olarak Önal (2013) tarafından geliştirilmiş Matematiğe Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği (MTÖ) kullanılmış; toplanan veriler Mann-Whitney U ve Kruskal-Wallis H testleri kullanılarak yorumlanmıştır. Ortaokul öğrencilerinin matematiğe yönelik tutumları yüksek bulunmuştur. Öğrencilerin sınıf seviyesi arttıkça matematiğe yönelik tutumlarının daha olumsuz olduğu görülmüştür. Özel ortaokulda öğrenim gören, gelir seviyelerinin yüksek olduğunu düşünen, okul kurs/etütüne katılan, matematik dersi ortalaması yüksek olan, algıladıkları matematik başarıları yüksek olduğunu düşünen, matematik öğretmenini seven, anne ve baba eğitim seviyesi yüksek öğrencilerin matematiğe yönelik tutumlarının aynı analizdeki diğer gruplara göre daha yüksek olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Kız ve erkek öğrenciler ile okul dışında takviye matematik dersi alan ve almayan öğrencilerin tutumları arasında fark bulunmamıştır.
Simultaneous Presence of Acetylcholine Receptor and Muscle Specific Tyrosine Kinase Antibodies in Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Poursadeghfard Maryam , Azhdari Sara
Published: July 2020

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is known as an autoimmune disorder which affects transmission in neuromuscular junction. The serologic tests used for diagnosis include acetylcholine receptor and muscle specific receptor tyrosine kinase antibodies. Studies often have reported that patients with formal antibody are negative for the latter one. However, very limited studies have reported positive anti-muscle specific receptor tyrosine kinase antibody in a small percentage of patients with acetylcholine receptor antibody. Here, we reported a young woman who was diagnosed with MG and had a rapid and progressive course of the disease. She was seropositive for both acetylcholine receptor and muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase antibodies simultaneously. However, she discharged from the hospital with good condition after treatment.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Iranian Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Afsharimoghaddam Amin
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome as one of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases has recently been the focus of clinical studies. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in hemodialysis patients in Iran. Methods: The present systematic review was done using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Case-control, cohort and crosssectional studies conducted in Iran were included. Clinical trials, case reports, letters to editors, systematic reviews, study protocols, narrative reviews, and case series were excluded. Subgroup analysis was conducted for determining the heterogeneity based on the participants as well as their gender. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 14.0. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among 799 patients was 50% (95% CI: 47.0, 53.0, I2=50.6). The analysis of subgroups was conducted for determining the heterogeneity based on the participants as well as their gender. Based on the analysis of the subgroups using a random effects model, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be 44% and 55% in Iranian men and women undergoing hemodialysis, respectively. Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in hemodialysis patients, it is advisable and logical that patients with chronic renal failure should be regularly evaluated for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors both at the diagnosis time and afterwards.
ПОВЫШЕНИЕ КАЧЕСТВА ПЕСЧАНО-ГИПСОВЫХ ФОРМ И СТЕРЖНЕЙ
Authors: Grimzin Igor
Published: July 2020

Цель. Целью работы является повышение качества песчано-гипсовых форм за счет интенсификации процесса их сушки, позволяющая сократить время ее проведения и получать точные отливки сложной формы необходимого качества.Методика. Исследование проводилась на цилиндриеских образцах из песчаной смеси на основе гипса в качестве связующего материала. Образцы подвергались сушке в микроволновой печи «Хот-Стрим» ДВ-6-02-6-100. Взвешиванием определялось потеря влажности образцами в зависимости от времени сушки образцов. Результаты. Изучен процесс потери влаги образцами и разработаны математические зависимости потери влаги от продолжительности сушки.  Определено необходимое количество воды, что позволяет снизить брак по газовым раковинам и улучшить качество поверхности отливки. Экономический эффект при внедрении новой технологии сушки с использованием микроволновой вакуумной установки позволил практически вдвое сократить затраты на электричество.Научная новизна. Впервые научно-обоснован режим работы микроволновой печи для сушки песчаногипсовых форм и стержней. Разработаны математические зависимости потери влаги образцами в зависимости от продолжительности  сушки, которые можно описать в виде экспоненциальных  зависимостей.Практическая ценность. Разработан технологический процесс сушки форм с использованием микроволновой установки, позволивший повысить качество форм и стержней за счет стабилизации их размеров, а также качество сложных алюминиевых отливок за счет снижения брака по газовым раковинам.Предложенный режим сушки позволяет снизить длительность сушки на 40 –50 % и тем самым уменьшить затраты на электроэнергию до 50 – 70 % в зависимости от размеров стержня.
ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ПРОСТОРІВ ВІДПРАЦЬОВАНИХ КАР’ЄРІВ ДЛЯ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ЕНЕРГЕТИЧНОЇ НЕЗАЛЕЖНОСТІ ГІРНИЧОДОБУВНИХ РЕГІОНІВ
Authors: Chetveryk Mykhailo , Bubnova Olena , Levchenko Kateryna
Published: July 2020

Мета. Обґрунтування можливості забезпечення енергетичної незалежності гірничодобувних регіонів за рахунок використання просторів відпрацьованих кар’єрів для виробництва електроенергії та економічної ефективності доопрацювання кар’єрів із одночасним створенням в них маломодульних атомних електростанцій.Методика. Аналіз застосовуваних у світі енергетичних систем, заснованих на використанні енергії атома, дозволив обґрунтувати створення маломодульних атомних електростанцій у просторах відпрацьованих кар'єрах.Результати. Обґрунтовано вид енергетичного комплексу, що розміщується в кар'єрі, тип атомного реактора, його потужність і безпека. Розглянута можливість спорудження атомної станції з одночасним веденням гірничих робіт. Обґрунтовано розташування атомного реактора, при якому б досягалося мінімальне забруднення навколишнього середовища. Встановлено економічну та соціальну ефективність створення атомної станції в кар'єрі.Наукова новизна. Вперше показано можливість розміщення атомної електростанції у просторі відпрацьованого кар’єру із забезпеченням її ресурсами, створенням екологічно безпечної роботи та економічної і соціальної ефективності.Практична цінність. Запропонований варіант розміщення міні атомної електростанції у просторі кар’єру одночасно з його доопрацюванням має соціальну, економічну та екологічну ефективність. Соціальна ефективність складається у перепрофілюванні кар’єру та забезпечення зайнятості населення. Екологічна ефективність полягає у зменшенні екологічного навантаження та рекультивації об’єктів гірничорудного комплексу. Економічна ефективність складається із зменшення собівартості руди, що буде видобуватись при доопрацюванні кар’єру, та близько 1 млрд. доларів операційного прибутку від експорту електроенергії, яку може виробити проектована електростанція.
АКТИВИЗАЦИЯ СГУЩЕНИЯ ШЛАМОВ КАК СПОСОБ СНИЖЕНИЯ ПЛОЩАДЕЙ ХВОСТОХРАНИЛИЩ
Authors: Hryhorieva Viktoriia , Batareyev Viktor , Sorokin Andrii
Published: July 2020

Цель. На основе анализа условий образования, сбора и транспортирования значительных объемов шламов к месту их складирования (хвостохранилищам) рассмотрена возможность значительного сокращения площадей хвостохранилищ, а также инфильтрации шламов вглубь грунтов и их загрязнения неорганическими веществами.Методика. В основу методики положен анализ физики процесса устойчивого разделения шламов на твердую и жидкую составляющую и активизации процесса осаждения частиц, содержащихся в шламовой суспензии как в статическом ее состоянии (при хранении в шламохранилищах), так и при движении шламов от места образования к месту хранения.Результаты. Получены и обоснованы закономерности для вычисления скорости осаждения твердой фазы шламов как в статике, так и в движении на основе влияния на осаждение исходной концентрации твердых частиц и динамической вязкости воды.Научная новизна работы заключается в том, что получено выражение для определения скорости осаждения зависимости от гидродинамического сопряжения движения частиц в направлении поперек потока жидкости в зависимости от вида потока, определяемого числом Рейнольдса.Практическая ценность состоит в том, что получена скорость осаждения твердой фазы шламов в статике и динамике в результате влияния концентрации твердых частиц и динамической вязкости воды.
УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ ТЕХНОЛОГІЇ ТЕРМІЧНОЇ ОБРОБКИ ПРЕСОВОГО ІНСТРУМЕНТУ ДЛЯ ПРЕСУВАННЯ НЕРЖАВІЮЧИХ ТРУБ
Authors: Kryvchyk Liliia , Khokhlova Tetiana , Pinchuk Viktoriia
Published: July 2020

Мета. Метою дослідження є удосконалення технології термічної обробки основного трубопресового інструмента – голки-оправки для пресування неіржавіючих труб на трубопрофільних пресах для подальшого вибору оптимальних режимів термозміцнення.Методика. Для проведення дослідження з поковок діаметром 250 мм були вирізані зразки розміром 10×10×55 мм і піддані остаточній термічній обробці в цехових умовах при різних температурних режимах загартування, відпуску і хіміко-термічної обробки. Виготовлення мікрошліфів зводилось до виконання наступних операцій: шліфування, полірування й травлення. Проведено мікроструктурний аналіз зразків і визначена твердість  після різних режимів термічної обробки.Результати. Побудовані і досліджені графіки залежності твердості зразків від температури загартування, відпуску, запропонований оптимальний режим газового азотування (що підтверджено результатами замірів твердості) для отримання високих експлуатаційних властивостей трубопресового інструмента і отримання необхідного балу зерна, проведено дослідження структури азотованого шару (мікроструктурне і електронне). Результатом роботи є розробка оптимального режиму термозміцнення інструмента (голки-оправки) (загартування з двократним відпуском і послідуючим азотуванням замість традиційного режиму – загартування з трикратним відпуском), що підвищує міцність, зносо- і теплостійкість сталі шляхом утворення стійких у процесі нагрівання карбідів, нітридів, боридів і т. п. В результаті сталь здобуває високу твердість на поверхні HRC 71 – 72, що не змінюється при нагріванні до 400 – 450 °С, високу опірність зношуванню, високі границі витривалості, корозійну стійкість.Наукова новизна. Вперше науково обґрунтовано вибір більш ефективного режиму термозміцнення трубопресового інструмента (з проведенням мікроструктурних досліджень), що дозволяє його використовувати в реальних умовах виробництва неіржавіючих труб на трубних  підприємствах «ПрАТ Сентравіс  Продакшн Юкрейн», «ТОВ ВО Оскар» та ін.Практична цінність. Удосконалення технології термічної обробки голки-оправки (загартування з відпуском і послідуючим азотуванням замість звичайної технології – загартування з відпуском) дозволить  збільшити стійкість пресового  інструмента на 30 % та знизити  витрати по переробці виготовлення  неіржавіючих труб, а також покращити якість внутрішньої поверхні труб (відсутність плівок, порізів та інших дефектів неіржавіючих труб).