bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent smart farming and crop visualization
Authors: Rajasekaran Rajkumar , Agarwal Rajendra , Srivastava Aditya , Ivanyshyn Volodymyr , Masih Jolly , Yasinetska Iryna
Published: November 2020

Agriculture is a backbone of the economy for any country. Being a part of primary sector, all the other major sectors and industries depend on it for their raw materials. It satisfies the basic needs of human like food, clothing and shelter. However, due to climate change and other related problems, it is becoming increasingly difficult for farmers to keep pace with rising demands. As per estimate by Food and Agricultural Organization of United Nations, around 55 percent of India’s total land area is used for agricultural produce. India is also a leading producer and exporter of some of the major crops. Still there are concerns regarding food security in India by United Nations. For overcoming the natural hurdles, involvement of technology is required for better analysis and decision-making. Through this paper, we plan to propose a visualization technique, which can help farmers to make better decision regarding crop selection. The study proposes a novel framework where farmers can get detailed information about the crops grown in any particular district and also area, production and productivity of any particular crop. This web-based agri solution will help farmers to take smart farming decision by resource optimization and smart planning.
Strategic analysis of the competitiveness of educational products in the management of higher education institutions
Authors: Parasii-Verhunenko Iryna , Kuznetsova Inna , Misko Hanna , Biriuk Olena , Zharikova Olena
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this article is to develop modern methodological approaches to strategic analysis of the competitiveness of educational products from the standpoint of management of higher education institutions to form a cost management strategy, make fuller use of resource potential and optimize curricula and areas of training professionals. The information base of the study was data on the composition and structure of expenses for preparation of one student, obtained as a result of a survey of 87 institutions of higher education in Ukraine for 2015-2018. Methodical and methodological base for calculating the cost of training one student of higher education institutions was the methodology developed by the State Educational and Scientific Institution “Academy of Financial Management”. Information on the cost of education, the cost of training one student in terms of individual specialties was used on the example of SHEI “Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman” and obtained from the official website of the university. As a result of research the technique of the matrix analysis of an estimation of competitiveness of educational products which is based on a combination of indicative values of indicators is offered. It is proposed to carry out such an assessment on the basis of a two-dimensional matrix, and provide an analytical interpretation of the values of each cell of the matrix, which ensures the implementation of evaluation and search functions of strategic management and forms analytical basis for monitoring costs and revenues for the top management of the institution. The results of the study can be used to implement marketing strategies of higher education institutions aimed at realizing their competitive advantages and more effective use of competitive potential.
Limitations of the concept of permanent establishment and e-commerce
Authors: Laurinaitis Marius , Stitilis Darius , Rotomskis Irmantas , Azizov Otabeg , Marchuk Nataliia
Published: November 2020

The concept of permanent establishment introduced over a century ago became obsolete in the XXI age. It is completely irrelevant in terms of modern online business. Recent OECD initiatives are only a late reaction to the internationally observed legal loophole in taxing profits of e-commerce companies. Steps taken by the international community over the last few years reveal considerable diversity in approaches towards the concept of permanent establishment. Even the key principles to be followed in the development of the new concept of permanent establishment have not been agreed so far. The present article is an attempt to propose the major principles to be followed in updated interpretations of the concept of permanent establishment equally effective in terms of both big multinationals and SMEs.
Accounting trends in the modern world
Authors: Melnyk Natalya , Trachova Dar'ya , Kolesnikova Olena , Demchuk Olena , Golub Natalia
Published: November 2020

The purpose of the article is to determine the current directions and future trends in the development of accounting. The conclusions made on the basis of research materials, surveys, reports of reputable international and professional accounting organizations. Synthesis and analysis reveal that some trends and drivers among analyzed will be more significant (such as globalization of business and the profession; spread of digital technologies; expectations of business and professional accountants) than others (such as regulation and governance) and will, in varying degrees, affect specific accounting roles, skills, knowledge. As a result of research, was determined that modern accounting professionals move from performing technical accounting functions (hard skills) to support the companies` management and play a significant role in improving the development of society. It is established that the main thing in the strategy of accounting companies` progress (both large and SMEs) and accounting specialists will be the development of the latest technologies, soft skills, professional flexibility. It is substantiated that the change of priorities will turn the challenges facing the accounting profession into its advantages.
The role of «BIG FOUR» auditing firms in the public procurement market in Ukraine
Authors: Antoniuk Olena , Kuzyk Natalya , Zhurakovska Iryna , Sydorenko Roman , Sakhno Liudmyla
Published: November 2020

The authors conducted a study aimed to identify the role of «Big Four» («Big 4») audit firms in the public procurement market in Ukraine.The purpose of the article is to answer the questions: whether Ukraine is in a general trend of most countries in the concentration of audit market; what is the share of revenues of the «Big Four» audit firms in the performance of audit services in the public procurement system in Ukraine. First of all, in order to get answers to these questions, the authors conducted a study of the main trends in the development of the «Big Four» companies in Ukraine. It was found that the characteristic competitive environment in the market of audit services, the impact on competitiveness of pricing policy and regulatory requirements, relating to the acquisition of audit services by public sector entities through a public procurement system "ProZorro". An element of price regulation and compliance with the transparent conditions of the competitive environment is the participation of audit firms in the public procurement system. As a result of processing data on procurement of audit services for the period 2008-2019, the authors calculated key indicators that characterize the concentration of the audit market. Based on the data on the amount of remuneration for various types of audit services using the public procurement system "ProZorro", aspects of pricing policy and the role of the companies of the "Big Four" in the market were established. The values indexes indicate that the companies of the «Big 4» do not have a complete monopoly in the segment of procurement of audit services, having certain dominant positions in some years, and the indexes indicate a trend towards effective competition in the audit services market in Ukraine.
Sustainable development of rural areas: strategy and conceptual framework (Ukrainian case)
Authors: Sava Andrii , Dudziak Oksana , Krasnorutskyy Oleksiy , Moskvichova Olena , Rarok Liliia
Published: November 2020

The algorithm for determining the priority of solving problems of rural development on the example of the whole of Ukraine, taking into account the economic, social and environmental components are investigated in this article. Calculations based on econometric modelling of the current state of functioning of rural areas were the methodological basis for the study of this work. A specific system of evaluation of selected indicators was used as a tool for analysis. The results helped to establish a certain typology of rural areas according to the level of their development and to group the solution of their development problems into three components: economic, social and environmental. Elements of the organizational and economic mechanism for regulating the development of rural areas have been developed based on these results, which provides for measures in the areas of software, regulatory and legal support.
Institutionalism in Accounting: a requirement of the times or a mechanism of social pressure?
Authors: Semenyshena Nataliia , Sysiuk Svitlana , Shevchuk Kateryna , Petruk Inna , Benko Iryna
Published: November 2020

The purpose of the study is to establish and identify the reasons for the formation of the institutional foundations of accounting, substantiate their advantages and disadvantages for Ukraine, as well as build an effective organizational and institutional architectonics of its development. The institutional influence on the accounting system in Ukraine and its reasons are established on the basis of an empirical generalization of the positions of various authors, as well as a critical analysis of the existing norms and practices. The method of regression analysis was used to select the basic branch of the national economy, on the example of which the study was conducted. It is substantiated that objectively this influence is associated with social and international requirements, however, for agricultural enterprises, the prerequisite for the introduction of institutional frameworks is the desire of these entities for international cooperation. The above arguments are based on the analysis of statistical data, the results of a questionnaire survey of 105 heads of Ukrainian agricultural companies. An empirical generalization was carried out on the basis of a critical assessment of the normative and legal framework for the development of accounting and accounting for the results of the survey, which made it possible to assess the genesis of the introduction of institutional accounting frameworks in the agricultural sector of Ukraine and substantiate the objective need for such a process. It has been proved that the discussion on the objectivity or compulsory development of the institutional foundations of accounting has real ground. For this purpose, for comparison, the results of a questionnaire survey of managers and accounting specialists in the public sector and indicators of the dynamics of the availability of funds in the single treasury account as of January 1 in recent years are presented, which made it possible to conclude that there are no objective reasons for the institutionalization of accounting and its compulsory nature in this sector.It follows from the study that the institutionalization of accounting is both an objective requirement of the time and a mechanism of public pressure at the same time. Its assignment to one category or another is determined by the existing needs, the branch of the national economy and the results that can be obtained.
Comparison of Military Recruit and Incumbent Physical Characteristics and Performance: Potential Implications for Through-Career Individual Readiness and Occupational Performance
Authors: Drain Jace R. , Debenedictis Thomas , Bulmer Sean , Michael Scott
Published: November 2020

Drain, JR, Debenedictis, T, Bulmer, S, and Michael, S. comparison of military recruit and incumbent physical characteristics and performance: Potential implications for through-career individual readiness and occupational performance. J Strength Cond Res 36(9): 2536–2543, 2022—After basic military training, physical training practices among incumbent personnel differ substantially, potentially precipitating varied physical capacity and operational readiness. The purpose of this retrospective investigation was to compare physical characteristics and physical performance between recruits and incumbent personnel. Data were collected for 222 army recruits (REC: 197 men/25 women) nearing completion of basic training and 280 incumbent army personnel from combat arms (CA: 142 men) and noncombat arms trades (NCA: 113 men/25 women). Height, mass, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded together with performance measures including predicted V̇o
2max and 1 repetition maximum box lift. Compared with REC, male incumbents were older (21.8 ± 0.6 vs. 27.6 ± 1.2 years; mean ± 95% confidence interval), had greater body mass (77.6 ± 1.3 vs. 82.6 ± 1.5 kg) and BMI (24.2 ± 0.3 vs. 25.8 ± 0.5 kg·m−2), similar relative V̇o
2max, and lower box lift (49.7 ± 1.4 vs. 47.2 ± 2.4 kg). Male CA demonstrated greatest physical performance while male NCA demonstrated the highest BMI and poorest physical performance. Compared with REC, female incumbents were older (22.8 ± 1.6 vs. 31.9 ± 4.4 years), had similar body mass, higher BMI (24.1 ± 0.7 vs. 26.1 ± 2.4 kg·m−2), as well as lower V̇o
2max (42.0 ± 1.3 vs. 37.9 ± 2.1 ml·kg·−1·min−1) and box lift (27.8 ± 2.1 vs. 23.3 ± 2.4 kg). More than 97% of men and approximately 75% of women were able to achieve the box lift and V̇o
2max baseline standards. The older age category (26 + vs. 18–25 years) typically demonstrated higher BMI and lower physical performance. Through-career maintenance of physical capacity is important for military personnel to support individual readiness and occupational performance, preserve health, and mitigate musculoskeletal injury risk.
Muscle-Specific Contributions to Lower Extremity Net Joint Moments While Squatting With Different External Loads
Authors: Kipp Kristof , Kim Hoon , Wolf William I.
Published: November 2020

Kipp, K, Kim, H, and Wolf, WI. Muscle-specific contributions to lower extremity net joint moments while squatting with different external loads. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 324–331, 2022—The purpose of this study was to determine muscle-specific contributions to lower extremity net joint moments (NJMs) during squats with different external loads. Nine healthy subjects performed sets of the back squat exercise with 0, 25, 50, and 75% of body mass as an added external load. Motion capture and force plate data were used to calculate NJMs and to estimate individual muscle forces via static optimization. Individual muscle forces were multiplied by their respective moment arms to calculate the resulting muscle-specific joint moment. Statistical parametric mapping (α = 0.05) was used to determine load-dependent changes in the time series data of NJMs and muscle-specific joint moments. Hip, knee, and ankle NJMs all increased across each load condition. The joint extension moments created by the gluteus maximus and hamstring muscles at the hip, by the vastii muscles at the knee, and by the soleus at the ankle all increased across most load conditions. Concomitantly, the flexion moment created by the hamstring muscles at the knee also increased across most load conditions. However, the ratio between joint moments created by the vastii and hamstring muscles at the knee did not change across load. Similarly, the ratio between joint moments created by the gluteus maximus and hamstring muscles at the hip did not change across load. Collectively, the results highlight how individual muscles contribute to NJMs, identify which muscles contribute to load-dependent increases in NJMs, and suggest that joint moment production among synergistic and antagonistic muscles remains constant as external load increases.
Higher Peak Fat Oxidation During Rowing vs. Cycling in Active Men and Women
Authors: Astorino Todd A. , Oriente Chandler , Peterson Jill , Alberto Giannina , Castillo Erica Elena , Vasquez-Soto Ulices , Ibarra Esmerelda , Guise Victoria , Castaneda Ivan , Marroquin Joel R. , Dargis Rachel , Thum Jacob S.
Published: November 2020

Astorino, TA, Oriente, C, Peterson, J, Alberto, G, Castillo, EE, Vasquez-Soto, U, Ibarra, E, Guise, V, Castaneda, I, Marroquin, JR, Dargis, R, and Thum, JS. Higher peak fat oxidation during rowing vs. cycling in active men and women. J Strength Cond Res 35(1): 9–15, 2021—This study compared fat and carbohydrate oxidation (CHOOx) between progressive rowing and cycling. Initially, 22 active healthy adults (age = 27 ± 8 years) performed incremental cycling and rowing to volitional fatigue to assess maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o
2max) and maximal heart rate (HRmax). The order of 2 subsequent sessions was randomized, performed 2 hours postmeal, and included a warm-up followed by three 8-minute stages of rowing or cycling at 60–65, 70–75, and 80–85 %HRmax. During exercise, power output was modified to maintain work rate in the desired range. Gas exchange data and blood samples were obtained to measure fat and CHOOx and blood lactate concentration. Fat oxidation (FOx) increased during exercise (p < 0.001) and there was a main effect of mode (p = 0.03) but no modeXintensity interaction (p = 0.33). Peak FOx was higher in response to rowing vs. cycling (0.23 ± 0.09 g·min−1 vs. 0.18 ± 0.07 g·min−1, p = 0.01). Carbohydrate oxidation increased during exercise (p < 0.001) but there was no effect of mode (p = 0.25) or modeXintensity interaction (p = 0.08). Blood lactate concentration was lower (p = 0.007) at the end of rowing vs. cycling (3.1 ± 1.0 mM vs. 3.9 ± 1.6 mM, d = 1.1). Prolonged rowing having equivalent calorie expenditure and intensity vs. cycling elicits higher peak FOx, which is likely attributed to greater muscle mass used during rowing.
Coronavirus Disease-19 Quarantine Is More Detrimental Than Traditional Off-Season on Physical Conditioning of Professional Soccer Players
Authors: Grazioli Rafael , Loturco Irineu , Baroni Bruno M. , Oliveira Gabriel S. , Saciura Vasyl , Vanoni Everton , Dias Rafael , Veeck Filipe , Pinto Ronei S. , Cadore Eduardo L.
Published: November 2020

Grazioli, R, Loturco, I, Baroni, BM, Oliveira, GS, Saciura, V, Vanoni, E, Dias, R, Veeck, F, Pinto, RS, and Cadore, EL. Coronavirus disease-19 quarantine is more detrimental than traditional off-season on physical conditioning of professional soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3316–3320, 2020—Beyond the severe health crisis, the coronavirus disease 2019 has also affected the high-performance sports scenario. In soccer, practitioners are concerned about the effects of long-term detraining on players' conditioning, and caution is required when activities return. This study assessed body composition, jump and sprint performance, hamstring eccentric strength, and intermittent cardiorespiratory fitness of 23 male professional soccer players who returned to training activities after 63 days of quarantine. The results were compared with their physical condition assessed before a pre-season phase as soon as they returned to training after a regular 24-day off-season period. In comparison with after off-season assessments, the quarantine induced significant increases in body mass, body fat mass, 10- and 20-m sprint times as well as decreases in countermovement jump height (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in hamstring eccentric strength, squat jump height, and cardiorespiratory fitness (p > 0.05). In summary, we showed that 63 days of quarantine impaired several physical performance measures compared with regular off-season in soccer players. Given the present results, special attention should be given to body composition–related and speed power–related capabilities after long-term detraining in professional soccer.
On the Knees of the Body Politic
Authors: Hutson Lorna
Published: November 2020

This paper analyzes the fullest theoretical elaboration of the doctrine of the King’s Two Bodies in the Elizabethan period, Edmund Plowden’s Treatise on the Succession (1567). It argues that Plowden here deploys the King’s Two Bodies not, as has been thought, as a legal proof against the foreign birth of Mary Queen of Scots, but as a way of embodying and sacralizing the disputed historical relations of England and Scotland. Plowden’s sacralizing metaphors of embodiment transform the highly contentious English claim of Scotland’s historic vassalage into the indisputable and timeless truth of political theology.
Encountering Dinosaurs
Authors: Wilson Ross J.
Published: November 2020

This article examines the potential use of dinosaur parks to reassess the relationship between humans and the environment. These sites have been developed across Europe and the United States over the course of the last century and have been neglected as sites of public history and environmental heritage. Within the guided trails where visitors interact with model or animatronic re-creations of animals that were extinct millions of years ago, a process of transformation takes place as individuals are required to rethink humanity’s place in the vast timescale of the Earth’s history and the fate of our own species in the context of climate change. Methods of affective engagement within the dinosaur parks serve as a tool to understand how natural history can be presented to the wider public as a means of changing attitudes and ideals. As we enter into the Anthropocene and we face environmental threats caused by human activity, it is the confrontation with the dinosaurs that can alter our present and our future on the planet.
An Introduction to Making Modern Architecture Matter
Authors: Brandt Lydia Mattice
Published: November 2020

Regardless of their interest in historic architecture, Americans often dismiss Modern architecture for being too boring, ugly, or recent to be worthy of preservation. Using the author’s advocacy experience in Columbia, South Carolina, as a case study, this article offers strategies for those looking to advocate and educate for Modern buildings constructed outside of major American cities between 1945 and 1975. The essay introduces the historical context for local Modern architecture, dissects its most common derisions, and suggests ways to convince skeptics to move past their assumptions.
A switching control for finite-time synchronization of memristor-based BAM neural networks with stochastic disturbances
Authors: Li Liangchen , Xu Rui , Gan Qintao , Lin Jiazhe
Published: November 2020

This paper deals with the finite-time stochastic synchronization for a class of memristorbased bidirectional associative memory neural networks (MBAMNNs) with time-varying delays and stochastic disturbances. Firstly, based on the physical property of memristor and the circuit of MBAMNNs, a MBAMNNs model with more reasonable switching conditions is established. Then, based on the theory of Filippov’s solution, by using Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals and stochastic analysis technique, a sufficient condition is given to ensure the finite-time stochastic synchronization of MBAMNNs with a certain controller. Next, by a further discussion, an errordependent switching controller is given to shorten the stochastic settling time. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of theoretical results.
Weak solvability of the unconditionally stable difference scheme for the coupled sine-Gordon system
Authors: Yildirim Ozgur , Uzun Meltem
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we study the existence and uniqueness of weak solution for the system of finite difference schemes for coupled sine-Gordon equations. A novel first order of accuracy unconditionally stable difference scheme is considered. The variational method also known as the energy method is applied to prove unique weak solvability.We also present a new unified numerical method for the approximate solution of this problem by combining the difference scheme and the fixed point iteration. A test problem is considered, and results of numerical experiments are presented with error analysis to verify the accuracy of the proposed numerical method.
Some remarks on bv(s)-metric spaces and fixed point results with an application
Authors: Garai Hiranmoy , Dey Lakshmi Kanta , Mondal Pratikshan , Radenović Stojan
Published: November 2020

We compare the newly defined bv(s)-metric spaces with several other abstract spaces like metric spaces, b-metric spaces and show that some well-known results, which hold in the latter class of spaces, may not hold in bv(s)-metric spaces. Besides, we introduce the notions of sequential compactness and bounded compactness in the framework of bv(s)-metric spaces. Using these notions, we prove some fixed point results involving Nemytzki–Edelstein type mappings in this setting, from which several comparable fixed point results can be deduced. In addition to these, we find some existence and uniqueness criteria for the solution to a certain type of mixed Fredholm–Volterra integral equations.
Analysis of a model for waterborne diseases with Allee effect on bacteria
Authors: Capone Florinda , Carfora Maria Francesca , De Luca Roberta , Torcicollo Isabella
Published: November 2020

A limitation of current modeling studies in waterborne diseases (one of the leading causes of death worldwide) is that the intrinsic dynamics of the pathogens is poorly addressed, leading to incomplete, and often, inadequate understanding of the pathogen evolution and its impact on disease transmission and spread. To overcome these limitations, in this paper, we consider an ODEs model with bacterial growth inducing Allee effect. We adopt an adequate functional response to significantly express the shape of indirect transmission. The existence and stability of biologically meaningful equilibria is investigated through a detailed discussion of both backward and Hopf bifurcations. The sensitivity analysis of the basic reproduction number is performed. Numerical simulations confirming the obtained results in two different scenarios are shown.
Estimation of the Hurst index of the solutions of fractional SDE with locally Lipschitz drift
Authors: Kubilius Kęstutis
Published: November 2020

Strongly consistent and asymptotically normal estimates of the Hurst index H are obtained for stochastic differential equations (SDEs) that have a unique positive solution. A strongly convergent approximation of the considered SDE solution is constructed using the backward Euler scheme. Moreover, it is proved that the Hurst estimator preserves its properties, if we replace the solution with its approximation.
Combating unemployment through skill development
Authors: Singh Arvind Kumar , Singh Pushkar Kumar , Misra Arvind Kumar
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we propose and analyze a nonlinear mathematical model to study the effect of skill development on unemployment. We assume that government promulgates different levels of skill development programs for unemployed persons through which two different categories of skilled persons, namely, the low-skilled and the highly-skilled persons, are coming out and the highly-skilled persons are able to create vacancies. The model is studied using stability theory of nonlinear differential equations. We find analytically that there exists a unique positive equilibrium point of the proposed model system under some conditions. Also, the resulting equilibrium is locally as well as globally stable under certain conditions. The effective use of implemented policies to control unemployment by providing skills to unemployed persons and the new vacancies created by highly-skilled persons are identified by using optimal control analysis. Finally, numerical simulation is carried out to support analytical findings.
Genesis and dynamics of the range of Daphne cneorum (Thymelaceae) within Ukraine
Authors:   M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Melnyk V.I. , Baransky A.R. ,   M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: November 2020

A detailed study of the geographical distribution and populations status in historical aspects of Daphne cneorum (Thymelaceae), a rare species in Europe, was conducted to establish the dynamics of its range in Ukraine. Analysis of phytogeographic and paleological data showed that this is a migratory relict species (sensu Szafer, 1975). As a tertiary relic, D. cneorum survived in the Volhynian-Podolian Upland. From this refugium, it migrated to the Polissya and Dnipro lowlands as well as the Dnipro and Lublin uplands in the interglacial and postglacial periods. The range of D. cneorum in Ukraine currently consists of two separate areas, Volhynian-Podolian and Dnipro fragments. The disjunction apparently arose as a result of inconsistency of the ecological conditions (acid soils on crystalline rocks) of the Ukrainian shield and physiological needs of the calcephilous species D. cneorum. In our opinion, the disjunctions between the Volhynian-Podolian, Belarus and Lublin parts of the range are of anthropogenic origin. Over the last century, an intensive degradation of populations and fragmentation of the range of D. cneorum took place in Ukraine. Anthropogenic pressure has led to regressive changes in the species range in the country. Due to low seed productivity, plant death is not compensated by replenishment and therefore in disturbed habitats populations of D. cneorum are completely eliminated. The species has apparently disappeared from the flora of Roztocze, Volhynian Upland and the Kremenets Mountains. Since the absolute protection regime is ineffective for D. cneorum populations, the need to develop conservation management for this species in natural habitats is emphasized.
A unique locality of Ophioglossum vulgatum (Ophioglossaceae) in forest-steppe part of Zhytomyr Region
Authors:   M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Burlaka . M.D.
Published: November 2020

A new population of a regionally threatened species Ophioglossum vulgatum is reported. It is the southernmost record of the species within Zhytomyr Region and the only one in its forest-steppe part. The population is comprised of four parts with overall area of about 16 m2 and total number ca. 1000 specimens. A two-fold observation of the locality revealed fluctuation in number and density of specimens. The population is located within a settled area and is exposed to moderate anthropogenic pressure. Further monitoring is needed to detect population trend.
Cellulases of basidiomycetes for the development of cellulose bioconversion technologies
Authors:   Institute for Evolutionary Ecology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Boiko S.M.
Published: November 2020

Basidiomycetes cultures were screened for the ability to actively express the cellulases complex. Nutrient media with various forms of sugars were used. From 22 cultures of macromycetes (14 species), a group of six cultures with high level activities of extracellular (Il-11 I. lacteus – 70 IU, Fvv F. velutipes – 78 IU, Pe-1 P. eryngii – 87 IU, Ps-1 L. sulphureus – 83 IU, Mg M. giganteus – 74 IU) and intracellular (Sc-51 S. commune – 102 IU) cellulase complex was selected. Cultures of the species exhibit notable differences in the expression of enzymes, which indicates a significant influence of genetic factors on the process of producer selection. Endo-1,4-β-D-glucanases isozymes for most fungi had a molecular weight of 55 kDa and above, except for S. commune, which had more variability of conformation and weight 12–55 kDa. The culture of Il-11 I. lacteus on media with Avicel and filter paper had the highest activity, its endo- and exo-1,4-β-D-glucanases activities ranged 37–39 IU/mL and 18–20 IU/ mL, respectively. The culture of S. commune Sc-51 is able to accumulate a significant amount of intracellular cellulases, but the production of culture fluid with high viscosity complicates technological manipulations and increases processing time. The obtained data allowed us to isolate an Il-11 I. lacteus culture with stable expression and high activity of the cellulases complex at different carbon sources.
Gluconeogenic fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase from the mature sporocarps of common aquatic ferns: partial purification and basic characterization of this enzyme from Marsilea minuta (Polypodiopsida)
Authors:   Barasat Government College, West Bengal, India, Ghosh S.S. , Das M. ,   Hiralal Mazumdar Memorial College for Women, Kolkata, India, Basu S. ,   Barasat Government College, West Bengal, India, Adhikari J. ,   Barasat Government College, West Bengal, India
Published: November 2020

The present communication reports substantial activity of gluconeogenic fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase; EC 3.1.3.11) in three common heterosporous aquatic ferns (Marsilea minuta, Salvinia natans, and Azolla pinnata) and also describes a protocol for its partial purification from mature sporocarps of Marsilea minuta. The cytosolic FBPase, obtained from Marsilea minuta, Salvinia natans, and Azolla pinnata was recognized as gluconeogenic enzyme due to its drastic catabolic inactivation in presence of externally administered glucose and its insensitivity towards photosynthetic light illumination. Cytosolic gluconeogenic FBPase was partially purified from mature sporocarps of Marsilea minuta to about 22-fold over homogenate following low-speed centrifugation (11, 400 × g), 30–80% ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by subsequent chromatography using matrices like CM-Cellulose, Sephadex G-200, and Ultrogel AcA 34. The profile of partially purified FBPase in PAGE under non-denaturing condition was recorded. The enzyme activity increased linearly with respect to protein concentration to about 100 µg and with respect to time up to 75 minutes. Temperature optimum was found at 35 °C. The effect of substrate concentration and kinetic analyses for FBPase were carried out using D-fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (D-FBP, the substrate) in the range of 0.0 to 1.0 mM at an interval of 0.1 mM concentration. The Km value for D-FBP of FBPase was 0.06129 mM and Vmax was 4525 nmole Pi released (mg)-1 protein h-1 as determined by nonlinear regression kinetics using Prism 8 software (Graph Pad). The enzyme was functional in a constricted pH range of 7.0 to 8.0, giving maxima at pH 7.5. This cytosolic enzyme was significantly stimulated by Mg2+ and strongly inhibited by Hg2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+.
Characterization of synovium-derived mesenchymal stem cells from joints with osteochondritis dissecans
Authors: Rao Shama , Shetty Siddharth , Nitilapura Narendra , Shetty Veena , Parashiva Guruprasad Kanive , Basavarajappa Mohana Kumar
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a pathologic condition that occurs in children as well as adults. OCD is often managed based on the extent of ischemia and the stage of the disease. Synovial tissue collected during an arthroscopic procedure might serve as an ideal source for autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with a potential for regenerative medicine of cartilage. Therefore, the present in vitro study aimed to evaluate the potency characteristics of synovium-derived MSCs (SMSCs) from joints with OCD for prospective autologous therapy.

Methods: Primary culture of SMSCs was established and basic cellular properties, such as morphology, growth kinetics and clonal propagation ability, were analyzed. The expression of phenotypic markers, including CD29, CD44, CD90, CD34 and CD45, was assessed by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry. Mesodermal differentiation into osteocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes was performed using standard protocols. Expression of chondrocyte-specific markers was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results: Isolated SMSCs displayed fibroblast-like morphology with > 95% cell viability and had high proliferative rates with a shorter doubling time. The cells showed positive expression of CD29, CD44 and CD90, but were negative for CD34 and CD45 markers. Upon induction, SMSCs were successfully differentiated into osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic lineages. Chondrogenesis was more prominent in SMSCs than osteogenesis. Chondrogenesis was further confirmed by the expression of aggrecan and collagen type IIα1 markers.

Conclusion: SMSCs showed greater proliferation and an enhanced ability for chondrogenic differentiation. Synovium can be harvested with minimal tissue damage and donor-site morbidity and might serve as an alternative autologous source of MSCs for cartilage-tissue regeneration.
Effects of Asymmetric Nanopore Geometries on Nanoparticle Sensing Using Track-Etched Nanopore Membranes
Authors: YILMAZ Dürdane , KAYA Dila , KEÇECİ Kaan , DİNLER Ali
Published: November 2020

Resistive pulse sensing, based on the Coulter Counter principle, is an important assay for sensing and separation processes to detect/discriminate several types of particles in various mediums. In such a set-up, attaining the signal from the smaller particles can be hard compared to larger particles. In this work, we focus on the critical role of pore shape on signal precision. We have simulated hourglass and cigar shaped nanopores to study the sensitivity for small particles. We have considered the translocation of 120 nm diameter particle by altering the surface charge as -0.001 C/m2, -0.007 C/m2 and -0.015 C/m2 under the applied potential between -0.3 V and -1 V with 0.1 increments. We have compared the signals in different concentration for identical-sized particles with varying surface charges. Comparison of pulse magnitudes and normalized current changes obtained from each pore shapes have shown that the cigar shaped pore yields more prominent signals for smaller sized particles than the hourglass pore. The results reveal that the hourglass shaped pore provides higher sensitivity than cigar shaped to discriminate the smaller particles and the hourglass pore might be preferable for nanopore sensor applications.
Program Directors’ Perceptions of the CBMT Exam
Authors: Meadows Anthony , Eyre Lillian
Published: November 2020

Forty-one academic program directors completed a survey eliciting their perceptions of the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) board certification exam. Survey questions concerned the meaningfulness and utility of the exam in evaluating safe and competent practice; reasons students might fail the exam; exam preparation methods; and open-ended questions that allowed participants to express specific concerns about the exam, if they had any. On average, program directors perceived the exam to be “neither effective nor ineffective” in evaluating clinical competence, with open-ended responses suggesting the majority of these faculty had a range of concerns about the exam. After categorizing and defining these concerns, reflective comments serve to stimulate discussion about the meaningfulness and utility of the exam, as it is currently constructed.
“It’s Not What’s Done, But Why It’s Done”
Authors: Pickard Beth , Thompson Grace , Metell Maren , Roginsky Efrat , Elefant Cochavit
Published: November 2020

This position paper offers our personal reflections as five music therapists from varying social and international contexts attempting to understand and engage with the theory, politics and implications of the Neurodiversity Movement. We begin by positioning our views on the importance of the therapist’s intentionality when working with individuals for whom this social, cultural and political movement may represent central beliefs and values. The evolution of the Neurodiversity Movement is discussed, growing from the social model of disability and Disability Rights Movements to present a challenge to the dominant, medicalised model of disability. Throughout the paper, we invite critical debate around the role, position and attitude of the music therapist when working with neurodivergent participants, taking the powerful words of Autistic author and activist, Penni Winter, as our provocation. Finally, we offer our interpretation of key concepts and dimensions of this discourse, before sharing examples of how we might apply these understandings to tangible tenets of music therapy practice in different contexts through a series of brief composite case stories. Through critical reflection and discussion, we attempt to draw together the threads of these diverse narratives to challenge a normocentric position, and conclude by posing further questions for the reader and the wider music therapy profession.
A Call for Radical Imagining: Exploring Anti-Blackness in the Music Therapy Profession
Authors: Norris Marisol Samantha
Published: November 2020

This spotlight presentation explores the relationship between anti-Black violence and music therapy. Centering the recent deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Sean Reed, George Floyd, and Tony McDade, the speaker discusses protests taking place in the United States and throughout the world that demand justice for Black lives. In this presentation, the speaker discusses the interconnectedness of physical and social death as a continuum of oppression the field must contend with to meet social justice aims. Music therapy across the globe is situated within complex socio-political, socio-structural, socio-historical, and socio-cultural systems. It holds the vestiges of White European settler colonialism and is founded upon dominant cultural values and ideals that support its existence and simultaneously benefit and harm client communities. While, as a professional body, we aim to deepen music therapy access and conceptualize empowerment from a social justice frame, we must explore the various ways music therapy leverages proximations of power. Any calls for access and empowerment in music therapy amplify our existence within unjust systems and our participation in their perpetuation in education, theory, research, practice, and praxis. The speaker explores anti-Blackness from a Black feminist lens and discusses the radical repositioning of music therapy as we collectively strive to meet social justice aims.
PENGUKURAN KOEFISIEN REAKTIVITAS DAYA REAKTOR RSG-GAS
Authors: Susanto Susanto - , Sigit Sukarno - , Suparjo Suparjo -
Published: November 2020

PENGUKURAN KOEFISIEN REAKTIVITAS DAYA REAKTOR RSG-GAS. Koefisien reaktivitas daya adalah parameter neutronik yang sangat penting untuk keselamatan operasi reaktor. Koefisien reaktivitas daya merupakan kombinasi dari koefisien reaktivitas doppler, moderator dan void. Koefisien reaktivitas daya didesain bernilai negative. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menghitung koefisien reaktivitas daya reaktor RSG-GAS melalui experiment penaikan daya.  Koefisien reaktivitas daya ditentukan dengan menaikkan daya dari 1 – 15 MW secara bertahap dengan posisi batang kendali bank  tetap dan batang kendali pengatur berubah.  Perubahan reaktivitas ditentukan sesuai dengan posisi batang kendali pengatur.  Dari hasil perhitungan diketahui koefisien reaktivitas daya rata-rata sebesar -1.028 sen/MW dan akan semakin negative mengikuti kenaikan daya. Hal ini terjadi karena kenaikan daya reaktor akan meningkatkan temperatur bahan bakar  yang  mengakibatkan terjadinya efek doppler. Efek doppler menyebabkan terjadinya pelebaran puncak neutron resonansi yang akan meningkatkan serapan neutron oleh U-238. Hal ini mengakibatkan berkurangnya jumlah neutron termal yang diserap oleh U-235 Sehingga Keff menjadi berkurang dan reaktifitas akan menurun (negative). Selain itu peningkatan temperature moderator akibat naiknya temperatur bahan bakar akan mengakibat menurunnya daya moderasi pendingin reaktor. Dengan nilai koefisien reaktivitas daya yang negative dan semakin negative mengikuti kenaikan daya maka reaktor dapat dioperasikan dengan selamat dan stabil. Kata Kunci : reaktivitas,  daya, batang kendali pengatur.
PENGEMBANGAN PERANGKAT KENDALI JARAK JAUH SISTEM PENDINGIN PRIMER REAKTOR KARTINI
Authors: Bhagaskara Zulfikar Elran , Hadi Susanto Tri Nugroho
Published: November 2020

PENGEMBANGAN PERANGKAT KENDALI JARAK JAUH SISTEM PENDINGIN PRIMER REAKTOR KARTINI.Telah dibuat perangkat kendali jarak jauh sistem pendingin primer Reaktor Kartini. Perangkat ini dibuat untuk meningkatkan efisiensi waktu dan tenaga operator reaktor yang sebelumnya pengoperasian pompa pendingin primer dilakukan secara manual dengan berjalan dari ruang kendali utama berada di lantai 3 menuju panel kendali yang berada di lantai 1. Perangkat ini dibuat menggunakan komponen utama berupa programmable logic controller Siemens S7-1200. Pembuatan perangkat dilakukan dengan langkah-langkah berupa modifikasi wiring kendali sistem pendingin primer, pembuatan halaman web menggunakan kode Hypertext Markup Language sebagai user interface, seting komunikasi nirkabel antara Programmable Logic Controller dengan komputer di Ruang Kendali Utama menggunakan protokol Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, dan pengujian perangkat secara keseluruhan. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa pengembangan perangkat ini tidak mengganggu kinerja kendali lokal dari sistem pendingin primer yang sudah ada. Waktu yang dibutuhkan untuk sekali menghidupkan/mematikan sistem Primer juga berkurang dari rata-rata 1 menit menjadi 2 detik. Pengembangan perangkat ini memberikan kemudahan berupa usaha dan waktu yang digunakan operator untuk menghidupkan/ mematikan sistem primer menjadi lebih ringan dan singkat, dan kendali pengoperasian sistem pendingin primer menjadi terpusat di ruang kendali utama. Kata Kunci: Kendali jarak jauh, sistem pendingin primer, Reaktor Kartini, PLC.
PERANCANGAN ALGORITMA PADA PENGEMBANGAN OTOMATISASI SISTEM RABBIT PNEUMATIK DI REAKTOR RSG-GAS
Authors: Sunarko Sunarko Sunarko , Ali Hanafi
Published: November 2020

PERANCANGAN ALGORITMA PADA PENGEMBANGAN OTOMATISASI SISTEM RABBIT PNEUMATIK DI REAKTOR RSG-GAS.  Algoritma merupakan urutan langkah-langkah kegiatan atau proses dalam suatu sistem. Perancangan Algoritma ini akan dipergunakan untuk menentukan langkah pada sistem otomatisasi rabbit pneumatik. Algoritma ini merupakan alur pemikiran dalam merancang perangkat lunak pada  sistem otomatisasi pengirim kapsul penumatic rabbit yang sedang dikembangkan oleh PRSG. Tujuan dari tulisan ini adalah merancang Algoritma untuk menentukan pembuatan perangkat lunak sehingga sistem dapat beroperasi secara otomatis. Langkah awal otomatisasi dimulai dengan pengaturan waktu iradiasi, kemudian tekan tombol iradiasi. Ketika waktu iradiasi telah diisi dan tombol iradiasi ditekan maka solenoid valve terbuka dan suplai udara bertekanan akan medorong kapsul. Dalam perjalanannya kapsul setelah melewati sensor CG 002, maka media pendorong akan berganti ke gas Nitrogen yang akan bersirkulasi selama iradiasi berlangsung. Kapsul juga akan melewati sensor CG 001 untuk mengaktifkan waktu iradiasi setelah 1 detik. Proses iradiasi akan berlangsung sesuai dengan pengaturan waktu iradiasi, dan apabila waktu iradiasi selesai maka kapsul akan kembali secara otomatis menuju ke counter station di ruang Laboratorium AAN untuk dilakukan akusisi data. Dari counter station kapsul dapat dikirim kembali ke posisi iradiasi/re-iradiasi atau dikenal dengan sistem ping-pong. Jika re-iradiasi tidak diperlukan kapsul dapat dikirimkan menuju ke waste station untuk disimpan sebagai limbah. Perancangan algoritma akan digunakan sebagai dasar dalam pembuatan perangkat lunak, walaupun dalam prakteknya akan banyak modifikasi dan sangat dinamis sesuai dengan permintaan user.