bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing embodied carbon dioxide of structural concrete with lightweight aggregate
Authors: Kanavaris Fragkoulis , Gibbons Orlando , Walport Emily , Shearer Ed , Abbas Ali , Orr John , Marsh Bryan
Published: July 2021

An investigation was done into the development of lightweight-aggregate concrete mixes with lower embodied carbon dioxide emissions suitable for structural applications. Production requires the replacement of normal-weight coarse aggregate with a lightweight aggregate. Lytag was considered, which is a good-quality lightweight aggregate manufactured from fly ash. Lightweight-aggregate concrete for structural applications usually contains a high CEM I content owing to the requirements for workability, pumpability and strength. Consequently, its embodied carbon dioxide emissions are generally higher than that of normal-weight concrete. Mixes of LC30/33 class were developed containing up to 60% ground granulated blast-furnace slag, as well as limestone powder, and their fresh and mechanical properties were assessed experimentally. It was found that the embodied carbon dioxide of the investigated mix could be reduced by up to 40% when compared with that of neat CEM I lightweight-aggregate mixes containing Lytag aggregates and to 20% when compared with that of a mix that would be generally used in current practice in the UK containing 40% slag. It was also possible to reduce the CEM I content in the investigated mixes by approximately 40% compared with what would have been normally used.
Sustainable energy production from municipal solid waste in Oman
Authors: Umar Tariq
Published: July 2021

The adverse impact of the energy production from fossil fuels is now well recognised globally. Therefore, the move towards renewable and sustainable energy has become integral to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A comparative study considered a waste-to-energy plant to produce electricity in Oman. A research strategy including both qualitative and quantitative research methods was adopted to evaluate the municipal solid waste generation and emissions, electricity consumption and emissions, and public participation in waste segregation, and to estimate the reduction in emission considering a 5000 t/day waste-to-energy plant in Oman. The results showed that current emissions from fossil fuels to meet the electricity requirement of 71 GWh/year are 162 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e)/year. Similarly, the emissions from 2.2 Mt/year of municipal solid waste are 3.4 MtCO2e/year. A 5000 t/day waste-to/energy plant would not only produce 2.93 GWh daily but would also enable an annual reduction of 2.46 MtCO2e. Such an initiative would help Oman improve its sustainability performance in energy, climate change, waste reduction and economic growth and will pave the road to achieve the relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Numerical simulation of underground excavations in an indurated clay using non-local regularisation. Part 1: formulation and base case
Authors: Mánica Miguel A. , Gens Antonio , Vaunat Jean , Armand Gilles , Vu Minh-Ngoc
Published: July 2021

The paper presents the numerical simulation of an underground excavation in the Callovo-Oxfordian argillaceous formation, performed in the Meuse/Haute-Marne underground research laboratory, within the context of deep geological nuclear waste disposal. The constitutive model adopted incorporates a number of characteristic features of the hydromechanical behaviour of the Callovo-Oxfordian claystone, and other indurated clays, including anisotropy and time-dependent deformations. Model parameters have been largely determined from available experimental results. Particular attention has been given to the incorporation of a non-local formulation in order to simulate localised deformations objectively. It is shown that the numerical analysis is able to provide a very satisfactory reproduction of the extent and configuration of the excavation-induced fractured zone, the development of rock displacements and the evolution of water pressures in the rock. The analysis is also able to provide a deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying the generation of water pressures inside the rock mass.
Whey Utilisation: Sustainable Uses and Environmental Approach
Authors: Zandona Elizabeta , Blažić Marijana , Režek Jambrak Anet
Published: July 2021

The dairy industry produces large amounts of whey as a by- or co-product, which has led to considerable environmental problems due to its high organic matter content. Over the past decades, possibilities of more environmentally and economically efficient whey utilisation have been studied, primarily to convert unwanted end products into a valuable raw material. Sustainable whey management is mostly oriented to biotechnological and food applications for the development of value-added products such as whey powders, whey proteins, functional food and beverages, edible films and coatings, lactic acid and other biochemicals, bioplastic, biofuels and similar valuable bioproducts. This paper provides an overview of the sustainable utilisation of whey and its constituents, considering new refining approaches and integrated processes to covert whey, or lactose and whey proteins to high value-added whey-based products.
Gold mining’s toxic legacy: Pollutant transport and accumulation in the Klip River catchment, Johannesburg
Authors: Chetty Shaeen , Pillay Letitia , Humphries Marc S.
Published: July 2021

Waste from gold mines is considered to constitute the largest single source of waste pollution in South Africa and contributes significantly to acid mine drainage, which remains one of the country’s most serious environmental and socio-economic issues. Run-off from the Central Rand Goldfield discharges into wetlands along the Klip River, which are known to be important sinks for toxic pollutants. The aim of this study was to examine the transport, migration and sequestration of metal pollutants in the upper Klip River catchment in further detail. Analyses reveal that the majority of pollutants are associated with contaminant plumes that emanate from mine dumps and enter the wetland via groundwater recharge. This water carries highly elevated concentrations of Co, Ni, Zn, U and rare earth elements, which are naturally sequestered within the wetland, largely through precipitation and adsorption. While surface run-off from mine dumps severely contaminates watercourses within the upper catchment, surface inputs are considered relatively minor contributors to the overall pollutant load entering the Klip River wetland, although aerosol fallout is an important source of Pb. The extensive accumulation of metals within the Klip River wetland reflects the contaminant legacy associated with gold mining on the Witwatersrand and highlights the vital role this natural system has played in trapping vast quantities of toxic pollutants and remediating downstream waters. Contaminant plumes associated with mine dumps will likely persist for decades; preventing further deterioration of the Klip River wetlands is thus critical for safeguarding water sources in the region.Significance:

Run-off and groundwater emanating from the Central Witwatersrand Basin is highly contaminated with toxic metals.
The seepage of acidic water from mine waste dumps is considered the primary source of contamination.
Significant quantities of pollutants are trapped naturally within the Klip River wetland.
Preventing further deterioration of the Klip River wetlands is critical for the protection of freshwater resources in the region.
Phytosanitary risk associated with illegal importation of pest-infested commodities to the South African agricultural sector
Authors: Tshikhudo Phumudzo P. , Nnzeru Livhuwani R. , Rambauli Maanda , Makhado Rudzani A. , Mudau Fhathuwani N.
Published: July 2021

We evaluated the phytosanitary risk associated with illegal importation of pest-infested plant commodities into South Africa. Samples were collected from different South African ports of entry over 8 years (2011 to 2019) and data were analysed descriptively using Statistical Software Package. Pests were frequently detected on commodity species such as Citrus (18.31%), Zea mays (13.22%), Phaseolus vulgaris (12.88%), Musa spp. (9.15%) and Fragaria ananassa (5.08%). The highest number of pests intercepted occurred on fresh fruits (44.06%), followed by grains (26.44%) and vegetables (14.23%). The most intercepted organisms were Callosobruchus rhodesianus (7.79%), Dysmicoccus brevipes (7.11%), Callosobruchus maculates (6.10%) and Phyllosticta citricarpa (4.74%). The majority of intercepted organisms were non-quarantine organisms (70.50%), followed by pests of unknown status (17.28%), quarantine pests (10.84%) and potential quarantine pests (1.35%). Phyllosticta citricarpa, Bactrocera dorsalis, Spodoptera frugiperda and Prostephanus truncatus were the only quarantine pests intercepted in terms of South African regulatory status. The interception was mainly from southern African countries, particularly Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Eswatini. The findings present the level of phytosanitary risk associated with illegal importation and/or non-compliance in regard to plants and plant commodities from different countries through South African ports of entry. Crop production, biodiversity, food security, existing export markets, and access to new export markets could be threatened as importing countries may impose stringent phytosanitary measures to limit the chances of introduction and establishment of quarantine pests into their territories. Significance

Illegal importation of plant commodities may lead to the introduction, establishment and spread of pests that are of quarantine significance to South Africa.

Introduction of pest species such as Phyllosticta citricarpa, Bactrocera dorsalis, Spodoptera frugiperda and Prostephanus truncatus into South Africa could result in undesirable impacts on the ecosystem, agriculture, biodiversity and economy of the country.

Access to new export markets of plant commodities could be threatened as importing countries may impose stringent phytosanitary measures to limit the chances of introduction and establishment of these quarantine pests into their territories.
Mollusc collections at South African institutions: Development and current status
Authors: Cole Mary
Published: July 2021

There are three major mollusc collections in South Africa and seven smaller, thematic collections. The KwaZulu-Natal Museum holds one of the largest collections in the southern hemisphere. Its strengths are marine molluscs of southern Africa and the southwestern Indian Ocean, and terrestrial molluscs of South Africa. Research on marine molluscs has led to revisionary papers across a wide range of gastropod families. The Iziko South African Museum contains the most comprehensive collections of Cephalopoda (octopus, squid and relatives) and Polyplacophora (chitons) for southern Africa. The East London Museum is a provincial museum of the Eastern Cape. Recent research focuses on terrestrial molluscs and the collection is growing to address the gap in knowledge of this element of biodiversity. Mollusc collections in South Africa date to about 1900 and are an invaluable resource of morphological and genetic diversity, with associated spatial and temporal data. The South African National Biodiversity Institute is encouraging discovery and documentation to address gaps in knowledge, particularly of invertebrates. Museums are supported with grants for surveys, systematic studies and data mobilisation. The Department of Science and Innovation is investing in collections as irreplaceable research infrastructure through the Natural Science Collections Facility, whereby 16 institutions, including those holding mollusc collections, are assisted to achieve common targets and coordinated outputs.Significance:

Mollusc collections are among the oldest natural science collections in South Africa, dating from just before 1900. They provide an invaluable resource of morphological and genetic diversity, with associated spatial and temporal data. They are spread across the country in three comprehensive and seven smaller, thematic collections and this paper puts together available information about these scattered and diverse collections. Each has its own strengths and specialisations, and together they cater to a variety of the country’s identified research priorities. Although staff complements are small, mollusc collections are well curated and conserved, expanding, actively researched and associated data are available online or on request.
Environmentalism or greenwashing? Responses of South African value chain actors to plastic straw marine pollution
Authors: Chitaka Takunda Y.
Published: July 2021

The increasing global concern surrounding plastic marine pollution has placed a spotlight on the key items identified as major contributors. The subsequent public outcry has forced key value-chain actors – such as brand owners, retailers and restaurateurs – to be seen to be responding to the issue. However, are their responses motivated by a true desire for environmentalism or are actors engaging in greenwashing? In this case study on plastic straws, the brand owners and retailers interviewed are driven by a desire to meet consumer expectations. This desire has led to the substitution of plastic straws with glass, paper and polylactide alternatives. However, the broader environmental implications of the alternatives are rarely considered. This single-minded focus on marine pollution has the potential to result in inadvertent greenwashing as alternative products may result in more harm in other environmental compartments.Significance:

The increasing concern surrounding plastic pollution has placed a spotlight on key items, forcing plastic value-chain actors to respond.
The broader environmental impacts of the interventions are rarely considered, resulting in the potential for adoption of products which may result in increased harm in other environmental compartments.
INFLUENCE OF QUARTZ SAND AND MARBLE-SLUDGE POWDER AS REPLACEMENTS FOR FINE AGGREGATE ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH-STRENGTH SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE
Authors: A Dhanalakshmi , Shahul Hameed M.
Published: July 2021

High-strength self-compacting concrete (HSSCC) is widely used as an eco-effective structure that is more durable than traditional cement that is more prone to demolitions and damage. One of today’s notable innovations is self-compacting concrete (SCC). The variety of materials and the utilization of siphons encourage the concrete’s use, which is significant. The worries about complex pieces are understandable due to the ease, with which precarious projecting zones are formed. This article presents high-strength self-compacting concrete, including quartz sand (QS) and marble-sludge powder (MSP) used as a partial replacement of fine aggregate (M sand). The substitution impact of QS and MSP on the strength of HSSCC is investigated. Further, V-funnel, L-box, slump flow, J-ring and slump cone are used to investigate the chemical, physical and mechanical properties such as splitting tensile strength, compressive strength, bond strength and flexural strength. The replacement of fine aggregate with 15 % of marble-sludge powder and 45 % of quartz sand (HSSCC concrete) gives an unprecedented outcome in the form of solidity and consistency. The findings show that the HSSCC 9 mix exhibits the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength and, more noteworthy, bond strength of 82.25 MPa, 8.10 MPa, 27.10 MPa and 11.89 MPa, respectively.
Análisis Conceptual de Modelos de Competencia Digital del Profesorado Universitario / Conceptual analysis of digital competence models of university teacher
Authors: Durán Cuartero Marta , Gutiérrez Porlán Isabel , Prendes Espinosa Maria Paz
Published: July 2021

La competencia digital o competencia TIC es un concepto que en el último lustro ha marcado una línea de investigación de gran relevancia en el ámbito de la Tecnología Educativa, tanto referido al profesorado como a otros agentes educativos o sociales. La perspectiva desde la cual abordamos el estudio de la competencia digital del profesorado parte de la idea de que esta competencia forma parte de la competencia profesional de los docentes de cualquier nivel de enseñanza. En este artículo realizamos una investigación basada en una revisión documental articulada en dos fases: 1) análisis conceptual de las aportaciones más relevantes del último lustro en torno a la competencia digital; y 2) a partir de este análisis, realizamos en una segunda fase un estudio descriptivo y comparativo de los diversos modelos de competencia digital del profesorado universitario. Este análisis pone de manifiesto que todos los modelos analizados muestran dimensiones y elementos comunes, pero también algunas particularidades que resultan de interés a la hora de abordar futuras investigaciones sobre el tema. Además nos servirá como punto de partida para una investigación en torno a la certificación de competencias TIC del profesorado universitario que actualmente estamos desarrollando desde el Grupo de Investigación de Tecnología Educativa de la Universidad de Murcia.AbstractDigital competence or ICT competence is a concept that has defined a research line of great relevance in the last five years in the field of Educational Technology, related to both teachers and any other social or educational agent. Our approach is based on the idea that digital competence is part of teachers' professional competence in every educational system level. This article presents a documental research in two phases: 1) first we focus on the conceptual analysis of the most relevant studies around digital competence and 2) based on this previous analysis, a descriptive and comparative analysis of different digital competence models of university teacher is performed in a second phase. This analysis shows that all of these models have dimensions and common elements, but also some special features that are of interest in dealing with research on the subject. In addition, this study will serve as a starting point for our research about the certification of ICT skills of university teacher. This Research is being carried out by the Research Group of Educational Technology of the University of Murcia.
Esansiyel Hipertansiyon Tanılı Hastalarda Anksiyete veya Depresyon Görülme Sıklıklarının Değerlendirilmesi: Retrospektif Çalışma
Authors: FİDANCI İzzet , AKSOY Hilal , AYHAN BAŞER Duygu , CANKURTARAN Mustafa
Published: July 2021

ÖzetAmaç: Esansiyel hipertansiyon tanılı hastalarda anksiyete ve depresyon birlikteliği arasındaki ilişkinin değerlendirilmesi amaçlandıGereç ve Yöntemler: Retrospektif tipteki araştırmanın evrenini polikliniklerimize 2015-2021 yılları arasındaki 6 yıllık dönemde herhangi bir nedenle başvurmuş olanlardan esansiyel hipertansiyon tanısı olan kişiler oluşturmaktadır. Veri formunda; toplam başvuru sayısı, muayene sayısı, cinsiyet, anksiyete veya depresyon tanı varlıkları arşiv tarama yöntemi kullanılarak kaydedildi. Veriler IBM SPSS V23 ile analiz edildi.Bulgular: Polikliniklerimize yapılmış olan toplam başvuru sayısı 91.580 olup, esansiyel hipertansiyon tanısı almış ve ek kronik hastalığı olmayan tekil hasta sayısı 8.421 idi. Hipertansiyon hastalarının %50.8’inin erkek olduğu ve %4.1’inin anksiyete, %2.7’sinin depresyon tanısı aldığı tespit edildi. Ayrıca hastaların %2.4’ünün hem anksiyetesinin hem depresyonunun olduğu, %1.7’sinin sadece anksiyetesinin ve %0.3’ünün sadece depresyonunun olduğu bulundu. Hipertansiyon hastalarının cinsiyete göre anksiyete ve depresyon birlikteliği grupların dağılımları arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark elde edildi (p<0.001).Sonuç: Kronik hastalıklar anksiyete ve depresyona neden olabilmekte olup, aynı şekilde anksiyete ve depresyon da bazı kronik hastalıkların sebebi olabilmektedir. Özellikle esansiyel hipertansiyon etyolojisinde sıklıkla gördüğümüz anksiyete ve depresyon birlikteliği nedeniyle birliktelik durumlarında iki hastalığın da tedavisinin birlikte sürdürülmesiyle tedavi daha etkin ve hızlı olacaktır.
RESTRICTIONS ON COPYRIGHT IN UKRAINE AND THE UNITED STATES: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ASPECT
Authors: Akulov Yu.
Published: July 2021

The article compares the American copyright system (from its inception, borrowing the basics of the English system to the establishment of the principle of "fair use") and the Ukrainian system, which provides a specific list of cases allowed as a restriction of copyright (enumerated system) by establishing in national legal acts of the three-stage test provided by the Berne Convention. The article examines not only the legislation of Ukraine and the United States in this area, such as: the Federal Copyright Act of 1790, the second Federal Copyright Act of 1909, the Copyright Act of 1976, the Civil Code of Ukraine, the Law of Ukraine "On Copyright law and related rights" but also the case law of the United States, which is a key element in regulating disputes in the area under discussion. The author analyzes a number of cases through the prism of changing approaches in the US system of property rights restrictions, namely Philpot v. Media Research Center Inc. No. 1: 17-cv-822 dated January 8, 2018; Peteski Productions, Inc. v. Leah Rothman No. 5: 17-CV-00122 dated August 30, 2017; Rosen v. eBay, Inc., No. 2: 13-cv-06801-MWF-E of 16 January 2015 and Corbello v. DeVito No. 2: 08-cv-00867-RCJ-PAL June 14, 2017. As a result of the research, the author determines that the national legislation establishes an exhaustive list of works that are its objects, at the same time, the ways of using the work depend on the type of particular work. Therefore, an exhaustive list of all possible ways to use the works is not provided. U.S. law provides for an exhaustive list of copyrighted works and an exhaustive list of ways to use such works. And the doctrine of "fair use" in the United States provides that in determining whether the use of work in any particular case is fair, there are at least 4 factors to consider. Keywords: the principle of "enumerated system", the system of "numerus clausus", the concept of "exceptions and limitations", US copyright law, the doctrine of fair use, the Agreement on guidelines for copying in non-profit educational institutions, free use of works, three-stage test.
COMMUNICATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE INTERACTION OF SOCIETY AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Yusifbayli Rashid
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the article is a comprehensive analysis of communication technologies of interaction between society and public administration and administration. It is emphasized that one of the functions of public authorities is communicative. The importance of establishing a communicative process in the system of public administration and administration as a dialogue and interaction between equal actors, where the use of direct information channels and feedback channels should be balanced and manifested through various electronic forms of participation. There are three main models of electronic participation: management model; consultative model; participation model. It is substantiated that the availability of a developed information infrastructure is a condition and indicator of the effective-ness of public administration and the use of information and com- munication technologies is associated primarily with the implementation of the e-government project. It has been proven that in order to increase the efficiency of public administration and administration by transforming the existing bureaucratic system, it helps to make it more flexible and adapted, less hierarchical and regulated, and to make the transition to post-bureaucratic organizations. Transferring the service to electronic form eliminates the negative, dysfunctional practices inherent in modern bureaucracy. The study found that the reforms taking place in the system of electronic communication of public administration and society are to some extent ambivalent and contradictory. It has been proven that without broad administrative reforms aimed at improving the functioning of the state apparatus, the introduction of e-government technologies will not be effective and will be reduced to long and unsuccessful attempts. One way out of this situation is to adopt a new theoretical paradigm of administrative reform, in which e-government will cease to be a complement to bureaucratic structures, and systematic management of all administrative processes to achieve the end results will become a central part of public administration.
Francisco AGUILAR PIÑAL, «Madrid en tiempos del ‘mejor alcalde’», Barcelona, Editorial Arpegio, 2016, 4 vols., 444, 418, 490 y 576 págs.
Authors: Ruiz de la Peña Solar Álvaro
Published: July 2021

SIN RESUMEN
José CADALSO, «Cartas marruecas», edición, introducción y notas de Jesús Cañas Murillo, Vigo, Editorial Academia del Hispanismo (Biblioteca de Ediciones Filológicas), 2016. 488 págs.
Authors: San José Vázquez Eduardo
Published: July 2021

SIN RESUMEN
Martin FITZPATRICK y Peter JONES (coords.), «The Reception of Edmund Burke in Europe», London / New York, Bloomsbury Academic, 2017, 432 págs.
Authors: Lorenzo Álvarez Elena de
Published: July 2021

SIN RESUMEN
Gregorio MAYANS Y SISCAR, «Vida del gran duque de Alba precedida de la correspondencia entre Mayans y el duque de Huéscar», estudio preliminar, transcripción y edición de Antonio Mestre Sanchis y Pablo Pérez García, Valencia, Institució Alfons el Magnànim, 2016, 516 págs.
Authors: Fernández Ortiz Guillermo
Published: July 2021

SIN RESUMEN
Vidal de la MADRID ÁLVAREZ, «Los Menéndez Camina y la arquitectura barroca en Asturias», Gijón, Ediciones Trea, 2018. 279 págs.
Authors: Díaz Álvarez Juan
Published: July 2021

SIN RESUMEN
Benito Jerónimo FEIJOO, "Obras completas", t. VII, "Poesía", ed. de Rodrigo Olay Valdés, Oviedo, Instituto Feijoo de Estudios del Siglo XVIII / Universidad de Oviedo / Ayuntamiento de Oviedo, 2019, 880 págs. Premio de la Sociedad Española de Estudios del Siglo XVIII.
Authors: Fernández Abril María
Published: July 2021

SIN RESUMEN
Bağımlılık merkezinde ve diğer hastane birimlerinde çalışan bir grup sağlık profesyonelinin madde bağımlılarına yönelik algıları
Authors: YILBAŞ Barış , GÖNÜLTAŞ Miraç Burak
Published: July 2021

Amaç: Bu çalışma, hastane çalışanlarının madde kullanım bozukluğu tanılı hastalara yönelik algılarının, bu kişilerin kişisel, ahlaksal, sosyal ağları bağlamında ne boyutta olduğunu görmeyi ve bu algılarda hangi faktörlerin etkili olduğunu ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır.

Gereç ve Yöntem: Araştırmamızın katılımcıları ilimizde çeşitli kurumlarda görev yapmakta olan 159 hastane çalışanından oluşmaktadır. Sağlık çalışanlarının madde kullanım bozukluğu tanısı alan bireylere yönelik algılarını değerlendirmek için “Suçlulara Yönelik Algılar Ölçeği” madde kullananlar özelinde uyarlanmış ve uygulanmıştır.

Bulgular: Araştırmamızdaki katılımcıların yaş ortalaması 35.76±8.17 yıl olup, %64.2’i erkek cinsiyetindedir. Katılımcıların %51.6’sı bağımlılık merkezi çalışanıdır. Bağımlılık merkezi çalışanlarının diğer hastane görevlilerine göre madde kullanım bozukluğu tanılı hastaların kişisel ve ahlaksal yönlerine karşı olumlu algıları 2 kat fazladır. Aynı şekilde daha önceden bağımlılıkla ilgili bir etkinliğe katılanların madde kullanım bozukluğu tanılı bireylerin kişisel ve ahlaksal yönlerine karşı algıları katılmayanlara göre 1.4 kat daha olumludur. Diğer taraftan tüm örneklemin madde kullanım bozukluğu tanılı hastaların sosyal ağlarına yönelik algıları olumsuzdur.

Sonuç: Sağlık çalışanlarının madde kullanım bozukluğu tanılı hastaların sosyal ağlarına yani ailelerine, arkadaşlarına, sosyal ortamlarına yönelik algı ve bakışlarının olumsuz olması, bağımlılık tedavisinin bütüncül doğasına zarar verebilir. Bu nedenle sağlık çalışanlarının madde kullanan bireylerin sosyal ağlarına yönelik bilgi ve farkındalık düzeyleri arttırılmalıdır.
Comparison of Single-Well Microseismic Focal Mechanism Inversions with Different Source Models
Authors: Li Han , Chang Xu , Hao Jinlai , Wang Yibo
Published: July 2021

Through downhole monitoring, the focal mechanisms of microearthquakes can be quantitatively determined, thus providing valuable information for characterizing the fracturing process and the in situ stress status. The double-couple (DC) and moment tensor (MT) source models are commonly used to study microearthquakes. However, the DC model fails to include non-DC mechanisms, and MT inversion from single-well data is still challenging. One possible way to address this is using the shear–tensile general dislocation (GD) source model. We provide a detailed comparison of the DC, GD, and MT models, and introduce the differences in their modeling and inversion theories. These three models are described by four, five, and six parameters, and correspond to a single point, a straight line, and the entire space in the Hudson source-type plots, respectively. Both the DC and GD models yield nonlinear inversions, whereas the MT inversion is linear. Synthetic tests set up from a field single-well monitoring case are performed to study the resolvability of the DC, GD, and MT models in single-well focal mechanism inversions. The results indicate that the inversion error increases from DC→GD→MT for a single-well acquisition system, and the GD and DC inversions are both stable, whereas the MT inversion deviates from the inputs in cases with a perfectly vertical receiver array, 5% model velocity perturbations, 10 m horizontal source location errors, or 40% noise levels. We also find that the focal mechanism inversion mainly depends on the horizontal source–receiver azimuth coverage, and that the nonvertical well direction is helpful for constraining single-well inversions. According to our study, focal mechanism inversions based on the GD model can obtain reliable solutions from near-vertical single-well data, which will help improve non-DC earthquake studies.
A Sample Generation of Scenario Earthquake Shaking Maps via a Combination of Modal Decomposition and Empirical Copula toward Seismic Hazard Assessment
Authors: Imai Ryuta , Kasui Naoki , Iwaki Asako , Fujiwara Hiroyuki
Published: July 2021

To quantify variations in seismic hazard assessment, a large number of scenario earthquake shaking maps (hereafter referred to as s-EQ maps for short) are required. In this article, we propose a method to easily generate a large number of s-EQ maps by combining modal decomposition and empirical copula. First, by applying modal decomposition to a set of existing s-EQ maps, we identify a scenario set with a parameter space to reduce the dimensionality of models. Next, we model a probability distribution of the modal coordinates, which we regard as random variables to allow us to induce a probability measure on the parameter space. By applying an empirical copula for modeling the probability distributions, the dependence structure between modal coordinates and the probability distribution of an individual modal coordinate can be discussed independently. Some simulations show that the dependence structure between modal coordinates is important to not distort the seismic hazard assessment. The proposed method can be applied to actual existing s-EQ maps to easily generate a large number of new s-EQ maps that follow the original probability distribution. We also show that variations can be added to the newly generated s-EQ maps by adjusting the empirical copula. Furthermore, we give a generalization of the proposed method to cases with nonequal probabilities of occurrence of existing scenarios.
Transcriptomic Analysis in Response to Combined Stress by UV-B Radiation and Cold in Belle Pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Authors: Morales-Merida Brandon Estefano
Published: July 2021

The bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is classified as a Solanaceae of economic importance with high nutritional value. However, its production is limited by abiotic factors such as low temperature and UV-B radiation, which can cause extensive damage to crops. Plants may respond to environmental stressors by inducing several morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular changes. RNA-seq technique is widely applied to study the global gene expression in numerous processes related to plant biology, including responses induced by abiotic stress, providing relevant information about the genes and the pathways that participate in stress-induced responses. In this study, we analyzed the differential gene expression in response to combined stress of UV-B radiation and cold after exposure at 1, 3 and 25 h in stems from C. annuum plants, to gain deeper insights about the temporal dynamic of genes and pathways modulated by these factors. We found that 281, 280 and 326 genes were differentially expressed at 1, 3 and 25 h, respectively. Functional annotation revealed that most of genes were associated with hydrolase activity, stress response, stimulus response, carbohydrate metabolic process, and biosynthetic process. Based on KEGG pathway analysis, we found that circadian rhythm-plant, flavonoids biosynthesis and MAPK signaling pathway were statistically significant in almost all the sampling times. In conclusion, we found that several genes related to defense against pathogens and cell wall expansion were down-regulated, meanwhile the up-regulated genes were related to chloroplast protection, hormone and flavonoids biosynthesis, and compound transport. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
Productivity and Resource Use in a Maize-Grain Legume Intercropping System in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Ilyas Ayesha
Published: July 2021

Intercropping is considered as an improved system of multiple cropping systems which safeguards crop stand and improves crop production. The main goal of intercropping is to produce high yield from piece of a land by judicious use of available resources which otherwise may not be exploited by a single crop. A study was executed to investigate productivity and resource use in a maize–grain legume intercropping at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during 2017 and 2018. Experimental treatments included maize, mungbean, mash-bean, and cowpea monocultures (sole crops), and intercropping combinations of maize + mungbean, maize + mash-bean, and maize + cowpea. Highest maize grain yield was observed in maize sole cropping (6520 and 6813 kg ha-1) and maize + mungbean intercropping (6375 and 6542 kg ha-1) during 2017 and 2018 growing seasons, respectively. Maximum seed yield in grain legumes was observed in mung and mash bean sole cropping during both years. Land equivalent ratio (LER) was maximum in maize + cowpea (1.83 and 1.87) and maize + mungbean intercropping (1.77 and 1.80) during both years, respectively. Maximum net economic return (ER) of PKR 134158 ha-1 (≈900 USD) was obtained from maize + mash bean intercropping system with highest benefit cost ratio (2.03) during 2017 while PKR 149358 ha-1 (≈1003 USD) along with benefit cost ratio (2.15) during 2018. Overall, LER and ER results indicated that maize-grain legume intercropping systems were beneficial in terms of land resource utilization and economic returns. The maize-grain legume intercropping systems are more sustainable option for small land-holding farmers in Pakistan. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
Pathogenic Microorganisms Infecting Berries in Mexico
Authors: Garay-Serrano Edith
Published: July 2021

Mexico is one of the major producers of berries worldwide and ranks third amongst the principal exporters of these fruits. However, the presence of diseases in crops of blueberry, blackberry, strawberry, and raspberry in production areas of the country, has a negative impact in production yields. In this work, we presented a revision of all pathogens reported for these berries during the last 64 years in Mexico. Data on the different groups of pathogens including bacteria, stramenopila, and fungi, as well as location and references, are listed for the several types of berries produced. The pathogen species names were actualized according to the current taxonomic status following the specialized nomenclatural websites. Perspectives for future research are discussed. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
The Efficacy of Nature-Friendly Chemicals Eugenol and Sodium Bicarbonate against Post-Harvest Botrytis cinerea in Two Pepper Cultivars
Authors: Yildirim Ismet
Published: July 2021

Grey mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea, is the most important pre-harvest and post-harvest disease of pepper. The disease leads to huge losses in quality and yield of pepper. Synthetic fungicides should not be used because of their harmful residues in the fruits postharvest. Hence, alternative chemicals have gained more importance for human health now-a-days. In this study, the postharvest effectiveness of eugenol and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) to B. cinerea was determined on two pepper varieties, ‘Demre’ and ‘Charleston’ obtained from pepper fields in Çanakkale. In essay the Eugenol was used at dosages of 0.75 and 1.5%, while sodium bicarbonate was used at dosages of 0.5 and 1.0%. Pepper varieties ‘Demre’ and ‘Charleston’ showed significantly different sensitivities against grey mold disease (P < 0.01), and this case reflected also to the efficacies of alternative chemicals. During eight days of storage, Charleston was more sensitive to B. cinerea than ‘Demre’ peppers. NaHCO3 at high dosage (1.0%) completely inhibited the disease on ‘Charleston’ and ‘Demre’ peppers. The lower dose of NaHCO3 (i.e., 0.5%) was also highly effective in ‘Demre’ (providing 95% reduction in the disease) but its efficacy was a little lower for ‘Charleston’ variety (84%). Efficacy (83.7%) of eugenol at dosage of 1.5% to B. cinerea on 'Demre' was found to be like NaHCO3 at dosage 0.5% on ‘Charleston’ peppers. Alternative chemicals had no adverse effects on pepper varieties. It is concluded that both tested nature-friendly chemicals (Eugenol and sodium bicarbonate) could be used (postharvest) against to B. cinerea on peppers. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers
The Approach of Missing and Abducted Children Cases in Turkey: Criticism of First Response, Criminal Investigation and TV Programs
Authors: Gönültaş Burak Miraç , Edges Charlie
Published: July 2021

Objective:  The present study try to criticise how to approach and intervene in cases of missing children in Turkey in the context of first response, criminal investigation and TV Programmes, thus to offer suggestions on how to make more effective interventions in missing children cases.
Methods: The research adopted a qualitative analysis method and in order to collect data, interviewing and documenting technic from professionals related to Turkish approach (n=5), and speakers and producers of TV programmes (ATV-Sweet Hard and Fox TV- Missing Flowers) related to missing children (n=3) were applied. Then collected data were analysed.
Results: In Turkey, missing cases are investigated in terms of judicial and administrative tasks of police. Search teams, helicopters, lost dogs are used in search studies. When the police learn about the missing case, they conduct field work first, and if there is a sign of abduction, investigative teams are included. TV programs are especially effective in reaching large audiences in child's search studies. Thus, potential eyewitnesses can be reached. Besides, there are inadequency in terms of risk assessment, coordination and psychosocial backup for families.
Conclusion: In relation to the components of missing children cases, Turkey should improve their approach about risk assessment, coordinators and supervising professionals and utilization of the media. The study also reveals the requirements of a general framework for missing children investigations.
Dynamics of changes in type 1 and 2 insulinlike growth factors in the blood of patients with oral squamous cell cancer after targeted therapy with cetuximab
Authors: Lyanova A.  A. , Vladimirova L.  Yu. , Frantsiyants E.  M. , Neskubina I.  V. , Engibaryan M.  A. , Abramova N.  A. , Popova I.  L. , Teplyakova M.  A. , Tikhanovskaya N.  M. , Myagkova V.  S. , Novoselova K.  A. , Ryadinskaya L.  A. , Alieva F.  V.
Published: July 2021

Objective. Studying the blood levels of type 1 and 2 insulin-like growth factors in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and mouth floor mucosa depending on the therapy effect.

Materials and Methods. The study included data from 30 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and mouth floor mucosa T3–4N0–1M0 who received chemotherapy cycles together with targeted therapy with cetuximab. Twenty non-cancer donors were examined as well. Depending on the therapy effect, patients were divided into two groups: sensitive and resistant ones.

Results. Initial levels of IGF-1 and IGF-2 in the blood serum of patients prior to chemotherapy and targeted therapy with cetuximab were lower than the levels in donors by 53.5 % and 20.3 %, respectively. After chemotherapy and cetuximab therapy, patients with sensitivity to the treatment showed normalization of IGF-1 and its significant increase compared to the initial levels — by 87 %. Levels of IGF-2 were not statistically significantly different from the initial levels and were 32.5 % lower than in donors. The IGF-1 / IGF-2 coefficient was 58 % higher than the initial value.

Conclusions. Chemotherapy and cetuximab therapy normalized levels of IGF-1 in patients with sensitivity to the treatment which was demonstrated by an increase in IGF-1 up to the normal blood levels in effective treatment.
Factors associated with atherosclerotic plaque echogenicity in patients aged 40-64 with carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Genkel V. V. , Kuznetsova A. S. , Lebedev E. V. , Shaposhnik I. I.
Published: July 2021

Aim    To identify clinical and laboratory indexes related with the atherosclerotic plaque (ASP) echogenicity based on results of the analysis of grey-scale median (GSM) in patients aged 40–64 years.Material and methods    The study included patients aged 40–64 years with carotid atherosclerosis. The carotid duplex scanning was performed for all patients. The GSM analysis of obtained images was performed with the Adobe Photoshop CS6 software.Results    Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases were found in 31 (21.4 %) patients. Correlation analysis determined inverse interrelationships between GSM and the body weight index (BWI) (r=–0.359; p<0.0001), waist circumference (r=–0.357; p<0.0001), and levels of uric acid (r=–0.244; p=0.021) and glucose (r=–0.205; p=0.032). According to the regression, statistically significant correlations remained between GSM and BWI as well as the waist circumference after the adjustment for sex and age.Conclusion    In patients with carotid atherosclerosis aged 40–64 years, the decrease in ASP GSM was associated with increases in BWI and waist circumference.
Occupational Burnout, Psychological Status and Quality of Life in Primary Care Physicians Working in Outpatient Settings
Authors: Pogosova N. V. , Isakova S. S. , Sokolova O. Y. , Ausheva A. K. , Zhetisheva R. A. , Arutyunov A. A.
Published: July 2021

Aim      To study features of the psychological status, job burnout syndrome (JBS)m and quality of life (QoL) in outpatient physicians.

Material and methods  This cross-sectional study was performed at 16 randomly selected municipal outpatient hospitals of Moscow and included physicians (district physicians, primary care physicians, and cardiologists). The participants signed an informed consent form and then filled out a registration card that included major social and demographic (sex, age, education, position) and professional characteristics (specialization, work experience, qualification category), and questionnaires. The degree of job burnout was evaluated with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS), and the presence of anxio-depressive symptoms was evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The level of stress was assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS) in a score range from 0 to 10. The QoL of physicians was assessed with the short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (HOQOL-BREF) questionnaire.

Results This study included 108 physicians from 16 municipal outpatient clinics aged 24 to 70 years (mean age, 44.0±13.1 years), mostly women (87.0 %). Among JBS components, a high level of emotional exhaustion was observed in 50.0 % of physicians, a high level of depersonalization in 34.1 %, and a severe reduction of personal accomplishment in 37.5 %. A high level of stress (VAS score ≥7) was observed in 66.3 % of physicians; symptoms of anxiety and depression of any degree (HADS-A and HADS-D subscale score ≥ 8) were found in 23.8 and 22.7 % of participants, respectively. 42.0% of physicians evaluated their QoL lower than “good” and 41.6% of physicians evaluated their health condition lower than “good”. Most of the studied factors did not significantly depend on the gender and the duration of work, except for emotional exhaustion (55.3 % of women and 16.7 % of men; p=0.0086) and a high level of stress (72.2 % of women and 28.6 % of men; р=0.002).

Conclusion      The study showed a high prevalence of personal factors that potentially adversely affect the work of outpatient physicians. These factors included high degrees of stress, anxio-depressive symptoms, job burnout, unsatisfactory QoL, and low satisfaction with own health. Management decisions and actions are required to create the optimum psychological climate at the workplace of physicians, to develop new strategies for prophylaxis and correction of their psychological condition, and to implement comprehensive programs for improving the professional environment to maintain and enhance the mental health and to increase the professional prestige of the medical speciality.
Clinical observations of COVID-19 infection in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Kamenskaya O. V. , Loginova I. Yu. , Klinkova A. S. , Lomivorotov V. V. , Chernyavsky A. M.
Published: July 2021

Aim    To present clinical observations of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) after a surgical intervention in the form of thromobendarterectomy from pulmonary artery branches.Material and methods    The Acad. E.N. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center performed 127 open surgical interventions for CTEPH in the form of thromobendarterectomy from 2016 through 2020. The present study enrolled 113 patients included into the follow-up care group and into the Center Registry who were followed up for more than 6 months after the surgery. Clinical and functional features of COVID-19 were evaluated in the studied group.Results    In the follow-up care group, 5 (4.4%) postoperative CTEPH patients had COVID-19. One patient had asymptomatic disease, and others had typical clinical symptoms and bilateral polysegmental pneumonia. There were no cases requiring artificial ventilation and no lethal outcomes. All patients with COVID-19 received anticoagulants as a basis therapy for CTEPH, and two patients who had residual pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) additionally received a PAH-specific therapy. During the treatment of COVID-19, no adjustment of the anticoagulant or PAH-specific therapy was required.Conclusion    The group of patients with CTEPH is a unique pathophysiological model for studying the effect of COVID-19 under the conditions of compromised pulmonary circulation. In the studied follow-up care group, the COVID-19 morbidity was 4.4 % without fatal outcomes. Evaluation of the role of chronic anticoagulant and PAH-specific therapy in COVID-19 postoperative patients as well as evaluation of the role of COVID-19 in CTEPH progression merit further investigation.