bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the Efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cell through the Addition of Compact Layer under TiO2 Electron Transfer Material
Authors: Rosa Erlyta Septa , Nursam Natalita Maulani , Shobih Shobih , Abdillah Rizky
Published: August 2018

In the fabrication of perovskite solar cells, the perovskite layer is typically deposited onto the TiO2 semiconductor layer. The TiO2 layer serves as an electron transport material (ETM). In order to form the perovskite layer firmly and evenly, a structured mesoporous (MS) TiO2 surface is required. A porous layer could also make the electrons move more quickly through the pores to reach the contact. However, the electron-hole recombination and electron trapping in the dead end pore are still occurred. One of the solutions to overcome this problem is to add a thin compact layer (CL)-TiO2 under MS-TiO2 layer. The CL-TiO2 is expected as to prevent recombination and attract electrons trapped in the MS-TiO2 layer. In this paper, we report the addition of a thin compact layer (CL)-TiO2 under MS-TiO2 layer in the fabrication of perovskite solar cells based on methyl ammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3). The compact layer TiO2 was grown under mesoporous TiO2 layer by dip-coating in TiCl4 solution. The time of the dip coating was varied to obtain an optimum efficiency improvement. The structure of the device is glass/FTO/CL-TiO2/MS-TiO2/ CH3NH3PbI3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Ag/FTO/glass. It was concluded that the addition of CL-TiO2 can improve the perovskite solar cells power conversion efficiencies. The best efficiency was obtained from the 15 minutes dip-coating, which corresponded to the thinnest CL-TiO2 out of all samples. The electrical characterization performed under irradiation with an intensity of 50 mW/cm2 at 25 °C generated an open circuit voltage of 0.28 V, a short circuit current density of 0.25 mA/cm2 and a power conversion efficiency of 0.60 %.
Mechanical Properties of Nano SiC-Reinforced Aluminum A356 Fabricated by Stir Casting Method
Authors: Dhaneswara Donanta , Andani Luthfi Noviardi , Sofyan Nofrijon , Syahrial Anne Zulfia
Published: August 2018

Nano SiC-reinforced aluminumA356 (A356/SiC) has been successfully fabricated using stir casting method. The specimen was fabricated by adding various Nano SiC concentrations, i.e. 0, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30 wt.%, at fix 1 wt.% magnesium into aluminum A356 melt. After stirring at certain time, the mixture was poured into the mold that has been preheated at 350oC for 5 minutes. The mechanical properties were characterized using tensile, hardness, and wear testing, where as the microstructural observation was performed using an optical microscope. The results show that the mechanical properties were optimum at 0.25 wt.% Nano SiC with a strength of 175.57 MPa (21.87%), toughness of 0.0287 Joules/mm3(14.8%), hardness of 56.54 HBN (50%), and wear resistance of 1.75 x 10-5 mm3/mm (21.13%). These results indicate that the fabrication approach was successful in producing cast MMCs samples and the use of Nano SiC and Magnesium as a wetting agent with continuous stirring were found to promote the wettability of SiC and A356 matrix alloy and thus result in reasonable mechanical properties of the composite.
Method and the Virtual: Anecdote, Analogy, Culture
Authors: Boellstorff Tom
Published: August 2018

The question of what counts as culture in the spaces of virtual worlds has emerged as a compelling topic for research, and will likely remain so into the foreseeable future. This is a question not just of theory, but of method. In this formative period for an emerging research community on culture in virtual worlds, it is thus crucial to foster a wide range of approaches, and to challenge forms of methodological partisanship that assert the superiority of any one approach.
Use of a virtual world system in sports coach education for reproducing team handball movements
Authors: Lopes Antonio , Pires Bruno , Cardoso Marcio , Santos Arnaldo , Peixinho Filipe , Sequeira  Pedro , Morgado Leonel , Paredes Hugo , Foguet Oleguer Camerino
Published: August 2018

The continuous need for education and the significant changes in European policies and regulations overseeing sports coaching and training require the adjustment of teaching models and methods to the needs and potential of teachers, students, and technology.

In educational and training programmes for team sports coaching, it is common to use a group of athletes or video to demonstrate physical, technical, and tactical procedures. This requires significant human resources, both while developing the procedures and to reproduce them. Furthermore, both cases (live execution by athletes or video recording) are limited in visual perspective and detail. For this reason, specific software for demonstrating tactical procedures is sometimes used. But existing software presents significant limitations, for instance, when one cannot change procedures in real time nor can one interact with the audience.

This article focus on the development of a new resource: a software system combining tri-dimensional automated avatars in the Second Life world, an external control server, and an helper desktop application. Using this system, coaches enrolled in education/training programs can more easily be involved, even taking a player’s role, and analyze movements from various points of view. This system aims to contribute to the improvement of the team handball coach education programs by supporting the understanding of the dynamics between defensive and offensive players in the organized phase of a handball game, using shared 3-D simulations with avatars.
Using Second Life for Problem Based Learning in computer science programming
Authors: Esteves Micaela , Fonseca Benjamim , Morgado Leonel , Martins Paulo
Published: August 2018

A large number of students fail when beginning the study of computer programming, and withdraw from courses because of the many difficulties they face while trying to grasp the basic concepts. Programming education is typically based on putting problem-solving skills to use, by identifying a problem, developing an algorithm to tackle it, and coding that algorithm with some programming language, whose syntax and semantics must be learned. Extant research has highlighted the challenges associated with learning/teaching a programming language. However, researchers are still struggling to provide effective guidance to practitioners in this field. We believe that a better understanding of the teaching/learning process in the virtual world Second Life is a potential avenue for using this environment in classes. In this experimental research, we observed and reflected upon the problems that came up and then presented and discussed the results. We conclude with implications for future research and for practicing teachers.
Leveraging Game-Playing Skills, Expectations and Behaviors of Digital Natives to Improve Visual Analytic Tools
Authors: O'Connell Theresa A. , Grantham John D. , Workman Kevin A. , Wong Wyatt
Published: August 2018

We report gaming research aimed at improving innovative visual analytic (VA) tools. Digital natives are entering the information analysis workplace. There are similarities between innovative visual analytic (VA) tools used by information analysts and the video games digital natives play. These similarities provide an opportunity to leverage the game-playing skills, expectations and behaviors of digital natives in the design of VA tools that will help them perform information analysis. To this end, we performed a user-centered usability engineering (UE) study of digital native video game players’ interactions with each other and with a collaborative virtual environment (CVE). We measured player success (in terms of efficiency and effectiveness) and satisfaction with PanelPuzzle, a puzzle-solving game. Players were digital natives, having grown up surrounded by technology. The study showed that roleplaying positively impacted their success and satisfaction. Despite an expectation for immediate feedback, digital natives found workarounds to mitigate impacts of delayed feedback. Teammate communication was essential to collaboration and thus to success. In particular, players used communication records to build collaborative knowledge. This work provided data for a future study on discourse during gameplay. Findings will provide user-centered feedback to improve the design of innovative visual analytic (VA) tools.
Cultural Identity in Virtual Reality (VR): A Case Study of a Muslim Woman with hijab in Second Life(SL)
Authors: Mohammed Methal
Published: August 2018

This study investigates how the cultural identity of a Muslim woman with hijab (hair scarf) is perceived in Second Life (SL), a virtual and visual cultural site, through a case study that the author experienced during this research. The findings reflect different levels of reaction leaning more toward rejection and indifference rather than acceptance. I conclude that there is a need to establish an educational curriculum in SL about Islam and Muslims. This could be accomplished through a collaborative endeavor between Muslims, non-Muslim educators and educational institutions in order to promote “negotiation rather than negation” between different cultures to bring better understanding, respect, and appreciation to the for “Other.”
Machine Ethics for Gambling in the Metaverse: an “EthiCasino”
Authors: Vartapetiance Salmasi Anna , Gillam Lee
Published: August 2018

Abstract— Online gambling produces a substantial turnover. Unfortunately for potential virtual world gamblers and gambling organizations alike, US law had forced the closure of gambling in the Second Life virtual world. However, an Open Grid Protocol could lead to the provision of off-shore gambling in this virtual world. Aside from legal issues, online gambling generally gives rise to ethical issues relating to prevention of harm. We considered the combined legal and ethical issues, and have proposed and begun to construct and evaluate a system with computational oversight: an ethical advisor. The system is grounded in recent research into Machine Ethics, which may offer insights into other legal and ethical matters, and provides a framework for responsible gambling in our EthiCasino (ethical virtual casino) in Second Life.
An Experiment in Using Virtual Worlds for Scientific Visualization of Self-Gravitating Systems
Authors: Farr Will Meierjurgen , Hut Piet , Ames Jeff , Johnson Adam
Published: August 2018

In virtual worlds objects fall straight down. By replacing a few lines of code to include Newton's gravity in full, virtual world software can become an N-body simulation code with visualization included where objects move under their mutual gravitational attraction as stars in a cluster. We report on our recent experience of adding a gravitational n-body simulator to the OpenSim virtual world physics engine. OpenSim is an open-source, virtual world server that provides a 3D immersive experience to users who connect using the popular “Second Life” client software from Linden Labs. With the addition of the n-body simulation engine, multiple users can collaboratively create point-mass gravitating objects in the virtual world and then observe the subsequent gravitational evolution of their “stellar” system. We view this work as an experiment examining the suitability of virtual worlds for scientific visualization, and we report on future work to enhance and expand the prototype we have built.
Barriers to Efficient Virtual Business Transactions
Authors: Saiman ArminasX
Published: August 2018

With the availability of business transaction capability within some virtual worlds, enterprising individuals and teams have established businesses that operate entirely within the realm of virtual reality. These wholly-virtual business operations act much like real-life businesses; they must develop and manufacture products, advertise, sell and fulfill deliveries. A complete lifecycle of business events takes place within the micro-economy of the virtual world.

The virtual business owner is presented with a seemingly complete set of tools to perform all actions required by each stage of the business lifecycle, However, over the past several years, virtual business owners have begun to discover limitations and missing elements in these business transaction protocols. This paper will identify the more notable limitations facing today’s virtual business owners.
Rethinking Virtual Commodification, or The Virtual Kitchen Sink
Authors: Landay Lori
Published: August 2018

A virtual home, rented or on one's own land, whether similar to an actual world home or some other kind of space, is not just a simulacra of the familar to make the metaphors of place manifest in a virtual world. It is not just a mirror image, but its own place, a locus of experiences that have occurred there, and are now a part of me. I still do not see the appeal of a virtual kitchen, but I have also spent enough time in Second Life now to know that people's uses of commodities are often creative and ludic, providing frames for play and interaction that stimulate the imagination in ways I could barely glimpse a year ago. Maybe that could even include the kitchen sink. The video file can only be found on the Journal of Virtual Worlds Research main website: http://jvwresearch.org.
On Money and Magic
Authors: Castronova Edward
Published: August 2018

This is an invited paper.
Characteristics of the Virtual Economy (after ‘State of Play VI’ Conference , 2009)
Authors: Dibbel Julian
Published: August 2018

The discussion takes place under what Dibbell would see as a ‘plateau stage’ in terms of in-world economies. He argues that perhaps the most profound innovation in terms of economic life within virtual worlds was Linden Lab’s decision to grant intellectual property rights to users who created content in its world, Second Life. This was in direct opposition to the traditional, proprietary MMO model in which publishing companies not only owned everything their users created, but also forbade any player-to-player transaction ( with only limited success). The radical move is today being adopted as a contemporary model, with many MMOs creating monetary systems which allow of the trade of virtual goods. Increasingly, and somewhat ironically, these goods and trade are the very elements that make virtual worlds viable. Dibbell traces the progress of intellectual property and virtual goods. He makes the often misunderstood distinction between two, explaining that the latter has rivalrous properties, and that it is this feature which is shifting developers’ attitudes in relation to user micro-transactions and revenue models. He makes the point that platform creators exercise tight control over their in-world market – including, as the litigation case Bragg Vs Linden demonstrated, the makers’ of Second Life.  In the second half of the interview, Dibbell muses on the similarity between ‘artificial’ and ‘real’ economies. He surmises people attach the same fidelity to ‘toy’ economies as they do to airline mileage points, and that they persist because economic engagement within a game develops imagination and dreams.The Internet is designed as an open architecture; Virtual Worlds are much more in control. This interesting property makes the virtual economy not that much different to real economy.Recorded June 2009.
China’s New Gold Farm
Authors: Gilmore Anthony
Published: August 2018

a photographic journey
Some Remarks on Ontological-Cognitive Structures in the Metaverse
Authors: Petry Luis Carlos
Published: August 2018

Abstract: This paper aims to bring forth some ontological elements that we believe are fundamental to a wider philosophical basis of the Metaverses. We start from some indications presented by physical experiments which reproduce virtual environments in real time, searching for its eidetic-methodological relations with genetic epistemology and construtivism, showing that the structures of physical interfaces, which are founded in virtual experiments, dialogging with the concepts of body, mind, projection, cognition, and other concepts, which are present in the possible formulation of an ontology of the virtual worlds and the Metaverses. We conclude the paper with the idea of the necessity to think the issue of the ontological fundamentation of cyberspace and its metaverses.
The Essence of Virtuality: Exploring the Digital Body
Authors: Ortwein Mark
Published: August 2018

This “think piece” explores the definitional possibilities of “body”—that is, what is a body and how should we understand it, especially in light of the recent emergence of virtual bodies.  To this end, the author employs an essentialist framework for understanding: Is the body reducible to some fundamental essence or substance, something common to all bodies?  To what extent does a definition of body extend to virtual bodies?  These questions (and others) are posited, and the author invites readers to consider the manifold issues engendered by such reflection.
Trucking Towards a Virtual World: The Development and Implementation of FMCSA’s Transportation Nation Second Life Island
Authors: Schlicht Adam
Published: August 2018

The U.S. Department of Transportation continues to explore the use of Web 2.0 technologies, including the business-level application of virtual worlds for gathering organizational information, simulating program processes, and supporting new training and instructional initiatives. One such example is Transportation Nation, a Second Life based virtual island created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an Operating Administration within the Department of Transportation. FMCSA’s Transportation Nation island expertly draws upon functionality unique to virtual worlds for government application, including virtual motor carrier vehicles for simulated safety inspections, a multi-floored replica of DOT Headquarters for web-based conferencing and instruction, and consolidated access to federal and state office-based organizational information. FMCSA’s efforts to develop Transportation Nation drew on necessary contemporary techniques vital for government agencies seeking to utilize electronic government (e-government), including contract administration, resource management, and collaborative governance. FMCSA continues to explore innovative ways to utilize Transportation Nation, particularly as a smaller operating agency with a limited, safety-based budget and differentiated access to sophisticated hardware across the FMCSA workforce. The successes and ongoing challenges of utilizing Transportation Nation by FMCSA are an important model for state and federal government agencies seeking to integrate virtual worlds in their day-to-day program activities.
My Second Life as a Cyber Border Crosser
Authors: Sanchez Carleen D.
Published: August 2018

This article explores Chicana (Mexican-American woman) experiences of being a cyber border crosser – someone of both and neither real life and Second Life.  The presumption and privilege of whiteness as the foundation of Second Life is seen to limit participation of people of color.   Further, I write against the notion that cyber worlds provide transcendence from the limitations of the non-normative body.  Second Life and official Linden discourse are devoid of references to race, ethnicity, disability, or any other type of salient identity that might interfere with Linden Lab’s vision of a perfect world.  Indeed, there is a pervasive blindness to color which has negative rather than positive effects for people of color. As long as SL persists mostly as an entertainment platform, the larger SL population may not consider the lack of interest by people of color anything to be concerned about.  However, the SL grid will continue to grow and engage with educational and commercial operations that will desire the participation and economic resources of people of color.  The issue that needs to be addressed now is will the borders that limit users of color be build up or knocked down?
Brands and Consumption in Virtual Worlds
Authors: Nikolaou Ioanna
Published: August 2018

Virtual worlds, such as Second Life, are rapidly becoming recognized as a technology of substantial future importance for marketers and advertisers due to the great growth of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC). In recent years virtual worlds have become highly interactive, collaborative and commercial; these worlds would have the potential to be new channels for marketing content and products, integrating ‘v-commerce’, or ‘virtual e-commerce’. Virtual Worlds clearly demonstrate how the boundaries between the physical and the virtual are becoming more fluid as individuals are interacting with digitally constructed entities. This paper aims to explore the literature in order to illuminate some of the issues related to consumption in virtual worlds and offer a better understanding of virtual participants’ consumption practices.
Process, Paratexts, and Texts: Rhetorical Analysis and Virtual Worlds
Authors: Paul Christopher A.
Published: August 2018

This essay addresses how rhetorical analysis can be applied to the study of virtual worlds.  Rhetoric, which focuses on persuasion and ways of knowing, offers a strong, qualitative methodological approach for scholars engaged in virtual worlds research.  A background in the history of rhetorical studies is complemented by analysis of how rhetoric has been applied to virtual worlds and game studies to develop a perspective for analysis of three kinds of texts found in the discourse of virtual worlds.  These three types of texts: in-world play structures, or procedures; texts surrounding the worlds, or paratexts; and primary texts of virtual worlds, like narrative and images; provide rhetorical scholars plenty of surfaces to critique.  Patch 3.3.0 of World of Warcraft is used as a case study to demonstrate how to engage in rhetorical criticism of virtual worlds and how the various texts are presented in practice.
Methodology of a Novel Virtual Phenomenology Interview Technique
Authors: Knorr Ronald M. , Bronack Stephen C. , Switzer Deborah M. , Medford Lienne F.
Published: August 2018

The use of virtual world technology as a social and communications medium is increasing dramatically. Virtual world-based interview environments are emerging as a tool that qualitative researchers may consider either to supplement or to replace traditional face-to-face interview settings. Guided by previous studies comparing computer-mediated communications to face-to-face interviews, this study explores the character and degree of interviewer influence on participants’ responses in virtual world versus traditional face-to-face environments. No significant difference in meaning units was found in the coded transcripts of virtual world environment interviews and face-to-face interviews. Results suggest virtual worlds may offer advantages over face-to-face interviewing in terms of efficiency, without sacrificing reliability, validity, or complexity. Study limitations and additional research topics are discussed.
Creating a VW Killer App for the Department of Defense
Authors: Smith Roger
Published: August 2018

Organizations within the Department of Defense have adopted a large number of first person shooter games for use in military training. However, the use of virtual worlds has been much slower and no large investments have been made to date. This article explores some of the reasons for this slow progress and suggests some features that might make virtual worlds more attractive to DoD users.
Improving Reusability of Assets for Virtual Worlds while Preserving 3D Formats Features
Authors: Berthelot Rozenn Bouville , Duval Thierry , Royan Jérôme , Arnaldi Bruno
Published: August 2018

We propose a generic architecture that allows mixing several 3D formats in a single viewer whatever the rendering engine used by the virtual world. Our goal is to solve the issue raised by the multiplicity of 3D formats and rendering engines through an interoperability solution inspired by the web model.Our architecture relies on the Scene Graph Adapter, a component which aims at interfacing communication between virtual world inputs (e.g. 3D files) and outputs (e.g. the interactive visualization window). For this purpose, the Scene Graph Adapter is made up of two APIs that leverages similarities between 3D formats and 3D rendering engines, the Format Adapter API and the Renderer Adapter API.
Virtual Hybrid Communications – A Telecom Infrastructure for the Metaverse
Authors: Verdot Vincent , Saidi Adel
Published: August 2018

More and more people dive into Virtual Worlds, experiencing the reality of parallel universes in almost every sector. Moreover, these virtual environments actually generate "real money" directly but also indirectly by selling virtual goods. Yet the current landscape consists in a huge number of siloed Virtual Worlds. We believe that addressing this lack of interoperability could greatly improve the user experience, ease the deployment of new worlds and open up market opportunities.Bell Labs' Applications domain is contributing with Virtual Hybrid Communications, a mature Web technology based on communication hyperlinks that enables the bridging of real and virtual worlds. This technology allows people to remain connected to legacy telecom infrastructures wherever they are (in real or virtual) and to safely expose their communication means without disclosing any personal detail (name, phone number, etc). Thanks to open and standard API, it will also allow virtual service providers and Telecom operators to provide efficient communication solutions and innovative services.
A cooling cuff compared to a moist ice pack on radial artery blood flow and lumen diameter in healthy participants
Authors: Gernetzky Joshua , O'Connor Laura , Varatharajullu Desiree , Dludla Zombuso C.
Published: August 2018

Background: Cryotherapy is a favourable treatment for post-traumatic injuries in the acute stage because of its effect on inflammation and pain. A novel cooling cuff, which can be easily used and can be wrapped around the injured area that does not require freezing, has been developed. Its efficacy compared to traditional ice therapy has not been established.Aim: To establish the effect of a cooling cuff on radial artery blood flow and lumen diameter compared to moist ice.Setting: Chiropractic clinic and radiographic laboratory.Method: A controlled laboratory pre-test post-test investigation assessed asymptomatic participants who were randomly allocated into a moist ice pack (n = 22) or the cooling cuff (n = 21) group. The intervention was placed on the participants forearm over the radial artery for 15 min. Data was collected by a qualified diagnostic radiographer using Doppler ultrasound. Data was analysed, using repeated measures analysis of variance to assess changes in blood flow and lumen diameter pre- and post-intervention. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: Both groups showed a significant decrease in radial artery blood flow (p < 0.001) after 15 min with no significant changes being observed in diameter size. No significant differences were observed between the groups for radial artery blood flow or diameter.Conclusion: The cooling cuff resulted in a similar effect on radial artery blood flow and lumen diameter as moist ice, indicating that patients and practitioners may utilise the cooling cuff in the acute phases of an injury to alter blood flow.
Analysing information literacy practices at selected academic libraries in Zimbabwe
Authors: Tshuma Thakazile , Chigada Joel
Published: August 2018

Background: Information literacy (IL) skills are significant in the knowledge and information economy because the IL skills allow information users to cope with the challenges of an evolving and complex information landscape. IL is one of the most important aspects in academic libraries because it equips university communities with the skills of finding, locating and using information effectively and efficiently.Objectives: The study focused on evaluating the IL programmes and practices, as well as the challenges of implementing IL at selected academic libraries in Zimbabwe. The objective was to establish the existing policies and skills required by institutions of higher learning to implement and teach IL.Method: Qualitative data collected using face-to-face interviews and focus group interviews were analysed with the assistance of Qualitative Data Analysis Software (Atlas. ti version 8). Participants of the study included the library directors and assistant librarians with regard to IL modules and the Zimbabwe Universities Library Consortium policy documents.Results: The results revealed that all librarians understood the importance of IL in academic libraries; however, there were no IL policies and skills in existence, either at national, consortium or institutional levels. The study revealed that Zimbabwean academic libraries used different and incoherent methods in implementing and teaching IL and that IL initiatives were confronted with a myriad of challenges.Conclusion: The study concluded that academic libraries should have IL policies in place which aid in the implementation and teaching of IL in Zimbabwean academic libraries, as well as guide all the consortium members especially on collaboration issues, teaching aspects, as well as the recognition of IL by university stakeholders other than the librarians.
О связи параметров, характеризующих нелинейность и негомоморфность преобразований векторных пространств
Authors: Burov Dmitry Alexandrovich
Published: August 2018

В работе устанавливается связь между матрицей $W$-пересечений, характеризующей степень «негомоморфности» преобразования, с разностной и корреляционной матрицами, характеризующими степень нелинейности преобразования. Получена верхняя оценка размерности пространства, инвариантного относительно почти бент-преобразований. Найдена формула для элементов матрицы $W$-пересечений композиции двух преобразований.
Partitioning CO2 net ecosystem exchange fluxes on the microsite scale in the Lena River Delta, Siberia
Authors: Eckhardt Tim , Knoblauch Christian , Kutzbach Lars , Simpson Gillian , Abakumov Evgeny , Pfeiffer Eva-Maria
Published: August 2018

Abstract. Arctic tundra ecosystems are currently facing rates of amplified climate change. This is critical as these ecosystems store significant amounts of carbon in their soils, which can be mineralized to CO2 and CH4 and released to the atmosphere. To understand how the CO2 net ecosystem exchange (NEE) fluxes will react to changing climatic conditions, it is necessary to understand the individual responses of the physiological processes contributing to CO2 NEE. Therefore, this study aimed: (i) to partition NEE fluxes at the soil-plant-atmosphere interface in an arctic tundra ecosystem; and (ii) to identify the main environmental drivers of these fluxes. Hereby, the NEE fluxes were partitioned into gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (Reco) and further into autotrophic (RA) and heterotrophic respiration (RH). The study examined flux data collected during the growing season in 2015 using closed chamber measurements in a polygonal tundra landscape in the Lena River Delta, northeastern Siberia. The measured fluxes on the microscale (1 m–10 m) were used to model the NEE, GPP, Reco, RH, RA and net ecosystem production (NPP) over the growing season. Here, for the first time, the differing response of in situ measured RA and RH fluxes from permafrost-affected soils to hydrological conditions have been examined. It was shown that low RA fluxes are associated to a high water table, most likely due to the submersion of mosses, while an effect of water table fluctuations on RH fluxes was not observed. Furthermore, this work found the polygonal tundra in the Lena River Delta to be a sink for atmospheric CO2 during the growing season. Spatial heterogeneity was apparent with the net CO2 uptake at a wet, depressed polygon center being more than twice as high as that measured at a drier polygon rim. In addition to higher GPP fluxes, the differences in NEE between the two microsites were caused by lower Reco fluxes at the center compared to the rim. Here, the contrasting hydrological conditions caused the CO2 flux differences between the microsites, where high water levels lad to lower decomposition rates due to anoxic conditions.
‘Unpacking Food and Drink’
Authors: Cwiertka Katarzyna J.
Published: August 2018

The special theme of Worldwide Waste Journal that interrogates the social, economic, political, cultural and aesthetic aspects of packaging, in its contemporary and historical dimensions.
Christian Case for Engaging North Korea
Authors: Yi Joseph , Phillips Joe
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe Trump Administration’s strategy to isolate North Korea includes a ban on Americans travelling there. The 2017 ban especially impacts nearly seventy Christian faith-based organizations (FBOs), which in the past two decades legally channelled hundreds of (mostly
volunteer) workers and thousands of tourists to North Korea. Since the travel restriction, these faith-based workers and tourists have publicly joined the debate over the United States’ North Korea policy. They have acted as “norm entrepreneurs,” shaping an alternative, cognitive
frame for engagement. This frame includes three claims: 1) foreign Christian workers and tourists are generally tolerated by the regime, so long as they obey existing laws and regulations; 2) these workers and tourists meaningfully contribute to socioeconomic development and religious freedom
in North Korea; and, 3) the US government should not violate the rights of Americans to travel and practice their faith, as long as they engage in these activities in a safe and meaningful way. The faith-based frame for peaceful engagement resonates among American mainstream and evangelical
Christian media; it links with America’s individualist and evangelical normative traditions of social change through grassroots, personal relationships. We narrate and assess this frame through interviews and other communications with over twenty workers and tourists (mostly US citizens)
linked with FBOs.
The Liability of the Witness for His Wrongful Action under the Jordanian Civil Law
Authors: Al-Hunaiti Mamoun
Published: August 2018

The civil liability of the witness in the Jordanian civil law arises when the witness commits an unlawful act, results in harm to others. Such damage would not have occurred without the unlawful act of the witness. The unlawful act of the witness arises when he performs a false statement, fails to appear to give his statement, to appear in the Judicial council refuses to answer the questions asked by the Judicial session, or perform his statement despite the existence of a legal matter that forbid him from giving it .
The Arab Spring Crisis and the Democratic Trend in Jordan
Authors: Tayem Fawzi Ahmad , Al-Majali Radwan Mahmoud , Al-Habashnah Saddah Ahmad
Published: August 2018

The study aims at pin-pointing the effect of the Arab Spring as one of the external factors, that affected the Jordanian political regime during the period(2011-2017) at the different political, economic, security and social levels and concentrate on its effect on the democratic structure in Jordan , and how to reinforce indicators of democratic trend in Jordan. Where the study refuged to use the method of analyzing systems to test the main hypothesis of study in considering the external factor play an effective role either negative, or positive in enhancing indicators of the state democratic trend.The study deduced a result states that the Arab Spring formed a positive and negative factor in the democratic trend in Jordan, from part of the influence of the political instability in reinforcing the political will for the Jordanian decision-maker in the dedication of reform indicators and democratic trend, and in return the precariousness’s of the Arab Spring formed a negative factor in increasing problems of the political, economic, and social structures, the thing that formed an obstacle in front of reform and democratic trend. Also the study recommended with the necessity of concern about the other indicators and reinforcing the effectiveness of associations of the civil community, and respect of human rights, the economic development, the political and social stability, and culture and democratic practice.
Healthy and Concentrated Cannabis Plants: How to Use Acronyms to Optimize Production
Authors: Roggen Markus
Published: August 2018

In an industry that has only recently and slowlymoved out of the shadows of illegality, regulationsand guidelines for cannabis product safety are justcatching up to the standards of other industries. Often, our industry has had to introduce best practices and self-regulation to ensure the safety of ourproducts and customers, as well as to help any regulating body in building such frameworks. This article will focus on how OutCo has implemented Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) protocols to ensure the safety of every aspect of the production pipeline. The prevention of mold growth in drying flowers would be a classic example of food safety and is our prime example of how HACCP has informed our approach to this task. HACCP also contributed to the prevention of pesticide contamination, worker safety, and cannabis oil formulation.
QUE CRÍTICAS DA TEORIA DO DIREITO COMO INTEGRIDADE DE DWORKIN PODE FAZER CONTRA A TESE DO LIVRE CONVENCIMENTO MOTIVADO DO MAGISTRADO?
Authors: Pedron Flávio Quinaud
Published: August 2018

O presente texto pretende demonstrar a insustentabilidade de uma visão tradicional dentro da Teoria Geral do Processo capaz de defender a permanência de mero e insuficiente dever de motivação das decisões judiciais. Sendo assim, fazendo uso de uma metodologia voltada para a revisão de literatura a respeito, a partir de uma reconstrução histórico-crítica, apresenta-se a problemática leitura da tese do livre convencimento motivado, a partir de uma relação de adesão a uma teoria processual não democrática. Assim, é observado que a função da motivação é presa a uma leitura hermenêutica inconsciente quanto à ocorrência do giro linguístico e apegada a um paradigma positivista jurídico. Em seguida, usando os recursos teóricos fornecidos pela Teoria do Direito como Integridade de Ronald Dworkin, demonstra-se como o paradigma processual democrático pode ser compreendido adequadamente, superando, simultaneamente, uma Teoria do Direito Positivista, bem como uma teoria do processo não democrática. A consequência direta é a superação da ideia de motivação e sua substituição para a compreensão do que é um provimento jurisdicional fundamentado.
CONTRA CSM: PARLARE A NUORA PERCHÉ SUOCERA INTENDA
Authors: Santoro Emilio
Published: August 2018

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A natureza como campo de jogo: a cartografia presente em um mapa de orientação
Authors: Vargas José Nilton Silva
Published: August 2018

O Desporto Orientação é a arte de navegar entre terras desconhecidas, proporcionando atividade física e contato com a natureza. Bússola e mapa são equipamentos importantes nesse jogo. A navegação pode ser realizada com uso da maioria dos tipos de cartas. Entretanto, a competição de Orientação requer uma carta específica que possibilite aos competidores executarem uma pista com rapidez, escolhendo as melhores rotas. Para atender as necessidades do atleta, é importante que a carta ofereça as informações com clareza e exatidão. O advento da Cartografia Digital gerou diferentes alternativas para a construção de cartas. Os benefícios deste tipo de evolução se fizeram notar também na arte de confeccionar Cartas de Orientação, popularizando esse tipo de atividade. Vários são os documentos cartográficos existentes que podem servir para auxiliar na confecção de uma carta de Orientação, como por exemplo, plantas cadastrais, fotografias aéreas e cartas topográficas. Estes e outros documentos de representação do terreno são necessários para produção de Cartas de Orientação. As competições de Orientação são realizadas junto à natureza, onde for possível disponibilizar uma infraestrutura adequada para realização da competição, seguindo as regras do desporto, as quais são ditadas em nível mundial pela Federação Internacional de Orientação (IOF). O presente trabalho propõe apresentar a cartografia presente na elaboração e utilização de um mapa de Orientação. A metodologia consistiu em revisão de literatura de BALTAZAR (1999), BOGA (1997), FERREIRA (2002), FERREIRA (2004), McNEILL, et al. (2006), PASINI (2004) e PAZ (2003), como base para uma análise da importância desse desporto para o ensino constituindo uma ferramenta para o professor e auxiliando o aluno na interpretação de mapas, o que, ao mesmo tempo, desenvolve o corpo e a mente do educando e o sensibiliza para os cuidados com o meio ambiente. A Orientação era somente utilizada nos treinamentos militares; hoje o desporto sai do ambiente exclusivamente militar e chega às escolas em todos os níveis e clubes. Como resultados, percebemos que o desporto orientação, na vida moderna, é essencial para desenvolver as capacidades e inteligências múltiplas, desempenhando um papel tão importante como aprender a ler, escrever e contar, tendo ainda, como ação pedagógica, um forte componente lúdico junto à natureza.
Desenvolvimento inicial de plantas de Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla inoculadas com Pisolithus spp. provenientes de povoamento de Pinus spp.
Authors: Barretto Vitor Corrêa de Mattos , Barretto Flávia Risse de Mattos , Gonçalves Lucas Emanuel Nunes , Peixoto Gustavo Henrique Silva , Lima Milton Luiz da Paz , Carvalho Daniel Diego Costa
Published: August 2018

A micorrização é uma prática cujos benefícios principais se resumem na otimização do aproveitamento de nutrientes e água pela planta. Assim, este estudo objetivou avaliar o desenvolvimento inicial de plantas de Eucalyptus grandis W. (Hill ex Maiden) x E. urophylla S.T. Blake inoculadas por Pisolithus spp. com emprego de adubo químico e orgânico. Os inóculos da micorriza foram obtidos a partir de povoamento local de Pinus sp. e a inoculação foi realizada em eucalipto com 107 dias de idade. Aos 90 dias após inoculação foi determinada a Altura da Parte Aérea (APA), Diâmetro do Coleto (DC), Massa Seca da Parte Aérea (MSPA), Massa Seca da Raiz (MSR) e colonização das raízes. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com três tratamentos: solo com superfosfato simples (40 mg L-1), solo com cama de aviário (1,0 g L-1) e testemunha, os quais foram submetidos a ação ou não da micorriza. Não houve diferença entre as plantas com e sem micorriza, exceto, no tratamento sem micorriza com cama de aviário para MSR, que foi superior ao emprego de micorriza. Os melhores percentuais de micorrização foram das plantas tratadas com superfosfato simples. A inoculação por Pisolithus spp. não influenciou no desenvolvimento de plantas de eucalipto em casa de vegetação.
Diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of encapsulated papillary carcinoma: a single institution experience
Authors: Steponavičienė Laura , Gudavičienė Daiva , Briedienė Rūta , Petroška Donatas , Garnelytė Aušra
Published: August 2018

Background. Encapsulated papillary carcinoma (EPC) is a rare entity of breast cancer accounting for approximately 1–2% of all breast tumours. There are no evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of EPC.
Materials and methods. From the database of the National Centre of Pathology (NCP), we obtained pathology reports of 19 patients with histologically confirmed EPC, who were treated at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Vilnius, Lithuania, between July 2009 and July 2015. Demographic, diagnostic and treatment data were collected from medical records retrospectively.
Results. During the indicated period, 19 patients with EPC were treated at the NCI. Three of them had pure EPC, they were 74 to 81 years of age at the time of diagnosis (mean 76.7 years, median 75 years); all of them are still alive and no disease progression has been observed. Seven patients had EPC associated with carcinoma in situ. Nine patients had EPC associated with invasive breast ductal carcinoma. All patients underwent surgery, in most cases – wide local excision. Only one patient died.
Conclusions. EPC is a rare form of breast cancer and usually presents with an invasive breast carcinoma or carcinoma in situ in postmenopausal women. Tumours have an excellent prognosis in the cases of pure EPC and in both EPC associated with carcinoma in situ (CIS) and invasive carcinoma.
Hospitalisation of late preterm infants due to lower respiratory tract infections in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia: incidence, disease severity, and risk factors
Authors: Drazdienė Nijolė , Tamelienė Rasa , Kviluna Daiga , Saik Pille , Saik Ervin , Zaikauskienė Jolanta
Published: August 2018

Background. By two years of age, almost all children experience at least one episode of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, the most common viral cause of hospitalisation due to lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). We present data on LRTI hospitalisations (with a special focus on RSV), the course of illness, and LRTI hospitalisation risk factors in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
Materials and methods. The analysed data were part of a large multinational study conducted in 23 countries (PONI). LRTI-related hospitalisations were observed during one RSV season for late premature infants (born between 33 weeks and 0 days and 35 weeks and 6 days of gestation) ≤6 months of age, who did not receive RSV prophylaxis. The potential risk factors and demographics were recorded at study enrolment and at the end of the RSV season. The primary endpoint was hospitalisation due to RSV LRTI; the secondary endpoints included severity, the course and the outcome of LRTI hospitalisations.
Results. Out of the 291 infants enrolled in three Baltic states, 19 were hospitalised due to LRTI (6.5%). RSV testing was performed for 14 hospitalised infants; five infants had a positive test for RSV (1.7%). The majority of the hospitalised infants (94.7%) had mild or moderate respiratory illness. Male sex, O2 dependency after birth, younger maternal age, and furred pets at home were significantly associated with an increased risk for LRTI hospitalisation.
Conclusions. During one RSV season, the incidence of LRTI hospitalisations among late preterm infants was 6.5% and the incidence of RSV LRTI hospitalisations was 1.7%.
A survey of some aspects of birthday celebration
Authors: Rojaka Darja , Lesinskienė Sigita
Published: August 2018

Background. The tradition of celebrating the day of birth of an individual is thought to have existed since the ancient times. Depending on the culture, religious beliefs, and the geographic location, occasions for ritual performance differ greatly. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate how students in Lithuania evaluate the importance of their birthday.
Materials and methods. An “Invitation to Remember Your Birthday” questionnaire was created by the authors to collect the responses for evaluation. The questionnaire consisted of 15 questions divided into four parts. It assessed how and what the respondents felt on their annual birthday, about the organization of the celebration, gift-receiving, and the value of the ritual.
Results. A total of 309 medical students of Vilnius University completed the survey (n = 146 year 4, n = 163 year 5). The results suggested that the birthday is an important individual occasion, which students tend to celebrate annually. The respondents tend to feel better and more loved on the day of their birthday.
Conclusions. Birthday is seen as an opportunity to spend time with friends and family, have a break from daily responsibilities, and receive attention from people around them. Birthday celebration of medical students is affected by their social and cultural context. The findings of this study may be relevant for future studies when searching for ageand culture-appropriate ways to use birthday celebration as possible means of improving mental health. The current data can be used for longitudinal and cross-cultural comparisons.