bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Emerging Role of Vitamin C in the Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Carr Anitra C. , Rowe Sam
Published: October 2020

Investigation into the role of vitamin C in the prevention and treatment of pneumonia and sepsis has been underway for many decades. This research has laid a strong foundation for translation of these findings into patients with severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Research has indicated that patients with pneumonia and sepsis have low vitamin C status and elevated oxidative stress. Administration of vitamin C to patients with pneumonia can decrease the severity and duration of the disease. Critically ill patients with sepsis require intravenous administration of gram amounts of the vitamin to normalize plasma levels, an intervention that some studies suggest reduces mortality. The vitamin has pleiotropic physiological functions, many of which are relevant to COVID-19. These include its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic and immuno-modulatory functions. Preliminary observational studies indicate low vitamin C status in critically ill patients with COVID-19. There are currently a number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) registered globally that are assessing intravenous vitamin C monotherapy in patients with COVID-19. Since hypovitaminosis C and deficiency are common in low–middle-income settings, and many of the risk factors for vitamin C deficiency overlap with COVID-19 risk factors, it is possible that trials carried out in populations with chronic hypovitaminosis C may show greater efficacy. This is particularly relevant for the global research effort since COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting low–middle-income countries and low-income groups globally. One small trial from China has finished early and the findings are currently under peer review. There was significantly decreased mortality in the more severely ill patients who received vitamin C intervention. The upcoming findings from the larger RCTs currently underway will provide more definitive evidence. Optimization of the intervention protocols in future trials, e.g., earlier and sustained administration, is warranted to potentially improve its efficacy. Due to the excellent safety profile, low cost, and potential for rapid upscaling of production, administration of vitamin C to patients with hypovitaminosis C and severe respiratory infections, e.g., COVID-19, appears warranted.
Nutritional Guideline for the Management of Mexican Patients with CKD and Hyperphosphatemia
Authors: Palafox-Serdán Frida , Luna-Montiel Olinto A. , Pablo-Franco Sebastián E. , Guillen-Tejada Daniela L. , Carreño-Vázquez Sandra D. , Silva Pereira Taísa S. , Islas Romero Laura M. , Villaseñor López Karen , Ortega-Régules Ana E. , Jiménez-Garduño Aura M.
Published: October 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a serious concern for the Mexican population since the main predisposing diseases (diabetes, hypertension, etc.) have a high prevalence in the country. The development of frequent comorbidities during CKD such as anemia, metabolic disorders, and hyperphosphatemia increases the costs, symptoms, and death risks of the patients. Hyperphosphatemia is likely the only CKD comorbidity in which pharmaceutical options are restricted to phosphate binders and where nutritional management seems to play an important role for the improvement of biochemical and clinical parameters. Nutritional interventions aiming to control serum phosphate levels need to be based on food tables, which should be specifically elaborated for the cultural context of each population. Until now, there are no available food charts compiling a high amount of Mexican foods and describing phosphorus content as well as the phosphate to protein ratio for nutritional management of hyperphosphatemia in CKD. In this work, we elaborate a highly complete food chart as a reference for Mexican clinicians and include charts of additives and drug phosphate contents to consider extra sources of inorganic phosphate intake. We aim to provide an easy guideline to contribute to the implementation of more nutritional interventions focusing on this population in the country.
Genomic Features and Evolution of the Parapoxvirus during the Past Two Decades
Authors: Yao Xiaoting , Pang Ming , Wang Tianxing , Chen Xi , Tang Xidian , Chang Jianjun , Chen Dekun , Ma Wentao
Published: October 2020

Parapoxvirus (PPV) has been identified in some mammals and poses a great threat to both the livestock production and public health. However, the prevalence and evolution of this virus are still not fully understood. Here, we performed an in silico analysis to investigate the genomic features and evolution of PPVs. We noticed that although there were significant differences of GC contents between orf virus (ORFV) and other three species of PPVs, all PPVs showed almost identical nucleotide bias, that is GC richness. The structural analysis of PPV genomes showed the divergence of different PPV species, which may be due to the specific adaptation to their natural hosts. Additionally, we estimated the phylogenetic diversity of seven different genes of PPV. According to all available sequences, our results suggested that during 2010–2018, ORFV was the dominant virus species under the selective pressure of the optimal gene patterns. Furthermore, we found the substitution rates ranged from 3.56 × 10−5 to 4.21 × 10−4 in different PPV segments, and the PPV VIR gene evolved at the highest substitution rate. In these seven protein-coding regions, purifying selection was the major evolutionary pressure, while the GIF and VIR genes suffered the greatest positive selection pressure. These results may provide useful knowledge on the virus genetic evolution from a new perspective which could help to create prevention and control strategies.
Longitudinal Changes of Deep and Surface Learning in a Constructivist Pharmacy Curriculum
Authors: Koster Andries S. , Vermunt Jan D.
Published: October 2020

In the undergraduate Pharmacy program at the department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, an educational model is used that is aimed at the development of deep and self-regulating learning. It is, however, unknown whether these objectives are realized. The aim of this study was to assess longitudinal changes in processing and regulation strategies of student learning during their progression in the curriculum, that is explicitly based on constructivist principles. Processing strategies (deep vs. stepwise), regulation strategies (self- vs. external), conceptions of learning and orientations to learning were measured with the Inventory of Learning patterns of Students (ILS). Longitudinal data are reported here for students, of which data are available for year 1/2 and year 4/5 (n = 90). The results demonstrate that the use of deep processing (critical thinking in particular, effect size = 0.94), stepwise processing (analyzing in particular, effect size = 0.55) and concrete processing strategies (effect size = 0.78) increases between the bachelor phase (year 1/2) and the master phase (year 4/5). This change is based on the students having a constructivist view about the nature of learning and is mediated through a relatively large increase in the use of self-regulating strategies (effect size = 0.75). We conclude that this six-year undergraduate Pharmacy program effectively stimulates the development of deep and self-regulated learning strategies in pharmacy students.
The InflateSAR Campaign: Evaluating SAR Identification Capabilities of Distressed Refugee Boats
Authors: Lanz Peter , Marino Armando , Brinkhoff Thomas , Köster Frank , Möller Matthias
Published: October 2020

Most of the recent research in the field of marine target detection has been concentrating on ships with large metallic parts. The focus of this work is on much more challenging targets represented by small rubber inflatables. They are of importance, since in recent years they have largely been used by migrants to cross the Mediterranean Sea between Libya and Europe. The motivation of this research is to mitigate the ongoing humanitarian crisis at Europe’s southern borders. These boats, packed with up to 200 people, are in no way suitable to cross the Mediterranean Sea or any other big water body and are in distress from the moment of departure. The establishment of a satellite-based surveillance infrastructure could considerably support search and rescue missions in the Mediterranean Sea, reduce the number of such boats being missed and mitigate the ongoing death in the open ocean. In this work we describe and analyze data from the InflateSAR acquisition campaign, wherein we gathered multiple-platform SAR imagery of an original refugee inflatable. The test site for this campaign is a lake which provides background clutter that is more predictable. The analysis considered a sum of experiments, enabling investigations of a broad range of scene settings, such as the vessel’s orientation, superstructures and speed. We assess their impact on the detectability of the chosen target under different sensor parameters, such as polarimetry, resolution and incidence angle. Results show that TerraSAR-X Spotlight and Stripmap modes offer good capabilities to potentially detect those types of boats in distress. Low incidence angles and cross-polarization decrease the chance of a successful identification, whereas a fully occupied inflatable, orthogonally oriented to the line of sight, seems to be better visible than an empty one. The polarimetric analyses prove the vessel’s different polarimetric behavior in comparison with the water surface, especially when it comes to entropy. The analysis considered state-of-the-art methodologies with single polarization and dual polarization channels. Finally, different metrics are used to discuss whether and to which extent the results are applicable to other open ocean datasets. This paper does not introduce any vessel detection or classification algorithm from SAR images. Rather, its results aim at paving the way to the design and the development of a specially tailored detection algorithm for small rubber inflatables.
RFI Suppression for SAR Systems Based on Removed Spectrum Iterative Adaptive Approach
Authors: Xu Wei , Xing Weida , Fang Chonghua , Huang Pingping , Tan Weixian , Gao Zhiqi
Published: October 2020

A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system can be seriously contaminated by radio frequency systems because of working in the same microwave frequency bands, which would degrade the SAR image quality and affect the accuracy of image interpretation. In this paper, a novel radio frequency interference (RFI) suppression approach including RFI identification, band-stop filtering and a removed spectrum iterative adaptive approach (RSIAA) is proposed. First, the smoothing process is added before RFI signal detection to improve the RFI detection capacity. Afterwards, the band-stop filtering with a broaden factor is proposed to mitigate the residual RFI, and it ensures the accuracy of the following removed spectrum recovery by the RSIAA. Finally, the removed spectrum components are estimated from available adjacent spectrum data by the RSIAA in turn to obtain the desired range spectra. Compared with the conventional range frequency filtering method for RFI suppression, the capacity of the weak RFI signal detection is improved, and the increased sidelobes due to the discontinuous spectra are well suppressed. Simulation experiments on both simulated SAR raw data, Gaofen-3 and Sentinel-1 SAR raw data validate the proposed RFI suppression approach.
Performance Comparison for Two Cable Extraction Machines in a Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr. Plantation
Authors: Baek Seung-An , Cho Koo-Hyun , Lee Eunjai
Published: October 2020

Forests in Korea are mainly located in steep mountainous areas, where small-shovel-based extraction technology is widely used, with the level of mechanization undoubtedly low due to financial limitations. On this steep terrain, a better approach may be to use cable yarders, which can offer high revenues through cable-based extraction. Therefore, improving the efficiency of cable yarding activities in good-quality timber forests is necessary. The main objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the productivity and cost of a cable yarder operation for tree-length clearcut treatment of a Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr. stand and (2) compare the productivity efficiency of two yarder (K301-4 and HAM300) types. The productivity rates of the K301-4 ranged from 10.2 to 12.5 m3/productive machine hours, with corresponding costs of US $12.6–15.4 /m3. The productivity of the HAM300 was 26% lower than that of the K301-4 for a 30% lower cycle log volume while yarding and a comparable lateral distance. This study provides insights to support production and management decisions in the forest supply chain associated with planning cable-yarding operations.
Online Recommendation Systems: Factors Influencing Use in E-Commerce
Authors: Cabrera-Sánchez Juan-Pedro , Ramos-de-Luna Iviane , Carvajal-Trujillo Elena , Villarejo-Ramos Ángel F.
Published: October 2020

The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) to understand purchasing behavior has led to the development of recommendation systems in e-commerce platforms used as an influential element in the purchase decision process. This paper intends to ascertain what factors affect consumers’ adoption and use of online purchases recommendation systems. In order to achieve this objective, the Unified Theory of Adoption and Use of Technology (UTAUT 2) is extended with two variables that act as an inhibiting or positive influence on intention to use: technology fear and trust. The structural model was assessed using partial least squares (PLS) with an adequate global adjustment on a sample of 448 users of online recommendation systems. Among the results, it’s highlighted the importance of the inhibiting role of technology fear and the importance that users attach to the level of perceived trust in the recommendation system are highlighted. The performance expectancy and hedonic motivations have the greatest influence on intention to use these systems. Based on the results, this work provides a relevant recommendation to companies for the design of their e-commerce platforms and the implementation of online purchase recommendation systems.
Path toward a Child-Centered Approach in the Czech Social and Legal Protection of Children
Authors: Gojová Alice , Gřundělová Barbora , Cilečková Kateřina , Chrenková Monika
Published: October 2020

Child protection was traditionally based on a presumption that the mother best knows what is in the best interest of her child. The discourse began to be questioned in the Czech Republic in the 1990s, followed by efforts to bring interests and needs of children into focus, as well as the ways in which they can be taken into account in the assessment process as a basis for intervention. This paper aimed to identify key features of the child-centered approach in the professional discourse of the Czech child protection and to analyze the conditions of its application. The goal was achieved through qualitative thematic analysis of professional texts in the area of social and legal protection of children since 1990 and also of legislative and methodological materials regulating child protection. This paper shows the changing of the paradigm in the social and legal protection of children and points out the shortcomings in social work practice. The reason for optimism may be the fact that an umbrella body of state administration for child protection is aware of shortcomings and, in the form of projects focusing on various topics of social work with families, works to improve competences and knowledge.
Students’ Perceptions of Interdisciplinary Coursework: An Australian Case Study of the Master of Environment and Sustainability
Authors: Abbonizio Jessica K. , Ho Susie S. Y.
Published: October 2020

Over the past decade we have seen a global increase in interdisciplinary sustainability degrees. These degrees are relatively understudied due to their recent emergence. To better understand the challenges and benefits of this type of coursework and learning experience, we must explore students’ perspectives. Rarely explored from the student viewpoint are: (1) highly interdisciplinary instruction that transcends more than four disciplines; (2) the potential effect of students’ incoming disciplinary background. This case study seized an opportunity to gain insights and perceptions from students across very diverse backgrounds within a shared interdisciplinary program. We surveyed 61 students enrolled in a highly interdisciplinary degree (Master of Environment and Sustainability; Monash University, Melbourne, Australia) and compared responses of students from STEMM, non-STEMM and mixed incoming degrees. Students’ specific disciplinary backgrounds were diverse, including physical sciences, engineering, marketing, business, fashion, law and education. We used a mixed methods approach to analyze survey data. The dominant perceived benefits of interdisciplinary training reported were: (1) career relevance; (2) expanded knowledge and perspectives of sustainability issues; (3) confidence in envisioning sustainability solutions. The main perceived challenges reported were potential confusion from rapidly upskilling into new domains and disciplinary jargon. Interestingly, respondents in this case study viewed these challenges as an authentic reflection of professional sustainability practice rather than a pedagogical issue. In line with this, students showed a preference for pedagogical approaches that simulated real world scenarios and developed career skills. Disciplinary background did not generally influence students’ views. All students identified similar challenges, benefits and pedagogical preferences, with one difference. Students from mixed prior degrees and non-STEMM disciplines showed a possible trend towards valuing cross-disciplinary teamwork more than those from STEMM backgrounds. Overall, our findings suggest that the diverse student cohort within the highly interdisciplinary sustainability program of this case study generally viewed this mode of education as beneficial, career-relevant and accessible. This case study may additionally encourage interdisciplinary educators from other fields, such as health professions, to also include more diverse domains and student cohorts in their programs.
An Early Flame Detection System Based on Image Block Threshold Selection Using Knowledge of Local and Global Feature Analysis
Authors: Hsu Ting Wei , Pare Shreya , Meena Mahendra Singh , Jain Deepak Kumar , Li Dong Lin , Saxena Amit , Prasad Mukesh , Lin Chin Teng
Published: October 2020

Fire is one of the mutable hazards that damage properties and destroy forests. Many researchers are involved in early warning systems, which considerably minimize the consequences of fire damage. However, many existing image-based fire detection systems can perform well in a particular field. A general framework is proposed in this paper which works on realistic conditions. This approach filters out image blocks based on thresholds of different temporal and spatial features, starting with dividing the image into blocks and extraction of flames blocks from image foreground and background, and candidates blocks are analyzed to identify local features of color, source immobility, and flame flickering. Each local feature filter resolves different false-positive fire cases. Filtered blocks are further analyzed by global analysis to extract flame texture and flame reflection in surrounding blocks. Sequences of successful detections are buffered by a decision alarm system to reduce errors due to external camera influences. Research algorithms have low computation time. Through a sequence of experiments, the result is consistent with the empirical evidence and shows that the detection rate of the proposed system exceeds previous studies and reduces false alarm rates under various environments.
Wind Resources Assessment and Development of Grid Connected Wind Farm—A Case Study
Authors: Chen Ming-Hong , Lin Yan-Ting , Chiu Pao-Hsiung , Cho Ching-Chang , Weng Huei Chu
Published: October 2020

In the present study, the case study of micro-siting for the campus of the Institute of Nuclear Energy Research (INER) is conducted. Results from the effect of weather data suggest that for the wind turbine system higher than 20 m, the effect of nearby building and wake on electricity production would be less important. The effect of different weather data on the generated annual electricity production (AEP) is consistent for the wind turbine higher than 20 m. The difference between the calculated and real AEP of INER-150 kW wind turbine is only 1.1%, which is much better than some previous studies. The good agreement is mainly due to the higher height of the INER-150 kW (50 m), more stable coming wind and smaller impact of building on the performance of power production. Considering the proactivity on the installation for the site in INER campus, the finalized decision on the selection of wind turbine is 1 kW system. The power generation-related data are collected and processed for the fine tuning of model parameters in the future.
Sustainable Ship Loading Planning for Prefabricated Products in the Construction Industry
Authors: Yi Wen , Phipps Robyn , Wang Hans
Published: October 2020

This paper focuses on sustainable transportation of prefab products from factories to construction sites by ship. Since the transportation cost for all the prefab products of a construction site is mainly dependent on the number of cargo holds used on ships, a loading plan for prefab products that minimizes the number of holds required is highly desirable. This paper is therefore devoted to the development of an optimal loading plan that decides which prefab products are loaded into each cargo hold and how to pack these prefab products into the holds so that as few holds as possible are used. We formulate the problem as a large-scale integer optimization model whose objective function is to minimize the total number of cargo holds used and whose constraints represent the cargo hold capacity limits. We develop a heuristic to solve the problem and obtain a high-quality solution. We have tested the model and algorithm on a case study that includes 20 prefab products. We find that different cargo holds carry prefab products that have quite different densities. Moreover, the orientations of many prefab products are different from their default orientations. The results demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model and algorithm.
Is Price an Indicator of Garment Durability and Longevity?
Authors: Wakes Sarah , Dunn Linda , Penty Dahna , Kitson Kayla , Jowett Tim
Published: October 2020

Increasing focus on the sustainability of clothing has highlighted issues such as “fast fashion”, impacts of laundering, durability, perceptions and expectations of wear and quality. The general consensus is that low-price garments (usually “fast fashion”) are of low quality, low durability to laundering and are therefore more likely to be disposed of after minimal wears. The aim of this research is therefore to explore the relationship between price, perception of quality, frequency of laundering and durability to laundering of a common garment. Physical experiments on black T-shirts was undertaken to determine whether the price of a garment determines its quality in terms of durability to laundering; and a survey was conducted on perceptions of whether the quality of a garment is tied to its price. Price was found to not be a good indicator of physical performance, especially when it is lower. The two highest-priced T-shirts experienced the least change and this was attributed to better-quality fabric and construction. Participants expected more durability and higher quality as the price of the T-shirt increased and expectations were mostly pessimistic of garment performance to laundering compared to the actual performance compared against theoretically acceptable changes in garment dimension.
An Eco-Systematic View of Cross-Sector Fintech: The Case of Alibaba and Tencent
Authors: Zhang-Zhang Yingying , Rohlfer Sylvia , Rajasekera Jay
Published: October 2020

This paper explores the most recent Fintech (financial technology) phenomenon from an ecosystem perspective. Differentiated from the earlier Fintech evolution led by traditional financial institutions, “cross-sector” Fintech that operates at the intersection of financial services and information technology disrupts existing business models of banks while creating novel ecosystem dynamics. This study explores the Fintech ecosystem composition to understand better business model innovation based on underlying ecosystem dynamics while focusing on the specific role of cross-sector actors. These actors have escaped scrutiny despite being mature and experienced and having strong resource bases. Adopting a comparative case study method by considering the China-based Alibaba Group and Tencent, the study’s findings indicate that novel business model developments based on strong technological expertise and scale-based resources by cross-sector Fintech render a functional perspective on fast-developing Fintech industry less practical. Apart from cross-sector Fintech, investors constitute a new dimension in the conceptualization of the Fintech ecosystem. Overall, the interconnectedness of the cross-sector Fintech beyond the Fintech sectors drives the fuzzy boundaries between ecosystems, established business models, terminology definitions, ecosystem actors’ roles and relationships, which appear to become more heterogeneous and changeable over time. The study contributes to the scant literature on Fintech ecosystems and their sustainable development.
The Potential Role of Stakeholders in the Energy Efficiency of Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Garrido-Yserte Rubén , Gallo-Rivera María-Teresa
Published: October 2020

Higher education institutions (HEIs) have a huge potential to save energy as they are significantly more energy-intensive in comparison with commercial offices and manufacturing premises. This paper provides an overview of the chief actions of sustainability and energy efficiency addressed by the University of Alcalá (Madrid, Spain). The policies implemented have shifted the University of Alcalá (UAH) to become the top-ranking university in Spain and one of the leading universities internationally on environmentally sustainable practices. The paper highlights two key elements. First, the actions adopted by the managerial teams, and second, the potential of public–private collaboration when considering different stakeholders. A descriptive study is developed through document analysis. The results show that energy consumption per user and energy consumption per area first fall and are then maintained, thereby contributing to meeting the objectives of the Spanish Government’s Action Plan for Energy Saving and Efficiency (2011–2020). Because of the research approach, the results cannot be generalized. However, the paper fulfils an identified need to study the impact of HEIs and their stakeholders on sustainable development through initiatives in saving energy on their campuses and highlights the role of HEIs as test laboratories for the introduction of innovations in this field (monitoring, sensing, and reporting, among others).
Design of a Development Index for Spanish Municipalities
Authors: Nieto Masot Ana , Cárdenas Alonso Gema , Engelmo Moriche Ángela
Published: October 2020

Currently, the demographic vacuum and poor development suffered by most areas of Spain are some of the most worrying issues from a territorial point of view, which is why this study is necessary. In this paper, the objective is to create a Development Index with which to study the different realities of rural and urban spaces through demographic and socioeconomic variables of the Spanish municipalities. Principal Component Analysis is carried out, with whose results the index has been prepared. This is then explored with a Spatial Autocorrelation Analysis. The results show that most developed Spanish municipalities and most of the population are concentrated in coastal areas and in the main cities of the country. In opposition, there are interior rural areas with less developed municipalities at risk of disappearance due to their increasing ages and levels of depopulation. Thus, in this paper, new variables and methods are used in the study of the social and economic diversity of rural and urban areas, verifying the inequality that still exists between both.
Antibody Binding to SARS-CoV-2 S Glycoprotein Correlates with but Does Not Predict Neutralization
Authors: Ding Shilei , Laumaea Annemarie , Benlarbi Mehdi , Beaudoin-Bussières Guillaume , Gasser Romain , Medjahed Halima , Pancera Marie , Stamatatos Leonidas , McGuire Andrew , Bazin Renée , Finzi Andrés
Published: October 2020

Convalescent plasma from SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals and monoclonal antibodies were shown to potently neutralize viral and pseudoviral particles carrying the S glycoprotein. However, a non-negligent proportion of plasma samples from infected individuals, as well as S-specific monoclonal antibodies, were reported to be non-neutralizing despite efficient interaction with the S glycoprotein in different biochemical assays using soluble recombinant forms of S or when expressed at the cell surface. How neutralization relates to the binding of S glycoprotein in the context of viral particles remains to be established. Here, we developed a pseudovirus capture assay (VCA) to measure the capacity of plasma samples or antibodies immobilized on ELISA plates to bind to membrane-bound S glycoproteins from SARS-CoV-2 expressed at the surface of lentiviral particles. By performing VCA, ELISA, and neutralization assays, we observed a strong correlation between these parameters. However, while we found that plasma samples unable to capture viral particles did not neutralize, capture did not guarantee neutralization, indicating that the capacity of antibodies to bind to the S glycoprotein at the surface of pseudoviral particles is required but not sufficient to mediate neutralization. Altogether, our results highlight the importance of better understanding the inactivation of S by plasma and neutralizing antibodies.
Results of competitive variety trials of promising cultivar of Melissa officinalis L. subsp. Altissima (Smith.) Arcang.
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Nevkrytaya N.V. , Novikov I.A. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Published: October 2020

In 2017–2019, a competitive variety trial of promising cultivar MD 1-17 of Melissa officinalis L. subsp. Altissima (Smith.) Arcang was conducted. We compared it with M. officinalis L. subsp. Officinalis varieties ‘Krymchanka’ and ‘Lada’. Сultivar MD 1-17 significantly exceeds other varieties in terms of yield of fresh plant material (on average, by 77.4 and 62.2 %, respectively). It also surpasses variety ‘Krymchanka’ (the best in collecting essential oil from air-dried raw materials) by 57.1 %. Basic components presented in the essential oil of M. officinalis L. subsp. Altissima (Smith.) Arcang. cv. MD 1-17. Promising cultivar are caryophyllene (25.3–35.9 %) and germacrene D (17.7–31.2 %). Citral is almost completely absent or present in an insignificant amount (0.1–7.3 %); its proportion in the essential oil of varieties ‘Krymchanka’ and ‘Lada’ can reach 36.6 %.
Results of the introduction of Lupinus varieties and samples in the Steppe Crimea
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Ptashnik O.P.
Published: October 2020

Within a framework of Lupinus varieties and samples assessment, we have found that the growing season of Lupinus albus L. was 93, Lupinus angustifolius L. – 99, and Lupinus luteus L. – 95 days under conditions of the Steppe Crimea. The average yield of white lupin seeds was 1.63 t/ha; blue or narrow-leafed lupin – 1.18 t/ha; yellow lupin – 0.72 t/ha. L. albus is more productive compared to L. angustifolius and L. luteus. The seed yield of all studied varieties and samples of white lupin was higher than that of the standard one ‘Michurinsky’. Samples CH-2-17 and CH-78-16 were the most high-yielding (1.77 and 1.74 t/ha, respectively). Variety ‘Belorozovy 144’ was the most promising among the representatives of narrow-leafed lupin; its yield reached 1.64 t/ha. The best in grain size was white lupin; 1000-grains weight was within the range of 200-222g. Varieties of narrowleafed lupin ‘Belorozovy 144’ and ‘Bryansky kormovoy’ contained the least amount of alkaloids (0.021 and 0.022%, respectively).
Analysis of the collection of Salvia sclarea L. according to the main morphological and biological characteristics
Authors:   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Krivchik N.S. , Krivda S.I. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Nevkrytaya N.V. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Skipor O.B. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea, Kravchenko G.D. ,   Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea
Published: October 2020

In 2018–2019, in order to clarify the characteristics of Salvia sclarea L. samples, we analyzed the FSBSI “Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea” collection of clary sage under conditions of the Crimean Foothills. The analysis of this collection was carried out according to the main morphological and biological characteristics. The variability of the studied parameters and their dependence on weather conditions during the years of research were determined. Samples with an increased yield of inflorescences were noted. It reached up to 2.1 kg per plot (0.6 m2). Variety C 785 was the most highly-productive. Its yield was 1.6 kg per plot.
Corona Crisis Tendencies in the European Economy: New Challenges, Risks, Expectations
Authors: Kitrar L. A. , Lipkind T. M. , Ostapkovich G. V.
Published: October 2020

In the introduction of the article, the authors argued the critical relevance of the subject under consideration and described results of studies conducted both by international organizations and individual experts assessing the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic for the European Union and the available information and methodological foundations of a qualitative study of the current COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The article describes in detail the economic consequences of a coronavirus attack for the European region. The authors analyzed the main barriers to rapid economic recovery, the effects of the European Commission’s anti-crisis actions, short-term trends, forecasts of international organizations, and risks that emerged in the first half of 2020. According to the authors, many anti-crisis measures were taken in the region too gradually and heterogeneously across countries. Economic uncertainty and risks are still high. The divergence of countries, associated with the exit from the coronavirus crisis, is increasing. The authors also analyzed well-known composite indicators of business cycle surveys that reflect the short-term changes in economic sentiments of entrepreneurs and consumers in the European Union and the euro area and are published more quickly than traditional quantitative observations. The authors’ assessments are confirmed by the results of surveys conducted by international and national organizations, which indicate that all negative trends that characterize the «economic anxiety» of European managers and consumers have begun to slow down.
PROLINE IN WINTER WHEAT SHOOTS, OBTAINED AFTER GENETIC TRANSFORMATION
Authors: Сергєєва Л. Є. , Броннікова Л. І.
Published: October 2020

Gene engineering is one of the most appropriate methods for obtaining plants with higher tolerance to osmotic stresses. Osmotic stress stimulates the synthesis of compatible solutions that protect plants. The free proline was suggested as one of the possible means for overcoming osmotic stress. Its degradation after stress can provide nitrogen, carbon energy. The enzyme connected with proline degradation is proline dehydrogenase, (ProDH). ProDH serves important functions of stress reactions and the development of plants. Agrobacterium-mediated winter wheat transformation in planta using the strain LBA4404 was performed. The primary forms, genotypes UK 95/17 and UK 322/17, were selected in the Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The seeds were gathered and considered to be T0 generation, but till the experiment insertions of the transgene were not verified by PCR. The seeds were germinated on filter paper soaked with a 0.5M solution of mannitol. Germination frequencies were scored after a week of incubation. Mannitol affected seed germination in all tested types. At the same time genotype differences were observed. Under stress condition, the germination level of 95/17 initial form exceeded this parameter of T0 variants. At the same time, the 322/17 genotype demonstrated the opposite tendency. To study the salt resistance of the seeds, they were germinated in 0.5 diluted Murashige-Skuga solution with the addition of 20.0 g / l of seawater salts for 10 days. Free proline levels were estimated in the leaves of 10-day shoots. The winter wheat genotypes demonstrated peculiar characteristics. Salinity provoked the growth of free proline levels. For initial forms of UK95/17 and UK322/17, the proline levels were 1.77 and 4.53 times higher than normal parameters. At the same time under salinity the proline levels in T0 shoots of genotype 95/17 were 0.28–1.43 times and in T0 shoots of genotype 322/17 were 2.67–3.70 times of control marks. However, the proline numerical data of T0 forms of both genotypes were lower than the stress figures of their initial forms. Under osmotic stresses, the increase of proline is usually due to the growth of its synthesis. The events of transgene insertions were not verified by PCR. So we have no open data about transgene activity. But the peculiar features that we observed can be indicators of the indirect influence of transgene. The plant proline level even under normal conditions is not a constant feature but it changes during the vegetation. Proline is not only a compatible osmolyte but regulates the gene expression. In our opinion, the effectiveness of such a construction for obtaining plant forms with higher stress tolerance can be estimated during changes in stress/restoration conditions.
Competing or Interactive Effect Between Perceived Response Efficacy of Governmental Social Distancing Behaviors and Personal Freedom on Social Distancing Behaviors in the Chinese Adult General Population in Hong Kong
Authors: Yu Yanqiu , Lau Joseph Tak Fai , Lau Mason Man Chun
Published: October 2020

Background: Uptake of social distancing behaviors may be determined by a combination of individual perceptions and social values. The study investigated (1) the associations between individual perception of perceived response efficacy and social distancing behaviors, (2) the association between social value of perceived freedom infringement and social distancing behaviors, and (3) whether perceived freedom infringement would moderate the association between perceived response efficacy and social distancing behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional telephone survey interviewed 300 adults in the Hong Kong adult general population during April 21-28, 2020. The instruments of social distancing behaviors, perceived response efficacy, and perceived freedom infringement assessed the frequencies of practicing seven types of social distancing behaviors in the past week, perceived response efficacy of four types of governmental social distancing measures/instructions, and a 5-point Likert scale item on perceived infringement on personal freedom regarding a governmental social distancing measure of banning gatherings of >4 people in public areas. Linear regression adjusted for background factors was performed; the interaction term of perceived response efficacy × perceived freedom infringement was tested. Results: About 40.4%-83.0% of the respondents practiced various types of social distancing behaviors; 57.3%-75.0% perceived response efficacies of related governmental measures; about 20% showed perceived freedom infringement. Perceived response efficacy, but not perceived freedom infringement, was independently and positively associated with social distancing behaviors. Perceived freedom infringement significantly moderated the association between perceived response efficacy and social distancing behaviors; such a positive association was significant at higher (those scored "extremely agree"), but not lower (those scored "extremely disagree"), levels of perceived freedom infringement. Conclusion: Perceived response efficacy is a potential determinant of social distancing. However, the strength of such an association may be modified by opposing social values about personal freedom. Future studies are warranted to verify above findings and explore other potential determinants.
Adoption of Preventive Behaviour Strategies and Public Perceptions About COVID-19 in Singapore
Authors: Ozdemir Semra , Ng Sean , Chaudhry Isha , Finkelstein Eric Andrew
Published: October 2020

Background: The unprecedented severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) constitutes a serious public health concern. However, adoption of COVID-19-related preventive behaviours remain relatively unknown. This study investigated predictors of preventive behaviours. Methods: An analytical sample of 897 Singaporean adults who were quota sampled based on age, gender, and ethnicity were recruited through a web-enabled survey. Outcomes were adoption of, or increased frequency of preventive behaviours (avoiding social events; avoiding public transport; reducing time spent shopping and eating out; wearing a mask in public; avoiding hospitals/clinics; keeping children out of school, washing hands/using sanitisers; keeping surroundings clean; avoiding touching public surfaces; working from/studying at home). Public perceptions regarding COVID-19 (chances of getting COVID-19; perceived likelihood of COVID-19-related intensive care unit (ICU) admission; government trust; self-efficacy; perceived appropriateness of COVID-19 behaviours; response efficacy), anxiety, and demographic characteristics (age; ethnicity; marital status; education; chronic conditions; current living arrangements) were investigated as predictors of preventive behaviours adopted during COVID-19 in binomial and ordered logistic regressions. Results: Though adoption of preventive behaviours among Singaporeans varied, it was, overall, high, and consistent with government recommendations. Nearly a quarter reported moderate to severe anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder 7-item – GAD-7 scores). Respondents who perceived higher COVID-19 risks, had higher government trust, higher self-efficacy, and perceived that others acted appropriately reported increased adoption/frequency of preventive measures. The strongest indicator of behavioural change was response efficacy. Respondents who were older, highly educated, anxious and married reported higher adoption/frequency of preventive measures. Conclusion: To successfully influence appropriate preventive behaviours, public health messages should highlight response efficacy, increase self-efficacy, and promote trust in governmental response. Focus should be on demographic segments with low adoptions, such as younger individuals and those with low education.
Coefficient Estimates of Certain Subclasses of Bi-Bazilevic Functions Associated with Chebyshev Polynomials and Mittag-Leffler Function
Authors: Gbolagade Adeniyi Musibau , Awolere Ibrahim Tunji
Published: October 2020

In this present investigation, the authors introduced certain subclasses of the function class $ T^{\alpha}_{\theta}(\lambda, \beta, t)$ of bi-Bazilevic univalent functions defined in the open unit disk $U$, which are associated with Chebyshev polynomials and Mittag-Leffler function. We establish the Taylor Maclaurin coefficients $\left|a_{2}\right|$, $\left|a_{3}\right|$ and $\left|a_{4}\right|$ for functions in the new subclass introduced and the Fekete-Szego problem is solved.
Fethiye Körfezi Uzatma Ağları Balıkçılığı
Authors: KAYKAÇ Hakan , AYDIN Celalettin , TOSUNOĞLU Zafer
Published: October 2020

Balıkçılık kaynaklarının iyi yönetilebilmesi için stok ve avlanan balık miktarı kadar, balıkçılık filosunun ve kullanılan av araçlarının karakteristik yapısının da iyi derecede bilinmesine gereksinim vardır. Bu çalışma, Fethiye Körfezi’nde kullanılan uzatma ağlarının mevcut durumunu ve teknik yapısını ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu sayede ülkemizin önemli turizm merkezlerinden bir olan Fethiye’nin sürdürülebilir balıkçılığına katkı sağlanması hedeflenmiştir. Veriler, Fethiye’deki Su Ürünleri Kooperatiflerine kayıtlı üyeler ile Mayıs-Ağustos 2019 yılında yapılan görüşmeler ile elde edilmiştir. Bölgede kayıtlı toplam 141 balıkçı teknesi bulunmaktadır. Bunlardan 139’u küçük ölçekli balıkçılık ile uğraşmakta ve 100 teknede uzatma ağları ile avcılık yapıldığı tespit edilmiştir. Uluslararası uzatma ağı sınıflandırmasına göre 6 adet fanyalı ve 3 adet galsama uzatma ağı olmak üzere toplam 9 farklı uzatma ağının teknik plan ve detay çizimleri elde edilmiştir. Fethiye Körfezi balıkçılığında toplam 124775 m uzatma ağı kullanılmakta bunların %80’ini fanyalı ağlar oluşturmaktadır. Sonuç olarak, Fethiye Körfezi sürdürülebilir balıkçılık kaynakları yönetiminde küçük ölçekli balıkçı tekneleri ve fanyalı uzatma ağları önemli bir yer teşkil etmektedir.
Reflexiones sobre el estudio de las políticas de protección social en la Argentina de la primera mitad del siglo XX
Authors: Maddalena Pablo
Published: October 2020

Este trabajo se propone un recorrido por las principales producciones historiográficas que se ocuparon de abordar las políticas de protección social en Argentina durante la primera mitad del siglo XX. Una mirada puesta en las interpretaciones que los estudios históricos proporcionaron sobre la sanción de la Ley N° 9688 de Accidentes de Trabajo y Enfermedades Profesionales de 1915, entendida ésta como un elemento constitutivo en materia previsional, posibilita una doble contribución. Por un lado, comprender las preocupaciones que llevaron a que distintos autores analizaran las formas sobre las cuales se diseñaron y materializaron las primeras políticas sociales. Por el otro, translucir de qué forma la historiografía discutió la sanción de la Ley en cuestión como método para repensar la manera en que se producía una metamorfosis del Estado, cuyas novedosas instituciones adquirían atribuciones que permitían a su funcionariado una intervención cada vez más marcada en materia de protección social. Así, será posible establecer un balance respecto de los avances que la historiografía propició para lograr el conocimiento de ese Estado y de las políticas sociales que desde sus agencias se implementaron, sugiriendo a su vez posibles interrogantes para delinear una nueva agenda de investigación que, circunscripta al tema de accidentes laborales, pueda también replicarse hacia el entendimiento de las políticas de protección social en su conjunto.
El Estado en la Ciencia Social Moderna: conceptos, mediciones, indagación causal
Authors: Balán Pablo Ezequiel
Published: October 2020

Durante la última década, el Estado ha recobrado un rol central en las ciencias sociales. Este artículo ofrece una revisión selectiva de las principales contribuciones en el campo de la ciencia política y de la economía, con foco en tres problemas. En primer lugar, revisa enfoques conceptuales clásicos y contemporáneos del fenómeno estatal. En segundo lugar, lista y evalúa las fortalezas y los límites de distintos enfoques de medición. En tercer lugar, pasa revista a las regularidades empíricas referidas a la relación entre (i) Estado y régimen y (ii) Estado y desarrollo, subrayando los desacuerdos acerca de los mecanismos causales que las producen. En suma, a pesar de los progresos en este campo, son necesarios una mayor precisión conceptual y un mayor rigor empírico.