bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Piano Trio by Amanda Maier in the Context of Genre Evolution
Authors: Serdiuk Yaroslava
Published: December 2021

The relevance of the study. The name of Swedish composer and violin virtuoso of the Romantic era Amanda Maier-Röntgen is virtually unknown in Ukrainian musicology. Her work was forgotten for long time and rediscovered by European (particulary Swedish) and American musicians. But at one time she was the first woman who received the title of “Musik Direktor” after graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm. She also perfected her performing and composing mastership in Leipzig, her work was praised by critics and leading European musicians: E. Grieg, J. Brahms, K. Schumann, with whom A. Maier maintained creative contacts. Existing research in European and American musicology considers basically only biography and performing activity of A. Maier, not her composer style or genre-stylistic and compositional features of her works.
The main objective of the research is to consider the stylistic parameters in chamber music works by A. Maier, in particular, her interpretation of the piano trio genre.
The methodology of the study is based on the main methods of music science: compositional, harmonic, polyphonic, intonation genre-stylistic analysis, historical-comparative method.
The main findings and conclusions of the study. The Trio in E flat major by A. Maier embodies both the most characteristic features of this genre that have developed in the works of classical composers, and the achievements of Romantic composers of the Austrian-German school of the first half of the nineteenth century, and the latter have priority in this work. Continuity with classical traditions can be traced in the four-part structure of the cycle, which has become typical for the trio genre, beginning with the works by L. van Beethoven; in specific techniques of ensemble writing (unison presentation of the initial theme with all instruments, dialogicity — comparison of the sound of ensemble tutti and solo piano; elements of imitation in strings part; polyphonic work with themes in development). Fundamental role of lyrics, reliance on the song and romance intonations, the kinship of themes within each of the parts, end-to-end thematic development, and thematic arches between the movements in composer thinking of A. Maier comes from Romanticism.
Among the individual features inherent in the Trio A. Maier — laconic composition, plasticity of melodic lines, exceptional fluidity and coherence of form, which is achieved due to intonational similarity of the themes, openness of the syntactic structures or veiling of the cadences, organicity of the modulation transitions; dynamism of the developing sections. Also, some melodic and harmonic elements of the Trio (for example, in the themes of the middle sections of Scherzo and Andante) hint at the Scandinavian national folklore. Amanda Mayer's trio represents the best achievements of the romantic stage in the evolution of the genre: your embodiment of classical traditions together with the disclosure of personal lyrical and psychological content.
Motet “Jesu, Meine Freude” by Johann Sebastian Bach: Comparative Analysis of Editions of Musical Text
Authors: Savon Dmytro
Published: December 2021

Relevance and scientific novelty of the selected subject for the research. In the Ukrainian musicology, the motets written by Johann Bach were mainly studied from the compositional means standpoint, considering the system of polyphony, the role of chorale and fugue in dramaturgy as well as the composition of works. Scientists have not previously researched the motets performance specificity. Meanwhile, motets, particularly the one reviewed in the article “Jesu, meine Freude”, are among the most frequently performed works of the choral repertoire. For the first time in the Ukrainian musicology, three edited versions of the motet “Jesu, meine Freude” are analyzed from the standpoint of historically oriented performance. Based on the study of editors’ comments and source literature (mostly German), the question of compliance of the musical text with the task of performing reconstruction of the baroque vocal and choral style was studied.
The aim of the article lies in the need to find out specificity of the editors’ interpretation of motet “Jesu, meine Freude” written by Johann Bach and suitability extent of different edited versions for the historical reconstruction of the vocal-choral style of the German Baroque.
During the development of particular article, such methods were utilized: historical — the history of edited versions of “Jesu, meine Freude” motet was traced, comparative — the comparative analysis of three edited versions of motet “Jesu, meine Freude” written by Johann Bach (Franz Wulner, Konrad Ameln and Mykhailo Berdennykov) was completed.
Main results and conclusions. According to the completed comparative analysis, the first two of the three considered edited versions are textual, while the third one is adopted for performing. Textual versions are characterized by the preservation of the composer’s text in the smallest details, including comments to clearly identify the extent of changes made by the editor in the text. The peculiarities of the version adopted for performing contain the large amount of remarks added by the editor, covering dynamic shades, strokes, tempo notation, etc. It is noted that the choice of version type is determined by performance goals: to perform the works of Johann Bach in an authentic manner, the conductor should focus on facsimile versions, and if they are absent (as in the case of the “Jesu, meine Freude” motet), the one should use textual type of edited versions. The version developed for performing cannot correspond to the authentic performing, as the first does not reflect specific tendencies of the time when it was created. It is specified that the conductor should be familiar with the peculiarities of fixing the means of performance in the musical text of the Baroque era.
Algorytm jako informacja publiczna w prawie europejskim
Authors: Mazur Joanna
Published: December 2021

The author verifies the hypothesis concerning the possibility of using algorithms – applied in automated decision making in public sector – as information which is subject to the law governing the right to access information or the right to access official documents in European law. She discusses problems caused by the approach to these laws in the European Union, as well as lack of conformity of the jurisprudence between the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights.
Blood Brothers: Race, the Afro-Asian-Canadian Bloc, and South Africa’s Expulsion from the Commonwealth, 1960-61
Authors: Manulak Daniel
Published: December 2021

During the 1961 Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ meeting, Canada’s prime minister, John Diefenbaker, joined with his non-white partners to form an “Afro-Asian-Canadian bloc” that, for all intents and purposes, expelled South Africa from the association. Drawing on American, Australian, British, Canadian, and South African documents, this article argues that Diefenbaker did so in a bid to preserve the Commonwealth to bridge global racial divides and avert a potential “race war” in the making. The Commonwealth could thus retain its integrity as an institution responsive to global South concerns and chaperone them during a transitional phase to statehood. In so doing, newly independent peoples would be rendered culturally familiar and predictable, embedding them within the liberal international order. Consequently, this study offers insight into Canadian attitudes towards African decolonization and what the Commonwealth meant to Canada beyond its strategic imperative.
FOREST COVER MOSAICS OF CONIFEROUS-DECIDUOUS FORESTS IN THE VALUEVSKY FOREST PARK
Authors:   Center for Forest Ecology and Productivity of the RAS, Тихонова Е. В. , Тихонов Г. Н. ,   University of Helsinki, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme
Published: December 2021

Relevance and purpose. The Russian geobotanical science has a profound tradition of studying the vegetation cover heterogeneities. However, the number of studies on the mosaics in complexly organized coniferous-deciduous forests is very limited, and there is high ambiguity in the obtained results. In addition, there has appeared a need to resolve the “terminological issue”. The aim of this study was to assess the vegetation cover mosaics of widespread forest phytocenoses in the Moskva-Oka Plain. Material and methods. We present a review of publications on the intracenotic heterogeneity of forest cover and make an attempt to systematize the existing terminology. The field studies were carried out on the territory of the Valuevsky forest park (Novomoskovsky AO, Moscow) using classical geobotanical methods. The acquired data was analyzed with various modern methods of statistical data analysis. Results and conclusions. The obtained results indicate that differences in vegetation are much more pronounced at the level of phytocenoses than at the level of microgroups. The most powerful edificatory effect of spruce has been confirmed. We identified the following reasons that determine the weak differentiation of vegetation at the level of microgroups: the co-influence of neighboring microgroups, the lack of individual trees’ impact duration for a noticeable transformation of vegetation, and legacies in the structure and species composition of previous states over a long period of time.
Usporedba klasičnog i in vitro razmnožavanja vinove loze
Authors: Marković Zvjezdana , Milković Martina , Karoglan Kontić Jasminka , Preiner Darko
Published: December 2021

U vinogradarskoj proizvodnji postupak cijepljenja predstavlja klasičan način dobivanja potomstva od matičnih biljaka vinove loze. To je najzastupljeniji način vegetativnog razmnožavanja, učinkovit je protiv filoksere, te daje dobre rezultate. Postupak se odvija u rasadniku, a nastali cjepovi predstavljaju klonove matičnih biljaka. In vitro razmnožavanje podrazumijeva brzo klonsko razmnožavanje biljnog materijala u sterilnim uvjetima. Prednosti in vitro razmnožavanja u odnosu na klasično razmnožavanje su kraći period dobivanja odraslih biljaka, te mogućnost ozdravljivanja biljnog materijala od virusa. Međutim, postupak in vitro razmnožavanja da bi bio uspješan zahtjeva testiranje pojedine sorte na kontrolirane uvjete. Cilj ovog rada je dati usporedbu prednosti i nedostataka klasičnog i in vitro razmnožavanja za vinovu lozu.
Demystifying the Hegemony of the English Language: Scrutiny of ‘Gak Bisa Bahasa Inggris!’ Advertisement within a Semiotics Lens
Authors: Sugianto Ahmad , Prasetyo Ilham Agung , Aria Dewi , Wahjuwibowo Indiwan Seto
Published: December 2021

Due to its overarching status and power, the English language has dominated and influenced nearly in various means of communication, and one of which is instantiated in advertisements. However, studies concerning the hegemony of the English language represented in an advertisement were found to be under-explored. Thereby, the present study aimed to scrutinise the domination and power of the English language, particularly in Indonesia, represented in one of the advertisements, which is a remake video of a viral video from 2017 to date, entitled ‘Gak Bisa Bahasa Inggris!’ from a Youtube Channel named Pahamy. Semiotic analysis was employed to analyse the advertisement. The findings revealed only five out of eight types of syntagma found comprising descriptive syntagma, bracket syntagma, episodic syntagma, autonomous shot, and scene. The present study concluded that it seemed not possible to have the eight syntagmatic types in a very short advertisement video, and some signs found in the advertisement could be used to shed light on the hegemony of the English language in Indonesia, which might result in either positive or negative effect; hence, any thoughtful consideration and action through multilingual education was advocated to solve or at least mitigate this issue.
Features of Futurism Performance on the Example of the Works ‘Luna, Lussuria e Velocita’ in Ilkham Nazarov’s Interpretation
Authors: Piriev Rufat
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the study is to determine the vocal performance characteristics of the ‘Luna, Lussuria e Velocita’ work, written in the style of futurism in the interpretation of I. Nazarov, taking into account the peculiarities of the timbre of his voice. ‘Luna, Lussuria e Velocita’ is written in the futuristic style and is intended for bass/countertenor and electronic musical instruments. The purpose of the research is to determine the features of the vocal performance of the ‘Luna, Lussuria e Velocita’ work composed in the style of futurism, taking into account the features of I. Nazarov's voice timbre. The research methodology is based on the use of music analytical, historical and theoretical analysis methods. The analysis of vocal performance given in the research was carried out based on the note presented by the composer and the video material performed by I. Nazarov. At the same time, a number of scientific literature on futurism was referred to. The scientific novelty of the research is that the work of Italian composer S. Muscaritolo ‘Luna, Lussuria e Velocita’ was involved in the study for the first time. The work is designed for two registers (bass/countertenor) and is composed in the style of futurism, which characterizes its scientific novelty. The work uses non-traditional playing methods for bass and countertenor. In the research, the research of vocal performance methods used by I.Nazarov during the performance was carried out for the first time. Conclusions. I.Nazarov is the first and only singer in the history of Azerbaijani music culture with a countertenor voice and boundless vocal technique. Not only Azerbaijani but also European composers create works of various genres in accordance with the possibilities of his voice. These works are new due to their features and performance requirements. In ‘Luna, Lussuria e Velocita’ I. Nazarov showed himself as a singer with high technical capabilities, able to perfectly control both the baritone and countertenor sound timbre. The singer expanded the possibilities of performing the countertenor sound timbre, which gave rise to the assessment of the sound timbre from a new position.
From the History of the Conservatory Creation in Azerbaijan
Authors: Gulamova Naira
Published: December 2021

This article is devoted to the first conservatory creation of the Muslim East, which was opened in the city of Baku on August 26, 1921. In itself, this remarkable fact testifies to the difficulties that arose on the way to creating this Higher Musical Educational Institution in Baku. The article consistently highlights the most important facts related to the opening and activities of the conservatory. It is important to emphasize that despite all the difficulties that arise along the way, Uz. Hajibeyli and his associates persistently went to their cherished dream – the creation of the first conservatory in Baku. The purpose of the research is to identify the conditions in which the first conservatory of the Muslim East was created. Uz. Hajibeyli took years of consistent work to create that strong foundation on which the building of the conservatory was erected, now BMA named after. Uz. Hajibeyli. Note that August 26, 2021, marks the 100th anniversary of the first conservatory in Azerbaijan founding. The research methodology is based on genuine historical facts with which the activities of Uzeyir Hajibeyli were associated in the process of creating the conservatory. The scientific novelty of the research is associated with some facts of Uz. Hajibeyli’s life, which were not mentioned at all in Soviet times. All these facts, one way or another, come out of the time of the existence of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. The ADR national anthem was written by Uz. Hajibeyli. It is also the anthem of modern Azerbaijan. Conclusions. The approaching centenary anniversary of the first conservatory in Azerbaijan allows not only to evaluate the path it has travelled but also to pay tribute to its creator, Uzeyirbek Hajibeyli, the founder of Azerbaijani professional music, a great visionary who consistently leads Azerbaijani music along the path of progress and conquest of heights in composing, performing and educational processes in the republic.
Works of Mykola Leontovych in the Performance Traditions of the Odesa Choral School
Authors: Bondar Yevheniia
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the research is to identify the peculiarities of performing reading and conducting-methodical mastering of choral works by M. D. Leontovych in the activities of outstanding representatives of the Odesa choral school. The tasks of the work are determined: coverage of the concept of a performing school, in particular, the Odesa choral school; identification of the poetical-semantic features, intonational-expressive factors that influenced the performing approaches to the works of M. Leontovych; determination of the creative continuity’s features of generations in the context of interpretations, intonation and artistic images’ embodiment of M. D. Leontovych’s works in choral sound. The research methodology is based on the use of general scientific and special chorological approaches. An analytical-abstract approach was used to study the scientific literature on the outlined issues; in working with the memories of contemporaries, graduates – analytical and historical; in work with musical texts – choral, textual and selective methods; The system-structural method helped to present the phenomenon under study as a generalization of various research and practical tools – it became a unifying factor in the holistic understanding of experience. The scientific novelty of the research is due to the fact that for the first time an original view of the performing interpretation of individual works of M. Leontovych from the standpoint of performing, conducting, research experience of the Odessa Choral School; figurative-associative approaches in the context of chorological elaboration of the author’s text are covered; emphasis is placed on the relationship between musical and historical facts and current trends in the development of choral performance. Conclusions. M. Leontovych’s choral works are an original example of an individual author's concept of the folk song idea in choral elaboration, which forms multiple semantic vectors for performing interpretation. Genre-style, intonation-expressive priorities of the composer in the processing of folk song material become a kind of ‘guide’ in the interpretive strategies of performers and provoke them and the listener to certain reflections of associative, musical-semantic, theatrical and figurative composition. At the present stage of its development, the Odesa Choral School, declaring historically established approaches to the works of M. Leontovych in the repertoire of the student choir at the same time demonstrates their living performing tradition.
Oleksii Chumakov’s Creative Activity
Authors: Kovmir Nataliia
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes various aspects of Oleksii Chumakov’s creative activity. Oleksii Chumakov’s activity can be considered as striking in its variety of creative manifestations. His singing career is harmoniously combined with his work as a composer and arranger. The purpose of the article is to identify the specifics of stylistic dimensions of O. Chumakov’s work. The article analyzes various aspects of O. Chumakov’s activity, which impresses with the variety of creative manifestations. The artist harmoniously combines the singer’s career with composing and arranging skills. The research methodology consists oftheoretical methods (analysis, synthesis, generalization, biographical method), as well as empirical ones to observe the multifaceted work of O. Chumakov. The scientific novelty of the research is that the main features of O. Chumakov’s work are revealed, it is found out that the artist’s vocal skill is manifested in the use of soul singing. The style of Chumakov's compositions makes it possible to use the traditions of the gospel. The dominant directions in which his songs were written are funk, fusion, pop. Conclusions. It is noted that singers, who combine performance with composing, arranging, working in a recording studio, can rightly be considered professionals in their field. Having practical vocal skills, the composer takes into account the technical capabilities of singers, trying to emphasize their strengths. Oleksii Chumakov is also a presenter, writer and actor. All these qualities testify his versatility and high professionalism. In the concert performances of the singer, there is no bright effect or extraordinary scenography, because the performer prefers the ‘classical’ type of stage behaviour when the main emphasis is on the musical side of the compositions. Vocal skill, which manifests itself in the use of various vocal manners, intonation accuracy and stylistic sophistication, are the dominant elements of O. Chumakov’s performances.
Публіцистичні мотиви щоденникової рецепції Олеся Гончара постаті Лесі Українки
Authors: Галич Валентина
Published: December 2021

Актуальність статті передусім пояснюється таким чинником, як відзначення у 2021 році 150-річчя від дня народження Лесі Українки, видатної письменниці, публіцистки, перекладачки, що посприяло новому сприйняттю її творчості з урахуванням комунікативних та духовних запитів сучасності. Крім того, публікація в часи незалежності України щоденників українських письменників привернула увагу вчених до питань публіцистичної творчості їхніх авторів, поєднання в ній суб’єктивного й об’єктивного, особливостей психології текстотворення, суспільної вартості для сучасного читача доробку мемуаристів та згаданих ними побратимів по перу.

Мета дослідження: системно проаналізувати записи в щоденниках Олеся Гончара, у яких згадується ім’я Лесі Українки, з огляду на їхні суспільно-політичні, культурологічні та психологічні чинники; інтерпретуючи їхній зміст з акцентом на його актуальності та перегуках із публіцистикою автора.

Щоденникові записи Олеся Гончара про класика української літератури кінця ХІХ – початку ХХ століття суб’єктивно та психологічно точно окреслюють літературний процес своєї доби, містять неординарні публіцистичні оцінки творчості Лесі Українки, розкривають погляди на роль митця в суспільстві та його моральне обличчя. Проблематика дослідження пов’язана з тими дискусіями, що розпочалися ще на світанку незалежності України, а саме: про перегляд місця класики в національній культурі, якість та духовні орієнтири літературної критики.

Подаючи у своїх щоденниках проникливу рентгенограму своєї доби, Олесь Гончар залучає й саме ім’я Лесі Українки, наділене різними конотаціями, і її творчість у ролі фактів і аргументів у характеристиках таких суспільних явищ, як історична пам’ять, спадкоємність поколінь, гуманістичний потенціал рідної літератури.

Фрагменти біографій самовідданих і мужніх українських жінок – письменниці Олени Пчілки, скульпторки Галини Кальченко та художниці Марії Башкирцевої, – введені до контексту мемуарного потрактування соціального статусу Лесі Українки, відтворюють присутність феміністичних ідей в українському культурологічному просторі, яким Олесь Гончар надав виразно гуманістичного звучання.

Щоденникові записи Олеся Гончара про Лесю Українку можна розглядати як феномен соціальної комунікації. Розмова автора нотаток із самим собою через порушення важливих національних суспільних і культурологічних проблем озвучує діалог епох кін. ХІХ – поч. ХХ ст. та другої половини ХХ ст., сприяє кристалізації думок, що відлунюють у його публіцистиці й не втрачають своєї актуальності в наш час.
Solar-Powered Automated Transportation: Feasibility and Visualization
Authors: Furman Burford , Ramasubramanian Laxmi , McDonald Shannon , Swenson Ron , Fogelquist Jack , Chiao Yu , Pape Alex , Cruz Mario
Published: December 2021

A solar-powered automated transportation network (ATN) connecting the North and South campuses of San José State University with three passenger stations was designed, visualized, and analyzed in terms of its energy usage, carbon offset, and cost. The study’s methodology included the use of tools and software such as ArcGIS, SketchUp, Infraworks, Sketchup, Rhinoceros, and Autodesk 3DS Max. ATN vehicle energy usage was estimated using data from the university’s Park & Ride shuttle bus operation and by modeling with SUMOPy, the advanced simulation suite for the micro-traffic simulator SUMO. The energy study showed that an extensive solar photovoltaic (PV) canopy over the guideway and stations is sufficient for the network to run 24/7 in better-than-zero net-metered conditions—even if ridership were to increase 15% above that predicted from SJSU Park & Ride shuttle data. The resulting energy system has a PV-rated output of 6.2 MW, a battery system capacity of 9.8 MWh, and an estimated cost of $11.4 million USD. The solar ATN also produces 98% lower CO2 and PM2.5 emissions compared to the Park & Ride shuttle bus. A team of experts including urban planners, architects, and engineers designed and visualized the conceptual prototype, including a comprehensive video explaining the need for solar ATN and what a typical rider would experience while utilizing the system. This research demonstrates both benefits and challenges for solar-powered ATN, as well as its functionality within the urban built environment to serve diverse San José neighborhoods.
Association of Lipidomics Signatures in Blood with Clinical Progression in Preclinical and Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Sakr Fatemah ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Dyrba Martin , Bräuer Anja , Teipel Stefan
Published: December 2021

Background: Lipidomics may provide insight into biochemical processes driving Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis and ensuing clinical trajectories. Objective: To identify a peripheral lipidomics signature associated with AD pathology and investigate its potential to predict clinical progression. Methods: We used Bayesian elastic net regression to select plasma lipid classes associated with the CSF pTau/Aβ42 ratio as a biomarker of AD pathology in preclinical and prodromal AD cases from the ADNI cohort. Consensus clustering of the selected lipid classes was used to identify lipidomic endophenotypes and study their association with clinical progression. Results: In the APOE4-adjusted model, ether-glycerophospholipids, lyso-glycerophospholipids, free-fatty acids, cholesterol esters, and complex sphingolipids were found to be associated with the CSF pTau/Aβ42 ratio. We found an optimal number of five lipidomic endophenotypes in the prodromal and preclinical cases, respectively. In the prodromal cases, these clusters differed with respect to the risk of clinical progression as measured by clinical dementia rating score conversion. Conclusion: Lipid alterations can be captured at the earliest phases of AD. A lipidomic signature in blood may provide a dynamic overview of an individual’s metabolic status and may support identifying different risks of clinical progression.
Quantitative Gradient Echo MRI Identifies Dark Matter as a New Imaging Biomarker of Neurodegeneration that Precedes Tissue Atrophy in Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kothapalli Satya V.V.N. , Benzinger Tammie L. , Aschenbrenner Andrew J. , Perrin Richard J. , Hildebolt Charles F. , Goyal Manu S. , Fagan Anne M. , Raichle Marcus E. , Morris John C. , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A.
Published: December 2021

Background: Currently, brain tissue atrophy serves as an in vivo MRI biomarker of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, postmortem histopathological studies show that neuronal loss in AD exceeds volumetric loss of tissue and that loss of memory in AD begins when neurons and synapses are lost. Therefore, in vivo detection of neuronal loss prior to detectable atrophy in MRI is essential for early AD diagnosis. Objective: To apply a recently developed quantitative Gradient Recalled Echo (qGRE) MRI technique for in vivo evaluation of neuronal loss in human hippocampus. Methods: Seventy participants were recruited from the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, representing three groups: Healthy controls [Clinical Dementia Rating® (CDR®) = 0, amyloid β (Aβ)-negative, n = 34]; Preclinical AD (CDR = 0, Aβ-positive, n = 19); and mild AD (CDR = 0.5 or 1, Aβ-positive, n = 17). Results: In hippocampal tissue, qGRE identified two types of regions: one, practically devoid of neurons, we designate as “Dark Matter”, and the other, with relatively preserved neurons, “Viable Tissue”. Data showed a greater loss of neurons than defined by atrophy in the mild AD group compared with the healthy control group; neuronal loss ranged between 31% and 43%, while volume loss ranged only between 10% and 19%. The concept of Dark Matter was confirmed with histopathological study of one participant who underwent in vivo qGRE 14 months prior to expiration. Conclusion: In vivo qGRE method identifies neuronal loss that is associated with impaired AD-related cognition but is not recognized by MRI measurements of tissue atrophy, therefore providing new biomarkers for early AD detection.
Assessing Sex-Specific Circadian, Metabolic, and Cognitive Phenotypes in the AβPP/PS1 and APPNL-F/NL-F Models of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Britz Jesse , Ojo Emmanuel , Dhukhwa Asmita , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Hascup Erin R. , Hascup Kevin N. , Tischkau Shelley A.
Published: December 2021

Background: Circadian disruption has long been recognized as a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, emerging data suggests that circadian dysfunction occurs early on in disease development, potentially preceding any noticeable cognitive deficits. Objective: This study compares the onset of AD in male and female wild type (C57BL6/J), transgenic (AβPP/PS1), and knock-in (APPNL-F/NL-F) AD mouse models from the period of plaque initiation (6 months) through 12 months. Methods: Rhythmic daily activity patterns, glucose sensitivity, cognitive function (Morris water maze, MWM), and AD pathology (plaques formation) were assessed. A comparison was made across sexes. Results: Sex-dependent hyperactivity in AβPP/PS1 mice was observed. In comparison to C57BL/6J animals, 6-month-old male AβPP/PS1 demonstrated nighttime hyperactivity, as did 12-month-old females. Female AβPP/PS1 animals performed significantly worse on a MWM task than AβPP/PS1 males at 12 months and trended toward increased plaque pathology. APPNL-F/NL-F 12-month-old males performed significantly worse on the MWM task compared to 12-month-old females. Significantly greater plaque pathology occurred in AβPP/PS1 animals as compared to APPNL-F/NL-F animals. Female AβPP/PS1 animals performed significantly worse than APPNL-F/NL-F animals in spatial learning and memory tasks, though this was reversed in males. Conclusion: Taken together, this study provides novel insights into baseline sex differences, as well as characterizes baseline diurnal activity variations, in the AβPP/PS1 and APPNL-F/NL-F AD mouse models.
Do Periodontal Pathogens or Associated Virulence Factors Have a Deleterious Effect on the Blood-Brain Barrier, Contributing to Alzheimer’s Disease?
Authors: Kouki Mhd Ammar , Pritchard Anna Barlach , Alder Jane Elizabeth , Crean StJohn
Published: December 2021

The central nervous system (CNS) is protected by a highly selective barrier, the blood-brain barrier (BBB), that regulates the exchange and homeostasis of bloodborne molecules, excluding xenobiotics. This barrier forms the first line of defense by prohibiting pathogens from crossing to the CNS. Aging and chronic exposure of the BBB to pathogens renders it permeable, and this may give rise to pathology in the CNS such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Researchers have linked pathogens associated with periodontitis to neuroinflammation and AD-like pathology in vivo and in vitro. Although the presence of periodontitis-associated bacteria has been linked to AD in several clinical studies as DNA and virulence factors were confirmed in brain samples of human AD subjects, the mechanism by which the bacteria traverse to the brain and potentially influences neuropathology is unknown. In this review, we present current knowledge about the association between periodontitis and AD, the mechanism whereby periodontal pathogens might provoke neuroinflammation and how periodontal pathogens could affect the BBB. We suggest future studies, with emphasis on the use of human in vitro models of cells associated with the BBB to unravel the pathway of entry for these bacteria to the CNS and to reveal the molecular and cellular pathways involved in initiating the AD-like pathology. In conclusion, evidence demonstrates that bacteria associated with periodontitis and their virulence factors are capable of inflecting damage to the BBB and have a role in giving rise to pathology similar to that found in AD.
Environmental Enrichment Effects on the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Healthy Condition, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Cutuli Debora , Landolfo Eugenia , Petrosini Laura , Gelfo Francesca
Published: December 2021

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein belonging to the neurotrophin family, is known to be heavily involved in synaptic plasticity processes that support brain development, post-lesion regeneration, and cognitive performances, such as learning and memory. Evidence indicates that BDNF expression can be epigenetically regulated by environmental stimuli and thus can mediate the experience-dependent brain plasticity. Environmental enrichment (EE), an experimental paradigm based on the exposure to complex stimulations, constitutes an efficient means to investigate the effects of high-level experience on behavior, cognitive processes, and neurobiological correlates, as the BDNF expression. In fact, BDNF exerts a key role in mediating and promoting EE-induced plastic changes and functional improvements in healthy and pathological conditions. This review is specifically aimed at providing an updated framework of the available evidence on the EE effects on brain and serum BDNF levels, by taking into account both changes in protein expression and regulation of gene expression. A further purpose of the present review is analyzing the potential of BDNF regulation in coping with neurodegenerative processes characterizing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), given BDNF expression alterations are described in AD patients. Moreover, attention is also paid to EE effects on BDNF expression in other neurodegenerative disease. To investigate such a topic, evidence provided by experimental studies is considered. A deeper understanding of environmental ability in modulating BDNF expression in the brain may be fundamental in designing more tuned and effective applications of complex environmental stimulations as managing approaches to AD.
Anti-Inflammatory Gene Therapy Improves Spatial Memory Performance in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yoo Tai June
Published: December 2021

The immune system plays a critical role in neurodegenerative processes involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, a gene-based immunotherapeutic method examined the effects of anti-inflammatory cellular immune response elements (CIREs) in the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) mouse model. Bi-monthly intramuscular administration, beginning at either 4 or 6 months, and examined at 7.5 through 16 months, with plasmids encoding Interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, TGF-β polynucleotides, or a combination thereof, into AβPP mice improved spatial memory performance. This work demonstrates an efficient gene therapy strategy to downregulate neuroinflammation, and possibly prevent or delay cognitive decline in AD.
PT-MARCOS multi-attribute decision-making method under neutrosophic cubic environment
Authors: Fan Jianping , Zhai Shanshan , Wu Meiqin
Published: December 2021

Neutrosophic cubic set (NCS) can process complex information by combining interval neutrosophic set and single-valued neutrosophic set. It can simultaneously describe the uncertain and certain part of information. Prospect theory (PT) is based on bounded rationality and can reflect decision maker’s different risk attitudes to gains and losses. Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to COmpromise Solution (MARCOS) method can measure and rank the alternatives according to compromise solution. Considering the bounded rationality of decision makers and compromise solution of alternatives, this paper combines the PT with MARCOS method to neutrosophic cubic environment to solve multi-attribute decision-making problem. First, the theoretical basis of NCS is introduced. Second, the PT and MARCOS method are combined. To reflect subjective views of decision makers and the objectivity of decision-making information, this paper uses geometric average method to combine subjective weights (calculated by the best-worst method) and objective weights (calculated ed by the entropy method). Then, the PT-MARCOS method is applied to a decision-making problem. Further, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to study the influence of different attenuation factor values and different expectation coefficient on the ranking; and through comparative analysis to illustrate the superiority of the PT-MARCOS method. Finally is the conclusion.
Abortion in Europe: Recent legislative changes and risk of inequality
Authors: Cioffi Andrea , Cecannecchia Camilla , Cioffi Fernanda , Bolino Giorgio , Rinaldi Raffaella
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND: Induced abortion is a medical practice that has always been much discussed all over the world. Abortion is allowed in most European countries at the request of the woman with limitations that are imposed mainly by the gestational age. However, there are legislative differences between European countries which impose stringent limits on the use of induced abortion. OBJECTIVE: This article analyzes the European legislation on abortion, with a particular focus on countries in which there have been recent legislative changes in recent years, and the possible consequent risk of inequality among European women. METHODS: Government and ministerial websites of the countries analyzed have been consulted to investigate abortion laws in Europe. In addition, the Global Abortion Policies Database of the World Health Organization was also consulted for a regulatory comparison. RESULTS: The differences between the various European countries are considerable. Although guaranteed by most legislation, abortion remains a fragile right in some European countries. CONCLUSION: Different legislation in the various countries of Europe causes difficulties for women who want to have an abortion but who reside in states where there are strict limits to abortion. In addressing the issue of induced abortion, we must not forget that the center of this practice is the woman. For this reason, it is essential to apply a reasoning based on respect for women’s rights: freedom, health, and self-determination.
Isolation design and numerical calculation of isolated rubber bearing in continuous beam bridge in high seismic intensity area
Authors: Pan Deng , Zhang Tao
Published: December 2021

The stability of bridges in the face of earthquake hazards has always been the focus of construction engineering. At present, a large number of bridge construction has begun to use isolation rubber bearings to increase the seismic capacity of bridges. However, in the face of high-intensity earthquake disasters, the seismic performance of the bridge is gradually unable to meet, the main reason is the lack of relevant research on the seismic performance of the bridge in high seismic intensity area. Therefore, this study will explore the changes of the bridge in the face of high-strength earthquake, and try to use high damping rubber bearings for the isolation design of the bridge. By establishing the finite element model of continuous bridge combined with isolation rubber bearing, the numerical calculation of bridge element is carried out on this basis, and the isolation effect of isolation rubber bearing is analyzed. The results show that the compression resistance and shear resistance of the isolated rubber bearing are strong. Under the influence of different seismic waves, the maximum displacement of the bearing is 0.131 m and the maximum horizontal force is 389.6 kN, which are lower than the allowable value of the bridge, and the overall seismic performance of the bridge has been significantly improved, which can play a good theoretical support in the construction of continuous bridges in high seismic intensity areas.
Greenhouse Gas Mitigation in Forest and Agricultural Lands: Reducing Emissions
Authors: Haile Solomon G. , Fraisse Clyde W. , Nair Ramachandran P-K , Nair Vimala D.
Published: December 2021

AE443, a 7-page fact sheet by Solomon G. Haile, Clyde W. Fraisse, P.K. Ramachandran Nair, and Vimala D. Nair, is part of the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation in Forest and Agricultural Lands series. It provides basic information about greenhouse gases (GHGs), the greenhouse effect, and global warming, and sources of GHG emissions from forest and agricultural lands and discusses land management practices that have potential to reduce GHG emissions in the agricultural and forestry sectors of Florida. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, December 2008.
‘Florida-07’, a Medium Maturity, Large Seeded, High Oleic Peanut Variety with Resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt
Authors: Tillman Barry L. , Gorbet Daniel W.
Published: December 2021

SS-AGR-313, a 3-page fact sheet by B.L. Tillman and D.W. Gorbet, describes this variety of peanut released in 2006 because of its outstanding pod-yield potential, competitive grades, high oleic oil chemistry. Includes a table detailing the performance of runner market-type peanut varieties in Florida locations in the past four years. Published by the UF Department of Agronomy, November 2008. Reviewed May 2012.
Production of Giant Reedgrass for Biofuel
Authors: Gilbert Robert , Ferrell Jason , Helsel Zane
Published: December 2021

SS-AGR-318, a 4-page illustrated fact sheet by Robert Gilbert, Jason Ferrell, and Zane Helsel, discusses the adaptation and production of Arundo as a potential energy crop and presents measures for controlling Arundo as an escaped weed, based on initial observations in preliminary university trials and cited literature. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Agronomy, November 2008.
Impact of Water Quality on Beef Cattle Health and Performance
Authors: Brew Megan N. , Carter Jeffrey , Maddox Mary K.
Published: December 2021

AN187, a 4-page illustrated fact sheet by Megan N. Brew, Jeffrey Carter, and Mary K. Maddox, discusses common contaminants of drinking water and how to evaluate drinking water management practices. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, November 2008.
Use of Tanniferous Plants to Control Infestations of Haemonchus contortus Parasites in Meat Goats
Authors: Kahan Tyrell , Williams Sally , Mobley Ray , Ezenwa Ikechukwu , Peterson Eric
Published: December 2021

AN199, a 6-page fact sheet bu Tyrell Kahan, Sally Williams, Ray Mobley, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, and Eric Peterson, describes the use of tanniferous plants to control internal parasites in meat goats. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Animal Science, March 2008.
Effects of Chilling Temperature of Bone-in Fully-Cooked Hams on Microbial Growth and Shelf Life
Authors: Carr Chad , Eubanks Larry
Published: December 2021

AN206, a 4-page fact sheet by C. Chad Carr and Larry Eubanks, reports the results of a study to determine the effect of not meeting the USDA’s suggested standard for chilling on the microbial growth and retail acceptability of bone-in, fully-cooked hams. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Animal Science, October 2008.
AN206/AN206: The Effects of Chilling Temperature of Bone-in Fully-Cooked Hams on Microbial Growth and Shelf Life (ufl.edu)
Reproductive Tract Score: A Tool for Evaluating Beef Heifer Reproductive Potential
Authors: Binelli Mario , Martins Thiago , Rocha Cecilia Constantino , Silva Felipe A. C. C. , Bittar João , Moriel Philipe , Gonella-Diaza Angela , Butler Lauren , Sanders Cindy
Published: December 2021

This publication explains the RTS methodology and suggests how it can be implemented in a cow-calf operation. Written by Mario Binelli, Thiago Martins, Cecilia C. Rocha, Felipe A. C. C. Silva, João Bittar, Philipe Moriel, Angela M. Gonella-Diaza, Lauren Butler, and Cindy Sanders, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, October 2021.
Analysis of the USDA’s 2017 Cow-Calf Management Practices Results: Part 1—Calf Crop and Calving Distribution
Authors: Gonella-Diaza Angela Maria , Ojeda Oscar Alejandro , Bittar João , Binelli Mario
Published: December 2021

This publication analyzes the calf-crop and calving distribution data reported on NAHMS Beef 1997 and provides insights and practical recommendations. Written by Angela Gonella, Oscar Alejandro Ojeda-Rojas, João Bittar, and Mario Binelli, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, November 2021.
Proper Milking Procedures
Authors: Toledo Izabella
Published: December 2021

These brochures illustrate steps to optimize milking efficiency and milk quality as well as the importance of environmental management in barns and milking parlors. Written by Izabella Toledo, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, November 2021.
Growing Turfgrass in the Shade
Authors: Trenholm Laurie E.
Published: December 2021

Revised! ENH-151, a 2-page fact sheet by L.E. Trenholm, lists species of turfgrass suitable for use in the shade and management practices to minimize added stress. Published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, April 2008.
ENH151/EP072: Growing Turfgrass in the Shade (ufl.edu)
Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms of Woody Ornamental Plants in South Florida
Authors: Broschat Timothy K.
Published: December 2021

ENH-1098, a 5-page illustrated fact sheet by Timothy K. Broschat, describes and illustrates typical symptoms for common nutrient deficiencies in trees and shrubs grown in south Florida landscapes. Published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, March 2008.
ENH1098/EP362: Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms of Woody Ornamental Plants in South Florida (ufl.edu)
Synthetic Turfgrass and the Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
Authors: Kruse Jason , Unruh Bryan , Marvin Jennifer , Wichman Tom , Barber Lynn , Samuel Norma , Bossart John , Lewis Claire , Momol Esen
Published: December 2021

Synthetic turf is a manufactured product that utilizes synthetic fibers that mimic the aesthetic look of natural grass. While designed to imitate the look of natural turf, synthetic turf does not provide the ecosystem benefits of a natural turf system. This publication examines the properties of synthetic turf in relation to each of FFL’s nine principles. A new publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department; 4 pages.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep612
Role of Dissolved Oxygen in Hard Clam Aquaculture
Authors: Weber Kerry , Hoover Elise , Sturmer Leslie , Baker Shirley
Published: December 2021

FA152, an 11-page illustrated fact sheet by Kerry Weber, Elise Hoover, Leslie Sturmer, and Shirley Baker, discusses dissolved oxygen in clam leases, how to monitor varying concentrations, signs of oxygen stress, how it affects hard clam production, and how to develop a management strategy to adapt to dissolved oxygen levels. Includes contact information for state specialists, glossary and further readings. Published by the UF Program of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the School of Forest Resources and Conservation, December 2008.
FA152/FA152: The Role of Dissolved Oxygen in Hard Clam Aquaculture (ufl.edu)