bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONTEMPORARY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN THE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION: THE NEW CHALLENGES
Authors: Zaļaiskalne Anita
Published: August 2021

The quantitative research basis is the data of surveys which were filled in by teachers of vocational education institutions and employers. The research is based on researches and reports regarding vocational education, strategic planning documents of development of education of Republic of Latvia and EU, studies, statistics on vocational education (data basis of the Central Statistical Bureau, statistics of the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) on vocational education) also are used. The aim of the research is to analyze factors of the internal and external environment that affect vocational education in order to determine how these factors create challenges for the vocational education system and educational institutions. The article analyzes the correlation between the elements of internal environment: resources, processes and results and external environment (political, demographic social) factors. The challenges make the vocational education change the existing paradigm of vocational education. The research was performed with a purpose to analyze the environmental factors; the quantitative research combines: an analysis of normative documents and a survey of employers and teachers of vocational education. The key results of the research: demographic trends in Latvia have an essential impact upon the human resources of the vocational education institutions; in order to implement the lifelong learning strategy, it is important to involve more adults in the vocational education; the learning environment of vocational education must be developed by following the principles of lifelong learning; cooperation between the state institutions, employers and teachers is required in order to provide effective solutions to the challenges that vocational education is facing. The cooperation between the employers’ institution, educational institutions and state institutions is essential in the process of planning and implementation of the curriculum and evaluation of the results. The prestige of the vocational education in the society affects students’ choice regarding their further education; it also influences the assessment of employers.
If there were developed and implemented such curricular, which would imply the key competences that are relevant to the vocational areas of education and on the basis of which a flexible transformation of the content of curricular would be possible, the competitiveness and quality of the vocational education would be ensured.
Key words: external environment, internal environment, learning environment, vocational education.
FOLLOWING EARLY CAREER CHEMISTRY TEACHERS: THE DEVELOPMENT OF PEDAGOGICAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE FROM PRE-SERVICE TO A PROFESSIONAL TEACHER
Authors: Girotto Júnior Gildo , Fernandez Carmen
Published: August 2021

In this study the aim was to investigate the development of Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) of early career chemistry teachers. Two pre-service chemistry teachers were followed during a one-semester course and after a three-year period as formal high school teachers. The data involved teachers´ writings, recordings of lessons and reflections during the course. After three years, the same content lessons in an actual school environment were videotaped. The teachers were then interviewed using the videotapes for stimulated recall. The instruments Content Representation (CoRe) and Pedagogical and Professional-experience Repertoires (PaP-eR´s) were used to document and to describe teachers’ PCK. Analysis of discursive interaction patterns was performed during lessons. Data analysis was based on the components of teacher knowledge as described in the Morine-Dershimer Model. The development of PCK was enhanced during the pre-service teacher education through the experiences of planning and conducting interventions in the classroom and particularly during the reflection-on-action activities. Results after three years of professional experience revealed an improvement in these teachers’ PCK and highlighted the central role of the reflection process and practical experience. From the analysis carried out, it emphasized the need to act in these early years of professional experience through collaborative groups, supporting the reflection process and aiming to contribute more directly to the development of teachers' PCK.
Key words: pedagogical content knowledge, teacher's knowledge, teacher’s professional development.
Evaluación económica de los servicios ecosistémicos del recurso vegetal de la parroquia Punin, cantón Riobamba
Authors: Brito Mancero Marcela Yolanda , Ruiz Mancero Landy Elizabeth , Lemache Velarde Karina Viviana
Published: August 2021

Introducción: La valoración de los servicios ecosistémicos no es nueva según la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura, considera que los bienes ecosistémicos pueden valorarse en 125 billones de USD, su mantenimiento o degradación repercuten en ganancias o pérdidas de valores por lo que se requiere realizar análisis y evaluaciones para la toma de decisiones de desarrollo. Punín es una de las parroquias rurales del cantón Riobamba su población asciende a 5976 personas y se divide en 23 comunidades que se reconocen en su mayoría como indígenas, las actividades económicas productivas son la agricultura y la ganadería gran parte de la producción se comercializa y otra parte es utilizada en el autoconsumo. Objetivo: Estimar económicamente los servicios ecosistémicos del recurso vegetal productivo. Metodología: Se realizó un análisis de la percepción de los servicios ambientales y la disposición a pagar por la conservación del recurso vegetal mediante la aplicación de 359 en 8 comunidades seleccionadas mediante los criterios de número de habitantes y área de producción agrícola, los habitantes jerarquizaron los servicios ecosistémicos utilizando una escala de Likert, se analizó las variables sociodemográficas que inciden en la percepción de los servicios ambientales y se estimó el valor económico del recurso utilizando el método contingente. Resultados: Los servicios ecosistémicos más apreciados son los de aprovisionamiento, seguidos por servicios de soporte y regulación que los catalogan como muy importante y los servicios culturales como importante. La variable edad incide en la percepción de los servicios ecosistémicos de soporte. El DAP calculado es de 5393,63 USD/año, el valor de uso directo del recurso vegetal de productivo se estableció en 4038539,60 USD/año y el Valor económico total mediante el método contingente asciende a 4043933,23 USD/año. Conclusiones: La variable nivel de educación influye significativamente en la percepción que presentan los servicios de soporte posiblemente porque esta categoría de servicios es la más compleja de distinguir. La VET del recurso vegetal productivo calculada mediante el método contingente puede variar según la demanda del bien en el mercado y los principales productos de comercialización de la parroquia como las hortalizas y tubérculos presentan fluctuaciones constantes de precios en el mercado.
Ciber agricultura familiar en tiempo de COVID 19, contexto Guano- Ecuador
Authors: Mantilla Cabrera Carmen Elena , Zambrano Ríos Daniela Alejandra , León Ruiz Juan Eduardo , Parra León Vicente Javier
Published: August 2021

Introducción. La pandemia por la COVID-19, generó una crisis socio económica, imposibilitando las transacciones tradicionales por la cuarentena y el distanciamiento social, fue necesario acoplarnos a nuevas formas y la agricultura familiar no es la excepción.  Las plataformas digitales han apoyado a la comercialización implicando diferentes actores, el comercio electrónico para agricultores permitió un gran salto tecnológico, ya se creó un mercado online en Ecuador que contribuyó a crear un sistema de alimentación local sostenible de beneficio mutuo entre agricultor y consumidor. Objetivo. Proponer comercio electrónico para la agricultura familiar campesina del Cantón Guano en el contexto de la pandemia Covid 19. Metodología. Se analizó los principales modelos de negocio aptos para la comercialización de productos agrícolas del Cantón Guano, se evaluó el comportamiento de consumidores y productores en tiendas virtuales en el marco de la pandemia COVID 19, se definió un modelo de negocio para la comercialización de productos agrícolas y derivados del Cantón Guano. Resultados. El estudio determinó que para el Cantón Guano el modelo de negocio es del tipo B2C, empresa a consumidor, con un patrón comerciante clásico. Además, se presenta el diseño de la página web en base a los resultados de la investigación, con un perfil de usuario y el de administrador con sus respectivos menús para su funcionalidad apoyar a la agricultura familiar en el cantón Guano. Conclusión. El modelo de negocio B2C para comercio electrónico en el cantón Guano permitió transacciones directas entre productor y consumidor final. La plataforma “a un clic de tu cosecha” garantiza el manejo de una agenda virtual donde constan los productores asociados con sus respectivos productos ofertados, garantizando al productor comercialización virtual de sus productos a un precio justo mediante la estandarización de precios, además este logró que estos productos formen parte de las canastas familiares ya que la aplicación de la Escuela de Campo asegura la calidad y cantidad de producción para cumplir la soberanía alimentaria.
Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme Annual Report, 2020
Authors: Lahra Monica M , George CR Robert , Shoushtari Masoud , Hogan Tiffany R
Published: August 2021

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a notifiable disease in Australia, and both probable and laboratory-confirmed cases of IMD are reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS). In 2020, there were 90 notifications of IMD, the lowest number documented since records began in the NNDSS in 1991. Of these, 97% (87/90) were laboratory-confirmed cases, with 70% (61/87) confirmed by bacterial culture and 30% (26/87) by nucleic acid amplification testing. The serogroup was determined for 85/87 laboratory-confirmed cases of IMD: serogroup B (MenB) accounted for 64% of infections (54/85); MenW for 19% (16/85); MenY for 16% (14/85); and MenC 1.2% (1/85). Fine typing was available on 60/85 (71%) of cases with serogroup determined; of the typed MenW, all were PorA antigen type P1.5,2 and sequence type 11, the hypervirulent strain reported in recent outbreaks in Australia and overseas.
The primary peaks of IMD notifications in Australia in 2020 were observed in infants less than 1 year (16/87, 18%) and in adults aged 45–64 years (14/87, 16%). MenB infections predominated in those aged less than 5 years and 15–19 years; MenW and MenY infections predominated in those aged 45 years or more.
All 61 IMD isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility: none were penicillin resistant; however, 56/61 (92%) had decreased susceptibility to penicillin. All isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin and rifampicin.
Nilai Transaksi E-Money di Indonesia dengan Menggunakan Metode Markov Switching Model
Authors: Zahro Maratus , Rahayu Rika
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the research is to examine and analyze the interest rates, inflation rates, stock returns, and holiday conditions on the values of e-money transactions based on two conditions, before and after the issuance of Bank Indonesia regulations. The research data used in this study is the monthly statistical data of the Bank Indonesia payment system for the period 2008-2018. While, the research was the quantitative using the Markov Regime Switching Model and hypothesis testing using time series regression. The research results showed that there was a significant effect between the inflation rate and the value of e-money transactions. In addition, there was an insignificant effect on interest rates, stock returns, and holiday conditions on the value of e-money transactions. This research contributes to the development of economic research by predicting the value of e-money transactions and predicting the value e-money transactions and predicting the turning point of e-money transactions value based on two conditions, before and after the issuance of Bank Indonesia regulations and can be used as input to the government regarding the regulations that issued by Bank of Indonesia, regulations regarding increased the value of e-money transactions.
Tata Kelola Perusahaan dan Audit Report Lag pada Perusahaan Financial yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia
Authors: Serly Serly
Published: August 2021

This research seeks to examine the factors that affect the audit report lag of financial companies during the period of 2014-2018. Several factors are selected under this study consists of audit quality, audit committee, auditor changes, board of directors, frequency of board meetings, ability of board of directors, gender of board of directors, risk management committee, company size, and loss. 86 financial companies are sampled in this study. The researcher gained the data using purposive sampling method. The findings indicate the financial company listed in Indonesian Stock Exchange need the average of 71 days to submit audit financial report after the closing date. The variable of frequency of board meetings has significant positive response for the audit report lag, while the impact of board of directors and risk management committee is negative. Meanwhile, variables of the audit quality, audit committee, auditor changes, director expertise, board gender diversity, company size, and loss did not show significant influence on audit report lag. Overall, the finding in this study provides that monitoring activities through board meeting will allow management to discuss how to improve company performance and also reduced the delay corporate disclosure information to stakeholder.
Behavioral observations and stable isotopes reveal high individual variation and little seasonal variation in sea otter diets in Southeast Alaska
Authors: LaRoche NL , King SL , Rogers MC , Eckert GL , Pearson HC
Published: August 2021

Two complementary approaches were used to assess year-round variation in the diet of sea otters Enhydra lutris around Prince of Wales Island (POW) in southern Southeast Alaska, a region characterized by mixed-bottom habitat. We observed sea otters foraging to determine diet composition during the spring and summer. Then, we obtained sea otter vibrissae, which record temporal foraging patterns as they grow, from subsistence hunters to identify year-round changes in sea otter diets via stable isotope analysis of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N). We compared the stable isotopes from sea otter vibrissae and sea otter prey items that were collected during spring, summer, and winter. Overall, year-round sea otter diet estimates from stable isotope signatures and visual observations from spring and summer were dominated by clams in terms of biomass, with butter clams Saxidomus gigantea the most common clam species seen during visual observations. Our results indicate that these sea otters, when considered together at a regional level around POW, do not exhibit shifts in the main prey source by season or location. However, sea otter diets identified by stable isotopes had a strong individual-level variation. Behavioral variation among individual sea otters may be a primary driving factor in diet composition. This study provides quantitative diet composition data for modeling predictions of invertebrate population estimates that may aid in the future management of shellfisheries and subsistence hunting and the development of co-management strategies for this protected species.
Seventy unique years of the Botanical Garden of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice
Authors: Mártonfi Pavol
Published: August 2021

The Botanical Garden in Košice (BG) was established owing to the initiative of Dr. Jozef Rácz on 5th May 1950 as the Botanical Institute of the University of Agricultural and Forest Engineering (VŠPLI). Later it belonged to the Slovak Academy of Sciences and the Pedagogical Institute, until it became a part of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice (UPJŠ) in 1964. From its beginning it has played a role of a scientific and pedagogical institution. A lot of plants were planted in the originally almost bare area, greenhouses were built, which were open on 14th October 1958. At that time, they belonged among the largest ones in Central Europe. In 1969, the administrative building was completed. At present, the BG is a protected area with a total of 30 ha, greenhouses on an area of 3,200 m2 and more than 4,000 species, subspecies, and cultivars of plants. It is thus the largest BG in Slovakia with the richest collection of cacti and cycads in Slovakia, as well as with various unique plant species from around the world. The main scope of the activities of the BG is the scientific research aimed at the concentrating and studying of the gene pool of endangered and common species. Further important activities comprise direct support of higher education and various activities within the framework of education at primary and secondary schools, as well as the support of natural history, ecological and cultural knowledge of all visitors.
Phytoindication of environmental mutagenesis in the in-situ conditions using the pollen of selected species of native flora
Authors: Mičieta Karol
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study is to provide an effective method for indicating ecogenotoxicity in the environment using pollen grains and microspores of selected species of the native flora in the in situ conditions. In the report, we summarize the results of long-term experience with the benefits of native flora species as bioindicators of polluted environments. We present the current results of long-term monitoring of phytoindication of ecogenotoxicity in Bratislava and selected traffic junctions in Slovakia. The increase of pollen grain abortion in the group of localities exposed to a heavy load of traffic pollution demonstrates the ecogenotoxic impact of traffic emissions in the environment. The detailed practical methodological tools and possible difficulties with the classification of abortivity of microspores and pollen grains of these plant species are discussed.
The occurrence of ladybells (Adenophora liliifolia) in border meadow Drahos (Drahoše) near Hollóháza (NE Hungary) and Skároš (SE Slovakia)
Authors: Farkas Tünde
Published: August 2021

The ladybells (Adenophora liliifolia (L.) Besser) is a glacial relict plant species and is endangered throughout Europe. The species is strictly protected in Hungary and listed in the Habitats Directive of the EU. It is a designating species of the HUBN20085 Északi-Zempléni-hegység Natura 2000 site in Hungary. The occurrence of the species is limited to very few localities both in Hungary and Slovakia. This study was undertaken to characterize the habitats of ladybells from a phytosociological perspective and analyse the structure of its population in Drahos (Drahoše) meadow. Two relevés were sampled, one at each side of the border. The number of individuals was recorded, and selected quantitative variables of the stem, leaves, and inflorescence of each individual were evaluated during eight years of the survey.
An Analysis of the Cooperation between Social Organizations and Enterprises to Promote the Employment of the Disabled Take the Nuanxi Disabled Assistance Project in D City as an Example
Authors: Luo Xiao-Ting
Published: August 2021

With the development of the theory of multiple governance, the methods and methods of collaborative governance of multiple subjects have been widely used in the treatment of social problems and the subjects that solve the employment problem of the disabled are gradually diversifying. This study takes the Nuanxi Disabled Assistance Project in D City as an example, with the cooperation between social organizations and enterprises as an entry point of view. The study found that in the process of social enterprise cooperation to promote the employment of persons with disabilities, there are problems such as insufficient attention to details of cooperation, unstable employment of persons with disabilities, limited and single participation of social organizations, and unsatisfactory cooperation effects, and put forward perfect countermeasures and suggestions for these problems.
Contributing Factors to On-Campus Student Organization Involvement
Authors: Veaux, ABD Veronica , Kovarik, DBA Angie , Wallingford, PhD Valerie , Splittstoser Matthew
Published: August 2021

Well-respected experts of higher education, including those at the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) and founding director Dr. Alexander Astin of the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA, have demonstrated strong correlations between the amount of time and effort students put into “educationally purposeful activities” outside the classroom (e.g., student organizations) and positive outcomes of student success, such as satisfaction, persistence, and academic achievement (Astin, 1984, 1993, 1999; Berger and Milem,1993; Pascarella and Terenzini, 2005). This study evaluates student involvement in on-campus student organizations. What characteristics are most highly correlated with participation? Based on the results of previous studies, we hypothesized that student engagement in on-campus student organizations is positively correlated with proximity to campus and that the closer a student lives to campus, the more apt they are to be involved with on-campus student organizations. Not only will students living closer to campus be more active with on-campus student organizations, but they are also more likely to be involved with on-campus student organizations directly related to their major. We also hypothesized that female students are more apt to be involved in on-campus student organizations related to their major than males. Original survey results and future research ideas are discussed.
Karakteristik Ibu Hamil Dengan Kejadian Sepsis Neonatal Awitan Dini
Authors: Fitriahadi Enny , Widyastuti Deny Eka
Published: August 2021

Sepsis neonatorum awitan dini menyebabkan mortalitas dan morbiditas yang tinggi pada bayi baru lahir. Dalam pelayanan dan perawatan bayi baru lahir sekitar setengah dari kematian neonatal disebabkan oleh sepsis yang terjadi pada minggu pertama pasca persalinan atau disebut sepsis awitan dini. Faktor penyebab terjadinya sepsis salah satunya adalah Ketuban Pecah Dini (KPD). Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui hubungan karakteristik ibu hamil dengan kejadian sepsis neonatal awitan dini di salah satu rumah sakit di Yogyakarta. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian korelasional dengan desain case-control dan pendekatan retrospektif. Populasi penelitian ini adalah seluruh bayi baru lahir. Pengambilan sampel secara purposive sampling dengan jumlah 84 sampel. Hasil analisis data menggunakan uji Chi Square didapatkan nilai p 0,00 < 0,05 sehingga ada hubungan antara ketuban pecah dini dengan sepsis neonatal awitan dini dengan keeratan hubungan kuat (koefisien kontingensi 0,623). Saran bagi ibu hamil diharapkan dapat lebih waspada terhadap kejadian ketuban pecah dini dengan menghindari faktor risiko dan segera melakukan pemeriksaan jika mengalami ketuban pecah dini pada umur kehamilan berapapun. Penelitian ini dapat juga menjadi skrining dan pemecahan masalah pada kejadian ketuban pecah dini selama kehamilan
Uji Daya Hambat Dan Daya Bunuh Ekstrak Buah Mengkudu (Morinda Citrifolia Linn) Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bakteri Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Mayaserli Dyna Putri , Shinta Dewi Yudiana
Published: August 2021

Mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia Linn.) memiliki kandungan antrakuinon yang terbukti mempunyai efek farmakologik sebagai lisosim terhadap sel bakteri Mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia Linn) merupakan salah satu tanaman obat yang banyak digunakan masyarakat sebagai obat tradisional. Mengkudu diketahui memiliki zat aktif yang terkandung didalamnya seperti flavonoid, tannin, filantin, sebagai antioksidan dan antibakteri. Staphylococcus aureus merupakan gram positif dan sebagai bakteri penyebab diare, bakteri ini bisa berada pada saluran cerna. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk Mengetahui konsentrasi efektif ekstrak mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia Linn) terhadap bakteri Staphylococcus aureus. Manfaat penelitian ini untuk untuk mengetahui efektifitas ekstrak buah mengkudu terhadap bakteri Staphylococcus aureus. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian eksperimental laboratorium dengan menggunakan metode difusi cakram Kirby-Bauer untuk mengetahui diameter zona hambat dan zona bunuh bakteri Staphylococcus aureus, konsentrasi ekstrak mengkudu yang digunakan 25 mg, 50 mg, 75mg, 100 mg, dan ciprofloxacin sebagai control positif sedangkan aquadest sebagai kontrol negatif. Dari hasil penelitian didapatkan bahwa konsentrasi 75 mg – 100 mg mampu membunuh bakteri Staphylococcus aureus dengan zona bunuh yang terbentuk >20 mm. Hasil penelitian, semakin tinggi konsentrasi ekstrak, semakin besar pula diameter daya hambat dan daya bunuh yang terbentuk. Ekstrak buah mengkudu mampu membunuh pertumbuhan bakteri Staphylococcus aureus dengan daya bunuh lebih besar dari antibiotik kontrol posistif dan efektif digunakan sebagai obat antibakteri yang tidak resisten.
Religion and American Populism: The View from the 2020 American National Election Study
Authors: Guth James , Kellstedt Lyman
Published: August 2021

Although the rise of right-wing populism in Western democracies has received enormous attention from social scientists, there has been much less research directed at the role of religion in creating support for populist movements. In this paper, we consider the influence of religious factors in the development of conservative populism in the United States. We find that ethnoreligious traditions have very different responses to populist themes, with Evangelical Protestants quite supportive of most populist attitudes and atheists and agnostics spearheading the opposition. Many, but not all, of these differences are explained by theological traditionalism, with the religiously orthodox in almost all ethnoreligious groups more prone to take populist stances.
Памяти Вячеслава Романовича Исаева
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: August 2021

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Human–Machine Cooperative Control of Intelligent Vehicles for Lane Keeping—Considering Safety of the Intended Functionality
Authors: Yan Mingyue , Chen Wuwei , Wang Qidong , Zhao Linfeng , Liang Xiutian , Cai Bixin
Published: August 2021

Reasonably foreseeable misuse by persons, as a primary aspect of safety of the intended functionality (SOTIF), has a significant effect on cooperation performance for lane keeping. This paper presents a novel human–machine cooperative control scheme with consideration of SOTIF issues caused by driver error. It is challenging to balance lane keeping performance and driving freedom when driver error occurs. A safety evaluation strategy is proposed for safety supervision, containing assessments of driver error and lane departure risk caused by driver error. A dynamic evaluation model of driver error is designed based on a typical driver model in the loop to deal with the uncertainty and variability of driver behavior. Additionally, an extension model is established for determining the cooperation domain. Then, an authority allocation strategy is proposed to generate a dynamic shared authority and achieve an adequate balance between lane keeping performance and driving freedom. Finally, a model predictive control (MPC)-based controller is designed for calculating optimal steering angle, and a steer-by-wheel (SBW) system is employed as an actuator. Numerical simulation tests are conducted on driver error scenarios based on the CarSim and MATLAB/Simulink software platforms. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Nitrogen Effects on the Essential Oil and Biomass Production of Field Grown Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum) Populations
Authors: Ninou Elissavet , Cook Catherine M. , Papathanasiou Fokion , Aschonitis Vasilis , Avdikos Ilias , Tsivelikas Athanasios L. , Stefanou Stefanos , Ralli Parthenopi , Mylonas Ioannis
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the effect of different nitrogen fertilization levels on the agronomic traits of five Greek oregano populations. Nitrogen supply positively affected dry bio-mass production, with the highest accumulation recorded at 80 kg N ha−1 (N2), which was 59% higher compared to the control plots (no additional nitrogen). In contrast, the essential oil content (mL 100 g−1 DW) was reduced, with the control treatment showing a 15% higher value compared to the mean value of the nitrogen treatments. However, nitrogen supply positively affected the essential oil yield (L ha−1), and the highest value was recorded at 80 kg N ha−1, (N2), showing a 40% increase compared to the control. A wide phenotypic variation among the five populations was also observed. In the three-year analysis, the population with the highest dry biomass production was Papadates (92% higher), that with the highest essential oil content was Vytina (25% higher), and the highest essential oil yield was observed for Papadates and Litochoro (57% and 51% higher, respectively), compared to the least yielding population. Significant interactions were also found between nitrogen levels and populations, implying that, in all cases, nitrogen levels should be specified for each population in order to optimize oregano productivity in sustainable farming systems.
The Distribution of Soil Micro-Nutrients and the Effects on Herbage Micro-Nutrient Uptake and Yield in Three Different Pasture Systems
Authors: Thomas Cathy L. , Darch Tegan , Harris Paul , Beaumont Deborah A. , Haefele Stephan M.
Published: August 2021

Pasture micro-nutrient concentrations are often deficient for herbage productivity and the health of livestock. The aim of this study was to investigate soil and herbage micro-nutrient content and the effects on yield on the three pasture systems of the North Wyke Farm Platform (NWFP): high-sugar grass + legume mix minus nitrogen (N) fertilizer (blue/HSG + L); permanent pasture plus N fertilizer (green/P + N); high-sugar grass plus N fertilizer (red/HSG + N). The locations with high soil total micro-nutrient concentrations had a greater slope and higher soil organic matter (SOM) content. Herbage micro-nutrient concentrations were often greater at the locations with high soil total micro-nutrient concentrations. The concentration and uptake of nearly all micro-nutrients was greatest in the herbage of the green/P + N system, which had the highest SOM content, whereas they were often lowest in the red/HSG + N system, which had the lowest SOM and the highest yield, indicating biomass dilution of micro-nutrients in the herbage. At the locations with high soil micro-nutrient concentrations, yield was higher than at locations with low micro-nutrient concentrations, and was equal across the three pasture systems, regardless of fertilizer N treatment. Variation in micro-nutrient uptake/yield in the blue grass–legume system was predominantly explained by the soil molybdenum (Mo) concentration, possibly relating to the requirement for Mo in biological nitrogen fixation. There was, therefore, a trade-off in ploughing and re-seeding for higher yield, with the maintenance of SOM being important for herbage micro-nutrient content.
Effects of Organic Amendments Produced from Agro-Wastes on Sandy Soil Properties and Black Pepper Morpho-Physiology and Yield
Authors: Sulok Kevin Muyang Tawie , Ahmed Osumanu Haruna , Khew Choy Yuen , Zehnder Jarroop Augustine Mercer , Lai Pei Sing , Jalloh Mohamadu Boyie , Musah Adiza Alhassan , Awang Azwan , Abdu Arifin
Published: August 2021

Sandy-textured soil infertility poses a problem for sustainable crop cultivation. This problem is usually dealt with by the addition of chemical fertilizers, which are expensive and can cause serious environmental issues if not managed well. A better alternative to improve and manage sandy soil infertility is the use of organic amendments produced from agro-wastes. This two (2)-year field study was conducted in a sandy-textured soil grown with black pepper to evaluate mainly the effects of chemical fertilizer, fermented plant and fruit juices, compost, and biochar on soil properties and morpho-physiological characteristics and yield of black pepper. Generally, the results indicated that the combination of fermented fruit juice, compost, and biochar was comparable to and in some cases better than chemical fertilizer in terms of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties as well as crop performance. These findings were even more pronounced in the second year of measurements. There were strong positive relationships between soil N and pepper leaf chlorophyll content and between soil microbes and soil respiration. The findings showed that these soil amendments produced from agro-wastes are a good alternative to the use of chemical fertilizers on sandy soils to improve soil fertility and productivity and the yield of black pepper sustainably.
Effects of Plant Covers and Mulching on the Biometric Parameters, Yield and Nutritional Value of Tomatillos (Physalis ixocarpa Brot. Ex Hornem.)
Authors: Majkowska-Gadomska Joanna , Mikulewicz Emilia , Francke Anna
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study, which involved a field experiment conducted in north-eastern Poland, is to evaluate the phytometric parameters, yield, and biological value of fruit of three tomatillo cultivars grown in soil mulched with black PE (polyethylene) film and covered with PE film and non-woven PP (polypropylene) fabric. A two-factor field experiment was conducted in 2015 and 2017–2018 in the Agricultural Experiment Station owned by the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. In the control treatment, tomatillo plants were grown without protective covers or mulch. Tomatillo fruits were harvested gradually, upon physiological maturity, which was determined based on changes in the color of the peel and calyx, and the aroma. The growth and development of tomatillos were evaluated based on plant measurements performed in the field. The chemical composition of tomatillo fruits was analyzed at the stage of full fruiting. During the three-year study, the weight, vertical diameter, and horizonal diameter of fruit were highest in cv. ‘Rio Grande Verde’ and lowest in cv. ‘Purple’. The combined use of mulch and plant covers accelerated fruit ripening. The total and marketable yields of tomatillo fruit were highest in cv. ‘Rio Grande Verde’ and lowest in cv. ‘Purple’. The fruit of cv. ‘Purple’ had the highest content of dry matter, total sugars, extract, β-carotene, and total polyphenols.
A Sustainable Reversed-Phase HPTLC Method for the Quantitative Estimation of Hesperidin in Traditional and Ultrasound-Assisted Extracts of Different Varieties of Citrus Fruit Peels and Commercial Tablets
Authors: Foudah Ahmed I. , Shakeel Faiyaz , Alam Prawez , Alqarni Mohammed H. , Abdel-Kader Maged S. , Alshehri Sultan
Published: August 2021

Hesperidin (HSP) is a bioactive flavanone glycoside, present abundantly in the variety of citrus fruits. The environmental safety and sustainability of the reported analytical assays of HSP analysis have not been considered in the literature. Hence, a sensitive and sustainable “reversed-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography (RP-HPTLC)” method has been developed and validated for HSP analysis in traditional (TE) and ultrasound-based (UBE) extracts of four different varieties of citrus fruit peels and its commercial tablet dosage forms. The binary combination of green solvents such as ethanol-water (50:50, v v−1) was used as the mobile phase. The detection of HSP was performed at 287 nm. The sustainable RP-HPTLC method was linear in 20–2000 ng band−1 range. The studied validation parameters, including accuracy, precision, robustness, sensitivity were acceptable for HSP analysis. The content of HSP in TE of four different varieties of citrus fruits including grapefruit peels (Citrus paradisi), mosambi peels (Citrus limetta), lemon peels (Citrus lemon), and orange peels (Citrus sinensis) was detected as 8.26, 6.94, 5.90, and 6.81% w w−1, respectively. The content of HSP in TE of commercial formulations A and B was detected as 5.31 and 5.55% w w−1, respectively. However, the content of HSP in UBE of grapefruit peels, mosambi peels, lemon peels, and orange peels was detected as 11.41, 8.86, 7.98, and 8.64% w w−1, respectively. The content of HSP in UBE of commercial formulations A and B was detected as 6.72 and 6.92% w w−1, respectively. The greenness score of the sustainable RP-HPTLC method was predicted as 0.83 using analytical GREEnness (AGREE) metric approach, indicated the excellent greenness profile of the RP-HPTLC method. UBE procedure for HSP was superior over its TE procedure. These observations and results suggested that the present RP-HPTLC method can be successfully used for the quantitative estimation of HSP in the variety of citrus fruit peels and its commercial formulations. In addition, this method is simple, rapid, precise, accurate, and economical compared to the reported analytical methods of HSP analysis. It is also safe and sustainable method due to the use of ethanol-water solvents systems, as both the solvents are green solvents compared to the solvents used in reported analytical methods of HSP analysis.
Variations in Antibiotic Use and Sepsis Management in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A European Survey
Authors: Garrido Felipe , Allegaert Karel , Arribas Cristina , Villamor Eduardo , Raffaeli Genny , Paniagua Miren , Cavallaro Giacomo ,   on behalf of European Antibiotics Study Group (EASG)
Published: August 2021

Management of neonatal sepsis and the use of antimicrobials have an important impact on morbidity and mortality. However, there is no recent background on which antibiotic regimens are used in different European neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Our study aimed to describe the use of antibiotics and other aspects of early- and late-onset sepsis (EOS and LOS, respectively) management by European NICUs. We conducted an online survey among NICUs throughout Europe to collect information about antibiotic stewardship, antibiotic regimens, and general aspects of managing neonatal infections. NICUs from up to 38 European countries responded, with 271 valid responses. Most units had written clinical guidelines for EOS (92.2%) and LOS (81.1%) management. For EOS, ampicillin, penicillin, gentamicin, and amikacin were the most commonly used antibiotics. Analysis of the combinations of EOS regimens showed that the most frequently used was ampicillin plus gentamicin (54.6%). For LOS, the most frequently used antibiotics were vancomycin (52.4%), gentamicin (33.9%), cefotaxime (28%), and meropenem (15.5%). Other aspects of the general management of sepsis have also been analyzed. The management of neonatal sepsis in European NICUs is diverse. There was high self-reported adherence to the local clinical guidelines. There was homogeneity in the combination of antibiotics in EOS but less in LOS.
Prevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Producing Escherichia coli from Multiple Sectors of Poultry Industry in Korea
Authors: Kim Hyunsoo , Kim Young Ah , Seo Young Hee , Lee Hyukmin , Lee Kyungwon
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular epidemiology of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) from poultry, the poultry farm environment, and workers in Korea. A total of 1376 non-duplicate samples were collected from 21 poultry farms, 20 retail stores, 6 slaughterhouses, and 111 workers in a nationwide study in Korea from January 2019 to August 2019. The overall positive rate of ESBL-EC was 6.8%, with variable positive rates according to sources (0.9% of worker, 5.2% of poultry, 10.0% of chicken meat, and 14.3% of environment). Common ESBL types were CTX-M-55 and CTX-M-14 in a total of 93 ESBL-EC isolates. Whole genome sequencing revealed that 84 ESBL-EC isolates had an outstanding accumulation of numerous antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes associated with resistance to various classes of antimicrobials for human use and well-known antimicrobial gene (ARG)-carrying plasmids. Core gene multi locus sequence typing, using 2390 core genes, indicated no dominant clone or common type in each province. In conclusion, the isolation rates of ESBL-EC were not negligible in the poultry industry-related samples, sharing common ESBL types of human ESBL-EC isolates in Korea.
Colistin and Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Aci46 in Thailand: Genome Analysis and Antibiotic Resistance Profiling
Authors: Thadtapong Nalumon , Chaturongakul Soraya , Soodvilai Sunhapas , Dubbs Padungsri
Published: August 2021

Resistance to the last-line antibiotics against invasive Gram-negative bacterial infection is a rising concern in public health. Multidrug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii Aci46 can resist colistin and carbapenems with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 512 µg/mL as determined by microdilution method and shows no zone of inhibition by disk diffusion method. These phenotypic characteristics prompted us to further investigate the genotypic characteristics of Aci46. Next generation sequencing was applied in this study to obtain whole genome data. We determined that Aci46 belongs to Pasture ST2 and is phylogenetically clustered with international clone (IC) II as the predominant strain in Thailand. Interestingly, Aci46 is identical to Oxford ST1962 that previously has never been isolated in Thailand. Two plasmids were identified (pAci46a and pAci46b), neither of which harbors any antibiotic resistance genes but pAci46a carries a conjugational system (type 4 secretion system or T4SS). Comparative genomics with other polymyxin and carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strains (AC30 and R14) identified shared features such as CzcCBA, encoding a cobalt/zinc/cadmium efflux RND transporter, as well as a drug transporter with a possible role in colistin and/or carbapenem resistance in A. baumannii. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses against MDR ACICU strain showed three novel mutations i.e., Glu229Asp, Pro200Leu, and Ala138Thr, in the polymyxin resistance component, PmrB. Overall, this study focused on Aci46 whole genome data analysis, its correlation with antibiotic resistance phenotypes, and the presence of potential virulence associated factors.
Estrogen Receptor Beta (ERβ) Maintains Mitochondrial Network Regulating Invasiveness in an Obesity-Related Inflammation Condition in Breast Cancer
Authors: Martinez-Bernabe Toni , Sastre-Serra Jorge , Ciobu Nicolae , Oliver Jordi , Pons Daniel Gabriel , Roca Pilar
Published: August 2021

Obesity, a physiological situation where different proinflammatory cytokines and hormones are secreted, is a major risk factor for breast cancer. Mitochondrial functionality exhibits a relevant role in the tumorigenic potential of a cancer cell. In the present study, it has been examined the influence of an obesity-related inflammation ELIT treatment (17β-estradiol, leptin, IL-6, and TNFα), which aims to stimulate the hormonal conditions of a postmenopausal obese woman on the mitochondrial functionality and invasiveness of MCF7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines, which display a different ratio of both estrogen receptor isoforms, ERα and ERβ. The results showed a decrease in mitochondrial functionality, with an increase in oxidative stress and invasiveness and motility, in the MCF7 cell line (high ERα/ERβ ratio) compared to a maintained status in the T47D cell line (low ERα/ERβ ratio) after ELIT treatment. In addition, breast cancer biopsies were analyzed, showing that breast tumors of obese patients present a high positive correlation between IL-6 receptor and ERβ and have an increased expression of cytokines, antioxidant enzymes, and mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics genes. Altogether, giving special importance to ERβ in the pathology of obese patients with breast cancer is necessary, approaching to personalized medicine.
Connexin Gap Junctions and Hemichannels in Modulating Lens Redox Homeostasis and Oxidative Stress in Cataractogenesis
Authors: Quan Yumeng , Du Yu , Tong Yuxin , Gu Sumin , Jiang Jean X.
Published: August 2021

The lens is continuously exposed to oxidative stress insults, such as ultraviolet radiation and other oxidative factors, during the aging process. The lens possesses powerful oxidative stress defense systems to maintain its redox homeostasis, one of which employs connexin channels. Connexins are a family of proteins that form: (1) Hemichannels that mediate the communication between the intracellular and extracellular environments, and (2) gap junction channels that mediate cell-cell communication between adjacent cells. The avascular lens transports nutrition and metabolites through an extensive network of connexin channels, which allows the passage of small molecules, including antioxidants and oxidized wastes. Oxidative stress-induced post-translational modifications of connexins, in turn, regulates gap junction and hemichannel permeability. Recent evidence suggests that dysfunction of connexins gap junction channels and hemichannels may induce cataract formation through impaired redox homeostasis. Here, we review the recent advances in the knowledge of connexin channels in lens redox homeostasis and their response to cataract-related oxidative stress by discussing two major aspects: (1) The role of lens connexins and channels in oxidative stress and cataractogenesis, and (2) the impact and underlying mechanism of oxidative stress in regulating connexin channels.
NRF2 Mediates Therapeutic Resistance to Chemoradiation in Colorectal Cancer through a Metabolic Switch
Authors: O’Cathail Séan M. , Wu Chieh-Hsi , Thomas Rachael , Hawkins Maria A. , Maughan Tim S. , Lewis Annabelle
Published: August 2021

Radiation resistance is a significant clinical problem in rectal cancer treatment, the mechanisms of which are poorly understood. NRF2 signalling is known to contribute to chemo/radioresistance in some cancers, but its role in therapeutic resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unexplored. Using siRNA and CRiSPR/Cas9 isogenic CRC cell lines, we investigated the effect of the knockdown and upregulation of the NRF2 pathway on chemo-radiosensitivity. Poly (A) enriched RNA sequencing and geneset enrichment analysis (GSEA) were carried out on both sensitive and resistant cell models for mechanistic insights. Finally, a cohort of rectal patient samples was profiled to understand the clinical relevance of NRF2 signalling. Radioresistant cell lines were significantly radiosensitised by siRNA knockdown (SW1463, SER10 1.22, ANOVA p < 0.0001; HT55, SER10 1.17, ANOVA p < 0.01), but not the (already) radiosensitive HCT116. The constitutive activation of NRF2 via a CRISPR Cas9 NFE2L2 mutation, E79K, induced radioresistance in HCT116 (SER10 0.71, ANOVA, p < 0.0001). GSEA demonstrated significant opposing metabolic dependencies in NRF2 signalling, specifically, the downregulation of amino acid and protein synthesis with low levels of NRF2 and upregulation with over expression. In a clinical cohort of 127 rectal patients, using a validated mRNA signature, higher baseline NRF2 signalling was associated with incomplete responses to radiation higher final neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score (OR 1.34, 95% C.I. 1.01–1.80, LRT p-value = 0.023), where high NAR indicates poor radiation response and poor long-term prognosis. This is the first demonstration of NRF2-mediated radiation resistance in colorectal cancer. NRF2 appears to regulate crucial metabolic pathways, which could be exploited for therapeutic interventions.