bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation of grade level and gender-based science achievement gaps in schools with different science achievement levels
Authors: Acar Ömer
Published: December 2019

Science achievement gap between fifth, sixth, and eighth grades and boys and girls in low and high performing schools were under investigation in the present study. In accordance with this purpose, three schools were selected to represent high performing schools and two schools were selected to represent low achieving schools for their performance on a nationwide exam. A total of 612 fifth, 816 sixth, and 604 eighth grade students in high achieving schools and 231 fifth, 364 sixth, and 328 eighth grade students in low achieving schools constituted the study sample. Students’ end of semester science grades were used as their science achievement measure. Results showed that students’ science achievement decreased from 5th grade to upper grades both in low and high achieving schools. In addition, they showed girls’ science achievement was higher than boys in several grade levels both in low and high achieving schools. Finally, results showed that science achievement gap between genders is more evident in high achieving schools.
Case report of a ruptured uterine sacculation in the 19th week of pregnancy
Authors: Scharf Jann Lennard , Gitas Georgios , Hartge David , Rody Achim , Kotanidis Christos
Published: December 2019

Background

Uterine sacculation with a resulting uterine rupture is a rare complication in pregnant patients. Fibroids or a previous cesarean section increase the risk of severe complications such as a uterine rupture due to increased pressure and the elongation of the affected uterine segment. Prenatal clinical diagnosis and medical imaging of a uterine sacculation and rupture of the uterus remain challenging, even with the most modern imaging techniques. An early diagnosis is essential to reduce severe complications.

Case presentation

Here, we report the case of a 38-year-old female patient II G I P in the 19th week of pregnancy with a ruptured uterine sacculation.

Conclusion

This case report is intended to raise awareness for the importance of the knowledge and supervision of a retroverted uterus in early pregnancy, especially after a cesarean section.
New results on the q-generalized Bernoulli polynomials of level m
Authors: Urieles Alejandro , Ortega María José , Ramírez William , Vega Samuel
Published: December 2019

This paper aims to show new algebraic properties from the q-generalized Bernoulli polynomials

B

n

[
m
-
1
]

(
x
;
q
)

B_n^{[m - 1]}(x;q)

of level m, as well as some others identities which connect this polynomial class with the q-generalized Bernoulli polynomials of level m, as well as the q-gamma function, and the q-Stirling numbers of the second kind and the q-Bernstein polynomials.
Orthogonal stability of the generalized quadratic functional equations in the sense of Rätz
Authors: Aiemsomboon Laddawan , Sintunavarat Wutiphol
Published: December 2019

Let (X, ⊥) be an orthogonality module in the sense of Rätz over a unital Banach algebra A and Y be a real Banach module over A. In this paper, we apply the alternative fixed point theorem for proving the Hyers-Ulam stability of the orthogonally generalized k-quadratic functional equation of the form

a
f
(
k
x
+
y
)
+
a
f
(
k
x
-
y
)
=
f
(
a
x
+
a
y
)
+
f
(
a
x
-
a
y
)
+

(

2

k

2

-
2

)

f
(
a
x
)

af(kx + y) + af(kx - y) = f(ax + ay) + f(ax - ay) + \left( {2{k^2} - 2} \right)f(ax)

for some |k| > 1, for all a ɛ A
1 := {u ɛ A||u|| = 1} and for all x, y ɛ X with x⊥y, where f maps from X to Y.
Design Thinking for German Vocational Schools? Discovering of an Innovative Approach by Testing in Teacher Education
Authors: Krüger Marc
Published: December 2019

Design Thinking is an innovative approach that solves concrete problems and develops new products. Its constant spreading in industry, business, and non-profit organizations raises the question to which extent this approach may be of importance for German vocational schools. There is an increasing debate among scientists about design thinking in educational contexts, in which different authors regard it as useful for curriculum and school development as well as for coping with everyday school life. To assess the importance of design thinking for German vocational schools, pre-service teachers have tackled vocational school issues with design thinking. The paper concludes that design thinking is indeed of interest to vocational schools and that further work is recommended.
Suspected reactivation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis focus after non-medical abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids: a case report
Authors: Singh Vikramjit , Batta Angelika
Published: December 2019

Background

Youth population has a common tendency to use androgenic steroids. The reasons for such abuse vary from performance enhancement to muscle building in order to enhance physical appearance. Such rampant abuse, aided by fitness centers and gym trainers, has a huge risk of side effects such as hepatic dysfunctions and increased risk of infections.

Case presentation

We report a case of 21-year-old man who started with anabolic steroids, namely testosterone enanthate, nandrolone decanoate and boldenone undecylenate injections, for the purpose of muscle building and strength training at his fitness center. He presented to his family physician after 2 months with upper neck swelling on right side 5 × 4 cm for 15–20 days. He was started on Augmentin 625 mg tablet three times a day for 7 days. On seventh day, swelling persisted, and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed, which was suggestive of granulomatous lesion likely to be tuberculosis. The patient was started with anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) under category A, but swelling did not improve and repeated FNAC was advised. The ATT was withheld and Augmentin tablet was restarted for another 3 days. A revised diagnosis of acute suppurative lymphadenitis was made, and an incision and drainage of the abscess was performed. The patient was started on Amikacin 500 intramuscular injection for 5 days along with faropenem and cefuroxime axetil tablets for 14 days. He initially started recovering but returned with pustular discharge from the incision mark. It was decided to reinitiate the ATT-intensive phase medication for another 2 months. The patient finally recovered with complete healing of the wound. The frequent change of treating physician and misuse of antimicrobials made the diagnosis tougher, contributing to delay in the optimum therapy.

Conclusion

This case highlights the abuse of multiple steroids together in the form of stacking by a young adult, which leads to a rare serious adverse effect such as suspected tubercular reactivation.
Power Average Operators of Trapezoidal Cubic Fuzzy Numbers and Application to Multi-attribute Group Decision Making
Authors: Fahmi Aliya , Amin Fazli , Abdullah Saleem , Shakeel Muhammad
Published: December 2019

Trapezoidal cubic fuzzy numbers (TzCFNs) are an extraordinary cubic fuzzy set on a real number set. TzCFNs are useful for dealing with well-known quantities in decision data and decision making problems themselves. This paper is about multi-attribute group decision making problems in which the attribute values are stated with TzCFNs, which are solved by developing a new decision method based on power average operators of TzCFNs. The new operation laws for TzCFNs are given. Hereby, the power average operator of real numbers is extended to four kinds of power average operators of TzCFNs, involving the power average operator of TzCFNs, the weighted power average operator of TzCFNs, the power ordered weighted average operator of TzCFNs, and the power hybrid average operator of TzCFNs. In the proposed group decision method, the individual overall evaluation values of alternatives are generated by using the power average operator of TzCFNs. Applying the hybrid average operator of TzCFNs, the specific general evaluation standards of alternatives are then combined into the collective ones, which are used to rank the alternatives. The example analysis shows the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Clay-Based Brick Porosity Estimation Using Image Processing Techniques
Authors: Jida Safa , Ouallal Hassan , Aksasse Brahim , Ouanan Mohammed , Amraoui Mohamed El , Azrour Mohamed
Published: December 2019

This work intends to apprehend and emphasize the contribution of image-processing techniques and computer vision in the treatment of clay-based material known in Meknes region. One of the various characteristics used to describe clay in a qualitative manner is porosity, as it is considered one of the properties that with “kill or cure” effectiveness. For this purpose, we use scanning electron microscopy images, as they are considered the most powerful tool for characterising the quality of the microscopic pore structure of porous materials. We present various existing methods of segmentation, as we are interested only in pore regions. The results show good matching between physical estimation and Voronoi diagram-based porosity estimation.
On quality of NKG2015 geoid model over the Nordic countries
Authors: Eshagh Mehdi , Berntsson Jenny
Published: December 2019

The NKG2015 geoid model covers the Nordic and Baltic countries and has been computed based on the least-squares modification of Stokes’ formula with additive corrections method. New and precise terrestrial, airborne and shipborne gravimetric measurements, the recent global gravity model of the gravity field and steady-state ocean circulation explorer (GOCE) and detailed digital terrain models over each territory have been used for computing this new geoid model. Some estimates for the error of this model have been roughly presented by comparing it with the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data over each country. In this paper, our goal is to have a closer look at the relative error of this model by performing some statistical tests and finding the proper corrective surface for absorbing the systematic errors over each country. Our main assumption is realisticity of the errors of GNSS/levelling data and we will investigate its consequences in estimating the error of the geoid model. Our results show that the 4-parameter corrective surface is suitable for modelling the systematic trends of the differences between the gravimetric and GNSS geoid heights in Sweden, Denmark and Finland, but a filtered discrepancies by a confidence interval of 95% should be used for Sweden. A 7-aparameter model is suitable for the filtered discrepancies with the confidence interval of 95% in Norway. Based on the selected corrective surface and our newly developed regional iterative variance estimator, the confidence interval for the error of NKG2015 geoid model in Sweden, Denmark and Norway yielded 0-6.5 mm, 1.8-5.2 mm, 14.8-17.7 mm, respectively with a confidence level of 95%. We could not estimate the geoid error in Finland because the given error of the GNSS/levelling heights is significantly larger than the size of residuals. Based on the selected corrective surfaces and our presented local variance estimator, the average error of geoid becomes 3.6, 2.4, 8.8 and 5.8 mm with a confidence interval of 68%, respectively, over Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland.
Dual-wavelength fluorescent anti-counterfeiting fibers with skin-core structure
Authors: Zhang Huihui , Xu Yuanyuan , Yang Gesheng , Zhang Yaopeng , Shao Huili , Li Yonggui
Published: December 2019

In this work, a skin-core structure was designed, and three kinds of dual-wavelength fluorescent anti-counterfeiting (DWFA) fibers, including UV short-wavelength/UV long-wavelength, infrared/UV short-wavelength, and infrared/UV long-wavelength excitable DWFA fibers with skin-core structure, were spun using fluorescent powder/PP pellets as the skin material and pure PP as the core material. The results showed that these DWFA fibers emitted two different colors of light under excitation of two different wavelength lights, which exhibited higher anti-counterfeiting safety. Take UV short-wavelength/UV long-wavelength DWFA fibers, for example; the influence of skin-core ratio on the structure and properties of fibers were investigated, and then the luminous efficiency of DWFA fibers with skin-core structure and homogenous structure was compared. The microscope photos and 3D simulation of fluorescent powder in fibers by confocal laser scanning microscope showed that the fluorescent powders were basically distributed in the skin layer of fibers. The crystallinity degree and tensile strength of DWFA fibers with skin-core structure decreased first and then increased with the decrease in skin-core ratio, whereas elongation of fibers showed an increasing trend. Compared with homogenous DWFA fibers, the skin-core DWFA fibers exhibited higher luminous efficiency under the same fluorescent powder content.
Natural radioactivity, radon emanating power and mass exhalation rate of environmental soil samples from Karabük province, Turkey
Authors: Kurnaz Aslı , Turhan Şeref , Hançerlioğulları Aybaba , Gören Elif , Karataşlı Muhammet , Altıkulaç Aydan , Erer Ahmet M. , Metin Onur
Published: December 2019

In this study, content of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) and radon emanating power and radon mass exhalation rate of surface soil samples collected around industrial province Karabük in which the first iron steel plant was built in 1937 were determined by high-resolution γ-ray spectrometry with a high purity germanium detector. The average activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in soil samples were measured as 30 ± 2, 28 ± 2 and 251 ± 20 Bq kg−1, respectively. The average value of radon emanating power and mass exhalation rate of soil samples were found as 31 % and 19 μBq kg−l s−l, respectively. Assessment of possible radiation hazards to the people due to external exposure was done by estimating the outdoor absorbed gamma dose rate in the air at 1 m above the soil, the corresponding annual effective dose, and the excess lifetime cancer risk. The average outdoor gamma dose rate, annual effective dose, and lifetime cancer risk were estimated as 41 nGy h−1, 51 μSv y−1 and 2.0 × 10−4, respectively. A comparison of the activity and radiological results obtained for the studied samples with the corresponding worldwide average values indicates that the results are below the world average values.
Design and optimization of solar steam generation system for water purification and energy utilization: A review
Authors: Xu You , Yin Jiacheng , Wang Jun , Wang Xianbao
Published: December 2019

Solar steam generation with low-cost and excellent energy efficiency is of great significance for alleviating an energy crisis, reducing water pollution and promoting seawater desalination. However, there are still numerous challenges for solar steam generation system to practical energy utilization. In this review, based on our previous research, we summarize various methods of solar steam generation, photothermal conversion mechanism and efficiency. We studied a series of effecting factors for solar steam generation. Our systematic investigation provided a clearer understanding of how to design and optimize the photothermal conversion system to improve the steam generation rate and energy conversion rate, including improving light absorption, reducing heat loss, and optimizing water supply. This article aims to make a comprehensive review of present solar steam technology, so that people can better apply photothermal conversion technology. Meanwhile, it also provides a route for the selection of photothermal materials, the design and optimization of the photothermal conversion system.
Tribological investigation of multilayer CrN/CrCN/TaN films deposited by close field unbalanced magnettron sputtering
Authors: Bahce Erkan , Cakir Nese
Published: December 2019

CrN/CrCN/TaN multilayer films were deposited onto the CoCrMo alloy substrates at different number layers as two, four and 8 layers by close-field unbalanced magnetron sputtering method. Microstructure and the tribo-logical properties of the films were characterized by XRD, SEM, pin-on-disk wear test, scratch test, micro hardness. CrN/CrCN/TaN multilayer coatings exhibited good adhesion properties on the CoCrMo alloy substrate. A very high hardness value of 60 GPa was obtained for 8 multilayered coating. As a result of the pin-on-disc wear tests, it was found that the tribological properties of the CoCrMo alloy were enhanced by coating its surface with this architecture by using close-field unbalanced magnetron system with used parameters.
Inertias of Laplacian matrices of weighted signed graphs
Authors: Monfared K. Hassani , MacGillivray G. , Olesky D. D. , van den Driessche P.
Published: December 2019

We study the sets of inertias achieved by Laplacian matrices of weighted signed graphs. First we characterize signed graphs with a unique Laplacian inertia. Then we show that there is a sufficiently small perturbation of the nonzero weights on the edges of any connected weighted signed graph so that all eigenvalues of its Laplacian matrix are simple. Next, we give upper bounds on the number of possible Laplacian inertias for signed graphs with a fixed flexibility τ (a combinatorial parameter of signed graphs), and show that these bounds are sharp for an infinite family of signed graphs. Finally, we provide upper bounds for the number of possible Laplacian inertias of signed graphs in terms of the number of vertices.
On a notion of entropy in coarse geometry
Authors: Zava Nicolò
Published: December 2019

The notion of entropy appears in many branches of mathematics. In each setting (e.g., probability spaces, sets, topological spaces) entropy is a non-negative real-valued function measuring the randomness and disorder that a self-morphism creates. In this paper we propose a notion of entropy, called coarse entropy, in coarse geometry, which is the study of large-scale properties of spaces. Coarse entropy is defined on every bornologous self-map of a locally finite quasi-coarse space (a recent generalisation of the notion of coarse space, introduced by Roe). In this paper we describe this new concept, providing basic properties, examples and comparisons with other entropies, in particular with the algebraic entropy of endomorphisms of monoids.
A Modified Chemical Index to Predict Fly Ash Dosage for Mitigating Alkali-Silica Reaction
Authors: Deschenes Richard , Jones Casey , Giannini Eric R. , Hale Micah
Published: December 2019

It is well chronicled that coal fly ash can mitigate the risk of alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete structures. However, the efficacy of individual fly ashes is highly dependent on their chemical composition. Prescriptive requirements for ASR mitigation have largely focused on whether the fly ash is classified as Class F or Class C per ASTM C618, Standard Specification for Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete, whereas performance requirements may require extensive testing to satisfactorily demonstrate mitigation potential of a fly ash. Previous research established the need for an accurate model to predict required fly ash replacement rates for ASR mitigation based on the chemical constituents of cement and fly ash. Therefore, a new model is proposed to account for the availability of each chemical constituent from cement and fly ash separately, utilizing ASTM C1260, Standard Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Aggregates (Mortar-Bar Method), and ASTM C1567, Standard Test Method for Determining the Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of Combinations of Cementitious Materials and Aggregate (Accelerated Mortar Bar Method), test data. The successful development of models based on 14-day and 28-day expansion data from these tests is presented in this article.
Effect of Evotherm-M1 on Properties of Asphaltic Materials Used at NAPMRC Testing Facility
Authors: Bazzaz Mohammad , Darabi Masoud K. , Little Dallas N. , Garg Navneet
Published: December 2019

Rheological properties of asphalt binders significantly affect distress development and performance of asphalt concrete materials. This article presents the effect of Evotherm-M1 modifications on rheological properties of asphalt binders used in the construction of test sections at the Federal Aviation Administration’s National Airport Pavement & Materials Research Center. Four different binders (i.e., polymer styrene butadiene styrene [SBS]-modified PG 76-22, PG 64-22, SBS-modified PG 76-22 plus Evotherm-M1, and PG 64-22 plus Evotherm-M1) are studied. Multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) and strain-controlled frequency sweep (FS) test results are analyzed to construct the master curves for the binders. Results indicate high sensitivity of SBS-modified PG 76-22 to Evotherm-M1 modifications as compared with PG 64-22. Subsequently, the results of dynamic modulus tests conducted on asphalt mixture specimens (prepared using job mix formula and different binders) are analyzed to investigate the effect of binder type and modification on rheological properties and rutting performance of asphalt mixtures. It is shown that the rutting resistance and rheological properties of asphalt mixtures can be ranked based on the results of MSCR and FS tests conducted on asphalt binders. It is shown that the rutting resistivity of traffic test sections and lab-tested asphalt mixtures can be ranked as follows: SBS-modified PG 76-22, SBS-modified PG 76-22 plus Evotherm-M1, PG 64-22, and PG 64-22 plus Evotherm-M1. This is consistent with the results obtained for tested asphalt binders.
TigerSwan at Standing Rock: Ethics of Private Military Use Against an Environmental-Justice Movement
Authors: Grossman Kandice
Published: December 2019

In 2016, thousands of people, led by Oceti Sakowin Tribal members, gathered at the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota in an attempt to stop the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The movement aroused international media attention, mass support from a wide range of individuals and environmental groups, and political debates regarding Indigenous rights, climate change, fossil fuel reliance, water protection, and corporate power. Ultimately, 10 months into the movement, it was halted by the US federal government and the pipeline was installed. During the movement, state and federal military forces worked alongside a private military and security contractor (PMSC), TigerSwan, hired by owners of the pipeline, Energy Transfer Partners. This case study addresses the ethics of the use of private military against Indigenous-led environmental activists at Standing Rock. Readers will review the modern rise and use of privatized militia, examine specific tactics used by TigerSwan at Standing Rock, and consider the ethics surrounding principles of transparency, accountability, regulation, and the potential risk for increased violence against citizens. A brief historical overview of Oceti Sakowin’s political resistance to US federal land appropriation and corporate exploitation is provided, as well as an analysis of future implications for Indigenous-led environmental justice movements. With this case study, instructors, students, and researchers can debate and analyze the ethical dilemmas regarding the use of PMSCs to target environmental justice movements.
Innovations in Agricultural and Food Systems Sustainability in California
Authors: Elias Micah , Marsh Robin
Published: December 2019

Despite the dominant trends toward farm consolidation and cheap food policies in California, there are many examples of producers who are adopting regenerative on-farm practices and supporting organizations that assist small, beginning, and sustainability-focused farmers to thrive in a challenging environment. Sustainability innovations profiled in this case study are variously related to the three broader concepts of socioecological systems, integrated landscape management, and rural-urban interface. After reviewing these concepts, this case study presents the main barriers to sustainable farming and sustainable food systems, which are identified in interviews with producers. This case study then profiles illustrative examples of economic, social, and environmental innovations at the farm and institutional levels, which have achieved success at overcoming these barriers and are sufficiently documented for sharing and scaling-up impact. Producer innovations to reduce climate and market risks are then classified on a scale continuum. Finally, this case study presents the diverse types and qualities of support available to sustainability-focused farmers and ranchers in California, with clear policy implications for broadening and deepening this support.
Next Steps for First Step: Building a Stronger Foundation of Oversight, Transparency, and Accountability
Authors: La Vigne Nancy G.
Published: December 2019

The article describes the oversight needed to ensure that First Step Act measures are implemented faithfully and that conditions of confinement in BOP facilities are identified and addressed. Humane conditions of confinement are a necessary precondition for a rehabilitative environment. With sufficient oversight, BOP can be held accountable for maintaining safe and humane environments that enable incarcerated populations to make the most of educational, vocational, substance use treatment, and other self-betterment activities. This in turn holds promise for reducing recidivism rates for those who exit BOP.
What’s the Point? The Missing Piece of Criminal Justice Reform through Consensus and Compromise
Authors: Exum Jelani Jefferson
Published: December 2019

Criminal justice reform has had a firm place in news headlines for more than a decade. Reform has mainly been sought through two approaches: consensus through ballot initiative or legislative compromise. But these modes of reform share a fundamental failure: both often lack a clear articulation of the purpose of criminal sentencing. In other words, “What’s the point?” Without an agreement on the underlying purpose of criminal punishment, neither method of pursuing changes in the criminal justice system can ever produce meaningful, long-standing reform.

Our usual way of understanding criminal justice reform is through legislative compromise. The moves from the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 to the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 to the First Step Act of 2018 were the result of this slow legislative mechanism. However, the resulting sentencing changes were not due to an effort to study the effects of drug sentencing or to any work toward agreement about what purpose Congress was actually trying to fulfill through drug sentencing. The same problem exists when it comes to consensus reform through ballot initiative – a move that has taken place in many areas of the country—from the passing of recreational marijuana laws in places like Michigan to the attempt to pass sweeping drug sentencing reform through Ohio’s Ballot Issue. When examined, these efforts at reform consensus show that agreement on the need for reform does not show agreement on the purpose of reform. This lack of true, deep consensus can ultimately defeat efforts at large-scale reform through consensus.
Keep Calm and Carry on with State Criminal Justice Reform
Authors: Kelley Jessica , Rizer Arthur
Published: December 2019

The passage of the First Step Act by the federal government one year ago marked a significant change in the way states approached the issue of criminal justice reform. Some states, like Florida, have been fighting for years to pass reforms, but after the passage of the First Step Act, the momentum for reform helped carry those endeavors through the legislature and to the Governor’s desk. Other more traditionally conservative states, like North Carolina and Arkansas, have now been introducing legislation to address problems within their states’ criminal justice systems by moving towards workable reforms modeled after the federal legislation. The First Step Act provided political cover for right-of-center, state-level lawmakers to address critical issues facing the criminal justice system.

Here we discuss the history of the First Step Act and more broadly the trajectory of past criminal justice reforms. After establishing the federal landscape, we aimed to outline the current positions of the states who are engaging in criminal justice reform and how movement on the federal level paved the way for successful legislative outcomes. In our final analysis, we articulate the need to fully implement reforms and provide evidence that even the best of bills, if left unfunded or otherwise incomplete, will fail.
Approaches to Teaching the History of Medicine in Late Antiquity
Authors: Secord Jared , Wright Jessica
Published: December 2019

In this article, the authors propose that late antique medicine is a rich and versatile subject to teach in undergraduate courses, despite a seeming lack of sources and teaching resources. Following an introduction, authors Crislip, Langford, Llewellyn Ihssen, and Marx offer contributions describing their experiences teaching courses that offer some coverage of medicine in Late Antiquity. The contributions show that late antique medicine fits in easily as part of courses on magic and science, and that it lends itself to comparative or world-historical approaches. Late antique medicine likewise provides opportunities to explore the relationship of religion to science and of medicine to the humanities. The authors show that a range of approaches to late antique medicine, including disability studies and medical anthropology, can inspire productive and thoughtful responses from students, and serve as a helpful introduction to the medical humanities for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Genomic Outcomes of Haploid Induction Crosses in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Amundson Kirk R , Ordoñez Benny , Santayana Monica , Tan Ek Han , Henry Isabelle M , Mihovilovich Elisa , Bonierbale Merideth , Comai Luca
Published: December 2019

The challenges of breeding autotetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum) have motivated the development of alternative breeding strategies. A common approach is to obtain uniparental dihaploids from a tetraploid of interest through pollination with S. tuberosum Andigenum Group (formerly S. phureja) cultivars. The mechanism underlying haploid formation of these crosses is unclear, and questions regarding the frequency of paternal DNA transmission remain. Previous reports have described aneuploid and euploid progeny that, in some cases, displayed genetic markers from the haploid inducer (HI). Here, we surveyed a population of 167 presumed dihaploids for large-scale structural variation that would underlie chromosomal addition from the HI, and for small-scale introgression of genetic markers. In 19 progeny, we detected 10 of the 12 possible trisomies and, in all cases, demonstrated the noninducer parent origin of the additional chromosome. Deep sequencing indicated that occasional, short-tract signals appearing to be of HI origin were better explained as technical artifacts. Leveraging recurring copy number variation patterns, we documented subchromosomal dosage variation indicating segregation of polymorphic maternal haplotypes. Collectively, 52% of the assayed chromosomal loci were classified as dosage variable. Our findings help elucidate the genomic consequences of potato haploid induction and suggest that most potato dihaploids will be free of residual pollinator DNA.
Analytical components of mental mapping in sociological studies of conflicts
Authors: Ignatieva Iryna , Melnikov Andrii
Published: December 2019

The paper focuses on theoretical and methodological achievements in the sociology of conflict, particularly the adaptation and development of mental mapping method. The main objective of the study is to define, characterize and specify the basic analytical components of mental mapping with regard to studying a conflict as a social phenomenon. Mental map is defined as an image or model of outer space gradually formed over time in subject’s consciousness. The method of mental mapping was described as a graphic representation of certain area by informant at researcher’s request. The classical concepts of mental mapping and their application in the studies of conflicts are presented in the historical retrospective. Thus, there is an overview of particular cases of the mental mapping methodology implementation, such as the study of relationships between communication channels and perceptions of dangerous urban areas in Los Angeles, the translocal identity of Polish emigrants’ children in Scotland, the “micro-geography of emotions” of migrant children in Paris and Berlin, the perception of Milan by migrants, the conflict topology imaginations of high school students of Israel and Palestine, spatial projections of social conflicts in Cyprus, North Ireland, Belgium, and Ukraine. Authors suggest theoretical and methodological generalization of the mental mapping of conflicts based on the approach of Jack Gieseking or the “Gieseking matrix” composed of four categories (mechanics of method, graphic elements, narratives of place and personalization), each of which contains a set of analytic components and techniques (a total of 57 units). The paper outlines the methodological specifics of analytical components in mental mapping of conflict, and notes the integrative interdisciplinary potential and the prospects for the development of this method.
Monetary policy in the conditions of global instability: conclusions for Ukraine
Authors: Sheludko Nataliia
Published: December 2019

The paper considers the monetary policy of leading world central banks that have been used to overcome the global financial and economic crisis in 2008-2009. Advanced developed countries, which are current world’s technological leaders, managed to overcome this crisis, primarily through monetary mechanisms. For this purpose, a non-traditional monetary policy was invented and applied for the first time. It included the following: quantitative easing with a corresponding rapid growth of central bank liabilities; de facto maintaining a plurality of their objectives, including ensuring financial stability and reducing unemployment; expanded participation of central banks in financing governments’ budget deficits. The measures taken helped to overcome the recession in developed countries and the transition to a trajectory of economic growth. The current practice of monetary policy normalization, initiated in the United States, involves a gradual increase in the key interest rate and a curtailment of central bank balances. However, in many developed countries, the practice of non-traditional monetary policy is still persistent and is an important factor for determining the trends of the global economy. In general, the results of this policy can be evaluated differently, but it is important for Ukraine to conclude on the relevance of monetary policy to stimulate economic development. Global volatility, increasingly determined by trade wars and other forms of protectionism in global economies, poses challenges (primarily in terms of maintaining/enhancing export and production capacity). For the economy of Ukraine, which is vulnerable to external shocks, these factors, combined with internal centres of instability, form a complex of complicated tasks, in particular in terms of the cessation of further loss of investment potential, which should be addressed rationally by the monetary policy instruments.
Financial inclusion as a factor for socio-economic development
Authors: Anufriieva Kateryna , Shkliar Andrii
Published: December 2019

Paper dwells upon approaches to understanding the concept and role of financial inclusion. It is established that financial inclusion is one of the factors for economic development; the study of the role of financial inclusion among the factors for socio-economic development is substantiated. The evolution of the term “inclusion” has been traced from the area of social processes analysis at the social groups’ level, including various social relations, to the macroeconomic level. It has been revealed that a consistent definition of “financial inclusion” by key standards-setting institutions has been extended by financial market experts: interpretations of the term “financial inclusion” include its definition as “process”, “stage” (of development) or “state” (of development). Authors define the concept of financial inclusion as a process of interaction between financial market entities and financial services’ consumers, which, by providing equal access to financial services, offers a level of participation of financial services’ consumers in the financial relations, which contributes to the sustainability of financial institutions and increase of social welfare. There is an alternative view of the financial inclusion definition through its opposite concept of financial exclusion, which is either voluntary or forced, and is determined by four groups of reasons. It has been found that the most crucial is the need to reduce the fourth group of reasons, which are subject to compulsory exclusion, since this category of users is excluded from the financial system because of regulatory deficiencies or market barriers. Authors analyses consensus offered in the scientific literature regarding the three main aspects of financial inclusion: coverage, use and quality of financial services. Positive factors and risks of financial inclusion development, as well as negative aspects of financial exclusion are highlighted.
The role of communication tools of the corporate social responsibility strategy for building effective dialogue with stakeholders
Authors: Khovrak Inna
Published: December 2019

Communication on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can be based on unilateral communication, in which stakeholders are “passive listeners”. However, more effective is a bilateral interaction that engages stakeholders in the communication process while developing and implementing a CSR strategy, enabling establishment of the dialogue. That is why the objective of the study is to reasonably expose the impact of the communication toolkit of implementing the CSR strategy on establishing dialogue with stakeholders. The author develops an algorithm for organizing a stakeholder communication process that takes into account communication barriers at each stage: creation, encoding, transmission, receiving, decoding and responding. The internally-oriented, externally-oriented and universal communication tools of CSR strategy implementation are characterized. The functions of the communication toolkit of CSR strategy implementation are systematized: informational, contact, educational, interpretative, emotional, holistic, mobilizing, strategic, preventive. The author compared CSR communication strategies (one-sided, two-way asymmetric and two-way symmetric) according to the following criteria: the achievement of communication ideal: transfer and joint creation of CSR meaning, stakeholder needs, the role of stakeholder, method of determining CSR priorities, strategic goals for establishing communications, third-party approval of the CSR strategy. Much attention is paid to specifying forms of indirect and direct communication, as well as to the analysis of their relevance to the main CSR communication strategies. It is established that the identification of stakeholders is an important part of CSR communication, which is why the author summarizes main forms and the result of interaction with them. It is justified that effective interaction with stakeholders holds a dialogue capable of identifying existing problems and jointly formulating ways to solve them.
Ecological and geological determination of the initial pedogenesis on devastated lands in the Kryvyi Rih Iron Mining & Metallurgical District (Ukraine)
Authors: Savosko Vasyl M. , Lykholat Yuriy V. , Bielyk Yulia V. , Lykholat Tetiana Y.
Published: December 2019

In our time, a very urgent problem is the cessation of negative impacts on the environment and the return to the practical use of the territories of devastated lands. In  this regard, it is important to find out the basic laws of primary soil formation in the area of these man-made neoplasms. The initial soil formation conditions were analyzed on 19 experimental sites which represent the main varieties of devastated land in the Kryvyi Rih Iron Mining and Metallurgical District (Central Ukraine): (i) waste rock dumps of old iron mines (old name “Forges”), (ii) tailing storage facility of underground iron mines, (iii) waste rock dumps of the Iron Ore Mining and Dressing Plant, (iv) waste rock dumps of the Granite Quarry Plant. It was established that on the devastated lands in Kryvyi Rih District, the initial soil formation occurs in very difficult conditions. Therefore, over 25- 100 years only very primitive soils were formed. The following features are inherent to them: (1) primitive soil profile (thickness 10-100 mm), (2) low levels of soil organic substance content (9.5-11.5 %), (3) alkaline indicators of the soil solution (pHH2O – 8.08-8.92, pHKCl  – 7.42-8.23), (4) low levels of cation exchange capacity (6.34-8.47 mMol /100 g). By results of correlation calculations, among the factors of soil formation time (duration of soil formation) and input of plant ash elements’ fall are characterized by the maximum number of statistically significant correlation coefficients and their numerical values. In terms of chemical composition of the technosol, the values of organic matter content and exchangeable acidity (pHKCl) were the most predictable soil formation factors. Generally physical / chemical characteristics of geological rocks (as parent material) and time were the two most important factors in determining the initial pedogenesis on devastated lands in the Kryvyi Rih Iron Mining & Metallurgical District (Ukraine).
AlCoCuFeNi high–entropy alloy nanoparticle melting and solidification: a classical molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Kushnerov O. I.
Published: December 2019

The processes of melting and solidification of AlCoCuFeNi nanoparticle of about 10 nm is studied by molecular dynamics simulation at three different cooling rates (1∙1011 K/s, 1∙1012 K/s, and 1∙1013 K/s) using the embedded atom model (EAM) potential. The melting and crystallization of the nanoparticle are characterized by studying the temperature dependence of the potential energy. The adaptive common neighbor analysis (CNA) is performed and the radial distribution function (RDF) is calculated to determine the structure and lattice parameters of phases of the AlCoCuFeNi nanoparticle. It is shown that the final structure of the investigated nanoparticle changes from amorphous to crystalline with decreasing of the rate of cooling, and the temperature hysteresis takes place during the melting and crystallization of AlCoCuFeNi HEA nanoparticle.
The Measurement Of The Level Of Compassion Of Nurses In Operating Room
Authors: Fadime Çinar
Published: December 2019

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the compassion levels andthe factors that affect the compassion levels of the operating room nurses,which is an important part of the surgical process. Methods: This descriptivestudy was conducted with 236 nurses working in the operating rooms of publicand private hospitals between December 2017 and January 2018, whichallowed the study to be carried out in Istanbul. The Compassion Scale and theIndividual Information Form were used to collect data. The SPSS 23 forWindows computer program was used to analyze the frequency, Mann-Whitney U Test, Kruskal-Wallis H Test, Result: 47.1% of the operating roomnurses were male and 52.9% were female. The mean total score of theoperating room nurses Compassion Scale was 3.92 ± 0.85.According togender, kindness, common humanity, mindfulness, disengagement and totalcompassion level in male; ?ndifference and separation were higher in female (p<0.05). According to marital status, the size of indifference was higher inmarried, all other dimensions were higher in single nurses. Conclus?on: In thelight of the findings obtained from the study, it can be said that the highestaverage score can be taken from the scale, and the compassion levels of theoperating room nurses are high.Keywords: Nursing, care, compassion, operating room nurses
Lyrical Referencing in Australian Hip Hop
Authors: Lewandowski-Cox James
Published: December 2019

Australian MCs, like other hip hop artists around the world, often quote lyrics from others in their own works. Australian MCs quote from a wide range of texts to help situate their music as being distinctly hip hop. The positioning of these quotes allows MCs to place themselves into a lineage of hip hop music, and this lineage identifies their influences. By quoting from previous works, Australian hip hop artists are constructing a hip hop identity that is constructed through an interaction with other works. Drawing on ethnographic research with hip hop practitioners in Australia, I will argue that lyrical borrowing and quotation is an essential aspect of hip hop culture. This interaction with other, global, hip hop texts not only forms a crucial structure to the genre, but has also drawn many of the artists into the genre. The intertextual nature of the genre is something that the MCs seek to explore, with many wishing to insert themselves into the narrative of the genre.
Simone Krüger Bridge. 2018. Trajectories and Themes in World Popular Music: Globalization, Capitalism, Identity
Authors: Deane Neil , Schuch Elke
Published: December 2019

Simone Krüger Bridge. 2018. Trajectories and Themes in World Popular Music: Globalization, Capitalism, Identity. Sheffield, UK: Equinox Publishing. 298 pp. ISBN 978-1-78179-622-1 (pbk).
Currents and Contradictions in the Ethnomusicology of Popular Music
Authors: Berger Harris M.
Published: December 2019

The status of popular music research in North American ethnomusicology has changed significantly in the last 25 years. Expanding rapidly in the late 1990s and early 2000s, popular music research in ethnomusicology was part of a set of broader intellectual developments that challenged the liberal inclusionism that dominated the discipline during this period, developments that, as other writers have observed, included the growing prominence of critical approaches to humanistic inquiry, new ideas about media and culture, and the rise of the neoliberal university. This article tracks the shifting reception of popular music research in ethnomusicology during this period and the place that this work held in these wider transformations. Taking institutional history as its starting point, the article discusses the position of ethnomusicology among other music disciplines in the North American academy, the debates that surrounded the formation of the Popular Music Section of the Society for Ethnomusicology (PMSSEM) and the relationship between PMSSEM and the International Association for the Study of Popular Music. Examining the interplay between residual and emergent elements of intellectual culture in today’s discipline, the article explores the reciprocities and tensions between liberal inclusionism and radical cultural critique, the ethnomusicologist’s productive resistance to defining the notion of popular music, the charges of ethnocentrism that have recently been levelled at the ethnomusicology of popular music, and the differing approaches to the question of populism at play in contemporary ethnomusicology’s politics of culture.
Rainforest to Raves
Authors: Wallach Jeremy
Published: December 2019

Steven Feld’s ethnomusicological framework was originally formulated to investigate the music culture of an indigenous people in Papua New Guinea. Nonetheless, its potent amalgamation of linguistic anthropology, ethnoaesthetics, social phenomenology and Geertzian interpretivism has become an influential approach to popular musics that avoids reductionistic political economic assessments. This article argues for a Feldian ethnomusicological perspective as a corrective to ethnocentric and dismissive tendencies in the study of popular music. Only an ethnographically grounded, culturally sensitive approach can lend insight into popular music’s prominent role in a range of social upheavals in the late twentieth and twenty-first century.