bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cartographic resources and their role in organization of distance learning at history lessons in 5–6th grades
Authors: Vinogradova M. V.
Published: December 2020

The experience of working in the format of distance learning mainly with pupils of 5—6th grades is analyzed in the article. Both the factors that contribute to the achievement of the result when working online, and what prevents it are described. Among the first, modern interactive manuals are described that can provide teachers with a methodological tool that is adequate to the structure of an online lesson. As an example, it is proposed to consider the educational complex "History of the Ancient World. Interactive tasks on maps, grades 5 and 10" and the possibility of its use in distance learning. Interactive maps allow you to apply a whole range of teaching methods in the lesson. The article describes specific tasks, developed taking into account the age characteristics of students, and variants for group work.
COVID-19’UN İNSAN DAVRANIŞI ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİLERİNİN SOSYAL YAYILIM BAĞLAMINDA SINIFLANDIRILMASI
Authors: SEÇKİN CODAL Keziban
Published: December 2020

Dünya Sağlık Örgütü'nün pandemi olarak ilan ettiği COVID-19’a yanıt vermek için sağlık sistemleri güçlendirilmekte ve sosyal hayatı düzenleyen kurallar yeniden gözden geçirilmektedir. Alınan tedbirler salgınla mücadelede anahtar elemanlar olmakla birlikte bireylerin ve toplumların sosyal ve ekonomik yapısı üzerinde bir takım değişikliklere neden olmaktadır. Pandemi ile ilgili bilgi ve deneyimlerin gerçek zamanlı ve anlık paylaşıldığı bir iletişim platformu olan sosyal medya, salgının sosyal yayılım etkilerini değerlendirilmesine olanak sağlayan bir kanaldır. Çalışmada, COVID-19 salgının sosyal yayılım bağlamındaki etkileri tweetler üzerinden Marsden (1998)’in davranışsal yayılımın sınıflandırılmasına bağlı kalarak söylem analizi yardımıyla değerlendirilmiştir. Salgının etkileri sosyal yayılım temelinde, histerik, bilinçli olarak kendine zarar verme, saldırganlık temelli, kural ihlali, tüketici davranışı ve finansal temelli olmak üzere altı başlık altında incelenebileceği gözlemlenmiştir. Sınıflandırma, pandeminin sosyal ve ekonomik yapı üzerinde yarattığı etkilerin sistematik olarak incelenmesine odaklanacak çalışmalar için temel alanları işaret etmektedir.
Osteogenezis İmperfekta Tanılı Bireylerde Teriparatid Tedavisinin Retrospektif Olarak Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: AYDOĞAN ÜNSAL Yasemin , ÖZ GÜL Özen , CANDER Soner , ERSOY Canan , AYDEMİR Ensar , ÜNSAL Oktay , ERTÜRK Erdinç
Published: December 2020

Osteogenezis imperfekta (Oİ) düşük kemik mineral yoğunluğuna ve artmış kemik frajilitesine yol açan kalıtsal bir hastalıktır. Bu makalede kliniğimizde Oİ tanısı ile takipli, tedavilerinde teriparatid veya zolendronik asit (ZA) kullanılan hastaların retrospektif olarak klinik, laboratuvar parametreleri ve kemik mineral yoğunluklarını değerlendirmeyi amaçladık. Takiplerinde teriparatid ile ZA tedavisi alan toplam 9 hasta değerlendirildi. Teriparatid tedavisi alan hastaların tümünde klinik iyileşme sağlandı, tedavi süresince yeni fraktür saptanmadı. Olguların teriparatid tedavisi ile kemik mineral yoğunluklarının stabil seyrettiği görüldü. Teriparatid tedavisi sırasında olgularda yan etki gelişmedi. ZA tedavisi alan hastalarda kemik mineral yoğunlukları değerlendirildiğinde, lomber alanda kemik mineral yoğunluğunda artış izlendi. Olgularda yeni kırık oluşumu tespit edilmedi. ZA tedavisi uygulanan olgularda da tedavi sırasında yan etki gözlenmedi. ZA, erişkin Oİ olgularında tolere edilebilir yan etki profili ile efektif tedavi seçenekleri arasında yer almaktadır. Osteoanabolik bir ajan olan teriparatid de iyi tolere edilebilen, yan etkileri ve yapılan çalışmalarda gözlemlenen kemik mineral yoğunluğu üzerindeki olumlu etkileri de göz önüne alındığında Oİ vakalarında tercih edilebilir tedavi seçeneği olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır.
Research of regularities of formation of health-improving antioxidant electron-donor properties of functional drinking water modified with ascorbic and citric acids
Authors: Bolshak Y. , Kalenyk O. , Marynin A. , Svyatnenko R.
Published: December 2020

Drinking water is a food of special physiological value, as evidenced by a critically short for health and life endurance of complete dehydration of the body (no replenishment of drinking water) in 9–10 days along with 45–49 days of life without food. However, even without extreme circumstances, without any shortage of drinking water and food, the quality of the latter has a serious impact on human health. For some time, as environmental pollution increased, the efforts of hygienists were aimed at ensuring the safety of drinking water through its appropriate physical and chemical treatment. Then came the realization that the microbiological and chemical safety of drinking water does not guarantee its inherent in the best samples of natural water physiological value. The meaning of this newly introduced into the normative circulation of the concept is the awareness of the importance of water as a source of replenishment of the body physiologically necessary for normal life minerals and trace elements. Subsequently, nutrients were synthesized that are produced by the body itself and the normal content of which in cells is critical for life. Natural sources of replenishment of the body with nutrients (good food and especially vegetables, berries, fruits, etc.) for various reasons are not always available to many people, so specially prepared drinking (functional) water has gained in recent years growing popularity and high health value. The presented results of research of functional water on the basis of ascorbic and citric acid are our contribution to the development of methods of health nutrition. The influence of functional water with acquired antioxidant properties on the human body is substantiated. The developed water provides drinking water with a pleasant harmonious taste, which has a tonic and healing effect, increasing the body's resistance to fatigue and stress. The development relates to the field of production of soft drinks, in particular drinking water.
The use of sweet potatoes in the technology of cake dough products
Authors: Boroday A. , Horobes A. , Levchenko Y. , Choni I.
Published: December 2020

The article highlights the research aimed at proving the prospects of using valuable local raw materials – sweet potatoes to increase the nutritional and biological value, as well as reducing the caloric content of flour products from cake dough. The range of flour confectionery products and the peculiarity of manufacturing technology are analyzed. Cake flour products occupy a significant place in the general structure in terms of production, although the analysis of their physical and chemical composition gives grounds to claim that they do not always have a high degree of nutritional and biological value, balanced chemical composition. This is due to the high proportion of carbohydrates, fats and low content of proteins, vitamins and other biologically active compounds. In addition to nutritional value, the shelf life of products is an important factor. Cake products belong to the fat-containing flour confectionery products, and accordingly they are subjected to oxidative treatment, which encourages the search for new antioxidants of natural origin. The aim of the work is to improve the technology of cake batter with the use of sweet potato puree and to study the influence of additives of local plant raw materials on the structural-mechanical and organoleptic characteristics of finished products. The local raw material of sweet potatoes, which is characterized by a valuable chemical composition as a source of vitamins, micro- and macroelements of pectin and dyes, was chosen as an improver. The main indicators of the quality of sweet potato puree were determined experimentally. The influence of sweet potato puree on the organoleptic characteristics of the finished products was investigated, and it was found that the introduction of 20 % puree by weight of flour is optimal. As the concentration of the puree increases, the taste of the product deteriorates, as well as the porosity decreases and the color changes. The positive effect of sweet potato puree on physico-chemical indicators of the quality of finished products has been established. When adding puree in the amount of 20 % by weight of flour, the porosity is increased by 8 % in comparison with the control sample. The technology of obtaining a cake from sweet potato puree has been developed. The prescription composition and the basic technological scheme of their production are substantiated. It is proved that flour products with the addition of sweet potato puree in the amount of 20 % to the weight of the flour are slower to harden and retain their properties for 9 days of storage. The safety of prolonged storage has been confirmed by microbiological studies. Thus, the expediency of using sweet potato puree in the technology of cake dough products in order to reduce calories, increase the biological value, improve organoleptic characteristics. As well as the possibility of replacing artificial improvers in the structure, taste and aroma of cakes, due to the substances contained in sweet potato puree.
Application of biotechnological method of fat reduction in fish snack technology
Authors: Menchynska A. , Ivanyuta A. , Manoli T. , Nikitchina T.
Published: December 2020

The article deals with the research aimed at developing an enzymatic method for removing the subcutaneous fat in the technology of fish snacks production. Currently, fish snacks are popular among consumers. However, due to fierce market competition, the priority is to develop new raw materials, improve the taste characteristics of snacks and increase the shelf life of finished products. The most common commercial fish species of Ukraine caught in sufficient quantities are Black Sea sprat (Sprattus sprattus) and European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus). The main problem in the production of quality snack products is the high fat content in these raw materials. Oxidation of the subcutaneous layer of fat leads to an unpleasant odor and taste, and as a result – reduction of the shelf life of the product. One possible way to solve these problems is to remove lipids using biotechnology. Experiments how to solve the problem of removing the subcutaneous fat using a biotechnological method of processing are described in this work. The process of the subcutaneous fat removing has been performed using a complex of plant lipolytic enzymes extracted from wheat bran. The change in the mass fraction of fat in fish raw materials depending on the duration of the fermentation process under the action of wheat bran lipase has been studied. Results of the research showed, that the mass fraction of Black Sea sprat fat under the action of a complex of wheat bran enzymes had decreased from 12 to 4.5 %. The optimal temperature of the complex of lipolytic enzymes of wheat bran has been determined. The hydrolysis of fat is almost nonexistent at the temperature range from 0 up to 5 °C. The greatest activity of enzymes is observed at a temperature of 25… 35 °C and within 30 min of hydrolysis 7… 8 % of fat is being removed. The optimal pH value for enzymatic degreasing has been investigated. It has been found that the fastest breakdown of fat occurs at pH values from 7 to 8 and is 7… 8 % of fat in 30 minutes. Based on the research results, a technological scheme for the production of fish snacks has been developed.
Transtornos de ansiedade e avaliação psicológica: Instrumentos utilizados no Brasil
Authors: Vanzeler Maria Luzinete Alves
Published: December 2020

Os transtornos de ansiedade caracterizam-se pelo medo e ansiedade desproporcionais à situação que desencadeia e perduram além do previsto para o evento. Causam prejuízos ao indivíduo em função do sofrimento produzido, pioram a qualidade de vida e impõem restrições sociais. As técnicas de avaliação psicológica, podem ajudar uma investigação e melhorar a compreensão desses transtornos. Este trabalho objetivou investigar os instrumentos para avaliação de ansiedade utilizados no Brasil. Desta forma Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura, buscando em livros textos especializados, periódicos e artigos indexados (no Periódicos CAPES, Lilacs, PubMed, Mediline, Scielo e Google acadêmico) com finalidade de descrever os mais utilizados. Ao final deste estudo, verificou-se que os instrumentos para avaliação dos transtornos de ansiedade podem ser divididos em sete categorias: A primeira inclui instrumentos que avaliam a ansiedade como construto global; a segunda avalia os transtornos psiquiátricos; a terceira compreende instrumentos que avaliam transtornos de ansiedade específicos, levando em conta comportamentos e pensamentos ou sentimentos sintomáticos; a quarta categoria abrange instrumentos relacionados a contextos específicos, como hospitalar ou esportivo; a quinta categoria abarca instrumentos para avaliação de características específicas relativas à ansiedade, tais como, preocupação, irritabilidade entre outros; a sexta categoria, abrange instrumentos para avaliação da saúde mental de forma geral como queixas relativas à ansiedade vistas como screening e necessidade de cuidados psiquiátricos e; finalmente a sétima categoria compreende os demais instrumentos que não se enquadraram nas categorias anteriores. Ainda verificou-se que os testes mais utilizados no Brasil de 2000 a 2015 foram: Inventário de Ansiedade (BAI), Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HADS); Inventário de Ansiedade Traço Estado (IDATE); Escala de Ansiedade de Hamilton; Inventário de Fobia Social (SPIN). Esses instrumentos são adaptações de instrumentos internacionais para uso no Brasil.
Game species monitoring using road-based distance sampling in association with thermal imagers: a covariate analysis
Authors:   Univ. of Liege (Gembloux Agro–Bio Tech), Belgium, Morelle K. , Bouché P. ,   Univ. of Liege (Gembloux Agro–Bio Tech), Belgium, Lehaire F. ,   Univ. of Liege (Gembloux Agro–Bio Tech), Belgium, Leeman V. ,   Univ. of Liege (Gembloux Agro–Bio Tech), Belgium, Lejeune P. ,   Univ. of Liege (Gembloux Agro–Bio Tech), Belgium
Published: December 2020

Monitoring of game species populations is necessary to adequately assess culling by hunters in areas where natural large predators are absent. However, game managers have to control several species and they often lack of an efficient and convenient survey design method. Monitoring several species at that same time over large areas could thus be cost– and time–effective. We tested the influence of several factors during monitoring of three common game species, (wild boar, roe deer and red fox, using road–based distance sampling in association with thermal imagers. This pilot survey based on 20 night counts in five contrasting sites studied the effect of several covariates (species, thermal imaging, observer, group size, and habitat type) on the detection probabilities (= dp). No differences were observed between thermal imagers (dpJENOPTIK: 0.186, dpFLIR: 0.193) and group sizes (dp1ind.: 0.243, dp2ind.: 0.259, dp> 2ind.: 0.223), but we found differences between observers (dpobs1: 0.207, dpobs2: 0.274, dpobs3: 0.159). Expected differences were also observed between species (dpwild boar: 0.22, dproe deer: 0.35, dpred fox: 0.32) and between habitat type (dpforest: 0.27, dpedge: 0.74, dpopen: 0.35). Our results show that the detectability of low cost thermal imaging equipment is similar to that of more expensive methods, highlighting new possibilities for the use of thermal imagery by game managers. Although adjustments should be made to the study design our findings suggest that large–scale multi–species monitoring could be an efficient method for common game species.
Determining population trends and conservation status of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix) in Western Europe
Authors:   Univ. of Barcelona, Spain, Puigcerver M. , Sardà–Palomera F. ,   Centre Tecnològic Forestal de Catalunya, Solsona, Spain, Rodriguez-Teijeiro J. D. ,   Univ. of Barcelona, Spain
Published: December 2020

In this paper we review the conservation status and population trends of the common quail (Coturnix coturnix) from 1900 to the present. Data are sometimes contradictory with regard to the status of this species as it has some features that make it difficult to produce reliable population estimates. Recent data clearly suggest, either at a local scale or at a trans–national scale, that the Atlantic common quail populations have remained stable in the last two decades, and that restocking practices with farm–reared quails (hybrids with the Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica) do not affect our estimates. The complex movement patterns showed by this species require special attention. Analysis of ring recoveries can give important information, especially about the nomadic movement of quails in search of suitable habitats after the destruction of winter cereal crops due to harvesting. Thus, when developing a breeding distribution model for this species, continuously updated information on seasonal habitat and weather must be included for optimal prediction. Including fortnightly data of vegetation indices in distribution models, for example, has shown good results. Obtaining reliable predictions about changes in species distribution and movements during the breeding period could provide useful knowledge about the conservation status and population trends and would help in the design of future management measures.
Exotic tree plantations and avian conservation in northern Iberia: a view from a nest–box monitoring study
Authors:   Univ. del País Vasco, Gasteiz, Spain, De la Hera I. , Arizaga J. ,   Aranzadi Sciences Society, Bizkaia, Spain, Galarza A. ,   Diputación Foral de Bizkaia, Spain
Published: December 2020

The spread of exotic tree plantations on the North Atlantic coast of the Iberian peninsula raises concern regarding the conservation of avian biodiversity as current trends suggest this region might become a monoculture of Australian Eucalyptus species. To shed more light on the factors promoting differences in avian communities between and within exotic tree (Monterey Pine Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus spp.) plantations and native forests in the Urdaibai area (northern Spain), this study aimed to explore (1) how the type of habitat and vegetation characteristics affect bird species richness and the settlement of some particular species during the breeding period, (2) if some reproductive parameters (i.e. egg–laying date and clutch size) vary among habitats in a generalist bird species (the Great Tit Parus major), and (3) the existence of differences among habitats in the abundance of a key food resource on which some insectivorous birds are expected to rely upon for breeding (i.e. caterpillars). Our results confirmed that Eucalyptus stands house the poorest bird communities, and identified understory development as an important determinant for the establishment of titmice species. Furthermore, we found that exotic trees showed lower caterpillar abundance than native Oak trees (Quercus robur), which might contribute to explain observed differences among habitats in bird abundance and richness in this region. However, we did not find differences among habitats in egg–laying date and clutch size for the Great Tit, suggesting that the potential costs of breeding in exotic tree plantations would occur in later stages of the reproductive period (e.g. number of nestlings fledged), a circumstance that will require further research.
PENGARUH DIMENSI CUSTOMER VALUE TERHADAP KEPUASAN PELANGGAN TRANSMART BANJARMASIN
Authors: Noor Aris Setia , Lestari Berta
Published: December 2020

This research was conducted to analyze the effect of customer value dimensions on TransMart customer satisfaction in Banjarmasin. The customer value variables used are value outcomes, process value and enjoyment shopping.               The type of research used is descriptive quantitative. The type of data used is qualitative and quantitative data, while the data sources are primary and secondary data. The population of this study is customers who shop at TransMart Banjarmasin. The sampling technique carried out for this study was determined intentionally. The number of samples taken is 30 customers. The technique of collecting data through observation and questionnaires. Data analysis techniques are carried out using multiple linear regression methods.
Tax Amnesty Sebagai Moderator Pengaruh Perceived Behavioral Control Terhadap Wajib Pajak
Authors: Yusuf Muhammad , Menne Firman , Yusuf Yulia Yunita
Published: December 2020

This study aims to examine and prove empirically: The role of tax amnesty as a moderator of the influence of perceived behavioral control on tax compliance. The focus of this research is whether tax amnesty can moderate perceived behavioral control towards increasing taxpayer compliance. The unit of analysis of this study is the corporate taxpayers at the North Makassar Pratama Tax Office who are participating in the tax amnesty program with a population of 610 taxpayers. Research respondents represented a sample of 90 corporate taxpayers. Determination of the sample using purposive sampling technique. The analytical method developed in this study is multiple regression analysis. The results showed that there was a positive and significant role of tax amnesty as a moderator on the effect of perceived behavioral control on tax compliance. This result also provides a clue that tax amnesty has a positive and significant influence in increasing taxpayer compliance.
KOMUNIKASI PERSONAL TERHADAP NILAI TRANSAKSI DAN KEPUASAN KONSUMEN
Authors: Kusuma Anuraga
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study is to see how the personal communication of MSMEs jelly milk in Tanah Sareal Kota Bogor district on transaction value and customer satisfaction.  In this study found as many as 20 customer samples were interviewed 18 people who have confidence in jelly milk products marketed in Tanah Sareal sub-district, Bogor City.  While the value of consumer transactions increases by 20% every week.  This study shows that personal communication practiced from the dairy food business in Tanah Sareal, Bogor City, was a consumer supporting factors for conducting transactions and satisfaction with jelly milk products.
Kepuasan Pelanggan pada Produk Inovasi Pandemi COVID-19: Studi Kasus pada Contactless Delivery KFC Indonesia
Authors: N.F. Fairuz Calista , Pratiwi Zuniar Risanti , Purnama Tasqia Angelina , Grasiaswaty Novika
Published: December 2020

Penelitian ini mengenai evaluasi kepuasan pelanggan terhadap produk inovasi selama pandemi Covid-19 yaitu contactless delivery yang dilakukan oleh KFC Indonesia. Penelitian menggunakan mix-method dengan pendekatan kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Pengambilan data menggunakan tiga buah sudut pandang: kuesioner terhadap konsumen yang pernah menggunakan produk ini, wawancara mendalam terhadap pelanggan serta evaluasi terhadap iklan digital terkait produk. Kuesioner diberikan kepada 20 pelanggan, wawancara terhadap 3 pelanggan serta analisis terhadap 93 komentar pada iklan digital mengenai contactless delivery di Instagram resmi KFC Indonesia. Dapat diambil kesimpulan jika program contactless delivery KFC disukai atau dinilai baik oleh partisipan. Partisipan berpendapat jika program contactless delivery KFC ini bermanfaat untuk dicoba dalam kondisi COVID-19. Hal ini dikarenakan mereka menganggap bahwa dengan menggunakan program ini dapat membantu dalam pencegahan penyebaran COVID-19, serta tentu memenuhi kebutuhan dasar manusia yaitu makan dalam kondisi COVID-19 dengan aman dan nyaman.
State of the art of the development of sustainable concrete for applications in conventional structures
Authors: Oliveira João Victor da Cunha
Published: December 2020

It is noticeable the increase in the demand for non-renewable raw materials for applications in the most varied segments of civil construction, which in fact causes more significant damage to the environment, whether through the waste generated during extraction, during use, or after use. In this sense, this work aims to present the state-of-the-art corresponding to the concretes currently developed, emphasizing those of a sustainable scope that corroborate the ecological proposal in the use of residues and/or tailings from different sectors of industrial production, in order to partially settle the slag produced by converting them into raw materials for reuse. The increase in proposals to mitigate environmental impacts with a focus on using these wastes becomes evident. The corresponding study area requires greater expansion of the employment possibilities for improving the technique of incorporating waste into concrete with due observance of the dosage, consumption, packing factor when necessary, density of materials involved, and application aspect of the composite.
Mapeamento global da produção sobre Mathematics Teacher’s Specialized Knowledge no Google Scholar até 2019
Authors: Moriel Junior Jeferson Gomes , Duarte Elisângela Barros
Published: December 2020

O objetivo do trabalho é realizar um mapeamento da produção científica global (nacional e internacional) referente ao marco teórico Mathematics Teacher’s Specialized Knowledge - MTSK na base de dados Google Scholar entre 2011 e 2019. Para tanto, realizamos uma pesquisa de aproximação descritiva-bibliográfica de caráter bibliométrico na base de dados referida. Partimos de um conjunto de 799 trabalhos, dos quais 323 formaram o corpus de análise quanto às categorias: (i) distribuição da produção por ano, (ii) autores, (iii) idiomas, (iv) tipos de produção. Os resultados mostram uma quantidade de trabalhos e de autores (315) envolvidos com MTSK muito superior aos encontrados anteriormente. Diante de suas características, concluímos, em consonância com estudos antecedentes, que há aumento substancial da produção, que há um núcleo de pesquisadores mais prolífico que trabalham colaborativa e internacionalmente, com predomínio de artigos em espanhol e português, dentre outros. Como novidade, identificamos que houve um crescimento da produção MTSK no Brasil proporcionalmente muito maior do que a global, um consistente aumento anual de ingresso de novos pesquisadores, mais tipos de publicações e sua relevância, dentre outros. Por fim, diante deste cenário de aumento de interesse e disseminação do marco MTSK, apontamos a quem pode interessar nossos resultados e destacamos os percursos de novas pesquisas em andamento.
SARS-CoV-2-Associated Nephropathy: Direct Renal Infection and Damage
Authors: Salvadori Maurizio
Published: December 2020

Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), principally because of hypotension and decreased kidney perfusion secondary to haemodynamic or haemostatic factors, drug-induced nephrotoxicity, and cytokine storm syndrome related to sepsis. Additionally, several factors support the existence of SARS-CoV-2-associated nephropathy, such as early, new-onset proteinuria and haematuria in many patients, the identification of SARS-CoV-2 viral load in precisely defined kidney compartments, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical evidence of direct viral infection of the kidneys, and, most importantly, morphological alterations associated with cytopathic action induced by the virus. In addition, collapsing glomerulopathy that has been reported in patients of African American descent with underlying apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) kidney risk alleles and SARS-CoV-2 infection is evidence of a distinct form of SARS-CoV-2-associated nephropathy, the APOL1-SARS-CoV2-associated nephropathy.
The Resettlement of Syre, Sutherland by the Congested Districts Board
Authors: Bangor-Jones Malcolm
Published: December 2020

Syre in Strathnaver was one of a small number of land purchase schemes undertaken by the Congested Districts Board set up by the Conservative government. Following a protracted negotiation with the Duke of Sutherland with interventions by the local crofters and the Sutherland County Council, 23 settlers took up holdings in 1901. They experienced difficulties not only in paying for the sheepstock but also in repaying the purchase money and loans advanced for buildings. In a changed political climate the settlers petitioned to be rent-paying tenants under the crofting legislation which was eventually granted in 1912. Syre was considered an expensive failure as a land-purchase scheme although agriculturally it was a success. A change in the way Syre was regarded by politicians came during the First World War.
Teachers’ Perspectives and Attitudes towards Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL)
Authors: OZFIDAN Burhan , BURLBAW Lynn
Published: December 2020

Using technology in language learning can develop practices for students through experiential learning, enhance student achievement, motivate students to learn more, encourage greater interaction between teachers and students and students and peers, increase authentic materials for study, escape from a single source of information, enlarge global understanding, and emphasize individual needs. The purpose of the study was to measure the perspectives of teachers regarding computer-assisted language learning (CALL) and create a better understanding of CALL. The study had 186 participants (114 female and 72 male), all of whom were K-12 teachers in the United States. The first phase of the study used exploratory factor analysis to reveal the underlying structure of a relatively large set of variables. The second phase of the study used descriptive analysis to measure perspectives and attitudes towards CALL. The results of the study highlighted that teachers have affirmative perspectives and attitudes for using technology in their classrooms. Teachers considered computer technology as a useful teaching tool that can improve ways of teaching by expanding the learning experiences of students in real and authentic contexts and offering them a variety of language inputs.
Why and How Do University Students Use Facebook in Everyday Life?
Authors: SIMSEK Ali , DABAJ Fahme , SIMSEK Eylem
Published: December 2020

The use of Facebook in everyday life has become widespread all around the world regardless of countries and cultures. The largest group of Facebook users consists of young people, particularly university students. This study investigated the attitudes of university students toward Facebook, their major reasons for using this social media application in everyday life, and the factors affecting the types of desired relationships with Facebook friends. A survey consisting of 63 items about demographics of participants and their preferences for the use of Facebook was administered to collect data. The sample of the study included 924 undergraduate students from a large public university in North Cyprus. A number of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed to analyze data in relation to the research questions. Results suggested that the students generally had positive attitudes toward Facebook, although there were certain differences in terms of demographics. The primary reason for using Facebook was interpersonal communications with close friends. The most powerful factor affecting the types of relationships in Facebook was perceived quality of communication and/or socialization. Along with the other findings, implications of the results for future research were discussed.
Analysis Models of Pupil Class Collectives Focused on Efficiency of the Educational Process
Authors: CIUCHI Oana Mariana
Published: December 2020

The paper presents four models, references for analysis, and approaches of the most important social micro-groups in an educational unit, i.e. the groups of pupils’ classes. The micro-research carried out, consisting in the application of a questionnaire with closed and open questions applied on a group of 711 teachers in Romanian pre-university education, identifies the socio-psychological and socio-pedagogical model as the most effective models for approaching the pupil class and the pandemic period that everyone went through as the determining cause of some changes of approach of the social actors of the Romanian pre-university education system. In order to increase the efficiency of the educational process, it is recommended to digitize it by increasing connectivity in schools, the digital literacy of pupils, the training and development of digital skills among teachers, according to the priorities set by the European Commission for the next period.
Effects of Chemical Post-treatments on Structural and Physicochemical Properties of Silk Fibroin Films Obtained From Silk Fibrous Waste
Authors: Puerta Melissa , Peresin Maria S. , Restrepo-Osorio Adriana
Published: December 2020

Silk fibroin (SF) is a protein polymer claimed to have outstanding potential for medical applications. However, because of the manufacturing process, materials from regenerated SF exhibit a higher percentage of amorphous structures. The amorphous structures cause the material to be water soluble and can significantly limit its applications in wet biological environments. In order to increase the amount of crystalline structures and decrease the water solubility of SF materials, post-treatment with alcohols is usually employed. SF can be obtained from silk fibrous wastes (SFW), usually discarded in silk textile processes. This represents an opportunity to produce materials with high added value from low-cost natural sources. In this study, SF was obtained from SFW, and films were made thereof followed by a post-treatment by immersion or in a saturated atmosphere of methanol (MeOH) or ethanol (EtOH), using different exposure times. The resulting films were analyzed according to crystallinity, the percentage of crystalline and amorphous structures, and thermal stability. Also, water absorption and weight loss in aqueous media were determined. The results showed a significant increase in crystalline structures in all treated samples, varying according to the type and time of exposure to post-treatment conducted. The highest increase was shown in the case of the post-treatment by immersion in MeOH for 1 h, with a 23% increase over the untreated sample. This increase in crystallinity was reflected in an increase in the degradation temperature and a degradation rate of 5.3% on day 7. The possibility of tuning the degree of crystallinity, as well as thermal stability and aqueous integrity of thin films of SFW, can be applied to adjust these materials to the requirements of specific biomedical applications.
Sanger Validation of High-Throughput Sequencing in Genetic Diagnosis: Still the Best Practice?
Authors: De Cario Rosina , Kura Ada , Suraci Samuele , Magi Alberto , Volta Andrea , Marcucci Rossella , Gori Anna Maria , Pepe Guglielmina , Giusti Betti , Sticchi Elena
Published: December 2020

Next-generation sequencing (NGS)’s crucial role in supporting genetic diagnosis and personalized medicine leads to the definition of Guidelines for Diagnostic NGS by the European Society of Human Genetics. Factors of different nature producing false-positive/negative NGS data together with the paucity of internationally accepted guidelines providing specified NGS quality metrics to be followed for diagnostics purpose made the Sanger validation of NGS variants still mandatory. We reported the analysis of three cases of discrepancy between NGS and Sanger sequencing in a cohort of 218 patients. NGS was performed by Illumina MiSeq® and Haloplex/SureSelect protocols targeting 97 or 57 or 10 gene panels usually applied for diagnostics. Variants called following guidelines suggested by the Broad Institute and identified according to MAF <0.01 and allele balance >0.2 were Sanger validated. Three out of 945 validated variants showed a discrepancy between NGS and Sanger. In all three cases, a deep evaluation of the discrepant gene variant results and methodological approach allowed to confirm the NGS datum. Allelic dropout (ADO) occurrence during polymerase chain or sequencing reaction was observed, mainly related to incorrect variant zygosity. Our study extends literature data in which almost 100% “high quality” NGS variants are confirmed by Sanger; moreover, it demonstrates that in case of discrepancy between a high-quality NGS variant and Sanger validation, NGS call should not be a priori assumed to represent the source of the error. Actually, difficulties (i.e., ADO, unpredictable presence of private variants on primer-binding regions) of the so-called gold standard direct sequencing should be considered especially in light of the constantly implemented and accurate high-throughput technologies. Our data along with literature raise a discussion on the opportunity to establish a standardized quality threshold by International Guidelines for clinical NGS in order to limit Sanger confirmation to borderline conditions of variant quality parameters and verification of correct gene variant call/patient coupling on a different blood sample aliquot.
Transplacental Innate Immune Training via Maternal Microbial Exposure: Role of XBP1-ERN1 Axis in Dendritic Cell Precursor Programming
Authors: Mincham Kyle T. , Jones Anya C. , Bodinier Marie , Scott Naomi M. , Lauzon-Joset Jean-Francois , Stumbles Philip A. , Bosco Anthony , Holt Patrick G. , Strickland Deborah H.
Published: December 2020

We recently reported that offspring of mice treated during pregnancy with the microbial-derived immunomodulator OM-85 manifest striking resistance to allergic airways inflammation, and localized the potential treatment target to fetal conventional dendritic cell (cDC) progenitors. Here, we profile maternal OM-85 treatment-associated transcriptomic signatures in fetal bone marrow, and identify a series of immunometabolic pathways which provide essential metabolites for accelerated myelopoiesis. Additionally, the cDC progenitor compartment displayed treatment-associated activation of the XBP1-ERN1 signalling axis which has been shown to be crucial for tissue survival of cDC, particularly within the lungs. Our forerunner studies indicate uniquely rapid turnover of airway mucosal cDCs at baseline, with further large-scale upregulation of population dynamics during aeroallergen and/or pathogen challenge. We suggest that enhanced capacity for XBP1-ERN1-dependent cDC survival within the airway mucosal tissue microenvironment may be a crucial element of OM-85-mediated transplacental innate immune training which results in postnatal resistance to airway inflammatory disease.
Application of Referencing Techniques in EEG-Based Recordings of Contact Heat Evoked Potentials (CHEPS)
Authors: Anders Malte , Anders Björn , Kreuzer Matthias , Zinn Sebastian , Walter Carmen
Published: December 2020

Evoked potentials in the amplitude-time spectrum of the electroencephalogram are commonly used to assess the extent of brain responses to stimulation with noxious contact heat. The magnitude of the N- and P-waves are used as a semi-objective measure of the response to the painful stimulus: the higher the magnitude, the more painful the stimulus has been perceived. The strength of the N-P-wave response is also largely dependent on the chosen reference electrode site. The goal of this study was to examine which reference technique excels both in practical and theoretical terms when analyzing noxious contact heat evoked potentials (CHEPS) in the amplitude-time spectrum. We recruited 21 subjects (10 male, 11 female, mean age of 55.79 years). We applied seven noxious contact heat stimuli using two temperatures, 51°C, and 54°C, to each subject. During EEG analysis, we aimed to identify the referencing technique which produces the highest N-wave and P-wave amplitudes with as little artifactual influence as possible. For this purpose, we applied the following six referencing techniques: mathematically linked A1/A2 (earlobes), average reference, REST, AFz, Pz, and mathematically linked PO7/PO8. We evaluated how these techniques impact the N-P amplitudes of CHEPS based on our data from healthy subjects. Considering all factors, we found that mathematically linked earlobes to be the ideal referencing site to use when displaying and evaluating CHEPS in the amplitude-time spectrum.
MMP13 Expression Is Increased Following Mutant α-Synuclein Exposure and Promotes Inflammatory Responses in Microglia
Authors: Sánchez Kathryn , Maguire-Zeiss Kathleen
Published: December 2020

α-Synuclein is a 140-amino acid protein that readily misfolds and is associated with the Lewy body pathology found in sporadic and genetic forms of Parkinson's disease. We and others have shown that wild-type α-synuclein is a damage-associated molecular pattern that directly elicits a proinflammatory response in microglia through toll-like receptor activation. Here we investigated the direct effect of oligomeric mutant α-synuclein (A53T) on microglia morphology and activation. We found that misfolded A53T increased quantitative measures of amoeboid cell morphology, NFκB nuclear translocation and the expression of prototypical proinflammatory molecules. We also demonstrated that A53T increased expression of MMP13, a matrix metalloproteinase that remodels the extracellular matrix. To better understand the role of MMP13 in synucleinopathies, we further characterized the role of MMP13 in microglial signaling. We showed exposure of microglia to MMP13 induced a change in morphology and promoted the release of TNFα and MMP9. Notably, IL1β was not released indicating that the pathway involved in MMP13 activation of microglia may be different than the A53T pathway. Lastly, MMP13 increased the expression of CD68 suggesting that the lysosomal pathway might be altered by this MMP. Taken together this study shows that mutant α-synuclein directly induces a proinflammatory phenotype in microglia, which includes the expression of MMP13. In turn, MMP13 directly alters microglia supporting the need for multi-target therapies to treat Parkinson's disease patients.
Impact of Covid-19 on Household Food Waste: The Case of Italy
Authors: Pappalardo Gioacchino , Cerroni Simone , Nayga Rodolfo M. , Yang Wei
Published: December 2020

Covid-19 has significantly affected people's food purchasing and consumption habits. Fears of disruptions in the food supply chain have caused an increase in the quantity and type of food bought by households. However, increases in food purchases could give rise to food waste with negative ramifications for the environment in terms of greenhouse emissions and groundwater pollution. To assess whether household food waste has changed during Covid-19 lockdown, we conducted a nationwide survey of household food purchasers in Italy. Although the amount of food purchases increased during the lockdown, our results show that food waste actually decreased as people mainly bought more non-perishable food. Interestingly, concerns about the impact that the pandemic could have on the waste management system and the desire not to add pressure to the waste management system are key drivers of decreased food waste in Italy during the pandemic. Our findings seem to suggest that Italian consumers are developing a new level of awareness about food waste with potential positive impacts on the environment in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and groundwater pollution.
Medical Image-Based Hemodynamic Analyses in a Study of the Pulmonary Artery in Children With Pulmonary Hypertension Related to Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Wang Liping , Liu Jinlong , Zhong Yumin , Zhang Mingjie , Xiong Jiwen , Shen Juanya , Tong Zhirong , Xu Zhuoming
Published: December 2020

Objective: Pulmonary hypertension related to congenital heart disease (PH-CHD) is a devastating disease caused by hemodynamic disorders. Previous hemodynamic research in PH-CHD mainly focused on wall shear stress (WSS). However, energy loss (EL) is a vital parameter in evaluation of hemodynamic status. We investigated if EL of the pulmonary artery (PA) is a potential biomechanical marker for comprehensive assessment of PH-CHD.

Materials and Methods: Ten PH-CHD patients and 10 age-matched controls were enrolled. Subject-specific 3-D PA models were reconstructed based on computed tomography. Transient flow, WSS, and EL in the PA were calculated using non-invasive computational fluid dynamics. The relationship between body surface area (BSA)-normalized EL (E.) and PA morphology and PA flow were analyzed.

Results: Morphologic analysis indicated that the BSA-normalized main PA (MPA) diameter (DMPAnorm), MPA/aorta diameter ratio (DMPA/DAO), and MPA/(left PA + right PA) [DMPA/D(LPA+RPA)] diameter ratio were significantly larger in PH-CHD patients. Hemodynamic results showed that the velocity of the PA branches was higher in PH-CHD patients, in whom PA flow rate usually increased. WSS in the MPA was lower and E. was higher in PH-CHD patients. E. was positively correlated with DMPAnorm, DMPA/DAO, and DMPA/D(LPA+RPA) ratios and the flow rate in the PA. E. was a sensitive index for the diagnosis of PH-CHD.

Conclusion:E. is a potential biomechanical marker for PH-CHD assessment. This hemodynamic parameter may lead to new directions for revealing the potential pathophysiologic mechanism of PH-CHD.
Higher Atmospheric CO2 Levels Favor C3 Plants Over C4 Plants in Utilizing Ammonium as a Nitrogen Source
Authors: Wang Feng , Gao Jingwen , Yong Jean W. H. , Wang Qiang , Ma Junwei , He Xinhua
Published: December 2020

Photosynthesis of wheat and maize declined when grown with NH4+ as a nitrogen (N) source at ambient CO2 concentration compared to those grown with a mixture of NO3– and NH4+, or NO3– as the sole N source. Interestingly, these N nutritional physiological responses changed when the atmospheric CO2 concentration increases. We studied the photosynthetic responses of wheat and maize growing with various N forms at three levels of growth CO2 levels. Hydroponic experiments were carried out using a C3 plant (wheat, Triticum aestivum L. cv. Chuanmai 58) and a C4 plant (maize, Zea mays L. cv. Zhongdan 808) given three types of N nutrition: sole NO3– (NN), sole NH4+ (AN) and a mixture of both NO3– and NH4+ (Mix-N). The test plants were grown using custom-built chambers where a continuous and desired atmospheric CO2 (Ca) concentration could be maintained: 280 μmol mol–1 (representing the pre-Industrial Revolution CO2 concentration of the 18th century), 400 μmol mol–1 (present level) and 550 μmol mol–1 (representing the anticipated futuristic concentration in 2050). Under AN, the decrease in net photosynthetic rate (Pn) was attributed to a reduction in the maximum RuBP-regeneration rate, which then caused reductions in the maximum Rubisco-carboxylation rates for both species. Decreases in electron transport rate, reduction of electron flux to the photosynthetic carbon [Je(PCR)] and electron flux for photorespiratory carbon oxidation [Je(PCO)] were also observed under AN for both species. However, the intercellular (Ci) and chloroplast (Cc) CO2 concentration increased with increasing atmospheric CO2 in C3 wheat but not in C4 maize, leading to a higher Je(PCR)/ Je(PCO) ratio. Interestingly, the reduction of Pn under AN was relieved in wheat through higher CO2 levels, but that was not the case in maize. In conclusion, elevating atmospheric CO2 concentration increased Ci and Cc in wheat, but not in maize, with enhanced electron fluxes towards photosynthesis, rather than photorespiration, thereby relieving the inhibition of photosynthesis under AN. Our results contributed to a better understanding of NH4+ involvement in N nutrition of crops growing under different levels of CO2.